Tuesday 27th June 1916

Fremont

The day was, “devoted to physical training and getting all ranks fit”, which proceeded despite heavy showers. The exercises were in preparation for the part the Battalion was due to play in the opening stages of the British advance which was scheduled to begin in two days’ time. Writing many years later, Lt. Dick Bolton (see 25^th June), recalled that, “We quickly learnt of the great attack which was about to be launched, and it was strongly rumoured that we were to take part in the pursuit across open country after the first attack broke through the enemy lines as it was bound to do. Disillusionment was not long in coming.”

2Lt. Henry Kelly (see 20^th June) joined the Battalion; he had arrived in France a week earlier.

L.Sgt. Mark Allan Stanley Wood, serving with 16^th West Yorkshires, was admitted to 93^rd Field Ambulance, suffering from dyspepsia (acute indigestion). He had only been back with his unit for ten days after a previous bout of illness (see 17^th June). He would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR.