The Aftermath of Le Pilly

The Aftermath of Le Pilly

21st October 1914 - 21st December 1914

The battalion’s transport had all the while been at the Brigade’s Headquarter’s in Aubers while the S.A.A. (small arms ammunition) carts had been at Le Plouich. It was the men in these details that did not become casualties or prisoners of war. "The strength of the battalion on the 19th October was 20 officers and 884 other ranks. On the 21st there were present at roll call 2nd Lieutenant E.G.D.M. Phillips, transport officer, and 135 men. The remnant of the battalion was ordered to hand over all transport and war material and was sent to St Omer to refit.” (The Campaigns and History of the Royal Irish Regiment, volume 2, by Br. General Stannus Geoghegan, C.B.) “The general state of the 131 men from Battalion on arrival as regards outfit and equipment was so bad as to be indescribable: there was not a sound pair of boots amongst them, equipment [was] unserviceable and deficient and clothing unserviceable. No N.C.O’s were amongst the party except the Scout and Machine Gun Sergeants. The remainder of the N.C.O’s were Staff Sergeants” (Battalion War Diary). “[On the 25th] Major S.E.St Leger arrived from England and assumed command of the battalion. A draft of 100 men, under Captain H.E.Rudkin, also joined. The next four months were spent refitting, training and at duty at Army Headquarters. New clothing and equipment was quickly forthcoming, officers and serjeants’ mess gear arrived, and soon the normal life of a battalion was resumed. As the strength of the battalion was only about 200 men and the proportion of officers small, duties were fairly heavy. There was the Commander-in-Chief’s guard; an examining post guard, split into about six small detachments stationed at the main entrances to the city; numerous minor duties; and the German prisoners’ guard at the old convent...On the 30th[November] the battalion furnished a personal guard to His Majesty the King, also a Guard of Honour. His Majesty inspected the latter and congratulated the men on their fine appearance, also on the splendid work of the battalion throughout the campaign, while he deplored their very heavy losses. On the 13th December...Major St Leger [was] appointed Assistant Camp Commandant G.H.Q. On the 21st Major R.G.S. Moriarty joined and assumed command." (The Campaigns and History of the Royal Irish Regiment, volume 2, by Br. General Stannus Geoghegan, C.B.)

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  • Profile picture for Michael Griffin

    Born 1882

    Died 1914

    British Army 4892 Private Royal Irish Regiment 4th Battalion (Reserve)

    British Army 4892 Private Royal Irish Regiment 3rd Battalion (Special Reserve)

    British Army 6212 Private Royal Irish Regiment 2nd Battalion