Neuve Chapelle – 10 – 13 March 1915

Pictured is Private Frederick Read 3rd Worcestershire Bn killed on 12th March 1915

The attack was intended to crush the salient in the German line formed by the village of Neuve Chapelle, and thus to break a gap through the German defensive line. Through that gap the British reserves and cavalry were intended to push forward to seize the Aubers Ridge and possibly Lille itself.

The morning of the 10th March 1915, was dull but fine and, apart from a few ranging shots, all was peaceful till, precisely at 7.30 a.m., the massed British artillery — some five hundred guns — simultaneously opened fire.

That bombardment was the heaviest experienced till then in any war, and the troops in the British front line saw the German trenches which they had faced all the Winter disappear in a whirlwind of flame and smoke. For half an hour the German lines were bombarded: then the artillery lifted from the trenches to the village in rear, and the battalions of the 23rd and 25th 'Brigades clambered out of their trenches and advanced to the assault.

The Battalion went into action with the strength of 26 officers and 870 rank and file. On the morning of March 13th the whole Battalion could muster no more than 7 officers and 450 men.

The loss of Colonel Wodehouse, the commanding officer, was felt most keenly by all the survivors, for the Colonel's courage, kindliness and resource had been the mainstay of the Battalion throughout the long ordeal of the winter.

On the 10 March 2015 there were 24 local casualties. On 11 March 14 local casualties.

On 12 March 1915 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions registered significant losses recording 99 local casualties. A further 94 local casualties are recorded for 13 March 1915.

For a full account of the battle visit http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/h_neuve_chapelle.php