The Machine Gun Corps was formed in 1915 and disbanded a hundred years ago. Not because a machine gun was like a bow and arrow but because the machine gunners were absorbed into other units.
Yesterday Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Graham (5th Bt, CB, CBE) gave a talk about the MGC and in particular about his grandfather’s role in Mesopotamia in the First World War. We remember the Western Front and Gallipoli but I was ignorant about the war in Mesopotamia; like Burma in WW II – a forgotten army.
Andrew drew on his grandfather’s diary to illustrate the campaign. He was born in 1892, a junior officer in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders seconded to the Machine Gun Corps in 1916. Not an especially desirable posting as the MGC was dubbed “the suicide club”. His diaries make light of the dangers of war. He was a lieutenant and although concerned about the deaths of his comrades, seemingly not too worried about himself.
Lt. Graham accompanied his guns across open ground, under very heavy rifle and machine gun fire, and when his men became casualties, he assisted in carrying the ammunition.
Although twice wounded he continued during the advance to control his guns and was able, with one gun, to open an accurate fire on the enemy, who were massing for a counter-attack. This gun was put out of action by the enemy’s rifle fire, and he was again wounded. The advancing enemy forced him to retire, but before doing so he further disabled his gun, rendering it useless.
He then brought a Lewis gun into action with excellent effect till all the ammunition was expended. He was again severely wounded, and forced through loss of blood to retire.
His valour and skilful handling of his guns held up a strong counter-attack which threatened to roll up the left flank of the Brigade, and thus averted what might have been a very critical situation.
That’s the citation for the Victoria Cross he was awarded and which Andrew Graham brought with him yesterday. The valour of those who served in the Machine Gun Corps is commemorated by a fine bronze on Hyde Park Corner.
I had an uncle in the Machine Gun Corps (seconded from the Yorks & Lancs) who won the MC in 1917 and DSO in 1918 on the Western Front at the age of 21 and 22. His officer rank in ‘17 was as low as you can get as a temporary 2nd Lt. and in ‘18 a confusing temporary Lt. and acting major. The following are his citations, which are much less impressive than Lt. Graham. The RSPCA might have something to say about the first citation:
“His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross in recognition of conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the field. During an attack he displayed the greatest initiative in rapidly bringing his guns into action and putting out of action two teams of six horses each with which the enemy were attempting to recover field guns. The guns were captured through his prompt action.”
“Distinguished Service Order; For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, while in charge of four Vickers’ machine guns. One night he suspected the close proximity of an enemy party, organised a patrol, and destroyed them. Next day he caught a prisoner with maps showing the enemy’s objective, and worked his guns so ably during the day that he greatly hampered the enemy’s advance. He showed great courage and ability.”
Unfortunately, Archibald William Hepburn Sime was an uncle by marriage, so I can’t claim a courageous gene!