Hull's War Memorial at Oppy Wood

From the Snapper 1927. The unveiling of Hull's Memorial at Oppy Wood. Click on the pages to enlarge and read

The Third Battle of the Scarpe, 1917, is of special interest to all East Yorkshiremen, for the third Victoria Cross won for the Regiment was gained by a young officer in the terrible struggle for Oppy Wood
Six Battlions of the Regiment are entitled to place the operations between 3rd and 5th May 1917, amongst their Battle Honours.
They are the 1st, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th, though only the 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th were actively engaged with the enemy
The 1st East Yorkshires (21st Division) after their hard fighting on 11th April, had moved back from Boisleux au Mont to Adinfer thence successfully to Mercatel and Boyelles. On 25th the Battalion was in Brigade Reserve on the road between Henin and Croiselles
On 27th "A" and "B" companies moved up to the Hindenburg line to support the 9th K.O.Y.L.I., who, having been ordered to establish themselves in the line were making a bombing attack down the trench system towards the Sensee river. On the western outskirts of Fontaine-les-Croiselles there was a sunken road running north-east to south-west which cut through the Hindenburg line, and here the K.O.Y.L.I.had established blocks which "A" and "B" Companies of the East Yorkshires took over on the 28th, "C" Company supporting "A" and "D" supporting "B". About 7:30 a.m. on 29th the enemy suddenly attacked this block and "B" was temporarily forced to withdraw. An immediate counter-attack, however recaptured the block
But the enemy was evidently dtermined to eject East Yorkshiremen, for two more attacks were made on "B" Compny's block, each for the time being successful. Nevertherless, immediate counter-attacks restored the situation, and at the end of the day the gallant 1st Battalion held the line intact. Three officers were wounded in thi affair, and in other ranks, the losses were 7 killed and 45 wounded

The 1st East Yorkshires were in Brigade Reserve on 3rd May when the 62nd Brigade of the 21st Division attacked the enemy west of Fontainles-Croiselles, the line of advance being from north-west to south-west. But the enemy clung tenaciously to his position and at the end of the day the situation was the same at Zero hour-3.45 a.m. At 8.15 that night the East Yorkhires moved forward and relieved the 15th D.L.I., the attacking Battalion, in the Hindenburg line remaining in that position throughout the 4th until relieved on the 5th by the Durhams
The 8th East Yorkshires had relieved the 1st Royal Scots in the front line on the night of 30thApril/1st May. The line taken over was on a north and south line immediately east of Monchy-le-Preux, thence round the south-eastern exits of the village. It was a nosiy part of the line and Moncy was heavily shelled intermittently throughout the 1st May
Continuing the line from south to north the main objectives of the Third Army (Fontaine-le-roiselles has already been given) were Cherisy, St Rohart Factory, Bois du Vert, Bois du Sart, Plouvain Station, Square Wood. The Bois du Vert and Bois du Sart  to be attacked by the 8th Brigade, lay east of Moncy. The 2nd Royal Scots 9right) and the 1st R.S. Fusiliers (left) were the attacking troops of the Brigade, the 7th K.S.L.I. (right) and the 8th East Yorkshires (left) being in support.
The night of 2nd May was spent in final preparations and in moving up to assembly positions The weather was warm and fine; the morning had been quiet and uneventful though Monchy was treated to its usual dose of shelling.
The Divisional artillery responded by subjecting the German batteries to a heavy gas-shell bombardment. At night, whilst reliefs were taking place
and the attacking troops were moving up, the enemy retaliated.
 The air was thick with the pungent smell of gas and smoke from bursting shells. The whole area was an inferno;
indeed, as a diarist said, "It was a horrible night, quite one of the worst at this period"
The attack began at 3.45 a.m. on 3rd, the enemy quickly replying with his barrage. The 8th East Yorkshires were formed up behind the Royal Scots Fusiliers.
The 7th K.S.L.I. were on the right of the East Yorkshiremen. Intense darkness prevailed at Zero hour and no sooner had the British barrage fallen on the German trenches, and the assaulting troops had begun their advance, than the sky was lit up by scores of Very lights. The hostile barrage fell 10 minutes after the  British barrage, was heavy, and before the Battalion left the assembly positions and Liieutenant G.C Knee was killed
From the storm of the machine-gun and rifle bullets which met the advance it was obvious that the barrage had neither silenced the enemy's machine guns nor reduced his riflemen to impotence
Tool Trench was found strongly held and from Infantry Hill a murderous machine-gun fire was maintained with the result that the Royal Scots and Royal Scots Fusiliers
suffered heavy casualties and the attack was brought to a standstill
Again and again gallant efforts were made to get forward. Along the southern front of the line an advance of only a few yards was made; in the centre of the situation was very little better and still further to the north the continuation of Tool Trench was reached and passed
In the darkness the troops soon becam=e scattered and siorganised and in parties of twos and threes found shelter in shell holes. Whenever they attempted to leave the holes and advance they were met with a hail of bullets. In one part of the battleield a number of men found themselves isolated
with the enemy to the west of them they managed to crawl back to their outpost line, the friendly darkness covering their retirement. The net result of the attack was the establishment of a line of posts out in front of the Brigade sector
The 8th East Yorkshires lost heavily in the attack. The Rev. Captain C.W.Mitchell ("our good padre") fell mortally wounded during the afternoon. Utterly forgetful of his own self, bent only on carrying out his duty and in responding to the call of His Holy Order, this gallant clergyman was out under heavy shell fire attending to wounded men when he received his fatal wound. Other officers killed were 2nd Lieutenants H.M. Dalton, A.J Cox, F.T.McIntyre and J.M. Bibby; 2nd Lieutentant W Price wa wounded, and died of his wounds; 2nd Lieutenant Le Breton Edwards was wounded.
In other ranks the losses were 35 killed, 161 wounded, 39 missing.
During the night of the 3rd/4th the Royal Scots Fusiliers (whose casualties had been very heavy) were replaced in the front line by the 88th East Yorkshiresand, in view of further operations, the Battalion received orders to reorganise. Through-out the 4th wounded were collected from No Man's Land under the Red Cross Flag. The German were similarly engaged, both sides refraining from firing while the work of mercy proceeded
At nightfall the Battalion reorganised and work on posts and trenches was begun
No mention is made in the official despatches of the attack carried out on Gavrelle and Oppy by the 51st Division, yet hard fighting took place in this sector during the Third Battle of the Scarpe, many gallant lives were lost and at least one Victoria Cross was won and that by 2nd Lieutenant J Harrison M.C., of the 11th (S) Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment.
The attack of the 31st Division was carried out by the 93rd Brigade on the right (Gavrlle) and the 92nd on the left (Oppy)
The assaulting batteries of the East Yorkshire Regiment of the latter Brigade were the 10th were the 10th (Lieut-Colonel C C Stapledon) on the right, 11th (Lieut-Colonel C H Gurney) on the left: the 13th Battalion (Lieut-Colonel R H Dewing) was in reserve. Each battalion was on a three-company frontage in four waved. The 92nd Brigade had relieved the 99th Brigade (2nd Division) in front of Oppy on the night 30th April/1st May, with orders to attack the wood and village at about 4 a.m. on 3rd May The
enemy's defences in the Oppy sector were of a very powerful nature. The wood in itself, was an admirable protection to the village, for it covered the latter from attack from the west. But in front of the wood was a well-organised system of trenches, well wired, with numerous communications which covered Oppy from flanking attacks and practically enclosed both the wood and the village in a veritable maze of defences
The wood contained a large number of machine-gun posts and all along the German front lines machine guns and mortars were well placed to repel any attack from the west. Altogether the East Yorkshiremen were confronted by an extremely difficult task.
Moreover Oppy Wood and Village were held by German Guardsmen, some of the bravest of the enemy's troops.
At 11.30 p.m. the 10th East Yorkshires moved up to their assembly positions, a new trench which had been dug by the 2nd Division before the Battle of Arleux which had taken place on the 28th/29th April. The northern boundary of the frontage of attack allocated to the Battalion was along the southern edge of Oppy Wood to Oppy Support Trench. The latter trench ran from the north-west to south-east about 200 yards east of the village
The move forward was carried out in brilliant moon-light and was apparently observed by the enemy who, however did not open fire immediately. The Battalion was in position before midnight. The 11th Battalion left the trenches on the ridge between Bailleul and Roclincourt at 9 p.m. and moving via the small-gauge railway running due east of the former village, met guides provided by the 13th Battalion who led the Companies to their respective assembly positions facing Oppy Wood. At one point the march up crossed a rise less than 1,000 yards from the German trenches and with the moon behind them the East Yorkshiremen must have been silhouetted against the skyline. Also while assembling, the German Verey lights fell west of the Companies as they took up their alloted positions. The line of assembly was only from 100 to 200 yards away from the parallel with, the western edge of Oppy Wood. The frontage of attack of the 11th Battalion wa Oppy Wood and Village and Oppy Support Trench beyond
The 12th East Yorkshires moved up at 11 p.m. over quite unknown country to their assembly trenches on the left of the 11th Battalion. Their frontage of attack included a portion of Fresnoy Trench, Cruciiix Trench, Crucifix Lane and finally Oppy Support Trench
Zero hour had been fixed for 3-45 a.m. but twice before that hour the enemy very heavily barraged the front line. Reports are conflicting as to the actual time the barrage fell, the 10th East Yorkshires reporting it as 12.30 a.m.
and the Brigade as 1.40 a.m. The former also states that it continued for some time. The 10th Battalion also records the second hostile barrage as beginning at 1.20 a.m. and continuing until Zero hour, while the Brigade Diary says that it opened at 2.55 a.m. and went on until 4 minutes before Zero hour. The results of these barrages were not serious so far as casualties were concerned, but they caused some confusion as several platoons moved so as to avoid the intense part of the barrage. Indeed, owing to the barrage "D" and "A" Companies of the 11th Battalion could not form up properly, though they were more or less in their correct positions and when Zero hour arrived they had been lying out in the open for just over two hours. At 3.45 a.m. there was a roar as the British barrage opened. It was timed to advance at 100 yards per 4 minutes. Almost immediately the German guns replied and soon clouds of smoke and dust added their pall to that of the darkness, and it was impossible to see when the barrage lifted from the German trenches.With shells bursting all round them, the air whistling with machine-gun and rifle bullets, and all the infernal din of the battlefield deafening their ears, into the clouds of dust and smoke the advancing troops disappeared. On the right the 10th East Yorkshires found the German front line strongly held. The assaulting companies had gone forward behind their barrage, but ere they reached the hostile lines the curtain of fire had lifted and they were at once subjected to heavy machine-gun and rifle fire. Hacking at the barbed-wire entanglements where they had not been cut by the guns, or rushing through gaps which had been made, a considerable number of men of the 10th Battalion undoubtedly got into and beyond the first German line; some even penetrated to the first objective and one gallant man brought back eight prisoners to his own credit. All four Company Commanders had become casualties and the smoke and dust, added to the darkness, made it impossible to see what was going on on the flanks and, indeed, blotted out the objectives. In the struggle for the German first line the barrage had been lost, and it was tolling on far ahead by the time that small parties of men had penetrated the front system.
As it was impossible to get forward or to consolidate the line, the survivors of the 10th Battalion withdrew to the assmbly trench occupied before the attack began, and to shell holes in the neighbourhood where they remained until the night of the 3rd/4th May, for all day long the whole area was swept by artillery and machine-gun fire, whilst the enemy's snipers in Oppy Wood were continually on the watch for anyone who incautiously
exposed himself
Similar conditions met the attack of the 11th East Yorkshires. The assaulting Companies of the Battalion had followed about 50 yards behind the barrage, but the dust, smoke and darkness, added to the blackness of Oppy Wood beyond, made it impossible to tell when the screen of fire had lifted from the German front line. Raked by galling machine-gun fire from the posts in the Wood and subjected to withering rifle fire from the hostile
front-line trenches, admirably led by their officers, the right Company ("B"), nevertherless, went forward bravely
The first attack was repulsed, but out in No Man's Land, still under heavy fire, Officers and N.C.Os re-formed their men
and again they were repulsed. A solitary platoon, smarting under repeated rebuffs, again attacked.
This platoon waqs led by 2nd Lieutenant J Harrison who rallied his men with words of confidence and led them forward most gallantly.
Three belts of thick wire had to be negotiated. From the extreme southern point of Oppy Wood a German machine gun was playing havoc amongst the platoons. Ordering his men to take shelter in a shell hole, but to keep the machine gun under continuous rifle grenade fire, Harrison, carrying a Mills bomb in his hand, attempted to rush the gun single-handed
He had almost reached the gun and had just hurled his bomb at the German crew when his men saw him fall, face downwards. But he had accomplished his self-imposed task - the machine gun never fired again. For this very gallant deed 2nd Lieutenant Harrison was awarded the Victoria Cross and no man deserved it more. he had given his life to save others. Jumping to their feet, the platoon rushed on. but, finding themselves isolated again took shelter in shell holes, staying there all day until nightfall when they returned to the Battalion's outpost line
The first and second waves of the Centre Company ("C") got into Oppy Wood and through the wood to Opy village
They were reported there by aeroplane at 6 a.m. But they were isolated, some were killed and the remainder captured. The left company - which, owing to the enemy's barrage had not been able to organise into waves - lost direction and pentrated Oppy Wood too much to the right
Every officer had become a casualty and many other ranks as well, a great number being among the "missing"
The 12th East Yorkshires fared little better. The first wave of the right Company entered the German front-line trench, which was strongly held; the second wave followed, but was forced to withdraw, and eventually the first wave was beaten back out of the enemy's line....under heavy shell fire the East Yorkshires remained all day in their original assembly trenches and were relieved during the night of 3rd/4th May by the East Lancashire Regiment
Of the 13th East Yorkshires there is little to record save that the battalion supplied guides for the three other Battalions during the assembly operation, and on the night of 4th May relieved the 11th Battalion in front of Oppy Wood

The History of the East Yorkshire Regiment in the Great War: Wyrall

The citation for his VC describes events in more detail:

T/2nd Lt. John Harrison, M.C., E. York. R.For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice in an attack.
Owing to darkness and to smoke from the enemy barrage, and from our own, and to the fact that our objective was in a dark wood, it was impossible to see when our barrage had lifted off the enemy front line. Nevertheless, 2nd Lt. Harrison led his company against the enemy trench under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, but was repulsed. Reorganising his command as best he could in No Man's Land, he again attacked in darkness under terrific fire, but with no success. Then, turning round, this gallant officer single-handed made a dash at the machine-gun, hoping to knock out the gun and so save the lives of many of his company.
His self-sacrifice and absolute disregard of danger was an inspiring example to all. (he is reported missing, believed killed.)

London Gazette

 

The Capture of Oppy Wood 28 June, 1917

Although Oppy Wood was captured by the 94th Brigade of the 31s Division, the 92nd Brigade lent valuable assistance , three Battalions of the East Yorkshire Regiment, i.e. 10th, 11th (less two companies) and 13th taking part in the operations; the 10th forming the Brigade Reserve, the 11th holding the front line during the attack and the 13th furnishing carrying parties.

The attack took place on 28th June, but a few days previously (on the night of 22nd/23rd June) the four Battalions of the Regiment made a combined raid on that part of the enemy's trenches known as Cadorna. Lieut-Colonel S. H. Ferrand, commanding the 11th Battalion, was in command of the raid.
Cadorna Trench fprmed part of the enemy's front line about 99 yards north of Gavrelle, the British trenches running from east of that village in a north-westerly direction some 250 yards west of Oppy Wood. Oposite Cadorna trench the 92nd Brigade held Railway Trench and here the raiding parties formed up, each Battalion (10th, 11th, 12th and 13th) supplying two officers and 50 other ranks; each party organised into four sections consisting of two rifle sections and two bombing sections. The raiding parties were on a 40 yards frontage with gaps of 50 yards between each Battalion.The only existing account of this raid is a brief report with the Brigade Diary.

Zero hour was 10.20 p.m. and at that hour a heavy barrage was placed on the enemy's trenches during which the raiders left Railway Trench in two lines. Immediately the barrage lifted off Cadorna, the raiders rushed the trench under desultory machine-gun fire from the direction of Oppy Wood. small parties of the enemy were encountered in front of Cadorna Trench; they were engaged, some were taken prisoners and others killed.

These Germans had evidently come out into the open in preferance to remaining in the trench which, after the guns had lifted from it, was practically obliterated. Indeed, the first line of the raiders advance over and beyond the trench ithout knowing it. In rear of Cadorna were several hostile posts, but the German garrison fled as the East Yorkshiremen approached

Pursuded by the latter almost to Windmill Trench (which lay beyond Cadorna) he enemy again ran into the British Barrage and suffered further losses
The raiders having almost reached Windmill Trench, close up to their own barrage, were then ordered to withdraw. During the withdrawal a German machine gun, chained and  pegged to the ground, was found 50 yards east of the Gavrelle-Oppy raod, and as it could not be removed was damaged with knobkerries, During the raid, the enemy tried to outflank the raiders from the direction of Wood Alley, a trench running in an east to west direction across the northern end of Cadorna, but the left flank guard, consisting of a Lewis-gun section and 10 men drove the Germans off, inflicting severe casualties on them. The raid was most successful, a considerable number of casualties were inflicted on the enemy and seven unwounded prisoners were brought back. The total casualties suffered by the raiding parties of all four Battalions were 1 other rank killed 1 officer and 31 other ranks wounded and 11 other ranks missing
Of the attack at Oppy on 28 June there are no details either in the Battalion or Brigade Diaries of interest to the Regiment. The attack was, however, entirely successful.

Source: East Yorkshire Regiment in the Great War 1915-1918 : Wyrall

Snapper Snippets

The Snapper was the monthly journal of the East Yorkshire Regiment (originally the journal for the 2nd Battalion). I have collected a few bound volumes for arious years and I'm always interested in buying any that I don't have. If anyone has any Snapper journals for sale please contact me.

In this part of the blog I'll add snippets of  Snapper entries for any of the Carney brothers and also other random ones that are of interest

Throughout the years, several mentions are made of the Carney family's service in the East Yorkshire Regiment. Other families with a similar history are also mentioned. At some part of the blog I'll post the snippets for those families that I've come across. The following was from the Snapper, December 1912

The Snapper December 1912

Snapper 1906

Looks as if one brother was playing in each side of this football final

Snapper 1906

Interesting statistics recording the average length of service

Snapper 1906 Introduction of the Short Magazine rifle Lee Enfield Mark 1 and the rules of the regimental rifle club.

The Lee Enfield rifle was the British Army's main infantry weapon after it was introduced in 1906. It was estimated that the British Expeditionary Force that arrived in France in September 1914, were able to fire 15 rounds per minute.

In the photo below Frederick Carney is holding a No1 MkI A scarce early version of the SMLE Rifle

The Snapper 1912

Musketry Classification....

G Company classified 1 April 1912 574 Lce-Cpl Carney....

G Company classified 15th April 1912

Marksmen 5083 Lce-Cpl Carney....6971 Private Carney

The Snapper August 1912
...I would like to thank the 70th Company R.G.A. for their kindness in putting up our team in Fort William; and also the officers of the Black Watch for all the help and kindness they gave to us.
The members of the team (football) were as follows: Corpls. Saxby and Steward, Lce-Cpl Carney, Ptes. Whitby, Dunhill, Grimshaw, Clucas, Mason, Pratt, Swanell, Holley, Brownhill and 2nd-Lieut Eccles...

Manouvres in Wales: A Special artist

The Snapper 1912

From an article in the Snapper May 1919

"On 4th May Major Riall presented the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Military Medal respectively to: Company Sergt. Major Woodruffe and Pte Hollows after church parade. Another presentation was made after church parade on 11th May to Sergt. Major F Stringer. In presenting him with the Meritorious Service Medal Major Riall in a brief speech stated how glad he was to have the honour of presenting this medal to Sgt Major Stringer, whose family had been associated with the regiment for so many years and that he (Major Riall) had served with his father and two brothers. He further remarked that he always considered that one of the great things about the Yorkshire Regiment was the number of families who had fathers and sons serving in the regiment, and he especially mentioned the Stringers, Carneys, McKennas and Kilpatricks as some who came to mind at the moment...On 30th May Major Riall presented Company Sergt. Major T Carney M.C., D.C.M with the bar to the Distinguished Conduct medal and the medal for Long Service and good conduct.
He remarked that Sergeant Major Carney belonged to one of the "Regimental families" to which he referred to when presenting Sergt. Major Stringer with the Meritorious Service Medal that month but he had no idea when he mentioned his name on that occasion that he was to have the honour of presenting him with two decorations which he now did with very great pleasure, having known Sergeant Major Carney as a boy when he joined the 2nd Battalion in Ireland over twenty years ago"


From the Snapper July 1926

Trench Philosophy. Don't Worry

When one is a soldier, it is one of two things. Either one is behind or in front. If one is behind there is no need to worry. If one is in front, there are two alternatives; one is either in a dangerous place or in a "cushy" place. If it is a cushy place there is no need to worry.
If one is in a dangerous place, it is one of two things; one is either wounded or one is not. If one is not, there is no need to worry. If one is wounded, it is one of two things. One is either seriously wounded or lightly wounded. If one is lightly wounded, there is no need to worry. If one is seriously wounded, it is one of two things. One either recovers, or one dies. If one recovers there is no need to worry. If one dies, one cannot worry
Under these circumstances, the real "Tommy" never worries
Originally printed in the RAOC Gazette

Down the Valley of the River Ancre

The action for which Thomas Patrick  Carney was awarded a Military Cross

From the History of the 1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment


THE RUSH DOWN THE VALLEY OF THE RIVER ANCRE,
23rd/24th AUG.,1918.

To follow the course of this attack it will be clearer to describe it in full as it was really a Brigade attack, and in passing the action of the Battalion will be treated in emphasis.
As soon as it was dusk the writer took scouts from the various Battalions down to the crossing places and took them over and indicated the point of assembly south of the Grand court Road, and opposite Beau-court. The scouts returned to guide their respective Battalions down to the marshes. Between 9 and 10 the quiet concentration commenced, and sinuously they threaded their way through the marshes and over the foot bridges, and as coolly as on parade formed up on the south side of the River Ancre. All Companies were in artillery formation.

The left attacking Battalion was the 1st E. York’s Regiment, with 'C' Company (Capt. Case) and 'D' Company (Lieut. Allen), in front, 'B' Company (Lieut. Constant) in support, and 'A' Company (Capt. Oughtred) in reserve; and the right attacking Battalion was the 9th K.O.Y.L.I., under Major Constantine. The Brigade Reserve was the 15th D.L.I., who formed up about 300 yards in rear of the front Battalions. Brigade H.Q. (G.O.C., Brigade Major, Intelligence Officer, and Gas Officer acting as Liaison Officer), moved between the front Battalions and the support. The concentration was completed about 11 p.m. An artillery barrage by the guns at our disposal had been arranged, but alterations in plan cancelled this. About the time of the attack, 11.30 p.m., a few shells were fired, but they did not have much effect. The Grandcourt Road was the guiding line for the left of the E. York Regiment, and from it the glint of the river could be seen. Flank patrols covered the space between; the right flank of the K.O.Y.L.I. was kept by compass bearing. The night was pitch black, and the march was nothing short of remarkable when it is realised that the ground was pitted with craters, gulleys and small ravines. The advance was in the face of the enemy, but no signs of his presence were obvious at first. After going about 500 yards the General, knowing that we were nearing the first objective gave the word for the charge. "Charge! Charge!" The shout was quickly taken up by everyone, and the Battalions vied with each other in the vigour of their shouting, and their rush to Battery Valley, the first objective. It was certainly a thrilling moment when the shouting from about two thousand throats echoed and re-echoed in the valley of the Ancre, which was little more than a mile wide, and the flanking heights were about 350 to 400 feet high. Battery Valley was taken with little difficulty, for the shouting had confused, rather than informed, the enemy. A few hand-to-hand encounters, and then the attacking Companies of the E. Yorkshire Regiment pushed forward in advance of this narrow valley (it was more like a sunken road), and re-organised for the next move.

Meanwhile the 9th K.O.Y.L.I. dealt with the dug-outs in the ravines running out of Battery Valley over the side of the hill, and then formed up for the next advance. The Support and Reserve Company 1st E, Yorkshire Regiment were sent to mop up the village of Grandcourt, which they quickly overran and shortly captured four field guns, 20 machine guns, and over 100 prisoners, About 1 a.m. a further advance was made by the remainder of the 1st E. Yorkshire Regiment and the 9th K.O.Y.L.I., and after advancing about three-quarters of a mile attacked across Boom Ravine, where little resistance was met.

During these advances Capt. Spicer (Brigade Major) acted in close liaison with the 1st E. Yorkshire Regiment, and the writer kept close touch with the 9th K.O.Y.L.I., and it was by having an officer from Brigade H.Q. with each Battalion that the advance could be made successfully, and the success exploited to the full. When the attackers were reorganising in front of Boom Ravine the writer returned to find the General, and was suspicious that he heard movements about the dug-outs as if they might still contain some of the enemy. However, he met the General, who was cheerful, and had been over to the; Durham's to bring them into closer support, when suddenly the General and the writer, together with their orderlies, were surrounded by a section of Germans. The situation was very awkward for a few moments, but after bluffing the German officer, who had got his men in firing position about us (we had revolvers, but not loaded), -is to our strength, he and his men surrendered. Having taken their arms and given the Germans in charge to one of the orderlies, we were surprised by a shower of Very lights from behind. Almost immediately we were fired on, the Brigadier, General A. J. McCulloch, was wounded in the thigh, and several of the Germans killed. It was only when the writer, recognising the voice of an officer of the D.L.I., shouted to them to cease firing, that the situation cleared. General McCulloch left instructions for the E. Yorkshire Regiment to fall into support and finish mopping up Grandcourt, and for the 15th D.L.I. to continue the advance on the left of the 9th K.O.Y.L.I., and push on to Hill 135. Colonel Holroyd-Smith, of the Durham's, took over command of the Brigade. As dawn was breaking on the morning of the 24th August, the Durham's and the 9th K.O.Y.L.I. advanced in small parties up the hill, but here it was evident that we; were up against resistance once more, but our task was accomplished. The enemy rearguards opened out an annihilating machine gun fire, and the Brigade was hurried into a position of all-round defence, for it was evident that the Brigade (or such portion as was on the hill—the 1st E. York shire Regiment were 1,600 yards behind) was surrounded, but intact, in the enemy position. The men held shell holes, and dare not stand up. The enemy made several small counter-attacks, but at great cost in lives to himself. The Leicester Brigade, which was keeping touch with the I7th Division on the right, was some distance to our right rear.
About 10.30 a.m. Capt. Spicer, the Brigade Major, after an affair with a German sentry, managed to get away, passed Grandcourt and informed the 1st E. Yorkshire Regiment of the position, found a horse and rode to 21st Division Advanced H.Q. at Mailly-Maillet, where he explained the situation. The report was confirmed by aeroplane reconnaissance.

These 'planes dropped messages on our little hill promising speedy assistance. The Brigade was in a rough circle round the hill, but in no formation as regards units. The Brigade Major having got back, the remaining officers of Brigade H.Q. were the Gas Officer, who was with a Company of K.O.Y.L.I., and the writer, who had to get to earth with the Durham's when reconnoitering the final positions. During the enemy shelling early in the morning the Brigade suffered far more heavily than in the attack ; the East Yorkshire's, who were in support at Grandcourt received similar treatment, and 2nd Lieuts. H. W. Nicholls and H. Storch and 16 Other Ranks were killed. 2nd Lieut. C. Ullyott was killed earlier in the same operation (evening 23rd). There were 36 Other Ranks wounded and five missing. At noon on the 24th August there was a sudden quiet ; the sun had got up and was very hot, the mists had lifted from the river below and dissipated, and away to the north the advanced troops could be seen advancing on Miraumont. The writer stood up, and saw Major Greenwood, M.C, of the 9th K.O.Y.L.I., waiting about, and presently others did the same.... no firing from the front ... it was true the enemy rearguards had quietly moved back to Pys under the cover of their shelling. The officers of the Battalions H.Q. and Brigade H.Q. quickly organised the collection and evacuation of the wounded, arranged the defence of our position ready for further eventualities. Eventually the Leicester Brigade came up) on our right. Late in the afternoon the Lincoln (62nd) Brigade pushed through our position and advanced south of Pys, where they joined up with the 42nd Division. The 17th and 38th Divisions had made good the line further south, and so the difficult Thiepval Ridge was taken, and it was now possible to arrange for a definite advance. Then the writer was sent to H.Q. Lincoln (62nd) Brigade to follow the attack on Le Sars, Butte de Warlencourt, and Eaucourt I'Abbaye, in readiness for the next advance of the 64th Brigade. The 64th Brigade had some cause (or self-congratulation, having fought its own bridgehead positions, crossed the Ancre, and on a pitch dark night advanced from 21/2 to 3 miles to their allotted objective over craters and shell-hole country, and holding that objective in the face of determined outflanking enemy, until relieved some 15 hours afterwards. In spite of all, our casualties were light, and our success had been the key to the operations on either flank.

Although the writer was working with Brigade H.Q., he noticed on several occasions during the eventful night the excellent work done by C.S.M. (afterwards R.S.M.) T. Carney, D.C.M., who was afterwards awarded the M.C. for his gallantry. The afternoon of the 24th and the following night the 1st E. Yorkshire Regiment was withdrawn to Battery Valley for rest and reorganisation. Although the weather was very hot in the daytime the nights were very chilly, and it was difficult to keep warm, sleeping in rough shelters at night. On the 25th the Battalion moved forward to Hill 135, and later in the evening moved to a valley behind Le Sars. The Company Commanders were : 'A' Company, Capt. Oughtred, M.C; 'B' Company, Lieut. Constant; 'C Company, Capt. A. R. Case, M.C.; and. 'D' Company, Lieut. T. G. Allen. During the evening the rain poured down, and the shelter was scanty. Lieut Colonel du Moulin, M.C, called the Company Commanders together about midnight in a small hut which he. was using as a H.Q. Here he explained that Le Sars had been taken, and also the Butte de Warlencourt, and that the Battalion was to act as Brigade Support Battalion in an attack to Luisenhof Farm on the road between Ligny-Thilloy—Flers. The 62nd Brigade had advanced to Blue Cut, a road about 800 yards east of the Butte. (With thanks to Charles Dinsdale)

Trench maps for the Sars area here:
http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=151272
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Brothers In Arms

Henry Carney had five surviving sons and two daughters. One daughter Christine was my grandmother)
The sons (and possibly daughters too) were educated at the Royal Hibernian Military School Dublin http://achart.ca/articles/hibernian/index.html

Following in their father's footsteps, the five brothers joined the East Yorkshire Regiment

Four of the brothers saw action during the Boer War, five of them served during the Great War 1914-1918

One of the brothers died at home during the Great War period. He had been seriously wounded at Ypres in 1915

The five brothers between them had 26 medals: 1 MC, 3 DCM, and 22 other medals
This is their story:

This might be Edmund Carney

Edmund Carney the eldest son, enlisted in 1891, after passing 18 yrs in the service was discharged to pension. During the Boer War he went on service with the 3rd Battalion. He recieved the Queen's medal with 3 Clasps. On the outbreak of The Great War he re-enlisted into the 6th Battalion (Pioneers) and went with it to Gallipoli. For his services he received the 1914 & 1915 star, the British War medal and the Victory Medal.

He was also awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal Snapper 1927

The second son William Michael Carney enlisted in 1894, and was discharged to pension in 1920, When the 2nd Battalion mobilised for the Boer War he joined the 5th Mounted Infantry at Aldershot, for his services for that campaign he received the Queen's Medal with 4 clasps and the King's medal with 2 clasps. During the Great War he was with the 3rd Battalion. He was also awarded the medal for Long Service and Good Conduct. Snapper 1927

From his pension record Service no. 4607 Michael William Carney, born Beverley, attested January 1894 into the East Yorkshire
 regiment at Beverley aged 14 and a half. (pension record has him briefly in the 2nd Bn Kin's Liverpool Regiment 17.1.94, transferred to East Yorks Regt. 13.4.94)

He signed up for 12 years in the colours. He had spent four years at the Royal Hibernian Military School
 in Dublin and his trade was 'tailor' (the school trained the pupils in a profession as well as a military life).

Continued Drummer 5.5.04, re-engaged for the East Yorks Regt at Beverley on 12 August 1905 for such term as shall complete
21 years service. Granted Good conduct pay 17.1.96. Absent 10 days. Forfeits 1 Good conduct badge 25.8.1898.
Granted 3rd Good conduct badge drummer 17.1.06.
Home 17.1.94 to 13.3.00. 6 years 56 days. South Africa 14.3.00 to 28. 1.03. 2 years.
Certificates of Education 3rd Class 22.4.96. Forfeited 1 Good conduct badge for bringing liquor into the camp (Pheonix Park)  days confined to  barracks.
Mounted Infantry Cert. S Africa
 Permitted to continue in the service beyond 21 years 6.3.1914
Overstayed his pass for 1 hours. 16.12.16. Admonished
Gave 13 months notice of his desire to be discharged 7.6 1917 Retained in the service under the Military serice act of 1916 (section 2)
Appointed (unpaid) L/Cpl 30.11.1917. Elected under Army Order of 191 to draw pension while still serving. Appt paid L/Cpl 11.9.1918. I..... under Army Order of 1919
as Private 21.5.19. Retains rank of acting L/Cpl 21.5.19. Depot posted acting L/Cpl 9.9.19
Discharged on termination of second period of engagement 20.6.20. Total service 26 years 155 days

(has a Royal Hospital Chelsea stamp for 15 April 1918)

Father Henry Carney Barrack labourer Wellington barracks
Married Clara Watts R.C Church Beverley 23.11.1907, children Albert Bruno 14 Jan. 1909 (Beverley), Cecilia 15 Dec 1909 (Beverley), Christine 11.04. 1911 (Beverley),
Thomas Henry 2 June 1915 (Hull)

(3rd (Reserve) Battalion
 August 1914 : in Beverley. A training unit, it remained in UK throughout the war. Moved within a few days of declaration of war to Hedon, for duty as the Humber Garrison. Made the short journey in April 1916 to Withernsea. Source: The Long Long Trail website )

Drummer Michael William CARNEY

Service Number:	4607
Battalion:	2nd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment
Service Notes:	Attested 17 January 1894 in Kings Liverpool Regiment ? transferred 2nd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment 13 April 1894 - 2nd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment Queens South Africa Medal clasps Johannesburg Diamond Hill Cape Colony and Orange Free State - 5th Battalion Mounted Infantry - 3rd Battalion awarded LSGC Medal October 1912 ? Permitted to continue in the service beyond 21yrs April 1914 ? Witness at Desertion of Boy Stephenson 38610 26 December 1918 at Withernsea - Documents (Available P) The Dinsdale list http://www.east-yorkshire-regiment.co.uk/_content/dbase/dinsdale_list.php

The third son John Carney 5083 enlisted in 1895 Appointed paid Lance Sergant 5 Mar 1914... he was a good football player and had the nickname Mick (reference on him joining the Sgts mess) Kamptee India (Snapper Aug/Sep 1914) . Served in the 2nd Battalion in the Boer War, and received the Queen's Medal with 3 clasps and the King's Medal with 2 clasps. During the Great War he served with the 2nd Battalion. In 1915 he lost his right eye at Ypres. For that action he was awarded the DCM. The Snapper 1927

From the London Gazette: 5082 Sgt J. Carney DCM 26.7.17
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was largely responsible for silencing the enemy's snipers, and through- out set a magnificent example to those around him."
John Carney was discharged to pension in 1915 with the rank of Sergeant, unfit for further service. After his discharge he lived with his sister, my grandmother at Keats st Liverpool and worked for a time as a Commisionaire at Bootle Picture Palace. He died in January 1918 of TB he had contracted in the trenches and general ill health resulting from his wounds. He is buried at Ford Cemetery Liverpool His death cert states "Pneumonia and Cardiac failure" Perhaps a victim of the Spanish Flu pandemic that killed an estimated estimate of 50 million people, 3% of the world's population
He is not on CWGC, or any war memorial.
On his Medal Index Card from the NA Hewas given a Silver War Badge - qualifying date 15 1 15 Also for the Long Service and Good Conduct medal 'Deceased - Brother applies'

John's obituary Bootle Times

John's grave, Ford Cemetery Liverpool

Liverpool Echo 18th January 1918
Death Notices
CARNEY JOHN-January 15
Suddenly at Bootle Hospital, aged 36 years. Ex Sergeant John Carney, D.C.M. Ex Yorkshire Regiment.
Late of 29 Keats Street Bootle.
Cortage will leave his late residence today(Friday) at 3.15 pm., for internment at Ford Cemetery at 4.pm.
(friends please accept this-the only-intimation)


The fourth son Thomas P Carney 5748, enlisted in 1898, he served with the 2nd Battalion during it's early service in the Boer War for which he was awarded the Queen's Medal with 5 clasps, and later the DCM as a drummer boy. Drummer T. Carney 5748 granted 2nd Good Conduct Badge 17.12.1904 (Snapper July 1906) Drm Carney C Company Marksman (Snapper Aug 1906). He was also mentioned in Lord Robert's final despatches as having rendered special and meritorious services

Thomas in India (Kamptee) in the period in between the Boer War and the Great War

During the Great War he was with the 2nd Battalion in France as a Sergeant, service number 5748 later CSM. Invalided home he was sent to join the 12th Battalion. With that Battalion he served in Egypt, later returning to France. When the 12th Battalion disbanded he joined the 1st Battalion. For his services in the Great War he received the MC, bar to DCM, the 1914 & 15 star, the British War medal and the Victory Medal. In 1919 he was the acting RSM. He married Sarah Agnes Watts, eldest daughter of William Watts of Hull on the 10th of May 1919 in St Mary's Wilton st Hull. In 1953 he was awarded the MSM as RSM.
From the London Gazette: 5748 CSM T.P. Carney. bar to DCM 3.10.18
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action. During an attack he was constantly along the line assisting and encouraging his men, on one occasion standing upon the parapets and shooting at parties of the enemy advancing in the open. Later he organised a bombing party and cleared out the enemy, who had gained a footing in our trenches. At all times he has shown great courage and a fine soldierly spirit." Military Cross 1 Jan. 1919 (New Year Honour) as CSM 1st Bn. East Yorks Regt. However, note: "Birthday Honour, but in fact for gallantry in holding a bridgehead following an attack on Le Sars, Butte de Warlencourt and Eaucourt L'Abbaye and the crossing of the Ancre. The bridgehead was held for 15 hours before being relieved."
Meritorious Service Medal awarded 1953.
His medals:
MC, DCM and bar, QSA (clasps Cape Colony, Wittebergen, Transvaal, SA 1901, SA 1902), 1914/15 star trio, Defence Medal, LSGC (GV), MSM (GVI). (from 'The Snapper' 1925) From an article in the "Snapper" (my own copy) May 1919
"On 4th May Major Riall presented the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Military Medal respectively to: Company Sergt. Major Woodruffe and Pte Hollows after church parade. Another presentation was made after church parade on 11th May to Sergt. Major F Stringer. In prsenting him with the Meritorious Service Medal Major Riall in a brief speech stated how glad he was to have the honour of presenting this medal to Sgt Major Stringer, whose family had been associated with the regiment for so many years and that he (Major Riall) had served with his father and two brothers. He further remarked that he always considered that one of the great things about the Yorkshire Regiment was the number of families who had fathers and sons serving in the regiment, and he especially mentioned the Stringers, Carneys, McKennas and Kilpatricks as some who came to mind at the moment...On 30th May Major Riall presented Company Sergt. Major T Carney M.C., D.C.M with the bar to the Distinguished Conduct medal and the medal for Long Service and good conduct.
He remarked that Sergeant Major Carney belonged to one of the "Regimental families" to which he referred to when presenting Sergt. Major Stringer with the Meritorious Service Medal that month but he had no idea when he mentioned his name on that occasion that he was to have the honour of presenting him with two decorations which he now did with very great pleasure, having known Sergeant Major Carney as a boy when he joined the 2nd Battalion in Ireland over twenty years ago"

Thomas Carney is in the middle of the front row:
Possibly taken in 1919 in France at the time he was awarded his Military Cross. He was an acting RSM at the time

Thomas Carney:
Possibly taken in 1953 when awarded the MSM

The fifth son Frederick Carney 6971( F Company 2nd East Yorkshire Regiment Kamptee India.  Snapper Oct 1914) Enlisted in 1902 and was discharged to pension in 1924. During the Great War he served with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Battalion and 10th Battalion. For his services he received the 1914 & 1915 star, the British War medal and the Victory medal. In the campaign of 1919-20 in the Middle East he received the medal with clasp

Frederick on leave in Liverpool holding a No1 MkI A scarce early version of the SMLE Rifle

Drum band photo taken in Aldershot 1903: The band members in the photo above are: Stein, England, Hewitt, T Carney, Merrill, Catt, McReynolds, Gardiner, Riley, Potten, Locke, Humphries, Gosling, J Carney, Cornell, Corpl Thacker, Lieut Boyd Dr-Major Clare, W Carney, Conreuth, Pearson, Molloy, F Carney, Thompson. No first names given. Only the 4 Carney brothers are identified by their initials
From a brief search of CWG database - and it's harder without initials, it does look as if many of the EYR band did not survive WW1 (Photo from The Snapper, generously donated by "Joseph" (Charles) from the Great War Forum)

During World War I, The East Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of York's Own) raised a total of 19 battalions from its pre-war establishment of two regular, one reserve and three territorial battalions. The regiment gained 58 battle honours and four of its members were awarded the Victoria Cross during the conflict. The East Yorkshire Regiment lost a total of 7,460 casualties during the Great War.

D Company 10th battalion on the Somme

The 2nd Battalion, The East Yorkshire Regiment was based at Kamptee in India on the outbreak of war on 4 Aug 1914. It embarked for the UK and landed in England in Dec 1914 when it moved to Hursley Park, near Winchester. There it was assigned to the 83rd Brigade in the 28th Division. On 16 Jan 1915 the battalion embarked for France and Flanders, landing at Le Havre. In Oct the formations were redeployed to the Macedonian front, embarking from Marseilles on 28 Oct 1915 and arriving at Alexandria on 28 Nov. On 3 Dec it left Alexandria and landed at Salonika (Thessalonika). The 2nd Battalion ended the war in the same formations on 30 Sep 1918, north of Lake Doiran, Macedonia. {Source: British Regiments, 1914-1919; Brigadier E A James; }

Until fairly recently just photos in an album. That's all I knew about them. Various stories about the lads from older family members were 'They liked a drink', 'rowdy lot, always getting promoted and demoted' 'they came home on leave, had a few too many and danced in the streets' upsetting my grandmother, their sister
A forgotten generation, like so many other brave soldiers who fought in the Great War. No longer Forgotten

Amazingly  four of the brothers survived the Boer War and the Great War

(This not a family history blog. It is the military history of a branch of my family. I'll be adding random stuff about the East Yorkshire regiment including war diary entries, maps, photos, history, postcards and anything else that I have and find)

Henry Carney: My great grandfather

The first soldier in the Carney East Yorkshire regiment family, was Henry Carney, my great grandfather. Born in the parish of Aglish, Castlebar in 1838, Co Mayo. Enrolled as a volunteer in South Mayo Rifles Militia aged 21 On his service record he is described as having 5ft 5ins, light grey eyes, fresh complexion and occupation Labourer
Released on 6th December 1858 after paying 18s and 6d

Joined 15th Regiment of Foot (this was later re-named the East Yorkshire Regiment) at Westport in 1858. Service number 1000 Promoted to Corporal in 1860.Tried by Court Martial for 'drunkenness on parade'. Promoted to Corporal in 1866, promoted to Sergeant in 1875 Confined for two days and Court Martialled for 'disobedience of orders' in 1876 Reduced to Private and released and forfeited one Good Conduct Badge

During his service career he received four Good Conduct Badges in total and during his time in service was stationed at Gibralter and Malta.
Address on Discharge 4 Island Bridge Barracks Dublin

Military history above researched by Tom Tulloch-Marshall

Henry Carney married Jane McMahon on 2nd February 1871 in the Catholic Chapel of St James Dublin. Both were of full age. Henry's occupation was given as 'soldier', his residence Richmond Barracks, his fathers name Remegius Carney, labourer.
Jane's residence Hospital Land Island Bridge, father Charles McMahon, labourer.

Family legend has it that Henry was a formidable man and he certainly looks it in the photo: