Frank Albert Barnwell

  General Notes:

My grandfather

In World War 1 he joined the army in 1915 at the age of just 17 (he claimed to be 19) on 15th June 1915 (No.25406) and was initially in the 10th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, before transferring to the 6th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment at Devonport on 9th November 1915.

He was posted to the 11th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 19th October 1916 to the Macedonian Front* at Salonika where the Battalion saw action in particular at the battle of Doiran (1917) and the second battle of Doiran (1918), returning home 14th February 1919. He was awarded 3 Blue Chevrons (Overseas Service Stripes were awarded in 1918 and could be worn in combination with Good Conduct Stripes. One Blue Chevron was worn for each years service overseas) and he was demobilised on 27 Mar 1919.

In 1915 when he joined the army he had been working as a Hosiery Hand Packer. By 1924 (when he married my Grandmother) he was a Hosiery Sampleman and in 1932 he was a Hosiery Sample Hand (at R. W. Miles) living at 43 Chestnut Street, Leicester. In 1938 he was a foreman and had moved to 176 Vernon Road, Leicester. He was in the Auxilliary Fire Service during World War 2 and after the war worked at the Army Ordnance Depot at Old Dalby before retiring.


*The British Salonika Army was formed in Salonika in October 1915 from the British XVI Corps to oppose Bulgarian advances in the region as part of the Macedonian front. It became a full General Headquarters (GHQ) in January 1917. The army was originally commanded by General Sir Charles Monro, who had taken over command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in the last stages of the campaign. The army eventually comprised two corps.


11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

The 11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment was raised in Worcester in September 1914 as part of the Third New Army and as such the 11th Battalion was in the 78th Brigade of the 26th Division.

78th Brigade was made up of the following battalions:
9th Battalion Gloustershire Regiment
11th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
7th Battalion Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry
7th Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment

The 11th Worcestershire was commanded by. Colonel R. M. Rainev-Robinson, formerly of the Indian Army, with 2/Lt. T. J. Edwards as Adjutant. The latter was actually the first officer of the Battalion.

On 13th November 1914 the 11th Worcestershire were quartered in Barbourne and the officers and men were billeted in private houses. Battalion Headquarters were established at Barbourne College (now Gheluvelt Park). Early in the following April 1915, two companies moved to Norton Barracks, and at the end of that month the Battalion left Worcester and moved to camp at Fovant in Wiltshire. In July 1915 the Battalion moved again to Long-bridge Deverill, near the other units of the 26th Division.

At the beginning of September 1915 it was decided to strengthen the Third Army in Picardy by the addition of a third Army Corps, which should take over a new sector of the line, on the right of that already held. That new (XIIth) Corps was to be built up of one regular Division (the 27th) and two new Divisions from home, the 22nd and 26th. Included in the latter (26th) Division was the new 11th Battalion of the Worcestershire.

The 11th Worcestershire, with the other Battalions of the 78th Brigade, left its Wiltshire training ground at Longbridge Deverile on the 21st September 1915 , entrained at Warminster for Southampton, and thence crossed to Boulogne.

After a short stay in the rest camp at Ostrohove, the 11th Worcestershire were carried by troop trains to Saleux, near Amiens, whence they marched to billets at Foudrinoy.

An advanced party, under the 2nd-in-Command Lieut.-Col. W. F. Barker, C.M.G., D.S.O. , had crossed to Le Havre on the night of the 19th/20th September 1915 and met the Battalion at Foudrinoy.

Two days later the Battalion marched by Ferrieres to Pont de Metz and thence, with the other battalions of the 78th Brigade tramped forward through Amiens and Longueau, along the banks of the River Somme, through Aubigny to billets at Fouilloy.

After four days of training the 78thBrigade was split up for instruction in trench-warfare, and the 11th Worcestershire marched forward on September 29th along the Somme valley through Corbie and Vaux-sur-Somme to Sailly-Laurette to be attached to the 1st D.C.L.I. That battalion and the 5th Cheshire aided in the instruction of the platoons of the 11th Worcestershire during the ensuing weeks.

The following officers proceeded overseas with the Battalion :- Colonel R. M. Rainey-Robinson. C.B., Lieut.-Col. W. F. Barker, C.M.G., D.S.O. (2nd-in-command), Capt. and Adjt. T. J. Edwards, Lieut. and Qmr. A. Ham, Lieut. J. H. Gurney (M.G.O.), Lieut. 0. M. D. Bell (T.O.), Lieut. J. P. Lusk, R.A.M.C., Rev. Looby, C.F.
"A" Coy. - Capt. J. A. Welby. Capt. P. A. Leicester, Lieut. A. J. B. Hudson, 2/Lts. J. North, C. E. Turner, E. J. L. Warlow.
"B" Coy. - Major W. W. Hudson, Capt. J. G. Reid, Lieut. W. Jones, 2/Lts. F. L. H. Fox, A. B. R. Leech, H. King.
"C" Coy. - Capt. H. Dippie, Lieut. A. R. Cooper, 2/Lts. D. Brand, H. R. Vance, H. M. Edwards.
"D" Coy. - Capt. A. E. J. Legge. Capt. B. Barton, Lieut. C. Bishop, 2/Lts. H. Williams, A. E. Gibbs, J. R. T. Marsham.

On the banks of the River Somme the companies and platoons of the 11th Worcestershire, then training with the 1st D.C.L.I. and the 5th Cheshire at Suzanne and Maricourt, were but little affected by the repercussion of Battle of the Loos offensive. There was some sharp shelling, which caused a few casualties (2/Lieut. J. R. T. Marsham and 3 men wounded) but there was no serious fighting.

On the 8th October 1915 the initial training of the 11th Worcestershire was completed, and the companies reassembled at Sailly Laurette; whence on the following day the Battalion marched back to Fouilloy and rejoined the 78th Brigade. Ten days of training followed, after which the Battalion was detached for entrenching work on a reserve line of trenches. For that work they marched on the 18th October to Framerville and Vauvillers; but two days later the Battalion was suddenly recalled to Fouilloy. It was learnt that plans had changed, and that the French would again take over all trenches and billets south of the Somme. The reason for that change of plan was rightly believed to be the impending departure of British troops to Salonika.

Events in the Near East were causing many changes on the Western Front. General Monro had already been sent to the Levant (15th October 1915) and General Allenby commanded the Third Army (posted 20th October 1915) in his stead; now it had been decided that the XIIth Corps should move from France to Macedonia. At first only the 22nd and 27th Divisions were placed under orders, but on the 30th October 1915 came a message from G.H.Q. that the 26th Division also would move to the new theatre of war.

The 11th Worcestershire with the rest of the 78th Brigade had moved on the 22nd October 1915, from Fouilloy to new billets. Marching through Corbie, Pont Noyelles, Querrieu, Allouville and Coisy the Worcestershire had settled into billets at Vaux-en-Amienois (about 5 miles north of Amiens). There Battalion training had been resumed until, on the evening of November 1st, urgent messages were received from Brigade Headquarters as to whether the Battalion was complete in iron rations, ammunition and transport. "These inquiries," daily records the Battalion Diary, "led us to believe that a move would shortly take place." On the next day a message was received ordering all smoke-helmets and respirators to be handed in. "This," recorded the War Diary, "confirmed the idea that the Battalion would not go into the trenches again. . . . .

Two days later (3rd November 1915) came definite news that the 26th Division was under orders for Serbia. Thence forward all was a bustle of preparation. "A supply of publications dealing with the Balkan States" was received, the Battalions transport horses were exchanged for mules, and finally on November 9th the Battalion marched through Amiens to Longueau Station. There the 11th Worcestershire entrained and commenced a long railway journey, which, after many stops, brought the Battalion to Marseilles at 5 p.m. on November 11th. Two battleships were waiting to receive them. The right-half Battalion, under Colonel Rainey-Robinson, embarked on H.M.S. "Mars" and the left-half Battalion, under Lt.-Col. Barker, on H.M.S. "Magnificent" (the Battalion transport embarked separately on the transport "Verna"). Next morning, the two battleships put out to sea and steamed south-eastward across the Mediterranean.

The two battleships carried the Battalion across the Mediterranean to Alexandria. The companies disembarked and lay in camp for two days. Then further orders came; the Battalion re-embarked in the same ships and was carried northwards to Salonika.

On November 24th H.M.S. "Magnificent," with the leading half-battalion, under the second-in-command, Lt.-Colonel W. F. Barker, C.M.G., D.S.O., arrived at Salonika. The companies landed, and marched through the city to camp at Lembet, some two miles to the northward. There next day they were joined by the remainder of the Battalion (Except the Battalion transport which did not reach Salonika until December 16th) under the Commanding Officer, Colonel R.M. Rainey-Robinson, C.B.

When the Battalion landed the weather was fine and warm, and the march of the companies to Lembet Camp was made unpleasant by clouds of dust; but on the night of November 26th a blizzard\emdash that same blizzard which brought disaster to the army in Gallipoli\emdash suddenly struck the camp. Hail, sleet and snow swept through the tent lines, and during the next few days the troops suffered severely. The bad weather continued during the ensuing fortnight, while the camp filled up with troops and the Allied Commanders debated their course of action (It was not possible for a general advance to be made, as the transport of the force had not then been landed).

News came back of the failure of the troops in front and of their retreat after the fight at Kosturino. The enemy were known to be pursuing, and it was not anticipated that their pursuit would stop at the Greek frontier. It was decided to entrench a position around Salonika to cover the retreat of the troops in front. Plans were drawn up and on December 11th orders were issued. The British and French Divisions were to construct a line of defensive works round Salonika at a distance of about seven or eight miles from the city. The sector of this line allotted to the 26th Division was from the Langasa Lake along the northern slope of the Derbend Ridge. Of this sector the line from Laina to Tumba was allotted to the 78th Brigade, which included the 11th Worcestershire.

At 7.0 a.m. on the 12th December 1915 the Battalion paraded, drew picks and shovels, and then marched off to its allotted portion of the line to be entrenched. The march was made over steep hills in a thick mist and progress was slow. Presently the track disappeared completely and the officers' compasses provided the only guide. The ten-mile march took nearly five hours. Shortly before midday the Battalion reached their allotted position (About 2 miles S.W. of Kavalar) and set to work in the mist on the construction of defensive works. That evening the Battalion marched back to camp through the Derbend Pass. The narrow pass was not entered until after dark, and before the further end was reached a Greek transport column of laden donkeys was encountered coming in the opposite direction. Great confusion ensued. "It took about an hour and a half of forcible language and still more forcible action to eject the Greeks" (J.H.G.). It was not until late that night that the weary platoons reached their tents.

Two days later the 78th Brigade moved out from Lembet Camp and went into bivouac near their work. It was known that the advancing Bulgarians were not fifty miles away; and all ranks worked their hardest, in spite of incessant rain and cold, with the result that the entrenchment was almost completed by December 18th.
By that date the general situation had altered. The Bulgarian armies, instead of advancing, had halted, as we have told, at the Greek frontier. The retreating 10th Division and their French comrades had reached Salonika and had joined the main Allied army. The whole position was reconsidered and the 78th Brigade was ordered to draw back their line and establish a new position.

The entrenchment of the new position was commenced forthwith. The line selected was close to the foothills, and it was presently discovered that the position of the battalion traversed the ground of an ancient and forgotten cemetery of the early Greeks. Many tombs were opened by the picks of the labouring troops, and some of these contained swords and bronze helmets, which experts declared to be of the period of Alexander the Great.

On December 23rd the battalion transport rejoined. They had been left behind at Marseilles, for want of accommodation on the battleships, and had only reached Salonika on December 18th. With the aid of the transport a good camp was pitched close to the defensive works and here the Battalion spent their first Christmas in the field. "A large quantity of beer, oranges, fresh meat, bread, flour, raisins, etc., having been secured, the men were able to enjoy a fairly seasonable meal"( Battalion Diary. Next day, it is recorded, the Commanding Officer read to the troops the King's Christmas message, after which three cheers were given for the King, and then another three for the Queen. The troops had a holiday for the remainder of the day).

Thereafter work on the defensive line was busily continued. The principal excitement was provided by German aeroplanes, which came over the lines, flying high and drawing some futile shell-fire from the guns of the battleships in the harbour. On December 30th those aeroplanes dropped some bombs, without any great effect save on a Greek shepherd, who was killed with five of his sheep; but General Sarrail, the Allied Commander at Salonika, made use of that " violation of Greek neutrality," and on that account forcibly expelled from the city the German, Austrian, Turkish, and Bulgarian Consuls (Till that date the situation had been extraordinary, for German, Austrian and Bulgarian military attaches in full uniform had promenaded the streets of Salonika and had watched all Allied movements).

That high-handed action indicated the practical occupation of the city by the Allies, for it had been decided to hold Salonika to prevent it falling into hostile hands. The port might provide the enemy's submarines with an ideal base; and it became clear that the miserable Greek Government had no intention of offering opposition to either army. So the French and British troops remained at Salonika, and the construction of defences in the forward zone continued to be the principal occupation of the 11th Worcestershire.

In the first days of the New Year the weather changed, becoming suddenly fine and warm. For a fortnight the fine weather lasted, the work progressed rapidly and the troops became more cheerful. They were further cheered by the news of the successful evacuation of Gallipoli; which if not inspiring was at least satisfactory. Artillery had been brought up into position, and had "registered" on the ground in front of the defences. By the middle of January the position was deemed fairly secure, and the Battalion was then drawn back into bivouac camp constructed in the gullies and hollows behind the line out of view from the front (in "Conical Hill Nullah".
Battalion Headquarters consisted of four caves excavated in a small ravine). Work was continued steadily, while hostile air raids provided an intermittent source of interest throughout the Spring months of 1916.

As gradually it became apparent that the enemy had no intention of making an attack on the fortified positions, the energies of the troops were diverted bit by bit from labour to training. First two days a week then more, were devoted to preparation for an advance.

Apart from that training and from the recurrent air raids, there was little to break the monotony of existence in the Macedonian hills. The troops were out of sight of any sign of civilisation, save indeed the relics excavated from the ancient tombs. Such inhabitants as were in the neighbourhood were ignorant and brutish peasants. The soldiers were thrown back on their own resources for recreation and amusement, while the hardships endured were considerable (Among other minor grievances may be noted the fact that the troops had to get accustomed to having their meat flavoured by an aromatic shrub which was used to supplement the meagre fuel and insinuated its aroma into all food cooked). But the scenery and the strange sights of that foreign land ("The area was alive with tortoises skylarks by the million, bullfinches nearly as numerous, and occasionally blue jays were seen." (T.J.E.) made up to some extent for the discomfort and the privations.

Towards the end of March the 78th Brigade was drawn back from the front line into Divisional Reserve. There, the 11th Worcestershire remained for two months, in camp near Lembet, working and training. On March 27th a big hostile air raid at dawn caused much excitement. A bomb fell near the lines of the Battalion, fortunately without damage. Another bomb detonated a French store of explosives in the town, with appalling effect. Every gun within miles was brought into action and some of the raiders were reported to have been shot down. Later, on May 5th, a Zeppelin, the L71, attempted to bomb the city and was shot down into the marshes of the Vardar.Little else of note occurred during the Spring months, but the climate of Macedonia was fast claiming its victims. Malaria and enteric became rife among the troops, and officers and men went down in rapid succession.

In April, to the great regret of the Battalion, Brigadier-General D'Arcy Thomas was invalided home. After a final inspection of the Battalion on April 21st he left for England, and the officers and men of the 11th Worcestershire shared in the regret expressed in his farewell message, that he, who had done so much for the Regiment (see the Introduction. Brig.-General D'Arcy Thomas had, as we have seen, been Adjutant of the 1st Battalion and subsequently, as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, had been the main influence in moulding that Battalion to the splendid form which it attained) and who had raised and trained the 78th Brigade, was thus deprived of the chance of leading them into action.

In May the original British Commander at Salonika, General Sir Bryan Mahon, was succeeded by General Milne (General Milne assumed command on May 13th). The new commander put new life into the force, and the hot summer days were devoted to intensive training, till the neighbourhood of Salonika grew to resemble an English training ground. That training demanded a more extensive area than the confines of the defensive perimeter, and on June 7th the 11th Worcestershire marched northward some twelve miles to camp at Pirnar, north-west of Baldza. Thence training was carried on during the ensuing weeks.

Training at Pirnar was anything but pleasant. The camp was pitched in a basin among hills. No breeze seemed to come down into that basin and the heat was great. The heat caused much sickness and took the energy out of all ranks. But, in spite of such conditions, much hard work was done.

While the troops perfected themselves in training, the French and British Staffs had been working out plans for offensive action. The policy of passive defence had been abandoned. It was intended to advance and to gain touch with the enemy, who were known to be strongly entrenched along the Serbo-Greek frontier.

As a preliminary measure the administration of Salonika and the surrounding area was taken over by the Allied Commander-in-Chief from the nerveless grasp of the Greek authorities. With the assumption of responsibility for the administration came the duty of husbanding the local resources. The local crops had to be cut and brought in, and on that work of harvesting the 11th Worcestershire were employed during the later days of June. Hardly was that work finished when word was passed round that preparations had been completed and that the force was about to advance.

Already the French forces had pushed forward to the Serbo-Greek frontier. That frontier had been arranged in 1913 to follow the line of a natural obstacle, a series of mountainous ridges. Along those ridges the Bulgarians had entrenched strong positions, and before those positions the French advance had come to a standstill. It had been arranged that the five British Divisions should take over the front covering Salonika on the north and north-east.

On July 24th orders were received by the 26th Division to move northward forthwith. The 78th Brigade marched next day. When the orders came, the 11th Worcestershire were temporarily detached from the Brigade, carrying out a battalion exercise. The Battalion consequently marched independently (The heat during that march was intense. As an instance it is recorded that, during a halt, the Officers' Mess prepared lunch by the roadside. When the officers assembled for the meal half-an-hour later they found it impossible to touch the knives and forks with uncovered hands) on the 25th to Ambarkeui, and there rejoined the Brigade. Then with the Brigade the Battalion marched on northwards, by way of Sarigeul, Haidarli and Vetegor, to Malovtsi, which was reached on the night of the 27/28th. A rest for twenty-four hours followed. The Division was now close up behind the French, who were facing the Bulgarian outposts. On the last evening of July the Brigade moved forward to take over the position from our Allies. The 7th Royal Berkshire and 7th Oxford and Bucks L.I. took over the front line on the night of the 29/30th. On the following night the 9th Gloucestershire and 11th Worcestershire moved forward through rain and darkness into reserve positions near Chuguntsi (this is one of many alternative spellings, including Cugunci).

The 26th Division was now on the left flank of the British Army and lay next to the French. Orders were received that the Division was to co-operate with the French in a forthcoming attack on the Bulgarian positions.

The Bulgarian positions covering the small town of Doiran were established on a series of steep ridges running mostly from north-west to south-east. One such ridge now faced the 78th Brigade. The southern end of the higher part of this ridge was about a mile from the position taken over by the Brigade, and was known as "Horseshoe Hill" ; but from "Horseshoe Hill" a lower continuation of the ridge ran on south-eastward, rising, close to the British lines, to a little eminence known as" Kidney Hill." That height was faced from the south-east by" The Commandant "which was in British hands. Between "The Commandant" and "Kidney Hill" was a small height\emdash "Castle Hill." This latter was apparently unoccupied, but there was known to be a hostile outpost on "Kidney Hill."

Forward movement was begun as soon as the necessary communications had been established. On the night of August 8th " Castle Hill" was occupied. On the following night a company of the 7th Royal Berkshire seized" Kidney Hill." That same night the 7th Oxford and Bucks L.I., which hitherto had held the left half of the Brigade front, were relieved by the 11th Worcestershire.

The position now taken up by the Battalion (Battalion H.Q. was established at Asagi Mahala) was across the valley which lies between "The Commandant" and a small hill named" Clichy" to the south-west. Away to the right, French troops were pressing forward with much gunfire against "La Tortue" (The French captured "La Tortue" on August 16th) ; to co-operate with their advance it was decided that the 78th Brigade should attack" Horseshoe Hill."

In that mountainous country preparations for the attack took some time to complete; artillery had to be hauled into position and tracks made for ammunition and supplies. While that work was in progress the 11th Worcestershire held their outpost line (On August 10th a detachment which had been sent on May 20th to guard an aerodrome on Thasos Island (Capt. B. Barton and 50 other ranks) rejoined the Battalion. On August 17th Col. Rainey-Robinson was sent into hospital and Lt.-Col. Barker took over command) across the valley, shelled at intervals (August 12th, 3 wounded. August 14th, 1 wounded. August 20th. 1 killed) and sending out several patrols. Those patrols had numerous adventures on the rocky slopes; notably one patrol under Captain P. A. Leicester which on the night of August 16/17th carried out a daring reconnaissance of "Horseshoe Hill," and elicited a message of appreciation from the Brigade.

The information obtained by Captain Leicester's patrol (He found that the hill was not held in strength, and that the enemy's defences were weak and much damaged by gun fire) enabled plans to be made for an attack on "Horseshoe Hill" on the following night. The attack would be made by the reserve battalion of the 78th Brigade, the 7th Oxford and Bucks L.I. To support the left flank of the attack the 11th Worcestershire would establish a post further forward on a knoll in the valley below.

The operation was commenced at 8.0 p.m. Two platoons of the 11th Worcestershire seized and entrenched the required knoll without opposition or casualties. Away to the right front the 7th Oxford and Bucks L.I., after a long night advance, stormed "Horseshoe Hill" at 2.30 a.m. (August 18th) and entrenched the captured position. The enemy made some attempts at counterattack next day; but they were beaten back and the gains were secured. The post established in the valley by the 11th Worcestershire was named " Worcester Post."
On September 2nd the 11th Worcestershire shifted their position to the right and took over the captured ground on "Horseshoe Hill." The enemy's guns were fiercely bombarding the lost hill and during the ensuing week the Battalion suffered several casualties (September 4th, 8 wounded. September 5th, 4 wounded. September 6th, 1 wounded and missing. September 7th, Capt. J. G. Reid and 3 men killed, 5 men wounded. September 8th, 2 wounded. Total, 1 officer and 3 men killed, 20 wounded.).

A week later (September 9th) the line was taken over by the 79th Brigade. The 11th Worcestershire were relieved by the 11th Cameronians and then marched back to bivouac at Yenikeui. On the following night a further move was made to Mihailova, where the 78th Brigade lay in Corps Reserve during the ensuing fortnight.

By that time the opposing lines were close-locked. All along the front the Bulgarians had been forced back from their outpost positions on to their main line of entrenchments. But among the rocky ridges and gullies the exact positions of those enemy entrenchments were not easy to locate; and for some further weeks patrols and raiding parties were engaged in testing the strength of the enemy's defences.

In the valley north-east of" Horseshoe Hill" lies the village of Doldzeli. On the far side of Doldzeli a low rounded under-feature had been named, by the French, the" Mamelon." That height was known to be held by the Bulgarians, but their exact strength there was uncertain.

That part of the front line was taken over by the 78th Brigade at the end of September. The 11th Worcestershire were at first kept back in Corps Reserve, and did not come into the Brigade Sector until October 2nd; on which date the Battalion took over reserve trenches about Hill 420 (Flanks of Battalion line extended from Bujuklu village to Piton des Zouaves). On October 8th the Worcestershire moved forward and relieved the 9th Gloucestershire in the forward trenches near Doldzeli village. The front held by the Battalion extended from the eastern slope of " Horseshoe Hill" to the wooded Vladaja ravine, which was held by French troops.

On October 9th orders were received to make a small raid against the "Mamelon" with the object of capturing a prisoner and thus identifying the troops in front. About 4.30 p.m. while still daylight, the raiding party\emdash Captain P. A. Leicester, Lieutenant C. E. Turner, and 30 other ranks\emdash pushed forward, up the Doldzeli ravine to the slopes of the "Mamelon" The party got within a short distance from a trench held by the enemy, and charged. They were met by a fierce fire from about 70 rifles and by many bombs. One bomb killed PrivateJ.W. Rudd, another wounded Captain Leicester and two of his men. After a short fight it was realised that success was impossible and the raiders fell back behind cover. Then it was found that Private Rudd was missing. Believing him to have been wounded and left behind, Lieutenant C. E. Turner, accompanied by Private W. Hartland, bravely went back. They found Private Rudd dead within a few yards of the enemy's trench. After running the gauntlet of a sharp fire they rejoined the rest of the party (For their gallant conduct in this affair Captain Leicester was awarded the Italian Silver Medal "for valour," Lt. Turner the French Croix de Guerre and Pte. W. Hartland the M.M.).

Next evening (October 10th) further efforts were made to locate the enemy's position. A patrol under 2nd Lieutenant F. S. Shaw made a useful reconnaissance, with some loss (1 killed, 3 wounded).

It was then decided to make a raid in force against the" Mamelon" with two companies of the 11th Worcestershire. The raid was to be prepared by a sharp bombardment and was to be supported by machine-guns. The main attack was to be preceded by one advanced platoon, which would sweep the wooded banks of the Vladaja ravine as a precaution against surprise.

All day of October 11th the British guns kept up an intermittent bombardment against the "Mamelon." After dark the guns redoubled their fire. The troops moved into position. Half an hour before midnight (October 11/12th) the guns lifted their fire and the attack began.

The raiders were met by an intense fire, which checked the front line. Two additional platoons were brought up in support and, with that aid, the attackers charged forward to the enemy's trenches. Sergeant H. W. Preedy showed great bravery in leading on his platoon after the platoon officer had been hit (Sergt. Preedy was awarded the M.M.). A fierce fight ensued. The enemy's front trench was cleared and the desired identification was secured from dead Bulgarians (proving the enemy to be of the 9th Bulgarian Regiment). Then retreat was ordered (at 15 minutes past midnight) and the raiders fell back to the British trenches.

The losses had been considerable\emdash nearly 60 in all (Killed, 4. Missing, 6. Wounded, 3 officers (Capt. A. E. J. Legge, 2/Lts. C. L. Godson and C. R. P. Corbin (the latter died afterwards) and 44 other ranks)\emdash but the Battalion was heartily congratulated on its success. To that success all ranks had contributed, and not least the Battalion signallers. Corporal A. Burton earned special praise by his work in maintaining cable communication under very heavy fire (Corporal Burton was subsequently awarded the M.M.).

The Battalion held the line for two more days without notable incident. Then on the night of October 14/15th the 7th Oxford and Bucks L.I. took over the line, and the Worcestershire moved back to the reserve trenches. On the following night the Battalion moved back into Corps Reserve.

After a quiet week in Corps Reserve (On October 17th, 6 officers joined\emdash Lt. R. C. L. Clarke, Lt. S. A. Stephenson, 2/Lts. V. W. Price, A. J. C. Ewen, A. H. Lewis and A. H. Pyne) the Battalion moved back into the reserve trenches near Hill 420. Later the 11th Worcestershire did another tour in the front line (November 8th - 15th) suffering some loss (November 11th Lt. C. E. Turner and 1 man wounded and on the November 13th 1 wounded) from shellfire. Then the Battalion again went into Corps Reserve.

At the end of November a series of changes of position took place along the Allied front, as a result of which the 22nd Division on the left moved still further towards that flank. The 11th Worcestershire were sent up from reserve to prolong the left flank of the 26th Division, and thus came into a new sector of the front line.

The new positions faced across the valley of the Selimli Dere, where lay the deserted and ruined village of Sejdelli. The opposing lines were some distance away from each other, and constant patrolling failed to evoke any hostilities beyond casual shell-fire (in that rocky country the bursting shells scattered showers of rock splinters, and those splinters were the cause of several casualties). Cold and rainy weather had now closed down on the opposing armies in the hills. Both sides were more occupied in keeping warm and in good health than in trying to harm the other. The situation was too cheerless to evoke much enthusiasm over Christmas Day, which the Battalion spent in the trenches and shelters near the Selimli Dere.

A few days afterwards the Divisional line was altered and the Battalion was shifted further east once more, to reserve trenches and shelters near Chuguntsi. That position was a little more comfortable, and there the 11th Worcestershire saw out the last days of 1916.

Timeline of movements

1914 (September) 11th Battalion formed (as part of 78th Brigade, 26th Division).
1914 (November) Barbourne, England.
1915 (April) Norton Barracks, Worcester, England.
1915 (July) Long-bridge Deverill, England.
1915 (September) Foudrinoy, France.
1915 (October) River Somme, France.
1915 (November) Alexandria (only for 2 days).
1915 (November) Lembet Camp, Salonika, Macedonia.
1916 (August) Chuguntsi, Macedonia.
1916 (October) Mamelon, Macedonia.
1916 (December) Chuguntsi, Macedonia.
1917 (March) Jumeaux Ravine, Macedonia.
1917 (April) Pivoines, Macedonia.
1917 (April) Jumeaux Ravine (Battle of Doiran), Macedonia.~
1917 (May) Pivoines, Macedonia.
1917 (June) Bekirli, Mcedonia.
1917 (July) Kirec, Macedonia.
1917 (August) River Vardar, Macedonia.
1917 (December) Cidemli, Macedonia.
1918 (March) River Vardar, Macedonia.
1918 (September) Strumitza, Macedonia.
1918 (October) Bulgaria.
1918 (December) Dobric, Bulgaria.
1919 (May) The Caucasus (now joined the 27th Division).
1919 (June) Tiflis (now formed part of the 82nd Brigade).
1919 (June/July) Gori
1919 (September) Haidar Pasha (Bosphorus), Turkey.
1919 (30th September) The 11th Battalion was amalgamated in to the 9th Battalion Worcestershire.


Macedonia 1917 (The 11th Battalion Worcestershire)

In Macedonia, it will be remembered, the winter of 1916-17 had closed down upon deadlock as complete as that on the 'Western Front'. After completing their conquest of Serbia, the Bulgarian forces had entrenched themselves strongly among the mountainous ridges of the former Serbo-Greek frontier. In front of these entrenchments the advance of the Allied forces had been brought to a standstill; and after some minor operations both sides had settled down into what were virtually winter quarters.

The severity of the Balkan winter kept both sides immobile during the months of January and February. During those months the 11th Worcestershire alternated between the forward trenches near "Horseshoe Hill" and the reserve trenches near Chuguntsi. There was very little to choose between the two sets of trenches as regards discomfort and but little to choose between them as regards danger. Shell fire was only spasmodic, and patrolling brought little loss. The only active operation during this period was a raid carried out on the 11th February 1917, by the 10th Devons, on the right flank of the Battalion, against the Petit Couronné; which brought the 11th Worcestershire much excitement but fortunately no casualties.
Battalion was in forward trenches on dates as follows :\emdash
3rd to 11th January 1917 - Casualties, 1 killed, 4 wounded.
20th to 27th January 1917 - Casualties, 2 killed, 1 wounded.
19th to 27th February 1917 - Casualties, 1 killed, 5 wounded.
5th to 12th February 1917 - Casualties, Nil.
7th to l4th March 1917 - Casualties, 2 wounded.

On the evening of February 27th a hostile air raid had most unhappy results for the Battalion. Three bombs fell in the lines of the Battalion transport, killing or wounding 52 animals and 19 men (37 mules and 1 horse killed, 12 mules and 2 horses wounded, 2 men killed. 2 died of wounds, 15 wounded).

In March the weather improved and the Allied forces prepared for active operations. Some readjustment of the front took place. The 26th and 22nd Divisions exchanged positions, and on the 24th March, after ten days of training in reserve, the 78th Brigade shifted its front to the east. The 11th Worcestershire took over trenches half-a-mile to the east of those previously held, facing down into the Jumeaux Ravine.

That Ravine is a steep cleft in the hills. Its precipitous slopes are covered with rough scrub. The hill tops are bare and rocky. The northern side of the Ravine, held by the Bulgarians was steeper and also slightly higher than the southern side. The Bulgarian line included a distinctive summit known as the "Petit Couronné" which was strongly entrenched and formed an important tactical point in the enemy's main line of defence along the further side of the Ravine.

The left flank of the Battalion rested on a little gully known as the Senelle Ravine. The companies in their new position received a certain amount of attention from the enemy's artillery, but the trenches were well sited and casualties were not very heavy (24th to 3lst March. Casualties, 3 killed, 5 wounded). On the evening of March 31st the 11th Worcestershire were relieved by the 9th Gloucestershire and moved back into reserve at Pearse Hill. There training was busily continued until, seven days later, preliminary orders were received for battle in the near future. The 22nd and 26th Divisions were to attack the enemy's positions.

The attack was to be preliminary to a general Allied offensive astride the River Vardar. The enemy's reserves were first to be attracted by the British attack on Doiran, and then the French would deliver the decisive attack further west. That intended extension of the plan was not communicated to the British troops; but they received long and detailed instructions for their own operation, to which further details were added at intervals during the ensuing fortnight.

Pending the battle, the normal routine of the Division was continued. On April 8th the 11th Worcestershire relieved the 9th Gloucestershire in the front-line trenches and held them till April 13th. As if sensing the coming attack, the enemy's artillery was now more active, fortunately without serious results (Casualties from 9th to 13th April, 1 man killed). After relief on April 13th the Worcestershire marched back to camp at Pivoines. There six days were spent in strenuous training. Then on April 21st the Battalion moved forward to the line, and was accommodated in shelters prepared in the Senelle and Elbow Ravines, close behind the front trenches. Already the British artillery had begun (April 21st) a systematic bombardment of the enemy's wire and trenches.

During those days before the battle, much good work was done by the Battalion Intelligence Officer, 2/Lt. T. Featherstone; who carried out a daring reconnaissance of the enemy's position, going out alone by night and remaining all the next day under cover close to the enemy's line, thereby gaining most valuable information. He was awarded the M.C. for his actions.

On April 23rd came word that the attack would take place on the next night. The plan of the attack, so far as the 26th Division was concerned, was a direct frontal attack across the Jumeaux Ravine. Further to the left the 22nd Division would advance from" Horseshoe Hill" along the 'P" Ridge (so called because various tactical points along it had been designated" P.3," "P.4," " P.5," etc.), of which that height is the southern end.

From Lake Doiran to the Petit Couronné the attack of the 26th Division would be made by three battalions of the 79th Brigade; from the Petit Couronné to the junction with the 22nd Division two battalions of the 78th Brigade would make the attack, these being, from right to lift, the 7th Royal Berkshire and the 11th Worcestershire.

The objective of the 11th Worcestershire was a spur named on the maps "O 6." On that spur the enemy were strongly entrenched. To reach those trenches the attacking companies would have to rush down the steep slope to the bottom of the ravine and then scale the equally steep slope on the other side. It was not expected that success would easily be won; for the Bulgarian infantry had proved themselves to be good fighters. As to the strength of the enemy's artillery there was but little information.

The attack was timed for 9.45 p.m. The British heavy artillery, which had kept up a steady fire during the previous three days, continued firing without intermission through the twilight and throughout the first hours of darkness. The boom of the guns and the crash of the bursting shells echoed and re-echoed among the deep ravines.

The Battle of Doiran, 1917.

About 9.0 p.m. the enemy's gun fire, hitherto not very noticeable, increased in intensity. Shells burst all along the British side of the Jumeaux Ravine, but the troops were in good cover and little harm was done.

Close on half past nine a series of red Very Lights shot up one after another from the enemy's lines. Eight or ten lights were counted. The crouching troops wondered if it were a signal; but the enemy's fire did not sensibly increase. Five minutes later the enemy's gun fire seemed to die down.

Scarcely had that fact been noticed when at 9.35 p.m. the British field guns opened their ear-splitting shrapnel barrage. Ten minutes later the officers' whistles rose shrill amid the din. The attacking platoons scrambled from their trenches and plunged down the slope.

The attack had hardly started when three searchlights flashed out from the opposing heights and swept the slopes of the Ravine with their cold rays. Then the enemy's barrage came down in full force. The strength of the Bulgarian artillery had not been suspected, in that mountainous country guns were easily concealed, and the counter-battery work of the British artillery had not been sufficiently effective. A tornado of shells struck the scrambling troops. So fierce was the fire that the supporting companies of the Royal Berkshire were cut off from those in front and never reached them; but through the storm the Worcestershire platoons made their way across the Ravine and up the steep slope opposite.

Rifles and machine-guns from the Bulgarian trenches hailed bullets on the survivors as they struggled up through the rocks and scrub. Most of the front line were shot down, and for a moment the advance was checked. The survivors clung on as best they could, firing up at the flashes of the enemy's rifles above them.

Captain A. R. Cooper, commanding the leading company, realised that unless reinforcements came up the attack must fail. He dashed back into the midst of the shells, which were bursting at the bottom of the ravine, and there found the supporting platoons; these had lost direction and were, for the moment, dazed and bewildered by the darkness and the shell fire. He led them up the slope to join the survivors of the leading wave.

Again and again Captain Cooper dashed back into the barrage and led forward his men. He was severely wounded, but continued to direct and to assemble his men until at last sufficient numbers had been gathered on the slope to make an assault possible. Then he gave the word and the line scrambled upwards through the scrub till they reached the Bulgarian trenches. A fierce fight followed in the darkness. The Worcestershire lads were not to be denied, and in a few minutes most of the enemy's front line along the "O 6" Ridge had been taken with the bayonet. In the assault Captain Cooper was again severely wounded, but he refused to leave the fight until he bad seen the enemy's front line secured. For his courage and fine leadership on this occasion Captain Cooper was awarded the D.S.O.

On the right of the captured trenches a strongly fortified redoubt (" Z 44 ") at the apex of the spur beat back all attacks for some twenty minutes. During those twenty minutes the Worcestershire platoons further along the line worked desperately at the consolidation of the captured trench, urged on by Lieutenant S. A. Stephenson who, although already severely wounded, continued to command and inspire his men. Lieut. Stephenson was awarded the M.C.

Then over the crest of the ridge came the first counter-attack; a hail of trench-mortar bombs, followed by a rush of yelling foes through the darkness. The attack was met by rapid fire and driven back.

The enemy sent reinforcements from the rear into the redoubt on the right flank, and from that point commenced to bomb along the trench. They gained some twenty yards; then the Worcestershire bombers, headed by Private B. Harris, established a block and held firm. Pte. B. Harris, L/Cpl. G. Harrold and Sgt. W. J. Blood, were all awarded the M.M.

Away on the left flank an attempt was made by a small party of the Worcestershire to bomb along the communication trench (" Y 18 ") which ran across the spur. In that endeavour Lance-Corporal G. Harrold showed the greatest bravery. Under heavy fire from the enemy's trench-mortars he led a squad of bombers along the enemy's trench. Though wounded he continued pluckily to fight until finally disabled by a second wound. Gradually that attack along the communication trench was brought to a standstill; bombs began to run short and the enemy's bombers, amply supplied, gradually gained ground. The survivors of the bombing attack were compelled to fall back down the communication trench and out on to the slope of the ravine beyond. There they were rallied by Sergeant W. J. Blood. Sergeant Blood was now commanding a platoon, for his officer had been killed. He led his men forward to a renewed attack, reoccupied part of the communication trench and held it thenceforward against all counter-attacks.

The enemy's trench-mortars from beyond the ridge (in the Sabre Ravine) kept up a continuous fire. Their great bombs fell continuously all along the line of the captured trench. The watchers in the British trenches on the far side of the ravine could see the showers of sparks from the flying bombs before the blaze of their burst. The watchers saw also another point of light in the captured trench - the glow of a signal lamp. The Battalion Signal Officer, 2nd Lieutenant L. C. Ryder, had led forward a party of his men through the barrage and up to the enemy's position. The subaltern was killed, but Corporal H. Evans took over command of the signal party. A lamp was got up and a station established. In the midst of the desperate fighting and firing all around, and amid the continual bursts of the enemy's bombs and shells, Corporal Evans coolly maintained communication with the other side of the ravine. From the British trenches his lamp was watched throughout the battle, a tiny point of light showing with its Morse dots and dashes, amid the blaze of the explosions. Corporal Evans was awarded the M.M. for his brave actions.

Information was also sent back by means of flares on a prearranged system. In the lighting of those flares Captain B. Baden did excellent work, showing great courage and resource and was awarded the M.C.

All along the valley the enemy's shells were raining down. The bottom of the Ravine was filled with dense smoke lit only by the bursting shells. Through the smoke and up the steep slope came struggling the reserve companies of the Worcestershire. They had lost half their number by the time they reached the captured trenches, but the remnant flung themselves into the fight and became intermixed with the leading platoons. All did their utmost to make the position secure. A young officer, Lieutenant G. Thomson, who had been severely wounded early in the fight, had been sent back across the ravine to the British trenches. As soon as his wound had been dressed he at once set off again to find his platoon. He recrossed the ravine, found his men, and took in hand the work of reorganisation.

Hardly had that reorganisation been completed when, shortly after 1.30 a.m., came a fresh storm of shells and a fresh onslaught from over the ridge. The enemy were determined to recapture their lost trench; they had paused only to collect their forces and to arrange a fresh barrage with their overwhelming artillery.

That fresh barrage wrecked the defences of the shattered trench, and the new Bulgarian attack found the defenders with bombs exhausted and Lewis-guns mostly out of action. The platoons were now hopelessly intermingled, and in the darkness control was very difficult; nevertheless, inspired by the example of the wounded Lieutenant Thomson, the Worcestershire lads fought splendidly, beating off two more successive attacks.

Lieut. Thomson and 2/Lieut. Shaw were awarded the M.C. At that stage it was necessary to send back a message describing the position. Private J. Auden volunteered to take the message, and set out down the slope into the barrage. He ran the gauntlet of the shells successfully, reached Battalion Headquarters, delivered his message and returned with the reply. On the way back he was struck and badly wounded; but he struggled on, delivered the answer, and remained in action till the end of the fight. He was subsequently awarded the M.M.
A big bomb struck one Lewis-gun, killing or wounding all its team. Bombs were striking all around, but 2nd Lieutenant F. S. Shaw, although already wounded, got to the Lewis-gun and brought it into action. He worked it single-handed, shooting down many of the enemy as they came charging forward and encouraging his men to fight to the last. Further along the line Sergeant J. Harris kept a Lewis gun in action amid a shower of bombs by personally bringing up ammunition till he was hit and disabled. Lance-Corporal D. R. Payne took over another Lewis-gun of which all the crew had been killed and kept it firing until a direct hit by a bomb destroyed the weapon (Sergt. J. Harris and L/Cpl. D. R. Payne were awarded the M.M.).

At one point the enemy regained a part of the trenches. Sergeant F. Potter at once organised a counter-attack. Leading the attack himself, the brave sergeant drove the enemy from the trench and re-established the position. Then he reorganised the defence and took command of the situation, for all the officers of his company had been killed or wounded (Sergt. F. Potter was awarded the D.C.M.).

Throughout the battle the devoted Medical Officer of the Battalion, Captain J. P. Lusk, R.A.M.C., worked along the parapet of the captured trench. As fully exposed as any of the fighting troops, he tended the wounded where they fell. Among many brave men he stood out, in the opinion of all ranks, by virtue of his utter disregard of personal danger under that terrific fire. By a miracle he survived unhurt and continued his work of mercy to the end, assisted by a devoted stretcher-bearer, Private W. Keyte. Capt. J. P. Lusk was awarded the M.C. and Pte. Keyte was awarded the M.M.

The defence of the captured trench had been maintained for four hours, under constant fire and against repeated counter-attacks. More than half of the Worcestershire had fallen. Ammunition was almost exhausted. A message was sent for assistance. In response to that call a company of the 7th Oxford & Bucks L.I. were sent forward. Dashing through the barrage, some forty brave men of that regiment reached the position of the Worcestershire and bore a share in the last desperate struggle on the ridge.

About 3.0 a.m. came yet another attack. Three successive waves of the enemy came surging over the crest of the spur. In front the attack was stopped dead by the British musketry; but from both flanks the enemy's bombers came pushing inwards, and no bombs remained with which they could be opposed. Gradually the length of trench held by the Worcestershire grew shorter, as from both flanks the enemy bombers pressed in. Unless help should come the end was only a question of time; but the remnant of the brave Battalion held on, until, about 4.0 a.m., there came a definite order to retire. The Brigade Diary instances this order. It reads. . ." as it became obvious that the small detachment which still held on could not hope to remain in daylight, this battalion (the 11th Worcestershire) was ordered to withdraw." A subsequent passage in a Brigade report, however, suggests that this order from Brigade was anticipated by an order signalled from Battalion Headquarters in the British trenches. It is clear, at any rate, that the retirement was not initiated by the companies on the ridge.

All along the line to their right the attack had failed. The survivors of the other attacking battalions to the right of the 11th Worcestershire (away to the left the 22nd Division had gained ground, but their inner flank was half a mile from the" 0.6." spur and could give no support) had already fallen back across the Ravine.

The order to retire was passed down the line, and, squad after squad, the remnant of the 11th Worcestershire fell back down the slope. Among the last to leave was Corporal A. Radcliffe who, on his own initiative, mounted a Lewis-gun on the parapet of the trench and covered the retreat of his comrades by bursts of rapid fire. Corpl. Radcliffe was awarded the M.M.

Those of the Worcestershire who still could move staggered back down the slope, turning and firing as they retreated. In the hollow below they found the remnant of two companies of the 9th Gloucestershire, who had advanced to their assistance but had been unable to pass the barrage. Still under fire, they hauled themselves up the further slope, through the scrub and rocks, back to their own lines, and reached at last the comparative safety of the British trenches just as dawn began to light up the scene.

The cause of the repulse was undoubtedly the terrific strength of the enemy's artillery; greater by far than that of our own guns (Vide Divisional Diary\emdash " A marked feature of these operations was the preponderance of the enemy's heavy artillery over ours, which enabled him to place such a barrage on the Jumeaux Ravine as to upset our plans."). The result was a mournful tale of casualties in all the attacking battalions. Out of a battle-strength of perhaps 500, the 11th Worcestershire had lost over 350 of all ranks. The losses of the other attacking battalions of the 26th Division were in much the same proportion.

Worcestershire casualties details:-
Killed or missing, 5 officers (Capt. H.Williams, 2/Lts. A. E. Gibbs, T. Featherstone, R. B. Lloyd and L. C. Ryder) and 105 other ranks. Wounded, 10 officers (Capt. A. R. Cooper, Lts. F. L. H. Fox, S. A. Stephenson, G. Thomson and H. R. Vance. 2/Lts. D. Brand, F. S. Shaw. R. M. Kirby and Captain F. S. Pearson (Dorsets, attached) and 238 other ranks; in addition. 1 officer and 27 N.C.O's. and men, slightly wounded, remained at duty.

But though the attack of the 26th Division had thus met with disaster, the attack of the 22nd Division further to the left had been more successful. On that flank ground had been gained and the battle in that direction might be accounted a success.

The shattered battalions of the 26th Division could hardly be expected to realise that aspect of the engagement. The 11th Worcestershire lay all day of April 25th. in the shelter of Elbow Ravine, counting losses and bandaging the wounded. Next day the survivors of the Battalion marched back into reserve at Pivoines. There they remained, resting and refitting, while plans were made for a renewed attack.

To the westward the French were about to make a great attack beyond the River Vardar. To assist them, the British attack on the Doiran positions was to be renewed. The battalions, which had already suffered so heavily, were naturally not placed in the forefront of the new battle. On the 28th April the Battalion had been strengthened by a draft which, included the following officers - 2/Lieuts. F. Anderson, H. J. Fisher, H. S. Arundel, C. P. Oliver, D. G. Rankin and D. R. Gilliam.

The 11th Worcestershire were allotted to the Divisional Reserve, and moved on May 4th to bivouac behind Waterfall Hill.

On the evening of May 8th final arrangements were made for the renewed attack, and the 11th Worcestershire moved forward from Waterfall Hill to a position under cover in Bath Valley.

Once again the attack was made by night. The assault on the Petit Couronné was delivered by the 7th Oxford & Bucks L.I. From their right to the Lake three Scottish battalions renewed the attack across the Jumeaux Ravine.

Fortune turned against the attack. Though the night was calm and with a bright moonlight, a sudden change of temperature made an unexpected white mist rise from the ground and fill the Jumeaux Ravine. The mist, thickened later by the smoke of bursting shells, obscured everything to such an extent that in many cases the attacking companies completely lost their way.

Nevertheless the attack succeeded in gaining the opposing trenches. Then, as before, a series of counter-attacks forced the Scottish battalions back into the ravine. The 11th Worcestershire were ordered forward to their assistance. Arriving at the front line about 3.0. a.m., Colonel Barker found everything in confusion. No proper co-ordination was possible, and presently, after a gallant but unsuccessful fight, the 10th Black Watch fell back on to the position held by the 11th Worcestershire.

Colonel Barker, after considering the position as the dawn broke, came to the conclusion that an unsupported attack by his weak Battalion could have no good result. He reported his opinion to the Divisional Staff, and the Battalion received orders to stand fast.

When that order was received, the Battalion was in an exposed position on the forward slope. It was necessary to withdraw to a more covered position in rear. The enemy's shell-fire was fierce and accurate, and the withdrawal proved very difficult. There was only one covered line of withdrawal among the rocks, and that was so narrow and precarious that at most only four men could go at a time, at intervals of about a minute. It took the Battalion nearly an hour and a half to withdraw in this manner. During that time the platoons awaiting their turn crouched in the shelter of a low bank. The enemy's shells burst all along the line of the bank during that hour of waiting, but fortunately inflicted only a few casualties (The total casualties of the Battalion during the day's operations were 1 officer (2/Lt. G. C. Brown) mortally wounded and 9 men wounded.). Eventually the last party, which included the Commanding Officer, and his Adjutant, Captain T. J. Edwards, made their way safely back to the covered position in rear, where the Battalion reorganized.

After the firing had died down the 11th Worcestershire marched back to camp at Pivoines. Next day the Battalion took over the front line (two companies in front line; two companies back in reserve camp) from the troops who had made the attack.

The battlefield was a grim sight. The whole of the fighting had taken place within the narrow Ravine, and its rocky slopes were littered with dead. In the renewed attack the 7th Oxford and Bucks L.I. had actually captured and held for a time the " Petit Couronné"; and the bodies of many of their brave men could be seen lying where they had fallen on the very crest of the ridge. A few shells from either side still burst and echoed down the valley, but otherwise all was still.

The 11th Worcestershire remained in the front line for another ten days. Then came orders that the 78th Brigade was to be moved back and away to the quiet sector on the right flank of the British XIIth. Corps, east of Lake Doiran. The Battalion marched to the new area in two stages, and took over on May 22nd from the 7th Wiltshire a line of outposts on the high ground above Lake Doiran from Surlovo to Popovo. There the 78th Brigade was acting independently. The remainder of the 26th Division had been transferred to the left flank of the British line near the river Vardar.

The new sector was very quiet. In the valley to the northward the enemy held an outpost position along the railway line and the railway station of Yakinjali. Patrols from both sides went out at intervals; occasionally they met and fired. A few shells burst along the hill sides. Otherwise there was but little activity. In that comparatively peaceful area the Battalion reorganised A great part in this re-organization was played by Regimental Sergeant Major G. H. Dyke. For his good work in that capacity, and also as Battalion Quartermaster during the previous months, R.S.M. Dyke was awarded the M.S.M. For similar good work under great difficulties R.Q.M.S. G. Samson was awarded the D.C.M. Reinforcements arrived, and presently the 11th Worcestershire could again muster some 760 of all ranks.

In that area east of lake Doiran the 78th Brigade remained for some three weeks, and there the 11th Worcestershire were visited by the Army Commander, General Milne. He expressed his satisfaction with the Battalion and with the part played in the recent battle.

Then came orders for the Brigade to rejoin the 26th Division. On the 7th June the 11th Worcestershire were relieved, and marched by stages to Moravka, Hirsova, and the railway station of Caushitza. Thence on June 10th the Battalion moved into Divisional Reserve at Tertre Vert, and on the evening of June 14th relieved the 12th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in the front line near Bekirli.

By that time the heat of the Macedonian summer had caused military activity to die down. Patrols and casual shelling were the only forms of hostilities, and neither occasioned many casualties.

After a fortnight in Corps Reserve at Kirec (between 18th to 31st July 1917), the 78th Brigade at the beginning of August took over the extreme left sector of the British line near Smol, next to the River Vardar. The 9th Gloucester-shire actually held the river bank, with the 11th Worcestershire on their right. The new position was held by the Battalion, alternating with the 7th Oxford & Bucks L.I. between forward and support trenches, throughout the Autumn and until the beginning of November. From 6th August, 1917 to 25th November, 1917, Colonel Barker was away sick. During this period Captain (A/Major) T. J. Edwards commanded the Battalion. There was little activity by the enemy, and there were but few casualties. During this period the 11th Worcestershire casualties were in August were, 3 killed, 1 died of wounds, 1 officer Lt. G. K. Crocker, and 4 men wounded. September, Nil and in October, 6 wounded.

But though the actual fighting and casualties were not severe, the troops in the Macedonian hills had a most trying time. By the middle of 1917 they had been for over a year in the forward zone. There had been no long rest and no possibility of leave. In those barren hills there were none of the comforts, which were possible behind the line for the troops on the Western Front. Billets were unknown: a "rest in reserve" meant a week spent under a bivouac sheet on a bare hillside. The absence of roads and railways and the great difficulties of transport in the hills made it impossible for any but the barest necessities to be brought up from the base (even mails were erratic; letters from England sometimes took six weeks). The troops often went short of fresh food and had little chance of any addition to their rations.

Such privations were not the only trial. Flies by day and mosquitos at night were a constant torment. As a protection against the latter, men going into the trenches at night had to cover every inch of bare skin. Veils to protect the face were worn over the steel helmets, and tucked into the jacket collar, gloves were worn to cover the hands, and the 'shorts' which the heat made necessary by day were fashioned with a turnover portion which could be tacked into the puttees at night. The climate, with its extremes of heat and cold, undermined the strength of all but the most hardy; and almost every individual of the Battalion sooner or later fell a victim to malaria. In such conditions it is no small tribute to the officers and men of the 11th Worcestershire that throughout that apparently interminable campaign they remained in good heart.

Early in November came a change of position. The French were extending their front and were taking over the eastern as well as the western bank of the River Vardar. When making arrangements for taking over the line the French Battalion Commander, who spoke no English learned that the British unit was the 11th Worcesters. "On hearing this he suddenly stopped and shouted with glee, 'Lea-and-Perrins, Lea-and-Perrins!' ".

The 78th Brigade was relieved by the French 122nd Division and, after a cheerful game of football in which they beat a French Zouave Regiment by 5 goals to nil, the 11th Worcestershire marched eastwards on November 7th to Kalinova. Thence the Battalion moved northwards to the line and took over trenches near Krastali from the 13th Manchesters.

The new line, close to the original position of the Battalion in the Doiran area over a year before, was an area of more active operations than that previously held. There were many minor

incidents in the work of the Worcestershire patrols and outposts, notably on November 16th when a patrol under 2nd Lieutenant C. A. A. Hawkins fought a hostile patrol at close quarters, and on the evening of November 22nd when the enemy attempted to raid an outpost of the Battalion. That outpost, commanded by Private H. C. White, put up a plucky fight, and after an eventful half-hour the enemy was beaten off with no greater loss to the defence than one man wounded.

Slight though the casualties were, that little fight was remarkable for the courage and resource displayed by Private White. When his Lewis-gun jammed and the enemy raiders were already struggling through the wire on three sides of the post, Private White ordered his party to evacuate, while he himself kept off the attackers by throwing bombs. Rejoining his party, he rectified the stoppage of the Lewis-gun, brought it again into action, poured fire on the enemy and then personally led the counter-attack, which chased the Bulgarians from the post. In this he was assisted by a Stokes mortar on the flank commanded by Corporal W. J. T. Ravenhill who, although his detachment was isolated, pluckily kept his gun in action (Cpl. Ravenhill and Pte. White both received the M.M.).

Early in December the 11th Worcestershire carried out a raid on two of the enemy outpost positions in front. Those two positions, known respectively as" Flat-Iron Hill" and" Diamond Hill," were known to be occupied, but on those rugged hill sides it was not easy to estimate the enemy's strength. A company was detailed to attack the former and half a company to the latter.

The raid, though carefully planned and well carried out, met with only partial success. On the left some Bulgarian patrols and outposts gave warning of the advancing company, and so heavy a fire was opened that the chance of surprise was lost. So the raiding company was first ordered to halt and then was withdrawn. On the right "Diamond Hill" was effectively rushed but there the enemy had fled. A fur coat and a steel helmet were among the trophies collected before the raiders withdrew (Total casualties of the two raiding parties were, 1 killed, 12 wounded.).

The Balkan winter had now set in, with mist and heavy rain. Both sides settled down into winter quarters, and the ensuing weeks, so far as the 11th Worcestershire were concerned, were marked by no outstanding incident.

The 11th Worcestershire were still regularly exchanging positions with the 7th Oxford & Bucks L.I. On December 19th the Battalion went into the front line, on that day an accidental explosion of a "dud " enemy shell in a dugout caused serious the loss of 1 man who died of wounds, and 8 others wounded.

The Battalion remained in this area over Christmas Day\emdash "a very happy and quiet Christmas Day. The enemy proving to be in sympathy by not shelling for two days." On December 27th the Battalion moved back into a reserve position near Cidemli and there saw out the last days of 1917.

  Noted events in his life were:

• Directory: Listing in Kelly's Leicester Directory 1928 & 1932, 1928 & 1932, 43 Chestnut Street, Leicester, Leicestershire. Barnwell, Frank. Hosiery Sample Hand.

• Directory: Listing in Kelly's Leicester Directory 1936, 1936, 43 Chestnut Street, Leicester, Leicestershire. Barnwell, Frank. Foreman.

• Directory: Listing in Leicester Directory 1938, 1938, 176 Vernon Road, Leicester, Leicestershire. Barnwell, Frank. A - Foreman. 176 Vernon Road.

• Directory: Listing in Leicester Directory 1947, 1947, 176 Vernon Road, Leicester, Leicestershire.

• Directory: Listing in Leicester Directory 1951, 1951, 176 Vernon Road, Leicester, Leicestershire.

• Census, 31 Mar 1901, 50 Laxton St, Leicester, Leicestershire.

• Census, 2 Apr 1911, 18 Clarence Street, Leicester, Leicestershire. Listed as: Age 12; Occupation - School.

• Military Service, 15 Jun 1915, 18 Clarence Street, Leicester, Leicestershire. In World War 1 he joined the army in 1915 at the age of just 17 (he claimed to be 19) on 15th June 1915 (No.25406) and was initially in the 10th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment, before transferring to the 6th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment at Devonport on 9th November 1915.

He was posted with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 19th October 1916 to Salonika returning home 14th February 1919. He was awarded 3 Blue Chevrons (Overseas Service Stripes were awarded in 1918 and could be worn in combination with Good Conduct Stripes. One Blue Chevron was worn for each years service overseas) and ws demobilised on 27 Mar 1919.

• Military Discharge, 27 Mar 1919, 18 Clarence Street, Leicester, Leicestershire. Served for 3 years 262 days.

• Marriage Reside, 31 Jul 1924, 18 Clarence Street, Leicester, Leicestershire.

• Directory: Listing in Leicester Directory 1963, 1963, 176 Vernon Road, Leicester, Leicestershire.

Frank married Hilda Deacon, daughter of Thomas Deacon and Emily Simmons, on 31 Jul 1924 in St Paul's, Kirby Road, Leicester, Leicestershire. (Hilda Deacon was born on 11 Sep 1899 in 43 Breach Road, Hugglescote, Leicestershire and died on 19 Aug 1976 in General Hospital, Leicester, Leicestershire.)