Jan: Morriston Priest Visits Brigade in Cambridge
The Brigade continued their training in Cambridge in the New Year. In mid January, the Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder reported the visit of the Morriston priest Rev. Evans to the Welsh Division in Cambridge.
THE WELSH RECRUITS
“I don’t know that I can tell you much” said the Rev. Picton Evans M.A., of Morrriston. “I happened to be in London, and our Presbytery asked me to go to Cambridge to inquire what provisions were being made for the spiritual welfare of the soldiers, especially Welsh soldiers and Nonconformists. We have two or three chaplains, Rev. B. Ceitho Davies and another man from Anglesea. I met the Rev. Peter Hughes Griffiths on Paddington platform, but he could not come.
“I just went to Cambridge for the day and Captain T.R. Harris showed me around. There are about 8,000 soldiers in all at Cambridge, mostly Welsh regiments and a good number of the 1st Howitzers from Swansea.
“I found them looking very fit; my remark to Captain Harris was that the men looked more fit than the horses.
“I talked with the men, especially with the Morriston men. A gunner tried to explain to me the working of the guns, but I was not much wiser, I’m afraid ……….
“Cambridge is doing well for them; I think that ought to be mentioned. On the first day of their arrival from Northampton the men were met by the leading men from the colleges and churches.”
Here Mr. Evans handed me a card giving details, issued by the Soldiers’ Welfare Committee, Cambridge of the 25 recreation rooms available for soldiers, a list of smoking concerts in the Guildhall. of Welsh Sunday Schools in St Matthew’s School. Norfolk-street, and Christian Science Church, Preston-street. There are Sunday evening lectures by the best professors and others …………
LONGING FOR THE FRONT
“All the men I spoke to were longing to go to the front. I told them I hoped it would not be necessary to go; but they didn’t feel like that; in that case, they would look on all their time in training as wasted. They are eager to go to the front and do what they can for their country. On the 20th they are being taken to practice with their guns on Salisbury Plain.
“I called at a few of the Cambridge houses that I know. Every one of them gave a high compliment to the Welshmen. I was glad to hear that ……
Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder, 16/1/1915. Welsh Newspapers Online
But, there were issues to be dealt with. The Cambria Daily Leader reported on the 25th January:
MILITARY ABSENTEES
Roger Dennis (22), James Henry Edwards (23), Thomas Hicks (21), and James Jones (19), were charged with being absentees without leave from the 1st Welsh R.F.A. Howitzer Brigade at Cambridge since the 16th inst.
On the application of the police, prisoners were remanded to await an escort.
Cambria Daily Leader, 25/1/1915. Welsh Newspaper Online
Jan: General Hamilton inspects the Division
Training continued throughout the period punctuated by inspections of the Division. The first, by General Sir Ian Hamilton was reported in the Cambridge Independent Press on 22 Jan 1915:
General Sir Ian Hamilton, on Wednesday inspected the troops quartered in Cambridge. Accompanied by General Bruce Hamilton and a number of staff officers, the Inspecting Officer took up a position in Gonville Place and the troops marched past the saluting base in column of route. Earlier in the day the men had marched by various routes, and on their return they concentrated in three columns on Hyde Park Corner and then marched down Gonville Place past General Sir Ian Hamilton.
A large crowd assembled on Parker’s Piece to witness the imposing military scene, and townspeople assembled in large numbers at other points of vantage. A great crowd gathered to watch General Hamilton inspect troops on Parker’s Piece. After the mounted officers came the communications company – cyclists, field telegraphs and flag signallers on horseback. An armoured car and a squad of motor-cyclists came next, then the cavalry, infantry, Maxim guns, Howitzer batteries and ammunition train. One horse took fright at the music of the drums and bugles and dashed towards the Inspecting Officer. It seemed as if would be run down but he stood his ground and a staff officer dashed forward to seize the bridle and pull it up. However one trooper was thrown from his horse, his foot caught in the stirrups and he was dragged some distance.
Cambridge Independent Press, 22/1/1915. From Mike Petty
Feb: Second detachment leaves Swansea
On 1st February, the second group of recruits left Swansea bound for Cambridge:
Another batch of fifty of the 1st Welsh Howitzers left Swansea by the 8.35 a.m. train (G.W.R.) on Monday to complete their training in Cambridge. They were in command of Lieut T.R. Harris (Morriston) who had come down from the university city for the purpose of taking the men up, and one sergeant (Sergt. Sayer), and in spite of the early morning a good number of people assembled to give the boys a hearty send off. The Swansea Temperance Band played them to the station, and Capt. F.H. Edwards, in command of the depot at Swansea, was at the head of his men. Relatives and friends of the young men were on the platform, and there were many fervent wishes of “Good luck and god speed” as the train steamed out.
At the Drill Hall on Saturday evening the party were presented with pipes and tobacco, as had been done to the lads who had previously left the town. The Mayor (Ald. Daniel Jones) made the presentation on behalf of the town and congratulated them on their pluck, at the same time wishing them good luck.
South Wales Weekly Post 6/2/1915. Welsh Newspapers Online
Feb: The King visits Cambridge
King George V visited Cambridge on 11 February 1915 to inspect the Welsh Division:
KING INSPECTS TROOPS
The King visited Cambridge yesterday and inspected the Welsh Division which has been stationed in the town during the past few weeks. The Cambs Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment and members of B Company, Cambs. National Reserve paraded with the Welsh Division and were also inspected by His Majesty. The King was accompanied by General Sir Ian Hamilton, the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces, one of his equerries (Major Clive Wigram) and members of the staff of the 1st Army Corps and of the Welsh Division Staff. Having inspected the troops and taken the salute at the march past, the King paid a surprise visit to the 1st Eastern Hospital.
Cambridge Independent Press, 12/2/1915. From Mike Petty
The Kings’ Inspection is also mentioned in the history of the 4th Welsh Brigade:
The Brigade was on Parade with the rest of the 53rd Division for inspection by H.M. King George V, and hard training was carried out. It was assumed that the inspection heralded an early move overseas.
The Story of the Monmouthshire Artillery Volunteers, More & Phillips, Hughes & Son Ltd, 1958
Mar/Apr: Physical Training in Swansea
Through March and April, the local papers reported on the sporting activities of the men of the Depot:
HOWITZER’S PAPER CHASE: Fifty Runners Take Part in Keen Contest
By permission of Leiut.-Colonel Davey, T.D., Commanding 2nd Line, 1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade, R.F.A., a paper chase took place on Wednesday afternoon. About 50 runners belonging to the Brigade took part. A course of about eight miles was run, starting and finishing at the Drill Hall.
The three hares were allowed ten minutes start, and only one, Bombardier A.B. Swayne [#1026], escaped capture, but he was very nearly caught, as well known cross-country runner, Gunner A. Wilkins, was only ten seconds behind him at the finish. Another hare, Driver D. Morgan, was third, Gunner R.G. Burton [#1156] was fourth, Gunner D. Jones fifth, Gunner C. Banfield sixth, and Gunner B. Jones seventh. All the men who started finished strongly.
The Officer Commanding thoroughly believes in training of this nature, and the magnificent physical condition of the Howitzers shows the wisdom of this course. It is hoped shortly to arrange a handicap Marathon for the Brigade, and this should prove an exciting event.
Cambria Daily Leader, 25/3/1915. Welsh Newspapers Online
Mar to May: Cambridge Photos
Photographs of the Brigade in Cambridge survive in the photo album of RJ Williams [#953]. Despite living in Swansea, he was posted to the 2nd Battery when he arrived in Cambridge. Annotation on the back of the pictures gives extra detail.
The distinctive house in the background of the Gun Park allows its location to be identified as Brooklands on Brooklands Avenue, a short distance from the billets on Russel Street.
May: Division moves to Bedford
At the end of April/start of May, the Division made the short move from Cambridge to Bedford to continue their training.
Once again, this is described in the history of the 4th Welsh Brigade and it is reasonable to assume the Welsh Howitzers followed the same route.
Bedford was to be the next destination and to this town the Brigade moved in April, doing the 41 miles march in one day – longer than any march that it had hitherto undertaken. Thew wagons being loaded, the Gunners were obliged to march most of the way. [note: the Welsh Howitzers moved on 4th May]
The Story of the Monmouthshire Artillery Volunteers, More & Phillips, Hughes & Son Ltd, 1958
Two photos in the RJ Williams album capture the Welsh Howitzers moving on 4th May 1915.
Welsh Division Renamed
May saw the renaming of the 1st Welsh Territorial Division as the 53rd (Welsh) Division. The Division would hold this title through both World Wars until it was disbanded in 1967.
May to Nov: Bedford
In total, the Brigade spent 6 months in Bedford. Few records of their time there have been located other than a reference to a water polo tournament and a futher series of photos in the RJ WIlliams album.
Jul: Welsh Division (less Artillery) goes to Gallipoli
The History of the 53rd (Welsh) Division reads:
On the 3rd of July, 1915, General Lindley. Commanding the 53rd (Welsh) Division received the order to prepare his Division (less Artillery) for service in the Mediterranean…. Embarkation was completed on the 19th July, when the fleet of eight transport ships sailed.
History of the 53rd (Welsh) Division (TF) 1914-1918, Dudley Ward, Western Mail Ltd, 1927
The Divisional Artillery remained in Bedford and continued their training.
The rest of the Division would go on to suffer terrible losses in the later stages of the Gallipoli campaign; landing at Suvla Bay on the 8th Aug and being one of the last Divisions to leave.
The first suggestion was that the 53rd Division should have the honour of being the last to leave; but at the time of the blizzard…… General Marshalls strength return was 217 officers and 4,522 other ranks (27th November), and these were physically fit for very little. So he represented that the troops should be sent to a healthy climate to recuperate, to be brought up to strength, provided with artillery, and generally completed as a Division. He pointed out, too, the need of training these gallant but unfortunate troops to whom such meagre opportunities had been given. Reason prevailed, and the remnants of the Division started to embark on the 11th December…..
“By a strange co-incidence we left from identically the same bit of beach, 103.U, as we had landed on just 18 weeks before….. It was impossible to help noticing the contrast – that brilliant August morning, the battalion full of fight and high endeavor, 750 strong! – this dark cold December night, slinking away, under 100 strong, weary, dirty, blasé, disillusioned”
History of the 53rd (Welsh) Division (TF) 1914-1918, Dudley Ward, Western Mail Ltd, 1927
Oct: Rearmament – 4.5 Inch Quick Firing Howitzer
In October, the Brigade was re-equipped with the latest 4.5 inch Quick Firing Howitzers. Their obsolete 5 inch Howitzers were passed to the second line unit, also in Bedford.
There was little time to train with the new Howitzers. The 4th Welsh Brigade also re-equipped at the same time (their 15 pounders being replaced with 18 pounders) and reported:
Before much training could be effected with the new guns – other than three days firing practice on Salisbury Plain, orders were received for the Brigade to go to France in the Autumn.
The Story of the Monmouthshire Artillery Volunteers, More & Phillips, Hughes & Son Ltd, 1958
The first entry in the War Diary of the 53rd (Welsh) Divisional Artillery reported:
BEDFORD Nov.3rd/15.
Headquarters R.A. returned form Salisbury Plain. Divisional Artillery completed firing with 18pr. Guns and 4.5″ in. Howitzers. (100 rounds per battery).
Nov.8th.
15pr. and 5″ How. Equipment handed over to 68th Div. Art.
53rd (Welsh) Divisional Artillery War Diary. WO 95/4617. National Archives.
Nov: Move to France
The Brigade left Bedford and moved to Southampton where it embarked on 21st Nov. 1915 and arrived in Le Havre, France the following day.
Shortly before the Brigade left (w/e 13 November 1915), a photo was published of the senior officers and NCOs in an unknown local paper.
The move to France was described in the Brigade’s War Diary. The first entries read:
St Neots – 20/11/15+21/11/15
The Brigade, consisting of 16 Officers, 401 NCOs + Men, 358 horses, 8 4’5’ (How) QF Guns, 26, 4 whd Vehicles and 7, 2 whd Vehicles entrained at ST NEOTS travelling to SOUTHAMPTON arriving 21-11-15
Southampton – 21/11/15
Headquarters, 1/1st Welsh Ammunition Column, + 3 Officers + 101 NCOs + Men of the 1/2nd Glam Btty RFA embarked at SOUTHAMPTON by S/S BELLEROPHON, 1 Officer + 40 Men of the 1/2nd Glam Btty RFA embarked at SOUTHAMPTON by S/S ‘QUEEN ALEXANDRIA’, 1/1st Glamorgan Btty RFA embarked at SOUTHAMPTON by S/S ‘ROSSETTI’ arriving at HAVRE 22/11/15
7 Horses cast at SOUTHAMPTON and 12 received.
1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade War Diary, National Archives
Of the 401 men who left Southampton, 390 have been identified using the Medal Index Cards.
Dec: Front Line Instruction on the Somme
On 23rd November, the Brigade entrained at Le Havre and travelled to Pont Remy, continuing by road to Bouchon. They remained there for 3 days before continuing to Vaux-en-Amiens via St Saveur.
The Brigade arrived in Vaux-en-Amiens (just outside Amiens) at 3.30pm on the 28th November where they remained for almost 3 weeks. Here, groups of officers and men were attached to Regular Divisions to gain experience. The War Diary records:
VAUX-en- AMIENS – 2/12/15
Received instructions from Head Quarters RA 53rd (Welsh) Divisional Artillery that 4 Officers and 12 Other Ranks of Headquarters and 4 Officers, 12 Telephonists, 4 Nos 1 + 2 Staff Sergts of 1/2nd Glamorgan Battery RFA be attached for training to the 18th Division for a period of four working days; 4 Officers, 12 Telephonists, 4 Nos 1 and 2 Staff Sergts of the 1/1st Glamorgan Battery RFA be attached for training to the 5th Division for a period of 4 working days.
1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade War Diary, National Archives
National Archives, WO 95/4617
On the 16th December, the Brigade received instructions to move up to the front line for further instruction:
VAUX-en-AMIENS – 16/12/15
Received instructions from 53rd (Welsh) Divisional Artillery that 1/2nd Glamorgan Battery to be attached to 5th Division and Headquarters and 1/1st Glamorgan Battery and ½ Bd Am Col to 18th Division at the front for instruction.
1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade War Diary, National Archives
The Brigades’ front line instruction took place near Albert on the Somme, which at the time was considered to be a quiet sector having recently been taken over from the French. The War Diaries give an unusual level of detail:
HQ and 1/1st Glamorgan Battery
VAUX-en-AMIENS – 17/12/15 9.30am
Headquarters and 1/1st Glamorgan Battery proceeded by road from VAUX-en-AMIENS via POULAINVILLE, ALLONVILLE, QUERRIEUX to LA HOUSSOYE, billeting at the last named place the night.
LA HOUSSOYE – 18/12/15
Headquarters and 1/1st Glamorgan Battery proceeded by road to MEAULTE – east of ALBERT – via LAVIEVILLE CROSS ROADS, BUIRE, DERNANCOURT. WAGON LINE established in an Orchard at BUIRE. The firing Battery only proceeded to MEAULTE arriving there at 5.30pm. Under cover of darkness the guns were run up into the alternative position of C 85 Battery RFA, part of the 18th Division, and were in action by 6.10pm. The Battery position was about ½ mile North of the Church at MEAULTE, S.E. of ALBERT. The Gun Pits and Men’s Dug Outs had been partly dismantled, and as the weather was bad with much rain falling, immediate steps were taken to make the dug-outs weatherproof.
The Battery was affiliated with C 85 Battery RFA (Captain Armstrong) and was allotted the same part of the enemy’s front as had been allotted to that Battery. T
The Battery was grouped with the 3rd Monmouthshire Battery RFA (TF) constituting Group 2 – The Group Commander was our own Brigade Commander, Lieut Col J Henry RFA.
MEAULTE – 19/12/15, 20/12/15, 21/12/15
Headquarters and 1/1st Glamorgan Battery. Weather bad and too misty to register targets. Men of the1/1st Glamorgan Battery fully occupied in improving and making good the Gun Pits, Men’s Dug Outs, Telephone Dug Out etc. In the Wagon Line the accommodation for the horses was improved by the making of STANDINGS etc. –
On the 20/12/15 a position was reconnoitered for a new OBSERVATION STATION, and ultimately a position selected on No 2 Redoubt about 1 mile a little SOUTH of East from MEAULTE CHURCH – a prominent point commanding a good view of the country held by the enemy. The work of constructing this observation station was continued throughout the 21st and 22nd December, but was interrupted occasionally by the enemy’s Artillery fire. The Observation Station was ready for occupation by the night of 22/23/12/15.
MEAULTE – 23/12/15
1/1st Glamorgan Battery. A fine day and perfect light for shooting. About 11.15am the Battery opened fire – the first shot being direct at an enemy trench just SOUTH of LOZENGE WOOD just North of FRICOURT. The Battery also fired on BIRCH TREE WOOD, ROUND WOOD, and on the ENEMY’S SUPPORT TRENCHES between BECORDEL (held by our troops) and FRICOURT (held by the enemy).
Whilst this firing was in progress the enemy were shelling our New Observation Post, and after about 15 rounds had fallen around the OP, the last of which fell just two yards to the right of the opening – the observation party retired for the time being – returning to observe later, when the light, however, was failing. The shells fired at the OP were 4.2 inch Howitzer and the 16th shell damaged part of the roof.
MEAULTE – 24/12/15
1/1st Glamorgan Battery again in action in the morning, firing on the points registered yesterday. The enemy again shelled our new Observation Post with 4.2 inch Howitzer Shells, and brought down the roof. In accordance with instructions received arrangements were made to disconnect + wind in telephone wires and pack everything up. The Gun position had been vacated by 5.30pm + the Battery marched to LA HOUSSOYE billeting there the night.
1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade War Diary, National Archives
Méaulte is approximately 2km south of Albert. The map below shows the area South-East of Albert (including both Méaulte and Bray) as well as the front line prior to July 1916.
It is worth noting that Méaulte faces both Fricourt and Mametz across the front line. These were two of the many hard-fought over villages in the Battle of the Somme six months later.
Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery
VAUX-en-AMIENS – 17/12/15 10.30am
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery left VAUX-en-AMIENS proceeding by road via POULAINVILLE, ALLONVILLE, QUERRIEUX to PONTNOYELLE billeting at the last name place the night.
PONTNOYELLES – 18/12/15
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery continued march to BOIS des TAILLES. Bivouacked.
BOIS des TAILLES – 19/12/15
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery proceeded 2 miles NE of BRAY with 50 men. Commenced to dig Gun Positions and continued to work until 2 am 20/12/15.
BRAY 20/12/15
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery continued work of digging gun positions. Guns were driven up into action 5.30 pm.
BRAY 21/12/15
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery continued work on gun positions, weather being too misty for observation.
BRAY 22/12/15
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery. Weather still misty, nevertheless fired 2 rounds Shrapnel on Zero Line from No 2 Gun at 10.40am. Both unobserved.
BRAY 23/12/15
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery commenced firing at 10am. Fired 21 rounds Shrapnel + 18 HE, registered Zero Line and 4 other targets. Continued work on gun positions and dug outs for men.
BRAY 24/12/15
1/2nd Glamorgan Battery fired 16 rounds Shrapnel on registered targets. At 4.30pm pulled out of action and proceeded to billets at SAILLY-LAURETTE
1st Welsh (Howitzer) Brigade War Diary, National Archives
Bray-sur-Somme is approximately 7km SSE of Albert on the banks of the River Somme.
Dec: Christmas on the March
Christmas Day 1915 was spent on the road, with the 2 Batteries meeting up at St Saveur and headquarters moving to Argoeuves, where they billeted for 2 nights. However, thanks to the efforts of a Brigade welfare committee in Swansea, the men enjoyed a large consignment of Christmas gifts including games, sweets, tobacco, 20,000 cigarettes and 130 Christmas puddings.
On the 27th December, the Brigade moved to Mesnil-Domqueur (approx. 15km East of Abbeville) where they saw in the New Year.