Reception for a Local Hero

Thursday 15th June 1916: Biggleswade did honour to its brave young townsman Private Chris Lincoln of the 2nd Bedfords on Tuesday evening, when, in connection with the fund opened by The Biggleswade Chronicle Mr H M Lindsell CB, Chairman of the Urban District Council presented the gallant lad with a watch, Exchequer Bond for £5, a cheque for £1 5s and a Treasury Note case.

The watch was a solid 9 carat gold half hunter with three-quarter movement and was supplied by Mr A H Blake. The inscription on the back of the case is as follows: “Biggleswade Chronicle Heroes Fund. Presented to Pte Chris Lincoln, 2nd Bedfords, by Mr H M Lindsell CB on behalf of fellow townsmen as a token of their appreciation of his bravery in the Battle of Loos May 1916”.

The recipient is still a mere boy, for he is only 19 years of age, but he had served two trainings in the Bedfordshire Regiment (Special Reserve) prior to the war. On mobilisation he went to Landguard Fort until December 1914 when he went to France to join the 2nd Battalion.

For nearly ten months and through five great engagements including Festered and Neuve-Chapelle he escaped without injury but at Hulluch-Loos on 25th September he was terribly wounded, so much so that he is permanently crippled. For his work at Loos he won the praise of his Colonel and of General Watt and their letters of commendation are as follows and in them is the official record of the deed

“7th Division 7114 Private C Lincoln 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment – Your Commanding Officer has informed me that you have distinguished yourself by bravery in the field on 25/9/15. I have read his report and although promotion and decoration cannot be given in every case, I should like you to know that your gallant action is recognised and greatly appreciated – H Watt, Major-General”.

“The Bedfordshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion 7114 Private C Lincoln has been brought to the notice of the Officer Commanding the Battalion for his good work in the field displaying great courage in the advance on 25/9/15 Hulluch-Loos, in making several openings in wire entanglements, which were serious obstacles to an advance and was subsequently wounded – H S Poyntz, Officer Commanding”.

Lincoln, we thought, deserved some tangible token of appreciation from his fellow-townsmen, hence the Chronicle Fund.

Source: Biggleswade Chronicle 16th June 1916

The Bravest Man in the Battalion?

Lieutenant Hurrell and Captain Wynne [X550/1/81] 

Wednesday 29th March 1916: the acting adjutant of the 2nd Battalion, Second Lieutenant F A Sloan, at la Houssoye told us that yesterday there was a demonstration showing how effective the new smoke helmets are against gas. Captain R O Wynne and the adjutant Lieutenant J W Hurrell were admitted to hospital, sick, it is not believed that this was from the effects of the gas demonstration or the bug which seems to be running through the battalion.

The adjutant told us that a former commander of the Battalion who is now a general – R L Curteis, forwarded to his successor as commanding officer the sum of £5. This was to be awarded to the soldier of the rank of Sergeant or below who, in the opinion of all ranks, had performed the most gallant act of offense during the war without receiving official recognition. This excellent idea was taken up with alacrity and his comrades decided that the reward should fall to Corporal Freshwater, who comes from Willesden in London.

Accordingly at 2.30 pm yesterday Brigadier Stanley DSO, commanding 89th Infantry Brigade presented the money to Corporal G.Freshwater. It was a reward for the following act of gallantry: "At Neuve-Chapelle on the 12th March 1915, Captain C C Foss VC, DSO called for volunteers to capture a trench which the enemy had taken. Corporal Freshwater (then a Private) at once volunteered and called on others to follow his example and accompany Captain Foss. The party consisting of one officer and six bombers recaptured the lost trench and took 54 German prisoners. Corporal Freshwater showed exceptional courage and was the second man to enter the German trench". All the other men received gallantry awards, including the Victoria Cross for Captain Foss. By some oversight Corporal Freshwater had received nothing.

On the arrival of the Brigadier the Battalion presented arms and formed three sides of a square. Brigadier Stanley addressed the Battalion as follows: “Officers, NCOs and Men of the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regt. Colonel Poyntz has done me the honour of asking me to present the sum of £5 to Corporal Freshwater” and addressed him as follows: “Corporal Freshwater it affords me the greatest pleasure to present to you the sum of £5, you have been chosen by your comrades as having performed the most gallant act during the war, without receiving any award or recognition and I am assured you thoroughly deserve it. It must afford you the greatest pleasure to know that you have been unanimously chosen by your comrades to receive this award as a brave man”.

After this ceremony the Brigadier made the following address to the Battalion.

“Some 3½ months ago I had the pleasure of welcoming you into my Brigade and I felt that I should be proud of you. I find that I have had just cause to be so, and anything I required doing in the Trenches I received immediate response from the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regt. Officers and Men carried out all duties with vigour and exactitude and I feel that I can rely on you under every circumstance. You have always shown a willingness which affords me the greatest pleasure - Colonel Poyntz I congratulate you on your fine battalion”(1).

Source: X550/3/wd

(1) Sadly Corporal George Freshwater did not have long to enjoy his reward, as he died of wounds on 8th July 1916. According to a historic inflation calculator (http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-1633409/Historic-inflation-calculator-value-money-changed-1900.html) £5 in 1916 was worth just over £450 by 2016 standards.

Captain Foss’s Victoria Cross

Tuesday 24^th August: It is with the greatest pleasure we have to announce that Captain Charles Foss, DSO, of the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment, has been awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle. The award was made, together with five others, last night and the feat that won the coveted honour for Captain Foss irresistibly recalls O’Leary’s famous exploit(1). The captain, with only eight men, captured an important German position and 52 men. The following is the officlal account of Captain Foss’ bravery: -

“For most conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915. After the enemy had captured a part of one of our trenches, and our counter-attack made with one officer and 20 men having failed (all but two of the party being killed or wounded in the attempt), Captain Foss, on his own initiative, dashed forward with eight men, under heavy fire, attacked the enemy with bombs and captured the position, including the 52 Germans occupying it. The capture of this position from the enemy was of the greatest importance and the utmost bravery was displayed in essaying the task with so very few men”.

Captain Foss joined the Bedfordshire Regiment in March 1904 as a Second Lieutenant, and went with the 2nd Battalion to Gibraltar in 1906, afterwards proceeding to Bermuda and South Africa. On November 20th 1912 he was promoted to the rank of Captain and on returning from South Africa he was the Adjutant of the Battalion. On arrival in this country he immediately went to the front, where he quickly distinguished himself for his heroic work. In the words of an officer who was with him in France, Captain Foss “never spared himself and met with some very narrow escapes. He was always to the fore and never failed to look after his men”.

Caotx Foss is a son of the Right Rev Hugh James Foss, Bishop of Osaka and in June last he obtained leave, coming over to England and was married at the time, not knowing he had won the VC although the action in which he gained the Cross was fought in March(2)

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 27th August 1915

(1) Lance Corporal (later Major) Michael John O’Leary, Irish Guards, won his VC on 1st February 1915 at Cuinchy, not far from Neuve Chapelle, by taking our two machine gun nests single-handed in front of his unit’s advancing men. He later emigrated to Canada for a while and led a colourful life, before returning to Britain and serving in World War two. He died in 1961, aged 70.

(2) Charles Calveley Foss was born in 1885 in Kobe [Japan]. He later rose to the rank of Brigadier and died in London in 1953. The medal is on display in the Regimental Gallery at Wardown Museum, Luton.

More News from Festubert

Wednesday 19th May 1915: After the events of the night of 17th/18th, yesterday saw more attacks on the blood and mud soaked battlefield between Neuve-Chapelle and Festubert. The battle is today in its fifth day.

Yesterday morning the bad weather of the previous twenty four hours began to clear and a new bombardment of the German lines got underway in the afternoon with the intention of attacking at 4.30. Sadly, we believe that the attack orders often did not get through until about an hour beforehand, leaving the units concerned little time to prepare. Two brigades were destined for the attack, 4th (Guards) Brigade on 2nd Division and 3rd Canadian Brigade, which is attached to 7th Division. Sirhind Brigade of the Indian Army was selected to make a subsidiary attack, to draw German attention, some way to the north of the main thrust. What an Empire wide effort this was, with men from east and west, Asia and North America along with those of the Mother Country – brave men all.

It is understood that the artillery bombardment was late in beginning and did not materially affect the German defences. This, together with heavy German machine-gun fire stopped the attacks of Briton, Indian and Canadian in their tracks, even the Guards could make no headway. The Canadians scarcely began their attack before it was called-off as the position was seen to be hopeless.

Overnight the Canadian Division has been replacing 7th Division in the line. The 51st (Highland) Division is replacing 2nd Division. So the interest of Bedfordshire in this battle remains keen, as the highlanders have been our guests in Bedford practically since war broke out. We wish them well. 47th Division has entered the line to the south of Festubert. The 2nd and 7th Divisions have suffered much but, it must be remembered, have been thwarted by bad weather, ill luck and strong defensive positions. It is not yet clear whether there will be any more attacks or whether the battle has ended.

The adjutant of 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment tells us that his unit was relieved by one company of 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment about 3 a.m. and returned to billets in Rue l’Epinette. The strength of the battalion, he tells us, is 8 officers and 417 other ranks. Lieutenant Baird is the new Medical Officer. Total casualties during operations from 8 p.m. on 11th to 3 a.m. on 19th May have been 2 officers killed, 9 wounded and one sick with 45 other ranks killed, 276 wounded and 68 missing.

Source: X550/3/wd

A New Offensive at Festubert

Saturday 15th May 1915: We learn that, less than a week after the last attack made by our troops in northern France, at Aubers Ridge, the High Command has decided on another offensive in the area, this time between Neuve-Chapelle and the small town of Festubert to the south. The decision has been taken to try to support our French allies in their offensive further south around the city of Arras.

As may be imagined, so close to the attacks in March at Neuve-Chapelle and a few days ago, the ground is no different – flat and intersected by wide drainage ditches. As with the attack at Aubers Ridge there are to be two main assaults, from the north and the south in a pincer movement. Unlike the previous two attacks there has been a continuous bombardment of the German trenches going on since 13th. This is, we understand, now standard French practice. The longer bombardment time negates any element of surprise but this disadvantage is felt to be offset by the greater destructive power inflicted on the enemy’s trenches and lines of supply, leaving him less able to respond to our attacks.

Given that the struggle at Aubers Ridge was terminated, in part, due to lack of ammunition for the artillery it will be imagined that the commissariat has been working feverishly to get shells from England and up to the guns for such a prolonged bombardment. We can only applaud their efforts(1).

The attack is being made by 2^nd Division on the left and the British and Indian troops of Meerut Division on the right. It is believed that this battle will include the innovative tactic of beginning after sunset, the initial advance taking place in the dark. It is hoped that this will make up for the fact that the Germans know an attack is coming because of the long bombardment and thus regain an element of surprise. This is a bold move. Our men will not be able to see one another, nor the obstacles over which they must pass, but the Germans will not be able to see them so well either, to shoot at them and the two assaulting divisions are felt to know the ground well enough that the obstacles they face should not be so daunting. The moon is new so it should be very dark.

The 1st Bedfords are still up near Ypres and so are unlikely to take part in this attack but 2nd Bedfords may well do so at some stage. The adjutant tells us that they were expecting to attack today but that it has now been decided that their division, 7th, will probably not go into action tomorrow. This is probably because they are new to the area and so a night attack over such unknown ground could throw them into confusion. Whether their brigade (21st) will be part of things he does not yet know. They were in reserve for the push at Aubers Ridge and have not fought an action since Neuve-Chapelle in March so they will be rested and, no doubt, up for the fight.

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(1)  In fact very few high explosive shells were available for destroying enemy barbed wire, leaving this task to shrapnel shells of small calibre which were known not to be up to the task. A lot of shells fired were duds and are still being dug up today.

Sir John French Addresses the 2nd Bedfords

Sir John French

Monday 12th April 1915: Today Field Marshal Sir John French GCB, OM, GCVO, KCMG, Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force addressed the 21st Infantry Brigade at 3.30 pm just outside the French town of Estaires. He spoke to each of the four battalions comprising the brigade in turn and spoke to the 24 officers and 779 men of 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment as below.

“Men of Bedfordshire – I have come here today to tell you how much indebted I am to you for your recent work. I know what you have done. I know the losses you have suffered. I need not go into the detail of the part you played in the three days’ battle at Neuve Chapelle. But I know no other battalion pushed forward with more gallantry than you did”.

“In the first place you have won ground which will be invaluable in our future operations. You will realize – being intelligent men – that we are fighting the Germans on two fronts. In these attacks it is not so much the ground we gain but the fact that we tie the enemy to the ground in front of us and prevent him sending troops against the Russians on the East and also enable the French to make successful attacks further South(1). In fact we all help each other. Besides being a gain in ground, it was a great moral gain. For you have shown the enemy that you can beat him whenever you chose and I know when the time comes you will do it again. I want every officer, non-commissioned officer and man of this Regiment to feel that I give them my personal thanks for the splendid work that they have done”.

Source: X550/3/wd

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(1) The Germans had just halted a hitherto successful Russian offensive against the Austrians in the Carpathians. French Marshal Joffre was planning an attack in Champagne

A Letter From the East Anglian Royal Engineers

Saturday 10th April 1915: Sapper F. Parker, East Anglian Royal Engineers, writing to Mr. Stock, foreman at the Queen's Works, Bedford, said: "I am doing guard tonight and have two hours to spare before my turn on. I hope you are enjoying good health, both myself and Arthur are quite well. I am following my trade in the Headquarters Section and haven't been down to the trenches only on one or two occasions, and then the Germans were shelling the road we passed along. It was quite hot in some places, as they were trying to find one of our batteries. It makes one nervous for a time when the bullets start whistling by, but you soon get used to it. There have been some lively times recently away on our left as no doubt you have seen in the papers(1), but it has been rather quiet in our part for a week or more. Can hear a few shots while I am writing, but no big guns on the go. One cannot describe an engagement when at its height only that it's one continual roar and crackle of guns and rifles and the rush of shells through the air. The artillery always lets loose on the German trenches for half an hour or so before our infantry make a charge and I give you my word there isn’t much of a trench left, or Germans, by then. It's awful, especially our lyddite shells. It's also a fine sight on a dark night to witness the flash of guns and the illuminating rockets, which are thrown up at intervals all through the night and then is the time for a working party of engineers to bob down flat. If not, the snipers have got you. It's very risky work is barbed wire entanglements, and sometimes only fifty or sixty yards separate one from the enemy's trench. All hammers or mallets are muffled to deaden noise".

"Our reinforcements have arrived here from England and we needed them, as with sickness and casualties we were short of full strength. Our company have made a good name for themselves with the work they have, and have been praised by the officers commanding the Division(2). One of our fellows has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and an officer the Military Cross for exceptional bravery".

"We have just had a splendid gift from Messrs Vickers, consisting of a writing pad with French dictionary and writing materials, quite a useful thing. I have been engaged lately on a new job. Am making hand grenades, or bombs, just behind the firing line. One has to be careful in the handling of explosives, as we shouldn't have a second chance if anything went wrong. I hope Kaiser Bill won't drop one of his pills among us. I will close by wishing you good health and luck and I hope soon to be back in the old shop again".

Sources: Bedfordshire Times 16th April 1915

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(1) A reference to the Battle of Neuve Chapelle

(2) 2nd Division

A Terrible Day

Thursday 1st April 1915: A terrible day, spent in crawling towards a hospital after being severely wounded by shrapnel and narrowly escaping with his life, is described by Private Arthur Allen, an old soldier from Markyate [Hertfordshire] who rejoined at the beginning of the war and has since been serving at the front with the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. He told us: "I am getting on fine now. I can nearly get my arm straight, but my leg is very weak. I tried to get out of bed yesterday, but couldn't stand, so had to get back again. the shin-bone is chipped. I am having the bullets taken out next week if all goes well. If they had been rifle bullets they would have gone right through and that would have been better, but it was shrapnel".

"I saw the shell burst right on us. I happened that morning to cut a bigger hole in the ground to cover my head and shoulders, or I should have been more wounded or killed. It was a sight to see the field. I used to have a peep now and then before I got wounded and then I was done for. When I was wounded I had to stop where I was until night, or chance getting shot again … I was bound up by a comrade and he advised me to stop until night but I said: "No, on my hand and knees I go". I started falling over dead and wounded in the trench. My right wrist wouldn't stick it far, so I had to rest, covered with mud and blood".

"There were shells and rifle fire all round. I kept thinking that one would drop close to me. As I was getting cold I started again. I crawled from my own trench to another one that was full of water - an old German trench. There I had to stand on my left leg and hop about 50 yards through this water. I found three more comrades wounded in the head and lots of dead. One fellow with a slight wound got me an old bush to walk with, so I got upright to toddle along. I was then left on my own. I came to open ground from which we had just driven the Germans. There I had to go quick or stop. I got to a heap of dirt and stopped there till night - wet through and with everything cut through to get at my wounds and bind them up".

Explaining that though this is told in a few lines it covered the period from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. when it was getting dark, he continues: "When I had had a good rest, up I got and hobbled along for another hour, till I came in sight of a stretcher bearer party. I shouted my regiment, but they didn't belong to the regiment, and said "Your ambulance is up the road a mile" so I was done there. They told me the road my party was on and that they were coming my way, but I couldn't walk a mile. I stopped for I was in too much pain. I was found at 11 o'clock at night and taken to a dressing station. Thank the Lord I got there all right. I have left a lot out and must tell you that when I get home, if all goes well"(1).

Source: Luton News 1st April 1915

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(1) It sounds as if Private Allen was wounded during the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. He seems to have survived the war.

News of the 1st Battalion

Sydney Tabor

Thursday 25th March 1915 (Lady Day): We have heard much this month of the exploits of the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. What, you may ask, of the 1st Battalion? The answer is that they have been holding the line at Ypres some way to the north. Most days when they are in the line they will take casualties, men killed or wounded by enemy snipers or from bursting shells.

We have heard that today Lieutenant Tabor has been slightly wounded in head. He is son-in-law of John William Green, the brewer, of The Larches, New Bedford Road, Luton(1). He has three children and resides at Little Berkhampstead [Hertfordshire] and was engaged on the Stock Exchange prior to the outbreak of war. Previous to his marriage he served for some ten years in the Naval Volunteers and, offering his services in August he speedily received a commission in 3rd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Within weeks of enlisting he was selected to take out to France a draft of two hundred men of the West Surrey Regiment, and he was afterwards detailed to the 1st Bedfords. At that time the County Battalion were recuperating, but they returned to the firing line shortly after Christmas, and since that time Lieutenant Tabor has experienced a good deal of trench warfare. By a curious coincidence, Captain Harold P Green, second son of Mr and Mrs J W Green, who was in training with his brother-in-law in 3rd Battalion before the Lieutenant was drafted to the Front, left for France with a draft of men from Landguard to reinforce the 1st Bedfords only two days before Lieutenant Tabor was brought from the firing line with his injured head(2).

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 9th April 1915

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(1) Sidney Tabor survived the war but J W Green’s son Lieutenant Reginald Cumberland Green would be killed with 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment on 18th May 1916.

(2) Harold Green survived the war. Sidney Tabor went on to serve with 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment.

How News of the Wounded Trickles Through

Sapper A. Overhill

Saturday 20th March 1915: Mr and Mrs Overhill of Iddesleigh-road, Bedford, whose son, Sapper Albert E. Overhill, was with the East Anglian Royal Engineers, have received disquieting news of him. He was wounded in the fighting near Neuve Chapelle on 10th March. On Monday his parents received the following letter from the General Hospital, Boulogne, under date of March 13th: - “’Bert’ has been wounded in the back by shrapnel. He is here in hospital and fairly comfortable. I expect he will be moved to England soon. He is not in any pain”. On Tuesday evening, however, a telegram was received saying that sapper Overhill was dangerously ill with spinal concussion. Sapper Overhill is well known at the Queen’s Engineering Works, where he has been employed in the fitting department for a number of years”.

“On Wednesday evening Mr Overhill received a letter from a sister in the Boulgone Hospital, in which she says: - “Sapper A. E. Overhill has a gun-shot wound in the right side, not concussion of the spinal cord. He is very dangerously ill, but he is quite conscious and very patient””(1).

Source; Bedfordshire Standard 19th March 1915

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(1) He died of his wounds on 22nd April and is buried in Bedford Cemetery in Foster Hill Road.

The Cogan Family Tragedy

le Touret Memorial

Thursday 18th March 1915: We have learned with regret of the death of Private Philip George Cogan of the 2nd Bedfords at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March(1). His death is particularly poignant as he is the third son of Mr and Mrs Cogan of Albury, Hertfordshire, to die in this war. Two other sons, both sergeants, Alfred James and William John were both killed on the same day, 7th November 1914, with the 1st Battalion(2). Their fourth son, Private Charles Cogan of the 2nd Bedfords has been twice wounded(2).

Private Philip Cogan’s wife also lost her brother, Sergeant Thomas Hutchin of the 2nd Bedfords two days ago(3). These tragedies highlight how chance can deal crippling blows to any family at any time.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 23rd April 1915

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(1) Private Cogan was one of the party assisting Captain Foss to capture fifty German prisoners on 12th March, the rest of the party got the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Foss himself the Victoria Cross

(2) None of the men have any known grave and all are commemorated on the le Touret Memorial to the Missing.

(3) He is also commemorated on the le Touret Memorial

A Barton Man's Account of Neuve Chapelle

Church End, Barton-le-Clay [Z1306/7/4/1B]

Tuesday 16th March 1915: Private D Simpkins of the 2nd Bedfords was all through the terrible battle of Neuve Chapelle, and writes to his mother as follows: - “I have been very anxious to write you this letter, as we have had a very rough time; we were called up at 2 am one morning to do an attack, and we had a very rough time I can tell you, but thank the Lord for His very great help, we have done a good deal; we took three of the German trenches and secured two thousand prisoners, as near as I can say, so that shews you what good work we have done, and gained two miles of ground. We advanced under shell fire and when we got there we had to dig holes to get under cover, we were then in them three days and were very lucky to get our food up us, but we had a job to get water, the way I got mine was a very cunning way – the hole that I dug to lay in began to get wet so I cut the foot end of the hole low to keep the wet away from me, then I bored a round hole there and the water dripped in the hole nice and clear, and that’s what I had to drink; but now we have got back to a place where we can take it easy as before”(1).

Source: P21/30/17

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(1) 3/7044 Sergeant D. Simpkins was killed in action near Arleux-en-Gohelle with the 1st Battalion on 19th May 1917 and is buried at Bois-Carre British Cemetery, Thelus.

An Aspley Man's Account of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle

Aspley Guise Square [Z1306/3a/21/2]

Monday 15th March 1915: We have heard from Private Walter C. Crute of Aspley Guise who has just gone through the Battle of Neuve Chapelle with the 2nd Battalion: “Have been in it four days and have never seen such sights before. This seems something worse than war – dead lying about in hundreds. One of our fellows had his pack blown from his back. There were seven of us in a trench that we had made for ourselves. In front of this a shell burst; and if it had been a foot nearer we should all seven have been blown to bits”.

“They say we had 40,000 to fight against at that time and the Grenadier Guards under heavy fire had to advance, come what would. Their officers are brave fellows and no mistake(1). The old Bedfords are all the time in action and cannot get a rest. I don’t know whether I shall ever come back(2). My chum got wounded beside me. The shot came from a Maxim gun, it cut through his cap into his head and it broke my bayonet. If it had not caught my bayonet it would have hit me plump on the forehead. Still, I am walking about now unconcerned”.

“Last night I had to go with some more for rations for our platoon and it was four in the morning before I could find our trenches again; bullets and shells were flying about hot. I came across a Grenadier who was wounded in both legs and couldn’t move. I lay down in the trench and was then able to move him about so that his legs were easy. He did thank me and then he wanted me to stop with him. I would have done but my rifle and equipment were in our own trench so I dare not. We keep on capturing Germans. Our artillery are making a tremendous row”.

Source: Bedfordshire Times, 26th March 1915

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(1) The commanding officer of 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, Lieutenant-Colonel Laurence Fisher-Rowe died of wounds on 12th March.
(2) Happily he seems to have done so.

Praise for the Men of Neuve Chapelle

Sunday 14th March 1915: The general officer commanding IV Corps, Sir Henry Rawlinson, who masterminded the battle of Neuve Chapelle, has today issued this statement: “The brilliant success which the troops of the Fourth Corps have achieved in the capture of Neuve Chapelle is of the first importance to the Allied cause, especially at this period of the war. The heroism and gallantry of regimental officers and men and the assistance afforded them by artillery units is deserving of the highest praise and the Corps Commander desires to congratulate them on the severe defeat they have inflicted upon the enemy, whose losses amount to not less than 4,000 men in killed and prisoners alone(1). The magnificent behaviour of the infantry units is deserving of the highest commendation, and in deploring the loss of those gallant comrades who have given their lives for their King and country, Sir Henry Rawlinson hopes that all officers and men fully realise that what they have accomplished in breaking through the German line is an achievement  of which they should all feel justly proud”.

Source: Bedfordshire Standard 26th March 1915

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(1) Modern estimate are for 12,000 German casualties, of which 1,689 were prisoners-of-war. British and Indian casualties amounted to 11,652 killed, wounded and missing.

The 2nd Bedfords in Action at Neuve Chapelle

Saturday 13th March 1915: yesterday morning we reported that the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment was about to go into action. We can now report more fully what has happened since courtesy of the adjutant. “At 7 a.m. yesterday Major W. H. Denne prepared to make a counter-attack with part of A Company on a trench captured by the enemy shortly beforehand. Major Denne was severely wounded(1). Captain C. B. Cumberlege and Captain J. H. G. Baird commenced another counter-attack but the whole party was killed or wounded. Captain Baird and four men reached the trench which was the object of the attack and one man was killed and the other three wounded”.

“At about the same time it was noticed that the Royal Scots Fusiliers were suffering severely from our own shell fire. I was sent to report this to Brigade Headquarters and the Brigadier directed that the trench should be re-taken”.

“Captain C. C. Foss D.S.O., with men of our Grenade Section advanced along A Company Trench, behind the Northampton Trench, followed by a platoon to make good the trench and they attacked the Germans. These, after one or two grenades had been thrown, held up their hands and were captured. One Officer and 48 Germans surrendered of whom fourteen were wounded. A Company. was sent forward to consolidate the position won. Part of a Platoon of B Company escorted the prisoners back”.

We understand that the names of the brave men led by Captain Foss are as follows: 9078 Private W. Eade; 6215 Private S. Scrivener, 9822 Sergeant W. Peggs, 7270 Private P. Cogan, 6477 Private W. Smith, 9878 Private G. Freshwater, 5803 Private J. Lovett, 9797 Private H. Barnett and 16441 Private F. Brown.

.

The battalion has lost four officers wounded, fifteen other ranks killed, sixty six wounded and five missing in yesterday’s action. It is understood that Captain Foss’ name is to be put forward for a singular honour and that the men who went with him may also receive gallantry awards in time(2). The Battalion held the same line overnight and continues to hold it this morning.

The battle as a whole now appears to be over due to lack of ammunition for our guns. Our troops have pushed the Germans back some way and shown that their trenches can be captured. The generals will, no doubt, study this limited success in hopes of achieving something even better next time.

Source: X550/3/wd

(1) He died on 21st February 1917, aged 40 and is buried in Brimpsfield churchyard in Gloucestershire.

(2) Charles Calveley Foss was gazetted with the Victoria Cross on 23rd August 1915. The citation reads: “For most conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915. After the enemy had captured a part of one of our trenches, and our counter-attack made with one Officer and 20 men having failed (all but two of the part being killed or wounded in the attempt), Captain Foss, on his own initiative, dashed forward with eight men, under heavy fire, attacked the enemy with bombs, and captured the position including the 52 Germans occupying it. The capture of this position from the enemy was of the greatest importance, and the utmost bravery was displayed in essaying the task with so few men”.

The Third Day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle

Friday 12th March 1915: Yesterday we asked what today would bring. The answer soon became clear – strong German counter-attacks. These have been defeated but have used up much of our artillery ammunition, which means that no further attacks can take place for the foreseeable future.

The adjutant of the 2nd Bedfords tells us: “During the night C and D Companies dug trenches at right-angles to the original ones, i.e. facing south. A salient had formed opposite some high trees and was occupied by a Company of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, who had been brought from the right. The salient was rushed by the Germans early this morning, which is decidedly misty”.

We understand the 2nd Battalion are about to go into action as we write this to turn out the Germans from this salient. We pray thet will be successful and their casualties light.

Source: X550/3/wd

The Second Day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle

Thursday 11th March 1915: As we predicted yesterday the 2^nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment moved up during the afternoon to take up a position near the village of Mauquissart as shown in the plan above. They were, in fact, lining a road. They then advanced across the old no-man’s land and entered the former German front line which had been cleared by men of 8th Division. They have now taken up a position more or less as the map below shows. The map, drawn by our graphic artist Mrs Bates, based on a sketch sent by the adjutant, does not show the maze of German trenches around the Bedfords' positions for reasons of military confidentiality. The Bedfords are under some shell and rifle fire. Private A. Hearne, we understand, has distinguished himself carrying messages backwards and forwards from the battalion to Brigade Headquarters, passing through belts of shrapnel and rifle fire. He has been wounded.

As regards the battle itself we understand that the village of Neuve Chapelle, a little way south of the Bedfords’ position, did indeed fall to our forces yesterday. This morning, however, all further attacks have been repelled. The Germans were busy shoring up their second line defences during the night and have brought in reinforcements including more artillery. A fifteen minute bombardment by our artillery seems to have failed to break any of the defences and none of our troops can advance.

Other units from the 7th Division have tied to make headway without success whilst the 2nd Bedfords have been held in reserve. The adjutant tells us: “The 2nd Northamptons [24th Brigade, 8th Division] attempted to assault the houses to their front in the southern outskirts of Mauquissart but were met with a very heavy rifle and machine gun fire and had to desist”. Who now can say what tomorrow will bring?

Source: X550/3/wd

The First Day of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle

Wednesday 10th March 1915: Our correspondent tells us that today the British army in France has begun a large scale attack designed to break through the German lines around the village of Neuve Chapelle, north-east of Béthune and south-west of Armentières. This will be the first attack our troops have made since last October and the ill-fated advance east from Ypres. The commanding officer, Lieutenant-General Sir Henry Rawlinson of IV Corps, has issued the following order of the day: “The attack which we are about to undertake is of the first importance to the Allied Cause. The Army and the Nation are watching the results and Sir John French(1) is confident that every individual in IV Corps will do his duty and inflict a crushing defeat  on the German VII Corps which is opposed to us”.

We understand that a huge amount of artillery has been brought in to bombard the German defences north and south of the village, where their front line forms a bulge like the letter C, known as a salient. The area being attacked is around two miles in length and it is believed that so great is our concentration of artillery that there is around one gun for every six yards of enemy front line. It is to be hoped such a violent destructive force will rupture the German lines and allow our men to flood through.

We understand that none of the units local to this county will be taking part in today’s main attack but that the 7th Division, which includes the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, is in reserve. It is also understood that the French were due to launch simultaneous attacks but have now refused to do so, citing British failure to reinforce the line further north at Ypres and allow them to move more of their own men south. Despite this breach of promise by our gallant ally we are sure British pluck and determination will carry the day.

The ground around Neuve Chapelle is as flat as the Fens and, just like it, intersected by drainage ditches. A mile beyond Neuve Chapelle, however is a slight rise, just twenty feet higher than the plain, called the Aubers Ridge. Twenty feet in such a flat landscape is a lot and will allow our men to see over German lines further east.

The initial bombardment of an hour’s duration has been followed by attacks by two brigades of 8^th Division and Gharwal Brigade of our splendid Indian Corps. We understand the village will surely fall during the course of the day. What awaits the men of the 2nd Bedfords as they take up the cudgels tomorrow? This morning they are gathered just south-west of a hamlet called la Flinque and are expected to move south-east towards the village of Mauquissart this afternoon to bring them close to the front line.

The commanding officer of the East Anglian Royal Engineers tells us that at 7 this morning the division to which his unit is attached, 2nd Division, made an attack on the extreme right of the main attack which was delivered at Neuve Chapelle  but owing to the wire in front of German trenches being left intact no ground was gained. The EARE was working with the South Staffordshire Regiment, two sections furnishing blocking parties and the other two in reserve. A second attack is to be made at 2 pm but the same result is expected. The weather is misty with rain now just beginning to fall.

Source: X550/3/wd; Bedfordshire Standard 26th March 1915

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(1) Commander-in-Chief, British Expeditionary Force which, at this stage of the war, comprised 1st and 2nd Armies which comprised five corps between them.