by scully » Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:09 am
Hi Richard,
The date of entry into the Theatre of War was the date he disembarked in France and joined the fighting forces and shortly afterwards made his way to join the 2nd Battalion. The 2nd Battalion previously landed in France on the 15 August 1914 so he was have joined as part of a new draft of men on the 19th September 1915.
His army number would suggest he was a reservist and would have been recalled for active service.
Below is an extract from the 2nd Battalion history for the dates of the 19th, 20th and 21st September 1914:
September 19th was the first of three days of continuous strain and heavy fighting. The enemy's shell-fire against the positions of the 2nd Division developed about 2 p.m. into a tremendous bombardment both against the left flank of the Division held by the 4th (Guards) Brigade, and against the position of the 6th Brigade, then holding the valley running up to Braye and the wooded ridge of La Bovette. An infantry attack against the latter began as dusk fell. Orders then came for " A " and " B " Companies of the 2nd Worcestershire to move from their position in reserve at Verneuil to the support of the 6th Brigade. The two companies reported to the Brigadier of the 6th Brigade about 8 p.m. and lay in reserve throughout the night. Meanwhile the remainder of the 2nd Worcestershire had been withdrawn from the Tilleul height and remained all night in reserve, " standing by " ready to reinforce any threatened point. Dawn of the 20th brought a storm of shells, and the German infantry commenced to push forward. The attack came against the right flank battalion of the 6th Brigade, the 1st King's Regiment, which was holding the line from the canal in the Braye valley to the western slopes of the Tilleul spur. The western slope of the spur was heavily wooded, and the German infantry worked their way forward through the woods. Into these woods " A " and " B " Companies of the 2nd Worcestershire were sent, together with two platoons of the H.L.I., to drive back the attacking enemy. The advance began about 11 a.m. With great difficulty the two companies pushed through the dense woods, suffering many casualties from the enemy's fire. Beyond the wood they came
upon a company of German infantry in position. The Worcestershire companies charged with the bayonet and drove the enemy from their trenches. Then, as they pressed on, disaster befell them. A strong force of the enemy, well entrenched on the flank, opened a murderous fire as the Worcestershire platoons spread out over the open. The losses were heavy, all the officers of two companies were shot down, and the remnant fell back. A tangled fight ensued, in which the little force became hopelessly scattered in the dense wood. Eventually Captain C. E. L. Porter, wounded though he was, succeeded in collecting a remnant of the two companies, and established a position on the near edge of the wood, linking up with the 5th Brigade on the right and the 6th Brigade on the left. Meanwhile " C " and " D " Companies had been sent up to support the H.L.I, on the Tilleul hill.
Next day (21st) at dawn "A" and " B " Companies were relieved and withdrawn into reserve. The enemy's heavy guns continued to shell the position at intervals and there were some minor attacks, but the 2nd Worcestershire were not actively engaged.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
Louis (webmaster)