Captain Robert Mansergh MC and Merchiston Castle men in the Manchester Regiment

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Captain Robert Forbes Mansergh MC 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment and the Officers from Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh

Battlefield Sleuth Series – 2017

Tim Bell

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Captain Robert Forbes Mansergh MC – 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment A Biography During the First World War, Robert Mansergh served as an Officer in the 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment – the 2nd Manchester Pals. They were part of Lord Kitchener’s volunteer Army; formed from inexperienced civilians to become the backbone of the British contribution to the Somme offensive. Robert is one of a distinguished group of junior Officers who survived hostilities, despite his involvement in various assaults and action on the Western Front. He was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in the field, promoted Captain and became a Staff Officer in later times. Robert was wounded and invalided home in 1918, where he served at Home with the 3rd and 51st Battalions. After the Armistice, Robert was posted in Germany, before resigning his Commission in 1919. He later served for a short period in the Territorial Army.

Lieutenant R F Mansergh 1915/16. Courtesy Sue Nelson

The centenary of the First World War has encouraged interest in the Great War. Intriguing stories, documents and anecdotes are being shared and the centenary has extended our knowledge of events and individuals. We have found a group of people with a common interest in Robert Mansergh, including his school archivist, four family members and the author of this publication; who is a grandson of one of the men who served in Robert’s Platoon.

A large amount of information helps paint a vivid picture of Robert’s life and military history; along with those of the intriguing group of men who joined the Regiment from his school in Edinburgh.

Robert is just one man who fought in the Great War and his brief biography can be seen in the context of others who fought, while respecting the memory of those who fell.

Captain R F Mansergh MC 1916/18. Courtesy Sue Nelson

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Index:  Early life and education  Commission in the 2nd Manchester Pals  Training, bombing and trenches  Battle of the Somme  1917-18  Post-War: marriage and untimely death  Merchiston Castle Roll of Honour  Acknowledgements  Battlefield Sleuth Series

Battlefield Sleuth Series – July 2017

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Early life and education Robert Forbes Mansergh was born on 22nd November 1896. He was baptised on 30th December 1896, in St Paul’s Church, Scotforth, near Lancaster. Robert’s parents were Amelia Agnes (nee Forbes) and Arthur Hassell Mansergh. The family lived at 19 Ashton Road, Lancaster. Arthur was a merchant in the family Linoleum business.

Robert’s mother died in the first quarter of 1903. Arthur later remarried Susannah Bellingham, who became Robert and Dorothy’s stepmother, who they knew as Mater. Records indicate the two children spent quite a lot of time away at school in Scotland, where they stayed with their auntie and uncle, Elizabeth and William Henry Walker in Selkirk. Elizabeth was one of Amelia’s elder sisters and a later post card from Dorothy to Robert indicates the couple brought up the Mansergh children.

Mansergh & Son, Market Place ,Lancaster in 1901 © King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

Robert’s younger sister was Dorothy Forbes Mansergh. The 1901 Census record shows Robert staying with his grandparents Robert and Margaret at “The Moorings”, Sunderland Point, near Lancaster. His parents then lived at 84 Meadowside, Lancaster. They employed two servants and must have been reasonably wealthy.

Amelia Agnes Mansergh with her children Robert & Dorothy C 1903

Robert & Dorothy with their Aunt Elizabeth & Uncle William Walker 1909-10. Courtesy Sue Nelson

Robert attended Selkirk School in the Scottish Borders. The postcard to his step-mother of 31st July, possibly in 1911, shows Robert experiencing some form of Military introduction, at Barry Army Camp near Carnoustie, at the end of a school year. His family then lived at “The Moorings”.

From 1912 to 1914 Robert continued his education at Merchiston Castle, a public school in Edinburgh. He was a member of the school Rugby XV 1914-15, beating Loreto and Edinburgh University OTC, but losing - scoring no points - in fixtures against Edinburgh Academy, Fettes College and Watsons College twice. They had a scoring loss against Durham. Out of the three rugby teams of

` 1915, no less than thirty-one were then on war service. Robert was also a member of the Gym VIIII.

Crowstone. The 1914 annual Camp was described as much stricter discipline (under Lieutenant Madden) and the camp was very little of a holiday. “On the 2nd August great excitement prevailed when the news of the outbreak of the European war was announced.”

“Having good weather. Will be down on Thursday. The three of us sitting are Campbell, Fairweather, Mansergh. Love Bob.” (Sat Front Row Right Side) Postmark 31 July C 1911. The Barry Camp, Carnoustie. Courtesy Sue Nelson

Robert joined the Merchiston Castle Officer Training Corps (OTC) in October 1912 and held the rank of Lance Corporal by the time he left school. The Merchiston OTC Camp photo has no date and is probably at the end of summer term in July 1913, when Robert was 16 years old. The OTC held camps at Barry, near Carnoustie, in both summers 1913/14. For 1913, the School Register recounts the Camp had good weather and more ground than usual, but not enough work. Two field days were also held in 1914 at Millerhall and

Merchiston Castle School Crest

Robert was seventeen years old when war was declared with Germany. He had just completed his Lower VI year. After the summer holidays he returned to Merchiston Castle in Michaelmas Term, for what would become the final few months of his education.

From Bob Mansergh C 1913 (with rifle on right wearing Merchiston crest on his shirt) to his mother from Barry Camp “These are the chaps in our tent. I will be in Lancaster on Thursday by the midday train from Carlisle where I will stay Wed. night. Camp is mixed blessing. In the mornings it is very hard work but in the afternoons & evenings we have ripping sport. Hope you are all well. Much Love Bob” Courtesy Sue Nelson

` Robert’s final school report for Christmas 1914 was “Most satisfactory in all respects.” His marks placed him in the upper half of his class for most subjects.

not necessarily what a prewar teenage middle-class boy would have anticipated.

The Merchiston Castle motto “Ready Ay Ready” was found to be appropriate. Merchiston’s Joint Acting Headmaster, C.E. Edwards, acknowledged Robert’s departure and wished him good luck in the school report with “We wish him every success & a safe return.”

Robert Mansergh may have previously been planning university, travel, or employment in the family linoleum business. He celebrated his eighteenth birthday in November 1914. This was the minimum age for home service in the Military and Robert would soon volunteer for the Army.

It will be seen that Army service continued Robert’s education, with international travel, but

Dorothy & Robert in 1902-5. Courtesy Sue Nelson

Robert Mansergh received a book as a Science prize in the lower VI Form of July 1914 at Merchiston Castle School. He was 4th of 13 pupils in December 1914, then placed in Set 1.The School Report from December 1914. Courtesy Christopher Findley

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Commission in the 2nd Manchester Pals Britain declared war with Germany on 4th August 1914. Later that month the Lord Mayor of Manchester planned the recruitment of a City (or Pals) Battalion, comprising Clerks & Warehouseman from the thriving cotton houses and traders. The prospect of enlisting with men from their own, or similar workplaces, was the primary driver in the formation of the Pals. Employers had committed to fund the Pals Battalions until they were taken over by the War Office and a mass of young men arrived at the recruiting offices.

The first four City or Pals Battalions were quickly formed, with men for the 2nd City (later 17th) Battalion generally enlisting on the 2nd / 3rd September: See Formation.

Subsequent City Battalions trained at Robert’s home town in Morecambe and the 1st – 4th Pals Battalions initially remained in Manchester.

Reserve or retired Officers were brought in to command the Pals Battalions and some former senior NCOs were commissioned.

Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Johnson had previously retired from the 4th Battalion in 1912 and became Commanding Officer of the

2nd City Battalion, following a posting to 14th.

The majority of Officers were new volunteers, with little or no military experience. The Temporary Commissioned Officers generally had a background of public / grammar school or University education.

A large group of Robert Mansergh’s masters from Merchiston Castle School were commissioned in the Manchester Regiment, notably serving in the City, or Pals, Battalions.

The majority were Englishmen and a number had connections with the City.

Manchester Regiment Cap Badge and shoulder titles of the 2nd City (17th) Battalion, worn by Other Ranks (TB)

The Merchiston masters and old boys were ideal candidates to fulfil the outstanding complement of the 17th Battalion’s Company Commander and Platoon Commander Appointments. Edmond Fearenside and Stanley Kenworthy were the first Merchiston men to receive their commissions, as 2nd Lieutenants in 2nd City (17th) Battalion, on 19th September 1914.

Officers of 17th Bttn on the steps of Heaton Hall, Heaton Park in April 1915. Robert Mansergh is in the middle row, 3rd from the right.

Courtesy City Battalions Book of Honour

` Edmond Fearenside was previously a Classics and English master and acting Housemaster at Merchiston (1905-14), probably teaching Robert in July 1914. Edmund had fifty hours experience in the Merchiston Castle O.T.C. before his commission.

Stanley Kenworthy was an Assistant Preparatory Master (1912-14). Both men were promoted to the rank of Captain on 19th December 1914.

Preparatory school master, 2nd Lieutenant Wilfrith Elstob was commissioned in the 1st City (16th))Battalion Manchester Regiment on 3rd October 1914.

He had previously enlisted in the 6th (Territorial) Battalion as a private soldier.

Edmond Fearenside and Wilfrith Elstob had both spent part of their early years in Manchester / Cheshire and it is thought they were the original exponents of the Edinburgh men joining the City (Pals) Battalions – rather than a Scottish Battalion.1 Wilfrith Elstob’s school friend Hubert Worthington also received his commission in the 1st City Battalion on 3rd October. When Edmund Fearenside applied for his Commission, he specified Hubert’s architects practice, Thomas Worthington & Sons, 46 Brown Street as his Manchester address. It is clear that the connection between Hubert Worthington, Edmund and Wilfrith Elstob became a feature

Application for Temporary Commission

of many Officers joining the Manchester City Battalions.

Lieutenant John Madden, Captain Charles Leslie Macdonald (both 17th Battalion) and Language Master, 2nd Lieutenant Aubrey Harris (22nd Battalion) were commissioned three days later than Robert on 24th December 1914.

John Greville Madden had taught at Merchiston Castle (1912-14)2 Captain Macdonald was also an Old Boy of Merchiston, who had taught English from 1909. He had been the Captain of the Officer

1

It’s notable that there was also a group of Old Boys from Fettes College, Edinburgh, who were commissioned in the Manchester Pals. This group included Staff Captain Arthur Taylor; who served on the Committee that raised the City Battalions when they were founded.

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Lt John Madden was OC VIII Pln in Spring 1915. A member of his Platoon was Herbert Vernon, Arthur Bell’s newly married brother in law.

` Training Corps since April 1913 with Captain Rupert Edward Roberts and John Madden as 2nd Lieutenant, since June 1913. The three masters were already commissioned as Territorial Officers (unattached). Charles MacDonald also had family connections in Cheshire3 and it is likely the Masters and their pupil had left the school at the end of term to join the other teachers, who were already established with the Regiment. Rupert Edward Roberts had been posted to the Manchesters (16th Battalion) on 24th November 1914.

A number of Old Boys followed the masters into the 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment.

School Captain (1907-08). Chinese born, to English parents, Henry had returned from Japan and joined the Royal Army Medical Corps, prior to his Commission in 16th Battalion, on 18th June 1915. He was later transferred to 22nd Battalion.

Robert Mansergh was Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant at Heaton Park, Manchester in the 2nd City (17th) Battalion Manchester Regiment on 21st December 1914; one month after his 18th birthday. School records confirm Robert left Merchiston Castle in December 1914; presumably at the end of Michaelmas term.

Robert was the only current Merchiston Castle pupil, who left the school to join the 2nd City (17th) Battalion. One can imagine there must have been moral support for the eighteen year old subaltern. Robert was certainly familiar with his fellow Officers, having attended Barry Camp as an OTC cadet under the Command of Charles Macdonald, John Madden.

Merchiston OTC Officers. 1914 Army List nd

2 Lieutenant James Dunlop Kirkwood was IV Platoon Commander in A Company. James had been a Merchiston pupil and member of the Cadet Corps (1901-05) before Robert arrived there. James had worked for the Canadian Civil Service, Forestry Department.

Another Old Boy was Lieutenant Alastair George Campbell who also became an Officer in 17th Battalion.

In addition, Henry Rodham Cook had been a pupil 1896-1903 when he had become Rugby, Cricket (1902) and Robert Mansergh with the Bugle Band. Book of Honour 3

Born Bowden, near Altrincham , later Graduating Emmanuel College, Cambridge BA & MA on 1900.

` Robert’s former rugby XV team mate joined the 4th Manchesters in 1917, but he didn’t appear to have served overseas. In 1914, Robert would have had the opportunity of a commission with many Regiments, notably the King’s Own Royal Lancasters. He must have chosen the Manchester Regiment with the support of his former masters.

Robert Mansergh Circa 1915. Courtesy Sue Nelson

Robert Mansergh’s swagger stick with silver head inscribed with Merchiston Castle crest, possibly featured in the III Pln photo.

This may have been a gift from the school when he received his commission. Sue Nelson

Robert Mansergh’s Commission as 2nd Lieutenant signed by King George V

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Training, bombing and Trenches Robert Mansergh was appointed Officer in Commander of III Platoon in A Company of 17th Battalion, Manchester Regiment. The Battalion had initially trained in a tented camp at Heaton Park in north Manchester. By the time Robert arrived, more permanent huts had been constructed. The Battalion had route marches and regular drill. They began to learn the fundamentals of military training and trench warfare.

In April 1915, the Pals left their home City and went to extend their training at Belton Park, near Grantham, Lincs.

Robert Mansergh maintained correspondence with his sister Dorothy throughout the war.

The collection of intimate letters provides an insight of Robert’s circumstances. His first letter was sent from the Officers’ Mess, Belton Park, in the summer of 1915. It appears Dorothy was about to start attending Selkirk High School and Robert hoped she

would have a decent time. Robert was unimpressed with Grantham. He reported “There isn’t much to do at the week-ends but during the week we are kept hard at it. From tonight I am on duty till Tuesday midnight.

This is my last night’s sleep till Wed. I am off to bed so. much love Bob.” Men in Robert Mansergh’s III Platoon seem to have been quite happy at Belton Park. Private 8055 Private Arthur Bell recounted an interesting night out in Grantham. “Half a dozen lads of our platoon, including myself, walked a distance of three miles one evening to Grantham from Belton Park …We went the round of the pubs, but I had pork pie with lemonade each time, instead of beer. On the way back to barracks we all managed to tumble into an already half-filled conveyance, somewhat larger than an ordinary car without any roof on. Now, I was blown up as you can guess, my pals were canned up, but every one of us, except myself, travelled on the mini-bus without paying! At least that is what they said – one was an N.C.O.”

III Platoon Rifle training at Heaton Park, supervised by 2nd Lt. Robert Mansergh. The men are wearing the navy blue tram guards uniforms that were replaced by traditional khaki in February 1915. Courtesy Sue Nelson.

` The Brigade’s final Home training was undertaken at Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain.

The Official Record includes Robert Mansergh on the Roll of A Company, when the main body of the Battalion left Larkhill, at 8.20am on 8th November 1915; disembarking at Boulogne, from Folkestone that night. Robert was promoted to Lieutenant one month after his arrival in France on 8th December 1915.

cleared space. One of us, on pulling out the pin, let the spring force him to leave go of the bomb, and it dropped in the trench. “Get round the traverse, quickly” shouted our Platoon Officer, Lieut. M. [Mansergh], at the same time rushing to pick up the bomb and haul it over the parapet. Five second fuse, but great courage! Perhaps a notch towards an honour later. In fact, he was awarded the M.C. in September, 1916.”

Robert Mansergh may have been the single Officer recorded as returning to the Battalion strength, with thirty seven men, when the short lived Brigade Grenadier Company was dissolved at Bertangles on 28th November.

For the six months of 1916, Robert Mansergh and the 17th Battalion spent much of their time in the western front trenches near the village of Maricourt, leading down to the river Somme. Billets were in the village of Suzanne.

Pte 8055 A A Bell. III Platoon Bomber (TB)

III Platoon’s Private Arthur Bell4 and Robert Mansergh’s both had extensive training with grenades. Robert was appointed Battalion Bombing Officer at Larkhill in October 1915.

He attended a bombing instructor’s course at Ripon prior to departure from England.

Letters home were now censored by fellow Officers, yet we find some insights to the spirit of the men from Robert’s correspondence with his sister. At this time Dorothy was boarding at St Hilda’s School, at Liberton in Edinburgh. St Hilda’s was located just a few miles east of Merchiston Castle, to the south of the City.

Arthur Bell recounted the dangers of bombing practice, which probably took place at the 30th Divisional Bombing School at Halloy les Pernois on 22nd December 1915.

“If we had any bombing lessons in England, prior to departure to France in November, 1915, I cannot recall them. In the first lesson in France each man of the platoon – I don’t think we were selected- threw one live bomb. We threw them from inside a trench (bounded by the traverse). Over the top to a 4

Tim Bell’s grandfather

© IWM (Q 4156) Bombing party practising throwing bombs over a traverse at the training school, Wisques, near St. Omer, 28 August, 1916.

` Robert wrote to Dorothy on 10th February 1916 and apologised for not writing more letters, explaining “…but you must understand this isn’t a letter writing “do” out here, in fact in common parlance it is “Hell” pure and simple. ” On the date of his letter, Robert’s Battalion were located in Suzanne, held in Brigade reserve. Such status may not sound perilous, yet Private 8301 Albert Smith was killed on this day and twelve men were wounded, including the Lieutenant Quarter Master T A Yarwood and Merchistonian Alastair Gregory Cameron.

Suzanne Church in 1920, showing the ravages of German artillery fire. © IWM Q37179

Alastair was another Merchiston Castle Old Boy (1903-08), when he was Cadet Lieutenant in the OTC. He had been promoted to Lieutenant on the same day as Robert, soon after arrival in France. Lieutenant Cameron was evacuated to England with wounds to his tibia and gas gangrene. He later served in Ripon after treatment on the Isle of Wight.

Robert’s letter to Dorothy continued “We have been next to the French who you will have seen have been getting it hot. We are going back for a long rest soon thank Goodness.”

Lt A G Cameron

The French Army held the front line trenches immediately south of the river Somme, immediately beyond the defensive positions that were becoming familiar to the Manchesters at Eclusier-Vaux. On 28th / 29th January, there had been a sustained German assault on the Somme positions, resulting in the French withdrawal from the village of Frise. Robert’s A Company Commander, Captain Edward Lloyd was wounded by shrapnel in Suzanne on 28th January, together with six Other Ranks. Two men were killed including Private 8432 Herbert Bagshaw, who was killed while sleeping in this billet.

Anecdotally there were more 17th Battalion casualties from German Artillery during spells of rest or reserve duty in billets at Suzanne, compared with the front line defences near Maricourt.

Robert’s chatty letter continued by encouraging further letters and sending love to Dorothy Bridgewater “if she’ll take it” [from the gallant subaltern?]; as well as friends and family. He warmly concluded with “Much love & Kisses to your old self. Your loving brother Bob”.

` living with A Company again as there was no need for his specialist role in the Vaux sector.

This suggests Robert would otherwise have maintained a posting with Headquarters Company, separate from his old III Platoon and A Company.

Panorama of the ruins of Vaux, north-east of Frise and the valley of the Somme.© IWM Q 69968

Robert wrote to his sister again on 6th May. “We are back up the line again having quite an easy time. How long it will remain so GOK. [God Only Knows] – the duration I hope.” The War Diary records the Battalion serving in the British line near the village of Vaux-surSomme. These defences overlooked the meandering Somme marshes and were very different from the rest of the Western Front.

The Manchesters undertook patrols on the marsh land and the German artillery was a regular threat. Robert confirms this was a safer posting than many others positions, although Private 8563 Harry Foden was killed by a German shell on the previous day when four men were also wounded.

The area of Vaux and Suzanne is an exceptionally pretty part of Picardy. Robert noted “The weather is very hot and the country beautiful.”

Despite the relatively pleasant scenes, Robert admitted to his thoughts of home. “I keep wishing I was having a pint on the Globe…”

Robert reminisced an amusing, boozy occasion with his father and uncle during his recent leave with a gramophone. He had found the Battalion at rest – possibly at St Saveur – and recounted his newly acquired gramophone “...is going strong – in fact it is always going strong.”

Private 9160 Ernest Kemmery was shot in the leg in June 1916. This is a relatively low casualty list, compared with other Platoons in the trenches. Thirty two men from 17th Battalion died in France in the period to June 1916.

In Robert’s letter he confirms he was still appointed Battalion Bombing Officer, yet

CWGC Suzanne Communal Cemetery Extension. Numerous members of the Manchester Regiment are buried here.

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III Platoon of 17th Bttn in Heaton Park in April 1915. Robert Mansergh is in the middle of the 2nd row with a stick. Arthur Bell is front row 3rd from Right. Approximately one third of the men in the Platoon that left for France in November 1915 did not return Courtesy City Battalions Book of Honour

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The Battle of the Somme

The infamous opening day of the Battle of the Somme took place on 1st July 1916. The 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment was part of 90th Infantry Brigade of 30th Division. They formed part of the second phase of the assault, charged with liberating the fortress village of Montauban.

The Brigade Orders for the Assault mention Robert Mansergh being the Officer detailed by the Battalion at 9.p.m. on 30th June, “…to assist in guiding Units into the ASSEMBLY TRENCHES…” Private Arthur Bell recollected his Platoon Commander being killed in the 1st

July assault and Robert may have held an alternative role with Battalion Headquarters, possibly as Intelligence Officer. The portrait of Robert also identifies him as serving with the Battalion headquarters.

At significant cost, the Battalion reached their objective, advancing over their familiar trench line near Maricourt. Montauban was the first village to be gained by the British Army on the otherwise disastrous day. Robert Mansergh was the only Officer from A Company to survive the advance to the Village. He helped organise the consolidation of A Company’s newly held positions, to the north east of Montauban. The Official Record shows Robert and Lieutenant Humphreys commanded A and B Companies in the subsequent defence of the Montauban, successfully holding their positions against two German counter-attacks. Robert Mansergh may have initially been posted to a headquarters roll, although he clearly returned to his Company after they arrived in the Village, presumably due to the losses during the advance.

War Illustrated Image of Montauban assault. (TB)

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Merchiston Master, Capt John Madden DSO. Book of Honour

Merchiston Master, Capt Stanley Kenworthy

III Pln Sgt James Turner

III Pln Sgt Percy Amos

III Pln Sgt Sidney Hare

Another Merchiston master (1912-14), Captain John Madden took overall command of both A & B Companies during the thirty six hour period the Manchesters held their positions. He subsequently received the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry. His citation published on 25th August 1916 reads “For conspicuous gallantry in action.

When the leading waves of attack were wavering after losing most of their officers, he pushed forward, rallied the men and led them into the village.

Later he organised and led a party which repelled a counter attack.”

There were Three hundred and fifty eight casualties, killed, wounded of missing at Montauban; out of the assaulting Battalion strength of nine hundred and ninety. Losses included former

Merchiston Master and C Company Commander, Captain Kenworthy and eight original members of Robert’s III Platoon, some of whose portraits are provided here.

Lieutenant Mansergh was appointed 17th Battalion Adjutant on 7th July 1916, in place of Merchiston Castle old boy and master, Major C L Macdonald. Robert’s Service File indicates the appointment as Adjutant was effective 1st July, which could make sense with the reorganisation of the Battalion following the extensive losses.

On 9th July the Battalion made a costly assault on Trones Wood. Records do not mention the new Adjutant being present and Robert probably remained behind the line of the assault with Battalion Headquarters.

Merchiston’s Captain Madden DSO was wounded at Trones Wood and five original members of III Platoon were killed. At least three members of the Platoon were wounded and three others were III Pln F Thomas Barnett. captured.

KIA 9/7/1916 Credit @agp1916

The next Brigade assault took place at Guillemont on 30th July 1916. It is thought that Robert Mansergh stayed back with Brigade Headquarters as Adjutant. He was reported as having been awarded the Military Cross on 28th September 1916. His citation, in the London Gazette reads “When an enemy shell lighted an ammunition store, he and his orderly [Pte A Hall who was awarded the DCM], although they had been knocked over by the explosion, helped to organise a party to remove the ammunition.

Continual explosions were taking place around

` them. Later he assisted to dress and bring in the wounded.”

fatigues and moved to Le Touret the next day.

His Service Record shows the promotion was caused by the vacancy created by Captain E Lloyd being struck off the establishment.

Captain Lloyd had been Robert’s A Company Commander and wounded in January 1916.

It is possible the Military Cross award relates to events at 3am on 30th July 1916, immediately prior to the Battalion’s Guillemont assault. 90th Brigade War Diary notes On 12th October 1916, the Battalion fire damage to a telephone launched an assault near Flers. The cable serving the advanced Official Record reports all the Officers Brigade Headquarters at were casualties, apart from three known the Briquetrie "...by an individuals. Robert is not included on the explosion of S.A.A. & Casualty List, indicating he stayed back Captain Robert Mansergh’s Grenade Dump in the with headquarters for this assault. War Military Cross. Courtesy John Slinger vicinity of the BRIQUETERIE Diary entries indicate Robert was & about 100 yds of the Battalion Adjutant. III Platoon’s Hubert Cable was destroyed." It is possible the 17th Craig was killed at Flers. Arthur Bell was Battalion Adjutant would have been present wounded in the foot and invalided back to at Brigade HQ and likely he would have England. A total of 12 Officers and 273 Other helped at the incident – recognised by the Ranks are reported in the Casualty List of the watchful eye of some senior officers. period in Flers.

In a letter to Dorothy of Wednesday 4th November, Robert encouraged his sister to meet him when he managed to gain home leave in the near future. Prior to Merchiston’s master, Captain the leave, Robert indicated he was to Fearenside was awarded the return to the trenches on the following Distinguished Service Order “For Monday. 17th Battalion were in conspicuous gallantry in action.

Divisional reserve, training at He led two companies of reBailleulval, near Arras, from 1st enforcements over some 1800 November. Robert reported the scene yards of open ground swept by in the area “We are in a very nice soft machine gun fire into a village. spot – one of the nicest I’ve ever been He rallied his men and organised in. You can get a 7 course dinner while a further attack. He displayed you are in the trenches practically.

Lt Col E Fearenside DSO the greatest coolness and Battn Headquarters [where Robert was OBE PC Lives of WWI 5 probably posted] is in a farm house and courage.” one gets fresh milk, cream, eggs and butter Robert was promoted to the Rank of Captain every morning.” on 2nd September 1916. The Battalion had been behind the front, training or carrying out Recognising the cost of the 17th Battalion’s losses at Flers he described the arrival of the 5 replacement Officers. “Since our last show on Edmund Fearenside was later promoted Lt Col, became 17th Battalion Commanding Officer and received the OBE. He was the Somme when all our Company Officers Lewis Brownjohn was the sole original member of III Platoon killed at Guillemont.

also Mentioned in Despatches

` were knocked we’ve had 16 new Officers sent to us and only 1 has been in France before! I feel quite an old experienced soldier [still aged 19] when I talk to them. There’s no “Back Chat” where I’m concerned I can assure you.”

returned to England on 13th October to attend a Commanding Officers’ Course at Aldershot.

Robert Mansergh also wrote to Dorothy on 20th November 1916. Robert explained that he had been in a BEF hospital with Trench fever since 8th November.

One of the familiar replacement Officers with experience of the Western Robert complained that Front was 2nd Lieutenant “This hospital is not what it Richard William Leslie Wain. might be. For instance; Richard had been wounded there are no pretty nurses to with A Company at tend to one – only an Montauban on 1st July and orderly that spills half of returned to 17th Battalion your meals over the after treatment and bed…However, one is well recuperation with 3rd away from shells and other (Reserve) Battalion at fruit drinks [unknown] and Cleethorpes. Richard Wain birds of prey [Enemy was later attached to the aircraft?] and has a nice bed Tank Corps and to sleep on so ‘DON’T posthumously awarded a GRUMBLE’ ” Victoria Cross for action in which he was killed on 20th Robert slightly chastised November 1917. Richard Capt R F Mansergh MC Courtesy Sue Nelson Dorothy. “In future kindly Wain was an Old Boy from St address letters to Lt. R F Bees School, Cumbria, from which provided Mansergh M.C. Excuse me suggesting this but another group masters and old boys as it is the correct thing to do.” He clearly cared Officers to help form the City Battalions. for his sixteen year old sister and hoped she Merchiston’s master, Captain Stanley liked Alva [Alva House, Alloa - presumably Kenworthy had attended St Bees . Captain R J Dorothy’s boarding school in the Scottish Ford, A Company’s Commanding Officer at Lowlands] a bit better.

Montauban had been Science Master and OTC Robert had a period of Home leave in Selkirk Lieutenant at St Bees before joining the st or Lancaster from 30th November to 10th Manchesters. Both men were killed on 1 July December. Records confirm he had been 1916. attached to 90th Brigade on 28th November. nd The Battalion relieved the 2 Royal Scots He contracted bronchial catarrh and his leave Fusiliers at Bellacourt on 6th November. The was extended by seven days from 19th War Diary notes Merchiston’s master, Captain December. A Medical Officer approved the Edmund Fearenside had been struck of 17th sick leave.

Battalion strength on 1st November, having

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Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, commemorating the majority of 1916 casualties from 17th Battalion

Manchester Regiment Officers’ Panel at Thiepval Memorial to the Missing

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1917-18 On 1st February 1917, at Sus-St-Leger, the Battalion War Diary records that Robert relinquished the appointment of Adjutant, on being attached to HQ 90th Infantry Brigade.

The 90th Brigade War Diary for 2nd February notes Capt Mansergh was attached BDE HQ as “G Learner”. The Service Record indicates the appointment was 90th Brigade Intelligence Officer.

Robert wrote another chatty letter to Dorothy on 16th April 1917, when the Battalion were billeted in the village of Saint-Amand, south west of Arrras . He explained that the Battalion was having rest from the strenuous battle. He had spent 300 francs in a local town for the mess. Robert’s letter also explained the uncomfortable conditions he had experienced during the Easter week end “I had an awful one, was living on top of a hill with the wind chilling my bones and the snow soaking my feet.”

Robert recounted that “Our Divisional Concert party is with us just now. They call themselves the Bluebirds, and the name is a good one.

Although their show is very good I would not like to take a lady to see it!”

During the day of 16th April, the Commanding Officer inspected the whole Battalion. Robert recounted his duties with the Brigade “The General has set his mind on having a ‘platoon officer’s’ tea tomorrow which means I have to find accommodation and tea for about 100 officers. I can see myself having a happy time tomorrow.” This roll would not seem to be linked to Robert’s later attachment as Brigade Intelligence Officer; although it is possible junior officers attached to the Staff may have been available for wider duties, when away from the front.

Robert wrote to Dorothy on the 22nd April 1917. This was the day before 17th Battalion’s costly assault near the Hindenberg Line, in front of Heninel, east of Arrras. Robert let his sister know his good fortune that he wouldn’t be going over the top. “We are in the accursed line, but thank heavens I am a good few miles behind and having a fairly comfortable though worrying existence…There is a pretty big noise on at the moment (12 pm) and I shouldn’t be a bit surprised if things begin to turn about dawn. Thanks Goodness I won’t have to ‘Stand to’ and shiver with fear and cold.”

Robert continued to describe the scene on the evening before the attack. “It has been b. (for beastly) cold in this God forsaken b. (for blooming) country! I am called to bed by my companions (one of whom has already drunk himself into a state of stupor)” 650 men from 17th Battallion took part in the offensive at Heninel. Only 290 remained on duty after the withdrawal. 93 men from the 17th Battalion were killed in action on 23rd April 1917, or died of wounds in Casualty Clearing Stations or French military hospitals by the end of May. On 3rd May 1917 the Battalion were in Cherienne. The Battalion War Diary notes Robert Mansergh rejoined the Battalion from attachment at Brigade H.Q. He did not return to duties as Adjutant and may have been Intelligence Officer.

31st July 1917 was the beginning of the 3rd Battle of Ypres –or Passchendaele. The Battalion made their assault from Sanctuary Wood and Robert is not shown on strength of the Officers Roll. He may have returned to 90th Brigade.

Robert wrote to his sister, during Dorothy’s school holidays at home in Sunderland Point on 23rd August 1917. He was at pains to

` explain “I’m not on the Staff. I’m attached to the [Brigade or Divisional] Staff as Intelligence Officer.”

Robert had been away from the Battalion – possibly leave - when he returned by 13th November 1917. His letter to Dorothy of this date reported the Battalion was out of the line and hoping for a month’s rest. The War Diary reports their location in Strazeele and inter-company football matches were played.

Robert was living in a nice house with a nice young lady in charge and a toned piano.

Robert was planning his 21st Birthday celebrations on 22nd November 2017, including Champagne and other ‘ingredients’.

Merchiston’s Lieutenant Colonel Edmund Fearenside DSO had been appointed Commanding Officer during the month of October 1917. Robert reported that the General left for England on 13th November and indicated “We are all very sorry to lose him, but luckily have got a very nice man in his place.” This is not a narrative that may be expected in a letter from a young officer to his sister.

Robert wrote a particularly interesting letter to Dorothy on 5th December 1917. He described his 21st Birthday celebrations “I had quite a pleasant birthday, nobody got binged – and only one member of the mess tripped up as he went out!” Robert assumed his sister was preparing for the end of the school term and wished he was preparing for the end of the war. The letter wasn’t entirely downbeat as Robert reported his interest in a young woman “…I fell in love with a perfectly sweet little French girl as the last place we were at [Strazeele]. Her name is Julia Schaeht (pronounced SKAT) and her age 18. Send your love to her – I told her I had a sweet sister in Scotland who was first like her only “fair instead of dark”. I’m sure you’d like her.” Julia

Schaeht may have been the young lady in charge of Robert’s billet in Strazeele.

Robert advised Dorothy he was planning a trip to Paris on 7th December for four days accompanying “Willoughby Norrie, who still swears that he loves you in spite of your continued rebuffs. Now then don’t get angry!

He’s quite a desirable hubby with about a thousand a year!” Robert was referring to Captain Charles Willoughby Moke Norrie MC6 who was a Staff Officer from the 11th Hussars serving as 90th Brigade Major. This appears to have been a close acquaintance, indicating that Robert may have held a Brigade posting

by December 1917.

Robert’s letter also described the weather that was so cold, he could hardly hold his pen. He then mentioned that they had “…just come out from a perfectly awful 9 days in the line, we had quite a lot of casualties.” The 17th Battalion had been part of the offensive in the Polderhoek area of Flanders, after the end of the third Battle of Ypres – known as Passchendaele. Nine men had died from the Battalion, before they were withdrawn and moved to Chippewa Camp, near Rennighlest, where Robert will have written his letter. 90th Brigade went on to have many more losses in the Polderhoek sector – including two nineteen year old subalterns - before the New Year.

Former Merchiston English Master, Charles Leslie MacDonald was one of the first members of the School to join the Manchester Regiment. He was quickly promoted to Major and passed over duties of Adjutant to Robert Mansergh. He later became Lieutenant Colonel and Commanding Officer of the 19th Battalion. He had received a Distinguished Service Order for his work on 6

https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/norrie-first-baron-sir-charleswilloughby-moke-norrie-gcmg-gcvo-cb-dso-mc-kstj

` the Somme and Bar for action believed to have taken place at Passchendaele. His citation reads.

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at a moment when a party of his own battalion and other units were held up by an enemy strong point. He pushed forward and organised a bombing attack but the officer leading it was killed and it failed. Seeing a tank approach, he ran out under fire and got into it, directing the tank toward the strong point. As soon as he had given instructions, he got out again and rejoined his party in the trench under a storm of machine gun fire.”

Lt Col Charles Leslie Macdonald DSO was a pupil at Merchiston Castle 1895-1900. Courtesy School Archive

Robert provided ‘news’ to Dorothy in his letter of 8th January 1918. He advised “The war will be over by the end of February.”

There was clearly not a reliable source for news at the front. The Battalion had returned from Belgium, to the area of the Somme.

Robert advised Dorothy he was “comfortably ensconced in haunts we frequented in 1916.”

Robert managed to occupy the same billet he used during the Battalion’s last visit to La Neuville. He was a little annoyed the people didn’t recognise him when he had arrived in the billet at 2.30am “C’est La guerre”. The War Diary records the Battalion carrying out Platoon drill, physical training and Lewis Gun work in the village of La Neuville, near Corbie, from 8th to 13th January.

In March 1918 Robert was appointed to 30th Divisional Headquarters as Staff Officer Grade 3.7 This followed his attendance at a Junior and Senior Staff Officer Course in France, earlier in January/February 1918.

11th January 1918. Capt R F Mansergh and his horse Mary. 17th Bttn were in La Neuville on this date. Courtesy Sue Nelson

Robert was wounded in the left hand in March 1918, remaining at duty, having 7

John Hartley

` received medical attention the next day.

Robert is not mentioned in the March wounded list for 17th Battalion, indicating he had a Brigade or Divisional posting. The Service Record indicates Robert had been wounded twice before, but these instances had not been significant and may not have been formerly recorded.

The 17th Battalion War Diary of 6th May reports Captain Mansergh was invalided back to the UK, from Boulogne to Dover on 26th April 1918 as Sick. His Service Record shows he had contracted catarrhal jaundice at Ypres on 18th April, while attached to H.Q. 30th Division on a Senior Learners Course. Robert was treated in the John Leys Hospital in Altrincham. He had recovered sufficiently to visit a sports shop and purchase a tennis racket for Dorothy on 13th May. His letter of 14th May also reported a visit to the theatre on the previous day. His step mother had regularly visited him in hospital and Robert was planning a cricket match against a local school.

24th December 1914, just three days after Robert.9 During July 1918, Robert Mansergh was transferred to the 51st (Graduated) Battalion Manchester Regiment near Great Yarmouth.

He was a Company Commander of this training unit. The photographs show a number of men with medal ribbons, indicating the 51st Battalion had some Officers with front line experience; Lieutenant Eric Dwight Henson has been identified from the football team photo. Eric served in France from July 1916, immediately after his 19th birthday.

One may assumed he was also invalided Home, before the training Battalion posting.

Robert was passed fit for duty on 9th June and received Sick Leave for the remainder of the month of June.

Robert Mansergh was posted to the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion on 1st July 1918.

They manned the Humber defences at Cleethorpes. Numerous members of the Pals Battalions passed through Cleethorpes while they recuperated after wounds or sickness.

Merchiston’s Captain John Madden DSO also served with the 3rd Battalion, prior to his 1917 posting to Cadet School8. John Madden had been commissioned in the 17th Battalion on

Capt R F Mansergh (with bicycle) in a tented camp. Probably Herringfleet Camp, Suffolk.

Lt E D Henson is the tall man without a jacket. Courtesy Sue Nelson

9

John Madden was a graduate of Pembroke College, Cambridge (1909-1912) and remarkably went on to serve in the Army during the 2nd World War, when both his sons were killed.

8

Nash

`

Capt R F Mansergh (middle row left) with Lt Henson & Officers of the 51st (Graduated) Battalion Manchester Regiment at Herringfleet Camp, Suffolk on 28th August 1918. Medal ribbons can be seen on three men, indicating significant overseas service for some of this group. Robert wrote to his mother to report “The weather has broken and we are having a rotten bad spell.”

Dorothy Mansergh was at her father’s home in Sunderland Point for her school holidays when her brother Robert wrote to her on 15th August 1918. He hoped to receive leave to visit her, before Dorothy returned to Edinburgh. Robert noted that it appeared easier to obtain leave with 51st Battalion, rather than his previous posting with 3rd Battalion in Cleethorpes. He reassured his sister by advising that his Home posting would be maintained until at least January 1919.

Robert recounted that an extension at Herringfleet would have been possible, if he continued his roll in the Orderly Room, although he noted the work was not very interesting.

Robert also advised his sister “I have met several fellows I know here which is rather a good thing. It is so beastly going to places where you know nobody.” It is not known how many fellow Officers and men from the City Battalions served with 51st Battalion.

Officers from a range of Regiments were posted to the camp. It appears Robert may

have been comparing the posting with 3rd Battalion.

Another undated letter on 51st Battalion paper confirms that Robert did receive his leave in Sunderland Point, although this must have been after Dorothy had returned to school in September. He anticipated further sick leave due to water on the knee.

Robert continued correspondence with Dorothy on 30th October 1918. He was then “…comfortably installed in…” Braithwaite House, rather than the tented camp at Herringfleet.

Robert was sharing a room with a very nice fellow named Captain Carr of the Cheshire Regiment. This may be Captain Leslie Carr of the Cheshire Regiment. Leslie was a London Stockbroker’s clerk, commissioned in Cheshire’s 13th (Service) Battalion, with whom he had served overseas from September 1915. He was later posted to their 3rd (Reserve) Battalion and may have been attached to the 51st Manchesters towards the end of the war.

` Robert Mansergh was initiated in the John O’Gaunt Freemasons Lodge on 17th September10. He was then a resident of Yarmouth. His letter of 30th October mentions he did not pass any further Masonic degrees, while on week-end leave earlier that month.

Robert’s letter also confirms he was then back with the 51st Battalion. This indicates he may have attended a course or separate posting, possibly attended a Senior Educational Course in Cambridge, as mentioned in his Service File.

The 30th October letter also mentions the impact of the growing influenza epidemic, “…it is just beginning to lay out our boys.

Three or four have fallen down on parade in the last day or two.”

Possibly the most poignant element of the October letter is the absence of any

realisation of the forthcoming Armistice, which took place less than two weeks later.

Robert was looking forward to a civilised winter if he didn’t get “bumped” out to France. He noted that all Officers were available for Service in France, including those classed unfit for overseas duties. The prospect for front line duty would clearly have been a challenge for men who had done their bit, possibly suffering ill health, yet totally unaware of the pending end to hostilities.

Captain Mansergh resumed overseas service on 15th March 1919. He served in Bonn as part of the British Army of Occupation on the Rhine. He had returned Home by 15th April, when Robert was demobilised from the Regiment at Heaton Park. He was resident at Water Street, Lancaster and received a Gratuity of £249 11 Shillings.

The 51st Manchesters football team, during their time in Germany during 1919. The team are named, including Lt Henson (2nd from left in front row and other photos) & Lt Col H F Watson DSO CMG (Centre) Courtesy Manchester Regiment Image Archive MR03192

10

Robert’s father was initiated in Duke of Lancaster 15/2/1915, John O’Gaunt on 15/1/1918 and Lancaster Lodges on 7/3/1919.

Robert was later initiated into Freemasons’ Morecambe Lodge on 6th February 1920, as a Linoleum Merchant.

`

Post-War marriage and untimely death Robert relinquished his Manchester Regiment Commission on completion of Service on 4th September 1919, retaining the rank of Captain.

Robert returned Commemorative copies of Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, to the peace British War and Victory Medals time Army, held by Sue Nelson. commissioned Captain in 5th (Territorial Force) Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment on 31st July 1920. He committed to serve overseas if required.

Captain Mansergh resigned his Commission in September 1921. The War Office had previously written to say Robert wanted “to retire you...” due to Robert’s age. Captain Mansergh had earlier made application to resign his commission in a letter of 5th July 1921.

He stated “My reasons for submitting this application, are, that my business occupation will not permit of my performing the duties required of me, and also that my state of health is such that should not be able to carry out the training, especially with regard to marching.” This health condition may relate to tuberculosis that plagued Robert’s later life.

Robert’s Medal Index Card shows he applied for his Service Medals on 15th May 1923. He was then resident at “Belle Vue” in

King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment Cap Badge

Morecambe. Service Records identify Robert had an interest in yachting, motorcycles and motoring. He claimed a technical knowledge of the internal combustion engine. Press articles report Robert had been a pioneer of the local Motorcycle Club and competed on Morecambe Promenade in the 1920 and 1922 reliability and speed trials.

Robert was known as Bob in his family and civilian life. He worked with his father in the oilcloth manufactures business and clearly took an active part in his local community. In 1925 Bob was Captain of Morecambe Golf Club. The local newspaper11 of 28th January 1925 reported the annual dinner of the Club, which was attended by his father Arthur Mansergh and future brother in law Harry Baxter. The article also reported the Annual General Meeting of the Club, in which Bob was elected as the new Captain, proposed as a single young man who was shortly joining the benedicts – married men. “They all knew Mr Robert Forbes Mansergh to be a sportsman, who would serve the members of the Club with security.” The ex-Captain presented Bob with a canteen of cutlery as a wedding present for his forthcoming marriage to Edith Whitfield on the following Tuesday. Edith was described as the youngest daughter of Mr & Mrs R J Whitfield, formerly proprietor of the Queen’s Hotel. The ex-

11

Morecambe & Heysham Chronicle and Lancaster Advertiser

` Captain believed Bob would be a “Big man

Bob Mansergh and his bride Edith Whitfield Courtesy Sue Nelson.

before he finished.”

Bob married Edith Whitfield at Morecambe Parish Church on 27th January 1925. Dorothy Mansergh was one of the bridesmaids, with Edith’s two sisters and Robert’s cousin Nancy Forbes. Dorothy’s future husband Harry Baxter was best man and Bob’s uncle William Walker was a guest. Phone Directories show Bob and Edith’s address as “Maricourt”, Queens Drive, Bare, Morecambe. Maricourt is the Somme village where Bob’s Battalion had arrived in January 1916 and led the successful assault to Montauban on 1st July 1916.

Bob was a committed letter writer and he was clearly close to his wife’s family. He wrote a jovial note to his eight year old niece Joan from the health spa “Haus Madrisa” in Davos Switzerland on 17th December 1930, referring to the very cold weather. Family records show Bob suffered from tuberculosis after the war and visited spas in the Alps as part of his treatment.

Bob spent two years in Switzerland with Edith.

He had returned home for the summer of 1930 and went back to the mountain air that September. In the summer of 1931, Bob has suffered a critical bout of pneumonia, precipitating messages for his father on BBC Radio. Arthur had been sailing and received the news of his son’s illness on landing at the Isle of Man. Dorothy went to visit Bob in this period.

After temporary recovery Bob succumbed to his illness. He died at Davos, Switzerland on 27th October 1931. His Obituary confirms he was 34 years old and indicates his chest complaints had accelerated or commenced as a result of being gassed during his time at the front. Family notes show Bob was cremated and his remains are buried in the same plot as his mother and father in Lancaster.

Robert’s father Arthur Hassel Mansergh on his yacht “Sue”.

Courtesy Sue Nelson.

Edith Mansergh remarried Norman Leslie Bannon in the second quarter 1937. She died in Lincolnshire on 11th October 1987.

Bob’s sister Dorothy had married Harry Baxter in 1927 and the couple lived at Eden Vale, Morecambe Terrace in 1931. Harry had served as an Able Seaman on board HMS Platypus during the Great War. They named their only son Robert (Bob) and had a daughter named Margaret. Dorothy died in Morecambe in June 1986. Bob Baxter junior married Barbara Nelson, whose daughter Sue is the custodian of the

This family group Circa 1926 shows Robert and his wife Edith – Right - are shown with Edith’s sister in law, Phyllis Whitfield –Left – (Married to Edith’s brother Harry) and Edith & Robert’s niece, Joan Whitfield - Front with the dog Jess. Courtesy David Findley

` wonderful collection provided in this document. The family had a potted shrimp company, by Royal Appointment. Their daughter Margaret married Thomas Slinger, sons, John & Sam and Grandson Ben.

Square, until this was sold. From 1926, he had then built up the linoleum and oil cloth business in Cable Street, Lancaster, where Bob worked with his father prior to his ill-health.

Arthur had been Master of the local Masons Lodge in 1923 and President of Morecambe Conservative Club.

Bob’s father, Arthur Hassel Mansergh died on 3rd October 1937. He lived at “Seaholme”, Marine Drive, Bare, near Morecambe. Arthur had remained a committed yachtsman. He had worked in the family firm in Market

Robert Mansergh on the hills in later life. Courtesy Sue Nelson.

Bob & Edith C1925. Courtesy Sue Nelson

Military Cross citation. Edinburgh Gazette 28th September 1918

Bob’s grave in Lancaster

`

Merchiston Castle Roll of Honour It remains intriguing to see the large number of masters and Old Boys from Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh serving in the Manchester Pals. One may assume Bob Mansergh chose to be commissioned in the Regiment to serve with his former teachers, at their joint initiative.

Masters Edmund Fearenside, Stanley Kenworthy, Wilfrith Elstob and Rupert Roberts will have provided a hearty welcome to their former pupil. There must have been some atmosphere of a Merchistonian Club, or set, when the remaining Masters and Old Boys joined the Brigade in Heaton Park.

There is no evidence to verify Bob had any relative advantage from his connections with the Merchiston Castle group of Officers.

Nevertheless, he was very quickly promoted to the rank of Captain, aged nineteen and with less than two years’ service. Equally, his postings kept him out of harm’s way for many of the Battalion’s most costly actions. Many other contemporary junior Officers were killed during hostilities.

A paternal influence of his former teachers and Old Boys would not have been an impediment. This support would only have had limited influence at Brigade or Divisional levels, suggesting that the young Officer was very capable.

Many Merchiston men were decorated, most were wounded and some lost their lives, including former Languages Master Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrith Elstob . Wilfrith Elstob became Commanding Officer of the 16th Manchesters. He was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his valiant defence of Manchester Hill, near St Quentin in

Lt Col W Elstob VC DSO MC Sphere 24/8/1919

Major R Roberts

Lt Lt A Harris

Capt S Kenworthy

1918. He is famously quoted as reassuring his Brigade with "The Manchester Regiment will defend Manchester Hill to the last." and then leading his men when calling "Here we fight, and here we die."

Wilfrith’s School and Battalion colleague Major Rupert Roberts was mortally wounded in the same action.

Lieutenant Aubrey Harris was also a casualty, killed by a shell on 4th September 1916, serving with 21st Manchesters. Former School Captain Henry Rodham Cook was also killed on 7th September 1917 serving as Intelligence Officer with 12th Battalion at Frampoux.

Merchiston Castle School was relocated in 1924 and the new buildings included a Memorial Chapel, commemorating the Old Boys and Masters who lost their lives.

One may imagine Bob Mansergh visited the Chapel after the War, to remember his former Masters. He may also had attended the dedication of the School Memorial boards in

` 1924; originally erected in the previous school assembly hall.

Lt Col E Fearenside DSO OBE with Merchiston masters in 1922.

Bob would have met Lieutenant Colonel Edmund Fearenside DSO OBE; who had returned to the School after he was released from his Commission in July 1919, posted as Commanding Officer of the 24th Battalion, South

Lancashire Regiment.

Major John Madden DSO and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Leslie MacDonald DSO and bar, may also have attended the dedication of the Memorial Boards; Charles was the new Head of Amesbury School12, Hindhead, Surrey.

James Kirkwood and Alastair Campbell may

also been at the ceremony.

Glasses would have been raised to toast lost colleagues and comrades from the 17th Manchesters, including Captain Stanley Kenworthy, killed on the First Day of the Somme.

It is not known when the New School Song was published, yet verse two would resonate of ‘Merchiston Castle’ would resonate for the lost masters and Old Boys of the Great War. In danger’s hour she sent her sons To give all men can give; Quiet they sleep on alien shores Who died that we may live.

They sleep…but in the twilight There whispers over all A bugle sounding down the wind Her ancient rallying call.

Merchiston College Memorial Panel

Merchiston College Memorial Chapel. Constructed after the school relocated in 1930 12

Lt Col Charles MacDonald died at Hindhead in 1939. He had been CO of the 19th Manchesters in 1917 and later posted to 51st Devons and Kings Liverpools. He may have married Annie Mary Kinross in 1926.

`

Acknowledgements With thanks to Sue Nelson who is the stepgranddaughter of Bob’s sister, Dorothy. Sue provided wonderful images and letters sent to Dorothy.

Thanks to Paul Lomax who is running the Great War exhibition in Morecambe, the town where Bob lived https://www.facebook.com/thegreatwarherit ageproject/?hc_ref=SEARCH Thanks to David & Christopher Findley. The photo in Morecambe includes their mother Joan, who is the little girl with the dog, her mother Phyllis and his great aunt Edith. Edith was Bob's wife and the sister of David’s grandfather Harry Whitfield. David also provided further details of Bob passing away in Switzerland.

First Day of the Somme. The people who have contributed to the background research on Bob’s Battalion are too extensive to mention here. Images have been individually credited and also see https://17thmanchesters.wordpress.com/ack nowledgements/ Some press cuttings have been used for portraits. These are courtesy British Library.

Crown Copyright.

Merchiston Castle School Register – 18331962 and the helpful people of the current School and Merchistonian Club.

The invaluable forum http://themanchesters.org/forum/index.php

Thanks to John Slinger - who is Dorothy Forbes (Mansergh) Baxter’s grandson and Bob’s great nephew – for providing an image of Captain Mansergh’s Military Cross.

Acknowledgement to John Hartley for some military biography details from https://www.amazon.co.uk/17thManchesters-History-BattalionServed/dp/1908336536/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8 &qid=1497456565&sr=81&keywords=17th+battalion+manchester Diary of a subaltern in 16th Battalion https://www.amazon.co.uk/DiaryUnprofessional-Soldier-TNash/dp/0948251484/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8 &qid=1472068151&sr=8-1spell&keywords=Daiary+of+an+unprofesional +soldier Bob was Tim Bell’s Grandfather’s Company Commander during training and later in the

Bob & Edith Mansergh with their brother in law Harry Baxter in front of Inveraray War Memorial and Loch Fyne in Scotland

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Battlefield Sleuth Series

Comments, corrections or further thoughts are welcome via the Blog GUEST BOOK | 17th Battalion Manchester Regiment on the Somme

17th Battalion Manchester Regiment on the Somme A website about my grandad’s service in the Battle of the Somme with the 2nd Manchester Pals.

The Steel Helmet Film - Montauban 1st July 1916 A film with contemporary drone footage, archive photos and original interviews recounting the Manchester Pals on First Day of the Battle of the Somme.

Manchester Co-op's Battle of the Somme Recruitment and Losses in the Battle of the Somme, using the Case Study of Co-Operative Wholesale Society Head Office in Manchester.

Machine Gun Corps at Montauban supporting 17th Manchesters Two Men in the 2nd Battle of Ypres. King's Own Lancasters and Hampshire Regiment A search for lost relatives commemorated on the Menin Gate The Marriage of Dorothy Forbes Mansergh & Harry Baxter

A life in buttons. Robert Mansergh’s Manchester Regiment collar title and tunic buttons with various yachting buttons. Courtesy Sue Nelson

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Bob & Dorothy c 1913 Courtesy Sue Nelson

Bob & Edith 1926-32 Courtesy Sue Nelson

Bob on his motorcycle with Edith at the door. Courtesy Sue Nelson

Bob with niece Joan Whitfield. Courtesy Sue Nelson

Bob Mansergh. Courtesy Sue Nelson