Soldiers from L (Néry) Battery, 1RHA recreated historic poppy wreaths to honour the heroes of the Battle of Néry, fought on 1 September 1914.
Replica wreaths were laid on the famous Néry Gun at the Imperial War Museum and during commemorations in France, continuing a long-standing regimental tradition.
The project brought together 1RHA, the Imperial War Museum and the Poppy Factory to remember fallen comrades and educate future generations about courage, sacrifice and service.
Soldiers from 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (1RHA) based in Larkhill, Wiltshire have commemorated the bravery of their comrades from the First World War.
Gunners from L (Néry) Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (1RHA) have commemorated the bravery of their comrades from the First World War inside the Imperial War Museum.
Gunners from L (Néry) Battery, 1RHA have commemorated the bravery of their comrades from the First World War inside the Imperial War Museum.
Gunners from L (Néry) Battery, 1RHA have commemorated the bravery of their comrades from the First World War inside the Imperial War Museum.
During a recent visit to the Imperial War Museum (IWM), soldiers were shown the original receipt for a wreath which was placed on the famous Néry Gun, which was vital to the British victory at the Battle of Néry, just after the war, along with photographs of the cannon which can now be seen on display at the museum.
The visit inspired gunners from L (Néry) Battery, whose name comes from the famous engagement that took place at Néry in northern France, to visit the Poppy Factory, to recreate the Néry wreath honouring fallen comrades from the long-ago battle.
It's a huge privilege and a huge responsibility to be able to live up to our Battery's history, and it's an incredible honour to be making the wreaths, and to be able to place them on the gun and at the service in France.
The Battery made two replica wreaths, the first of which was laid at a service on 1st September at the Imperial War Museum, where it was laid on the Néry gun. The second was laid during a visit to the Néry commemorations in France.
The Battle of Néry took place on 1 September 1914, where a British Battery was ambushed in the small French village of Néry. Outnumbered and caught by surprise, British soldiers fought against a powerful German force. Against the odds, one gun crew continued firing even after most of its men had been killed or wounded. Their bravery helped turn what could have been a disaster into a famous victory.
Those who remained showed exceptional gallantry and the Victoria Cross was awarded to Captain Edward Bradbury, Sergeant David Nelson, and Battery Sergeant-Major George Dorrell for their bravery during the action.
The actions of all three men became a symbol of determination and courage under extreme pressure. This spirit lives on today in the L Néry Battery.
There are not many episodes where three Victoria Crosses have been given for unbelievable bravery at one battle. And the fact that they managed to hold off the advancing Germans for so many hours with one gun is incredible. These are feats that today's generation just don't know enough about
As well as making the wreaths, soldiers from the Battery helped the museum run a series of workshops for children from local schools, educating future generations about the history of the Battle, the honour of VC awards and how the values of the brave and resilient Battery are still relevant today.
The project, which has been months in the planning, is part of a joint initiative with the Imperial War Museum and the Poppy Factory.
Gunners from L (Néry) Battery, 1RHA have commemorated the bravery of their comrades from the First World War inside the Imperial War Museum.
Gunners from L (Néry) Battery, 1RHA have commemorated the bravery of their comrades from the First World War inside the Imperial War Museum.
Gunners from L (Néry) Battery, 1RHA have commemorated the bravery of their comrades from the First World War inside the Imperial War Museum.
Warrant Officer Class Two David Marsden, Battery Sergeant Major. L (Néry) Battery, 1RHA said:
“It's a huge privilege and a huge responsibility to be able to live up to our Battery's history, and it's an incredible honour to be making the wreaths, and to be able to place them on the gun and at the service in France.”
L Battery's weapons, including the famous Vickers 13 pounder Quick Firing gun, were mostly destroyed in the first minutes of the shelling at Néry, but one gun crew remained and kept firing to hold off the Germans.
Despite heavy damage to its muzzle, the surviving cannon can be seen at the Imperial War Museum in London where, for decades, it has been a tradition for members of the Battery to place wreaths on the gun on the anniversary of the battle.
Amanda Shepard, Chief Executive, the Poppy Factory said:
“There are not many episodes where three Victoria Crosses have been given for unbelievable bravery at one battle. And the fact that they managed to hold off the advancing Germans for so many hours with one gun is incredible. These are feats that today's generation just don't know enough about.”
Gunner Alex Cooper, L (Néry) Battery 1 RHA, one of the soldiers that made the special wreaths, said:
“We're a very decorated Battery, and the Battle of Néry is something we're all very proud of. So, to go to France and lay a wreath that we've made is immensely important.”
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