Archibald Walter Buckle: The Decorated Hero of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
The history of the First World War is filled with stories of extraordinary bravery, but few are as remarkable as that of Archibald Walter Buckle. A school teacher by profession and a naval officer by calling, Buckle rose through the ranks of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) to become one of the most highly decorated officers of his time. His journey from a classroom in Paddington to the command of the Anson Battalion is a testament to leadership and courage under fire.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Archibald Walter Buckle, DSO & Three Bars, VD.
- Service Branch: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR).
- Highest Rank: Commander.
- Primary Command: Anson Battalion, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division.
- Major Awards: Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with three bars and five mentions in despatches.
- Lifespan: 16 February 1889 – 6 May 1927.
Early Life and Entry into Service
Born on 16 February 1889 in Chelsea, Middlesex, Archibald Walter Buckle balanced his passion for education with a commitment to naval service. He worked as a school teacher at St Augustine's School in Paddington while simultaneously pursuing his military interests. Buckle joined the London Division of the RNVR in January 1908, achieving the rank of Petty Officer by 1912.
In 1914, Buckle married Elsie Louise Meeks. His transition to active wartime service was abrupt; upon returning to London from his honeymoon, he immediately rejoined his unit as the First World War broke out.
War Service and the Royal Naval Division
Due to a surplus of naval personnel at the start of the conflict, Buckle was assigned to the Royal Naval Division, a formation of naval personnel trained to fight as infantry on land. His early service included the defence of Antwerp in September and October 1914 with the Drake Battalion. Following this, he returned to England and was commissioned as a temporary sub-lieutenant on 19 December 1914.
While many of his peers were deployed to Gallipoli, Buckle spent a period training men. He was promoted to temporary lieutenant on 30 March 1915 and transferred to the Anson Battalion. By 1916, the War Office assumed command of the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division from the Admiralty, and Buckle returned to the Western Front to support the Somme Offensive.
Buckle's ascent in rank continued as he demonstrated exceptional leadership. He was promoted to temporary lieutenant commander in March 1917, serving through the Battle of Arras in April and the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele) in late 1917. By March 1918, he reached the rank of temporary commander, leading the Anson Battalion during the pivotal Hundred Days Offensive.
Gallantry and Decorations
Commander Buckle's bravery was recognized with the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), an award for distinguished services during active operations against the enemy. He was appointed a Companion of the DSO on four separate occasions (the original award plus three bars), a rare feat of military distinction.
- First DSO (March 1918): Awarded for recapturing the strategic Welsh Ridge near Masnières and Marcoing in December 1917.
- First Bar (July 1918): Awarded for organizing a counter-attack near Mesni in March 1918.
- Second Bar (January 1919): Awarded for actions during the advance from Heudecourt in August 1918.
- Third Bar (March 1919): Awarded for actions near Niergnies in October 1918.
In addition to these honors, he was mentioned in despatches five times. It was later suggested in The Times that Buckle had been considered for the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
Post-War Life and Legacy
After the war, Buckle returned to his vocation in education. He served as the headmaster of the London County Council school on Rotherhithe New Road in Brockley. However, the physical toll of the war lingered; Buckle had suffered three war wounds. Tragically, he died at the age of 38 on 6 May 1927, after a scratch on his arm became infected—a complication attributed to his previous wartime injuries.
He is buried at Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries in London and is survived by his wife and three children.
Today, Buckle's legacy is preserved at the Imperial War Museum, which holds his portrait by Ambrose McEvoy and his medals. These include the DSO and three bars, the 1914 Star, the British War Medal, the Victory Medal (collectively known as "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred"), and the RNVR Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Period | 1908–1918 |
| Key Units | Drake Battalion, Anson Battalion, 63rd (Royal Naval) Division |
| Major Conflicts | Defence of Antwerp, Somme Offensive, Battle of Arras, Third Battle of Ypres, Hundred Days Offensive |
| Highest Rank | Commander (Temporary) |
| Primary Honors | DSO & Three Bars, 5 Mentions in Despatches |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR)?
The RNVR was a reserve force of the British Royal Navy, consisting of volunteers who could be called upon for active service during times of war.
Why did a naval officer fight in land battles?
During the First World War, there was a surplus of naval personnel. These men were organized into the Royal Naval Division to serve as infantry on land, supporting army operations on the Western Front and in other theaters.
What does "DSO and Three Bars" mean?
The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a military decoration. A "bar" is awarded to someone who has already received the DSO and performs another act of gallantry. Three bars indicate that Commander Buckle earned the award four times in total.
What are "Pip, Squeak and Wilfred" medals?
This was a colloquial term used by veterans to describe the trio of medals awarded to many WWI service members: the 1914 or 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
How did Archibald Walter Buckle die?
Buckle died at age 38 due to an infection from a scratch on his arm, which was believed to be exacerbated by three wounds he had sustained during his wartime service.