Name : Royal Field Artillery Started : 1899 Ended : 1924 Subsequent Regiment Lineage : ---------------------------------------- Royal Regiment of Artillery (1716 - Present)
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The Royal Field artillery came into existence on 1st July 1899 when it was formed from part of the Royal Artillery. The Royal Field Artillery lasted until 1924 when it was amalgamted again into the Royal Artillery. The Royal Field Artillery were equipped with medium calibre guns and Howitzers and deployed close to the front line during World War One. Many acts of heroism were seen form the men of the regiment, including Trumpeter Waldon.
During General Smith-Dorriens famous rearguard action at Le Cateau on August 26th 1914, Trumpeter S. F. G. Waldron, of the 37th Battery Royal Field Artillery, acted as communicating file between the captain commanding the artillery and the quartermaster-sergeant in charge of the wagon-teams and gun-limbers, two thousand yards behind the firing stations. Waldron courageously waited with a spare horse though shrapnel and high explosive shells were bursting all round him. Seeing the danger of his position, the officer at length ordered him to the rear. Though wounded, Waldron returned later in the day leading a horse, which was required at the front. His conspicuous coolness and courage were rewarded with the D.C.M.
Driver Brown, during an engagement in which guns had been withdrawn from action, Driver F. S. Brown, of the 80th battery Royal Field Artillery, gallantly took two horses up to the front, and waited there, under heavy fire, for the wounded, which were being dressed. As soon as they were ready, he brought them, seated on the horses, to safety. For his gallant conduct he was rewarded with the D.C.M.
