1/Berkshires at Maroilles

[stephen binks]

I am a little confused as to where the above action took place. Some accounts say it was the bridge (and lock) over the Sambre (number one); others (for example Hamilton's First Seven Divisions) states bridge over Petit Helpe (number two). I have attached a map with both crossings. Also has anyone got a copy of Lt. Col. Graham's hand drawn map?

 

Many thanks

Steve

[MaxD]

Deleted in favour of a closer look!

Edited 1 October , 2018 by MaxD
Relationship

[Rollerbeadle]

Useful accounts of the action can be found here

 

 

Edited 1 October , 2018 by Rollerbeadle

[MaxD]

Rollerbeadle links to the document I was also referring to.  Although there is one reference to a bridge on the Petit Helpe, all the remaining references strongly indicate it is the bridge marked one on the map. .

 [enemy] deployed on the north bank of the

causeway, between the bridge on the east and an inlet of the river to the west.   The inlet would seem to be the Helpe Mineure.  Others speak of the road from the village to the bridge being "raised from the ground" or "on a causeway" - which it is whereas the road to the small bridge over the Helpe is essentially flat.  In addition the bridge was crossed by the Berkshires on their way from the Mormal Forest to Maroilles, that would not take them across the Helpe bridge where there is no route from the north.  The one reference to the Helpe bridge is in the report of Lt Sparrow in the village who says Soon after, at twilight, a messenger comes from a cavalry squadron to say their picquet guarding the bridge over the Petit Helpe is being hard pressed athough the surrounding detail is confused.

 

In August 2014, a friend whose great uncle fell and is buried in the cemetery there, attended a commemoration.  As part of the visit, the family were escorted to the Pont sur Sambre by the town dignitaries.  The town themselves know it was the bridge over the Sambre due north of the village.  From Wiki (in French) 14 : Août 1914, les troupes allemandes envahissent le nord de la France. Le 25 août 1914, vers 18h00, le 15^e Hussard anglais arrivé dans la localité se fait surprendre par des patrouilles de fantassins allemands sortis de la forêt de Locquignol. Aidés par le 1^er Royal Berkshire, les Hussards repoussent l'ennemi vers le pont d'Hachette (Locquignol). Cette première vague d'attaque fait de nombreuses victimes dans le camp anglais. Les combats sur le pont se poursuivent la nuit. La 53^e division d'infanterie de réserve du Général Valabrègue et le 18^e corps du Général Mas-Latrie viennent aider les "tommies" à décrocher de Maroilles. Une vingtaine d'Anglais sont morts cette nuit-là. Un carré dans le cimetière de Maroilles abrite les tombes des soldats du 1^er Royal Berkshire, régiment appartenant à la 6^e brigade de la 2^e division. (cf article LVN du 09/06/2012)

 

Max

[stephen binks]

I would expect that Lt. Col Graham's hand drawn map would confirm that it was the bridge over the Sambre (No. one)

 

Steve

[Rollerbeadle]

Steve.

Are you referring to the map attached to Colonel Grahams letter to a relative in September 1914?

If so you might contact the wardrobe who have the letter in their archive. (REF SBYRW : 40813)

[stiletto_33853]

There is a description of the action by Major A. S. Turner in CAB45/199, if you need it let me know, it has a couple of diagrams.

 

Andy

Edited 2 October , 2018 by stiletto_33853

[stephen binks]

Rollerbeadle, yes; this is the map I refer to. (Will contact the Wardrobe)

 

Andy. I thought I had read Turner's account but wasn't aware there was a map/diagram. He was taken prisoner?

 

If you have a copy of said diagram I would like to take up your offer.

 

Steve

[stiletto_33853]

Turner

[stiletto_33853]

[stephen binks]

Andy,

Tremendous; Thank you

 

Steve

[stiletto_33853]

Welcome Stephen, hope it helps.

 

Andy