Christopher Clark (1875-1942)

Christopher Clark (1875-1942)
Royal Munster Fusiliers and Royal Artillery at the Battle of Étreux
Signed and dated C CLARKE 05 (lower left)
Oil on board
48 x 71.8cm; 19 x 28¼in

Provenance:
The family of Lieutenant (later Lieutenant-Colonel) Arthur Stewart-Cox, Royal Artillery, who was wounded and taken prisoner during the Battle of Étreux;
And byfamily descent

Literature:
Illustrated London News (according to inscription to the reverse)

During the retreat of the British Expeditionary Force from Mons in 1914 a section of 118th Battery, 26th Brigade Royal Field Artillery joined the men of the 2nd Battalion Munster Fusiliers in their celebrated rearguard action at Étreux on 27th August. This tiny force, comprising approximately three and a half companies of the Munsters, two 18-pounder guns of 118 battery, and a troop of the 15th Hussars, delayed the advance of an entire German Corps in fourteen hours of fierce fighting, surrendering only when compelled to by the exhaustion of their ammunition. The British force was surrounded, and the artillery had to work their guns with no cover and in close proximity to the enemy. Heavy casualties were suffered, among them Lieutenant Stewart-Cox who was wounded and taken prisoner. By the selfless gallantry of these men, British I Corps was enabled to withdraw in good order.