5th Bn Military Medal winners

The Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War

5th battalion Military Medal winners

Although the Military Medal Citations were destroyed during the Second World War Blitz and finding out about them can be difficult, I have compiled as accurate a list as possible below, showing 47 Military Medal winners from the 5th Battalion.

Private 2975, later Corporal 200077, finally Second Lieutenant William G ABRAHAMS, MM

William enlisted into the Territorials around 1913 and was embodied for oversees service in August 1914. He landed with them on Gallipoli on the 10th August 1915 and served with them through the Gallipoli, Egypt and early Palestine campaigns, winning his Military Medal in the process.

In 1917, Corporal William Abrahams was recommended for a commission, which was achieved on New Year's Day of 1918.

As a Corporal, William Abrahams won his MM, which was gazetted on the 17th July 1917 under issue 31088. Although unconfirmed, this was probably for bravery shown during the 2nd Battle at Gaza in April 1917. William was commissioned as an Officer in January 1918 and survived the entire war.

Pte 3221, later 200152 Frederick ANDREWS, MM

Frederick was from Olney in Bedfordshire, served in the Territorials before 1914, the 5th Battalion throughout the war and survived.

He was one of the men who received his MM for the raids against Umbrella Hill in July 1917. The London Gazette edition 30340 on 18th October 1917 shows him: "200152 Pte F Andrews (Olney)"

Frederick also gets a mention 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'

Private 5782, later 201137 J. BALDWIN, MM

Private Baldwin enlisted into the 5th Battalion late 1915 and arrived with them in the second half of 1916. He was the first man in the battalion to win the newly introduced Military Medal, which was issued on gazette 29819 of the 10th November 1916.

Private 14587, later 201122 William Arthur BEESLEY, MM

William was born in Bushey in Hertfordshire and lived in and enlisted from Watford in September 1914. He originally served in the 1st Battalion of the Bedfords in France during 1915 until he was wounded and returned to England to recover.

After recovering, he was one of 500 men to be shipped to the 5th Battalion, joining them in February 1916. William won his MM during the 2nd raids against Umbrella Hill on 27th July 1917 and is mentioned in the London Gazette issue 30340 on 18 October 1917;

"201122 Pte W A Beesley (Watford)"

He is also mentioned in the Battalion War Diary:

"2 Aug 1917 Routine work in camp. Working parties from 0700-1100 to 1/5 Suffolk R FLINT REDOUBT & A Batt 270th Bde RFA. At 1645 Military Medals were distributed by G.O.C. 54th Division to Pte BEESLEY, W.A., Pte REEVES, H., Pte PRATT, W. Award of Military Medal notified in the case of Sergt.CLIFFORD, E.G, Cpl. CHARGER, Pte.WORROW, D.A.J. all of whom were absent) for gallantry in connexion with 2nd raid on UMBRELLA HILL "

Unfortunately, William did not survive the war and was killed in action on during a bayonet charge led by Captain Yarde, MC and Bar against Turkish positions on Yafa Hill on 22 December 1917. The Battalion War Dairy 22 Dec 1917 records:

"Hackney Mound and Yafa Hill 0010 B Coy assaulted YAFA HILL without Artillery Support, the bayonet being the only weapon used. The enemy put up a stiff fight but was soon overcome and the whole garrison bolted. Our men having received orders not to advance beyond a certain point did not pursue. Consolidation of the Post was immediately begun. C Coy acted as carrying party and brought up R.E. material, S.A.A. &c they remained as Working Party withdrawing at dawn 0030 YAFA SUBSECTION till then occupied by 1/10th London Regt was taken over by D & A Coy. By dawn the consolidation of YAFA HILL was sufficiently advanced to render it tenable during day. No shelling was taking place but heavy enemy M.G. fire was experienced. Our casualties were 4 O'Ranks Killed, 1 Officer & 9 O'Ranks wounded."

Also killed on the 22nd was Corporal J Lawrence 37096 (below), who was awarded the MM along with William for the raids in July 1917.

Private, later Corporal 21746 James BOYD, MM

Corporal Boyd of Belfast's MM was listed in the London Gazette 31430, dated 21st November 1918. He was awarded the medal for bravery shown at the Battle of Sharon between the 19th and 20th September 1918, in the final phase of the war.

Private 4857, later 200698 Arthur BRIGHTMAN, MM

Arthur was from Luton and enlisted into the 5th Battalion in September 1914. He landed on Gallipoli with the Battalion on the 10th August 1915 and survived the entire war until he was disembodied on the 16th June 1919.

Private Brightman's MM was listed in the London Gazette 30622, dated 9th April 1918. Although unconfirmed, it appears it was awarded for bravery shown during the 3rd Battle at Gaza, or very soon afterwards.

Private 5294, later 200902 Ernest John BROWN, MM

Ernest Brown of Biggleswade enlisted sometime in 1915 and was not with the Battalion during their service on Gallipoli as he arrived at Mudros off Gallipoli on the 2nd December 1915 just as they left for Egypt.

His MM was gazetted 11th February 1918, which suggests it was won at the 3rd Battle at Gaza in November 1917 although details on Ernest have proved elusive so far.

Ernest survived the war and was demobilised on the 3rd April 1919.

Private 2765, later 200040 William BUNYAN, MM

William was from Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire, served in the Territorials from 1912, with the 5th Battalion throughout their trials in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine and survived until being demobbed in 1919.

He won his MM during aggressive night patrols around Umbrella Hill and Fischer Hill, in front of Gaza on the morning of 4th October 1918. 60 Bedfords were wounded during the fierce skirmishes, including William. The London Gazette edition 30340 on 18 October 1917 shows William, and he also gets a mention in the Battalion War Diary:

"9 Oct 1917. Private EDGAR ELSE and Private WILLIAM BUNYAN awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field dated night 3/4th."

The Diary for the 3rd says:

"3 Oct 1917 The day passed without incident 1735 Patrols of 3 officers, 3 lewis guns & 46 O.Rs left our line near the SUBKET POST & returned about 0300." and the 4th records "4 Oct 1917 Heavy enemy firing was encountered & Lieut ECB WODEHOUSE was fatally wounded & 60 ORs were hit, more or less seriously. It is thought that some loss was inflicted on the enemy as they were prevented from coming to close quarters by our rifle & Lewis Gun fire. The day passed without incident, a few shells being fired at our lines without doing any damage. 1800 3 patrols of 3 officers & 6 O.Rs in one case & 9 O.Rs & a lewis gun in the other left our line at SUBKET POST. The first patrol's object was to advance into FISHER'S Wood & draw the TURKS to follow them back on to a line held by the second patrol. The Third was to lie up & try to ambush patrols of TURKS who might come along. The first patrol under the command of 2nd Lieut.DENNIS found the TURKS & succeeded in drawing them towards the 2nd patrol commanded by 2nd Lieut GURNEY. Here the TURKS discovered the trap & withdrew, followed by a heavy fire from our Lewis gun & rifles. The right, or 3rd patrol, commanded by 2 Lieut MANDER did not encounter any enemy. The three patrols were all in by 0450."

William's brother was Pte 2352 and also served in 5th Battalion for a time. He was a bricklayers labourer before the war and lived in Mill Road Leighton Buzzard. In November 1916 he earned an MM (gazetted Feb 1917) and not to be outdone by his brother, in June 1918 George was gazetted a Bar to his MM (a second MM)!

201131 Sergeant Frederick BURGESS, MM

Frederick Burgess of Harpenden was a Regular soldier in the 2nd Battalion when war broke out in 1914 and served as Private 9841 until wounded and returned to England late in 1914. He returned to France as Sergeant 52661, again in the Bedfords and was wounded again in 1915.

After recovering he transferred to the 5th Bedfords in 1916 he worked his way up from Cpl through Acting Sgt back to Sgt in the 5th Battalion, earning his MM during the raids against Umbrella Hill in July 1917. He was gazetted his MM on 18 October 1917, under issue 30340.

Late in the war, he was transferred to the London Regiment in Flanders as Sgt 623133, and stayed there until the end of the war.

Private 4341, later 200548 Herbert John CHAMBERLAIN, MM

Herbert was from Luton and enlisted in August 1914 into the 5th Battalion, where he served in Gallipoli and Palestine until being demobbed in 1919. He earned his MM during the raids against Umbrella Hill in July 1917, and was gazetted under issue 30340 on 18th October 1917.

201450 Sergeant J. J. CHANDLER, MM

Sergeant Chandler was from Kennington Park and served as a regular soldier in the 1st Battalion before the war broke out in 1914. He landed in France with the 1st on the 16th August 1914 and fought in the opening engagements of the war until a wound or illness took him back to England to recover.

After convalescence, he was posted to the 3rd/5th Battalion and sent to Palestine to serve in the 1st/5th Bedfords.

Between 1914 and 1920, his professionalism took him through the ranks from Lance Corporal 8038 in the Regulars through to Company Sergeant Major 201450 in the 5th Battalion, eventually becoming a Warrant Officer Class II 44105 in the 5th Bedfords.

He earned his MM for gallantry during the 1st raids against Umbrella Hill on 20th July 1917 and was gazetted under issue 30340 on 18th October 1917.

Sergeant Chandler survived the First War and served his country between wars as Company Sergeant Major 6100, and continued into the Second World War as CSM 5942654 in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment.

Pte 6807, later Acting Lance-Sgt 201151 Robert Richard CHARGE, MM and BAR

Robert Charge was born in Southall, lived in Paddington, enlisted from Colchester and served as Private 6807 in the 1st Battalion in 1914, working his way up to Acting Lance Sergeant before being wounded in 1915 and returned to England to recover. Once fit again, he was sent to the 5th Battalion in Egypt along with 500 other former 1st and 2nd Battalion men.

Robert was wounded and earned a bar for his MM for his actions during the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917.

He was listed in the London Gazette 18 October 1917:

"201151 Cpl (A/L-Sgt) R R Charge MM (Paddington) - Bar to MM gazetted 18-10-1917."

The Battalion War Diary records:

"2 Aug 1917 Routine work in camp. Working parties from 0700-1100 to 1/5 Suffolk R FLINT REDOUBT & A Batt 270th Bde RFA. At 1645 Military Medals were distributed by G.O.C. 54th Division to Pte BEESLEY, W.A., Pte REEVES, H., Pte PRATT, W. Award of Military Medal notified in the case of Sergt.CLIFFORD, E.G, Cpl. CHARGE, Pte.WORROW, D.A.J. all of whom were absent) for gallantry in connexion with 2nd raid on UMBRELLA HILL "

Unfortunately he died of wounds on 17th November 1917, two weeks after the fortified city of Gaza had fallen to the British and Commonwealth troops earlier that month. He was probably wounded during the actions between 2nd and 7th November 1917, and died afterwards of his wounds, as the War Diary has no mention of activity after the 2nd.

Pte 3352, later Sgt 200195 Eustace George CLIFFORD, MM

Eustace Clifford was born in Stow-on-Wold but lived in and enlisted from Biggleswade in 1914. He served as a Territorial before the war, survived Gallipoli and served in the 5th Battalion until his death on 5th October 1917.

Although wounded during the raid, he was one of the Bedfords to be awarded his MM for the 2nd raid against Umbrella Hill on 27th July 1917 and is mentioned in the London Gazette 18th October 1917:

"200195 Sgt E G Clifford (Stow-on-Wold)"

Eustace also gets a mention in the Battalion War Diary:

"2 Aug 1917. At 1645 Military Medals were distributed by G.O.C. 54th Division to Pte BEESLEY, W.A., Pte REEVES, H., Pte PRATT, W. Award of Military Medal notified in the case of Sergt.CLIFFORD, E.G, Cpl. CHARGER, Pte.WORROW, D.A.J. all of whom were absent) for gallantry in connexion with 2nd raid on UMBRELLA HILL "

Sgt Clifford is recorded in the War Diary as not returning from a patrol on 5th October 1917 and was subsequently found to have been killed in action on that day.

Private 2875, later Cpl 200052 Arthur DENNIS, MM

Arthur was from Bedford and served in the Territorials before war broke out in August 1914. He landed on Gallipoli with the Battalion on 10th August 1915 and survived Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine until he was disembodied from service on the 21st April 1919.

His MM was gazetted under issue 30340 of 18 October 1917, and was awarded in recognition of his part in the Umbrella Hill raids of July 1917.

Private 12231, later 200052 Edgar ELSE, MM

Edgar was from Hitchin and survived the war, having enlisted in August 1914 and served in the Regulars in France from early 1915 until he was wounded and sent home to recover that Summer.

He was posted to the 5th Battalion along with 500 other formerly wounded men from the 1st and 2nd Battalion, arriving in February 1916.

Edgar won his MM during aggressive night patrols around Umbrella Hill and Fischers Hill near Gaza on the morning of 4th October 1918. 60 Bedfords were injured during the stiff skirmishing over the 3 days but Edgar came out unscathed. The Diary for the 3rd says:

"3 Oct 1917 The day passed without incident 1735 Patrols of 3 officers, 3 lewis guns & 46 O.Rs left our line near the SUBKET POST & returned about 0300."

The 4th records:

"4 Oct 1917 Heavy enemy firing was encountered & Lieut ECB WODEHOUSE was fatally wounded & 60 ORs were hit, more or less seriously. It is thought that some loss was inflicted on the enemy as they were prevented from coming to close quarters by our rifle & lewis gun fire. The day passed without incident, a few shells being fired at our lines without doing any damage. 1800 3 patrols of 3 officers & 6 O.Rs in one case & 9 O.Rs & a lewis gun in the other left our line at SUBKET POST. The first patrol's object was to advance into FISHER'S Wood & draw the TURKS to follow them back on to a line held by the second patrol. The Third was to lie up & try to ambush patrols of TURKS who might come along. The first patrol under the command of 2nd Lieut.DENNIS found the TURKS & succeeded in drawing them towards the 2nd patrol commanded by 2nd Lieut GURNEY. Here the TURKS discovered the trap & withdrew, followed by a heavy fire from our Lewis gun & rifles. The right, or 3rd patrol, commanded by 2 Lieut MANDER did not encounter any enemy. The three patrols were all in by 0450".

The London Gazette edition 30340 on 18th October 1917 shows Edgar, and he also gets two mentions in the Battalion War Diary:

"9 Oct 1917. Private EDGAR ELSE and Private WILLIAM BUNYAN awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field dated night 3/4th." "12 October 1917. G.O.C. 54th Division presented M.M. to Private EDGAR ELSE."

Corporal 4/7011, later Private 201195 Frederick Hart FIELD, MM

Frederick served in the Regiment from around 1902 and was activated from the Reserves when war broke out, landing in France on the 3rd December 1914. During 1915 he was either wounded or became ill whilst in the 1st Battalion and was returned to England to convalesce.

Having recovered, Frederick was posted to the 5th Battalion and served the remainder of the war in Palestine, earning his MM in 1917.

Corporal Field won his MM either during the 3rd Battle at Gaza or during the Yafa Hill assault in December 1917 and was demobbed to Class Z Reserves on the 6th May 1919.

Private 4/6889, later 201222 Private Arthur Cyril GARRETT, MM

Arthur Garrett was born in Takeley, Essex circa 1891, the son of Arthur and Annie of Jack's Farm, Jack's Lane, Takeley. He was baptised in the Holy Trinity Church in Takeley the same year and grew up to join his father on the farm as a labourer.

He lived in Great Dunmow, Essex in 1914 and enlisted at Bishops Stortford, being mobilised from the 4th (Reserve) Battalion when war was declared in August 1914. After being brought up to combat fitness, Arthur was sent to the 2nd Battalion on the Western Front as they were rebuilt following their decimation during the First Battles of Ypres, landing in France 11th November 1914.

Arthur was either wounded or taken ill and returned to England for treatment during 1915. After recovering and retraining, he was transferred into the 5th Battalion early in 1916 and was amongst the large drafts sent to rebuild them after their ordeal on Gallipoli, arriving with them in the drafts of February 1916.

Arthur survived the First and Second Battles of Gaza in 1917, but was killed whilst earning his Military Medal during the 2nd raids on Umbrella Hill on 27th July 1917. Sadly, his body was not recovered and he is remembered on the Jerusalem War Memorial to the missing (below).

Also killed with him was Private Harry Johns (shown below) who also earned a Military Medal for his gallantry during the raids.

As a fitting end to the story I was contacted by a descendent of Arthur's family in 2011 with an update. Arthur's name was added to the Takeley War Memorial, Essex, in September 2011 after a rededication ceremony.

Private 3639, later 200286 Albert HALFPENNY, MM

Albert was from Luton and served in the Territorials from early 1914, survived Gallipoli and Palestine until he was disembodied on the 16th August 1919. His brother Thomas was a Regular in the 1st Bedfords and his two other brothers both served in the Territorial 5th Battalion in Gallipoli as well as Arthur. Sadly Charles was wounded in Gallipoli and killed in the 6th Bedfords in France a month after Arthur earned his MM, but the other brothers appear to have survived.

Arthur's MM was awarded for his gallantry during the 1st raid against Umbrella Hill in front of Gaza on 20th July 1917. The London Gazette issue 30340 of 18th October 1917 reads: "200286 Pte A Halfpenny (Luton)"

He is also 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".

Corporal 19048, later Sergeant 203127 Richard E HAWKING, MM

Richard was from Bedford and enlisted early in August 1914, whereupon he was posted to the 1st or 2nd Battalion of the Bedfords in France.

After being wounded in 1915, he was one of the 500 men to be sent to the 5th Battalion in Egypt in February 1915.

Richard's MM was awarded for his actions during the 1st raid against Umbrella Hill on 20th July 1917, and is gazetted under issue 30340 of 18th October 1917.

He was wounded again, probably during the 3rd battle for Gaza and transferred to the Army Service Corps as Corporal NAC/450990, where he served the rest of the war out.

Private 4103, later 200467 William HAYLLAR (HALLYAR), MM

William was born in, lived in and enlisted early August 1914 from Bedford. He served in the 5th Battalion until disembodied on the 26th July 1919, having survived the Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine campaigns.

His MM was awarded for his part in the raids against Umbrella Hill on 20th July 1917, and was gazetted under issue 30340 of 18 October 1917.

Private 5358, later 200938 Edward HOLMES, MM

Edward lived in and enlisted from Leighton Buzzard in July 1915. He was posted into the 5th Battalion in June 1916 and served there until his death on the 2nd November 1917 during the 3rd battle for Gaza.

His MM was awarded for his part in the raids on Umbrella Hill in July 1917, and was gazetted under issue 30340 of the London Gazette 18th October 1917:

"200938 Pte Edward Holmes (Leighton Buzzard)"

The Leighton Buzzard Observer in 1919 wrote:

'HOLMES Edward, M.M. of 58, Hockliffe St. He was a Labourer before the war. July 1915; Private in 1/5th Batt. Beds Regiment. June 1916 to Egypt. July to Palestine. Military Medal. Nov 1917; Killed in action.'

Edward was the brother of Arthur of 58 Hockliffe St, Leighton Buzzard, who was a "Bleacher & Dryer" before the war. In April 1918 Arthur transferred into the Royal Navy Engineers and survived. Unfortunately, his other brother Joseph was killed in 1916 serving in the 2nd Battalion and his body was never recovered.

Private 5606, later 201050 Harry JOHNS, MM

Harry was from Bedford and enlisted late in 1915, along with Alfred Joyce (shown below).

He arrived with the 5th Battalion during the second half of 1916 and was killed a week after earning his MM, raiding the same positions.

Harry earned his MM for the 1st raid against Umbrella Hill on 20th July 1917, and was killed during the 2nd raids a week later. Unfortunately, his body was not recovered and is rememebred on the Jerusalem Memorial to the missing.

Also killed with him were Pte Arthur Garrett (shown above) and Pte Sidney Odell, who were also awarded MM's for their gallantry.

Private 5636, later 201066 Alfred C JOYCE, MM

Alfred was also from Bedford and enlisted with Harry Johns (shown above). He was shipped to the 5th Battalion with Harry, and earned his MM during the 3rd battle at Gaza in November 1917, which was issued 2 April 1918 under issue 30606.

Fortunately Alfred survived the war unlike his friend Harry.

Private 10146, later Corporal 201284 Harold George KENT, MM

Harold was one of the early August 1914 enlisters and was born in and enlisted from Berkhampstead. Despite being wounded in the 1st Battalion early on in 1915, he recovered and was sent to the 5th Battalion in Egypt.

He earned his MM whilst attached to the Trench Mortar Battery that supported the raids against Umbrella Hill in July 1917 and was promoted to Corporal as a result.

Harold survived the war and was demobbed along with the rest of the Battalion during 1919.

Private 14327, later 201287 Walter KINGHAM, MM

Walter was born in and lived in Hockliffe, on the old Watling Street near Leighton Buzzard in Bedfordshire.

He enlisted in September 1914 at the newly opened recruiting office at Gwynn Street, Leighton Buzzard and served initially in the 2nd Battalion during 1915 until wounds forced him home to recover.

Once he was better, he was posted to the 5th Battalion, where he served the remainder of the war out, being transferred to Class Z Reserves on the 21st July 1919.

Walters MM was awarded for his part in the 3rd Battle of Gaza in November 1917, and was gazetted under issue 30606, 2nd April 1918.

Private 5908, later 201283 George KNIGHT, MM

George served in the 5th Battalion from his enlistment at the end of 1915 until he was disembodied along with the rest of the Battalion in 1919. He was from Goldington in Bedford and earned his MM during the 3rd battle for Gaza in November 1917, which was gazetted under issue 30606 on the 2nd April 1918.

Sergeant 201295 Thomas Harris LAW, MM

Thomas Law was from Buntingford and enlisted the first week of September 1914. He served as Private 15477 in the 1st Battalion in France from the 27th April 1915 until he was wounded and returned to England to recover.

Thomas was sent to the 5th Battalion in Egypt early in 1916 and survived the Egypt and Palestine campaigns, to be disembodied on the 21st July 1919 as a Corporal / Acting Sergeant.

His MM was won at the Battle of Sharon on the 19th and 20th September 1918, in the final months of the war. It was shown in issue 31430 of the London Gazette, dated 21st November 1918, along with the other four Bedfords who were awarded MM's for that action.

Private 5933, later Acting Corporal 201305 James Thomas Walker LAWMAN, MM

James was born in Hitchin and enlisted into the 5th Battalion late in 1915. Fortunately he missed the campaign on Gallipoli and arrived into the Battalion late in 1916 whilst they were stationed in Egypt.

He earned his medal during the raids against Umbrella Hill in July 1917, and his medal was gazetted in issue 30340 on the 18th October 1917.

James survived the war and was disembodied in 1919 along with the rest of the Battalion.

Private, later Corporal 37096 Jack LAWRENCE, MM

Jack was born and lived in Lewisham, and enlisted from Warley, possibly in 1916.

His MM was gazetted under issue 30340 on 18th October 1917, which suggests it was won during the raids against Umbrella Hill in July 1917, but this is unconfirmed.

He was killed in action on 22nd December 1917 during a bayonet charge against Turkish positions on Yafa Hill, as the Battalion War Dairy records:

Also killed was Pte 201122 William Beesley who was awarded the MM along with Private Lawrence for the raids in July 1917.

Private 4372, later 200559 Sergeant Charles MARLOW, MM

Charles Marlow of Luton enlisted into the 5th Battalion in August 1914 and landed with them on Gallipoli, 10 August 1915. He served throughout the Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine campaigns, until being disembodied on the 6th May 1919 in Egypt. By the end of the war, Charles was a Colour Sergeant and acting Warrant Officer Class II.

Sergeant Marlow was awarded the MM for his part in the 3rd Battle at Gaza in November 1917, which was issued under gazette 30662 on the 10th April 1918. The Battalion War Diary adds:

He is also known to have been a fine cross country runner, being mentioned in the War Diary on 1 Mar 1918:

"Mulebbis Coy Training. Nos 5 Platoon under 2/Lieut C.A.I.DAMON and No 15 Platoon under No.200559 Sgt.C.MARLOW left to represent the Bn in the Divl Platoon Tournament at YAZUR where 2 Platoons from each Bn in the Div are concentrating for a six days competition. The Bn Team won the Final Divl. Cross Country Race which consisted of 15 runners from each Unit in the Division".

His platoon came 2nd, as was noted on 6th March.

Charles can be seen here in later life, at the front right post (front left as you look), marching past the unmistakable figure of The Queen Mother.

Private 4559, later 200616 Robert PARROTT, MM

Robert Parrot of Marston Church End in Bedfordshire enlisted into the 5th Battalion in September 1914 and landed on Gallipoli with them on the 10th August 1915.

He served throughout Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine campaigns but, having survived the war's major battles died six months before its end.

His MM was gazetted under issue 30340 of 18th October 1917, which suggests it was won during the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917, but this is unconfirmed.

Private Parrot was wounded whilst on the patrol on the 13th May 1918, later dying at Casualty Clearing Station 76 in Ludd. He is buried at Ramleh War Cemetery.

Private, later Corporal 47179 Thomas PENNYCOCK, MM

I have been unable to tie much information on Private Pennycock down, other than he won his Military Medal during the night patrol on 30th May 1918 (see Lieutenant Gooderham's M.C.).

The War dairy records: "11 Jun 1918 1800 Presentation of Military Cross ribbons to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers and M.M. to Pte Pennycock by G.O.C. 54th Divn"

Private 13112, later Corporal 201336 William PRATT, MM

William was born in Crawley and enlisted late August 1914, after which he went into the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfords, serving in France as Private (later Acting Corporal) 13112 until he was wounded in 1915.

When he had recovered, he was shipped to the 5th Battalion in Egypt (during 1916) and served in the theatre until the end of the war. He was disembodied on the 21st July 1919 and during the Second World War, he returned to serve as Corporal 5944208 in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment.

William earned his MM during the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917, as the gazette and War Diary testify.

The London Gazette issue 30340 of 18th October 1917 reads: "201336 Pte W Pratt (Crawley)"

The Battalion War Diary entry reads: "2 Aug 1917 Routine work in camp. Working parties from 0700-1100 to 1/5 Suffolk R FLINT REDOUBT & A Batt 270th Bde RFA. At 1645 Military Medals were distributed by G.O.C. 54th Division to Pte BEESLEY, W.A., Pte REEVES, H., Pte PRATT, W. Award of Military Medal notified in the case of Sergt.CLIFFORD, E.G, Cpl. CHARGER, Pte.WORROW, D.A.J. (all of whom were absent) for gallantry in connexion with 2nd raid on UMBRELLA HILL "

Private 6159, later Acting Sergeant 201502 Harold Arthur Victor PRINCE, MM

Harold was from Tottenham, enlisted into the 5th Battalion late in 1915 and arrived with them in Egypt during the Summer of 1916.

By the time he won his MM, Harold was a Corporal and his medal was gazetted in issue 31340 on the 21st November 1918. This was during the Battalions final major battle of the war between the 19th and 20th September 1918, called the Battle of Sharon.

Private 7856, later 201468 George James PUSHMAN, MM

George Pushman of Colchester was an Old Contemptible who enlisted into the Regiment in 1903 and landed in France with the 1st Battalion of the Bedfords on the 16th August 1914 as Private 7856. He was wounded or taken ill in 1915 and transferred into the 5th Battalion during 1916.

The gazette covering his MM is issue 30340 dated 18 October 1917, suggesting he earned the medal during the raids against Umbrella Hill in July 1917, but this is unconfirmed.

Private, later Lance Corporal 201359 Horace REEVE, MM

Horace was the third son of James Reeve of Odsey and by the time war broke out, his widowed mother had moved to Letchworth. He enlisted in September 1914 and initially served in the 1st battalion, landing in France March 1915 and fighting at Hill 60, south of Ypres. Horace was seriously wounded in the thigh during a bayonet charge on 17th May and recovered in hospital at Colchester, before retraining in the 4th battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment at Dovercourt. Horace was posted to the 5th battalion in 1916 and served with them in Egypt and Palestine.

The London Gazette issue 30340 of 18th October 1917 includes his MM, which tells us he won it during the second Umbrella Hill raids of 27th July 1917: Gazette; "201359 L/Cpl H Reeve (Letchworth)"

The Battalion War Diary records the medal being presented a week later: "2 Aug 1917 Routine work in camp. Working parties from 0700-1100 to 1/5 Suffolk R FLINT REDOUBT & A Batt 270th Bde RFA. At 1645 Military Medals were distributed by G.O.C. 54th Division to Pte BEESLEY, W.A., Pte REEVES, H., Pte PRATT, W. Award of Military Medal notified in the case of Sergt.CLIFFORD, E.G, Cpl. CHARGER, Pte.WORROW, D.A.J. all of whom were absent) for gallantry in connexion with 2nd raid on UMBRELLA HILL "

Horace's brothers all served, with mixed fortunes. Albert, a Territorial in the Herts Regiment, was killed on the railway line at Letchworth on the 9th July 1914 and the fourth eldest brother Percy was an Old Contemptible who fell in the 1st Bedfords in October 1914. Corporal Arthur Reeve of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps also won a Military Medal by holding his post until the very last round had been spent on 16th August 1917, during the Third Battle of Ypres and, not to be outdone, Horace won his own Military Medal the following year.

Private 5656, later 201076 Enos RUFF, MM

Enos Ruff was born in St Neots, Cambridgeshire and enlisted into the 5th Battalion sometime around during the last quarter of 1915, so he was fortunate enough to miss the Gallipoli campaign as he arrived in Egypt during 1916.

Private Ruff's MM was gazetted under issue 30340 of 18 October 1917, suggesting the Umbrella Hill raids, but this is unconfirmed.

Private 4/7008, later 201376 Sidney J. SWALLOWS, MM

Private Swallows was from Great Munden, near Stevenage in Hertfordshire and originally served as Private 4/7008 on the Bedfordshire regiment from around 1902. He landed in France on the 3rd December 1914 and was wounded in the 1915 battles which took him back to England to recover. Having convalesced, he was posted to the 5th Battalion in Egypt, arriving in February 1916.

His MM was gazetted under issue 30606 of 2nd April 1918, which suggests it was earned during the 3rd Battle of Gaza in November 1917, although I have been unable to confirm this.

Sidney survived the war and was transferred to the Special Reserves in the 4th Battalion on the 9th April 1919.

Private 25903 Leonard H. SLOUGH, MM

Private Slough of Luton appears to have enlisted mid 1915, and definitely reached the 5th Battalion well into 1916, although several question marks remain about his service.

His MM was gazetted in issue 31340, dated 21st November 1918, along with Corporals Boyd and Prince. It was awarded for bravery during the Battle of Sharon between 19th and 20th September 1918.

Private 204612 Frederick Thomas SMITH, MM

Frederick Smith was from Luton and initially served as Driver 1723 in the Eastern Mediterranean Field Ambulance R.A.M.C, landing on Gallipoli on the 7th October 1915 and later as Private T/585 in the R.A.S.C. He was moved into the 5th Battalion during the summer of 1917.

His MM was issued under Gazette 31340, dated 1st July 1919, for bravery shown at the Battle of Sharon 19th to 20th September 1918, when Captain Yarde was mortally wounded.

Frederick survived the war, finally being demobilised on the 16th August 1919.

Private 6047, later Sergeant 201405 Harold George TAYLOR, MM

Harold was born at Northill in Bedfordshire, lived in Biggleswade and enlisted from Ickwell Green in Bedfordshire at the end of 1915. Sadly, he died aged only 22 on the 3rd November 1918, within a week of the end of the war against Turkey.

His MM was gazetted under issue 30340 of 18th October 1917 when he was a Corporal, suggesting it was won during the July 1917 raids against Umbrella Hill opposite Gaza.

Sergeant Taylor died from the Malaria epidemic that swept the Army early in November, ironically just four days after the Armistice with Turkey was signed on the 30th October 1918.

Private 4109, later 200470 Alwyn TRUEMAN, MM

Alwyn Trueman was born in and lived in Bedford, and enlisted with his brother Private 4108 Reginald Trueman late in August 1914. Both brothers landed on Gallipoli on the 10th August 1915 with the Battalion. Alwyn survived the campaign in Gallipoli and Palestine, earning his MM in the Umbrella Hill raid of July 1917, opposite the fortified city of Gaza. His MM was included in the gazette 30340, dated 18th October 1917.

Although Alwyn survived the war and was eventually disembodied on the 30th March 1919, sadly his brother Private 4108 Reginald Trueman was killed in action during the Battalions first attack against Kidney Hill on Gallipoli, 15th August 1915.

Private 15036, later Corporal 201411 Harry VARNAM, MM

Private Harry Varnam was born in Netherfield, Nottingham in 1890 and worked on the local railways until he enlisted in 1914.

Harry entered the war in the 1st Battalion of the Bedfords in France from 27th April 1915 as Private 15036. He fought in the Hill 60 area until wounded that Summer and returned to England to recover until being transferred to the 5th Battalion with 500 other men in February 1916.

During the 3rd battle at Gaza in November 1917 Harry earned his Military Medal for bravery and was promoted to Corporal.

He survived the war and was disembodied on the 18th July 1919, returning home to marry and have children.

Harry died "a mild and gentle man" in 1963, having worked on the railways all his life and never having told his son about his exploits in the Great War.

His medals are with a reputable collector today, and his memory is kept alive by his Grandson, John Varnam. Two of his photos from the war can be seen here.

Below is Harry Varnam, M.M in portrait photos and relaxing with pals in Palestine. (Many thanks to John Varnam, Harry's Grandson for the photographs).

Private 4295, later Acting Colour Sergeant 200530 Sidney W WEBB, MM

Sidney was from Luton and enlisted into the 5th Battalion in August 1914, along with the first drafts of civilians enlisting into Kitcheners Army.

Having landed on Gallipoli with the Battalion on the 10th August 1915, he survived the entire war and was disembodied on the 26th July 1919. His MM was gazetted on 18th October 1917, along with the others associated with the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917, so appears to have earned it around that time when he was a Corporal.

Corporal 5623, later Acting Sergeant 201056 Spencer WELSH [WELCH], MM

Corporal Spencer Welsh was from Kempston in Bedfordshire and enlisted from Civilian life late in 1915.

He served in A Company of the 5th Battalion from his arrival late in 1916, was transferred into the London Regiment as Acting Sergeant 617759 in 1918 and survived the war.

The then Corporal Welsh earned his MM for his part in the patrol on the 30th May 1918, when Lieutenant Gooderham won his M.C. His Medal Ribbon was presented the following morning in front of the entire Company. The Battalion War Diary on 31st May 1918 records:

"1000 G.O.C. 54th Division presents M.M. ribbon to Corporal S.WELCH outside Battn HQ all A Coy was on parade".

He is also mentioned in the London Gazette on 12th November 1918 (Issue 31007); "201056 L/C (A/L/Sjt) S. Welch (Kempston)"

Private 6167, later Colour Sergeant 201509 William Henry WHYMAN, MM

Colour Sergeant William Whyman was from Hertford, enlisted into the 5th Battalion in February 1916 and survived the war, being promoted to a Colour Sergeant by the end of his service. His MM was gazetted under issue 30340, dated 18th October 1917 and was earned during the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917.

Private 31734 (later Private 67667 of the Suffolk Regt) David Arthur John WORROW, MM

Private David Worrow was born 27 February 1898 in Waltham Cross and survived the war. He came from a long line of Farriers and Blacksmiths who hailed from the East End of London, back as far as the 1760's.

Although no service record is apparent, his Bedfordshire service number was issued in the summer of 1916, suggesting that he enlisted possibly under the Derby Scheme in December 1915, or was more than likely called up as a result of the Military Service Act of 1916 (aka conscription). As a result, he would have joined the 5th Bedfordshires very late in 1916 or early in 1917.

His Military Medal was earned for his involvement in the 2nd Umbrella Hill raid on 27th July 1917 and was included in the batch issued under 30340, London Gazette 18-10-1917:

"31734 Pte D A J Worrow, Bedf. R. (Waltham Cross)"

In addition, the Battalion War Diary confirms he earned his medal on the 27th July 1917:

Private Worrow was later transferred into the Suffolk regiment. His service number suggests that he eitehr remained behind with the Egyptian army of occupation in 1919 once the Bedfordsires were shipped home, or that if he was wounded and returned home to recover, he may have joined the Army of the Rhine in 1919 as the Suffolks fielded battalions in both armies of occupation..

After the war, David married in 1926, had two children and led a long life, eventually passing away in 1981.

[Personal information and photographs are courtesy of Martin Worrow]

4 Foreign Decorations

Acting Regimental Sergeant Major 2092 Aleck MILTON, M.C., D.C.M.

On top of his many other awards, Aleck was awarded with the Medaille Militaire, as issued in the London Gazette on the 24th February 1916, for his bravery on Gallipoli. He was also awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal with clasp In 1918 to complete his haul!

Lieutenant Colonel John CLUTTON

Lt-Colonel Clutton was presented with the "Order of the White Eagle of Serbia (with Sword), 3rd Class" in July 1916. He went on to become the C.O. of the battalion between the wars and can be seen here.

Private 2975, later Second Lieutenant William ABRAHAM, M.M.

In addition to his MM, William was granted the "Silver Medal of Serbia", issued under number 192, dated 7th September 1916.

Colour Sergeant Major 200382 AJ DAY, D.C.M.

As well as his vaunted D.C.M., CSM Day was also awarded the "Medaille Militaire", shown in the London Gazette on the 21st May 1917.

Honours and Awards granted after the war

Major Robert FORREST, M.B.E., T.D.

Territorial Efficiency Medal, London Gazette 9th October 1923. Member of the British Empire (Military Division). He can be seen in the 1915 officers group photo here.

Major John Edgar HILL, O.B.E., T.D.

Order of the British Empire (Military Division). A more detailed bio of Major Hill's service in the Battalion can be seen here.

Captain William Herbert RIDGEWELL, M.B.E

Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.). Captain Ridgewell served during the war in the 2nd Battalion, but was awarded his M.B.E. in 1927, while serving in the 5th Battalion. His biography can be seen here.

Colonel Spenser JACKSON, D.L., T.D.

Territorial Efficiency Medal, London Gazette, 9th October 1923.

Major J.W. TAYLOR, T.D.

Territorial Efficiency Medal, London Gazette, 4th July 1922.

Site built by Steven Fuller, 2003 to 2023