My grandfather never really spoke about him and he knew very little about his service during the first world
war. In discussions with my grandfather I had only three snippets of information 1) he believes Thomas caught
some sort of fever which affected him for the rest of his life, 2) he worked and oeprated the "big guns" and 3) he
had said that Thomas mentioned he had spent the war digging those big guns and horses out of mud.
I've always had an
interest in history and in particular the first world war so this piqued my interest and I started to research
Thomas
in detail. The following is everything I have found so far with some links to supporting information I've
found interesting. The first steps I took were to search various geneology sites for information.
I don't have any further information on his early life other than anecdotal
stories about his love of horses, possibly from working as a farm labourer.
Thomas had enlisted as a driver which, from my reading, was usually the rank given to young men
joining the R.F.A. The drivers would be responsible for driving the horses pulling the gun wagons.
Depending on the Brigade, these young drivers would either be specialist drivers or would be trained to be
drivers and gunners. The Field Artillery Training manual 1914 says that each driver was responsible for
two horses. Men already skilled in handling heavier horses were specifically directed to the artillery which
adds to the theory of Thomas working as a farm labourer in his early years.
Early Life
Thomas was born in Bournemouth in 1892, to John Peaty, a general labourer, and Rachel Harris. He was the
youngest, having six older brothers (William 1879-1915, (Arthur) Joseph 1881-1961, John (Jack) 1882-1953, Frederick
1885-1963, Henry 1887-1952, Reginald 1890-1981) and an older sister (Ellen Maud 1884-?). The family lived
in Bournemouth with evidence of links to Sherbourne in Dorset. Thomas
appears in both the 1891 and 1901 census living with his family. I have recorded all the information I
have for his brothers service in a seperate post.
I don't have any further information on his early life other than anecdotal
stories about his love of horses, possibly from working as a farm labourer. Enlistment
The next event I found was on 25th October 1909, at the age of
seventeen (he had obviously lied to the recruiters as the enlistment says he is aged 20) he enrolled in the
Royal Field Artillery. Knowing all about the great recruitment campaigns of
the first world war, it was surprising to see that Thomas joined as a full time soldier five years before
the
first world war broke out. In further research I have found that there is a possible inspiration from
his Grandfather, Edward Peaty, who may have been a member of The Life Guards. More
research needed here.
During this early research I was lucky enough to discover my uncle
had found
some of Thomas possessions that had been passed down to him when Thomas had passed away. This was
exciting news and when he lent them to me to look through them it sparked my interest even further.
The first item to confirm his enlistment was his bible, inscribed with his name, rank, regiment number and
date of enlistment.
From his regimental number I also confirmed his enlistment date
from the entry entitling him to the "War Badge".
From this information I was then able to locate his service
records. During the second world war, the bombs that fell on London destroyed large collections of
army records from the first world war and what remained was known as "the burnt collection".
Fortunately, Thomas records survived and provide a wealth of information on his army service. Thomas
records shows he signed for limited engagement 25th October 1909 and joined at Cosham (although on his
service record it also states Southampton) on 27th October 1909. His details are given as being:
Age: 20 years and 4 months old (a lie, he was only 17)
Occupation: General labourer
Status: Not married or lived outside the family home for more than 3
years.
Previous military membership: 32nd (sp?) Dorset Regiment militia
force
Previous military experience: None, apart from being part of the
special reserve.
Corps you are willing to be enlisted to: Royal regiment of artillery
(R.H.A/R.F.A).
Height: 5ft 6 1/2
Weight: 131lbs
Girth: 36 1/2 inches
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Religion: Church of England
Distinctive Marks: Tattoo both forearms and left ring finger (this
is interesting as no recollection of tattoos could be recalled and no evidence from grainy photographs, so,
either this is a mistake or an attempt to look older than 17?)
Pulse Rate: 76
Attestation papers page 1
Attestation papers
page 2
From his service records we can see that he gained a certification of
education, 3rd class, on 17th December 1908 whilst part of the special reserve.
His next of kin are listed as father John Peaty, mother Rachael Peaty and
elder brothers William, Joseph and John. His family are listed as living at 13 Essex Terrace Road, Bournemouth
apart from his brother John who is listed as living in Royal navy (sp?).
On 25th October 1909 he was mustered and posted to No. 4 depot RFA which was
located at Woolwich London.
On 22nd December 1909 he was posted to 150 R.F.A.
He was mustered again on 9th April 1910, at this point with the rank Gunner,
and finally transferred to artillery reserve on the 24th October 1912.
I've been unable to find conclusive evidence of his whereabouts in the 1911
census.
Within his possessions we found, alongside his Royal Artillery cap
badge, two other cap badges which may give some clues to which regiments he served with during his service.
Hampshire regiment cap badge
Devonshire regiment cap badge
Royal artillery cap badge
Outbreak of War
With hindsight, joining the British army in 1909 was possibly one of the worst
decisions Thomas could have made. On the 28th June 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie were
assassinated by Bosnian Serb student Gavrilo Princip and this incident lit the flame that engulfed Europe and,
eventually, most of the world, in war.
He was mobilised at Glasgow and posted to Ireland with 8th Brigade R.F.A on the 7th August 1914 (the brigade war
diaries make mention of reserves arriving). The 8th Brigade R.F.A in 1914 was
attached to 5th division and comprised 3 batteries numbered 37, 61 and 65 (Howitzer) Batteries RFA along with a
brigade ammunition column. At this point in time the British government were more worried about troubles at
home with a potential civil breaking out over Irish home rule than any threat of global war. This probably
explains why the regiment he was sent to was in Ireland.
From his medal card and service record we can see Thomas entered
the European theatre of war 19th August 1914. However, he was not posted to a battery but rather to base
detail. On arrival in Le Havre, the R.F.A setup a base depot to organise the incoming troops and supplies so maybe
was posted here or at various camps along the journey with the Brigade to carry out administrative and logistical
duties. Thomas didn't join the 8th Brigade in combat until he was posted from base detail on 17th October and
then 65th battery on 1st November.
These records align with the summary of Thomas service found in the national roll of honour. It also explains
the 1914 star with clasp and "old contemptable" pin badge identifying him as a member of the British Expeditionary
Force (BEF). The name "old contemptible" coming from a false quotation at the outbreak of war from Kaiser
Wilhelm referring to Britain and its "contemptible little army". It was, from that point onwards, adopted as a
badge of honour by members of the BEF.
I've been lucky enough to find the war diaries of the 8th Brigade from this time and have transcribed the period in
which Thomas was present with the unit. It gives a fairly harrowing picture of life during the early
engagements and highlights just how quickly the men needed to adapt to their new lives. The long retreat from
the initial battles is particularly harsh on the men and in particular the newest recruits. I have only
included on this page the units that Thomas was attached to track his location throughout the war but several units
were co-located with the unit he was serving and can be found in other posts.
Thomas Peatys service medal card
1914 star with clasp
rear of 1914 star
Old contemptibles pin badge
Route of Thomas Peaty arriving in France August
1914.
8th Brigade R.F.A
August 1914
17th: Left Dublin North wall in the evening.
18th: At sea.
19th: Landed at Le Havre about midday (one battery not till evening) and proceed to rest camp.
20th and 21st: Brigade entrained, each battery making a trainload and headquarters with the brigade
ammunition column making a fourth.
22nd: Arrived at Landrecies by rail from Le Havre at 5am. Marched to Bavay.
23rd: Marched to Dours where we joined up with the remainder of the 5th Division. In the afternoon the
division entrenched itself on a position from 1/4 mile west of Boussu to wood 1/4 mile north west of Wasmes.
The 37th battery was detailed to the right section of the defence in direct communication with Brigadier General
Rolt (14th Infantry Brigade) commanding that section. The 61st and 65th batteries and headquarters were in the
right section of the defence. All the batteries entrenched themselves in gun pits.
24th: The position was attacked at dawn. On the left there was no attack but on the right it was
severe. The 37th battery came under heavy fire from one of the enemy's batteries. Casualties were mainly
in the firing line. 7 horses and 3 men wounded.
Battery engaged enemy's infantry with great success. The Dorsets sent a message to say that the fire was
effective and the enemy could make no head against it.
At 1pm the division retired in the direction of Athis. On reaching Pre Feuillet the 65th battery was ordered
into action to repel an attack on our left flank. See war diary of 65th battery.
The 61st battery came into action south of Montignies Sur Roc to help repel the same attack. The retirement
was then continued via Rosin and Wargnies le Grand and St Waast les Bavay. The brigade H.Q. was with the
brigade ammunition column and the 61st battery near La Boiscrette. The brigade was without supplies till the
evening.
25th: The brigade marched at dawn from its bivouac on the Wargnies le Grand-St Waast les Bavay road and
retired with the 5th division via Bavay-Engle-Fontaine-Montay to Reumont where it went into bivouac. The rest of the
main body, composed chiefly of ammunition columns and transport was attacked on the left flank by enemy infantry but
the column itself did not come under fire. This was because the 5th division was behind scheduled time and the
rear-guard of the 3rd division, which was retiring on Bavay-Le Quesnoy road had retired leaving the left flank of
the 5th division open to attack.
The 61st battery formed part of the rear-guard on this day, and came into action three times. See diary of
61st battery.
Despatch no1. letter calling for reports of gallant conduct.
26th: Map - Cambrai sheet 13, battle of Le Cateau.
The brigade moved about 4am from its bivouac, and took up positions as follows.
37th Battery R.F.A. under G.O.C 14th infantry brigade.
61st Battery R.F.A. under G.O.C 13th Infantry brigade. South east of wood 1 mile north of Reumont.
65th Battery R.F.A. under G.O.C. 15th infantry brigade under cover of fire about 700 yds north west of Froirimile.
There was very little time during which to entrench before enemy's battery opened on 13th infantry brigade from
vicinity of forest church. This battery soon caused severe losses in 28th Brigade R.F.A and some
infantry trenches and practically neutralised two batteries. Meanwhile the enemy's attack the enemy's attack
had developed through and to south east of Le Cateau keeping the 37th battery and two batteries of the 15th brigade
hotly engaged trying to subdue the enemy's shrapnel fire which was effective on the 14th infantry brigade trenches.
In this section later in the day two German batteries opened on these three batteries from the neighbourhood of
Inchy taking them in enfilade and reverse and gradually wearing them down, silenced them.
In the left section the 65th battery materially assisted with their fire in beating off two attacks on Troisvilles
and neighbourhood from north west and had run out of ammunition by 2pm.
Meanwhile the infantry attack had developed on the 13th infantry brigade from the direction of the forest.
The 61st battery with its fire did very good work in stopping the enemy's infantry advance and preventing them
gaining the plateau across which the Le Cateau-Inchy road runs. This battery did not retire till they had
fired their last round and all the 13th brigade had left their trenches.
On the night the 37th battery was successfully withdrawn under heavy fire by captain Reynolds with the loss of one
gun. Major jones and his headquarters refused to leave their observing station and all are reported
missing.
The 65th battery were withdrawn about the same time as the 61st when the infantry retirement became general.
The 61st and 65th batteries joined a column or all arms retiring by Bertry and Maretz on St Quentin.
The 61st and 65th batteries were never properly found by enemy guns though both observing stations were shelled.
27th: After marching all night the brigade reached St Quentin at 6am and
bivouacked at Rocourt. At 1pm the march was resumed via Roupy, Fluquieres, Tugny and St Simon to Ollezy where
the brigade went into bivouac with the remainder of the division. During the day and the proceeding night the
retreat had been carried out without attack by the enemy who must have been to severely handled in the previous days
battle to be able to pursue.
28th: Map Laon sheet 22.
The brigade left Ollezy at 8:30am forming past the rear-guard of the division (with the
19th infantry brigade). The ammunition column and 37th battery marched with the main body. The march was
via Cugny, Berlancourt and Noyon to Pontoise. A halt was made about mid day for over two hours at Berlancourt
to let the 3rd division joint the column between the main body and rear-guard.
29th: In bivouac at Pontoise all day; move at 8:30pm to Carlepont where went into
bivouac.
30th: Map soissons sheet 33.
Left bivouwack at Carlepoint at 2am and marched via Bascule, Rue De Val and Attichy to
Croutoy. Here the Brigade remained in bivouac for the rest of the day.
See despatch no 3.
31st: The brigade left Croutoy at about 8am and marched via Chelles, St
Etiennes, Pierr-Fonds, Morienval and Fresnoy to Crepy en Valois where it bivouacked at Haxemont Ferme. At
Gilocourt a halt was made for an hour and a billeting party sent on to Bethisy St Martin but owing to enemy cavalry
being spotted at Campiegne the area was changed to Crepy.
Movements in April
September
1st: The brigade spent the night 31st August -1st September in bivouac at Haxemont
Fe North of Crepy en Valois. It was ready to move off and take place in the main body of the division when it
was plaved under the orders of G.O.C. 14th infantry brigade and took up a position about Sablieres, commanding the
southern exits from Crepy. The 108 heavy battery R.G.A and a section of the 28th brigade R.F.A were also
attached to the 14th infantry brigade and got their orders from Lt. Col. E.J.Daffus, commanding 8th brigade
R.F.A.
At about 1pm the 61st battery and the 37th batteries opened fire on two or three
squadrons of enemy's cavalry sighted near Raperie. At 2pm orders were issued for the rear-guard force to
retire on the northern edge of the Bois de Brais. To cover this retirement the 61st battery took up a position
south of the Rouville. The march was soon continued without any pressure from the enemy via Ormoy and through
Nanteuil le Handouin into bivouac south of the latter place and on the Silly-Le-long road. On this day the
brigade ammunition column proceeded the brigade in the order of march, being grouped with the other brigade
ammunition columns under the orders of Lt. Col. Cameron R.F.A. Bivouacked with the 8th brigade on the
night 1st-2nd September.
2nd: The brigade left bivouac south of Nanteuil en Valois at 3:30 am and marched
with remainder of 5th division to neighbourhood of Iverny. It went into bivouac at Chambre Fontaine at
10:30am. The 5th division was not engaged with the enemy on this day.
The brigade ammunition column left Chambre Fontaint about 9pm for Charny where it came
under the orders of O.C. 28th brigade R.F.A (Lt. Col. E. C. Cameron R.F.A) the 28th brigade R.F.A had lost its guns
at Le Cateau and consequently was not kept with the fighting troops.
The brigade, while at Chambre Fontaine was in the area of the 13th infantry brigade (no3
brigade area).
3rd: The brigde left Chambre Fontain at 7am and formed part of rear-guard to the
5th division retiring on Bouleurs via Couilly. The brigade came into action south of La Baste to cover
the retirement of our outposts. Fire was not opened, no enemy being sighted and the march was completed
without any fighting.
At about 12:15pm the division was halted for an hour and ordered to be billeted for the
night around Bouleurs instead of La Haute Maison as previously ordered. The brigade reached bivouac at Mont
Pichet at about 6pm. The brigade ammunition column re-joined the brigade headquarters and three
batteries. During the march this day the brigade was the only artillery with the rear-guard - which was
commanded by G.O.C. 14th infantry brigade - the latter unit formed the infantry of the rearguard. And at Mont
Pichet the 8th brigade R.F.A. was in the area of the 15th infantry brigade although on the previous day it had been
grouped with 14th brigade R.F.A.
4th: The brigade remained in bivouac all day. Baggage wagons left for
Ferrolles at about noon and the ammunition column left for the same place at about 7pm.
The brigade marched out of bivouac at 11pm and marched through the night via Villenueve
to Tournan (taking route of 15th infantry brigade).
Report called for on flat nosed bullets as the Germans reported having found flat nosed
bullets on our dead and wounded.
The route to Tournan lay through a forest, and the officer guiding the column misguided
the column; his mistake was discovered by another officer taking the compass bearing of the direction of the road
they happened to be on. The column was much delayed by a field ambulance which was the leading unit having to
reverse in a very muddy lane.
5th: Reached bivouacs at Gagny south of Tournan at 7am. Remained there all
day forming part of 15th brigade group. The brigade ammunition column was in bivouac with other brigade
ammunition column of the division 1/2 mile south of Tournan and did not join the brigade.
Money was obtained from the field cashier 5th division and the N.C.Os and men of the
headquarters staff were paid sums from 20 francs to 5 francs. This was the southernmost point reached by the
brigade in its retirement after Le Cateau.
6th: The brigade marched from Gagny at 5:30am forming the only artillery of the
15th infantry brigade group. The march was via Tournan to La Pointe, south west of Villleneuve St Denis and
here the group bivouacked at 8am.
On leaving La Pointe, the 61st battery joined the advanced guard of the 15th infantry
brigade group. At 1:30pm the main body of the group left La Pointe and moved via Obelisque to Mortcerf. The
8th brigade R.F.A bivouacked for about 1 1/2 hours at Bec Oiseau, moving forward again with the 15th infantry
brigade at 6:45 pm. The 61st battery did not now move with the advanced guard, but was ahead of the remainder
of its brigade. The advanced guard came into contact with enemy patrols near La Celle and the group bivouacked
for the night.
The brigade ammunition column was still detached and under the orders of the O.C. 28th
brigade R.F.A.
2 Lt. Bishop joined 37th battery to replace 2 Lt. Earle wounded at Le Cateau.
Supplies delivered for this days consumption consisted of 1/2 rations and 1/2
forage. This evening full supplies were received for consumption on the 7th.
Received Field Marshall Sir John Frenchs special order of the day.
7th: The brigade left bivouwack at La Celle at 2:15 pm and marched via
Vaupleurs and Mouroux to Boissy Le Chatel where it bivouacked for the night.
Two shells (supposed from R.H.A) wounded two men from the Cheshires who were in front of
the 8th brigade R.F.A. - this happened when 8th brigade was passing through Vaupleurs.
The brigade was still attached to the 15th infantry brigade group.
The 61st battery formed part of the advanced guard which was furnished by the 15th
infantry brigade group.
8th: Left bivouac at Boissy at 8:15am; still with 15th infantry brigade group
which was rear brigade on this day.
The 61st battery was shortly after starting, sent on to form part of the advanced guard
and was sent to the left flank with the Bedfordshire regiment. The advanced guard were opposed on emerging
from Doue and 37th battery was then sent up to reinforce the advanced guard. The 14th infantry brigade
eventually passed through the advanced guard to the heights south of river opposite St Ouen. The 37th and 65th
both moving up to assist the passage of the river Morin. All three batteries and brigade H.Q. crossed the
river at St Cyr and moved via St Ouen to cross roads 1/2 mile north of C of Charnesseuil, where they all
bivouwacked.
9th: The brigade was under arms and ready to march by 5am. The 61st and 65th
batteries came into positions of readiness east of the Charnesseuil-Rougeville road. The 61st battery was
eventually sent to join the advanced guard and moving via Saacy and Mery came into action 1/2 mile north east of Le
Limon. The 37th and 65th batteries (of the latter, only one section) came into action in the woods north of Passy to
try and locate enemy's guns shelling open part of road east of pt 192.
The 37th and 65th batteries and brigade H.Q. bivouacked near pt 192 (south of Le Limon).
10th: Marched via Montreuil, Dhuisy, Coulombs, Brumetz to Chezy in Orxois where
batteries came into action against columns of enemy retiring.
Bivouacked for the night at Chezy. Passed through some of the enemy's transport
which had been charged and captured by 3rd cavalry brigade south of Chezy. Also passed early in the day 45c
battery (German) abandoned by enemy. On this day the 61st battery was with the advanced guard (15th infantry
brigade).
11th: Advanced from Chezy via St Quentin, Dammard, Neuilly, Chouy to Billy Sur
Ourcq. Wet evening and cold night spent in bivouac with remainder of divisional artillery south of the
village.
The 65th was attached this day to the 3rd cavalry brigade. On this day the brigade
was not grouped with an infantry brigade.
12th: Marched 4am via St Remy, Hartennes and Chacise to Nampteuil. Halted
for about 2 hours when rear of brigade was just clear of Nampteuil.
37th came into action late in the evening near Serches.
Brigade billeted for the night as follows, H.Q. and 37th brigade at Courvelles with 13th
infantry brigade. 65th at Ferme de L'Epitaphe with 13th infantry brigade. 61st at Mont de Soissons Ferme.
Very wet night.
No supplies for the day, owing to supply wagons failing to find the brigade on the
previous evening. The reached the rear of the division when on the march this day but were not allowed to be
brought up and in the evening failed to get up.
13th: Three batteries went into action on heights north of Ciry to support attack
of 13th brigade on Ciry bridge. 13th infantry brigade first line transport was shelled about midday on the
Serches-Ciry road and some shells went near 65th battery wagon lines, one killing a wagon team and another wounding
captain French, R.F.A..
The 61st battery was detached from the brigade under orders from the C,R.A.
Supplies arrived in the afternoon. The remainder of the brigade bivouacked where
they were, with guns in action. Supplies arrived during the afternoon.
14th: The 37th and 61st batteries moved soon after sunrise and moving via Le
Mesnil, crossed the river Aisne by pontoon at Venizel; the main bridge had been damaged by the enemy and rendered
weak for vehicles.
From Venizel the 61st and 37th moved across open ground and under enemy's shell fire but
without loss, to Bucy Le Long and thence to St Marguerite where the 61st came into action against the enemy who held
the spur east of Chivres village.
Captain Reynolds commanding the 37th battery was wounded by a shell whilst
reconnoitring. One section of the 37th came into action south west of road junction 200 metres south of m of
St Marguerite. It was only partly concealed behind trees and hayricks and the enemy soon brought a heavy fire
to bear upon it, which made it necessary for the detachments to seek cover. This section was withdrawn at
dusk.
An attack made by us on Chivres heights just failed.
The 65th battery remained in action in the position of the previous day.
The brigade headquarters staff crossed the Aisne at night (less the telephone cart and
detachment left with 65th).
The 61st and 65th batteries bivouacked for the night with guns in action where they had
been all day.
The 37th battery and brigade headquarters billeted in two farms on the eastern edge of
Bucy le Long.
During the afternoon enemy's guns opened fire from Chivres ridge on the road running east
and west through St Marguerite. The wagons and teams of the 61st and 37th batteries were in this road.
The teams had to be unhooked and placed under cover in neighbouring yards and buildings - the casualties in
horses among the two batteries amounted to thirteen killed or destroyed,
A section of the 122nd battery was ordered to cross the north of the river Aisne, but one
gun fell into the river and the other did not cross.
15th: Battle of Aisne. The 61st battery remained in action in the
same place. Late in the day the 37th battery took covered position south of St Marguerite. At dusk it
retired across the river Aisne; thus Lt. Col. Duffus was left with only the 61st battery and the 80th battery which
was placed under his orders. The brigade headquarters remained billeted at Bucy le Long. The section of
the 122nd battery was not heard of by Lt. Col. Duffus during the day.
16th: Battle of Aisne. No change - 61st and 8th still under
command of Lt. Col. Duffus.
122nd battery was found to have one gun still in the river and the other section near
cross roads south of the O in La Demoiselle. It was not longer under the orders of Lt. Col.
Duffus.
G.O.C. division drew attention to importance of effective entrenchments.
17th: Battle of Aisne. Enemy's artillery bombarded Bucy Le Long and for safety
brigade headquarters were moved to St Marguerite where they were put into billets for the night.
For targets engaged, see the diaries of O.C.s 61st and 80th batteries.
Baggage wagons were sent up to the units for them to take baggage required and they were
parked at Ferme de L'Epitaphe and horses taken for other transport.
18th: Battle of Aisne. No change in situation. For targets engaged, see the
diaries of O.C.s 61st and 80th batteries.
19th: Battle of Aisne. Orders received for all obviously hostile aircraft to
be fired at. No change in situation.
20th: Battle of Aisne. Nothing special to report.
21st: Battle of Aisne. No change in situation.
22nd: Battle of Aisne. 80th battery opened fire on lower edges of woods
at Chivres spur at daylight. Otherwise no change in situation.
Captain N.R. Davidson R.F.A joined 65th battery R.F.A.
23rd: Battle of Aisne. No change in situation. Previous orders re
firing on aeroplanes cancelled.
24th: Battle of Aisne. During the night 23rd-24th, the brigade telephone cart was
brought forward from the position of the 65th battery and a line was laid out between section of the 61st battery
and observing station which it was hoped would enable fire to be brought to bear on enemy guns near Vregny, which
had been shelling Missy and the trenches of the 12th infantry brigade, 4th division, north of St Marguerite.
A message from divisional artillery H.Q. asked if 61st battery could get onto enemys guns
at Fort De Conde, but as it could not the heavy artillery was turned on to it.
25th: Battle of Aisne. During the night 24th-25th the G.O.C. 15th infantry brigade
and staff relieved the G.O.C. 14th infantry brigade and staff at St Marguerite. The H.Q. 8th brigade R.F.A
remained at St Marguerite and became transferred from attached 15th to attached 15th infantry brigade. No
change in positions and no unusual occurrence during the day.
37th battery under orders or Major Ballard, 15th brigade R.F.A.
See Airens report re visibility of our artillery. LXXV
See German emperors order of 19th August LXXVI also General D'E Spereys order re not
taking any notice of men wearing white arm bands LXXVII.
26th: Battle of Aisne. Nothing of any importance happened during the
day. Our airmen made several reconnaissance's and came under fire from enemy's anti aircraft guns.
65th battery grouped with XXXVIII brigade R.F.A (VI division but attached to V).
27th: Battle of Aisne. A report that enemy had crossed to south bank at Conde
reached 15th brigade headquarters just before dawn but was subsequently found to be false.
Enemy shelled Missy with high explosive and shrapnel shell.
61st and 80th batteries still in same positions at St Marguerite.
28th: Situation unchanged. 65th battery grouped with XXVII brigade R.F.A.
29th: No change in position of 61st and 80th batteries. 37th battery in
action near Ferme Du Pavillion under O.C. XXVII brigade.
61st battery as hitherto at St Marguerite under O.C. 8th brigade.
65th battery near M Du Mont Jard.
30th: Batteries in same positions and zones the same as previous day.
No unusual occurrence during the day.
October
1st: Battle of Aisne. 61st battery R.F.A (Howitzers) in action since 14th
September 150+ south of M of St Marguerite, with two guns facing north towards Vregny and the remaining four facing
north east towards Chivres. 80th battery R.F.A (18th bde) in action on Bucy le Long - Missy railway 300+ west
of the M of Missy-Sur-Aisne, facing north east towards the spur east of Chivres village. Lt.Col. Duffus R.F.A.
commanding 8th brigade R.F.A in command of these two batteries and under G.O.C. 15th infantry brigade.
Remainder of divisional artillery south of river Aisne. 37th battery on Serches platueau near Ferme Du
Pavillon; 65th battery near Min Du Mon Jard, under O.C. XV brigade R.F.A. The 61st battery cooperated with the 12th
brigade (infantry) of the 4th division by firing on Vregny, as well as the with the 15th infantry brigade.
At 7pm the brigade headquarters 61st and 80th batteries moved via Venizel to the south
side of the Aisne and bivouacked adn Acy-le-Bas.
2nd: At daybreak headquarters and 61st battery put horses under cover from
aeroplanes.
The whole of the 8th brigde marched with column consisting of 15th infantry brigade, 108
heavy battery and 15th brigade R.F.A. Route via Serches to Nampteuil where 15th and 8th brigade R.F.A. and 108 heavy
battery R.G.A billetted. Orders originally issue for 15th and 8th brigade R.F.A to proceed to Violaine were
cancelled. At Nampteuil 8th brigade was in are of 13th infantry brigade. H.Q. at Violaine.
3rd: The brigade remained in billets until the evening. Horses were put
into woods and under trees during daylight in order to hide them from aeroplanes. At 6pm marched by Muret, Droizy,
Hartennes, Tigny, Montrembourg farm and Longpont. Was in rear of 15th infantry brigade, 15th field ambulance
and 54th company of Royal Engineers.
At 11pm brigade ammunition column joined brigade at Droizy. The brigade went into
bivouwacks in grounds of Chateau under the cover of trees. In area of 15th infantry brigade.
4th: Longpont. In bivouac all day. At 7pm marched with 15th infantry brigade group
via Corcy-Fleury-Villers-Cotterets to Le Berval, where brigade billetted.
5th: Billeted. March delayed for two hours by French infantry in motor
lorries and crossing line of march. At 5:30pm billets and cover for horses. Road vehicle not good.
Information received that 15th infantry brigade group to which brigade belonged would not move that night.
At 6:30pm, reinforcements (strength 1 howitzer and lumber, 4 ammunition wagons, 75
horses, 40 N.C.Os and drivers (no gunners)) joined brigade and were distributed to batteries and
ammunition column, Captain Bates R.F.A joined at the same time and was posted to the command of the ammunition
column.
6th: At 2:30pm marched from billetts with 15th infantry brigade group via
Gilocourt to billetting area at Bethisy. 37th battery went on to billets at Verbiere in order to be nearer to
the place of entrenchment.
At 10pm the O.C. brigade went to H.Q. 15th infantry brigade to receive orders re
entrenchment.
7th: The brigade entrained by batteries one subsection of the
ammunition column accompanying each battery. Two batteries entrained at Compiegne, the rest at Longueil.
Brigade H.Q. entrained with the 15th field ambulance at Le Meux.
8th: Neuilly L'Hopital. On detraining batteries marched together with the
subsections of the ammunition column which had entrained with them to Neuilly L'Hopital, where the whole brigade
billeted in the 15th infantry brigade area. All batteries, brigade H.Q. and ammunition column were in billets
by 2pm. On entraining batteries carries supplies for one day (in addition to those for the day of
entrainment). Two days supplies were drawn at the place of entrainment, Thus on detraining of the 8th
batteries had to carry with them supplies for 9th and 10th. Requisitioned transport was some cases necessary
to carry these supplies. Order re respecting property, tidiness of turn out and concealment from aeroplanes
important.
At 6:30pm brigade marched with 15th infantry brigade group via Agenvilliers, Gapennes,
Noyelle and Guesdchart to Bouffleurs where it went into billetts.
9th: Orders recieved during morning to start a march of about 10 miles about 2pm.
Later the division was ordered to be ready to arch at 3pm.
At 5pm marched independently via Gennes, Ivergny, Quoeux, Fillieurs, western side
Willeman, Oeuf, Siracourt M of Ramecourt St Pol to Trois Vaux. The mounted position of the 54th company royal
engineers was placed under the order of O.C. 8th brigade and marched in rear of that brigade. At Ramecourt the
brigad major R.A. met the met brigade with order to march to Trois Vaux instead of to Dieval.
Lt.Col. Duffus commanding 8th brigade R.F.A was placed in command of the 15th
infantry brigade group of mounted troops. The infantry performed this march in motor lorries.
10th: At 5am, Trois Vaux, brigade went into billets and remained in them fro the
remainder of the day.
11th: At 6am, Trois Vaux, marched via Valluion and joined 14th infantry brigade at
Bours. Thence by Monneville, Mares, Camblain-Chatelaine to Choques. Reconaissances were made to select
positions for batteries to occupy near Hinges in case opposition were met whilst crossing the Bassee canal.
The brigage billetted in Oblinghem (halt orders were received adter the brigade was in billets). It should have
billetted in Choques.
12th: Brigade left bivouwacks and forming part of the 14th infantry brigade column
marched via Pont Lepis, Locon and Pont Vournant,
Short of this place a halt was made for about two hours. The 61st battery joined
15th infantry brigade on right of 14th infantry brigade and came under orders of O.C. XV brigade R.F.A.
The 15th infantry brigade made good the line Rue De L'Epinette - Rue Des Chavattes and
the 65th battery came into action in support. The 37th battery was kept in reserve.
At 6pm the brigade (less 61st battery) withdrew to Le Hamel and billetted for the night.
13th: 37th and 65th batteries came into action at dawn to support advance of 14th
infantry brigade from the line they had made good on the previous evening. The 27th brigade was also
attached to the 14th infantry brigade and its commander Lt. Col. Onslow acted as C.R.A. to the G.O.C. 14th infantry
brigade. The 65th battery was under orders from divisional R.A. H.Q. sent to the neighbourhood of Annequin to
co-operate with the French.
At 6pm brigade H.Q. and 37th battery returned to billets. Only 37th howitzer left
under O.C. 8th brigade R.F.A.
14th: 37th battery occupied a position in the same neighbourhood to support attack
of 14th infantry brigade.
At 6pm brigade H.Q. and 37th brigade withdrew to billlets.
15th: 37th battery came into action between Rue de Cailloux and La Quinque Rue to
support 14th infantry brigade. Brigade H.Q. withdrawn about midday to H.Q. R.A. at Beuvry station (near
canal). Col. Duffus carried out a reconnaissance, billetted for night at Le Hamel. Thus 37th battery was
left with 14th infantry brigade and under orders of O.C. 27th brigade R.F.A.
16th: Lt. Col. Duffus received orders from G.O.C. R.A. 5th division to reassume
command of 65th battery R.F.A. and to support from the north bank of the canal the attack of the French division
south of the canal on Cuinchy. French were found to have possession of Cuinchy.
At 4pm Lt. Col. Duffus received orders (verbal) from G.O.C. R.A. 5th division to support
with fire from 65th battery the attack of the French left on La Bassee bridge over the canal on Auchy. O.C.
65th and Lt. Col. Duffus proceeded to reconnitre for a position.
at 7pm brigade H.Q. and 65th battery went into billets.
17th: at 5:30 pm Lt. Col. Duffus and O.C. 65th made further reconnaissance
and 65th battery came into action west of the Festubert - Pont Fixe road with observing station in a house on the
eastern edge of Cuinchy.
O.C. 8th Brigade got into communication with O.C. 256th regiment of infintry south of
canal and with O.C. 1st Devons on north of canal and co-operated with both. The main task of 65th battery was
to shell the triangle of railway near the E of Cuinchy and the buildings on the western edge of Auchy Lez La Bassee.
At 6pm Brigade H.Q. and 65th battery went into billetts.
Thomas is posted to 8th Brigade R.F.A. from base detail.
18th: At 6am 65th battery took up same position and co-operated in the same manner
with French left and English right. O.C. 65th battery advanced one section to Pont-Fixe to fire along canal, its
cheif targets being the buildings on either side of the canal.
French infantry came north to the canal and an attack was made on La Bassee bridge.
19th: Cuinchy. 65th battery under direct orders of O.C. 8th brigade again
co-operated with French left in the attack on Auchy and neighbourhood.
at 8pm when in billets for the night received orders for Lt. Col. Duffus to take command
of British artillery going to assist the French 21st corps in attack in Vermelles.
20th: at 7am Lt. Col. Duffus reported to G.O.C. 58th French division. 2nd siege
battery R.G.A. came into action during the morning near road junction 1 mile west of M. of Mazingarbe.
65th battery came into action near Annequin. These two batteries were placed under
the orders of French artillery group commanders for purposes of fire control. For other orders they were
placed under orders of Lt. Col. Duffus.
21st: Lt. Col. Duffus still in command of 2nd siege battery R.G.A. and 65th
battery R.F.A. attached to 58th French division of 21st French corps. See compliment paid to 2nd siege
battery and 65th battery by G.O.C. 21st French Corps.
22nd: Lt. Col. Duffus still in command of 65th battery R.F.A and 2nd
siege battery R.G.A. attached to 58th French division.
23rd: Lt. Col. Duffus returned to 5th division and was placed in command of the
2nd siege battery and 108 battery (heavy) R.G.A. Batteries in position north of Chateau de Gorre. Observing
stations at Festubert.
24th: Lt. Col. Duffus in command of same two batteries in same positions.
Airmen cooperated with heavy battery. Batteries of 8th brigade attached one to each infantry brigade.
25th: Same situation. 7:30 am Lt. Col. Duffus called to 5th division R.A.
H.Q. and given charge of the three French batteries (24th, 25th and 26th batteries of 1st regiment). 26th took
up position near canal lwest of Pont-Fixe and at about 2:30pm opened fire on Violaines where airmen had located
enemys batteries. The 24th and 25th batteries came into action about 4pm near the L of Le Plantin. They
opened on German trenches east of Givenchy.
26th: The three French batteries, together with two French battalions of
infantry north of canal uner orders of G.O.C. XV infantry brigade.
Col. Duffus detailed to help the French group commander (artillery) and obtain for him
what information he could. The 24th and 25th French batteries searched for enemy batteries reported by airmen
near Violaines, Lorgies and Beau Puits.
General Headlem wrote asking for daily reports from batteries.
27th: Lt. Col. Duffus made reconnaissance to select positions for divisional
artillery in a second line of defence. The batteries of the brigade still grouped with infantry brigades and
under the orders of the officers commanding the 18th brigades attached to their respective infantry brigades.
28th: Lt. Col. Duffus continued his reconaissance for gun positions and in the
evening made report to G.O.C. RA 5th division. Batteries of the brigade as before under infantry brigade
groups and under O.C. 8th brigade for adminstrative purposes.
29th: Brigade staff remained in billets and had a day of rest. Batteries of
brigade as on previous day. Batteries of brigade still under O.C. only for administrative purposes.
30th: Lt. Col. Duffus visited his three batteries, inspected their equipment and
made a report to G.O.C. RA. Orders receieved re move of division to N.E. of Hazebrook.
31st: During the night the Meerut division releived the greater part of the 5th
division in the firing line. The 8th brigade was not relieved.
Complimentary message re 65th battery from Lt. Col. Sandys commanding 28th Brigade R.F.A.
Lt. Col. Duffus given command of field artillery attached to 21st Indian infantry brigade
group. i.e. 9th and 13th brigades R.F.A. and 65th and 61st batteries R.F.A.
An armoured train was under orders of G.O.C. RA Meerut division.
A pamphlet re German field fortification was issued during the month.
November
65th Battery RFA 1914
1st: Thomas joins the 65th Battery on 1st November. Unfortunately the war diaries for the the first days in November appear to be missing, possibly due to the author being hit in the head on the 31st October (see above excerpt). The diaries resume on 4th November.
4th: Major D.G. Blois
joined from division ammunition column. Battery in action near Le Touret billeting in Le
Hamel. Battery attached to the 9th Brigade RFA part of Meerut division and remanined in the
same position for several days occasionally withdrawing at night.
7th: 59861 gunner Webb killed and 46034 gunner Clouder
wounded from shell fire.
11th: Battery attached to 4th Brigade RFA but continued in
same position, shelling trenches, bomb throwers and guns from time to time.
14th: Attached to 9th Brigade R.F.A again.
19th: Withdrew for a "rest" in billets at Loisne.
Hard fist (meaning miserly)
23rd: Back in old position. Assisted infantry counter
attack on some evacuated trenches. 3 German offices 100 prisoners, 3 maxims (machine guns)
and trench mortar captured.
Thomas is admitted to hospital.
25th: Took over position of 61st Brigade RFA near Givenchy
and attached to 13th Brigade R.F.A. Warmer.
27th: Marched 8am with 61st and Brigade ammunition column to
near Dranoutre in Belgium via Merville and Bailleul. Billets at 7pm.
28th: Before dawn took over position of 129th battery R.F.A
3 miles east of Dranoutre with two sections. Rt section under 2nd Lt Richardson detached to a
position 1/2 mile east of Neuve Eglise. Battery attached to 28th Brigade R.F.A.
29th: Shelled hostile gap in front of Bedfords at night
with success.
30th: Still in same position.
Thomas is diagnosed with rheumatic fever.
He was sent back to England on 3rd December onboard SS Asturias, a hospital ship and returned home
to his mother in Bournemouth. He did not return to France until 1915 which will be the subject
of another
post.
