| Regiment | 8th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, FRONT LINE ("Double Crassier") |
| Entry | 8:30PM. It having become necessary to explode two of our mines under the enemy up on the SOUTHERN ARM of the "Double CRASSIER", owing to the proximity of the enemy's mines to ours, it was decided that after the explosion a small raiding party should enter the enemy's trenches with the object of obtaining prisoners for identification. At 8:30pm the mines were exploded and under cover of the artillery barrages 1 Officer (Lieut D.J. FOOTMAN), 2 NCOs and 13 men left our trenches and raided those of the enemy. The raid was very successful and was carried out as detailed in the Operation Orders which are attached. Notes on the Route (with map) taken by raiding party; results of the raid and a sketch showing construction of BOSCHE sap head as described by one of our blocking party are also attached. During the raid several of the enemy were killed and six dugouts were bombed. One prisoner - wounded - was obtained but owing to the difficulty of getting him back through our barbed wire he had to be abandoned but the necessary identifications - coat, equipment and papers, including photographs - were obtained. Our own casualties were slight, one man was severely wounded and missing, and three were slightly wounded (but were able to get back to our trenches). The identifications obtained were valuable as it was necessary that the 1st Army should know which regiment of the enemy was occupying the trenches in front of us. The following "Special Order" from GOC 1st Division was published in Battalion Orders of May 17th:- "The GOC 1st Division had directed the Commanding Officer to congratulate on his behalf all concerned in the raid on the enemy's trenches on the night of 3rd/4th May. He considers that the conduct of the raiding party was most praiseworthy and that the raid was gallantly led and carried out." A dispatch, dated May 4th, from GHQ France contained the following reference to this raid:- "At the Double Crassiur we followed a mine explosion by a small raid, which was successful. Hostile dug-outs were bombed and casualties inflicted." As a result of the fine behaviour of the raiding party and the success of the raid the following awards were made:- The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief has under authority granted by His Majesty The King, awarded the following decorations:- THE MILITARY CROSS. Lieut D.J. FOOTMAN. THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL. No 16116 Corporal S.J. SMITH. THE MILITARY MEDAL. No 16362 Lce/Corp C. RUFF. No 12197 Pte E. EDWARDS Authority 1st Divisional Routine Order No 98 d/29.5.16. The undermentioned men were awarded "Green Tickets" by GOC 1st Division as an appreciation of their good work and courage on the night of the raid. No 16508 Sergt H. BENNET. No 17932 Corp E.J.R. PEARCEY. No 18539 Corp G. FERRIS. No 18481 Pte G.W. BELCHER. No 19023 Pte A. HOUSE. No 18661 Pte W.G. HEAVER. No 13378 Pte P. STEEL. |
The Wardrobe,
58 The Close,
Salisbury, SP1 2EX,
England
For Collections, Research & Volunteering Enquiries:
Please note that we are currently not accepting new object donations.
07304 068136
For Venue Hire, Retail & Other General Enquiries:
07375 103910