Cheltonians Buried in Mory Street Military Cemetery, France


   LEAVING CHELTENHAM …………..and all that was dear

 

Mory Street Military Cemetery, St Leger, south-east of Arras, France

 

CWGC Cemetery Information can be viewed here

Image source and copyright Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)

   Cheltonians Buried in the Mory Street Military Cemetery, St Leger, France

 

There is 1 Cheltonian buried in the Mory Street Military Cemetery

 

Guy Frederick Beckham Handley

1882 – 1917

 

 

Lieutenant Guy Frederick HANDLEY, MC and Bar, Mentioned in Despatches, 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards is buried in the Mory Street Military Cemetery in Plot A.3.

He was killed in action on 27th August 1917 in the St Leger area of France, whilst leading No. 3 Company of the Battalion into action against German defensive positions.

He is commemorated on the Cheltenham War Memorial, on the Prestbury War Memorial and on the St Mary’s Church Prestbury Roll of Honour.

His parents, Francis and Ada Handley, resided at “Handley Cross”, Albert Road, Cheltenham.

He was an former pupil of Cheltenham College and after attending the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich in 1900, had served in the Great War in the 4th Nigeria Regiment, the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, the York and Lancaster Regiment and finally in the Coldstream Guards

Lieutenant Handley was “Mentioned in Despatches” in a Despatch dated 1st March 1916 by Major General Sir Charles Dobell, KCB, Commanding the Allied Forces in the Cameroons, published in the Fourth Supplement to the London Gazette, Number 29604, dated 31st May 1916.   Lt Handley’s “mention” is on page 5435.

 

 

Lieutenant Handley was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry at Le Sars during the Battle of the Somme in October 1916, whilst attached to a Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment.   The Citation, published in the Second Supplement to the London Gazette, Number 29837, of 25th November 1916, on page 11536 reads “For conspicuous gallantry in action.   He led his men with great courage and determination. Later, although wounded, he remained at his post, consolidated the position, and repulsed an enemy attack”.

He was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross for gallantry and devotion to duty during operations at the Messines Ridge, Belgium, in June 1917, with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.   The Citation, published in the Fourth Supplement to the London Gazette, Number 30234, of 16th August 1917, on page 8355 reads “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.   During an attack he showed a splendid example in steadying the men under heavy hostile barrage prior to the assault.   He visited the whole Battalion front and reorganised the men, remaining in command in the captured line for three days in succession, and by his personal example and utter disregard of danger inspiring all ranks to fresh efforts.   His gallantry made possible the consolidation of a difficult position.

 

 

 

Page last updated:   30th September 2017

 

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