Alexis Ectos Maffuniades

Alexis Ectos Maffuniades

Alexis Ectos Maffuniades was a Private in the 10th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers during the First World War.

He had Turkish ancestry from his father Alexander and he had English heritage through his mother Jane.

Maffuniades served for two years in the Royal Fusiliers, winning the distinguished conduct medal for his bravery under enemy fire.

Unfortunately, “Muffins”, as he was called, died from his wounds inflicted by a German sniper on the frontline of the trenches on the 28th May 1916.

This is the story of his experience during “The Great War”.

Enlistment Maffuniades answered the call at the outbreak of

war to serve his country and thus enlisted on the 27th August 1914, 23 days after war was declared.

He joined the 10th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers also known as the Stockbrokers Battalion. This was a Pals Battalion primarily made up of workers in the city, however Maffuniades himself worked in his fathers printing business.

Before commencing their training at Colchester, Maffuniades and the 10th Battalion swore an oath of allegiance, and also had a parade through the ditch surrounding the Tower of London.

The City Press reported:

‘Thousands of Citizens lingered in town last Saturday to witness the formal inauguration.

Formed into eight columns the recruits mustered in Temple Gardens and were inspected by Earl

Roberts.’

Private Maffuniades (1st row, 2nd from the left) with

his comrades

Training Maffuniades training lasted from September to December 1914.

In September, Maffuniades settled into his new accommodation , he became used to being away from home and adapted to the routines of army life.

Training included : drills , marching and practicing shooting to get them prepared for war.

In November and December, training occurred despite wet and windy conditions where they did marches and cross country exercises

Maffuniades also helped to dig up trenches and put together plans for attack and defence using these.

Private Maffuniades (bottom right) with his fellow soldiers training

The 10th Battalion’s Experience in War Maffuniades himself did not participate in

any major offensives but was involved in numerous skirmishes.

The 10th Battalion was fortunate not to have fought in the Battle of Loos, as despite being reserves for ‘the Big Push’ the advanced forces were unable to create a breakthrough. As Lieutenant Maurice Sharp, a friend of Maffuniades, put it:

‘From 23rd to the 27th September we were constantly on the move in case we were required in the Battle of Loos. This was only a limited success so we were not

needed and could come back to Foncquevillers.’

The Battle of Loos alone suffered 61,000 casualties for virtually no gains.

It was also the first time that British forces deployed toxic gas against the Central Powers and was the first major test for the volunteers that had been raised by Lord Kitchener.

Private Maffuniades (2nd row, 3rd from the right)

with his comrades

Winning the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM)

In March 1916, Private Maffuniades won the Distinguished Conduct Medal whilst serving on the front line.

The incident began with a raiding party travelling out under the cover of darkness to cut through the German lines of barbed wire.

While carrying out this action, the Germans became aware of their presence and began firing and hurling grenades at the British forces.

Unfortunately, a grenade landed at the feet of Captain Roberts and exploded, shattering his hand. In the words of another member of the raiding party, this is what happened next:

‘Although suffering great agony, the Captain uttered no sound which would reveal the position of the bombing party and Private Maffuniades was struck on the head by a bomb,

which fortunately did not explode and only stunned him for a few minutes. On coming to, he discovered Captain Roberts lying so badly wounded, that he was unable to move. The

others of the party were some distance off by this time, and it was impossible for Private Maffuniades to attract their

attention without shouting, so under a hail of rifle fire and bombs, he half carried and half dragged the Captain back

towards the British lines. A minute or two later, when firing died down, the Germans came out hoping to secure

prisoners, but Maffuniades with the Captain on his back, managed to evade them, and eventually reached the British

lines in an exhausted condition.’

Captain Roberts

Private Maffuniades

A newspaper clipping

detailing the incident

What is the Distinguished Conduct Medal?

This was established on 4 December 1854 (during the Crimean War) by Queen Victoria for the act of gallantry in the field.

It was awarded to 29,800 people, with 25,000 of them being awarded during World War I

The medal was also regarded as second only to the Victoria Cross in prestige.

However, the medal was discontinued in 1993, and was replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross

The Death of Maffuniades “It is with deep regret that I write to sympathise with you in the loss of your brother Private Ectos Maffuniades. He was killed about 8:30pm on May

28th. He had been looking over the parapet when a German sniper spotted him and shot him through the head. He lost consciousness at once and died shortly afterwards. Death was therefore painless.

His Platoon officer and I attended his funeral yesterday evening at 6pm in the village, where we

go when we are out of the trenches. It was a beautiful summers evening and it was a most

impressive ceremony. A funeral party of members of B Company, and nearly 100 other mourners

were present. He was buried in the military cemetery on top of a beautiful hill by the side of other brave men of the tenth and some French comrades. For myself, I can only say that I have

lost one of my best men. It will also be your pride that he obtained the Distinguished Conduct medal

for his gallantry and devotion and I know that Captain Russell Roberts will feel his loss very

keenly. In short, he was beloved by officers and men alike and I ask you to accept the sincere

sympathy and regret of all soldiers of B Company 10th Royal Fusilers”

A letter from B Company to Private Maffuniades’ brother detailing his death on May 28th 1916

Private Maffuniades was buried at Berles-au-Bois

By Harry Clarke

James Inchbald

Nawal Azman