100 Years Ago - Victoria Cross

THE BREACHING OF THE VIADUCT CONNECTING THE MOLE AT ZEEBRUGGE

WITH THE LAND BY SUBMARINE C.3 (LIEUT. SANDFORD, R.N.).

SERGT. ALBERT MOUNTAIN (left), West Yorkshire RegilJlent, and PRIVATE THOMAS

YOUNG, Durham Light lnfantry.

Photographed after receiving their Crosses in: the Courtyard of Buckingham Palace

PRIV ATE (Corporal) BEESLEY (Rifle Brigade), RECEIVES HIS VICTORIA CROSS AT

THE HANDS OF THE KING IN FRANCE.

PUBLI'C WELCOME TO ABLE SEAMAN A. E. McKENZIE IN SOUTHWARK

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dare-devil-courage-kgnjxt6kr?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter_118&utm_medium=email&utm_content=118_February%2014,%202018&CMP=TNLEmail_118918_2918905_118

Dare-devil courage

We steamed through the smoke screen, and then we caught Hell. There is no other word for it

April 25, 1918

Deal, April 24. Survivors of the special battalion of Royal Marines who took part in Monday night’s enterprise are still dribbling back here in small parties. I visited the depot this morning, and the majority of the survivors were drawn up in the drill hall answering the roll-call. All the men showed signs of having been through some hazardous ordeal, but they make light of their injuries and are as cheerful as could possibly be. The most connected account of the undertaking was given to me by two officers, both of whom made light of their own gallant share in the venture, and of their many wonderful escapes during the hour of fierce combat on the Mole.
Both these officers, whose names I am asked to withhold, are loud in their praises of the conduct of all ranks. In their own words, “It was a desperate adventure, carried out with dare-devil courage.”

Both officers belong to the Plymouth Company and this was the third landing in which each had taken part during the war. Their story was as follows:
We were on board the Vindictive, and we arrived at our allotted position. In accordance with plan, we approached under cover of our own smoke clouds. All the vessels, large and small, took part in this ingenious device, the smaller craft letting out as much smoke as their larger consorts. In fact there was a veritable blanket of smoke stretching from Zeebrugge to Ostend. The black, impenetrable wall of smoke completely deceived the Hun for a time, but when he discovered what we were about he put up star shells, and then we had no alternative but to go ahead. We steamed through the smoke screen, and then we caught Hell. There is no other word for it.
THE LANDING.

All our men were on deck, and the Germans shelled the Vindictive without cessation for 20 minutes. Despite this terrific fire wc carried on, but when we got alongside the Mole we found that out of 14 prows, or gangways, which we had on board only two were of any use, all the remainder having been shot away. There was nothing for it but for our storming party to land by these two prows, damaged and shaking as they were.
With a clear “Over you go, Royals” our men effected a landing on the first ledge of the Mole, but we lost heavily in the process, for the shellfire directed against us was terrible.
After reaching the first ledge we had another drop of some 20ft to negotiate before we could get at grips with the enemy. To make matters worse, it was raining heavily all the time. Undaunted, we lowered ourselves by means of ropes and rope-ladders. Three Hun destroyers lay alongside the other side of the Mole, and all three of them kept firing at the Vindictive at close range, so it became necessary to silence them first. From these boats the German sailors came swarming up to attack us, but they found themselves face to face with British pluck, and with a cheer our men charged. This was more than Fritz could stand. Clearing a space, we dashed up to the first destroyer, into which we threw some 50 hand bombs. A loud explosion followed, and the last we saw of her was that she was on fire and sinking. We were unable to reach the other two destroyers, and what became of them we do not know.
The Vindictive had three howitzers on board - one in front, one amidships, and the other aft - and before we left the foremost gun’s crew was wiped out three times in succession by the guns from the shore. But our own gunners on board did extremely well. An abundance of shells were put ashore from howitzers, pom-poms, and Stokes guns, creating considerable havoc among the Germans.
After setting fire to the destroyer we formed up and forced our way ashore at the point of the bayonet. We attacked the gun’s crew on shore which had been giving us so much trouble, and after killing a large number, dispersed the rest and captured the guns. Our men behaved magnificently. Meanwhile the Vindictive was being shelled, and she was heavily engaged with the shore batteries, when we received by siren the signal to withdraw the block ships had by this time been sunk, and our object had been accomplished.
During the whole of the engagement oue of our sergeant-majors worked a gun in the foretop of the Vindictive with consummate skill and bravery, firing round after round at the enemy and creating considerable havoc and destruction. He claims to have made a direct hit on the face of one of the enemy’s searchlights, thus putting it completely out of action.
“WELL DONE, VINDICTIVE!”
The captain of the Vindictive was a fine seaman. With the utmost coolness he gave his orders from the bridge, in spite of the flying and bursting shrapnel all round him. With the greatest skill he managed his ship and got her safely out, covered by the smoke screen which we emitted as we steered down the Channel for home.
We met just at daybreak the warship in which was Vice-Admiral Keyes. The admiral signalled to us, “Well Done, Vindictive!” and both crews cheered themselves hoarse as the ships passed each other. We arrived at Dover at 8.30 on Tuesday and on entering the harbour we received a splendid ovation from the crews of the ships there, and also from a large number of the inhabitants. One of the finest achievements of the engagement is credited to British submarines.
Two of our oldest boats managed to get in under the viaduct at Zeebrugge, and placed some 10 tons of explosives under the shore end of the viaduct which connects the Mole with the shore, blowing it up and preventing reinforcements coming from the shore. After getting their boat into position the submarine’s crew set the time-fuse and escaped in small dinghies.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fighting-against-the-odds-0frkkcjdh?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter_118&utm_medium=email&utm_content=118_February%2014,%202018&CMP=TNLEmail_118918_2918905_118

Fighting against the odds

The situation was critical, and volunteers for a counter-attack were called for. Sgt Mountain immediately stepped forward, and his party of 10 men followed him

June 8, 1918The King has been pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the following officers and non-commissioned officers:
Lt Percy Valentine Storkey, Aust. Imp. Force.
For most conspicuous bravery, leadership, and devotion to duty when in charge of a platoon in attack. On emerging from the wood the enemy trench line was encountered, and Lt Storkey found himself with six men. While continuing his move forward a large enemy party - about 80 to 100 strong - armed with several machine guns, was noticed to be holding up the advance of the troops on the right. Lt Storkey immediately decided to attack this party from the flank and rear, and while moving forward in the attack was joined by Lt Lipscomb and four men.

Under the leadership of Lt Storkey, this small party of two officers and 10 other ranks charged the enemy position with fixed bayonets, driving the enemy out, killing and wounding about 30, and capturing three officers and 50 men, also one machine gun. The splendid courage shown by this officer in quickly deciding his course of action, and his skilful method of attacking against such great odds, removed a dangerous obstacle to the advance of the troops on the right, and inspired the remainder of our small party with the utmost confidence when advancing to the objective line.
T/Sec Lt Alfred Cecil Herring, North’n R.

For most conspicuous bravery, initiative, and devotion to duty when, after severe fighting, the enemy gained a position on the south bank of the canal. His post was cut off from the troops on both flanks and surrounded. Sec Lt Herring, however, immediately counter-attacked, and recaptured the position, together with 20 prisoners and six machine guns. During the night the post was continually attacked, but all attacks were beaten off. This was largely due to the splendid heroism displayed by Sec Lt Herring, who continually visited his men and cheered them up. It was entirely due to the bravery and initiative of this officer that the enemy advance was held up for 11 hours at an exceedingly critical period. His magnificent heroism, coupled with the skilful handling of his troops, were most important factors leading to success.
No 19/11 Sgt Albert Mountain, W. Yorks. R. (Leeds)
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during an enemy attack, when his company was in an exposed position on a sunken road, having hastily dug themselves in. Owing to the intense artillery fire, they were obliged to vacate the road and fall back. The enemy in the meantime was advancing in mass preceded by an advanced patrol about 200 strong.
The situation was critical, and volunteers for a counter-attack were called for. Sgt Mountain immediately stepped forward, and his party of 10 men followed him. He then advanced on the flank with a Lewis gun and brought enfilade fire to bear on the enemy patrol, killing about 100. In the meantime the remainder of the company made a frontal attack, and the entire enemy patrol was cut up and 30 prisoners taken.
At this time the enemy main body appeared and the men, who wore numerically many times weaker than the enemy, began to waver. Sgt Mountain rallied and organized his party and formed a defensive position from which to cover the retirement of the rest of the company and the prisoners. With this party of one non-commissioned officer and four men he successfully held at bay 600 of the enemy for half an hour, eventually retiring and rejoining his company. He then took command of the flank post of the battalion which was “in the air”, and held on there for 27 hours until finally surrounded by the enemy.
Sgt Mountain was one of the few who managed to fight their way back. His supreme fearlessness and initiative undoubtedly saved the whole situation.


https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/a-young-soldiers-pluck-and-skill-s22nwd8zm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter_118&utm_medium=email&utm_content=118_February%2014,%202018&CMP=TNLEmail_118918_2918905_118

A young soldier’s pluck and skill

The indomitable pluck, skillful shooting, and good judgment in economizing ammunition displayed by Pte Beesley stamp the incident as one of the most brilliant actions in recent operations

June 29, 1918

The King has been pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the following Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men:
Lt. (T./CapL.) Julian Royds Gribble, R. War. R.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Capt. Gribble was in command of the right company of the battalion when the enemy attacked, and his orders were to “hold on to the last”. His company was eventually entirely isolated, though he could easily have withdrawn them at one period when the rest of the battalion on his left were driven back to a secondary position. His right flank was “in the air” owing to the withdrawal of all troops of a neighbouring division. By means of a runner to the company on his left rear he intimated his determination to hold on until other orders were received from battalion headquarters - and this he inspired his command to accomplish. His company was eventually surrounded by the enemy at close range and he was seen fighting to the last. His subsequent fate is unknown.

By his splendid example of grit Capt Gribble was materially instrumental in preventing for some hours the enemy obtaining a complete mastery of the crest of ridge, and by his magnificent self sacrifice he enabled the remainder of his own brigade to be withdrawn, as well as another garrison and three batteries of field artillery.
T./Capt. Manley Angell James, MC., Glouc R.

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. Capt. James led his company forward with magnificent determination and courage, inflicting severe losses on the enemy and capturing 27 prisoners and two machine-guns. He was wounded, but refused to leave his company, and repulsed three hostile onslaughts the next day. Two days later, although the enemy had broken through on his right flank, he refused to withdraw and made a most determined stand, inflicting very heavy losses on the enemy and gaining valuable time for the withdrawal of guns. He was ordered by the senior officer on the spot to hold on “to the last” in order to enable the brigade to be extricated. He then led his company forward in a local counter-attack on his own initiative, and was again wounded. He was last seen working a machine-gun single-handed, after having been wounded a third time. No praise can be too high for the gallant stand made by this company, and Capt. James, by his dauntless courage and magnificent example, undoubtedly enabled the battalion to be withdrawn before being completely cut off.
Lt. George Burdon McKean, Can. Inf.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy’s trenches. Lt. McKean’s party, which was operating on the right flank, was held up at a block in the communication trench by most intense fire from hand grenades and machine-guns. This block, which was too close to our trenches to have been engaged by the preliminary bombardment, was well protected by wire and covered by a well protected machine-gun 30 yards behind it. Realizing that if this block were not destroyed the success of the whole operation might be marred, he ran into the open to the right flank of the block, and with utter disregard of danger, leaped over the block head first on top of the enemy. Whilst lying on the ground on top of one of the enemy, another rushed at him with fixed bayonet. Lt. McKean shot him through the body and then shot the enemy underneath him, who was struggling violently. This very gallant action enabled this position to be captured.
Lt McKean’s supply of bomb ran out at this time, and he sent back to our front line for a fresh supply. Whilst waiting for them he engaged the enemy single-handed. When the bombs arrived he fearlessly rushed the second block, killing two of the enemy, captured four others, and drove the remaining garrison, including a hostile machine-gun section, into a dug-out. The dug-out, with its occupants and machine-gun, was destroyed.
This officer’s splendid bravery and dash undoubtedly saved many lives, for had not this position been captured the whole of the raiding party would have been exposed to dangerous enfilading fire during the withdrawal. His leadership at all times has been beyond praise.
Sec. Lt. Joseph Henry Collin, late B. Lanc. B.
For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty, and self-sacrifice in action. After offering a long and gallant resistance against heavy odds in the Keep held by his platoon, this officer, with only five of his men remaining, slowly withdrew in the face of superior numbers, contesting every inch of the ground The enemy were pressing him hard with bombs and machine-gun fire from close range. Single-handed Sec Lt Collin attacked the machine-gun and team. After firing his revolver into the enemy, he seized a Mills grenade and threw it into the hostile team, putting the gun out of action, killing four of the team, and wounding two others. Observing a second hostile machine-gun firing, he took a Lewis gun and, selecting a high point of vantage on the parapet whence he could engage the gun, he, unaided, kept the enemy at bay until he fell mortally wounded. The heroic self-sacrifice of Sec Lt Collin was a magnificent example to all.
T.Sec. Lt. John Schofield, late Lancs. Fus.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in operations. Sec. Lt. Schofield led a party of nine men against a strong point which was reported strongly held by the enemy, and was attacked by about 100 of the enemy with bombs. He disposed his men so skillfully and made such good use of rifle and Lewis gun fire that the enemy took cover in dug-outs. This officer himself then held up and captured a party of 20. With the help of other parties this position was then cleared of the enemy, who were all killed or captured. He then collected the remainder of his men, made his party up to 10, and proceeded towards the front line, previously informing his commanding officer as to the position and that he was proceeding to retake the front line. He met large numbers of the enemy in a communication trench in front of him and in a drain on his right and left. His party opened rapid rifle fire, and he climbed out on to the parapet under point- blank machine-gun fire and, by his fearless demeanour and bravery forced the enemy to surrender. As a result 123 of the enemy, including several officers, were captured by Sec. Lt. Schofield and his party. This very gallant officer was killed a few minutes later.
Sec Lt. John Crowe, Worc. R.
For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and skilful leading when the enemy, for the third tinie having attacked a post in a village, broke past onto the high ground and established a machine-gun and snipers in the broken ground at the back of the village. Sec. Lt. Crowe twice went forward with two NCOs and seven men to engage the enemy, both times in face of active manine-gun fire and sniping. His action was so daring that on each occasion the enemy withdrew from the high ground into the village, where Sec. Lt. Crowe followed them and himself opened fire upon the enemy as they collected in the doorways of the houses. On the second occasion taking with him only two men of his party, he attacked two enemy machine-guns which were sweeping the post, killed both the gunners with his rifle, and prevented any others from reaching the guns and bringing them in action again. He then turned upon a party of the enemy who were lined up in front of him, killed several, and the remainder withdrew at once. He captured both the guns, one of which was the battalion Lewis gun which had been captured by the enemy on the previous day. Throughout the seven days of operations Sec. Lt. Crowe showed an utter disregard of danger and was recklessly brave. His personal example and cheerfulness contributed largely to the determination of the garrison of the post to hold out. It may safely be said that but for his coolness and skill at the last moment, when he personally placed the covering party in close proximity to the enemy, who were again closing round, and were also forming up in fours near by, the garrison of the post could never have effected its escape. The valour and zeal displayed by Sec. Lt. Crowe were of the highest order.
No. S6522 Sgt. William Grert, DCM, MM, Rifle Bde. (Derby).
For most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leadership in action. Two companies of his unit attacked the enemy’s outpost position without artillery preparation. Sergeant Gregg was with the right company, which came under heavy fire from the right flank as it advanced. All the officers with the company were hit. He at once took command of the attack. He rushed an enemy post and personally killed an entire machine-gun team and captured the gun and four men in a dug-out nearby. He then rushed another post, killed two men and captured another. In spite of heavy casualties he reached his objective and started consolidating the position By this prompt and effective action this gallant NCO saved the situation at a critical time and ensured the success of the attack. Later, Sgt. Gregg’s party were driven back by an enemy counter-attack, but, reinforcements coming up, he led a charge, personally bombed a hostile machine-gun, killed the crew, and captured the gun. Once again he was driven back. He led another successful attack, and hung on to the position until ordered by his company commander to withdraw. Although under very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire for several hours, Sgt. Gregg displayed throughout the greatest coolness and contempt of danger, walking about encouraging his men and setting a magnificent example.
No.Z1030 Cpl (L./Sgt.) Joseph Edward Woodall, Rifle Bde (Salford).
For most conspicuous bravery and fine leadership during an attack. Sgt. Woodall was in command of a platoon which, during the advance was held up by a machine-gun. On his own initiative he rushed forward, and, single-handed, captured the gun and eight men. Alter the objective had been gained, heavy fire was encountered, from a farmhouse some 200 yards in front. Sgt. Woodall collected ten men, and with great dash and gallantry rushed the farm and took 30 prisoners. Shortly afterwards, when the officer in charge was killed, he took entire command, reorganized the two platoons, and disposed them most skilfully. Throughout the day, in spite of intense shelling and machine-gun fire, this gallant NCO was constantly on the move, encouraging the men and finding out and sending back invaluable information. The example set by Sgt. Woodall was simply magnificent, and had a marked effect on the troops. The success of the operation on this portion of the front is attributed almost entirely to his coolness, courage, and utter disregard for his own personal safety.
No. 15883 L.Cpl. James Hewitson, R. Lanc. R. (Coniston).
For most conspicuous bravery, initiative, and daring in action. In a daylight attack on a series of crater posts, L./Cpl. Hewitson led his party to their objective with dash and vigour, clearing the enemy from both trench and dug-outs, killing in one dugout six of the enemy who would not surrender. After capturing the final objective, he observed a hostile machine-gun team coming into action against his men. Working his way round the edge of the.crater, he attacked the team, killing four and capturing one. Shortly afterwards he engaged a hostile bombing party, which was attacking a Lewis-gun post. He routed the party, killing six of them. The extraordinary feats of daring performed by this gallant NCO crushed the hostile opposition at this point.
No. B.203174 Pte. William Beesley, Rifle Bde. (Nuneaton).
For most conspicuous bravery. The enemy’s outpost position was attacked by two companies of his unit without artillery preparation. Pte. Beesley was in the leading wave of the left company, which came under heavy fire as it approached the enemy’s front line. His platoon sergeant and all the section commanders were killed. This young soldier, realizing the situation at once, took command and led the assault. Single-handed he rushed a post, and with his revolver killed two of the enemy at a machine-gun. He then shot dead an officer who ran across from a dug-out to take their place at the machine-gun. Three more officers appeared from the dug-out. These he called onto sturnder; seeing one of them trying to get rid of a map he shot him and obtained the map. He took four more prisoners from a dug-out and two others from a shelter close by, disarmed them and sent them back to our lines. At this moment his Lewis gun was brought up by a comrade who was acting as a carrier. Pte. Beesley at once brought it into action, and used it with great effect against the enemy as they bolted towards their support line, inflicting many casualties. For four hours Pte. Beesley and his comrade held on to the position under very heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. The enemy then advanced to counter-attack and the other soldier was wounded. Pte. Beesley carried on by himself, and actually maintained his position until 10pm, long after the posts on his right and left had been practically wiped out and the survivors had fallen back. It was mainly due to hs action that the enemy were prevented from rushing the position, and that the remnants of his company, when compelled to withdraw, were able to do so without further loss. When darkness set in Pte. Beesley made his way back to the original line from which the attack had started, bringing with him the wounded carrier and the Lewis gun. He at once mounted the Lewis gun in the trench and remained in action until things quietened down. The indomitable pluck, skillful shooting, and good judgment in economizing ammunition displayed by Pte Beesley stamp the incident as one of the most brilliant actions in recent operations.
No. 2406t Pte Arthur Poulder, W. Rid. R. (Wortley Leeds). For most conspicuous bravery when acting as a stretcher-bearer. On 10 occasions Pte. Poulter carried badly wounded men on his back to a safer locality, through a particularly heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage. Two of these were hit a second time whilst on his back. Again, after a withdrawal over the river had been ordered, Pte. Poulter returned in full view of the enemy who were advancing, and carried back another man who had been left behind wounded. He bandaged up over 40 men under fire, and his conduct throughout the whole day was a magnificent example to all ranks. This very gallant soldier was subsequently seriously wounded when attempting another rescue in the face of the enemy.