Group    From 30/10/1916  To 30/11/1918

Fifth Army

Categories: Armed Forces

The British Reserve Army was formed in May 1916 and renamed as the Fifth Army in October 1916.  It formed part of the British Expeditionary Force which fought in France and Flanders during WW1.  Commanded by Hubert Gough in 1918 it failed to withstand a German offensive and withdrew giving up hard-won territory.  The fifth army was ruined and was disbanded March 1918.  Reformed under the command of William Birdwood on 31 May 1918 it was disbanded on 30 November 1918.

Alternatively: The Children's Newspaper of April 16, 1938, carries a report of a "fighting retreat of our Fifth Army" in March 1918 when "the war was lost and won", and an appeal for funds to endow two wards in St Mary's Hospital as a memorial to "the bravest men who ever saved the flag".

We can't find a picture of the Fifth Army.  Our picture shows '4th Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment, holding the 'La Creche' position on the Lys during a German attack, April 1918' - close enough?

This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Fifth Army

Commemorated ati

St Mary's Hospital - WW1 memorial

The red fox was the insignia of the Fifth Army.

Read More

Other Subjects

Navy Office, Seething Lane

Navy Office, Seething Lane

Built on the site of Walsingham's mansion, this was the Navy Office in which Samuel Pepys lived and worked.  Survived the Great Fire partly due to Pepys' efforts.  Destroyed by another fire in 1673...

Building, Armed Forces, Politics & Administration

2 memorials
Admiral Sir George Ommanney Willes

Admiral Sir George Ommanney Willes

Born Hampshire, son of a naval officer.  Went to sea aged 15.  Served in: East Indies and China, the Mediterranean.  Participated in the bombardment of Odessa and of Sebastopol.  Died at his home i...

Person, Armed Forces

1 memorial
W. J. D. Townsend

W. J. D. Townsend

Co-partner or employee of the South Suburban Gas Company. Served but did not die in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces

War served, WW1
1 memorial
J. S. Mann

J. S. Mann

Co-partner or employee of the South Suburban Gas Company. Served but did not die in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces

War served, WW1
1 memorial
F. C. H. Ellis

F. C. H. Ellis

Co-partner or employee of the South Suburban Gas Company. Served but did not die in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces

War served, WW1
1 memorial