Part 5

On the 15th, a cold, clear November day, we took part in the official entry of the First Army into Mons, lined the street, and after hours of waiting marched past the Army Commander in the square. We did not exactly enjoy it, but now that distance is lending its enchantment we can regard it as a thing to have done.

Soon we got permission to move back to Harmignies to better billets, thence to Athis, where we started Education Classes and a Debating Society. We also had to practice for a Review by the First Army Commander, had two full-dress rehearsals, and then the show was put off, but I suppose a little ceremonial drill did not do any of us much harm; anyway it provided a certain amount of amusement. Next we were moved back to Blaugies where we were not long in getting ready for our Christmas plans. We decided to have Company dinners, three in one day was the maximum reached, and we came safely through the lot. It was really a great Christmas taking it all round. There was not one of us who did not want to be home for it, but as we could not, we put our backs into it, and made the most of it under the circumstances, and now it is all over I do not think one of us regrets having spent it in Blaugies.

All this time we were slowly getting smaller, and one day were sent to our final destination, St. Ghislain. It was an eye-opener for the men when they arrived there--almost like going home, without the home--real beds and sheets for every man, it must have been the first bed that most of them had seen for many, many months.

I soon found that the men preferred their own time to organised amusements, which so long as all went well was really much better for them, and I am more than glad to know that it did go well. It was a very good change for them to get into some sort of civilisation, and demobilisation started quicker when we got to St. Ghislain.

One day I got special leave, as I had been applied for at this end. I do not know exactly how to describe what I felt: I knew that this special leave was tantamount to saying “Farewell” to the Artists. However, it was unavoidable and would have had to come sooner or later, and perhaps it was as well that it was hurried a bit at the end. I got all packed up, and then went on to the Mess, where I found some villain had collected most of the Battalion to see me off. I think it takes nearly as much courage to go round and say “Good-bye” to people as it does to go over the top.

Soon after this I went down for the first time to the Artists Headquarters in Duke’s Road, where I met a lot of people whom I had often heard of, but never before seen. They one and all made me so welcome, that I almost felt I was going to my own home. I shall never forget Colonel May coming up to me, and saying that he would like to thank me for all I had done for the Artists, but that he did not quite know how to do so, so he thought perhaps he had better repeat to me what one of the men had said to him. When asked something about their new Commanding Officer, this man had replied, “Well, Sir, he might have been an Artist himself.”

I think that if I have earned those words, honestly spoken, it is as much as anyone could have wished.

R. H. G.

P.S.--I have said very little about the organisation and interior working of the Battalion because I do not consider it would be a compliment to go into such details. I think the secret of the Artists’ success was very largely the wonderful amount of material always at hand. When Adjutants, Scouts, Signallers, Runners, Pioneers, and all these people were ever ready, and there was always somebody fit to step into someone else’s shoes if anything happened, it really was very easy work for a stranger, once he realised this. Then there was old Freddy Light, with his 40 years service in the Corps, and R.Q.M.S. Hack, a veteran of the Boer War times. They always worked quietly without any fuss or bother, always had what was wanted, and would have done anything in the world which was humanly possible, that the men should be comfortable, and that the Battalion should always have the best of everything. There were few Territorial Regiments who had the services of one of their own Quarter-Masters, and the Artists have been extremely lucky in theirs.

Then you will find in my notes that the names of the Officers are nearly always the same. I have avoided using names at all except where I thought it would simplify matters, but I do not wish to convey the impression that these are the only names worthy of note, as it is not so. I should not know where to begin, or end, if I had to tell you what I thought about individuals. I see that R.S.M. Fox is not mentioned--there again we were singularly fortunate, and had to do a great deal of “wangling” to keep him. As you know, any man who occupied that position after Peter Emslie had gone, had a very tough proposition before him.

ADDENDA TO SECTIONS I. TO VI.

Particulars received whilst this Edition was in the Press--

_Add to_ ROLL OF HONOUR (pp. 2 to 42).

† = _Died of Wounds._

✠ = Military Cross.

1917 Dec. 22. ABEL, 2/Lt. James Edgar,† 6/R. West Kent _Died as Prisoner of war_ 1918 Nov. 4. ATKINSON, Edward Arthur, 14/London (late 2/Lt. 1/London) 1920 Nov. 22. BAGGALLAY, Capt. Geoffrey Thomas, 1/Welch (A.P.M.) _Assassinated in Dublin_ 1920 Nov. 28. BAYLEY, Lieut. Cyril Dunstan Wakefield, R.F.C. _Kilmichael, Ireland_ 1917 Dec. 3. BEVAN, 2/Lt. Wilfred, 20th Squadron, R.F.C. _Belgium_ 1920 Aug. 13. BUCHANAN, Capt. Edward Laurie, R.F.A. & R.A.F. _Baghdad_ 1920 Oct. 9. CORFIELD, Lieut. Frederick John Arthur, Bucks Bn. O.B.L.I. 1919 Nov. 2. FLEET, Pte. Charles Arthur, 2/Artists _Died_ 1919 Sept. 20. GERHARDI, 2/Lt. Charles, R.A.F. 1920 Dec. 3. GOLDING, Lieut. Harold Gordon Lancelot, 35/Sikhs _Palestine_ 1919 Feb. 9. GRASSICK, 2/Lt. William Henderson, R.F.A. _Died, Wimereux_ 1919 Sept. 22. HIGGINSON, Capt. John Victor, 2/R. Welch Fusiliers _Gas poisoning_ 1918 Oct. 23. HILDITCH, 2/Lt. Charles Henry, 27th Bde. R.F.A. 1917 July 31. HOPKINS, 2/Lt. George Henry Stanton, 45/Machine Gun Corps 1917 Dec. 20. HUMPHREYS, Pte. Albert Brent, 1/Artists _Died_ 1917 Nov. 5. LORIMER, Capt. John Scott, 1/Norfolk 1917 June 18. LOWRIE, 2/Lt. John Edward, Household Battalion 1918 Mar. 21. RICHARDSON, 2/Lt. Arthur Balfour, 8/Royal West Kent 1917 June 22. RUDGE, Lieut. Arthur Edgar, R.A.F. _Combat near La Bassée_ 1918 April 21. SHERLOCK, 2/Lt. Gerald,† 55/Machine Gun Corps 1915 Aug. 9. SHUFFREY, Lieut. Gilbert, 6/South Lancashire _Gallipoli_ 1920 May 7. SPILLER, L/Cpl. Herbert George, 1/Artists 1919 Aug. 13. TAYLOR, Lieut. Norman Samuel, R.A.F. _In Russia_ 1916 Jan. 1. VERNON, Cpl. Harold, R.E. (Meteorological) _Mailly Maillet_ 1918 May 31. VIVIAN, Lieut. Vincent, 22/Durham L.I. 1918 Feb. 27. WARD, 2/Lt. Eric,† 10/R. Fusiliers 1919 Mar. 2. WEBB, 2/Lt. Bernard Hugh, S.B./Middlesex _Died (septic pneumonia)_ 1916 Sept. 26. WENDT, Pte. George Norman, 13/London 1918 Sept. 6. WHARTON, Pte. Ernest Philip, 1/Artists _Accident_

_Add to_ DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (pp. 46 & 47).

CLARK, Capt. Philip Lindsay 11/Royal Sussex

E. of YPRES, 25th to 27th October, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of the left flank company of the battalion. When the enemy broke through on his left he organised a defensive flank. Finding a gap on his left he filled and held it with some of his own men and of the unit on his left. He personally led a charge against the advancing enemy and dispersed them, and later repelled another attack. He was wounded by a piece of shrapnel in the head, but though dazed, continued in command of his company for two days until relieved.

[3712

FAGAN, Capt. Herbert Archer, _M.C. (bar)_ 9/Gurkha Rifles (late 5/Yorkshire)

In SOUTH RUSSIA. For conspicuous gallantry and determination on several occasions, particularly at Sorarogha, on the 18th January, and at Makin, on the 19th February, 1920. In the first instance he was in charge of a company ordered to establish a piquet in a position which was much exposed and commanded by fire. He set a fine example in beating off attacks and in attempting to establish the piquet. Subsequently he withdrew his company with great skill. In the second instance he again showed gallantry and leadership when troops on the left were ordered to withdraw.

[3635

FIELD, 2/Lt. Edward Machine Gun Corps

ROUPY, near ST. QUENTIN, 21st March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of a section of guns during repeated enemy attacks. For eight hours he fired his guns with great judgment under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire. The enemy poured out of a valley in large numbers, and the guns fired with terrific effect. The enemy was held for seven hours. Then, reinforced, they advanced to within 100 yards of the guns and bombed the positions from the right rear. He ordered his guns to cut their way to new positions while he helped their retirement by throwing the remainder of the bombs. In getting back he was shot through the body. His determination and fearlessness were magnetic. Throughout the day he fought magnificently.

[763848

JOHNSON, Lt.-Col. Francis Shand Byam R. of O., Royal Lancaster (1/Artists)

POZIERES RIDGE, 24th March, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his battalion became isolated during an enemy attack and both flanks were exposed, by his courage and skill he succeeded in withdrawing his battalion without serious loss. The successful withdrawal was entirely due to his splendid leadership and determination.

_Add_ to MILITARY CROSSES (pp. 55, 89 & 117).

ASTBURY, 2/Lt. Alec R.F.A. (D/286 Brigade, R.F.A. (T.F.)

Near BOYELLES, 22nd August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He brought his battery into action under very heavy fire, and got his ammunition wagons up to the battery position in spite of congested traffic. Later, he was instrumental in laying telephone wires from a very advanced post to the battery over open country under heavy machine-gun fire. The information which he sent back was of great value in enabling the enemy line to be driven back.

[765207

HEY, 2/Lt. Percy R.G.A.

Near VILLERS BRETONNEUX, 7th August, 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When a number of tanks filled with bombs and explosives close to his battery position had been set alight by enemy shell fire, he led a small party and successfully extinguished the burning camouflage covering his own and neighbouring guns, and dragged into safety all exposed cartridges. His determined courage saved the loss of ammunition and stores.

[765448

RICHARD, 2/Lt. Stanley Machine Gun Corps

Near LES RUES VERTES, 3rd December, 1917. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During an enemy attack, and whilst under intense artillery fire, he performed magnificent work, keeping his guns in action, being with one gun himself in an exposed position until gun and team were blown up. Being the only one remaining unwounded, on his own initiative he moved up to his other three guns, which he continued to keep in action and supplied with ammunition, until these also were put out of action and he was wounded. Throughout he set a fine example of courage, and was of great assistance in checking the hostile attack.

[6352

WHITE, 2/Lt. Lawrence Arthur R.F.A.

Awarded 3rd June, 1918.

[2786

_Add to_ MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES (p. 152–158).

3383 BARNES, Lieut. R. C. _Haig_ 760549 DAWSON, Capt. F. A. _Haig_ 2256 SAVORY, Major K. S. _Hamilton_ 598 THORNE, Lieut. A. J. P. _Haig_ 766235 TAYLOR, Capt. P. S. _Murray_ -- TYER, Capt. A. A. _Haig_

_Add to_ BROUGHT TO NOTICE (p. 159).

557 IRWIN, CSM H. G., Artists (M-G. School).

_Add_ the following to G.H.Q. MACHINE GUN SCHOOL (p. 313), and in Section IV. (p. 434) insert the symbols _a_ or _f_ as below against their names.

3591 DUCLOS, Henri François 26/ 6/16 _f_ 3637 FIELDING, Percy Arthur 3/ 9/16 _a_, _f_ 5685 FLEMING, Ernest 3/ 9/16 _f_ 7194 JACQUES, George 26/ 6/16 _f_ 3643 LAND, Leo Frederick 3/ 9/16 _f_ 1728 MORGAN, Hugh T. 15/12/15 _To 2/Lt. M.G.C._ 6189 NEWTON, William McIntosh 3/ 9/16 _a_, _f_ 3145 SEYMOUR, Bernard Gilbert 26/ 6/16 _To 2/Lt. 4/East Lancs._ 3645 TAYLOR, Bertram Walter 26/ 6/16 _a_, _f_ 3112 TUCKER, Richard Stuart 21/11/15 _f_ 2862 WEBB, Francis Rands 2/ 1/16 _f_ 3648 WILLIS, William Stephen 26/ 6/16 _f_

_Add to_ FURTHER COMMISSIONS (p. 427).

2364 BEALE, William Piere 7/ 9/15 _R.A.S.C. Capt._

[Illustration:

[pp. 44, 319.

R. P. HALLOWES, V.C.]

[Illustration:

_Copyright._] [Col. WALTER C. HORSLEY.

NOTRE DAME DE BREBIÈRE, ALBERT, 1917.]

[Illustration:

_Copyright._] [Capt. W. LEE-HANKEY.

BAILLEUL IN 1914.]

BAILLEUL IN 1918.

[Illustration: RUE DE LA GARE, BAILLEUL.]

[Illustration: THE PÂTISSERIE, BAILLEUL.]

[Illustration: ARTISTS’ GRAVES AT NEUVE EGLISE

(The first two casualties).]

[Illustration: CHURCH AND TOWN HALL, BAILLEUL.]

SECTION I.

THE ARTISTS RIFLES’

<b>Roll of Honour.</b>

At the call of King and Country, those of our comrades whom this Roll commemorates left all that was dear to them, endured hardships, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom.

Let those that come after see to it that their names are not forgotten.

CHRONOLOGICAL ROLL OF HONOUR.

KILLED IN ACTION, DIED OF WOUNDS, etc.

(_Alphabetical Index at end of Book._)

✠ = Military Cross.

† = _Died of Wounds._

1914.

1914. Nov. 27. WARREN, Sgt. Walter, 1/Artists _At Lindenhoek_ „ „ THOMPSON, Pte. William John, 1/Artists _At Lindenhoek_ Dec. 11. RAWLINS, Cpl. Glenrowan Edward Champion, 1/Artists _On Messines Ridge_ „ 18. PEARCE, 2/Lt. Geoffrey Vincent, 2/R. Warwick _Rouges-Bancs, Armentieres_ „ 19. MONK, 2/Lt. George Bertram,† 2/R. Warwick _Rouges-Bancs, Armentieres_ „ „ STANDRING, 2/Lt. Benjamin Arthur,† 2/R. Warwick _Rouges-Bancs, Armentieres_

1915.