
On 22nd Aug 1914 in the little village of Casteau a troop of German Uhlans was seen by C Sqn 4th Royal Irish Dragoons under Command of Major Tom Bridges, Bridges ordered his troop to dismount ready for action, He then ordered 1st troop, mounted behind under Capt Hornby to draw swords ready to go. The Uhlans rode down the road at a leisurely pace, the leading officer in front smoking a cigar, sensing trouble the German's turned back, Capt Hornby was sent after them, 1st troop attacked using their sabres scattering the Uhlans, Capt Hornby gave the order "dismounted action" as the troops sheltered their horse's near the village's Chateau, Trooper Fred Thomas quick and athletic leaped into action, four hundred yds away Thomas saw a German Cavalry officer standing in his stirrups yelling orders to his men to take up firing positions, Thomas took aim and squeezed his trigger and the officer fell from his horse and lay on the road dying..... Unknowingly Thomas had just fired the first rifle shot of the Brittish Army of WW1. Thomas survied the war was promoted to Sgt and awarded the MM eventually retiring from the army in 1923. The tune although from the American Civil war was known in WW1 and was no doubt the thoughts of many a man, Just before the battle mother I am thinking most of you. Average of 6125 soldiers from all sides died every day of the Great War, Allies dead 5700000 Central Powers dead 4010241.............. brutal.
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