1 C.M.G. ("The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George")

Lt-Colonel Edgar William Brighten, C.M.G., D.S.O., T.D.

Edgar William Brighten was born 18^th May 1880 and served in the Volunteers (the predecessor of the Territorials) from 1898. By 1900, the newly promoted Lieutenant Brighten volunteered for active service abroad and was in charge of the 4^th draft of Volunteers to serve in the South African War in 1902. By 1904 he was a Captain in the Volunteers as well as being a partner in Messrs Brown and Brighten, a solicitors firm from Luton. After the Great War, he continued to serve in the Regiment for many years afterwards.

Lt-Colonel Brighten of Luton was a serving Officer in the 5th Battalion for the entire 1914-1919 war, having been granted his commissioned to Major on the 20th January 1912. He took over command of the Battalion from Lt-Colonel F.N. Butler (who took over command of the 1^st Battalion in France) before they left English shores and led them throughout their trials on the Gallipoli peninsular, the boredom of Egypt and to the end of the war in Palestine. After the war he served as a Training Officer in India (13^th February 1924 to 30^th January 1928) and went on to command the 2nd Battalion between 1929 and 1933.

His C.M.G. was awarded for the way he handled his Battalion during the Dardenelles campaign and gazetted in the London Gazette on the 2nd February 1916.

His “Distinguished Service Order" was awarded for the Battalions raids on Umbrella Hill in July 1917, as well as for their continual conduct throughout the 1916 and 1917 campaigns.

The "Territorial Decoration" was shown in the London Gazette on the 28th August 1918.

In addition, Edgar Brighten was "Mentioned in Despatches" several times for distinguished services, including 28-1-1916, 13-7-1916, in Sir Ian Hamilton's final Gallipoli despatches on 1-12-1916 and on 12-1-1918 as well as on 22-1-1919.

He can be seen by himself as well as in many of the group photographs here.

3 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDERS

In addition to Lt-Colonel Brighten shown above, the following Officers were granted the D.S.O.:

Major C.H.F. Metcalfe, D.S.O., T.D.

His promotion to Captain in the Territorials was granted on the 25^th January 1909 and was present when the Battalion embodied in August 1914. Having served with the Battalion throughout Gallipoli his D.S.O. was gazetted on 1-1-1917.

His Territorial decoration was granted in the London Gazette 6-5-1920 and he was also Mentioned in Despatches on 4-1-1917 and again on 14-6-1918

Major Harold Younghusband, D.S.O.

Harold Younghusband was appointed the Battalions Captain and Adjutant on 12^th February 1914.

His D.S.O. was included in the London Gazette dated 2-2-1916 for his gallantry on Gallipoli whilst serving as the Battalion Adjutant, after which he was promoted to the rank of Major. He is mentioned in the Regimental History for “performing prodigies of valour” in keeping the isolated groups of the Battalion together during the attack on 15^th August 1915 (see here for the battle story).

Harold was wounded in the knee on 30^th August 1915 and shipped home to recover. After his recovery he was promoted to Lt-Colonel and posted to command the 7th Battalion of The Gloucestershire Battalion in Mesopotamia but was sadly killed in action on the 21st April 1916 - shortly after arriving with them - aged 39

He was also Mentioned in Despatches on the 28th January 1916 in connection with his gallantry on Gallipoli, within Sir Ian Hamilton’s final Gallipoli despatch.

Harold Younghusband can be seen here in the 1915 Officers group photograph, sitting next to Lt-Colonel Brighten.

13 MILITARY CROSSES & 2 BAR’S

Captain Harold Simon Armstrong, MC.

Captain Armstrong , formerly of the 4^th Battalion, was posted to the 5^th on the 17^th March 1916. He trained the men for, and led the first “Umbrella Hill” raiding party on 20^th July 1917 (see here for details on the raid). He is mentioned several times in the War Dairy by name including on 30^th September 1916 and 10^th July 1917 during the practice for the coming raids on Umbrella Hill. In 1918, he went on to become 2^nd in command of one of the Norfolk Battalions and survived the war.

Harold won his Military Cross for his cool and gallant leadership during the Umbrella Hill raids in July 1917. The raid was such a success that it became the “text book” practice in the theatre, and 16 of the 19 medals awarded as a result went to men of the 5^th Battalion.

The Battalion War Diary recorded; “3 Aug 1917 - Deir el Belah Notification received of award of Military Cross to Capt. H.S. ARMSTRONG, Capt. C.H. MISKIN &Capt. A.T. CUNNINGHAM for gallantry in connexion with 1st raid on UMBRELLA HILL”.

His MC was gazetted 10^th August 1917 and The London Gazette on 18^th October 1917 recorded:

”2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Harold Simon Armstrong, Bedf. R., Spec. Res.” and the MC citation in the London Gazette 7-3-1918 reads: ”For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of a raiding party. Owing to the dense smoke from the bombardment some confusion was caused when the party entered the enemy's lines, but with great coolness he got all his parties to their allotted objectives. The withdrawal was rendered extremely difficult owing to an enemy barrage, but he personally reconnoitred the best way through it, and got his party back successfully. His coolness, courage and presence of mind in very difficult circumstances saved a number of casualties and contributed largely to the success of the operations.”

He is also mentioned in The London Gazette as follows:

No. 30002, published 27/03/1917, p15 of 70. “2/Lt (Temp. Lt) HS Armstrong to be Temp. Cpt whilst attached to the Battalion. 18/12/1917”
No. 30737, published 7/06/1918, p15 of 18. “Temp. Cpt HS Armstrong, MC, Bedf. R., to be Acting Major (in the Norfolk Regiment) whilst employed as 2^nd in command. 9/02/1918”.

Captain William Stuart Chirnside, MC and Bar.

William was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the 5^th Battalion on the 28^th March 1914 and was in the Orderly Room at the Bedford H.Q. with Captain Younghusband when the surprise order to mobilise came through at 6.17pm on 4^th August 1914. Having discussed the validity of the order, they called the 4^th Northamptons who confirmed it was accurate, which resulted in the two bemused Officers starting the process of mobilisation. He trained and served with the Battalion from the start and sailed out with them in July 1915. William survived the wounds he received on Gallipoli and was awarded his first Military Cross for bravery shown during that most trying of times. After a period of convalescence at home, he was posted to France to become a Major in the 1^st Battalion, where he won his second M.C.

During the Battalions baptism of fire from 15^th to 19^th August 1915, around half of their number became casualties, yet the Bedfords tenaciously held the ground they had gained against a series of vicious bomb and bayonet attacks. During the ferocious engagements several medals were earned, including the then Lt Chirnside. He ignored his wounds and stayed at his post for 2 days, until senior officers insisted he retire to the first aid station on the beach. For his gallantry during the period, he was awarded an MC and promoted to Captain.

Page 308 of the Battalion history and London Gazette number 29394, issued 7^th December 1915 both read;

“For conspicuous courage on the Gallipoli peninsular 15^th to 17^th August 1915. He led his men with gallantry and spite of being wounded, he remained 2 days at his post until relieved and taken to hospital. By his fine example and courage he assisted in keeping up the morale and spirits of his men.”

His promotion didn’t stop there, as he went on to reach the heights of Acting Lt –Colonel, even temporarily commanded the 1^st Battalion whilst the CO was away at the end of 1918.

He is mentioned several times in The London Gazette, as follows:

No. 29666, published 11/07/1916, p8 of 10. “Lt WS Chirnside to be Captain. 16/08/1915”

No. 29976, published 9/03/1917, p33 of 84. “Cpt R Forrest to be Adjutant, vice Cpt WS Chirnside, MC. 01/02/1917”

No. 30541, published 22/02/1918, p8 of 18. “Cpt WS Chirnside to be acting Major whilst serving as Major on Hd Qtrs of Battalion. 12/11/1917”

No. 30680, published 10/05/1918, p6 of 14. “Cpt WS Chirnside, MC, TF relinquished rank of Acting Major. 7/02/1918”

No. 30972, published 22/10/1918, p5 of 16. “Cpt (Act. Major) WS Chirnside, MC, TF, to be acting Lt – Col. whilst commanding a Battalion. 7/09/1918”

No. 31311, published 25/04/1919, p5 of 20. “Cpt WS Chirnside MC, TF, to be Acting Major whilst serving on Hd Qtrs of a Battalion from 16/10/1918 to 5/01/1919 inclusive”

William Chirnside can be seen in the second row of the 1915 Officers group photographs here. 

Captain Andrew Tocher Cunningham, MC

Captain Cunningham was the RAMC Medical Officer who was attached to the 5^th Battalion and earned his MC whilst raiding the Turkish lines on Umbrella Hill on 20^th July 1917. Although not technically a member of the 5^th Battalion, he was responsible for saving many lives during his assignment, so is well worth the mention amongst those men whom he helped to save.

The Battalion War Diary records:

“3 Aug 1917 - Deir el Belah Notification received of award of Military Cross to Capt. H.S. ARMSTRONG, Capt. C.H. MISKIN & Capt. A.T. CUNNINGHAM for gallantry in connexion with 1st raid on UMBRELLA HILL”

Andrew’s MC Gazette, dated 18-10-17 reads:

“T./Capt. Andrew Tocher Cunningham, M.B., R.A.M.C.”

The citation in the London Gazette, dated 7-3-1918 states;

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's lines. He worked continually throughout an intense bombardment attending to the wounded at the aid post until they had all been attended to and evacuated. He showed great courage and devotion to duty.”

Captain Thomas Alderman Franklin, M.C.

Information on Thomas Franklin can be found here and his photograph is here.

2/Lt Frank Gooderham, MC

Frank Gooderham started the war as a Sgt in the 1/5^th Suffolks, gained promotion to become a commissioned Officer in the Bedfords and survived the war.

On 30^th May 1918, 2^nd Lieutenant Gooderham took nine men out on a patrol along the Wadi Dhaheb, close to the River Auja at Transfluvia East. On hearing movement in the darkness, the patrol crawled to within 150 yards of the noises and identified a strong Turkish party. They moved forwards, intent on ambushing them and stumbled into a sleeping picket, whom they bayoneted. The screams of the dying enemy alerted several other groups hiding in the long grass and the small party found themselves heavily outnumbered and almost surrounded. After killing ten of them and losing only one of their own, they slipped away and made it back to their own lines unmolested.

The Battalion War Diary records:

“9 Jun 1918. Notification of awards of M.C.'s to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers for good patrol work.“

11 Jun 1918. 1800 Presentation of Military Cross ribbons to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers”

His MC citation in the London Gazette, No. 30997, published 5/11/1918, p24 of 54, reads:

“2/Lt Frank Gooderham, Bedf. R. He took out a small patrol and rushed an enemy piquet. On more enemy coming up he and his patrol successfully fought their way out, accounting for 10 of the enemy with only one casualty to themselves. He showed conspicuous gallantry and good leadership and bayoneted three of the enemy himself”.

Capt.F.B.Hobbs, MC.

Captain Hobbs was commissioned into the 5^th Battalion as a 2^nd Lieutenant on the 1^st July 1914 and served with them throughout the entire war. By their departure for Gallipoli, he was a full Lieutenant , and was promoted to Captain in May 1916. Despite being wounded in 1917, he survived the war.

Captain Hobbs earned his MC during the desperate defensive actions around Zeify Hill on the 28^th and 29^th November 1917, when in command of D Company. A large band of Turkish soldiers raided the Bedford’s positions overnight and almost succeeded in punching through their thin, overstretched line. Most of the Army were engaged in events many miles away, leaving the 54^th Division to man an unusually long portion of the line of advance, which the Turks tried in vain to break through.

One of D Company’s machine gun posts was overrun unexpectedly, which spurred Captain Hobbs into action. Gathering a small force, he assaulted the position and bombed the larger group of Turks from their newly won position. Captain Hobbs and many others were awarded medals for their gallantry that night as allowing the Turks to break through would have left them with a clear, unmolested line all the way back to the British Command areas in Ludd as no other troops were in the area.

The Battalion War Diary states:

“16 Mar 1918 Heavy Rain in the early morning. Major C.R.James, Capt.F.B.Hobbs & Lieut.W.A. Shaw (awarded the) MC. R.S.M.Milton MC, (awarded the) DCM. C.S.M.Chandler Sgts Sapsford, Sharpe, Cpl.Ball (awarded the) D.C.M. Sgt.Marlow, Ptes Halfpenny, Andrews (awarded the) M.M (and) proceeding to YAZUR for presentation of decorations by the Duke of Connaught”

He is mentioned by name several times in the War Dairy, including being wounded by shrapnel on 14^th August 1917 and a secret mission on 29 September 1916. A mixed party was to sail to Jedda to assist King Hussein of Hedjaz, but the King changed his mind and would not allow the British force to land once they arrived. The Battalion history remarks that none of them were “the worse for a very nice little trip up and down the Red Sea” when they returned.

He is also mentioned in The London Gazette several times, as follows:

No. 29643, published 27/06/1916. “Lt (Temp. Cpt) FB Hobbs relinquishes temporary rank on alteration of posting, from 30/01/1915. 19/05/1916”

No. 29843, published 3/11/1916, p9 of 10. “Lt FB Hobbs to be Temp. Cpt 17/05/1916”

No. 30238, published 17/08/1917, p15 of 18. “Lt (Temp. Cpt) FB Hobbs to be Captain from 01/06/1916”

No. 30218, published 3/08/1917, p 4 of 20. “Temp. Lt FB Hobbs to be Acting Captain. 19/03/1917”

No. 30473, published 11/01/1918, p11 of 14. “Captains, in order of precedence; JT Yarde, FB Hobbs, HH Sperling, OS Chaunder (seconded)”

No. 31508, published 15/08/1919, p2 of 12. “Temp. Lt FB Hobbs relinquishes rank of Acting Captain 27/07/1919”

Captain Hobbs is also shown leading a raiding party later on 6 Oct 1917. The diary recorded:

“A.C.D coys relieved in Merioneth Redoubt and front line of HEREFORD RIDGE SECTION, between 0900 and 1100. Strong Patrol consisting of three officers, 3 Warrant Officers, 3 Lewis Guns and 46 men left SUBKET POST at about 1800 for the purpose of locating position of enemy in FISHER'S ORCHARD, engaging them and then withdrawing sending back a code word to Brigade via Coy and Battalion H.Q. on receipt of this zero hour was fixed by Brigade and on zero hour 4.2" howitzers and Stokes guns opened up on Echelon Trench followed 10 minutes later by 18pr and machine gun barrage, this lasted for another 10 minutes, shortly after this the patrol pushed out again but met with such strong opposition just outside our wire that Capt F.B.Hobbs who was commanding patrol, thought it advisable to withdraw to our own lines and to call on the Artillery and Stokes Guns to put an other [sic] barrage down closer to our own trenches thus inflicting many casualties on the enemy. Our casualties were one killed six wounded.”

Major C.R.James, MC.

A full biography of Major James, including his photograph can be seen here. He is also in the Officers group photograph here.

Captain Emil Theodore MAIER, MC

Captain Maier's photograph and interesting biography can be seen here.

2/Lt William Henry Mayers, MC

William was commissioned as an Officer in the 5^th Battalion on the 14^th August 1917 and survived the war.

He was awarded his Military Cross for his part in the patrol on the 30^th May 1918 (see Lieutenant Gooderham), and is recorded in the Battalion War Diary:

“9 Jun 1918. Notification of awards of M.C.'s to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers for good patrol work.“

11 Jun 1918 The C.O. leaves battn. for tour of inspection of Schools of Instruction. Major CR James MC assumes command. 1800 Presentation of Military Cross ribbons to 2nd Lieuts Gooderham and Mayers”

Williams MC citation in The London Gazette, No 30997, published 5/11/1918, page 32 of 54 reads;

“2/Lt William Henry Mayers, Bedf R. For conspicuous gallantry leading a patrol some 3,500 yards towards enemy’s lines and cutting off and capturing an enemy piquet some 8 strong, whom he brought back without casualties to his own party. He showed leadership and enterprise of a high order”

Captain S.D. Mills, MC

Captain Mills served in the 5^th Battalion until seconded to the Indian Army in September 1918. Although unconfirmed, he probably earned his MC during the July raids on Umbrella Hill, or at the 3^rd Battle at Gaza. He has no CWGC entry, so probably survived the war.

Captain Mills is mentioned in The London Gazette as follows:

No. 29705, published 11/08/1916, p3 of 12. “Lt (Temp. Cpt) SD Mills to be Captain. 16/07/1916”

No. 30007, published 30/03/1917, p6 of 18. “Cpt. SD Mills to be Acting Major whilst employed as Major on Hd Qtrs. 20/01/1917

No. 30106, published 11/06/1917, p8 of 20. “Cpt. SD Mills relinquishing rank of Acting Major. 9/03/1917”

No. 30949, published 11/10/1918, p5 of 16. “Cpt. SD Mills, MC, Bedf. R., is seconded for service with Indian Army (on probation). 19/09/1918 with seniority from 14/02/1916”.

In addition, the Battalion Diary records:

“24 Aug 1918. Major CR James MC going on leave, Battn taken over by Capt SD Mills MC.”

200007 Regimental Sergeant Major Aleck Milton, M.C., D.C.M

Having already won a Distinguished Conduct Medal, Aleck Milton was awarded his M.C. whilst the Battalion’s R.S.M. He helped to repel the Turks in the Zeify Hill skirmish in November 1917 (see Captain Mills’ entry above for details).

His MC was gazetted 28-1-1918 and the ribbon was presented along with Captain Mill’s. More information on Aleck Milton can be seen in his entry under the DCM.

Captain Christopher Harold Miskin, MC
Christopher Miskin was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant on 4^th February 1914 and took over as the Transport Officer from the wily and able Lieutenant Andreini in the spring of 1915. He is recorded as being one of the most able Transport Officers ever to have blessed the Battalion but was forced to stay with the Transport in England until after the evacuation of Gallipoli; he arrived in Egypt with the 5^th Battalion’s Transport on the 12th January 1916. Whilst stationed in Egypt he was one of only two men in the Brigade to scale the second largest pyramid at Giza - the other being Lt-Colonel Brighten! After the war he became the 10^th Commanding Officer of the 5^th Battalion (from 1928). His photograph can be seen here.

He won his MC during the raids against Turkish positions on Umbrella Hill 29^th July 1917. (See Captain Armstrong for further information on the raids, and the full story can be read here.)

His MC Gazette dated 18-10-17 reads:

“Capt. Christopher Harold Miskin, Bedf. R.”

The London Gazette entry of 7-3-1918 records;

”For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's lines. He was in charge of a party of reserves concentrated in rear of our front line, which came under an intense barrage after the raid had started. He moved about in this barrage in the most fearless manner, and succeeded in stopping the raiding party on their return and diverting them round the barrage. But for his courage and presence of mind under very heavy fire many casualties would undoubtedly have occurred.”

He is mentioned a number of times in the Battalion War Diary, including:

“3 Aug 1917 - Deir el Belah Notification received of award of Military Cross to Capt. H.S. ARMSTRONG, Capt. C.H. MISKIN & Capt. A.T. CUNNINGHAM for gallantry in connexion with 1st raid on UMBRELLA HILL.” See the War Diary on 20^th and 27^th July 1917 for some detail” and  “12 Feb 1916 Draft of 1 Officer CAPT MISKIN & 420 O.Rs arrived from ENGLAND”

Christopher Miskin is also mentioned in The London Gazette as follows:

No. 29607, published 2/06/1916, p23 of 100. “Appointments; Lt (Temp. Cpt) CH Miskin to be Captain 13/09/1915”.

No. 29666, published 11/07/1916, p8 of 10. “Cpt CH Miskin to have precedence from 16/08/1915”

No. 30337, published 16/10/1917, p17 of 22. “Cpt CH Miskin to Acting Major whilst employed as Major on Hd Qtrs from 26/06/1917 to 21/07/1914”

Lt. William Arthur Shaw, MC.

William was commissioned into the 5^th Battalion on the 23^rd March 1916 and served with them throughout the Egypt and Palestine campaigns, surviving the war.

Lieutenant Shaw won his MC for leading the middle section of raiders during the Umbrella Hill raids of July 1917 (see here for story) and led D Company during the third battle at Gaza in November 1917. After the battle, he motivated his Company so well during the salvage operations that they collected hundreds of shells from the field, earning themselves the nickname the “Salvage Corps”.

His MC Gazette of 18-10-17 reads:

“Lt. William Arthur Shaw, Bedf. R.”

The London Gazette citation of 7-3-1918 states:

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a raid on the enemy's lines. On reaching the enemy's front trench he was confronted with a machine gun mounted on the parapet which threatened to hold up the whole party. Without hesitation he dashed at it with his party, killed the gunners, and captured the gun. He then led his men along the trench in face of rifle fire and bombing, and forced the enemy to give way. He showed remarkable dash and leadership.”

The Battalion War Diary recorded:

“16 Mar 1918 Heavy Rain in the early morning. Major C.R.James, Capt.F.B.Hobbs & Lieut. W.A. Shaw (awarded the) MC. R.S.M.Milton MC, (awarded the) DCM. C.S.M.Chandler Sgts Sapsford, Sharpe, Cpl.Ball (awarded the) D.C.M. Sgt.Marlow, Ptes Halfpenny, Andrews (awarded the) M.M (and) proceeding to YAZUR for presentation of decorations by the Duke of Connaught”

He is also mentioned several times in The London Gazette:

No. 30017, published 13/11/1917, p18 of 62. “2/Lt WA Shaw to be Acting Lt 17/02/1917”

No. 30550, published 26/02/1918 p15 of 16. “Lt WA SHAW, MC to be Acting Cpt 8/12/1917”

No. 31163, published 4/02/1919, p11 of 14. “Lt WA Shaw, MC to be Acting Cpt whilst commanding a Company. 15/11/1918.”

No. 31326, published 2/05/1919 p12 of 16. “Lt (Acting Cpt) WA Shaw, MC relinquishes rank on alteration os posting. 24/12/1918”.

In addition, the diary recorded:

“13 Oct 1917 Attack Practice over prepared position. Lieut W.A.Shaw rejoined from El Arish Snipers Course.”

Lieutenant B.W. Smythe, M.C.

Lieutenant Smythe was commissioned into the 5^th Battalion 21^st September 1915, arriving with the Battalion in Gallipoli the same month, only to find his elder brother, Captain R.M. Smythe had been killed on the 14^th September 1915. Whilst on the peninsular, he led several raids against Turkish positions on Bulgar Bluff and was eventually taken from the line on 17^th November due to illness.

Having recovered and rejoined the Battalion in Egypt, he served with them for the rest of the war. During the Umbrella Hill raids of July 1917, he commanded the 12 strong screen, for which he was awarded the Military Cross. The screen cleared the remnants of the Turkish wire away from in front of the position, allowing the raiders behind to rush the trenches. Having completed that, his party rushed a machine gun post across open ground and remained in position for the duration of the raid.

He was gazetted the MC 11-2-1918.

After the war, Lieutenant Smythe rejoined the Battalion and continued to serve well into the 1930’s.

Captain H Wilkin, MC

2^nd Lieutenant Wilkin was commissioned 19^th October 1915 and seconded from the Royal West Kent Regiment into the 5^th Bedfords late in 1916. He stayed with the Battalion and survived the war.

On the 19^th April 1917, he was wounded during the 2^nd Battle at Gaza but rejoined the Battalion in time to lead one of the assaulting parties during the 1^st Umbrella Hill raid in July 1917. It was for his leadership in the raid that his MC was awarded.

By the 3^rd battle at Gaza, he had been promoted to Captain and was the Battalions acting Adjutant, serving in the Headquarters section alongside Lt-Colonel Brighten.

He is mentioned several times in the War Diary, including him assuming the role of Adjutant on 27^th May 1918, and leaving the Battalion for duty with XXI Corps on 9^th June 1918 but returning the following month.

He is also mentioned several times in The London Gazette:

No. 30017, published 13/04/1917, p18 of 62. “2/Lt H Wilkin (RWK Regt.) to be Acting Lt whilst attached to Battalion 5/11/1916.

No. 30429, published 14/12/1917, p15 of 16. “2/Lt H Wilkin (RWK Regt.) to be Adjutant and Acting Capt 6/10/1917”

No. 30537, published 19/12/1918, p18 of 22. “2/Lt (Acting Captain) H Wilkin (RWK Regt.) relinquishes rank of Acting Capt upon ceasing to command a Company. 6/1/0/1917”

No. 31004, published 8/11/1918, p2 of 12. “RWK Regt; Promotion of 2/Lt H Wilkin, MC, antedated to 20/02/1918.”

No. 31175, published 11/02/1919, p5 of 14. “Memorandum; Lt H Wilkin, MC, RWK Regt, attached 5^th Bedf, to be Temp Capt whilst acting as Staff Capt. 14/10/1918”

Captain John Tristram Yarde, MC and bar.

John Yarde was the Head Boy at Bedford School, the Captain of Boats and rowed for Christ’s College, Cambridge before war broke out. After the war his intention was to join the church - a vocation he sadly never got to fulfil. He can be seen in the 1915 group photograph of Officers here.

This highly respected officer joined the 5^th Battalion when war broke out, trained with them in 1914 and 1915, sailed for Gallipoli with them in July 1915 and made it all the way through the Gallipoli and Palestine campaigns earning 2 MC’s along the way. In one of the wars many sad ironies he was killed during the final battle against the Turkish Army at Megiddo, less than 6 weeks before the end of the war.

During the Battalions baptism of fire 15th August 1915, Lieutenant Yarde was badly wounded yet refused to leave the Battalion until they were relieved two days later.

Lieutenant Yarde recovered and is mentioned by name several times in the War Dairy, including a secret mission on 29 September 1916. A mixed party was to sail to Jedda to assist King Hussein of Hedjaz, but the King changed his mind and would not allow the British force to land once they arrived. The Battalion history remarks that none of them were “the worse for a very nice little trip up and down the Red Sea” when they returned.

At the 3^rd battle at Gaza Captain Yarde led B Company in the successful attack against the fortified city.

On the 21^st December 1917, he led B Company in a midnight bayonet charge against Yafa Hill without artillery support. Although the defenders fought well, his leadership and the determination of his Company caused the enemy to bolt. For this assault and his outstanding leadership, John was awarded the Military cross, which was gazetted in the London Gazette 26-3-1918.

Towards the end of the war, in September 1918, Captain Yarde was the commander of 3 fighting patrols including Private Samuel Needham’s unit when he won the Victoria Cross in September 1918. He himself won a bar to his Military cross (a second MC) during the engagement that saw them badly outnumbered yet fight their way out of encirclement. More details can be seen under Samuel Needham’s V.C. entry at the top of this page. Captain Yarde’s second MC was shown in the London Gazette 15-2-1919.

The London Gazette also mentions him several times:

No. 29605, published 30/05/1916 p 11 of 12. “2/Lt (Temp. Capt) JT Yarde reverts to Temp. Lt on alteration of position from 16/08/1915. 19/04/1916”

No. 29769, published 29/09/1916 p15 of 58. “2/Lt (Temp Lt) JT Yarde to be Lt 16/08/1915” (The day after the Bedfords “baptism of fire when they lost all of their Company commanders)

No. 29813, published 3/11/1916, p9 of 10. “Lt JT Yarde to be Temp. Capt 30/12/1915”

No. 30238, published 17/08/1917 p15 of 18. “Lt (Temp. Capt) JT Yarde to be Captain from 1/06/1916 and remain Adjutant. 19/08/1917”

At the Battle of Megiddo, the final battle of the war for the Bedfords, he was seriously wounded during intense shelling on 19^th September 1918, and died at Casualty Clearing Station 76 in Ludd 2 days later, aged just 24. John was the son of John Edward and Bessie Beresford Yarde of 7, Kimbolton Avenue, Bedford.

He was described on page 342 of the Battalion history as “a gallant officer who was a great loss to the Battalion, as he had gone out with them from England”. The following month, Turkey capitulated and the war in that part of the world ended. His CWGC entry reads: