Trench Lincs 7th June 2026

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Good Morning y Buenos Dias,

Hope this edition of TL finds you all well? Our holiday is coming to an end now and we will be home on Tuesday evening, when normal service will resume next Sunday.

Sorry that I haven’t had the time to write a little more this week, and of course I send my apologies for absence to Lincoln WFA tomorrow and Leadenham Military History Group for last Tuesday, when Ian Prince was talking about Hannibal. Knowing Ian as I do, this will have been a very well researched talk and I hope there was a good audience to hear Ian speak?

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Next event - Lincoln & North Lincolnshire Branch, WFA - Monday, 8th June 2026 - Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start - Royal Naval Association Club, Coulson Road, Lincoln, LN6 7BG.

June 8th - Grant Cullen presents "Quintinshill, 22nd May 1915; Britain's worst railway disaster".

The disaster occurred at Quintinshill Junction, near Gretna Green in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, on the morning of 22nd May 1915. A Liverpool-bound troop train carrying soldiers of the 1/7th Battalion, Royal Scots, collided with a stationary northbound local passenger train that had been parked on the southbound main line due to both passing loops being occupied by goods trains. Minutes later, a northbound sleeping car express from London to Glasgow struck the wreckage, causing a massive fire when gas lighting in the wooden carriages ignited.

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Next Meeting - Spalding & South Lincolnshire Branch, WFA – Thursday 18th June, 2026 - Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30 pm start - Spalding Baptist Church, Swan Street, Spalding, PE11 1BT.

June 18th - Branch Chairman Paul Berry will lead our annual evening Local History Tour. Further details nearer the time.

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The East Midlands (Nottingham) WFA branch will hold their next speaker event on Friday 12th June 2026 at 7.30pm. The branch meets at St. Peter’s Church Hall, Church Street, Ruddington, NG11 6HA.

The speaker on this night is Christopher Finn whose talk is entitled – “The All-Arms Battle and Manoeuvre Warfare - British Air Power 1917-18”

Everyone welcome.

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The Leadenham Military History Group’s next meeting will be on Tuesday 23rd June at 7.30pm at Leadenham village hall.

This evening will consist of two presentations.

Presentation 1: RAF Digby Operations Room, by Kathy Blake, who is a guide at the Operations Room Museum, with illustrative items.

Presentation 2: Shagbats, by Mark Bamford, Chairman, Sleaford Museum. The exploits of the Supermarine Walrus in Air Sea Rescue.

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The Friends of the Lincoln Tank Group continue their 2026 season in June. The venue, as usual, will be the Royal Naval Club, Coulson Road, Lincoln, LN6 7BG with a 7.30pm start. Entry is £5, and everyone is welcome.

On Thursday 11th June, in a change to the published programme, Grant Cullen will return to Lincoln with his talk – "1918, Defeat into Victory"

Grant states; ‘By starting with "What If?". Something happened in November 1913 just a few miles south of Worksop where I live which could have changed the course of history. Few people know about this but it certainly makes folks sit up and take notice.

Then to the main talk...which is basically an overview of 1918. The Allies really thought that if the war was to be won that would happen in 1919 when the Americans were up to strength in numbers on the Western Front. Then came the German Spring Offensives which brought them close to Amiens. This was followed by the "100 Days". The talk also looks at other theatres of war.... Palestine ...Mesopotamia .....Persia as well as the political situation in Russia...murder of the Tsar and his family .... plus southern Africa. The Germans reaching out to Woodrow Wilson and his 14 points.’

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Another group who meet at the Royal Naval Club, Coulson Road, Lincoln, LN6 7BG, is the Lincolnshire Aviation Society.

The next meeting of LAS will be held on Thursday 18th June 2026.

The speaker on this occasion is Dan Ellin from the IBCC whose talk is entitled – “Penguins and Chop Girls: RAF Bomber Command Ground Personnel 1939-45.”

Everyone welcome especially new faces.

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The Peterborough Military History Group meets at the Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery in Priestgate, Peterborough, PE1 1LF, on the second Wednesday of every month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Everyone welcome, especially new faces.

June 10th Geoff Turtle.

'The Rising Sun Air Force.'

From Inception to Capitulation.

An in depth look at the Japanese air force in WWII.

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For our June outing attendees will be travelling to Loughborough on Wednesday 24th June.

Our guide on the day is Neil Strange and he comments thus; ‘For our June outing attendees will be travelling to Loughborough on Wednesday 24th June.

First stop will be the Carillon Museum, at 11am. Loughborough Carillon & War Memorial Museum

I hope that Mel Goulding will meet us there as he is a main Leicestershire regiment historian and custodian of the museum.

Please park at the Granby Street car park, pay and display - postcode LE11 3DU around 10.45am and the museum opens at 11am.

After the Carillon we can go and see the memorial to the 10 dead from the January 1916 Zeppelin raid. We can also perhaps find evidence of the impact sites of the bombs that were dropped.

We will visit at least one grave of the dead from the Zeppelin raid as part of the cemetery tour that will follow the museum visit.’

So far, we only have 4 people booked in for this trip – please don’t be shy, everyone is very welcome to what I believe will be a very informative tour thanks to Neil.

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I will start this week with my current trip to Spain. The wedding last Saturday week was a wonderful event in beautiful weather at the Regency Hyatt at La Manga Golf Resort. There was a large bridal party of bridesmaids and page boys and they all looked splendid, as did Lucy the bride and Tom the groom.

It is not very often these days that I can be found on the dance floor after 2am! but there was no rush to get up and be active on Sunday morning. [Other than pushing the SEND button for TL - Ed]

On Monday four of us viisted Cartagena, yet another gorgeous old town with a very modern new harbour front. Unfortunately, on Mondays, all of the military and naval museums were closed, but as I write this on 2nd June, I am hoping to return later in the week.

I did spot a couple of unusual memorials. This first one unveiled in 2009, is dedicated to all of the victims of terrorism. What do you think?

Last week, I noted that in five years of Trench Lincs, we had never mentioned the Spanish Civil War, and this week, I have another forgotten war to mention - the Spanish-American War of 1898.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 was a pivotal conflict that saw the end of the Spanish Empire and established the USA as a global power. Spanning just over three months, the war dramatically shifted the balance of power in both the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Tensions originally flared over Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain, which had been ongoing since 1895. The United States watched with economic and strategic interest, motivated by investments in Cuban sugar and a desire to control the Caribbean. American public opinion was heavily swayed by "propaganda journalism," which sensationalised alleged Spanish atrocities in Cuba.

The tipping point occurred on February 15, 1898, when the U.S. battleship USS Maine mysteriously exploded and sank in Havana harbour, killing 266 men. Though the exact cause of the blast remains debated, an inflamed American public blamed Spain, adopting the rallying cry: "Remember the Maine!" Following Spain's refusal to grant Cuba independence, the U.S. Congress declared war on April 25, 1898.

While the conflict started in the Caribbean, the first major strike took place halfway across the world in the Philippines. On May 1, 1898, Commodore George Dewey led the U.S. Asiatic Squadron into Manila Bay and decisively destroyed the outdated Spanish fleet in a matter of hours. With Spanish naval power broken in the Pacific, U.S. ground troops were deployed to capture Manila.

In the Caribbean, the American strategy focused on blockading Cuba and launching a land campaign. Despite logistical disorganisation, disease, and inadequate supplies, U.S. forces achieved key victories at the Battle of El Caney and the Battle of San Juan Hill. The famed "Rough Riders," led by future U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, famously charged up Kettle and San Juan Hills, cementing their place in American military folklore.

Shortly after, on July 3, the Spanish fleet attempted to flee Santiago harbour but was entirely destroyed by the superior U.S. Navy. With their forces decimated on all fronts, Spain surrendered.

Hostilities officially ceased with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. Under the terms of the treaty:

Spain relinquished all claims to Cuba.

Spain ceded Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States.

The United States purchased the Philippines from Spain for $20 million.

The conflict marked a dramatic turning point on the world stage. It is often referred to as a "splendid little war" by contemporaries, highlighting the swift American victory and minimal combat casualties. For Spain, the loss of its last significant colonies ended centuries of imperial influence, forcing the nation to focus on domestic development.

For the United States, victory meant the dawn of a new imperial era. By acquiring overseas territories, the U.S. signaled its emergence as a formidable global power with strategic interests stretching across the Pacific and into the Caribbean. However, the acquisition of these territories also sparked intense domestic debate over American imperialism, particularly when the U.S. had to suppress a violent uprising by Filipinos fighting for their own independence.

Nevertheless, Cartagena remembers its Marines and Sailors who died in this short, sharp conflict and I think this memorial is stunning.

There was even a Spanish sailor on hand to pose with for a photo opportunity!

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I have saved a last instalment from Ray Sellers and his recent visit to Sicily. Ray notes; ‘Photo 414, is the WWI memorial in the new city of Agrigento. The old city includes the UNESCO site called the Valley of the Temple, comprising many almost complete examples from Greek times. All of the towns I visited including Cefelu, Palermo, Piazza, Amerina and Syracuse all have UNESCO World Heritage Status.

Photo 639 is the memorial on the waterfront at Syracuse, to the Invasion of 1943.

Photos 646,650,653 and 681, I took at The Invasion of Sicily 1943 Museum, in the City of Catania. It’s a World Class collection with weapons, uniforms and many other displays with regard to OPERATION HUSKY. This indeed turned out to be a very steep learning curve for the Allies. So Sicily has much to offer, as well as the tasty food and ice cream!’

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Arthur Wood sent in this batch of photos of VC winners headstones and a photo of Wilfred Owen’s headstone, following my research piece on Dudley Johnson VC two weeks ago. Thank you Arthur.

Four VC's all won on 4th November 1918.

Wilfred Owen.

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Today marks the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Messines, one of the most successful and innovative battles fought by the BEF on the Western Front.

The Importance of the Battle of Messines, 7 June 1917.

The Battle of Messines, fought on 7th June 1917 during the First World War, was one of the most significant and carefully planned Allied victories on the Western Front. Although often overshadowed by larger and bloodier battles such as the Somme and Passchendaele, Messines was an important military success that demonstrated the value of preparation, engineering innovation, and tactical coordination. It marked a turning point in British offensive operations in 1917 and provided an example of how modern warfare could be fought effectively against entrenched positions. The battle’s importance lies in its strategic context, its use of innovative military techniques, its psychological effect on both sides, and its influence on later operations during the war.

The Battle of Messines took place near the village of Messines in Belgium, south of Ypres. This area had been under German control since 1914 and formed part of a strategically important ridge that overlooked British positions in the Ypres salient. The Germans held the high ground, which gave them a major advantage for observation and artillery targeting. British troops stationed below were vulnerable to enemy fire and found it difficult to prepare offensives without being seen. Capturing the Messines Ridge was therefore essential if the British were to improve their defensive position and launch future attacks in Flanders.

The battle was planned by General Sir Herbert Plumer, commander of the British Second Army. Plumer believed in careful, methodical warfare rather than the large-scale frontal assaults that had caused such devastating losses earlier in the war. He insisted on detailed preparation, coordination between infantry and artillery, and clear objectives. His planning for Messines reflected lessons learned from previous failures on the Western Front, particularly the Somme in 1916, where poor coordination and over-optimism had led to disaster.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the battle was the extensive mining operation carried out by British tunnelling companies. For more than a year before the attack, British engineers secretly dug deep tunnels beneath German positions and placed enormous charges of explosives underneath key points on the ridge. In total, nineteen mines were prepared, containing over 450 tons of ammonal explosive. The work was extremely dangerous, as German tunnellers were also digging underground and counter-mining in an attempt to detect and destroy Allied tunnels. Despite these risks, the British completed the operation in secrecy.

At 3:10 a.m. on 7th June 1917, the mines were detonated simultaneously. The explosions were among the largest man-made blasts in history up to that point and could reportedly be heard as far away as London. Thousands of German soldiers were killed instantly, and huge craters destroyed entire sections of the German front line. The shock and confusion caused by the explosions gave the British infantry a major advantage as they advanced behind a creeping artillery barrage.

The detonation of the mines was not only a tactical success but also a psychological weapon. The scale of destruction was unprecedented and deeply shocked German defenders. Survivors were often disoriented and unable to organise resistance. This demonstrated the growing role of psychological warfare in modern conflict, where surprise and morale could be as important as physical force. For British troops, the explosions boosted confidence and created momentum for the attack.

Another reason the Battle of Messines was important was the highly effective use of artillery. British gunners had spent weeks registering targets and preparing detailed fire plans. During the battle, they used a creeping barrage, in which artillery shells fell just ahead of advancing infantry. This forced German defenders to remain under cover while allowing British troops to move forward with protection. The timing had to be exact, requiring excellent communication and discipline. The success of this tactic at Messines showed how artillery could support infantry effectively when properly coordinated. [As discussed recently with Judith Good’s fire plan map – Ed]

The infantry assault itself was equally well organised. British, Australian, New Zealand, and Irish divisions participated in the attack, moving forward in carefully timed waves. Objectives were realistic and limited, unlike earlier offensives that had demanded overly ambitious advances. Troops were instructed to consolidate captured ground rather than push forward recklessly. This reflected an important shift in British tactics towards “bite and hold” operations, where smaller gains were secured before advancing further. The success of this approach at Messines influenced later Allied tactics.

The battle was also important because it was one of the clearest examples of combined arms warfare during the First World War. Infantry, artillery, engineers, aircraft, MKIV tanks and logistics units all worked together as part of a coordinated plan. Aircraft provided reconnaissance and reported German movements, helping artillery target enemy positions accurately. Engineers repaired roads and communication lines to support advancing troops. This integration of different military branches foreshadowed modern warfare, where success depends on co-operation between specialised forces.

Strategically, the capture of Messines Ridge improved the British position around Ypres and removed the German observation advantage in that sector. This was intended to prepare the way for the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as Passchendaele, which began later in July 1917. While Passchendaele would become infamous for mud, suffering, and limited gains, Messines demonstrated what could be achieved through careful preparation and realistic planning. It represented the high point of British tactical effectiveness before the difficulties of the later campaign.

The battle also had an important impact on morale. For the British Army, Messines was a badly needed victory after the costly struggles of earlier years. It showed that German defences could be broken without catastrophic losses if attacks were properly planned. This improved confidence among soldiers and commanders alike. Prime Minister David Lloyd George praised the success, seeing it as proof that Allied armies were becoming more effective.

For Germany, the defeat was troubling because it exposed weaknesses in their defensive system. Although German forces had developed strong trench defences, they were vulnerable to deep mining and overwhelming artillery when surprised. The loss of the ridge forced German commanders to reconsider their defensive arrangements and contributed to a growing sense that the balance of power on the Western Front was shifting.

The battle also highlighted the increasing professionalism of the British Army. In 1914, Britain had entered the war with a relatively small professional force. By 1917, after years of expansion and painful experience, the British Expeditionary Force had become a highly skilled and technologically advanced army. Messines reflected this transformation. The planning, engineering, artillery coordination, and disciplined infantry performance all showed how far the army had developed.

However, the importance of Messines should not be exaggerated. While it was a clear tactical success, it did not lead directly to a decisive breakthrough. The Western Front remained locked in trench warfare, and the later Passchendaele offensive failed to achieve the hoped-for strategic results. Some historians argue that the success at Messines may even have encouraged overconfidence, contributing to the decision to launch the more-costly Ypres offensive. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the battle’s significance as a model of effective planning and execution.

The human cost of the battle also reminds us of the realities of First World War warfare. Although British casualties were relatively low compared to battles like the Somme, they still numbered around 25,000, while German losses were approximately 25,000 as well, including many killed in the mine explosions. These figures show that even successful operations involved immense sacrifice. The battle demonstrated that technological and tactical progress could reduce losses but not eliminate the brutal nature of industrial warfare.

Historians continue to study Messines because it offers valuable lessons about leadership and military adaptation. Plumer’s emphasis on preparation, realism, and co-ordination contrasts sharply with more reckless offensives of the period. His methods influenced later Allied successes in 1918, when co-ordinated attacks finally broke German resistance. Messines therefore represents an important step in the learning process that eventually allowed the Allies to win the war.

In memory and commemoration, the Battle of Messines remains significant for the nations involved, particularly Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, whose troops played major roles in the assault. The mine craters, cemeteries, and memorials around Messines Ridge serve as reminders of both the ingenuity and destruction of the First World War. They symbolise a battle where planning and innovation achieved success, but only at great human cost.

In conclusion, the Battle of Messines on 7th June 1917 was important because it marked one of the most successful Allied offensives of the First World War. It demonstrated the effectiveness of careful planning, engineering innovation, artillery coordination, and realistic objectives. It improved British tactical and strategic positions, boosted Allied morale, and highlighted the increasing professionalism of the British Army. Although it did not end trench warfare or lead to immediate decisive victory, it provided a model for future operations and showed how armies could adapt to the challenges of modern industrial conflict. For these reasons, the Battle of Messines remains one of the most significant and instructive battles of the First World War.

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A tale of extreme bravery and derring do from my sunbed for you to enjoy.

Charles Bean, the official Australian war correspondent, described the action in which L/Cpl. Albert Jacka, 14th Battalion Australian Infantry, earned the Victoria Cross [1] at Courtney's Post, Gallipoli on 19th May 1915.

“On 19th May, just as the sky was beginning to pale, a party of ten men and a sergeant of the 14th battalion, who were holding a short section of a trench at Courtney's Post, found the Turks outside the parapet, throwing bombs down into the trench. The Turks threw about eight bombs. Two Australians fell killed and four were wounded. Seven or eight Turks jumped in, and this section of the trench was for a moment left open for a wounded officer, who went to see what the situation was like. This officer, coming back through the communication trench, said — “They have got me; the Turks are in the trench.”

“Lance-Corporal Jacka, who was in the communication trench, heard this, and immediately jumped from the communication trench up to the step or bench behind the last traverse of this section of the fire trench, which as yet had not been reached by the Turks. In doing this he was exposed for a moment to the Turks' rifles at a distance of about three yards. Once behind the traverse he was sheltered from their fire, provided no more came over the top of the trench. The Turks were afraid to come round the traverse, and Jacka held the Turks there for a considerable time alone.

“Meanwhile word had gone back that “an officer was wanted.” Lieutenant Hamilton, running up the communication trench, could see the Turks jumping into the trench, and began firing with his revolver, but the Turks on the parapet saw the flash, and shot him through the head. A second officer was sent up as they were just reaching the fire trench. Jacka shouted, “Look out, sir; the Turks are in here.” The officer asked Jacka if he would charge if an officer got men to back him up, and Jacka said “Yes.”

“The officer's platoon was following him in the communication trench. He called for volunteers, saying, “It's a tough job; will you back up Jacka?” One of the leading men answered, “It's sink or swim; we will come, sir.”

“The leading three men went forward. These three men and Jacka were all Bendigo men. The moment the first man put his head around the corner he was hit in three places, and fell back, blocking the trench.

“The exit to the trench at this end now being well held, Jacka jumped back from the fire trench into the communication trench. An officer told Jacka he would hold this exit and give the Turks the impression that he was going to charge again. Jacka said he would make his way around through the communication trench to the other end of the fire trench at the rear of the Turks. This plan worked excellently. The officer's party threw two bombs and fired several shots in to the wall of the trench, opposite them.

“Jacka made his way around, and at the moment after the bombs had been thrown he reached the portion of the trench just behind the Turks. The party in front heard shots, and charged, but when they reached the trench they found only two Turks crawling over the parapet, and shot them.

“There was Jacka in the trench with an unlighted cigarette in his mouth. “Well, I managed to get the beggars, sir,” he said. In front of him the trench was literally blocked with Turks. He had shot five, and had just finished bayonetting the remaining two. One of these was only wounded, and he was taken prisoner.”

[1] The official citation for Jacka's Victoria Cross was published in the 'London Gazette' on 23rd July 1915:

“For most conspicuous bravery on the night of the 19th-20th May, 1915, at “Courtney's Post,” Gallipoli Peninsula.

“Lance-Corporal Jacka, while holding a portion of our trench with four other men, was heavily attacked. When all except himself were killed or wounded, the trench was rushed and occupied by seven Turks. Lance-Corporal Jacka at once most gallantly attacked them single-handed, and killed the whole party, five by rifle fire and two with the bayonet.”

A really wonderful tale of Jacka’s life and exploits on the Western Front later in the war can be found by clicking here.

Albert Jacka - WWI Signature Quilt

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We finish this week courtesy of Chris at Colour by CJS with yet another heart rending family tale.

Private James Kennedy

James was born in North Shields, Northumberland in 1884, and in due course, he married Bertha Edward in 1908. The couple produced two sons, James born in 1909 and John who was born in 1913.

Before the war James worked as a general labourer and later as a shipyard worker/riveter, and like many young men, he enlisted with his brother John in late 1915.

James deployed to France in mid-1916, serving with the 12th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, where he saw his first action in the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

Sadly, James was killed in action near the villages of Wancourt and Heninel along the Scarpe River on 13th April 1917 during the opening week of the Battle of Arras.

James’ body was never identified and he has no known grave and is therefore, commemorated on the Arras Memorial to the missing. James Kennedy was 32 years old.

Postscript

His brother, Private John Kennedy was killed on 30th November 1917 serving with The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in the Battle of Cambrai as the Germans launched a ferocious counter attack.

The family had earlier suffered the loss of Bertha’s nephew Edward Thomas Linsley who was killed on 26th Sept 1915 at the battle of Loos.

All three men are missing with no known graves.

James’ sons, James standing and John on Bertha’s knee.

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In Memoriam the Lincolnshire Regiment 7th June.

1917

Eleven men of the regiment are recorded as having died on this day.

1918

Six men of the regiment are recorded as having died on this day.

1919

32640 Sergeant James Charles Henry Little, 1st Garrison Battalion, aged 29. Buried in Calcutta Cemetery, India.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Until next week,

All best wishes

Jonathan

E: trenchlincs@gmail.com

www.jonathandhooghe.co.uk

© Jonathan D’Hooghe