EXACTLY 100 years ago this Sunday (Remembrance Day) five Forest lads, all mates from the Cinderford Bridge and Ruspidge areas, were under siege from a German sniper in a shell hole on the Somme.

Just 17 and 18 years-old, they had all lied about their ages to enlist in the Severn Valley Pioneers, a new battalion raised in the autumn of 1915 by Forest of Dean MP Col Harry Webb.

They were part of the 14th Worcesters.

Col Webb had previously raised a similar battalion, known as the Forest Pioneers, for the Glosters.

It was to be a baptism of fire for Tom Beard, his cousins Jim Beard and Arthur Beddis, and close mates Fred ‘Buller’ Turley and Joe Walkley. They had no idea, but the fight they were taking part in was to become known as the Battle of Ancre.

It was to be an eventful day for the Forest five.

Early in the battle, a Naval battalion had overwhelmed the German frontline. But the enemy had left a sniper behind who was well hidden and taking potshots at the British troops. Huddled together in a shell hole, the boys had to take their share of gunfire.

There was a miraculous escape for Jim Beard. He was hit three times but on each occasion the bullets struck the canteen which was strapped to his back. Arthur Beddis was less fortunate, receiving a shot in the elbow.

Later in the day the courageous youngsters pulled off a dramatic rescue, dragging an injured officer to safety. There were no medals, but the five were rewarded with 100 francs to share between them.

They all survived the battle though ‘Buller’ Turley never returned home. He was killed in action in the summer of 1917 having previously been awarded the Military Medal for fighting alongside his corporal and officer when they held off a German attack which enabled other members of their company to escape. They were under continuous fire for 48 hours.

The remarkable and previously untold story will be told by local historian Ron Beard at this Saturday’s meeting of Forest of Dean Local History Society members being held at West Dean Community Centre, Bream (3pm). Visitors are welcome.

It is based on tape recordings made by Mr Beard some 40 years ago in conversations with his father, Tom. Mr Beard will tell how the boys, all of whom worked at Lightmoor Colliery, deliberately added a year or more to their ages to enable them to join up.

Guest speaker at the meeting will be Dr Roger Head who will explore the fascinating story of Highnam Court.