Charles Barnes and the 9th Lancers - 99 years ago today

[Sepoy]

Charles Leo Barnes was born in Preston, Lancashire during 1887, the son of Charles and Ellen Barnes.

By the time the 1911 Census was completed, Charles had enlisted in London and was serving as L/528 Private C L Barnes, 9th (Queen’s Royal) Lancers at Lydd Camp, Lydd, Kent.

With the outbreak of War on 4th August, 1914, Charles was stationed with the 9th Lancers at Tidworth. He landed in France, with B Squadron, 9th Lancers, on 15th August, 1914 eventually moving up support the BEF near Mons.

Following the Battle of Mons on 23rd August, 1914, the 9th Lancers began the long retreat

The War Diary - 24th August, 1914

After the withdrawal of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade from Thulin in the evening of the 23rd August, it fell back to Marliere holding the line of the Railway one mile to the north of two Regiments.

On the morning of the 24th at 4.00 a.m. a reconnaissance Squadron of 9th Lancers was sent to Thulin with orders to patrol north to the canal.
At 7.00 a.m. German Infantry supported by Artillery advanced to the Mons-Valenciennes Road where it was checked by the Brigade supported by “L” Battery Royal Horse Artillery in position at the first “E” of Eloges.

Before the Cavalry Division moved south west about 10.30 a.m. my orderly Officer, Lieutenant Armstrong, 10th Hussars took a message from the Divisional Headquarters to the General Officer Commanding 5th Division. An hour later he returned with a message to the effect that 5th Division required the support of the Cavalry Division on the left flank to enable it to retire. In consultation with the General Officer Commanding 3rd Cavalry Brigade, I decided to halt at Angre until G.O.C.Division had received this message and signalled to the 18th Hussars (less one Squadron) then holding Audregnies to remain there.

On the return of the G.O.C.Division, he ordered me to reoccupy the position we had vacated north of that town. On arrival there myself with the 18th Hussars and “L” Battery, R.H.A., I directed Major Sclater-Brooke to take up a good position for his Battery. Before this was accomplished a strong counter attack was seen advancing south east from Quievran and a heavy infantry fire opened at a range of 800 yards.

I rode back to the village where I met Lt Colonel Campbell, commanding 9th Lancers and ordered him at all costs to check the hostile advance adding “It may even be necessary for your Regiment to charge”. I then rode to meet the 4th Dragoon Guards and ordered Lt Colonel Mullens to support the 9th Lancers with his Regiment and to assume charge of the defence on the north east of the river until my return. I then rode west to give the situation to the G.O.C.Division whom I met shortly afterwards.

Just then I saw three Squadrons of 9th Lancers charge the German Infantry. The charge was well led and gallantly executed by all Squadrons. The actual effect was marred by a wire fence between the Squadrons and the enemy. The morale effect was complete as the enemy did not advance beyond the wire for four hours and gave time for the 5th Division to retire in good order. I then returned to the town and withdrew units in succession.

“L” Battery magnificently handled by Major Sclater-Brooke did great execution on the German Infantry and in spite of concentrated Artillery fire, from several Batteries of the enemy, withdrew in perfect order after firing all its ammunition. By its support I was able to withdrew all my Squadrons in action to a position from where they could retire with small loss.

Later, I marched to the south for three miles and wet to billets in Ruesnes, having with me “L” Battery and about 150 men, the bulk of the Brigade having joined the Division earlier in the afternoon. My losses were heavy and although being unable to obtain accurate particulars owing to the continuous firing ever since. I do not think they will exceed 20% of my fighting strength.

5 Men - Killed in Action
5 Officers - Wounded
32 Men - Wounded
1 Officer - Missing
41 Men – Missing

L/528 Private Charles Leo Barnes was reported “Missing” after the charge of the 9th Lancers at Audregnies on 24th August, 1914.

He is commemorated on the La Ferte Sous Jouarre Memorial, France.

[Wendy Macpherson]

Remembered

[GraemeClarke]

Morning Sepoy

You wouldn't have the War Diary for

Sunday 18 October 1914

by any chance. Researching a man from "D" Squadron killed in action this day.

Many thanks,

Graeme

[jbw541]

R.I.P.

[barkalotloudly]

those heady days of 1914...... when it was all a great adventure and we were going to give the dastardly huns a good pasting

[Michelle Young]

I was at Audregnies last month. Those little plots of graves in the communal cemeteries don't get many visitors, but they are not forgotten

Michelle