Great Uncle James Evans, First MC, Irles 1917

As promised here is the second long posting on my great uncle's military cross awards. This is his first one. I am going to quote verbatim from Chris Baker's excellent report on his record. The first bit in italics is the London Gazette entry on his MC.

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his men forward

in a most gallant manner, and succeeded in capturing two enemy

machine guns. He set a splendid example to his men, and rendered

invaluable assistance throughout.”

The war diary gives us more detail about this operation. The context is that the German Army had begun a strategic withdrawal from the Somme, and eventually moved rearward many miles to the prepared and formidable defences of the Hindenburg Line. Once this movement was detected the

British Fifth Army pursued the withdrawal. On 10 March 1917 James’s company was in the area of Petit Miraumont; James commanded Number 2 Section of two gun teams under Sergeants Beswick and Miller, and was initially in Resurrection Trench. At 5.30am (the war diary records)

"Lt Evans gun[s] moved via orchards, quarry in 26.a and houses NE of village to strong point in

26.c.75.25. Several Germans killed during advance"
 

It appears that James also directed one of his other guns (his section totalled four) under Sergeant

Chenery to an alternative position when he found a post he was supposed to be occupying was not constructed; Sergeant Miller’s team also advanced and killed four German snipers. In general this had been a highly successful

Operation by the company and was virtually without cost to themselves. The war diary entry for 2 April 1917 confirms that James had been awarded the

Military Cross and Sergeant Beswick the Distinguished Conduct Medal for their parts in the operation.

Apologies for any formating issues in copying this across from the PDF!

Once again Chris had great maps to go with this text.

This is an original trench map! The red line is the British 'Resurection' trench. The Red triangle is the German strongpoint captured. The orchards and quarry from the war diary can be identified. Superimposed on a modern map...

Virtually identical! The orchards have gone and the old quarry has been filled in. The roads are exactly as indicated and as you will see, the strongpoint is still there!

This panorama is looking back at the British trench line with Irles behind me.

From the same spot, looking at Irles and it's church. The orchards would have been where those two little trees are.

Moving ahead to the quarry..

This must have been roughly where it was - you can see the back of the cemetery in this shot.

And these are the actual strongpoints - taken from my first scouting trip when I did not know about the details of James' actions.

Google Translations of 'Are you the owner of the field with the German Fortifications in it' and other non-standard phrases I tracked down Mdm Philippe, the farmer's wife (or mother - not sure) and asked if I could get in the field to take some close ups.

Merci beaucoup Mdm Phillipe!

 

Again, almost standing in the footsteps of those incredible soldiers and their superhuman efforts.

 



A couple of the bunkers can still be entered - here is a look out from one of the vision slots.

And with the flash to illuminate the darkness

And one final shot looking down the Ancre valley towards - which presumably is why these were put where they are. There are about three remaining structures on this side of the valley in a 'complex' that was close together. One other can be made out but is either buried or destroyed. There is at lease on on the opposite side of the valley which overlooks these and is higher up. Probably part of the same overall defensive position.

A remarkable opportunity to in some way recognise the extraordinairy efforts of the people who fought in the Great War.