8508 C.S.MJR H.BENNETT 1/R.HIGHRS (on DCM)
8508 W.O.CL.2 H.BENNETT R.HIGHRS (on pair)
8508 C.S.MJR H.BENNETT D.C.M. R.HIGHRS (on LS&GC)
LC CORPL H.BENNETT 42ND (on Elkington Challenge Shield Shooting Medal)
CORPL BENNETT 42ND R.H. (on Minto Cup Shooting Medal)
SGT H.BENNETT (on S.A.R.M. Shooting Medal)
Henry Bennett
Born Ladhope, Selkirkshire 25/3/1883, the son of Michael Bennett & Margaret Bennett (nee Maguire) of Galashiels
Joined the Black Watch 2/1/02
He soon made a name for himself in rifle competitions, including the Elkington Challenge Shield’ 1904, the ‘Minto Cup’ 1906 & at the Scottish Army Rifle Meeting 1912
Promoted Sergeant by 1912
As an experienced, serving Regular Army NCO at the outbreak of war in August 1914, he did not qualify for a Star & so almost certainly trained men for ‘Kitchener’s Army’ 1914-15
Then to France & served with 1st Black Watch on the Western Front
Promoted Company Sergeant Major, 1st Royal Highlanders
The Germans attacked south of Ypres, towards the Channel coast, in the Battle of the Lys 9/4/18 & the 1st Royal Highlanders moved to the front line at Givenchy 16/4/18. The enemy began a slow bombardment with very large calibre shells on 17/4/18. Early the next morning (18/4/18) the shelling became intense, then from 8.00am the German infantry attacked & overran some front-line positions. The 1st Black Watch successfully defended Givenchy but at a terrible cost and the History of the Black Watch states:
"Not since the 9/5/15 had the Battalion endured such a day - 15 officers & 366 other ranks had become casualties, but the enemy had been held. The Black Watch had once more shown themselves the fit guardians of their fine traditions".
On this same day (18/4/18), CSM Bennett fought in the desperate defence of Givenchy Keep. At one point he was down just 8 men & asked for urgent reinforcements, but was sent just 6 men from HQ Company...
Somehow the 1st Battalion managed to withhold the overpowering numbers of enemy troops & Bennett was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM LG 3/9/18):
"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of a post after his company commander & subaltern had been killed and the garrison, which originally consisted of two platoons, had been reduced to 12 unwounded men. He showed complete disregard for his own safety and a firm determination to hold the position at all costs, organising an effective machine-gun and Lewis-gun fire on the enemy’s parapet under an intense bombardment."
Subsequently he was awarded the Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (circa 1919/20)
Post-war he lived at 7 Northcote Street, Edinburgh
He was a member of the Black Watch Association's Executive Committee & Secretary of the Edinburgh Branch
The British Legion provided a Guard of Honour at Field Marshal Haig’s funeral in 1928 & their Edinburgh Branch was represented by CSM Bennett plus 2 other members
Died Edinburgh 6/7/34
Comes with 3 named Silver Shooting Medallions
(i) Obv. ‘SCOTTISH ARMY RIFLE / MEETING / 1904’; Rev. ‘THE ELKINGTON CHALLENGE SHIELD / CHATTIE MATCH / WON BY / 42ND / LC CORPL H. BENNETT’
(ii) Obv. ‘MINTO CUP 1906’; Rev. ‘CORPL BENNETT / 42ND R.H. / -04-05-06-’
(iii) Obv. Red-enamelled Lion within Shield; Rev. ‘-S-A-R-M- / SGT H. BENNETT / 1912’
Provenance Noonans 2023
With MIC, Medal Roll, LG Citation, A3 copy of the 1st Black Watch War Diary for April 1918 plus Newspaper Report & other printed research
Condition: Mounted as originally worn, toned GVF
