The Action for Which 2nd Lt R C Leach, Reserve Officer Attached to the 1st Battalion The King's Own Lancaster Regiment Won His VC by B S Bagdatopulos [Antique]

ANT135P. The Action for Which 2nd Lt R C Leach, Reserve Officer Attached to the 1st Battalion The King's Own Lancaster Regiment Won His VC by W S.

On 24th May 1915, when the enemy captured the trenches situated on the right of the Royal Lancaster Regiment, near Shell Trap Farm, north of Wieltje, it was entirely due to the individual efforts of 2nd Lieutenant Leach and a few men that the enemys forces were prevented from working along their trench, with the result that we were enabled to retain our other positions. The condition of affairs was very critical; the enemy were in force, they appeared to have an unlimited supply of hand grenades, and this particular part of the trench was being heavily shelled, with the result that the parapet was breached in several places, exposing anyone who passed by to fire hostile from the German trench in front. In spite of these difficulties, and the inevitable delay in collecting sufficient hand grenades, 2nd Lieutenant Leach, his Captain, and a few men, succeeded in not only stopping the Germans, but in retaking two traverses and capturing a German flag, ostentatiously set up to mark fresh conquests. This officer fought till midday, when he was badly wounded in the leg by hand grenades. He rendered invaluable services throughout the winter, and his devotion to duty during the underground fight in the mine gallery at Le Touquet was especially conspicuous. He was awarded the Military Cross.

Antique print published c.1918.

Paper sized 11 inches x 8.5 inches (28cm x 22cm)