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Forcing the Sambre-Oise canal, 4th November 1918
The Battle of the Sambre was the last large-scale battle fought by the British Army on the Western Front. As part of the 1st Division, 2nd Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel D G Johnson DSO* MC, South Wales Borderers, and was tasked with forcing the passage of the Sambre-Oise Canal at Lock No.1, near the village of Rejet de Beaulieu.
In the early morning darkness of 4th November, 409 (Lowland) Field Company, Royal Engineers, commanded by Captain (Acting Major) G de C E Findlay MC, carried wooden footbridges to cross the marshy streams during the approach, while German artillery caused terrible casualties among the advancing troops. Gunsmoke added to the foggy atmosphere. Arriving at the lock, the assault and bridging parties were checked by heavy enemy fire, but Lt Col Johnson displayed splendid leadership, personally reorganizing and encouraging his men. A Lewis gunner came forward, firing from the hip; when he was hit his No. 2 carried on. At 06.10 hrs a single footbridge was manhandled over the gap. Major Findlay was the first across, and sappers and men of
the Royal Sussex stormed across to engage the enemy. Lt Col Johnson and Major Findlay were each awarded the Victoria Cross for their gallantry.
No.4 section of the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, under the command of Captain Woodward, carried forward the heavy components of a bridge capable of bearing tanks. They lay under enemy artillery fire until the lock was captured, then assembled their tank bridge while still under enemy shell-fire. Three Australian soldiers were killed and five wounded, one of whom died later the same day. It is thought that the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, together with 10th and 11th Australian Field Artillery Brigades, can claim to be the last of the Australian troops to be actively engaged in the fighting on the Western Front.
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Printed image size(s): B2 only (58 x 38 cm)
Owner: The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh, Brecon
Price(s): £70
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