Wednesday 3rd October 1917

In reserve in the Berthen area.

A windy day with heavy rain in the early morning.

Following the recent losses in action there was a partial re-organisation of the Companies of the Battalion.

L.Cpl. Frank Wood (see 20^th September) was admitted to 71^st Field Ambulance (cause unknown).

Pte. Harry Robinson (see 24^th July) reported sick, suffering from a sprained left ankle. He was admitted to 3^rd Australian Field Ambulance and would be transferred via 3^rd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station to 32^nd Stationery Hospital at Wimereux.

Cpl. Jonathan Richardson Sunderland (see 15^th May) was promoted Lance Sergeant.


Pte. James Albert Conway (see 20^th September), who had suffered severe wounds to his right thigh on 20^th September, was evacuated to England from 18^th General Hospital at Camiers; the details of his treatment in England are unknown.

Pte. Lewis Larkins (see 20^th September), who had suffered shrapnel wounds to his right hand, left arm and face on 20^th September, was transferred from 3^rd General Hospital at Le Treport back to England, travelling onboard the Hospital Ship St. Denis. It is not known to which hospital he was admitted.

Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison MC (see 25^th August), who was in England having been wounded on 7^th June, appeared before a further Medical Board. The Board concluded that he was to remain in hospital for further treatment to his injured foot, and would be re-examined in one months’ time.

Pte. Amos Ibbotson (see 23^rd August 1916), who had been in England for more than a year after suffering shellshock on the Somme in July 1916, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer fit, due to his ‘neurasthenia’; he received no pension but he was awarded a gratuity of £26.

It was around this time, although the precise date has not been established that the ‘Soldier’s Rest Camp’ at Usworth which had been organised and run by Mrs. Geraldine Tunstill (see 22^nd August) closed. In a letter dated 3^rd October a Captain in the RAMC passed on his gratitude for the work done at the Camp:

“Now that I have a few minutes at my disposal I am writing to thank you for your valuable help at Usworth Camp, in acting as Commandant of the Rest Camp there and for the many hours you devoted each day in providing comforts for those who needed help and rest. I wish you success in any work you may take up, whatever it may be. With kind regards to yourself and Captain Tunstill and best wishes”.

The following day Lt. Col. Buckle, commanding 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion, would write in similar terms:

“I write to express the gratitude of all ranks of the 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion for the great benefits we have received at your hands since you established the Rest Camp at Usworth Camp, County Duham, on 17^th May 1917. The fact that large numbers of men who came into your Rest Camp have benefitted by your care is clearly proved by the large number of men who have been raised to a higher medical category whilst in Usworth Camp.”

A payment of £10 4s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Tom Greenwood (see 29^th June), who had been killed in action on 7^th June; the payment would go to his mother, Alice.

Pte. Tom Greenwood