The Battle of Mons, 23 August 1914

[IrishGunner]

As many know, today is the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Mons, the first engagement between the British Expeditionary Force and the German Army.

Of course, the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards, along with E Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, exchanged fire with the German Kürassier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr.2 on 22 August.

So, here's to those old cavalrymen and horse gunners...

[Chris Boonzaier]

I think the e battery Gun that fired the first shot is at the IWM?

[GRA]

"Teenage Tommy - Memoirs of a Cavalryman in the First World War" (1996, reprinted 2013) by Richard Van Emden - the memoirs of trooper Benjamin Clouting of the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards is well worth reading. Among its contents are descriptions of the action at Casteau on the 22nd as well as the charge at Audregnies on the 24th.

"Record of the 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards in the Great War 1914-1918" (1925, reprinted 2002) by Rev Harold Gibb contains six pages on those early actions of the war.

/Jonas

[IrishGunner]

Chris, I believe you are correct; No. 4 Gun, E Btry, RHA was in the IWM as of 2010. I don't see any reason why it isn't still there...

[IrishGunner]

Jonas, thanks for the info on the books!

[GRA]

Jonas, thanks for the info on the books!

You're welcome Rick! There's more in "History of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards" (1982) by J.M. Brereton, chapter XIII "The Great War" section 1. "First Blood". A corporal Ernest Thomas of 4th Tp C Sqn are mentioned as having fired the first rifle shot of the war on 22nd August.

In the 4th/7th DG book is also mentioned No 4 gun of E Battery RHA as having fired the first artillery round at 1115 hours on 22nd August at Bray (Mons-Charleroi road).

/Jonas

[IrishGunner]

My only 1914 "Mons" Star.

Gunner D. Thornton, 65793, RFA

[IrishGunner]

More information regarding the Royal Field Artillery at the Battle of Mons can be found now at my Blog: Artillery in the First World War

Artillery in the First World War: Special Issue – The Royal Artillery at Mons, 23 August 1914

[Brian Wolfe]

Hi Rick,

I was looking for your article earlier today and was wonder what became of it.

Regards

Brian

[IrishGunner]

First clash between British and German troops in 1914 remembered near Mons

[Martin W]

Thanks for posting the blog Rick.

Interesting as my grandad was in the 26th Brigade RFA.

Cheers,Martin.

[IrishGunner]

Martin, I appreciate the comments. Have you done any research on your grandfather and the 26th Brigade RFA?

[Martin W]

This is what i have to date Rick.

I posted this info in the OC area a few days ago.

Regards,Martin.

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/63444-august-16-1914/

[IrishGunner]

Martin, not sure how I missed that thread. Thanks for re-directing me... It was great to read about your grandfather.

[Martin W]

Thanks mate.

Now i am trying to find out more info on my grandad's brothers,my great uncles.

I know one was in the RA and the other was in the Black Watch.

Also,i am trying to get information on my maternal grandfather who fought in WWI with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

I am fortunate in the fact that they all survived the war.

Regards,Martin

Edited August 26, 2014 by Martin W

[IrishGunner]

Former First World War enemies stand together in Mons to honour the fallen of 1914