Wednesday 28th March 1917

‘L’ Camp, near Poperinghe

Fine Spring weather returned as General Sir Herbert Plumer, commanding 2^nd Army, inspected the Battalion on the parade ground. Brig Genl. Lambert (see 27^th March), had been concerned that, “Our parade grounds are bad, so I hope the rain will hold off.”

(I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me access to Brig. Genl. Lambert’s diary and letters).

There was also an exercise for Brigade and Battalion Signallers involving contact aeroplanes.

Acting Sgt. George Richard Goodchild (see 9^th March) was now confirmed in his rank of Sergeant.

Acting Sgt. George Richard Goodchild

L.Cpl. Edwin Lightfoot (see 5^th March) was reprimanded for “irregular conduct; smoking in the ranks without permission”, on the evidence of Sgt. John Thomas Hall (see 8^th December 1916) and Cpl. George Benson Heap. Heap was one day short of his 20^th birthday; he was an original member of the Battalion, though not of Tunstill’s company. He was one of six children (two of whom had died in infancy) of John and Annie Heap and had been born in Todmorden but latterly had lived in Ripponden.

Pte. John William Mallinson (see 3^rd March) was again ordered to be confined to barracks for three days having been found, for a second time, to have a “dirty rifle on parade”.

Pte. Albert Edon (see 19^th January) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance to 50^th Casualty Clearing Station for treatment for scabies; he would be treated for a week before re-joining the Battalion on 6^th April.

Pte. Fred Kershaw (see 16^th January) was evacuated to England, suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his left foot; on arrival in England he would be admitted to 5^th Northern General Hospital in Leicester.

CSM Billy Oldfield MM (see 16^th February) who had been back in England awaiting posting to officer training, received orders to report to no.5 Officer Cadet Battalion in Cambridge on 7^th April.

CSM Billy Oldfield MM

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

A pension award was made in respect of the late Pte. Arthur Cooper Clapham (see 27^th February) who had been killed in action in October 1916; his mother, Hannah, was awarded an unknown amount per week for life.


A pension award was made in respect of the late Pte. William Currey (see 21^st February) who had been killed in action in October 1916; his stepmother, Ann, was awarded 12s. 6d. per week for life.