Worcestershire Regiment

[Alec McCudden]

In an effort to give something back to this forum, having been given so much valuable information I am offering to pass on transcriptions from the official history of the Worcester's in the war (by Stacke). I go into Worcester often and am a regular at our library.

If anyone wants me to check a particular unit on or around specific dates, I would be happy to oblige.

Alec

[Terry_Reeves]

Alec

I would be interested if Stacke has anything to say about 1/8 Worcesters on 19/20 July 1916 and any mention of the battalion at Fransu or Houdencourt through to August 7th.

Thanks in advance

Terry Reeves

[Doug Lewis]

Alec

Could you tell me where the 1st Btn were and what they were doing on and around 22nd Oct 1916.

Thanks Doug

[Marc Thompson]

Alec,

I would be grateful for any information that you able to ascertain on the 9th Bn and the North Persia Force. Specifically, the retreat from Baku on 14th September 1918.

Regards

Marc

[Alec McCudden]

Doug, Terry and Mark

I am happy to find out what I can this weekend.

Alec

[Alec McCudden]

Terry

I hope the following is of use to you

THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT IN THE GREAT WAR BY H F STACKE

1/8th Worcesters 19th and 20th July 1916

The 1/8th battalion had met with disaster. After 3 days in divisional reserve at Bouzincourt, the battalion had received orders on July 19th that all four companies would form a working party that night. The work to be done was to dig a new communications trench up the main road from La Boisselle to the position in front of Pozieres, which had originally been seized by the 3rd Worcestershire and which was still the furthest ground held in that direction.

At 9pm the four company’s moved off, marched through La Boisselle in the darkness, deployed along the road and commenced their labour. Little more than an hour’s work had been done when, at 1110pm, the enemy’s guns commenced to shell the line of the road. The troops continued their work as best they could, throwing themselves down at intervals when shells struck near. Some of the shells exploded, but most of them made so little noise that the troops took them for ‘duds’; the muddy ground, they thought must account for the enemy’s fuses not working. Presently, a “funny stink” said someone “What is it?..." Gas?” “No, gas doesn’t smell like that.” The work went on. More shells, softly thudding, fell along the line of the road. Then at last the sickly smell became overpowering and men started to vomit. It must be gas, the officer decided, gas of a hitherto unknown; however, the effects did not seem very serious; the work must go on. The work went on until nearly 2am then, the task practically accomplished, the four company’s made their way back. Casualties had not been very heavy- seven killed and seven wounded by the shellfire; but thirty six others were affected by the gas and had to be supported back to a dressing station nearby, whence they were sent to hospital. The four company’s tramped back to billets and about 5am the men threw themselves down to sleep.

Next day the effects of the gas made themselves seen. Everywhere, men were vomiting or helpless with pain. Of the four fighting companies of the battalion, only 18 men were not afflicted. Only those few, together with the transport, the signalers and the personnel of battalion headquarters remained fit for duty.

Hastily, the medical officers examined the sufferers, even those not actually sick were incapable of any exertion and all idea of sending the battalion up to the fighting line had to be abandoned. For a few days (July 20th to 25th), the 1/8th Worcesters remained in billets whilst one after another of the officers and men collapsed. Then, when another 70 men had been admitted to hospital, it was decided to send the battalion right back to recuperate. Eight offers who were still fit for duty were attached to the 6th Gloucestershire’s whose battle casualties had been heavy. The remainder of the battalion were conveyed in motor lorries to quarters in the back areas near Domart. They first went into billets at Fransu (July 26th) and later (July 30th) into open bivouac near Houdencourt. Eventually, over 400 of the rank and file were sent home.

Alec

[Terry_Reeves]

Alec

Many thanks for your efforts.

Terry Reeves

[Alec McCudden]

Doug, I hope the following is useful

THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT IN THE GREAT WAR BY H F STACKE

The 1st battalion on or around October 22nd

Meanwhile the 1st battalion had been holding the front line, and had been suffering severely from cold and wet in the waterlogged trenches. October 20th was a comparatively quiet day, but on the 21st, a day of bitter cold- the enemy’s artillery awoke to new activity and heavily bombarded the British positions around Gueudecaurt. The British artillery fiercely replied; a fresh attack had been planned for October 23rd and by way of preparation, the guns indulged in a concentrated bombardment of ‘mild trench’. Before that bombardment, the front-line platoons in ‘shine trench’ were temporarily withdrawn. The trench was reoccupied after the bombardment and in it were found the fresh bodies of several Germans, presumably patrols which had followed up the withdrawal and had been caught by the ensuing shell-fire. The shelling on that day cost the battalion over 50 casualties (11 killed. 2 officers; Captain KW Wilkins and 2Lt NCC James and 38 other ranks wounded. 3 missing, believed killed.)

The next day, (October 22nd) passed without notable incident. The battalion was relieved and moved back into reserve positions along needle trench.

The morning of October 23rd was damp and very foggy. At 11.30am, the British artillery opened a barrage fire. The attacking battalions advanced and after a fluctuating fight, captured and secured ‘mild trench’.

The first Worcestershire’s were in reserve throughout the day but presently an order came for the company to support the East Lancashire. That company eventually found a position in shine trench. Though under continuous heavy shellfire, their losses were not serious. (8 wounded).

During October 24th, another day of thick mist, the position remained unchanged and not until the evening of the next day did the 1st Worcestershire move forwards. Then the battalion relieved the East Lancashire in shine trench and in the captured mild trench and settled down to the work of consolidation

Alec

[Alec McCudden]

Marc

The following is a bit lengthy but I felt it was all useful stuff!

THE WORCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT IN THE GREAT WAR BY H F STACKE

The 9th Battalion on 14th September 1918

Before dawn on September 14th, the 9th Worcestershire heard heavy firing and bombing away to their left, rear. As dawn broke, a small enemy force, some 50 strong suddenly attacked one of the posts of the Worcestershire’s front line. They were beaten back with loss. The spreading thin light showed enemy cavalry and infantry about half a mile from the embankment. Firing was seen general all along the line. The enemy did not press forward against the railway embankment; but an ever growing thunder of gunfire to the left showed that a serious attack was in progress against the main ridge. Presently came word that the line there was broken.

At Wolf’s gap, the North Staffordshire’s had beaten off all attacks. Further north however, strong columns of the enemy had scaled the steep slope of the main ridge and had attacked the local troops holding the crest-lines. That part of the line was a very strong, natural position, but the local troops made no attempt to hold their ground. Russians and Armenians alike broke and retired in disorder.

By 0830 it was clear that the Armenians to the left-rear of the Worcestershire’s were withdrawing. B company, the reserve of the battalion was ordered to protect the exposed flank. Captain AB Craig led his company back to some high ground 500 yards in the rear of the left flank and took up position facing west and south. Hardly was B company in position when a strong force of the enemy came pushing up the slope from the south west. They were met by rapid fire and the advance was checked. For the ensuing three hours, B company kept the enemy at bay, repulsing all their attempts to pass and to encircle the position at Ballajari. The company suffered heavy loss and three out of it’s four officers were hit both the position was firmly held. (Captain AB Craig, 2Lt’s RG Trusthead and RH Finden were wounded)

South of B company position, the whole crest-line of the main ridge as far as Wolf’s gap was in the hands of the enemy. The Russian and Armenian battalions had broken up and were streaming away in rout down the slopes to Baku. At the southern end of the ridge, the North Staffordshire bravely held their ground until almost surrounded. Then between 10 and 11am they fell back to Cemetery Hill, just above the city.

Unless the lost position along the main ridge could be retaken, the city was doomed. A few brave Russian officers endeavored to lead counter attacks but their men had neither the training nor the spirit needed to retrieve the positions. Whenever they came under close fire, they broke and fled. At about 1115 however the reserve company of the Royal Warwickshire made a gallant counter-attack; they lost half their numbers, but they effectively stopped the Turkish advance for the time-being.

The Worcestershire and Royal Warwickshire, along the railway embankement were now quite unsupported and, about mid-day, Colnel Faviell sent orders for them to retire. The two British battalions had dealt effectively with all attempts of the enemy against their own front. Now they withdrew in perfect order. The companies had to retire across the open over a steep slope, but luckily their losses were slight and about 1530, Major Sladden established a new position on a low ridge half way to Baku.

Fortunately the enemy did not press their advantage. There was little to stop a direct advance into the city from the west, but the advancing Turkish troops had suffered severely from the British musketry and showed no inclination to press the attack. Heavy firing continued in all directions and there were some small local attacks and counter-attacks to the east of the city before darkness fell.

The defence was now hopeless. The British troops were still in good trim, but the three battalions between them could not muster a thousand bayonets. The Russians and Armenians had utterly collapsed. The British had done their best, but it was clear that they alone could not save the city if it’s inhabitants would not fight. The British commanders then decided that their duty now was to save their little force if it was still possible and plans were made for evacuation.

Of the three evacuations by sea which marked the chequered career of the 9th Worcestershire, the evacuation of Baku was perhaps the most remarkable. In the evacuations of Suvla and of Helles, the fleet had been ready to support and succour the retreating troops. At Baku, however, there was danger from the sea as well as from land; for the Russian leaders had announced that the gunboats in the harbour would fire on the British if they attempted to “desert their allies”. The city was swarming with demoralized Russians and Armenians who were looting the shops and firing in all directions. The enemy might at any moment renew the attack.

Fortunately, careful preparations had been made against that emergency. Two small steamers, the Kursk and the Abo had been made ready for the sick and wounded. And of the larger ship, the Kruger was to carry most of the fighting troops and guns. The latter ship was protected as well as possible mostly by bales of cotton wool placed along the bulwarks on the bridge; but these cotton bales were but poor protection against the guns of the Russian ships should they open fire.

At 1600, orders for the evacuation were sent to the British troops. They were warned to be prepared for fighting in the streets. All made preparations for a last struggle. At sunset the fighting outside the city died down. The gunfire ceased and gradually the firing in the streets also died away. All was quiet when about 2000 the British troops began their withdrawal.

Parties with Lewis guns were sent back into the town to hold important street corners. The companies extricated themselves from their positions, assembled, called their rolls and then marched back in the darkness. The troops kept perfect discipline and silence as they passed through the city, there was no opposition. Many of the demoralized Russians had drunk themselves into insensibility, and the troops passed or stepped over their prostrate forms. Company after company, the British battalions reached the quay and filed on board the Kruger. By 2200 all the fighting troops including the field battery had been embarked. Lewis guns were mounted along the sides and preparations were made for fighting. The British armoured cars and aeroplanes were destroyed or thrown into the sea. Shortly after 2300 all was ready and orders given to put to sea. The Kruger was a Russian ship manned by a Russian crew. Their sentiments were doubtful and their discipline was more than doubtful. It was very probable that they would betray the departure to the Russian gunboats. So there was great tension on board as the hawsers were cast off and the ship moved out with no lights showing, her padded bulwarks concealing the crowded troops.

Hardly had the steamer left the quay when a Russian sailor rushed on deck crying out that his wife had been left behind and appealing that she should be saved. The sentimental Russian crew turned the ship back to the quay and brought off the lady. Then again the ship cast off, only to be stopped by another femine appeal for rescue. That second lady was got on board and then at last the crew agreed to allow the ship to proceed.

Slowly the Kruger crept out of the harbour, endeavoring to conceal her movement from the Russian guardship by passing on the other side of a row of anchored barges. She had just come abreast of the guardship when a Bolshevik among the crew turned on all the electric lights.

The Russian gunboat signaled “Who are you? Anchor at once.” The Kruger signaled a reply and put on full speed. The anchored gunboat fired and missed. The Kruger drew away into the darkness. Some more shells followed but none struck her. Keeping up her best speed, the Kruger steamed on and the lights of Baku dwindled away.

Alec

[Doug Lewis]

Alec

Thanks for the info,your time and effort. The info you provided was very useful and interesting

Thanks

Doug.

[Marc Thompson]

Alec,

Thanks very much for your efforts in providing this very useful information for me.

Regards

Marc

[Doug Lewis]

Alec

Could you please do a look up on the 3rd Battalion on and around 8/11/1914

Regards Doug

[Johnny S]

Alec.

If you're still offering this service, could I trouble you for a look up for the 3rd Battalion for the few days leading up to 7th November 1914?

Thanks.

John

[Alec McCudden]

Johnny

I will certainly take a look, probably on Saturday when I next go into Worcester

Alec

[Alec McCudden]

Johnny

This is what Stacke has to say about that action

3rd Worcesters at Battle of Armentiers November 7th and 8th 1914

November 6th saw the low lying valley of the Lys blanketed by a thick fog. All day the fog lasted, making it impossible at any time to see more than fifty yards. Great shells came hurtling through the thick air, while the men in the waterlogged trenches stared ahead, firing at intervals into the mist and straining their eyes and ears to catch warning of attack: for it was with just such aid that the enemy might hope with reason to break through the line of weary men who barred the way to the Channel ports.

As the day drew on, the enemy’s fire increased in intensity. By 5pm. Night had added it’s darkness to the fog’s obscurity, while the groping troops were dazed by the blaze of bursting shells.

The British artillery could not do much to support the troops in the front line. In the fog, the positions of the enemy’s guns could not be located and our guns, firing at random could do little to prevent any concentration of attacking troops. Colonel Stuart realised the danger and reported that he considered the position untenable without more artillery support; but he was informed that more support was not possible. In the darkness between 3 and 4am next morning (7th November) a very heavy shell fire was opened on the British line east of Ploegsteert wood. For an hour shells crashed down on the Battalion’s lines, then about 5am masses of German infantry came plunging through the fog. Such of the front line defenders as had survived the bombardment manned their smashed parapets and fired swiftly into the advancing hordes; and on the left of the battalion line the attack was stopped and held. But the centre and left of the battalion’s trenches had been practically obliterated by the bombardment and there the German attack flooded over the defences of ‘C’ company. Most of the defenders were killed but a few men managed to fight their way out in the fog and were able to get back to the wood behind in time to warn the reserve companies and battalion headquarters. A counterattack was organised at once to retake the lost trenches. The counterattack met the enemy inside the edge of the wood and a confused and desperate struggle ensued. At one point a German platoon was surrounded and forced to surrender. From those captured German officers, it was learned that the attackers were Saxons of the German 19th Corps; the 106th and 134th regiments together with two Jaeger companies. Very brave work was done during the counterattack by Pte Mansell who fought single-handed against the advancing enemy, shooting down several and checking their advance. He was awarded the DCM.

Reinforcements were brought up -companies of the Inniskilling Fusiliers and the East Lancashire; later a company of the Seaforth Highlanders came up through the wood into the fight. But the fog prevented any proper cooperation or any effective artillery support, and the lost trenches could not be regained. Eventually a new line was established in the wood and was linked up with the position of which the left company of the Worcestershire was still holding in the original front line.

Thus, a small salient had been driven in the British front line and in that salient, the enemy firmly established themselves. All through the night of the 7th and 8th of November the remnants of the 3rd Worcestershire hung onto their position and not until the evening of the 8th was the battalion finally relieved. The losses had been very heavy- over 200 in all including 6 officers, 4 of whom were killed. Capt. A S Nesbitt, Lt J B Vandelur (Leicestershire Regiment), 2Lt S A Goldsmid, J M Atkins (Forrester’s) and 42 other ranks.

[Johnny S]

Many thanks for that, Alec.

Just what I was looking for.

John.

[stevem]

Hi Alec

If possible would you be able to tell me if Lt. J L Stone of the 4 Worcesters is mentioned in Stacke's book. He was captured by the Turks on 6 August 1915 and I would be grateful for any information about what happened.

Thanks very much

Steve

[NIGEL]

Alec

My grandad pvt/sgt George Ernest Green was in the 1st Battalion Worcesters i think at the beginning of 1918-1927. I am told that the MM he was awarded was in the last days weeks of the war.---Do you have any info on that and where his regiment were from 1918 until 1922

Thanks Nigel

[Alec McCudden]

Hi Steve and Nigel

I am happy to look these details up when I am next in Worcester. Probably in a week or two.

Alec

[Mr_Sunray]

Hi Alec

If possible would you be able to tell me if Lt. J L Stone of the 4 Worcesters is mentioned in Stacke's book.  He was captured by the Turks on 6 August 1915 and I would be grateful for any information about what happened.

Thanks very much

Steve

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

GALLIPOLI.

At 3.15 p.m. the British machine-gun batteries added their stammer to the crash of the shells,

and five minutes later the field guns joined in the chorus. For half-an-hour the storm raged. Then

at 3.50 p.m. the officers' whistles sounded ; the platoons scrambled over the parapets and advanced

to the attack.

The Battalion went forward in four waves. For the first fifty yards all went well and losses

were not heavy until the crest of the low rise in front was reached. Through the smoke and dust

of the enemy's shells, spectators in the British trenches saw the successive waves crest that low rise

and disappear into the haze beyond. Through the din the watchers could hear the stammer of

machine-guns in front.

As the successive waves topped the rise and came in full view of the enemy they were struck

from both flanks by a hail of machine-gun bullets. Quickening their pace the platoons rushed on

towards their goal, but under that deadly fire the ranks withered away. The remnant dashed

onwards, charged the trenches and in many cases leapt in. The enemy's machine-guns raked all

the ground, and soon none remained outside the trench but dead or disabled men. Inside the trench

the survivors closed with the enemy and fought hand to hand until overpowered by numbers. In

few cases was quarter either asked or given.

At one point about thirty of the Worcestershire forced their way into the trench and found

' themselves isolated in the midst of the enemy. Swiftly erecting barricades on both flanks, they

organised a little stronghold for defence. For three hours they held their ground, fighting desperately

against attacks from every direction. Their bombs were soon exhausted, but their musketry kept

the surrounding enemy at bay until night came on. By that time twenty of the little party had

fallen. The survivors numbered only twelve, commanded by Sergeant Stevens. They had expended

. nearly all their ammunition and there were no signs of help. The sergeant decided that they must

retreat, and under cover of the darkness they succeeded in leaving the trench. Sixteen strong

platoons had advanced to the attack; only this little party returned.

On the left of the Worcestershire the 2nd Hampshire had been annihilated in the same way.

Still further to the left the 1st Essex had actually captured a portion of the enemy's trench and had

there held on for some time. Eventually bombing attacks forced them out of all their gains except

one little salient corner which was retained.

On the right the 5th Manchesters had likewise failed to gain ground. A renewed attack

was ordered at that point by a fresh battalion, the 7th Manchester. That fresh attack was made

at 8.15 p.m. In the absence of any news it had been assumed that the 4th Worcestershire had

taken their objective and were holding it, and those fresh troops were instructed to gain touch with

them. In the gathering darkness the Manchesters advanced to the Turkish trench. An officer

went forward and called " Are the Worcesters there ? " He was heavily fired on. Moving

to the left he tried again'with the same result. Realising that the attack must have failed, he withdrew

his men. On the way back he found Sergeant Stevens' little party in " No Man's Land " and

brought them back.

The ensuing night was one of great anxiety. Save for the personnel of Battalion Headquarters

the trenches of the 4th Worcestershire were empty; nor were the battalions on the left in any

better case. Had the Turks attempted a counter-attack nothing could have averted disaster; but

the enemy made no move. All night the Headquarters personnel worked in "No Man's Land," bringing

in wounded and searching for survivors. One subaltern crawled forward to witliin thirty yards of the

enemy's trench and located two of their machine-guns; but there was no sign that any of our men were

still holding out in the enemy's trench, or that any were still alive save the helpless wounded in the open.

By dawn a large number of the wounded had been brought in, and with the dawn came

relief—the Fusilier battalions of the 86th Brigade. The remnant of the 4th Worcestershire went

back to Gully Beach, to reorganise and reckon their loss. It was found that the casualties numbered 16 officers (/) and 752 N.C.O's. and men.

That virtual destruction of the Battalion was a stunning blow after the high hopes before the battle.

Apparently about 60 of the Battalion were taken prisoners, including three officers, Captain Brett, Lieut. Stone and Lieut. Entwhistle.

The Battalion Diary was afterwards lost, so no complete list of these casualties is available, but they included

the following officers :—Killed : Captain F. Falcon, Capt. H. Field, Lieut. H. E. Voyce, Lieut. W. E. G.

Atkinson (D.C.L.I.). Wounded : Captain H. M. St. John, Lieut. W. G. J. Pearce, Lieut. A. W. H. Cook,

Lieut. M. Gordon. Missing : Capt. H. A Brett [Lincolnshire ftegt.), Captain E. M. W. Court, Lieuts. J. L. Stone, F. H. Russell, A. L. Goldie and J. M. B. Entwhistle.

94

[stevem]

Thanks very much for information on Lt. John Stone, it is much appreciated.

Regards

Steve