How the Worcesters Saved the Day, Gheluvelt, 31 October 1914

1915, a rare account from the First Battle of Ypres

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition, second printing. Hardback (rebound), with original covers partially retained. 25.5 × 16cm, 15pp, with two folding maps.

How the Worcesters Save the Day’ commemorates the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment’s charge at Gheluvelt in the First Battle of Ypres, 31st October 1914 when, with the 1st Battalion South Wales Borderers, they bridged the gap and held the line against the German move towards Ypres. The Battle of Ypres hinged around the village of Gheluvelt, which lies on a forward spur of the low ridge that covers the town of Ypres. Gheluvelt was the last point retained in British hands from which the enemy’s line could be dominated. Over 100 of the Battalion were killed or wounded but the rest pushed on and, increasing their speed as they came to the downward slope in sight of Gheluvelt, made the final charge through hedges and on to the Chateau grounds.

Here they met the remnants of the South Wales Borderers who had made a heroic stand. The meeting was unexpected, for the Worcestershires had believed no soldiers were left. The 2nd Worcestershires had gone into this action with about 370 men of whom 187 were killed or wounded. Gheluvelt had been saved and the line restored. The action of one unit passed in Great War legend.

Condition

Fair / Good. A rare title but an ex-library copy. There are the usual labels and discard marks, but the book has been professionally rebound with proper taped repairs to pages and binding. The front cover suffers loss to all edges and has been laid down on card. This copy remains in strong readable condition.