Festubert The Battle of Festubert - 15th-18th May 1915

[AndrewThornton]

In memory of the men of the 2nd Battalion, The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who attacked along the Cinder Track at Rue de Bois during the Battle of Festubert - 15th-18th May 1915.

The following account was written by 9762 Private Arthur Stephenson of the battalion. Stephenson came from Wolverton in Buckinghamshire and served with D” Company:

“Our Brigade took up their position on the left with the 1st (Division) on our right. At 11.30, the Worcesters and the Inniskillings prepared to attack. After many heroic attempts, the Worcesters faced an impossible to advance, being enfiladed, causing large loss of life. The Inniskillings suffered heavily also, and the order was given to the Oxfords, who were waiting eagerly to launch themselves into the attack, to advance.

Like one man we scaled the breastworks and were hit with a terrific hail of shrapnel and bullets. Men fell, but we were determined to take the trench and there was no stopping us, and thus we took the pressure off the few Inniskillings who got so far as the German trenches.

A short, sharp struggle, and the first line fell into our hands, the Germans readily surrendering, and few were left alive. If the Oxfords had not gone forward at the right time and with the right spirit, the trenches would not have fallen into our hands. This was on the night of the 16th.

We held the trenches that night, improving them to the best of our ability, being quite safe for the time being, but we were prepared for any counter-attack which might take place.

At dawn, the successful regiments joined up and five or six hundred yards of the first two lines of the German trenches were held by our brave men. Many heroes of the Oxfords, from our front trenches, during the day, shouldered bandoliers of ammunition – or carrying boxes of bombs – attempted the 300 yards across the open to the captured German trenches. Those who witnessed it said they thought for one minute that any man could get there alive. Many fell, but the majority of us attained our purpose and the trenches were safe.

During the day our trenches, supporting the trenches and communicating trenches, were subject to a terrific bombardment. The wounded suffered most by this, for although the stretcher-bearers took all risk, it was not until dark that any real attempt was made to remove the wounded, who were lying in the trenches all day, could be made. On Monday, the Oxford & Bucks and the Highland Light Infantry pushed on from the captured trenches and won more ground. I cannot say who relieved us, but I can say this, that they pushed forward, making things a great success ‘round this part.”


Casualties suffered by the 2nd Battalion, The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry for the period 15th-18th May 1915:

Killed: 5 Officers and 42 Other Ranks
Wounded: 12 Officers and 272 Other Ranks (including 2 RAMC attached)
Missing: 3 Officers and 61 Other Ranks

These casualties were the heaviest suffered by the 2nd Battalion since 1812 when, as the 52nd Light Infantry, they took part in the siege and storming of Badajoz during the Peninsula War.

[Will O'Brien]

A hard few days for the 2nd Ox & Bucks Light Infantry indeed.........Remembering Private Albert Ashpool of Stewkley, killed in action on the 16th May.............one of the 61 missing.

[Laurent]

Battle of Festubert map 16-18 may 1915

Laurent

[andigger]

Laurent - How did the memorial ceremonies go for the May events? I know you also have a Givenchy event coming up. Are there any pics you can share? Thanks, Andy