Posted By pferguson on November 10, 2022

Private Claude Joseph Patrick VC DCM MM
38th Canadian Infantry Battalion
(Wiki Image)

Drocourt-Quéant Line near Vis-en-Artois: Action of 1-2 September 1918
No inscription on marker

For most conspicuous bravery during the operations against the Drocourt-Queant line on Sept. 1st and 2nd, 1918. On Sept. 1st, when his battalion was in the vicinity of Vis-en-Artois, preparatory to the advance, the enemy laid down a heavy barrage and counter-attacked. Pte. Nunney, who was at this time at company headquarters, immediately on his own initiative proceeded through the barrage to the company outpost lines, going from post to post and encouraging the men by his own fearless example. The enemy were repulsed and a critical situation was saved. During the attack on Sept. 2nd, his dash continually placed him in advance of his companions, and his fearless example undoubtedly helped greatly to carry the company forward to its objectives.

Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney is one of two soldiers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force to be awarded the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. Both Nunney and fellow soldier Samuel Lewis Honey VC DCM MM were killed during the Great War. Nunney is buried at Aubigny and Honey at Queant Communal Cemetery – about 37.9 kilometres apart. Nunney died of his wounds received in his 1-2 September VC action on 18 September 1918.

As I continue with the 2022 November Series I realize that many pictures from my 1999 first visit to the Western Front remain unscanned. This first trip was an important return to North West Europe. Having lived in Germany for three years in the 1960s our family made the most of visiting neighbouring nations and though war graves and memorials were not the destination, I became, in 1999, easily re-accustomed to familiar journeying about. In the 1950s my father Ed visited the grave site of friend Trooper Mario Ruaben buried at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, Netherlands. Mario was, like my father, from Lethbridge, Alberta and at the time of Mario’s death 2 April 1945 was serving with the Fort Garry Horse. I have the black and white 1950s photo from that time and must, together with the 1999 pictures, work on making them accessible.

In 1999 the only real plan that Mike, Chris and I had for the Western Front was visiting the Vimy Memorial and staying in Arras “Mange baguette. Fromage, jambon. Cafe avec lait”. Poor French I know but we were well fed and pleased knowing we could manage these few days. On the day of our visit, the memorial at Vimy was covered in mist with low cloud above…It was here I found my great grandfather’s name and penned a few words that I oft’ repeat to self to this day…How many eyes have seen these names…and whispered voices read them softly? A first for me – place – experience – images -words…here at this expression in stone.

My great grandfather…brought me here…perhaps I could give back in some way…a guiding hand of 1917 to 1999. One now wonders as I write what other images I have from 1999? Did I capture the experience of place elsewhere? I am now keen to learn if we visited Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension in 1999? Perhaps this was the first visit to Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney? It seems possible. I need to have another re-visit – a dive into old film photos. There will be surprises here…I hope they are in focus.

Nunney marker at Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, France, Age 25.
(P. Ferguson image, September 2010)

Helpful Link
The First World War – East Sussex

Marker image used in marking series of images for review while traveling.
(P. Ferguson image, September 2010)

Category: November Series, Remember Them Well | No Comments »
Tags: 1 September 1918, 18 September 1918, 2 September 1918, 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Claude Joseph Patrick Nunney VC DCM MM, Drocourt-Quéant Line, Posthumous Victoria Cross, Samuel Lewis Honey VC DCM MM, Vis-en-Artois (France), Western Front 1999

Posted By pferguson on November 9, 2022

Lance Corporal John William Sayer VC
8th Battalion The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)
(Wiki Image)

Le Verguier, France: Action of 21 March 1918
NEVER SHALL HIS MEMORY FADE

For most conspicuous bravery, determination and ability displayed on the 21st March, 1918, at Le Verguier, when holding for two hours, in face of incessant attacks, the flank of a small isolated post. Owing to mist the enemy approached the post from both sides to within 30 yards before being discovered. Lance-Corporal Sayer, however, on his own initiative and without assistance, beat off a succession of flank attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. Though attacked by rifle and machine-gun fire, bayonet and bombs, he repulsed all attacks, killing many and wounding others. During the whole time he was continuously exposed to rifle and machine-gun fire, but he showed the utmost contempt of danger and his conduct was an inspiration to all. His skilfull use of fire of all descriptions enabled the post to hold out till nearly all the garrison had been killed and himself wounded and captured. He subsequently died as a result of wounds at Le Cateau [18 April 1918].

A day before arriving at Le Cateau Cemetery we wandered through Ulster Tower, the nearby battlefield park, and afterwards Lochnagar Crater filled around its perimeter and at its cross with poppy commemorations. These are not unvisited lands…they…(we)…come here often, students, pilgrims, researchers, family, the interested. (we are all of these). This was one day when we also visited the German Great War Cemetery at Fricourt (17,000 burials) finding crosses and tablets with stones set upon the markers of German Jewish veterans…Wolff, Müller. Weissmann, and Zürndorfer…there may well be others here amongst fellow German non-Jewish veterans Hees, Hillug, Theile. Schaible and Baur. Leaving here we turn to a lasting memory of the Devonshire Cemetery…The Devonshires Held This Trench. The Devonshires Hold It Still…Our day maintained its forward movement…to several sites until time to rest at Auchonvillers in the Avril Williams Guesthouse and Tea Rooms.

Fed and watered and well rested…our new day brought us to Le Cateau…as we drove along the sunken road the lone tree at Le Cateau came into view…the site of the 1914 rearguard action. Here was 1914…the Old Contemptibles of the British Expeditionary Force…the 26 August 1914 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment Memorial…Le Cateau German Military Cemetery (over 5,000 burials) and alongside – the Commonwealth burials numbering nearly 700 graves. It is here against the wall, with tall, green leaves and stalks with golden tassels and silk behind the perimeter that John William Sayer VC is buried. Sayer’s actions were made on the first day of the German spring offensive, the Kaiserschlacht, 21 March 1918. Sayer was wounded, captured and died of wounds near a month later…18 April 1918…these are not unvisited lands.

Sayer marker at La Cateau Military Cemetery, France. Age 39
(P. Ferguson image, September 2006)

Helpful Link
The Queen’s Royal West Surreys

The lone tree of Le Cateau. Taken within the car on the sunken road.
(P. Ferguson image, September, 2006)

Category: November Series, Remember Them Well | No Comments »
Tags: 18 April 1918, 21 March 1918, Devonshire Trench, Fricourt German Cemetery, German Spring Offensive, John William Sayer VC, La Cateau Military Cemetery, Le Verguier (France), Lone Tree, Posthumous Victoria Cross, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

Posted By pferguson on November 8, 2022

Sergeant Lewis McGee VC
40th Battalion Australian Imperial Force
(Wiki image)

Battle of Broodseinde. Passchendaele Offensive. Action of 4 October 1917
No inscription on marker

For most conspicuous bravery when in the advance to the final objective, Sjt. McGee led his platoon with great dash and bravery, though strongly opposed, and under heavy shell fire.

His platoon was suffering severely and the advance of the Company was stopped by machine gun fire from a “Pill-box” post. Single-handed Sjt. McGee rushed the post armed only with a revolver. He shot some of the crew and captured the rest, and thus enabled the advance to proceed. He reorganised the remnants of his platoon and was foremost in the remainder of the advance, and during consolidation of the position he did splendid work.

This Non-commissioned Officer’s coolness and bravery were conspicuous and contributed largely to the success of the Company’s operations.

Sjt. McGee was subsequently killed in action [12 October 1917].

Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial is located outside of Passchendaele and is the largest Commonwealth military cemetery of all time with 11,965 burials. Many are unknown. Within its walls is the German Army Tyne Cot blockhouse captured by Australian Forces on 4 October 1917 and two German fortifications known as Irksome and The Barnacle. Tyne Cot has dedicated considerable effort towards the visitor’s experience modernizing its exterior layout to accommodate tour buses away from the original lane vantage and entry point. As one walks towards the entry speakers read out names of the fallen which carry through to the Interpretive Centre with several Great War items on exhibit as well as the historic Great War archaeological finds made as the site was prepared. Sergeant McGee’s marker is, like others, frequently provided with commemorations. This day was to be no different with a ceramic kangaroo and poppy left at his graveside. As I studied for today’s post I saw another image of Sergeant McGee with his wife Eileen and baby daughter Nada taken in 1916. Often I think about these type of images. Soldiers off to war…a family in waiting…will they come home? It is a familiar tragedy for many families and one heartfelt in the Ferguson home knowing of grandmother “Grannie” Hazel who lost her father, Ole Berget of the 31st Canadian Infantry Battalion on 3 May 1917. Grannie, at the time, was two years two months of age…one of many left to remember.

McGee marker at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium, Age 29
(P. Ferguson image, September 2009)

Helpful Link

Australian War Memorial

Lewis McGee with wife Eileen and daughter Nada.
(Wiki Image)

Category: November Series, Remember Them Well | No Comments »
Tags: 12 October 1917, 4 October 1917, 40th Battalion Australian Imperial Force, Broodseinde (Passchendaele), Family, Lewis McGee VC, Posthumous Victoria Cross, Tyne Cot Cemetery

Posted By pferguson on November 7, 2022

Private Patrick Joseph Bugden VC
31st Battalion Australian Imperial Force
(Wiki Image)

Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium: Action of 28 September 1917
THY WILL BE DONE NOT MINE

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when on two occasions our advance was temporarily held up by strongly defended “pill-boxes”. Pte. Bugden, in the face of devastating fire from machine guns, gallantly led small parties to attack these strong points and, successfully silencing the machine guns with bombs, captured the garrison at the point of the bayonet. On another occasion, when a Corporal, who had become detached from his company, had been captured and was being taken to the rear by the enemy, Pte. Bugden, single-handed, rushed to the rescue of his comrade, shot one enemy and bayoneted the remaining two, thus releasing the Corporal. On five occasions he rescued wounded men under intense shell and machine gun fire, showing an utter contempt and disregard for danger. Always foremost in volunteering for any dangerous mission, it was during the execution of one of these missions that this gallant soldier was killed [28 September 1917].

On this day the journey took us around Vijver van Zillebeke [Zillebeke Lake] towards Zillebeke Churchyard, and the 15th Canadian Infantry Battalion (48th Highlanders) 2-3 June 1916 commemoration at Observatory Ridge. Here the plaque’s inscription describes the battalion’s experience in simple few words…The mad crescendo runs. On the Woeful Waiting Ones. The huddled World in Waiting. ‘Neath the Guns.

The words provide more to think upon as I pedal, winding our way to Maple Copse Cemetery and Larchwood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery very near to Hill 60. It is at Larchwood where one bicycle tire succumbs to the pressures of the road inadvertently providing more ponder time at Larchwood as we await repairs from our Ariane hosts. I take time, missing one fleeting train, but in good time for another taking shots in series as it passes. The train’s pace stark contrast to those who remain here at Larchwood. Once we return to the road Chris and I make a study on Hill 60 and the surrounding area. There is boardwalk here now, much finer than the duckboards of the Great War. Tour buses deliver persons with similar interests or with family closeness to this era. We head to Hooge Crater Cemetery to end our touring day where I find Patrick Joseph Bugden VC. It is a walk. of pauses..with time to find, before refreshments and food at the Hooge Crater Museum and Restaurant, the places where visitors have left their own remembrances to the fallen.

Bugden marker (on right) at Hooge Crater Cemetery, Belgium. Age 20.
(P. Ferguson image, September 2017)

Helpful Link
Australian War Memorial

Remembrance at Hooge Crater Cemetery.
(P. Ferguson image, September 2017)

Category: November Series, Remember Them Well | No Comments »
Tags: 15th Canadian Infantry Battalion (48th Highlanders), 28 September 1917, 31st Battalion Australian Imperial Force, Hill 60, Hooge Crater Cemetery, Larchwood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery (Belgium), Maple Copse Cemetery, Observatory Ridge, Patrick Joseph Bugden VC, Polygon Wood, Poppy, Posthumous Victoria Cross

Posted By pferguson on November 6, 2022

Private Harry Brown VC
10th Canadian Infantry Battalion
(P. Ferguson image, September 2005)

Hill 70: Action of 16 August 1917
No inscription on marker

For most conspicuous bravery, courage and devotion to duty. After the capture of a position, the enemy massed in force and counter-attacked. The situation became very critical, all wires being cut. It was of the utmost importance to get word back to Headquarters. This soldier and one other were given the message with orders to deliver the same at all costs. The other messenger was killed. Private Brown had his arm shattered but continued on through an intense barrage until he arrived at the close support lines and found an officer. He was so spent that he fell down the dug-out steps, but retained consciousness long enough to hand over his message, saying ‘ Important message.’ He then became unconscious and died in the dressing station a few hours later [17 August 1917]. His devotion to duty was of the highest possible degree imaginable, and his successful delivery of the message undoubtedly saved the loss of the position for the time and prevented many casualties.

Brown marker at Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery, Age 19.
(P. Ferguson image, September 2005)

Much of my time on the Western Front has been spent on the Ypres Salient, the Somme and at Vimy. Twenty-five minutes north of Vimy is Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery and in 2005 our car journey took us to some of the sites in the vicinity of Hill 70. This visit, well prior to the dedication of the Hill 70 Memorial in October 2019 and one that I will need to see. Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery is about 20 minutes away from the new memorial. Spending observational time on any of these landscapes provides the scanning eye with glimpses into this past of conflict and hurried souls. As much as I search for today’s peace within the conflict, I cannot help but see (as mentioned sometime previous) the conflict in the peace. At Noeux-les-Mines we find two Canadian VC burials – Brown’s burial (II.J.29) and that of Major Learmonth’s burial (II.K.9)

Major Okill Massey Learmonth VC MC
2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion (Eastern Ontario)
(Wiki Image)

Hill 70 east of Loos: Action of 18 August 1917
HE COUNTED NOT HIS LIFE DEAR UNTO HIMSELF

For most conspicuous bravery and exceptional devotion to duty. During a determined counter-attack on our new positions, this officer, when his company was momentarily surprised, instantly charged and personally disposed of the attackers. Later he carried on a tremendous fight with the advancing enemy. Although under intense barrage fire and mortally wounded, he stood on the parapet of the trench, and bombed the enemy continuously and directed the defence in such a manner as to infuse a spirit of utmost resistance into his men. On several occasions this very brave officer actually caught bombs thrown at him by the enemy and threw them back. When he was unable by reason of his wounds to carry on the fight he still refused to be carried out of the line, and continued to give instructions and invaluable advice to his junior officers, finally handing over all his duties before he was evacuated from the front line to the hospital where he died [19 August 1917].

Learmonth marker at Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery, France, Age 23.
(P. Ferguson image, September 2005)

So too this day brought us together with the French Memorial of Notre Dame de Lorette (Ablain-St.-Nazaire French Military Cemetery) a rising ridge above the Douai plain and Arras, France, 165 metres in height. Here the church, markers and ossuary reside as if painted on the landscape – the colours delivered by the images taken, an astonishing and other worldly setting. Beauty, suffering, loss, deep felt and cascading memories reside here. More than 40,000 Great War soldiers remains are held by this ground…the French national commemoration of loss in the Great War.

Helpful Links
VC Online – Pte. Brown

VC Online – Major Learmonth

Notre Dame de Lorette (Ablain-St.-Nazaire French Military Cemetery).
(P. Ferguson image, September 2005)

Category: November Series, Remember Them Well | No Comments »
Tags: 10th Canadian Infantry Battalion, 16 August 1917, 17 August 1917, 18 August 1917, 19 August 1917, 2nd Canadian Infantry Battalion, Ablain-St.-Nazaire French Military Cemetery, Harry Brown VC, Hill 70, Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery, Notre Dame de Lorette, Okill Massey Learmonth VC MC, Posthumous Victoria Cross