The Battle of Messines, which took place from June 7 to June 14, 1917, remains one of the most strategically significant and emotionally resonant battles in the history of World War I. In Roseleigh, my historical novel, I portray a veteran of the battle. Fought near the village of Messines in Belgium, this battle is particularly notable for the extensive use of underground mines, the brave actions of the 16th Irish Division, and the poignant death of Irish nationalist and soldier, Major Willie Redmond. These elements combined to create a compelling narrative of innovation, valor, and sacrifice.
The Mines of Messines
The preparation for the Battle of Messines involved one of the most ambitious mining operations in military history. Over a period of more than a year, British and Australian tunneling companies dug a network of tunnels beneath the German lines. The objective was to place enormous quantities of explosives directly under the enemy positions, thus creating a devastating opening strike that would decimate the German defenses.
By the time of the attack, soldiers had filled 21 mines with nearly 600 tons of explosives. Allied forces detonated the mines simultaneously. The explosions were among the largest non-nuclear blasts ever recorded. They obliterated the German frontline positions and created enormous craters in the landscape. People also felt the shockwave miles away and reportedly heard the noise as far as London and Dublin.
In my historical novel, Roseleigh, Sean Ryan, a wounded member of the 16th, also describes the mining:
“We dug as much as eight stories below the bastards and I heard one of the mines was filled with more than 95,000 pounds of ammonal. Can you imagine it? At 3:10 A.M. on June seventh, nineteen mines simultaneously blew sky high.” His beer sloshed from the glass he flung upward to simulate an explosion. “Only two were duds. The Jerrys didn’t know what hit them.” He slapped a knee. “We changed the damned landscape. It left enormous craters and destroyed their front line. You probably heard the explosion from here.”
The explosions killed approximately 10,000 German soldiers instantly and created a massive breach in the enemy lines. Allied leaders designed this initial blow to disorient the German forces and create a pathway for the advancing Allied troops. The scale and precision of the mining operation demonstrated the potential for engineering and innovation to break the stalemate of trench warfare, setting a new standard for military tactics during the war.
The 16th Irish Division
The 16th (Irish) Division was formed in late 1914 as part of the New British Army, a voluntary force raised in response to the outbreak of World War I. Irish nationalist politician John Redmond called on the National Volunteers to join Irish regiments of the New British Army and support the British and Allied war effort. He aimed to restore the “freedom of small nations” in Europe and ensure the implementation of Home Rule, which he had previously fought for, but which was suspended until war’s end.
Initially, the 16th faced significant challenges regarding its fitness and readiness for combat. Staunch unionist, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Wilson, whose IV Corps the 16th was a part of didn’t think much of them. He called them “Johnnie Redmond’s pets” and “useless, old whiskey-sodden militiamen,” finding the officers and soldiers poorly trained and equipped. Despite being a nationalist, the division’s commander, Major General Sir William Bernard Hickie, agreed with this assessment saying they were, “a political [division] of riff raff Redmondites.”
Despite some initial setbacks, the division quickly adapted and demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their determination and camaraderie soon grew as they gained experience on the Western Front. Prior to the Battle of Messines, the 16th gained a reputation as first-class shock troops despite heavy losses. They played an important role in the capture of the towns of Guillemont and Ginchy and the Battle of the Somme later that year.
The 16th at Messines
The 16th also played a crucial role in the Battle of Messines, tasked with capturing key positions along the Messines Ridge. The Irish soldiers, alongside the 36th (Ulster) Division, demonstrated remarkable bravery and determination, reflecting the complexities of Irish involvement in the British Army during a time of political tension back home.
The 16th faced intense resistance but pressed forward with unwavering resolve. Their actions were pivotal in securing the ridge and achieving the battle’s objectives. The division’s success highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of Irish soldiers in the broader context of the war. Their participation in the Battle of Messines also underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among different factions within the British forces, even as political conflicts continued to simmer back in Ireland.
Ryan continues his tale of the Battle of Messines in my historical novel, Roseleigh:
“It was a total siege. The flyboys had done excellent reconnaissance on the German battery positions, and our artillery targeted them with a hurricane bombardment. That softened ’em up! Then a creeping barrage accompanied the advancing infantry while a lifting barrage hit random rear positions. A real one-two punch. They ran around like ants, avoiding our mighty boots …” He stomped his feet and took a drink.
The Death of Willie Redmond
One of the most poignant stories from the Battle of Messines is the death of Major Willie Redmond. A Member of Parliament for East Clare, a passionate Irish nationalist, and John Redmond’s brother, he was a fervent supporter of Irish involvement in WWI. He believed that participation in the war would help unite Nationalists and Unionists in Ireland, through shared sacrifice.
At 56, Redmond was significantly older than many of his comrades. Still he chose to serve on the front lines, reflecting his deep commitment to both the cause and his fellow soldiers. On June 7, during the initial stages of the attack, enemy rifles severely wounded Redmond while he led his men. Soldiers of the 36th (Ulster) Division cared for him, symbolizing a moment of unity amidst the violence.
Redmond’s injuries proved fatal, and he died later that day. His death was widely mourned and became a powerful symbol of the shared Irish sacrifice in the war. His vision of unity through shared service was poignantly illustrated by his final moments. He was cared for by those who, in other circumstances, might have been considered political opponents.
In Roseleigh, Ryan discusses Redmond’s lofty goals and tragic death:
“The shame was we lost our Grand Old Man, Willie Redmond …” He crossed himself. “The night before, on the sixth of June, he had obtained special permission to rejoin his battalion. He came and talked to each one of us in all four companies. He really believed by serving together in the trenches, unionists and nationalists would all learn to get along back home.”
Redmond’s death had a profound impact, resonating deeply both on the battlefield and back in Ireland. He was buried close to where he fell. His grave became a symbol of the complex interwoven narratives of loyalty, nationalism, and the pursuit of peace.
Legacy and Reflection
The Battle of Messines was a clear success for the Allied forces of WWI, achieving its strategic objectives and significantly boosting morale. The meticulous planning, particularly the use of mines, demonstrated the potential for tactical innovation in breaking the stalemate of trench warfare. However, the victory came with significant loss, underscoring the persistent brutality of the conflict.
The battle was a testament to the valor of the 16th. It also serves as a reflection of the Irish experience in World War I. Their actions at Messines exemplified the courage and determination of Irish soldiers. They fought not just for the British war effort but also for the hope of a more unified and peaceful Ireland.
The death of Willie Redmond added a deeply human element to the battle’s history. His passing symbolized the potential for unity through shared sacrifice and the high cost of war. His legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of individual actions within the broader sweep of history.
Today, the mine craters and the memorials to the fallen serve as lasting reminders of the battle’s impact. The history of the 16th and Willie Redmond’s ultimate sacrifice continue to resonate. They offer insights into the enduring themes of courage, unity, and the cost of war.
What are some other descriptions or portrayals of the Battle of Messines you’ve found interesting? I look forward to hearing from you in the comments.
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Notes and References
Simon Jones, “Myths of Messines: The ‘Lost Mines’,” Simon Jones Historian, May 1, 2017.
David Porter, “Great Explosions! 1500-1945, September 13, 2018,” Military History Matters, September 13, 2018.
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