World War, 1914-1918 -- Canada; World War, 1914-1918 -- Nova Scotia
C.S.M. George Gill, with twenty men was ordered to occupy and hold a
strong point whose garrison had been killed. This he did with great
bravery, showing much skill in defending the position. Sgts. George
Chase, H. McGarry and T. W. Martin led detachments through the Copse and
dug in on the edge next the enemy. Lieutenant Otty was absolutely
fearless in assisting in the disposition of the Company, refusing to
avail himself of anything that looked like shelter. He remarked to the
Company Commander that if he was to be killed that would happen and that
his men were his first consideration. Unfortunately he was hit and
killed within a short time after arrival at the Copse.
The enemy made several ineffectual attempts to break through the line,
and at each repulse his artillery fire became more severe. There was
absolutely no shelter from his fire, and the Copse was like an inferno.
The Company held the position, and were reinforced the next morning by
the 2nd C.M.R.’s. After this things quieted down and the remnants of the
Company marched out that night.
At the roll-call on relief only one officer (Lieutenant Barnes) and
twenty men answered their names, the remainder of the Company which went
into action 130 strong, having been either killed or wounded.
Captain Roscoe had been wounded on the morning of June 3rd, after the
2nd C.M.R.’s had arrived, and the command of the Company was taken over
by Lieutenant Barnes, who was the Battalion Bombing Officer, and with
his bombers had been active in the defence of the position. Lieutenant
Barnes made several very daring patrols, practically between the posts
of the enemy, who had attempted to push down hill in the long grass. It
was through his efforts that the Unit was able to concentrate its rifle
fire on the dangerous places and dislodge several machine guns.
Lieutenant Barnes afterward got the M.C. for his work on this occasion.
The Battalion, reduced to some 300 all ranks, moved into rest billets,
and the losses were filled by a large draft of officers and other ranks
from England.
In the reorganization of the Battalion Major D. C. Draper (later
Brigadier-General Commanding the Brigade) became O.C. (Lieut.-Colonel
Baker having been killed in the engagement); Captain Roscoe was promoted
to be second in command, awarded the D.S.O. for his work on the occasion
and mentioned in despatches. The command of “D” Company was taken over
by Lieut. H. H. Pineo (later promoted Captain), with Lieutenant Barnes,
2nd I.C.
Sergt. Harold McGarry was promoted to C.S.M. in place of George Gill,
who was awarded the D.C.M. and promoted to be Regtl. Sgt.-Major for his
meritorious services and bravery evinced during the battle. Sergt. Geo.
Chase, who was severely wounded, was awarded the Military Medal and
slated for a commission.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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