2nd Royal Sussex

[Paul Reed]

Remembering all those from the 2nd Bn Royal Sussex Regiment who fought and died crossing the Sambre canal near Catillon on 4th November 1918.

This is a photo that belonged to Josh Grover MM, who was decorated in this action. It shows the lock house where the battalion crossed; there was an MG in the house which the Lewis Guns from the battalion silenced.

[Paul Reed]

This is the same lock house today; it is the original building that was there in 1918.

[Paul Reed]

This is the memorial Josh Grover and his pal had put in place in the ?1980s.

[Paul Reed]

Close up of memorial.

[Paul Reed]

This was a VC action. Lt-Col Dudley Johnson DSO MC, commanding the 2nd Bn, was awarded the VC:

"Lieutenant-Colonel Dudley Johnson D.S.O., M.C., South Wales Borderers, attached 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex, for most conspicuous bravery and leadership during the forcing of the Sambre Canal on November 4th, 1918. The 2nd Infantry Brigade, of which 2nd Battalion Royal Sussex formed part, was ordered to cross the lock south of Catellon. The position was strong and before the bridge could be thrown, a steep bank leading up to the lock and a waterway about 100 yards short of the canal had to be crossed. The assaulting platoons and bridging parties Royal Engineers, on their arrival at the waterway were thrown into confusion by a heavy barrage and machine gun fire and heavy casualties were caused. At this moment Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson arrived and realising the situation at once collected men to man the bridges and assist the Royal Engineers and personally led the assault. In spite of his efforts heavy fire again broke up the assaulting and bridging parties. Without any hesitation he again organised the platoons and bridging parties and led them at the lock, this time succeeding in effecting a crossing after which all went well. During all this time Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson was under heavy fire, which, though it nearly decimated the assaulting columns, left him untouched. His conduct was a fine example of great valour, coolness and intrepidity, which, added to his splendid leadership and offensive spirit that he had inspired in his Battalion, were entirely responsible for the successful crossing."

He survived the war. This is him in the photo below (on the left).

[Paul Johnson]

Paul,

Thanks for this. The photos are a great and combined with the VC story really help to capture the moment.

Regards

PAUL JOHNSON

[Stephen Nulty]

Paul

Who's the Sergeant in the picture with Dudley-Johnson? Is it another man associated with the action at Ambre Canal?

[Paul Reed]

Paul

Who's the Sergeant in the picture with Dudley-Johnson? Is it another man associated with the action at Ambre Canal?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Stephen - he is Sgt E.J.Brown DCM MM C de G. See:

http://battlefields1418.50megs.com/dudley_g__johnson_vc.htm

Thanks for your comments on this; it's an area that has always been special to me as I knew Josh Grover, who always wore his old steel helmet whenever he visited the battlefields!

[spike10764]

Thanks for sharing these photos and the action with us Paul. They open all our eyes to the smaller actions of the conflict that were steeped in bravery, such as this.

Also to Josha nd his pals perseverence which got the memorial erected, so it shall not be forgotten.....