Reims 2024 - Soissons Memorial

 The Soissons Memorial commemorates almost 4,000 officers and men of the United Kingdom forces who died during the Battles of the Aisne and the Marne in 1918 and who have no known grave. The memorial was designed by G.H. Holt and V.O. Rees, with sculpture by Eric Kennington. It was unveiled by Sir Alexander Hamilton-Gordon on 22 July 1928.

Soissons Memorial

The memorial lists those lost by Regiment on a series of panels. 

Soissons Memorial Royal Artillery Panel

On the 27th May 1918 the Germans launched their third operation of their Spring Offensive, Operation Blucher. 

German Spring Offensive 1918

The 50th Northumbrian Division having been heavily engaged during the German’s first two operations were sent to the area of the Chemin des Dammes north of the River Aisne near Craonne to recuperate.  

 50th Northumbrian Division Chemins des Dammes

However,  on the 27th May 1918 the 50th Northumbrian Division once again involved in a major German offensive. The German assault began  at 01:00 with a bombardment that included a mix of high explosives, smoke and tear gas.

Operation Blucher

Two Northumbrian Gunner Officers,  Lieutenant FA Richardson and Lieutenant EC Earle, were killed during the initial onslaught and their names are recorded on the Soissons Memorial. 

Soissons Memorial

Soissons Memorial NVAA Wreath
Remembering Northumbrian Gunners

Lieutenant Francis Aylmer Richardson was serving with A Battery 250 Brigade, (1st Northumbrian Brigade) when the Germans launched their assault. A Battery fought their guns till 06:00 when a lifting barrage was closing in on the guns. The BC ordered the breech blocks and sights removed then withdrew.

 At 07:30 a party of 4 officers, 6 telephonists and 4 servants continued their withdrawal and crossed the River Aisne at around 10:00. As the came out of a wood they were caught in a German barrage and Lt Richardson was badly hit. He was carried  through the  German barrage, to Chaudardes where he was found to be dead.

Lieutenant Ernest Charles Earle was serving with D Battery 250 Brigade (South Shields Battery) when the Germans launched their assault. The battery was overrun by the German infantry and Lt Earle together with two infantry  officers and a corporal (the only men not overcome by gas) were seen working the last gun in action.