Casualties of Spring 1918: Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrith Elstob

On a misty morning in March 1918 a small group of soldiers faced being overwhelmed. Their task was to hold out for as long as they could. There was no chance of relief or rescue. They were led by a school teacher, Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrith Elstob, whose example would inspire them to fight to the bitter end. “The Manchester Regiment will defend Manchester Hill to the last” - was Elstob’s final communication on 21 March 1918.

Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrith Elstob VC, DSO, MC

16^th Battalion, Manchester Regiment

Died: 21 March 1918

Aged: 29

Wilfirth Elstob was born in Chichester, Sussex, in 1888. He was the son of the Rev. Canon John Elstob and Frances Elstob. After graduating from Manchester University he taught in Beauvais, France, and at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh. At the outbreak of the First World War he volunteered to serve in the 16^th (1^st City) Battalion of the Manchester Regiment and received a commission as a Second Lieutenant.

Elstob fought at the Battle of the Somme in 1916, where he was awarded the Military Cross, and then in 1917 at the Battle of Arras and the Third Battle of Ypres, where he received the Distinguished Service Order. A combination of leadership and survival saw him promoted to command the battalion during the summer of 1917.

In March 1918, Elstob and his men were sent to defend a redoubt that had been christened Manchester Hill when another battalion of the regiment had taken it the previous year. A strongpoint in the British line, it overlooked much of the surrounding area. Arriving at the redoubt the Manchesters knew the Germans were planning an offensive. It was here Elstob told the battalion: "Here we fight and here we die." 

The attack, codenamed Operation Michael, came before dawn on 21 March 1918. Much of the British frontline collapsed in the first few hours and the Manchesters were left isolated and surrounded. Wounded during the heavy German bombardment of the hill, Elstob nevertheless moved between his men, encouraging them to fight on. 

Elstob was wounded twice more before their ammunition ran out and the Manchesters were finally overwhelmed. It has been reported that when the Germans asked Elstob to surrender he replied without hesitation, ‘Never!’ and was immediately shot dead.

For his actions he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation reads:

"For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and self-sacrifice during operations at Manchester Redoubt, near St. Quentin, on the 21 March 1918. During the preliminary bombardment he encouraged his men in the posts in the Redoubt by frequent visits, and when repeated attacks developed controlled the defence at the points threatened, giving personal support with revolver, rifle and bombs. Single-handed he repulsed one bombing assault driving back the enemy and inflicting severe casualties. Later, when ammunition was required, he made several journeys under severe fire in order to replenish the supply. Throughout the day Lieutenant-Colonel Elstob, although twice wounded, showed the most fearless disregard of his own safety, and by his encouragement and noble example inspired his command to the fullest degree. The Manchester Redoubt was surrounded in the first wave of the enemy attack, but by means of the buried cable Lieutenant-Colonel Elstob was able to assure his Brigade Commander that "The Manchester Regiment will defend Manchester Hill to the last." Sometime after this post was overcome by vastly superior forces, and this very gallant officer was killed in the final assault, having maintained to the end the duty which he had impressed on his men – namely, "Here we fight, and here we die." He set throughout the highest example of valour, determination, endurance and fine soldierly bearing."

Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrith Elstob has no known grave and is commemorated on the CWGC Pozieres Memorial, Panel 64 to 67.