Elstob

One survivor later recalled Elstob's final words: Tell the men not to lose heart.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

Elizabeth Elstob gave to Ballard the name of this celebrated bishop in reply to an inquiry from him.

Three Guineas 2003

Elstob sent a message to his brigade commander: "The Manchester Regiment will defend Manchester Hill until the last man."

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

His inexperienced force was surrounded and outnumbered but Elstob fought ferociously, killing an entire enemy bombing party using only his revolver.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

At 3pm, Elstob spoke to headquarters over the radio and said there were very few men left and the end was near.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

Elstob, aged 29, was killed in the final hour of the fighting, and a handful of wounded and battered men eventually surrendered at 4pm.

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

Lieutenant Elstob had left his men in no doubt of the importance of the hill, pointing to it on a blackboard and saying: "Here we fight and here we die."

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

In the afternoon, after receiving three further wounds, Elstob told his sergeant: "They can't damn well kill me."

Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

* Lieutenant Colonel Elstob, for leading his battalion of the Manchester Regiment in a determined defence.

FREE MARKET FAIRY TALES 2009

When ammunition ran low, Elstob himself ran back through the barrage to carry up fresh supplies.

FREE MARKET FAIRY TALES 2009