The 11th (Service) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment (Cambridgeshire)
The 11th (Service) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment (Cambridgeshire) was a notable ‘Pals battalion’ established in Cambridgeshire and the Isle of Ely to serve in Kitchener’s Army during World War I. This battalion saw significant action on the Western Front from January 1916 up until the Armistice, participating in key battles such as the Somme, where it experienced devastating losses on the first day, as well as the battles of Arras, Ypres, and the final engagements at the Battle of the Selle.
Recruitment
Following Britain’s declaration of war on 6 August 1914, Parliament authorized an increase of 500,000 men for the Regular British Army. Earl Kitchener of Khartoum, the newly appointed Secretary of State for War, issued his famous appeal, ‘Your King and Country Need You’, which prompted a remarkable influx of recruits. Known as Kitchener’s First New Army, this initial wave was soon followed by the K2, K3, K4, and K5 battalions.
Due to the overwhelming response, local initiatives began forming battalions composed of men from similar backgrounds, known as ‘Pals battalions’. The Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely Territorial Force Association was tasked with managing the excess recruits who could not be absorbed by traditional regimental depots. Under the guidance of Charles Adeane, the association facilitated training and housing for these recruits, ultimately leading to the formation of the Cambridgeshire Service Battalion on 25 September 1914, which later became the 11th Suffolks.
Training
On 30 September 1914, the battalion temporarily relocated to the Melbourne Place Schools in Cambridge. Command was turned over to Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Wyndham Somerset of the Indian Army, allowing Colonel Heycock to command the second battalion of the Territorial Force. Initial training began at Parker’s Piece in the town centre, albeit with significant challenges due to shortages of equipment and uniforms.
By mid-December 1914, the battalion moved to a camp at Cherry Hinton and achieved full establishment by January 1915. The battalion embarked for France on 9 January 1916, landing at Boulogne and completing its assembly around La Crosse by mid-January.
Service
Under the command of Brigadier-General H.G. Fitton, who was gravely wounded during a reconnaissance mission, the battalion entered the fray at the Somme in July 1916. The first day of the offensive resulted in catastrophic losses, with the 11th Suffolks suffering an estimated 691 casualties over the course of the initial three days, making it the hardest-hit battalion in its division.
First Day on the Somme
The 11th Suffolks participated in the ambitious offensive on 1 July 1916. Despite extensive planning and artillery bombardment, the attack encountered fierce resistance. The battalion was decimated as it advanced across open ground toward the enemy lines, leading to staggering losses.
Despite these tragic events, the battalion regrouped and continued fighting through various battles, including the Battle of Pozières, enduring further casualties but demonstrating remarkable resilience.
Later Engagements
The battalion was later involved in the Battle of Arras, where it achieved objectives with minimal resistance. However, they faced brutal counter-attacks and sustained heavy shelling in subsequent battles such as Rœux and Hargicourt.
In the final year of the war, the 11th Suffolks participated in the Hundred Days Offensive, contributing to significant advances against the German forces.
Post-Armistice
Following the Armistice on 11 November 1918, the 11th Suffolks remained in France for demobilization duties, eventually returning to Cambridge, where the battalion was formally disbanded on 9 December 1919. Throughout its service, the battalion recorded a total of 43 officers and 915 other ranks killed, along with thousands more injured or taken prisoner.
Uniforms and Insignia
Initially outfitted in blue uniforms due to shortages of khaki cloth, the battalion later wore the standard uniform of the Suffolk Regiment, adorned with unique insignia to signify their local identity.
Memorials
Numerous memorials honor the sacrifices of the 11th Suffolks, including a significant monument in Cambridge dedicated to local servicemen, as well as memorials at Gordon Dump Cemetery and the Thiepval Memorial.
Conclusion
The legacy of the 11th (Service) Battalion, Suffolk Regiment (Cambridgeshire) is one marked by bravery and sacrifice, embodying the spirit of the ‘Pals battalions’ that fought valiantly during one of history’s most challenging conflicts.