9th August 1918
OK we'll make a start catching up on this one...
The 29th Battalion Australian Imperial Forces is involved in the capture of Vauvillers. Among those killed is
Private William Reginald Rawlings MM who is uncle of Captain Reginald Saunders MBE the first Aboriginal commissioned officer in the Australian Military Forces who fought in World War II and Korea. He is killed at age 27. His friend
Corporal Harry Thorpe MM who is regarded as a premier footballer and athlete in brigade sports as well as a scout is shot in the stomach and dies after being taken to a dressing station near Bayonvillers.
The 6th London Regiment are at La Houssoye in the Somme sector and are ordered to take Chipilly Ridge, which involves the capture of a small track running along near the ridge of the crest. Three tanks are employed in support and at 16:15 the battalion moves off from its positions to begin the attack. As they round the edge of Celestines Wood they come under heavy machine gun fire and heavy casualties are sustained.
Rifleman Reginald John Newberry (King’s Royal Rifle Corps attached London Regiment) is killed at age 18. His two brothers have been previously killed in the Great War.
On a bombing raid the machine in which Second Lieutenant. Samuel Lilburn Dunlop (Royal Air Force) is the observer is attacked by a number of enemy airplanes, one of which he shoots down in flames. On the return journey, he and his pilot, Lieutenant G Beveridge, are again attacked. He succeeds in shooting down a second machine in flames. In this latter attack Lieutenant Beveridge is severely wounded and faints. Second Lieutenant Dunlop immediately takes the controls. Leaning over the fuselage to support his pilot, steering the machine and at intervals firing on the enemy aircraft as they close on him, he makes for our lines, and with the help of the pilot, who has recovered consciousness, lands in safety.
Captain Norman Goudie (Royal Air Force) and his observer, Second Lieutenant R McK Jamison, at low altitudes observe about three hundred enemy infantry massed in a sunken road and offering a strong resistance to our advancing troops. By keeping them under continual machine gun fire, they succeed in demoralizing the enemy, so much that they hold up a piece of white cloth as a sign of surrender. Captain Goudie ceases fire but remains in the vicinity until our troops push forward and take the enemy prisoners.
During an attack when the advance is much impedd by hostile machine guns concealed in crops and shell holes Sergeant Thomas James Harris VC MM (Royal West Kent Regiment) leads his section against one of these capturing it and killing seven of the enemy. Later on two successive occasions he attacks single handed two enemy machine guns which are causing heavy casualties and holding up the advance. He captures the first gun and kills the crew, but is himself killed when attacking the second one. He will be awarded the Victoria Cross posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions. One of five such awards on this day
Thomas James Harris VC MM (30 January 1892 – 9 August 1918) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross. No. 358 Sjt. Thomas James Harris, M.M., late R.W. Kent R. (Lower Hailing, Kent).
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack when the advance was much impeded by hostile machine guns concealed in crops and shell-holes. Sjt. Harris led his section against one of these, capturing it and killing seven of the enemy.
Later, on two successive occasions, he attacked single-handed two enemy machine guns which were causing heavy casualties and holding up the advance. He captured the first gun and killed the crew, but was himself killed when attacking the second one.
It was largely due to the great courage and initiative of this gallant N.C.O. that the advance of the battalion was continued without delay and undue casualties. Throughout the operations he showed a total disregard for his own personal safety, and set a magnificent example to all ranks.
Son of William John and Sarah Ann Harris of Rochester[1] He was 26 years old, and a serjeant in the 6th (Service) Battalion, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, British Army during the First World War. On 9 August 1918 at Morlancourt, France, he performed the deeds for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Private Robert Matthew Beatham (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 24 during the attack north of Rosieres, east of Amiens. When the advance is held up by heavy machine gun fire, he dashes forward, and, assisted by Lance Corporal Nottingham, bombs and fights the crews of four enemy machine guns, killing ten of them and capturing ten others, thus facilitating the advance and saving many casualties. When the final objective is reached, although previously wounded, he again dashes forward and bombs a machine gun, being riddled with bullets and killed in doing so. For his actions on this day he will be posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
Robert Matthew Beatham, VC (16 June 1894 – 11 August 1918) was a British-born Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Beatham was born on 16 June 1894 to John and Elizabeth Beatham, who resided at Glassonby, Cumberland, England. He was educated at a local school and as a teenager, he emigrated to Australia with his brother Walter. He was labouring at Geelong in Victoria when he volunteered for the Australian Imperial Force on 8 January 1915. Beatham was posted to the 8th Battalion with the rank of private. He embarked on HMAT Hororata from Melbourne on 17 April 1915 for Suez but returned to Australia in August 1915 due to venereal disease. After recuperating he embarked for Gallipoli as a reinforcement for 8th Battalion. He saw nearly a month of active service at Gallipoli before the general evacuation to Alexandria.
From there Beatham was sent to France, arriving with his battalion in Marseilles on 31 March 1916 en route for the Western Front. Later that year he participated in the Battle of Pozières during which he was wounded. After six weeks of recuperation he rejoined his unit in late September 1917. He was wounded a second time on 4 October 1917 at Broodseinde during the Battle of Passchendaele and was evacuated to England for treatment and recovery. During his sojourn in England he was found guilty of being absent without leave over the New Year of 1918 and was given field punishment and a forfeit of pay. He rejoined his unit in February 1918.
On 9 August 1918 at Rosières, east of Amiens, on the second day of the Battle of Amiens, Beatham's battalion was attacking high ground when it was held up by heavy machine gun fire after supporting armour was knocked out of action. Beatham, accompanied by Lance Corporal W. G. Nottingham, made four charges to knock out a series of German machine gun posts holding back the advance of the Australians. Wounded in the leg during the first charge, he was killed taking out a final machine gun post on 11 August. For his gallantry he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). Gazetted on 14 December 1918, the citation for his VC read as follows:
For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice during the attack north of Rosieres, east of Amiens, on 9th Aug., 1918. When the advance was held up by heavy machine gun fire, Pte. Beatham dashed forward, and, assisted by one man, bombed and fought the crews of four enemy machine guns, killing ten of them and capturing ten others, thus facilitating the advance and saving many casualties. When the final objective was reached, although previously wounded, he again dashed forward and bombed a machine gun, being riddled with bullets and killed in doing so. The valour displayed by this gallant soldier inspired all ranks in a wonderful manner. Beatham is buried at Heath Cemetery, in Harbonnières. His Victoria Cross is held in a private collection in Melbourne. It sold in 1999 for a then record price for an Australian VC of A$178,500. Five of his brothers saw active service in the First World War; two died and another spent two years as a prisoner of war. Robert's younger brother Walter also enlisted in the AIF and served with 21st Battalion and survived the war.
Alexander Picton Brereton VC (13 November 1892 – 10 January 1976) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross
He was the son of a Manitoba farmer, Cloudesley Picton Brereton and Annie Frazer Black. He married Mary Isabel McPhee on 17 Jun 1925 and had three children. He was a barber. Brereton joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force in January 1916. Brereton was 25 years old, and an acting corporal in the 8th (Winnipeg Rifles) Battalion, CEF during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. On 9 August 1918 east of Amiens, France, during an attack when a line of hostile machine-guns opened fire suddenly on his platoon which was in an exposed position with no cover Corporal Brereton realised that unless something was done, his platoon would be annihilated. On his own initiative he at once sprang forward alone and, reaching one of the enemy machine-gun posts, shot the operator of the gun and bayoneted the next one who attempted to operate it, whereupon nine others surrendered. His action inspired the platoon to charge and capture the five remaining posts. He later achieved the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant during World War II. He is at buried at Elnora Cemetery, Elnora, Alberta, Canada. Brereton's medals are on display at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, Imperial War Museum in London.
Frederick George Coppins VC (25 October 1889 – 20 March 1963) was a Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross.
He was 28 years old, and a corporal in the 8th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 9 August 1918 at Hatchet Woods, near Amiens, France, Corporal Coppins' platoon came unexpectedly under fire of numerous machine-guns. It was not possible to advance or retire and there was no cover. Corporal Coppins, calling on four men to follow him, leapt forward in the face of intense machine-gun fire and rushed straight for the guns. The four men with him were killed and he was wounded, but going on alone, he killed the operator of the first gun and three of the crew and took four prisoners. Despite his wound, he then continued with his platoon to the final objective.
After the war, he returned to Winnipeg. He enlisted as a special constable during the Winnipeg General Strike. Within hours of his appointment, he charged his horse into a gathering of strikers and was dragged off his horse and severely pummelled. Coppins played a minor role in the 1930 film All Quiet on the Western Front, as a German machine gunner. A record exists for his enlistment in World War II at Angel's Camp Calaveras Co. California aged 50 but it is unknown what role he played. He later moved to California where he died. He is interred at the Chapel of the Chimes columbarium in Oakland, California. Coppins' medals are located in a collection at the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Museum, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Raphael Louis Zengel VC MM (11 November 1894 – 27 February 1977) was an American-born Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross.
Zengel was born at Faribault, Minnesota. As a young boy, he and his mother Mary moved to a homestead near the village of Plunkett, Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in July 1915. Zengel received the Military Medal in March 1918 for taking command of his platoon when his officer and sergeant had been put out of action. He was 23 years old, and a sergeant of the 5th (Western Cavalry) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, during the First World War, when on 9 August 1918 east of Warvillers, France, he performed the deed for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
The citation reads:
No. 424252 Sjt. Raphael Louis Zengel, M.M., Saskatchewan R.
For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when protecting the battalion right flank. He was leading his platoon gallantly forward to the attack, but had not gone far when he realised that a gap had occurred on his flank, and that an enemy machine gun was firing at close range into the advancing line. Grasping the situation, he rushed forward some 200 yards ahead of the platoon, tackled the machine-gun emplacement, killed the officer and operator of the gun, and dispersed the crew. By his boldness and prompt action he undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. Later, when the battalion was held up by very heavy machine-gun fire, he displayed much tactical skill and directed his fire with destructive results. Shortly afterwards he was rendered unconscious for a few minutes by an enemy shell, but on recovering consciousness he at once continued to direct harassing fire on the enemy. Sjt. Zengel's work throughout the attack was excellent, and his utter disregard for personal safety, and the confidence he inspired in all ranks, greatly assisted in bringing the attack to a successful end.
It was a very busy day in the air with the following claims being made.
Not suprisingly RAF losses were considerable - amongst those falling today were:
Top performance for the day was from Lieutenant James Alfred Keating DFC. DSC. 49 Squadron RAF who downed 4 enemy planes on this day winning the DFC in the process. This was achieved flying DH.9 C2202
Unlike most volunteers, James Alfred Keating was a married man when he joined the United States Air Service in 1917. After successfully completing flight training and receiving a commission, he was sent to England for additional instruction as a bomber pilot attached to the Royal Flying Corps. In June 1918, Keating was assigned to 49 Squadron as a D.H.9 pilot. Two months later, he and his observer were credited with five victories in two days of aerial combat. They scored their first victory over a Pfalz D.III on the morning of 8 August 1918. The following day, returning from a successful bombing mission against the bridge at Falvey, they shot down four Fokker D.VIIs in a running battle that lasted twenty minutes. For this action, Keating and his observer were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
For gallantry and skill. On 9 August 1918, he bombed Falvy Bridge from 1,000 feet obtaining a direct hit. The formation was attacked on its way home by 25-30 EA and a running fight ensued to our lines. Lt. Keating showed exceptional coolness and judgement, and by skilful flying, enabled his observer to shoot down two EA in flames over Marchélepot and Ablaincourt. Two more EA were shot down by the formation and seen to crash in the vicinity of Soyecourt. His machine was so badly shot about that he was forced to land in the shell crater area. On 8 August [1918], after bombing Bethencourt Bridge from 800 feet, obtaining a direct hit, he found seven Pfalz scouts attacking his formation from the rear. He maneuvered for position, enabling his observer to shoot down one in flames over Bethencourt. On 17 July [1918], he bombed Passy Bridge from 500 feet, destroying it just as a column of transport was passing. He then opened machine gun fire on the troops in the vicinity, causing many casualties and great disorder. He has taken part in many successful bomb raids and his excellent example of coolness and courage in action is of the greatest service to his squadron.
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James Alfred Keating, First Lieutenant (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in the skies over France during the months of July and August, 1918. On August 9, 1918, Lieutenant Keating bombed Falvy Bridge over 1,000 feet, obtaining a direct hit. On returning, his formation was attacked by enemy planes and a running fight ensued. By skillfully flying with exceptional coolness he enabled his observer to shoot two planes down in flames. On August 8, 1918, after bombing Bethincourt Bridge over 800 feet, obtaining a direct hit, he found 7 enemy planes attacking his formation from the rear. By maneuvering for position he enabled his observer to shoot one down in flames over Bethincourt. On July 17, 1918, he bombed Passy Bridge over 500 feet, destroying it just as a column of transport was passing. He then opened machine-gun fire on the troops in the vicinity, causing many casualties and great disorder. His exceptional courage and splendid bravery were a constant inspiration to the members of his command.
There were also Hat Tricks for Leutnant Otto Könnecke of Jasta 25 and Leutnant Arthur Laumann of Jasta 66
After two years in an artillery regiment, Laumann's request for a transfer to the German Air Force was approved. While with Jasta 66, his first victory was over a SPAD during the dogfight in which his commander, Rudolf Windisch, was killed. Laumann, who's Fokker D.VII carried the initials " AL" on the fuselage, was the last member of Jagdgeschwader I to be awarded the Blue Max.
The Battle of Amiens
The advance continued on 9 August, though without the spectacular results of the first day. The battle was widened on the north and the south of the initial attack (with the southern part of the battle (involving French forces) called Battle of Montdidier (French: Bataille de Montdidier).
The infantry had outrun the supporting artillery, and the initial force of more than 500 tanks that played a large role in the Allied success was reduced to six battle-ready tanks within four days. The Germans on Chipilly Spur commanded a wide field of fire to the south of the Somme, and their flanking fire held up the left units of the Australian Corps until late on 9 August, when a small Australian party slipped across the river and captured the village of Chipilly itself, together with a renewed attack by III Corps. On the Canadian front, congested roads and communication problems prevented the British 32nd Division being pushed forward rapidly enough to maintain the momentum of the advance. On 10 August, there were signs that the Germans were pulling out of the salient from Operation Michael. According to official reports, the Allies had captured nearly 50,000 prisoners and 500 guns by 27 August. Even with the lessened armour the British drove 19 km (12 mi) into German positions by 13 August.
Field Marshal Haig refused the request of Marshal Foch to continue the offensive, preferring instead to launch a fresh offensive by Byng's Third Army between the Ancre and Scarpe.
The Battle of Amiens was a major turning point in the tempo of the war. The Germans had started the war with the Schlieffen Plan before the Race to the Sea slowed movement on the Western Front and the war devolved into trench warfare. The German Spring Offensive earlier that year had once again given Germany the offensive edge on the Western Front. Armoured support helped the Allies tear a hole through trench lines, weakening once impregnable trench positions: the British Third Army, with no armoured support, had almost no effect on the line, while the Fourth, with fewer than a thousand tanks, broke deep into German territory. Australian commander John Monash was knighted in the days following the battle.
British war correspondent Philip Gibbs noted Amiens' effect on the war's tempo, saying on 27 August that, "the enemy...is on the defensive" and, "the initiative of attack is so completely in our hands that we are able to strike him at many different places." Gibbs also credits Amiens with a shift in troop morale, saying, "the change has been greater in the minds of men than in the taking of territory. On our side the army seems to be buoyed up with the enormous hope of getting on with this business quickly" and that, "there is a change also in the enemy's mind. They no longer have even a dim hope of victory on this western front. All they hope for now is to defend themselves long enough to gain peace by negotiation.
WESTERN FRONT
Somme: *Germans momentarily reoccupy Chipilly north of the river Somme, British with 145 tanks (39 knocked out) and joined US 167th Regiment, capture Morlancourt and Rosieres-Lihons; advance up to 3 miles despite facing 6 extra German divisions, 3,884 Canadian soldiers capture 8 villages and Australian casualties. French take 2 villages and encircle Montdidier with 6 divisions.
Flanders: British advance west of Merville to Locon.
AIR WAR
Austria – The Vienna Raid: Gabriele D’Annunzio organizes daylight leaflet drop; 7 SVA5s and 1 two-seater SVA9 (Palli and D’Annunzio) fly 625 miles San Pelagio-Vienna and back, loitering 30 minutes over city, drop 200,000 manifestos calling on the Viennese to throw off ‘Prussian servitude’.
Western Front: Allies again lose heavily attacking Somme bridges, RAF loses c.35 of 45 aircraft lost for 3 German planes.
Armistice Countdown 95 days
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