Hedley Malloch Posted 21 March , 2003 Share Posted 21 March , 2003 Remembering all those who died 85 years ago today on the opening day of the Michael Offensive. And remembering, too, two who lived: Ernst Jünger and the nameless British soldier whose life he spared at Bullecourt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffsyeoman Posted 21 March , 2003 Share Posted 21 March , 2003 And the members of "The Suicide Club" who remained in their positions providing covering fire to the infantry's retreat until the ammo ran out, or their luck... Many awards were gained (I hate saying 'won') that day by the MGC - quite a few not on the recommendation of the MGC chain of command, but of the infantry COs they were supporting. See Lyn Macdonald's "To the Last Man" for examples. And, tomorrow, remember Harry Columbine of 9 Sqn MGC (Cavalry) "On 22 March 1918 at Hervilly Wood, France, Private Columbine took over command of a gun and kept firing it from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in an isolated position with no wire in front. During this time wave after wave of the enemy failed to get up to him, but at last with the help of a low-flying aircraft the enemy managed to gain a strong foothold in the trench. As the position was now untenable, Private Columbine told the two remaining men to get away, and although he was being bombed on either side, he kept his gun firing, inflicting losses, until he was killed by a bomb which blew up him and his gun." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ian Bowbrick Posted 21 March , 2003 Share Posted 21 March , 2003 Here's to the men of the 'Young Buffs', the 9th Bn East Surrey Regiment and their stand at St Quentin. Remembered today at the Regimental church in Kingston-upon-Thames. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Somme1916 Posted 21 March , 2003 Share Posted 21 March , 2003 The whole 9th Scottish Division especially the South African's whose great stand on the 24th may have done more to save the UK 5th Army than most people realize. Well at least that's my opinion. We will remember them. Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reed Posted 21 March , 2003 Share Posted 21 March , 2003 I was driving through Bullecourt and some of the 21st March '18 sites on my way to Ypres this morning; there was a heavy mist and some fog on the Somme today - typical of the weather on most parts of the front 85 years ago... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hill 60 Posted 22 March , 2003 Share Posted 22 March , 2003 21 March 1918 - Private William Swain (my great uncle 'Fat'), 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. Killed in Action near to Holnon, France. Buried at Chappel Military Cemetery, Holnon. Commemorated in the 1914-1918 website's 'Heroes' Section. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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