The Barry Hobbs Collection of Great War Medals
It was decided then that the 2nd H.A.C. should attack both lines of trenches simultaneously from the flank, with an attacking front of two companies. The role of the right attacking company was assigned to “A” Company (Captain E. B. Woollan, M.C.), who were to cross first.
On the right “A” Company, now seriously reduced in numbers by casualties and the loss of the two boats at the beginning of the operations, moved along the main trench encountering occasional opposition from small posts which were either bayoneted or taken prisoners, till about 1 a.m. they judged that they had reached their final objective and halted, throwing out a covering party in front. Touch was shortly gained with a company of the 1st R.W.F., who in accordance with the scheme of operations ” mopped up ” in rear, whilst manning the trench as the H.A.C. advanced.’
The History of the Seventh Division, 1914-18 by C. T. Atkinson describes “A” Company’s pivotal role in the attack thus:
‘Starting with “A” Company on the right, ”D” on the left, and “C” with Battalion Headquarters following in second line, the H.A.C. swept rapidly forward. The Austrians were in force and in places fought stoutly enough, but the H.A.C. had them at a disadvantage through taking them in flank and within two hours “A” Company had established itself on its objective a little below Salettuol’
The operation which was successfully brought to a conclusion around 5am is put in perspective by Major G. Goold Walker D.S.O. in The Honourable Artillery Company in the Great War 1914-1919:
‘The capture of the island being now complete, it was justifiable to look back on the operation with considerable satisfaction. A position strongly defended both by nature and art had been captured by two night operations, which owed their success to the determination of all ranks to secure their final objectives at all costs, and the careful training they had received in the use of the Lewis- gun. No barrage had been available, owing to the fact that our artillery were ordered not to fire before the attack on the mainland. In addition to this, the troops on the island had been subjected to shell-fire for some sixty hours, and heavy rain before the second attack started. In all some 600 prisoners had been taken, and careful estimates of the number of enemy dead made it pretty certain that they were over 100. All this had been taken at the slight cost of about 120 casualties. In the 2nd H.A.C. one officer and sixteen other ranks were killed. The only similar operation in the previous annals of British military history was probably the celebrated passage of the St. Lawrence and the storming of the Heights of Abraham by Gen. Wolfe in front of Quebec, and though we would not for one moment attempt to decide which of the two tasks offered the more formidable difficulties, we are convinced that history will assign no insignificant part in the final chapter of this war to the capture of the island of Papadopoli on the two nights of October 23rd/24th and 25th/26th, 1918.’
The Times referred to the work of the 2nd Battalion in the battle as "a notable feat of arms," and as "perhaps the finest feat of many" by London Territorial soldiers.
Private Gavin contracted influenza shortly after the operation at Papadopoli and returned to convalesce in England for the remaining weeks of the war. He was notified of the award of his M.M. in a letter from his C.O. Major T.C. Bower M.C. (letter and envelope with lot) dated 10 December 1918, addressed to, ‘Pte. Gavin, A Company 2/H.A.C., 16 Howesdale Avenue, East Sheen, Surrey’: ‘Dear Gavin, I am delighted to tell you that you have been awarded the Military Medal and heartily congratulate you and send you Captain Woollan’s congratulations too. No doubt you will hear all news from in the Company, so shall not reiterate it. Trust you are rapidly recovering and will shortly rejoin us here. Yours sincerely T.C. Bower’
Gavin was discharged on 29 April 1919. He died at Worthing, Sussex in 1972. Note regarding the the bronze medallion with the lot:
‘It is a custom in the Italian Army, when a unit has distinguished itself in a particular operation, for the Higher Command, as a mark of appreciation, to order a medallion in commemoration of the action to be struck and presented to all ranks of the unit. This medallion is not worn as a decoration, but is much coveted as a memento. That such an honour should be extended to a unit outside the Italian Army is unique, and it was therefore with great pride that the 2nd Battalion received notification that, subject to their approval, a medallion should be struck in commemoration of the capture of the Grave di Papadopoli by the Honourable Artillery Company. Needless to say the suggestion was readily acceded to. The medallion bears the crest and motto of the Company and the words "Piave, October, 1918"; the obverse showing a scene representative of the crossing. The Battalion was also selected by the War Office to be one of the seven recipients of bronze medals presented by the King of Italy to representatives of the Army in Italy.’ (The Honourable Artillery Company in the Great War 1914-1919, Major G. Goold Walker D.S.O.)
Also sold with the recipient’s ‘Soldier’s Pay Book for use on Active Service’ and a copy of a letter from Colonel Eric C. M. Phillips to Colonel Sir Charles Longmore, both of the Hertfordshire Regiment, dated 20 July 1917, regarding Battalion matters with attached recommendations/citations for immediate awards for 5 members of the battalion - these in relation to the Battle of the Ancre Nov 1916. The connection to Gavin is unclear.
29
Three: Captain S. Roberts, Royal Engineers, who committed suicide at Rouen on 6 December 1914
1914 Star (Hon: Capt: S. Roberts. R.E.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt. S. Roberts.); Memorial Plaque (Samuel Roberts) nearly extremely fine (4)
£200-£300
Samuel Roberts was born in 1874 at Plymouth, Devon and was appointed Assistant Surveyor (ranking as Lieutenant) in the Staff for Engineer Services on 1 May 1899. He was advanced Inspector (with the honorary rank of Captain) on 1 April 1907 and served in that rank on the Staff for Royal Engineer Services during the Great War on the Western Front.
Captain Roberts committed suicide at Rouen, France on 6 December 1914. He was the husband of Florence M. Roberts of 10 Beaumont Road, Plymouth and is buried in St. Sever’s Cemetery, Rouen, France.
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