Thursday 27th July 1916

Trenches near Becourt Wood

There was some German shelling overnight on 26^th/27^th and the threat of gas shells, but there were no great alarms for the Battalion and conditions were generally quiet. Orders were received for the Battalion to move, next day, through Contalmaison and into the front line trenches east of Pozieres.

Pte. Patrick Conley (see 15^th July), who had been wounded on 11^th July, was discharged from Middlesex General Hospital where had spent the previous 11 days.

The funeral took place, at St. Ambrose’s, Grindleton, of Pte. Thomas Rigby (see 21^st July) who had died at Frensham Hospital, whilst being treated for wounds suffered in the advance on Contalmaison. It was reported that, “The local mills stopped for a time and almost all the local operatives attended the Churchyard. The scenes were impressive. The Grindleton Band played suitable music, inside and outside the Church, and after the body had been lowered to its last resting place the Last Post was sounded by a bugler. The last rites were performed by the Vicar (Rev. F.G. Ackerley) and the Rector of Slaidburn (Rev. J.C. Garnett)”.

Pte. Thomas Rigby

The surviving personal effects of the late Lt. Leonard Hammond (see 14^th July), who had been killed in action on 5^th July, were despatched to his family. They comprised of, “Cigarette case, plated flask, note case with photos, cheque book, gold medal”.

A similar return of personal effects was recorded (but not dated) for Capt. Herbert Montagu Soames Carpenter (see 20^th July), who had been killed the same day. In his case, his effects were itemised as, “Letter case with photos, fountain pen, Holy Bible, cheque book, Colt 45 automatic pistol with 4 spare magazines and cleaning rod, cardboard pocket book, Morocco pocket book, pair of field glasses, diary”.

For Lt. Adolph Keith Lavarack (see 6^th July), also killed on 5^th July, his effects were recorded as having been, “Metal cigarette case, note book with photos, note case (empty), letter case with keys, cheque book, small pocket book, fountain pen, identity disc, charm, tie-pin”.

The family of the fourth officer killed on 5^th July, 2Lt. Walter Douglas Taylor (see 18^th July), also received his personal effects: “Silver case, match box and stamps, note case containing photographs, gun metal watch, photo, fountain pen, cheque book, officers’ advance book, ring”.

Lt. Leonard Hammond

Capt. Herbert Montagu Soames Carpenter

Lt. Adolph Keith Lavarack

2Lt. John Redington who had left the Battalion three weeks earlier (see 6^th July), was transferred back to England, aboard the hospital ship HMS Newhaven from Calais to Dover, for further medical treatment. It was reported that, “This officer has been suffering from extreme weakness for the past six months in France. He was unable to march without pain, which was chiefly located in the left inguinal region. The pain is attributed to adhesions in the appendicular region.” 

Edward Smitham, the eldest son of Sgt. George Edward Smitham (see 24^th June), attested for service, claiming to be aged 18 (he was in fact only 17). He was posted to 3^rd (Reserve) Battalion DWR.