Arthur Melland Asquith: A Distinguished Military Career in WWI
When the First World War erupted in the summer of 1914, Arthur Melland Asquith felt a profound calling to serve. Refusing to "sit quietly by reading the papers" while conflict raged, he resigned from his position at Franklin & Herrera to join the Royal Navy. His commitment to the war effort was shared by his brothers: Raymond Asquith, who served in the London Regiment and was killed in action in 1916, and Herbert Asquith, who joined the Royal Artillery.
In October 1914, Asquith was granted a temporary commission as a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR), a volunteer organization that supplemented the professional navy. Due to a surplus of recruits during the early months of the war, the Royal Navy established the Royal Naval Division, a specialized force designed for land deployment. As a junior officer, Asquith was rapidly deployed with this division to Belgium.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]From Belgium to the Mediterranean
Asquith's early service was marked by the intensity of the Siege of Antwerp. The Royal Naval Division suffered heavy casualties during the siege and was withdrawn shortly before the city fell. By 1915, the division was redeployed to the Mediterranean to participate in the Gallipoli campaign, a major Allied offensive aimed at securing the Dardanelles.
The campaign was fraught with hardship. Shortly after arriving, Asquith lost his friend and colleague, Rupert Brooke, to an infected mosquito bite. Despite the grim conditions, Asquith demonstrated exceptional bravery, earning the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his actions. However, injuries sustained during the campaign eventually necessitated his transition to staff work.
Command on the Western Front
In 1916, the Royal Naval Division was redesignated as the 63rd Division and transferred to the Western Front. Asquith continued his duties as a staff officer until April 1917. Following heavy casualties in the field, he was called upon to replace Bernard Freyberg in command of the 189th Brigade.
Leading the 189th Brigade, Asquith engaged in fierce combat throughout 1917. His leadership and courage under fire earned him two additional Bars to his DSO (representing subsequent awards of the same honor). On December 16, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of temporary brigadier-general.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Injury and Later Service
The trajectory of Asquith's active combat career ended abruptly on December 17, 1917, when he was severely wounded. He was evacuated to Britain, where he underwent extensive surgery. Unfortunately, his injuries were so severe that his leg had to be amputated in January 1918.
Forced to retire from active military service with the rank of brigadier-general, Asquith continued to support the war effort from the home front. He served the remainder of the conflict within the Ministry of Munitions, specifically in the Controller of the Trench Warfare Department. Following the war's conclusion, he retired to his home, Clovelly Court, in Devon.
Key Facts
- Initial Rank: Sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (October 1914).
- Major Campaigns: Siege of Antwerp, Gallipoli campaign, and the Western Front.
- Highest Rank: Brigadier-general.
- Key Honors: Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with two Bars.
- Final War Role: Ministry of Munitions, Controller of the Trench Warfare Department.
Service Summary
| Year | Unit/Department | Key Event/Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1914 | Royal Naval Division | Deployed to Belgium; Siege of Antwerp |
| 1915 | Royal Naval Division | Gallipoli campaign; awarded DSO |
| 1916 | 63rd Division | Transferred to Western Front as staff officer |
| 1917 | 189th Brigade | Brigade Commander; promoted to Brigadier-general |
| 1918 | Ministry of Munitions | Trench Warfare Department (post-amputation) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Arthur Melland Asquith join the Royal Navy?
Asquith resigned from his legal career at Franklin & Herrera because he felt he could not "sit quietly by reading the papers" while the First World War was being fought.
What was the Royal Naval Division?
The Royal Naval Division was a separate division of the Royal Navy formed to deploy on land because the Navy had an excess of recruits during the early stages of the war.
What honors did Asquith receive for his bravery?
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and two subsequent Bars to the DSO. His citations highlight his "conspicuous gallantry," his determination in capturing enemy forces during village clearances, and his devotion to duty despite being wounded.
How did Asquith's military career end?
Asquith was badly wounded on December 17, 1917. After being evacuated to Britain, his leg was amputated in January 1918, leading to his retirement from active military service as a brigadier-general.
What did Asquith do after his retirement from the military?
He spent the remainder of the war working for the Ministry of Munitions in the Controller of the Trench Warfare Department before eventually retiring to Clovelly Court in Devon.