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Machell’s positive outlook on situations, that to most would seem bleak and despairing, was a credit to his natural ability as a strong, yet sympathetic leader. His men had looked up to him during their formative months of training and continued to do even when circumstances were less desirable. He gave the men direction and a sense of purpose. There would have been men without understanding for what it was they were fighting for, but to fight for their commanding officer was something, at least, the majority would do resolutely. The men had been educated on what to expect and this was something they had to get used to as by mid-1916 it was going to get a lot worse. |
Machell’s positive outlook on situations, that to most would seem bleak and despairing, was a credit to his natural ability as a strong, yet sympathetic leader. His men had looked up to him during their formative months of training and continued to do even when circumstances were less desirable. He gave the men direction and a sense of purpose. There would have been men without understanding for what it was they were fighting for, but to fight for their commanding officer was something, at least, the majority would do resolutely. The men had been educated on what to expect and this was something they had to get used to as by mid-1916 it was going to get a lot worse. |
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The time spent in the trenches around Albert in the winter of 1915 was by far very different to those dug at camp in Carlisle. Entrenchment training was just one of many basic skills the Lonsdales were taught at Blackhall, yet such systems on the [[Western Front]], especially of immense size and complexity, coupled with destructive artillery and unfavourable weather, delivered an entirely different and very real experience that "hardened" the men in preparation for ever-changing and difficult conditions. As [[Colin Bardgett]], author of ''[[The Lonsdale Battalion 1914-1918]]'' states: |
The time spent in the trenches around Albert in the winter of 1915 was by far very different to those dug at camp in Carlisle. [[Entrenching|Entrenchment]] training was just one of many basic skills the Lonsdales were taught at Blackhall, yet such systems on the [[Western Front]], especially of immense size and complexity, coupled with destructive [[artillery]] and unfavourable weather, delivered an entirely different and very real experience that "hardened" the men in preparation for ever-changing and difficult conditions. As [[Colin Bardgett]], author of ''[[The Lonsdale Battalion 1914-1918]]'' states: |
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:{{quote-left}}This time in the line was to give the troops an insight into [[trench|trench warfare]]. They learned that a pick and shovel was just as important as a [[Lee-Enfield |
:{{quote-left}}This time in the line was to give the troops an insight into [[trench|trench warfare]]. They learned that a pick and shovel was just as important as a [[Lee-Enfield rifle]], and that it was better to shoot fast than accurately. They learned that trench clubs and mills bombs were more use than ceremonial swords and [[bayonet]]s. The men were initiated to the deadly varieties of German bombs and shells, nicknamed by old sweats as ‘[[whizz-bang|whizz-bangs]],’ ‘Coal Boxes and ‘[[Minnie|Moaning Minnies]].’ They received their first shock to the nervous system when the sudden crash of exploding shells tore at their senses, or when a sniper of the random fire of a [[machine gun]] claimed one of their friends as a victim. After seven days of duty they would emerge, their uniforms filthy and feeling bone-weary and knowing that instant death could happen at any time in the front line.{{quote-right}}<ref name="bardgett2">{{Bardgett|pageno=14}}</ref> |
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Their arrival in France did more good for the men than they may, at first, have known. They were honing their skills, learning the way of trench life - as unpleasant as it could be – and garnering instruction on the effective use of their everyday tools that would, ultimately, keep them alive. |
Their arrival in France did more good for the men than they may, at first, have known. They were honing their skills, learning the way of trench life - as unpleasant as it could be – and garnering instruction on the effective use of their everyday tools that would, ultimately, keep them alive. |
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During the Christmas period, His Majesty the King sent a seasonal message to all his troops throughout every theatre of war to convey his feelings and praise the men in their duties: |
During the Christmas period, His Majesty the King sent a seasonal message to all his troops throughout every theatre of war to convey his feelings and praise the men in their duties: |
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:{{quote-left}}Another Christmas finds all the resources of the Empire still engaged at war, and I desire to convey on my own behalf and on behalf of the Queen, a heartfelt Christmas greeting and our good wishes for the New Year, to all whom, on sea and land, are upholding the honour of the British name. In the officers and men of my Navy, on whom the security of the Empire depends, I repose, in common with all my subjects, a trust that is absolute. On the officers and men of my Armies, whether now in France, in the East, or in the fields I rely with an equal faith, confident that their devotion, their valour, and their self-sacrifice will, under God’s guidance, lead to Victory and an honourable peace. There are many of their comrades, alas, in hospital, and to those brave fellows also, I desire, with the Queen, to express our deep gratitude and our earnest prayers for their recovery. Officers and men of the Navy and Army, another year is drawing to a close, as it began, in toil, bloodshed and suffering; but I rejoice to know that the goal to which you are striving draws nearer in sight. May God bless you and all your undertakings.{{quote-right}}<ref name="wylly" /> |
:{{quote-left}}Another Christmas finds all the resources of the Empire still engaged at war, and I desire to convey on my own behalf and on behalf of the Queen, a heartfelt Christmas greeting and our good wishes for the New Year, to all whom, on sea and land, are upholding the honour of the British name. In the officers and men of my Navy, on whom the security of the Empire depends, I repose, in common with all my subjects, a trust that is absolute. On the officers and men of my Armies, whether now in France, in the East, or in the fields I rely with an equal faith, confident that their devotion, their valour, and their self-sacrifice will, under God’s guidance, lead to Victory and an honourable peace. There are many of their comrades, alas, in hospital, and to those brave fellows also, I desire, with the Queen, to express our deep gratitude and our earnest prayers for their recovery. Officers and men of the Navy and [[Army]], another year is drawing to a close, as it began, in toil, bloodshed and suffering; but I rejoice to know that the goal to which you are striving draws nearer in sight. May God bless you and all your undertakings.{{quote-right}}<ref name="wylly" /> |
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On the [[31 December]], all four Companies of the Lonsdale Battalion were now situated at Aveluy. One man was involved in a court of inquiry for a self-inflicted wound to his foot, the finding of which was deemed accidental and here ended the Lonsdales first five weeks in France. The year 1915 may have come to a close but the Lonsdales journey would continue. |
On the [[31 December]], all four Companies of the Lonsdale Battalion were now situated at Aveluy. One man was involved in a court of inquiry for a self-inflicted wound to his foot, the finding of which was deemed accidental and here ended the Lonsdales first five weeks in France. The year 1915 may have come to a close but the Lonsdales journey would continue. |
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