Part 5

The Battalion had about eight miles to march to the trenches, and the Brigadier rode with Major V. G. H. Rickard at the head, and was delighted with the men and the high spirits they were in. At 5 a.m. the artillery started the bombardment, which lasted half an hour, to cut the wire in front of the Germans' first line. The infantry went forward to the attack--the Welsh Regiment and ours were the assaulting Battalions. At 5.30 the assault took place. When the C.O. gave the order for the attack, every officer and man mounted the parapet with a cheer. It was really magnificent to see the way they attacked; every man tried to beat the others to get there first, and were splendidly led by their officers. Major Rickard was so delighted at the way the men went about their work that he could not stay, as he had arranged, to go forward with the second line. He cleared the parapet, but did not go far, as he was hit by a bullet through the spinal column of the neck. Death was instantaneous. B Co., led magnificently by Captain Dick, 5 and 6 Platoons, led by Second Lieutenants Price and Horsfall, charged and succeeded in reaching the German trenches, under a hellish fire from artillery and machine-guns. Captain Dick, as he reached the parapet of the enemy's trenches, turned and waved his cap, encouraging his men, and then went forward again, and just as he was about to enter the trench he was hit, and tumbled into the trench. Another brave officer--his fate is unknown at present. Second Lieutenants Horsfall and Price, with what was left of the platoons, cleared the first line of trenches and went to attack the second line. They were not seen again. A and B Co.'s, who were assaulting, lost all their officers and N.C.O.'s before covering half the ground. The supporting companies, C, D, came under a terrible fire, and lost all their officers and a good many N.C.O.'s, so eventually had to retire. Out of the two platoons of B Co. who succeeded in doing their job, only three men came back. The way the Battalion behaved under the terrible fire directed against them drew words of admiration from the artillery officers who were observing. We were the only regiment in the Brigade who succeeded in doing the job we were put to do, but eventually found ourselves in the same place as we started, with only three officers left--Captain Filgate (Adjutant), Lieutenant Carrigan, and Second Lieutenant Harcourt (machine-gun officers). About 12 noon we were relieved in the first line by the 1st Brigade. Major-General Haking, Commanding the ---- Division, expressed his appreciation of the splendid conduct of the Battalion in the following terms: "The G.O.C., ---- Infantry Brigade.--... I wish you also to convey to the C.O., 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, my appreciation of the fine example set to the Division by the successful assault of part of the leading line--a feat of arms which the Battalion must always be proud of, as this Battalion was the only one in the Brigade whose men succeeded in storming the enemy's breastworks." For great gallantry and leading, I think Captain Dick, Second Lieutenants Price and Horsfall, also the N.C.O.'s and men that followed them, deserve the greatest distinction going; also, if any one earned a V.C., Sergeant Gannon (machine-gun sergeant) and Private Barry did. Sergeant Gannon went out several times and brought wounded men in, also a wounded officer; Private Barry, although wounded twice, brought in Captain Hawkes, who was severely wounded in three places and could not move. Poor Barry lost his life, as he was hit again while bringing in Captain Hawkes, and died from wounds. Except in a few cases of exceptional gallantry, every man was a hero, and I hope this time will meet with the recognition they deserve. The total casualties are as follows (all ranks):--Killed, 46; wounded, 205; missing, 128; total, 379.

EXTRACT FROM LETTER TO MRS. VICTOR RICKARD FROM SERGEANT LOUIS MOORE, DATED MIDNIGHT, 25TH MAY, 1915

DEAR MADAM,

I have just returned from the trenches, and Captain Filgate told me you would like me to write you.

Since this terrible war commenced we have had many losses, as you know, but I do not believe any one has been as severely missed as he has. I believe Captain Filgate told you all about the funeral, and the spot where he was buried. I visited the little graveyard yesterday and saw everything was well. Later I intend to get a photo of it and will send it on to you. The cross is marked in paint and inscribed--

R. I. P.

VICTOR G. H. RICKARD,

Commanding 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers, Killed in action, 09/05/1915.

In case anything should happen to me, I have marked the exact place on my map. Did Captain Filgate tell you how nice he looked after death? If not let me tell you. Through all the war I have seen no one who looked so much at peace. As in life, he looked bonny. I know, and am certain, that he met his death in friendship with the whole world. That he was happy at the moment I also know, for when he saw the way our brave men jumped from the breastworks and started the charge, he was overjoyed.

I am enclosing two pictures. It was quite late when I took them. However, I know you will like them; they were the last he had taken. Perhaps you would like to know the names of the officers.

Front row (sitting) left to right:--Lieutenant Horsfall (missing, believed killed), Lieutenant Keating (wounded), Captain Hewett (killed), Lieutenant Harcourt, Lieutenant Page (killed), Lieutenant Carrigan, Lieutenant Dennys (killed). Seated--Captain Grantham (killed), Captain Dick (missing, believed wounded), Major Gorham (wounded), Captain Filgate, Captain Fitzpatrick (wounded), Captain Hawkes (wounded). Standing (left to right)--Lieutenant King (killed), Lieutenant Parker (killed), Lieutenant Conran, Lieutenant Wainwright (wounded), Lieutenant Rabone, Lieutenant Moore (wounded), Captain Daly (wounded), Lieutenant Stokes, Lieutenant Pottinger (killed), Lieutenant Price (missing), Captain Jeffries, Lieutenant Steward (believed killed).

NOTE.--Regretted that the death of the following officers has since been ascertained:--Captain Dick, Lieutenant Stewart, Lieutenant Horsfall.

EXTRACT FROM LETTER FROM SERGEANT LOUIS MOORE, 2ND R.M.F.

On his way up to our position on that Saturday evening, and just before reaching our trenches, we passed one of those little shrines. The Major halted his Regiment, and the Father, still mounted, gave the whole Regiment a general absolution. After that they sang the _Te Deum_. I know you can see the whole picture. The semi-light, the Major on his horse in front, and the whole Regiment uncovered. It was a sight never to be forgotten. I remember once seeing such a picture of the Irish Guards praying before they went into action.

_Rue du Bois, 9th May, 1915._

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE GENERAL OFFICERS COMMMANDING 1ST CORPS AND 1ST DIVISION, TO THE 3RD INFANTRY BRIGADE

The G.O.C., 3rd Infantry Brigade.

I am directed by the G.O.C. 1st Army and the G.O.C. 1st Corps, to express to the Officers, N.C.O.'s, and men of the 3rd Infantry Brigade their deep appreciation of the efforts of all ranks to carry by assault the enemy's defences in front of the Rue Du Bois on the 9th May.

On my own behalf I shall be glad if you will tell Commanding Officers to inform their Battalions that nothing could have exceeded the gallantry displayed by Officers and other ranks in the assault.

I deeply regret the casualties which occurred, but they were not in vain. The men who fell afford the rest of us a fine example of how such an assault should be delivered. From a military point of view the attack was of the greatest value, because it drew away hostile reinforcements urgently required to repel the successful French attacks to the South. These reinforcements coming up towards our front formed an excellent target for our heavy guns, who fired on them with great effect.

(Sd) R. HAKING, Major-General, Comdg. 1st Division.

1st Division H.Q. _11th May, 1915_.

ORDER OF THANKS TO ALL RANKS SERVING UNDER HIM FROM THE BRIGADIER-GENERAL COMMANDING 3RD INFANTRY BRIGADE

BRIGADE ROUTINE ORDERS, BY BRI.-GENERAL H. R. DAVIES,

Commanding 3rd Infantry Brigade, _11th May, 1915_.

Brigadier-General Davies wishes to thank all Battalions of the Brigade for the splendid manner in which they attacked on the 9th May. Though the attack did not succeed, it has been recognised by all the higher Commanders that the Brigade did all that could have been done. The loss of so many gallant officers and men testifies to the courage of the troops. It was a day of which all can be proud, and the Brigadier is confident that the same fine spirit will be displayed in the future.

(Sd) C. BERKELEY, Captain, Brigade Major, 3rd Infantry Brigade.

SPECIAL APPRECIATION OF THE GALLANTRY OF THE 2ND BATTALION ROYAL MUNSTER FUSILIERS, FROM THEIR DIVISIONAL COMMANDER

The G.O.C., 3rd Infantry Brigade.

I wish you also to convey to the O.C. 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, my appreciation of the fine example set to the Division by the successful assault of part of his leading line; a feat of arms which the Battalion must always be proud of, as this Battalion was the only one in the Brigade whose men succeeded in storming the enemy's breastworks.

(Sd) R. HAKING, Major-General, Comdg. 1st Division.

PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY RICHARD CLAY & SONS, LIMITED,

BRUNSWICK ST., STAMFORD ST., S.E.1, AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] This refers to Major P. A. Charrier, who was in command of the Battalion.

Transcriber’s Note

page 5: alloted ==> allotted

End of Project Gutenberg's The Story of the Munsters, by Mrs Victor Rickard