Sunday 25th November 1917

In billets at Grantorto for rest and training.

Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 17^th November) “attended concert by 10^th in theatre – very good”; this was one of two concerts rendered by the Battalion band during the stay at Grantorto.

The Brigade War Diary reflected on the recent marches, “The march discipline throughout the march was excellent – the number of stragglers were comparatively few and the majority of those who did fall out comprised men who had recently been sent out to units from Labour Corps etc and who were in the first place never fitted for such a march, carried out as it was in full marching order and with one blanket per man in addition (the average weight carried by the men being between 70 and 80 lbs.) and commencing with seven consecutive days marching for all units”.

Capt. William Norman Town (see 24^th November) remembered the performance of the Battalion with great pride, “We marched for seven consecutive days and the long railway journey was no good preparation, loaded, too, as the men were with steel helmet, box respirator, PH helmet and one blanket. The Battalion marched magnificently – as indeed the ‘Dukes’ always do – and very few indeed fell out.  The roads were wonderfully broad, straight and level, with a surface almost as smooth and glossy as asphalt.  The trees, which bordered the road continuously, were a blaze of colour and sharp frosts occurred most mornings, for it was now the third week in November.  When the sun shone it was glorious, keen and invigorating”.  

L.Cpl. Edward Shaw Powell (see 16^th November), who had been in confinement for the previous ten days awaiting trial on a charge of “disobeying a lawful command given by his superior officer” (the details of the offence are unknown), appeared before a Field General Court Martial. He was found guilty of the charge and sentenced to 28 days Field Punishment No.2 and reverted to the rank of Private.

Ptes. Joseph William Carter (see 15^th September), George Chamberlain (see 28^th June), Arthur Holden (see 5^th July), William James Nunn (see 29^th October) Frederick William Warner (see 25^th April), Robert Whitaker (see 17th September) and Norman Woodhouse (see 8^th July) were all reported by CQMS Hubert Charles Hoyle (see 28^th June) as being ‘deficient of iron rations’; on the orders of Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 4^th November) all were to be confined to barracks for seven days and to pay for the missing rations.

Pte. James Grubb (see 29^th October) was reported by Sgt. William Walker Rossall MM (see 30^th October) for being “late on parade and hesitating to obey an order”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 16^th November) he would undergo seven days Field Punishment no.2.

Pte. William Edmond Smith (see 5^th October 1917) was reported by Sgt. Alfred Dolding (see 3^rd November) for ‘losing by neglect his box respirator’; on the orders of Lt. Col. Lethbridge he was to pay for the lost respirator.

Pte. John Hargreaves (18009) (see 7^th August) was posted to the Depot at Arquata Scrivia (reason unknown).

Pte. Herbert Farrand Hogley (see 10^th September), serving with 2/6^thDWR, was wounded in action, suffering injuries to his right arm; he would be evacuated to England five days later and admitted to hospital in Eastleigh.

A package of personal effects of the late Pte. Arnold Crossley (see 13^th September), who had died of wounds on 8^th June, was sent to his widow, Florence; the reason for the delayed despatch of the items is unknown. The package comprised of, “5 coins, disc, letters, cards, metal watch, metal ring, rosary, belt, cap badge (broken), razor, cigarette case, pocket case, photos, pouch, knife, address book”.