5th Bn Gallantry medals

The Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War

5th battalion individual Gallantry Medals

1 "The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George" (C.M.G.)

Lt-Colonel Edgar William BRIGHTEN, C.M.G., D.S.O., T.D.

Edgar William Brighten was born 18th May 1880 and served in the Volunteers (the predecessor of the Territorials) from 1898. By 1900, the newly promoted Lieutenant Brighten volunteered for active service abroad and was in charge of the 4th draft of Volunteers to serve in the South African War in 1902. By 1904 he was a Captain in the Volunteers as well as being a partner in Messrs Brown and Brighten, a solicitors firm from Luton. After the Great War, he continued to serve in the Regiment for many years afterwards.

Lt-Colonel Brighten of Luton was a serving Officer in the 5th Battalion for the entire 1914-1919 war, having been granted his commissioned to Major on the 20th January 1912. He took over command of the Battalion from Lt-Colonel F.N. Butler (who was taken illl at Bury St. Edmunds, later recovering to take over command of the 1st Battalion in France) before they left English shores and led them throughout their trials on the Gallipoli peninsular, the boredom and fighting patrols of Egypt, through to the end of the war in Palestine. After the war he served as a Training Officer in India (13th February 1924 to 30th January 1928) and went on to command the 2nd Battalion between 1929 and 1933.

His C.M.G. was awarded for the way he handled his Battalion during the Dardenelles campaign and gazetted in the London Gazette on the 2nd February 1916.

His "Distinguished Service Order" was awarded for the Battalions raids on Umbrella Hill in July 1917, as well as for their continual conduct throughout the 1916 and 1917 campaigns.

The "Territorial Decoration" was shown in the London Gazette on the 28th August 1918.

In addition, Edgar Brighten was "Mentioned in Despatches" several times for distinguished services, including 28th January 1916, 13th July 1916, in Sir Ian Hamilton's final Gallipoli despatches on 1st December 1916, on 12th January 1918 as well as on 22nd January 1919.

He can also be seen in many of the group photographs here.

3 Distinguished Service Orders (D.S.O.)

In addition to Lt-Colonel Brighten shown above, the following Officers were awarded the D.S.O.:

Major C.H.F. METCALFE, D.S.O., T.D.

His promotion to Captain in the Territorials was granted on the 25th January 1909 and was present when the Battalion embodied in August 1914.

Having served with the Battalion throughout Gallipoli his D.S.O. was gazetted on 1st January 1917.

His 'Territorial Decoration' was granted in the London Gazette 6-5-1920 and he was also Mentioned in Despatches on 4th January 1917 and again on 14th June 1918.

Major Harold YOUNGHUSBAND, D.S.O.

Harold Younghusband was appointed the Battalions Captain and Adjutant on 12th February 1914.

His D.S.O. was included in the London Gazette dated 2nd February 1916 for his gallantry on Gallipoli whilst serving as the Battalion Adjutant, after which he was promoted to the rank of Major. He is mentioned in the Regimental History for "performing prodigies of valour" in keeping the isolated groups of the Battalion together during the attack on 15th August 1915.

Harold was wounded in the knee on 30th August 1915 and shipped home to recover. After his recovery he was promoted to Lt-Colonel and posted to command the 7th Battalion of The Gloucestershire Battalion in Mesopotamia but was sadly killed in action on the 21st April 1916 - shortly after arriving with them - aged 39 He was also Mentioned in Despatches on the 28th January 1916 in connection with his gallantry on Gallipoli, within Sir Ian Hamilton's final Gallipoli despatch.

Harold Younghusband can be seen here in the 1915 Officers group photograph, sitting next to Lt-Colonel Brighten.

12 Military Crosses (M.C.) and 2 Bars

Captain Harold Simon ARMSTRONG, M.C.

Captain Armstrong had served in the 2nd battalion on the Western Front in the summer of 1915 until wounded that August. He recovered in the 4th Battalion and was posted to the 5th on the 17th March 1916. Harold trained the men for, and led the first "Umbrella Hill" raiding party on 20th July 1917 (see here for details on the raid). He is mentioned several times in the War Dairy by name including on 30th September 1916 and 10th July 1917 during the practice for the coming raids on Umbrella Hill. In 1918, he went on to become 2nd in command of one of the Norfolk Battalions and survived the war.

Harold won his Military Cross for his cool and gallant leadership during the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917. The raid was such a success that it became the "text book" practice in the theatre, and 16 of the 19 Military Medals awarded as a result went to men of the 5th Battalion.

The Battalion War Diary recorded;"3 Aug 1917 - Deir el Belah Notification received of award of Military Cross to Capt. H.S. ARMSTRONG, Capt. C.H. MISKIN &Capt. A.T. CUNNINGHAM for gallantry in connexion with 1st raid on UMBRELLA HILL".

His MC was gazetted 10th August 1917 and The London Gazette on 18th October 1917 recorded: "2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Harold Simon Armstrong, Bedf. R., Spec. Res." and the MC citation in the London Gazette 7-3-1918 reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raiding party. Owing to the dense smoke from the bombardment some confusion was caused when the party entered the enemy's lines, but with great coolness he got all his parties to their allotted objectives. The withdrawal was rendered extremely difficult owing to an enemy barrage, but he personally reconnoitred the best way through it, and got his party back successfully. His coolness, courage and presence of mind in very difficult circumstances saved a number of casualties and contributed largely to the success of the operations."

He is also mentioned in The London Gazette as follows:

No. 30002, published 27/03/1917, p15 of 70. "2/Lt (Temp. Lt) HS Armstrong to be Temp. Cpt whilst attached to the Battalion. 18/12/1917"

No. 30737, published 7/06/1918, p15 of 18. "Temp. Cpt HS Armstrong, MC, Bedf. R., to be Acting Major (in the Norfolk Regiment) whilst employed as 2nd in command. 9/02/1918".

Captain William Stuart CHIRNSIDE, M.C. and Bar.

William was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 5th Battalion on the 28th March 1914 and was in the Orderly Room at the Bedford H.Q. with Captain Younghusband when the surprise order to mobilise came through at 6.17pm on 4th August 1914. Having discussed the validity of the order, they called the 4th Northamptons who confirmed it was accurate, which resulted in the two bemused Officers starting the process of mobilisation. He trained and served with the Battalion from the start and sailed out with them in July 1915. William survived the wounds he received on Gallipoli and was awarded his first Military Cross for bravery shown during that most trying of times. After a period of convalescence at home, he was posted to France to become a Major in the 1st Battalion, where he won his second M.C.

During the Battalions baptism of fire from 15th to 19th August 1915, around half of their number became casualties, yet the Bedfords tenaciously held the ground they had gained against a series of vicious bomb and bayonet attacks. During the ferocious engagements several medals were earned, including the then Lt Chirnside. He ignored his wounds and stayed at his post for 2 days, until senior officers insisted he retire to the first aid station on the beach. For his gallantry during the period, he was awarded an MC and promoted to Captain.

Page 308 of the Battalion history and London Gazette number 29394, issued 7th December 1915 both read; "For conspicuous courage on the Gallipoli peninsular 15th to 17th August 1915. He led his men with gallantry and spite of being wounded, he remained 2 days at his post until relieved and taken to hospital. By his fine example and courage he assisted in keeping up the morale and spirits of his men."

His promotion didn't stop there, as he went on to reach the heights of Acting Lt -Colonel, even temporarily commanded the 1st Battalion whilst the CO was away at the end of 1918. He is mentioned several times in The London Gazette, as follows:

No. 29666, published 11/07/1916, p8 of 10. "Lt WS Chirnside to be Captain. 16/08/1915"

No. 29976, published 9/03/1917, p33 of 84. "Cpt R Forrest to be Adjutant, vice Cpt WS Chirnside, MC. 01/02/1917"

No. 30541, published 22/02/1918, p8 of 18. "Cpt WS Chirnside to be acting Major whilst serving as Major on Hd Qtrs of Battalion. 12/11/1917"

No. 30680, published 10/05/1918, p6 of 14. "Cpt WS Chirnside, MC, TF relinquished rank of Acting Major. 7/02/1918"

No. 30972, published 22/10/1918, p5 of 16. "Cpt (Act. Major) WS Chirnside, MC, TF, to be acting Lt - Col. whilst commanding a Battalion. 7/09/1918"

No. 31311, published 25/04/1919, p5 of 20. "Cpt WS Chirnside MC, TF, to be Acting Major whilst serving on Hd Qtrs of a Battalion from 16/10/1918 to 5/01/1919 inclusive"

William Chirnside can be seen in the second row of the 1915 Officers group photographs here as well as in Leonard Brereton's photographs here.

Captain Andrew Tocher CUNNINGHAM, M.C.

Captain Cunningham was the RAMC Medical Officer who was attached to the 5th Battalion and earned his MC whilst raiding the Turkish lines on Umbrella Hill on 20th July 1917. Although not technically a member of the 5th Battalion, he was responsible for saving many lives during his assignment, so is well worth the mention amongst those men whom he helped to save.

The Battalion War Diary records: "3 Aug 1917 - Deir el Belah Notification received of award of Military Cross to Capt. H.S. ARMSTRONG, Capt. C.H. MISKIN & Capt. A.T. CUNNINGHAM for gallantry in connexion with 1st raid on UMBRELLA HILL".

Andrew's MC Gazette, dated 18-10-17 reads: "T./Capt. Andrew Tocher Cunningham, M.B., R.A.M.C."

The citation in the London Gazette, dated 7-3-1918 states; "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's lines. He worked continually throughout an intense bombardment attending to the wounded at the aid post until they had all been attended to and evacuated. He showed great courage and devotion to duty."

Captain Thomas Alderman FRANKLIN, M.C.

Information on Captain Franklin can be found here.

Second Lieutenant Frank GOODERHAM, M.C.

Frank Gooderham started the war as a Sgt in the 1st/5th Suffolks, gained promotion to become a commissioned Officer in the Bedfords and survived the war.

On 30th May 1918, 2nd Lieutenant Gooderham took nine men out on a patrol along the Wadi Dhaheb, close to the River Auja at Transfluvia East. On hearing movement in the darkness, the patrol crawled to within 150 yards of the noises and identified a strong Turkish party. They moved forwards, intent on ambushing them and stumbled into a sleeping picket, whom they bayoneted. The screams of the dying enemy alerted several other groups hiding in the long grass and the small party found themselves heavily outnumbered and almost surrounded. After killing ten of them and losing only one of their own, they slipped away and made it back to their own lines unmolested.

The Battalion War Diary records:

"9 Jun 1918. Notification of awards of M.C.'s to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers for good patrol work."

"11 Jun 1918. 1800 Presentation of Military Cross ribbons to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers".

His MC citation in the London Gazette, No. 30997, published 5/11/1918, p24 of 54, reads: "2/Lt Frank Gooderham, Bedf. R. He took out a small patrol and rushed an enemy piquet. On more enemy coming up he and his patrol successfully fought their way out, accounting for 10 of the enemy with only one casualty to themselves. He showed conspicuous gallantry and good leadership and bayoneted three of the enemy himself".

Captain Francis Bromley HOBBS, M.C.

Captain Hobbs was commissioned into the 5th Battalion as a 2nd Lieutenant on the 1st July 1914 and served with them throughout the entire war. By their departure for Gallipoli, he was a full Lieutenant, and was promoted to Captain in May 1916. Despite being wounded in 1917, he survived the war.

Captain Hobbs earned his MC during the desperate defensive actions around Zeify Hill on the 28th and 29th November 1917, when in command of D Company. A large band of Turkish soldiers raided the Bedford's positions overnight and almost succeeded in punching through their thin, overstretched line. Most of the Army were engaged in events many miles away, leaving the 54th Division to man an unusually long portion of the line of advance, which the Turks tried in vain to break through.

One of D Company's machine gun posts was overrun unexpectedly, which spurred Captain Hobbs into action. Gathering a small force, he assaulted the position and bombed the larger group of Turks from their newly won position. Captain Hobbs and many others were awarded medals for their gallantry that night as allowing the Turks to break through would have left them with a clear, unmolested line all the way back to the British Command areas in Ludd as no other troops were in the area.

The Battalion War Diary states: "16 Mar 1918 Heavy Rain in the early morning. Major C.R.James, Capt.F.B.Hobbs & Lieut.W.A. Shaw (awarded the) MC. R.S.M.Milton MC, (awarded the) DCM. C.S.M.Chandler Sgts Sapsford, Sharpe, Cpl.Ball (awarded the) D.C.M. Sgt.Marlow, Ptes Halfpenny, Andrews (awarded the) M.M (and) proceeding to YAZUR for presentation of decorations by the Duke of Connaught"

He is mentioned by name several times in the War Dairy, including being wounded by shrapnel on 14th August 1917 and a secret mission on 29 September 1916. A mixed party was to sail to Jedda to assist King Hussein of Hedjaz, but the King changed his mind and would not allow the British force to land once they arrived. The Battalion history remarks that none of them were "the worse for a very nice little trip up and down the Red Sea" when they returned.

He is also mentioned in The London Gazette several times, as follows:

No. 29643, published 27/06/1916. "Lt (Temp. Cpt) FB Hobbs relinquishes temporary rank on alteration of posting, from 30/01/1915. 19/05/1916"

No. 29843, published 3/11/1916, p9 of 10. "Lt FB Hobbs to be Temp. Cpt 17/05/1916"

No. 30238, published 17/08/1917, p15 of 18. "Lt (Temp. Cpt) FB Hobbs to be Captain from 01/06/1916"

No. 30218, published 3/08/1917, p 4 of 20. "Temp. Lt FB Hobbs to be Acting Captain. 19/03/1917"

No. 30473, published 11/01/1918, p11 of 14. "Captains, in order of precedence; JT Yarde, FB Hobbs, HH Sperling, OS Chaunder (seconded)"

No. 31508, published 15/08/1919, p2 of 12. "Temp. Lt FB Hobbs relinquishes rank of Acting Captain 27/07/1919"

Captain Hobbs is also shown leading a raiding party later on 6 Oct 1917. The diary recorded:

"A.C.D coys relieved in Merioneth Redoubt and front line of HEREFORD RIDGE SECTION, between 0900 and 1100. Strong Patrol consisting of three officers, 3 Warrant Officers, 3 Lewis Guns and 46 men left SUBKET POST at about 1800 for the purpose of locating position of enemy in FISHER'S ORCHARD, engaging them and then withdrawing sending back a code word to Brigade via Coy and Battalion H.Q. on receipt of this zero hour was fixed by Brigade and on zero hour 4.2" howitzers and Stokes guns opened up on Echelon Trench followed 10 minutes later by 18pr and machine gun barrage, this lasted for another 10 minutes, shortly after this the patrol pushed out again but met with such strong opposition just outside our wire that Capt F.B.Hobbs who was commanding patrol, thought it advisable to withdraw to our own lines and to call on the Artillery and Stokes Guns to put an other [sic] barrage down closer to our own trenches thus inflicting many casualties on the enemy. Our casualties were one killed six wounded."

Second Lieutenant (Acting Major) Christopher Russell JAMES, M.C.

Christopher Russell James was born on the 22nd August 1893 in Shortmead Street, Biggleswade. His father was Alfred James M.R.C.S. who was a surgeon and his mother was Helen James (nee Buckland).

Christopher is listed as a Mining Student when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire regiment on the 25th May 1913, having previously been a "Cadet Lance Corporal" at the Bedford Grammar School contingent (Junior Division) of the Officer Training Corps, which he left in April 1912.

He lived at 48 Cathent Road in south west London. When the 5th Battalion was embodied for war service on the 4th August 1914, 2/Lt James became a full time Army Officer and was promoted to Lieutenant on the 24th August 1914. He served with the battalion throughout their training and whilst they provided home defence in Anglia, and sailed with them to Gallipoli in July 1915.

During the battalion's baptism of fire on the 15th August 1915, 2/Lt James was wounded, receiving gunshot and shrapnel wounds to right leg, as well as suffering from pyorrhea and alveolaris. Whilst being treated for his injuries, seniority found him promoted to the rank of Captain on the 16th August 1915, as all the other Battalions Captains and most of their Lieutenants had been killed the previous day. The London Gazette entry reads; "Appointments; Lt. (Temp. Cpt) CR James to Cpt. 16/08/1915".

Having been evacuated to Alexandria and treated further, he left Egypt on the SS Aquitania on the 16th October 1915, arriving at Southampton on the 27th October. Captain James spent until the 27th November 1915 convalescing. He was finally passed fit for service again on the 7th January 1916 and reported to the 3rd/5th Bedfords at Halton Camp, near Tring on the 9th January 1916.

Captain James left England to rejoin the battalion again on the 31st January 1916, leaving Devonport on board the H.M.T. Ascania and arriving at Alexandria on the 14th February 1916. He rejoined the 5th Battalion on the 22nd at Mena Camp and was placed in command of C Company. In 1916, he led two uneventful Desert Columns (in April and June) but otherwise had a quiet time until the British Army advanced into Palestine.

Christopher survived the battalions relatively limited involvement in the first two Battles at Gaza in March and April 1917 but on the 26th May 1917 was admitted to the 2nd/1st East Anglian Field Ambulance with Scarlet Fever and was moved to the 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital at El Arish on the 28th May. By the 24th July, he was discharged to the 14th General Hospital at Mustapha to finish his recovery, after which time he rejoined the Battalion on the 4th August 1917.

Whilst in hospital on the 2nd June 1917 his Military Cross was published on page 23 of the London Gazette, No. 29607. Unfortunately, this coincides with the Kings birthday, so the detailed citation highlighting what it was awarded for has proved hard to find! He was also mentioned in General Allenby's dispatches on the 1st and 18th March 1917.

Between the 11th August and 16th September 1917 (and several more times before the war ended), Major James commanded the battalion whilst Lt-Colonel Brighten was placed in temporary command of the 162nd Brigade. He survived the 3rd Battle at Gaza that November and Christmas 1917 was all the more comfortable due to his "wangling" that eventually provided the battalion with some Christmas Fayre!

Major James served with the battalion as they held the thin line against the vigorous Turkish attacks in the new year whilst the bulk of the army assaulted Jerusalem to the east and seems to have had a quiet time of things for the first half of 1918. His only known adventure was the trip to Yazur on the 16th March when the Duke of Connaught presented him, along with several others from his battalion, with gallantry medal ribbons.

On the 23rd May and 1st June 1918 he commanded the 1st/10th London Battalion temporarily, returning to the Bedford's both times and surviving the final engagements of the war that September and October.

On the 14th December 1918 Major James was admitted to the 31st General Hospital in Cairo with an unspecified illness which was, in all likelihood, Malaria. He rejoined the Bedfords on the 28th December and served the rest of their time out in Egypt as the Battalion was slowly disembodied from war service. Once the Battalion had been disembodied completely Major James volunteered for the Army of Occupation on the 30th June 1919. Whilst serving in the Army of Occupation he was 2nd in command of the 1st/5th Suffolks at the Prisoner of War Camp in Tura.

He went to Cyprus on leave on the 1st September 1919 and on the 2nd October 1919 was posted to 1st/7th Royal Welch Fusiliers. The 22nd Battalion of the Manchester's was the last unit in the field that Christopher served with as a Captain (Acting Major) from 11th November 1919.

Between December 1919 and January 1920, he went to Austria on Escort duties and returned to Egypt on their completion. Major Christopher Russell James finally left Alexandria for the last time on the 31st March 1920 and arrived in Liverpool on the 12th April 1920 for demobilization.

Major Christopher Russell James, M.C. was Lt-Colonel Brighten's (the 5th Battalion C.O.) brother in law and lived at 16 Collinette Road, Putney when finally released from service in April 1920. He had survived Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine, been wounded and suffered from several bouts of illness as well as serving a further year and a half beyond the end of hostilities on various duties before returning home to carry on with "normal life".

He can be seen here in the 1915 Officers photo, sitting in the front row, furthest left.

Captain Emil Theodore MAIER, M.C.

Emil Theodore Maier was born in Luton in 1889, the son of Charles and Anna Maier who lived at 3 Burk Street in Luton in 1891. His father was Bavarian by birth and his mother Swiss, making the war a confusing time you would think. However, Captain Maier served with distinction throughout the war, finally losing his life to illness after it was all over. By the end of the war, he was married to Mrs C.E. Maier and they lived at 23 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire.

Theodore was commissioned as an Officer on the 17th September 1914 and served with the 1st/5th Battalion from the outset. He helped to train them into a fighting unit and sailed to Gallipoli with them at the end of July 1915. He survived their 15th August 1915 assault against Kidney Hill yet was plagued by illness, as many men were whilst serving in the Middle Eastern theatre.

Captain Maier suffered from recurring Dysentery and was finally forced to leave the battalion on the 21st October 1915, when he was sent to the military hospital on Malta for further treatment. The 13th November saw him loaded onto the H.M.H.S. Morea and arrive at Southampton on the 20th.

He recovered and, after re-training again, embarked from Devonport aboard the H.M.T. Tunisian on the 30th April 1916. On the 12th May he arrived at Alexandria and was back with the battalion at El Kubri on the 19th May 1916.

On the 13th September, B and D Companies under Captains Maier and Yarde respectively moved out to assault a Turkish outpost, supported by a company from the Northamptons and 1st/10th Londons. After 4 days march they laid up at the foot of the mountain that held the outpost and moved up the steep sides in the darkness of the night. Captain Maier's B Company had the job of the frontal assault whereas the 3 other companies were to move around the flanks overnight and cut the outpost off. During the move Private Fox, who was leading Maier's horse, was ambushed by an unseen Turkish sentry post and killed but otherwise no fatalities were suffered during the bayonet charge. Several Turkish casualties were accounted for but before the Bedfords could take their bayonets into the Turkish positions, the garrison fled.

On the 2nd December 1916 Captain Maier was admitted to the 2nd/1st East Anglian Field Ambulance with Malaria and moved to the General hospital at Suez the same day. The 12th saw him discharged and returned to his unit, still suffering from Gastritis.

On the 19th May he was sent to the 2nd/1st Field Ambulance again but suffering from Tonsillitis this time. He was transferred to the 24th Stationary Hospital at Kantara on the 22nd and moved to Cairo on the 17th June, having contracted Diphtheria. The 30th June saw him discharged to Mustapha and he was back with the battalion on the 5th July 1917.

Captain Maier was also in charge of the direct support during the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917 and became the acting Lt-Colonel when both the C.O. and 2nd in command were away on courses in August. He survived the 3rd Battle of Gaza without incident and was the post commander when the Turkish counter attacks hit the battalion at Zeify Hill and Nabala Hill on the evening of the 29th to 30th November 1917. His personally organized counter attack at a crucial time turned the Turkish flank and saw them run as his party bayonet charged them.

Captain Maier was back in the Field Ambulance on the 18th December 1917 with ICT to his right knee and transferred to the Citadel Hospital in Cairo on Christmas Eve 1917. He remained there until discharged to Mustapha again on the 2nd February 1918 and rejoined the unit on the 22nd.

The 2nd May 1918 saw him back in the Field Ambulance with Pyrexia which kept him in Kantara until he was back with the battalion once again on the 15th May 1918.

The day after the armistice was signed saw Captain Maier go back into hospital yet again (at Beirut) and he spent until the 19th November in Alexandria but by the 1st December he was re-admitted to the 44th Stationary Hospital in Kantara with Influenza. By the 14th December it had developed into Malaria

New Year's Day 1919 saw his Military Cross being gazetted in the London Times, presumably for his involvement in the Battle of Meggido or the series of aggressive patrols in September 1918. Unfortunately I have been unable to identify the details or his citation to date.

Malaria took its toll on Captain Maier and he had to leave the battalion for what would be the final time. After treatment to stabilise his condition, he embarked from Port Said on the H.M.S. Caledonian on the 5th January 1919, arriving at Southampton on the 30th.

Captain Maier had secured a position with Vyse & Sons in London as one of the foreign market traders based in Holland but was not released from service until April 1919. Despite struggling against the illnesses he had contracted whilst on service, he finally passed away on the 24th October 1920 at home in Luton.

He can be seen here in the 1915 Officers photo and is sitting in the third row, furthest left.

Second Lieutenant William Henry MAYERS, M.C.

William was commissioned as an Officer in the 5th Battalion on the 14th August 1917 and survived the war.

He was awarded his Military Cross for his part in the patrol on the 30th May 1918 (see Lieutenant Gooderham), and is recorded in the Battalion War Diary:

"9 Jun 1918. Notification of awards of M.C.'s to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers for good patrol work."

11 Jun 1918 "The C.O. leaves battn. for tour of inspection of Schools of Instruction. Major CR James MC assumes command. 1800 Presentation of Military Cross ribbons to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers"

Williams' MC citation in The London Gazette, No 30997, published 5/11/1918, page 32 of 54 reads; "2/Lt William Henry Mayers, Bedf R. For conspicuous gallantry leading a patrol some 3,500 yards towards enemy's lines and cutting off and capturing an enemy piquet some 8 strong, whom he brought back without casualties to his own party. He showed leadership and enterprise of a high order"

200007 Regimental Sergeant Major Aleck MILTON, M.C., D.C.M

Having already won a Distinguished Conduct Medal, Aleck Milton was awarded his M.C. whilst the Battalion's Regimental Sergeant Major, when he helped to repel the Turks in the Zeify Hill skirmish in November 1917 (see Captain Mills' entry above for details).

His MC was gazetted 28th January 1918 and the ribbon was presented along with Captain Mill's.

More information on Aleck Milton can be seen in his entry under the DCM above.

Captain Christopher Harold MISKIN M.C. and Bar

Christopher Miskin was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 4th February 1914 and took over as the Transport Officer from the wily and able Lieutenant Andreini in the spring of 1915. He is recorded as being one of the most able Transport Officers ever to have blessed the Battalion but was forced to stay with the Transport in England until after the evacuation of Gallipoli; he arrived in Egypt with the 5th Battalion's Transport on the 12th January 1916. Whilst stationed in Egypt he was one of only two men in the Brigade to scale the second largest pyramid at Giza - the other being Lt-Colonel Brighten! After the war he became the 10th Commanding Officer of the 5th Battalion (from 1928).

He won his MC during the raids against Turkish positions on Umbrella Hill 29th July 1917. (See Captain Armstrong's entry above for further information on the raids, and the full story can be read here.)

His MC Gazette dated 18th October 1917 reads: "Capt. Christopher Harold Miskin, Bedf. R."

The London Gazette entry of 7th March 1918 records; "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's lines. He was in charge of a party of reserves concentrated in rear of our front line, which came under an intense barrage after the raid had started. He moved about in this barrage in the most fearless manner, and succeeded in stopping the raiding party on their return and diverting them round the barrage. But for his courage and presence of mind under very heavy fire many casualties would undoubtedly have occurred."

He is mentioned a number of times in the Battalion War Diary, including:

"3 Aug 1917 - Deir el Belah Notification received of award of Military Cross to Capt. H.S. ARMSTRONG, Capt. C.H. MISKIN & Capt. A.T. CUNNINGHAM for gallantry in connexion with 1st raid on UMBRELLA HILL."

"12 Feb 1916 Draft of 1 Officer CAPT MISKIN & 420 O.Rs arrived from ENGLAND"

Christopher Miskin is also mentioned in The London Gazette as follows:

No. 29607, published 2/06/1916, p23 of 100. "Appointments; Lt (Temp. Cpt) CH Miskin to be Captain 13/09/1915".

No. 29666, published 11/07/1916, p8 of 10. "Cpt CH Miskin to have precedence from 16/08/1915"

No. 30337, published 16/10/1917, p17 of 22. "Cpt CH Miskin to Acting Major whilst employed as Major on Hd Qtrs from 26/06/1917 to 21/07/1914"

Lieutenant William Arthur SHAW, M.C.

William was commissioned into the 5th Battalion on the 23rd March 1916 and served with them throughout the Egypt and Palestine campaigns, surviving the war. Lieutenant Shaw won his MC for leading the middle section of raiders during the Umbrella Hill raids of July 1917 and led D Company during the third battle at Gaza in November 1917. After the battle, he motivated his Company so well during the salvage operations that they collected hundreds of shells from the field, earning themselves the nickname the "Salvage Corps".

His MC Gazette of 18th October 1917 reads: "Lt. William Arthur Shaw, Bedf. R."

The London Gazette citation of 7th March 1918 states: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's lines. On reaching the enemy's front trench he was confronted with a machine gun mounted on the parapet which threatened to hold up the whole party. Without hesitation he dashed at it with his party, killed the gunners, and captured the gun. He then led his men along the trench in face of rifle fire and bombing, and forced the enemy to give way. He showed remarkable dash and leadership."

The Battalion War Diary recorded: "16 Mar 1918 Heavy Rain in the early morning. Major C.R.James, Capt.F.B.Hobbs & Lieut. W.A. Shaw (awarded the) MC. R.S.M.Milton MC, (awarded the) DCM. C.S.M.Chandler Sgts Sapsford, Sharpe, Cpl.Ball (awarded the) D.C.M. Sgt.Marlow, Ptes Halfpenny, Andrews (awarded the) M.M (and) proceeding to YAZUR for presentation of decorations by the Duke of Connaught"

He is also mentioned several times in The London Gazette:

No. 30017, published 13/11/1917, p18 of 62. "2/Lt WA Shaw to be Acting Lt 17/02/1917"

No. 30550, published 26/02/1918 p15 of 16. "Lt WA SHAW, MC to be Acting Cpt 8/12/1917"

No. 31163, published 4/02/1919, p11 of 14. "Lt WA Shaw, MC to be Acting Cpt whilst commanding a Company. 15/11/1918."

No. 31326, published 2/05/1919 p12 of 16. "Lt (Acting Cpt) WA Shaw, MC relinquishes rank on alteration of posting. 24/12/1918".

In addition, the diary recorded: "13 Oct 1917 Attack Practice over prepared position. Lieut W.A.Shaw rejoined from El Arish Snipers Course."

Lieutenant Barlow Woolcombe SMYTHE, M.C.

Lieutenant Smythe was commissioned into the 5th Battalion 21st September 1915, arriving with the Battalion in Gallipoli the same month, only to find his elder brother, Captain R.M. Smythe had been killed on the 14th September 1915. Whilst on the Gallipoli peninsular, he led several raids against Turkish positions on Bulgar Bluff and was eventually taken from the line on 17th November due to illness.

Having recovered and rejoined the Battalion in Egypt, he served with them for the rest of the war. During the Umbrella Hill raids of July 1917, he commanded the 12 strong screen, for which he was awarded the Military Cross. The screen cleared the remnants of the Turkish wire away from in front of the position, allowing the raiders behind to rush the trenches. Having completed that, his party rushed a machine gun post across open ground and remained in position for the duration of the raid.

His Military Cross was gazetted 11th February 1918.

After the war, Lieutenant Smythe rejoined the Battalion and continued to serve well into the 1930's.

Captain Hugh WILKIN, M.C.

Second Lieutenant Wilkin was commissioned 19th October 1915 and seconded from the Royal West Kent Regiment into the 5th Bedfords late in 1916. He stayed with the Battalion and survived the war.

On the 19th April 1917, he was wounded during the 2nd Battle at Gaza but rejoined the Battalion in time to lead one of the assaulting parties during the 1st Umbrella Hill raid in July 1917. It was for his leadership in the raid that his MC was awarded.

By the 3rd battle at Gaza, he had been promoted to Captain and was the Battalions acting Adjutant, serving in the Headquarters section alongside Lt-Colonel Brighten.

He is mentioned several times in the War Diary, including him assuming the role of Adjutant on 27th May 1918, and leaving the Battalion for duty with XXI Corps on 9th June 1918 but returning the following month.

He is also mentioned several times in The London Gazette:

No. 30017, published 13/04/1917, p18 of 62. "2/Lt H Wilkin (RWK Regt.) to be Acting Lt whilst attached to Battalion 5/11/1916.

No. 30429, published 14/12/1917, p15 of 16. "2/Lt H Wilkin (RWK Regt.) to be Adjutant and Acting Capt 6/10/1917"

No. 30537, published 19/12/1918, p18 of 22. "2/Lt (Acting Captain) H Wilkin (RWK Regt.) relinquishes rank of Acting Capt upon ceasing to command a Company. 6/1/0/1917"

No. 31004, published 8/11/1918, p2 of 12. "RWK Regt; Promotion of 2/Lt H Wilkin, MC, antedated to 20/02/1918."

No. 31175, published 11/02/1919, p5 of 14. "Memorandum; Lt H Wilkin, MC, RWK Regt, attached 5th Bedf, to be Temp Capt whilst acting as Staff Capt. 14/10/1918"

Captain John Tristram YARDE, M.C. and Bar.

A detailed biography of Captain Yarde can be seen here and he is in the 1915 Officers group photograph here.

11 DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDALS

201118 Private Horace BALDWIN, D.C.M., M.M.

Horace Baldwin was from Tring and enlisted into the British army in October 1914 as Private 16974. He initially served in the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire regiment in France, from 27th April 1915 until he was wounded that summer, after which he spent time in England convalescing. When he had recovered, he was sent to the 5th Battalion in Egypt, arriving early in 1916.

His DCM was awarded for his bravery in the action that Samuel Needham won his VC, Captain Yarde (above) his second MC and several other gallantry medals shown on this page. The DCM was gazetted 7th November 1918 and his citation dated 25th February 1920 reads:

"On the night of 10/11th September 1918 near Kefr Kasim, one of our fighting patrols was surrounded by greatly superior numbers of enemy. Pte. Baldwin as No.1 of a Lewis gun team pushed out 10 yards in front of our line, covering them, at 25 yards from the advancing enemy. He held the enemy back, and then withdrew his Lewis gun in one hand, covering himself with his revolver. Had it not been for his courage and determination, this Lewis gun would undoubtedly have been lost."

Horace survived the war, eventually being discharged "Class Z" on 3rd April 1919.

13080 Corporal Alwynne Horace BALL, D.C.M.

Corporal Ball hailed from Sandy in Bedfordshire and enlisted into the army late August 1914. He served in the 1st Battalion in France from March 1915 until wounds returned him to England to recover, after which he was transferred to the 5th Battalion in Egypt early in 1916.

He won his DCM during the Third Battle of Gaza. His citation, dated 1st May 1918, reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in command of a machine-gun section he showed considerable initiative and gallantry, and when under heavy shell fire and before the position had been consolidated he pushed forward to an advanced position and opened fire on the enemy assembling for a counterattack."

Corporal Ball was one of the group of Bedfords who were decorated at Yazur and is mentioned in the Battalion War diary:

"16 Mar 1918 Heavy Rain in the early morning. Major C.R.James, Capt.F.B.Hobbs & Lieut.W.A.Shaw (awarded the) MC. R.S.M.Milton MC, (awarded the) DCM. C.S.M.Chandler Sgts Sapsford, Sharpe, Cpl.Ball (awarded the) D.C.M. Sgt.Marlow, Ptes Halfpenny, Andrews (awarded the) M.M (and) proceeding to YAZUR for presentation of decorations by the Duke of Connaught"

He survived the war and was disembodied from service in 1919.

3992 Private, later Acting C.Q.M.S. 240084 Reginald BELL, D.C.M.

Reginald Bell enlisted into the army as a Private late in August 1914 and trained with them until their departure for Gallipoli in July 1915.

During their baptism of fire on 15th August 1915 Private Bell took the initiative and led the remnants of his platoon after all the Officers and NCO's were killed or wounded. The following day Lieutenant E.L. Rawlins crawled out from their newly won positions to try and rescue a wounded Bedford but was himself hit in the process. Private Bell immediately rushed out to rescue the Officer and the other wounded man and finally brought them in after dark, having cared for them as Turkish bullets and shells tried to find him. On the 17th August, he went out alone to learn about Turkish positions and the chances of yet another counter attack being delivered, which included lying up only yards from their positions for hours at night, listening to their movements.

Private Ball was promoted to Corporal and awarded the DCM, second only to the VC, for his bravery. The DCM gazette is dated 6th November 1915 and the citation, dated 22nd January 1916 reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and determination during operations at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli Peninsula, on many occasions, notably the following: On 15th August 1915, he organised and led a party of men when their officers had become casualties. On 16th August he went out under a very heavy fire, dressed and brought in a wounded officer. On 17th August he made a valuable reconnaissance of a Turkish position."

During his service, he was promoted through the ranks, ending up as an Acting CQMS in the 5th Battalion at the end of the war.

3785 Private Harry BRYANT, D.C.M.

Harry Bryant enlisted into the 5th Battalion mid August 1914 and served within their ranks until they left for Gallipoli in July 1915. During the attack on Kidney Hill, 15th August 1915, his Company had become leaderless and separated into small groups. Although he had been wounded during the advance towards the position, he collected a small platoon together and they charged the hill, regardless of whether any other men were going forward. Other groups of sheltering Bedfords saw and heard the attack and joined in, thus establishing a foothold on the southern slopes of Kidney Hill.

Private Bryant's DCM was listed in the London Gazette 3-6-1916, and his citation appeared on the 21st June. It reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry. When wounded, he got together a party of about 30 men for an attack n a hill and continued at his post until wounded a second time"

Harry served throughout the Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine campaigns in the 5th Battalion and finished the war as a Sergeant. He was renumbered to 200342 in March 1917 when the Territorials were issued with a new batch of service number, in line with the changes within the entire system and survived the war.

201450 Colour Sergeant Major John James CHANDLER, D.C.M.

CSM Chandler of Bedford was an old Contemptible who started the war as Lance Corporal 8038 in the 1st Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment, having enlisted in 1905. He landed in France with the Battalion 16th August 1914 and was with the superb British Army that fought the Germans to a standstill around Mons, Le Cateau and The Marne. He was among the heavy casualties sustained in the first few months of the war and, having recovered, was posted to the 2nd/5th Battalion early in 1916.

During his long and distinguished service, he was also known as Sergeant 201450, CSM 6100, Warrant Officer Class II 44105 and finally CSM 5942654 in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment after the war.

He received his well earned D.C.M. following his involvement in, and recovery of the wounded from the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917, and subsequent aggressive patrols before the 3rd battle at Gaza. His DCM was gazetted 22nd October 1917 and the citation dated 26th January 1918 reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has carried out some exceedingly fine patrol work, bringing in valuable information of the enemy's position. He has also done splendid service in bringing in wounded and recovering quantities of arms, ammunition and equipment, and his energetic example and personal gallantry have greatly influenced others to do the same."

The Battalion War Diary records :

This inspirational NCO survived the war and continued as a professional soldier into the 1920's.

200382 Colour Sergeant Major Arthur John DAY, D.C.M.

Arthur Day of Luton enlisted into the 5th Battalion as Private 3902 late August 1914 and served with distinction throughout the war.

He landed on Gallipoli with the battalion as a Sergeant and by 1919 he had been promoted through the NCO ranks and was a Warrant Officer Class II.

His DCM was awarded in recognition of his continuing reliability and bravery over the four years of the war. It was gazetted 3rd June 1919 and the citation dated 11th March 1920 reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and continuous good service. Since August 1915, he has served continuously throughout the Gallipoli and Palestine campaigns. His work has been of the highest order, and on many occasions he has borne himself particularly gallant under fire, showing dash and able leadership."

He can be seen in the group photograph here.

200290 Lance Sergeant Herbert J. EMERTON, D.C.M.

Herbert Emerton enlisted into the 5th Battalion in June 1914 as Private 3657 and served with them through Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine. At the end of hostilities he was transferred into the Waterways and Railways section of the Royal Engineers as Corporal WR/19570. He was discharged in May 1919, when he returned to his home in Inkerman Street in St. Albans.

His DCM was awarded for bravery at the 3rd Battle at Gaza in November 1917.

His citation dated 1st May 1918 reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. Under rifle fire at point-blank range he cleared the enemy from a line of rifle-pits which would have enfiladed the main attack. Later, when his platoon commander became a casualty, he took command of the platoon as a critical moment. His gallantry and resource contributed largely to the success of the operation."

2092, later 200007 Regimental Sergeant Major Aleck MILTON M.C., D.C.M.

Aleck Milton was a Territorial soldier from before 1910 and a well known, inspirational NCO. He held several posts during and after the war, including CSM 2092, RSM 200007 and RQMS 633840, RQMS 5944210, eventually to become a commissioned Officer in the Beds and Herts regiment after the war.

He can be seen in the photograph here of the Officers in 1929, standing fifth from the left and looking very comfortable amongst Generals, Colonels and Majors! Aleck's MC entry can be seen above.

He won his DCM for his outstanding heroism during the Bedfords baptism of fire 15th to 16th August 1915 and was instrumental in the rebuilding of the battalion after Gallipoli. As the battalion were broken up by the galling Turkish fire and difficult terrain during their attack on the 15th August 1915, Aleck gathered a group of men together and led them to attack the final objective on Kidney Hill. In the 48 hours that followed, he organised the remnants of the Company into a fighting formation who held the position against counter attacks, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy in the process.

His gazette is dated 3rd March 1916 and the citation dated 21st June 1916 reads: "For consistent gallantry and devotion to duty. He has set a fine example to the NCO's and men of the battalion."

He turns up regularly in the Battalion history and was always in the thick of things. During the Umbrella Hill raids of July 1917, he worked ceaselessly to move stores to the assembly areas, despite being under regular shelling from Turkish guns, thus ensuring the raid was supplied and supported correctly.

At the 3rd Battle at Gaza he narrowly escaped death when a lethal 5.9 shell landed almost on top of him. The heavy sand blanketed much of the force and his equipment was ripped clean from his body, yet he escaped with a nasty wound to his forearm. Despite the wound, he refused to become a casualty and, arm wrapped in a makeshift sling, continued working and fighting until the battle had finished and the Turks were evacuating the city. His example of fortitude once again set a benchmark for the men under him.

When Zeify Hill was almost overrun late November 1917, he and Lieutenant RH Smith led a scratch detail of Headquarters staff in an uphill bayonet charge, believing the Turks had taken a Machine gun post and were in a position to break through their thin, over-stretched lines. Although they were disappointed due to Captain Hobbs (see above) having beaten them to it and retaken the post, their act was one of incredible bravery as they could not have known who or what was facing them when they started their advance. The language of RSM Milton, Sergeant-Cook Thurley and his men was "most picturesquely expressed" when they discovered their comrades had beaten them to it!

Aleck Milton did not receive the medals he had so bravely won until 1918 when both medal ribbons were pinned to his tunic, as the Battalion War Diary records:

Aleck Milton was also one o the handful of men who provided the Colour Guard in 1926 when the Prince of Wales visited Luton to present the famous Battalion with their Colours and went on to become a commissioned Officer later that decade.

203148 Sergeant Stanley J. SAPSFORD, D.C.M.

Stanley Sapsford of Bishop's Stortford served as Private 9143 in the Bedfordshire regiment from 1907, and rejoined on the outbreak of war as Sergeant 13642.

After being wounded in France, he recovered and was transferred into the 5th Battalion in Egypt, where he served for the remainder of the war. After the end of hostilities, he transferred to the Suffolk Regiment who remained to police Palestine during 1919, becoming Lance Corporal 67682.

Sergeant Sapsford won his DCM for his involvement in the third battle at Gaza. Despite the casualties his platoon had taken and being wounded himself, he led the remnants of his platoon with unwavering coolness and gallantry to take Turkish positions along Tomb Spur. This allowed for the rest of the Company to move up to him and consolidate their newly won positions.

His DCM was gazetted 28th January 1918 and the citation dated 1st May 1918 reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In the attack he commanded a platoon, displaying marked gallantry and coolness at a critical moment after the assault when casualties had caused a slight confusion. Though wounded himself, he reorganised his platoon, pushed forward, and thus enabled the remainder of his company to consolidate. His initiative contributed largely to the success of the operations."

His DCM ribbon was pinned to his tunic in March 1918, as the Battalion War Diary records:

203146 Sergeant Arthur T. SHARPE, D.C.M.

Arthur Sharpe of Dunstable served as Private 9475 in the Bedfordshire regiment from 1910 and re-enlisted as Private 4408 in the 5th Battalion early in September 1914. He served in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine with the 5th Battalion, eventually working his way up to Acting Warrant Officer Class II 44108 in the Hertfordshire regiment after the war had finished.

Sergeant Sharpe won his well earned DCM for his part in the 1st raids against Umbrella Hill on 20th July 1917. His initiative and fearlessness led the way into the Turkish positions and, despite being wounded in the opening brawls, he helped his Officer to organise and direct the attack amongst the confusion in the Turkish trenches. On their return to the British lines he helped the men caught in the Turkish barrage by returning many times to get the wounded back into the British trenches. On one of his returning runs, he noticed the badly wounded Major Miskin (see above) who had been hit when a 5.9 shell exploded outside the HQ dugout as he returned to report on the raid. Sergeant Sharpe saw what had happened and remained with the Major to tend his wounds. Soon afterwards another shell landed within feet of him, finishing the dugout off and badly wounding Sharpe in the process. A shell fragment wounded him in the jaw and knocked out several of his front teeth, leaving him bleeding badly from yet another point in his body. Quite unperturbed, he mumbled to himself "that will save a dentist" and continued dressing the Major's wounds. As all of the stretcher bearers were already casualties themselves Sergeant Sharpe got the Major back to an Aid Post on a stretcher, having commandeered help from a fellow Bedford before turning his attention to his own wounds.

His well earned DCM was gazetted 10th August 1917 and the citation dated 26th January 1918 reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's lines. On reaching the enemy's trench he showed admirable dash and fine organisation in overcoming confusion caused by the smoke of the bombardment, and in helping his officer to get his party to their objective. On returning to the front line, under an intense enemy bombardment, he gave valuable assistance in attending to the wounded, although wounded himself. He showed great fearlessness and initiative."

By March 1918 he had recovered and was sent to Yazur to receive the well earned medal ribbon in person, as the Battalion War Diary records:

2580, later 200024 Private, later Company Sergeant Major William YOUNG, D.C.M.

CSM Young of Luton was a territorial soldier well before the war broke out, serving from some time before 1909 and his service number was changed in 1917 to 200024. He survived the war, serving after 1919 as 5944326 in the Suffolk Regiment.

His DCM was awarded for his part in the action during which Samuel Needham won his VC, Captain Yarde (above) his second MC and many others. The medal was gazetted 7th November 1918 and the citation dated 25th February 1920 reads:

"On the night of 10th-11th September 1918, near Kefr Kasim, one of our fighting patrols was heavily engaged, and, finally being surrounded, had to fight its way back to our lines. CSM Young, who was in charge of two Lewis guns, used his guns in such a way that he practically saved the situation. One of his guns was blown up by a bomb; nevertheless, he successfully evacuated it. When the main party had withdrawn he organised and led, at dawn, a search party, to make sure no wounded had been left behind."

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