The Great War 1914 – 1918

When Britain declared war on Germany on 14^th August 1914 the 1^st Battalion were stationed in Lahore, India and would remained there throughout the war. But by the 18^th the 2^nd Battalion were fully deployed from Dublin and were operational in France as a part of 13 Brigade of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) known as “The Old Contemptibles”.  2 DWR were deployed at Mons before taking part in the withdrawal. They were then embroiled in the First Battle of Ypres where the BEF stopped the Germans.  During these early exchanges the losses suffered by the 2^nd Battalion would be systematic of what could be expected in the years to come; the nature of warfare was changing and consequently 2 DWR were reduced from 15 officers and 800 men to 2 officers and 380 men.

It was at this time that the expansion of the army was bought about by doubling the Territorial Army. The Regiment’s 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and 7^th Battalions of the Territorial Force, that had been formed in 1908 from the Volunteer Battalions, each raised a second Battalion. Also, three Service Battalions (which would only last for the duration of the war) – the 8^th, 9^th and 10^th – were raised. All of these Battalions saw conflict in the trenches, gaining the Battle Honours, among others; Somme 1916, Somme 1918, Arras 1917, Arras 1918, Cambrai 1917, Cambrai 1918, Lys and one of the most notable, Hill 60; where the 2^nd Battalion were subjected to ceaseless artillery bombarment, German counter attacks, supported by chlorine gas, and sustained very heavy casualties. 2 DWR lost over 600 men and 15 officers.

In 1915 the 8^th Battalion were withdrawn from the Front Line in France and sent to Gallipoli, where they took part in the landings at Suvla Bay.  When the Allies were forced to withdraw at Gallipoli, 8 DWR were sent to Egypt, where they remained until 1916, before returning to France.

In November 1916 five British Divisions were sent from France to join the war in southern Italy. Again the 'Dukes'  fought with distinction, particularly our 10^th Bn, which was representinvolved in the defeat of the Austrians at the crossing of the river Piave and at Vittorio Veneto.

During the entirety of the war there were 22 Battalions raised under the name of The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.  Including those mentioned above, the 11^th Bn remained at home in England and acted as a reserve to the 8^th, 9^th and 10^th Battalions and the 12^th and 13^th Battalions were raised as labour battalions, both subsequwntly seeing service in Flanders. The 14th Battalion was raised briefly in 1918, not being went abroad.

The effect on the Regiment and the West Riding of Yorkshire would be hard felt for many years to come. The men of The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment had served and fought with the utmost honour, so much so that 5 Victoria Crosses were awarded, 72 Battle Honours won, with the loss of over 8,000 men of all ranks. All the names of the fallen are recorded in the Regimental Chapels in both York Minster and Halifax Parish Church.

THE VICTORIA CROSS

The following citations were published in the London Gazette for the award of Victoria Crosses to  members of the Regiment:

2^nd Lieutenant Henry KELLY, 10^th Battalion

For most conspicuous bravery in attack at Le Sars on 4^th October 1916.

He twice rallied his company under the heaviest fire and finally led the only three available men into the enemy trench and there remained bombing until two of them had become casualties and enemy reinforcements had arrived. He then carried his Company Sergeant Major, who had been wounded, back to our trenches, a distance of 70 yards, and subsequently three other soldiers. He set a fine example of gallantry and endurance. (London Gazette, 25^th November 1916)

15805 Private Arnold LOOSEMORE 8^th Battalion

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the attack on a strongly held enemy position south of Langemarck, Flanders on 11^th August 1917.

His platoon having been checked by heavy machine-gun fire, he crawled through partially-cut wire, dragging his Lewis gun with him, and single handed dealt with a strong part of the enemy killing about twenty of them and thus covering the consolidation of the position taken up by his platoon, immediately afterwards his Lewis gun was blown up by a bomb and three of the enemy rushed for him, but he shot them all with his revolver.

Later, he shot several enemy snipers, exposing himself to heavy fire each time. On returning to the original post he also brought back a wounded comrade under heavy fire at the risk of his life. He displayed throughout an utter disregard of danger. (London Gazette, 14^th September 1917)

24066 Private Arthur POULTER 1/4^th Battalion

For most conspicuous bravery when acting as a stretcher-bearer, at Erquinghem-Lys, 10^th April 1918. On ten occasions Private Poulter carried badly wounded men on his back to a safe locality, through a particularly heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage. Again, after a withdrawal over the river had been ordered. Private Poulter returned in full view of the enemy, who were advancing, and carried back another man who had been left behind wounded. Ha bandaged-up over forty men under fire, and his contact throughout the whole day was a magnificent example of all ranks. This very gallant soldier was seriously wounded when attempting another rescue in the face of the enemy. (London Gazette, 28^th June 1918)

34506 Private Henry TANDY, D.C.M., M.M. 5^th Battalion.

For most conspicuous bravery and initiative during the capture of the village and the crossings at Marcoing and the subsequent counter-attack on 28^th September 1918.

When, during the advance on Marcoing, his platoon was held my machine-gun fire, he at once crawled forward, located the machine-gun, and with his Lewis gun team knocked it out. On arrival at the crossing he restored the plank bridge under a hail of bullets, thus enabling the first crossing to be made at this vital spot.

Later in the evening, during an attack, he with eight comrades was surrounded by an overwhelming number of Germans and though the position was apparently helpless, he led a bayonet charge through them, fighting so fiercely that 37 of the enemy were driven into the hands of the remainder of his company. Although twice wounded he refused to leave until the fight was won. (London Gazette, 14 December 1918) 

2^nd Lieutenant James Palmer HUFFAM, 5^th Battalion.

For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on 31^st August 1918.

With three men he rushed an enemy machine-gun post and put it out of action. His post was then heavily attached and he withdrew fighting, carrying a wounded comrade. Again on the night of the 31^st August 1918 at St Servin’s Farm accompanied by two men only he rushed an enemy machine-gun post, captured eight prisoners and enabling the advance to continue. Throughout the whole of the fighting from 29^th August to 01^st September 1918 he showed the utmost gallantry. (London Gazette, 26^th December 1918)