General Sir Alexander Godley commanded New Zealand troops during the First World War, in Egypt, Turkey and France. He was responsible for the disastrous attack on Bellevue Spur on October 12, 1917, when the men under his command were required to walk through a no-man's-land of knee-deep mud to attack German defences of concrete pillboxes surrounded by barbed wire which had been barely scratched by an inadequate artillery preparation.
While perusing "Papers Past" for details of how the men of Anzac regarded General Godley, I found a few hints of of the underlying animosity - hints only, for the tales of glory and sacrifice were too precious to dent with the truth. Then I found an "in joke:"
DO IT AGAIN, ALECK!
In the search for interesting information the member for Eden gave notice to ask the Finance Minister in the House if he would supply full particulars of the following item in the Public Accounts of 1917-18 for which there was apparently no voucher, to wit, Lady L. M. Godley, native servants' wages in Egypt, £40 2s. -Fielding Star, 9/11/1918.
“DO IT AGAIN, ALEC!"
ALLEGED GODLEY STORY REVIVED
The parade’s good humor at Wellington (writes Mr Keith Murdoch in the Sydney Sun) was saved by a typical piece of Anzac raillery. After 35 minutes of waiting in the cold the parade noticed an officer, in hurrying along, trip over his sword.
“Do it again, Alec!" a returned soldier shouted.
The phrase tickled the parade. It murmured. It laughed. It roared. Every New Zealand returned soldier knows the story of the inspection in Egypt, when the men, after marching across the hot desert, were ordered to charge some 500 yards in front of the inspection party.
Lady Godley, wife of the general commanding the New Zealanders, was in the party, and the story goes that she was so stirred by the sight that she called to her husband, "Make them do it, again, Alec!” The story is probably quite apocryphal, but the phrase stuck to the New Zealanders throughout the war. They recognised it again in Wellington. -Gisborne Times, 25/5/1920.
"DO IT AGAIN, ALECK!"
Our boys of the Anzac Brigade have got some of their own back in the episode of General Alexander Godley being kept waiting on the borderland of the Ruhr whilst some officious Belge looked through his trousers for his vised passport. It will never be forgotten while an Anzac remains how the Female Godley of the genius insisted on the lengthy hubby putting the New Zealanders through "Just one more evolution, don'tcherknow," to please a group of English lahdedah tourists. And always it occurred after our boys had had a gruelling marching stunt of 15 miles out in the desert sand and back again. "Make them do it again, Aleck!" How the Anzacs-to-be hated that woman! And when they got over to the peninsula, the Aussies, whenever New Zealand's Commandant was doing the Grand Rounds in all the glory of tabs and gold lace, would yell gleefully in high pitched falsetto note: "Make 'em do it again, Aleck!" What a roar went along the Aussie lines! And Birdwood, who never put on any frills or uniform on the peninsula, would grin broadly — behind his hand, but the New Zealanders, who were at 'tention, wore faces of flint as their longsome martinet glared at the greeting. And to-day what glee for them it is to imagine G.G. standing in a Belgic train in his pyjamas — doing his parade stunt. Do it again, Aleck — my small brother didn't see it the first time! By the way, General Godley, who was not generous in regard to recommending New Zealanders for decorations for the many valiant acts they did on Gallipoli, threatened to come back to New Zealand, just to show what a popular fellow he was over here. But he has never faced the music. If he came there would be one song and chorus for him from Auckland to Invercargill: "Make them do it again, Aleck!" -NZ Truth, 14/7/1923.
To give General Godley his due, I present another soldier's viewpoint:
SOLDIERS’ VIEWPOINT.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE HOUR.
ENLIVENING INCIDENT.
Considerable amusement was created at the meeting held by the Moderate League representatives at Dannevirke by the remarks of a returned soldier, a fine build of a man wearing a badge. The man asked permission to speak, but this the chairman was inclined to refuse until the audience plainly showed it desired to hear the soldier. The man, who stated he came from the South Island, gave some of his experiences in regard to the liquor question. “In Trentham,” said he, “there were no wet canteens, on board the troopship there were no wet canteens, and then we landed in Egypt there were two wet canteens, and when Jimmy Allen and Mrs Aleck (Godley) cabled out the C.O. and said, ‘We promised those boys’ mothers we wouldn’t let ’em have any liquor,’ the General ’e says, ‘wot are yer giving us? Are yer sendin’ me a lot o’ Sunday school kids or are yer sending me men?’ An’ he went and had more wet canteens put up. Then we went to Gallipoli, and then we went to France, and in France there wasn’t a base camp without its wet canteen, and in France every private house can sell liquor, without any license. Then we went to England, and we had wet canteens, and then we comes back to New Zealand— what have yer been doing while we’re away? (Prolonged laughter and applause). What are yer doin’ when we comes back? — and yer shuts the pub door in our face. This is the third war I’ve been in. I’ve had 7 3/4 years’ active service and 29 years regimental service, and I always had a glass with my dinner and I’m 54 years old now. My last two birthdays I spent in the trenches on the Somme. (Applause). You shut your pubs at six. Did yer take a vote on that? You got conscription — did yer vote on that?” The speaker proceeded, amidst great laughter, to make a number of statements in regard to Sir Alex and Lady Godley, and in reference to the reception which he alleged was received by the Premier and Sir Joseph Ward when they visited the New Zealand troops. He singled out Sir Andrew Russell for considerable praise, and, continuing, informed his audience the “wowsers” were a “low-minded lot o’ brutes.” The boys were coming back and thing's would have to be altered, “The Soldiers’ Associations and clubs are going to get things righted which you’ve put wrong.” (Applause). He concluded by stating that, through the high esteem in which the New Zealand soldiers were held by the French, the two fern leaves of the soldier’s badge had been placed on the national flag of France. The speaker, after a parting shot at the “wowsers,” resumed his seat amidst prolonged applause. -Waipawa Mail, 3/4/1919.
Providing beer to the soldiers despite the objections of non-soldiers might have won Godley some respect from the men, but, it would seem, not enough.
GENERAL GODLEY
To the Editor. "N.Z. Times.”
Sir. — I am loth to butt into the controversy between Mr Parr and Sir James Allen concerning the unpopularity or otherwise of General Godley, but, as a returned soldier, I wish you would allow me to add a word. Much of the trouble arose out of the wholly unmilitary proceeding of allowing General Godley to take his wife with him to Egypt. The authorities should have known that we were out for war and not for a picnic. Lady Godley should have stayed in New Zealand or should have gone straight to England. — Yours, etc.,
" CHARGE AGAIN, ALEC!” -NZ Times, 24/8/1917.
Paragraphs Pertaining to Parliamentarians
(BY "X.M.P.")
Whatever may be urged against the Minister of Defence, it can never be asserted that he is other than a true and loyal friend, and slow to wroth where the foibles of his officers are concerned. For months, and months, and months the name of General Godley has been bandied from mouth to mouth, in anything but complimentary references. It was at first declared that this antagonism to Sir Alexander originated among the Radical section of the country and communicated itself to the representatives of that same section in the House. During last session Reform members began in an apologetic way to talk deprecatingly of the General and to hint that that gentleman wasn't as a soldier all he was "cracked up up to be." But since the opening of the present session, so far as sooling the General is concerned, the Reform members seem to be beating, them at their own game. Member after member who sits under the aegis of the Square Deal has risen in his place to cast aspersions on New Zealand's General. The climax was reached when Mr. Parr, who had visited the New Zealand soldiers at the front and talked with officers and men, levelled the heaviest of his artillery at the General's, standing and reputation as a soldier and a commandant. The member for Eden said that at least ninety per cent. of the officers and men who had returned said hard things about General Godley. He had talked with hundreds of men and many officers, not only at the front, but at the bases, in the camps and in the hospitals. Everywhere he found that General Godley had neither the regard nor respect of his men. Indeed, there was a feeling of unconcealed hostility and dislike among all ranks. This feeling of utter antipathy began in Egypt, grew at Gallipoli, and had become much stronger in France and England. The feeling was universal, persistent, and ineradicable.
This was a very strong indictment and coming as it did from a member high up in the councils of the "Square Deal" Caucus, it duly impressed and, indeed, oppressed the House. As "X.M.P." has said, however, Sir James Allen is, at least, a loyal friend. On the afternoon referred to the Minister of Defence referred to Mr Parr's arraignment as an "unjustifiable attack" on the commander of the New Zealand troops in France. Sir James boldly and at length defended General Godley. He referred to "the excellent work" he had done in organising the Territorial system in New Zealand. He said that the charges of the member for Eden were indefinite and groundless, built on idle rumor, and that, had Mr. Parr been a man, he would have gone straight to General Godley and told him what was being said by others behind his back. As to the allegation that General Godley was a coward on Gallipoli, General Birdwood had written that he had repeatedly to warn General Godley against unnecessarily exposing himself to danger minthe firing line. He believed General Birdwood, and he described Mr. Parr's charges as "cruel, wicked, and unworthy of a member of Parliament." In spite of Mr. Parr's persistence that what he said was true, there was not the slightest doubt that Sir James's very able and generously recorded championship of an absent man had a marked effect upon the fairminded members of the House. Even many of those who have been among the most constant critics of the New Zealand commander, expressed the opinion that Parr had gone too far. Be that as it may, it certainly is a fact that, after hearing both sides, Mr. Parr's accusation and Sir James's reply thereto, General Godley's helm hasn't been so severely dinted as it at first appeared to be. -NZ Truth, 8/9/1917.
OUR LADY'S LETTER
by "Dot" (excerpt)
General Richardson is a wise man as well as a great general. He informed his audience that the British War Office assured him that General Godley and Russell were great men. "Three cheers for General Russell," he called, and right hearty was the response. Then a pause, and, looking over the sea of "Diggers'" faces, the wise man stopped just there. "Try Godley." "Yes, try Alex." ("If you dare") was muttered sotto voce, and "Alex" was not cheered. -NZ Truth, 17/5/1919.
Regarding the compilation of an official history of New Zealand's part in the war, the Eltham Argus adds; Any historian recommended by General Godley will be damned in New Zealand. That is "straight talk," but it is also a fact. -Stratford Evening Post, 22/11/1918.
TRANSPORT OF TROOPS
CONDITIONS ON HOMEWARD JOURNEY.
GRIEVANCES VENTILATED.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT) WANGANUI, March 13.
A matter of dominion importance was discussed at a meeting of the local Patriotic Society. Mr O. H. Burnett drew attention to the large number of New Zealand soldiers who were applying for their discharge in England. He stated that all sorts of reasons had been assigned for the men's action, but the real reason was that the soldiers were returning to New Zealand under great discomforts. Hundreds of men were packed into the insufficiently ventilated and stinking holds of vessels — the very bottomless pit — while the officers occupied roomy and palatial apartments ordinarily reserved for passengers. This state of affairs was anything but creditable. These distinctions should not be allowed to exist. We were, he said, all equal in New Zealand, and snobbery such as he had indicated should not be tolerated. This snobbery had come into existence since the war, and General Godley was responsible for upholding it. At Cairo, the speaker alleged, some 70 old Wanganui Collegians had decided to hold a dinner or social gathering, but at the last moment General Godley forbade the officers to sit down at the table with the men. The intended gathering was adjourned, but he believed it was subsequently held "on the quiet." Official actions such as these were ridiculous and farcical. Mr Burnett went on to say that he knew of a milk boy on a farm who prior to enlistment was earning 25s a week and "tucker." He won a commission on active service— all honour to him — and came back to New Zealand amid the furnishings of a 6 teamer while his boss, who had also gone to the front, returned in the closely-confined quarters of the bottom hold. These differences should not exist. There was no doubt that the real reason for the men trying to obtain their discharges in the Old Land was because returning soldiers in some transports had to put up with great and utterly unjustifiable discomforts, lack of proper food and overcrowding. It was bad enough going Home, but things wore worse on the return voyage. Going Home in response to the call the men were willing to put up with discomforts, but there was no need for it now that they were returning. The accommodation was insufficient and inadequate for the men, and in comparison with that of the officers was unfair and unjustifiable. Mr Allan Robinson remarked that some of the returning men had another complaint that the chaplains held no religious services on the ships where officers and men might meet on similar conditions. After a brief discussion the following motion was carried unanimously:— "That the notice of the Government be drawn to the facts: (1) That a great many privates are applying tor their discharges at Home in order to avoid the extreme discomforts of the voyage out in the crowded bottom holds of troopships on an unnecessarily restricted diet, notwithstanding that much accommodation is vacant in the passengers' quarters which are reserved for officers; (2) that no church services have been held on some transports, and that the Government be requested to alter such conditions." -Wanganui Herald, 13/3/1919.
ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE
IT doesn't seem to be a safe thing to mention General Godley's name within the hearing of a returned soldier these days, if a little incident at the Wellington Town Hall welcome to Brigadier Richardson is any criterion. General Richardson was speaking about the work of the New Zealanders in the war zone, and incidentally mentioned General Godley and General Russell by name. There was applause for General Russell but at the mention of General Godley there was a chorus of boo-hoos from the back of the hall, where many soldiers were gathered. A curious smile flickered for an instant over the speaker's bronzed face and then he deftly passed over the thin ice by calling for cheers for Sir Andrew Russell, which were given with, immense eclat. Later when cheers were called for Brigadier-General Hart somebody called out from the back of, the hall: "Why don't you call for a cheer for Godley?"
Incidentally, General Richardson paid a high tribute to General Godley's efficiency as a commander. The plain fact about the matter of our late G.O.C in New Zealand seems to be that Godley, highly efficient as he certainly was, lacked the little soft spot for the man in the ranks which has endeared men like Birdwood, Russell, Richardson and Hart to the diggers. But he was considered a good soldier for all that. Highly placed officers who had to do with him in the of their staff work have admitted fairly that he knew his Job from A to Z, but he inspired no affection.
"Once let Godley down in the smallest detail of the job he handed out to you and you were out," said one Wellington officer not long ago during a discussion on the Man and his Methods. He was a cold-blooded machine. "He got things done, but not in the digger's way." All of which goes to show that the man who wants to make a do of it in. the business of running the New Zealand war machine must have an understanding eye and a sympathetic heart for the Digger. -Free Lance, 14/5/1919.
Not long after the end of the War came an interesting expression of soldiers' attitude towards Godley - and the the whole structure of the military.
Presentation of D.C.M.
TO RIFLEMAN JOHN LAWRENCE KEOGH.
The official ceremony of presenting the coveted Distinguished Conduct Medal to Rifleman John Lawrence Keogh (Milton) took place in St. John's Hall on Saturday evening — the more spacious Coronation Hall being engaged for other purpose. A parade of local returned soldiers (36 being on parade), Territorials, and Senior Cadets, was held, these marching from the Defence Headquarters to the hall, headed by the 14th Regimental Band.
A large number of town and district residents assembled to honor Rifleman Keogh, the accommodation proving totally inadequate to hold the crowd, and scores were unable to gain admittance.
The Mayor (Mr C. King) presided, and expressed pleasure in again welcoming the Acting Prime Minister (Sir James Allen) to his own electorate. He had carried out the duties of Minister of Defence during the war in the most efficient manner, and proved himself the right man in the right place, and his efforts in maintaining the Dominion's supply of reinforcements had proved a great factor towards winning the war. They also welcomed the Minister on his special visit to do honor to a local returned soldier who had gained the D.C.M.
Sir James Allen, who was heartily received, expressed his pleasure at the opportunity of honoring Rifleman Keogh. The speaker paid high tribute to the work of the Medical Corps, and to the advancement in medical science for the treatment of wounded soldiers. He commended the excellent work being done in specialist treatment at Auckland, Trentham, Christchurch, and Dunedin to restore the nerve shattered or wounded soldiers to their normal health, Sir James Allen intimated that he specially referred to these services because that evening's recipient of the D.C.M. had belonged to the Medical Corps.
Rifleman Keogh (interjecting): No, sir. Front line all the time.
Sir James: But you did belong to the Medical Corps, and were transferred to the fighting units?
Rifleman Keogh: No, sir. Not so lucky as that, I was with the fighting units.
Continuing, Sir James Allen paid a tribute to the little known work of the Dominion's mounted men in General Allenby's drive in Palestine, which was one of the most brilliant campaigns of the war. He also commented on the New Zealanders' share in service on the Western Front. The returned soldiers had not boasted of their deeds, and all admired their innate modesty. The New Zealanders had scarcely ever failed to accomplish anything they were asked — with the exception of Passchendaele, where the conditions were such that it was humanly impossible to capture the ridge.
A Voice: Passchendaele was General Godley's mistake.
Sir James: Oh, no. General Godley was a first-class soldier.
A Voice: Perhaps in New Zealand, but not at the Front.
Sir James Allen: We have it on the authority of Generals Russell and Richardson that General Godley was a first-class soldier.
A Voice: We never saw him. We saw Lady Godley.
Sir James: It is not generous for you returned soldiers to criticise your officers. Continuing, Sir James referred to the system of sending reinforcements. New Zealanders at the Front always knew that their comrades were speeding across the ocean to help them.
A Voice: Not so on Gallipoli.
Sir James: I must request the returned soldiers not to interrupt, and remember they are still under a certain amount of discipline.
Voices: No. We have finished with your discipline!
Sir James Allen then referred to the incidents which had earned for Rifleman Keogh the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the fighting at Passchendaele, and read the following extract from the London Gazette:
"Rifleman Keogh was awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as a stretcher bearer. Throughout the whole operations he carried on his work with tireless energy and with utter disregard for his personal safety. He continually went into 'No Man's Land' under heavy machine gun fire, and carried wounded men in. His devotion to duty was the means of saving many lives."
He ventured to say there was no one present who would not be proud to have such a record, He (the speaker) would like to have such a record himself, — (Voices: Hear, hear; and "I'd like to change places with you.") — Rifleman Keogh had frequently volunteered his life to save the lives of his comrades.
Rifleman Keogh was escorted to the platform by Major Chisholm (officer commanding Group XVI), and, amid a scene of great enthusiasm, Sir James Allen pinned the medal to the recipient's breast, and said he was proud to have the opportunity of doing so. He congratulated the recipient and his mother.
Sir James then shook hands with Mrs Keogh, who had occupied a seat on the platform whilst honors were being conferred on her eldest son.
The recipient briefly responded, and thanked Sir James for his kindly remarks. He modestly remarked that he was not half worthy the honor which had been conferred on him. He had belonged to the Rifle Brigade, where a man was always ready to "hop out" to save a comrade, whenever the opportunity came his way. He thanked the residents for turning out in such large numbers, and giving him such a hearty reception.
On the motion of Mr Donald Reid, a vote of thanks was accorded Sir James Allen. Cheers were given for Rifleman Keogh and his mother, followed by the singing of "He's a jolly good fellow." The soldier hero was carried from the hall shoulder high by his comrades, and the memorable function closed with the National Anthem.
It is not generally known that Rifleman Keogh was decorated in France with the French decoration of the Croix du Guerre for similar conspicuous acts of bravery during the Battle of the Somme. -Bruce Herald, 26/5/1919.
NOTES AND COMMENTS.
FIXED FOR THE FUTURE.
Will General Godley undertake the greatest adventure of his life by returning to New Zealand? This has been a question much discussed by soldiers and civilians alike since the days of the first encampment of our boys in Egypt. It looks as if the question has been answered in a manner satisfactory alike to one of the most unpopular of commanders, to the men who were under him, and to the general public of New Zealand. It is reported from London that General Godley was offered, and accepted, a command of one of the army corps that is to keep the watch on the Rhine. -Taihape Daily Times, 26/7/1919.
People in Perspective
GREAT GODLEY!
It is simply marvellous to New Zealanders how it comes about that Alexander the Great Godley goes on conquering fresh laurels from the British War Office. How he came to be left in charge of the British Watch on the Rhine was one big surprise. And now he has won the great distinction of attaining the full rank of General. Anzacs never think of the ex-Commandant of New Zealand without re-echoing his wife's instructions in Egypt: "Make them do it again, Alec! My friends missed that manoeuvre!" And this on the burning sands after our boys had done a hard tramp fifteen miles there and back. Many and many a time was that order mimicked by Aussies and Maorilanders as Godley made his rounds on Gallipoli. "Do it again, Alec!" was the password when the commander was on his rounds — that was how the tip was passed along. When Colonel Godley came out to New Zealand as Commandant of our Forces, he had three avowed objects: (1) To make money by saving in economical New Zealand; (2) To get a title, which he secured for the success of the working of the Kitchener scheme, for which Colonel Robin did most of the work. And, (3) he hoped to secure a Generalship by promotion to the Commandership of Australia. The war intervened before the thirdly, which has been all to the good of the Great Godley, as he was the last man Australia would have had to rule over its War Office. All the some, he has to-day attained the three objectives. Wonderful! -NZ Truth, 10/3/1923.
Radio Censorship
On a recent evening, the returned soldiers of Christchurch tendered a smoke concert to Kingsford Smith and his companions. It was a decided success, which, word for word, sped out, via the microphone, on the cool evening air. At least portions of it did.
The Mayor was there and told his favorite fish story, which, to do his worship justice, is a good one — as fish stories go.
Everybody was in a good humor in fact, a care-free collection of diggers who obeyed the chairman's "Order, gentlemen!" with the same grace as they lined up for their pay in days gone by.
Naturally, a body of returned men are usually inclined to become reminiscent — especially after the eighth. This gathering was no exception to the rule. One of the speakers had just reached the essential point in a story of Godley — of "Make them do it again, Alex!" fame — when, snick! the radio cut off and that old familiar voice from 3YA remarked: "The speaker is relating some personal, intimate experiences; so we will have a gramophone selection."
We had the gramophone selection. . . . From then on, until the function closed, there were quite a few selections.
One "off" period was quite unwarranted. A speaker was saying something about the Right Honorable Joseph Gordon Coates, Prime Minister. Like many of the things said in re Gordon, the remarks were far from flattering. The radio caught the start of it and — like the close of a perfect day the words just faded away.
What, then, is the position of the Radio Broadcasting Company? True, it is entitled to switch off if rank blasphemy rends the air. But there was none of this about the Coates interlude and certainly none — so far as was heard — about the "intimate personal experiences."
What right has the Broadcasting Company to choke a perfectly outspoken opinion of the Prime Minister even if it does ban the "experiences"?
The Radio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand, Limited, is putting in some good publicity work for Gordon. The Prime Minister cannot go outside his gate without the fact being put on the air. And the recent high-handed censorship proves that the Broadcasting Company is not its own master. -NZ Truth, 27/9/1928.
GREAT REUNION
Main Body Survivors
20th ANNIVERSARY
Entirely a Family Party
THE FALLEN COMRADES (excerpt)
By far the greatest reunion of survivors of the Main Body, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, that has ever been held, took place at Wellington last night, when more than 500 members of that historic force gathered together in the Winter Show building, John Street. They came from all parts of the country to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their sailing from New Zealand, and with them were about 24 Australians, who joined the convoy at Hobart, and eight naval men from the escorting warships, Pyramus, Philomel, and Psyche.
Sir Andrew paid a tribute to the work done by those Imperial officers who had guided the footsteps of the Expeditionary Force in the early stages. “They led us over the sands of Egypt,” he said, “and made us do it again and again. (Laughter.) That was how we gained our skill. I feel perfectly certain that if any of them come to New Zealand, and we are to have a visit from General Godley in the near future, they will be given the warmest of welcomes.” -Dominion, 17/10/1934.
In 1934 Godley visited New Zealand. At the time, Britain's wartime Prime Minister Lloyd George's criticism of the late Field Marshal Haig (d. 1928) was being reported in the papers. Godley defended the reputation his late commander in chief.
IN DEFENCE OF HAIG
GENERAL GODLEY'S VIEW
"UNWARRANTED ATTACK" (excerpt)
(By Telegraph — Press Association.) OAMARU, This Day.
Addressing returned soldiers at Oamaru this morning Sir Alexander Godley said he hoped the people of the Dominion would give no credence to the attack made by Lloyd George on the late Earl Haig, which was scurrilous and wholly unwarranted.
The Passchendaele attack had been forced upon the British command by circumstances. The French army had suffered so sorely at Verdun and elsewhere that it was unable for the time being to put up a substantial resistance. Somebody had to fight, and the duty had devolved on the British.
Unfortunately, the weather during the first attack on Passchendaele had militated against its success, but no headquarters could be held responsible for the weather. -Evening Post, 8/1/1935.
I do not claim to be an expert on military matters and my opinion should be taken in light of this. I was not there. Neither, it would seem, was General Sir Alexander Godley. It is true that he could not control the weather. But he could control other things. After the failure of the Bellevue Spur attack, Brigadier Braithwaite, the officer commanding on the spot, was given orders at 3pm to renew the attack. He refused, signalling that it was "impossible for this Brigade to continue the attack without incurring abnormal losses." By that hour his men had been dug in near their goal, subject to German artillery and sniper fire, for five hours. By refusing the order, Braithwaite showed a courage that Godley lacked.
Did Godley know what he was ordering the New Zealanders to do on the morning of October 12? Either he did or he didn't.
If he knew the situation - concrete pillboxes, barbed wire, mud, the impossibility of any adequate artillery barrage - his sending men to be killed for no result was criminal. He could have refused the order and faced the consequences, knowing that he had saved many lives.
If he was unaware of the situation at Bellevue Spur, he was criminally incompetent in the organisation of his command. Blaming it on the weather - well, I'd have liked to be in the Returned Servicemans' Association clubrooms to hear the veterans' reaction to that.
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