Second Lieutenant Francis John Whaley

On this day in 1917, the 15th Battalion took part in the capture of Messines Ridge. Messines Ridge to the South of Ypres offered the Germans a clear view of the Allied lines in the Ypres salient and as the main British offensive of 1917 was planned to be launched from the salient in July, the capture of the ridge was vital.

The 9 attacking Divisions were supported by 2,230 guns firing a barrage of 3.5 million shells, also in support were the Royal Flying Corps and new and reliable MkIV tanks. 19 mines dug under the German trenches were detonated simultaneously in the largest and deadliest man-made explosion until the use of the Atomic bomb.

The 15th Battalion was in the reserve Brigade of the 41st Division and advanced as planned after the capture of the German front line. The strong points of Oblong Trench, Englebrier Farm, Ravine, and Denys Wood were rapidly captured, and by 9 am the 15th Battalion had consolidated on its final objective. 2nd Lieutenant Whaley and Regimental Sergeant Major Greenwood were both awarded Military Crosses for capturing large numbers of prisoners (Greenwood with just one man in support, captured 20, whilst Whaley braved artillery fire to pursue fleeing Germans).

The Germans began to counterattack; but their plans had relied on the ridge being held until the two Engrief divisions arrived and these efforts were blunted by British troops who were ready and waiting to meet them. The 15th Battalion repulsed a first attack by 500 Germans at 10 am and had just defeated a second effort at 3 pm when the 24th Division swept through to capture the final Oosttaverne line.

Success had been complete and all objectives across the line had been taken. Estimates vary, but both sides suffered more than 20,000 casualties, with only a little difference between the losses of the attackers and defenders – a rare achievement during the First World War.

The 15th Battalion suffered 43 killed or missing and 141 wounded during the capture of Messines Ridge.

A notebook belonging to Whaley’s commander in the museum’s collection contains the original recommendation for 2nd Lieutenant Whaley’s Military Cross.