Three Days at Marfaux: July 1918 | Fraser Skirrow
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- The attack in the Ardre Valley - in the 'Champagne' region of France - in July 1918 is not widely known. It was, however, the precursor to the '100 Days' campaign that ended the war.
The 2/5th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment - part of the 62nd (West Riding Division) - were Territorials and were instrumental in how this battle was fought and ultimately won.
Using a forensic approach to three days of battle, Fraser Skirrow records how the pendulum swung one way then another, with many casualties among the attacking British troops until - at last - the German defenders were overwhelmed.
This is one of the lectures given at the WFA's AGM and Conference 2022
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Third of the lectures I have watched from Fraser Skirrow, the clarity with which he can explain an action can only be a product of his history as an officer, just fantastic.
An excellent and very comprehensive presentation by Frazer. I was particularly struck by the casualty figures on both sides which he mentioned. They are but a fraction of those suffered on 18th July in Xe Armée attack south-west of Soissons, from French, American or German (especially German casualties were truly horrific).
My great uncle E. H. Shuttleworth was killed here at this engagement and is buried at Marfeux British cemetery. He was 23yrs, old killed by machine gun fire. RIP
@Andy Shuttleworth. All the best, Andy.
Fantastic lecture, very informative. Thanks for posting . Another place to add to my Google maps, places to visit.
Most informative and enjoyable. I'd nearly forgotten about the 'joys' of beaten zones, dangerous space, etc.
One thing about the German MGs though - would they not be firing enfilade, rather than head-on? ISTR being taught that "enfilade fire from a defilade position" was the ideal for MGs in defence, the idea being that 'your' MGs fire acoss the face of another position, and theirs do the same for you, thus enuring that beaten zones cover the maximum amount of 'useful' area. Mind you, that's the ideal - but I would be surprised if the Germans fired straight ahead unless forced - not only less effective, but also gives your position away far more than firing from a flank, where you can have good solid cover in front, making you invisible until too late. Just a thought.....
FWIW I was taught those exact same principles of employment on my MG course too - but that said, the heavies would have been hard to locate from 1000 yards, uphill, and in the woods. I expect they soaked the ground out front of the guns, or otherwise tried to deal with the dust those guns would otherwise kick up too. Those factors go a long way to help keep you in action. And they were firing at dense columns coming head on - so the enfilade fire principle was met and then some !
When it comes to the principles of employment of weapons it comes down to that song by Meatloaf - 2 out 3 ain't bad. 🙂
Very interesting, brilliantly presented. Thank you very much.
This is how military history should be researched and presented.. He pays the proper respect to the terrain while %90 of other researchers doesn't even mention it..
What a great speaker. Well done the 62nd.
what was the british casualties?
Armour ? Tanks thank you for an excellent presentation
limited numbers...they couldn't be everywhere