Northumbrian Gunner: Le Cateau

Early in the morning of the 26th August 1914, the British II Corps were ordered to stand fast to the west of Le Cateau. The 37th Howitzer Battery RFA in support of the 5th Division deployed either side of a road in a covered position, Their Battery Commander would control the fire from the crest of a nearby hill by flag and telephone. The guns were situated in the area of the 13th Infantry Brigade, a few hundred yards behind the firing line

At 06:00 the German Artillery opened fire on 13th Infantry Brigade, the gunners responding by engaging the enemy artillery with some success.

The Germans dominated the high ground around Le Cateau and were able to enfilade the British Artillery around Le Cateau, in particular the 28th Brigade RFA - 122 / 123 / 124 Batteries and 15th Brigade RFA - 11 / 52 / 80 batteries with the 37th (Howitzer) Battery supporting.

The 15th and 18th Brigades RFA in particular sustained heavy casualties. The Official History of the Great War records they "caused considerable losses: salvos of shells crashed down on gun after gun in succession, but the gunners stood to their work, and the supply of ammunition never failed".

The pressure on the right flank continued all morning and despite the gallant fighting by 14th Infantry Brigade to the right of the battery, it was becoming apparent that the 5th Division would need to give way. Orders were given to commence the general withdrawal of II Corps, and the Gunners started to bring the guns out of action, often under murderous fire.

The 37th (Howitzer) Battery had withdrawn 4 guns, but there were insufficient horse teams to withdraw the other two guns so they were disabled. Captain Douglas Reynolds found two teams when he retired to Remount, and decided to rescue the two howitzers.

37 (Howitzer) Battery RFA location

He called for volunteers to assist him and amongst them were Driver Job Drain and Driver Fred Luke.

Captain Reynolds lead two horse teams back to the gun position, advancing through a volley of shrapnel he ordered the two teams to gallop. The two howitzers were within a hundred yards of the advancing German infantry and surrounded on three sides. Driver Luke skilfully brought the gun team and limber over the eye of F sub, and two gunners limbered it up. As they left, the centre driver was shot, Captain Reynolds caught his whip, and galloped alongside the centre team and lead the gun to safety. The remaining gun could not be rescued.