HWMI

The first party were soon killed or wounded, but by personal example he inspired his command and volunteers were instantly forthcoming. Under intense fire and with complete disregard of his own safety he stood on the bank encouraging his men and helping in the work.

When the bridge was repaired and whilst attempting to rush across at the head of his Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Marshall was killed just a few yards from the opposite bank of the canal.

The passage of the canal was of vital importance, and the gallantry displayed by all ranks was largely due to the inspiring example set by Lieutenant Colonel Marshall.

At Ors Communal Cemetery in Catillon, he shares a last resting place with Lt James Kirk V.C. and the renowned war poet Wilfred Owen, who both died in the same engagement and of whom Wilfred Owen previously described this Old Edwardian as “bold, robust, dashing, unscrupulous, cruel, jovial, immoral, vast-chested, handsome-headed and of free coarse speech”.

Having already exercised his physical courage in civilian life, undertaking stunts such as high diving in fancy dress costumes to entertain the crowds, Marshall soon sought active service.

After being turned down for the British Army Veterinary Corp due to being unqualified, he travelled to Belgium and joined the 1st Division Belgium Army attached to the 1st Regiment Field Artillery. 

Having received several wounds during active duty, he was discharged as being medically unfit and was consquently awarded his two Belgian medals, the Croix de Guerre (War Cross) and Chevalier de L'ordre de Leopold.

In December 1915 he volunteered for the Irish Guards (Special Reserve) and became an inspiring military leader.

Men under his command volunteered for the most dangerous missions.

In total, he suffered wounds on ten occasions which are as follows:

• 1st – Belgium Sept 1914 before Antwerp – possible thigh wound – saved 4 men from a line regiment under heavy machine gun and rifle fire. Awarded Chevalier de L’Ordre de Leopold

• 2nd - Belgium Oct 1914 First Battle of Ypres – possible thigh wound

• 3rd – Belgium Jan 1915 - Yser-Canal nr Ypres– possible chest injury – sent home to England and eventually discharged

• 4th – June 1916 - Unknown wound - Chelmsford Chronical

• 5th – 15th July 1916 – Serious stomach injury, returned to England for 7 months rest – Essex Newsman 12.08.16

• 6th – 15th June 1917 – Unknown wound. Reported in The Sportsman

• 7th – Dec 1917 - Stab wound to face from enemy bayonet – Evening News 10.12.17

• 8th – Feb 2018 – Unknown wound - Daily Mirror 27.02.18

• 9th – May 2018 – Shrapnel wound – Gloucester News 17.05.18

• 10th – Aug 2018 – Leg wound – Evening Despatch 30.08.18

He was awarded the following medals:–

• Victoria Cross - The highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy"

• British Military Cross and Bar - The Military Cross is granted in recognition of "an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy".

• Croix de Guerre (Belgium) - Awarded for "extreme bravery in the face of the enemy"

• Chevalier of the Order of Leopold (Belgium) - Named in the honour of King Leopold I and is awarded for extreme bravery in combat.

• British War Medal 1914-1918 - The silver or bronze medal was awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces 

• Victory Medal - Each of the allies were issued with their own bronze victory medal with a similar design, similar equivalent wording and identical ribbon.