Tuesday 31st October 1916

Barracks in Ypres

Working parties were again provided as on the previous day and instruction and training continued.

Lt. Hugh William Lester (see 22^nd October), returned from leave and resumed his post as Adjutant, which had been held in his absence by Lt. Leonard Norman Phillips (see 22^nd October). 

Lt. Dobson from 69^th Field Ambulance who had been temporarily attached to the Battalion for the previous two weeks re-joined his unit; most likely this followed the return from leave of Battalion Medical Officer Capt. Cecil Berry (see 17^th October).

Image by kind permission of Scott Flaving

Pte. Sam Sunderland (see 10^th March) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance, suffering from boils to both legs; he would return to duty on 4^th November.

Pte. Mark Henry Sutcliffe (see 17^th July) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance, suffering from intestinal colic; he would be discharged to duty after three days.

CSM Alfred Lodge (see 19^th July), who had been in England since July, having been severely wounded in the actions around Horseshoe Trench, was posted to 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion, based at Gateshead, where he would join several other former members of 10DWR.

CSM Alfred Lodge

Pte. Thomas Martin Douglas (see 8^th July), who had been in England since having been wounded in July, was transferred the Military Hospital in Lewisham to Keighley War Hospital.

A payment of £7 9s. 2d. was authorised to be made to Mrs. Ann Benson, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to her late son Pte. Fred Benson (see 20^th October).

Pte. Fred Benson

The solicitors Messrs. Martineau and Reid, of Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London wrote to the War Office regarding the estate of the late Lt. Harry Harris (see 25^th October) who had been killed at Le Sars. They requested that the War Office issue a death certificate; inform them of the amount in pay and allowances due; notify the Inland Revenue that the estate would be exempt from death duties; and also confirm whether they were aware of any extant will. All of these were required to allow them to assist Harris’ father, Samuel, in settling his son’s affairs.

 

Lt. Harry Harris

  

69^th Brigade War Diary recorded casualties for the Brigade for the month of October:

Killed                                        4 officers and 148 other ranks

Accidentally killed                 0

Died of wounds                      2 officers and 3 other ranks

Wounded                               21 officers and 591 other ranks

Accidentally wounded          2 other ranks

Missing                                    1 officer and 77 other ranks

10DWR’s casualties were recorded as:

Killed                                       2 officers (Harris and Graham) and 40 other ranks

Accidentally killed                0

Died of wounds                     0

Wounded                               4 (Baume, Currington, Snowden and Tribe) officers and 183 other ranks

Accidentally wounded         0

Missing                                   1 officer (Stafford) and 41 other ranks

These official casualty figures do not take account of the deaths of Ptes. Collinson (see 6^th September) or Foster (see 21^st September), both of whom died after being evacuated from the Battalion having been wounded in action.

The official cumulative casualty figures for the Battalion since arriving in France were now:

Killed                                       142

Accidentally killed                    4

Died of wounds                         7

Wounded                               702

Accidentally wounded           47

Missing                                    116

Monday 30th October 1916

Barracks in Ypres

The day was spent largely in cleaning weapons, uniform and equipment. Meanwhile, a number of men were sent away to undertake a variety of courses, in, for example, “signalling, sniping, repairing of gumboots and gas”. This latter occupation was considered particularly pressing and the whole Battalion was given further instruction in the use of the new box respirators which had been issued to the men before their last tour in the trenches. In the evening, four working and carrying parties, comprising 200 men in total, were provided for the Royal Engineers.

In the afternoon Lt. Col. Sydney Hayne (see passim) had relinquished command and left the Battalion to return to England. He was replaced as CO by Lt. Col Robert Richmond Raymer, DSO.

Image by kind permission of Scott Flaving

Raymer had been born on 1st November, 1870 and was educated at Farnham Grammar School before going on to gain a science degree at London University and later a Master of Arts degree at Trinity College in Dublin. He became an assistant master at Tollington Park School in North London from 1890 before then being appointed master in Mathematics and Science at Kibworth School, Market Harborough in 1894.

He first experienced active service in the army during the South African War, where he served with the 1st Battalion, The Leicestershire Regiment and would receive the Queen’s South Africa Medal with five clasps. Colonel Raymer later transferred to the Royal Militia, Island of Jersey as a Captain with the 2nd (or East Battalion) in 1904, on becoming a master at Victoria College in Jersey, later being promoted to Major in 1910. He commanded the College’s Cadet Corps where he made major improvements, and which at that time, and until 1908 when it became a Junior Officers’ Training Corps (JOTC), was affiliated to the Militia’s 2nd Battalion.

He married Ethel Annie Raymer on 2nd August, 1905 and they had one son, Charles Robert Peyton Raymer who was born on 3rd October, 1914.

At the outbreak of the Great War, Raymer was a master at the Clifton College (Douglas Haig’s old school), having left Victoria College and Jersey in December, 1912, all the while retaining his commission with the Jersey Militia, and transferred to the 5th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment on the 12th October, 1914 with the rank of Major. He was appointed Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel in February, 1915, and became the CO of the 1/5th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment in February, 1915, taking over from Lieutenant-Colonel AR Crawley shortly before that Battalion’s departure for France. Colonel Raymer remained in command of the Battalion until he was wounded during the assault on Gommecourt on 1st July, 1916. He had arrived back in France, en route to join 10DWR, on 25^th October.

Lt. Col. Robert Richmond Raymer

(This detailed information on Robert Richmond Raymer from the Channel Islands Great War Study Group; http://greatwarci.net).

Pte. John Edward Atkinson (see 10^th March) departed for England on ten days’ leave.

Pte. John William Mallinson (see 17^th June) was ordered to be confined to barracks for three days having been “unshaven on parade”.

Pte. Sydney Exley (see 17^th July) reported sick, suffering from influenza; he was admitted, via 69^th Field Ambulance, to 23^rd Division Rest Station where he would remain for five days before returning to duty. 

After spending a month in hospital being treated for rheumatic fever, both Ptes. Ernest Ashness (see 30^th September) and Patrick Ferguson (see 29^th September) were discharged from hospital and posted to 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples. Also posted to 34^th IBD was Pte. Harold Best (see 22^nd September) who had spent almost six weeks in hospital.

Pte. Harry Smith (see 30^th October) was transferred from 13^th Battalion, Training Reserve to 25^th (Works) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry.

A payment of £4 17s. 8d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. William Knox (see 29^th July), who had died of wounds following the actions around Munster Alley in July; the payment would go to his widow, Ethel.

The monthly meeting of Bowland Rural Council passed a vote of condolence following the death of Pte. Anthony Lofthouse (see 20^th October). His father, Mr. J. T. Lofthouse, being a member of the Council. It was later reported that, “In moving the resolution, the Chairman said that if there was any consolation for Mr. Lofthouse, it was the knowledge that his son died in the service of his King and Country. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Gill, and the members signified their approval by standing”.

Pte. Anthony Lofthouse

Sunday 29th October 1916

Front line trenches south-west of Hooge

During the afternoon British artillery again shelled German positions, with the Battalion observing and reporting on the accuracy and impact of the shelling. In the evening the Battalion was relieved by 11^th West Yorks., with relief completed just before midnight, and returned to the barracks in Ypres.

Cpl. John Stewart (see 23^rd October) who had spent the previous six days in the care of 69^th Field Ambulance with a diagnosis of ‘PYO’ (meaning pyrexia, or raised temperature, of unknown origin) was now diagnosed as suffering from suspected dysentery and evacuated to no.10 Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, Lijssenthoek. 

Capt. John Atkinson (see 17^th September), who had left the Battalion in September, suffering from trench fever, contacted the War Office. Writing from his home at Skea Hall, Enniskillen, he asked them to supply him with confirmation of his being on sick leave, “as I cannot receive any allowances until I receive same”.

Capt. John Atkinson (centre, front row)

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

A memorial service was held at Mount Zion Chapel, Tosside, in remembrance of Pte. Percy Hodgson (see 16^th October), who had attended the Sunday School. At the close of the service a collection was taken in aid of the soldiers' comforts fund.

Pte. Percy Hodgson

Saturday 28th October 1916

Front line trenches south-west of Hooge

Another quiet day, with further repairs and improvements to the trenches being carried out. The usual patrolling continued, but with nothing of note to report.

Acting CQMS, ‘A’ Company, Maurice Harcourt Denham (see 18^th October) was now confirmed in his post.

Pte. John Roebuck (see 26^th October) was transferred to England, having been recently taken ill suffering from ICT (inflammation of connective tissue) in buttocks and thighs. On arrival in England he would be admitted to Edmonton War Hospital. 


Pte. Reginald Jerry Northin (see 16^th September), serving with 11DWR at Brocton Camp, Staffs., was reported as ‘overstaying his pass from 3am’ and would not report back until 9.30pm the following day; he would be deprived of two days’ pay and confined to barracks for seven days.

Pte. Reginald Hancock (see 7^th October), who had been severely wounded in the chest during the advance on Contalmaison, was posted, on the expiry of three weeks’ leave, to 3^rd (Reserve) Battalion DWR at North Shields. 

Ernest Cyril Coke (see 28^th September), who had been wounded in the actions around Munster Alley, losing the tip of the middle finger of his left hand, and was now serving with 3DWR (83^rd Training Reserve) at North Shields, wrote to the Adjutant of his Battalion, requesting that his application for a wound gratuity be forwarded to the War Office. He confirmed the details of his case, “On July 29^th 1916, whilst in action near Pozieres I received a gun shot wound in the left hand, which shattered the top half of the centre finger. I was in Osborne Hospital from August 2^nd until 28^th and was on sick leave until Sept. 11^th when a board awarded me one month’s light duty”.

A payment of £7 7s. 7d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. Walter Blamires (see 11^th July), who had died of wounds in July; the payment would go to his father, Joseph.

Friday 27th October 1916

Front line trenches south-west of Hooge

Conditions were again quiet; the only event of note was the sighting of a German observation balloon in the morning, but this soon flew back deeper behind the German lines.

L.Cpl. Josias Bailey (see 29th July) was promoted (Acting) Corporal.

CQMS Andrew Hermiston (see 16^th October) was evacuated to England from 25^th General Hospital at Hardelot; he was suffering from impetigo and scabies. On arrival in England he would be admitted to Wharncliffe War Hospital in Sheffield.

Pte. Clifford Midwood (see 1^st September), who had been in England since being wounded on the Somme in July, was posted back to France, although it is not clear whether he re-joined 10DWR or another of the ‘Dukes’ battalions. 

Capt. James Christopher Bull (see 11^th October) appeared before a Medical Board convened at Reading War Hospital. The Board found that:

“He was admitted into hospital in France 22.9.16; the disease proved to be paratyphoid B. Admitted here 13.10.16, convalescent.

Two negative bacteriological examinations of faeces and urine have been made.

Condition good, but patient feels weak.

We recommend this officer for six weeks’ leave.”

Capt. James Christopher Bull

Image by kind permission of Scott Flaving

Lt. Cecil Edward Merryweather (see 3^rd October), serving with 11DWR,  was formally transferred to 1^st Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, for home service, on order of a medical board; he had applied for such transfer on 12^th September.

Pte. Patrick Sweeney (see 22^nd October), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was yet again in trouble, as he had been on many previous occasions; he was found to be “drunk and creating a disturbance at 9.20pm”. Three days later he would be formally charged and sentenced to two day’s detention.

There was extensive coverage in the weekly editions of the local press of the men killed and wounded in the recent actions at Le Sars

From the Craven Herald:

EARBY - TWO LADS AMONG THE KILLED  

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Oates, 46, Victoria Road, Earby, received the sad news last week of the death of their son, Pte. Wilfred Lawson Oates (see 6^th October), West Riding Regiment, who was killed in action in France on the 4th inst., the day following his 22nd birthday. Deceased had been at the Front about six months and prior to joining the Army was employed as a warehouseman at Messrs. A. J. Birley's Victoria Mill. Several letters of condolence have been received by the bereaved parents from Earby Comrades in the same Battalion, including Ptes. James Walker (see 6^th October), H. Snell (I am currently unable to identify this man), Edgar Shuttleworth (see 6^th October), and L. Hill (Pte. Leslie Norman Hill, see 6^th October). The last-mentioned wrote:- "Your son was in the act of bombing the enemy out of a sap, and did his duty until the last. I am sure he has the praise of all by his devotion to his work. We all liked him and all miss him. The parcel you sent him was divided amongst his comrades, which, I feel sure, would be in accordance with your wish, rather than that it should be sent back. Please accept my own and my comrades' greatest sympathy in your loss." Pte. Oates was a young man of exemplary conduct, and took a deep interest in the Temperance movement both before and since he joined the Army.

Pte. Wilfred Lawson Oates

HELLIFIELD - PRIVATE JOSEPH PRESTON KILLED

Official news has been received of the death in action of Pte. Joseph Edward Preston (see 22^nd October), of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. Pte. Preston was 23 years old, and before joining the Forces, shortly after the outbreak of the war, he was engaged as a porter at Hellifield Station. He resided with Mr. C. Walkington, of Midland Terrace, Hellifield, and his parents live at Caton.

 

Pte. Joseph Preston

CROSSHILLS - PRIVATE F. G. CARLTON REPORTED MISSING

Mrs. Carlton, of Mill Street, Junction, has received information that her son, Private Frederick G. Carlton (see 24^th October), of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, has been missing since the 5th October. A letter received from the Records Office, York, on Tuesday of this week, states:- "I regret to inform you that a report has this day been received from the War Office to the effect that Private Frederick G. Carlton, of the West Riding Regiment, was posted as missing after the engagement in France on the 5th October. Should he subsequently rejoin, or any other information be received concerning him, such information will be at once communicated to you."

Mrs. Carlton has also received the following letter from one of the chums of her son:- "Dear Mrs. Carlton, - I am very sorry that it falls to my lot to be the bearer of evil tidings. I am in the same platoon as your son Fred was in. We have been in plenty of scrapping lately. The other day we made a raid on a German trench. We had several casualties, killed, wounded and missing. Your son, Fred, I am sorry to say, was among those missing. None of the lads saw him after we went over, so we cannot say whether he was taken prisoner of war, or whether he was killed or not. We, his mates, send you all our deepest sympathy, and we hope that you, like we are doing, will hope for the best and hope that he is safe. We are all sorry to lose him for he was a good lad, and wherever he may be we must trust in God and hope for the best, and may God's will be done. I have a Bible which Fred picked up out here, and he used to read it very often. I will look after it and if ever I am spared to get home on leave I will let you have it. I live in Keighley and am drummer in the West Riding Regiment. I remain, with deepest sympathy, yours sincerely, (signed) Drummer George William Fletcher (see 24^th October)."

Private Carlton joined the Duke of Wellington's on the 29th of February last and was trained at Brockton Camp, Staffs. He went out to France with his Battalion about three months ago. He was thirty years of age, his birthday having occurred whilst he was out in France. Previous to enlistment he was employed as a grease extractor for Messrs. Wm. Davy and Co., Sutton Mills. He was very actively connected with the Eastburn Primitive Methodist Church and Sunday School and had been a Sunday School teacher for many years. He was a lad of sterling character and was held in high by all who knew him.

Pte. Frederick G. Carlton

COWLING - MEMORIAL SERVICE

At the United Methodist Church on Sunday morning a memorial service was conducted by the Rev. C. E. Penrose (pastor) for the late Sergeant John Hartley (see 22^nd October), who was killed in action as reported in our issue last week. The spacious church was nearly filled by a sympathetic congregation. Mrs. Rennie Fort contributed Mendelssohn's 'O rest in the Lord', the choir gave Dr. Parry's anthem 'The Lord is my Shepherd', and Miss Whitaker played the Dead March in 'Saul' on the organ. Mr. Jas. Bradley was the conductor.

Sgt. John Hartley

ANOTHER SETTLE SOLDIER DIES FOR HIS COUNTRY

Official information has been received by Mr. Joseph Bell of Settle, that his son, Private Robert William Bell (see 6^th October), had been killed in action on 5th October last. The deceased joined what is locally termed 'Tunstill's men' in September 1914, crossing to France in August 1915, since when he never had leave. He was aged 30, and prior to the war worked as a joiner and cabinetmaker with his father.

Pte. Robert William Bell

ADDINGHAM - THE LATE LANCE-CORPORAL WAGGITT

Mr. and Mrs. Waggitt have received the following letter from E. Merrall (see 4^th October), respecting their son, Lance-Corpl. W. Waggitt (see 20^th October):- "It is with deepest regret that I have to tell you of the death of your valiant son, Will, who has been my greatest chum since he joined this Battalion. We always went about together and both got stripes together after the July turn on this front. He was a magnificent soldier and well above the usual standard, smart and hardworking and fearless, also a leader whom the biggest coward could have followed. The morning of the fourth we were informed that our Platoon had to take a Boche position by going up a trench and bombing our way forward. Straight from our lines, Will leading, we came to the first barricade. Taking a shovel he cut through, the second one likewise and the third. Will spotted the Germans and in his jolly way passed it down to us, "They are waiting for us." Bombs were thrown and the Germans let us have it, bombing us from the sides. One of the bombs dropped in the trench and killed the second man and badly wounded Will. He was assisted back nearly to our lines by Corp. R. Harrison (see 4^th October), another of Will's class of British blood. Bob was wounded along with many more. The Company stretcher-bearers went to Will to look to his wounds, but he refused them saying, "I will not last long, look to the others, they need it more than me." His last words with a smile on his face were "Cheer oh, lads, the best of luck, I am going." With these words of encouragement he passed into the arms of his Maker with a clear conscience. The remainder of the Platoon are lost without him, and I wish you to please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss."

L.Cpl. Edwin Merrall

L.Cpl. Willie Waggitt

HELLIFIELD - PRIVATE C. RALPH KILLED IN ACTION

Information was received on Friday morning by Miss Ralph, of Haw Grove, Hellifield, that her brother, Private Chris. Ralph (see 22^nd October), had been killed in action on the Western Front on October 6th. The sad news was conveyed in letters from two Hellifield comrades in the same Company.

Pte. T. Bownass (see 20^th October) wrote:- "It is with the deepest regret that I have to tell you of the death of your brother, Kit, which occurred whilst we were in action on the 6th inst. He was at the time acting as guide to the party who relieved us in the front line on that date, and was killed instantly by a shell bursting in the trench they were proceeding along. He was well liked by all the lads of the platoon, as he always had a cheery word and looked on the bright side of things, and we all miss him badly. The lads wish me to tender you their deepest sympathy in your great loss, and trust that God will sustain and comfort you in your dark and lonely hours."

Pte. Harley Bentham (see 20^th October), in a letter says:- "I have been asked by some of the lads to write and tell you how sorry we are and how we sympathise with you in your great loss. Kit was a fine chap and a good soldier, and I am sure we all liked him. Our Battalion had been in the line four days and were being relieved that night. Kit had volunteered to act as guide to the men who were to relieve us, and he was leading them up the communication trench when a shell burst right on the parapet close to your brother and hit him. Death would be instantaneous; he would not suffer any pain. He has been buried close to the place where he fell. He often used to talk of you, and look forward to your letters coming. I ask you to accept the sympathy of myself and his pals from Long Preston and district."

Pte. Ralph, who was 30 years old, was the eldest son of the late Mr. John Ralph, of Main Road, Hellifield. He enlisted with Captain Tunstill's men in the Duke of Wellington's in September 1914 and went to the Front the following August. Before joining the Forces he was in the employ of the Midland Railway as a goods shunter. He was of a bright disposition, and was formerly a member of the Church choir and Sunday School.

Pte. Kit Ralph

Pte. Harley Bentham

The Clitheroe Times

THE SECOND BLOW

Mrs Isherwood, Foulscales Farm, Newton, has, as reported last week, received official intimation that her son, Pte. Edwin Isherwood (see 20^th October), of Capt. Tunstill’s Company of the Duke of Wellington’s W.R. Regt. Has been killed in action. Another brother, Walter, died from fever early in the war, and a third, licensee of the Moorcock Inn, is with the forces.

Pte. Edwin Isherwood

FORMERLY OF SABDEN

As reported last week Private Joseph Bell (see 20^th October) of the Australian Expeditionary Force, eldest son of Mr. Sam Bell, Sabden, has made the great sacrifice. Private Bell, who was 26 years of age, formerly resided in the village and was a scholar at the Council School. He left Sabden to go to Grindleton, but five years ago emigrated to Australia, and when he heard his country’s call joined the Australians. News of his death has been received by his uncle, Mr. John Maudsley of Grindleton. His youngest brother, Driver George Bell, of the RFA, enlisted two years ago at the age of 15, and has been in Mespotamia for 18 months.

Ilkley Gazette

The Late Corporal Leslie Seymour Perks

Mr. and Mrs. James Perks of Bolton Bridge Road, Ilkley, have received a communication from the War Office this week stating that their elder son, Corporal Leslie Seymour Perks (see 20^th October), West Riding Regiment, was killed in action on October 8^th. In our last issue we mentioned that news had been received of Corporal Perks’ death, though no particulars as to howor when it had occurred were then given.

Thursday 26th October 1916

Front line trenches south-west of Hooge

The wind veered round to a more northerly direction which meant a reduced threat from German gas and the "wind dangerous" warning was taken off. British artillery fired sporadically through the day. Otherwise the day was again quiet. The War Diary reported that, “Our patrols have been out each night & have found the ground very marshy & in places impassable. These patrols have only occasionally been fired at & have sustained no casualties”.

The relative quiet allowed for a more gentle introduction for five new subalterns who arrived to replace the losses suffered at Le Sars. All five had arrived in France on 22^nd or 23^rd September but only now joined the Battalion. They were Lt. Herbert Sparling and 2Lts. Joseph Crocker, Eric Dixon, Harold Sykes Holroyd (see 23^rd September) and Charles Archibald Milford (see 22^nd September).

2Lt. Eric Dixon

Pte. John Hargreaves (18009) (see 18^th October) re-joined the Battalion from 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples; he had suffered a minor wound on 3^rd October.

Pte. Bertie Constantine (see 6^th September), who had been wounded on 29^th July, was evacuated to England; the details of his treatment are unknown.

A further statement was taken regarding the death in action of 2Lt. Henry Herbert Owen Stafford (see 24^th October); the informant was Pte. John Roebuck of ‘D’ Company, who was then being treated at no.13 General Hospital at Boulogne. Roebuck reported that, “We went over first on Oct. 6^th (sic.), at Le Sars, and this officer got killed on the German parapet. At this time we failed to take the trench and had to go back to our own line again. On the 7^th, Saturday, we went again, and succeeded, and found his body, and the body of Mr. Graham (see 12^th October) both dead. I saw their bodies and they would certainly have been buried by now. We held the trench that we took after the attack of 7^th October. Mr. Stafford was a very nice officer indeed and liked by all the men”.

John Roebuck had attested under the Derby Scheme in November 1915 and arrived in France on 11^th May 1916, serving for two months with 2DWR before being transferred to 10DWR on 16^th July. He had recently been taken ill and was awaiting evacuation to England.


Pte. John Onion (see 28^th August), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was posted back to France and would join 2DWR.

A payment of £1 7s. 3d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Sgt. Edward Smith (11769) (see 5^th July) who had been killed in action in July; the payment would go to his widow, Rosetta.

The London Gazette announced the appointment of Herbert Middleton (Bob) Hands (see 26th September) to a commission as Second Lieutenant with the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment; he would later serve with 10DWR.

Wednesday 25th October 1916

Front line trenches south-west of Hooge

With the prevailing wind blowing in from the German lines, the need for the practice in the use of the new box respirators became clear, although, in fact, there was to be no threat from gas. The entry in the War Diary gives a clear statement of the quiet conditions, “Nothing of a serious nature has transpired. Since we arrived here the weather has been generally dull & wet. Wind generally S.S.W. to S.S.E. Our men have done very useful work in strengthening parapets, draining trenches & strengthening the wire in front line trenches. Several times portions of the parapet & trench sides have fallen in, but all have been repaired”.

A memorial service was held at at St. Andrew's Church, Sedbergh for Sg.t Harry Lyddington Mason (see 20^th October) and Pte. Harry Clemmett of King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. It was later reported that, “There was a large congregation ... The Vicar (Rev. A. H. Walker) took the major portion of the service, and the lesson was read by Rev. H. F. Donaldson Selby. The special hymns were 'The Son of God goes forth to war', 'Lead Kindly Light', and 'Peace, prefect peace'. At the conclusion of the service the organist, Mr. A.E. Thorne, played the 'Dead March'.

Sgt. Harry Lyddington Mason

The War Office wrote to request that Cox & Co. report on the finances of the late Lt. Harry Harris (see 20^th October) who had been killed at Le Sars. They were now seeking to settle Harris’ account.

Lt. Harry Harris

A payment of £3 15s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Arthur Bell (see 29^th July) who had died of wounds in July; the payment would go to his widow, Harriet.

A payment of £9 1s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. David Kendric Collins (see 5^th July) who had been killed in action on 5^th July; the payment would be divided equally between his father, James, and Miss Violet Priscilla Royce of Peterborough (presumably Pte. Collins’ sweetheart)