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General => Armed Forces => Armed Forces Resources => Topic started by: Victor Harvey on Wednesday 02 September 15 14:03 BST (UK)
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William Fraser McDonell VC, Bengal Civil Service
McDONELL was the son of Aeneas Ranald McDONELL, Esq. (Madras Civil Service) and Juliana (nee WADE), spending much of his education at Cheltenham College (1841-1847) before moving to Hailbury, Herts, where he joined the Bengal Civil Service in 1850. When the Mutiny began seven years later, he was an Assistant Magistrate and Collector, and was close to the embattled town of Arrah, Bihar, India on 30th July when the relief force was compelled to retreat. All able-bodied men were called upon to assist the beleaguered soldiers, with McDONELL - who knew the terrain well - himself issued with a firearm.
McDONELL - whose hat bore two bullet holes - later estimated that 3,000 mutineers had launched the attack upon a group of about 450, with around 300 of the latter either killed, wounded or dying of wounds, or succumbing to disease as a direct result. During the same incident, Mr Ross MANGLES, also of the Bengal Civil Service, received a VC for "serving with the military during the siege, despite being wounded, (and carrying) a wounded soldier for several miles under heavy fire".
This account appears in The History of the Victoria Cross by Philip WILKINS. In the VC citation (Gazetted 17th February 1860, the official wording is that he "...guided the boat to safety by swimming alongside it". The VC and the DSO book concurs with the former description, adding "It was truly providential deliverance that (McDONNEL) escaped instant death", whilst one of the men saved by the Cheltonian ventured: "I may safely assert that it was owing to Mr McDONELL's presence of mind at his personal risk that our boat got across that day".
In spite of his ordeal in India, McDONNEL remained in the country after the Mutiny acting as a Settlement Officer in Shahabad until 1860. In later life he became a Judge of the High Court of Judicature in Calcutta - where he was highly respected - from 1874 until 1886, and returned to the UK following his retirement. He subsequently moved from London to Cheltenham and was appointed one of the Governors of Cheltenham College, as well as becoming a member of the Council. His health failing, McDONELL caught a chill on the East Gloucestershire Cricket Ground, near his home at Pitville House, and died from the effects of pneumonia on 31st July 1894, aged 64.
William McDONNEL, VC, lies buried at St Peter, Leckhampton, Cheltenham.
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Duncan Gordon BOYES, VC, Royal Navy
BOYES was born at 3 Paragon Buildings, off Bath Road, Cheltenham, 5th November 1846, the son of John BOYES, Esq. He attended Cheltenham College (1858-60) - a stone's throw from his birthplace - before joining the Royal Navy, and was later assigned to HMS Euryalus on the East Indies Station. In early September 1864, Western shipping came under fire from a Japanese warlord, prompting the British, French and Dutch navies to launch an attack on Japan in the Shimonoseki Straits. BOYES, a Midshipman, aged just seventeen, received a Victoria Cross on 6th September:
"For the conspicuous gallantry which, according to the testimony Captain ALEXANDER, CB... BOYES
displayed in the capture of the enemy's stockade. He carried a Colour (regimental standard) with
the leading company, kept it in advance of all, in the face of the thickest fire, his colour-sergeants
having fallen, one mortally, the other dangerously wounded, and he was only detained from
proceeding yet further by the orders of his superior officer. The Colour he carried was six times
pierced by musket balls".
His VC was gazetted on 21st April 1865, by which time he had been decorated by Admiral Michael SEYMOUR, GCB (Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth) on the Common at Southsea.
BOYES took his own life in Dunedin, New Zealand on 26th January 1869, at the age of just 22. His body was originally buried at Dunedin's Southern Cemetery, but, in 1954, it was re-interred at Anderson's Bay Cemetery.
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Born at Allabad, India, on 7th January 1843, he was the son of George Girdwood CHANNER, Royal Artillery, and attended Cheltenham College from 1856 until 1859. The College Register gives CHANNER's address as 4 Lansdown Crescent, Cheltenham.
Commissioned in 1859 - the year he left Cheltenham - George CHANNER was present during the North West Frontier of the India Campaign (1863-64), Jadoon Country (1864) and the Lushai Expedition of 1871-72 before proceeding to Malaya in 1875, where another native uprising had broken out. At Perak on 20th December, and serving with the '1st Goorkhas', Captain CHANNER led his men on a surprise capture of Malay strongholds in Bukit Putus, and received a VC.
"...for having with the greateat gallantry been the first to jump into the enemy's stockade to which
he had been dispatched with a small party of the 1st Gurkha Light Infantry...by the Officer
Commanding the Malacca Column to procure intelligence as to its strength, position, etc."
Moving stealthily to the rear of the native compound, CHANNER realised the defenders were cooking a meal and had not posted a lookout, so CHANNER beckoned his men forward before shooting dead the first of the enemy in sight. He then led a successful seizure of the position, prompting his CO to report that if CHANNER had not stormed the site by his "...foresight, coolness and intrepidity" when he did, "...a great loss of (British) life must have occurred", owing to the dense nature of the jungle and the steepness of the hill preventing the presence of a significant number of heavy guns from being brought in to assist the attack.
A veteran also of the Jowaki Expedition (1877-78) and Afghan War (1878-80), CHANNER commanded a Brigade during the Hazara Expedition of 1888, and was Mentioned in Despatches a number of times during his career. Married to Isabella in 1872, he became a CB in April 1889, and retired in 1901 with the rank of General. Plagued by ill-health for the last five years of his life, General CHANNER, VC, CB, died at his home in Westward Ho, Devon, on 13th December 1905, aged 62, and lies buried at nearby Bideford. CHANNER's son Hugh commanded the Guard of Honour when Grand Duke Michael of Russia arrived for the Coronation of Edward VII in August 1902.
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Born at Prestonfield, Edinburgh 16th June 1851 son of Robert Keith Alexander DICK-CUNNINGHAM, Bart. (later Sir), had moved to Cheltenham by the early 1860s, as his wife had died and he remarried Sarah HOTHERINGTON at St Luke, Cheltenham, 30th March 1864, and was resident at 'Polefield', Hatherley Road, Cheltenham.
William DICK-CUNNINGHAM joined the Royal Military College at Sandhurst as a Cadet, and became an Ensign in the Gordon Highlanders during 1872, receiving his promotion to Lieutenant the following year. After five years in the East Indies, he went to Afghanistan with the Gordons, and on 13th December 1879 he was at Sherpur Pass when the orders were given to attack the enemy who were positioned on a hill. During the advance, Lieutenant St. John FORBES and Colour Sergeant James ROBERTS both fell under heavy rifle fire, causing a momentary waver amongst the following ranks. Recognising the necessity for momentum, Lt. DICK-CUNNINGHAM rushed forward and rallied his men "through his example and cheering words". He called upon those near to follow him, and subsequently charged alone into the middle of the natives, rendering the attack successful. This earned him a VC (Gazetted 18th October 1881), but it provided another example of interpreting the Warrant, as an anonymous witness to the action commented in a letter which is contained within the former's file: "If Lt...DICK-CUNNINGHAM...is recommended for the Victoria Cross for doing what any officer would have done in like circumstances then the Cross is not worth striving for...". It is worth reiterating however, that DICK-CUNNINGHAM advances "alone" into the enemy when those around him were doubting the sanity of the attack continuing, and likewise in the case of Lt. LYSONS, when WOOD's initial order to deal with the Zulus on Hlobane Mountain was not met with universal acceptance, the prompt response of one individual often inspires the rest to perform greater tasks of endurance.
DICK-CUNNINGHAM served on transport duty during the Afghan War and with Major-General BIDDULPH of the Thull Chotali Force, becoming involved in many skirmishes with the enemy. The Cheltenham based officer was Mentioned in Despatches several times, including once with Earl ROBERTS, VC, in the Kurum Valley operations. Achieving the rank of Captain in 1881, the same year saw him switch to South Africa (known as the 1st Boer War), where he served in the Transvaal and became Adjutant of the Gordon Highlanders. DICK-CUNNINGHAM was severly wounded as he led his men into battle at Elandslaage shortly after arriving in South Africa, but recovered suficiently to re-join his men at the defence of Ladysmith - a town besieged by the Boers. On 6th January 1900, a "chance shot" from an enemy sniper 3,000 yards away caused fatal injuries, and he died from his wounds the following day. The Gloucestershire Echo was quick to report the tragic incident:
"The deepest regret will be felt in Cheltenham at the death of the valiant leader of the Gordons...
(He) was part of an ancient Scottish family in Midlothian, of which the present head, Sir W. DICK-
CUNNINGHAM, a Lieutenant in the Black Watch..."
(In the same edition of the newspaper, an eye-witness at Ladysmith commented: "In some of the trenches from which some of our men were driven, they were outnumbered five to one. It was only the steadfast gallantry of the British soldier that saved the day..."
Lt-Col W.H. DICK-CUNNINGHAM, lies buried at Ladysmith Cemetery in Natal, South Africa. He was the first of the Gloucestershire VCs to lose his life in combat, and his name is also to be found on the South African Memorial in Cheltenham's Promenade. The monument was unveiled in July 1907 by General Sir Ian HAMILTON, KCB, DSO.
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Although born at 5 Miles Road, Clifton, Bristol on 21st September 1881, close to the College and Zoo, REYNOLDS had stronger links with Cheltenham, and it was at 'Thorncliff' in Lansdown Road where the family moved shortly afterwards. REYNOLD's father, Henry, reached the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Engineers, whilst his mother, Eleanor, was the sister of Reverend (later Canon) GOODWYN, who was vicar at St Stephen in Cheltenham by the early years of the Great War.
Douglas REYNOLDS attended Cheltenham College as a Day Boy from 1892, later involving himself with the military and civil side of the establishment, and in 1898 he attended the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, joining the Royal Artillery the following year. He saw active service during the final months of the Boer War (1902), and then went to India, but by the Summer of 1914 he was preparing to go to Flanders with the first contingent of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). After the Battle of Mons (23rd August) the BEF was forced to retire due to overwhelming numbers of Germans advancing towards them, and so a desperate rearguard was put into effect. Three days later, the first two incidents which was to lead to Captain REYNOLDS receiving a VC took place: "At Le Cateau on 26th August he took up two teams and limbered up two guns under heavy artillery fire, and though the enemy was within 100 yards he got one gun away safely".
On 9th September, two weeks later, at Pysloup, "...reconnoitered at close range, discovered the (enemy) battery which was holding up the advance, and silenced it". Even before the VC had been gazetted (16th November 1914), Captain REYNOLDS was severely wounded by shrapnel, with a piece lodging so close to his heart it was decided not to risk surgery in order to remove it. Returning to duty, the Gloucestershire Echo later commented that "...the bullet did not greatly inconvenience him, although he felt it at times". REYNOLDS received his Victoria Cross from the King at Buckingham Palace on 13th January 1915, and he was also separately decorated with the Croix de Chevalier of the Legion of Honour by the President of the Republic for "...gallantry during the operations between August 21st and 30th". The Echo added that REYNOLDS was particularly pleased his two surviving comrades from the action at Le Cateau - Drivers LUKE and DRAIN - also each gained a VC.
REYNOLDS wed Doris PETERSEN, whose parents had addresses in Leatherhead and London, during March 1915, and the couple's son was born the following January. Doris's brother 2nd Lieutenant William PETERSEN of the 2nd Life Guards, was killed in action at Zillebeke, near Ypres, on 6th November 1914, "...leading his troops most gallantly as we advanced under heavy fire". REYNOLDS's sister was married to Colonel N. TAYLOR, of the 7th Gurkhas, who, as Military Governor of Kut-el-Amara in Mesopotamia (Iraq), came under siege from the Turks at the end of 1915. The garrison was surrendered the following April, only to be re-taken by the British eight months later.
Promoted to Major, REYNOLDS was hospitalised due to an explosion of a gas bomb in December 1915, and contracted septicaemia as a result, passing away at the Duchess of Westminster's Hospital in Le Touquet, France, from the effects of blood poisoning on 23rd February 1916, at the age of 34. He lies buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery "among other heroes", and is commemorated on the family grave at Leckhampton, Cheltenham.
Reporting on the officer's demise under the heading "Death of Cheltenham VC", the Echo added "... the sympathy of the (family's) many old friends in Cheltenham will be extended...". Major REYNOLDS is also remembered on the Roll of Honour at his former College in Cheltenham.
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A native of Woking, Surrey, he was born 13th October 1876, and went on to attend Harrow before joining the Royal Military College at Sandhurst. Commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers in 1897, he was present at the Battle of Omdurman in the Sudan the following year. WILLIS had several postings abroad in the early 1900s, becoming an outstanding sportsman, linguist and marksman. He married Maude Elizabeth TEMPLE in 1907, and the couple had three children.
By the outbreak of the First World War, WILLIS was already a Captain, and in 1915 he was part of the near-disasterous Gallipoli landings on 25th April, when he led 'C' Company of the 1st Lancashire Fusiliers ashore under the most intense fire from Turkish defenders at Cape Helles. As the rowing boats packed with Allied soldiers struggled towards 'W' Beach, casualties were horrendous, but once on dry land, WILLIS repeatedly shouted "Remember Minden"!" (a reference to a previous regimental engagement with the French in 1759), above the noise of the battle, inspiring his men towards their objective "displaying outstanding gallantry and leadership" whilst brandishing his walking stick throughout the chaos. Captain WILLIS was Elected by Ballot to receive a Victoria Cross (Gazetted 24th August 1915), one of the famous 'Six VCs Before Breakfast' of the initial Gallipoli assault. The Soldiers Died in the Great War CD-Rom reveals that a staggering 166 men in the ranks of the 1st Lancashire Fusiliers lost their lives on 25th April alone, and in a biography of WILLIS's life, the Gloucestershire Echo quoted the words of General Sir Ian HAMILTON, in command of the British forces in the Dardenelles, who described the defences at 'W' Beach as "...so strong...that the Turks may well have considered (them) impregnable". Despite this, the Lancashires were not driven back into the sea, and somehow managed to secure the position against overwhelming odds.
A few days later, after issuing some orders in Turkish, WILLIS was responsible for the surrender of a large contingent of the enemy, who obeyed the the British officer's commands thinking that they had come from one of their own. On 4th June, a bullet wound close to his head cut short his stint in Gallipoli, but during his recovery he was able to receive his VC from the King at Buckingham Palace on 21st September 1915. Later posted to the Western Front, WILLIS saw action on the Somme, at Messines and Passchendale, and became an Acting Lieutenant-Colonel in 1918, commanding 1st Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers through several tricky encounters as the war drew to a close. He then spent some time in Palestine as an Education Officer with the RAF, returning to London in the 1930s to work as a lecturer, and when the Second World War broke out - in spite of his advancing years - he re-enlisted as an Army Training Officer at Aldershot. Injured as a civilian during the Blitz, WILLIS took up teaching once more, eventually working at a School in Evesham well into his seventies.
Relocating to Cheltenham in 1958, WILLIS lost his wife two years later, and spent the remainder of his life at the Faithful House Nursing Home in the town's Suffolk Square. Failing health meant he could not make the 50th anniversary of Gallipoli's 'Lancashire Landings' at Bury in April 1965, but those veterans who did attend described Major WILLIS as a "legendary figure" who commanded the greatest respect and admiration from the men who served under him.
Spending the last few weeks of his life in Cheltenham General Hospital, Raymond WILLIS, VC, passed away on 9th February 1966, at the age of 89. He was cremated at Cheltenham, where a plaque dedicated to his bravery on 25th April 1915 - when nearly 70% of his men were killed or wounded during the first thirty minutes of the attack - was erected during the early part of the Millennium, in the presence of the Mayors of both Cheltenham and Bury. The Gloucestershire Echo, who revealed that WILLIS' two sons were in Africa, whilst his daughter was married to a Mr. ROSE, of Cheltenham, described the VC recipient as: "One of the outstanding heroes of the First World War".
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Duncan Gordon BOYES, VC, Royal Navy
Hi Victor
My GGGF was a Royal Marine on HMS Euryalus at Shimonoseki.
Two more VCs were awarded - http://www.euryalus.org.uk/stories-euryalus-vcs.htm .The three VCs were the only medals awarded, as it was considered a 'none medal' action. The US navy also had a ship there Ta' Kiang - a hired steamer.
Ken
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As the infantry struggled ashore at Gallipoli on 25th April, the Royal Navy was desperately trying to assist those disembarking under heavy fire from the Turkish defenders, and another man with residential links to Cheltenham was about to receive a VC. Born at Fawley, Nr Southampton, on 17th March 1864, the son of Herbert and Henrietta, he was educated in Cheltenham. A Merchant Navy officer for many years, he transferred to the Royal Navy during 1895, seeing active service in West Africa and during the Boer War, before retiring as Lieutenant-Commander in 1909. Recalled at the outbreak of the First World War, his home was Charlton Lodge, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, whilst his father was living at Arle Court, Gloucester Road, Cheltenham by 1914.
Edwin UNWIN was given command of Hussar in February 1915, and on 25th April, as a Commander, he was at 'V' Beach when the SS River Clyde - a converted collier vessel acting as a troop carrier - began its task of releasing men from the hull and into boats which would then be rowed to the shore-line. UNWIN had at his disposal a fleet of specially designed motor-lighters, and he and his men spent many hours in the water, exposed to horrendous machine-gun fire, attempting to manoeuvre the craft into position. Cold and exhaustion forced UNWIN back to the SS River Clyde, but against medical advice he returned to action, only seeking treatment after being injured for a third time, and even then he made yet another journey to the beach to rescue three wounded men.
Five Victoria Crosses were all Gazetted on 16th August 1915, by which time UNWIN had also taken part in the second major landings of the campaign, at the relatively more peaceful Sulva Bay further up the coast. (When trying to push inland, however, heavy casualties were again inflicted by the Turks, and the 7th Glosters - raised in Bristol at the outbreak of war - was almost annihilated). During the evacuation of the Gallipoli peninsular a few months later, UNWIN was reportedly the last man to leave Sulva, but not before he had rescued a soldier who had fallen overboard during the withdrawal. Commander UNWIN received his VC from the King at Buckingham Palace on 15th January 1916, and in consideration of his magnificent conduct throughout the costly Dardenelles operation, the naval officer was promoted to Captain. A host of other honours came his way, including a CB, CMG, French Legion of Honour, and the Order of the Nile (Egypt).
UNWIN retired from the Navy in 1920 and later moved to Surrey, where he collapsed and died on 19th April 1950, at the age of 86. By a strange coincidence, he was buried at St Luke's Churchyard, Grayshott, on 25th April - the 35th anniversary of the initial Gallipoli landings.
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Born at 'East Hayes' on Cheltenham's Pittville Circus Road, 3rd February 1885, KILBY was the son of Sandford and Alice (nee Scott). His father was involved in Customs and was formerly in the Bengal Police. Arthur KILBY attended Bilton Grange School in Rugby, Winchester College and then Sandhurst, joining the South Staffs in 1905. A Captain by 1910, he was another who went abroad with the first elements of the BEF in August 1914, and the following month he was reported to be "...separated (from his unit), wounded and missing between 25/26 September". The officer's father, who was living in Leamington Spa by this time, received a letter nearly a month later, written by Captain KILBY himself, describing how he had been "shot through the right arm and lung". Sandford KILBY was concerned that the official news pertaining to the unknown whereabouts of his son had reached him after the latter had informed him he was being cared for in a British Military Hospital. The Military Secretary wrote back to Mr. KILBY senior, informing him that "...the difficulty of reporting casualties from the Front is sometimes very great". Sandford KILBY also implored the authorities not to evacuate his son back to England as he was "...a very bad sailor...and sea-sickness might be very bad for him", bearing in mind the injury to his lung.
It was later revealed that Captain KILBY had also been wounded by an explosion on 26th August 1914 (three days on from the Battle of Mons), and after a spell in hospital, he had rejoined his battalion, whereupon he soon penetrated the German lines on his own bringing back valuable information. In mid-November 1914, severe fighting around Ypres saw some sections of the French army retreating, and the gaps were filled by men of the South Staffs, supervised by Captains KILBY and JOHNSON, both of whom were injured. KILBY received a Military Cross, but the combination of his wounds required him to convalesce in England, and he did not return to Flanders until the following May. Throughout August and into September KILBY carried out "...consistent good work, making some useful reconnaissances, imbuing all ranks with keenness by his example, reconnoitring German strong-points at close quarters along a narrow canal path. Major MORGAN commented later: "His...absolute fearlessness animated his whole Company with a spirit which will never be forgotten".
On 25th September 1915, a major British offensive began at Loos, and KILBY volunteered to lead the attack on a strongly-defended enemy redoubt, charging along the canal path with his men even though he was wounded at the outset. The murderous machine-gun fire was unrelenting, and KILBY fell fatally injured, yet he still urged his men onwards, firing at the Germans with his rifle as they hurled bombs at the attackers. The precise time or even date of his death is not certain, however Lance Corporal F. HALL, DCM, alluded to from an English hospital in October 1915:
"Informant (HALL) states that he last saw Captain KILBY at Quincy (Cuinchy) near Givenchy (on)
25th September with a shattered foot and wounded hand. Captain KILBY was lying on the canal side
between our lines and the enemy's shouting to his men to go forward, unable to go forward himself
he still kept encouraging his men...Captain KILBY was sinking very fast from the loss of blood when
Informant last saw him. It was impossible to render first-aid to anyone as the towing path on the
Canal side was swept with shell and machine-gun fire.
Another eye-witness stated he saw Captain KILBY "...dragging himself towards our line (with) one foot blown off". A short while later, the former looked again and the officer "seemed to be dead", lying in a hollow with "a film of gas just above it". Before the advance, KILBY's Brigadier had implored him to wait until half the Company had gone forward, realising the Captain's knowledge of the area was vital, but after problems with gas, the senior officer believed KILBY had deliberately led from the front to maintain impetus, and most probably knew he would be killed in the attempt.
After dark, search parties were sent out to look for the wounded, but Captain KILBY could not be found, and for official purposes he was posted as "wounded and missing, possible prisoner", although survivors were convinced that their leader could not have survived as he had been "hit several times". In October 1915, several white crosses were allegedly discovered, placed by the Germans, and bearing the name of, amongst others, Captain KILBY. This has never been verified, although it is said that the German battalion commander defending the position on 25th September later passed a message to the British which read: "The KILBY family may think of their son with pride, as we remember him with respect". Sandford KILBY wrote another letter to the War Office during February 1916, which informed them:
"I propose to publicly announce the fact that my son was killed in action on 25th September 1915...
He always said that if it was to be his fate to be killed in action he hoped he would die leading an
attack. He now lies with his gallant comrades around him, thus ending a noble and glorious career".
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Commenting on the alleged find of the German memorial placed in honour of the British dead, Mr KILBY added he believed the crosses were erected "...from purely chivalrous motives in generous recognition...of the 'superb heroism' of that attack, and must be accepted as conclusive evidence of the fate of officers and men whose names appear on them...". Captain KILBY was posthumously awarded a Victoria Cross (Gazetted 30th March 1915), and his name was originally engraved on the Loos Memorial to the Missing. He is also remembered on the War Memorial at Leamington Spa (his father's place of residence), and in addition there is a marble tablet in York Minster, a building the officer had visited in the past whilst pursuing his passion for architecture.
KILBY's body was eventually found and identified on 19th February 1929, and buried at the Arras Road Cemetery. Before receiving notification that Captain KILBY had been honoured with a VC, his father concluded: "We at any rate feel we have every reason to be proud of our only son who has died a hero for his King and Country". Referring to the Cheltenham-born VC, who was aged 30 when he died, CQMS ALLEN said simply: "He was worshipped by the men of his Company".
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Another individual decorated for gallantry at Loos, READ was born at 8.50 pm on 27th October 1884 at 14 'Beaumont', Leckhampton, Cheltenham, the son of John Moutray READ - a Major (later Colonel) in the 4th Cheshires and Edith (nee JOHNSON). He was educated at Glyngarth, a Prep School (now closed) in Douro Road, off Lansdown Road, Cheltenham and then Sandhurst College before receiving a commission in the Gloucestershire Regiment during 1903. Four years later he was in the Indian Army (where he became regimental heavyweight boxing champion many times), the Northamptonshire Regiment in 1911, and he joined the fledgling Royal Flying Corps the following year.
He went to France on 11th August 1914, and was later attached to the 9th Lancers. On the 24th, one of his comrades - Captain Francis GRENFELL - received a VC after taking part in a mounted charge against a large body of German infantry, and despite being wounded he assisted in extracting several guns under heavy fire. READ himself was severely injured during the Battle of the Ainse in September, and later rejoined the Northamptons when he had recovered sufficiently. A portion of his VC citation (Gazetted 18th November 1915) indicates he "showed conspicuous bravery during operations" at the end of August 1915, as well as being noted for bringing in a mortally wounded comrade under a heavy barrage. On 25th September, READ was at Loos, and the War Diary for the 1st Northants reveals:
"...at 5.50 am, the gas is turned on and enemy's rear position heavily shelled. There was
unfortunately very little wind and moreover owing to the fact that our position was in a salient, the
gas hung in our trenches and 'gassed' nearly two companies of the 60th (Kings Royal Rifle Corps).
(The attack) was unable to gain a footing owing to the gas hanging in the valley between the two
lines".
The first wave suffered heavy casualties, but the second recorded "success on both flanks, enemy in centre surrendered. By evening (we) had advanced two miles". Amongst the casualties is the name of Captain A. Moutray READ, and on 29th September, the War Diary gives more detail about the initial stages of the Loos advance:
"Captain READ had very gallantly gone out to rally a party of 60 men of different units who were
returning disorganised owing to the gas drifting back - the men were lead forward by him and took
up position south of Lone Tree; where they maintained themselves for some hours. Captain READ
was mortally wounded during this time".
His link with Bampton in Devon (where there is a plaque to his memory in the Parish Church) came about via his mother, who lived at nearby Castle Grove. Aged 30 (although his his grave shows '31') Captain READ, VC, lies buried at the Dud Corner Cemetery at Loos, and is also remembered on the Cheltenham War Memorial. His death was reported in the Gloucestershire Echo, describing him as the youngest son of the late Colonel J. Moutray READ, of Cheltenham. Referring to READ junior's illustrious boxing career, which also saw him gain the Army and Navy heavyweight championships three times in the UK, one of the judges remarked: "READ wins, because he never accepts defeat, and never knows when he is beaten". A similar sentiment is engraved upon his headstone.
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James was born in the Halifax area of Yorkshire on 7th July 1884, the son of Farquhar. His brother, Kenneth, was born two years earlier at Slead Hall, Brighouse, Yorkshire, and lost his life in action on 7th November 1914 at Ploegsteert Wood on the French/Belgian border. The brothers' paternal grandfather, William, hailed from Aberdeen.
Both Kenneth and James FORBES-ROBERTSON were educated at Cheltenham College (the latter from 1897 until 1902) following their parents' move to the town around 1890. The family first lived at Langton Lodge, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham before moving to 2 Keynsham Bank, off London Road, Cheltenham. James was commissioned into the Border Regiment during 1904, gaining promotion to Lieutenant two years later, and by the outbreak of war he was a Temporary Captain (appointed Staff Captain on 28th November 1914), by which time his brother, Kenneth - a Captain in the Seaforth Highlanders - was dead. Farquhar FORBES-ROBERTSON had passed away during 1912, and lies buried in Cheltenham Cemetery, where his fallen son is also commemorated on the headstone.
T/Major James FORBES-ROBERTSON was awarded a Military Cross during 1916, receiving his medal in June 1917 - the same month the London Gazette revealed a DSO was also coming his way. The citation reads:
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of his battalion during...an attack.
He collected all the men he could find, and, taking up a position on the outskirts of the village,
brought the hostile advance to an end by his fire. He undoubtedly saved a very critical situation by
his promptness, bravery and example".
A Bar to his DSO was Gazetted on 23rd March 1918: "He led his battalion with great dash and determination in a successful attack. Later, during continuous enemy attacks, though he was wounded in the eye and unable to see, he was led about by an orderly among his men in the front line, encouraging them and inspiring them by his magnificent example of courage and determination". Over the period 11/12th April 1918, the British lines were under the most severe pressure, and with little or no immediate reserves available to bolster the already beleaguered defences. Field Marshall Sir Douglas HAIG, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces on the Western Front, issued his famous Order of the Day: "There is no other course open to us but to fight it out. Every position must be held to the last man. There must be no retirement. With our backs to the wall and believing in the justice of our cause each one of us must fight to the end". During the Battle of Estaires in France, Acting Lt-Col (James) FORBES-ROBERTSON carried out this directive almost to the letter, and received a Victoria Cross in the process:
"For most conspicuous bravery whilst commanding his battalion through heavy fighting. Through his
quick judgement, resource and untiring energy and magnificent example, (he) on four separate
occasions saved the line from breaking, and averted a situation which might have had the most
serious and far-reaching results. On the first occasion, when troops in front were falling back, he
made a rapid reconnaissance on horse back in full view of the enemy, and under heavy machine gun
fire and close range shell fire. He then organised and, still mounted, led a counter attack, which was
completely successful in re-establishing our line. When his horse was shot under him he continued
on foot. Later on the same day, when the line of troops to the left of his line were giving way, he
went to that flank and checked and steadied the line inspiring confidence by his splendid coolness and
disregard of personal danger. His horse was wounded three times and he was thrown five times".
"The following day when the troops on both flanks were forced to retire, he formed a post at
Battalion Headquarters, and with his Battalion still held his ground, thereby covering the retreat of
troops on his flanks. Under the heaviest fire this gallant officer fearlessly exposed himself (to danger)
when collecting parties, organising and encouraging. On a subsequent occasion, when troops
were retiring on his left, and the condition of things on his right was obscure, he again saved the
situation by his magnificent example and cool judgement. Losing a second horse, he continued alone
on foot until he had established a line to which his own troops could withdraw and so conform to
the general situation".
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In the 1st Border Regiment's War Diary, the first entry for 12th April reads: "7.00 am Enemy attacking along the whole line...". At 6.00 pm it was reported: "The line...was held by remnants of the Battalion".
FORBES-ROBERTSON's Victoria Cross was Gazetted on 22nd May 1918. After the war he was appointed to the 2nd Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders by special selection, and in 1932 became the Commanding Officer of the 152nd (Seaforth and Camerons) Infantry Brigade, Territorial Army.
Brigadier-General James FORBES-ROBERTSON, VC, DSO & Bar, MC passed away in Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos on 5th August 1955, aged 71. His funeral was held at St Lawrence in the town, with Rev. J. K. NETTLEFOLD officiating, and the Gloucestershire Echo revealed the officer's Victoria Cross and other decorations were carried on his coffin, which was draped in the Union Flag. Interment followed at Cheltenham Borough Cemetery, where the Last Post and Long Reveille were sounded by Drummer WAKEFIELD, from the Carlisle Depot of the Border Regiment, who wore a uniform of the 1910 period. The VC's widow, Hilda, and the couple's three children were the chief mourners, accompanied by, amongst others, representatives of the officer's former regiments.. FORBES-ROBERTSON's mother reached the grand age of 96, and died at 2 Keynsham Bank - the family's home for over fifty years - in December 1946. She now lies buried with her husband.
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Described in his obituary in The Times as an "...almost legendary figure...of the First World War", his full set of medals spanning two global conflicts was sold to a private collector at auction for £155,000 during 2003. BEAK was born in Southampton, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. BEAK on 27th July 1891, and for two years prior to the outbreak of the Great War he lived at Cambray in Cheltenham, employed in charge of the nearby YMCA. Enlisting in the town, he joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve on 26th January 1915, soon becoming a Petty Officer and then Sub Lieutenant. BEAK saw service in France and Gallipoli, witnessing the evacuation of the latter, and returned to France as an infantry officer shortly afterwards. Within the space of seven months, the announcement of his Military Cross and Bar were made public:
"Conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his men in the attack with great courage and initiative,
and materially assisted in the capture of the enemy line. He set a fine example throughout".
"For conspicuous gallantry during operations, when he continually dashed forward, under heavy fire,
to reorganise the men, and led them on with great bravery through the enemy barrage and machine
gun fire".
BEAK was decorated with his MC and Bar on 23rd May and 28th November 1917 respectively. The following July, a DSO was bestowed upon his:
"Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a night attack by the enemy...the right flank
of his division was left in a dangerous position. He arranged for a flank to be formed in that direction,
and subsequently covered the retirement of two brigades with a composite rearguard which he
organised and commanded. His initiative and presence of mind greatly assisted in extricating these
brigades from a difficult situation. Throughout, the skillful handling of his battalion was particularly
noticeable".
Remaining on the Western Front, Temporary Commander BEAK was at Logeast Wood in France over the time-span of late August into September 1918, when he was awarded a VC:
"...for most conspicuous bravery, courageous leadership and devotion to duty during a prolonged
period of operations. He led his men in an attack, and despite heavy machine gun fire, four enemy
positions were captured. His skillful and fearless leadership resulted in the complete success of the
operation and enabled other battalions to reach their objectives. Four days later, although dazed by
a shell fragment...he rushed forward, accompanied by only one runner, and succeeded in breaking
up a nest of machine guns, personally bringing back nine or ten prisoners. His fearless example
instilled courage and confidence in his men, who then quickly resumed the advance under his
leadership, and his initiative, coupled with the confidence with which he inspired all ranks, not only
enabled his men and a neighbouring unit to advance, but contributed materially to the success of the
Naval Division in these operations".
Gazetted just days after the Armistice, BEAK received his Victoria Cross from the King early in the next year. The Freedom of the County Borough of Southampton was conferred upon him shortly afterwards, but he still maintained links with Cheltenham, and was photographed at the town's railway station during 1919, by which time he had transferred to the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Switching to the Kings Regiment in 1932, when Major BEAK was promoted to Brigadier in 1940 and commanded the 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment, seeing active service in France. An Acting Major-General by 1941, he was the General Officer Commanding at Malta the following year, finishing his army career with no fewer than twelve (gallantry and campaign) medals.
Major-General D.M.W. BEAK, VC, DSO, MC and Bar, died on 3rd May 1967, at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon, following a long illness. The 75 year old was buried at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey, one of fourteen VC holders interred here, although BEAK's final resting place is not marked by any memorial or headstone.
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Born in Somerset, COLLINS received a VC in Palestine on 31st October 1917:
"When his battalion was forced to lie in the open under heavy shell and machine-gun fire, he went out
alone to bring back many wounded in the British lines. He then led the final assault on Wadi Saba with
great skill, despite heavy fire at close range and uncut wire, killing fifteen of the enemy. With a Lewis
gun section he effectively covered the re-organisation and consolidation of men under heavy fire".
Also awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the Great War, Sergeant COLLINS - enlisted towards the end of the 1890s - spent time at Leckhamption Hospital, near Cheltenham, as the conflict drew to a close. Leckhampton Court, one of the oldest medieval houses in Gloucestershire, was used as a Red Cross Hospital throughout the First World War, and is now a Sue Ryder Home caring for cancer sufferers. Just down the road is a Leonard Cheshire Home for the Disabled. Sue Ryder, who worked for the Special Operations Executive in the Second World War, married Group Captain Leonard CHESHIRE, VC, in 1959. From 1940 until 1944, CHESHIRE completed a total of 100 missions for Bomber Command, enduring untold dangers - whilst displaying "...the courage and determination of an exceptional leader". The homes and hospices he and his wife later set up are now nationwide.
Sergeant John COLLINS, VC, survived the 1914-18 war and died in Wales during 1951, aged 70.
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Born in Plymouth, during 1847, part of his education - according to Sir O'Moore CREAGH's book 'The VC and DSO' - was spent in Cheltenham, but this detail does not appear in other VC sources. (CHARD's death was reported in a Cheltenham newspaper, yet the information regarding him being educated in the town - which had it been widely known would have been expected to appear in print as a source of interest to the readers - is not included). It is revealed in some publications that the young CHARD received private tuition before joining the RE, although no locations are given. His service record gives no indication either of this period.
At Rorke's Drift over the period January 22nd/23rd 1879, CHARD and Lieutenant BROMHEAD were the two senior officers, who organised the famous defence of the outpost, holding back the might of the Zulu army. Queen Victoria later insisted that the names of the two men - whose VCs were Gazetted on 2nd May 1879 - along with those of Lieutenants COGHILL and MELVILL (killed at Isandlwana immediately prior to Rorke's Drift), should be inscribed on the Regimental Colour of the 24th Foot. (This is the same Colour which the latter duo attempted to save when the situation at Isandlwana became hopeless. The famous symbol now rests at Brecon Cathedral - the depot of the 24th Foot.
CHARD later reached the rank of Colonel. He died in 1897, aged 49, and lies buried at Hatch Beauchamp in Somerset. Amongst the family mourners at his funeral were his brother-in-law and sister, Captain and Mrs HEYCOCK from Cheltenham**. Colonel ROGERS commanding 1st Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment VRE, and Major CREGAN, also of Cheltenham, attended in uniform, whilst Queen Victoria sent a personal wreath. Colonel BELL, RE, who was awarded a VC during the Ashanti Wars in West Africa (as was Lord GIFFORD of Ampney Park near Cirencester, Glos) was another senior officer in attendance.
(** In Kelly's Directory for Gloucestershire dated the same year, Charles HEYCOCK is listed as living at Southcourt House, Leckhampton Road, Cheltenham, whilst Major CREGAN - Adjutant of the Gloucestershire RE Volunteers - resided at Coxhorne House, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham. The HQ of his Regiment was in Swindon Road, Cheltenham).
CHARD's nephew, Captain C.J.C. BARRETT, was killed in action during November 1914.