'THE GREAT WAR', 'THE WAR TO END WAR', 'WORLD WAR 1'
'What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
- Only the monstrous anger of the guns.'
from 'Anthem for Doomed Youth'
by Wilfred Owen
1914 - 1918
THE VICTORIA CROSS
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Oldham and its surrounding district can lay claim to no less than 3 soldiers who were awarded the highest decoration possible, 'The Victoria Cross', One of these was JOHN HOGAN
Sergeant JOHN HOGAN, 9016 |
His entry on the 'Manchesters' website reads: WW1 29-OCT-1914 JOINT CITATION near FESTUBERT A heavy bombardment preceded an attack by a German force directed against the 2nd Manchesters and the DEVONSHIRE REGIMENT Despite capturing a trench line, the Germans were unable to capitalise due to the actions of a platoon commanded by Second-Lieutenant JAMES EDGAR LEACH In the process of their methodical retaking of the trench, the party killed eight, wounded two and captured 14 soldiers For their contribution to the defence of the Manchesters' trenches, Second-Lieutenant Leach and Sergeant JOHN HOGAN were awarded the Victoria Cross. James Edgar Leach was born 27-July-1892 North Shields John Hogan was born 8-Apr-1884 Royton Oldham Before the arrival of the 1st Battalion from India, the 2nd Manchesters embarked for France with the5th division in August 1914 and contributed to the rearguard actions that supported the British Expeditionary Force's retreat following the Battle of Mons Engaged in the battles of Marne, the Aisne, and First Ypres the 2nd Manchesters was the sole representative of the regiment until October and the arrival of the Indian Corps, comprising two infantry divisions and cavalry. Each brigade contained a constituent British battalion, the 1st Manchesters being the Jullundur's. Having been briefly attached to French cavalry, the 1st Battalion occupied trenches near Festubert on 26 October. Three-days later, a heavy bombardment preceded an attack by a German force directed against the 2nd Manchesters and Devonshire regiment. Despite capturing a trench line, the Germans were unable to capitalise due to the actions of a platoon commanded by Second-Lieutenant JAMES LEACH In the process of their methodical retaking of the trench, the party killed eight, wounded two and captured 14 soldiers. For their contribution to the defence of the Manchesters' trenches, Second-Lieutenant Leach and Sergeant JOHN HOGAN were awarded the Victoria Cross. |
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