On this day 29th May
1848 - 52nd - employed in aid of the civil power at Bradford.
1896 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – “Long Shoulder” abolished and the “Short Shoulder” adopted
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA. ARCHANGEL.
Coy’s at disposal of Coy. Officers
1045 - Regt. paraded – Clean Fatigue, Dress – outside OLGA BARRACKS – for address by Maj. Gen. IRONSIDE C in C. North Russian Expeditionary Force.
1700 - Gen Ironside afterwards talked to the officers in the mess.
40 Offrs. Of the Regiment had tea with the Mayor of ARCHANGEL at the DUMA opposite G.H.Q.
1940 – 4th (TA) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CASSEL
Night again was quiet, but the next day brought increased enemy activity on all sides and it became quite obvious that we were entirely surrounded. There was heavy bombing and shelling from which we had a number of casualties. Major Thorne was killed by a shell which burst in Battalion headquarters, and Captain Lightfoot, the quartermaster, was slightly injured in the foot. Enemy tanks could be seen moving about throughout the day on all sides of us and infantry were also seen to be digging themselves in or preparing fresh gun positions. One or two guns were brought to bear on them, but they were too far away for results to be seen.
During the afternoon orders arrived that Cassel was to be evacuated that night. The order also contained the warning that "some enemy opposition may be encountered which will be swept aside with the bayonet." A route was given which was said to be free of the enemy, but subsequent reconnaissance showed that it was so strongly held that it was determined to attempt to escape across country in single file. Accordingly, at 2230 hrs. what was left of the Cassel force began to evacuate the town, abandoning everything except what each man could carry with him. Second Lieutenant Clerke Brown attempted to get his carriers out, but they were attacked by German tanks and obliterated. Second Lieutenant Clerke Brown was mortally wounded and died later in hospital.
At first the march went well—two platoons of B Company were lost but eventually retrieved—but, after a particularly long halt, it was discovered that the rear half of the column had lost contact with the front half. The night was so dark that there was no hope of contact being remade and from that time there were two main columns. As the march progressed other small parties also lost touch and disappeared hi the dark.
The troops, very tired and hungry, were not in much condition for fighting. They had had very little rest since retreating from Brussels a fortnight before and had also been on very short rations throughout. However, when they did come in contact with the enemy they put up very stiff resistance.
First actual contact with the enemy was made at Wannerzeele,(Winnezeele 3567) where the leading half of the columns came under fire. Major Graham was killed leading a successful bayonet charge which cleared a way for the rest of the troops.
The rear half of the column also came under fire near Wannerzeele,(Winnezeele 3567)but escaped with only two casualties.
1948 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - The first intake of National Service soldiers arrived and posted to B Company.
here to edit.
1848 - 52nd - employed in aid of the civil power at Bradford.
1896 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – “Long Shoulder” abolished and the “Short Shoulder” adopted
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA. ARCHANGEL.
Coy’s at disposal of Coy. Officers
1045 - Regt. paraded – Clean Fatigue, Dress – outside OLGA BARRACKS – for address by Maj. Gen. IRONSIDE C in C. North Russian Expeditionary Force.
1700 - Gen Ironside afterwards talked to the officers in the mess.
40 Offrs. Of the Regiment had tea with the Mayor of ARCHANGEL at the DUMA opposite G.H.Q.
1940 – 4th (TA) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CASSEL
Night again was quiet, but the next day brought increased enemy activity on all sides and it became quite obvious that we were entirely surrounded. There was heavy bombing and shelling from which we had a number of casualties. Major Thorne was killed by a shell which burst in Battalion headquarters, and Captain Lightfoot, the quartermaster, was slightly injured in the foot. Enemy tanks could be seen moving about throughout the day on all sides of us and infantry were also seen to be digging themselves in or preparing fresh gun positions. One or two guns were brought to bear on them, but they were too far away for results to be seen.
During the afternoon orders arrived that Cassel was to be evacuated that night. The order also contained the warning that "some enemy opposition may be encountered which will be swept aside with the bayonet." A route was given which was said to be free of the enemy, but subsequent reconnaissance showed that it was so strongly held that it was determined to attempt to escape across country in single file. Accordingly, at 2230 hrs. what was left of the Cassel force began to evacuate the town, abandoning everything except what each man could carry with him. Second Lieutenant Clerke Brown attempted to get his carriers out, but they were attacked by German tanks and obliterated. Second Lieutenant Clerke Brown was mortally wounded and died later in hospital.
At first the march went well—two platoons of B Company were lost but eventually retrieved—but, after a particularly long halt, it was discovered that the rear half of the column had lost contact with the front half. The night was so dark that there was no hope of contact being remade and from that time there were two main columns. As the march progressed other small parties also lost touch and disappeared hi the dark.
The troops, very tired and hungry, were not in much condition for fighting. They had had very little rest since retreating from Brussels a fortnight before and had also been on very short rations throughout. However, when they did come in contact with the enemy they put up very stiff resistance.
First actual contact with the enemy was made at Wannerzeele,(Winnezeele 3567) where the leading half of the columns came under fire. Major Graham was killed leading a successful bayonet charge which cleared a way for the rest of the troops.
The rear half of the column also came under fire near Wannerzeele,(Winnezeele 3567)but escaped with only two casualties.
1948 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - The first intake of National Service soldiers arrived and posted to B Company.
here to edit.
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