Thursday1st March 1917

Bollezeele

On a fine, bright morning with some sun, the Battalion left Bollezeele at 10.20am and completed the final ten-mile march to Eperlecques, via Wulverdinghe, Watten-Bridge and Ganspette. The Battalion would remain at Eperlecques until 19^th March. Brig Genl. Lambert (see 28^th February), again recorded in his diary his concerns about the marching of 10DWR, “10^th (ie 10DWR)again marched poorly; remainder v.g”.

(I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me access to Brig. Genl. Lambert’s diary and letters).

Here the billets were good and there was some scope for the men to relax alongside their training regime. Much hard training would be done, at Company, Battalion and Brigade levels, with an emphasis also on rifle practice on the ranges at Tilques.

Pte. John Ellis (see 23^rd February) was again in trouble, just a week after a previous breach of military discipline. On this occasion he was reported by Sgt. George Peacock (see 13^th July 1916; it is not known when he had been promoted Sergeant) for “drinking water on the line of march without permission”; on the orders of Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne (see 23^rd February) he was to be confined to barracks for three days.

Sgt. William Proctor (see 11^th November 1916) was transferred to the Royal Engineers and, being a skilled platelayer, would join 298^th Railway Company.

Pte. Menhell Hudson (see 16^th January), who had been with the Battalion for just six weeks, was posted back to England; the reason is unclear but it seems most likely that he had been taken ill.

Ptes. George Frederick Ford (see 18^th October 1916) and Archibald Louis Norris (see 8^th December 1916) were posted from 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion at Gateshead to join 36^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, a reserve and training battalion based in Ramsgate.

Pte. Herbert Edwin James Biggs (see 4^th November 1916), having completed his officer training course, was commissioned temporary 2^nd Lieutenant with the West Riding Regiment.

A payment of £8 was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. George Henry Collinson (see 6^th September 1916), who had died wounds in September 1916; the payment would go to Mrs. Jane Curtis.

Wednesday 28th February 1917

‘Z’ Camp, east of Poperinghe

The move to Corps Reserve continued on another fine, bright day, with the Battalion departing at 8.15am and marching a further seventeen miles to billets in the Bollezeele area, via Watou, Houtkerque, Herzeele, Wormhoudt, Esquelbecq and Zeggers Cappel. Because of the extended nature of the day’s march, in addition to the hourly ten-minute halt, dinner was to be taken between 12.30 and 1.30 with the men taken off to the roadside if at all possible. Reflecting on the day, Brig Genl. Lambert (see 26^th February), noted in his diary, “Marched to Bollezeeele area. Billetted at Mayor’s house. Mess in estaminet in square. Troops much scattered in billets. Men marched well, except 10^th (ie 10DWR) who were a bit ragged”.

(I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me access to Brig. Genl. Lambert’s diary and letters).

Pte. Ronald Bray (see 16^th January) was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance suffering from “ICT, heel, right” (trench foot); three days later he would be transferred to 23^rd Division Rest Station at Remy Sidings.

Pte. Fred Light Pashley joined the Battalion from 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples where he had spent the three weeks since arriving in France. He was a 26 year-old dyers’ labourer (working at Ripley’s dyeworks) from Bradford; although married with a four year-old son, Charles Arthur, he was separated from his wife and had been living with his mother prior to attesting under the Derby Scheme in November 1915. He had been called up in April 1916 and had trained with 3DWR before being posted to France.

Pte. John Dalby (see 7^th October 1916), who had been transferred (date and details unknown) from 83^rd Training Resere Battalion to 3DWR at North Shields, was reported for ‘not complying with an order; ie not having hair cut short on CO’s parade’; he was ordered to be confined to barracks for three days.

A payment of £6 12s was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Charlie Branston (see 3^rd November 1916); the payment would go to his widowed mother, Hannah.

Pte. Charlie Branston

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

Killed                                       12 other ranks

Accidentally killed                  0

Died of wounds                      0

Wounded                                1 officer and 59 other ranks

Accidentally wounded          0

Missing                                    0

10DWR’s casualties were recorded as:

Killed                                       3

Accidentally killed                 0

Died of wounds                     0

Wounded                             16

Accidentally wounded         0

Missing                                   0

These official casualty figures do not take account of the deaths of three men who had died while serving away from the Battalion or who had been wounded but had died subsequently from their wounds.

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

Killed                                    157

Accidentally killed                  4

Died of wounds                       7

Wounded                             772

Accidentally wounded         49

Missing                                 116

Tuesday 27th February 1917

Winnipeg Camp

The Battalion was ordered to march from Winnipeg Camp to begin what would be a six-week period away from the front line; the weather was described as “excellent for marching … a cool, easy day”. Provision was made for a ten-minute halt every hour along the line of march. The Battalion was to be in position just west of Brandhoek, ready to move off from there at 10.17am. They would be the final Battalion in the Brigade, followed only by 69^th Field Ambulance and 192 Company, ASC. They first marched eight miles to ‘Z’ Camp, near Sint Jan ter Biezen, east of Poperinghe, where an overnight stop was taken.

Cpl. Luke Dawson (see 10^th January) was promoted Acting Sergeant.

Pte. Ernest Mudd (see 12^th November 1916) was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance; he was suffering from inflammation to his right leg.

Pte. Arnold Robson (see 12th December 1916) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from a mild case of ‘trench foot’. 

Pte. Bertie Constantine (see 12^th February), serving with 3DWR at North Shields was released following a period of seven days’ detention; he was immediately reported ‘absent from tattoo’ and would not return until 9pm on the 28^th, as a result of which he would serve a further two days’ detention.

Pte. Frank William Rabjohn (see 2^nd February) was discharged to duty from Bevan Military Hospital, Sandgate; two days later he would be posted back to France.

Almost two months after having been wounded, Pte. James Duncan Foster (see 7^th January) was sufficiently recovered to be posted to 3DWR at Tynemouth.

Cpl. Henry Feather was killed in action while serving with 16^th Battalion West Yorks.; he was buried at Owl Trench Cemetery, Hebuterne. Henry was the younger brother of Pte. Joe Feather (see 29^th July), who had been one of the Keighley men who had served with Tunstill’s Company; Joe himself had been wounded on the Somme in July 1916.

A payment of £2 17s. 11d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Arthur Cooper Clapham (see 6^th October 1916) who had been killed in action in October 1916; the payment would go to his father, Matthew.

A payment of £7 8s 5d was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Sgt. Albert Edward Dury (see 6^th October 1916); the payment would go to his father, Richard. 

A payment of £5 2s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Arthur Edward Windsor (see 6^th October 1916) who had been killed in action in October 1916; the payment would go to his father, Albert.

Monday 26th February 1917

Winnipeg Camp

The Battalion finally reached Winnipeg Camp around 4.15 am having travelled by train from Ypres to Vlamertinghe, before completing the final march to the camp. The morning was brighter, but ‘fresh’ and much of the day was then spent cleaning uniform and equipment in preparation for a further move into Corps Reserve, which was to begin the following day. Brig Genl. Lambert (see 18^th February), commented on both the weather and the need for the men to have time to clean and repair equipment in a letter home to his wife, “Today has been really quite a nice morning … the sun is out and it is like a bright Spring day … and I hope it will continue fine for some time so as to give us a fair chance of getting the men clean and smart. We have really had excellent weather considering the time of year … The frost of course was intense but since that went we have had reasonably fine weather and though of course the country is heavy (ie muddy) it is not impassable”. He also reflected on developments on the Somme front, “The news from the Somme that Pys, and even Bapaume, have been evacuated by the Germans is rather startling but I am not altogether surprised. The Boche has no doubt gone back to just as strong a line behind and has got a force ready to make an attack so as to catch us if we are rash!”.

(I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me access to Brig. Genl. Lambert’s diary and letters).

  

Cpl. James Shackleton MM (see 20^th September 1916) who had been wounded six days earlier was evacuated to be treated in hospital at Wimereux.

Cpl. James Shackleton

Pte. Joseph Renshaw (see 11^th January) was evacuated to England; he was suffering from influenza, and on arrival in England would be admitted to the City of London Military Hospital.

Mrs. Fanny Louise Lavarack, widowed mother of the late Lt. Adolph Keith Lavarack (see 23^rd January), who had been killed on 5^th July 1916, wrote to the War Office confirming the current addresses of herself and of her five surviving sons, all of whom were currently serving in the armed forces. Her address was 15 Wycombe Gardens, Golders Green. Her sons’ correspondence addresses were: Lt F.S. Lavarack – School of Mortars, 1st Army, BEF, France; Lt. H.U. Lavarack, Branch Requisition Officer, HQ 1st Army; Lt. P.J.V. Lavarack, 16th Squadron, RFC, France; Lt A.W. Lavarack, 17th Royal Fusiliers, BEF, France; Capt. E.T. Lavarck, 12th Suffolks, BEF, France.

Lt. Adolph Keith Lavarack

Lt. Thomas Beattie, (see 10^th February), currently serving with 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion in Gateshead, wrote to the War Office, applying for a wound gratuity.

“Sir

On August 3^rd 1916, while serving with the 9^th Duke of Wellington’s Regt in France, I was wounded. The battalion was holding Delville Wood, making preparations to attack the German trenches, in order to straighten the line. During the night 2^nd/3^rd August we were subjected to a very heavy bombardment by the enemy’s artillery, and early in the morning of 3^rd August I was wounded, by the shrapnel from a shell which burst above my trench, in the left shoulder. I was brought down to the Field Dressing Station and hence to a Field Ambulance after my wound had been dressed. In the afternoon of the 3^rd of August I was operated upon, under anaesthetic, but the operation was unsuccessful as the shrapnel had penetrated too far into my shoulder. I was sent down to the no.2 Red Cross Hospital, Rouen and I was x-rayed and on the 5^th of August I was operated upon again. This operation was also unsuccessful and I was evacuated home on the 8^th of August when I was fit to do the journey, and I was sent to the no.2 Western General Hospital, Manchester. I was again x-rayed and on the 23^rd of August I was operated on for the third time. This operation was successful as all the shrapnel was extracted. I was in hospital until 27^th September 1916 when I was sent out on sick leave. I was on sick leave for six weeks until 10^th November 1916 when I joined the 3^rd Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Regiment at North Shields. Since then I have been before a Medical Board each month, and was given light duty for one month and home service for three months, being excused equipment as I am unable to bear the weight of equipment. My left arm is gradually recovering its function and in time should be all right.

I am applying for wound gratuity on account of the above wounds received while on active service, hoping it will receive your favourable consideration.”

2Lt. John Keighley Snowden (see 2^nd February), who had been wounded at Le Sars, appeared before a further Medical Board; he was declared fit for home service and instructed to join 3DWR at North Shields, which he would duly do next day.

  

A payment of £14 4s 7d was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Anthony Lofthouse (see 3^rd November 1916); the payment would go to his father, John.

Pte. Anthony Lofthouse

Sunday 25th February 1917

Brigade Reserve at Zillebeke Bund and around Observatory Ridge (one and a half Companies at Stafford Street, in Sanctuary Wood (I.24.b.3.5); two platoons at the Redan, just north of Rudkin House; and the remaining two Companies to the north-west edge of Zillebeke Bund (I.21.a.1.5).

Yet another fine, but misty, day. In the evening the Battalion was relieved by 12th Royal Sussex (39th Division) with the relief completed around 12.45 am on 26th and the Battalion proceeding to Ypres, ready to board the train for Vlamertinghe, en route to Winnipeg Camp. However, there was heavy German shelling of Ypres, and in particular of the area around the station which somewhat delayed progress.

L.Cpl. James Arthur Heap (26^th January) began to be paid according to his rank, having previously held the post unpaid.

Saturday 24th February 1917

Brigade Reserve at Zillebeke Bund and around Observatory Ridge (one and a half Companies at Stafford Street, in Sanctuary Wood (I.24.b.3.5); two platoons at the Redan, just north of Rudkin House; and the remaining two Companies to the north-west edge of Zillebeke Bund (I.21.a.1.5).

The recent mild weather continued, with a thick mist persisting for much of the day; more working parties were supplied for the Royal Engineers. On one of these working parties Pte. Ellis Sutcliffe (see 16^th January) was wounded, suffering a relatively minor wound to the scalp. He was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance before being transferred via 17^th Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings to 8^th Stationary Hospital at Wimereux.

Pte. Willie Cowgill (see 14^th January) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 12^th Casualty Clearing Station at Hazebrouck; he was suffering from influenza.

Sgt. Arthur Manks (see 27^th November 1916) was transferred from 1^st Garrison Battalion Durham Light Infantry to 2^nd (Home Service) Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment.

CQMS Cyril Edward Agar, (see 19^th May 1916), 9^th Yorkshires, having recently completed his application for a commission, was posted to the Regimental Depot in England. He would have a period of leave before beginning his officer training course. He would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR.

CQMS Cyril Edward Agar

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Pte. Fred Richmond (see 1^st September 1916), who had been seriously wounded while serving with Tunstill’s Company in November 1915, was transferred from 12^th Training Reserve Battalion to 25^th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, which was a works battalion based in Skipton.

A payment of 16s. 9d. was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. John Whitaker Fennell (see 6^th October 1916), who had been killed in October 1916; the payment would go to his widow, Kate.

A payment of £19 1s 2d was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Percy Hodgson (see 8^th December 1916); the payment would go to his father, Thomas.

Pte. Percy Hodgson

Friday 23rd February 1917

Brigade Reserve at Zillebeke Bund and around Observatory Ridge (one and a half Companies at Stafford Street, in Sanctuary Wood (I.24.b.3.5); two platoons at the Redan, just north of Rudkin House; and the remaining two Companies to the north-west edge of Zillebeke Bund (I.21.a.1.5).

Working parties were again provided for the Royal Engineers. Another misty day.

Pte. John Ellis (see 17^th October 1916) was reported by Sgt. William Edmondson Gaunt (see 19^th January) for “not complying with an order, ie not bathing when ordered to do so; on the orders of Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne (see 19^th January) he was to be confined to barracks for seven days.

RSM John William Headings (see 23^rd January) was granted a temporary commission as Lieutenant on taking up the post of Quartermaster to the Battalion, replacing Lt. Daniel William Paris Foster (see 23^rd  January), who had been on sick leave in England since mid-November and had recently been declared unfit for further service.

RSM John William Headings (standing), with his brothers, James Lawrence and Henry George.

(Image by kind permission of Jill Monk)

Lt. Daniel William Paris Foster

Image by kind permission of the Trustees of the DWR Museum

A number of men who had arrived in France on 4^th February and were originally to have been posted from 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples to 2DWR were now re-posted and joined 10DWR. Among them was L.Cpl. Harold Howlett (see 20^th November 1916) who was re-joining the Battalion having been wounded at Contalmaison in July 1916. L.Cpl. Christopher Clapham was 26 years old and from Guiseley, where he had worked as a spinner before enlisting in August 1914. He had been posted to 8DWR and had gone to Gallipoli in July 1915. He had then been taken ill in November, suffering from enteric fever and had been posted back to England in December 1915. In May 1916 he had been posted to 3DWR at North Shields and had remained there until returning to France.Pte. Willie Dracup was 21 years old and from Halifax. He had attested under the Derby Scheme in December 1915 while working for Messrs. Oldfield and Schofield, engine tool makers in Halifax. In February 1916 his empkloyers had written to the the County Court in Halifax to explain that Dracup, “is still working for us because we gave the Town Clerk of Halifax all the information about this man and he told us that he must go on with his work until we had some communication from the War Office. We have not, as yet, received this communication, therefore the man is still working. He is a Driller and a very useful man for us. He is working on our night shift and we are engaged at our works in making machines for the National Shell Factory at Nottingham. We feel sure the man is doing good work for the war”. Despite his emplkoyer’s appeal, Dracup had been called up in July 1916 and had trained with 3DWR at North Shields. Whilst there he had several times been charged with minor indiscretions. Pte. Fred Wilson Fawcett was a 38 year-old labourer from Halifax; he was married with two children. Pte. Hartley Gibb was a 29 year-old weaver from Barnoldswick; he was married but had no children. Pte. Peter Herity was a 25 year-old woolcomber from Bradford. He had originally enlisted in August 1914 and had joined 8DWR. However, he had been discharged after three months’ service having been convicted of “striking a comrade and striking an NCO whilst in the execution of his duty”. He had then been called up in August 1916 and had spent three months with 3DWR at North Shields before deserting on 28^th November 1916. He had been apprehended on 21^st December and, following a court martial hearing in January 1917, had been sentenced to nine months’ detention. However, he had then been posted to France on 3^rd February. Pte. George Hirst was a 37 year-old dyer’s labourer from Bradford; he was married with two children. He had been called up in September 1916 and had trained with 3DWR.  Pte. William Walker Jackson was a 21 year-old farmer’s son from Horton-in-Ribblesdale (born 31^st May 1895); he had trained as a signaller while with 3DWR. Pte. Herbert Crowther Kershaw was a 29 year-old warehouseman from Bradford; he was married with a seven-month old son.  Pte. Thomas Legg was a 27 year-old weaver from Todmorden; he was married but had no children. He had been called up in July 1916. Ptes. Jabez Wintersgill and Joe William Woodhouse also joined the Battalion; both had been called up in August 1916 and had trained with 3DWR. Wintersgill was a 19 year-old weaver from Earby. Woodhouse was a 20 year-old textile worker from Longwood near Huddersfield. It seems likely that he should have been part of the draft which had joined 10DWR on 16^th January, but his departure from England had been delayed because he had spent 27 days in hospital in December, being treated for boils.

Pte. Thomas Bulcock (see 4^th January), serving in France with 2DWR, was posted back to England (cause unknown).

A letter from the War Office reached 2Lt. Howard Thurston Hodgkinson (see 17^th February), who had been evacuated to England sick in October, instructing him to resign his commission on grounds of his continued ill health. Hodgkinson, from his home address at Broom Hall, Bidford on Avon, Warwickshire, immediately wrote in reply:

Sir

Re your letter received this morning. I should be much obliged for information on the following:

I. I should prefer, if possible, to remain in the Army for the duration of the war. Would it be possible to obtain a light duty occupation for that period?

II. Prior to the war I was a farmer by trade; is there anything I could assist with in regard to this?

III. I wish to claim for allowances during my sick leave and as I presume there is no depot for me now, can you supply me with the necessary forms?

IV. Do I receive a pension? If so, what amount, as this complaint was caused by the trenches?

V. Can you give me any idea of the time which will be required to send me definite answers to these questions?

Capt. William Norman Town (see 5^th February), serving with the 3^rd Battalion, Cheshire Regiment in Chester, was transferred to the 3DWR at North Shields.

Thursday 22nd February 1917

Brigade Reserve at Zillebeke Bund and around Observatory Ridge (one and a half Companies at Stafford Street, in Sanctuary Wood (I.24.b.3.5); two platoons at the Redan, just north of Rudkin House; and the remaining two Companies at the north-west edge of Zillebeke Bund (I.21.a.1.5).

On a foggy day, working parties were supplied for the Royal Engineers. Lt. Col. Robert Raymer (see 2^nd February), returned following his leave and resumed command of 10DWR; Major Ashton St. Hill (see 17^th February), who had been in temporary command, became C.O., 11^th Northumberland Fusiliers in 68^th Brigade.

Lt. Col. Robert Raymer

Pte. Ernest Ashness (see 16^th November 1916) found himself on a charge in regard to “irregular conduct, ie destroying a field dressing”; on the orders of Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison (see 11^th February) he was to be confined to barracks for four days.

Pte. Albert Edward Everitt (see 20^th November 1916) reported sick and was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance; he was suffering from a high temperature, which would later be ascribed to a mild case of ‘trench foot’; he would be discharged to duty after eight days’ treatment.

Pte. Clarence Hubert Bolt (see 19^th December 1916) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from ‘trench foot’; he would be treated for two weeks before being discharged and re-joining the Battalion.

Pte. Harold Clarkson (see 16^th January) was injured whilst on duty, suffering a sprained ankle; he was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance and would later be transferred to 70^th, where he would spend ten days before returning to duty on 3^rd March.

Sgt. Michael Kenefick MM (see 9^th February) was discharged from 7^th Convalescent Depot in Boulogne and posted to 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples.

Pte. Ernest Taylor (29168) (see 4^th February), who had spent two weeks at 8^th General Hospital at Rouen, being treated for a severe case of ‘trench foot’, was evacuated to England onboard the hospital ship Cambria.

Pte. Frederick William Wilman (see 7^th November 1916) was posted back to England for treatment on a corneal ulcer to his left eye; on arrival he would be admitted to 3^rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth.

Lt. Robert Stewart Skinner Ingram (see 1^st February), who had been one of the original officers of Tunstill’s Company, but was now a Flying Officer (Observer) with the RFC, was posted to France to join no.9 Squadron.

L.Cpl. Lawrence Tindill MM, serving with 1^st/5^th Yorkshires (see 22^nd January), having recently completed an application for a commission, was posted back to England. He would have a period of leave before beginning his officer training course.

Wednesday 21st February 1917

Trenches near Observatory Ridge (I.24.d.7.1 to I.24.d.8.6)

Much milder weather set in, though with a thick mist persisting for much of the day, and, with the consequent thawing of the previously-frozen ground, the trenches became very wet. In the evening the Battalion was relieved by 11^th West Yorks, with the relief complete by 8pm, and went into Brigade Reserve. As previously, the Battalion was divided among different locations. On this occasion, one and a half Companies went to Stafford Street, in Sanctuary Wood (I.24.b.3.5); two platoons to the Redan, just north of Rudkin House; and the remaining two Companies to the north-west edge of Zillebeke Bund (I.21.a.1.5).

Pte. Harold Peel (see 12^th November 1916) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance suffering from an infection to his lip; he would spend five days being treated before re-joining the Battalion on 26^th February.

Pte. Sam Brook (see 19^th December 1916) was evacuated to England having suffered wounds to his left buttock which had severely damaged his sciatic nerve. It is not clear when he had been wounded and the details of his treatment are also unknown.

Pte. Arthur Clarke (see 2nd December 1916), who had been in England since having been wounded in July 1916, was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields.

Following five months’ treatment for shellshock, Pte. Thomas Angus McAndrew (see 26^th September 1915) was posted to 6^th Infantry Labour Company, Durham Light Infantry.

A review of the army pension award to Carl Parrington Branthwaite (see 29^th January), who had been permanently discharged from the Army on account of illness contracted in service and was still in hospital under treatment for TB, extended his current pension of 20s. per week for a further six months. The review board also noted that Branthwaite reported that he had “had no pension since November 1916”.

L.Cpl. Sam Benjamin Farrant (see 1^st December 1916), serving with 2^nd Battalion East Lancs., having recently applied for a commission, was posted back to England. He would have a period of leave before beginning his officer training course. He would later serve with 10DWR.  

In England, Pte. Harry Shaw (12316) (see 8^th September 1916) died from pulmonary TB. He would be buried at St. Leonard’s Church, Burton Leonard, near Ripon. 

A payment of £5 8s. 10d was authorised, being the amount outstanding in pay and allowances to the late Pte. William Currey (see 6^th October 1916) who had been killed in action in October 1916; the payment would be divided between his two brothers, Charles and James, and his sister, Elizabeth.

Tuesday 20th February 1917

Trenches near Observatory Ridge (I.24.d.7.1 to I.24.d.8.6)

An overcast day, with persistent drizzle. Between 5pm and 8pm there was a heavy artillery bombardment from both sides, which was associated with a large-scale trench raid being conducted by 47^th Division to the south. There was considerable German shelling of the British lines, in the course of which two men were killed and two others wounded. The two men killed were Pte. Herbert Bayfield (see 16^th January) and Pte. Robert Cheshire (see 16^th January); both had been with the Battalion for less than six weeks and both were buried at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground. They were part of the draft which had originally been posted to 9DWR, but, within days, had been re-posted to 10DWR, joining the Battalion on 16^th January.

One of the wounded men was Tunstill’s Man, Cpl. James Shackleton MM (see 14^th September 1916).; he suffered shrapnel wounds to his back and arm and was treated locally in the fist instance.  The other wounded man was Pte. Harry Read (see 2^nd October 1916); his wounds were not serious and he remained at duty.

Cpl. James Shackleton MM

L.Cpl. Albert Bradley (see 15^th February) was promoted Corporal.

L.Cpl.  Thomas Robinson (16490) MM (see 7^th February) began to be paid according to his rank, having previously held it on an unpaid basis.

Several men who had been away for some time re-joined the battalion. Pte. Thomas Manuell (see 8^th February) had been taken ill in early December 1916; Cpl. John Stewart (see 20^th November 1916), who had been taken ill suffering from dysentery in November 1916; and Pte. Sam Shuttleworth (see 17^th June 1916) had been away from the Battalion for the previous eight months, most of which time he had spent at 23^rd Infantry Base Depot at Etaples.

Cpl. John Stewart (see 20^th November 1916), who had been taken ill suffering dysentery three months earlier, re-joined the Battalion.

Pte. Sam Shuttleworth (see 17^th June 1916) who had been away from the Battalion for the previous eight months, most of which time he had spent at 23^rd Infantry Base Depot at Etaples, re-joined the Battalion.

Cpl. John William Cooper (see 9^th December 1916) was posted to 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples, from where he would be posted back to England. It would appear that he had reported sick as he would later state that he had suffered from “bleeding piles and a cough”.

Pte. Henry Jarratt (see 16^th January) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance, suffering from myalgia; he would be transferred to 23^rd Divisional Rest Station, where he would spend six days before being discharged to duty.

Pte. Albert William Knight (see 2^nd February), who had been in hospital for almost three weeks suffering from ‘trench foot’, was evacuated to England from 32^nd Stationary Hospital at Wimereux; he travelled onboard the Hospital Ship, St. David.

2Lt. Harold Watthews (see 14^th February) , who had arrived in France a week earlier, reported for duty with 10DWR. 

 

2Lt. Harold Watthews