The Storming of 25 Northumberland Road

The occupants of 25 Northumberland Road and the Sherwood Foresters continued to exchange fire as the battle progressed. Inside the building, Malone and Grace had stored weapons and ammunition at the top of the house in preparation for their planned last stand. During the day, the British changed their tactics by procuring guncotton and Mills bombs to blow past fortifications.

Corporal H. Hutchinson and Private J. F. Booth of the 2/7th Battalion blew in the barricaded doors of 25 Northumberland Road. Both men received promotions after the battle for their achievements.

Malone and Grace were in the process of retreating from the building when the doors gave way and the building was stormed by a company of Sherwood Foresters.

Sketch of a Mills Bomb by British Lieutenant J.M.Y. Trotter (1917) © Royal Armouries

(MAI, MSPR 34/REF/368; MAI, BMH WS 310; Catholic Bulletin, 1916; 1/7th, 2/7th, 3/7th Sherwood Foresters, 1914-1918, 1921)