Story of the Lost Commission

Story of the Lost Commission

September 1915

The romantic story of how Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Parker England has been reinstated as Lieutenant-colonel after serving as a Private. When he rejoined the Army as a Private he was 50 but he gave his age as 40. Of the blunder during the retreat from Mons which led to his displacement, Colonel England, who was then in command of an artillery ammunition column, spoke but little to the interviewer. “After it was over I had to go into hospital” – he said. “I was quite knocked out, still feeling the effects of my previous sick leave from India, where I had concussion. When I got better I decided on a sea voyage, and I reached South Africa. It was then that I decided I could still do my little bit, and in September, 1915, I joined up in my own name as a scout in the South African Horse, under General van Deventer, and went through a twelve months’ campaign in East Africa, until our horses gave out and we were dismounted. Then I was transferred to France, and was attached to the Devons, who saw some heavy fighting. It was at Passchendaele that I got my ‘Blighty touch’, being wounded in the chest during a night attack, my right arm being lavishly peppered with shrapnel. “I was in hospital in Nottingham when the news reached me a week ago that I had been reinstated as Lieutenant-Colonel. The news entirely surprised me, because it came practically simultaneously with the announcement that I was to be invalided out of the service because of my wounds. For the life of me I cannot imagine how I came to be reinstated. I had not sought for it, nor had anyone done so on my behalf. I joined up plain Edward Parker England, and no one in the regiment knew me. But of course, I’m glad, for I’ve been able to make good. If I were to resume my fighting days I should be sorry to be an officer again. As a Private I had an excellent time – lots of fun, and no worries, and the boys with me – my chums-in-arms – were all of the best. The lads of Devon have suffered tremendous losses in this war, but they fight like demons.” The incident which led to Colonel England losing his commission is thus told by the Colonel’s sister. “My brother was sent out as Colonel in Command of an ammunition column, and for five days and five nights in the retreat from Mons had only an hour’s sleep. When the men were tired out and the night was dark as pitch, and the horses at a walking pace, a Staff officer galloped up and said, ‘If you don’t get a hustle on you will be surrounded.’ My brother, thinking to save the column, told the men to cast off a few cases of ammunition, but more was cast than was intended. He got the column through, but the abandoned cases were found and the matter was reported with the result you know.”

Created by: , Anne23518

  • Profile picture for Edward Parker England

    Born 1866

    Died 1921

    British Army M2/121702 Private Royal Army Service Corps

    British Army 33797 Private Devonshire Regiment 8th Battalion

    British Army Major Royal Field Artillery 91st Battery