Lance Corporal Arthur John Foxcroft, 3090, 4th Battalion, A.I.F., describes the fighting at Pozieres. He was wounded at Mouquet Farm on 19th August 1916 and eventually retuned home to Australia on 26th September 1917:
"On 23 July we captured the village of Pozieres and went through a rough four days and nights all without sleep. The taking wasn't so hard but consolidating our gains is terrible because they know the nicety of our position to shell us. They rely on their biggest shell, 9.5 inch, which throws up a mountain of dirt and buries you. We have nearly all had a turn at being buried, some several times, and if you are not noticed at the time you are almost in your grave. I will not detail it for it is too horrible but as our artillery is more dreadful than theirs they must have suffered properly, in fact we saw proof of it when we got amongst them. Some of them are so demoralized by our guns and by our bombardment preventing them getting their rations they just staggered into our trench and some cried like kids.
At Mouquet Farm.
If you are killed you are left there and your pockets or disc are not even looked at and you are known as dead by being missing at the assembly after coming out of the trenches after being relieved. If bodies were buried they would only be rooted up again by shells- for as far as you can see all around us to the horizon is torn up, over and over again. When we get the Hun a good way back the cleaning up parties will bury the dead and pick up all the material off the field."
(Arthur John Foxcroft – enlisted on 9th August 1915 the son of W. Foxcroft, Blenheim, 30 Cameron Street, Coburg, Victoria, he was 24. He embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A29 “Suevic” on 20 December 1915. He returned to Australia 26 September 1917.)
For other posts on Pozieres :
Pozieres - today
Pozieres an account by C.E.W. Bean
Pozieres as recalled by Phillip Gibbs, War Correspondent.
Pozieres an account by Lieutenant J.A. Raws.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Lieutenant Thomas Anderson, 8th Battalion, AIF
Lieutenant Thomas Anderson, 8th Battalion, AIF, was born in July 1886, the son of F. Anderson from Windermere, Ballarat, Victoria.
He enlisted on the 30th December 1914, aged 28, number 1703 and embarked with the 4th Reinforcements of the 8th Battalion from Melbourne on the 14th April 1915 on board HMAT A18 “Wiltshire”.
He was promoted through the ranks and as a Sergeant he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his incredible work on 4th October 1917 at the battle of Broodseinde Ridge. The citation reads:
“During the attack on BROODSEINDE RIDGE east of YPRES on 4th October 1917, this N.C.O. who was acting C.S.M. did splendid and courageous work during and after the advance. With 8 men he attacked and captured a pill box, inside our own barrage, which was punishing the attacking line with Machine Gun fire. To do this he had to penetrate our own barrage line.
He rushed the pill box and shot the Machine Gunners and captured the Machine Guns and three men, in spite of a strong resistance by the enemy with bombs and Machine Guns. He also rendered valuable work in reorganisation and consolidation showing no regard for his own personal safety."
He was promoted through the ranks to 2nd Lieutenant on 15th October 1917 and to Lieutenant on 28th February 1918.
He was awarded the Military Cross for his work on the 9th and 11th August 1918, the citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack north of ROSIERES on the 9th August 1918.
Lieutenant Anderson was in charge of the platoon on the extreme right of the battalion and when the troops on our right flank failed to advance, he showed fine judgement and tactical knowledge in forming a defensive flank. He led his platoon with fine dash and personally mopped up several pockets of Germans who were putting up a strong resistance.
When his company commander became a casualty Lieut. Anderson took command of the company and led it in fine style, doing splendid work personally supervising consolidation and fighting the enemy back with Lewis Gun and rifle fire.
During the attack on LIHONS on the 11th August 1918 Lieut. Anderson, who was in charge of the right line company, again distinguished himself by fine leadership and courage.
Throughout the operation he sent frequent and accurate reports of the sistautaion to the rear. On reaching his objective he found that his right flank was in the air on account of the troops on our right not having advanced. He skilfully formed a defensive flank and beat off a strong German counter-attack.
He set his men a splendid example of courage, always leading them, taking his share of the hand-to-hand fighting and inspiring them to such an extent by his own courage that they threw back a far stronger body of the enemy numerically that themselves. He personally supervised the consolidation and established same on such a sound tactical basis that with a very weak garrison he was able to repel several attempts of the enemy to drive him back.”
Lieutenant Anderson returned to Australia on 23rd September 1919.
Lieutenat Thomas Anderson (in the centre of the picture) February 1918.
He enlisted on the 30th December 1914, aged 28, number 1703 and embarked with the 4th Reinforcements of the 8th Battalion from Melbourne on the 14th April 1915 on board HMAT A18 “Wiltshire”.
He was promoted through the ranks and as a Sergeant he won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his incredible work on 4th October 1917 at the battle of Broodseinde Ridge. The citation reads:
“During the attack on BROODSEINDE RIDGE east of YPRES on 4th October 1917, this N.C.O. who was acting C.S.M. did splendid and courageous work during and after the advance. With 8 men he attacked and captured a pill box, inside our own barrage, which was punishing the attacking line with Machine Gun fire. To do this he had to penetrate our own barrage line.
He rushed the pill box and shot the Machine Gunners and captured the Machine Guns and three men, in spite of a strong resistance by the enemy with bombs and Machine Guns. He also rendered valuable work in reorganisation and consolidation showing no regard for his own personal safety."
He was promoted through the ranks to 2nd Lieutenant on 15th October 1917 and to Lieutenant on 28th February 1918.
He was awarded the Military Cross for his work on the 9th and 11th August 1918, the citation reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack north of ROSIERES on the 9th August 1918.
Lieutenant Anderson was in charge of the platoon on the extreme right of the battalion and when the troops on our right flank failed to advance, he showed fine judgement and tactical knowledge in forming a defensive flank. He led his platoon with fine dash and personally mopped up several pockets of Germans who were putting up a strong resistance.
When his company commander became a casualty Lieut. Anderson took command of the company and led it in fine style, doing splendid work personally supervising consolidation and fighting the enemy back with Lewis Gun and rifle fire.
During the attack on LIHONS on the 11th August 1918 Lieut. Anderson, who was in charge of the right line company, again distinguished himself by fine leadership and courage.
Throughout the operation he sent frequent and accurate reports of the sistautaion to the rear. On reaching his objective he found that his right flank was in the air on account of the troops on our right not having advanced. He skilfully formed a defensive flank and beat off a strong German counter-attack.
He set his men a splendid example of courage, always leading them, taking his share of the hand-to-hand fighting and inspiring them to such an extent by his own courage that they threw back a far stronger body of the enemy numerically that themselves. He personally supervised the consolidation and established same on such a sound tactical basis that with a very weak garrison he was able to repel several attempts of the enemy to drive him back.”
Lieutenant Anderson returned to Australia on 23rd September 1919.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Captain William Barnsley Allen VC DSO MC & Bar, R.A.M.C.
William Barnsley Allen was born in Sheffield on 8th June 1892, and was the only son of Percy Edwin Allen and Edith Allen (nee Barnsley). He was educated at Worksop College and Sheffield University. He gained the Gold Medal for Pathology in 1913 and has also won three bronze medals; M.B., Ch.B, Kaye Scholarship and Second Class Honours.
He joined the Army on 8th August 1914 being gazetted Lieutenant on that date and was promoted Captain on 1st April 1915 (T.F.). In May 1916 at Gainsborough he married Mary Young (“Mollie”), younger daughter of W. Y. Mercer, Esq., of Gainsborough.
In August of that year he gained the Military Cross. Near Mesnil, Somme, France, on 3rd September, 1916, his splendid behaviour under fire in the circumstances mentioned below gained him the Victoria Cross (London Gazette, 26th October, 1916):
“For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.
When gun detachments were unloading high explosive ammunition from wagons which had just come up, the enemy suddenly began to shell the battery position. The first shell fell on one of the limbers, exploded the ammunition and caused several casualties.
Captain Allen saw the occurrence and at once, with utter disregard of danger, ran across the open, under heavy shell fire, commenced dressing the wounded and undoubtedly by his promptness saved many of them from bleeding to death.
He himself was hit four times during the first hour by pieces of shell, one of which fractured two of his ribs, but he never even mentioned this at the time, and coolly went on with his work until the last man was dressed and safely removed.
He then went over to another battery and tended a wounded officer. It was only when this was done that he returned to his dug-out and reported his own injury.”
In July, 1917, he was awarded the Bar to the Military Cross and was invalided to England on 22nd July. On 4th January 1918, he was made acting Major. On 17th October 1918, he was wounded for the third time and invalided for the second time to England, and awarded the D.S.O. on this date. He served in France three years and two months; was transferred to Regular R.A.M.C., and dated back to Captain on 8th February, 1918, which rank he held to the conclusion of the war.
He died on 27th October 1933 at Bracklesham, Near Chichester, Sussex and is buried at Earnley Parish Church, Sussex.
He died on 27th October 1933 at Bracklesham, Near Chichester, Sussex and is buried at Earnley Parish Church, Sussex.
His last resting place in the shadow of Earnley Parish Church.
Earnley Parish Church with Captain Allen's grave in the foreground.
For more info : Earnley Parish Church at Looking at Sussex Churches
Monday, April 21, 2008
Crater Pool by Henry Weston Pryce
This excellent First World War poem is by the Australian poet Henry Weston Pryce.
Crater Pool
Draw near-draw near, brave soldier!
Through the darkness to my side draw near!
Here I wait who e'er may chance,
Dreaming darkly, dreaming deep,
And my cruel musings creep
O'er my face as trench flares dance;
Cold is my heart, O soldier!
As thy lips are cold with fear.
Beware! beware, good soldier!
Others such as thou, have come this night,
In the dark, the rain and sleet,
Pressing each upon his foe....
Saw, to late, my face aglow,
Felt my fingers clutch their feet;
Dark are my depths, good soldier,
But thy fevered eyes are bright!
Look down! Look down, poor soldier,
Where the bubbles of decay arise:
See them, note them-how they lie,
As they grappled, as they fell:
Foes in life-in death as well,
Foot to foot and eye to eye;
The pestilence I send thee, soldier,
Is the hate that dimmed their eyes.
(Henry Weston Pryce was born at Woolway Station in Monaro, New South Wales in 1891. His occupations included salesman, insurance agent, clerk, soldier and journalist. He contributed verse and stories to Australian literary journals for several years. Pryce joined the 9th Machine Gun Company of the A.I.F. on 16 June 1916 and sailed from Melbourne in October 1916. He returned to Australia on the 25 November 1917. Both his brothers died in the war. Pryce joined the staff of the Sydney Sun. He died in 1963).
Crater Pool
Draw near-draw near, brave soldier!
Through the darkness to my side draw near!
Here I wait who e'er may chance,
Dreaming darkly, dreaming deep,
And my cruel musings creep
O'er my face as trench flares dance;
Cold is my heart, O soldier!
As thy lips are cold with fear.
Beware! beware, good soldier!
Others such as thou, have come this night,
In the dark, the rain and sleet,
Pressing each upon his foe....
Saw, to late, my face aglow,
Felt my fingers clutch their feet;
Dark are my depths, good soldier,
But thy fevered eyes are bright!
Look down! Look down, poor soldier,
Where the bubbles of decay arise:
See them, note them-how they lie,
As they grappled, as they fell:
Foes in life-in death as well,
Foot to foot and eye to eye;
The pestilence I send thee, soldier,
Is the hate that dimmed their eyes.
(Henry Weston Pryce was born at Woolway Station in Monaro, New South Wales in 1891. His occupations included salesman, insurance agent, clerk, soldier and journalist. He contributed verse and stories to Australian literary journals for several years. Pryce joined the 9th Machine Gun Company of the A.I.F. on 16 June 1916 and sailed from Melbourne in October 1916. He returned to Australia on the 25 November 1917. Both his brothers died in the war. Pryce joined the staff of the Sydney Sun. He died in 1963).
Friday, April 11, 2008
Supplying Drink to Convalescing Soldiers
This article was published in the Eastbourne Gazette in June 1915. The Convalescent Hospital, Summerdown Camp was opened in April 1915.
The request from both the camp commandant and the Officer in Charge of troops at the Royal Engineers base to stop public houses serving alcohol to soldiers carried enough weight for the motion to be agreed. But reading further reports in the newspaper during the war, I think it very unlikely that this action carried with it any weight at all, as numerous cases were brought before the courts of alcohol related crime committed by drunken soldiers!!
"Treating Wounded Soldiers
Licensed Victuallers Wise Decision
At a meeting of the members of the Eastbourne and District Licensed Victuallers Association held on Monday at the Royal Hotel, Terminus Road under the presidency of Councillor Horace Morgan, the following correspondence was read:-
Officer in command troops,
Ordnance Yard,
Eastbourne,
June 5, 1915
To Mr H Morgan, Archery Hotel, Eastbourne.
Sir,
I beg to draw your attention to the enclosed copy of a letter from Major J.W. Bostock, commandant, Convalescent Hospital, Summerdown Camp and should esteem it a favour if you could instruct your members not to serve convalescents directly or indirectly, with drink and use the utmost discretion in trying to carry out the commandant wishes.
Yours faithfully
Lieutenant-Colonel W.F. Cheesewright, R.E. Officer commanding troops, Eastbourne.
Convalescent Hospital,
Eastbourne
June 4, 1915.
To the officer in command of troops, Ordnance Yard, Eastbourne.
Sir,
I have the honour to bring to your notice the importance of keeping men from this hospital from promiscuous drinking in the town.
I would urge that the licensed victuallers of Eastbourne be approached on this question, with a view to their refusing the men drink in the interests of the patients themselves and also the good of the nation.
Your obedient servant,
Major J.W. Bostock, R.A.M.C., Commandant Convalescent Hospital.
After discussing the matter it was decided by an almost unanimous vote, there being only two dissentients, to refrain from serving men in blue invalid uniforms."
The request from both the camp commandant and the Officer in Charge of troops at the Royal Engineers base to stop public houses serving alcohol to soldiers carried enough weight for the motion to be agreed. But reading further reports in the newspaper during the war, I think it very unlikely that this action carried with it any weight at all, as numerous cases were brought before the courts of alcohol related crime committed by drunken soldiers!!
"Treating Wounded Soldiers
Licensed Victuallers Wise Decision
At a meeting of the members of the Eastbourne and District Licensed Victuallers Association held on Monday at the Royal Hotel, Terminus Road under the presidency of Councillor Horace Morgan, the following correspondence was read:-
Officer in command troops,
Ordnance Yard,
Eastbourne,
June 5, 1915
To Mr H Morgan, Archery Hotel, Eastbourne.
Sir,
I beg to draw your attention to the enclosed copy of a letter from Major J.W. Bostock, commandant, Convalescent Hospital, Summerdown Camp and should esteem it a favour if you could instruct your members not to serve convalescents directly or indirectly, with drink and use the utmost discretion in trying to carry out the commandant wishes.
Yours faithfully
Lieutenant-Colonel W.F. Cheesewright, R.E. Officer commanding troops, Eastbourne.
Convalescent Hospital,
Eastbourne
June 4, 1915.
To the officer in command of troops, Ordnance Yard, Eastbourne.
Sir,
I have the honour to bring to your notice the importance of keeping men from this hospital from promiscuous drinking in the town.
I would urge that the licensed victuallers of Eastbourne be approached on this question, with a view to their refusing the men drink in the interests of the patients themselves and also the good of the nation.
Your obedient servant,
Major J.W. Bostock, R.A.M.C., Commandant Convalescent Hospital.
After discussing the matter it was decided by an almost unanimous vote, there being only two dissentients, to refrain from serving men in blue invalid uniforms."
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sergeant Frank Alberry, 867, 8th Battalion AIF.
Sergeant Frank Alberry, 867, 8th Battalion was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his heroic action on 25th July 1916 at the battle of Pozieres on the Somme.
During this action he was badly wounded and had a leg amputated. After he was released from hospital he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he was commissioned as a Lieutenant and qualified as a pilot. He was subsequently wounded again and returned to Australia 20th November 1918.
He enlisted on 24th August 1914, aged 21 at Broadmeadows in Melbourne. He came from Hobart Tasmania. Interestingly on his application form it stated that he had previously served for 1 ½ years in a Welsh Regiment, where he had deserted but had been granted a free pardon.
In March 1916, at the training school he gained a distinguished pass with Lewis Guns.
Below is the official recommendation for the D.C.M.
“At Pozieres France, on the morning of 25th July 1916. Sergeant Alberry controlled 4 Lewis Machine Guns & teams and showed great skill in their disposition. When our Right company “C” was checked during attack this N.C.O. personally took a gun to a flank & by the aid of this fire the Company was able to again push forward.
Whilst the Battalion was digging in, he took a gun forward into a shell hole and gave good covering fire. The following night the Battalion was ordered to establish a Strong Post East of Orchard. Sergeant Alberry again rendered valuable service by establishing his gun on a flank, thus giving good protection for this party. When the Strong Post was established this N.C.O. took a gun there and assisted to hold it during the next two days. He was under constant fire and showed a splendid example to his men. A good deal of success of this attack was due to his splendid handling of L.M. Guns and great credit is due to Sgt. Alberry for this. He was badly wounded whilst being relieved from this Strong Post, and has since had his leg amputated. He had never been away from the Battalion since its formation in August 1914.”
The published citation in the London Gazette on 20th October 1916 reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry in action. He controlled four machine guns with great skill and determination and did fine work with them throughout. He was wounded while being relieved from holding a strong post and has since lost his leg.”
Here is a summary of his service record:
24.8.14 Enlisted at Broadmeadows, Victoria, posted to the 8th Battalion.
19.10.14 Embarked from Australia.
5.4.15 Embarked to join M.E.F at Gallipoli.
27.12.15 To be Lance-Corporal.
7.1.16 Disembarked at Alexandria.
26.2.16 Promoted to Corporal.
15.3.16 Promoted to Sergeant.
26.3.16 Proceeded to Join the B.E.F. in France.
31.3.16 Disembarked at Marseilles.
26.7.16 Wounded in action, awarded the D.C.M.
1.8.16 Invalided to England, Leg Amputated.
26.3.17 Discharged ex Hospital to duty.
3.8.17 Joined No.1 School of Aeronautics, Reading.
13.9.17 Attached 29th, Training Squadron as Cadet.
6.11.17 Having graduated as Flying Officer (Pilot) is appointed 2nd Lieutenant in AIF.
4.4.18 Proceeded to France, attached to A.F.C. Depot.
16.6.18 Taken on strength No.2 Squadron.
13.8.18 Wounded in Action (2nd Occasion).
15.8.18 Rejoined No. 2 Squadron.
20.11.18 Embarked for Australia.
5.1.19 Disembarked 3rd. Military District.
6.3.19 Appointment Terminated at Melbourne.
Source : National Archives of Australia
During this action he was badly wounded and had a leg amputated. After he was released from hospital he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, where he was commissioned as a Lieutenant and qualified as a pilot. He was subsequently wounded again and returned to Australia 20th November 1918.
He enlisted on 24th August 1914, aged 21 at Broadmeadows in Melbourne. He came from Hobart Tasmania. Interestingly on his application form it stated that he had previously served for 1 ½ years in a Welsh Regiment, where he had deserted but had been granted a free pardon.
In March 1916, at the training school he gained a distinguished pass with Lewis Guns.
Below is the official recommendation for the D.C.M.
“At Pozieres France, on the morning of 25th July 1916. Sergeant Alberry controlled 4 Lewis Machine Guns & teams and showed great skill in their disposition. When our Right company “C” was checked during attack this N.C.O. personally took a gun to a flank & by the aid of this fire the Company was able to again push forward.
Whilst the Battalion was digging in, he took a gun forward into a shell hole and gave good covering fire. The following night the Battalion was ordered to establish a Strong Post East of Orchard. Sergeant Alberry again rendered valuable service by establishing his gun on a flank, thus giving good protection for this party. When the Strong Post was established this N.C.O. took a gun there and assisted to hold it during the next two days. He was under constant fire and showed a splendid example to his men. A good deal of success of this attack was due to his splendid handling of L.M. Guns and great credit is due to Sgt. Alberry for this. He was badly wounded whilst being relieved from this Strong Post, and has since had his leg amputated. He had never been away from the Battalion since its formation in August 1914.”
The published citation in the London Gazette on 20th October 1916 reads:
“For conspicuous gallantry in action. He controlled four machine guns with great skill and determination and did fine work with them throughout. He was wounded while being relieved from holding a strong post and has since lost his leg.”
Here is a summary of his service record:
24.8.14 Enlisted at Broadmeadows, Victoria, posted to the 8th Battalion.
19.10.14 Embarked from Australia.
5.4.15 Embarked to join M.E.F at Gallipoli.
27.12.15 To be Lance-Corporal.
7.1.16 Disembarked at Alexandria.
26.2.16 Promoted to Corporal.
15.3.16 Promoted to Sergeant.
26.3.16 Proceeded to Join the B.E.F. in France.
31.3.16 Disembarked at Marseilles.
26.7.16 Wounded in action, awarded the D.C.M.
1.8.16 Invalided to England, Leg Amputated.
26.3.17 Discharged ex Hospital to duty.
3.8.17 Joined No.1 School of Aeronautics, Reading.
13.9.17 Attached 29th, Training Squadron as Cadet.
6.11.17 Having graduated as Flying Officer (Pilot) is appointed 2nd Lieutenant in AIF.
4.4.18 Proceeded to France, attached to A.F.C. Depot.
16.6.18 Taken on strength No.2 Squadron.
13.8.18 Wounded in Action (2nd Occasion).
15.8.18 Rejoined No. 2 Squadron.
20.11.18 Embarked for Australia.
5.1.19 Disembarked 3rd. Military District.
6.3.19 Appointment Terminated at Melbourne.
Source : National Archives of Australia
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Is a Dachshund a German Dog?
Still on the subject of Dogs and the First World War, here are two letters that appeared in the Eastbourne Gazette dated 20th February 1918. It seems that quite a storm had arisen over the origin of dachshund breed.
Both letters remain anonymous, but I like the second as it displays the general mistrust of anything remotely German!
Is a Dachshund a German Dog?
Sir,
I learn from the letter of your correspondent, W.A. Jackson, that I a pure bred dachshund am not a German dog. Mr, (Mrs. or Miss) Jackson, in answering the letter of “A Lover of Dogs” says that your correspondent spoke “most ignorantly” about the dachshund. He (or she) goes on to assert that dachshunds “are English; were bred in England, being taught to turn the old-fashioned spit, which accounts for the somewhat strange formation of feet! “This Sir, is “all my eye and Betty Martin.”
True, W.A. Jackson, by his (or her) own confession, is the owner of only a mongrel; and that, perhaps, excuses him (or her) from knowing so little of the breed called dachshunds. I will, therefore, briefly give him (or her) their true history.
The name “dachshund” is adopted from the German, signifying “badger-dog.” The dachshund has been common in Germany for many years, but was unknown in England until introduced from Germany by the Prince Consort towards the middle of the nineteenth century i.e. after the days when the spit was generally used for roasting in this country. Moreover, the dachshund is largely used in Germany for hunting, and is especially favoured by the Kaiser for covert shooting.
I, as a German of high birth, consider it an insult to be informed by W.A. Jackson that members of my family were once employed to turn the spit! True, the old English dog formerly known as the “Turn-spit” is a poor cousin of mine; but that fact has nothing to do with my crooked feet. They were caused in years long past by rickets!
No, Sir, I am a German and am proud of it. Auf wiedersehen! Bow-wow!
Yours,
A DACHSHUND,
Eastbourne.
Sir,
Your correspondent is right about the dachshund not being German in origin. They were, however, adopted by Germany to its own uses (a not unusual thing) and being now German dogs to all intents and purposes are naturally looked on as such.
Yours truly,
“Another lover of Dogs.”
Both letters remain anonymous, but I like the second as it displays the general mistrust of anything remotely German!
Is a Dachshund a German Dog?
Sir,
I learn from the letter of your correspondent, W.A. Jackson, that I a pure bred dachshund am not a German dog. Mr, (Mrs. or Miss) Jackson, in answering the letter of “A Lover of Dogs” says that your correspondent spoke “most ignorantly” about the dachshund. He (or she) goes on to assert that dachshunds “are English; were bred in England, being taught to turn the old-fashioned spit, which accounts for the somewhat strange formation of feet! “This Sir, is “all my eye and Betty Martin.”
True, W.A. Jackson, by his (or her) own confession, is the owner of only a mongrel; and that, perhaps, excuses him (or her) from knowing so little of the breed called dachshunds. I will, therefore, briefly give him (or her) their true history.
The name “dachshund” is adopted from the German, signifying “badger-dog.” The dachshund has been common in Germany for many years, but was unknown in England until introduced from Germany by the Prince Consort towards the middle of the nineteenth century i.e. after the days when the spit was generally used for roasting in this country. Moreover, the dachshund is largely used in Germany for hunting, and is especially favoured by the Kaiser for covert shooting.
I, as a German of high birth, consider it an insult to be informed by W.A. Jackson that members of my family were once employed to turn the spit! True, the old English dog formerly known as the “Turn-spit” is a poor cousin of mine; but that fact has nothing to do with my crooked feet. They were caused in years long past by rickets!
No, Sir, I am a German and am proud of it. Auf wiedersehen! Bow-wow!
Yours,
A DACHSHUND,
Eastbourne.
Sir,
Your correspondent is right about the dachshund not being German in origin. They were, however, adopted by Germany to its own uses (a not unusual thing) and being now German dogs to all intents and purposes are naturally looked on as such.
Yours truly,
“Another lover of Dogs.”
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Dogs in the First World War.
This article was published during the war in the ‘War Illustrated.’ It is interesting how the publishers sold the public the idea of the usefulness of dogs helping the soldiers in the trenches.
In a previous article ‘Messenger Dogs’ it was noted how the Australians tried unsuccessfully to use dogs to carry messages. Perhaps other units had better luck!!
III - HOW DOGS BECOME GOOD SOLDIERS
The training of intelligent animals like these is carried on in five different ways, for various uses.
1. As Ambulance Dogs. The animal seeks for wounded men lost on the battle-field; he searches in holes, ruins, and excavations, and hunts over wooded places or coverts, where the wounded man might lie unnoticed by his comrades or the stretcher-bearer. The dog is especially useful at this work in the night-time, when he can often by his scent discover fallen men who would otherwise be passed over, for at night-time ambulance-men often have to work in the dark, as lights would attract the enemy's fire. Having found a wounded man still alive, the dog brings his master (or the ambulance-man to whom he is attached) some article belonging to the sufferer. This object tells the master, "I have found someone - search!"
Usually the object brought is the fallen man’s képi (or nowadays his helmet), and the trainers teach the dog to find the man's headgear, but if this is missing some other object must be brought. It is a fatiguing operation for the animal, as he has to return with closed mouth. The ambulance-man who receives the article at once puts the animal on a leash, and is immediately led to his wounded comrade. The leash is about two yards long, so that the movements of the animal shall be hindered as little as possible.
If dogs were utilized in this service long during wartime, their value would be incalculable; and their use is all the greater when fighting takes place over an extended area. The situation of the wounded man overlooked or abandoned on the battle-field is a truly horrible one; he has to wait in the forlorn hope that he will be found, for the army has gone on, and the more victorious it is the farther it will push ahead. In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1 more than twelve thousand men were thus lost to the French alone, while in the Russo-Japanese War the Japanese lost over five thousand in this manner, showing that the methods then used for the exploration of the battle-fields were inadequate. In that war three dogs sent by a military dog society found twenty-three wounded men who had been abandoned after the battle of Cha-ho. In the Boer War the collie dogs taken out by the men, it is said, saved hundreds of wounded men who would never have been found by the ambulance-workers in the difficult country where fighting mostly took place.
2. As Trench Dogs or Sentinels. The sentry or trench dog is trained to stay in the trench itself or in a small "listening-post" made for him, either on the edge of the trench, outside it, or at a little distance away. There he remains on the qui vive, ready to signal the least suspicion of a noise or the presence of the enemy. In this work both his eyes and his scent help him. He is kept on the leash, and he gives the signal of danger by a slight growl, without barking, which would give the alarm. The greatest difficulty in the training of dogs for this work has been to rid them of the habit of barking, but this has been overcome with care and patience. The training of dogs for this class of work can be - and has been-carried to great lengths. A man crawling on patrol work takes a dog with him, also in a crouching position, on a leash. A little tug at the leash causes the dog to rise, to retire, or to change its direction, and a properly-trained animal will answer to the leash as satisfactorily as a horse does to the reins. Such a dog is of immense help at night, when he can be taken quite close to the enemy.
3. As Patrols or Scouts. The dog accompanies the human scout in his reconnaissance, and helps in finding advance posts or sentinels, and locating small groups of the enemy.
4. As Couriers or Messengers. The animal acts as a messenger, carrying written orders or information, and is used according to circumstances. He can carry messages between groups in the rear and fighting formations in the front - for example, between the artillery and the infantry, and vice versa; between two fighting forces, such as battalions, companies, or sections; between the headquarters and the various positions of the army; or between the main body and detached posts, such as patrols, scouts, etc. Taken along by a patrol or scouting party, he can be sent back to the main body with a message fixed to his collar. The note having been removed and read, a reply can be attached to his collar, and the dog sent back to the original body of men, even if they have changed their position, since he finds them again by his scent. A dog is not only much quicker in carrying these very special qualities, so that only a very few animals have been found capable of the work. It consists in sending him after a patrol en route with a message, or even in finding a lost patrol or scouting party and bringing it back to its base. It will readily be understood that an exceptional scent is required in a dog to do work of this sort.
In the two last-named classes of work dogs can pass swiftly backwards and forwards through brisk firing and run much less risk than a man.
IV - DOGS ARE HEROES UNDER FIRE
There are several societies in Paris which choose suitable dogs in order to make soldiers of them. The "Central Society for the Development of the Breeds of Dogs" gave three thousand dogs to the French army last August. After they have been tested, an operation which takes about three weeks, they are sent to special stations in the rear of the armies to be trained, and five or six days are all that are necessary for the training of animals for the simpler kinds of work. For more difficult tasks the training is naturally a longer business. When dogs are to be trained as communication agents the in- struction may take several weeks. They are taught to go from one master to another, first by a call, then by a whistle, then simply at a mere gesture. Distances are gradually increased, obstacles are placed in the way, the animal's goal becomes invisible, and so on. Much patience is required in this kind of work; and it is found that the best results are obtained by kindness and giving rewards for good work accomplished. The animals are taught to recognize only two masters, and to obey them alone. Outsiders are not allowed to pet or feed them. When they understand that they have to obey only one or two men, they have to learn to follow one or both of them when marching in a column of infantry, to recognize them when in a group, and so on. They are taught to endure the sound of gun-firing or explosions quite close to them. Above all, they are strictly trained never to pick up articles on their journey and to refuse delicacies offered them by strangers.
Specially-trained dogs only are chosen for this work, and they are mostly sheep-dogs or collies or animals whose business it was in civil life to be guardians or watchers, and always on the alert. These are all the easier to train for the special work - somewhat of the same order - which they are set to do in war.
When the question of transport through the mountain snow had become a matter of urgent importance, the French authorities conceived the idea of using dog-drawn sleighs for carrying supplies. Some hundred "huskies' - a cross between the Eskimo dog and the wolf -and other trained dogs from Alaska, North-Western Canada, and Labrador were brought over by Lieutenant René Haas, a Frenchman who had spent fourteen years in Alaska. Mr. Warner Allen, the representative of the British Press with the French armies, describing the work of these dogs, says the snow in the neighbourhood of the Schlucht Pass was deep enough until almost the end of April for the dogs to render yeoman service. "They were able," he says, "to draw heavy loads over almost inaccessible country, and to supplement to a valuable extent the wheeled transport. But their utility has not ceased with the disappearance of the snow. They are now being harnessed to trucks on small two-foot-gauge light railways, which run everywhere behind the Front, and they are capable of drawing the heaviest load up the steepest gradient. Eleven dogs, with a couple of men, can haul a ton up some of the most precipitous slopes in the mountains, and I was assured that two teams of seven dogs each could do the work of five horses in this difficult country, with a very great economy of men."
This correspondent adds that the best of these imported breeds of dogs is the Alaskan, as "his courage never fails, ani he will work until he drops, though he is perhaps the weakest of them. They are all shaggy dogs, with prick ears and bushy tails, their colour ranging from black to white, between greys and browns. Their chest development, so necessary for hauling, is remarkable. They are mainly fed on rice, horse-flesh, and waste military biscuits, and this fare appears to suit them admirably, as they are always in splendid condition, and disease is practically unknown. The experiment of transporting these do as to France has shown that they can be of real service in mountainous country, and represent a real economy."
Dogs that are specially adapted or have been trained for hunting or sporting purposes are of little use in war, as they have acquired habits incompatible with the work now demanded of them, Certain breeds, such as the Great Dane, and others of limited intelligence, are of no value at all. Some of these have the habit of rushing forward at the slightest alarm, which is of more danger than advantage to the soldiers to whom they might belong.
V - DOGS AS LOYAL COMRADES - FELLOW-WORKERS
The "dog soldier," like his master on special missions, has to see and hear without being seen or heard. It is amusing, but nevertheless true, that the dogs of smugglers and poachers, as well as those of coastguardsmen, have been found to be most useful animals in the army. A well-trained dog, acting with a sentinel or scouting party may be the means of preserving numbers of lives by saving them from unpleasant surprises,
The use of dogs in warfare was, of course, not invented in the present war, though their utility had been systematized and given more scientific scope than was ever the case before. In no previous campaign have men understood the full use that could be made of these highly-intelligent creatures.
It was the Belgians who first turned their attention to the subject of employing dogs more extensively. Everybody who has visited Belgium knows the use that is made of dogs for traction purposes all over the country. Nearly all the peasants who bring agricultural or dairy produce to market employ dogs to draw their small carts, sometimes harnessing whole teams to heavy loads. The dog is also greatly used in Belgium for sport, and from the sporting dog to the police dog is but a step. The dog in war - as sentinel, courier, scout, or ambulance worker - followed, and was the idea of Professor Reul, of the Veterinary School of Cureghem, and two journalists named Van der Snick and Sodenkampf. In 1885-6 the 11 first dogs trained to some of these purposes were shown at a dog show at Ostend, and shortly afterwards societies were started at Brussels, Liége, Lierre, Ghent and other places, not merely for the training of dogs, but to improve the breeds. Lieutenant van der Putte, of the Belgian army, started the Société du Chien Sanitaire for the express purpose of training dogs for ambulance work and soon afterwards similar societies were organized in Paris and Berlin.
It was quite natural that the Belgians should also think of using these draught-dogs for small machine-guns, thus providing an inexpensive but efficient light artillery. The Germans wished to imitate them, but it is related that when they tried to buy dogs from the Belgians, as they had no indigenous animals suited to the purpose, the Belgians refused to sell. In other ways, however the Germans were at the beginning of the war well provided with dogs for various purposes, including the ambulance service.
Since then the use of dogs in the German army has assumed considerable proportions. The animals used are mostly of the German sheep-dog variety, and a register of these, numbering several thousands, is kept for mobilization purposes by the German Sheep-Dog Club. Other breeds used by the enemy are terriers, red-haired griffons, Doberman pinchers, Airedale terries, and a sort of bull-terrier known as a "Boxer." Dogs, it appears, have been used by the German army chiefly on the Eastern Front, where the fighting was of a more open description than on the Western Front. The German papers published appeals from the authorities asking dog owners to offer their pets for war purposes, and many thousands were obtained as a result.
Article Source : The Great War in a Different Light
In a previous article ‘Messenger Dogs’ it was noted how the Australians tried unsuccessfully to use dogs to carry messages. Perhaps other units had better luck!!
III - HOW DOGS BECOME GOOD SOLDIERS
The training of intelligent animals like these is carried on in five different ways, for various uses.
1. As Ambulance Dogs. The animal seeks for wounded men lost on the battle-field; he searches in holes, ruins, and excavations, and hunts over wooded places or coverts, where the wounded man might lie unnoticed by his comrades or the stretcher-bearer. The dog is especially useful at this work in the night-time, when he can often by his scent discover fallen men who would otherwise be passed over, for at night-time ambulance-men often have to work in the dark, as lights would attract the enemy's fire. Having found a wounded man still alive, the dog brings his master (or the ambulance-man to whom he is attached) some article belonging to the sufferer. This object tells the master, "I have found someone - search!"
Usually the object brought is the fallen man’s képi (or nowadays his helmet), and the trainers teach the dog to find the man's headgear, but if this is missing some other object must be brought. It is a fatiguing operation for the animal, as he has to return with closed mouth. The ambulance-man who receives the article at once puts the animal on a leash, and is immediately led to his wounded comrade. The leash is about two yards long, so that the movements of the animal shall be hindered as little as possible.
If dogs were utilized in this service long during wartime, their value would be incalculable; and their use is all the greater when fighting takes place over an extended area. The situation of the wounded man overlooked or abandoned on the battle-field is a truly horrible one; he has to wait in the forlorn hope that he will be found, for the army has gone on, and the more victorious it is the farther it will push ahead. In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1 more than twelve thousand men were thus lost to the French alone, while in the Russo-Japanese War the Japanese lost over five thousand in this manner, showing that the methods then used for the exploration of the battle-fields were inadequate. In that war three dogs sent by a military dog society found twenty-three wounded men who had been abandoned after the battle of Cha-ho. In the Boer War the collie dogs taken out by the men, it is said, saved hundreds of wounded men who would never have been found by the ambulance-workers in the difficult country where fighting mostly took place.
2. As Trench Dogs or Sentinels. The sentry or trench dog is trained to stay in the trench itself or in a small "listening-post" made for him, either on the edge of the trench, outside it, or at a little distance away. There he remains on the qui vive, ready to signal the least suspicion of a noise or the presence of the enemy. In this work both his eyes and his scent help him. He is kept on the leash, and he gives the signal of danger by a slight growl, without barking, which would give the alarm. The greatest difficulty in the training of dogs for this work has been to rid them of the habit of barking, but this has been overcome with care and patience. The training of dogs for this class of work can be - and has been-carried to great lengths. A man crawling on patrol work takes a dog with him, also in a crouching position, on a leash. A little tug at the leash causes the dog to rise, to retire, or to change its direction, and a properly-trained animal will answer to the leash as satisfactorily as a horse does to the reins. Such a dog is of immense help at night, when he can be taken quite close to the enemy.
3. As Patrols or Scouts. The dog accompanies the human scout in his reconnaissance, and helps in finding advance posts or sentinels, and locating small groups of the enemy.
4. As Couriers or Messengers. The animal acts as a messenger, carrying written orders or information, and is used according to circumstances. He can carry messages between groups in the rear and fighting formations in the front - for example, between the artillery and the infantry, and vice versa; between two fighting forces, such as battalions, companies, or sections; between the headquarters and the various positions of the army; or between the main body and detached posts, such as patrols, scouts, etc. Taken along by a patrol or scouting party, he can be sent back to the main body with a message fixed to his collar. The note having been removed and read, a reply can be attached to his collar, and the dog sent back to the original body of men, even if they have changed their position, since he finds them again by his scent. A dog is not only much quicker in carrying these very special qualities, so that only a very few animals have been found capable of the work. It consists in sending him after a patrol en route with a message, or even in finding a lost patrol or scouting party and bringing it back to its base. It will readily be understood that an exceptional scent is required in a dog to do work of this sort.
In the two last-named classes of work dogs can pass swiftly backwards and forwards through brisk firing and run much less risk than a man.
IV - DOGS ARE HEROES UNDER FIRE
There are several societies in Paris which choose suitable dogs in order to make soldiers of them. The "Central Society for the Development of the Breeds of Dogs" gave three thousand dogs to the French army last August. After they have been tested, an operation which takes about three weeks, they are sent to special stations in the rear of the armies to be trained, and five or six days are all that are necessary for the training of animals for the simpler kinds of work. For more difficult tasks the training is naturally a longer business. When dogs are to be trained as communication agents the in- struction may take several weeks. They are taught to go from one master to another, first by a call, then by a whistle, then simply at a mere gesture. Distances are gradually increased, obstacles are placed in the way, the animal's goal becomes invisible, and so on. Much patience is required in this kind of work; and it is found that the best results are obtained by kindness and giving rewards for good work accomplished. The animals are taught to recognize only two masters, and to obey them alone. Outsiders are not allowed to pet or feed them. When they understand that they have to obey only one or two men, they have to learn to follow one or both of them when marching in a column of infantry, to recognize them when in a group, and so on. They are taught to endure the sound of gun-firing or explosions quite close to them. Above all, they are strictly trained never to pick up articles on their journey and to refuse delicacies offered them by strangers.
Specially-trained dogs only are chosen for this work, and they are mostly sheep-dogs or collies or animals whose business it was in civil life to be guardians or watchers, and always on the alert. These are all the easier to train for the special work - somewhat of the same order - which they are set to do in war.
When the question of transport through the mountain snow had become a matter of urgent importance, the French authorities conceived the idea of using dog-drawn sleighs for carrying supplies. Some hundred "huskies' - a cross between the Eskimo dog and the wolf -and other trained dogs from Alaska, North-Western Canada, and Labrador were brought over by Lieutenant René Haas, a Frenchman who had spent fourteen years in Alaska. Mr. Warner Allen, the representative of the British Press with the French armies, describing the work of these dogs, says the snow in the neighbourhood of the Schlucht Pass was deep enough until almost the end of April for the dogs to render yeoman service. "They were able," he says, "to draw heavy loads over almost inaccessible country, and to supplement to a valuable extent the wheeled transport. But their utility has not ceased with the disappearance of the snow. They are now being harnessed to trucks on small two-foot-gauge light railways, which run everywhere behind the Front, and they are capable of drawing the heaviest load up the steepest gradient. Eleven dogs, with a couple of men, can haul a ton up some of the most precipitous slopes in the mountains, and I was assured that two teams of seven dogs each could do the work of five horses in this difficult country, with a very great economy of men."
This correspondent adds that the best of these imported breeds of dogs is the Alaskan, as "his courage never fails, ani he will work until he drops, though he is perhaps the weakest of them. They are all shaggy dogs, with prick ears and bushy tails, their colour ranging from black to white, between greys and browns. Their chest development, so necessary for hauling, is remarkable. They are mainly fed on rice, horse-flesh, and waste military biscuits, and this fare appears to suit them admirably, as they are always in splendid condition, and disease is practically unknown. The experiment of transporting these do as to France has shown that they can be of real service in mountainous country, and represent a real economy."
Dogs that are specially adapted or have been trained for hunting or sporting purposes are of little use in war, as they have acquired habits incompatible with the work now demanded of them, Certain breeds, such as the Great Dane, and others of limited intelligence, are of no value at all. Some of these have the habit of rushing forward at the slightest alarm, which is of more danger than advantage to the soldiers to whom they might belong.
V - DOGS AS LOYAL COMRADES - FELLOW-WORKERS
The "dog soldier," like his master on special missions, has to see and hear without being seen or heard. It is amusing, but nevertheless true, that the dogs of smugglers and poachers, as well as those of coastguardsmen, have been found to be most useful animals in the army. A well-trained dog, acting with a sentinel or scouting party may be the means of preserving numbers of lives by saving them from unpleasant surprises,
The use of dogs in warfare was, of course, not invented in the present war, though their utility had been systematized and given more scientific scope than was ever the case before. In no previous campaign have men understood the full use that could be made of these highly-intelligent creatures.
It was the Belgians who first turned their attention to the subject of employing dogs more extensively. Everybody who has visited Belgium knows the use that is made of dogs for traction purposes all over the country. Nearly all the peasants who bring agricultural or dairy produce to market employ dogs to draw their small carts, sometimes harnessing whole teams to heavy loads. The dog is also greatly used in Belgium for sport, and from the sporting dog to the police dog is but a step. The dog in war - as sentinel, courier, scout, or ambulance worker - followed, and was the idea of Professor Reul, of the Veterinary School of Cureghem, and two journalists named Van der Snick and Sodenkampf. In 1885-6 the 11 first dogs trained to some of these purposes were shown at a dog show at Ostend, and shortly afterwards societies were started at Brussels, Liége, Lierre, Ghent and other places, not merely for the training of dogs, but to improve the breeds. Lieutenant van der Putte, of the Belgian army, started the Société du Chien Sanitaire for the express purpose of training dogs for ambulance work and soon afterwards similar societies were organized in Paris and Berlin.
It was quite natural that the Belgians should also think of using these draught-dogs for small machine-guns, thus providing an inexpensive but efficient light artillery. The Germans wished to imitate them, but it is related that when they tried to buy dogs from the Belgians, as they had no indigenous animals suited to the purpose, the Belgians refused to sell. In other ways, however the Germans were at the beginning of the war well provided with dogs for various purposes, including the ambulance service.
Since then the use of dogs in the German army has assumed considerable proportions. The animals used are mostly of the German sheep-dog variety, and a register of these, numbering several thousands, is kept for mobilization purposes by the German Sheep-Dog Club. Other breeds used by the enemy are terriers, red-haired griffons, Doberman pinchers, Airedale terries, and a sort of bull-terrier known as a "Boxer." Dogs, it appears, have been used by the German army chiefly on the Eastern Front, where the fighting was of a more open description than on the Western Front. The German papers published appeals from the authorities asking dog owners to offer their pets for war purposes, and many thousands were obtained as a result.
Article Source : The Great War in a Different Light
Friday, April 04, 2008
Eastbourne Suffrage and the War.
The Eastbourne Gazette, Four page pull-out on 20th December 1916 included a section, “What Eastbourne has done to Alleviate Distress and Suffering.”
In this Article Mrs. Fred Allen explains the work of the Eastbourne Society of Women’s Suffrage during the first two years of the war:
"Suffrage Societies and War Work
In accordance with the suggestion of the executive of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, to which the Eastbourne Society is affiliated, all political work was suspended when war broke out, and the society has strictly adhered to this principle. The principle will be rigidly observed so long as there is no proposal to alter the basis of the franchise for men. Regulations to prevent the disqualification of men who, but for the exigencies of war would have been qualified voters, have the approval and sympathy of the National Union and its affiliated societies.
The work of the Eastbourne Society during the year 1916 has been distributed amongst the various departments of war-work in the town rather than concentrated on any special effort of the society itself. The Belgian Club has been the principal financial responsibility – as some indication of its usefulness it may be mentioned that there are records of 1,100 loans of books from the French library connected with the club. The French Lending Library is now housed at the Free Library, as the Belgian Club is closed.
In the spring of this year (1916) the society took part in the “Munition Week” collection towards the Y.M.C.A. national effort to provide accommodation for the women munitions workers. In St. Mary’s Ward, for which the society became responsible, over £27 was collected.
Quite recently, in November (1916), an appeal sent out to the members of the society and a few sympathetic friends realised a sum of over £21 towards supplying urgent hospital necessaries to Dr. Elsie Inglis (Scottish Women’s Hospital N.U.W.S.S), who is in charge of the only hospital relief with the Serbian division of the Russian Army.
Many of the members of the society are engaged at the Red Cross hospitals, others are helping systematically in the canteen and entertainment work, mending for the soldiers and working in the Red Cross Depot. Others are making the Belgian refugees in the town their special care.
One happy result of the distribution of the society’s energies has been that it has provided opportunity with those who, while divided on the one and only ground which is the “raison d’etre” of the society, are one in the society in love of country, and in the passionate desire to help and heal which inspires all true women."
In this Article Mrs. Fred Allen explains the work of the Eastbourne Society of Women’s Suffrage during the first two years of the war:
"Suffrage Societies and War Work
In accordance with the suggestion of the executive of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, to which the Eastbourne Society is affiliated, all political work was suspended when war broke out, and the society has strictly adhered to this principle. The principle will be rigidly observed so long as there is no proposal to alter the basis of the franchise for men. Regulations to prevent the disqualification of men who, but for the exigencies of war would have been qualified voters, have the approval and sympathy of the National Union and its affiliated societies.
The work of the Eastbourne Society during the year 1916 has been distributed amongst the various departments of war-work in the town rather than concentrated on any special effort of the society itself. The Belgian Club has been the principal financial responsibility – as some indication of its usefulness it may be mentioned that there are records of 1,100 loans of books from the French library connected with the club. The French Lending Library is now housed at the Free Library, as the Belgian Club is closed.
In the spring of this year (1916) the society took part in the “Munition Week” collection towards the Y.M.C.A. national effort to provide accommodation for the women munitions workers. In St. Mary’s Ward, for which the society became responsible, over £27 was collected.
Quite recently, in November (1916), an appeal sent out to the members of the society and a few sympathetic friends realised a sum of over £21 towards supplying urgent hospital necessaries to Dr. Elsie Inglis (Scottish Women’s Hospital N.U.W.S.S), who is in charge of the only hospital relief with the Serbian division of the Russian Army.
Many of the members of the society are engaged at the Red Cross hospitals, others are helping systematically in the canteen and entertainment work, mending for the soldiers and working in the Red Cross Depot. Others are making the Belgian refugees in the town their special care.
One happy result of the distribution of the society’s energies has been that it has provided opportunity with those who, while divided on the one and only ground which is the “raison d’etre” of the society, are one in the society in love of country, and in the passionate desire to help and heal which inspires all true women."
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Lance Corporal John Schmidt, 8th Battalion, AIF.
Lance Corporal John Schmidt, 6142, 8th Battalion, AIF.
He enlisted on 2nd May 1916 at the age of 26 and a farmer from Quantong, Victoria.
He was awarded the Military Medal for service on the night 13th April 1918, during the battle of LYS.
The official recommendation was initially for the D.C.M, but the Military Medal was awarded.
“For gallant and distinguished service in front of Petit SEC BOIS near STRAZEELE on the night of 13th April, 1918. Lance Corporal SCHMIDT was in charge of a Lewis Gun Section in an isolated post guarding a road through No Man’s Land when he saw a party of the enemy about 40 strong approaching. With great coolness and presence of mind he allowed then to approach to within 10 yards of his gun post when he opened fire, killing 1 officer and 20 Other Ranks, the remainder retiring in disorder, leaving 6 machine guns, ammunition and tripods in our hands. He immediately put the captured Machine Guns into section against the enemy.
The presence of mind and great coolness displayed by him enabled us to inflict numerous casualties upon the enemy and gained valuable identification.”
The Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 by C.E.W. Bean, covering the Battle of Lys records the action taken by Lance Corporal Schmidt.
“The first attack on the 1st Australian Division’s new front at Hazebrouck was made shortly after midnight of the 13th’ when a company of Germans came marching up a cross-country lane leading from Verte Rue to the Rue du Bois, across the Australian front. Behind a hedge bordering this lane was a Lewis gun post (Lance Corporal Schmidt’s) of Lieutenant Murdoch’s’ platoon of the centre company (Captain Fox’s), 8th Battalion.
The approaching troops, who were seen at some distance, were allowed to march without alarm to within twenty yards, when the Victorians blazed at them from every barrel, and continued to pour a withering fire into the Germans, whose survivors panicked and fled. Murdoch and some of his men went out and found a German officer and twenty men of the 141st Infantry Regiment dead and five abandoned machine-guns. Two nights later a sixth gun was found.”
He survived the war and returned to Australia. The West Wimmera Mail, 15th August 1919, reports his arrival and gives some extra details of his deeds on the night he won the Military Medal.
“Corporal C.J. SCHMIDT, of the 8th Battalion, and Sergeant C.A. SCHMIDT, 6th Battalion, who have just recently returned by the Port Darwin, are at present spending a few days with their uncle, Mr. John SCHMIDT, of Natimuk.
Both lads are very well known in the district, being sons of Mr and Mrs W. SCHMIDT, formally of Quantong, but who now reside in Footscray, Melbourne.
Corporal J. SCHMIDT, who has seen three years' service abroad, has been awarded the Military Medal for distinguished conduct in the field, having personally accounted for 40 Germans (killed), 8 machine guns captured, together with a number of rifles, ammunition, etc. "Jack" was keeping night guard (while the battle of Neippe Forest was raging) with six of his comrades who during a lull in the fighting were indulging in a much needed "forty-winks". Seeing a number of shadows advancing, Jack challenged the approachers twice, and on not getting any response unaided, lifted his machine gun over the hedge behind which they were ambushed, to a more advantageous position, but right out in the open road in a very perilous position to himself, and opened fire, with the result as above stated, the rest of the enemy advance party of an estimated number of 60, retreating in wild disorder.
"Charlie," who is now only 21 years, has also seen 3 years' active service abroad, and was twice badly gassed at Paschendaele.”
He enlisted on 2nd May 1916 at the age of 26 and a farmer from Quantong, Victoria.
He was awarded the Military Medal for service on the night 13th April 1918, during the battle of LYS.
The official recommendation was initially for the D.C.M, but the Military Medal was awarded.
“For gallant and distinguished service in front of Petit SEC BOIS near STRAZEELE on the night of 13th April, 1918. Lance Corporal SCHMIDT was in charge of a Lewis Gun Section in an isolated post guarding a road through No Man’s Land when he saw a party of the enemy about 40 strong approaching. With great coolness and presence of mind he allowed then to approach to within 10 yards of his gun post when he opened fire, killing 1 officer and 20 Other Ranks, the remainder retiring in disorder, leaving 6 machine guns, ammunition and tripods in our hands. He immediately put the captured Machine Guns into section against the enemy.
The presence of mind and great coolness displayed by him enabled us to inflict numerous casualties upon the enemy and gained valuable identification.”
The Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 by C.E.W. Bean, covering the Battle of Lys records the action taken by Lance Corporal Schmidt.
“The first attack on the 1st Australian Division’s new front at Hazebrouck was made shortly after midnight of the 13th’ when a company of Germans came marching up a cross-country lane leading from Verte Rue to the Rue du Bois, across the Australian front. Behind a hedge bordering this lane was a Lewis gun post (Lance Corporal Schmidt’s) of Lieutenant Murdoch’s’ platoon of the centre company (Captain Fox’s), 8th Battalion.
The approaching troops, who were seen at some distance, were allowed to march without alarm to within twenty yards, when the Victorians blazed at them from every barrel, and continued to pour a withering fire into the Germans, whose survivors panicked and fled. Murdoch and some of his men went out and found a German officer and twenty men of the 141st Infantry Regiment dead and five abandoned machine-guns. Two nights later a sixth gun was found.”
He survived the war and returned to Australia. The West Wimmera Mail, 15th August 1919, reports his arrival and gives some extra details of his deeds on the night he won the Military Medal.
“Corporal C.J. SCHMIDT, of the 8th Battalion, and Sergeant C.A. SCHMIDT, 6th Battalion, who have just recently returned by the Port Darwin, are at present spending a few days with their uncle, Mr. John SCHMIDT, of Natimuk.
Both lads are very well known in the district, being sons of Mr and Mrs W. SCHMIDT, formally of Quantong, but who now reside in Footscray, Melbourne.
Corporal J. SCHMIDT, who has seen three years' service abroad, has been awarded the Military Medal for distinguished conduct in the field, having personally accounted for 40 Germans (killed), 8 machine guns captured, together with a number of rifles, ammunition, etc. "Jack" was keeping night guard (while the battle of Neippe Forest was raging) with six of his comrades who during a lull in the fighting were indulging in a much needed "forty-winks". Seeing a number of shadows advancing, Jack challenged the approachers twice, and on not getting any response unaided, lifted his machine gun over the hedge behind which they were ambushed, to a more advantageous position, but right out in the open road in a very perilous position to himself, and opened fire, with the result as above stated, the rest of the enemy advance party of an estimated number of 60, retreating in wild disorder.
"Charlie," who is now only 21 years, has also seen 3 years' active service abroad, and was twice badly gassed at Paschendaele.”
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Messenger Dogs.
This article is from the Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 by C.E.W. Bean. It relates to the experimental use of messenger dogs by the ANZACS during May 1918.
The Australians had seen and shot at German messenger dogs during May as the Australian snipers prevented all German movement by day. The German use of dogs was copied by the Australians but their experiments with messenger dogs were far less successful.
“The history of the 97th I.R (German) regiment states, “The enemy showed himself very lively and prevented almost any possibility of movement by day.” Indeed, for the carriage of messages in daylight on the most exposed portions both of the Morlancourt ridge and the Villers-Bretonneux plateau, the Germans at this time had to rely almost exclusively upon messenger dogs.
In the first fortnight of May, Rex and Greif, messenger dogs of the 3Ist I.R., made the dangerous run along the Bray Corbie road at least four times daily. After that regiment had been relieved by the 232nd R.1 R., “the communication service (says the historian of this regiment) was discharged to our greatest satisfaction by our splendid dogs Else and Wolf.” The Australian snipers often caught sight of the dogs, which had to run the gauntlet of their bullets, and at least one was shot and one captured.
The Australians on the Villers-Bretonneux plateau afterwards tested the use of messenger dogs, which were then being supplied for experiment. The trial was not very successful. Men and officers tended to pet the dogs and feed them, which should only have been done by their keepers at the terminals of the run.
For example, Dog 113, which had always been reliable, was sent to the, 18th Battalion where the headquarters mess, “fondled and patted it and finally fed it”. It then refused to leave headquarters, a good dog being thus spoilt. For success (which meant saving of men’s lives) the whole personnel of the corps would have had to be lectured on the need for leaving the dogs alone. A second impediment was the existence in Villers-Bretonneux of female dogs, left behind by the former inhabitants. In all, 21 messenger dogs were tested in the corps between May 2 and 9, of 8 of these it is recorded that 4 were unreliable. 1 was hit; 3 worked well, covering 1 1/2 miles in from 3 to 8 minutes, whereas runners would need 15-20 minutes. One dog took 1 1/2 hours on the Journey, and one 8 1/2 hours.”
The Australians had seen and shot at German messenger dogs during May as the Australian snipers prevented all German movement by day. The German use of dogs was copied by the Australians but their experiments with messenger dogs were far less successful.
“The history of the 97th I.R (German) regiment states, “The enemy showed himself very lively and prevented almost any possibility of movement by day.” Indeed, for the carriage of messages in daylight on the most exposed portions both of the Morlancourt ridge and the Villers-Bretonneux plateau, the Germans at this time had to rely almost exclusively upon messenger dogs.
In the first fortnight of May, Rex and Greif, messenger dogs of the 3Ist I.R., made the dangerous run along the Bray Corbie road at least four times daily. After that regiment had been relieved by the 232nd R.1 R., “the communication service (says the historian of this regiment) was discharged to our greatest satisfaction by our splendid dogs Else and Wolf.” The Australian snipers often caught sight of the dogs, which had to run the gauntlet of their bullets, and at least one was shot and one captured.
The Australians on the Villers-Bretonneux plateau afterwards tested the use of messenger dogs, which were then being supplied for experiment. The trial was not very successful. Men and officers tended to pet the dogs and feed them, which should only have been done by their keepers at the terminals of the run.
For example, Dog 113, which had always been reliable, was sent to the, 18th Battalion where the headquarters mess, “fondled and patted it and finally fed it”. It then refused to leave headquarters, a good dog being thus spoilt. For success (which meant saving of men’s lives) the whole personnel of the corps would have had to be lectured on the need for leaving the dogs alone. A second impediment was the existence in Villers-Bretonneux of female dogs, left behind by the former inhabitants. In all, 21 messenger dogs were tested in the corps between May 2 and 9, of 8 of these it is recorded that 4 were unreliable. 1 was hit; 3 worked well, covering 1 1/2 miles in from 3 to 8 minutes, whereas runners would need 15-20 minutes. One dog took 1 1/2 hours on the Journey, and one 8 1/2 hours.”
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