Thursday 7th June 1917

Trenches in the Hill 60 sub-sector, opposite the Caterpillar

The Battalion was formed up in their assault positions by 2.15am. Although there was bright moonlight this move was achieved without alerting the Germans and with no casualties. All of the men had been positioned as close to the front line as possible as it had been observed over the previous days that German artillery fire tended to fall in rear of the front line and this again proved to be the case. Ahead of the assault, as ordered, all the attacking troops crept out of their trenches and formed up, lying down in front of their trenches. At 3.09am the Battalion fixed bayonets and one minute later, at 3.10am, the explosion of nineteen mines heralded the start of the British attack and the Battalion, in common with other units all along the line began their assault on the German positions under the cover of a ferocious British artillery barrage. 

In the first wave 2Lt. Bob Perks DSO (see 2^nd June), in the absence of Capt. Dick Bolton (see 4^th June), led ‘A’ Company forward with Maj. James Christopher Bull (see 1^st June) in command of ‘D’. In a letter home written a few days later Perks described the way in which the day unfolded.

(I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to allow me to quote from Bob Perks’ correspondence).

“We went over from the same trenches we had previously held.  As the papers tell you, we went over at 3.10 am.  It was a most marvellous business.  After great work and trouble we had got ourselves into position in lines in the order we were to go over.  My Company was first over the top.  It was about 2.30 a.m. then and a beautiful moonlit night , and except for a few of our guns trying to keep up an ordinary fire that would persuade the Bosche nothing extraordinary was on the cards, all was quiet.  We had to lie down on the ground to avoid being blown over by the shock of our own expected mines, and it was a most curious business waiting for you hardly knew what.  At five past three, I gave the order to fix bayonets, and the air was tense with excitement.  At ten minutes past exactly the earth shook twice and seemed to roll under us, and on our left there was a sudden shooting cloud of smoke and flame, and then two huge saucers brimming over with liquid flame.  Almost at the same moment there was one long streak of lightning behind us and as far as you could see - our guns starting altogether.  Then we were off into the noise and smoke in front of us with the devilish crackle of our machine guns behind and above us.  There followed a groping towards the Bosche in front of us in the dust.  Though it was almost impossible, and at any rate lacking, as we pushed on through the din and darkness until, suddenly it seemed, we found ourselves in daylight at our objective beyond the Bosche third line.  We had followed our shelling, which had gone steadily on.  They were still firing at a standstill now in front of us, but the infernal racket of the machine guns which had seemed to dominate it all, had ceased.

Many of us had gone too quickly forward into our own shelling and some, I suppose, had met Bosche.  But it was a triumphant party gathered there.  I found that my experience was pretty general.  I had only seen about two Bosche, who were not dead or running away well ahead of us.  However, we had no time to talk.  I had to report my position to the Commanding Officer and, more important, had to send out patrols to keep an eye on the Bosche and prepare a position to hold against any returning to the attack, for we were to be at least three hours before anyone else came up and went beyond us to form a protection between us and old Fritz.  It was hard work for us, too.  The excitement and hard work of the days of preparation and, most of all, the reaction after the excitement, din and work of the last hour told on us”.

As indicated by Perks’ account, the early stages of the Battle of Messines had gone almost exactly according to the British plan. All along the front troops achieved their first phase objectives on time and with relatively light casualties. This was true for 10DWR in their assault against the Caterpillar as reflected in the report written by Maj. Charles Bathurst (see 3^rd June): “Our barrage was perfect, and gave the infantry a great feeling of security. Men were heard to observe afterwards that they could have gone any distance behind that barrage. Our men advanced over "No-Man's-Land" and into the enemy's front line with very few casualties.” 

As planned the first wave had moved on through the first objective, ‘the red line’ and on to their second objective, ‘the blue line’, leaving isolated pockets of resistance to be dealt with by the second wave. The most notable resistance came from a German machine gun team located just beyond the Caterpillar, but this was “dealt with by rifle grenadiers and a few bold riflemen”. By 5.30am the ‘blue line’ was reported securely held.

Although the initial assault had faced rather limited resistance from the Germans when it came to consolidating the gains the men were faced with an intensive German bombardment and it was reported that, “we suffered several casualties at this period”. However, patrols were being pushed out beyond the blue line to establish strongpoints in preparation for the second phase of the attack. At least one of these strongpoints had subsequently to be abandoned as it came under fire from the British barrage which was not timed to lift beyond the black line until 6.50am. It was not possible to call for an alteration in the barrage because, according to Maj. Bathurst, "The Artillery Liaison Officer was with me, but he was unable to assist in any way. It seemed to me that throughout this officer was wasted. He had no means of communication with the Artillery, and we had no means of communicating with Brigade except by runner.”

This difficulty in altering the timing and location of the supporting barrage now created frustration for the men on the ground. The plan for the second phase of the attack called for a pause of more than three hours though Maj. Bathurst (like many others) reflected that, “In my opinion had we not had to pause in the blue line we could have secured the black line comparatively easily. The enemy was observed to be running away fast and was now putting up no opposition at all. Rifle fire and Lewis Gun fire were opened on him as he retired, and it was thought many casualties were inflicted on him.”

The planned pause was, however, duly observed and it was 6.50am before men of 9^th Yorkshires passed through the blue line to begin their assault. The delay had allowed time for the Germans to reorganise their defences and the resistance was much more stiff than that faced by the initial assault. However, in most places along the line the black line was successfully gained by the renewed British advance. One of the exceptions to this was at the southern edge of Battle Wood. Here 9^th Yorkshires found their advance blocked by strongly-established German positions which had been excavated deep into a mound of spoil thrown up by the excavation of the Ypres-Comines Canal. The dugouts and machine gun posts within the spoil bank provided the Germans with a strong defensive position and further progress proved impossible. One platoon and a Stokes mortar from 10DWR were despatched to assist 9^th Yorkshires but were unable to improve the situation to any degree, not least because the platoon lost their way and the Stokes mortar team had only limited ammunition available.

By the evening of the 7^th June 9^th Yorkshires had been unable to advance any further and 10DWR was now ordered to dig in along the blue line which was to be held at all costs in the event that 9^th Yorkshires should be driven back. They were to be assisted by men from the Royal Engineers and the Pioneer Battalions who had been brought forward to begin their work as early 10am. Maj. Bathurst duly positioned his men, along with all available Lewis guns and his remaining Stokes mortar in position so as to command all the low ground up to and beyond the black line. In spite of severe shelling by the Germans and a number of attempts by the Germans to counter-attack, the Battalion continued to hold these same positions through the rest of the day, which turned out to be extremely hot, overnight on 7^th/8^th, and into the following day. 2Lt. Perks recalled that, “It was getting hot, too, and we had then had no food since the night before, but we did carry on and also after the others had gone through us.  It was a very weary Company that held that line amidst the shelling that afternoon, but still cheerful and very pleased with ourselves, and the prospect of a triumphant return after relief that night.  But for some reason that was not to come, and we saw it get dark and light and dark again while we were still looking for signs of relief”.

Overall, the Messines attack had been a remarkable success and had secured the vast majority of its objectives at a lower cost in casualties than had been anticipated. However, casualties among 10DWR were still considerable. In total one officer and 22 other ranks were confirmed killed in action and a further 16 other ranks were reported as missing in action. 

Among those killed was only one of Tunstill’s original recruits. Pte. Tom Greenwood (see 10^th July 1916) had served with the Battalion since its formation and in July 1916 had written to the family of Pte. Tommy Cartman to relay news of his death. Tom Greenwood, according to one of his fellow Earby recruits, was “struck on the head by a piece of shrapnel and died instantly”. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.

Pte. Tom Greenwood

The only officer killed was 2Lt. Arthur Calvert Tetley (see 19^th December 1916). He was buried at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground, but the exact location of his grave was lost in subsequent fighting in the area and he, along with Ptes. Samuel Sharp (see 6^th June) and two others is commemorated on one of the special memorials in the cemetery which refer to men known to have buried in the cemetery but whose graves were subsequently destroyed by artillery fire.

Many of the other men confirmed killed in action were most likely buried by their comrades but now have no known grave and are commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial. 

L Cpl. Leonard Green (see 5^th May); his remains were originally buried but the site of his grave was subsequently lost. 

Pte. Frank Beaumont (see 17^th October 1916).

Pte. Joseph Bernstein (see 19^th December 1916). 

Pte. James William Brennan (see 6th October 1916). 

Pte. George Brook (see 19th December 1916). 

Pte. George William Cook was 21 years old and from Halifax, where he had worked as a ‘tape sewer’ in one of the local textile mills. He had previously served with 9DWR and it has not clear when he had joined 10DWR. 

Pte. John Ellis (see 30^th March).

Pte. Joe Kaye (see 16^th January). 

Pte. Richard Nelson (see 16^th January).

Pte. Frederick Arthur Stead was 24 years old and from Brighouse, where he had worked in the textile mills; he had joined the Battalion in the Spring of 1916 (details unknown). CQMS Edgar Shuttleworth (see 9^th January) would write to Pte. Stead’s widowed mother, “We are all very sorry about the death of your son who was a really good lad. All in the company offer you their deepest sympathy and hope you may be given strength to overcome the loss of so brave a son”. 

Pte. Frederick Arthur Stead

From The Halifax Courier, 29th June 1917

Pte. Jacob Sweeting (see 28^th May) was originally reported wounded, having been struck in the head by shrapnel, but it was later confirmed that he had died on the way to a dressing station. An officer (unnamed) would later write to Pte. Sweeting’s widow and tell her, “He was cheery under the most adverse circumstances and, for courage and initiative displayed during the attack, your husband has made a record which will be hard to surpass”. 

Pte. Christopher Tinker Sykes was 25 years old and from Huddersfield, where he had worked as a baker before the war. He had originally served with 9DWR and had first gone out to France in July 1915 and had been wounded in February 1916; when and under what circumstances he had joined 10DWR is unclear. 

Pte. George Waterworth, aged 22, was from Thornton, near Bradford, where he had worked in the local textile mills; it is unclear when he had joined the Battalion. His brother, Pte. Richard James Waterworth, had been killed in action on 11^th May, while serving with 2^nd/6^th DWR.

Pte. Samuel Wilson (see 28^th May) was originally reported wounded, but later confirmed killed.

Pte. Thomas Wood (see 26^th May) had been with the Battalion for less than two weeks.

Some of those killed in action were buried at locations close to the front line and which were not lost in subsequent operations. The majority of these burials were made at what became known as Woods Cemetery, located at I.34.a.5.7. Pte. Fred Brown (see 6^th June 1916) was among those buried here; according to a report in the Clitheroe Times news of his death would be reported to his family by Pte. John Walton (see 19^th December 1916), the writer stating “that he and Private Brown were comrades. On the date mentioned they were together, and Private Walton went to procure a stretcher. When he returned, death had claimed Private Brown”.  Also buried at Woods Cemetery was Pte. Fred Greenwood (12115) (see 3^rd December 1915). Pte. Thomas Henry Hanson (see 11^th January) was originally reported wounded, but he was later confirmed as having been buried at Woods Cemetery. Pte. Richard Spencer Howard was 35 years old and married with one daughter; he was from Leeds and had worked as a Music Hall musician and luthier (Richard Spencer Howard’s story has been brought to life in the acclaimed musical performance, “Sam Sweeney’s Fiddle: Made in the Great War”, see www.madeinthegreatwar.com); Ptes. Lewis Sykes (see 10th July 1916) and Isaac Wells (see 16^th January) were also buried at the Cemetery. Lt. Arthur Halstead (see 28^th December 1916) would write to Pte. Well’s mother, “I very much regret to tell you that your son was unfortunately killed in action on 7^th June and I offer you my sincerest sympathy in your loss. Your son joined my platoon in December last year and I have always found him conscientious in his duty and good at his work. I feel his loss deeply. As a machine gunner he did that work exceedingly well. He was hit in the shoulder by a piece of shrapnel as the attack by the Battalion commenced but unfortunately, as he reached the dressing station, he was killed by a shell. The men in the platoon also send you their deepest sympathy. He was, I know, deeply beloved in the platoon and we all deeply regret his loss”. Pte. Reginald Parish (see 16^th January) died of wounds and was buried at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground.

Those reported missing were:

Cpl. John Matthewson Richard Grieves (see 17^th December 1916), reported wounded and missing. 

L.Cpl. Luther Pickles (see 29^th May).

Pte. Arthur Greenwood (see 16^th January).

Pte. Willie Bates (see 13^th May).

Pte. James William Clark (see 17^th October 1916).

Pte. John Coltman (see 17^th October 1916).

Pte. Harry Cowper (see 19^th December 1916).

Pte. John William Hardcastle (see 19^th December 1916); news of his death would be communicated to his widow in a letter from 2Lt. John Robert Dickinson (see 19^th December 1916), “It is with deepest regret that I have to inform you of your husband’s death. It came as a great shock to me as he was the backbone of the platoon, always cheering up the others. He was killed in the advance on June 7^th before we had arrived at the Boche front line. I cannot say where he was buried but that information can be obtained from the usual sources. Please accept the deepest sympathy from the NCOs and men of his platoon”.

Pte. Walter Horne (see 16^th January).

Pte. James Buckley Kenworthy (see 19^th December 1916).

Pte. Henry Marshall (see 19^th May).

Pte. Frederick Miller; he was 29 years old and the son of a German-born immigrant, Hermann Miller, who had himself worked as a waiter in London. Frederick Miller had originally served with 8DWR and had been posted to Gallipoli in September 1915; the date and circumstances of his transfer to 10DWR are unknown. 

Pte. Tom Close Naylor (see 17^th October 1916); CQMS Frank Stephenson (see 24^th December 1916) would write to his wife informing her that, “I am sorry to inform you that Private T.C. Naylor is officially reported missing from the 7^th. As you will probably be aware we have had severe fighting and it is yet possible that Tom may turn up. I shall be pleased at any time to give you any further information that may come to hand. We must hope for the best and put our faith in God. Sincerely hoping I will be able to send you better news in a few days”.

Pte. Hector Salembier (see 19^th December 1916). 

Pte. Charles Smith (29004) (see 5^th May). 

Pte. Francis Seed (see 12^th February).

Also reported missing was L.Cpl. George Andrew Bridge (see 3^rd May), who had originally served with 10DWR but had been transferred to 8^th Yorks and Lancs.  Subsequent enquiries through the Red Cross would result in the following: "I deeply regret to say that our enquiries concerning Lance-Cpl. Bridge have had a very sad result. We have seen a man who tells us that he witnessed his death. This is Pte. Joseph Dolman, York and Lancs., now in No. 2 Woodlands Hospital, Wigan, who gives the following account: "I saw G. A. Bridge killed on June 7th. It was dark when I saw him. I was about 10 yards off him at the time. That was the last I saw of him. When we came out of the trenches I heard that he had been buried. We were advancing at the time." We cannot help fearing that this a true account, since Lance.-Cpl. Bridge has been missing so long without news. At the same time we are still going on with our enquiries, and shall let you know if we are able to learn anything further." Although L.Cpl. Bridge was apparently buried by his pals, the site of his grave would subsequently be lost. However, in 1921 his remains would be recovered and, having been identified by his identity disc, he would be re-interred at Bedford House Cemetery.

In addition to those confirmed killed in action or reported missing in action, two other men were confirmed as having died of wounds. The circumstances under which Sgt. George Peacock (see 1^st March) was wounded were described in a letter to Peacock’s parents from his (unnamed) platoon officer who told them that he and Sgt. Peacock, “went over the top side by side and out into No Man’s Land. Before reaching the German trenches he (Peacock) was wounded and on returning to the dressing station was killed. A cross was put over his grave”. He added that, “He is a great loss to me; in fact, he was my right hand man. To all the officers and men of this Company he was very popular. He died fighting for his country and in the defence of England’s shores. But greater than this, your home. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your bereavement”. Sgt. Peacock was originally buried near the hamlet of Verbrandenmolen, south-east of Larch Wood (I.28.d.7.7); however, the cross marking his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting and the site of his burial lost. His remains would be exhumed in 1922 and identified by means of his identity disc before being re-interred at La Brique Military Cemetery No.2 (I am greatly indebted to Andy Wade and ‘menofworth’ for the additional information and image of Sgt. Peacock). Pte. Frederick Charles Davies had suffered severe wounds to his left arm and died of wounds at one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings and would be buried at the adjacent Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. He was 22 years old and from Bradford. He had originally served with 2DWR and had first arrived in France in July 1915; exactly when and under what circumstances he had had joined 10DWR is unclear.

Sgt. George Peacock

The total number wounded in the actions of 7^th June is not known but at least nine officers and more than thirty other ranks have been identified as among the wounded. However, the total number of wounded is estimated to have been in excess of one hundred, but the absence, or partial nature,  of many service records makes it difficult to identify many of them with certainty. 

Only two original members of Tunstill’s Company are known for certain to have been among the wounded. Pte. Tom Darwin (see 5^th June) had only re-joined the Battalion on 20^th May after spending ten months in England recovering from wounds suffered on the Somme in July 1916. He was again wounded during the attack at the Caterpillar. He was at first reported missing in action but was subsequently found to have been evacuated 4^th London Field Ambulance, to 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, and from there to 3^rd General Hospital at Le Treport, where he was treated for shrapnel wounds to his left arm and shoulder. Pte. Joe Feather (see 17^th March) suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his left thigh; he was evacuated to England and admitted to hospital at Walmer, Kent. It is likely that a number of other original members of the Company were also wounded, but, in the absence of many service records, this cannot be confirmed.

The officers known to have been wounded were:

Maj. James Christopher Bull (see above), who had led ‘D’ Company in the first wave of the assault, suffered wounds to his right shoulder; “while attacking he sustained a through and through shrapnel bullet wound of right shoulder and a fracture of accronoid end of clavicle and splintering of accronion process”. He was evacuated to 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings.

Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison (see 12^th May) suffered bullet wounds to his left foot and leg. A bullet passed through his foot, leaving a compound fracture of the scaphoid bone and another bullet struck him just below the left knee, causing only a superficial wound. He was evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings.

Lt. Robert Oswald Milligan (see 26^th May) suffered severe injuries to his left arm and was evacuated to hospital in France (details unknown) for treatment.

Lt. Philip Howard Morris (see 18^th February) suffered wounds to his left arm and was evacuated to 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, where an operation was carried out to remove the shell fragments. 

2Lt. John Davis MM (see 20^th November 1916) “whilst in trenches consolidating after the attack” was hit in the right arm by a fragment of a high explosive shell which caused a penetration wound and fractured the humerus. He was evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings, where the fragment was removed from his arm the same day.

2Lt. John Davis MM

2Lt. George Patrick Doggett (see 23^rd January), who was temporarily attached to 69^th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery, suffered severe wounds to his right thigh; he was evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings and from there to a hospital in France (details unknown). His injuries were so severe that his right leg would be amputated.

Lt. Arthur Halstead (see above) suffered a minor wound to his knee but remained at duty.

2Lt. Godfrey Isaacs (see 6th March) was slightly wounded. A machine gun bullet struck and passed through his helmet, leaving “a slight abrasion to left of vertex about middle of head. He was thrown down but did not lose consciousness”; he was “giddy and had a severe headache’ but remained at duty. 

2Lt. Bob Perks DSO (see above) suffered a minor wound, but remained at duty.

2Lt. Bob Perks DSO

Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson

Also wounded was the Battalion Chaplain, Rev. Wilfred Leveson Henderson (see 26^th January); he would be awarded the Military Cross for his conduct. “Closely following up an attack, he worked without ceasing under very heavy shell fire for many hours, bandaging and succouring the wounded. Whilst carrying a wounded man back to the dressing station he was blown up by a shell and severely wounded in both thighs and back. His courage was exceptional and his example did much to ease the sufferings of the wounded.” Rev. Henderson suffered severe wounds, including a comminuted fracture of his left femur and multiple other injuries. He was evacuated to the Red Cross Hospital at Le Touquet.

A substantial number of the wounded men have also been identified.

CSM James Davis MM (see 15th May), who had been awarded the Military Medal for his conduct at Le Sars in October 1916, was severely wounded and evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings.

CSM James Davis MM

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

CSM David Frederick McKrill MM (see 4th March) was wounded (detals unknown) and would be evacuated to England.

Sgt. John Thomas Matthews (see 16^th March) suffered severe wounds to his left leg; he would be admitted via 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station to 13^th General Hospital at Boulogne.

Cpl. Dennis Waller (see 24^th May) was wounded in the buttocks; he was admitted to 46^th Casualty Clearing Station at Mendighem and transferred from there to 56^th General Hospital at Etaples.

1.       L.Cpl. Fred Atkinson (see 23^rd May) suffered a relatively minor shrapnel wound; he would be treated locally and would soon re-join the Battalion.

L.Cpl. Joseph Dunn (see 5^th May) suffered wounds to his left leg; he was admitted via 46^th Casualty Clearing Station at Mendighem to 8^th Red Cross Hospital at Paris-Plage.

L.Cpl. Louis Feather (see 5^th May) suffered a relatively minor wound to his left arm; he was evacuated via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and from there to 22^nd General Hospital at Camiers.

L.Cpl. Norman Moorhouse (see 5^th May) was wounded (details unknown) and evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings. 

Pte. Sam Appleyard (see 13^th May) suffered a fractured left shoulder and other wounds. 

Pte. Ernest Binns (see 6th October 1916) suffered wounds to his right arm; he would be treated in hospital in France (details unknown). 

Pte. Harold Walker Bray (see 5th January) was also wounded, although the details of his injuries are unknown. 

Pte. John Broadbent (see 4^th October 1916) suffered wounds to his left hand and would be evacuated to England and treated successively in hospitals in Shearness, Chatham and Sevenoaks.

Pte. Herbert Butterworth (see 19^th December 1916) was initially reported missing but was then confirmed as having been admitted, via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and from there to 16^th General Hospital at Le Treport; he had suffered wounds to his right leg.

Pte. Ernest Arthur Carter (see 14^th December 1916); the details of his injuries are unknown.

Pte. John William Clark (20782) (see 19^th December 1916) suffered a compound fracture of the left leg; he was evacuated, via 4^th London Field Ambulance, to no.12 Casualty Clearing Station, and from there to 9^th General Hospital at Rouen, where his left leg would be amputated. 

Pte. Arnold Crossley (see 17^th July) suffered severe chest wounds and was evacuated, via 4^th London Ambulance, to no.17 Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings. 

Pte. Harry Exley (see 23^rd November 1916) suffered wounds to his right leg; he was admitted, via 4^th London Field Ambulance and 12^th Casualty Clearing Station, to 7^th Canadian General Hospital at Etaples. 

Pte. Thomas Henry Fearn (see 11^th February) suffered a relatively minor wound to his right arm; he was admitted, via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 12^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and from there to 16^th General Hospital at Le Treport. 

Pte. Thomas Fielden (see 19^th December 1916) suffered a relatively minor wound to his left forearm; he was admitted via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 46^th Casualty Clearing Station at Mendighem and from there to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. 

Pte. John Oldfield Greenwood (see 28^th May) suffered facial wounds and would be evacuated to be treated in France, although the details are unknown. 

Pte. George Hayes (see 11^th May) was wounded and would be evacuated to England; the nature of his injuries and treatment are unknown.

Pte. Arthur Heeley (see 16^th January) suffered severe head wounds and was evacuated to 83^rd General Hospital at Boulogne.

Pte. Thomas Hemingway (see 16^th January) suffered relatively minor wounds to his left arm and face; he was admitted via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and from there to 16^th General Hospital at Le Treport.

Pte. Willie Hey (see 5^th July 1916) suffered shrapnel wounds to his neck; he would be evacuated to England on 13^th June and would be admitted to the County of Middlesex War Hospital at Napsbury, near St. Albans.

Pte. Herbert Farrand Hogley (see 31^st January) suffered a relatively minor wound to his right hand; he was admitted to 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station and then transferred to 55^th General Hospital at Wimereux.

Pte. Arthur Holt (see 12^th February 1916) suffered shrapnel wounds to his arms, legs and head and would be evacuated (details unknown) to England, where he would spend time in hospital in Sheffield. 

Pte. James Hotchkiss (see 19^th March) suffered a relatively minor wound to his left hand; he was admitted via 12^th Casualty Clearing Station to 7^th Canadian General Hospital at Etaples. After two days’ treatment he was transferred to 34^th Infantry Base Depot also at Etaples.

Pte. Matthew Henry Jubb (see 25^th April) was initially reported missing but was confirmed as having suffered severe wounds to his head, shoulder and left side; he was admitted to 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and then transferred the St John Ambulance Brigade Hospital at Etaples.

Pte. William Kay (see 16^th January) was initially reported missing but subsequently confirmed as having suffered severe wounds to his abdomen and right thigh; he was admitted to 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station and then transferred to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport.

Pte. Herbert Crowther Kershaw (see 23^rd February) suffered shrapnel wounds to his right thigh; he was admitted first to 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, and from there transferred to 46^th Casualty Clearing Station at Mendighem and finally to 7^th Canadian General Hospital at Etaples.

Pte. Joseph Livesey (see 26^th March) suffered a relatively minor wound to his left leg; he was admitted via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 12^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and from there to 16^th General Hospital at Le Treport.

Pte. John Thomas Mason (see 16^th January) suffered a relatively minor wound to his shoulder; he was treated locally before returning to duty. 

Pte. Joseph McDermott (see 5^th May) suffered serious wounds to his right leg; he was evacuated to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. 

Pte. Basil Middleton (see 16^th January) was wounded, but the details of his injuries are unknown; he would be treated in France in the first instance.

Pte. John Mooring (see 28^th May) suffered gunshot wounds to his right leg and thumb; he was admitted via 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station to 16^th General Hospital at Le Treport and from there would be evacuated to England on 12^th June.

1.       Pte. James Moran (see 6^th February); the details of his wounds and treatment are unknown but he would shortly re-join the Battalion.

Pte. James Charles Eugene O’Callaghan (see 17^th October 1916) suffered a severe wound to his leg; he would be treated locally in the first instance, but the details are unknown.

Pte. Harold Peel (see 26^thMay) suffered wounds to his mouth; he was initially admitted to 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, and from there transferred to 12^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and finally to 7^th Canadian General Hospital at Etaples.

Pte. Harold Precious (see 1^st June) suffered severe wounds to his right thigh and back; he was admitted to 17^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and then transferred to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport.

Pte. Claude Prosser (see 17^th October 1916) suffered a compound fracture of his left arm and a dislocation at the elbow; his injuries were so severe that his arm would be amputated above the elbow.

Pte. Alec Radcliffe (see 11^th February) suffered relatively minor wounds to his right leg; he was admitted, via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 12^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and from there to 16^th General Hospital at Le Treport.

Pte. Harry Read (see 20^th February) was severely wounded and evacuated to 69^th Field Ambulance.

Pte. Michael Henry Rourke (see 4^th April) suffered wounds to his right arm; the details of his evacuation and treatment have not been established.

Pte. John Edward Scott (see 28^th May), who had only joined the Battalion ten days previously, was initially reported missing; he was then confirmed as having suffered wounds to his right thigh which saw him admitted, via 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, to 18^th General Hospital at Camiers.

Pte. Ernest Smith (29167) (see 16^th January) suffered wounds to his head and thigh; he was evacuated to 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, and from there to 26^th General Hospital at Etaples.

Pte. Herbert Smith (200022) (see 13^th May) suffered shrapnel wounds to his abdomen and thigh; he was evacuated to 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station.
Pte. Albert Sunderland (see 16^th January) suffered severe wounds to both thighs; he was evacuated, via 4^th London Field Ambulance, to no.12 Casualty Clearing Station, and from there to 26^th General Hospital at Etaples. 

Pte. Smith Stephenson Whitaker (see 19^th December 1916) suffered wounds to both legs; he was evacuated, via no.12 Casualty Clearing Station, to 56^th General Hospital at Etaples. 

Pte. Jabez Wintersgill (see 23^rd February) was initially reported missing, but was then confirmed as having suffered a minor head wound and admitted via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 46^th Casualty Clearing Station at Mendighem and from there to 56^th General Hospital at Etaples.

Pte. Jabez Wintersgill (see 23^rd February) was initially reported missing, but was then confirmed as having suffered a minor head wound and admitted via 97^th (County Palatine) Field Ambulance, to 46^th Casualty Clearing Station at Mendighem and from there to 56^th General Hospital at Etaples.

Rev. Henderson was one of three officers who would be awarded Military Crosses for their part in the actions of 7^th June. The other recipients were Lt. Arthur Halstead (see above) who, despite suffering a minor wound to his knee, “personally lead an attack with great gallantry and promptitude against a hostile machine gun, capturing the gun and its team” and Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison (see above) who had led ‘C’ Company in the second wave of the attack. Harrison, “although wounded in the knee, continued to command and direct his company until all his objectives were obtained. By his devotion to duty he helped his battalion to secure its objectives and set a magnificent example to his men.”

Fifteen other ranks serving with the Battalion are known to have been awarded the Military Medal for their conduct in action.

Cpl. Josias Bailey (see 9^th April).

Ptes. Joseph Binns (24162) (see 17^th October 1916), Arthur Lee (see 23^rd November 1916) and Frank Mallinson (see 17^th July 1916); it was reported that, “part of our Battalion was held up by a German machine gun. Without hesitation these three men dashed forward and killed the enemy gunners. They then turned the machine gun around and fired into the retreating enemy. Their brave act greatly facilitated our advance”.

Pte. John Edward Bartle (see 19^th December 1916).

Pte. Michael Cooney; he "showed splendid courage under heavy shell fire. During the operation he set a fine example by his hard work, fearlessness and cheerfulness, thereby keeping up the spirits of the remainder of the gun team. He has constantly proved himself a cool and trusted man under shell fire”. He was 23 years old and from West Hartlepool and had originally served with 8DWR and had been wounded at Gallipoli in August 1915; the date and details of his transfer to 10DWR are unknown. 

Pte. Harold Frost; he “worked with exceptional determination and skill in dressing the wounds of men under very heavy shell fire. His work was of great value to the wounded”. He was a 25 year-old textile worker from Mossley; in the absence of a surviving service record it has not been possible to establish when, or under what circumstances he had joined the Battalion.

Pte. Arthur Charles Elkington; he was 30 years old and had worked as a warp dresser in Bingley before enlisting. He had originally served with 2DWR, going out to France on 15^th April 1915 (he had married Ellen Foster in Bingley on 16^th January 1915), and subsequently with 8DWR; the date and circumstances of his joining 10DWR are unknown).

Pte. Tom Feather (see 2^nd August 1916); he had previously been recommended for a Mention in Dispatches for his conduct as a Battalion runner on the Somme in 1916, but the award seems never to have been sanctioned.

Pte. John Smith Hodgson (see 30^th March); he ‘led his Company forward under heavy shell fire and set a magnificent example and devotion of duty to the remainder of the men’.

Pte. John Smith Hodgson

Image by kind permission of Andy Wade and MenOfWorth

Pte. William (Billy) Hoyle (see 17^th December 1916); “Throughout the whole day of June 7^th during our attack south of Hill 60, we had no telephone communications. This man showed exceptional bravery and devotion to duty by continually carrying messages under heavy enemy shell fire. On previous occasions this man has shown similar bravery and devotion to duty”.

Pte. James Arthur Markinson (see 16^th January).

Pte. Victor Race (see 17^th October 1916).

Pte. Enoch Wilson Rhodes (see 3^rd August 1916), he was one of the Battalion stretcher bearers and had been recommended for the DCM in July 1916 but had not been granted the award. 

LCpl. William Walker Rossall (see 6^th February); he was also promoted Acting Corporal.

Pte. Herbert Smith (11837) (see 12^th July 1916), who had been transferred from 10DWR to 69^th Brigade Pigeon Station, was also awarded the Military Medal; again emphasising the key role of maintaining communications during the actions. Notice of the award would subsequently appear in The Halifax Courier (21^st July 1917); “Official intimataion has been received that Pte. Herbert Smith, West Riding Regiment, whose home is at North View, Elland, has been awarded the Military Medal. The message, which is signed by Capt. H.C. Owen, states that Pte. Smith ‘has done invaluable work in charge of the Brigade pigeon supply. On June 7^th, during an attack on Hill 60, he was detailed to carry pigeons forward to the rear of the attacking line of the Brigade forward post. Though the rest of the party were scattered or became casualties, he reached his objective and waited there alone with his pigeons for over an hour under heavy shell fire. Finding no-one arrived, Pte. Smith returned through the barrage and reported to headquarters. He has on previous occasions shown coolness under fire. At Contalmaison, on July 10^th 1916, by his means the first news of the captivity of the village was sent off and again at Le Sars on October 7^th 1916 he did very commendable work’”.

Pte. Herbert Smith (11837)

Image from The Halifax Courier, 21st July 1917

There was also to be recognition of the conduct of by CQMS Maurice Harcourt Denham (see 14^th January); he would receive a commendation from Major General Sir J. M. Babington KCMG, commanding 23^rd Division, “Your Commanding Officer has informed me that you have distinguished yourself by conspicuous bravery in the field from 7^th to 11^th June. I have read their reports and, although promotion and decorations cannot be given in every case, I should like you to know that gallant action is recognised and how greatly it is appreciated”.

The award of the Military Medal to Hoyle, Feather and Smith also illustrate the fact that, although all had largely gone to plan, as anticipated, communication between the attacking troops and Battalion HQ and from Battalion back to Brigade HQ had quickly become difficult. All telephone lines to Brigade were soon broken by German shelling and communication could only be maintained by using runners. Similarly, information from the assault troops was limited and at 3.30am it had been decided to move Battalion HQ forward to the old German reserve line. On arrival there it had been established that all first phase objectives, as far as the blue line, had been gained by 3.45am and work was already underway to consolidate and secure the new positions. Transmission of these vital messages between the front line, Battalion and Brigade HQ was highly dangerous and required great courage on behalf of those involved. 

In his subsequent report on the action Maj. Bathurst would highlight two areas which he felt required urgent attention. He was clearly frustrated by the difficulties of communication which he had experienced, “The Signalling arrangements struck me as being the most difficult problem to solve. The P.B. and Amplifier seem to be far too delicate for the purpose. Even three days after the attack, we were only in telephonic communication with Brigade HQ by an ordinary D.3 telephone and wire. This wire was of course continually broken, and for the most part we had to rely on runners as our sole means of communication. No less than two P.B.s were tried and neither of them was a success. I am certainly of opinion that lines should be run out from BHQ to Companies as soon as possible after an attack. The system of runners is slow and most exhausting to the men. If lines were run out and linesmen properly organised into groups, each group being responsible for a certain length of line, it seems to me it would be more satisfactory. In the recent attack we had no wire to run out to Companies, and had to rely absolutely on runners.”

He was also concerned about the difficulty and delay in evacuating wounded men from the field; “I had no less than 24 extra stretcher bearers in addition to the 16 allowed in Establishment, making a total of 40. Even with these numbers, the wounded, both the enemy and our own troops, had to go through much additional suffering through exposure. If the RAMC bearers cannot come up to the battlefield until the battle is over, it seems that additional men should be supplied from other units not actually employed in the attack. Though the stretcher bearers were working hard all day long and during the night, some of the wounded were not removed until 24 hours after they had received their wounds. As an alternative to this, if the Regimental Aid Posts could move forward it would save the stretcher bearers long carries which would greatly save the delay in collecting all the wounded.”

Cpl. Ronald Jeckell (see 1^st June) was promoted Acting Sergeant.

Pte. Donald Stewart (see 17^th December 1916), serving with 69^th Machine Gun Company, Machine Gun Corps, was killed in action; he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

Pte. Herbert Greenwood Audsley (see 24^th May) who had spent two weeks at 20^th Field Ambulance, under treatment for lenticular cataracts, was discharged to 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples.

Pte. Wilfred Frederick John Thomson (see 1^st January) was posted from the Inns of Court OTC to no.20 Officer Cadet Battalion based at Fleet, Hampshire. Once commissioned, he would serve with 10DWR.

Pte. Albert Saville (see 25^th May) who had been absent without leave from 298^th Labour Company, based at Ripon for the previous two weeks, handed himself in the Police in Bradford. On returning to Ripon he was awarded seven days’ detention and forfeited 14 days’ pay.



Pte. Percy Geldard (see 6^th October 1916), who had been in England since having been wounded in October 1916, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service on account of his wounds; he was assessed as having suffered a 40% disability and awarded the Silver War Badge and an Army pension of 11s. per week, to be reviewed after six months.
A payment of £6 9s. 8d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Sgt. Sam Phillips (see 5^th January); the payment would go to his widow, Ada.  

A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Cecil Rhodes (see 16^th January), who had been killed in action in October 1916; his mother, Annie, was awarded 8s. per week.