Massacre of the Innocents: The Crofton Diaries, Ypres 1914-1915

by Gavin Roynon, Sir Martin Gilbert

Overview

Approaching World War I as an adventure with the high spirits of many of his age and background, Sir Morgan Crofton soon discovered the combination of terror and tedium afforded by static warfare in the machine-gun age. His diary describes the bewildering pace of technological change as new weapons like gas and hand grenades entered the fray.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780752495392
Publisher:	The History Press
Publication date:	10/21/2004
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	16 MB
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Massacre of the Innocents

The Crofton Diaries, Ypres 1914-1915

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By Gavin Roynon

The History Press

Copyright © 2013 Gavin Roynon
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7524-9539-2

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CHAPTER 1

October 27– December 3, 1914

TUESDAY OCTOBER 27

Captain Sir Morgan Crofton, Bt 2nd Life Guards

Herewith a copy of telegram received from War Office. Please arrange to hand over your duties as Area Staff Officer, South Eastern Area, as soon as possible to Captain F.W. Ramsden (late Coldstream Guards) 5, Upper Brook Street, W. (Telephone Mayfair 3717).

As soon as you have handed over, please report to this office and then proceed to Windsor to join Depot 2nd Life Guards.

Horse Guards, Whitehall, S.W.

G. Windsor Clive Major General Staff, London District

27 October 1914

I returned to my flat from the Marlborough Club, where I had gone after finishing my daily round in the South Eastern area, reaching home about 6.30 pm, and then found the above communication from the London District Office enclosing a War Office wire, directing me to rejoin my Regiment at Windsor for duty.

This was because of the heavy losses in officers which the 2nd Life Guards were sustaining in the desperate attempts of the Germans to reach the sea at Calais which had resolved themselves into a series of terrific struggles round Ypres. This memo was very welcome, for it had for a long time been very irksome to be at home in a comfortable staff billet, when the Regiment was going through such strenuous times in Flanders.

The Regiment had left Ludgershall Camp on October 6th, being railed to Southampton for Ostend and Zeebrugge, where it disembarked early on October 8th, and came under the orders of General Sir Henry Rawlinson commanding the newly formed IV Corps.

The Regiment in conjunction with the 1st Life Guards and the Blues forms the 7th Cavalry Brigade under Brigadier General Kavanagh. This Brigade, and the 6th Brigade consisting of 10th Hussars, Royal Dragoons and 3rd Dragoon Guards, forms the 3rd Cavalry Division, and is under the command of Major General Byng.

I was thankful to give up the Area Staff job, although it had been useful and very essential. I had to survey, and lay down the Defence plan for every vulnerable point in the South Eastern Area of London. These included power stations, gas works, bonded stoves, purifying stations, sewage works, the Charing Cross railway bridge (a ticklish job, with trains coming from every direction, every few minutes), and the Penge and Chislehurst Tunnels.

I had a good liaison with every police station in my area. These jobs keep me very occupied every day of the week from 9 am to dark. The tunnels were tricky to inspect, as were also the Vickers Works at Erith. However, this was now finished and I could now return to my Regiment on service. I therefore got onto Ramsden and arranged with him to hand over all maps, plans, notes and details of all sorts connected with the South Eastern Area at 10 o'clock the following day.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28

Handed over to Ramsden as arranged, and reported (11 am) myself to GOC London District, Sir Francis Lloyd, who was very kind and friendly, and thanked me for my work.

Packed and left for Windsor by the 3.40 pm train from Paddington.

Reported at 5 pm to the OC 2nd Life Guards Reserve Regiment, Colonel Oswald Ames. (The tallest man in the British Army, a dear man but not very quick or enterprising.) Trooper Hosegood told off to me as Batman, for the time being.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 29

Went to London after lunch to buy kit and get ready for the Front. Got 2 pairs of ankle boots, a British Warm and a pack saddle trunk. Wired Fuller, my groom at Woodside, to bring up my charger and saddlery to Windsor. Returned to Windsor 6 pm.

There were a lot of strange faces amongst the officers at Windsor. Some had been there weeks, and did not seem to me to be particularly anxious to leave the comparative peace and security of the Cavalry Barracks. Ames did not have enough 'Ginger', he was too kind and friendly to push some of these people out. I suppose this sort of thing always happens in war. All the Regular officers were abroad, either with the Regiment or on Staff Duties, and a stream of individuals arrived from all sources, of all kinds, some ex-officers retired from various Regiments. Some Planters, many Civilians from every Profession.

Most of these were quite excellent, keen, brave and most anxious to get out and do a job of fighting. Some had come hurrying home from South America, Canada, East and South Africa. The real offenders, who should have known better, were nearly all retired ex-officers who had been called up from obscurity and soft lives.

However, it wasn't my affair. It was Ames's funeral. I made it quite clear that I insisted on going out with the next reinforcements.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30

To London again to finish my kit buying.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 31

Finished equipping myself. Was inoculated against enteric at 9.30 pm.

Fuller and Horse arrived from Marchwood, with all kit, so I am now ready for all eventualities.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1

Stayed in all day and wrote letters. Inoculation began to work, felt very cheap!

MONDAY NOVEMBER 2

Got a day's leave to go to Woodside to settle up matters there. Arranged to close the house for the 'Duration'. Returned to London at 7 pm. Reached Windsor at 8.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3

Went to London to try on my British Warm, make a few 11th hour purchases. Got hair cut!

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4

Went to London to see my Lawyer. Had tea with my Mother at Buckingham Gate. Returned Windsor 7 pm.

It struck me in London that there was a profound air everywhere of anxiety as to the Battle for the Channel Ports. Now approaching its climax before Ypres. I felt more and more restless at not being in it. The casualties seem very very heavy. From what we hear the Regiment seems to be in the thick of it day and night, and we are expecting that substantial reinforcements will soon be called for.

The Composite Regiment has been disbanded, and its component parts have been drafted to the 3 Regiments in the 7th Cavalry Brigade, which will help to fill the depleted Cadres. Anyhow we shall soon hear something definite.

About 8.30 during Dinner the Orderly Room Corporal appeared with an Order, just received, from GOC London District that 5 officers were to proceed as soon as possible to the Front, 2 to the Blues, 2 to the 1st Life Guards and 1 to the 2nd. This is my chance!! A few words with Ames clinched it.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5

Sent for to the Orderly Room at 8.30. Told to pack instantly and leave for the Front that evening. Ward-Price (the brother of the Daily Mail Special Correspondent) and I were ordered to join the Blues. Packed and left Windsor by the 12.05 train.

Reported to Colonel Holford, 1st Life Guards, at Knightsbridge Barracks at 2.30. We arranged to leave for Southampton at 9.50 pm.

Wrote letters until 3 o'clock. Sent some wires and said goodbye all round. Went to my Mother's flat and stayed with her until 9.15 pm, when I left for Waterloo to catch the train, picking up my luggage at the Marlborough Club en route. At the station I met Mathey (an ex-diamond expert) and Goodliffe, late 17th Lancers, both of whom were joining the 1st Life Guards. Holford came to see us off, and Lady Holford gave me some letters for her son, Stewart Menzies, the Adjutant of the 2nd Life Guards.

We reached Southampton Docks at midnight – an exciting day.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6

Midnight. Having arrived at Southampton Docks Station, we then had a long walk in the dark to where our ship was berthed. We received our tickets and warrants from the Transport office, and went to board the Lydia about 1.15 am. Berths were allotted to us. Mine was 155, but as all four were put into it we objected and succeeded in getting a larger one into which Ward-Price and I went. Slept well until 9 am. Cabin like a monkey house.

Had a bad and expensive breakfast at 9.30. Beautiful fine hot day, the sea like glass. Humorous Canadians issued us tins of Bully Beef and a loaf of Bread at 1 pm to each of us as rations for 2 days! Nowhere to carry this simple food so made it up into a parcel, which on landing fell into the sea.

Reached Le Havre at 2, and after threading through Minefields came alongside the quay at 2.45.

Several very large steamers came in with us, with the 8th Infantry Division on board. Landed about 3.15, and after considerable difficulty secured a cab, and having piled in our kit and luggage drove off into the town to report our arrival.

Reached the office of the Base Commandant about 4 pm. Found a mob there of recently landed officers milling round an unfortunate staff officer of the Gordon Highlanders who was half suffocated. Joined the mob and helped the process! His piteous appeals of 'It's getting too hot here, gentlemen, please stand back' produced little effect. Room finally cleared of all but myself.

Received orders to leave for Rouen by the 5.50 train. Went off and got lunch with Ward-Price, who got very muddled over 2 glasses of Chablis.

Greatly struck by the number of women in the streets in deep mourning. Watched the 1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment march through the town en route for the Rest Camp outside. Very strong and fine Battalion – grand fellows.

At 5.15 we drove to the station after picking up Goodliffe and Mathey. Given a Chrysanthemum by a small girl in the street, and shook hands with several unknown persons in various stages of cleanliness! Put our luggage consisting of 4 valises, 4 boxes, 8 saddles and 6 various into a first class compartment, and got into the next one ourselves. We were told that we should reach Rouen in 3 hours. As a matter of fact it took 6, arriving there at midnight.

Reported our arrival to the Station Staff Officer, a seedy individual with a hacking cough. Told to go into the Town for the night, and report at the Remount Depot at 8.45 in the morning.

We collected our kits and stepped over several officers' valises which were spread out on the platform, in which their Batmen were soundly sleeping. We then sallied out into the town to find a Hotel, followed by half the population of the place!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7

12.30 am. Found Hôtel de Paris near River Quay. Hall crowded with various officers more or less all in varying stages of alcoholism. Rum looking lot! Our arrival hailed with considerable levity. The Patron, an individual of villainous aspect, introduced himself to us. We decided to stay here pending Orders. To Bed, after a supper of Beer, Omelettes and semi-raw Beef, at 2.

8.45 am. We taxi to the Remount Depot which was 31/2 miles away, out near the Race Course, and report ourselves. We were told to 'Stand By' and to report every day at 8.45 and 3 until we get Orders to move.

Decide to live in Camp so as to be near Orders. Return to the Hôtel de Paris at 12 to collect kit. Lunch at a Restaurant near the Cathedral, and return to Camp at 3.30. No tents, but are allowed to use the Mess Marquee to sleep in. Return to dine in Rouen at the Hôtel de la Poste, where we got a bath. Back to our Marquee and bed at 11.30.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8

Damp, cold and misty day. Got tent and put it up. Ward-Price and I in one, Goodliffe and Mathey in the other. Also got servants. Ward from 17th Lancers as Batman, Young, 2nd Life Guards, as Groom.

No orders. Told that they may be expected any day.

Lunched and dined at Hôtel de la Poste, where I bumped into a certain MacCaw, 3rd Hussars, with whom I had once been on a course at Aldershot. He was now acting as DAAG, and as such was responsible for the posting of Officers as they joined the Depot. I explained quite definitely that I did not want to go to the RHG but to my own Regiment, 2nd Life Guards. He said that he would see what he could do. So I pushed in at once for Transfer.

After dinner, sort out kit and repack valise, etc. for the Front. Return to tent, very damp, to bed at 11.

MONDAY NOVEMBER 9

The battle for Ypres had been raging since 19 October. It was vital to get the horses to the troops in Flanders as soon as possible. Many horses were frantic after the sea crossing and liable to lash out. Here Crofton skates fairly lightly over the 'strenuous efforts' needed to choose and equip his horses.

Trooper George Frend was at the same Remount Depot outside Rouen and witnessed the pandemonium. 'Thousands of horses had recently arrived from Canada, Australia and the Argentine. There was no kit to groom them with; there were no bridles to put on them, but they had to be taken to water two miles away twice a day; each man riding one and leading two with nothing but head collars and ropes. Horses and men went spare all over the country and to my knowledge, at least two men were killed.'

Getting the horses to the right station and on to the right train was the next hazard. Crofton's horses get lost en route, but despite being hauled over the coals by a choleric general, he keeps his cool ...

Awakened at 6.30 by an excited Orderly who ordered us all to pack at once, collect Horses and Saddlery, and get to the Station. Scene of great confusion followed. Got packed and succeeded in choosing hurriedly from line of 500 Horses, 2 Chargers and a Pack Horse. The Saddles fitted badly, and we couldn't get Bridles on. However, after strenuous efforts we succeeded in getting ready around 10.30.

Start off for Train. Baggage waggon late, so leave Servant to pack on it and follow at once. Groom rides 2nd Charger and loads Pack Horse. All now start off riding to the Station. Great difficulty in finding Station as there are four in Rouen, and we are not told which one to go to.

On the way we pass a Brigadier General with a purple face, whom I recognise as Tyndale-Biscoe, late (very late) of the 11th Hussars, who bellows from the window of his Car 'Advise you hurry up. You are very late!'

Finally we reach the right station at 12 o'clock. Several Trains waiting and Details of 12 Cavalry Regiments are entraining.

Am put in charge of Train, and handed a bundle of documents, and then asked to sign a Form that I have received 250 Horses. But remembering that I shall probably have to pay for them in the future I politely decline. No one seems to mind. Neither our Servants, Baggage nor Spare Horses arrive. Find afterwards that they went to the wrong station, also that my 2nd Charger went through a Shop Window!

Everybody fusses, and the choleric General demands in a voice of thunder when we shall be ready! I tell him I think about the New Year. He says 'Things very badly arranged'. I agree! He says that we must wait behind as he can't keep the Train. At 12.45 the Train goes off, leaving us four and our Servants who now begin to arrive.

After long search finally collect all Horses, kits, etc. and proceed back to Hôtel de Paris, but return the Horses and Servants back to Camp, where we eventually proceed to report. Told to continue to report at 8.45 and 3. Lunch and dine at Hôtel de la Poste. No further Orders. Change Charger which went through shop window for nice Bay.

I saw a poor man badly kicked at the Remount Depot, and superintended his removal to Hospital. Make final arrangements and draw more Blankets for Horses. All ready now to start, so return to Rouen. Town full of Infantry as British Base at St Nazaire now moved to Rouen. No news from the Front. Am greatly struck by the total absence of any Birds, even of the commonest species.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 10

Went to camp at 8.45. I am told that we are under Orders and may go at any moment. I realise what a Fire Engine Horse must feel like when standing ready for eventual call, which sometimes comes, and sometimes doesn't! Return to Rouen 11.30, do some shopping, and all lunch at the Café de la Cathédrale. More shopping in afternoon. Return to Camp at 3.30. No Orders! Dine at Hôtel de la Poste.

See the Adjutant of the Remount Depot there who tells me that my transfer to the 2nd LG from RHG has been sanctioned. He seems most affable, and says that only one officer need report at the Depot in future. He also tells me that his Wife is sick at the Hotel and that he is looking after her. I deeply sympathise with him. He then says that in future no one need come up to the Depot to report, but that he will telephone us any Orders which may come in. Civilitas Civilitatum omnia Civilitas!

Just heard news of the destruction of the Emden.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11

No Orders up to 11.30. Send Mathey and Goodliffe up to Camp to see our Horses, and warn our Servants to be ready. At 12 o'clock we went round the Town to see the places of interest. The Cathedral is beautiful, but very finicky, the tall spire, 500 feet high of wrought iron, was added to the building in 1842. The Glass in the Windows is old and very good, and the Organ is magnificent. The Interior of the Building itself is not unlike Salisbury. The Doors are poor. The Best Church was Saint Maclou, the carving and stone work being very fine, but the Interior decoration is rather tawdry. There is however a beautiful Louis XV wood carving over the Altar.

All the Churches and the Cathedral here date from the 14th–15th Centuries. We next taxied to see where Jeanne d'Arc was burnt. This spot is now occupied by the Halles which are not unlike the Covent Garden Market on a very small scale.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Massacre of the Innocents by Gavin Roynon. Copyright © 2013 Gavin Roynon. Excerpted by permission of The History Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Table of Contents

Contents

Foreword by Sir Martin Gilbert,
Acknowledgements,
Maps of Western Front and Eastern Front,
Ypres Then and Now – Editor's Note,
Biographical Note on Lieutenant Colonel Sir Morgan Crofton, Bt DSO by Edward Crofton,
VOLUME I: OCTOBER 27 – DECEMBER 3, 1914,
VOLUME II: DECEMBER 4, 1914 – JANUARY 5, 1915,
VOLUME III: JANUARY 6 – FEBRUARY 18, 1915,
VOLUME IV: FEBRUARY 19 – APRIL 14, 1915,
VOLUME V: APRIL 15 – MAY 29, 1915,
VOLUME VI: MAY 30 – JUNE 18, 1915,
Epilogue,
Select Bibliography,