On This Day, 2 July 1917

Birmingham Daily Post

Monday 2 July 1917

DISTINCTIONS FOR BIRMINGHAM OFFICERS

AWARDS FOR HANDSWORTH BROTHERS.

The Military Cross has awarded to each of two Handsworth brothers, the sons of Mr. W, S. Luckman, 66, Boulton Road. The elder brother is Lieutenant W. F. Luckman, of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, and the younger is Second Lieutenant H. J. Luckman, of the Worcestershire Regiment. Both were originally members of one of the City Battalions, joining at Christmas, 1915.

Before the war Lieutenant W. F. Luckman, who is a B.A. of Birmingham University, was English Master at the High School, Trowbridge. The official account of his exploit says: “This officer was in charge of two signalling parties who were laying wire. His own party became casualties, and he went out to find the other party, which had met the same fate. For a long time he endeavoured to establish telephone communication, under very heavy shell fire, and finding it impossible took charge of a party of stragglers and established himself in the sunken road, where he remained all day, and helped to bring in the wounded at night. On May 4 he went out to sight advanced posts, one of which was blown up. Two of the garrison were killed and the remainder wounded. Lieutenant Luckman continued arranging the position of the post, and brought in on his back, under severe fire, a very heavy wounded man. This officer showed great gallantry, resource, and initiative under heavy fire and an utter disregard for his own safety. His example was an encouragement to others.”

The younger brother, Second Lieutenant H. J. Luckman, won the cross for leading a successful raid and personally attacking and killing four Germans. Several prisoners were were taken, valuable information acquired, and the officer brought his party back without a casualty. When he joined the City Battalion he was within a few months of completing his apprenticeship with Mr. F T Krauth, watchmaker, of Great Hampton Street.