CHAPTER X THE BATTLE OF NEUVE CHAPELLE (1ST BATTALION)
For a long time the question had been discussed whether it was humanly possible to break through a line of trenches. Owing to the great defensive power of modern weapons, the thickness of the barbed-wire obstacles, and the dangers the attacking force would have to run in leaving their trenches and crossing the open, it was generally believed that no attack could possibly succeed. Further, in spite of repeated attempts, the Germans had failed time after time to break through our line.
But there was another consideration which we had to take into account. The French had recently suffered enormous losses, with comparatively small gains to set against them, and they were beginning to think that since Ypres we had not taken our proper share of the fighting. Sir John French determined, therefore, to prepare a regularly organised attack on the enemy's line near Neuve Chapelle. He selected this portion in the hope that, if the enterprise succeeded and the ridge overlooking Lille was reached, the La Bassée--Lille line would be threatened. and possibly the enemy might have to abandon Lille. He communicated his plans to Sir Douglas Haig in a secret memorandum, and put him in command of the whole attack.
It was arranged that the assault should be undertaken by the 4th and Indian Corps in the First Army. The guns were to be massed west of Neuve Chapelle, and were to smash the wire entanglements, and break down the enemy's trenches before the infantry attempted to advance. Later they were to concentrate their fire on the enemy's supports and reserves, and prevent any more men from being sent up to the firing line. This was the first time that we used what afterwards became a regular feature of the attack--the _barrage_ of fire.
The sorely tried Seventh Division was again given a very difficult task, and the 1st Battalion Grenadiers was once more to bear the brunt of the attack.
The officers of the Battalion at the time were as follows:
Lieut.-Colonel L. R. Fisher-Rowe, Commanding Officer. Major G. F. Trotter, M.V.O., D.S.O., Second in Command. Lieut. C. V. Fisher-Rowe, Adjutant. Lieut. J. Teece, Quartermaster. 2nd Lieut. E. H. J. Duberly, Machine-gun Officer. Capt. W. E. Nicol, Bombing Officer. Captain the Hon. G. H. Douglas-Pennant, King's Company. Lieut. H. W. Ethelston, King's Company. 2nd Lieut. C. T. R. S. Guthrie, King's Company. 2nd Lieut. C. G. Goschen, King's Company. Major G. W. Duberly, No. 2 Company. Lieut. Lord Brabourne, No. 2 Company. 2nd Lieut. C. F. Burnand, No. 2 Company. 2nd Lieut. A. Foster, No. 2 Company. Capt. E. F. F. Sartorius, No. 3 Company. 2nd Lieut. Lord William Percy, No. 3 Company. 2nd Lieut. G. R. Westmacott, No. 3 Company. 2nd Lieut. R. G. Gelderd-Somervell, No. 3 Company. Captain the Hon. R. Lygon, M.V.O., No. 4 Company. Lieut. M. A. A. Darby, No. 4 Company. Lieut. A. S. L. St. J. Mildmay, No. 4 Company.