1

54th ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO BELGIUM ARMISTICE CENTENARY 1918-2018

8th-12th NOVEMBER 2018

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

2

“The Kindling Ceremony” of the British Torch of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey, 7th November 2018.

Muster at 1750 for 1800 hours start at the West Door of the Abbey.

1). When all are in position, there will be a short welcome, with prayers appropriate to the occasion.

2). The Sounding of the Last Post (Duke of York's Royal Military School)

3). The Exhortation, spoken by Chris Russell, President of the British Torch of Remembrance. 4). 1 Minute silence

5). Reveille (Duke of York's Royal Military School)

6). His Excellency the Belgian Ambassador and the Ministry of Defence Representative will each lay a wreath at the foot of The Tomb.

7). The Dean will then offer prayers followed by the words "I will now light The Torch"

8). The Torch will be lit.

9). There will be prayers and a Blessing to end the ceremony. 10). The British Torch and standards will leave the Abbey, followed by: The League of Frontiersmen, Astor College Cadets, Valley Forge Military Academy

and College, Missouri Military Academy Cadets, The Duke of York's Royal Military

School Colour Party, Honour Guard and Buglers.

11) All will parade in the Broad Sanctuary for dismissal.

3

ITINERARY 8th-12th November 2018

Date Time EVENT & VENUE NOTES

Weds 7th 18:00 TORCH KINDLING SERVICE: WESTMINSTER ABBEY.

Thurs 8th 06:45 Coach departs Union Jack Club. Travel to Dover.

10:00 SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE: DOVER CRUISE TERMINAL.

Board coach to Eastern Docks immediately after the service.

12:05 P & O Ferry to Calais. March onto ferry at 11:45.

14:30 Travel Calais – Diksmuide.

The Trenches of Death, Oud Stuivekeskerke

BToR Belgian Branch guides present.

16.30 Travel Diksmuide - Ostend. Check into Hotel Burlington.

18:00 BToR WELCOME: OSTEND RAILWAY STATION.

Torch & standards on parade.

19:30 Evening meal at Hotel Burlington Included in cost.

Fri 9th 08:45 Travel Ostend- Roeselare.

10:00 FLAG RAISING & BELGIAN BRANCH TORCH KINDLING.

Torch & Standards on parade.

12:45 Lunch at Restaurant De Leene. Included in cost.

14:30 Visit Talbot House Travel to Ieper after visit

17:00 IEPER CLOTH HALL: RECEPTION.

17:45 Free Time for early supper. Meet at Menin Gate at 19:30.

20:00 MENIN GATE: LAST POST CEREMONY

Torch & Standards on parade. Belgian Branch present.

20:30 Travel Ieper - Ostend.

Sat 10th 09:45 Travel Ostend – Bredene Church.

10:30 BREDENE CHURCH: WREATH LAYING.

Torch & Standards on parade.

11:00 FORMAL RECEPTION. Mec Staf Versluys.

12:30 Lunch: De Watertoren Restaurant Included in cost.

17:30 CEREMONY AT GARE CENTRALE: Parade & Burgomaster’s reception.

Torch & Standards on parade.

19:45 Travel Brussels - Ostend. Late supper at Hotel Burlington.

Sun 11th 07:45 Travel Ostend - Brussels. Early breakfast.

11:00 KING’S DAY PARADE. Standards on parade.

Lunch. Guests of FNC/NSB

14:45 ‘THE THIRTEEN COLONELS’ MEMORIAL.

Torch & Standards on parade.

17:00 RELAIS SACRE CEREMONY: COLONNE DU CONGRES.

Torch & Standards on parade.

17:30 Travel Brussels - Ostend. Supper at own expense.

Mon 12th 06:00 Travel Ostend - Calais Early breakfast.

08:40 P&O Ferry - Dover.

09:10 BToR Pilgrims disperse. Coach to London.

4

PRESIDENT

Mr Chris Russell BA MEd CertEd

Chairman Lieutenant Colonel Steven Saunderson CCF

Hon. Secretary

Major Andrew Nunn CCF

Hon. Treasurer Mr Adam Kent FCCA MAAT

Committee Members

Mr David Baker Mr Andy King

Past President

Colonel The Honourable Peter Trustram - Eve OBE

Vice Presidents Mr Dennis Ward Mr George Slight

Mr Walter Whitfield

5

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Members I wish you a very warm welcome to the 54th British Torch of Remembrance Pilgrimage. I know that you join me in regarding it as a great honour and privilege to be part of our commemorations in this centenary year of the Armistice of 1918. In particular this year, we should reflect on the millions of British, Belgian and Allied Forces who gave their lives in this terrible conflict, many of whom have no known grave. We remember their loved ones whose losses were a hard and heavy burden, often borne down the years. Our thoughts turn to those who survived but carried with them the physical and mental scars of war. Neither should we forget the civilian casualties of this devastating war. We all look forward to meeting up with, and sharing our journey with our Belgian British Torch of Remembrance friends and colleagues as we travel to Diksmuide, Ostend, Roeselare, Poperinge, Bredene and Ypres. We also join with friends from the FNC/NSB for the culmination of our pilgrimage in Brussels on Armistice Day 2018. All of us are indebted to our Chairman and Secretary for their hard work in producing such an imaginative and appropriate programme. I greatly look forward to seeing you, either at Westminster Abbey for the Torch Kindling, or at the Dover Cruise Terminal Service of Remembrance prior to our departure for Belgium. Very Best Wishes Chris Russell President

6

SECRETARY’S REMARKS This year began with our organization being privileged to hold the Annual General Meeting on 15th February in Flanders House in London, by kind permission of Mr Nic Van der Marliere, General Representative of the Flanders government in the UK. In addition to our annual November pilgrimage, we have been represented at some key events. Fuller and pictorial accounts will be part of our New Year newsletter which will also include a record of our 2018 pilgrimage. March 21st: Fundraising dinner at the Belgian Embassy residence, London. April 23rd: Zeebrugge commemoration events, Dover. May 25th: Student Essay writing competition. Award of prizes, Roeselare. June 16th: 99th: Anniversary of the FNC/NSB, Ieper. June 22nd : ‘Le volontaire de guerre’ WW1 commemoration event, Chateau de Loppem. June 29th: Waterfront 1918 Remembrance event, Bredene. August 5th: 83rd National homage to Albert 1st & Heroes of The Ijzer, Nieuwpoort. October 5th: Last Post ceremony at Ploegsteert.

(Pictured: The Hon. Secretary at Ploegsteert)

7

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, AUGUST 1914 -SEPTEMBER 1918.

THE KING'S MESSAGE TO THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, AUGUST 1914.

You are leaving home to fight for the safety and honour of my Empire. Belgium, whose country we are pledged to defend, has been attacked and France is about to be invaded by the same powerful foe. I have implicit confidence in you my soldiers. Duty is your watchword, and I know your duty will be nobly done. I shall follow your every movement with deepest interest and mark with eager satisfaction your daily progress; indeed your welfare will never be absent from my thoughts. I pray God bless you and guard you and bring you back victorious.

GEORGE R.I.

The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) was the Army sent to France and Flanders during The Great War. “BEF” is often only used to refer to the army in France prior to the 22nd November 1914 but by that time (after the Battles of Mons, Le Cateau, Aisne and Ypres), whilst the BEF had helped to stop the German advance, they had taken such heavy casualties that the “old” Regular Army had been practically wiped out. These losses were supplemented by the Territorial Force and volunteers from Kitchener’s New Army. However, “BEF” remained the official name throughout the war. The BEF first fought at the 1st Battle of Mons. The rate of fire from these Regulars made the Germans believe they were facing specialist machine gun units, thus delaying their advance. During the Retreat from Mons , the BEF was defeated at the Battle of Le Cateau but was able to retire to a second defensive line 13 days later, digging in along the River Marne to defend Paris. The 1st Battle of Marne was a major turning point which denied the Germans victory. Trench warfare evolved during the 1st Battle of Aisne, with three weeks of mutually unsuccessful frontal assaults. Mobility briefly returned during the 3 week long “Race to the Sea”, an unsuccessful attempt by the Germans to capture the Channel Ports. However, by the end of 1st Ypres, trench warfare had replaced the war of manoeuvre. A continuous line of trenches now stretched 400 miles, from the North Sea to the Alps. The BEF held the area from the Belgian border to the River Somme. 1915 was a year of stalemate and saw the BEF focus on the Ypres Salient, where at the Battle of Loos, they used poison gas for the first time. In 1916, the BEF moved its main effort to the Somme, where they attempted a 25 mile breakthrough of the German lines. By November, 419,654 British soldiers were killed, wounded, or Prisoners of War. 146,431 were killed or missing.

8

In 1917 the BEF moved its main effort to Pas-de-Calais during the Battle of Arras; this was followed by a concentration in Belgium for the Battles of Messines and Passchendaele; and then a return to the Pas-de-Calais for the Battle of Cambrai. In the spring of 1918 the BEF were attacked in both Flanders and the Somme during the German Spring Offensive. The BEF responded with the 2nd Somme, which in turn began the Hundred Days Offensive. This led to the defeat of the German Army on the western front after the BEF broke through the Hindenburg Line at the Battle of the Canal du Nord. The final Battle of the Great War was the Battle of the Sambre in November 1918 which led to the capture of Mons. The cost of victory for the period between 4th August 1914 to 30th September 1919 was 573,507 "killed in action", died from wounds and died of other causes" and 254,176 missing (minus 154,308 released prisoners), giving a total of 673,375 dead and missing. Of the survivors, 1,643,469 wounded, many sustained life changing physical and mental injuries. This booklet attempts to give brief biographical portraits of representative casualties from the British Expeditionary Forces that we will visit using Commonwealth War Grave, regimental / battalion war diaries and other sources. The aim is to create a picture of that soldier and his experiences. However, it is possible that the soldier may have served with other units prior to his final posting and his death on the battlefields of France and Flanders. It also attempts to tell the story of the experiences and sacrifices of our Belgian Allies. Particular mention is made within the booklet of former students of The Duke of York’s Royal Military School and the Royal Hibernian Military School who are buried or are commemorated at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission cemeteries and monuments that we will visit. The Duke of York’s Royal Military School was founded in Chelsea in 1803 for the sons and daughters of British soldiers. It moved to Dover in 1909. 338 former pupils who are listed as having given their lives in service of their country. An estimated 230 Dukies fell in the Great War with a further 48 in World War 2. The “Dukie” motto is “Sons of the Brave”. The Royal Hibernian Military School was founded in Dublin in 1769 for the sons and

daughters of British. In 1924, following the creation of the Irish Free State, the School

was disbanded and joined with The Duke of York’s Royal Military School in Dover. 82

Hibernian’s fell during the Great War. The Hibs motto was “Fear God, Honour the

King”.

“WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.” Lieutenant Colonel Steven Saunderson

Chairman, British Torch of Remembrance

9

MEDALS of THE GREAT WAR

The 1914 Star (Mons Star), was awarded for service in France or Belgium between 5th August- 22nd November 1914 (the former is the day after Britain's declaration of war and the latter marks the end of the 1st Battle of Ypres). Over 365,600 were awarded. A clasp was later awarded to those who had served within range of enemy artillery in France or Belgium during this period. 145,000 clasps were awarded but this is an inaccurate representation since the clasp had to be claimed by the recipients, a large number of whom had not survived the war or never applied.

The 1914-15 Star was awarded to those who fought the Central Powers from the 5th August 1914 to the 31st December 1915, unless the candidate had already received The 1914 Star. The medal is identical to The 1914 Star, except for the date "1914-15". Over 2,366,000 were issued.

The British War Medal was awarded for service in a theatre of war, or approved service overseas 5th August 1914 - 11th November 1918. Over 6,500,000 of these medals were issued.

The Victory Medal (instituted by fourteen Allied powers in 1919) was awarded to all those who saw service in the armed forces. Over 6, 330,005 were issued.

THE MEMORIAL PLAQUE

The Memorial Plaque was issued to the next-of-kin of all

service personnel who were killed as a result of the war.

1,355,000 were issued. The design shows Britannia holding a

trident and standing with a lion. In her outstretched left hand

she holds an olive wreath. Below is an oak spray with acorns.

Two dolphins symbolize Britain's sea power, and at the

bottom a second lion is tearing apart the German eagle.

Around the picture are the words "He (or “She”) died for

freedom and honour". 600 plaques were issued to

commemorate women.

10

DIKSMUIDE

Peace Memorial

The Yser Tower was erected in 1930 in memory of the Flemish soldiers killed during the Great War. It was demolished during a dynamite attack in 1946. Five years later, a gate of peace inscribed with the word “Pax” was built from the remains of the old tower. A new tower was constructed in 1965. It is 84 metres tall. The initials AVV-VVK are inscribed at the top, meaning “All for Flanders-Flanders for Christ”. The inscription "Never again war" is also written on the tower in Belgium’s four main languages (Dutch, French, English and German).

11

Chapel of Oud-Stuivekeskerke

The site consists of a ruined fortified tower (the remains of the old Sint-Pieterskerk) and a chapel. There are also memorial plaques commemorating the 41 regiments and corps that served here during the Great War The area was part of the trench system which formed the Belgian front line. In December 1914, and artillery observer called Edouard Lekeux (he was also a Franciscan brother) set up an observation post in the tower to view the activities in the German trenches. As a result, the tower was targeted by enemy shell fire until it was virtually unusable. Belgian Army engineers reinforced the tower with a concrete shelter below and observation post on the roof. The surrounding farm was also fortified and by 1917, the "Grand Garde Sud" had developed into a fortified complex of bunkers and trenches. The tower continued to serve as an observation post throughout the war, receiving further serious damage in March 1918.

In 1922 the site was declared a "site de guerre" and the various memorials were added. Edouard Lekeux survived the war and was responsible for the construction of the chapel as a site of remembrance and thanksgiving. The beautiful stained glass windows relate to the history of the area and the 1914-18 military significance of the chapel.

12

Stained Glass Windows

King Albert of the Belgians. Queen Elizabeth of the Belgians.

Edouard Lekeux A Yser Front battle scene.

13

THE TRENCH OF DEATH

The “Trench of Death” is the last remaining section of a Belgian First World War trench system. Originally dug during the Battle of Yser (October 1914), the trench was under direct and continual enemy fire for four years and marked the Belgian sector’s front line until the start of their final offensive on the 28th September 1918.

The trench system had to be dug without any protection and in full view of the enemy. The surrounding area had been flooded to stop the Greman advance in 1914 (the site of this deliberate breach to the river can be seen from the second storey of the museum and as a result, the only way to enter or leave the trench system was by one of two systems of plank footbridges which again were fully exposed to enemy view.

Sentryposts, troop shelters and a complex defensive devise known as “The Mousetrap” give a feel for the hand to hand combat which took part in this sector. The German trenches were only a few metres away and incredibly, the Germans managed to estabish a strong pont and built a bunker on the Belgian side of the river.

A frontline demarcation stone was placed within the trench system in 1922. This particular example was defaced by German troops in 1940.

In 2014 the visitor centre was refurbished to tell the story of the trench, its occupants and their enemies. A gigantic aerial picture from 1916 makes it possible to compare past and present-day landscapes. Lifts make the upper levels easily accessible.

Officers and soldiers of the Belgian Army in the Trench of Death.

14

OSTEND STATION AND CHURCH

The parade at Ostend train station symbolises the historic arrival by train of the British Torch of Remembrance in Ostend. Following a short parade outside the station, the Torch and Standards are escorted to the Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk, where wreaths are then laid at the Albert and Elizabeth monument, commemorating the victims of war.

The curved frontage has busts of Albert and Elisabeth embedded into it. On the reverse of this wall are two relief sculptures. The first shows stark images of fishermen and their families fleeing the burning city of Ostend. The second sculpture shows a soldier with the Belgian banner crowned with the inscription "S.P.Q.B." and a lion. Images of combat and gas warfare can be seen while in the background, King Albert I on horseback is seen in battle. The outer circle is inscribed with an inscription commemoration 1914-18 and 1940-45.

15

IN HONOUR OF BRITISH CASUALTIES AT ROESELARE COMMUNAL CEMETERY

We remember all those buried in Roeselare Churchyard but in particular, Lt. Edward Henry Kann (21), Loyal North Lancashire Regt & 102 Sqn RFC. Died 21/10/17. Grave IV. B. 3; & Lt. Hasting Duncan Barbour (17). General List & 10 Sqn attached to 102 Sqn RFC. Died 21/10/1917. Grave IV. B. 2.

Edward Henry Kann was born in 1896, the son Rene & Evelyn Kann of Belgrave Square, London. He attended Charterhouse school (1909-14) before going up to Oxford. By 1st November 1915, he was serving as a Second Lieutenant in the Loyal North Lancashire Regt. By 1917, he had become a pilot in the RFC, serving with 102 Squadron, a night bomber unit.

Hastings Duncan Barbour was born in Troqueer in 1899, the son of William and Annie Barbour. He joined the RFC in April 1917 and served with 10 Sqn, specialising in spotting and bombing roles. In October 1917, he was attached to 102 Sqn.

Early on the 21st October 1917, Kann (Pilot) and Barbour (Observer) were flying an F.E.2d which was returning from a raid. They were shot down and killed by anti-aircraft fire near Roulers. Lt Kann is commemorated on the Charterhouse War Memorial, while Lt Barbour is commemorated on the Silcoates School War Memorial. They are buried side by side at Roeselare Communal Cemetery.

Lt Kann’s medals, Memorial Plaque and a photograph of him were recently offered for auction for £1,750.

16

TALBOT HOUSE

Talbot House (Toc H) was established at Poperinge by TheRev. Tubby Clayton (pictured

below) and Rev. Neville Talbot MC, in memory of the latter’s brother, Lt Gilbert Talbot,

7th Bn Rifle Brigade. Opened four months after Gilbert’s death, it offered a rare place

where soldiers could meet and relax, regardless of rank, in a brief respite from the

trenches. It remains open today as a reminder to young and old of the beacon of hope

that Talbot House was during those days.

Lt Talbot was the Son of the Rt Rev. Lord Bishop of Winchester and the Hon. Mrs. E. S.

Talbot, of Farnham Castle. He was the brother of the Rev. Neville Talbot MC who, with

the Rev. Tubby Clayton, named the soldier's club, Talbot House (Toc H) in his memory.

Educated at Christ Church, Oxford in 1910, he became President of the Union in 1913

and was a friend of Harold McMillan. Graduating in 1914, he was touring the world

when the Great War broke out. He returned and obtained a commission in the 7th Bn.

He entered the front line in May 1915 but was killed at Hooge on 30th July when the

British mounted a counter attack, following the first use of flamethrowers by the

Germans. Initially posted as “Missing”, his death was soon established - “He was hit by

a bullet to the neck. He fell: gave a smile to his servant, Nash, who tried to stem the

gush of arterial blood, and rolled forward on his face. He was dead. Other bullets struck

him, and one went through his heart. Nash was twice wounded himself, and was

forced to leave him lying there. The body had to lie where it had fallen”.

Gilbert’s brother, The Reverend Neville Talbot MC was determined to recover the body

- “His brother could not endure to let it lie unhonoured or unblessed. After a day and

a half of anxious searching for exact details, he got to the nearest trench by the

“murdered” wood, which the shells had now smashed to pieces. Creeping out of the

far end of the trench as dusk fell, he crawled out through the grass on hands and knees,

in spite of shells and snipers, dropping flat on the ground as the flares shot up from

the German trenches. And at last, thirty yards away in the open, he found it.” A week

later Neville took three men of a Yorkshire regiment out to retrieve the body.

17

THE MENIN GATE

We remember all those commemorated on the Menin Gate but in particular, the

students of The Duke of York’s Royal Military School who are named on it.

Lance Corporal J Pegram 7567, Ox & Bucks Light Infantry. Died 12/11/1914.

Panel 37 and 39. In August 1914 the 2nd Bn fought at Mons, The Retreat from Mons,

and the 1st Marne. At the 1st Ypres, they fought at Passchendaele Ridge, where despite

heavy losses, they repelled German counterattacks. On 11th November, the Kaiser

ordered his elite Prussian Guards to attack but the 2nd Bn defeated them. L/Cpl Pegram

died on the 12th. In five months of war, they suffered 632 casualties.

Bombardier A Belcher 29704 (24), Royal Garrison Artillery, Died 13/11/1914.

Panel 9. Son of Mrs. C. M. Jackson, of Battersea and the late Serjt. Instr. W Belcher.

The 115th Heavy Bty arrived in France on the 3rd October 1914 and used their heavy

guns to send large caliber high explosive shells in flat trajectories. As artillery tactics

developed, RGA was used to destroy enemy artillery, strongpoints, stores, roads &

railways behind enemy lines. Bdr Belcher was killed during the 1st Ypres.

Lance Corporal WJ Prosser 6866 (28), Cameron Highlanders. Died 24/10/1914.

Panel 38 and 40. He was the son of the late Mr & Mrs WJ Prosser. In August 1914 the

1st Bn was based in Edinburgh. They landed at Le Havre (1st Bde, 1st Div).

Lance Corporal RW Elder 227 (19), Gordon Highlanders. Died 28/10/14. Panel

38. He was the son of Mrs. C. Elder, of, Stepney. The 2nd Bn landed at Zeebrugge (20th

Bde, 7th Div) in October 1914.

Lance Corporal FD Maxted 6694, 5th Royal Irish Lancers. Died 30/10/1914.

Panel 5. Based in Dublin, the regiment immediately deployed to France in August 1914

(3rd Cav Bde, 2nd Cav Div). It saw action during the Battle of Mons in August 1914.

18

Drummer P Pitman 2972 (21), Irish Guards. Died 01/11/14. Panel 11. He was

the son of Mr & Mrs J Pitman, of Chichester. When war broke out the 1st Bn was

deployed to France and saw action at Mons and the Marne.

Trumpeter AHWG Scott 1357 (20), Royal Horse Guards. Died 02/11/14. Panel 3.

He was the son of Mrs J Apsey, of Bracknell. Based in Windsor in 1914, the Regt landed

at Zeebrugge (7th Cav Bde, 3rd Cav Div) in October. On 30 October, they were at

Zanvoorde when the Germans attacked.

Lance Corporal AV Hungerford L/8965, Queen’s (Royal West Surrey) Regt, Died

02/11/1914. Panel 11 - 13 and 14. In August 1914 the 2nd Bn was in South Africa. They

landed at Zeebrugge (22nd Bde, 7th Div) in October 1914. He fell in in the same action

as fellow “Dukie”, Private JD Lake.

Private JD Lake, L/9095 (21), Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regt. Died 02/11/14.

Panel 11-13 and 14. He was the son of Sgt & Mrs J Lake, of Folkestone. Joseph was one

of three brothers – all were Dukies and all joined the Army as Regular soldiers. While

George (Royal Engineers) was found unfit for service, James (East Kent Regt) and

Joseph were deployed to France in 1914. Joseph had served for seven years at this

point. Both James and Joseph were killed a day apart of each other, on the 20th and

21st October 1914 and were, perhaps, no more than 10 miles from each other when

they died. Joseph is listed on the Menin Gate, James on the Ploegsteert Memorial. Pte

Lake was killed in the same action as fellow “Dukie”, L/Cpl AV Hungerford.

Private W Anderson 5465, Highland Light Infantry. Died 07/11/14. Panel 38.

He was the son of Mr & Mrs R Anderson. The 2nd Bn landed at Boulogne (5th Bde , 2nd

Div) in August 1914. It fought at Aisne and the 1st Ypres, where Pte Anderson was killed.

Drummer JH Ellis 9260, Devonshire Regt. Died 14/01/1915. Panel 21. He was

the son of Mr & Mrs W Ellis, of Plymouth. In August 1914, the 1st Bn was in Jersey. They

landed at Le Havre on the 21st August (8th Bde, 3rd Div). In October, they fought at La

Bassee Canal and captured Givenchy Ridge where they lost 1/3rd of their strength. In

November they were at Messines Ridge in trenches that were waist-deep in mud.

19

Drummer HW King, 12704 (21), Royal Fusiliers. Died 03/05/15. Panel 6 and 8. He

was the son of Mr & Mrs C King, of Peckham. He had joined up at the age of 14 and

had previously served in India. The 3rd Bn landed at Le Havre (85th Bde, 28th Div) in

January 1915. In April 1915, they were in action in the 2nd Ypres.

Private RW Winter 615, Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 25/05/15. Panel 8 and

12. The 2nd Bn started the war in India. Returning to the UK in December 1914 (84th

Bde, 28th Div). They arrived in France in January 1915 and saw action during the gas

attack at the 2nd Ypres. It also fought at Kemmel and in the Hohenzollern Redoubt.

Private TG Golding 99227, Gloucestershire Regt. Died 06/05/15. Panel 22

and 34. The 2nd Bn landed at Le Havre in December 1914 (81st Bde, 27th Div) and

occupied trenches at St.Eloi. In May 1915 they fought in the 2nd Ypres, where Pte

Golding was killed.

Lance Corporal HH Adshead 8109, King’s Royal Rifle Corps. Died 07/05/15. Panel

51 and 53. The 3rd Bn were in India in August 1914. Returning to England in November

(80th Bde, 27th Div), they landed at Le Havre on 21st December. In 1915 they fought at

at St Eloi and the 2nd Ypres where L/Cpl Adshead was killed.

Serjeant JE Wood DCM 8286, East Yorkshire Regt. Died 09/08/15. Panel 21 and

31. He was the son of Mrs. E. A. Wood, of Beverley. The 1st Bn was based in York in

August 1914. It landed at Saint-Nazaire (18th Bde, 6th Div) in September and fought at

the Aisne Heights. During the 2nd Ypres, they fought at Hooge and Bellewaarde. On the

30th July, the Germans captured the area using flamethrowers for the first time. Hooge

was retaken by the British on 9th August 1915, the very day that Serjt Woods was killed

in action. A Royal Hibernian former student, JH King, also fell on the same day.

Private W Milne 1906 (20), Gordon Highlanders. Died 25/09/1915. Panel 38.

He was the son of son of Christina Milne, of Aberdeen. The 4th Bn were Territorials and

had just departed for annual camp when war broke out in August 1914. They mobilised

on the 5th of August 1914 and arrived at Le Havre on 20th of February 1915 (8th B Bde,

3rd Div) at La Clytte. On 25th September, the 4th Bn attacked Bellewaarde. Pte Milne

fell during this attack along with 333 others (killed, wounded or missing).

20

Serjeant NJ Batters 7642 (27), Devonshire Regt. Died 31/07/17. Panel 21. He

was the son of Mr & Mrs J Batters. In August 1914, the 2nd Bn was in Egypt, returning

to the UK on 1st October 1914 as part of the 23rd Bde, 8th Div. On 6th November it

landed at Le Havre, moving to Messines where they captured a German position called

the Moated Grange. In March 1915, they suffered heavy losses attacking the Germans

but still managed to repulse a counter-attack the next day. They took part in the attack

on Aubers Ridge, holding it until April 1916. On 1st July, the 2nd Bn took part in the

Somme offensive, losing 232 killed and 199 wounded in the “the Mash Valley”. Despite

this, they repulsed German attack at Cuinchy but a shattered 2nd Bn was withdrawn

from the line. They returned to the Somme, capturing the ridge at Le Transloy on

8th/9th November. In early 1917 they pursued the retreating Germans to the

Hindenburg Line and fought at Heudecourt and Villers Guislands. In June 1917 they

moved north of Ypres and at 0350 on 31st July, the 2nd Bn went “over the top” from

Railway Wood to attack the German front line. They lost their CO, 12 officers and 230

men killed or wounded. Serjt Batters of was one of the fallen.

We remember all those commemorated on the Menin Gate but in particular, the

students of The Royal Hibernian Military School who are named on it.

Lance Corporal JH Morris (alias JH Simms) 2076 (35), Coldstream Guards. Died

29/10/1914. Panel 11. He was the husband of Mrs J Simms of London. At the outbreak

of the Great War, the 1st Bn was one of the first to deploy and suffered heavy losses at

the 1st Ypres. L/Cpl Morris fell on 29th October. By 1st November, the 1st Bn was

reduced to a Lt (QM) and 150 men.

Lance Corporal J Thompson 4753, 4th (Queen’s Own) Hussars. Died 05/11/1914.

Panel 5. In August 1914, they were based in Dublin. In August it landed in France (3rd

Cav Bde, 2nd Cav Div). They took part in the Retreat from Mons and the 1st Ypres.

21

Private JH King 10175 (19), East Yorkshire Regt. Died 09/08/1915. Panel 21 and

31. Son of Mrs King, of Hull. The 1st Bn was based in York in August 1914. It landed at

Saint-Nazaire (18th Bde, 6th Div) and fought on the Aisne Heights. At the 2nd Ypres

(1915) they fought at Hooge & Bellewaarde. On 30th July, the Germans captured the

area using flamethrowers. Hooge was retaken by the British on the 9th August 1915.

Pte King was killed in this action. A “Dukie”, Serjt JE Wood DCM, fell on the same day.

Private J Kingham 9072, East Yorkshire Regt. Died 17/02/1915. Panel 21 and

31. The 2nd Bn was in India in August 1914, arriving home in December (83rd Bde, 28th

Div). They were located between Bailleul & Hazebrouck when Pte Kingham was killed.

Private FH Schwer 5532 (31), Cheshire Regt. Died 17/02/1915. Panel 19 – 22.

He was the son of Mrs. E Schwer, of Dublin. In 1914, the 2nd Bn was based in India. It

returned to the UK on 24th December 1914 (84th Bde, 28th Div). The 2nd Bn landed at

le Havre on 17th January 1915. Pte Schwer was killed near Bailleul & Hazebrouck

Private WC Neild 16533 (19), Cheshire Regt. Died 14/03/1915.Panel 19 - 22.

Son of Mr and Mrs W Nield. In August 1914, the 1st Bn was based in Londonderry. It

landed at Le Harvre (15th Bde, 5th Div). They fought at Mon and the Retreat from Mons,

suffering 771 casualties in a day. They fought at the 1st Marne; the 1st Aisne; La Bassée;

Messines; and 1st Ypres. In March 1915 they were familiarizing new troops with the

trenches when Pte Neild was killed.

Private JW Clark 11803 (23), Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Died 25/04/1915. Panel 44 and 46. Son of May Warrin of Rathmines, and the late Matthew Clarke (Royal Welch). The 2nd Bn arrived in France in August (10th Bde, 4th Div) and fought at the the 1st Mons and the Retreat from Mons. At Le Cateau they delayed the German advance towards Paris, but took heavy casualties and many were taken prisoner. A badly depleted Bn fought in the 1st Marne and finally halted the German advance on the outskirts of Paris. They then fought at the Battles of the Aisne & Messines. At the 2nd Ypres, they suffered heavily at the Battles of St Julien, Frezenberg and Bellewaarde. On 24th May they were subjected to a German poison gas attack and suffered heavy casualties. Pte Clark died the following day. Pte Clarke is not listed on the RHMS war memorial.

22

Serjeant WL Crichton 1493, Gordon Highlanders. Died 02/03/1916. Panel 38.

In August 1914 the 1st Bn was based in Plymouth (8th Bde, 3rd Div). It landed at

Boulogne on 14th August and fought at Mons, the Retreat from Mons and Le Cateau,

where it suffered so heavily that it was withdrawn from the line until 30th September.

In 1916, the 1st Bn took part in actions at The Bluff, which the German Württemberg

Division had captured on the 14th February but lost to a British counter attack on 2nd

March. Serjeant Crichton died the following day.

Menin Gate Note: The Menin Gate is a triumphal arch and mausoleum which honours

the Missing. It contains the names of 54,395 soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient but

whose bodies have never been identified or found. Their names are carved into stone

panels which adorn the walls. However, on the completion of the memorial, it was

discovered to be too small to contain all the names as originally planned. Therefore,

the 34,984 soldiers listed as missing after 15th August 1917 had their names inscribed

on the Tyne Cot Memorial instead.

23

IN HONOUR OF A BRITISH CASUALTY BURIED IN BREDENE CHURCHYARD

We remember all those buried in Bredene Churchyard but in particular,

Second Lieutenant Stewart King (19). 202 Squadron Royal Air Force.

Died 26/09/18.

Second Lieutenant Stewart King was the son of Stewart and Millicent Constance King, of "Hove-to", Banks Rd., Sandbanks, Parkstone, Dorset.

No. 202 Squadron was formed (upon the creation of the RAF) on 1 April 1918 by renumbering No. 2 Squadron Royal Naval Air Service. By 1918, it was carrying out reconnaissance and bombing missions from bases in Belgium and France.

On 26th September 1918, 2/Lt King was shot down whilst flying with Lt Fitzroy Arthur Bell Gasson in a DH4 aircraft (No A7632). They were attacked by Leutnant zur See Freymadl (1 Marine Feld Jasta) near Oostende around 11.15 hours. Both King and Gasson died in the crash. They were Lt.z.S Freymadl’s second victory.

Freymadl (who had entered the German Naval Aviation Service in September 1918) scored a total of three victories during the Great War. He was a holder of the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class and the Bavarian Military Order of Merit 4th class with swords. He was later shot down and injured on 1st October 1918.

King’s crewmate, Lt Gasson (19) was the son of Geo H and E M Gasson of 85 Central Hill, Upper Norwood, London but had been born in Cape Town. He was buried at Zeebrugge Churchyard.

However, Lt King, unusually, was buried in Bredene Church Yard and was the sole CWGC burial until after the Second World War.

24

IN HONOUR OF A BRITISH CASUALTIES BURIED IN BREDENE CHURCHYARD

We remember the following servicemen:

Second Lieutenant S King, died 26/09/1918, aged 19, Royal Air Force.

Trooper L Douglas, died 18/06/1940, aged 21, Royal Armoured Corps.

Sapper JG Foggo, died 29/05/1940, aged 42, Royal Engineers.

Gunner AF Fortune, died 01/06/1940, aged 29, Royal Artillery.

Private F Green, died 15/06/1940, aged 28, Lincolnshire Regiment.

Lance Corporal VA Herbert, died 29/05/1940, aged 40, Royal Army Service Corps.

Sergeant L Ketteringham, died 11/12/1941, aged 21, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Flying Officer RF Patterson, died 07/12/1941, aged 26, Royal Canadian Air Force.

Flying Officer CD Strickland, died 27/10/1941 Royal Air Force (Auxiliary Air Force).

Four servicemen of the 1939-45 War “Known only unto God”.

25

BRUSSELS COMMEMORATIONS: 10TH & 11TH NOVEMBER

GARE CENTRALE

Although nowadays we travel by coach, the Torch was brought to Brussels historically

by train where the Torch and its bearers were welcomed by civic dignitaries and

veterans’ organisations. By meeting at the station, that tradition continues today. Also,

before the parade to the City Hall, wreaths are laid at the memorial to honour the

3012 Railway Workers who lost their lives in the two World Wars, 1914-1918 and

1939-1945.

KING’S ARMISTICE DAY PARADE

Members of The British Torch of Remembrance have the signal honour of being invited

annually to join with Belgian Veterans’ Associations and youth organisations and take

part in the parade to the Colonne du Congres at the foot of which lies the Tomb of the

Unknown Soldier. The monumental column commemorates the creation of the

Constitution by the National Congress of 1830-31. Four sitting statues represent the

constitutional freedoms of Education, Worship, Association and the Press. The

Unknown Soldier was buried at the foot of the column on 11th November 1922. The

soldier was selected from the unidentified remains of five soldiers by Raymond

Haesebrouck, a veteran blinded during the war.

26

RELAIS SACRE

At dusk on Armistice Day, a brief and poignant ceremony takes place, again at the

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The British Torch of Remembrance is escorted to the

foot of the tomb and, following the Last Post ceremony and laying of wreaths, the

flame is extinguished. It will next be kindled at Westminster Abbey at the start of the

2019 pilgrimage.

THIRTEEN COLONELS MEMORIAL (SECRET ARMY)

In recent years we have visited the Waterloo Monument in Brussels Cemetery. This

year we return to pay homage at the memorial to the 13 Colonels in Fere-Orban

Square. It now commemorates over 4000 members of the Belgian resistance group

‘Secret Army’ who were shot, or died in concentration camps during The Second World

War.

27

The President and committee would like to thank the following for their kind consideration and support.

UK

The Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey.

His Excellency Mr Rudolph Huygelen, Belgian Ambassador at the Court of St James. The Ministry of Defence.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Dover Harbour Board.

South Eastern Rail. P & O Ferries Ltd Dover.

Caelloi Motors of Pwllheli Wales. Astor College.

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School. Mr David Wozencroft

BELGIUM

The Burgomasters and Town & City Councils of Ostende, Roeselare, Bredene, Ieper

and Brussels.

The National Committee of the FNC/NSB: Mr Leon De Turck, National President and

Mr Marc Bertrand, President of the Brussels region.

Our thanks also to the following for their assistance:

Ostend - Patric Tytgat; Roeselare - The Belgian Branch of The British Torch of

Remembrance Committee; Bredene - Eddy Gryson, Willy De Keyser and Nancy

Hoogenboom; Ieper: Fernand Vanrobaeys; Brussels: Didier Nollet.

28

The British Torch of Remembrance: Belgian Branch

Chairman Mr Willem Vinckier

Vice Chairman

Mr Marc Valwalleghem

Hon. Secretaries Mr Luc Vandevelde

Mr Hugo Rebry

Hon. Treasurer Mrs Ann Platteeuw

Parade Marshal

Mr Koenraad Cracco

Guides Mr Koenraad Cracco

Mr Dominique DeLoose Mr Christophe Veracx

29

When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,

For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.

The British Torch of Remembrance,

c/o The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, Dover, Kent, CT15 5EQ.

Tel: 01304 245023.

www.doyrms.com/BTOR