Saturday 25th August 1917

Patricia Camp

A sunny but very windy and dusty day.

A short notice change of plan saw the Battalion moved at 4.30pm by lorries six miles west to what was known as ‘New Dickebusch Camp’, just south-west of the village. This move was part of the British response to German counter-attacks over the previous twenty-four hours in the area around Inverness Copse.

Pte. Thomas Hemingway (see 4^th July) was appointed (unpaid) Lance Corporal.

Ptes. Charles Hammond (see 29^th June), who had been posted back to England two months previously, and Michael Bedley (see 11^th February), who had been sent back to England suffering from chronic bronchitis in February, were posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. Ernest William Evans (see 13^th June), who had been evacuated to England after being wounded on 8^th June, was discharged from hospital and granted ten days’ leave before reporting to Northern Command Depot at Ripon.

The Supplement to the London Gazette published citations for the awards of the Military Cross to officers of 10DWR during the actions of 7^th - 9^th June. Maj. Charles Bathurst MC (see 5^th August) in recognition of his, “coolness and exceptional judgement in action … he was able, in spite of heavy casualties and severe fighting, to take over the frontage of another battalion at a time of difficulty and anxiety. His skilful leadership and power of control were most marked throughout the operation”. Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison MC (see 3^rd August): “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.” Rev. Wilfred Leveson Henderson MC (see 14^th June): “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.” Lt. Arthur Halstead MC (see 11^th August) who had subsequently been killed in a bombing accident: “personally lead an attack with great gallantry and promptitude against a hostile machine gun, capturing the gun and its team”. The same edition also included the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to CSM David Frederick McKrill DCM, MM (see 7^th June): “although wounded early in the attack, he remained with his Company, greatly assisting his commander in rallying his men under machine gun fire, until he was wounded for the second time. His fine example and pluck did much to encourage his men”. 


A payment of £12 3s. 3d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. William Munro (see 29^th July 1916), who had been killed in action in July 1916; the payment would go to his father, Daniel.

A payment of £9 9s. 9d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. John Smith (13382) (see 22^nd May); the payment was due to be divided equally (£1 11s. 7d. each) among his one brother and five sisters. However, although the payments to the sisters were issued, the share due to his brother, Thomas, was retained.