Thursday 20th September 1917

Assembly trenches in and around Sanctuary Wood.

At about 1am the heavy rain of the previous evening cleared and the weather became calm and still. Dawn broke at 5.30am and ten minutes later the British assault, which was to become known as the Battle of the Menin Road, was launched, with the infantry advancing close up behind the British barrage which was advancing at the rate of 100 yards in six minutes. According to plan, in the 23^rd Division sector the initial assault was carried out by 11West Yorks attacking through Inverness Copse. By 6.10am the first objective, the Red Line, had been captured and consolidation was in progress. The planned 45 minute delay was then applied, giving time for 9Yorks to move up to their assembly positions ready to renew the attack. En route they had to deal with small parties of Germans who had escaped the mopping-up parties of the 11West Yorks and some stiff fighting ensued before they were able to reach their assembly trenches.  At 7.08am the barrage lifted forward and the second phase opened, troops advancing behind a barrage moving at a rate of 100 yards in eight minutes. Casualties for 8Yorks were heavy but the second objective, the Blue Line, was secured. The assault on the third objective, the Green Line, would fall to 10DWR.

The story of 10DWR’s involvement in the actions is best told in the words of the Battalion War Diary:

“At about 3am the Companies began to move up to their assembly positions in Jasper Avenue, Jasper Lane and Grid and New Cut trenches (on the western edge of Inverness Copse). The Companies had been ordered to be in position so as to be able to get straight into their respective trenches immediately on these being vacated by the 9^th Yorks and 11^th West Yorks at or as soon after Zero as possible and this was duly carried out within about five minutes of Zero. However, owing to a party of 9^th Yorks without an officer remaining in Jasper Avenue, Maj. Borrow (Maj. Edward Borrow, see 29th August) who was temporarily commanding A Company for the battle was unable to get into it for a considerable time and the Company suffered severe casualties in consequence at this stage. A platoon under Lt. Hulburd (Lt. George Stuart Hulburd, see 15^th August), too was late in getting into position owing to its Commander and platoon Sergeant both being badly wounded, and this platoon suffered considerable casualties.

At 8.40am the Companies moved forward in columns of half platoons in file with A Company followed by C Company on the right; B Company followed by D Company in the centre, and D Company 8^th Yorks on the extreme left. The latter Coy moved up on the northern side of Inverness Copse and got through to their jumping off point in front of and behind the Blue Line (from Kantintje Cabaret to the crossroads at J.15.c.4.7) in good order having the good fortune to get very little barrage on them. The four Companies of this Battalion who had to go through Inverness Copse had a pretty heavy barrage put on to them and suffered considerable casualties, and arrived at the Blue Line about 9.10am. B Company, having lost all its officers except 2Lt. Anderson (2Lt. Conrad Anderson, see 1^st July), who with his platoon had lost direction somewhat and gone to the right of A Company, arrived in a somewhat disorganised state, but was pulled together by Capt Payne (Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne, see 3^rd September) and the whole line advanced punctually to time at about 9.53am.

About 9.43am I had arrived with my HQ party at the Tower in Strong Point I and from this time the advance could be watched from the Tower up to the time when our men disappeared over the ridge just behind the Green Line, though the smoke and dust of the shells made it difficult to see details but it was obvious all was going well.

Northampton Farm itself on the left proved no obstacle to speak of, but just beyond it a line of over a dozen concrete dugouts and pill-boxes were heavily manned and armed with machine guns which, together with the enemy shells, caused a great many casualties to our B and D Companies. D Company 8^th Yorks were more fortunate, though it too at this stage appears to have had a good many casualties in crossing from the same causes. These dugouts were eventually cleared of the enemy by B and D Companies of this Battalion, whilst others still further to the left were dealt with by the 8th Yorks., and these Coys took up a line in the dugouts with posts 75 to 150 yards in front which were well dug in within an hour. At the same time, Capt Payne, finding no one on his right flank, formed a defensive flank with one platoon of B Company reinforced by two Lewis Gun Sections.

Meanwhile A and B Companies on the right had had stiff fighting for some of the concrete dugouts in the village of Veldhoek and a strongly held hedge in front of it, but these were cleared by the fine manoeuvring of Maj. Borrow, 2Lt. Sparling (Lt. Herbert Sparling, see 15^th August) and 2Lt. Anderson, whose platoon of B Company had rather lost direction, but came on the scene just in time to outflank the dugouts at Strong Point N and rendered valuable service to A and C Companies in the taking of these strong dugouts. Meanwhile Lt. Wilson (Lt. Stanley Reginald Wilson, see 2^nd August) who was with a platoon of C Company, seeing that there was no touch with D and B Companies on the left, took his platoon most opportunely into the gap and enabled Capt. Payne to send the men he had on his defensive flank forward. As A and C Companies attacked the last line of concrete dugouts in the Green Line CSM Parker (CSM Charles Edward Parker MM, see 24^th July), observing that the dugout on the left front of the 13^th DLI was rather holding them up, promptly attacked it from the flank and rear and captured it.

This completed the capture of all our objectives and everywhere the troops dug in energetically, and by noon our new line was secure. Meanwhile about 10.30am Capt Miller, B Coy 8Yorks reported his arrival at the dugouts about 150 yards N.N.W. of Strong Point I with part of his Coy which had been very heavily shelled on their way, bringing up wire and other materials. They had suffered considerable casualties and were rather scattered but he started reorganising and salving material which had been dropped.

At about 11am, having received a message from Capt. Payne that he was in his objective but not in touch with anyone on his left and that he was too weak to cover the gap himself, I ordered Capt. Miller to at once send up two platoons of his Company to report to Capt. Payne and filled the gap, obtaining touch with C Company on the right, and to hold himself and his other two platoons in readiness to go up at a moments notice. I asked for one of the Brigade Reserve Companies of the 8^th   Yorks to be sent up at once to take his place and for the other to be sent up at dusk. Capt. Miller's first two platoons arrived at their destination just before noon in small parties without much loss and took up a positions in the front line between my B and C Companies, considerably strengthening the line which was then rather thin. As soon as I learnt the Brigade Reserve Company was coming up I sent up Capt. Miller with the rest of his Company to take up as much small arms ammunition as he could collect to Capt. Tilley and then report to Capt. Payne with a view to going where he was most wanted and thus make sure as possible of the line.

At 12.45pm, being still uncertain of the exact dispositions in the front line I sent 2Lt. Edwards (2Lt. Vincent Edwards, see 15^th June), my Intelligence Officer, to reconnoitre and report on it, a duty he carried out most thoroughly with the utmost gallantry in the face of considerable fire of every description. He was able to tell me on his return the exact dispositions and the fact that the two Vickers Guns which I had ordered to take up a position on the right flank did not appear to be there. I did not in fact succeed in getting them taken there until the night of the 21^st notwithstanding my urgent orders.

At 2.45pm we observed from the Tower considerable bodies of the enemy massing for counter-attack on a line J.16.central to J.16.c.95.05. and in front of it. I at once let Brigade and Artillery know and sent out urgent warnings to all concerned and deployed my reserve Company of the 8^th Yorks which had just arrived on a line right and left of Strong Point I. Our artillery opened on the enemy at once and with evident effect for the attack did not materialise and, when the dust and smoke of our barrage cleared, no one was to be seen.

At dusk, I moved by BHQ from the Tower in Strong Point I to a more commodious concrete dugout which had evidently been a German HQ about 50 yards south of the Tower, keeping the Tower as an Observation Post and Signal Station connected with me by 'phone'.

The night was very quiet with the exception of some heavy shelling of my HQ and the Tower about midnight and I was able to spend about three hours in going round and examining the posts and dispositions behind in comparative peace before the opening of our trial barrage, during which time I thoroughly satisfied myself that our positions was secure everywhere”.

Despite the successful conduct of the attack, casualties in the Battalion were very heavy and, although many of those killed were apparently buried by their comrades, many of the graves would be lost in subsequent fighting in the area.

Two officers had been killed; Capt. Adrian O’Donnell Pereira (see 4^th September) and 2Lt. Donald Halliday Lyon (see 21^st June). Both were most likely buried in the aftermath of the attack but their graves lost in subsequent fighting in the area. In April 1919 the remains of Capt. Pereira, identified by means of his cigarette case, would be recovered from an unmarked grave in the village of Veldhoek and re-buried at Hooge Crater Cemetery; 2Lt. Lyon is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.

Capt. Adrian O'Donnell Pereira

2Lt. Donald Halliday Lyon

Casualties among the men were high; more than 80 men were reported killed, died of wounds or missing in action and in excess of 240 men were wounded. Among those killed were two of Tunstill’s original Company. Pte. John Wesley Amos (see 9^th September 1915) had only recently re-joined the Battalion, having spent some time on attachment to the Royal Engineers. Pte. Percival James (Percy) Pemberton (see 24^th December 1916) had been invalided back to England earlier in the year, suffering from pneumonia and had spent some time in hospital, followed by a short period of leave at his home in Menston, before returning to the Battalion. He was killed whilst acting as a stretcher-bearer and was carrying a wounded man back through the trenches when he was caught in a shell explosion. News of Pemberton’s death was reported to his widow by her brother, Private A. Clarke (unidentified), who had witnessed what had happened. Both Amos and Pemberton are now commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.

A number of other original members of the Battalion were also killed, including Sgt. Ernest Nussey (see 21^st March 1916). The circumstances of his death were described in a letter to his family from 2Lt. Vincent Edwards (see 15^th June): “Sergt. Nussey was killed during the great advance through Inverness Copse, which resulted in such a glorious victory for our Army, and in which our battalion (the 10th) did so magnificently. He was wounded in the leg by a bullet and five minutes afterwards a shell exploded very near him and killed him instantly. He was buried near where he fell. We are all deeply grieved that he will never return to us, for he was a thoroughly good man right through – a good soldier and a good comrade.”

Sgt. Ernest Nussey

The other original members of the Battalion killed were:

Sgt. Thomas Sheldon, a 32 year-old married man from Bradford; he was originally buried close to Inverness Copse, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting.

Cpl. Albert Harold Hanson (see 12^th August).

Cpl. Joseph Rawnsley (see 31^st March).

L.Cpl. Joseph Bowles; he was a 30 year-old textile worker from Halifax and married with one son. 

Pte. Wilfred Cornelius Allott was 30 years old; he had worked before as a labourer at the gasworks in Huddersfield. He was originally buried south-east of FitzClarence Farm, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting.

Pte. William Denby was 21 years old and from Keighley and had been an original member of the Battalion.

Pte. William Denby

Image by kind permission of Andy Parker

Pte. William Arthur Greenwood Dolby was 28 years old and from Haworth, where he had worked before the war as a woolsorter.

Pte. Thomas William Jones (see 29th July 1916).

Pte. Thomas Thompson MM (see 1^st June).

All of these men, with the exception of Sgt. Sheldon and Pte. Allott are now commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.

The other men killed in action, most of whom are now commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, were:

Sgt. Luke Dawson (see 27^th February). 

A/Sgt. James Collings (see 19th November 1916).

L.Cpl. George William Foster (see 28^th July); he was buried just south of Stirling Castle, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting.

L.Cpl. Herbert Horatio Millican (see 15^th September).

L.Cpl. Thomas Mullaney; he was a 31 year-old coal carter from Mossley and had originally served with 1st/7thDWR. In the absence of a surviving service record I am unable to establish when, or under what circumstances, he had joined 10DWR. 

Pte. Nicholson Braddock (see 12^th September).

Pte. Harry Bradshaw (see 5^th July).

Pte. Stanley Broadbent (see 28^th June); he was buried just south of Stirling Castle, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting.

Pte. John Robert Camm (see 5^th July); he was originally reported wounded and missing, but then confirmed as having been killed in action.

Pte. Edwin Charles Church (see 8^th September) had been with the Battalion for only 12 days; he also was originally reported wounded and missing, but then confirmed as having been killed in action .

Pte. Henry Cox was a 20 year-old colliery worker from Ecclesfield, near Sheffield.

Pte. Clifford Gough (see 17^th August).

Pte. Edward Greenhalgh (see 6^th March).

Pte. Harry Hancock (see 28th May).

Pte. George Hartell (see 5^th July).

Pte. John William Hebb (see 8^th September).

Pte. Fred Heppinstall (see 14^th September) had only re-joined the Battalion six days previously, having been away for two months following admission to hospital suffering from boils.

Pte. George Edward Hickson was 19 years old and from Wragby, Lincolnshire.

Pte. Stanley Roebuck Hutton (see 4^th September).

Pte. William Walker Jackson (see 23^rd February).

Pte. William Walker Jackson

Pte. Archibald Kean (see 8^th September); he was buried just south of Stirling Castle, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting.

Pte. William Kendall Lamb (see 8^th September).

Pte. Stanley Arthur Lucas (see 8^th September).

Pte. Thomas Manuell (see 11^th September).

Pte. Henry Richardson Oddy (see 25^th June); he was buried just south of Stirling Castle, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting. News of his death would be conveyed to friends at Thornhill Briggs Working Men’s Club by Joseph Dent (see 17^th August) who, like Pte. Oddy, had been a member of the Club; “As a member of your Club I think it my duty to inform you of the death of Pte. Harry Oddy who was also a member of the Club. He was killed in action on September 20^th and he had a decent grave along with a few more of our Battalion. We had several good nights together before we went into the trenches so you will realise I have lost a chum”.

Image from The Halifax Courier, 12th October 1917

Pte. Amos Oddy (see 31st August); he was buried near Inverness Copse, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting.

Pte. Harold Oliver was 19 years old and from Wilberfoss, Yorks. His brother, Pte. Robert Arthur Oliver, had been killed in action in April 1916 while serving with the Scots Guards.

Pte. Clifford Orchard (see 8^th September).

Pte. Stanley Peace, a 25 year-old labourer from Huddersfield; he had previously served with 2DWR, having first gone out to France in July 1915.

Pte. Harold Peel (see 4^th September).

Pte. Willie Priestley (see 3^rd September).

Pte. Harold Shaw (12758); he was a 26 year-old spinner from Oldham.

Pte. Harry Stillwell (see 8^th September).

Pte. George Stinson (see 5^th July).

Pte. Frank Suckling (see 8^th September).

Pte. Elijah Sudworth (see 28^th May).

Pte. Michael Taylor (see 28^th August).

Pte. Arthur Thornton (see 5^th July); he was originally buried, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting. His widow would receive news of his death from 2Lt. Andrew Aaron Jackson (see 29^th May 1917); “It is my painful duty to tell you of the death of your husband on the day after the big advance in which he took part. By friends who were with him I am told that he suffered absoloutely no pain. I have his pocket-book and cigarette case in my possession and shall send them to you at the earliest possible opportunity. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your great trial. Although I had not known long, I liked him and we both had the same longing for home. His friends in the platoon ask me to send their heartfelt sympathy. We have lost a comrade, but you – I dare not think what you have lost. Again, please accept my deepest sympathy”. There would also be a letter from CQMS Maurice Harcourt Denham (see 23^rd August); “It is with the deepest regret that I learnt of the death of your husband and I am writing to express my sympathy. He had not been with us very long but was well liked by all the Brighouse fellows and we feel we have lost a great pal. He was killed in an attack on the morning of the 20^th and was laid to rest in a soldier’s grave not far from the line. His grave, I assure you, will receive every attention. No words can express our loss, while yours is infinitely greater. May God comfort you in your terrible loss”.

Image from The Halifax Courier, 12th October 1917

Pte. James Tunnicliffe; he was 26 years old, originally from Glossop but had been living in Stalybridge, and had served with 1^st/7^th DWR (first being posted to France in April 1915) before joining 10DWR (date and details unknown).

Pte. John Joseph Walker (see 8^th September).

Pte. Ernest Frederick Warner (see 8^th September).

Pte. Walter Kenyon Whitehead was a 31 year-old warehouseman from Halifax. 

Pte. Thomas Wilcock was a 33 year-old warp twister from Bradford; he was married with two children. He was buried just south of Stirling Castle, but his grave would be lost in subsequent fighting.

Three men are known to have died the same day from wounds suffered in action:

Pte. Joe Anderson died of wounds at 13^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings and would be buried at the adjacent Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. From Huddersfield, where had worked in the textile mills, he was a married man with one son and had originally served with 1^st/7^th West Ridings before being transferred to 10DWR.

Pte. David Lindsay (see 8^th September) died of wounds before reaching medical help; it seems likely that he was buried in the field by his comrades, but the site of his burial was lost in subsequent fighting and he is now commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing.

Pte. John (Jack) Williams (see 3^rd September) suffered wounds to his right arm and hand; he was evacuated to 11^th Casualty Clearing Station at Godewaersvelde, east of Poperinghe, but died of his wounds; he would be buried at Godewaersvelde British Cemetery.

A substantial number of men were reported missing in action. Among them, some were quickly identified as having been killed, allowing swift settlement of their affairs with their families, and, in a number of cases, the return of some of their personal effects. These included:

Pte. Albert Edward Everitt (see 28^th June).

Pte. Herbert Hirst (see 5^th July).

Pte. Leonard Le Lacheur (see 5^th July).

Pte. John Myles Raw (see 16^th January).

Pte. John Myles Raw

Pte. Ernest Smith (25187) (see 5^th July).

Pte. Herbert Smith (31449) (see 8^th September).

Pte. Joseph William Sutcliffe (see 28^th May).

Pte. Thomas Henry Swift (see 7th August).

Pte. Arthur Tempest (see 5^th July).

Pte. Clement Wilson (see 12^th June).

Also initially reported missing but then confirmed as killed in action was Pte. Edwin Waterworth (see 25^th June) who had been attached to 69^th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery.

Other men initially reported missing were not identified among the bodies recovered in the following days and their families would have a protracted period before official presumption of death would be confirmed. These men were:

L.Sgt. Fred Light Pashley (see 4^th September); his comrades (unnamed) would write to his mother, telling her “his place will be difficult to fill as he was a good chum and he died doing his duty”.

Cpl. Edward Woffindale (see 31^st August).

L.Cpl. Arthur Milner (see 25^th June).

Pte. John Buckley; he was 21 years old and from Delph, near Oldham; he had previously served with 1^st/7^th West Ridings before being transferred to 10DWR.

Pte. Peter Herity (see 20^th August).

Pte. Alfred Hirst (see 5^th July).

Pte. Henry Harry Jolly (see 8^th September).

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

Pte. Ernest Needham (see 16^th June).

Pte. Alfred Spencer (see 5^th September). 

Pte. Albert Victor Wilcock (see 16^th January).

Pte. Harry Willey (see 28^th May).

Pte. Jabez Wintersgill (see 21^st July).

Pte. Thomas Henry Wood (see 26^th August).

Also reported wounded and missing was Pte. Frank William Rabjohn (see 23^rd August), but subsequent events would establish that he had not been killed.

At least nine officers are known to have been wounded. Maj. Edward Borrow (see 22^nd August) suffered a bullet wound through his right hand; he would be evacuated to England for further treatment. Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 14^th September) suffered a bullet wound to his left thigh, the bullet passed through his thigh without striking the femur and leaving what Perks himself would describe as “a clean flesh wound only”; he would be evacuated to England and admitted to 2^nd Western General Hospital in Manchester. Lt. George Stuart Hulburd (see 15^th August) suffered severe wounds to his right, arm and hand; he would be evacuated to hospital (details unknown) in France. 2Lts. John Robert Cass and George Thomas Lotherington (see 17^th September), like 2Lts. William Taylor and John Henry Walker (see above), who had been killed in action, had only been with the Battalion for three days, on attachment from the East Yorkshire Regiment. Both men were wounded and evacuated to England, but the nature and extent of their injuries are unknown.

Maj. Edward Borrow

Capt. Robert Clement Perks DSO

Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson

Lt. George Stuart Hulburd

Image by kind permission of Paddy Ireland

Lts. Arthur Poynder Garratt (see 15^th August) and Herbert Sparling (see 15^th August) were also reported wounded, but their injuries were relatively minor and both remained with the Battalion. 

The total number of men wounded on the day is unclear, but appears to have been well in excess of 200; around 80 of these men have been identified.

CSM Bob Harrison (see 24^th August) was wounded (details unknown) and admitted to hospital in France.

1.      Sgt. Walter Appleby (see 9^th July) suffered penetrating shrapnel wounds to his chest; his wounds were severe and he would be evacuated to hospital in Rouen (details unknown).

Sgt. Walter Appleby

Image by kind permission of Andy Wade and MenOfWorth

Sgt. John William Dickinson (see 8^th June); the nature of his wounds are unknown, but he would be evacuated to one of the hospital in Etaples.  Sgt. Harry Raistrick (see 17^th August) suffered shrapnel wounds to his buttocks; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance to the St John Ambulance Brigade Hospital at Etaples. (image) Sgt. William Allen Sayer (see 20^th August) suffered wounds to his right knee; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). L.Sgt. Albert Earnshaw (see 21^st July) suffered severe wounds to both legs; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 26^th General Hospital at Etaples. Cpl. Edwin Lightfoot (see 22^nd June) suffered shrapnel wounds to his chest and abdomen; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Cpl. William Walker Rossall MM (see 16^th August) suffered shrapnel wounds to his back and right wrist; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. Cpl. Thomas Anthony Swale (see 17^th August) suffered shrapnel wounds to his left foot; he would be admitted to 57^th General Hospital at Boulogne. Cpl. Lionel Vickers (see 28^th August) was wounded in the right knee; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport (image). L.Cpl. Clarence Best (see 8^th June) was severely wounded (details unknown) and admitted to hospital in France. L.Cpl. Herbert Newton (see 25^th June) was shot through the left leg; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. L.Cpl. Fred Davis was admitted to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings; he was a 23 year-old textile worker from Oldham and had originally served with 1^st/7^th DWR (the date and circumstances of his joining 10DWR are unknown). L.Cpl. Ernest Gee (see 3^rd August) suffered wounds to his left forearm; he was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Hospital to 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings. L.Cpl. Thomas Hemingway (see 25^th August) suffered shrapnel wounds to his neck; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 7^th Canadian General Hospital at Etaples. L.Cpl. Frank Mallinson MM (see 22^nd August) suffered shrapnel wounds to his right shoulder; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. L.Cpl. Thomas Riding (see 10^th September) suffered a minor shrapnel wound; he was treated at 71^st Field Ambulance and would be discharged to duty three days later.  L.Cpl. William Stowell (see 27^th July) suffered a fractured skull; he would be evacuated to hospital (details unknown). L.Cpl. Ernest Wilson (28985) (see 20^th September) was severely wounded, suffering wounds to his left leg, including a compound fracture of the lower leg; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. Edward Anderson (see 16^th June) suffered shrapnel wounds to his left hand; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 17^th Casualty Clearing Station to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport.  Pte. Ernest Frederick Authers (see 8^th September) suffered wounds to his right knee and foot; the details of his treatment are unknown. Pte. William Axton (see 5^th July) was reported severely wounded (details unknown); he was admitted to hospital in France. Pte. Fred Benn (see 17^th October 1916) suffered a severe facial wound; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. John Beresford (see 5th July) suffered severe wounds to his left shoulder; he would be evacuated to England. In the absence of a surviving service record the full details of his treatment are unknown, but, by early october, he was being treated at Edmonton Military Hospital in London. 

       Pte. Joseph Binns MM (24162) (see 16^th August) was admitted to 17^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings. Pte. Frank Blakeborough (see 5^th July) suffered a wound to his right hand and was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. Meggison Bonass was admitted to 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings; he was 22 years old and from Saltaire. He had originally served with 9DWR before being transferred to 10DWR. Pte. Richard Butler (see 6^th December 1916) suffered a head wound which would leave him blind in his left eye; he would be admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. George Carter (see 7^th September) suffered shrapnel wounds to his right leg; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance to 3^rd General Hospital at Rouen. Pte. Thomas Caton (see 5^th September) was shot in the left leg; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance to 22^nd General Hospital at Camiers . Pte. Harry Clarke (15251) suffered gunshot wounds to his right thigh; he would be admitted to 139^th Field Ambulance and from there transferred to one of the local Casualty Clearing Stations. He was 37 years old and originally from Sheffield, but had been living in Huddersfield when he had enlisted as an original member of the Battalion. Pte. Harold Dale (see 8^th June) suffered a shrapnel wound to his right knee; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. Pte. Edwin Dawson (see 7^th April) suffered severe wounds to his chest, left wrist and left foot; he was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Hospital and 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, to 1^st Canadian General Hospital at Etaples. Cpl. Horace Dewis suffered wounds to his right leg; he was an original member of the Battalion, 28 years old and a had worked as a fitter in Haworth. Pte. Harold Drury (see 15^th September) suffered severe wounds to his left thigh; he was admitted via 133^rd Field Ambulance to 11^th Casualty Clearing Station at Godewaersvelde, east of Poperinghe and then transferred the same day to hospital in Camiers and subsequently evacuated to England (details unknown). Pte. John Henry Evison (see 5^th July) suffered shrapnel wounds to his left thigh; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. Pte. Frederick Fielden (see 5^th July) was severely wounded, suffering compound fractures of his right arm and left leg; he was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 2^nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux. Pte. William Franklin (see 31^st August) suffered shrapnel wounds to his left shoulder; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. William Henry Gray (see 5^th July) was wounded in the right leg, suffering a flesh wound to his calf; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Hospital and 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, to 1^st Australian General Hospital at Rouen. Pte. Lewis Greenwood (see 11^th January) was wounded (details unknown) and treated in France in the first instance. Pte. George Bernard Hardy (see 25^th June) suffered shrapnel wounds to his right arm; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown) (image). Pte. Trayton George Harper (see 2^nd June) suffered severe wounds to his left side; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. James Arthur Heap (see 18^th May), who was attached to 69^th Trench Mortar Battery, suffered shrapnel wounds to his face and right knee; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Hospital and 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, to 47^th General Hospital at Le Treport. Pte. Louis Heren (see 8^th September) suffered severe facial wounds which would result in the loss of both eyes; he would be evacuated to 5^th General Hospital at Rouen. Pte. Harry Hey (25170) (see 5^th July) suffered wounds to the neck; he would be evacuated to 47^th General Hospital at Le Treport. Pte. Joseph Leonard Holmes (see 21^st August 1916) was wounded (details unknown). Pte. Joseph Honeyble (see 5^th July) suffered a gunshot wound to the head; he was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Hospital and 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, to 11^th Stationary Hospital at Rouen. Pte. Michael Hopkins (see 19^th December 1916) suffered severe wounds to his ankle. Pte. Ben Hutchinson (see 11^th January) suffered severe wounds to his abdomen and right hand; the details of his immediate treatment are unknown. Pte. Henry Jarratt (see 15^th August) suffered relatively minor shrapnel wounds to his face; he was admitted via 71^st Field Ambulance and 53^rd Casualty Clearing Station at Bailleul to 26^th General Hospital at Etaples. Pte. Frederick Ernest Jones (see 17^th October 1916) suffered severe facial wounds, including a fractured lower jaw; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. Herbert Crowther Kershaw (see 4^th September) suffered relatively minor shrapnel wounds to his face; he was admitted via 41^st Casualty Clearing Station at Godewaersvelde to 22^nd General Hospital at Camiers. Pte. Henry Thomas Lackey (see 8^th September) was evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings. Pte. George Herbert Lant (see 24^th July) was wounded and admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. Lewis Larkins (see 15^th September) suffered shrapnel wounds to his right hand, left arm and face; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 3^rd General Hospital at Le Treport. Pte. William Llewellyn (I am unable to make a positive identification of this man) was wounded and evacuated to one of the Casualty Clearing Stations at Remy Sidings. Pte. John Longmire (see 11^th January) suffered severe wounds to his right thigh; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. Lewis Lunn (see 28^th June) suffered shrapnel wounds to his back and was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Hospital to 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings. Pte. James Arthur Markinson MM (see 16^th August) suffered shrapnel wounds to his hip; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambualnce to 13^th General hospital at Boulogne. Pte. Joseph McDermott (see 4^th September) suffered a minor shrapnel wound to his scalp; he was treated at 71^st Field Ambulance and would be discharged to duty next day.  Pte. Frederick McKell (see 22^nd March) suffered shrapnel wounds to his legs, hands and face; he was admitted via 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 2^nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux. Pte. Victor Munnery (see 24^th July) suffered a relatively minor shrapnel wound to his chest; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 17^th Casualty Clearing Station to 54^th General Hospital. Pte. Charley Norman (see 5^th July) suffered severe wounds, including a compound fracture of his left forearm and injuries to his shoulder; he was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 10^th Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 9^th British Red Cross Hospital at Calais. Pte. Claude Wilfred Norman (see 5^th July) suffered a minor wound and was admitted to 71^st Field Ambulance. Pte. Charles Oldham (see 16^th January) suffered shrapnel wounds to his left thigh and neck; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. Pte. Robert Phillips (see 24^th July) was severely wounded, suffering multiple wounds; he was admitted to hospital (details unknown). Pte. Albert Edward Pope (see 24^th July) suffered severe chest wounds and a fractured shoulder; he was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance to 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings. Pte. Alec Radcliffe (see 14^th August) suffered severe facial wounds; was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 8^th Stationary Hospital at Wimereux. Pte. Herbert Ridley (see 28^th May) suffered shrapnel wounds to his right arm and shoulder; he was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Hospital to 3^rd Stationary Hospital at Rouen. Pte. Herbert Rushworth (see 11^th January) suffered severe wounds to his left arm; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. Robert Smith (235360) (see 8th September) suffered severe wounds which would result in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Pte. Edward Somers (see 30^th March) suffered a severe wound to his neck. Pte. John Stenson (see 17^th July 1916) suffered shrapnel wounds to his left leg; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Hospital and 17^th Casualty Clearing Station to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport. Pte. Ernest Thorn (see 15^th September) was wounded (details unknown) and evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance. Pte. Arthur Wood (29040) (see 11^th January) suffered wounds to his head, right forearm and both legs. P Pte. Herbert Wood (see 16^th January) suffered shrapnel wounds to his neck and left hand; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance to 3^rd General Hospital at Le Treport. Pte. Thomas Irvin Wood (see 17^th July 1916) suffered shrapnel wounds to his right hand which would result in the amputation of three fingers; he was admitted to hospital in France (details unknown). Pte. Joseph Henry Woodcock (see 28^th June) suffered abdominal wounds and was evacuated via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance to 9^th General Hospital at Rouen. Pte. Alfred Edward Wybrow MM (see 27^th December 1916) suffered relatively minor wounds to his neck; he was admitted via 6^th Australian Field Ambulance and 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station to 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport.

L.Cpl. John William Mallinson (see 27^th July) was ordered to be placed in confinement on a charge of desertion.

Cpl. George Heeley (see 17^th August) was promoted Lance Sergeant.

L.Cpls. John William Baird (see 26^th August), Joseph Edward Robinson (see 15^th June) and William Edward Varley (see 24^th August) and Ptes. Thomas Butler (see 28^th July) Harry Clark (see 30^th July) and Harry Wood (see 27th November 1916) were all promoted Corporal.

A substantial number of gallantry awards would subsequently be made to officers and men of the Battalion. Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge (see 4^th September) would be awarded the DSO; “He was successful in leading his battalion through heavy fire to attack, capture and hold the furthest objective.  By his prescence in the front line, both during the attack and subsequent counter attacks, the position was maintained and consolidated.  His fine example imbued all ranks with enthusiasm." Maj. Edward Borrow (see above) would also be awarded the DSO; “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. When the leading troops were suffering severe casualties, he kept the men together by his splendid leadership. Though twice wounded, he led his men to the final objective, and stuck to his post until he collapsed from the effects of his wounds. His courage and example were an inspiration to all ranks”.

Two officers would be awarded the Military Cross. Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne (see above); “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company in an attack with great courage and determination under heavy fire, and showed marked qualities of leadership and coolness at critical moments. During subsequent counter-attacks he held his line intact for two days and nights and also took command of a company that had lost all its' officers”. Lt. Herbert Sparling (see above), “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He took command of his company during an attack and led it with great coolness and determination. He remained in command though wounded, and during an enemy counter-attack displayed remarkable coolness and resource”.

Two men would be awarded the Distingished Conduct Medal. CSM Charles Edward Parker MM (see above) “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. When all his officers were casualties he led his company with great success in the attack under heavy fire. Later, when the enemy were preparing a counter attack, he went along the line under the enemy barrage to warn other companies. His magnificent coolness and courage were an inspiring example to all”. Pte. John Kelly (18983) (I am unable to make a positive identification of this man) “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On being informed that the enemy were massing for a counter-attack behind a ridge about fifty yards in front of his Company, he at once went forward with a Lewis Gun and opened fire on the enemy, causing them to disperse. He showed great courage and initiative”

Thirty-five other ranks serving with the Battalion would also be awarded the Military Medal for their conduct in action. Two of them were original members of Tunstill’s Company. For L.Cpl. William (Billy) Hoyle MM (see 16^th August) this was a second award, having already been recognised for his conduct on 7^th June, he was now to be awarded a Bar to his Military Medal, “On the day of the first attack this NCO, as company runner, displayed great daring during a heavy bombardment. When the enemy counter-attacked he organised a party and brought up ammunition at a very critical stage under heavy shell and machine gunfire. Throughout the engagement he showed great bravery and devotion to duty”. Pte. Richard Butler (see above) had been wounded in action and was recognised for, “his courage shown in rescuing a wounded comrade under fire”.

The other men who would be awarded the Military Medal were:

Sgt. Harry Holmes (see 8^th June).

Sgt. James Scott (14445) was an original member of the Battalion; he was a 28 year-old married man from Great Preston, near Leeds, and had worked as a miner before enlisting.

Sgt. John William Wardman (see 8^th June). The citation for Wardman would subsequently be published in the Keighley News (3^rd November 1917), “In the attack on the enemy lines when the attacking company was held up by a machine gun emplacement, he showed much courage and ability in creeping round the flank under heavy shellfire. He killed the machine gun crew and captured the gun. When two officers and the Company Sergeant Major were wounded he rendered valuable assistance as Acting Company Sergeant Major”.

Sgt. John William Wardman

Image by kind permission of Paul Bishop

A/Sgt. George William Keeling (see 10^th September).

Cpl. Albert Jackson (I am unable to make a positive identification of this man).

Cpl. William Henry Dobson (see 7th March 1916; it is not known when he had been promoted).

Cpl. Horace Dewis (see above).

Cpl. James Jennings (11270); I am unable to make a positive identification of this man, other than for the fact that he had previously served with 8DWR and had gone with his Battalion to Gallipoli in July 1915.

Cpl. Joseph Maddison was a 35 year-old miner from Rotherham; he was married with five children. He had originally volunteered with the Dukes in August 1914 but, in November, had been discharged as unfit due to an old leg fracture which made him “unable to drill”. Within a month he had re-enlisted, this time with the York and Lancaster Regiment. In March 1915 he had been transferred to 2DWR and had been posted to France in April 1915. The circumstances under which he had been transferred to 10DWR are unknown.

Cpl. Thomas Mann (see 6^th June 1916) (it is not known when he had been promoted); “When No.1 of the Lewis Gun team had become a casualty he took over the gun and rallied the team under heavy fire. On reaching the final objective he stripped and cleaned the gun regardless of all danger, and when the counter-attack was launched by the enemy, by his complete control of the team, did much to relieve the situation. All through the action he displayed great courage and boldness”.

Cpl. Joseph Smith (12748); he was from Ilkley and had originally served with 9DWR, going to France with his Battalion in July 1915. He had been wounded by shrapnel in November 1915 and had been in hospital and had remained in England for a year. He had returned to France and joined 10DWR around November 1916 (I am most obliged to Edward Wild for the information on Joseph Smith).

L.Cpl. Arthur Dyson (see 28^th July); for “taking command of his platoon and reorganising it during heavy shellfire”.

L.Cpl. Louis Feather (see 26^th August); “in the attack on the enemy lines when in charge of an advanced post he caused many casualties among the enemy parties advancing and brought about the surrender of a party hidden in shell holes in front of his position”.

L.Cpl. Fred Greenwood (24522) (see 15^th June).

L.Cpl. Ernest Pearson (see 18^th June).

L.Cpl. Frank Wood (see 28^th July).

Pte. Jesse Barker (see 7^th December 1916); “On the first day of the advance this man rendered valuable assistance as a Yukon pack carrier in getting material to the forward area. Danger and fatigue were nothing to him, and his fine example to the team was responsible for ample supplies of ammunition etc. at critical times”. 

Pte. Sydney Drake had originally served with 8DWR and been posted to Gallipoli in September 1915 before being evacuated to England after suffering from dysentry; the circumstances under which he had been transferred to 10DWR are unknown.

Pte. Frederick Harris was an original member of the Battalion; he was a 35 year-old married man from Middlesbrough.

Pte. Michael Hopkins had been wounded (see above).                        

Pte. H Kenworthy (268541) (I am unable to make a positive identification of this man).

Pte. James William Kershaw was a 24 year-old labourer from Halifax who had originally served with 2DWR and had first gone out to France in August 1915. He had suffered frostbitten feet whilst in training in the winter of 1914-15, gas poisoning in 1915 and a minor gunshot wound to the right leg in 1916. The circumstances under which he had been transferred to 10DWR are unknown.

Pte. Albert Matchett (see above); “On the first day of the advance, although wounded in five places, this man insisted on remaining with his platoon giving very valuable assistance in forming a strong point, leaving the Company only when the work was done. His example under heavy shell fire was of the greatest value to his side”.

 Pte. Ned Metcalfe (see 30^th December 1914).

Pte. Harry Nason had originally served with 9DWR and had first gone out to France in July 1915; he had been transferred to 10DWR after being wounded in August 1916, suffering shrapnel wounds to his left hand.

Pte. Tom Platts (I am unable to make a positive identification of this man).

Pte. Arthur Samuel Potter was a 24 year-old labourer from Middlesbrough; his brother, Pte. Frederick Albert Potter, had been officially ‘missing in action’ since December 1914, having been serving with 2^nd Battalion, Border Regiment.

Pte. Cain Rothera (see 15^th August).

Pte. Ernest Reeve (13014) had originally served with 9DWR and had first gone out to France in July 1915; the circumstances under which he had been transferred to 10DWR are unknown.

Pte. Robert William Searby was a 20 year-old textile worker from Halifax. He had originally served with 8DWR and been posted to Gallipoli in September 1915; the circumstances under which he had been transferred to 10DWR are unknown.

Pte. William Settle (I am unable to make a positive identification of this man).

Pte. George Thompson had originally served with 9DWR and had first gone out to France in July 1915; he had been transferred to 10DWR at some point after having shrapnel wounds to the face in March 1916.

Pte. Thomas Irvin Wood had been wounded (see above).

Pte. Patrick Conley (see 2^nd September), now serving with 298^th Reserve Labour Company, Labour Corps, was posted back to France

Pte. James Bentley Crosland (see 3^rd August), who had been in England for more than a year after being gassed in August 1916 and had been deemed unfit to return to service overseas, was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to the Dukes’ Regimental Depot at Halifax.


A payment of £6 5s. 8d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Pte. William Greenwood (see 5^th July 1916), who had been killed in action in May while serving with 2DWR; the payment would go to his mother, Sarah Anne.