Grenadier "Old Contemptibles"

[ATNOMIS]

Pals

Another picture. Sorry no names but I am sure we can get some details?

Enjoy

Atnomis

[KevinBattle]

Just THIRTEEN survivors from the entire 2nd Battalion of August 1914.... that brings home the scale of casualties.....

Geoffs gives a total of 1,435 deaths for the 2nd Battalion..........

[CT-Guards]

Nice photos once again.

Cheers

[ATNOMIS]

CT

E mail sent...

Cheers

Atnomis

[Muerrisch]

Just THIRTEEN survivors from the entire 2nd Battalion of August 1914.... that brings home the scale of casualties.....

Geoffs gives a total of 1,435 deaths for the 2nd Battalion..........

If we will believe that, we will believe anything.

I do not have stats for the battalion, but I do have stats for another distinguished unit, 2nd RWF, the second fighting unit to reach France [by minutes] and continuously on the Western Front. There is a famous photo of their 'surviving Old Contemptibles', only 10 men.

Of the almost 1100 all ranks who landed 11/13th Aug 1914, about 450 died of all causes by the end of 1919, according to the Roll of the 1914 star. Of the survivors, many were wounded to one degree or another [some mentally, some wounded more than once, some wounded then subsequently killed], of these, some returned to the unit, some went to stiffen other units of the regiment, some went to other regiments, and a substantial number were fit for the Labour Corps but not combat. The myth that the BEF was reduced to a cadre by Christmas 1914 is just that, a myth.

As a footnote, the dead of 2nd RWF amount to about 1200 all ranks, but some 4000+ plus served in the unit during the war.

I am, of course, ready to be astounded!

[CT-Guards]

Not sure about the claim and I don't have my sources at hand but 1st CG on the 15th Sept 1916;

The Battalion went into the attack with 17 officers & 690 other ranks, and came out with 3 officers (one of those was wounded), and 221 other ranks.

Not much to support the discussion but thats just one days fighting.

[ianw]

I wonder is there a nominal roll for 2nd GG in August 1914?

[CT-Guards]

I believe there is a nominal roll (no sources to hand - currently at work).

Like I say I cant substantiate the claim made on the cutting but it's possible there talking men fit for duty and taking into consideration transfers, illness, demob, wounded etc, etc.

[Tyneside Chinaman]

Hello

Check the 1914 Star Medal Roll if its recorded the same as 2/DLI which it should be, it will give date into France and reason for leaving the battalion.

Simply cross ref against SDGW and the guards SWB lists

That will give a fairly accurate figure although some wounded may be missed out as not being discharged,

Some keen Grenadier expert will havet he answer tomorrow.

I am currently doing 12 & 13 DLI and 50 names a night is good going

regards

John