Saturday 15th July 1916

Molliens-au-Bois

Rest and training continued.

The Brigade was inspected by Corps Commander, III Corps, Lt. Genl. Sir William Pulteney, who, like Maj. Genl. Babington the day before, congratulated them on their recent successes.

“I have come down here this morning to express my satisfaction and gratitude for the excellent work this Brigade has done in recent operations. I think you can look upon the work you did in connection with the taking of Horseshoe Trench and later in the capture of Contalmaison with every satisfaction. The two events you will keep on record to your credit forever. The operations which were carried out yesterday morning (what became known as the battle of Bazentin Ridge) were only made possible by the capture of Contalmaison. The taking of Horseshoe Trench was essential because it was a danger to the Corps on our right and the capture of Contalmaison forms the pivot for further operations. In addition to the Infantry, I must also thank those who supported them; the Artillery, the Trench Mortar Battery, Machine Gun Company, Signallers and stretcher bearers. What I think you have learnt is, that it is not only essential to take positions, but also to hold them, and when face to face with the Boche you find yourselves much the better men. I can only say I wish every success in the future to the 69^th Brigade.”

Brig. Genl. Lambert completed and submitted his extended report on the assault on Contalmaison, together with his recommendation as to those officers and men whose conduct was deserving of particular recognition.

Sgt. Albert Edgar Palmer (see 18th February) was promoted Company Sergeant Major, moving to ‘D’ Company.

L.Cpl. Harry Clark (see 10^th July), who had suffered a recurrence of an earlier back injury, was evacuated to England from 2^nd Stationary Hospital at Abbeville. He travelled onboard the Hospital Ship Asturias and on arrival in England would be admitted to 2^nd Western General Hospital in Manchester.

Pte. Patrick Conley (see 11^th July), who had been wounded four days previously, was evacuated to England from 2^nd Canadian Stationary Hospital at Outreau; he travelled onboard the Hospital Ship Cambria. On arrival in England he would be admitted to Middlesex General Hospital.

Notice of the death, and a brief obituary, of 2Lt. Christopher Snell (see 14^th July) appeared in The Times:

SECOND LIEUT. CHRISTOPHER SNELL, Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, was the second son of the Reverend Bernard J. Snell of Brixton. He was educated at Mill Hill School and won at exhibition at Wadham College, Oxford. He enlisted in the 13^th London Regiment (Kensington Battalion) when war broke out and was given his commission in December 1914. He went to the Front last August. He was wounded while leading a charge on July 5, and died of wounds at Guy’s Hospital yesterday, aged 21.

2Lt. Christopher Snell

Pte. Fred Richmond (see 25^th April), who had been seriously wounded while serving with Tunstill’s Company in November 1915, was transferred, from the Regimental Depot at Halifax, to 11^th (Reserve) Battalion West Ridings at Brocton Camp, Cannock Chase, Staffs.

Marion Gladys Carpenter, the sister of Capt. Herbert Montagu Soames Carpenter (see 6^th July), who had been killed in action on 5^th July, died suddenly, aged 32. She had been working at the Casualty Department at the War Office and it was said that she “died from shock at her brother’s death”.

Lt. Paul James Sainsbury, (see 1^st July) who would later serve with 10DWR, and had been wounded on 1^st July while serving with 2^nd Battalion Duke of Wellington’s near Serre, was evacuated to England (from Calais to Dover) for further treatment.

Lt. Paul James Sainsbury

The weekly edition of the Keighley News carried reports on two members of Tunstill’s Company who had been killed or wounded in the action around Horsehoe Trench on 5^th July:

News has been received that Private Thomas Robinson Barwick (see 5^th July) of the West Riding Regiment and of 30 Hainworth Lane, Keighley, has been killed in action. The information has been received from Private C.S. Slater, who says that Private Barwick was shot through the head and died instantaneously.

Private Sam Tinkler (see 12^th July), of the West Riding Regiment, and of 23 Pitt Street (late Wren Street), Keighley, has been wounded in the right hand and is at present in hospital at Birmingham. Private Tinkler, who is 26 years of age, and single, enlisted in September 1914, and went to France in July (sic.) of last year. He has a brother serving with the colours who was wounded some time ago.