Blencowe Frederick W 1894 MM

Frederick William Blencowe MM  [6955]

1894-1960

Known as Fred.

Father Nm: William Henry Blencowe [6952] born 14.3.1865 Thebarton South Australia c 6.5.2865 died Dec 1918 Melbourne Oldest known ancestor – Thomas Blencowe abt 1475 Marston St Lawrence.

Mother Nm: Eva Georgina Hooper.13.2.1870 Geelong Victoria and died 14.11.1956 Northcote, Melbourne

Marriage Dt:

K comments: Father William Henry served with 21st and 23rd Bn. AIF and were together in Egypt. Nephew Alfred Trevor (Mick) Dawson served with the RAAF in WW2

Spouse Comments: unmarried.

Children:

1894 (Research): Birth Reg No.34127.

Service Records 21st Battalion Arm Patch.

WW1

Blencowe Frederick William, 1894, Birchip Vic., Lieutenant, 1070 21st Bn. & 24th Bn. AIF.

1915
  • 25th Mar. Attested with the 21st Bn. “C” Company at Birchip Victoria.
  • 4th May. Mobilised.
  • 8th May. Departed Broadmeadows, to embark on H.M.A.T. “Ulysses” lying at the Town Pier, Port Melbourne.2
  • 8th Jun. Arrived Alexandria. Egypt. 2 Fred’s father Harry (23rd Bn.) travelled to Egypt just a month or so later and it is very likely they had a reunion there as they both had a very eventful trip to Gallipoli on the same ship in September 1915.
  • 12-23rd Aug. “C” Company garrisoned at the Cairo Citadel. 2
  • 30th Aug. Embarked for Gallipoli on board the “Southland” accompanied by 2nd Division Headquarters, 6th Inf. Bde. H.Q., “B” Coy. 23rd Bn.2
  • 2nd Sept “Southland” Torpedoed. “We were very much taken by surprise when the transport was torpedoed off the Island of Stratae, at 9.50 am on the 2nd September 1915. The troops on board were just assembling for 10 o’clock parade, and many including the writer saw the torpedo coming. It struck just forward of the bridge and the ship listed rapidly. There was some confusion among the crew, but the troops quietly put on their life belts and stood by at their boat stations. By 11 am all the boats, mostly collapsible’s were launched and the few troops left on board were taken off by the hospital ship “Neuralia” which together with several other vessels arrived on the scene a little before noon. A volunteer party of eighteen remained on board and under the directions of the ship’s officers got up steam before a salvage crew was put on board from a destroyer. The “Southland” then, under her own power was beached in Mudros Harbour about 7 pm. All the small boats were picked up by 3.30 pm and the Battalion was reorganised and refitted on board the “Transylvania” at Mudros. Our casualties were light amounting to only 30 to 40 all told. Among these however was our Brigadier, Col. Linton, who died from results of exposure on the water after his boat had overturned.”2 Coincidentally Fred’s father Billy (23rd Bn.) was on the SS Southland as well and was injured he was admitted to hospital in Mudros with a burnt hand, stayed for 24 days in hospital then sent on the to No 15 Aust. Gen. Hospital in Alexandria.
  • 6th Sept. The Bn. changed ships to the transport “Abassieh” at arrived ANZAC Cove on the evening of 6th September.
  • 7th Sept.- 4th Jan. The Bn. took over a line that was held for 31/2 months in a deadlocked situation (“C” Company occupied Steel’s Post), the casualties were slight but with front action, short rations and dirt caused much sickness and total men dwindled from 1000 to 650 even with the addition of our 3rd Reinforcements.2
1916
  • 4th Jan. The Bn. embarked on the “Ascanins” for Egypt and arrived in Alexandria on the 7th January.
  • 17th Jan. It seems likely on return to Egypt that Fred became unwell with Mumps, and was shipped back to England and admitted to the No. 4 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Digswell Place, Welwyn, Herts.
  • 5th Feb. Fred was discharged from Hospital early Feb. but by then plans to move the 21st Bn. to France were underway, the Bn. planned to move to France on 19th Mar so he may have stayed in England joined them when they arrived in Marseille on the 20th.
  • Apr. Over this month the Battalion spent time in the front line 3 miles east of Fleurbaix with Head Quarters at Wye Farm.2 While the war diary states this time was relatively peaceful,2 Fred tells of how he and a comrade were buried alive by a shell. See the letter below.
  • 11th Jun- 4th Jul. The Bn. had a couple of spells in the front line at Bois Grenier.2
  • 19th Jul. Letters home from Fred are published in the local newspaper.article129694613-3-001
  • 26th Jul. The Somme -Albert. The 1st Division had captured Pozieres village the 21st Bn. was to hold it moving into the front line on the night 29/30 July. Fighting was tough in the passage to the village, the Bn. held for three days during which “C” Company came off worst having lost 60 men out of 140 by shelling.2
  • 22nd Aug. Arrived in Wire Trench behind Pozieres at 8 am on the 22nd. That night “A”, “C” and “D” Companies took over the line from the remnants of the 3rd Brigade on the right of Mouquet Farm.
  • 24th Aug. Wounded-The Battle of Mouquet Farm. In a change of positions with the 24th Bn. “C” and “D” Companies found themselves in the Quarry and Skyline trenches facing the redoubtable Farm itself. In this sector, shellfire was even hotter than where they had come from. It is at this time Fred was wounded in action for the first time (Arm). Casualties during the Poziers-Mouquet Farm time at the front Officers: Killed 9; wounded, 14; missing, 1 (P.O.W.) and Other ranks: Killed 61; wounded 459; missing, 131.2
  • 4th Sept. Discharged to duty from No 4 Casualty Clearing Station at Beauval.
  • 1st Oct. Promoted to Corporal.
  • 1st Dec. Promoted temporary Sergeant.
  • 19th Dec. Promoted to Sergeant.
  • Winter 1916-17. The Bn. in Reserve in the Ribemont area.
1917
  • 5th Feb. The Division took over the line astride the Albert-Bapaume road at the Butte de Warlencourt, Two spells followed in the front line at Sars 8th to 13th and 22nd to 25th Feb.
  1. 18/19th Mar. On the night 18/19th March ordered to attack Noreuil and Longatte in company with the 23rd Battalion.Noreil Langatte 5th_Australian_Division_advance_to_the
  • 19/20th Mar. Wounded in action (GSW Arm and Back). Both 21st and 23rd Bn.s. were caught in the open under long-range machine gun and artillery fire. There was no artillery support and after suffering heavy casualties the Bn.s had to be content with digging in 1000 yards short of the villages which were their objectives. Did not reach Longatte relieved by 26th Bn. Casualties: Other Ranks 20 killed, 135 wounded and 11 men missing. Fred was taken by the 31st Ambulance Train to a Le Havre Hospital.
Ambulance Train Daily Mail photo
Each coach of the Ambulance train was designated as a ‘ward’ and contained thirty-six beds in tiers of three. The middle bed folded back to enable sitting patients to use the lower bunk
  • 29th Mar. Embarked from Le Havre for England on the Hospital Ship Warilda, admitted 2nd Eastern General Hospital Brighton.
  • 29th-31st May. Discharged from Brighton Hospital to No 2 Aux. Australian Convalescent Hospital, Southall.
  • 30th Jul. Proceeded back to France.
  • 18th Aug. Rejoined Battalion.
  • 4th -6th Oct. Assault on Broodseinde Ridge.
    Fred and his 21st battalion of the 2nd Australian Division attacked directly towards Broodseinde
    Fred and his 21st battalion of the 2nd Australian Division attacked directly towards Broodseinde

    As the attack started there was a ‘murderous barrage” from the German artillery (coincidentally they had decided to attack at the same time), The battalion moved forward through this barrage and oncoming attacking Germans. However, the 21st forged through these lines and reached the red line objective. Fred was to help to the officers of his company in reorganising the men after the capture of the Red Line. He Fred personally led an attack on a Machine Gun which was holding up our advance to the final objective. By the capture of this gun, many casualties were saved. Casualties: Other Ranks 20 killed, 135 wounded and 11 men missing.

    Australian 2nd Div troops at Broodeseinde 1918
    Australian 2nd Div troops at Broodeseinde 1918.
  • 25th Oct. Selected to Attend Imperial Cadet Bn., England.
  • 30th Oct 1917 awarded the Military Medal. Citation:’During the attack on Broodseinde on 4th October 1917, this N.C.O. rendered great assistance to the Officers of his Company in reorganising the men after the capture of the Red Line. He personally led an attack on a machine gun which was holding up our advance to the final objective. By the capture of this gun, many casualties were saved. He was most conspicuous for coolness, courage, ready grasp of the situation. During the final assault and consolidation, the work of this N.C.O. was superb; his services were invaluable.’
  • 9th Nov. Reported to No. 4 Officer Cadet Bn. Oxford, England.
1918
  • 30th Apr. Commissioned No. 4 Officer Cadet Bn. Oxford England.
  • 1st Jun. Appointed 2nd Lieutenant and posted the General Infantry Reinforcements.
  • 11th Jun. Proceeded to France from Southampton.
  • 22nd Jun. Taken on Service with the 21st Bn. from Officers Cadet Bn.

    A photo of what appears to be Fred centre in informal army fatigues with a bunch of pals taken at Villers Brettoneux and very likely before the action there on 8th August 1918
    A photo of Fred centre in informal army fatigues with a bunch of pals taken at Villers Brettoneux and very likely before the action there on 8th August 1918
  • 2nd/3rd Jul. Villers-Bretonneux and Battle of Le Hamel. On the night 2/3rd July, the Bn. took over the line north-east of Villers-Bretonneux from the 5th Brigade, preparatory to taking part in the attack on the 4th July on Hamel, with the 3rd and 4th Divisions. The 21st Bn. was near the right flank of the attack and had to advance about 1000 yards across the flat Villers-Bretonneux plateau towards Warfusee-Albancourt. The two Divisions on our left were to capture the village of Hamel and Vaire Wood, and thus straighten out the corps line all the way from Villers-Bretonneux to north of the Ancre. The Bn. reached their objective with very light casualties.
    Le Hamel and Villers Brettoneux

    Allied Tanks destroyed by Enemy Fire Villers Bretonneux 1918
    Allied Tanks destroyed by enemy fire Villers Bretonneux 1918
  • 8th Aug. Villers-Bretonneux, Wounded for the third time. In this attack, Fred is recorded in the Bn. diary; “7:50 am Message received from detached party under 2nd/Lt. F. W. Blencowe M.M. – 2 Officers and 30 O.R. in position at v.3.c.3.s. and 300 yards to the East of that point.”3 It would seem while detached Fred again was wounded although this must have been minor as he remained at duty. The attack was most successful for the Australian forces advancing 7 ½ miles and capturing many Germans.
  • 31st Aug.-1st Sept. attack on Mont St Quentin. Mont St QuentinAlthough only 100m high the hill at Mont St Quentin was key to the defence of the flatlands surrounding the Somme.
    • 31st Aug. The battle commenced at 05:00 hrs with the Australians crossing the Somme after an Artillery Barrage and attacked Mont St. Quentin from the North West. The Australians had to advance uphill over open ground to dislodge the Germans. The Australians attacked the Brasso Redoubt and then headed towards the Gottlieb Trench. The attack by the Australians by its sheer ferocity of yelling and shouting and a bayonet charge by the 20th Bn. demoralised the Germans who thought that they were being attacked by a superior force allowed for the capture of the Gottlieb Trench causing a large number of the Germans to flee down the slopes. By 07:00 hrs a period of two hours from the commencement of the attack by the Australians they had occupied the village of Mont St. Quentin. Unfortunately due to their small numbers, they were unable to hold the high ground against a counter-attack by the reserve element of the 2nd German Guards Division and they were forced to withdraw from the summit to positions just below it. 1
    • 15st Sept. The 6th Brigade was ordered to pass through the exhausted 5th Brigade and renew the assault at 6 am with the objective of establishing a line east of Feuillaucourt and Mont St Quentin. The 23rd and 24th Battalions moved off to attack with the 21st Battalion in support. The two leading battalions suffered casualties from machine-gun fire in the village and were held up on the slopes. At 13:30Hrs the 21st and 24th Bn. attacked the village itself and by 15:30Hrs through to the east of the Village. Having cleared the village and passed through the wood. German snipers and machine-gunners were reported as running away.2 Casualties were very heavy for the capture of Mont St Quentin and what has been described as was one of Australia’s finest fighting achievements.
  • Note: Pvt. Clarence George Blencowe 23rd Bn. (from Victoria but not a blood relative) was fatally wounded in the first attack wave of the 1st Sept.
  • 1st Sept. Frederick was promoted to Lieutenant.
  • 13th Oct. Le Chaussee. The 21st Bn. is amalgamated with the 24th Bn. which is to be Fred’s Bn. from now on.3
  • 13th-19th Oct. On leave in England.
  • 25th Oct. Admitted to 3rd London General Hospital while on leave. Fred’s ailment not recorded in service records but 17 days in hospital followed by 2 weeks convalescence.
  • 12th-26th Nov. Convalescence.
  • 30th Nov. Discharged to France 2nd Dec. rejoined Bn.3
1919
  • Jan. Nalinnes, Belgium. Training and Education classes.3
  • Feb. Marcinelle, nr Charleroi Belgium. 3
  • 7th-23th Mar. Leave to England, rejoined Bn. in Belgium.3
  • 1st Apr. Proceeded to Le Havre and onto Southampton.3
  • 15th May. Embarked for Australia on HMT Ypringa from Liverpool.3
Sources
  1. Anne Burton Family member.
  2. The Story of the Twenty-First.
  3. AWM War Diary 21st and 24th Battalions.

Medals

MM and triple

The Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British and Victory Medals.

Fred would have been awarded three wound stripes to be worn on the left sleeve. In addition, he would have also been awarded three blue chevrons placed on the right arm of uniform one for each year of service overseas. Note blue for the years 1915-1919 and red for 1914.

After the War

On a sad note, his parents received their son’s Military Medal for safekeeping on the day his father died. Frederick returned from the conflict and lived with his mother, Eva until her death in 1958. Fred never married and became a hairdresser, an occupation still followed by several of his family. He died in Heidelberg, Victoria in 1960.1

Burial
Coburg, Merri-bek City, Victoria, Australia

PlotChurch Of England C, Grave 369

Gallery