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Remembered Today:

Action at Elouges/Audriengies 24 Aug 1914


bcerha

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I am doing some research on this action involving 1 CHESHIRE, 1 NORFOLKS, 9L, 4DG and 119 Bty RFA and whilst I have a number of the more well known sources and histories I was wondering whether any pals had by any chance come across any little known or obscure accounts/diaries/letters or other gems that I might not be aware of, and which I could tap into for more information. All and any answers gratefully recieved.

Many thanks

Regards

David

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David (initially I called you Peter, dont know where the hell I got that from-apologies :huh: )

Have you read the book Tickled To Death To Go by Richard van Emden- it's the story, in the his own words, of Trooper Ben Clouting, who was in the 4th Dragoon Guards and took part in the charge at Audriegnies.

It's one of my favorite great war books, although I've never managed to own a copy- I've read it quite a few times from my local library.

I've reviewed the book in the Book Reviews section Here.

It might be worth trying to see a copy to get a first hand account of the action

Spike

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HMSO bookshop, Army Battlefield Guide, Belgium and Northern France by Prof Richard Holmes which was produced for Sandhurst Officer's trips to Europe. Maps and all.

ISBN0-11-772762-8 £ 19.95.

Aye

Malcolm

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David Ascoli talks about the action and the units involved in his book The Mons Star (ISBN 1841581275). I am sure he has further references in his bibliography.

Andy

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  • 9 years later...

Hi David

My dad (yes Dad) fought in the action at Elouge/Audregnies as a Captian in the 1st Battalion Cheshires and was wounded but survived as a POW. With the 100th centenary upon us I am keen to find out more about this! I wonder what you have found and whether you are still interested in snippets that I might have.

If anyone else can help that would be great!

Paddy

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Graham C has a fine account of the action of the 1st. Cheshires,your relative is mentioned with details

"Grandads war" 1st. Cheshires

Colin.

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Colin

I have sent email to Graham C

Is " Grandads War" 1st Cheshires a book?

Do you have details and many thanks for quick response

Paddy

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Jerry Murland's Retreat and Rearguard 1914 covers this episode very well and refers in detail to a number of eyewitness accounts. Jerry's reconstruction of events appears to be the most detailed and best researched of all I have read. He at least questions some of the claims such as De Lisle's claim that Fergusson allegedly thanked him for 'saving' 5th Div. Murland is more objective than most authors on this topic.

There are over a dozen published books that cover these related actions. Some fall into the trap of repeating early slightly distorted versions of events and pull up short of covering the consequences, in particular the fate of the 1st Bn Cheshire Regt.

The Marquess of Anglesey's volume on the Cavalry (vol VII from memory) is also objective and provides a refreshing critique of the cavalry action that day.

MG

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David

Probably no gems - few posts from my Blog:

http://northumbriangunner.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/mons-action-at-elouges.html

http://northumbriangunner.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/mons-action-elouges-cheshires-last-stand.html

This may be more useful - a transcript of a report from the War Diary of 119th Battery RFA on the Battery at Elouges:

http://northumbriangunner.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/elouges-first-gunner-vc-of-great-war.html

Report of the action of the 119th Battery at ELOUGES August 24th 1914

On the afternoon of Aug 24th 1914 the 119th Battery formed part of the flank guard under Lt Colonel Balland, Norfolk Regt. Near ELOUGES. One section uner Lieut. C.O.D. PRESTON was detached about 500 yards on the right of the other 2 sections. After the remainder of the 5th Division had the retired the Germans worked round the right and took this section in rear. It was ordered to retire. Lieut. Preston was wounded. The section moved by a road in front of the other two sections towards the left. While moving along the road it was caught up by a Cavalry Brigade retiring at a fast pace and carried along by them. They were under very heavy shell fire. One of the lead horses was shot and Sgt. McCartney dismounted and cut it out. After going for about half a mile Lieut Preston halted his section and brought it into action against German Cavalry. Afterwards he took on German Infantry and Machine Guns until they got within 800 yards of the guns. He then sent one gun out of action & was again wounded. Sgt McCartney took his gun under cover and then rode back to assist Lt Preston to get the other away. The wagon of this sub-section was found not to be following the gun and Lieut Preston went back to try to get it away, but was unable to do so as most of the horses were killed. Altogether he was wounded 4 times twice severely. He was put in an Ambulance & Sgt McCartney brought the section away. The other 4 guns remained in action longer. When they were ordered to retire it was necessary to run back by hand under cover owing to the heavy fire. Captain Grenfell, 9th Lancers asked if he could assist in anyway. He was asked if he could help running the guns back by hand as owing to heavy casualties few men were available. One gun was run back by the men of the Battery & then the men of 9th Lancers assisted in running back the remainder of most of the guns & most of the wagons. After that the Battery retired. Captain Grenfell was wounded before and again while assisting the 119th , but he still continued to help. The conduct of the 9th Lancers was splendid as at least 3 German Batteries were concentrated on the 119th (one on its right flank) there was considerable infantry fire brought on the men at the same time, by German infantry on the mining dumps 4 to 600 yds away. While retiring one wagon & a limber were hit by shells and had to be abandoned. 2 officers and 48 men in the Battery were killed & wounded and 4 missing. 43 horses were killed and several wounded.

Quite interesting in that no where does it ouline any actions by Major Alexander.

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Colin

I have sent email to Graham C

Is " Grandads War" 1st Cheshires a book?

Do you have details and many thanks for quick response

Paddy

Hi Paddy

Have received your personal message and tried to phone, and will try again later. "Grandadswar" is my website about my Granddad who fought with your dad - mine was in 'D' Company, under Capt. E.R. Jones. Your dad was 2nd in Command of 'C' Coy. under Capt. Dugmore.

The website is in my signature below - but for ease is: http://grandadswar.mrallsophistory.com/ - hope to talk to you soon.

Graham

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Paddy,

Glad you managed to contact Graham C, a good site & with all the other info., you have it all..

Cheers,

Colin.

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