"The First Seven Division", Ernest Hamilton

[Ed Matthews]

Does anyone have a copy of "The First Seven Divisions" by Ernest Hamilton? I'm particularly interested in what it has to say about the action fought by 4th (Guards) Brigade at Villers-Cotteretts on 1st September 1914.

Kind rgds

Ed

[armourersergeant]

Sorry dont have this book, but i can tell you that General Snow who commanded the 4th division for some of the opening battles of the war in 1914, was not over pleased with the authors discriptions of his divisions exploits. Snow was of the firm opinion that all was not done well in the retreat and that it had been turned into a fantastic win, a bit like Dunkirk was twenty five years later (my words not his). He read a copy of this book whilst in France after it came out and apparently his mood was not bettered as he read. I think he even gave up in the end.

regards

Arm.

[Ralph J. Whitehead]

Per Hamilton:

"Villers-Cotterets. At the latter place we were again forced into a rear-guard action. At 9 o'clock the 4th (Guards') Brigade, which was acting rear-guard, was overtaken at Soucy, where - in accordance with orders - it had faced about while the 2nd Division was having a two hours' halt for rest and dinner. It was no case of surprise, the brigade being thoroughly prepared and, indeed, expecting to have to hold the enemy in check.

Dispositions were therefore made accordingly. The 2nd Grenadiers and 3rd Coldstream held the ground from Montgobert to Soucy, with the Coldstream lining the long grass ride that runs through the woods at Haramont. They were supported by two batteries of the 41st Brigade R.F.A. The 2nd Coldstream and Irish Guards were posted in rear of the first line along the northern edge of the Foret de Villers-Cotterets, at the base of the ridge known as the Rond de la Reine.

The enemy commenced by shelling the front line, and shelling it with such accuracy that Gen. Scott-Ker ordered the Grenadiers and 3rd Coldstream to fall back through the 2nd line and take up a position in rear. This was done, but subsequently these two battalions were brought up into line with the Irish Guards along the northern edge of the wood, whilst the 2nd Coldstream were sent back to take up a covering position in rear of the wood, along the railway east and west of Villers-Cotterets Halte. Such was the position without much change up to midday, when the enemy's attack began to slacken and shortly afterwards they appeared to have had enough of it and drew off. The 4th Brigade thereupon resumed its march as far as Thury, which was reached about 10.30 p.m. Their casualties in this action amounted to over 300. The Irish Guards had Col. the Hon. G. Morris and Lieut. Tisdall killed; Major Crichton and Lord Castlerosse wounded. In the Grenadiers the Hon. J. Manners and Lieut. McDougall were killed, and in the Coldstream, Lieut. G. Lambton was killed and Captain Burton and Captain Tritton wounded. The Brigadier-Gen. Scott-Ker was himself badly wounded in the thigh, and the command of the brigade was taken over by Col. Corry.

(Pages 84-86).

Hope this helps,

Ralph

[Ed Matthews]

Many thanks for the postings Arm and Ralph - much appreciated.

Rgds

Ed