Sunday 29th October 1916

Front line trenches south-west of Hooge

During the afternoon British artillery again shelled German positions, with the Battalion observing and reporting on the accuracy and impact of the shelling. In the evening the Battalion was relieved by 11^th West Yorks., with relief completed just before midnight, and returned to the barracks in Ypres.

Cpl. John Stewart (see 23^rd October) who had spent the previous six days in the care of 69^th Field Ambulance with a diagnosis of ‘PYO’ (meaning pyrexia, or raised temperature, of unknown origin) was now diagnosed as suffering from suspected dysentery and evacuated to no.10 Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, Lijssenthoek. 

Capt. John Atkinson (see 17^th September), who had left the Battalion in September, suffering from trench fever, contacted the War Office. Writing from his home at Skea Hall, Enniskillen, he asked them to supply him with confirmation of his being on sick leave, “as I cannot receive any allowances until I receive same”.

Capt. John Atkinson (centre, front row)

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

A memorial service was held at Mount Zion Chapel, Tosside, in remembrance of Pte. Percy Hodgson (see 16^th October), who had attended the Sunday School. At the close of the service a collection was taken in aid of the soldiers' comforts fund.

Pte. Percy Hodgson