Sunday 27th August 1916

Front line trenches east of Ploegsteert Wood

A similar, large working party was again provided as had been the case the previous day. The War Diary noted, “The enemy fired this morning about 20 70mm shells at a working party of the 9th South Staffords doing a certain amount of damage, particulars as to the extent are not to hand. Our 60 lb trench mortars registered this morning. The enemy retaliated with a few trench mortars all along the line we were holding. There was also considerable enemy rifle and machine gun fire last night and early this morning. The day has been showery”.

Pte. Edwin Kenyon (see 17^th August) was discharged from 23^rd Division Rest Station and re-joined the Battalion; he had been suffering from influenza.

Acting L.Cpl. Fred Dyson (see 26^th July), attached from 2DWR to 23^rd Northumberland Fusiliers (4^th Tyneside Scottish) was confirmed, and paid, in his rank. He would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR.

Trooper Claude Darwin (see 8^th April), serving with 11^th Australian Light Horse in Egypt was taken ill, suffering from diarrhoea; he was admitted first to 1^st/2^nd East Anglian Field Ambulance and then transferred to 53^rd Welsh Field Ambulance. He was the brother of Tunstill recruit, Pte. Tom Darwin (see 24^th August).