Hope this helps. Googled for info on the Worcs Yeomanry
War was declared in August 1914 and the Worcestershire's formed part of the
1st Midland Mounted Brigade commanded by Brigadier E.A. Wiggin. The Brigade was ordered to
Egypt and was based in Chatby Camp, close to
Alexandria , by April 1915.
[12] In August the Brigade were informed they were to fight as infantry, and were sent to
Suvla Bay , and took part in the
Gallipoli campaign. The Regiment were in support of the
Anzacs and other British soldiers, in an attempt to break through the Turkish defences.These Turkish defences on the hills overlooking the beaches proved too strong and Gallipoli was evacuated in January 1916.
[13] The Regiment was sent to
Egypt , where their casualties were replaced by fresh troops from England and the Regiment was sent to protect thee eastern side of the
Suez Canal.The Regiment dug wells and sent out patrols for reconnaissance to establish the location of the Turkish attack, the Regiment being responsible for patrolling the whole of the Qatia water area.
[14] The small isolated garrison at
Oghratine had been ordered to protect a party on egineers on a well digging expedition ,when at dawn on
April 23, 1916 , 3,000 Turkish troops, including a machine gun battery of 12 guns, attacked. The defending troops repulsed the first attack but were forced back by the weight of the onslaught. The defender's only machine gun was put out of action early in the attack and all the gunners were killed or wounded.
[15] The victorious Turkish troops then advancede to reinforce the attack taking place against the small garrison at Qatia. Qatia fell to the Turkish forces with the loss of all of the Yeomanry's officers except a Major W.H. Wiggin who was wounded and managed to withdraw with about half the squadron. Anzac troops, who occupied both Qatia and Oghradine four days later, testified to the ferocity of the battle and paid tribute to the valour and tenacity of the defenders.
[16] In these actions 9 officers and 102 NCOs and men of the Regiment were killed and many other wounded. A composite regiment, including the Worcestershire Yeomanry, was formed in August 1916 and together with Anzac regiments were tasked to force back some 48,000
You can get further details on this lovely fellow at CWGC.org
