100 years ago: The Royal Munster Fusiliers at Aubers Ridge

THE 9 May, 1915 was the most catastrophic day for the 2nd Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers in France during the First World War.

The attack on the German trenches by the Battalion on this day was part of a plan by the 1st Army Corps to prevent the enemy from sending assistance to their comrades to stop the offensive by the French near Arras, Northern France.

Marching to the front on the evening before the attack, the 2nd Battalion halted a short distance from the trenches at Rue du Bois where a broken wayside shrine with a crucifix was located, and formed up in three sides of a square, each company carrying a green flag with an Irish harp and ‘Munster’ emblazoned on them. Facing the men with the Commanding Officer, was the Chaplain, Rev. Francis Gleeson from Templemore, Co. Tipperary, all on horseback.

The Rev. Gleeson then wearing his purple stole above his khaki uniform raised his hand and gave the ‘Last Absolution’ to the men whose heads were bared in prayer. This iconic image was portrayed by the Italian war artist Fortunio Matania in his painting of “The Last Absolution of the Munsters”. Following this, the Battalion marched on through the evening darkness and prepared for the coming attack.

The offensive at Aubers Ridge commenced the following morning at 5 a. m., with an intense and heavy artillery bombardment. The men of the Battalion were in the best of spirits as they waited on the order to charge, which was given 37 minutes later.

However, in spite of the heavy artillery barrage the Germans opened up with heavy machine gun, rifle and artillery fire. To the left of the Munsters position a battery of machine guns, which had been concealed brought the most destructive fire to bear accross the front, inflicting many casualties.

The Munsters having advanced to within fifty yards of the German trench, lay down according to plan. Shortly afterwards the British barrage lifted and the men rose resuming their advance.

Making their way through the gaps in the German wire they were at all times subjected to intense enfilading fire. However, because the enemy’s rifle fire had not been silenced by the British artillery the attack was began to fail as to the right and left of the Munsters the battalions of the other participatory regiments were halted.

Nevertheless, the Munsters bravely carried on and although suffering further casualties they had achieved some success. However, it soon became evident that the offensive had failed.

This led to a communication being sent to the British artillery that no troops had reached the German trench and therefore the attack was to begin again. Consequently the British artillery recommenced firing, leaving the Munsters in a situation where they could neither advance nor retire, which resulted in a company of them being wiped out.

By 11am, the Battalion was withdrawn, but later during the day another attack was ordered, and this time it was it was to be in support.

At 4pm, what remained of the battalion moved forward at the double ready to have another try for victory, but the attacking troops could not make any headway and the battalion was finally withdrawn.

One hundred and forty five non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Munster Fusiliers were killed in action or died of wounds as a result of the attack; 55 from Cork city and county. These men are buried in cemeteries in Northern France, while those with no known graves are commemorated on the Le-Touret Memorial.