Frank Swannell Diaries: Part I
Diaries of Frank Cyril Swannell Learn more.
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BC Archives MS-0392 - Box 1, Volume 4-5
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GRIM BATTLE IN THE TWILIGHT.
Dundee "Courier"
Canadian Courage Under Rain of Bullets.
Desperate Assault Upon a Veritable Death-Trap.
British Headquarters, France, June 26.
It was in the Festubert area that the Canadians had the glory of winning their first trenches from the enemy, and it was in the fighting in this district they gave fresh proof of the wonderful powers of courage and endurance which they showed so splendidly during the famous attack at Ypres in April.
The story of how they held on to their trenches on that occasion in face of clouds of poisonous vapour that were wafted from the German lines, and how by their magnificent bearing at this critical moment they were instrumental in saving the flank of our line is still fresh in the minds not only of their fellow-countrymen, but also of every member of the British Empire. Not even in that terrible experience did they, however, show more lasting courage, coupled with irresistible dash, than they did during the attacks they made from their trenches at Festubert. Such was the nature of the fighting in this area, however, and so confused and complicated were the various movements carried out that it is impossible to give any connected account of the operations since May 9 without entering into military details, the publication of which at present is impossible for obvious reasons. A few incidents of the fighting will suffice to show the desperate nature of the engagements and the coolness and hardihood displayed by all officers and men alike.
Fight for an Orchard.
Among the points captured by the Canadians was a certain orchard which was held by the enemy in great strength. The taking of this position was characterized by wonderful endurance under very heavy machine-gun fire.
No.1 Coy
On the evening of May 20 a company of the 16th Battalion was ordered to assault the orchard and secure itself inside it. As the result of a reconnaissance it was decided that three platoons should attack in front and on the flank.
Accordingly, shortly before dark the attack was launched, and the men, most of whom were from Vancouver, charged out into the open under the leadership of Captain Morrison, commanding the company. Scarcely had they begun to advance, however, than they came under very heavy fire from machine guns and rifles from three different directions. Gaps were caused in the charging lines, but the men never wavered, and continued their progress until they came upon an obstacle just in front of the orchard in the shape of a deep creek full of mud and water. On the further side was a thick hedge with but two openings in it. Before these two formidable barriers a slight halt had necessarily to be made. Then with a cheer the men waded through the muddy water, which in many places reached to their armpits, and reached the hedge.
A Gallant Bomber
Here there was another brief pause, and then Captain Morrison shouted, "Lads, we must get through," and was just about to lead the way through one of the openings when he was stopped by Bomber Private Appleton, who said, "Excuse me, sir, but the bombers should go first." So saying, Appleton jumped forward and darted through the gap, which was so narrow that each man had to follow through separately and take what cover he could find on the other side against the enemy till his comrades had all successfully negotiated the openings.
The scene in the grey twilight can be imagined - the line of men along one side of the hedge, each calmly waiting for his turn, the quick scramble through the narrow aperture, then the wait on the other side, the whole performance being accomplished to the accompaniment of an incessant rain of bullets from the Germans.
On reaching the other side of the hedge the men encountered apparently no actual hand-to-hand opposition, but found the Germans running away before them to a trench they had dug some forty yards away. Accordingly the Canadians dug themselves in and held on. By this time, of course, their numbers had been somewhat thinned, and reinforcements were asked for, which subsequently arrived. From the opposing trench the enemy used a trench mortar, and were also aided by a powerful searchlight which they constantly played upon our trenches. Later on the company was relieved and fell back to the rear after having accomplished a very fine piece of work in the capture of the orchard.
Rabbit on the Battlefield.
BC Archives, MS-0392 Box 1 Volume 4 / FRANK SWANNELL PAPERS / Diary and enclosures, 1915.