25th SEPTEMBER 1915 – ON THIS DAY IN RWF HISTORY

Battle of Loos, France, 1915

This was the main British offensive of 1915 and the first time gas was used by them. 1, 2, 4 and 9 RWF were involved. 1 RWF was affected by gas before leaving its trenches and lost over 450 men overall. 2 RWF was in support but had 123 casualties. The 9th Battalion advanced through almost impenetrable wire, gas, and MG fire from both flanks. The CO, three company commanders and the adjutant were killed. Overall casualties totaled 250. The only battalion to have any success was the 1st.

20th SEPTEMBER 1854 – ON THIS DAY IN RWF HISTORY

Sgt Luke O’Connor won VCs at The Alma, Crimea, 1854

During the assault on the Russian lines Sgt Luke O’Connor, although badly wounded, took up the Regimental Colour and, dashing forward planted it on the Redoubt above the Alma River. Sgt O’Connor received the Victoria Cross and was commissioned in the field. O’Connor went on to gain the rank of Major General and served as Colonel of the Regiment before his death in 1915.

20th SEPTEMBER 1854 – ON THIS DAY IN RWF HISTORY

Capt EWD Bell won VCs at The Alma, Crimea, 1854

During the assault on the Russian lines, Captain Bell, seeing that one of the Russian guns was being withdrawn more slowly than the rest, captured it single-handed and galloped to the rear. Later, he led the 23rd out of the battle as the most senior uninjured officer left on the field. Captain Bell was one of the first recipients of the Victoria Cross.

18th September 1918 – ON THIS DAY IN RWF HISTORY

L/Sgt H Waring won a VC

At Epéhy 25th (Montgomery and Welch Horse Yeomanry) Battalion, RWF was checked in its advance on Ronssoy in France when the artillery barrage lifted and it was exposed to very heavy fire. Waring ‘led an attack against enemy MGs ... and, in the face of devastating fire ... rushed a strong point, bayoneting four of the garrison and capturing 20 with their guns. L/Sgt Waring then, under heavy shell and MG fire ... inspired them for another 400 yards, when he fell mortally wounded ...’. He received a posthumous VC.

It's a long way to Tipperary

Oldbury, Langley and Warley Local History have unveiled a blue plaque dedicated to Jack Judge, the composer of the WWI Marching Song “Tipperary”.

At the ceremony was the granddaughter of Jack Judge, Gillian Nicklin, Alderman Martin Prestidge and local history expert Dr Terry Daniels who is the Chair of the Oldbury Local History Group.

The Plaque is on the wall of the Rights and Equality Sandwell in Oldbury overlooking the site where Jack Judge sold fish before his career as a Music Hall performer and Composer.

His Son was Private John Judge 35506 8th Bn RWF John Judge born 1897 Oldbury Worcestershire son of Jack Judge and Ann Jane of 23 Low Town Oldbury Birmingham. He had brothers Thomas b.1902, James b.1905 and sister b. Jane Ann 1900.One of the songs that became famous during the Great War “It’s a long long way to Tipperarry” one of the troops famous marching songs as popular at home as on the battlefields of France and Flanders. Written and composed by Jack Judge and Harry Williams first recorded in 1914. Jack’s son John enlisted Birmingham 30th Oct. 1915 into the RWF at the age of 18 years 11 months at the James Watt Recruiting Station, James Watt Street, he stood 5ft 8inches tall, brown hair, grey eyes, weighed 125lbs, 35 inch chest with 2 inch expansion. Posted 3rd Bn for training at Litherland 5th Nov.1915 

Posted 8th Bn and with the MEF 25th April he embarked at Devonport 28th April 1916. Disembarked Basra 1st June. Admitted to hospital Sheikh Saad on 1st July rejoined his unit 19th Aug.1916. Killed in action at Basra 15th Feb.1917 Remembered on Basra Memorial panel 15 Iraq. Total service; Home 30th Oct.1915 until 24th April 1916; MEF 25th April 1916 until 15th Feb. 1917. British War and Victory medal.

On this day in RWF history - 30th August 1918

Have you seen the fantastic Flintshire War Memorials website?

http://www.flintshirewarmemorials.com/memorials/hawarden-memorial/hawarden-sodliers-2/richard-hugh-jones/

On the 2nd October, 1917, Richard Hugh had enlisted. He was killed less than a year later, on the 30th August 1918 aged 19. Less than 3 months later the war was over!

Can you help us find photos of the RWF who fell in WW1?