Neuve Chapelle

Great Expectations

In the Spring of 1915 the British Expeditionary Force in France came under political pressure to do something to expel the the Germans from France, and the village of Neuve Chapelle was selected as the objective for this the first major British offensive of the war. Morale was extremely high, and great things were expected, even by the ordinary tommy. At Neuve Chapelle the British managed mainly through good luck to achieve surprise and local superiority, so that the first day of the battle, 10 March 1915 was one of considerable success. Over the following days however German resistance hardened and the hoped for breakthrough was not achieved.

Fighting amid the ruins of the village of Neuve Chapelle

One of the units chosen to spearhead the assualt was the Indian Corps with its mixture of Gurkha, Garwahli and British troops. Among its battalions was the 2nd Leicestershire Regiment. Along with their Indian comrades the Leicesters attacked the German position known as Port Arthur, near La Bombe crossroads.

Left: The Russian Medal
of St George awarded to
Cpl H.Owen of the 2nd
Leicesters, for bravery in
bringing in a wounded
Gurkha soldier at Neuve
Chapelle

In the course of the battle Pte William Buckingham of the 2nd battalion Leicestershire Regiment repeatedly braved enemy fire to bring in wounded comrades, until he was severely wounded himself. His complete disregard for his own safety led to the award of the Victoria Cross, the citation for which reads:

"For conspicuous acts of bravery and devotion to duty in rescuing and rendering aid to the wounded, whilst exposed to enemy fire, especially at Neuve Chapelle on 10th and 12th March 1915."

Below: William Buckingham VC pictured on a contemporary postcard. The red white and black ribbon around his cap indicates he is with a recruiting party

Captain F.H.Romilly (above) of A Company, 2nd battalion. In the afternoon of the first day of the battle a trench full of Germans was found to be holding up the advance. Romilly was ordered to clear this obstacle, and so taking a party of men and a quantity of bombs, he rushed it and began bombing his way from one end to the other. Romilly's actions earned him the DSO.

Above: Pte Frank Timson of Enderby, who fought at Neuve Chapelle with the 2nd battalion

Acknowledgements