Image used courtesy of the Boots Group Archive
What do you notice about the lion’s mane?
What is the message of this postcard that was produced
during the Great War of 1914-1918?
Image used courtesy of the Boots Group Archive
This may help…
Reproduced with
the kind permission
of:
The Western Mail
and Echo Ltd.
Canada
South
Africa
New
Zealand
August 3rd, 1914
Australia
CUBS OF THE OLD LION
“This England never did, nor never shall,
Lie at the proud foot of the conqueror…
Come the three corners of the world in arms,
And we shall shock them. Nought shall make us rue,
If England to itself do rest but true.”
- “King John.”
It is reported that from all our colonies come offers of assistance to the Mother Country
should England become involved in war.
An investigation:
Why has The Great War of 1914-1918 been termed a
World War?
Martin Williams and Neil Bartley
The cemeteries that have been used as the basis of this study
are all in Belgium. They are located along the Ypres Salient*.
This area is famous for the intensity of fighting that took
place there throughout the First World War.
Three major battles took place here during the war. The First
Battle of Ypres took place in 1914 and The Second Battle of
Ypres in 1915. The most dramatic offensive however started
on 31st July 1917. This was the Third Battle of Ypres
(Passchendaele). This battle alone, which lasted from July to
November and accounted for approximately 310,000 Allied and
260,000 German casualties.
* Salient means to stick out, to be prominent. In this case it was where military positions
projected into the positions of the enemy along a wide area.
www.cwgc.org
To begin the search you need to be logged on to the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.
In the Debt of Honour Register search box, you will need to enter
the details of the soldier that you are researching.
These details are on the gravestones you are about to see.
Once the details have been entered, press Search and you should be
presented with a list of soldiers with that name. Make sure that
your soldier is from the correct cemetery.
Make sure that you are logged onto the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission Website Home Page:
www.cwgc.org
Using your instruction sheet and the maps and worksheets provided
gather as much information as you can about the individual soldiers
selected for study.
Your teacher may ask you to carry out additional research upon one
or more of these soldiers and the Regiments that they belonged to.
Website links to further information have been provided for you.
This gravestone is amongst
10,751 other graves of identified
soldiers who lost their lives in this
area near Poperinge, Belgium
between 1915 -1919.
Lijssenthoek Cemetery is the
second largest Commonwealth
cemetery in Belgium.
Log on to the Commonwealth War
Graves Commission website and
start your investigation with this
soldier from the South Wales
Borderers.
Can’t read it? Click here.
For more information upon the South Wales Borderers
you may like to visit:
www.rrw.org.uk
This is the official site of The Royal Regiment of Wales. Here you
will find a brief history of the regiment.
www.1914-1918.net/swb.htm
Here you will find a break down of the different battalions that
made up The South Wales Borderers, where they formed and what
became of them. Links are provided to further information upon
battles fought.
www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~dccfarr/3rd%20Ypres.htm
This page gives information upon the 38th (Welsh) Divisions
involvement during the Third Battle of Ypres, July 1917.
29040 Lance CPL
I. Prince. MM.
South Wales Borderers
22nd October 1918
This gravestone is also found
amongst the 10,751 other graves at
Lijssenthoek Cemetery.
Enter the details for this soldier who
was part of the Machine Gun Corps
(Infantry) and find out where he was
originally from. This soldier died,
probably due to action during the
later phases of the Third Battle of
Ypres. Just one month after his death
his company was posted to Italy.
Can’t read it? Click here.
The machine gun was a devastating weapon. It was responsible for the
slaughter of millions of soldiers who tried to make their way across area
between enemy trenches known as No-Man’s-Land. This area was often
water-logged, full of shell craters and barbed wire which slowed the
advancing soldiers down. All Commonwealth infantry battalions had at least
two machine guns in 1914. This increased to four in early 1915. The British
used Vickers machine guns, but as the war gathered pace this company
found it difficult to keep up with demand. The B.E.F. was short of 237 guns
by July 1915 and orders for more guns had to be placed with companies in
the U.S.A.
For more information upon the Machine Gun Corps you may like to visit:
www.1914-1918.net/mgc.htm
This site provides a history of the Machine Gun Corps during World
War One. The information includes the types of machine guns used
and tactics employed.
108725 Private
L.G. Cannell
Machine Gun Corps INF.
9th November 1917 Age 20
Another gravestone from
Lijssenthoek Cemetery.
This soldier belonged to the 3rd New
Zealand Rifle Brigade. He also died
in November 1917, yet he belonged
to a different Regiment from the
previous soldier studied. What does
this tell you about military action
within this area during this month?
Can’t read it? Click here.
For more information upon how New Zealand was involved in
World War One you may like to visit:
www.warpath.orbat.com/anzac/nz_army.htm
This site gives information upon the different Units within New
Zealand’s Army during World War One.
www.greatwar.org.nz/over2.htm
This website page gives a brief overview of New Zealand’s
involvement during World War One. The theatres of war covered
are Samoa, Gallipoli, France and Belgium and Sinai/Palestine. There
is also information upon the Maori Pioneer Battalion and ‘other
services’ performed between 1914-1918, e.g. hospitals, military
police, chaplains…
14095 Lance CPL.
F. Fitzpatrick
N.Z. Rifle Brigade.
27th November 1917 Age 24
Canada offered to send soldiers to
help Great Britain fight during the
First World War during August 1914.
On October 3rd the first of 17 Infantry
Battalions set sail for Europe.
This soldier belonged to the
Canadian Pioneers of the 124th
Battalion. What does this tell you
about Canada’s involvement in the
war as time went on?
Also what do you notice about the
date of his death?
(Think of the soldiers studied on previous slides).
Lijssenthoek Cemetery.
Can’t read it? Click here.
For more information upon Canadian involvement at Ypres you may
like to visit the following sites
www.firstworldwar.com/source/ypres3_watson.htm
This page from the First World War.Com website provides primary
documents on the ‘Canadian Effort at the Third Battle of Ypres,
1917’.
www.ironsides.8m.com/pass.html
This webpage gives an account of Canadian involvement in the Battle
of Passchendaele from October to November, 1917. Some images
have been included.
www.rootsweb.com/~canmil/ww1
The Canadian Military Heritage Project. There are links to
information upon battles, weapons, uniforms and equipment, etc.
835040 Private
W. Dwyer
Canadian Pioneers
15th November 1917 Age 23
This soldier belonged to the
Cape of Good Hope Regiment
which was part of the 1st South
African Infantry Brigade.
Second Lieutenant Hogg
probably lost his life during the
German Offensive which lasted
from the 9th – 30th April, 1918.
This pushed the Allied lines back
to within a few miles West of
the canal that passes past
Boesinghe – near to where this
cemetery lies.
Lijssenthoek Cemetery.
Can’t read it? Click here.
For more information upon the German Offensive in Flanders you
may like to visit:
www.westernfront.co.uk/thegreatwar/maproom.php
Here you will find maps showing the progress of the German
offensive on the Ypres Salient in 1918 and the German and Allied
lines at different stages of the battle.
For more information upon South African Battalions you may like to visit:
http://rapidttp.com/milhist/vol072iu.html
This site will tell you about the 1st South African Brigade and the
South Africans at Delville Wood.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Army#World_War_I
This site provides information upon South African involvement
during World War One.
Second Lieutenant
A.W. Hogg
1st Regt. South African inf
18th April 1918 Age 20
A.E. Carruthers belonged to the 5th
Battalion which had been formed in
Brecon in September 1914. The 5th
Battalion became a pioneer Battalion
in 1915 and took part in the Third
Battle of Ypres and the advance into
Flanders.
The South Wales Borderers were
involved in the Battle of Messines
during the 10th and 11th of April 1918.
This soldier has been laid to rest in
Lijssenthoek Cemetery.
Can’t read it? Click here.
For more information upon the South Wales Borderers
you may like to visit:
www.rrw.org.uk
This is the official site of The Royal Regiment of Wales. Here you
will find a brief history of the regiment.
www.1914-1918.net/swb.htm
Here you will find a break down of the different battalions that
made up The South Wales Borderers, where they formed and what
became of them. Links are provided to further information upon
battles fought.
www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~dccfarr/3rd%20Ypres.htm
This page gives information upon the 38th (Welsh) Divisions
involvement during the Third Battle of Ypres, July 1917.
41519 Private
A.E. Carruthers
South Wales Borderers
11th April 1918 Age 19
There are only two Indian graves
within Lijssenthoek Cemetery
amongst 10,751 burials.
This soldier died just before the
Battle of Courtrai. He served in the
41st Division Ammunition which was
sent to northern Flanders where it
held a sector near Ypres in 1918. It
was involved in the Battle of Ypres
and Advance into Flanders, as well
as the Battle of Courtrai during this
year.
Can’t read it? Click here.
For more information upon Indian involvement in
World War One you may like to visit
www.1914-1918.net/41div.htm
This page gives a summary history of the division and lists the dates
and locations of battles that it fought in.
www.firstworldwar.com/features/lionsofthegreatwar.htm
An article from the First World War.com website that describes
the contribution made by Indian troops during World War One.
www.mgtrust.org/ind1.htm
Information from the Memorial Gates Trust which includes
information upon volunteers from the Indian subcontinent who
volunteered for service between 1914-1918. There is information
upon individuals, as well as statistics for medals won and the
numbers of dead, wounded and missing.
THE FOLLOWING HINDU SOLDIER
OF THE INDIAN ARMY
IS HONOURED HERE
20860 DRIVER
SUSAI
ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY
E.J. Leader’s grave is in Hooge
Cemetery, close to the site where
the first liquid flamethrowers
were used in battle by the
Germans and where a huge mine
was blown by the British in 1915.
The Tank Corps used to be known
as the Heavy Section Machine Gun
Corps until being renamed the
Tank Corps on the 27th July, 1917 –
four days before E.J. Leader was
killed. The 31st July was the first
day of the Third Battle of Ypres.
Can’t read it? Click here.
For more information upon the Tank use in World War One
you may like to visit
www.1914-1918.net/tanks.htm
This page from the Long, Long Trail website gives information upon
the development and deployment of the first tanks to be used in
battle. Tank Companies and their organisation is explained and the
specific battles where tanks were deployed are highlighted.
www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWtankdevelop.htm
The development of the tank and its future importance in the
history of warfare is explained and illustrations and first hand
accounts from 1914-1918 are provided.
www.worldwar1.com/armory.htm#tanks
Trenches on the Web. Lots of photographs and information.
75019 Gunner
E.J. Leader
Tank Corps
31st July 1917
This plaque is found in Messines Ridge Cemetery, near Ypres
A Maori Battalion was raised in New Zealand on the 14th February
1915. They were fewer numbers than in a full battalion and so they
were designated a ‘Pioneer’ Battalion. In 1916 The New Zealand
Pioneer Battalion was formed and the Maori Battalion was
incorporated into this. They landed in France during April 1916 and
during their stay in Europe 336 Maori’s and Pacific Islanders were
killed and 734 wounded. These Maori soldiers died during the
Battle of Messines Ridge, during June 1917.
For more information upon the Maori Battalion you may like to visit
http://folksong.org.nz/te_ope_tuatahi
New Zealand Folk Song Website. This page displays the recruiting
song of the First Maori Contingent in World War One, together
with a brief history of the Pioneer Battalion.
www.greatwar.org.nz/over2.htm
This website page gives a brief overview of New Zealand’s
involvement during World War One. The theatres of war covered
are Samoa, Gallipoli, France and Belgium and Sinai/Palestine. There
is also information upon the Maori Pioneer Battalion and ‘other
services’ performed between 1914-1918, e.g. hospitals, military
police, chaplains…
Found upon the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing are the names
of members of the Indian Sikh Regiments. Both Infantry and
Cavalry Companies are commemorated here.
Note: You must enter both names into the Surname Search Box, e.g. Jagat Singh.
Leave the Initials Search Box empty.
Note: Sepoy means a native of India who employed as a soldier in the service of a European power,
especially Great Britain.
For more information upon Indian involvement in
World War One you may like to visit
www.firstworldwar.com/features/lionsofthegreatwar.htm
An article from the First World War.com website that describes
the contribution made by Indian troops during World War One.
www.mgtrust.org/ind1.htm
Information from the Memorial Gates Trust which includes
information upon volunteers from the Indian subcontinent who
volunteered for service between 1914-1918. There is information
upon individuals, as well as statistics for medals won and the
numbers of dead, wounded and missing.
19 Welch Regiment Battalions served overseas during the First
World War. 7,679 soldiers from these regiments lost their lives and
3 received The Victoria Cross for bravery. Below is just one section
of one panel from the Menin Gate Memorial to the missing.
Statistical information from The Royal Regiment of Wales website
For more information upon the Welch Regiment you may like to visit
There were 34 Battalions of the Welch Regiment by 1918. The
Regiment took part in all principal battles and campaigns during the
War and lost 7,779 men. The names of these men are found in
Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff.
www.rrw.org.uk/museums/cardiff/fact_sheets/10.htm
The Royal Regiment of Wales Museum Fact Sheets – WWI. These
sheets give general information, the Battle Honours awarded from
the 79 Battles and Actions fought between 1914-1918 and a
Summary of Service for each Battalion. An account of each battle
and the casualties sustained is also displayed.
One panel of many from Tyne Cot Cemetery which lists some
of the 34,927 names of soldiers who have no known grave.
For more information upon the Royal Welch Fusiliers
you may like to visit
www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/info/023RWF.htm
This web page provides links to further websites that provide a
wealth of history upon the regiment and the battles and actions
that it has taken part in.
www.lib.byu.edu/~english/WWI/poets/poets.html#Sassoon
www.lib.byu.edu/~english?WWI/poets/poets.html#Graves
Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves. Here you will find information
upon two very famous Royal Welch Fusiliers. The pages mix some of
their poetry with general information about their lives and conduct
during the war.
Click on the screen to make the questions appear
What is the average age of those soldiers who have been studied?
Using an Atlas, work out roughly how far each soldier that you have
studied has travelled to reach Belgium?
Add up the number of soldiers who are named or buried at Tyne Cot
and Lijssenthoek Cemeteries and the Menin Gate Memorial to the
Missing?
Using the table on the next slide, roughly calculate the percentage
of British Empire war dead commemorated at these sites.
Approximate figures of casualties during the First World War
Killed
Wounded
Germany
1,800,000
4,200,000
Russia
1,750,000
4,900,000
France
1,400,000
3,044,000
Austria-Hungary 1,290,000
3,600,000
British Empire
950,000
2,122,000
Italy
Turkey
615,000
325,000
950,000
400,000
U.S.A.
125,000
200,000
Source: Wales and the First World War by Keith Strange
Further useful web links:
http://encyclopedia.learnthis.info/l/li/list_of_british_divisions_in_wwi.html
List of British Divisions in WWI. A key indicated whether the
Divisions belonged to the Regular Army, Territorial Army,
Yeomanry, New Army, or ‘other’. Hyperlinks take you to further
information upon particular divisions, the battles that they fought
in, etc.
www.users.globalnet.co.uk~dccfarr/index.htm
Ypres and The Great War by Simon Farr. This site offers a wealth
of information upon Ypres during World war One. There is a section
upon the 38th (Welsh) Divisions involvement during the initial phase
of the Third Battle of Ypres and maps and images have been
included throughout the site.
END