The Fifth Leicestershire | Page 2

PONTRUET 323
12. LIEUT. J.C. BARRETT, V.C. 338
13. THE CADRE AT LOUGHBOROUGH 339
MAPS.
PAGE.
1. YPRES DISTRICT 44
2. BETHUNE DISTRICT 82
3. ATTACK ON GOMMECOURT, 1/7/16 130
4. MONCHY DISTRICT 154

5. LENS DISTRICT 190
6. ATTACK ON PONTRUET, 24/9/18 286
7. ADVANCE, 24/9/18 to 11/11/18 314 & 315
CHAPTER 1.
ENGLAND.
4th Aug., 1914. 25th Feb., 1915.
The Territorial Force, founded in 1908, undoubtedly attracted many
men who had not devoted themselves previously to military training,
nevertheless it took its character and tone from men who had seen long
service in the old Volunteer Force. Hence, those who created the
Territorial Force did nothing more than re-organise, and build upon
what already existed. In the 5th Leicestershire Regiment there crossed
with us to France men who had over 30 years' service. At the outbreak
of war in 1914, R.Q.M.S. Stimson could look back on 36 years of
service, and, amongst other accomplishments he spoke French fluently.
Other names that occur to us are Serjt. Heafield, with 28 years, and
C.S.M. Hill with 16 years, both of Ashby, and both of whom served in
the Volunteer Company in South Africa. R.S.M. Lovett (27 years), of
Loughborough, also wears the South African medal for service in the
same Company. Then there are Pioneer-Serjt. Clay (27 years' service),
C.S.M. Garratt, of Ashby, C.S.M. Wade, of Melton, R.Q.M.S. Gorse,
of Loughborough, Signal-Serjeant Diggle, of Hinckley--all long service
men. The senior N.C.O. in Rutland was C.S.M. Kernick, who had done
18 years' service when war was declared.
The infantry of the 46th (North Midland) Division consisted of the
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, the Lincolnshire and Leicestershire,
and the Staffordshire Brigades. Our brigade, the 138th, was
commanded at first by General A.W. Taylor, who was succeeded a few
days before we left England by General W.R. Clifford. Staff officers
changed frequently, and we hope we did not break the hearts of too
many. Staff-Captain J.E. Viccars survived most of them, and we owe

him much for the able and vigorous assistance he was always ready
cheerfully to give us.
The 5th Leicestershire was a County Battalion, organised in eight
companies, with headquarters respectively at Ashby-de-la-Zouch,
Oakham, Melton Mowbray, Hinckley, Market Harborough,
Mountsorrel, Shepshed, and one at Regimental Headquarters at
Loughborough. The companies thus were much scattered, and it was
only at the annual training camps that we met as a battalion.
The Territorial Force was better prepared for mobilisation than is
generally supposed, and if the history of the assembly of the regiment
at Loughborough in the first week, their train journey to Duffield in the
second week, the purchase of horses, the collection of stores, the
requisitions for food and the sharpening of bayonets, be demanded, it
can be read in the orders printed many months before war even
threatened. The orders were drawn up by Lt.-Colonel G. German, T.D.,
our former commanding officer, now D.S.O., and by his conscientious
and indefatigable adjutant, Captain W.G. King Peirce, who was killed
early in the war fighting with his old regiment, the Manchesters. It is
due to these officers to record that every detail was studiously followed
and found exactly correct. We heard of one officer who, at the time the
printed book of orders was issued, was so fearful lest it should fall into
the hands of some indiscreet or improper person, that he packed and
sealed it, addressed it to his executors, and locked it up in a safe, so that
even sudden death on his part would not force him to betray his trust.
Of all hard-worked people in the early days it is possible that upon
Major R.E. Martin fell the greatest share. Not only did he see that
supplies were forthcoming, and that dealers delivered the goods
expected of them, but he set himself to design water-carts, and
troughs-water-feet-for-the-washing-of, and cunningly to adapt stock
material to the better service and greater comfort of all, many of whom
were for the first time dragged from the civilities and luxuries of home
life.
At Loughborough from the 5th to the 11th of August we did little more
than pull ourselves together generally, and enjoy the good will of the

inhabitants, led by our firm friend, the oft-repeated Mayor, Mr. Mayo,
J.P.
It did not demand much wit to foretell that sooner or later we should be
asked to offer ourselves for service abroad. The question was put for
the first time on the 13th of August, at Duffield. A rough estimate was
made that at least 70 per cent. would consent gladly and without further
thought, and of the others hesitation was caused in many cases because
men wondered whether in view of their positions in civil life they had
the right to answer for themselves. It should be understood that a very
large