Post by mchlwilson on Oct 13, 2015 11:39:54 GMT -6
Phil,
I believe elements of C Company took up position on Finley-Finkle Ridge in order to help cover the withdrawal from the ford.
Not long thereafter, the remaining elements of C Company charged down into Calhoun Coulee to relieve the C Company troops who had by then become trapped and beleaguered on Finley-Finkle Ridge.
The real mistake was not immediately withdrawing the C Company troops from Finley-Finkle once Keogh's battalion had arrived on Calhoun Hill.
Michael
Hi Michael.
Just to be certain, when you say Ford, presumably that's Ford B?
Do you mind elaborating on your theory please? Specifically with respect to HQ and Yates Bn movements post Ford B, How long elements of C co were on FFR? and approximate time scale of movements and Keogh Bn collapse?
Thank's
Just to add. I'm off to Cornwall for a few days in the morning and will be without internet. So may not be unable to reply till next Friday evening.
Hi Phil,
Thanks for your reply.
My belief is that elements of Company C arrived at Finley-Finkle in one of two ways:
(1) Company C was closer to Ford B than is traditionally believed, and as other troops pulled back from the ford, Company C took up position on FF to help cover those troops movement up Deep Coulee to Calhoun Hill. Elements of Company C remained on FF after the rest of Keogh's battalion arrived on Calhoun Hill. The charge downhill was a belated effort to extract them from a vulnerable position.
(2) Company C arrived in it's entirety on Calhoun Hill. Viewed from that location, Finley-Finckle ridge appears to be a piece of terrain that you would not want to have fall into enemy hands if you are trying to hold Calhoun Hill. For that reason Keogh's ordered troops to take it. This proved to be a disaster because FF is a death trap in that it can be assailed from three sides. Thus, a short time after ordering troops there it was necessary to extract them.
Attached is a photo of Finley Finkle Ridge viewed from Calhoun Hill. I share this to demonstrate how from Calhoun Hill FInley-Finkle appears to be important.
Michael