KING EDWARD'S HORSE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17630, 21 May 1919, Page 10

KING EDWARD'S HORSE

A RECORD OF SERVICE.

THE "KING'S OVERSEA DOMINIONS' REGIMENT.

CFbom Otje Own Correspondent.)

T ... LONDON, March 11. i am indebted to Lieutenant-colonel Lionel James, , D.&.0., who commands the First Regiment, ICang Edward's Horse, for the following particulars of the work of the corps during the great war:—- 1 King Edward's Horse (King's Oversea Dominions Regiment). This regiment, which was raised in 1901 as the King's Colonials was recruited entirely, both officers and mm (with the exception of a few batmen and grooms) from men from the King's dominions overseas. It went to France in April, 1915 and for a year was used as Divisional Cavalry with the 12th, 47th, and 4Sth Divisions. Two squadrons took part in the battle of 191 J 6 ' tho "Siaent was brought together under the command of 1/ieutenant-colonol Lionel James, D.5.0.. and became the IVth Corps Cavalry Regiment. In March, 1917, it covered the right of the adT^°V° f . th ? IVth Army, when the Germans ieU back from the Amiens road to St Quentin. It was specially mentioned in General Sir Harry Rawlinson's despatch for the 10 days it kept contact with the enemy until the infantry came up. S!'? 6 regiment was transferred to the XVTHth Corpa, and -was engaged with -J?,, °t rps j m Paschendael operations. V- . ajpadron especially distinguished itf® 11 , m breaking up a dangerous counter-at-tack .which saved the left of the cons In this action Captain H. Bell .(late M.P New Zealand) was unfortunately killed. in Octh° sa ' me rear tbc regiment rejoined the IVth Corps and did magnificent service a„ Gambrai under the command of MaW ft G. Ml, D.S.O. (a Nov, ZeaLd offiSS • ?,^ Gnce 011 Slck lea ve of the Commanding Officer.

t. l ? December the regiment -went to' tho Italian front with the XllJi Corps. After four months in Italy, the regiment returned to France with tho 51th Corps, in March 1918. During the great attack for the Channel port 3 th© regiment was put in, on April 9, to stiffen tho right of the Portuguese Division. When the regiment reached its position it was found to be unoccupied, and King Edward's Horse for 10 hours took tn/e brunt of tho German offensive. Tliey fought a Gorman division at short unsupported by any British artillery for eight hours, and enabled a British Division to fill the gap. In thanking Lieutenantcolonel James for the services of his regiment on this momentous day General Hating, commanding the Slth Corps, said; "It is doubtful if, in tho history' of any waT, so great an achievement has been effected by as few men. Alter the infantry came up a portion of tho regiment had to be kept to help the infantry, and these gallantly fought the Boche to a standstill. °

On tho morning of the 12th April the infantry were preesed back aoross the La Bassee Canal. The regiment was ordered to save three threatened bridges. This was done at the gaJlop. Lieutenant Rich's (IMew Zealandex) troop found the enemy in possession .of the bridge he was to hold. He gallantly drove them out and held this bridge. . In these four days' fighting tho regiment, 450 strong, had 10 officers and 150 other ranks casualties, including Lieutenant Pinckney (New Zealander), a very gallant officer, killed-

For the final operations that preceded tho armistice tho regiment was split up to cover the front of the three Army Corps. It gave great satisfaction to the generals it served, and was actually the last British unit engaged with the enemy when tho " bell rang." In fact it continued fighting for some hours after tho official hour.

The following Now-Zealand officers of tho regiment were rewarded:—Major (sometime Acting Lieutenant-colonel) G. G. Russell, D.S.O. and three mentions in despatches. Lieutenant G. G. Rich, Military Cross. tain H. D. Bell (killed), mentioned in despatches.

Tho following New Zealand officers also served with the regiment:—Lieutenant T. A. Irard, Lieutenant D. W. Pinckney (killed), Lieutenant B. A. C. Herapath, Lieutenant Laurenson (attached), Lieutenant Dennis tea, Lieutenant C. D. Bell (transferred to Ath Hussara aad R.A.F.).