THE NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTERN FRONT ASSOCIATION, THAMES VALLEY BRANCH Number 33, Winter 2013
Poppy
THE
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CONTENTS
Patron
Colonel Terry Cave CBE
Honorary President
Professor Peter Simkins MBE FRHistS
Honorary Vice-Presidents
Dr John Bourne BA PhD FRHistS
Professor Gary Sheffield BA MA PhD FRHistS
Lt.Col. Graham W Parker OBE
André Coilliot
The Burgomaster of Ypres
The Mayor of Albert
Chairman
15
3 From the Chairman
4 Change of editor
6 Dedications
13 Local Connections
The Former Military Cemetery
of the Marceau Barracks
17 Branch Battlefield Tour 2013 – Verdun
Salvaged Trinity Congregational
20 Church
War Memorial Plaque
Branch Battlefield Tour 2014 – Royal
21Berkshire
Territorials in the Great War
22 New Book! Mildred on the Marne
23 Programme for 2013-14
25 Our Speakers up to Christmas
25 Branch Tour reply slip
Contacts
Should you require any information relating to branch
matters and activities, then please contact one of the
following committee members listed below:
Barbara Taylor: tel 01276 32097
or email [email protected]
Don Farr: tel 01189 794518
or email [email protected]
Mike Lawson: tel 01692 535184
or email [email protected]
Nigel Parker: tel 01235 768648
or email [email protected]
Liz Tait: tel 0118 9662885
or email [email protected]
Bruce Simpson
Photograph Branch Battlefield Tour 2013 to Verdun
on the front page was taken by Mike Lawson.
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From the Chairman, Barbara Taylor
I have now completed my first full year as chairman of
September and I am sure the upcoming centenary will be
follow two particular battalions’ progress through the war;
the branch and would like to think that I have adequately
high on the agenda.
the 1st/4th and 2nd/4th Battalions of the Royal Berkshire
The WFA had a very limited number of tickets to
taken on Bridgeen’s mantle, but am acutely aware that she
is a very hard act to follow.
Until the end of this year, the speakers are still those
attend the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday this year
and I am very pleased to report that some of our branch
Regiment. This is going to have a very ‘local’ flavour and
therefore should be all the more interesting for it.
Following the extremely interesting guided visit
that Bridgeen booked. Details of these speakers and
members who wish to attend this event have been lucky
to Reading Old Cemetery last year, a second visit took
their subject matter can be found in this edition of The
enough to secure tickets. Don’t forget we can all apply
place this year on Saturday 29th June to look at some of
Poppy. The branch enjoyed some very varied subjects
to attend the WFA event actually on Armistice Day, the
the other First World War graves outstanding from our
with some particularly good speakers in the past season.
following day, at the Cenotaph. This is the event that I
previous visit. Superbly led by Liz Tait, we spent a very
The subjects covered were as diverse as the development
shall attend.
interesting afternoon, in glorious weather, to learn of the
Mike Lawson has as usual, written a full account of
of one particular Yorkshire battalion; the rugby players
fascinating personal accounts of some of the men buried
of one London club; the development of uniforms and
our Branch battlefield tour to Verdun in this edition of The
there but it was a great shame that more members were
equipment; the Basra War Memorial; and from Professor
Poppy and I wish to thank sincerely all those people who
unable to attend.
John Derry, our final speaker of the season, General Sir
worked hard to make the tour a success. This is very much
Henry Horne.
a ‘cooperative’ event and many elements go to make up
ongoing and I can now report that the remaining copies
the whole; from the logistic planning (which includes a
of the various series of Great War magazines that the
start with Professor Gary Sheffield in January, which has
pre-tour recce) and administration to the speakers and
OXFAM bookshop donated to the branch in memory of
become a bit of a tradition for the branch. Subjects to be
their stands. On top of that, this year we were blessed with
Bridgeen have all been bought by the WFA Web Master. I
covered by other speakers will include the fortunes of four
some absolutely beautiful weather, which was wonderful
would also like to thank James Watson-Smith for his very
related families, German forestry, August 1914 and the
as until recently sunshine has been on ration! Again, this
kind donation of First World War books and magazines
Spanish ‘flu.
year we had a few new joiners, who I think very much
that will be offered for sale at future branch meetings with
enjoyed the tour. I hope they will all ‘sign up’ again for
all proceeds going towards branch funds.
Speakers for the whole of 2014 are now booked. We
The AGM in Birmingham was fairly well attended and
The sale of Colin and Bridgeen’s books is successfully
We are now even nearer to 2014 and four years
included a superb talk by the renowned military historian
next year’s tour. At the end of the tour we received a very
and author Peter Barton, who said he would be delighted
generous donation to go towards the cost of next year’s
of commemoration. The Committee would welcome
to come to the Branch, sometime during 2015 and give us
tour.
any suggestions regarding the commemoration of this
a talk. The Branch Chairmen’s conference is to be held in
On that note, as you all know, the 2014 tour is going
to be in a slightly different format, in that we are going to
3
important anniversary; especially anything that could
be achieved as a branch. It is not too late for members
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to volunteer to help the Reading Library project that
was reported on in Issue 32 of The Poppy. Committee
member Liz Tait very kindly attended a meeting convened
The Poppy – Change of Editorship
The Poppy by email
by Reading Council regarding the centenary and will be
After 13 years producing The Poppy, the editorial
It is important to inform the editor, at lawsonm100@
reporting on this in due course.
partnership of Mike Lawson and Ann Farr will be
aol.com, of any change to your email address in order to
standing down as editor and publisher, respectively,
continue receiving The Poppy in PDF format.
As ever, the support of the many members who
regularly attend our meetings is much appreciated, as is
following the issue of this edition.
The number of hard copy versions of The Poppy
the work done by the members of the committee. In this
Dr. Niall Ferguson has kindly offered to take up the
being posted is still too high, so if you receive it by mail
connection I must place on record our great appreciation
editorship of the next edition in the spring of next year.
but have an email address, then please notify the editor,
of the contribution Roger Laing made to the branch
Mike will continue to research the Dedications section
as soon as possible.
as its Hon Treasurer for eight years. A bout of ill health,
for The Poppy and, together with Branch Chairman,
now happily behind him, obliged Roger to hand on his
Barbara Taylor, will assist Niall during the interim
out shortly to ascertain whether or not the Branch can
responsibilities and leave the committee earlier this year.
period of change.
afford to continue sending out The Poppy by post in the
A review of the Membership List is to be carried
To replace Roger on the committee we co-opted Nigel
near future. However, members who are known, by the
Parker, who has very kindly agreed to become our new
editor, not to have an email address will continue to
Treasurer.
I am most grateful to our editor, Mike Lawson, and to
Members’ Contributions
Brief articles, preferably not exceeding 1,200 words, are
receive The Poppy by post.
Please note that The Poppy can also be viewed
Ann Farr for all the hard work they put into the production
most welcome from members for publication in The
online by simply going to the WFA website at www.
of our branch newsletter. You should have seen by now in
Poppy. Should anyone have any items that they wish
westernfrontassociation.com and finding it listed within
the latest edition of The Bulletin that the Essex Branch has
to share with the membership, then now please send
WFA Branches under Branch Newsletters.
decided to stop producing its newsletter, mainly because
them by email attachment (preferably Word) to our new
of costs. The Committee would be very reluctant to have
editor, Niall Ferguson, at [email protected]
are unable to print off copies of the The Poppy in PDF
to curtail The Poppy altogether, so again we appeal to all
or hand them to him at any branch meeting.
version. The cause of this problem has been researched
The editor wishes to apologise to those members who
members who have email addresses to make sure the
on numerous web forums and a few answers have
editor has them. This will ensure that we can still afford to
mentioned the settings in the PC user’s dialogue box or
mail copies to members who do not have the electronic
maybe the printers’ memory, if it’s an old printer. Other
means to receive them. The Committee would be very
than that, no one else seems to have had the problem.
reluctant to have to stop this service.
Barbara Taylor, August 2013 n
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Dedications
As a mark of respect to all those who perished during the Great War, the following meetings will be dedicated to the memory of local men serving with the Royal
Berkshire Regiment who died on that date during 1914–1918. If during your travels you happen to be near to where any of these soldiers are buried or commemorated,
kindly pay a visit.
26th September
although some twelve years her junior, he married Mary
Barracks in Béthune to recuperate. On 28th August
The dedication this month is
Back at Reading in the summer of 1896.
the battalion left Béthune and marched 12 miles west
By 1901, John Arthur with his wife Mary and four-
to John William Victor Blazey,
to Fontes, near Lillers, for additional rest and further
a Second Lieutenant with the
year-old son John William Victor had moved from
training. Here the 1st Royal Berks remained for six days
1st Battalion Royal Berkshire
Reading to 68 Gayville Road, Battersea, London, where
until 3rd September when they marched to Annequin,
Regiment, who was born in
John Arthur still worked as a tailor’s cutter. Whilst
near Beuvry for digging and mining fatigue duties. On
Reading during the spring of
living in Battersea, a second son, Alfred, was born to the
the 8th September the battalion relieved the 2nd South
1897, the eldest son of John and
family during the autumn of 1901 but prior to 1909, the
Staffordshire Regiment at the “Brickstacks” in Cuinchy.
family had moved back to Reading, where John William
Sporadic shelling, trench mortar and sniper action by
Victor attended Reading School from 1909 to 1913. The
both sides continued over the next few days until the
1911 Census shows that the family were now living at
12th September when Ist Royal Berks were relieved by
Hill, London, during the
the home of Mary’s spinster sister, Annie Back, of 34
2nd South Staffs and returned to Annequin to form
summer of 1861 but at the age of 19, she was working as
Bulmershe Road, Reading.
large working parties carrying out fatigue duties for the
Mary Blazey.
John’s mother, née Mary
Emily Back, was born at Notting
SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN
WILLIAM VICTOR BLAZEY
‘A’ COY, 1ST BN. ROYAL
BERKSHIRE REGIMENT
Royal Engineers.
a resident charwoman in a baker’s house at 46 Craven
At the age of 18, John William Victor enlisted
Road, Paddington, London. By 1891 Mary Back, now
as a Private with the Royal Berkshire Regiment on
Rotating with the 2nd South Staffs at Cuinchy,
age 29, had moved to Reading, where she helped her
30th March 1915. Rising swiftly through the ranks
once again, the battalion spent a quiet spell in the
father run the Star Inn at 3 London Street, Reading.
he was commissioned Second Lieutenant with the 1st
front-line from the 16th September setting up the
During the early to mid-1890s, she met John Arthur
Bn Royal Berkshire Regiment on 14th August 1915,
first consignment of gas cylinders for the approaching
Blazey, who was working as a cutter in the family
before joining the battalion in the front-line trenches
Battle of Loos. On 19th September the 1st Royal Berks
tailoring business at 13 Broad Street, Reading. John
at Cuinchy on 22nd August. Just two days later the 1st
exchanged places with the 2nd South Staffs and went
Arthur Blazey was born during the autumn of 1873 and,
Royal Berks was relieved by the Royal Welch Fusiliers
into billets at Beuvry, where over the next couple of
on 24th August and marched back to Montmorency
days the men were sent to Béthune for warm baths and
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a change of clothing. Relieving the 2nd South Staffs on
B.C.M Carter, commanding 1st Kings. Attached to VII
be attacked and the approaches to Fosse No.8 were
night of the 20th September the battalion was back in
Division, this provisional brigade, known as “Carter’s
strange to his officers. Nevertheless, a personal message
the trenches at Cuinchy, once again, where it received
Brigade”, was composed of 1st Bn Kings Royal Rifles
from General Gough (1st Corps) explained that owing
orders for the forthcoming major attack.
Corps, 1st Bn Royal Berkshire Regiment and 2nd Bn
to the situation, it was imperative for the attack to
The artillery bombardment opened up on 21st
Worcestershire Regiment. The operation was completed
proceed. The battalion formed up in Coy column
September with little response from the enemy. The
by 3.30 a.m. on 26th September and the 1st Royal Berks
and advanced towards it’s objective 800 yards away.
Ist Royal Berks sent out night patrols to report on
moved to trenches, west of Vermelles and after days of
During the advance, two lines of captured German
damage caused to the enemy defences and noted that
heavy rain, stood-by all day in fine weather.
trenches, already manned by British troops, together
the German line was strongly held. At 6.00 p.m. on 24th
At 8.30 a.m. on 27th September, Major Bird and Capt. with two lines of barbed wire had to be crossed but
September, the battalion was relieved by the 2nd South
Fullbrook-Leggatt from the battalion went to the HQ
owing to the bright moonlight the enemy saw the 1st
Staffs yet again and withdrew to positions of immediate
dugout on the railway and returned with orders that
Royal Berks advancing, when about 400 yards from
support.
the newly formed brigade was to attack the “Quarries”
the objective. The Germans put up Very Lights and
between the Hulloch Road and Fosse No.8. The 1st
kept up a continuous rifle fire that grew heavier as the
September 1915. Gas was let out of the cylinders all
Royal Berks were to pass through the 2nd Worcesters in
battalion got nearer to Fosse No.8. The advance of ‘A’
along the line but the direction of the wind changed and
the first-line trenches and attack the “Quarries” with the
and ‘B’ Coy together with part of ‘C’ Coy was checked
the gas drifted back to the British lines. At 6.30 a.m. the
1st KRRC on the battalion’s left and the 2nd Worcesters
about 70 yards from the objective as the enemy, by
guns lifted and the 2nd South Staffs with the 1st Kings
in support. The battalion advanced over open ground
this time, had manned the top of Fosse No.8. In the
(Liverpool) Regiment started their attack along the La
from the original British lines with ‘A’ Coy on the left, ‘B’ meantime ‘D’ Coy and the remaining part of ‘C’ Coy
Bassee railway embankment and “Brickstacks”. The
Coy on the right with ‘D’ and ‘C’ Coys in support. The
had advanced and manned the front British trench. At
attack failed completely and became so disorganised
attack was called off at 4.30 p.m. after the enemy had
this time, 2nd/Lieut A.B. Turner single-handed bombed
that orders were sent for the 1st Royal Berks, in support,
succeeded in driving the 1st Royal Berks from Fosse
down a German communication trench, driving the
to relieve the 2nd South Staffs in the front line at 12
No.8, forcing them to withdraw to the old British trench,
enemy before him for a distance of over 150 yards with
noon. After dark the battalion’s officers and men did
where a large working party consolidated the position.
the enemy throwing bombs at him. Sadly, 2nd/Lieut
The Battle of Loos commenced at 5.50 a.m. on 25th
splendid work in gathering-in the 2nd South Staffs
At 12.30 a.m. on 28th September the battalion was
A.B. Turner was mortally wounded whilst performing
wounded casualties from no-mans-land but at 11.30 p.m.
ordered to reassemble for another attack on Fosse No.8
this very gallant act. By now, it was also known that
orders were received for the 1st Royal Berks to withdraw
at 2.30am. But, Capt. Radford DSO was so concerned
Major Bird had been wounded and that Capt. Radford
immediately and exchange with the 2nd South Staffs.
about the situation that he went to Brigade HQ at VII
DSO had been killed and as a consequence, command
The battalion returned to Annequin to form part of
Divisional Dugouts to explain that the 1st Royal Berks
was devolved to Capt. C.W. Frizzell, who had been
a provisional composite brigade under Lt. Colonel
were scattered on fatigues and that the position to
commanding ‘D’ Coy in the rear. Colonel Carter was
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now in the first trench and on seeing that the advance
The body of 2nd/Lt. John William Victor Blazey,
William Ambrose was 10 years older than his
of the first two companies had been checked ordered
‘A’ Coy, 1st Bn Royal Berkshire Regiment, age 18, was
wife and seemingly found it more difficult cope with
Capt. Frizzell to make a charge with the remaining
never recovered and he is commemorated on the
bringing up a young family on his own. In the short
men available. The order was carried out and with Capt.
Loos Memorial, Chemin de Mont de Vermelles, 62750
years following Ellen’s untimely death, the family began
Frizzell leading his men, managed to get halfway up the
Loos-en-Gohelle, Pas de Calais, France, panels 93 to
to break up and by 1911, William was living alone at
slag heap before the enemy at the top began throwing
95. In addition, 2nd/Lt. John William Victor Blazey is
Nuney Green, Mapledurham, Oxfordshire where he
bombs down on them. This checked any further
also commemorated twice on the Reading University
worked as a general labourer. He died at Wallingford in
advance and the remaining men retired to the front
College Clock Tower Memorial, London Road Campus,
1913 age 62 years.
British trench, a distance of 150 yards to the rear. Dawn
Reading both as a Private and as an Officer.
was now breaking and with his provisional force totally
Elder brother, Oliver, enlisted with the Oxfordshire
& Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and by 1911 was
exhausted, Colonel Carter decided not to attack again
31st October
and ordered Capt. Frizzell to re-organise the men in the
The dedication this month
old British trenches. Casualties for this attack were:
is to Mark Harold Ambrose,
serving with the 1st Battalion in South India at
Wellington in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu.
By 1899, William, age 17 years, had already left
Officers; 2 killed, 5 missing and 6 wounded
a Private with the 1st
home and was now living and working as a labourer
Other Ranks; 17 killed, 143 missing and 115 wounded
Battalion Royal Berkshire
in Reading. On 23rd May 1899, he attempted to enlist
Total; 288 men
Regiment from Kidmore End,
with the 4th Bn Oxfordshire Light Infantry but was
Sadly, listed amongst those as missing in the Ist
Oxfordshire.
discharged after seven days on the basis that his height,
Royal Berks War Diary for 28th September was 2nd/
Mark Harold Ambrose was
weight and chest measurements did not meet the
Lt. John William Victor Blazey. However, both Soldiers
born at Kidmore End during
Died in the Great War and the CWGC website, state
the spring of 1885, the son
that he was killed on 26th September 1915, the date
of William Ambrose, an
when the 1st Royal Berks was being incorporated into
agricultural labourer and his wife Ellen of Bishop Wood
expanded chest measurement of 29½ inches. However,
“Carter’s Brigade” in preparation for the attack and away
Cottage, Shiplake Bottom, near Henley-on-Thames. He
on 17th January 1900, he made another attempt to
from the front-line in trenches at Vermelles. Whether
was the third eldest of five children having two older
enlist and on this occasion was successful. Since
2nd/Lt. John William Victor Blazey was killed on 26th
brothers, Oliver (born 1882) and William (born 1883),
his discharge, just six months earlier, William had
or 28th September 1915 will probably never be known
a younger sister Ada (born 1888) and a younger brother
miraculously grown to just over the minimum height
but will be remembered as our monthly Dedication for
Percy (born 1890). In the spring of 1894, when Mark
limit of 5’ 3” and now weighed 7st 8lb with an expanded
September.
had just turned 9 years-old, his mother, Ellen, sadly died
chest measurement of 32 inches. William enlisted
at the young age of 34 years.
for six years duration and served with the 4th Bn
7
PTE. MARK HAROLD AMBROSE,
‘D’ COY, 1ST BN. ROYAL
BERKSHIREREGIMENT
required standards and that he would most unlikely
become an efficient militiaman. Poor William was
barely 5’ 1½” tall and weighed only 6st 4lb with an
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As a regular soldier with the 1st Royal Berks during
Oxfordshire Light Infantry at Portsmouth where he had
been promoted to the rank of Corporal in 1901 before
this period prior to the outbreak of the First World War,
being transferred to the Gloucestershire Regiment on
Mark would have been well practised in the routine of
7th March 1903. At the end of his six year spell with
peace-time soldiering. Based in Aldershot, he would
the colours he returned to civilian life and by 1911 was
have spent most of his time in training with regular
working as a general labourer living in lodgings at St.
drill, marching and musketry practice together with
Peter’s, Broadstairs, Kent.
inter unit sport competitions and summer manoeuvres.
By 1901 young Ada was boarding at the Victoria
Home for Girls in Bolton-le-Sands, Carnforth, near
Lancaster, Lancashire. The building for the Home
A WINDY DAY AT THE VICTORIA HOME, BOLTON-LE-SANDS,
LANCASHIRE
The whereabouts of young Percy following his
was offered to the Waifs and Strays’ Society by a local
mother’s death is not known except that by 1911, at the
benefactor in 1897 and began life as a children’s home
age of 21, he was serving as a Private with the Royal
with 15 girls in residence. It is possible that one of
Marine Light Infantry in ports abroad.
the girls in the photograph is that of the young Ada
Mark Harold Ambrose was nine years old when
In addition it is probable that he would have spent time
in Ireland, Bermuda and India for a two-year spell,
where he would have replaced time-expired men of the
2nd Royal Berks at Jhansi.
Sometime before 1911, Mark met Dorothy Beatrice
Pocock from Reading. Dorothy was born in the summer
of 1892 but by 1911, she was working as a laundry maid
Ambrose. The home was officially opened on 20th July
his mother died in 1894 but by 1901, he was working
in Billesdon, Leicetershire. Nevertheless, the couple
1898 and named by the ‘express permission’ of Queen
as a farm labourer in lodgings at Cippenham Farm,
married during the spring of 1911 in Reading and set up
Victoria, in commemoration of her Diamond Jubilee.
Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire. By December
home together at 26 Boyne Valley Road, Maidenhead.
Situated on the edge of Morecambe Bay, Victoria Home
1901, Mark was living at Gallows Tree Common, near
They had two sons, Mark Charles, born on 26th March
provided a healthy contrast to the inner city areas where
Caversham and on 16th December 1901, he followed
1913 and Donald Louvain, born 28th August 1914 and it
many of the children had previously lived. It was hoped
his elder brother, William and enlisted for six years
is probable that Mark never lived to see his younger son.
they would be ‘strengthened by the balmy breezes of the
duration with the 4th Bn Oxfordshire Light Infantry
On 12th August 1914, Pte. Mark Ambrose and the
sea.’ The girls enjoyed occasional holidays away from the
at Oxford. Mark was now nearly 18 years-old and of
1st Royal Berks boarded two trains at Farnborough
Home and took part in special events within the Home,
a bigger stature than his brother William, being 5’
Station for Southampton, where they embarked on
such as performing plays, to help raise money for the
5½” tall, weighing 8st 2lb and with an expanded chest
two transport ships, the SS Ardmore and SS Mellifont,
Society but sadly the Victoria Home closed in 1920 due
measurement of 33 inches. He had a fresh complexion,
bound for Rouen. The battalion landed on 13th August
to lack of funds. In 1908 Ada married Herbert Western
grey eyes and dark brown hair with no distinguishing
1914 and after a couple of days rest boarded a train
in Lancaster and the family had six children, four girls
marks. Mark trained with the battalion for just over
for Wassigny from where they marched to camp at
and two boys. Ada died in Hemsworth, Yorkshire in
three months before being joining the Royal Berkshire
Vénérolles, south-east of Le Cateau. On 21st August the
1968, aged 80 years.
Regiment on 25th March 1902.
1st Royal Berks marched 11 miles to Landrecies and
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Further tragedies fell upon the family a year later in
onwards across the Belgian border to Vellereille-le-Sec,
the day before, so the battalion were quickly sent into
south-east of Mons, where they met enemy shell fire for
action at Zonnebeke and Frezenburg. On 24th October
1915 when Mark’s elder brothers, Oliver and William
the first time. On 24th August the battalion received
the 1st Royal Berks took part in a major 2nd Division
Ambrose, were both killed on the same day whilst
orders to withdraw and by 6.00 p.m. the next day it had
offensive along the Passchendaele-Becelaere road before
serving with the 2nd Bn Ox & Bucks Light Infantry at
reached Maroilles, where the men experienced their first
being relieved by the 2nd South Staffs on 27th October.
the Battle of Loos on 25th September.
close encounter with the enemy. The general retirement
The battalion had been in the thick of the battle for
continued and on 28th August, the day Mark’s second
four days and were withdrawn to Molenaarelshoek for
Bucks in South India, Oliver returned to England and
son Donald was born, the 1st Royal Berks had reached
rest and reorganisation but were back in the front line
settled in Scotforth, Lancaster, possibly to find work
the small village of Amigny, equidistant between St.
again on 31st October at Polygon Wood to support the
and lodge with his married sister, Ada, at her home
Quentin and Loan. On 1st September they encountered
2nd Worcesters in their attack on Gheluvelt Château.
in Lancaster. At the outbreak of war he re-enlisted in
the Germans again in an action at Villers-Cotterêts
The battalion remained there, in the front line, before
Slough with the 2nd Bn Ox & Bucks Light Infantry
before ending their retreat on 5th September at
finally being withdrawn on 16th November just six
on 14th August 1914 and was sent to France serving at
Chaumes-en-Brie, some 25 miles south of Meaux.
days before the First Battle of Ypres drew to a close on
Mons (23rd August 1914), the First Battle of the Marne
Over the previous 15 days the battalion had marched a
22nd November. The 1st Royal Berks suffered over 400
(5th–9th September 1914), the First Battle of Ypres (19th
remarkable distance of 236 miles.
casualties during the First Battle of Ypres with 156 of
October–22nd November 1914), Nonnebosschen Wood
them fatal.
(11th November 1914) and the Battle of Festubert (9th–
The advance began on 6th September and by 9th
September the 1st Royal Berks crossed the Marne
Sadly, one of those killed on 31st October was Pte.
After his spell of duty with the 1st Battalion Ox &
16th May 1915).
By 1915 William had moved from Broadstairs to
at Château-Thierry and reached the Aisne on 13th
Mark Harold Ambrose of the supporting ‘D’ Coy, who
September. Crossing the Aisne on a pontoon bridge near
had volunteered to carry ammunition to the front line
Huddersfield, Yorkshire but on 26th May 1915 he re-
Soupir the battalion took up positions between Soupir
trenches at Polygon Wood.
enlisted in Oxford with the 2nd Bn Ox & Bucks Light
and Moussy but the enemy had now stopped retreating
The body of 6509 Pte. Mark Harold Ambrose, ‘D’
Infantry and was soon promoted to the rank of Lance
Corporal.
and had chosen the Chemin des Dames for its defence.
Coy, 1st Bn Royal Berkshire Regiment, age 29, was
Movement had now virtually ceased and the opposing
never recovered and he is commemorated on the Ypres
forces started to establish defensive earthworks. The
(Menin Gate) Memorial, Menenstraat, 8900 Ieper, West-
September 1915 the 2nd Bn Ox and Bucks Light
1st Royal Berks remained in the trenches around their
Vlaanderen, Belgium, panel 45.
Infantry took part in a subsidiary attack at Givenchy
HQ at La Metz Farm until 13th October, when they
After the war Mark’s wife Dorothy remarried and
During the first day of the Battle of Loos on 25th
and suffered 263 casualties. Tragically two of those
were relieved by the French 239th Infantry Battalion
became Dorothy Beatrice Owen and lived at 14 Amity
casualties, both killed in action, were brothers Oliver
and sent north to the Ypres, arriving there on 20th
Street, Reading.
and William Ambrose. The bodies of 7184 Pte. Oliver
Ambrose, age 33 and 6224 L/Cpl William Ambrose, age
October. The First Battle of Ypres had commenced
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32, of the 2nd Bn Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
During the 1880s, George attended Orwell House
and healthcare to improve the lives of the poor living
around them.
Light Infantry, were never recovered and they are both
Preparatory School, Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, near
commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Chemin de
Rugby, the school where Sir Douglas Haig was educated
Mont de Vermelles, 62750 Loos-en-Gohelle, Pas de
for a brief time during his formative years. By 1891, he
religious orders and went up to New College, Oxford
Calais, France, panels 83 to 85
was back home living with the family at 1 Delamere
to study. He was ordained at Winchester Cathedral in
Terrace, Paddington and working as a banker’s clerk,
1904 and become curate at Farnham, Surrey. On 27th
probably in his father’s merchant banking business.
November 1906 George married Violet Evelyn Paget
To link the subject of
George devoted much of his leisure time to playing
(born 5th March 1864) at Farnham and in 1907 became
our talk by Linda Parker
rugby in North Kensington and attending military
curate at Lambeth Parish Church. Four years later he
this month on Anglican
training with the Inns of Court Volunteers. In 1900
was appointed by the Archbishop of York as curate-
Army Chaplains in the
he went into residence at the Oxford House University
in-charge of All Saints Church in the pit village of
Great War, our special
Settlement in Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green,
Woodlands, near Adwick-le-Street, Doncaster. Here his
dedication is to The Rev.
London as secretary. Oxford House was established
church grew from an iron shed, built for the miners at
George Harvey Ranking,
in September 1884 as one of the first “settlements”
Brodsworth Colliery, to a permanent building. George
a Chaplain 4th Class,
by Oxford University as a High-Anglican Church
became the first Vicar of All Saints, Woodlands in 1914
Chaplains’ Department,
of England counterpart to Toynbee Hall that was
and in 1915 was appointed Vicar of Fernhurst, near
established around the same time at Whitechapel. The
Haslemere, Sussex. In March 1917 he joined the Army
settlement movement was a reformist social movement
as a temporary chaplain, crossed over to France where
that began in the 1880s and peaked around the 1920s
he was attached to the IV Corps Heavy Artillery.
28th November
from Haslemere, Surrey
George was born
on 7th April 1871 at St.
REV G. H. RANKING, CHAPLAIN 4TH
CLASS, ARMY CHAPLAINS’
DEPARTMENT, ATTACHED IV CORPS,
HEAVY ARTILLERY
In 1903, at the age of 32, George decided to take up
George’s, Hanover Square, London, the son of Harvey
in both England and the United States with the goal of
On the morning of 20th November 1917 at the
Ranking (born 1833), a foreign merchant banker and
getting the rich and poor in society to live more closely
Battle of Cambrai when operations were due to begin,
his wife Margaret Ranking (née Blake-Humfrey, born
together in an interdependent community. Its main
George started walking towards a village near to the
1841). His parents were married at St. Faiths, Norwich,
object was the establishment of “settlement houses”
line to search for and give comfort to any wounded
Norfolk in 1860 and over the next 15 years produced
in poor urban areas, in which volunteer middle-
men that might be brought in. Sadly whilst in his search
eight children, four boys and four girls but sadly by
class “settlement workers” would live, hoping to share
of wounded cases he was hit by a bursting shell near
the turn of the century five of them had died during
knowledge and culture to help alleviate the poverty
Havrincourt Wood and killed instantaneously. The
childbirth, infancy, childhood or their teenage years.
of their low-income neighbours. These “settlement
officer and men of his battery were devoted to him
Only George and his two sisters Geraldine Margaret
houses” provided services such as daycare, education
and his brigadier later wrote, “I feel that I have lost a
personal friend.”
(born 1864) and Florence (born 1874) lived to adulthood.
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The Rev George Harvey Ranking, Chaplain 4th Class, 1901 his widowed mother had moved to 9 Hope Street,
19, was working as a kitchen maid and boarding at Clare
House Preparatory School in Beckenham, Kent.
attached IV Corps, Heavy Artillery, age 46, is buried in
St. Mary, Reading taking just Bessie, age 12 and Charles,
Hermies British Cemetery, 6 Rue Saint-Michel, 62147
age 4 with her. Unable to cope with bringing up five
Hermies, Pas de Calais, France, grave F 3.
young children on her own, Mary’s other three children,
Charles enlisted at Reading and was posted to “A”
George’s widow, Violet, never remarried and
George, Annie and Frederick were sent to the Reading
Depot, Army Service Corps at Aldershot on 3rd May
continued to live at Open Combe, Marley Heights,
and Wokingham District School, a workhouse school
1915. He was of average height and build, being 5’ 6” tall,
Haslemere, Surrey until her death in 1946, age 81.
for pauper children in Victoria Road, Wargrave. Here in
weighing 10st 0lb with chest measurement of 37” and
19th December
addition to receiving an education they were to receive
3½” expansion. Charles was posted to the 265th Depot
instruction in occupations that might enable them
Supply Unit, as a butcher, on 21st May 1915 before being
The dedication this month is
to gain a worthwhile livelihood in later life (for more
sent to Egypt with the Mediterranean Expeditionary
to Charles Alfred Shipton, an
information on the Reading and Wokingham District
Force at Alexandria on 1st June 1915. On 3rd October
Acting Sergeant with the 265th
School, see The Poppy, No. 32 dated March 2013;
1915, he was promoted to Acting Butcher Sergeant but
Depot Supply Unit, Army
Dedications for Pte. John Gardiner on 30th May).
on 11th December 1915, Charles was admitted to No.
In Reading during the spring of 1902, Mary Shipton,
Service Corps, from Reading.
On 30th April 1915, just before his 18th birthday,
15 General Hospital, Alexandria complaining of fits
now age 41, married Henry Jonas Rixon, a sewage farm
and vomiting. Over the next couple of days, he suffered
labourer from Hurst, Berkshire, age 31 and ten years
sever abdominal pain with swelling to the appendix
her junior. They set up home in Reading together with
region and was transferred to the Surgical Division for
Mary’s daughter Bessie, age 13 and son Charles, age 5
an appendicectomy. Charles never recovered from his
but it is not known whether the other three children at
operation and sadly died in hospital of typhoid (enteric)
wife Mary Ann Shipton (née Hounsome, born in
the Reading and Wokingham District School moved
fever on 19th December 1915, age 18.
Whitchurch, Hampshire in 1859). His parents married
back home with them. A further tragedy struck the
at Reading in 1885 and over the next 11 years produced
family in 1905, when young Bessie died at the tender
received notification of her son’s death on 25th
six children; Caroline Ann (born 1886, but sadly died
age of just 17. By 1911, Henry and Mary Rixon together
December 1915 but then on 3rd January 1916, received
a few months later in 1887), Bessie (born 1888), George
with Frederick, age 17 and Charles, age 14 had moved
another notification, dated 1st January 1915, to say that
Ernest (born 1890), Annie Louise (born 1891), Frederick
to 66 Soho Street, Reading. Frederick was working at
her son had been admitted to hospital.
William (born 1893) and Charles Alfred.
a tin factory whilst Charles was working as a butcher’s
Charles was born in Reading
during May 1896 to George
Shipton (ironically born at
Shipton, Gloucestershire
in 1860), a miller and his
A/SGT. CHARLES ALFRED
SHIPTON, 265TH DEPOT
SUPPLY UNIT, ARMY SERVICE
CORPS
Mary Rixon, now living at 18 Flint Street, Reading,
Charles’ poor distraught mother immediately wrote
assistant in Reading. Eldest brother George, age 21,
this very sad and heart rending letter to the A.S.C
living at 26 William Street, Reading but in 1898, when
had joined the navy and was now serving aboard HMS
Record Office at Woolwich:
he was just two-years old, Charles’ father died and by
Invincible as a Stoker First Class and sister Annie, age
In 1891, before Charles was born, the family were
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Dear Sir,
I am enclosing these two forms, one I received on
25th December and one today. Would you kindly
return me an explanation as to whether my dear son
is still alive as it is a great worry and anxiety to me. It
have (sic) very much upset me again. I am sending a
stamped envelope for a reply which I beg of you to
send me to relieve a mother’s anxiety.
Branch Accounts for 2012-2013
Yours respectfully,
The Financial Statement for 2012 2013 (subject to audit)
has been prepared by our Treasurer, Nigel Parker, to
M.A. Rixon
ALEXANDRIA (CHATBY) MILITARY AND WAR MEMORIAL CEMETERY
whom we give our grateful thanks. Should you require a
son’s admission as 11th December, whereas his death
detailed copy of the Statement, it is available from Nigel
sent this rather formal but sympathetic apology on 4th
took place on 19th idem.
(see Contacts) upon request.
January 1916:
The Record Office responded immediately and
I very much regret that I must confirm the
The Branch finances are in a healthy state with
report of his death, as reported to you on the 23rd
Cash at Bank of £2,310.65, as at 31st July 2013. The Total
Madam,
December, and offer you my sincere apologies for the
Income for the year was up by £1,124.22 to £2,919.50
I am in receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant
unfortunate mistake.
from last years’ amount of £1,794.28. This increase was
relative to your late son, No.S/4/093856, Private
Your notification is returned herewith.
due in the main from the sale of Bridgeen’s books
C.A. Shipton, Army Service Corps, and greatly regret
I am, Madam,
amounting to £494. Total Expenditure for the year was
that a notification of his admission to Hospital was
Your obedient servant
up by £147.76 to £1,893.64 compared to last years’
forwarded to you after you had been informed of his
Lieutenant
amount of £1,745.88. The Surplus for the year amounted
death.
Asst. for Colonel i/c A.S.C. Records
to £1,025.86 compared to a Surplus of £197.76 for the
previous year.
The latter was reported to this office by cable
from the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and
Pte. S4/093856 Charles Alfred Shipton, 265th Depot
on receipt, in the course of post, of the report of his
Supply Unit, Army Service Corps, age 18, is buried
admission to Hospital the usual notification to that
in Alexandria (Chatby) Military and War Memorial
effect was inadvertently addressed to you. You will
Cemetery, Abd Al Hamid Abou Heaf, Al Azaritah WA
observe that this notice shows that the date of your
Ash Shatebi, Qesm Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate,
Egypt, grave B.5. n
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Local Connections
by Chris Nash
On 11th November
1985, Binyon was among
16 Great War poets
commemorated on a
slate stone unveiled in
Westminster Abbey’s
Poet’s Corner. The
inscription on the stone
was written by a fellow
MEMORIAL PLAQUE TO LAURENCE BINYON AND HIS WIFE AT ST. MARY THE
VIRGIN CHURCH, ALDWORTH
Great War poet, and one time resident in the village of Dunsden near Reading, Wilfred
Owen which reads: “My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity”.
These words also appear on the memorial to Owen in Dunsden church where he once
How many members of the Thames Valley WFA know the relationship between this
worked as lay priest and where his parents are buried.
man and this ancient church on the edge of the small village of Aldworth on the
For the Fallen
Berkshire Downs near Streatley?
Laurence Binyon composed ‘For the Fallen’ in 1914 sitting on the Cornish cliffs
For those that do not know: the photo shows Laurence Binyon (famous for his WW1
between Pentire Point and The Rumps, near Polzeath, North Cornwall and this first
poem ‘For the Fallen’) and the church of St. Mary the Virgin where his ashes were
appeared in The Times on 21st September 1914
scattered and a memorial placed in the churchyard.
A plaque at this site commemorates the most well-known fourth verse of his
When Laurence Binyon retired from his position as Keeper of the Prints and
seven stanza poem, regularly used at memorial services commemorating the First
Drawings Department at the British Museum in 1933 he went to live at Westridge
World War. Australians know this verse as the ‘Ode of Remembrance’’ which is recited at
Green, near Streatley (where his daughters also came to live during the Second World
every ANZAC Day tribute on 25th April.
War).
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old
He died at Dunedin Nursing Home, Bath Road, Reading on 10th March 1943. The
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
attractive slate memorial in the churchyard has this inscription: ‘Laurence Binyon 1869-
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
1943 and Cicely his wife 1876-1962’
We will remember them
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‘FOR THE FALLEN’ PLAQUE SITTING ON THE CORNISH CLIFFS
Binyon’s War Duty
staff provided by the British
In 1915, despite being
Red Cross Voluntary Aid
too old to enlist in the
Detachment (V.A.D.). Male
War, Laurence Binyon
volunteers authorized by the
volunteered to work
British Red Cross typically
for a brief time as a
served as hospital orderlies
hospital orderly at a
and ambulance drivers.
British hospital for
The hospital maintained
French soldiers, Hôpital
numerous essential
Temporaire d’Arc-en-
services--operating theatre,
Barrois in Haute-Marne,
anaesthesia, radiography,
France.
dentistry, apothecary and clinical laboratory--was financially supported by a large
CHÂTEAU D’ARC-EN-BARROIS, HAUTE-MARNE
international donor base and supplied regularly by voluntary British war supply depots.
Hôpital Temporaire
In continuous service until its official demobilization in February 1919, the
d’Arc-en-Barrois was a voluntary civilian British hospital unit established in the Château
d’Arc-en-Barrois, Haute-Marne, France, for the aid of wounded French soldiers in the
hospital received a total of 3,071 patients and 76 deaths were recorded. More than 400
Great War. Founded in January 1915 under approval of the Anglo-French Hospital
voluntary and contracted staff served at Hôpital Temporaire, representing the United
Committee of the British Red Cross Society, London, the hospital of 110 beds was
Kingdom, Canada and Newfoundland, Australia, USA and Denmark.
Laurence Binyon wrote about his experiences in various temporary military
conducted under military command of the French army’s Service de Santé. The
hospital’s first military casualties arrived on 27 January 1915 from the Argonne Forest
hospitals in his book ‘For Dauntless France’ (1918) and his poems, “Fetching the
battlefront.
Wounded” and “The Distant Guns”, were inspired by his hospital service in Arc-en-
The Hôpital Temporaire
Barrois.
Binyon’s other poems are less well-known but this extract from his ‘Men of Verdun’
Located some 60 miles to the rear of the war’s entrenched front lines, Hôpital
reflects his experiences whilst at the Hôpital Temporaire:
Temporaire received casualties from battles in the Argonne Forest and Champagne
Men of Verdun
Offensive (1915), Verdun (1916) and the Meuse-Argonne Campaign (1918).
Throughout the war wounded soldiers arrived in Haute-Marne via hospital train
There are five men in the moonlight
On no peace but the dead,
through Latrecey-Ormoy-sur-Aube, a remote station located 11 miles from Arc-en-
That by their shadows stand;
On reek of trenches thunder-shocked,
Barrois and were transported to the château using the Hôpital Temporaire’s small
Three hobble humped on crutches,
Tense fury of wills in wrestle locked,
motor ambulance fleet. Wounded and sick soldiers were attended in hospital by a staff
And two lack each a hand.
A chaos of crumbled red. n
of nurses, a small contingent of surgeons and medical students and auxiliary hospital
Beyond the hills it shines now
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The Former Military Cemetery of the Marceau Barracks
dead soldiers, cleanse them, bring them together in
by Don Farr
solemn homage and constantly sound the Last Post to
The Creation of French Military Cemeteries
recall their sacrifice.
After the initial refusal to hand over the remains
Under a Law of 29th December 1915, the French
Government agreed to grant in perpetuity and on
of the dead to their families, the Government, in June
an individual basis, space for military cemeteries to
1920, authorised that bodies could be transferred to
be situated in military zones immediately behind
loved ones but at the expense of those making the
the front lines. The location of these cemeteries was
request. Before this date, numerous bodies had already
carefully chosen by the Sanitary Commission and the
been removed in secret by families but in August 1920,
the Government took over responsibility for the cost of
Departmental Council of Health, after receipt of the
consent of the relevant community. During the war,
CIMETIÈRE MARCEAU, ORIGINAL FAMILY STONE GRAVE MARKERS
exhumations, the placing of the remains in hermetically
thousands of cemeteries, described as “provisional”
sealed coffins and their transportation to cemeteries
were created close to dressing stations, casualty clearing
designated by the families.
A Law dated 29th October 1921, gave the right to
stations, hospitals and very close to the trenches.
families to make an annual pilgrimage, at government
In a particularly murderous conflict, the
individuality of the soldier was recognised through his
expense, to those who wished to visit the grave of their
ultimate sacrifice. To bury one’s comrade in a reversion
relative resting in a permanent grave.
In 1924, government teams exhumed over 960,000
to a civilian ritual was an escape from the barbarities of
bodies from the former battlefields and by virtue of the
the war and from the bestiality of human beings.
After the War, the graves were still topped with a
basic covering of earth and a wooden cross, decorated
CIMETIÈRE MARCEAU (1921), A FOREST OF WOODEN CROSSES
with a tricolour rosette. But, some families that visited
those thousands of wooden crosses and put a stop to
them on pilgrimages soon paid to have stone grave
the moving around of the dead.
markers erected instead.
The funeral oration of post-war France was written
Law of 31st July 1920 some 230,000 bodies were handed
over to their families.
The Former Military Cemetery of the Marceau
Barracks (Le Cimetière Marceau)
about this image of an army of heroes sleeping,
This cemetery was opened in 1917, close to the Marceau
the bodies of soldiers would be gathered together in
gathered together in as many cemeteries as there were
Barracks, built in 1906 to house the 165th Infantry
national cemeteries. This would finally bring together
regiments. The country would need to search for its
Regiment. The remains of more than 2,800 French
Just after the end of hostilities, it was decided that
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CIMETIÈRE MARCEAU, EXHUMATIONS
soldiers, who fell in 1917 and 1918 in the Fleury,
CIMETIÈRE MARCEAU, A MOTHER AND FATHER COLLECT THEIR THOUGHTS
The father, 60 years old, is calm and silent, the
it with his right hand, his fingers spread as if he were
Louvemont, Beaumont, Wavrile, Bezonvaux and
mother and a young girl weep and speak at length about
seeking to pass them through the soft hair of a child’s
Hardaumont sectors, were recovered and concentrated
the dead boy. They had come to search for the remains
head. For a moment his face was transfixed by a fearful
here.
of their eldest son, killed at Fleury. He was, it appears, a
snarl and suddenly, in a hushed voice he pronounced
fine lad, big and strong, the apple of his father’s eye.
these words: “Poor hound, go”. He then stood up, his
It is reckoned that around 30% of the bodies buried
there were returned to their families. Beginning in 1922,
The search lasted a long time. The bodies were not
face peaceful and without a tear. Tearing up a handful
the French War Graves Service transferred the bodies
in coffins and had been buried very deeply. Around 10
of grass to wipe his hand he moved away to pace up and
of soldiers which had not been reclaimed by their
o’clock, the bones were gathered together, one by one
down while waiting for the sad ceremony to end.
families from the Marceau Cemetery to the Faubourg-
and placed delicately on a shroud spread out in a coffin.
Pavé National Cemetery in Verdun and Douaumont
The body was thus pieced together. The two women
small van. The two women got into a taxicab and drove
Cemetery at Fleury.
wept throughout.
to Verdun station where they took the train to Paris.
A Captain Benjamin of the Military Service of the
The father did not say a word, did not shed one tear,
When all was finished, the coffin was lifted into a
The man lit his pipe and took a seat in the van next to
Public Records Office recounted how a working class
until, suddenly, just as the official identifiers were about
the driver and put his hands in his jacket pockets. With
Parisian family came to look for the body of their
to close the shroud, he went down on his left knee and
his face calm and his eyes dry, he left, carrying away
son and take it back to the Paris area. The scene he
placed his left hand on the opposite side of the coffin.
with him the sad remains of a fine lad who had been the
described took place at the Marceau Cemetery between
He leaned over the skeleton, his head exactly above
pride of his youth. n
8a.m. and 10 a.m. on a morning in May 1922.
the earth-covered skull of his son and began to caress
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Branch Battlefield Tour 2013 – Verdun
The annual branch tour this year took place between the 16th and 21st of June to
café would be open on
visit the battlefields of Verdun, The Saint Mihiel Salient and The Argonne and study
Mondays throughout
some of the events that took place in these areas during 1916 and 1918. Apart from
the summer season but
one day, the weather for mid-June was exceptional with temperatures reaching over
despite these assurances,
35°C on some days.
when the tour party
turned up, the premises
Travelling by Le Shuttle from Folkestone on Sunday to our base at the reasonably
were closed! The
comfortable Hôtel les Colombes* in Verdun, we stopped en route at Revigny-sur-
problem was resolved
Ornain, mid-afternoon, to visit the crash site of Zeppelin LZ 77, shot down by a French
quickly by driving
75mm Autocanon on 21st February 1916. Whilst there, we also visited the grave of the
four miles to Bras-sur-
French soldier and statesman, André Maginot, who is buried in the town cemetery.
Meuse, where half the party decanted to a restaurant, whilst the others drove to the
JUNE 2013 TOUR PARTY AT MORT-HOMME
outskirts of Verdun and found an excellent take-away baker’s shop where they spent a
The programme for Monday was to studying the battles on the Right Bank at
delightful lunch-break sitting on the banks of the Meuse in glorious weather.
Verdun. Early morning stands were made at Col. Driant’s Command Post in the Bois
des Caures for the desperate defensive action by the 56thand 59th Chasseurs à Pied
After the problems with lunch we visited Fort de Douaumont in the early
on 21st February 1916 This was followed by a visit to the Abri des Quatre Cheminées
afternoon for the German attack and capture of the Fort on 25th February 1916 and
to look at the rôle of French medical services during the German attack of 22nd/23rd
its recapture by the French on 24th October 1916. This was followed by a stop at
June 1916. In late morning we stopped at the 407e R.I. Memorial, near Souville to study
the site of the old Fleury-devant-Douaumont Railway Station (now the Mèmorial de
the culmination of the German Offensive and the start of the French counter-attacks
Verdun) to have a look at the French Railway system supplying the fortifications during
on 23rd June 1916. We then made a brief stop at the unusual French fortification,
the German offensive of 1916. We then moved on to Fort Vaux for the German attack
Casement Pamard, before our final visit of the morning to the well known Ossuary and
during the first week of June 1916 and the surrender of the Fort by Commandant
French National Cemetery at Douaumont.
Raynal. The day ended with brief stops at the Monument Maginot and the site of an
old French military cemetery at Caserne Marceau, before returning to the hotel.
In early April each year, Mike Lawson and Don Farr carry out a thorough recce for
A glorious sunny day greeted us on Tuesday morning before we set off to visit
the forthcoming tour at their own expense. Not only are stand locations thoroughly
checked out for suitability and access but also convenient places for lunch breaks. This
the destroyed village of Louvemont-Côte du Poivre to look at the German 14th
can be a problem sometimes in remote areas due to the lack of eating establishments.
Reserve Division attack, on 26th February 1916. Tracing the 14th Reserve Division
However, the café at the rear of the Ossuary at Douaumont appeared ideal, so was
advance during February 1916, we next stopped at Haumont-près-Samongneaux,
visited on the recce. Assurances were given by the proprietor that from 1st June the
another destroyed village, where only the re-built church remains standing, for further
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actions. Moving on to the Left Bank, we made a brief stop at Brabant-sur-Meuse,
in a woodland glade, where the bodies of Alain-Fournier and his companions were
where Gefrieter Adolf Breitenstein attempted to cross the Meuse on 23rd February
discovered some 21 years ago.
For lunch we had another picnic. This time in glorious weather again, at the
1916, before arriving at Forges-sur-Meuse for a view of Mort-Homme and the German
attack on the Left Bank. With lunchtime approaching, we then drove 20 minutes for
magnificent Montsec American Monument with its outstanding views over the St.
our planned picnic break at the impressive Montfaucon American Monument with
Mihiel Salient. First stand in the afternoon was at Seicheprey, where the Germans
its spectacular views from the top. By now the temperature had risen to around 35°C
carried out a unique initiation raid on the newly arrived US 26th (New England –
when we left to visit the French military cemetery at Esnes-en-Argonne to look at the
Yankee) Division on 20th April 1918. This was followed by a stop in Thiaucourt to
background to the French attack on Côte 304. We then moved on to the Côte 304
look at the beautiful St. Mihiel American Cemetery, before driving on to Montauville
Monument for the German offensive and capture of the hill in the spring of 1916 and
for a stand in the centre of the vast and densely wooded Bois le Prêtre, where severe
its re-capture by the French 20th August 1917. A short stop was made at Béthincourt
fighting took place between the French and Germans between September 1914 and
to look at the limited French offensive of 1917 before we arrived at Mort-Homme,
July 1915. Our last visit of the day, before returning to Verdun, was a brief stop at the
where the temperature had now risen to 37°C. Here we looked at the German
huge French steep hillside military cemetery of ‘Le Petant’ containing 13,516 graves
offensive in the spring of 1916 and the recapture of the hill by the French in August
including that of Mike Lawson’s French namesake, Pierre Lawson from St. Brancher,
1917. Before departing we took the opportunity to pose for our traditional group tour
near Auxerre.
The programme for Thursday was to look at the costly US Operations in the
photograph in our splendid red T-shirts, emblazoned with the Mort-Homme statue
Meuse-Argonne Region from 26th September 1918 to the Armistice. Setting off from
and legend “Ils n’ont pas passé”, kindly designed and supplied by Ian Fenne.
the hotel in light rain, we made our first stop of the day at Neuvilly-en-Argonne, where
The exhausted party now returned to Verdun but before going back to the hotel
we stopped at the Nécropole Nationale de Faubourg Pavé to hear about the selection
we were given a general overview of the offensive, before moving on to Varennes-
process for the French unknown warrior buried at l’Arc de Triomphe and visit the
en-Argonne and take a look at the newly refurbished State of Pennsylvania Memorial.
graves of the seven unselected men.
Depressingly, the weather now turned to heavy rain for our next stand two stands
at the Bois d’Apremont and Apremont Communal Cemetery. Here, taking shelter
During the night we had the ‘mother’ of all thunderstorms but by breakfast
next morning the storm had cleared and the temperature had cooled down to an
from the weather, we looked at the operations of the US 28th (Pennsylvania) during
acceptable level. Our theme for Wednesday was to visit the St. Mihiel Salient with our
late September and early October 1916. Fortunately, around midday the rain cleared
first stand of the morning at the precarious knife-edge ridge of Les Éparges to look
and the weather turned sunny as we arrived for our pre-booked lunch at the Musée
at the bitter fighting that took place there from February 1915 and September 1918.
Romagne ’14-’18 in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon.
After lunch, we paid a visit to the beautiful Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery,
From there we moved to St. Rémy-la-Calonne in mid-morning to visit the grave of the
French poet and author Alain-Fournier, who disappeared on the 22nd September 1914
the largest US cemetery in Europe, containing 14,246 graves. Our second stand of
but whose body was not found until 2nd May 1991. We next drove a short distance
the afternoon was to visit the remote grave of US aviator, Capt. Hamilton Coolidge,
to the Tranchée de Calonne, parked up and walked half-a-mile to the memorial site
near Chevières but this turned out to be a bit of a disaster when both mini-buses got
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operations of the US 35th (Missouri/
Kansas) over 26th-28th September 1918.
Our traditional last-night group
dinner was held at the Hôtel Restaurant
de la Cloche d’Or in Verdun. The hotel
Sale of Bridgeen’s Book Collection
provided us with an excellent meal and a
With more books still available from Bridgeen and
splendid evening was had by all, giving us
Colin Fox’s book collection further sales will continue
a fitting end to the tour.
to take place at throughout the season branch meetings.
Leaving the hotel on Friday morning,
The books were collected by Colin and Bridgeen over
we stopped at the Voie Sacrée Memorial
many years and have kindly been donated to the branch
at Nixeville to look at the importance of
by the family with a wish that the proceeds of the sale go
the Voie Sacrée in transporting men and
towards branch funds.
supplies to the Verdun battlefield during
STUCK IN THE MUD AT CHEVIÈRES
stuck in mud, following the heavy rain earlier in the day.
However, with a great deal of effort from ‘willing’ hands,
we managed to free ourselves from our predicament
1916. Leaving Nixeville around 10.30 a.m.
we then set off on the long drive to Calais
and Le Shuttle back home to the UK.
The tour proved a great success and was
Branch Photographic Competition
Once again this year’s competition will be held at the
and move off to our next stand at Châtel-Chéhéry to
thoroughly enjoyed by everyone of the 22-strong party.
November branch meeting and members are reminded
look at the well known exploits of Sgt. Alvin C. York on
Particular thanks, therefore, must go to Mike Lawson for
that up to a total of four photographs may be entered,
8th October 1918.
planning the itinerary and leading the tour, to Ian Fenne,
each to a maximum size of 7” x 5” (18cm x 13cm). Please
Barbara Taylor and Mike again for driving the mini-buses,
send your entries to Mike Lawson, Stewards Field, Mill
the site of ‘The Lost Battalion’ at Charlevau Mill, near
to Don Farr for his efficient administrative work and to
Road, Dilham, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 9PU
Binarville to hear about the equally well known story of
Michael Orr for his assistance in planning the itinerary.
or hand them to him at any branch meeting before
the defensive action by Major Charles Whittlesey and his
In addition thanks must also go to Michael, Mike, Don,
November.
men of the 308th Infantry Battalion, US 77th (New York)
and Ian again together with other tour party members,
Division during the 2nd-7th October 1918.
Niall Ferguson, Brigitte Mitchell, Nigel Parker and
For the penultimate stop of the day was visited
The last stand of the day, before returning to the
hotel, was made at the State of Missouri Memorial at
Brian Sowerby for their excellent and well researched
presentations throughout the tour. n
Cheppy, where we learnt about the badly commanded
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Salvaged Trinity Congregational Church War Memorial Plaque
In the November 2009 edition of The Poppy, Bridgeen Fox wrote an article about a
large bronze First World War memorial plaque that had recently been discovered
in a reclamation yard at Aldermaston by Brian Dixon, a volunteer for the National
Inventory of War Memorials.
The owner of the reclamation yard kindly donated the plaque to Brian, who then
made contact with Bridgeen to help find a suitable place for its safekeeping, until a
permanent home for its re-erection could be found. Branch Committee member, Liz
Tait positively identified the plaque and confirmed that it had come from Trinity
Congregational Church, Sidmouth Street, Reading, demolished in 1979. Liz also
undertook to research the names of the 20 men listed and helped Bridgeen explore
possible safe locations for its new home.
Park United Reform Church in Reading, kindly stored the plaque for a number
of years whilst options for other suitable sites were considered. Eventually, the Very
Reverend Brian Shenton of the Reading Minster of St. Mary the Virgin kindly agreed
to house the plaque within his church, so that those named can be remembered and
honoured once more.
An estimated cost of between £1,200 and £1,500 will be needed for the project
BRIDGEEN & LIZ WITH THE LARGE BRONZE MEMORIAL PLAQUE
to erected the memorial in a wooden frame within the Minster and carry out some
minor repairs.
With the commencement of the First World War Centenaries next year,
applications for financial support are being made to the Heritage Lottery Fund
and the WFA Centenary Fund. In addition, with such a healthy balance in our
Branch bank account, the Branch Committee is also considering making a sizeable
contribution towards the cost on your behalf. n
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Branch Battlefield Tour 2014 – Royal Berkshire Territorials in the Great War
Sunday 1st June to Friday 6th June 2014
Windsor, Abingdon,
research and preparation of presentations widely within
Wokingham and
the tour group. Even those who do not wish to attempt
Following the interesting proposal fully set out by
Newbury, it is hoped
to do a stand could research individuals whose graves
Michael Orr in the September 2012 edition of The Poppy,
that more members
are being visited.
the next year’s tour for 2014 will follow the actions of
will volunteer to
the 1st/4th and 2nd/4th Battalions of the Royal Berkshire
make presentations
Regiment on the Western Front, from September 1915
on the tour. There
• 1/4th and 2/4th Royal Berks actions in the Wieltje-St
to the end of the war in November 1918.
are many good
Julien area at the Third Battle of Ypres during August-
research resource
September 1917, including Private Pike & the German
based in two centres. It is proposed to spend Sunday
facilities available
pill-box
night somewhere in or around Ieper with the remaining
online. The 1st/4th
four nights in Arras. Don Farr has made a provisional
Battalion history can
• 1/4th Royal Berks action at Plugstreet Wood, including
be downloaded on
Poulton-Palmer and a visit to Royal Berks Cemetery
Kindle for just £0.77
• 2/4th Royal Berks action at Fromelles, including a visit
For location purposes the tour will need to be
booking in Arras at the popular Ostel les 3 Luppars** and
is currently investigating suitable hotel accommodation
LT.-COL. J.H.S. DIMMER
The proposed outline programme is as follows:
Sunday: Ypres Area
Monday: Ploegsteert Wood, Fromelles and actions on the Lys
in Ieper but, with the forthcoming Centenary
or probably for free in other formats. The Regimental
to the cemetery
commemorations next year, is finding availability at
Museum (The Wardrobe in Salisbury) has an excellent
• 2/4th Royal Berks actions along the Lys during April-
preferred hotels a little difficult to find. However, should
website which includes short histories of each battalion
September 1918
there be a problem with accommodation at Ieper then,
for 1914-1918 and their war diaries (www.thewardrobe.
Tuesday: The Somme 1916
other options will be considered. It is estimated that
org.uk/research). A copy of the war diaries can also be
• 1/4th Royal Berks actions on the Somme during
the total cost of a single room, including breakfast but
obtained from Branch Treasurer, Nigel Parker, who has
September 1915-December 1916
excluding other meals, for the 5 nights is likely to be no
downloaded them on to CD and more material, such
• Actions near Hébuterne, Pozières and Thiepval
more than £350.
as operation orders would be available at the National
Wednesday: Actions in the Cambrai-Amiens-St Quentin triangle 1917
The tour will take the usual format of visiting sites
Archives. Additionally John Chapman has a very good
• 1/4th and 2/4th Royal Berks actions between Peronne
in France and Flanders where the 4th Battalion served,
website which includes transcripts of the Regimental
and Cambrai-St Quentin during the German withdrawal
including looking at a number of VC actions with stops
History, supplemented by material such as Poulton-
to the Hindenburg Line
at cemeteries and memorials. In specialising on the local
Palmer’s letter, (www.purley.eu/H1-Royal-Berkshire-
• 2/4th Royal Berks action at the end of the Battle of
Territorial Force unit for Reading, Maidenhead, Wantage,
Regiment). There is, therefore, scope to share the
Cambrai
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• 2/4th Royal Berks actions in the March Retreat and the
New Book!
Mildred on the Marne
major battle of the First World War. In
100 Days Offensive, including death of their CO, Lt. Col.
For those members who came on
spite of the danger, she decided to
Dimmer VC, MC.
the branch tour to The Marne in June
stay and help the British and French
2011, few will forget the superb visit we
soldiers. Her home was threatened
• 2/4th Royal Berks during the 100 Days Offensive,
made to the house of the American
by the German advance, with Uhlans
including actions north-east of Cambrai during October-
journalist and writer Mildred Aldrich
hiding in adjacent woods; indeed, on
November 1918
(16th November 1853 – 19th February
one occasion the Germans rode right
1928) and the wonderful ‘vin d’honneur’
up to her house. However, the British
numbers travelling in the mini-buses but will of course
provided by the current owners, the
and French armies pushed the Germans
arrange supplementary transport if necessary. However,
charming Frédéric Marchal and his wife
into retreat and ‘La Creste’ remained
with the hotel booking problems already encountered,
Evelyne. Frédéric’s elderly father lived in the house until
in safe territory for the duration. The Allies fought
total numbers for the tour may need to be restricted to a
his death in 2012 and it is now being converted into four
one of the first major battles of the war in the Marne
maximum of 24 people. As usual travelling expenses will
or five holiday apartments, accommodating up to 24
Valley and Mildred’s ‘beloved panorama’ turned into
depend upon the size of the group, the cost of fuel and
people. Fortunately, however, the refurbishment is being
the valley of horror and death. Informed by Mildred’s
the current exchange rate but it is hoped to keep costs
carried out in a very sympathetic manner with many of
unpublished journals and voices of those serving in
down to approx. £120 per head.
the features of the original house being retained.
the BEF, along with historical military background, this
Thursday: Actions in the Cambrai-Amiens-St Quentin triangle 1918
Friday: The 100 Days East of Cambrai
For the sake of comfort we shall again limit the
We would ask anyone wishing to join the tour to
Just before her sad death in April 2012, Bridgeen
book examines events from the unique perspective of a
complete the slip on page 25 and return it to Don Farr
Fox wrote an article about Mildred Aldrich and ‘A Hilltop
remarkable woman who lived through them. Bringing a
by Saturday 21st December 2013. Initially this involves
on the Marne’ for both the September 2011 edition of
fresh perspective to the Great War, Mildred Aldrich was
no commitment but in order to qualify for ‘special deal’
The Poppy and the WFA’s March 2012 edition of ‘Bulletin’
awarded the Legion d’Honneur in 1922 to recognise the
ferry/Shuttle fares confirmation and payment of an
Now, just published, is a superb new book about
initial deposit of £50 before the 7th January 2014 will be
Mildred Aldrich’s experiences during the First World War
required. It may also be necessary to add to this initial
written by the award-winning playwright, director and
deposit the cost, or partial cost, of the first night’s hotel
author, David Slattery-Christy.
room if this is the only way a booking can be secured.
A special tour newsletter giving further details will
In 1914, at the age of 61 years-old, Mildred Aldrich
retired to a small hilltop house, called ‘La Creste’, with
be sent out by Don to those interested in joining the
extensive views across the Marne River and Valley, little
tour in late December. n
realising that she would become embroiled in the first
22
fact that her writings had helped to bring the United
States into the war.
Mildred on the Marne – Mildred Aldrich Front-Line Witness 1914-1918
is published by Spellmount (The History Press) in hardback (224 pages
with 16 black and white illustrations and 8 black and white plates) at a
RRP of £16.99. n
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Programme for 2013-2014
surrounding that role, for example whether their
considered Haig to be a ‘donkey’ and was reviled by
activities in providing refreshment and entertainment
them as the “Butcher of the Somme”.
Details of our 28th season are set out below and hope
e.g. “Holy Grocery” was to be paramount or whether their
you agree that this new programme offers a wide variety
spiritual and pastoral work was of more importance. The
of different subjects to meet most interests. However,
talk will consider the success and failures experienced by “Marjorie’s War: Four Families and
should you have any comments on the programme or
the chaplains bringing the word of God to men in the
the Great War 1914-1918”
suggestions for future topics and speakers please let us
trenches. Photo – ‘Woodbine Willie’ Geoffrey Anketell Studdert Kennedy, MC
This talk is about a group of nine
know.
(27th June 1883 – 8th March 1929)
young men from four different
27th February 2014 – Charles Fair
families, living in a small village in
This programme is also available for view on: www.
westernfrontassociation.com/thames-valley . For a
19th December 2013 – Kevin Varty
Hertfordshire, who volunteered for
description of the talk just double click on the talk title.
“Who was Harry? Trench Art Revisited”
service in the First World War. They
The term “Trench Art” is very evocative, conjuring up
kept in touch with each other by letter and the story is
Social Club, Sonning Lane, Reading on the last Thursday
images of soldiers working away under fire in mud filled
told from the view point of Charles Fair’s grandmother,
of each month (except December) commencing at 8.00
trenches producing all kinds of war related souvenirs.
Marjorie Secretan, who regularly communicated with
p.m.
This talk presents a fresh view of the multitude of items
the men and their families. All the men served as junior
associated with the Great War made from shell cases,
officers and between them fought in all the major
28th November 2013 – Linda
discarded equipment etc and looks at the relevance of
battles of the British Army on the Western Front from
Parker
these items today. The presentation will appeal to those
early 1915 onwards. Charles Fair will also describe the
“The Whole Armour of God -
people who love polishing brass although they may
extensive research he undertook to look at his family
Anglican Army Chaplains in
change their minds after the talk!
archive of diaries, letters and photos and papers held
All meetings are held at the Berkshire Sports and
the Great War”
at The National Archives that provided additional
The talk describes the work
30th January 2014 – Prof. Gary Sheffield
information on the characters involved and the battles in
of Anglican Army Chaplains
“John Terraine, Douglas Haig and the History of the
which they fought. Photo – Marjorie Secretan
in the Great War especially
First World War”
on the Western Front. The
John Terraine, was a staunch defender of the reputation
27th March 2014 – Richard Paczko
analysis concentrates on
of Field Marshal Earl Haig. Gary’s talk gives a balanced
“Shall I ever Dance Again?”
the work of the chaplains
view of the relationship Terraine had with other military
Richard’s Paczko’s Great Uncle left a war diary giving
in creating and sustaining
historians, critics, academics and the media, who
a detailed daily account of his Great War experiences
a viable role for themselves and the controversies
between October 1915 and March 1917 from his
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enlistment and training to active service in France and
was the anti-partisan war the Germans fought against
26th June 2014 – Allan
hospitalisation back in England. Using extracts from the
poachers and Cossacks which provides another angle.
Mallinson
Finally there is the legacy of the forest in German
diary Richard takes the listener through that journey,
“1914; Fight the Good Fight:
illustrating the events, thoughts, feelings and horrific
literature. Between 1915 and 1918 the Germans erected
Britain, the Army & the Coming
events that his Great Uncle witnessed. There is humour,
a massive complex in the forest and they employed
of the First World War”
sadness, fear, humility, a bit of mystery and something of
Russian and French POWs. The German scientists
Allan Mallinson has written a
great interest to football fans!
used them not only for slave labour but also medical
significant new history of the
experiments including nutrition limits and inoculations
origins and the opening first few
24th April 2014 – Philip Blood
against disease. The forest also experienced the first use
weeks fighting of what would
“German Forestry in the Great
of Zyklon B as a gas, against forest pests and later against
become known as ‘the war to end all wars’. Intensely
War”
the Jews in the Second Wold War. This story is large but
researched and convincingly argued, Allan explores and
The Imperial German Army
very different from any other Great War story. Photo: Heavily
explains the grand strategic shift that occurred in the
demanded large shipments
Timbered German Trench
century before the war. He describes the British Army’s
regeneration after its drubbings in its fight against the
of wood. This came either
uncut, prefabricated in trench,
29th May 2014 – Ian
Boer, its almost calamitous experience of the first twenty
aeroplane or barrack parts;
Cull
days’ fighting in Flanders and the point at which the
or in the form of cellulose
“Naval Action at
British Expeditionary Force, the ‘Old Contemptibles’ took
or Baumwolle (tree wool for
Gallipoli”
up the pick and the spade in the middle of September
uniforms and warm clothing). In addition the German
Ian’s talk will describe
1914 to change the war from one of movement into
military railways demanded wood for track beds, loco
aspects of the naval
the now familiar image of the trenches and the coming
firing and wagon construction. On the domestic front
actions involved with
of the Territorials, Kitchener’s ‘Pals’, and ultimately the
the absence of coal meant wood was the only form of
the Gallipoli campaign
conscripts and of course the poets and with them, a
household heating energy.
of 1915 from the
sense of pity and of futility.
The German Armies also encouraged hunting
failure of the British Navy to capture the SMS Breslau
An ex-infantry and cavalry officer, Allan Mallinson
in the officer class as a sign of warrior prowess. The
and SMS Goëben in the Mediterranean to how obsolete
brings his experience as a professional soldier to bear on
forest’s bison were hunted by the Kaiser, Hindenburg,
battleships were used to bombard the Turkish forts in
the individuals, circumstances and events and the result
Ludendorff, Hoffman, and Richthofen the Red Baron. All
The Dardenelles together with minesweeping activities
is a vivid, compelling new history of the beginnings of
those stories are recorded and can be told. Then there
and submarine warfare. Photo: The Dardanelles Defences 1915
the conflict and one that speculates, tantalizing, on what
might have been. Photo: ‘1914 – Fight the Good Fight’
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Our Speakers up to
Christmas
LINDA PARKER combines teaching History on a part time
basis with her writing and is currently completing a PhD
at Birmingham University. Her main areas of interest
are 20th Century Military History, Church History and
the History of Polar exploration. She is a member of the
Western Front Association and attends the Thames Valley
Branch monthly meetings. Linda was born and educated
in Wales but now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband
and their dog. She enjoys walking and travelling, ideally
together and her ambition is to visit Antarctica.
KEVIN VARTY was born in Derby, went to school in Ashby
de la Zouch, to College in Loughborough and ended up
working in the motor industry in Yorkshire. His interest
in the Great War started when his grandfather, George
Adkin, who served in the Machine Gun Corps, gave him
Branch Tour
1–6 June 2014
WFA Tour 2014
To be returned to:
Don Farr
81 Oxford Road
Wokingham
Berkshire RG41 2YH
to arrive by Saturday 21 December 2013
I am interested in taking part in the 2014 Tour entitled Royal Berkshire Territorials in the Great War
Signed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Full name and address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...................................................................................................................
his medals but was too young to ask him the questions
...................................................................................................................
he would have done so now. Kevin joined the WFA in
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
2001 and visited Gallipoli soon after. His interests tend
Telephone number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
concentrate on the “nuts and bolts” of the conflict, such
Email address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mobile number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
as collecting Trench Art, rather than studying battles
and politics. Kevin lives in Milton Keynes with partner
Amanda and contrary to popular belief, does not have
shares in Brasso!
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