Lieutenant Ernest Blas Buckland

Finding a soldier’s link to Great Torrington is not always obvious. Ernest Buckland is a prime example of this and shows that research back through their family is necessary. Ernest was actually born in Argentina on 31st May 1890, where his parents Ernest and Beatrice Buckland had moved. His father, Ernest, had lived in Great Torrington and his grandfather, Samuel Buckland, had been the vicar in the town for some 40 years [1]. As you would guess, the family resided in The Vicarage. The only census information that shows Ernest (senior) is the 1851 information, although no date of birth is included.

Argentina’s independence from Spain in the 19th century like to waves of emigrants from Europe and were drawn to South America by the growing industry and landowner opportunities, which is what led Ernest (senior) here. In their case, they would set up as sheep farmers on an estancia. Details of the family’s life in Argentina are scarce, but we do know that Ernest (junior) was educated at the Lomas Academy, Buenos Aires. The school would also be a springboard for future famous sporting links such as the Lomas Polo Club, Lomas Athletic Club and football team. His grandfather on his mother’s side, Edward Thomas Mulhall, was also the founder and editor of the newspaper the Buenos Aires Standard, which is still in circulation today.

Ernest would travel to England on 15th July 1915 to enlist. He obtained a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the East Surrey Regiment in September before being promoted to Lieutenant in January 1916. This was despite there being an unwritten ‘local rule’ where only those from Wandsworth, or the surrounding area would be considered for such ranks. Ernest would be posted in ‘D’ company of the 13th Battalion, which was one of the battalion’s ‘new armies’ [2]. Following training, the regiment were shipped to France on 3rd June 1916.

Under the 40th Division, the 13th Battalion were concentrated on the frontline near Loos. They would later see action at the Battle of Ancre on the Somme. There are records of letters home from the Lieutenant to his family in Argentina. Following a move onto the frontline, it was common practice for the Germans to tunnel close to the British trenches, to the point where conversations could be heard. Buckland recordfed:

“The Germans have dug an underground post very near to this trench. Last night I listened to them talking. I couldn’t help wishing that I had learnt more from Miss Beck {Buckland’s childhood German governess] when I had the chance.” [3]

As well as tunnelling, another common hazard of trench warfare was raiding parties, both the threat of enemy attacks and the danger of actually being sent on one. The aim was partly reconnaissance, but also the hope of capturing prisoners or valuable documents from the enemy lines. The document attached is a report of one such raid carried out by ‘D’ Company and led by Lieutenant Buckland on an exposed German outpost.

Tragically, Lieutenant Buckland’s death would not come in such an overtly dangerous scenario. Another hazard of frontline action was snipers, which would cost the life of Ernest. Stepping to assist one of his soldiers with his rifle, Ernest would briefly glance his head above the trench-line. This was enough to catch the eye of the enemy sniper. It was reported that his body slumped to the bottom of the trench even before the crack of the shot was heard [4]. He died instantly of the head wound. He was killed in action near the town of Bethune on 5th October 1916 [5]. His commanding officer wrote:

“He was a splendid officer and was getting on so well, always cheery and game for anything. He is, I assure you, a great loss to the regiment. Your son was buried in the presence of a large number of his friends at noon on 6 Oct in a beautifully kept cemetery.”

Lieutenant Ernest Buckland is buried at the Philosophe British Cemetery, which lies between Bethune and Lens. His headstone is marked with the words “In ever loving memory of “Frank”, our beloved son”. Please note that ‘Frank’ was Ernest’s assumed name and there are a number of references to this in the various documentation used to compile this profile. I am still in the process of tracing his family, which, bearing in mind their connection to Argentina, is not an easy task.

Report of a raid conducted by Lt. Buckland

Lieutenant Buckland (centre) pictured with his Company

[1] Western Times. November 6th 1916. ‘Roll of Honour’.

[2] Wandsworth & Battersea Battalions in the Great War’. Paul McCue.

[3] ‘Wandsworth & Battersea Battalions in the Great War’. Paul McCue.

[4] Wandsworth & Battersea Battalions in the Great War’. Paul McCue.

[5] Western Times. October 18th 1916. ‘Roll of Honour’.