The Grenadier Guards in the Great War of 1914-1918, Vol. 2 of 3Ponsonby, Frederick
History
The Grenadier Guards in the Great War of 1914-1918, Vol. 2 of 3
Ponsonby, Frederick
Great Britain. Army. Grenadier Guards; World War, 1914-1918 -- Regimental histories -- Great Britain
After four days’ rest it returned to the trenches, placing two
companies in the front line and two companies in reserve, and carrying
out inter-company relief. On the 10th of February, about 5 A.M., the
enemy launched a bombing attack, and tried to raid the two right posts
of the right companies, but it was a half-hearted affair, and the
enemy succeeded in reaching the wire in front of our trenches; the
Lewis-gun and rifle fire was too strong for them, and none of the
bombs they threw reached our men. The remainder of the month was spent
at Mericourt, where training was carried on by companies. Second
Lieutenant S. Y. P. Gardner and Second Lieutenant O. F. Stein arrived
on the 13th, and on the 21st Lieutenant M. Thrupp joined the
Battalion. On the 17th a Guard of Honour consisting of Captain L. G.
Fisher-Rowe, Lieutenant W. J. Dashwood, and Lieutenant C. Wilkinson,
with 100 rank and file from the King’s Company, proceeded to the 4th
Army Headquarters for the reception of General Nivelle, the
Commander-in-Chief of the French Armies.
[Sidenote: March.]
On March 3 the 1st Battalion moved to Bronfay Farm, and on the
following day to the trenches at Fregicourt and Haie Wood, where it
was employed in improving the dug-outs. On the 5th a shell most
unluckily fell among the King’s Company. Company Sergeant-Major
Bradbury had both his legs blown off, and three other Sergeants were
wounded. Captain Fisher-Rowe was knocked down but not hurt, and
Brigadier-General Lord Henry Seymour and Lieut.-Colonel Maitland, who
were only a few yards off, were untouched. Sergeant-Major Bradbury was
carried back on a stretcher, but it was plain to every one, including
himself, that he could not live. As he was being borne away he asked
to speak to the Adjutant, Captain Pearson-Gregory, who at once came up
thinking it was some personal request or last wish the dying man
wanted to communicate. “You won’t forget, sir,” said Bradbury, “the
Battalion has to find a fatigue party of a hundred men to-morrow
early.” Unselfish to the last, no thought of himself in his terrible
condition crossed his mind. His sole idea, to the very last, was to do
his duty to the Battalion.
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