I'm compiling a supplement (and possibly also a website) on the role of the Royal Naval Division at the Ancre in November 1916 for the November edition of Navy News.
I have plenty of source material from the British side, but relatively little from the German viewpoint.
I'm guessing this is because 55 Reserve Infanterie Regiment, opposing the RND, was all but wiped out in the attack (although there were a sizeable number of prisoners taken).
If anyone has any first-hand accounts by German troops opposing the RND, Feldpost, diaries, etc, which I might be able to use, I would be extremely grateful. I realise however that it's a long shot...
Any help/suggestions gratefully received.
Full Version: Battle of the Ancre
Halder - sorry can't help with info on German side of lines BUT if it is of any use, I have an interest in the Ancre sector which may dovetail with yours?
If you search the Forum Pals on Somme category you will find my account of my first visit to Somme on 1st July this year. Within that, there are several IMHO pretty good pictures of the ravine, RND cemetery and other relevant sections of the British line.
Plus on my battle website below is a 1920s vintage pic of the RND cemetery in the Ancre Valley (kindly provided by Ian W) - might be of some use to you?
Des
If you search the Forum Pals on Somme category you will find my account of my first visit to Somme on 1st July this year. Within that, there are several IMHO pretty good pictures of the ravine, RND cemetery and other relevant sections of the British line.
Plus on my battle website below is a 1920s vintage pic of the RND cemetery in the Ancre Valley (kindly provided by Ian W) - might be of some use to you?
Des
QUOTE (Desmond7 @ Aug 24 2006, 09:59 AM) 
Many thanks for the help. Sorry for the delay in responding. There is a four-page feature in the November edition of Navy News on the RND at the Ancre which I hope people will find interesting.
It's my intention to put it online imminently. I will let people know when it is.
I would be most interested in reading your account on the role of the RND at the Battle of the Ancre.
A Rhodesian relative Sub-Lt PH Bolus RNVR in the Hood Battallion participated in "an attack on the early morning of 13 November 1916" in which he "and 4 others were left" according to a letter we have.
He was awarded the Military Cross [gazetted 17 April 1917 p3679] the citation reading: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He collcted men from different units, reorganised them and led them forward to the attack. Later, although severely wounded, he continued to give orders and encourage his men".
Might you have come across any sources that could carry references to him or this or be able to point me (in South Africa) to any helpful resources, publications, books, references or sites.
Much appreciated.
A Rhodesian relative Sub-Lt PH Bolus RNVR in the Hood Battallion participated in "an attack on the early morning of 13 November 1916" in which he "and 4 others were left" according to a letter we have.
He was awarded the Military Cross [gazetted 17 April 1917 p3679] the citation reading: "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He collcted men from different units, reorganised them and led them forward to the attack. Later, although severely wounded, he continued to give orders and encourage his men".
Might you have come across any sources that could carry references to him or this or be able to point me (in South Africa) to any helpful resources, publications, books, references or sites.
Much appreciated.
Captain Christopher Page in "Command in the Royal Naval Division" writes "Sub Lt PH Bolus, of Wimbledon, did very well on the Ancre and was awarded the MC. He paid a heavy price, being wounded in the foot. His right leg was amputated , and he was eventually invalided in October 1918." He also quotes from another Hood officer (Montagu) that Bolus was singled out, with others, for special mention, of whom Montagu said "These are the survivors except that Bolus was terribly wounded. Try to go and see him if you can."
Bolus is also mentioned in Len Sellers' "The Hood Battalion".
His original RND Record Card is available at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, together with his entries in the pay and appointing ledgers. The RNDRC is also available on line from the NA.
Bolus is also mentioned in Len Sellers' "The Hood Battalion".
His original RND Record Card is available at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, together with his entries in the pay and appointing ledgers. The RNDRC is also available on line from the NA.
[quote name='Halder' date='Nov 7 2006, 02:26 PM' post='549739']
Halder,
I would be most interested in reading the four page account of the Ancre Battle in the Navy magazine.
My father was in the 2nd Battalion RMLI and took part in the battle. He received a bayonet wound during the battle but obviously survived.
Denizon
Halder,
I would be most interested in reading the four page account of the Ancre Battle in the Navy magazine.
My father was in the 2nd Battalion RMLI and took part in the battle. He received a bayonet wound during the battle but obviously survived.
Denizon
The Royal Naval Division on the Somme site is now working (ish), but our web guru is still working on the Mac version.
It can be found at Royal Naval Division on the Somme
It can be found at Royal Naval Division on the Somme
Thank you for posting this excellent article from Navy News
QUOTE (horatio2 @ Dec 6 2006, 03:38 PM)
Thank you for posting this excellent article from Navy News
Glad you enjoyed it. It took two weeks to translate, research and write and then another week to lay out for the paper version.
Well worth the effort
Thanks Halder
Thanks Halder
Hi Horatio2 -
Many thanks for going to the trouble of researching and posting the details of Sub-Lt Philip Bolus' service with the Hood Batallion.
Our family, in South Africa, was not aware of books on the Batallion, or that there were specific references to individual junior officers.
We have a copy of 'Seapower Ashore: 200 Years of Royal Navy Operations on Land' edited by Capt P Hoare, in which Chapter 10 by Chris Page is entitled 'The Royal Naval Division 1914-19'.
I have posted a group photograph showing Sub-Lt Bolus (in shirt) in a group of officers, some with evident disabilities / injuries, that is likely to have been taken in December 1916 / early 1917.
Is anyone able to help with identifying the Units of any of the officers in the photograph or perhaps the particular hospital itself?
Much appreciated,
Peter (SA)
Many thanks for going to the trouble of researching and posting the details of Sub-Lt Philip Bolus' service with the Hood Batallion.
Our family, in South Africa, was not aware of books on the Batallion, or that there were specific references to individual junior officers.
We have a copy of 'Seapower Ashore: 200 Years of Royal Navy Operations on Land' edited by Capt P Hoare, in which Chapter 10 by Chris Page is entitled 'The Royal Naval Division 1914-19'.
I have posted a group photograph showing Sub-Lt Bolus (in shirt) in a group of officers, some with evident disabilities / injuries, that is likely to have been taken in December 1916 / early 1917.
Is anyone able to help with identifying the Units of any of the officers in the photograph or perhaps the particular hospital itself?
Much appreciated,
Peter (SA)
His RND Record Card may give details of the hospital(s) where he was treated.
Hi again -
Good idea: that should help clarify it !
Many thanks
Good idea: that should help clarify it !
Many thanks
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.