Monday 23rd July 1917

Micmac Camp, between Dickebusch and Ouderdom.

Another very hot day.

At 4.42pm the Battalion began a march via La Clytte and Westoutre back to their former billets at Le Coq de Pailie, close to Berthen.

Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 18^th July) noted in his diary that, “10^th went without packs, which was quite wrong”. He also expressed his thoughts at being back at Berthen, “We are in the country again, back in the old farm and it is very pleasant to see the sun and warmth and hear the birds again … I hope a few days here will do us all good … We shall have plenty to do training the men and getting ready for our next trip”.

Sgt. Ronald Jeckell (see 12^th June) was reported as having been wounded in action, suffering a severe wound to his right knee. He was admitted first to 4^th London Field Ambulance and would be transferred via 10^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 12^th General Hospital at Rouen. Given the fact that the Battalion was out of the line and on the move at the time, the circumstances of his wounding are unclear. 

Cpl. George Heeley (see 9^th July) was reprimanded by Lt. Col. Robert Raymer (see 16^th July) for failing to comply with an order, as reported by Sgts. John Ratlidge (see 14th June) and Michael Kenefick MM (see 16th June).

A number of men joined the Battalion. Pte. Reginald Dayson had been posted to France a few weeks earlier. He was from Newcastle and had worked as a shipyard riveter before enlisting in 6^th Northumberland Fusiliers in July 1915, when he was actually only 16 years old. He had trained in England with the Battalion for four months before, because of his age, being transferred back to his former employment with Armstrong Whitworth at Elswick. He had been called up again in March 1916 and posted to France in July to join 5DWR. He had been wounded in action on 17^th September, suffering wounds to his back, and had been posted back to England. He had spent two months in hospital before being passed fit for duty and had then served with 3DWR before being posted back to France. He had several disciplinary issues on his record and had spent 28 days in detention just prior to returning to France, which had delayed his posting to 10DWR. Cpl. Ellis Rigby (see 1^st February 1916) was the younger brother of Pte. Thomas Rigby (see 3^rd August 1916), who had been one of Tunstill’s original recruits and had died of wounds following the actions on the Somme in the Summer of 1916. Ellis had joined 3DWR in February 1916 and had been promoted Lance Corporal in June, and Corporal in October 1917; he had originally been posted to 2DWR on 6^th July, but had been re-posted to 10DWR. L.Cpl. Norman Wright was a 30 year-old butcher from Keighley. He had attested under the Derby Scheme in December 1915 but had only been called up in September 1916. He had been promoted Lance Corporal in January 1917 while in training with 3DWR.

Dvr. Arthur Overend (see 4^th May), now serving in France with the ASC, was ordered to forfeit ten days’ pay as a result of “a breach of censorship regulations by attempting to disclose his whereabouts by means of a picture postcard included with a letter”.

RSM John Kearns (see 7^th February), serving with 21^st Officer Cadet Battalion, based at Twezeldown Camp, near Fleet in Hampshire, was formally transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.

Sunday 22nd July 1917

In close reserve with BHQ at Larch Wood (I.29.c.2.9). One Company at the Dump (I.29.c.2.4); one Company at Battersea Farm (I.23.c.7.2) and two Companies much further back at Scottish Wood near Dickebusch.

Pte. Ellis Sutcliffe (see 8^th April) was wounded, suffering relatively minor shrapnel wounds to his back; he was admitted to 5^th London Field Ambulance before being transferred via 15^th Casualty Clearing Station at Hazebrouck to 6^th General Hospital at Rouen. L.Cpl. Arthur Lund (see 8^th June) was also wounded, but the details of his initial treatment are unknown.

Overnight 22^nd/23^rd the Battalion was relieved by the 8^th Royal West Kents and moved back to Micmac Camp, between Dickebusch and Ouderdom. 

Ptes. Vernon Barker (see 2^nd January) and Sam Shuttleworth (see 20^th February) departed for England on ten day’s leave.

Pte. William Postill Taylor (see 28^th May), who had been in England for the previous two months having been wounded, was posted to Northern Command Depot at Ripon.

Pte. Victor Frank Collen (see 25^th May) who had been wounded on the Somme in July 1916 and had been in England ever since, was formally discharged from the Army, with the award of the Silver War Badge and a pension of 8s. 3d. per week.

L.Cpl. Frank Revell reported for duty with the Battalion. He was a 32 year-old married man with four children. He had first joined the Regiment in 1903 and had been serving with 2^nd Battalion when it was posted to France in August 1914. He had been posted as missing during the retirement from Wasmes on 24^th August 1914 but had “on orders, changed into civilian dress, and made for the coast”. He had managed to cross from Ostend to Folkestone on 23^rd September. He had then served with 3DWR until re-joining 2DWR in France in May 1915. His term of service had expired on 3^rd February 1916 and he had returned to England. He had then been recalled under the Military Service Acts in August 1916 and had served with 3DWR, being promoted Lance Corporal, before being posted back to France on 6^th July. He had originally been scheduled to re-join 2DWR but was instead re-posted to 10DWR.

Saturday 21st July 1917

In close reserve with BHQ at Larch Wood (I.29.c.2.9). One Company at the Dump (I.29.c.2.4); one Company at Battersea Farm (I.23.c.7.2) and two Companies much further back at Scottish Wood near Dickebusch.

Another very hot day

Cpl. Albert Earnshaw (see 21^st June) was promoted Lance Sergeant.

L.Cpl. John Henry Crawshaw (see 27th March) was promoted Corporal.

L.Cpl. Albert Edward White (see 15^th June) began to be paid according to his rank, having previously held his post unpaid.

Cpl. Josias Bailey (see 7^th June) left on ten days’ leave to England.

Pte. Jabez Wintersgill (see 30^th June), who had been slightly wounded on 7^th June, re-joined the Battalion from 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples.

Sgt. Wilfred Fletcher (see 11^th July), who had been wounded ten days previously, was evacuated to England from 1^st Canadian General Hospital at Etaples, travelling onboard the Hospital Ship Newhaven. On arrival in England he would be admitted to Quarry Hill VAD Hospital in Tonbridge.

Cpl. Paul Bland (see 16^th July), who had been wounded five days’ previously, was evacuated to England for further treatment.

Pte. George Slater (see 26^th May), who had been severely wounded in July 1916 and had been transferred to the Army Reserve, Class P, two months previously, was now formally discharged from the Army with the grant of the Silver War Badge and a pension of 13s. 9d. per week.

Monday 2nd July 1917

Front line trenches in Battle Wood; one company at the Caterpillar (I.35.a.9.2) and three Companies between O.6.a.2.5 and I.36.b.2.3.

Another fine and hot day. The front line was very heavily shelled around dawn..

L.Cpl. Thomas Riding (see 25^th June) and Ptes. John William Dawson (see 24th November 1916), Albert Nixon (see 3^rd May 1916) and Fred Teal (see 5^th December 1916) departed for England on ten days’ leave.

Pte. Benjamin Fawcett (see 21^st May) was permanently attached to the Assistant Provost Marshall, 23^rd Division, for ‘traffic control duties’.

Pte. James Arthur Markinson (see 7^th June) was admitted, via 5^th London Ambulance, to 23^rd Divisional Rest Station for treatment for inflammation (‘ICT’) in his left hand.

Ptes. Ernest Ashness (see 25^th June) and Herbert Willoughby (see 25^th June) were discharged from 23^rd Division Rest Station and returned to duty. 

Cpl. Thomas Arthur Sturdy (see 6^th June), who had suffered severe wounds to his left leg on 6^th June, was evacuated to England for further treatment. Pte. Fred Mitchell (see 8^th June), who had had his right leg amputated having been wounded on 8^th June, was also evacuated to England.

Cpl. Billy Rawlinson (see 12^th June), who had been severely wounded at Contalmaison, was formally discharged from the Army, with the award of the Silver War Badge and an Army pension (details unknown). His character reference on discharge described him as, “A steady, willing, intelligent and reliable man; has been a non-commissioned officer for over two years and served 11 months at the front where he gave satisfaction. Received multiple wounds in action”.

A payment of £20 4s. 7d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Acting CQMS Thomas Doyne (see 17^th February); the payment would go to his daughter and sole legatee, Eileen.

Friday 20th July 1917

In close reserve with BHQ at Larch Wood (I.29.c.2.9). One Company at the Dump (I.29.c.2.4); one Company at Battersea Farm (I.23.c.7.2) and two Companies much further back at Scottish Wood near Dickebusch.

A hot day

Pte. Samuel Garside Hardy (see 29^th November 1916) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance, suffering from scabies; he was then transferred to one of the local Casualty Clearing Stations for further treatment.

Cpl. Lionel Vickers (see 24^th May) reported sick, suffering from “PUO” (‘pyrexia’ or raised temperature, of unknown origin). He would be admitted via 71^st Field Ambulance to 23^rd Divisional Rest Station where he would spend four days, before returning to duty on 24^th July.

Pte. Fred Heppinstall (see 26^th May), was transferred from 50^th Casualty Clearing Station at Mont des Cats to 2^nd Stationary Hospital at Hazebrouck; he was suffering from scabies and boils.

L.Cpl. Louis Feather (see 7^th June), who had suffered a relatively minor wound to his left arm on 7^th June, was discharged from 22^nd General Hospital at Camiers and joined 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples, en route to a return to active service.

Pte. Robert Ellis Clayton (see 6^th July), who had been convicted of desertion from 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion, based at Gateshead, was posted back to France; he was originally to have joined 9DWR but would be re-posted to 1^st/7^thDWR. 

Pte. Willie Hey (see 7^th June), who had been in England since having been wounded on 7^th June, was discharged from the County of Middlesex War Hospital at Napsbury, near St. Albans; once recovered he would not re-join 10DWR but would instead be posted to 9DWR.

Pte. Harry Clark (see 8^th June), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported absent off his final embarkation leave. He would return at 9pm on 27^th July and would be ordered to forfeit eight days’ pay and undergo eight days’ Field Punishment no.2

Sgt. Richard Farrar (see 14^th June), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported absent off his final embarkation leave. He would return at 10am on 23^rd July and would be reprimanded and ordered to forfeit four days’ pay.

Pte. James Edward Simpson (see 16^th June), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported absent off his final embarkation leave from 6am. He would return on 23^rd July and would be ordered to forfeit four days’ pay and undergo four days’ Field Punishment no.2.

After five weeks in hospital suffering from trench fever, Pte. John William Jackson (see 16^th June), was discharged from the hospital at the Northern Command Depot at Ripon; he would have ten days’ furlough before joining 3DWR at North Shields on 1^st August.

Following six months’ treatment for the severe wounds he had suffered in January, Cpl. Henry Markham (see 14^th January) was discharged from Brechin Infirmary and granted ten days’ leave. 

Former member of Tunstill’s Company, Cpl. George Clark (see 31^st January), now serving with ASC, Motor Transport Section in England, having been diagnosed with Raynauds Disease, was formally discharged from the Army on account of his illness. He was granted a pension for one year in the first instance, to be reviewed thereafter. On discharge it was said that, “His conduct has been very good. He is sober, reliable and intelligent. He is a competent motor driver and has performed his duties satisfactorily”.

The father of 2Lt. Harold Watthews (see 6^th July), who had been killed in action on 8^th June, wrote to the War Office acknowledging receipt of various (unstated) personal effects, but also stating that the following were missing: “Two pocket books containing letters and private papers, a gold wristlet watch, compass, revolver, case of razors, flask, tobacco pouch, camp kit, 4 new shirts – only just sent out, also several pairs of new socks”. In reply the War Office stated that there were no other personal effects and that “owing to the abnormal conditions attaching to active service, delay in the recovery and transmission of such effects is frequently unavoidable”

 

2Lt. Harold Watthews

Thursday 19th July 1917

Two Companies in the front line, between I.30.b.9.8. and I.30.c.8.4; Battalion HQ and one Company in Hedge Street Tunnels and the remaining Company in Canada dugouts.

A bright day with a strong wind, which dried the ground considerably.

Pte. Mark Ruckledge (see 17^th October 1916) was killed in action and would be buried at Larch Wood (Railway Cutting) Cemetery, just north of the village of Verbrandenmolen. However, the precise location of his grave within the cemetery was lost in subsequent fighting and he is now commemorated on one of the special memorials in the cemetery.

Pte. William Noel Simpson (see 5^th July), who had only joined the Battalion two weeks previously, was wounded, suffering injuries to his left leg; he was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance and would be transferred via 2^nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 1^st Australian General Hospital at Rouen. Pte. John Edward Bartle (see 7th June) was also wounded; the nature of his wounds are unknown.

On the night of 19/20th the Battalion was relieved by the 9Yorks and moved back into reserve. BHQ mover to Larch Wood at I.29.c.2.9. One Company was at the Dump (I.29.c.2.4); one Company at Battersea Farm (I.23.c.7.2) and two Companies much further back at Scottish Wood near Dickebusch.

L.Cpl. Rennie Hirst (see 11^th May), serving in France with 2DWR, was promoted Corporal.

2Lt. Thomas Arnold Woodcock (see 5^th July), who had served with the Battalion for only three weeks before reporting sick in April, appeared before a further Medical Board at the Officer’s Hospital at Eaton Hall, Chester. The Board found that, “the stomach condition is much improved and his general health is almost normal”. He was granted three weeks leave before then reporting to 3DWR at North Shields.

L.Cpl. Joseph Dunn (see 10^th June), who was back in England having been wounded on 7^th June, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. Albert Saville (see 1^st July), serving with 298^th Labour Company, based at Ripon, was once again in trouble. He had “overstayed his pass from 11.55pm til 10pm 19/7/17”; he was ordered to be confined to barracks for ten days and to forfeit three days’ pay.

Wednesday 18th July 1917

Two Companies in the front line, between I.30.b.9.8. and I.30.c.8.4; Battalion HQ and one Company in Hedge Street Tunnels and the remaining Company in Canada dugouts.

Another wet and misty day. By now the trenches were sodden and, in place, almost impassable.

A fighting patrol, led by Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 9^th July) went out on the night of 18/19th but, as noted by Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 7^th July) in his diary, “Raid by 10DWR at 1.30am, Perks in charge, no success, being wet and foggy; no enemy found”. Lambert also, “Saw Raymer at his HQ after a night in trenches”.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO

Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson

Pte. Ernest Ashness (see 2^nd July), was admitted to 71^st Field Ambulance suffering from “ICT” (inflammation of the connective tissue) to his neck; he would be discharged to duty after two days’ treatment.

Having, a week earlier, received a copy of a from 2Lt. Stanley Belshaw, 2DWR, an official at the War Office wrote to the father of Capt. George Reginald Charles Heale MC (see 17^th May) who had been reported wounded and missing while serving with 2DWR in May:

“I am commanded by the Army Council to inform you with regret that a letter dated 19^th May 1917, concerning Captain GRC Heale MC, West Riding Regiment, has been received from 2^nd Lieutenant SA Belshaw, a Prisoner of War in Germany, stating “Two of our Captains, Heale and Cunningham, who will have been reported missing, both died from wounds”.

From the particulars given in the letter there can be no doubt that this statement refers to Captain GRC Heale MC. The Army Council are in consequence regretfully constrained to conclude that this officer died on 3^rd May 1917 of wounds received in action and I am to express their sympathy with you in your bereavement. I am to add that publication will be made in an early casualty list.”

Capt. George Reginald Charles Heale MC

A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Arthur Edward Windsor (see 27^th February) who had been killed in action in October 1916; his mother, Clara, was awarded 6s. per week.

A review of the pension award which had been made in respect of the late Pte. Bertram Stanley Temperton (see 10^th May) who had been killed in action in July 1916, resulted in the weekly pension payable to his widow, Alice, being increased to 19s. 3d. per week.