John Spencer Ruscombe Anstice (1894-1915)

John Anstice’s timeline

1894-Born

1907- attends Eton for education

August 1912- Leaves Eton and enters Sandhurst to train to be an officer

August 1913- Leaves Sandhurst and having been attached to 4th Battalion, he is deployed to Calcutta with 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers

December 1914- Departs from India

April 1915- John Anstice lands on ‘X’ beach in Gallipoli

January 1915- Returns to UK. 2nd Battalion billeted in Warwickshire.

March 1915- embarks upon SS. Alaunia for Gallipoli

May 1915- killed in action in Gallipoli

Gallipoli: The CampaignIt was a plan to relieve the stalemate on the Western Front in Europe with the aim of creating a supply route through which materials could pass to Russia.

The Gallipoli Campaign failed for a variety of reasons including the Central Powers’ support of Turkey and inaccuracies in allied intelligence and planning.

Above: HMS Implacable covering the landings at Gallipoli.

John Anstice in Gallipoli

25th April 1915- 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers land at X Beach with Anstice being mentioned in dispatches for

‘‘very gallant work …. carrying ammunition under a murderous fire’’ – Maj. Guyon 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers (See left-hand image)

Anstice is therefore recognised for his bravery for actions occurring within 24 hours of the initial landing at Gallipoli

1st May 1915- The 2nd battalion and the Essex Regiment were sent to a stretch of trench under heavy assault by Turkish forces. Anstice

‘‘captured a trench on his own and was recommended for the VC’’- Mr AB Holman

Unfortunately it is during this action that Lt. Anstice was killed by a gunshot wound to the head.

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31- Landing at ‘X’ beach – 25th April 1915

2-Trench Line occupied-25th April 1915

3-Position of reserve behind frontline- 1st May 1915

Events of May 1st -2nd 1915

1. Turkish forces attack section of the line occupied by the Worcester Regiment.

2. Second Battalion Royal Fusiliers along with the Essex Regiment counter-attack driving back the Turkish forces.

3. Anstice is killed after

‘‘Killing four Turks and capturing 14 all by himself’’- Captain Hope Johnstone

and then capturing the trench.

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The Aftermath

He is buried in the Redoubt Cemetery, Helles, Turkey

‘‘He was such an absolute topper and we all loved him. He was as brave as a lion and always so cheery.’’- Captain Hope Johnstone (CO)

A sketch of a Cross erected by Anstice’s platoon. It reads: “Our gallant comrades Lieut. J.S.R. Anstice Dmr.* A Leach 2nd Batt The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) Killed in action on 2nd May 1915 RIP’’*(Drummer)