August 2017 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CAMBRIDGESHIRE &

HUNTINGDONSHIRE NEWSLETTER

SOHAM RBL BRANCH – Affiliation with East Cambridgeshire Police Cadets

Soham RBL Branch have recently affiliated with the East Cambridgeshire Police Cadets.

1

Pictures from the night Branch and Cadets Officers signed the affiliation certificates.

World War 1 Recipients

10 April – 12 April 1917 John George Pattison VC - Pattison was 41 years old, and a private in the 50th (Calgary) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. On 10 April 1917 at the Battle of Vimy Ridge when the Canadian’s advamce was held up by an enemy machine-gun which was inflicting severe casualties. Pattison, with utter disregard of his own safety, sprang forward and jumping from shell-hole to shell-hole, reached cover within thirty yards of the enemy gun. From this point, in the face of heavy fire he hurled bombs killing and wounding some of the crew, and then rushed forward overcoming and bayoneting the surviving five gunners.

Horace Waller VC - was As a 20-year-old private in the 10th Service Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. On 10 April 1917 south of Heninel, France, when with a bombing section forming a block in the enemy line. A very violent counter-attack was made by the enemy on this post, and although five of the garrison were killed, Pte. Waller continued for more than an hour to throw bombs, and finally repulsed the attack. In the evening the enemy again counter-attacked the post and all the garrison became casualties, except Pte. Waller, who, although wounded later, continued to throw bombs for another half an hour until he was killed.

Donald MacKintosh VC– He was 21 years old, and a lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, The (Ross-shire Buffs, Duke of Albany's). On 11 April 1917 north of Fampoux, France, during the initial advance, Lt. Mackintosh was shot through the right leg, but although crippled, continued to lead his men, and captured the trench. He then collected men of another company who had lost their leader and drove back a counter-attack, when he was again wounded and although unable to stand, nevertheless continued to control the situation. With only 15 men left he ordered them to be ready to advance to the final objective and with great difficulty got out of the trench, encouraging them to advance. He was wounded yet again and was killed.

Harold Sandford Mugford VC – was 22 years old, and a Lance-Corporal in 8 Squadron, Corps. On 11 April 1917 at Monchy-le-Preux, France, under intense fire, Lance-Corporal Mugford got his machine-gun into a forward, very exposed position from which he dealt very effectively with the enemy. Almost immediately his No. 2 was killed and he was severely wounded. He was ordered to go to a new position and then have his wounds dressed but he refused, staying to inflict severe damage on the enemy with his gun.

2 Soon afterwards a shell broke both his legs, but he still remained with his gun and when he was at last removed to the dressing station he was again wounded.

John Cunningham VC – was 26 years old, and a corporal in the 2nd Battalion, Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment. On 12 April 1917 at Bois-en-Hache, near Barlin, France when in command of a Lewis Gun section on the most exposed flank of the attack. His section came under heavy fire and suffered severely. Although wounded he succeeded almost alone in reaching his objective with his gun, which he got into action in spite of much opposition. When counter-attacked by a party of twenty of the enermy he exhausted his ammunition against them, then, standing in full view, he commenced throwing bombs. He was wounded again, and fell, but picked himself up and continued to fight single-handed with the enemy until his bombs were exhausted. He then made his way back to the lines with a fractured arm and other wounds. Corporal Cunningham died in hospital from the effects of his wounds.

ANZAC COMMEMORATIONS IN AUSTRALIA.

Stetchworth and Dullingham Branch Chairman Robert Venner, was visiting family in Australia at the time when the ANZAC commemorations took place.

In Redcliffe just north of Brisbane the Ceremony begins at 0500 with a parade and ends with a sunrise over the South Pacific.

Thousands and thousands of people turned out for the Parade.

TV has 24-hour coverage of events across the country. They do the same for Remembrance Sunday.

3

QUIZ TIME: PARTNERS Answers Page 6 1. Who were the sons of Adam and Eve? 6. Which pair make up the constellation Gemini? 2. Who was Stan Laurel's comic partner? 7. Who was closely associated with Dr Jekyll in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic? 3. Who was Louis XVI's wife, guillotined in 8. According to legend, which two brothers 1793? founded Rome? 4. What were the Montgolfier brothers 9. Who was Bertie Wooster's impeccable known for? manservant? 5. Who was Othello's wife in Shakespeare's 10. Who was Franklin D Roosevelt's wife, play? who helped draw up the Declaration of Human Rights in 1945? 14 April - 25 April 1917 John William Ormsby VC MM – was 36 years old, and a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. On 14 April 1917 at Fayet, France, during operations which culminated in the capture of an important position, Sergeant Ormsby, acting as company sergeant-major showed complete indifference to the heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and set a fine example. After clearing a village he pushed on and drove out many snipers from locations further forward. When the only surviving officer was wounded he took command of the company and led them forward under heavy fire for 400 yards to a new position, holding it until relieved.

Charles Pope, VC – was a 34 year old Lieutenany in the Austrailian Imperial Force, On 15 April 1917 at Louverval, France, during the Battle of Lagnicourt, he was in command of a very important picquet post, with orders to hold it at all costs amidst a heavy German attack. The enemy, in greatly superior numbers, attacked and surrounded the post and ammunition was running short. Pope, in a desperate bid to save the position, was seen to charge with his men into the enemy force, which they overpowered although heavy losses were inflicted. He had obeyed the order to hold out to the last and his lifeless body, along with those of most of his men, was found amongst 80 enemy dead.

Charles Melvin VC– was 31 years old private in 2nd Battalion, (Royal Highlanders). On 21 April 1917 Pte. Melvin's company were fighting in Istabulat, Mesopotamia. The Company had advanced to within fifty yards of the front-line trench of a redoubt, where, owing to the intensity of the enemy's fire, the men were obliged to lie down and wait for reinforcements. Pte. Melvin, however, rushed on by himself, over ground swept from end to end by rifle and machine-gun fire. On reaching the enemy trench, he halted and fired two or three shots into it, killing one or two enemy, but as the others in the trench continued to fire at him, he jumped into it, and attacked them with his bayonet in his hand, as, owing to his rifle being damaged, the enemy fled to their second line, but not before Pte. Melvin had killed two more and succeeded in disarming eight unwounded and one wounded. Pte. Melvin herded his eight unwounded prisoners before him, and supporting the wounded one, he hustled them out of the trench, marched them in and delivered them over to an officer. He then provided himself with a load of ammunition and returned to the firing line where he reported himself to his platoon sergeant.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir John Reginald Noble Graham, 3rd Baronet VC OBE - was a 25 year old lieutenant in the 9th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise’s) – attached to the Machine Gun Corps.

4 Near Istabulat on the evening of 22 April 1917, Lt. Graham accompanied his guns across open ground, under very heavy rifle and machine gun fire, and when his men became casualties, he assisted in carrying the ammunition. Although twice wounded he continued during the advance to control his guns and was able, with one gun, to open an accurate fire on the enemy, who were massing for a counter-attack. This gun was put out of action by the enemy's rifle fire, and he was again wounded. The advancing enemy forced him to retire, but before doing so he further disabled his gun, rendering it useless. He then brought a Lewis gun into action with excellent effect till all the ammunition was expended. He was again severely wounded, and forced through loss of blood to retire.

Arthur Henderson VC, MC - was 23 years old, and an Acting Captain in the 4th Battalion, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Princess Louise's). On 23 April 1917 near Fontaine-les-Croisilles, France, During an attack on the enemy trenches, although almost immediately wounded in the left arm, he led his Company through the front enemy line until he gained his final objective. He then proceeded to consolidate his position, which, owing to heavy gun and machine gun fire and bombing attacks, was in danger of being isolated. By his cheerful courage and coolness he was enabled to maintain the spirit of his men under most trying conditions. Captain Henderson was killed after he had successfully accomplished his task.

David Philip Hirsch VC - was 20 years old, and an Acting Captain in the 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own). On 23 April 1917 near Wancourt, France, having arrived at the first objective, Capt. Hirsch, although already twice wounded, returned over fire-swept slopes to satisfy himself that the defensive flank was being established. The Machine gun fire was so intense that it was necessary for him to be continuously up and down the line encouraging his men to dig and hold the position. He continued to encourage his men by standing on the parapet and steadying them in the face of machine gun fire and counterattack until he was killed.

Edward Foster VC - was 31 years old, and a corporal in the 13th Battalion, The East Surrey Regiment. On 24 April 1917 at Villers-Plouich, Nord, France, during an attack, the advance was held up in a portion of the village by two machine-guns which were entrenched and strongly covered by wire entanglements. Corporal Foster who was in charge of two Lewis guns succeeded in entering the trench and engaged the enemy guns. One of the Lewis guns was lost, but the corporal rushed forward, bombed the enemy and recovered the gun. Then, getting his two guns into action, he killed the enemy gun team and captured their guns

Albert Ball, VC, DSO & Two Bars, MC - Joining No. 13 Squadron RFC in France, he flew reconnaissance missions before being posted in May to No. 11 Squadron, a fighter unit. From then until his return to on leave in October, he accrued many aerial victories, earning two Distinguished Service Orders and the Military Cross. He was the first ace to become a British national hero.Ball was posted to No. 56 Squadron, which deployed to the Western Front in April 1917. He crashed to his death in a field in France on 7 May aged 20, this sparked a wave of national mourning and posthumous recognition, which included the award of the Victoria Cross on the 25th April for his actions during his final tour of duty. The famous German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, remarked upon hearing of Ball's death that he was "by far the best English flying man".

5 DO YOU REQUIRE YOUR MEDALS TO BE COURT MOUNTED I recently decided that my Service medals were starting to look a little shabby and needed a good overhaul and re-court mounting.

After shopping around, I decided upon using someone locally Tim Pidoux an Ex RAF SNCO MT, who started up his business TFPCOURTMOUNTING on leaving the Service a number of years ago. Based in Bury near Ramsey he is definitely local.

I was very pleased with the Service I was provided, professional work that was carried out extremely prompt and at excellent Value for Money (VFM). As seen above, Tim can also mount and frame prints, photographs, cross- stitch, Tower of London Poppies and posters. Click on the link: www.tfpcourtmounting.co.uk to see more. If you are not on internet and require some information the contact Tim on Mobile: 07826856345

Crockery Hire & Event Planning Afternoon Teas Wedding Parties Anniversaries Hen Parties Popup Tea Parties in your garden / at your event Birthdays Funerals Fetes / fairs Catering Charity Events From small gatherings of friends and family to large weddings/celebrations Dot & Flo’s will be there to help you create the event you want.

We offer everything from hiring out our beautiful crockery and accessories, to organising the entire event. Tel: 01954 201782 Mobile: 07522 021787 Web: www.dotandflo.co.uk Email: [email protected] Facebook: Dot & Flo’s

CITY of ELY BRANCH EVENTS

15 Sept 2017 - Trip to National Memorial Arboretum - cost £15. Only 10 places still available

6

If you are interested – Contact: Branch

Chairman David Martin [email protected] or Tel: 01353 654311 Mobile: 07748592148

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Cain & Abel 6. Castor & Pollux 2. Oliver Hardy 7. Mr Hyde 3. Marie Antoinette 8. Romulus & Remus 4. Ballooning 9. Jeeves 5. Desdemona 10. Eleanor

7

REQUEST FOR STANDARD - In early July I received a request from a Mrs Denise Broughton who wished to place a Centenary wreath at the Newborough War Memorial on the 10th July at 11am, this was to commemorate her Great Uncle, Thomas Henry Barnes who was killed on 10th July 1917. His body was never found and his name is also on the Nieuport memorial in Belgium, she hoped that the Legion could provide a Standard to be presentfor her ceremony.

There is no Branch at Newborough so I contacted the nearest Branch Peterborough Branch and Jerry Wilson the Deputy Standard Bearer agreed to attend the ceremony. Mrs Broughton and her family were very pleased that someone could attend.

8 April – 30th April 1917

Edward Brooks VC - was 34 years old, and a Company Sergeant Major in the 2/4th Battalion, and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. On 28 April 1917 at Fayet, near Saint-Quentin, France, Company Sergeant-Major Brooks, while taking part in a raid on the enemy's trenches, saw that the front wave was being checked by an enemy machine gun. On his own initiative he rushed forward from the second wave, killed one of the gunners with his revolver and bayoneted another. The remainder of the gun crew then made off, leaving the gun, whereupon the company sergeant-major turned it on the retreating enemy, after which he carried it back to Allied lines. His courageous action undoubtedly prevented many casualties and greatly added to the success of the operation.

Reginald Leonard Haine VC MC - was 20 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company. On 28/29 April 1917 near Gavrelle, France, when British troops were holding a salient which was being repeatedly counter-attacked by German forces, Second Lieutenant Haine organised and led six bombing attacks against a German strong point and captured the position, together with 50 prisoners and two machine-guns. The enemy at once counter-attacked and regained the lost ground, but Second Lieutenant Haine formed a "block" in his trench and for the whole of the following night maintained his position. Next morning he again attacked and recaptured the position. His splendid example inspired his men during more than 30 hours of continuous fighting

Alfred Oliver Pollard VC MC - was 23 years old, second lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, Honourable Artillery Company. On 29 April 1917 at Gavrelle, France, the troops of various units had become disorganised owing to the heavy casualties from shell fire and a subsequent determined attack with very strong forces caused further confusion and retirement. Second Lieutenant Pollard realised the seriousness of the situation and with only four men he started a counter-attack with bombs, pressing it home until he had broken the enemy attack and regained all that had been lost and much ground in addition. This officer's splendid example inspired courage into every man who saw him.

James Welch VC - was 27 years old, and a lance corporal in the 1st Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's). On 29 April 1917 near Oppy, France, L/Cpl Welch entered an enemy trench and killed one man after a severe hand-to-hand struggle. Then, armed only with an empty revolver, he chased four enemies across the open and captured them single-handedly. He handled his machine-gun with the utmost fearlessness, and more than once went into the open, exposed to heavy fire, to search for and collect ammunition and spare parts in order to keep his guns in action, which he succeeded in doing for over five hours, until wounded by a shell.

William Edward Sanders VC, DSO – was commissioned in the Royal Naval Reserveand at the age of 34 years he took command of a Q-ship HMS Prize, in February 1917.

At midnight on 30 April 1917 about 180 miles south of Ireland, in the Atlantic, Prize was attacked by a U-boat, U-93. The Q-ship was genuinely badly damaged by shellfire from the U-boat's deck guns. Sanders, remaining under cover, moved about the vessel reassuring his men.

9 After the 'panic party' had taken to the boats and the ship appeared to be sinking, the U-boat approached to within 80 yards of her port quarter, whereupon Sanders ordered the White Ensign hoisted and Prize opened fire. Within a few minutes the submarine was on fire and her bows rose in the air, whilst Prize was further damaged. The U-boat disappeared from sight, and was believed to have been sunk by the crew of Prize and by several of the German crew (including her captain) who had been blown or jumped into the sea. However, neither of the crippled ships had sunk, with Prize being towed in flames back to Kinsale. U-93 struggled back to the Sylt nine days later. Badly damaged, Prize had to spend several weeks being repaired. During this time the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir John Jellicoe offered Sanders command of a destroyer of his choosing, which he declined. He returned to sea in May with Prize conducting a second patrol for three weeks. Sanders was wounded slightly in an action on 12 June, in which the Prize was fired at 30 times by the U-boat being attacked

10

EDITOR’s NOTE DO YOU HAVE ITEMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO FUTURE NEWSLETTERS IDEAS: Memories from say - Service Life, Schooldays during WWII, Recipes, Branch Events and Awards, Advertise an future event

Please send to Bryan Jones – [email protected] Or South Fens Business Centre, Fenton Way, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6TT

11