Tuesday 15th May 1917

Scottish Camp, south-west of Brandhoek

Large working parties were again provided for the Royal Engineers on another very warm day.

L.Cpls. George William Keeling (see 8^th May) and Jonathan Richardson Sunderland (see 26^th January) were both promoted Corporal.

Sgt. William Allen Sayer (see 5^th May) was reported by CSM James Davis MM (see 1^st April) for, “neglect of duty; ie allowing platoon on parade for working party improperly dressed”; he was reprimanded by Lt. Col. Robert Raymer (see 8^th May).

Pte. Alfred Whittaker (see 9^th May), who had only re-joined the Battalion a week previously, was admitted via 71^st Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from myalgia.

Pte. Harry Robinson (see 10^th May), following treatment for boils, was transferred from 2^nd Army Rest Station at Mont des Cats to 23^rd Division Rest Station at Waratah Camp, south-east of Poperinghe.

Pte. Harold Dale (see 5^th May) was transferred from no.7 Convalescent Depot at Boulogne to no.10 Convalescent Depot, a few miles south at Ecault.

The mother of Capt. John Atkinson (see 23^rd March), who had recently been declared unfit for further service overseas, wrote to the War Office, requesting a gratuity on behalf of her son.

Dear Sir

I wish to claim a gratuity for my son, Capt. John Atkinson, 10^th West Riding Regiment, now attached 3^rd Reserve Battalion in North Shields. My son joined the Army immediately on the outbreak of war in 1914 leaving a good position, although married, to do so and proceeded with his Regiment to France in August 1915. While in France he commanded a Company. He was slightly wounded in the forearm and blown up by a shell which left him unconscious for several hours; he still remained at duty although urged repeatedly to return. In September he contracted trench fever, a complaint much more serious in my opinion than most wounds. This fever has completely wrecked his whole system and he has been to considerable expense with various doctors. When my son returned home from hospital I had him examined by my own doctor who found his heart considerably enlarged. This I have no doubt was due to trench fever. In conclusion I wish to state that I have had three sons fighting in this war, one of whom was killed in Gallipoli. My son, Captain Atkinson, does not know that I have written to you on his behalf, he informed me that gratuities were not admissible for sickness but only in cases of wounds but I think in this instance a gratuity is justified.