Location
In the Memorial Garden beside the main path.
Portrait
F.W.Lumsden
V.C.,C.B.,D.S.O.
Royal Marine Artillery
Born 14th Dec.1871. Killed in action 4th June 1918.
L.F.Roslyn R.B.
Sculptor
London
Inscription (Left)
Service Order
1st Jan 1917
1st Bar to D.S.O.
11th May 1917
2nd Bar to D.S.O.
11th May 1917
3rd Bar to D.S.O.
22nd Apl. 1918
Belgian Croix
De Guerre
13th Sept 1918
Awarded for Acts
Of Conspicuous
Gallantry and
Devotion to Duty
Inscription (Back)
For distinguished service 25th Oct 1917
Awarded
C.B.Military Division 3rd June 1918
Four Times memtioned in despatches
Twice Wounded
This memorial was erected by his
comrades of all ranks in the
Royal Marines Artillery
And by the officers and men of the
Divisions of the Army with which he
Served in France and Belgium
Inscription (Right)
8th June 1917
Awarded for
Conspicuous
Bravery
Determination
And devotion to
Duty in bringing
In six captured
Enemy's guns under
Very heavy fire.
Further Information
Citation: An extract from "The London Gazette," No. 30122, dated 8th June, 1917, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery, determination and devotion to duty. Six enemy field guns having been captured, it was necessary to leave them in dug-in positions, 300 yards in advance of the position held by our troops. The enemy kept the captured guns under heavy fire. Maj. Lumsden undertook the duty of bringing the guns into our lines. In order to effect this, he personally led four artillery teams and a party of infantry through the hostile barrage. As one of these teams sustained casualties, he left the remaining teams in a covered position, and, through very heavy rifle, machine gun and shrapnel fire, led the infantry to the guns. By force of example and inspiring energy he succeeded in sending back two teams with guns, going through the barrage with the teams of the third gun. He then returned to the guns to await further teams, and these he succeeded in attaching to two of the three remaining guns, despite rifle fire, which had become intense at short range, and removed the guns to safety. By this time the enemy, in considerable strength, had driven through the infantry covering points, and blown up the breach of the remaining gun. Maj. Lumsden then returned, drove off the enemy, attached the gun to a team and got it away."
Buried at BERLES NEW MILITARY CEMETERY, PAS DE CALAIS, FRANCE.
Further details:
Search under name at www.cwgc.org
Also see www.militaryartist.co.uk/gallery/francilly.html