A Spirited Fight at Givenchy

Looking towards the site of the crater

Thursday 17th June 1915: Readers will remember that 2nd Battalion was expected to go into action at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée yesterday after a frustrating day of waiting on 15th. The adjutant tells us that instructions were received at 8.58 yesterday morning that an attack might be made. At 3.25 pm orders were received that the attack would commence at 4.45 with the Bedfords assisting the Royal Scots Fusiliers in attacking the enemy front line.

Accordingly at 4.45 B Company advanced by platoon, the whole company entering the mine crater in what had been the German front line. The neighbouring trenches, as a result of the mine blast were in a very bad state of repair. As the company came over the lip of the crater it came under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. The adjutant reported to us: “A spirited fight at close range took place in the crater. The company formed a line in the crater as they were not able to push forward on account of the hostile bombs. 4/7296 Corporal Milne distinguished himself by throwing back all those that landed near him into the German trenches until he was wounded”.

Lieutenant F. Powell, saw that his company was suffering heavy losses. Two officers had been killed, the Company Sergeant Major wounded and nearly 50% of the other ranks wounded, Lieutenant Powell himself had been twice wounded). He also saw additional enemy reinforcements coming up and no sign of the regiment sue to be in support on the right. Accordingly he gave the order for the company to withdraw to the British lines. This withdrawal was carried out by the only company officer left unwounded, Second Lieutenant R. B. Gibson.

9638 Corporal T Green with nine men was separated from the rest of the company. Seeing their fellows withdrawing he kept his small band together and in place, in case the rest of the company reformed and attacked once more. Seeing they were in danger of being surrounded he ordered a withdrawal, himself assisting a wounded man to safety. Later that night he went out and brought in more wounded.

Sergeant Mart, who had distinguished himself at Ypres in November 1914 was in command of a machine-gun. He and another gun, commanded in Lance-Sergeant Wilson did great execution amongst the Germans, accounting for at least two officers. Mart refused to leave his post, although wounded.

Major Onslow, commanding the battalion, told us that despite the failure of the enterprise: “The outstanding features of the attack are, to my mind: (a) the able leading of the officers until killed or wounded; (b) The keenness of the men to close with the enemy; (c) the steadiness of the withdrawal under Lieutenant Gibson after their heavy casualties; (d) the actions of Corporal Milne and Corporal Green and (e) the good work of the machine guns.

Sources: X550/3/wd