Tuesday 22nd August 1916

Reserve trenches south-west of Ploegsteert Wood

Having completed the digging of the new trench, the Battalion was relieved by 11^th West Yorks; the relief began at 4 pm and was completed, without casualties, by 5.30. Lt. Dick Bolton (see 11^th August), with an advance party, had left at 1.30 pm and had secured billets for the Battalion four miles to the south-east in huts along the Rue du Sac near Pont d’Achelles. On arrival a congratulatory message was received from 69^th Brigade HQ; “The Brigadier is much pleased to learn of the excellent work done by the Battalion last night in digging the new trench in front of the line”. There was a message also from 23^rd Division HQ; “Please convey my congratulations to all those who under your orders carried out the good work digging and wiring the new trench in front of trenches 127 and 126”.

Lt. Dick Bolton

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Capt Tunstill wrote to the family of Acting Sgt. Albert Herd (see 21^st August) with news of their son’s death,

“I am distressed to have to tell you that your son, Sergeant A. Herd, of my Company was killed last night by a bullet. You have my deepest and heartfelt sympathy in your loss of such a brave son and may God comfort you in this loss. It may be some little consolation to you to know that he gained his promotion through conspicuous gallantry on the field during our recent attacks and his name has been sent by me twice for great bravery and good work. We of the Company, Officers, N.C.O.’s and men all regret his death as he was a great favourite with us and had gained the confidence and respect of all. One thing, he did not suffer pain; he was unconscious from the time he was hit until he died ten minutes later. We buried him today in a little cemetery and a cross will mark his grave. I have asked the Chaplain to write to you. Our own Chaplain, who was very fond of your son, is unfortunately away, but the Chaplain who buried him will write you”.

Herd, was buried, along with other two men killed, Ptes. Horner and Preston, at Berks Cemetery Extension, west of Ploegsteert Wood.

Sgt. Albert Herd

Capt. Harry Gilbert Tunstill

Lt. Robert Stewart Skinner Ingram (see 30^th May), who had left the Battalion three months earlier to join the Royal Flying Corps completed his period of training and was “accepted for permanent employment with the RFC”.

(Temporary) Major Christopher Galbraith Buckle (see13^th July) who had spent two months with the Battalion in the Summer was appointed (Acting) Lieutenant Colonel whilst commanding 2^nd Northants.

A ceremony was conducted at East Dereham (Norfolk) Red Cross Hospital for the presentation of the ribbon of the Military Medal to L.Cpl. Christopher Leigh, who had been awarded the medal for his conduct in the actions around Horseshoe Trench (see 5^th July). Leigh was being treated for gunshot wounds in the back and leg, and was said to be, “well on the way to recovery”. The report concerning the award from Brig. Genl. T.S. Lambert, 69^th Infantry Brigade, was read: “During operations east of La Boiselle on July 5^th, this NCO took part in the first bombing attack down Horseshoe Trench and after Lt. Lavarack had been killed took charge of the bombing party. He led with the greatest gallantry the second and third attacks when under heavy bombing, rifle and grenade fire. He continued to lead the bombing attacks until wounded, and the gallantry of this NCO may be gauged by the fact that out of one officer and twelve other ranks all but three men were killed or wounded.”

The Vicar, as Commandant of the Hospital, congratulated L.Cpl. Leigh and said that so many brave deeds had been performed during the war that it was all the greater honour that one of their soldiers should have gained it. Dr. J.K. Howlett, one of the honorary medical officers, in making the presentation, said, “Many men desired to distinguish themselves, and it was not all who had the opportunity of doing so. Many of them equally deserved an award of that sort but could not get it; nevertheless they had the satisfaction of feeling that they had all done their bit”. Three cheers for L.Cpl. Leigh followed.

Once recovered from his injuries, Leigh did not re-join 10DWR but was instead transferred to the Military Foot Police, with whom he served until he was discharged from the Army on 25^th June 1919.