Berkshire Yeomanry

[Wardog]

One hundred years on- in memory of the lads who fought on this day. Regards, Paul.

[AndrewFrench]

Thanks Paul,

Spent the afternoon in Reading.

At 5 o'clock just as the men of the 2nd Brigade 100 years ago were starting the advance from Chocolate hill to Scimitar Hill, we unveiled the Potts VC paving stone.

The fallen were in my thoughts all day as I imagined what they were doing hour- by-hour.

Regards

Andrew

[Ravrick]

Hi,

just thought I would mention 2075 Pte Frank Martin, D Sqn Berks Yeo who was wounded on the 21st and DOW at sea 100 years ago today.....RIP. Still trying to locate a photo of him...

Rick

[Mark Hargreaves]

Andrew,

Concerning immediate pre-war organisation. Did the Troops of each Squadron each have their own drill hall/barracks/stables? If so.... where were they in Abingdon and Faringdon? I have often wondered this.

Also.... can I find the 1/1 Berks Yeo War diary from August 1914 to April 1915 at the National Archives? No... but I notice that you quote the "Regimental Diary" in an earlier posting mentioning the dismissal of the Band upon mobilisation. Does the Regimental Museum have a copy?

BTW. I teach at St Hugh's School that now occupies Carswell Manor, owned and extended between 1892 and 1897 by Lt. W E G Niven. Sold in 1910.

[AndrewFrench]

Hi Mark

Thanks for question.

The unit had drill halls and drill station

The former were owned by the Berks TF Association and had stores, offices, etc and a central room for training / parades. Drill stations wre rented by the TF for use of the troops. Perhaps the village schoolroom or parish room for the regular drill night. Obviously they lacked any storage or office space.

Each troop had either drill hall or drill station

As to where I the Abingdon and Faringdon drill stations were - let me do some digging and I will get back to your

Regards

Andrew

[Mark Hargreaves]

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for that. Having asked the question I relaised just how lazy that was of me so I started digging.

I believe Abingdon Troop had a drill station (as you say as there would have been no storage or office space) in "The Old School Room". This refers to what we in Abingdgon now call the "The Roysse Room" and it forms part of the Guildhall complex. Mr Roysse's original school room which went on to become Abingdon School. A rather splendid room today used for wedding receptions and other civil functions:

http://www.abingdon.gov.uk/about-guildhall/roysse-room

From what I can find out, the Faringdon troop drill station was an ex-girls school at the top of London Street, Faringdon. Now a private dwelling:

http://www.drillhalls.org/CountyImages/Berkshire/Faringdon%202%20small.jpg

Finding D Sqdn's HQ in Wantage was rather straight forward. I guess it was the Alma Drill Hall on Springfield Road, Wantage. Sharing this with Royal Berks TF?: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3228407

It seems that this building has been converted to flats if the trampoline in the garden on the image from Google Street View is anything to go by.

I also found a reference that suggests that the "Old Coffee House" on Wantage Market place was once the HQ... I quite like this idea. Perhaps close to where D Sqdn mustered in August 1914 in this wonderful photo:

[AndrewFrench]

Hi Mark

You have dome rather better than me. Thanks for information

Abingdon

I have no knowledge but in a Berks TF meeting of March 1914 "Permission has been received for the hiring of a building at Didcot as a Drill Station for the detachment of the Berkshire Yeomanry."

Faringdon

No information

Wantage

• There is a guest house in Wantage called Yeomanry House which I believe was the HQ prior to the new drill hall. see photo below believed to be taken in back garden.

• Berks TF meeting March 1914 - "It was reported that the building of the new Headquarters at Wantage for the Yeomanry and Infantry units stationed there were practically completed, and will be reading for occupation as soon as the roadway leading to the building has been made. "

• The town was seething with excitement on Tuesday evening subsequent to the reception of notices ordering the mobilisation of the Army, Reservist and Territorial Force, which were placarded outside the Town Hall, and exhibited in the Post Office. A large crowd eagerly gathered outside the Armoury in the Market Place where members of the Half "C" Company of the Royal Berkshire Regiment and "D" Squadron of the Berkshire Imperial [sic] Yeomanry, and National Reservists were reporting themselves, and whence many people repaired to the Drill Hall to billet for the night. The enthusiasm of certain people did not subside till a late hour. North Berks Herald, 8 August 1914
• On the news becoming known that the Territorials had been ordered to mobilise great excitement prevailed in the town on Wednesday evening. And when the Territorials had mobilised at the new Drill Hall the town seemed highly roused. Later in the evening enthusiastic crowds assembled round the King Alfred statue when Loyal songs were sung and the national anthem again and again amidst great enthusiasm. Faringdon Advertiser Saturday 8 August 1914

• Springfield Rd drill hall was use post WW1 by 396 (Berks Yeo) Bty until outbreak of WW2

Regards

Andrew​​

[Mark Hargreaves]

Andrew,

Excellent! Wantage HQ here, just off the Market Place: http://www.yeomanryhouse.co.uk/ There has been new development to the rear of the hotel and sadly the roof line in the photo would have changed.... I might just contact them and take a copy of the 1911 garden photo with me and see if they will let me in back garden for a shuftie.

I have drawn a blank on the location of the Didcot drill station. A lot of redevelopment over the past decades in the old town area so I don't hold out much hope.

Mark

[Wardog]

I would be interested if anyone finds information on the building used by the Lambourn Troop. Regards, Paul.

[AndrewFrench]

I am hoping to post an image here for Frederick Percy Clark 2/1st Berkshire Yeomanry from "Old Harry" - watch this space

[Kate Hodson]

I don't suppose anyone has any further information about Trooper Frederick Henry Ford? He was one of our Old Boys and is part of a project I am leading to bring the men who died in the war 'back' to our pupils. I know his service no. was 1970 and he died on 15th August 1915, aged 20.  I believe he was a member of A Squadron, 1/1st Berkshire Yeomanry but beyond that I know very little.

[AndrewFrench]

Hi Kate

I can provide some information and also a photo of him. What is the school?

Regards

Andrew

 

[Kate Hodson]

Hi Andrew, Freddie Ford was a pupil of Wellington School, Somerset.

 

Thanks

Kate

[AndrewFrench]

Hi Kate

 

Ford  Private Frederick Henry No. 1970 Born Sharcott Wilts. Lived Bottlesford, enlisted Windsor [First reported as missing The Times 25^th Sept 1915] Killed in Action Gallipoli 21/8/1915 [not 15th August but on the assault on Scimitar Hill} Soldiers Died CD Member of A (Windsor) Sqdn. Form his number 1970 we can tell he enlisted on or around 5th August 1914. He was posted to No.3 Troop which recruited in peacetime in and around Wokingham.

The general unit history of the 1/1st up to Gallipoli you should be able to google but if not let me know and I will fill you in.

 

For some reason the board won't let me post a Jpeg for you. Please email me on andrewgfrench@hotmail.com and I can send it.

 

Regards

Andrew

 

 

 

 

 

[oxlade134]

I have just searched to no avail this topic for a man I am trying to trace namely Richard Francis Leithboro, 1891, Reading, 1101, T4/248841 Rank Staff Sergeant Corps, Berkshire Yeomanry, 2nd South Midland Mounted Brigade, Army Service Corps . His medal roll shows only BW and Vic medals and so  I suspect as he was Butcher he may have only been overseas after 1916. Anybody have anymore they can add?

[AndrewFrench]

I cannot see any medal card to any Leithboro and searches for the number and Christian names draws nothing more. Can you provide medal card or a link to it please.

[Phil Wood]

Leithboro was Army Service Corps (as the number indicates) evidently a Territorial and in the 2nd South Midland Mounted Division, which also featured the Berks Yeomanry.

 

Andrew - his MIC is indexed as Leithbord (Ancestry) but the medal roll is Leithboro.

 

 

 

[oxlade134]

Andrew 

I have the medal roll entry and the index card they seem not be be discoverable by some websites Ancestry or Find my past cant recall. Will post them asap

[Phil Wood]

27 minutes ago, oxlade134 said:

Andrew 

I have the medal roll entry and the index card they seem not be be discoverable by some websites Ancestry or Find my past cant recall. Will post them asap

 

Medal roll and MIC Ancestry links are in my previous post.

[AndrewFrench]

Ancestry

http://interactive.ancestry.co.uk/1262/30850_A000947-02454/880824?backurl=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.ancestry.co.uk%2fcgi-bin%2fsse.dll%3fdb%3dMedalRolls%26gss%3dsfs28_ms_db%26new%3d1%26rank%3d1%26msT%3d1%26gsln%3dLeithbord%26gsln_x%3d1%26MSAV%3d0%26uidh%3db89&ssrc=&backlabel=ReturnSearchResults

 

Thanks phil for responding too

[Guest]

Hello,

 

I'm researching a relative of mine who died of wounds sustained in the Battle of Amman with the Imperial Camel Corps. According to information of the ICC thread he was ex-Berks yeomanry. Does anybody have any information on T C R Miller (or Millar) Berks yeomanry number: 2070

 

Best regards, John.

Edited 17 September , 2016 by Guest

[AndrewFrench]

Hi John

 

Sorry for not replying soon but I didn't see the post.

 

He was born in the village of Bradpole (just outside of Bridport - I know it well), but was resident in Wokingham when he joined the Berks Yeomanry.

Thomas Millar enlisted at Yeomanry House Reading on outbreak of War and was posted to serve in the D (Wantage) Squadron as Pte TCR Millar 2070. He sailed with the regiment for Egypt in 1915. When in August 195 the 1/1st Berks Yeo was sent to Galliopi about 1/5 of the regiment remained in Egypt to look after the horse.

In the spring of 1916 the 1/1st Berks Yeo now reformed was asked for volunteers to help form 2nd Bn ICC. Men from the 2nd Mtd Brigade of Berks Bucks and Dorsets were posted to the 8th Coy 2nd Bn.

If you can provide me with an email address I will send you a photgraph of him

Regards

Andrew

 

 

[Guest]

Andrew,

 

Can you include me also?

 

Millar Thomas CR 50115 L/Cpl 8Co ICC WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2070) and Hussars and Dragoons (70095) WIA 27-3-18 DoW 31-3-18   from Bradpole UK
 

Berkshire men in the Camel Corps

 

James R N/R CSM 8Co? ICC? Ex Royal Berkshire Regt 
Freeman Harold Geoffrey 1683 CQMS 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo and Hussars (70280) disch 26-6-17 to RFC prom 2/Lt 
Sims Harry W 1772 Pte 8Co to Sgt Ex 1/2 City of London Yeo (1772) and Berkshire Yeo and Hussars (327631) 
Hopcraft John E 1835 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berks Yeo (1833) and Hussars (70189) prom 2/Lt RFA 19-12-17 
Hopcraft Durwood S 2248 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berks Yeo and Hussars (70327) prom 2/Lt RFA 17-3-18 
Luff Thomas 50003 Cpl 8Co? ICC Ex ASqn/1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1741) and Hussars (327114) 
Stevenson Vivian McG 50007 Pte 8Co? ICC Ex ASqn/1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1740) and Hussars 
Hermon Arthur William 50008 Sgt 8Co to T/CSM (after Guppy WIA at Es Salt) 5-18 DCM possibly at Amman Ex 1/1 Berks Yeo (1857) and Hussars 
Pope Charles 50011 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2261) and Hussars 
Munday Dick 50017 L/Cpl 8Co MID Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2628) and Hussars brothers Thomas and Harry 
Bellenger Thomas H. 50028 Pte 8Co? ICC Ex 2 Troop DSqn/1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1711) and (70286) 
Armstrong Frank 50100 Pte 8Co? ICC Ex CSqn/1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1879) and Hussars 
Bennett Arthur Charles 50101 Pte 8Co killed at Amman NKG listed on the Jerusalem War Memorial Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2681) and Dragoons (70612) KIA 27-3-18
Eggleton Edwin T. 50103 Pte 8Co Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2754) and Hussars (327151) died 1-3-1979 shown in Rory Moore's news letter 
Fisher Sydney 50104 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2772) and Hussars 
Funnell John C 50105 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2195) and Hussars 
Gosling Francis Moss 50106 Pte 8Co Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2817) and Hussars 
Grover Walter J. 50107 Pte 8Co Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2818) and Worcester Yeo (327119) 
Hodges Horace John 50109 Pte 8Co Sig killed at Es Salt NKG listed on the Jerusalem War Memorial Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1730) and Dragoons KIA 1-5-18
Hooker Robert H 50110 Pte 8Co WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1884) and Hussars WIA 27-3-18
Holloway William C 50111 Pte 8Co WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2728) later RE WR/195655) WIA 27-3-18
King Reginald C. 50112 Pte 8Co Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2793) later RE (495715) 
Langford Alfred 50113 A/Cpl 8Co Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2621) and Hussars (50113) 
Mercer John  50114 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2779) and  
Millar Thomas CR 50115 L/Cpl 8Co ICC WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2070) and Hussars and Dragoons (70095) WIA 27-3-18 DoW 31-3-18
Munday Harry 50116 Pte 8Co Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (911) and Hussars brothers Thomas and Dick 
Neville Percy C 50117 Pte Tos 8Co 4-16 batman to Lt Inchbald Ex 1/1 Berks Yeo (2738) and Hussars 
Penford Frederick J 50118 Pte 8Co WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1404) and Hussars WIA 27-3-18
Rhodes James T. 50119 Pte 8Co ICC Sig Ex 3/1 Berkshire Yeo (2696) and Hussars 
Painter John 50120 Pte 8Co Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2790) and Hussars to Dragoons (70691) died dysentry buried Port Said War Cemetery Egypt DoD 19-11-17
Stagg Thomas EH 50122 Pte 8Co? ICC Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2710) and Hussars 
Walters Dudley 50123 Pte 8Co WIA 27-3-18 at Amman Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1887) and Hussars WIA 27-3-18
Hawkins Edward 50124 Pte 8Co Ex 1/1 Berks Yeo (2684) and Worcester Yeo (327145) 
Herbert George 50125 Pte 8Co? ICC Ex 1/1 Berks Yeo (2737) and Hussars 
Home Stanley T 50126 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1784) and Hussars 
Johnson James 50127 L/Cpl 8Co Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1713) and Hussars WIA 28-3-18
Robson Jack 50128 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (70445) and Hussars 
Munday Thomas 50130 Pte 8Co? ICC Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2629) and Hussars brothers Harry and Dick 
Priddy Samuel L. 50131 A/Cpl 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (1962) and Hussars 
Lee  William A. 50184 Pte 8Co to batman to RMO McAdoo 3Bn HQ 1-17 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2252) later Essex Regt (302562) 
Murray John P. 50932 Pte 8Co? ICC Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2822) and Hussars 
Elbro William C. 51118 Sgt 8Co? ICC to Sad/Sgt 3Bn HQ 12-16 to Sig/Sgt 3Bn HQ 1-17 Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2813) and Worcester Yeo (327190) 
Jackson Albert W. 51421 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2626) and Hussars 
Clarke Edward J. 51422 Pte 8Co? ICC? Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo (2983) and Hussars 
Batten Harry 70260 Sgt family reported ICC but not confirmed Ex C Troop CSqn 1/1 Berkshire Yeomanry (1259) KIA 29-11-17
Bassett John Ratallack  Maj Tos CO 2Bn HQ 11-16 to 3-17 Ex Royal Berkshire Regt  
Blyde Hubert Cave  Lt possibly 8Co? shown 2Bn MC Ex 1/1 Berks Yeo to Capt 101 MG Bn 
Inchbald Geoffrey Herbert Elloit  Lt Tos 8Co 5-16 (commanded Berks Sect) to OC 8Co (from Tredinnick) 4-18 to 6-18 WIA 1-5-18 L/arm shot at Es Salt Ex 1/1 Berkshire Yeo  WIA 1-5-18
Nottidge Thomas  Lt shown 10Co at Musselabeh 4-18 shown with Buxton's Force to TEL 7-18 att ICC depot 9-18 Ex 2/Lt Life Guards to T/Capt 1/1 Berks Yeo to Capt Staff 
 

 

Cheers

 

S.B

Edited 19 October , 2016 by stevebecker

[Guest]

Mate,

While your looking can you confirm this officer?

 

Blyde Hubert Cave  Lt possibly 8Co? shown 2Bn ICC MC Ex 1/1 Berks Yeo to Capt 101 MG Bn 

 

Do you have any details on him?

 

Cheers

S.B

[Guest]

Duffman,

 

I should have mentioned I wrote something on the action in which your relation was wounded and later died. Enclosed in the part on the fighting on the 27 March 1918 by the Camel Bde's 2Bn (British), hope its of some help;

 

Battle of Amman

By Steve Becker

 

(part)

 

On the morning of the 27 March the sun came out as the force set off at 8.30 am. The Camel Brigade had detached the 4^th Anzac Battalion (less the 18^th company) to follow in the path of New Zealand Mounted Brigade along with their demolition party for a strike on Quseir Station which lay three and a half miles south of Amman, while the main body of the Brigade moved past Ain Amman with the 2^nd Battalion arriving outside Amman at 10 am.

 

The approach march to Amman was made along the old Roman road known as the Ain es Sir - Amman track which follows the Wadi Amman to the Citadel, an old Roman Fort in the middle of the City of Amman, on the right of the advance was Hill 3039, this large feature dominated the area south of Amman and it was separated from the road by the Wadi Amman which continued up to Ain Amman, Hill 3039 was made up of the high point and a number of smaller hills the largest of which was Kh Aishe. While on the left of the road was a long plateau which rose to the height of 2828 feet along which ran the Es Salt - Suweile track to the north, another wadi separated the road from the plateau in which were cut a number of natural caves.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Robin Buxton dismounted and deployed the 2^nd Battalion up on the level plain near Kusr, which was around 2000 yards from Amman, while the 1^st Battalion under the acting command of Captain Herbert Denson OC 4^th Company deployed to its rear with the attached 18^th company in support. Two companies of the 1^st Battalion were still on the track, the 1^st company had been detached as escort for the supply column and as flank guard, while the 3^rd company was retained back on the Jordan to protect the column from attack in the direction of Madaba and guard the vehicle park which was unable to climb the hills, while half of the 2^nd company was at Ain Amman with the Camel Field Ambulance and Brigade HQ acting as escort and guard, only the 4^th company and two sections of the 2^nd company were available to support the 2^nd  Battalion in its attack.

 

When Camel Brigade deployed it moved all its animals back into the Wadi Amman for protection as the Turks gave warning with a few rounds of artillery which came as some surprise to the men as they had been briefed that Amman was only lightly occupied by a few Circassian irregulars with no artillery!

 

The only artillery to arrive to support the Anzac Mounted Division’s attack was six 2.75 inch Mountain guns of the Hong Kong and Singapore Mountain Battery, of which four pieces moved into position to cover the attack and to give what little support they could with their light guns and limited ammunition supply while the two remaining guns were in reserve to conserve ammunition and act as Anti Aircraft guns. The 2^nd British Battalion formed up on the open ground to assault using the old roman road as a centre line with the 7^th company on the left and the 10^th company on the right under the direct command of Lieutenant Colonel Buxton, the 8^th and 9^th company were in support under Captain Arthur Newsam and the 4^th company was held as Brigade reserve.

 

At 3 pm the Cameleers began their attack advancing in artillery formation spread at intervals of three lines over the exposed ground, under the supervision of the 2^nd Battalion Intelligence officer Lieutenant Robert Rowan, and led by Captain James Leadbetter of the Brigade Machine gun Squadron who carried out a reconnaissance ahead of the attacking troops and provided fire support with the guns of his Squadron from the flanks during which Private John Pearson was killed.

 

The companies advanced slowly along the ridge line moving by section rushes as the Turks with held their fire until the last minute when the men had become fully exposed. Drawing near they came under a heavy concentrated enfilade fire from three sides, as this bare crest was open to the Turks on Hill 3039, where they had their trenches arrayed in tiers at different heights, from the Amman Citadel in front and from to the caves to the north on the 2828 ridge.  The 10^th company was the hardest hit and quickly lost the company commander Lieutenant Joseph Lyall along with Lieutenant Alfred Wallbank and the Company Sergeant Major wounded, while Sergeant George Clarke along with a number of men were killed. The Hong Kong and Singapore Mountain Battery also came under fire from a number of Turkish 75mm guns which soon caused much concern as they struggled to maintain the support of the advance by firing at a slow rate.

 

Meanwhile the attack was progressing in rushes as the assault endeavoured too cross the open plateau cut by bare fields and small stone fences where the men were constantly falling after being hit. As the fierce firestorm increased, the 7^th and 10^th company were soon shattered as they reached to within 600 yards of the city however the fire was too strong and soon the troops became bogged down and forced to find cover as the men struggled to survive on the exposed slope of the ridge. The attack now died away with Privates Norman Oliver, Arthur Bennett, Philip Evans, Leslie Lyons, Victor Blackwell and Sid Howard among the many fallen.

 

As the Camel Brigade fought in front of Amman the 2^nd Light Horse Brigade had attacked to the north, yet they to found the Turks well entrenched and supported by machine guns and artillery forcing them to break off the attempt with heavy losses.

 

The Turkish defenders on this front were elements of the 2^nd Battalion 126^th Turkish Infantry Regiment (11^th Division) with its machine gun company. These soldiers had not long arrived from Damascus and along two companies of the German 703^rd Battalion had dug in along the approaches to Amman. The 703^rd Battalion counted the attacks to the north made by the 2^nd Light Horse Brigade, while the balance of the 126^th Regiment covered the approaches to Amman and Hill 3039 who along with the soldiers of the Seria Group divided between the northern front under Lieutenant Colonel Omer Lutfu detached from the 126^th Regiment and southern defences under Major Sait Bey. Over the last few days the Turks had sent reinforcements to Amman in mixed units these included those mentioned and also included elements of one battalion of the 191^st Infantry Regiment 59^th Division, a Mule Mounted battalion, the 59^th Divisional Cavalry Company and the 46^th Divisional Storm Company, as well as the Divisional Engineers and one field Battery and a mountain Battery of the 48^th Division,

 

Late in the afternoon the 18^th company was committed under Major Leonard Kessels to assist the advance, yet the impetus was not push forward after Kessels was wounded and because of the heavy fire, Lieutenant David Fairweather assumed command and the troops joined the 2^nd Battalion in the dirt. There the men waited trying the escape the intense volume of fire directed on them as men hid behind small rocks till the welcome blanket of darkness closed in.

 

At the end of the day with the Camel Brigades defeat and the failure of the 2^nd Light Horse Brigades attack to the north made it all to plain to General Chaytor that Amman was strongly defended and would not fall to any quick attack made with the limited forces available to him, and a fixed Battle would now have to be fought to have any chance of capturing this important objective. Chaytor also knew he didn’t have the troops or guns for such an attack and sent back to General Shea to send up the required men and guns.

As night fell on the 27th the exhausted companies of the 2^nd Battalion began to dig trenches advancing their posts further in the dark to confuse the Turkish gunners.  The troops were arranged from left to right with the 9^th, 7^th, 18^th, 10^th and 8^th companies, the Brigade Machine Gun Squadron and 2^nd company were utilized as a reserve line using their Lewis guns while the Brigade Machine Gun Squadron was also used to extend the firing line with their heavy Machine guns. The 7^th company was the closest to the foremost Turkish defences on hill “400" in front of Amman and was kept under continued harassment during the night.

 

Once darkness had fallen, the soldiers of the medical corps came into their own risking their lives rescuing wounded men trapped in no mans land. Corporal Ernest Eatock of the Camel Field Ambulance attached to the 1^st Battalion went out with his stretcher bearers recovering wounded almost up to the Turkish trenches and under heavy fire, while Captain Reginald Andrews the 2^nd Battalion RMO was wounded during the day from shell fire. The 4^th company was also used as stretcher bearers to help recover the wounded during the night and as many as three officers and 70 men from the 2^nd Battalion and one officer and 11 men of the 18^th company were brought in before morning.

 

Cheers

S.B

 

 

Edited 20 October , 2016 by stevebecker