Battle of Messines

The Battle of Messines was a gigantic engagement of the Great War. The British Empire assembled 150 battalions in 9 Divisions to assault the German positions of around four and a half divisions. This brief article covers only some of the experiences of only one of the 150 battalions engaged during the battle.

The 44th Battalion was initially held in reserve, with the rest of the brigade advancing, but on the midnight of the 7th/8th June they were brought forward for their first real battle. By 2:30 am they had reached their staging location, Schnitzel’s farm. B & C companies were on the left, A company on the right and D company in reserve.

“The approach march was through smashed trenches, with odd gas shells falling and with frequent alarms causing gas helmets to be adjusted. The Hun front and support lines were blown right out of existence. Evidence of the severity of the previous day’s fighting were now very apparent — wreckage everywhere, dead bodies, Australian and German, with the latter in places piled in heaps. The smell of gas was still hanging over the whole area, parched the throat and gave everyone a dry choking feeling, and made them gasp for breath.” – Captain Longmore.

Action began at the “black line”. The companies got seperated and A company came under very heavy fire, causing all the company officers and sergeants except two, to become casualties. D company plugged the gap and began digging under brisk and accurate machine gun and rifle fire, casualties were heavy.

Later in the day, the 44th Battalion was ordered to push up to the “green line” and suffered many losses in doing so. Upon reaching their new position a tremendous artillery barrage was unleashed upon them. This lasted for 11 hours and well into the night. The first day of the battle resulted in 19 soldiers of the battalion being killed.

The morning of the 9th June saw a German counterattack against the tired battalion. However, they melted away without reaching the 44th Battalion trenches. Artillery was the order of the day and the men spent their time strengthening their position. 10 soldiers of the battalion were killed on the second day.

The 10th June saw a continuous artillery barrage by the enemy, especially when the 44th Battalion was relieved by the 43rd Battalion at dusk. The Germans gave the West Australians an “enthusiastic farewell”. 13 soldiers of the battalion were killed on the third day. Another five soldiers were killed in the days before and after the battle.

One wounded German sniper whose position had been overrun, played dead and caused havoc behind the Australian lines until he was eventually located and bayoneted.

Total casualties were 47 killed and up to 250 wounded. (Captain Longmore incorrectly states that 74 were killed). The combat strength of the battalion shrunk to less than 400 men. The Battle of Messines and Battle of Broodseinde Ridge are tied as the two deadliest battles for the 44th Battalion. 

“The 44th had been badly battered in the Messines fighting, and “Old Bill’s” Thousand was now but a shadow of the lusty fighting force which had left Fremantle just a short year before. Many old faces were missing from the depleted ranks.” – Captain Longmore.

Acts of Bravery

Private Opie (B Company Stretcher-Bearer) saved many lives during the battle. At one point he attempted to reach a wounded man in an exposed position. Three other stretcher-bearers had tried to rescue the man and all three of them were shot by a sniper. Opie did not hesitate and immediately went out into the open and was badly wounded by the sniper. He was recommended for the Victoria Cross but instead received the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Private F.W. Davies carried food and water over the open constantly under heavy fire to the men in his platoon. When both his platoon commander and sergeant were killed, he assumed command of the platoon. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Captain W.H. Rockliff (C Company) for his leadership in the battle as officer commanding C Company he was awarded the Military Cross.

Captain L. Biles (D Company) for his leadership in the battle as officer commanding D Company he was awarded the Military Cross.

Lieutenant R. Skinner (B Company) for his leadership in the battle, carrying on B Company after its OC had become wounded. He was awarded the Military Cross.

Lieutenant Ptiman (Signals Officer) for his effective work in keeping up communications under heavy shell fire. He was awarded the Military Cross.

Private Pearson (Stretcher-Bearer) saved many lives throughout the entire existence of the battalion. He carried off more casualties from the field of battle than any other man in the 44th. He was awarded the Military Medal and bar.

Corporal C.H. Urry (B Company Signalling Section) established a visual signalling station using a heliograph and attempted to maintain communication between the frontline and headquarters by running under heavy shell fire. He was wounded early in the barrage but stayed at his post until ordered to report to the medical officer. Additionally on the 27th October 1917, enemy planes dropped bombs on the cable burying party with 3 soldiers being killed. He rendered first aid to the wounded and carried them to the dressing station. He was recommended for an award.

Doc Kenihan (Medical Officer) was attached to the battalion. His Regimental Aid Post was in a big Shell Hole near Snitchell’s Farm and the only protection it had was a few sheets of galvanised iron. Constant shelling meant that he and his section had many narrow escapes. 

Private E.M. Dreger accurately marked company dispositions and carried them back to battalion headquarters.