4th Battalion South Wales Borderers

[aussietaff]

My great grandfather Frederick Hillier served with the South Wales Borderers as a Company Sergeant Major (possibly 4th Battalion) during the Great War. I know he served at Tsingtao and won a DCM at Gallipoli (I have a copy of the medal card, but unfortunately no copy of the citation). I believe he may he also may have served in France or Belgium, as he ended the war as a POW in Germany. According to my nan (his daughter) he enlisted before the war. I am keen to find out as much as possible about my great grandfathers service, and that of his unit. All info gratefully received.

[kenf48]

If he was at Tsingtao he was a pre-war regular in the 2nd Battalion. His number was 10687.

His medal index card is available free from the same site and confirms he was 2nd Bn as do the Rolls, he ended the war at 'IV Army School", probably an instructor.

His service record does not, at a quick glance appear to have survived.

Suggest you have a look at the new, glossy revamped parent site the Long Long Trail 'Research a Soldier' link top left. http://www.1914-1918.net

Ken

[GraemeClarke]

Hi

It appears he served with regimental number 10687 (210687) and won the DCM for

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30636/supplement/4667/data.pdf

210687 C.S.M. F. Hillier, S. -Wales Bord. (Newport).

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion ixx duty. During the last nine months he has shown great gallantry under fire, and his conduct at all times has been of a very high order, influencing his men to a very great degree. ' On the occasion of an attack he performed most valuable work, keeping complete control of the men, and preparing later to meet the counter-attack"

drafted overseas 23 September 1914

Discharged 23 March 1919

His PoW papers are on this site

http://grandeguerre.icrc.org/en/File/Details/4432434/3/2/

(put the PA numbers in the box)

The war diaries are yet to be digitised.

Regards

Graeme

[aussietaff]

Thank you so much for finding this for me.

I have been trying to find the citation for quite some time. My 87 year old Nan in Wales will be Absolutely stoked to read this, as he never really talked too much to the family about his war experiences. I recognised the service number straight away, as I have a copy of papers for when he was recalled to duty during the General Strike. I have copies of some of his wartime photos I would love to post on here, if it is possible.

[kenf48]

Appears he was captured during a tactical withdrawal, or 'readjustment of position' of the 2nd Bn on the the night of the 1st/2nd December during the closing stagers of the Battle of Cambai. The Germans counter attacked on the 28th November and although not immediately aware of the strength of the attack, elements of the 2nd Bn reinforced the front line and assisted in checking the German advance. The Battalion redeployed but on December 1st the Germans attacked Masnieres in force. It was described as a 'desperate fight' for the village. Although the British held the village throughout the day it formed a salient on the battlefield and it's position was untenable and therefore it was evacuated during the night 1st/2nd December. Atkinson says the 2nd was 'fairly quiet'.

There is a sketch map of the action in Atkinson's history, and a lot more detail' which I will try to scan this evening.

It does not appear he won the DCM at Gallipoli given the date in the Gazette but in France.

Ken

[aussietaff]

Thank you so much for all this information.

I will post some pictures when I figure out how to reduce the file size.

Reading a Regimental history of 2nd Batallion by the South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon. I can see that they served in quite varied theatres of conflict.

I've seen references to the 2nd Battalion at Gallipoli in the Les Carlyon book on Gallipoli.

Its interesting to read that he was at Cambrai. I am pretty sure my other great grandfather John Freeman served there with the Welch Regiment.

Andy

[GraemeClarke]

Hi

Did you see that he was captured on 3 December 1917 at Mesnieres ??

The 2nd December 1917 was fairly quiet and was spent in improving defences. On the 3rd December a heavy bombardment was renewed, and about 11 a.m. the enemy advancing in great force from Les Rues Vertes rushed the front trenches held by B and C Companies, but were stopped there by the fire of A Company and Battalion Headquarters in the reserve trench about 400 yards further back. The men fought magnificently in spite of bullets and shells bursting on the parapet. An officer in the trench was calling for ammunition to be passed along; as he spoke a shell mortally wounded the man next to him. Even as he sank down this gallant fellow handed the officer a bandolier of ammunition. With such men imbued with the fighting spirit of the 2nd Twenty-Fourth the enemy was held. That evening the battalion was relieved. They took out of action 3 officers, the medical officer and 73 men.

War Diary available

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7353579

Regards,

Graeme

[kenf48]

Thanks for the correction Graeme, I read it as the 2nd on my iPad!

Anyway here's the sketch plan which should help to put the war diary in context.

The history should tell you the Battalion was commended for it's actions over these few days by FM Haig.

Ken