2018-08-02 01:22:48.250451 by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Format: epub
Published: 2013-09-18T16:00:00+00:00

The courageous horse gunners were being decimated by the shells exploding around them as they attempted to release their guns and turn them on the enemy. Only the rapid firing of the two machine guns behind them provided any cover in that bare field. Eventually more of the Queen’s Bays machine gun troop gathered around, brought up ammunition and set up the tripods. Then the Queen’s Bay machine gunners could began the serious business of dominating the German positions, as they poured thousands of rounds into the German guns and dismounted cavalry over the chaotic shambles in L Battery’s field. The continuous firing by the machine guns of the Queen’s Bays was an undoubted battle winner for the British that morning, for as long as they were firing there was no way that the German cavalry could break through the southern flank of the Néry defences. Lance Corporal Webb was promoted to Lance Sergeant and Mentioned in Dispatches for his leadership and heroic example that morning.

Lieutenant Lamb, who spent most of his time filling gun belts and directing the fire of his two gun teams, was awarded the DSO for his leadership of the machine gunners and his men were awarded Mentions in Despatches. As he narrated later:

We opened fire on the German guns, and my No. 1s showed great gallantry under a withering fire. The Horse Artillery Battery (L Battery) was standing formed up just to our right front, and got the full brunt of the enemy’s artillery fire, which killed off practically all their horses and a big percentage of their men in just the first few minutes. However, those who were left soon got some of the guns into action, and did excellent work silencing the enemy’s guns.

We continued to fire off thousands of rounds both at the guns and at their infantry, who were advancing through standing corn, and also at another body who were trying to work round our right flank. The battle lasted about two hours, by which time the enemy seemed to have had enough. They made repeated attempts to get their guns away but, owing to heavy fire, were unable to do so, and eventually they abandoned them.

Both my guns worked splendidly without a single jam, and the men who were with me working them have been noted by the Colonel for their good work, and will probably be mentioned in despatches.

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