In 1914, the German invasion of France aimed to overwhelm Allied forces, bypass Paris, and capture the Channel Ports. The British Army at Ypres was crucial in preventing this. The village of Gheluvelt became the focal point of the Battle of Ypres. Gheluvelt's position on a forward spur of the ridge overlooking Ypres made it the last British-held point dominating the enemy's line.
By midday on October 31, 1914, German forces had overwhelmed the Queens, Royal Scots Fusiliers, Welsh, and King's Royal Rifles, and pushed back the South Wales Borderers, creating a dangerous gap in the British line. A breakthrough threatened, leading to orders for a potential artillery retreat.
On October 30th, Lieutenant-Colonel H. E. Burleigh Leach of the 1st South Wales Borderers sent a critical message to Brigade Headquarters, requesting reinforcements to restore the line. Colonel Claude Berners Westmacott, commanding the 5th Infantry Brigade, deemed it impossible to move the King's at that time, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment, held in reserve at Polygon Wood, under Major E. B. Hankey and Adjutant Captain B. C. Senhouse-Clarke, received orders at 13:00 hours on October 31st to counter-attack and retake Gheluvelt. Guided by Captain A. F. Thorne of the Grenadier Guards, the Worcestershire's advanced. Despite being unable to see the chateau due to smoke, the nearby church tower served as a landmark. The battalion moved towards the enemy through a landscape littered with casualties, under heavy German fire. Major Hankey ordered a charge across this dangerous ground.
As they reached the ridge, German artillery targeted the charging soldiers, causing heavy casualties. Despite losing over 100 men, the battalion pressed on, reaching Gheluvelt Chateau and linking up with remnants of the South Wales Borderers.
The 2nd Worcestershire's, numbering around 370 men, with 187 killed or wounded, successfully recaptured Gheluvelt, stabilizing the British line. This counter-attack had a decisive impact, securing Ypres and preventing the capture of the Channel Ports.
Leading up to the attack, the 2nd Worcestershire had been roused early on October 31st by gunfire. After preparing themselves, they waited for several hours, witnessing the intense bombardment. They were among the last reserves, with the battalion numbering no more than five hundred men, showing the effects of the preceding ten days of battle.
As the German attack intensified, it became clear that the British line was collapsing. The situation was dire, with the potential loss of Gheluvelt threatening a general retreat. Brigadier-General C. FitzClarence, V.C., ordered the 2nd Worcestershire to counter-attack.
Earlier, "A" Company of the 2nd Worcestershire, led by Captain P. S. G. Wainman, had been detached to secure the Menin Road. At 13:00 hours, Major Hankey received orders to retake Gheluvelt. Scouts were sent to clear obstacles, and the battalion prepared for the attack.
At 2 p.m., led by Major Hankey and Captain Thorne, the battalion advanced from Polygon Wood. The battlefield was filled with the wounded, retreating troops, and German shelling. Despite this, the three companies of the 2nd Worcestershire moved forward.
Upon deploying, the battalion faced a deadly slope. Major Hankey ordered a charge, and despite heavy casualties from German artillery, the Worcestershire's reached the Chateau grounds.
The German troops, consisting of young, newly formed units, were disorganized and unable to effectively resist the Worcestershire's charge. The Worcestershire's, along with the South Wales Borderers, drove the Germans back.
With Gheluvelt partially secured, patrols were sent to clear the village, encountering fierce resistance. Captain Wainman led "A" Company to occupy Gheluvelt, securing a new line.
The center of Gheluvelt was under heavy bombardment from both sides. Despite this, the German main force had been driven out, removing the immediate threat to the British line. The Germans did not attempt to retake Gheluvelt that day, possibly believing the counter-attack was the first wave of a larger force.
The 2nd Worcestershire held their ground, while Brigadier-General FitzClarence reorganized the British defense.
That evening, orders came to withdraw to a new defensive line at Veldhoek. The withdrawal was completed without German interference under the cover of darkness.
The 2nd Worcestershire suffered heavy casualties, losing a third of its remaining strength, with 187 men killed or wounded. Their counter-attack was crucial in preventing a British defeat.
The success of the counter-attack was attributed to the bravery of the 2nd Worcestershire, the defense of the South Wales Borderers, and supporting artillery fire. The actions of the 2nd Worcestershire at a critical moment were decisive.
Following the battle, the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment was commended by Sir John French, and Major E.B. Hankey was made an honorary Freeman of the City of Worcester. A memorial stone was later erected near the battlefield to commemorate the event.