Friday, September 14, 2012
cpl George Hodge RFA
The Great Promise on page 62 November 18, 1914 During the first battle of Ypres my grandfather writes about returning to the 40 battery and was told of the death of "Hodges" his "Lube-off-man". Through the "Great War Forum" I found out the following: "there was a Cpl George James Hodge, RFA, who was killed in action on 18th November 1914."
Slowly I'm piecing together information on the soldiers that served with my grandfather.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Great War Forum
They did it again
I posted the new pictures on the "Great War Forum" and typical to form I received some great feedback. The single photo with him in uniform is marked 1915 but it had to have been taken some time between 1918 and 1919. This was brought to my attention because he has the RAF insignia on his uniform. The RAF was not formed until 1918.
The parade photo was taken around the same time or later. In fact, one believed that it was taken in the US. I'm wondering about this since my grandfather didn't bring his family to the US until 1922. Perhaps it could have been an Armistice Day parade after he moved to the US.
Trying to assemble a 100 year old puzzle without the person who created the pieces is difficult.
The Great Promise
I posted the new pictures on the "Great War Forum" and typical to form I received some great feedback. The single photo with him in uniform is marked 1915 but it had to have been taken some time between 1918 and 1919. This was brought to my attention because he has the RAF insignia on his uniform. The RAF was not formed until 1918.
The parade photo was taken around the same time or later. In fact, one believed that it was taken in the US. I'm wondering about this since my grandfather didn't bring his family to the US until 1922. Perhaps it could have been an Armistice Day parade after he moved to the US.
Trying to assemble a 100 year old puzzle without the person who created the pieces is difficult.
The Great Promise
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Sept 11 1914
The following excerpts were written on Sept 11 1914 The Great Promise
At 6:00 a.m. we marched ahead of the main body and we
were soon engaged in the thick of the fight that afterwards
would be called the battle of the Marne. We dropped into
action in the open. My chum and I ran our headphone wire
over a small ridge from our observation post and then back
to the battery. As we were running the wire a French Cavalry
man galloped past me with blood running from himself and
his horse.
I was about to connect my instrument when I heard a loud
whining sound followed by a horrific explosion. It was our
christening of heavy artillery fire, amounting to two hours of
continual hell.
Our forces came under heavy artillery fire for more than
2 hours and many of our infantry started to run. CRA General
Finley and Colonel Sharpe tried to stop the retreat by urging
the solders to turn and move forwards. In the process the
General was killed and two officers were wounded.
The German artillery found the range of our battery and we
came under heavy shelling. As shells were bursting all around
me, I crouched beneath a gun limber. The whine of incoming
shells followed by deafening explosions kept up for what
seemed like an eternity.
Fear started to overcome my sense of duty and I had to force
myself not to run. I don’t know where or how I found the courage
to stand up and yell out orders to the battery leaders so
they could fire their guns.
As the Northampton and Sussex Regiments retreated through
our battery they also drew the enemy’s fire. During the infantry’s
mad rush they broke my telephone wire. I thought that
my chum at the other end had gotten knocked over — he
thought the same of me.
Without the ability to communicate with my chum on the
other end, the battery guns couldn’t fire.
To overcome this problem, we resorted back to using semaphore
flags4 to pass down firing orders.
With things seemingly under control, I set out to mend the
wire and restore communications. While I crawled along the
ground following the wire, I could hear bullets pass over my
head and striking the ground around me. Thank God the
Germans were lousy shots! I found and mended the break
just in time for the battery to help support the 60th Rifles’
advancement. They were able to retake the position that the
Northampton and Sussex regiments held prior to their retirement.
As the 60th Rifles advanced, the enemy retreated. The
regiment suffered heavy losses during this engagement. The Great Promise
At 6:00 a.m. we marched ahead of the main body and we
were soon engaged in the thick of the fight that afterwards
would be called the battle of the Marne. We dropped into
action in the open. My chum and I ran our headphone wire
over a small ridge from our observation post and then back
to the battery. As we were running the wire a French Cavalry
man galloped past me with blood running from himself and
his horse.
I was about to connect my instrument when I heard a loud
whining sound followed by a horrific explosion. It was our
christening of heavy artillery fire, amounting to two hours of
continual hell.
Our forces came under heavy artillery fire for more than
2 hours and many of our infantry started to run. CRA General
Finley and Colonel Sharpe tried to stop the retreat by urging
the solders to turn and move forwards. In the process the
General was killed and two officers were wounded.
The German artillery found the range of our battery and we
came under heavy shelling. As shells were bursting all around
me, I crouched beneath a gun limber. The whine of incoming
shells followed by deafening explosions kept up for what
seemed like an eternity.
Fear started to overcome my sense of duty and I had to force
myself not to run. I don’t know where or how I found the courage
to stand up and yell out orders to the battery leaders so
they could fire their guns.
As the Northampton and Sussex Regiments retreated through
our battery they also drew the enemy’s fire. During the infantry’s
mad rush they broke my telephone wire. I thought that
my chum at the other end had gotten knocked over — he
thought the same of me.
Without the ability to communicate with my chum on the
other end, the battery guns couldn’t fire.
To overcome this problem, we resorted back to using semaphore
flags4 to pass down firing orders.
With things seemingly under control, I set out to mend the
wire and restore communications. While I crawled along the
ground following the wire, I could hear bullets pass over my
head and striking the ground around me. Thank God the
Germans were lousy shots! I found and mended the break
just in time for the battery to help support the 60th Rifles’
advancement. They were able to retake the position that the
Northampton and Sussex regiments held prior to their retirement.
As the 60th Rifles advanced, the enemy retreated. The
regiment suffered heavy losses during this engagement. The Great Promise
Monday, September 10, 2012
Britain - Aug 1914 General Mobilization
The following are excerpts from the journal. They record the events when my grandfather was activated after the General Mobilization was issued. The Great Promise
August 4th
“General Mobilization”, will it be declared? This was the
thought with me all day, after my dear wife first gave me the
news. But then I could not believe it, until we walked to
the post office and saw the official declaration. Then I knew I
would have to leave my home and dear ones — for “Where”,
that was my one great thought. Until then I never realized
what it all meant.
With the conflicting thoughts of my dear ones, along with fascination
that I was going to participate in a “real scrap”, my
mind was in a real whirl, and was so until I left home the next
day for Newcastle on the Tyne. And then — “Where?”
On August 5th I was to report for duty, so my wife and dear
baby daughter walked with me to the train station where I
was to catch the train to Newcastle
August 5th
I did not dwell on the thoughts of leaving my dear little wife,
my mother, and baby — the journey up north was one of
enthusiasm, for the train was packed with reservists, rejoining
the Colours, as I. All seemed absolutely mad to go and obliterate
Germany!
Fred continued reading his journal entries, recalling the events
that took place upon arriving at Newcastle. How distressing it
was when he had been initially assigned to the 39th Battery.
August 6–7th
Upon arriving I had to draw a kit from supply and then on to
the doctor in order to pass my physical. Upon doing so, I was
detailed to join the 39th Battery, assigned to Surplus Details,
as acting Quarter Master Sergeant at Borden Camp. I was
very disappointed, for this meant that I should not go to the
front yet.
Later I was informed that I would be part of the nucleus of
a Reserve Brigade that was being formed at Shorncliffe. I arrived
at Borden and ran into my old commanding officer who
seemed to feel great satisfaction in seeing me.
I immediately volunteered for active service but had a little
trouble getting past the red tape, until seeking help from
Brigadier Clark. It wasn’t long after that I was assigned to the
First Corps, 43rd Brigade, First Division at Deepcut. I was to
report for duty on the 14th of August. After reporting in, I was
so glad to meet a couple of chums that were also assigned to
the 40th Battery RFA.
We embarked at Southampton on the SS City of Chester. It
was an uneventful trip over the channel to where we disembarked
the next morning at Boulogne, France. I knew well that
I was in France, from the grand reception we received.
The Great Promise
August 4th
“General Mobilization”, will it be declared? This was the
thought with me all day, after my dear wife first gave me the
news. But then I could not believe it, until we walked to
the post office and saw the official declaration. Then I knew I
would have to leave my home and dear ones — for “Where”,
that was my one great thought. Until then I never realized
what it all meant.
With the conflicting thoughts of my dear ones, along with fascination
that I was going to participate in a “real scrap”, my
mind was in a real whirl, and was so until I left home the next
day for Newcastle on the Tyne. And then — “Where?”
On August 5th I was to report for duty, so my wife and dear
baby daughter walked with me to the train station where I
was to catch the train to Newcastle
August 5th
I did not dwell on the thoughts of leaving my dear little wife,
my mother, and baby — the journey up north was one of
enthusiasm, for the train was packed with reservists, rejoining
the Colours, as I. All seemed absolutely mad to go and obliterate
Germany!
Fred continued reading his journal entries, recalling the events
that took place upon arriving at Newcastle. How distressing it
was when he had been initially assigned to the 39th Battery.
August 6–7th
Upon arriving I had to draw a kit from supply and then on to
the doctor in order to pass my physical. Upon doing so, I was
detailed to join the 39th Battery, assigned to Surplus Details,
as acting Quarter Master Sergeant at Borden Camp. I was
very disappointed, for this meant that I should not go to the
front yet.
Later I was informed that I would be part of the nucleus of
a Reserve Brigade that was being formed at Shorncliffe. I arrived
at Borden and ran into my old commanding officer who
seemed to feel great satisfaction in seeing me.
I immediately volunteered for active service but had a little
trouble getting past the red tape, until seeking help from
Brigadier Clark. It wasn’t long after that I was assigned to the
First Corps, 43rd Brigade, First Division at Deepcut. I was to
report for duty on the 14th of August. After reporting in, I was
so glad to meet a couple of chums that were also assigned to
the 40th Battery RFA.
We embarked at Southampton on the SS City of Chester. It
was an uneventful trip over the channel to where we disembarked
the next morning at Boulogne, France. I knew well that
I was in France, from the grand reception we received.
The Great Promise
Friday, September 7, 2012
History net
Today I sent an inquiry letter to Weider History Group - Historynet.com/ British Heritage magazine. I gave them a brief summary of my grandfather's story, The Great Promise, and how I thought it would fit well with their magazine's intent. Since the story is a connection between the US, England and the up-coming centennial.
I have come to realize that the work involved in writing a book plays but a small part in having your story read. It has been an unexpected surprise that of the millions of people interested in The Great War only a few have purchased my book. Since the reviews I have received have been four out of five stars, it must be that I haven't reached them with the proper marketing. So the battle for readers will rage on!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Calion book review
I've nervously waited for the results of this review for it could be a key to open several doors
Clarion Review
HISTORY
The Great Promise
Frederick L. Coxen
Create Space
978-1-4637-0293-9
Four Stars (out of Five)
Frederick L. Coxen’s life was changed when he stumbled upon his late grandfather’s journal
from World War I. Coxen did more than just transcribe the worn, weathered diary and annotate
it with maps and a historical narrative to create this volume. He devoted years attempting to
fulfill the terms of a pact his grandfather had made with three fellow soldiers in the summer of
1914—an unkept pledge that, to his dying day, haunted the elder Coxen.
The Great Promise is thus a primary source, a history, and a personal quest. Coxen’s
grandfather (also named Frederick Coxen) was called to the colors to serve in the Royal Field
Artillery. He was among the first British soldiers to land in France at the start of The Great War,
and he fought in every major engagement until being gassed in 1915. The journal covers his first
year at the front almost day by day. His reports, observations, emotional asides, musings, and
even occasional jokes lure the reader into a fascinating, detailed, and very human time capsule.
To assist those unfamiliar with the period, the younger Coxen intersperses his
grandfather’s entries with short but clear passages explaining the commanders, maneuvers, and
terminology of the First World War. His simple, clean maps show the routes his ancestor trod
and the towns he fought over. These help set the stage for his grandfather’s wonderful and rarely
hurried prose.
There are episodes of unconscionable horror, such as the crucifixion of captured soldiers
(by both sides) and reflections on the deaths of friends and enemies alike. Upon seeing one man
fall, for example, the elder Coxen writes, “I wondered if this means the breaking of a woman’s
heart, or had he little children?” There are also warm moments, such as when soldiers share their
already meager rations with starving refugee children, and bits of very British pluck, notably of
how “nothing short of an earthquake would make us miss our tea time.” The journal entries
allow the reader to follow one of many green young men as he matures within months into a
war-weary veteran.
While his ancestor’s words and experiences are the true stars of the text, there is a
second story here, one told almost as an afterthought in the last twenty pages of an already slim
book. The elder Coxen and three comrades made a pact that if any of them fell, the survivors
would visit the deceased soldier’s family, relate the story of his passing, and offer comfort.
Coxen saw all three of his mates die, even holding one of them in his arms as he expired. Yet, he
never made good on his part of the bargain.
As he laments in an entry made in another journal in 1945, when living in America and
writing during a second war, those old comrades continued to haunt Coxen’s dreams, asking if
he would ever fulfill that great promise. How his grandson sought to made good on Coxen’s
word, and the detective efforts he undertook to find the descendants of those dead soldiers, is a
short but engrossing and very moving story, and one well told by the author in his final chapter.
Clarion Review
HISTORY
The Great Promise
Frederick L. Coxen
Create Space
978-1-4637-0293-9
Four Stars (out of Five)
Frederick L. Coxen’s life was changed when he stumbled upon his late grandfather’s journal
from World War I. Coxen did more than just transcribe the worn, weathered diary and annotate
it with maps and a historical narrative to create this volume. He devoted years attempting to
fulfill the terms of a pact his grandfather had made with three fellow soldiers in the summer of
1914—an unkept pledge that, to his dying day, haunted the elder Coxen.
The Great Promise is thus a primary source, a history, and a personal quest. Coxen’s
grandfather (also named Frederick Coxen) was called to the colors to serve in the Royal Field
Artillery. He was among the first British soldiers to land in France at the start of The Great War,
and he fought in every major engagement until being gassed in 1915. The journal covers his first
year at the front almost day by day. His reports, observations, emotional asides, musings, and
even occasional jokes lure the reader into a fascinating, detailed, and very human time capsule.
To assist those unfamiliar with the period, the younger Coxen intersperses his
grandfather’s entries with short but clear passages explaining the commanders, maneuvers, and
terminology of the First World War. His simple, clean maps show the routes his ancestor trod
and the towns he fought over. These help set the stage for his grandfather’s wonderful and rarely
hurried prose.
There are episodes of unconscionable horror, such as the crucifixion of captured soldiers
(by both sides) and reflections on the deaths of friends and enemies alike. Upon seeing one man
fall, for example, the elder Coxen writes, “I wondered if this means the breaking of a woman’s
heart, or had he little children?” There are also warm moments, such as when soldiers share their
already meager rations with starving refugee children, and bits of very British pluck, notably of
how “nothing short of an earthquake would make us miss our tea time.” The journal entries
allow the reader to follow one of many green young men as he matures within months into a
war-weary veteran.
While his ancestor’s words and experiences are the true stars of the text, there is a
second story here, one told almost as an afterthought in the last twenty pages of an already slim
book. The elder Coxen and three comrades made a pact that if any of them fell, the survivors
would visit the deceased soldier’s family, relate the story of his passing, and offer comfort.
Coxen saw all three of his mates die, even holding one of them in his arms as he expired. Yet, he
never made good on his part of the bargain.
As he laments in an entry made in another journal in 1945, when living in America and
writing during a second war, those old comrades continued to haunt Coxen’s dreams, asking if
he would ever fulfill that great promise. How his grandson sought to made good on Coxen’s
word, and the detective efforts he undertook to find the descendants of those dead soldiers, is a
short but engrossing and very moving story, and one well told by the author in his final chapter.
Monday, September 3, 2012
An Amazing Story
Through the Western Front Assoc. a person by the name of Neil Munro contacted me regarding a book he was writing that is based on his father's memoirs. His father was Fredric Coleman, an American that went to France in 1914 and volunteered as a staff driver. He would drive officers around and thus experienced the war from both the enlisted soldiers and officer's point of view.
I was stunned to find how closely Coleman's accounts mirrored that of my grandfather's journal. Mr. Munro is publishing segments of his father's story on the Western Front's website under the title "My Father's War".
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