Saturday 1st December 1917

Billets at Barcon

Fine and sunny

Cpl. Thomas Butler (see 20^th September) was reported as having been “drunk at 8.30pm” and then “absent from 9.30pm until reporting at reveille (6.30am)” next day. He would then be further reported for “breaking out of guard room”. The reports of Butler’s conduct were made by A/Sgt. George William Keeling (see 20^th September) and L.Cpl. Robert Henry Arnold (see 7^th November) and by five members of the Military Police. On the orders of of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 28^th November), Butler would be severely reprimanded but suffer no further punishment.

Ptes. Edward Anderson (see 10th November), Fred Hargreaves (29267) (see 6^th November), Thomas Charles Jaques (see 14^th November) and William Henry Luke (see 13^th November) were all posted from 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples to re-join 10DWR.

L.Cpl. Thomas Bulcock (see 4^th September), serving in France with 8DWR, was promoted Lance Sergeant.

L.Cpl. Stanley Basil Studd (see 15^th November), serving in France with 9DWR, was admitted via 52^nd Field Ambulance to 61^st Casualty Clearing Station; he was suffering from an abscess to his lower jaw.


L.Cpl. John Thomas Carter, serving with 4^th Grenadier Guards, was killed in action in France; he was the elder brother of Pte. George Carter (see 12^th November), who was serving with 3DWR having been wounded in September.

Pte. Herbert Wood (see 28^th September), who had been in England since having been wounded in September, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Lt. John Redington (see 23^rd October), who had been taken ill in July 1916 and was now employed at the Army Recruiting Office in Wolverhampton, was seconded for duty with the Ministry of National Service. 

The War Office wrote to the Infantry Records Office confirming that, having been trade tested at Woolwich, Pte. James Thomas Sagar (see 22^nd August), who had been in England since suffering fractured ribs in an accident in October 1916, was to be discharged to Class T to take up munitions work with H. Pontifex and Sons Ltd, Farringdon Works, Birmingham.

A payment of £5 16s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. John Cork (see 9^th August), who had been killed in action while serving with 2DWR; the payment would go to his father, Fred.

L.Cpl. John Cork

Friday 30th November 1917

Billets at Barcon

A fine and sunny day.

2Lt. Conrad Anderson, (see 20^th September), was posted back to England. The reason for his departure is unclear, but he would subsequently (in April 1919) state that, “whilst on active service I contracted influenza and pneumonia and have since suffered chronic lung weakness, rheumatism and general weakness”. Having returned to England he would, at some point (details unknown) be posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. George Green (22749) (see 4^th September) was reported by Sgt. Middleton Busfield (see 11^th August) as having a “dirty rifle on 9am parade”; on the orders of Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 25^th November) he was to be confined to barracks for seven days.

Pte. John Malcolm Starbuck (see 29^th October) was reported by A/Cpl. George Goodman (see 29^th October) as having a dirty rifle; on the orders of Capt. Dick Bolton (see 31^st October) he would be confined to barracks for three days.

Pte. Frederick Thorn (see 15^th November) was reported by Sgt. James Henry Howarth (see 15^th November) as having ‘dirty equipment on parade’; on the orders of Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 26^th November) he was to be confined to barracks for seven days.

CSM Bob Harrison (see 24^th September) L.Cpl. Frank Mallinson MM (see 26^th September), who had been in England since having been wounded on 20^th September, were both discharged from hospital and posted to Northern Command Depot at Ripon; they would have ten days home leave before reporting at Ripon.

Pte. Frederick Frank Banks (see 27^th September), who had been in England since having been wounded in September, was discharged from Keighley War Hospital; the immediate details of his posting are unknown. 

Pte. John Oldfield (see 8^th September) was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.

Pte. Augustus Edgar Stone (see 5^th November), who had been declared unfit for military service, was formally discharged from the Army.

The Ministry of Pensions confirmed an award of 22s. 11d. per week to the widow of the late Pte. Albert Edward Carter (see 18^th September), who had been killed in action on 23^rd May; the payment would commence on 10^th December. 

No casualties had been suffered during the month.

The official cumulative casualty figures for the Battalion since arriving in France remained as:

Killed                                   275

Accidentally killed                5

Died of wounds                  20

Wounded                       1,280

Accidentally wounded      53

Missing                              178

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported on the wedding of Pte. Leonard Fox (see 27^th November) and also carried news of Gnr. George Thistlethwaite (see 1^st August):

KIRKBY MALHAM

Soldier’s Wedding: A wedding took place at Kirkby Malham Church on Tuesday between Sapper Leonard Fox of the Royal Engineers, and son of Mr. William Fox, of Wing, Rutlandshire, and Lucy Alice Buckman, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Alfred Buckman, of Bell Busk. The wedding was a quiet one on account of the death of the bridegroom’s mother and the bride having a brother a prisoner of war in Germany since 1914. The Vicar (Rev. D.R. Hall) officiated and Mrs. Hall played appropriate music on the organ. The bride was attired in a navy-blue tailor-made costume with beaver hat to match. The bridegroom was supported by Mr. Charles J.W. Buckman, the bride’s brother, as best man. The bride was given away by her father. After the ceremony, the wedding party and guests proceeded to the home of the bride’s parents at Bell Busk for breakfast. The young couple were the recipients of many handsome and useful presents.

AUSTWICK

Private J.W. Kirkbright and Gunner George Thistlethwaite have been home on leave during the week-end.

Thursday 29th November 1917

Valla

Another fine and sunny day saw the Battalion complete its march, covering the last five miles to Barcon, four miles south of the Montello, where the Battalion was to be deployed in due course. Pte. Harold Charnock (see 24^th November) remembered that, “The whole Battalion was billeted in a very large granary.  The nights at this time were very cold indeed, as usual in Italy, on the plain, firewood was difficult to obtain.  Canteen stores were very hard to get; for the first month we had practically no mails and parcels were most uncertain.  The men suffered a good deal from a shortage of tobacco and cigarettes.  Billets were generally roomy and comfortable”.

Sgt. Lionel Vickers (see 31^st October) was briefly admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance (cause unknown); he would be discharged to duty the following day.

Ptes. Harold Clifford Ashbrook (see 5^th October) and William Ryan (see 5^th October) were both admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Divisional Rest Station, suffering from swollen feet.

L.Cpl. John Wright Pollard (see 3^rd November) and Pte. John Henry Fidler (see 3^rd November) who had gone on leave to England shortly before the Battalion departed for Italy, now re-joined the Battalion.


A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Samuel Woodhead (see 27^th August 1917) who had died of wounds on 9^th June; his widow, Selina, was awarded 13s. 9d. per week.

Pte. Samuel Woodhead

Wednesday 28th November 1917

In billets at Grantorto for rest and training.

The day was fine and sunny as the Battalion resumed its march, covering sixteen miles north-east via Facca, Tombolo and Castelfranco Veneto to Valla. Here, according to Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 26^th November), a number of battalions ‘had some difficulties’ with billets.

Pte. Alfred Whittaker (see 26^th June) was reported by Sgt. John Stephenson (see 5^th October) for “losing by neglect his steel helmet”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 25^th November) he was admonished and ordered to pay for the lost item.

Pte. Joseph Hirst (29641) (see 16^th January) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from “I.C.T.” (inflammation of the connective tissue) to his left leg.

Pte. Patrick Sweeney (see 11^th November), who was imprisoned at 7^th Military Prison at Les Attaques near Calais having been convicted of desertion and sentenced to 15 years’ penal servitude, had his sentence commuted to two years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

Pte. David William Day (see 7^th October) was transferred from hospital in Dundee to Glamis Castle Auxiliary Hospital.

Pte. Walter Pedley (see 15^th November), serving with 2/7^th DWR, was killed in action. It appears likely that his body was originally identified and buried but the site of his grave was subsequently lost and he is now commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

Pte. Arthur Sutcliffe (see 30^th July), serving with 2/6^th DWR, was wounded, suffering injuries to his right ankle.

L.Cpl. Joseph Dunn (see 29^th October), formerly of 10DWR but now serving with 2^nd/6^th DWR, was promoted Corporal.

The exchange of correspondence between the father of the late Capt. Leo Frederick Reincke (see 16^th November), through his solicitors, Messrs. Goldberg, Barrett and Newall, and the War Office, regarding a claim for his son’s loss of kit in a fire in April, continued with a further letter from the War Office,

“I am directed to suggest that more definite evidence regarding the claim might be obtained by reference to the late officer’s bank pass book, which might show the amounts expended in purchasing new kit and the names of the firms from which the kit was bought; duplicate bills could then be obtained from the firms, showing also the dates of purchase. You will no doubt understand that some definite evidence is required before a payment of compensation can be authorised from public funds. I am to add that if you could furnish further particulars regarding the fire, such as when and where it occurred, it might be possible to trace the late officer’s claim”.

Tuesday 27th November 1917

In billets at Grantorto for rest and training

Capt. William Norman Town (see 25^th November) remembered the stay at Grantorto fondly, “At last, the long-promised rest arrived and we had four days of rest at Grantorto and very welcome it was”.

Pte. Wellington Baldwin (see 19^th December 1916) was granted Proficiency Pay, Class II.

L.Cpl. Roderick Harmer (see 3^rd November), A/Cpl. Bertie Gooch (see 8^th November), and Ptes. Jack Edgar Hall (see 3^rd November) and Herbert John Wicks (see 3^rd November) all of whom had gone on leave to England just before the Battalion set off for Italy, now re-joined.

Pte. Herbert Butterworth (see 10^th September), serving with 2/6^thDWR, was killed in action. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval. The circumstances of his death were described in letters home to his family. 2Lt. Kirk wrote, “We were relieving another Company in the front line when the Germans attacked and your son gallantly brought his Lewis Gun into action against the attackers. Unfortunately he was shot whilst doing his duty so well and died immediately. He was a good soldier and always exceptionally clean, smart and cheerful and his loss is a great one to me and to the Battalion. I am sure he was a credit to any Battalion and a splendid example to his comrades. I greatly deplore his loss and extend my deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement”. L.Cpl. Midgley wrote, “Please accept my deepest sympathy and sorrow at the loss of your son Herbert. He was in my section of Lewis Gunners and was a good lad to have with one. It will be some consolation to you to know that he suffered no pain as his death was instantaneous. I can assure you of the regret and sorrow of his other pals who were in the gun team with him. The other day I received a parcel from you to him, so I shared it out amongst his pals and I am sure you would wish it so as the contents would be unfit to eat before you could get it back agan. I can assure you the lads did enjoy the contents as they had just come out of the trenches. Enclosed you will find your note that was in the parcel. So once more I must express my regret and sorrow hoping that the Help of all Help will be yours in your trouble and bereavement”.

Pte. George Edward Milner (see 15^th November), serving with 2/7^th DWR, was reported missing in action and would subsequently be presumed to have been killed in action. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval. 

Pte. Fred Slater (see 7^th November), serving with 2/7^th DWR, was wounded in action, suffering wounds to his left forearm; the details of his treatment are unknown.

L.Cpl. Sydney Exley (see 12^th November), serving with 2^nd/6^th DWR, was wounded in action, suffering severe injuries to his head and thigh and was admitted to hospital (details unknown). Pte. Herbert Burgess (see 10^th September), serving with the same Battalion, was also wounded; he suffered severe wounds to his right shoulder and hand and would be evacuated via 2/2 West Riding Field Ambulance and 48^th Casualty Clearing Station to 8^th General Hospital in Rouen before being evacuated to England on 3^rd December, travelling onboard the Hospital Ship Grantully Castle. The details of his treatment in England are unknown. Pte. Herbert Willis Pickles (see 29^th July), serving with the same Battalion, was also wounded; he suffered a wound to his left wrist and would be evacuated to hospital in Rouen before being evacuated to England on 5^th December, travelling onboard the Hospital Ship Carisbroke Castle. On arrival in England he would be admitted to Wharncliffe War Hospital in Sheffield.

Pte. Harry Briggs (19286) (see 15^th November), serving with 5^th Army School of Mortars, departed for England on two weeks’ leave.

Enquiries were made by the War Office regarding Pte. John Thomas Mason (see 5^th September), serving with 878^th Area Employment Company of the Labour Corps, as to whether, as being a “skilled turner”, he had been trade tested for employment other than in the Army. In the event, no action seems to have been taken and Mason remained with the Labour Corps.

CSM Valentine Curson (see 7^th April) was commissioned Second Lieutenant and posted to the Northumberland Fusiliers; it is not known when he had left 10DWR.

L.Cpl. William Swift (see 4^th October 1916) was commissioned Second Lieutenant; it is not known when he had left 10DWR. He was commissioned with the West Yorkshire Regiment but would serve on attachment with 1^st/7^th DWR.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 23^rd November), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, again wrote to his father; he reflected on events mentioned in his previous letters and also referred to some impending dental treatment which was to keep him in England for some time to come, “Thanks so much for your letter and the enclosures.  I am awfully sorry to cause you so much trouble but I was not sure of staying here when I asked.  I suspect now that some receipts are in my belongings upstairs and now there is no hurry.  I am not going out just yet and I hope to be home before the end of the year to sort them out myself. The Show for the Inspector General did not come off as the 30 men pushing off to India and other things left me with only eight men who knew anything about it. I think John Bull is probably right about Cox.  They are a bit sharp I believe but they have been very good up to date – judgement is suspended at the moment.  I have not been to the dentist yet.  I am contemplating a thorough effort after Christmas but shall probably grow a tooth before then”. 

(I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to allow me to quote from Bob Perks’ correspondence).

Capt. Bob Perks DSO

Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson

Pte. Leonard Fox (see 26^th July 1916), home on leave while serving with 255^th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, was married to Lucy Alice Buckman in a service held at Kirby Malham Church. A subsequent report in the Craven Herald (30^th November) gave details of the wedding:

“The wedding was a quiet one on account of the death of the bridegroom’s mother and the bride having a brother a prisoner of war in Germany since 1914. The Vicar (Rev. D.R. Hall) officiated and Mrs. Hall played appropriate music on the organ. The bride was attired in a navy-blue tailor-made costume with beaver hat to match. The bridegroom was supported by Mr. Charles J.W. Buckman, the bride’s brother, as best man. The bride was given away by her father. After the ceremony, the wedding party and guests proceeded to the home of the bride’s parents at Bell Busk for breakfast. The young couple were the recipients of many handsome and useful presents”.

Monday 26th November 1917

In billets at Grantorto for rest and training.

L.Cpl. Israel Burnley (see 7^th August) was deprived of his rank and reverted to Private for “not complying with an order” (details unknown).

Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 25^th November) took his first look at the section of the line which was shortly to be taken over by 69^th Brigade, describing in his diary how he went via Montebelluna, “onto the Montello and looked over lines generally – very interesting”.
(I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me access to Brig. Genl. Lambert’s diary and letters).

The Supplement to the London Gazette formally published notice of the award of a Bar to the Military Cross to Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 19^th November) and of the Military Cross to 2Lt. Edward Kent Waite (see 18th October), both of which had been gained in the actions of 1^st October. For Capt. Payne his conduct was described as, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in support with his company, and was cut off- from the front line by an artillery barrage of exceptional intensity. The enemy endeavoured to turn his flank, but he rallied men of a neighbouring unit and secured his position in the most able manner. He showed magnificent courage and energy in most difficult circumstances”. For 2Lt. Waite the citation stated, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy had enveloped the flank of his company and the whole of the front line was in danger of being turned, he made a reconnaissance under heavy fire, and in the most able manner formed a defensive flank. By his constant encouragement and energy he maintained his line intact under exceptional difficulties”.

L.Cpl. Jesse Merritt (see 29^th October) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance and 38^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia; he was suffering from pneumonia.

Pte. Rowland Firby (see 24^th October), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was appointed (unpaid) Lance Corporal.

Pte. James Bentley Crosland (see 20^th September), serving at the Dukes’ Regimental Depot at Halifax, appeared before an Army Medical Board assembled at Ripon. The Board declared unfit for further military service and recommended that he be discharged.

L.Sgt. Albert Earnshaw (see 20^th October) was discharged from Netherfield Road Auxiliary Hospital in Liverpool and posted to Northern Command Depot at ripon; he would have ten days leave before reporting at Ripon.

Sunday 25th November 1917

In billets at Grantorto for rest and training.

Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 17^th November) “attended concert by 10^th in theatre – very good”; this was one of two concerts rendered by the Battalion band during the stay at Grantorto.

The Brigade War Diary reflected on the recent marches, “The march discipline throughout the march was excellent – the number of stragglers were comparatively few and the majority of those who did fall out comprised men who had recently been sent out to units from Labour Corps etc and who were in the first place never fitted for such a march, carried out as it was in full marching order and with one blanket per man in addition (the average weight carried by the men being between 70 and 80 lbs.) and commencing with seven consecutive days marching for all units”.

Capt. William Norman Town (see 24^th November) remembered the performance of the Battalion with great pride, “We marched for seven consecutive days and the long railway journey was no good preparation, loaded, too, as the men were with steel helmet, box respirator, PH helmet and one blanket. The Battalion marched magnificently – as indeed the ‘Dukes’ always do – and very few indeed fell out.  The roads were wonderfully broad, straight and level, with a surface almost as smooth and glossy as asphalt.  The trees, which bordered the road continuously, were a blaze of colour and sharp frosts occurred most mornings, for it was now the third week in November.  When the sun shone it was glorious, keen and invigorating”.  

L.Cpl. Edward Shaw Powell (see 16^th November), who had been in confinement for the previous ten days awaiting trial on a charge of “disobeying a lawful command given by his superior officer” (the details of the offence are unknown), appeared before a Field General Court Martial. He was found guilty of the charge and sentenced to 28 days Field Punishment No.2 and reverted to the rank of Private.

Ptes. Joseph William Carter (see 15^th September), George Chamberlain (see 28^th June), Arthur Holden (see 5^th July), William James Nunn (see 29^th October) Frederick William Warner (see 25^th April), Robert Whitaker (see 17th September) and Norman Woodhouse (see 8^th July) were all reported by CQMS Hubert Charles Hoyle (see 28^th June) as being ‘deficient of iron rations’; on the orders of Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 4^th November) all were to be confined to barracks for seven days and to pay for the missing rations.

Pte. James Grubb (see 29^th October) was reported by Sgt. William Walker Rossall MM (see 30^th October) for being “late on parade and hesitating to obey an order”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 16^th November) he would undergo seven days Field Punishment no.2.

Pte. William Edmond Smith (see 5^th October 1917) was reported by Sgt. Alfred Dolding (see 3^rd November) for ‘losing by neglect his box respirator’; on the orders of Lt. Col. Lethbridge he was to pay for the lost respirator.

Pte. John Hargreaves (18009) (see 7^th August) was posted to the Depot at Arquata Scrivia (reason unknown).

Pte. Herbert Farrand Hogley (see 10^th September), serving with 2/6^thDWR, was wounded in action, suffering injuries to his right arm; he would be evacuated to England five days later and admitted to hospital in Eastleigh.

A package of personal effects of the late Pte. Arnold Crossley (see 13^th September), who had died of wounds on 8^th June, was sent to his widow, Florence; the reason for the delayed despatch of the items is unknown. The package comprised of, “5 coins, disc, letters, cards, metal watch, metal ring, rosary, belt, cap badge (broken), razor, cigarette case, pocket case, photos, pouch, knife, address book”.

Saturday 24th November 1917

Billets at Longare.

The day was cold and misty; remembered by Capt. William Norman Town (see 21^st November), as “a day of fog worthy of our native county”. The Battalion marched a further thirteen miles, going first north to Grumolo, before turning east, via Camisano and Carturo, to Grantorto. Here Capt. Town recalled, “the billeting Sergeant whose directions seemed somewhat vague until the billet was discovered to be at a farm where large vats betrayed the production of wine.  A sentry was put on the vats forthwith”.  Pte. Harold Charnock (see 23^rd November) also recalled that, “A good deal of care had to be exercised as to the wine of the country, stores of which were plentiful.  Much of it was new, strong and very harsh and the men did not realise its strength.  We had very few cases of drunkenness”.

Cpl. Thomas Robinson (16490) MM (see 8^th June) was placed under arrest on a charge of “disobeying a lawful command given by his superior officer”; the details of the charge are unknown, but he would be found guilty eight days’ later and would be reduced to the rank of Private.

Pte. Thomas Henry Fearn (see 4^th July) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance and 38^th Casualty Clearing Station to 29^th Stationary Hospital in Cremona; he was suffering from scabies.

L.Cpl. Arthur Lund (see 27^th July), who had been in England since having been wounded in July, was discharged from hospital and posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

A grant of probate was issued respecting the affairs of the late 2Lt. Arthur Calvert Tetley (see 7^th June); administration of his estate, valued at £1,583 7s 4d. was granted to his father, Calvert Greenwood Tetley.

Friday 23rd November 1917

Billets at Sossano.

The Battalion marched a further eleven miles north via Ponte di Barbarano and Ponte di Castegnero to Longare. Pte. Harold Charnock (see 22^nd November) remembered that, “Headquarters occupied a palatial but very cold villa”.

It was around this time, though the precise date has not been established, that Lt. Charles Frederick Wolfe (see 7^th September), former Transport Officer to 10DWR, who had subsequently served with the Army Service Corps, was posted back to England.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 21^st November), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, again wrote to his father; on this occasion his thoughts were on some apparent confusion as to his rank and pay. “Thanks very much for to-day’s letter but it is wrongly addressed after all!  The adjutant says I am to keep up my pips according to the new rule and that the gazette notice is only to enable Cox to take off my pay while in hospital. He will also help me to get paid.  At present Cox are rather kicking  - want me gazetted again. I don’t think I shall be though.  It seems a funny sort of unexpected procedure grafted onto the old one.  I don’t think anyone knows exactly where they are. Otherwise it makes no difference to me here. Another Captain has turned up but has not got a Company”.

(I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to allow me to quote from Bob Perks’ correspondence).

Capt. Bob Perks DSO

Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson

Pte. Albert William Knight (see 26^th September), serving with 2/6^th DWR, re-joined his Battalion after spending two months in hospital.


A pension award was made in the case of the late Sgt. John Hudson (see 14^th September), who had been killed in action on 23^rd May; his mother, Mary, was awarded 10s. per week.

Sgt. John Hudson

The War Office again wrote to Mary Ann Green, the partner, though not the wife, of Pte. Thomas Bates (see 21^st November). On this occasion they requested a death certificate for Bates’ first wife.

An appeal was made in the Craven Herald for news of Pte. John William Whitfield (see 9^th October), who had been reported wounded and missing in October while serving with 8DWR and would subsequently be confirmed as having been killed in action;

NEWS WANTED OF LINTON SOLDIER

Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Whitfield. of Linton, are anxious to obtain news of their son, Pte John William Whitfield, 15182, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, 'W' Co., No. 3 platoon. He was reported wounded in Prance on the 9th, and since then his family have heard nothing of him. Perhaps some of his comrades in France may have news of him, or one of the wounded in hospital who see the local papers. If so the family will be grateful if news could be sent to them at Linton, near Skipton.

Pte. John William Whitfield

Thursday 22nd November 1917

Billets at Minerbe.

On a brighter and warmer day the Battalion set out at 7.02am and marched east via Bevilacqua to Montagnana, where they turned north and on via Poiana Maggiore to Sossano, covering nineteen miles in total. Pte. Harold Charnock (see 19^th November) remembered that at Sossano, “Headquarters had a quite delightful billet with a charming hostess and small daughter.  Very good wine and spaghetti”.

The rigours of the recent long marches began to take effect on some of the men. Pte. John George Inshaw (see 29^th October 1917) reported sick with “swelling on underside of right foot, caused through marching”. He would be re-classified as fit only for Permanent Base duties and would be posted to the Trench Mortar School at the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia. Cpls. William Edward Varley (see 20^th September) and Harry Wood (see 20^th September) and Ptes. Francis James Barnes (see 29^th October), William Hassall (see 16^th August 1916), Owen Frank Hyde (see 5^th October) and Edwin Wright (see 25^th July) were all admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance, suffering from inflammation to their feet; all of them, other than Edwin Wright, would be discharged to duty four days later. Wright would instead be transferred to 38^th Casualty Clearing Station.

Cpl. William Foulds (see 23^rd October), who had suffered an accidental wound which had seen him admitted to 10^th Stationary Hospital at St. Omer, was transferred to 7^th Convalescent Depot at Boulogne.

A payment of £1 10s. 9d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Frederick Arthur Stead (see 7^th June), who had been killed in action on 7^th June; the payment would go to his mother, Sarah.

Wednesday 21st November 1917

Billets at Concamarise.

The day was much colder with the overnight frost persisiting for much of the day. Starting at 7.14am the Battalion marched a further fourteen miles via Sanguinetto, Cerea and Legnago to Minerbe. At Lenago where they crossed the River Adige the Battalion received another memorable welcome, but also encountered defeated Italian troops, as recalled by Capt. William Norman Town (see 19^th November), “we marched through the town of Legnago amid scenes like those at Mantua.  As we emerged from the town and crossed the bridge over the Adige, chrysanthemums in rifle barrels and Sam Brownes till we looked like Jacks in the Green, we met groups of the broken Italian Army moving back, without rifles, without apparently much discipline.  One could not help wondering what they thought about things.  One thing which greatly impressed the Italian populace was the clean and smart turn-out of the 23^rd Division.  “These troops must have come straight from England,” they said, “they cannot have come from the fighting in France.”  

Pte. Walter Dey (see 29^th October) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance and 38^th Casualty Clearing Station to 11^th General Hospital in Genoa; he was suffering from ICT (inflammation of the connective tissue) in his neck and wrist.

Pte. Francis John Bottomley (see 31^st October), serving with 2/4^th DWR, was killed in action as the Battalion attacked near the village of Anneux, west of Cambrai; he was one of around 120 other ranks killed or wounded during the attack. It would appear that his body was initially identified and buried but the site of his grave was lost in subsequent fighting and he is now commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

Pte. Harold Walker Bray (see 10^th September), serving with 2/6^thDWR, was wounded in action, suffering injuries to his right eye and left hand. He appears to have remained in France, although the details of his treatment are unknown.

Pte. James Moran (see 21^st September) was formally transferred to the 4^th Labour Company, Labour Corps serving in France.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 6^th November), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, wrote to his father, “I am busy in a small, petty and very annoying way.  I have very few men still but in all stages of training.  I got 20 poor raw recruits from Halifax yesterday but to-day they have pinched 30 from me who volunteered for India little guessing I expect at their probable future in Mesopotamia. However I seem to be becoming greatly in favour with the C.O. in this process which means he will try to keep me as long as possible. That is all right until after Christmas but I cannot really imagine myself indispensable after that.  On Friday I am to do a show for the Inspector General of Infantry with my Company – digging as the 10^th do it”. 

(I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to allow me to quote from Bob Perks’ correspondence).

Capt. Bob Perks DSO

Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson

Pte. Arthur Wideman (see 5^th October) was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields.

Lt. George Stuart Hulburd (see 29^th October), who had been in England since having been wounded on 20^th September, wrote to War Office from no.19 Ward, Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot, with his application for a wound gratuity for the wounds he had suffered at Inverness Copse on 20^th Sept. (The letter was clearly written by someone else, and Hulburd added his signature in a very shaky hand).

Lt. George Stuart Hulburd

Image by kind permission of Paddy Ireland

The former Battalion Chaplain, Rev. Wilfred Leveson Henderson MC (see 25^th October), who had been severely wounded in the attack on the Messines Ridge on 7^th June, appeared before an Army Medical Board at Larkhill War Hospital, Glasgow. The Board recommended that he continue his treatment at the hospital and declared that his case would be re-examined in two months time. Five days later Henderson would write to the War Office requesting information about his eligibility for a wound gratuity.

Mary Ann Green wrote to the War Office in response to their recent request for a copy of her marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates, as the wife of Pte. Thomas Bates (see 11^th November); “I am writing these few lines in answer to your letter. I am sorry to tell you that I am not his wife but I have lived with him for years and I have tried all my hardest to get him home so that he could marry me and I got the banns in now if he was to come home as this is three times he has been away in 17 months and never had a days leave yet. Sir, I have never had nothing wrong with my pay before till now. Sir will you let me have the certificate back as soon as you can and three children are his Pte. T. Bates and 2 is mine. He is a widower and I am a widow and I would be pleased if you will kindly send me my draft book through”.

L.Cpl. Willie Marsden (see 6^th March), who had suffered very severe wounds in the trench raid in November 1916, was formally discharged from the Army as being no longer physically fit for service on account of his wounds. He was awarded the Silver War Badge and would be awarded an Army pension of £1 7s. 6d. per week for four weeks, reducing thereafter to 16s. 6d.

A payment of £2 3s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Joseph Clayton (see 21^st March), who had died whilst serving with 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion at Gateshead; the payment would go to his father, William.

Tuesday 20th November 1917

Billets at Carpaneta, near Gazzo.

Starting at 9.35am on a fine but cooler day the Battalion marched a further thirteen miles east via Castel d’Ario, Nogara and Sanguinetto to Concamerise.


Pte. Joseph Crabtree (see 3^rd September 1916), serving with 2^nd/5^thDWR, died of wounds following an attack by the Battalion near the village of Havrincourt, south-west of Cambrai; he is buried at Metz-en-Couture Communal Cemetery British Extension.

Image by kind permission of Andy Wade and MenOfWorth

Ptes. John Arthur Cole (see 29^th July 1916) and Harry Exley (see 11^th September), serving with 2^nd/6^th DWR, were both killed in action as the Battalion attacked near the village of Havrincourt, south-west of Cambrai. It would appear that their bodies were initially identified and buried but the site of their graves would be lost in subsequent fighting and both are now commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval.

2Lt. Fred Dyson (see 6^th November) was posted to France; however, 10DWR having departed for Italy, it would be a further four weeks before he actually reported for duty with the Battalion.

Pte. Joseph Leonard Holmes (see 26^th September), who was in England having been wounded on 20^th September, was discharged from hospital and posted to Northern Command Depot at Ripon. 

Pte. Arthur Wood (29040) (see 25^th September), who had been in England since having been wounded on 20^th September, was discharged from hospital and granted ten days’ leave before reporting to Northern Command Depot at Ripon. 

Lt. Sydney Charles Ernest Farrance (see 5^th September), who had completed an application for a permanent commission in the Indian Army, was instructed to attend at the India Office on 3^rd December to be medically examined for fitness for his commission.

2Lt. Godfrey Isaacs (see 17^th July) who was in Bowhill Auxiliary Hospital in Selkirk, having been wounded on 7^th June, wrote to the War Office requesting consideration for a wound gratuity.  

A payment of £3 8s. 2d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. John William Clark (20782) (see 12^th June), who had died of wounds on 12^th June; the payment would go to his mother, Rosanna. A parcel of his personal effects would also be sent to his mother; this consisted of, “jack knife, pair of spectacles, disc, cap badge, 2 handkerchiefs, postcards, coin (10 centimes)”.

Monday 19th November 1917

Billets at Sarginesco.

There was another sharp frost overnight 18^th/19^th. The Battalion, along with the whole of 23^rd Division began the march which would take them to their new destination. Capt. William Norman Town (see 14^th November), recalled how, “The 23^rd Division began its historic march of 100 miles across the Italian plain. None who took part in that march will ever forget it”.  Starting at 9.45am the Battalion marched eighteen miles via Grazie, Mantua and Stradella to the hamlet of Carpaneta, near Gazzo. Passing through Mantua around lunchtime the Battalion received a memorable welcome, remembered by Pte. Harold Charnock (see 18^th November): “The inhabitants were most enthusiastic and were particularly astonished at the smart turnout of the men and the transport, so much that they thought we were just out from England.  We marched down a narrow lane of people who threw flowers, confetti and apples, at the same time waving flags and cheering.  This was almost too much for some of the horses”. Capt. Town, with his classical education, was equally struck by both the city and the reception, “we marched through the streets of historic Mantua, the home of Virgil, one of the fortresses of the Austrian Quadrilateral, with its two lakes and encircling River Mincio.  We were received as if we had won the war rather than just arrived.  Chrysanthemums, postcards, cigarettes, etc, were showered upon us; the Italian flag was waved in the faces of restive horses; vivas resounded and the stimulus to the Italian morale, which was no doubt one reason for our march, was manifest”. 

Pte. John Walter Gethen (see 5^th July), who had been posted to 69^th Trench Mortar Battery, was charged with being drunk and ‘resisting the Military Police’; he was ordered to undergo 21 days’ Field Punishment no.1. He had a long string of previous offences.

The Supplement to the London Gazette formally published notice of the gallantry awards made to three members of the Battalion for their actions on 20^th September. Maj. Edward Borrow (see 12^th November) was awarded the Distinguished Service Order; Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne (see 16^th November) received the Military Cross; and CSM Charles Edward Parker, MM (see 29^th October) the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Pte. James Wilson (see 9^th October), serving as a lorry driver with the Motor Transport Section of the ASC, disembarked in Dar es Salam.

Sgt. Herbert Lawton (see 28th April), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was transferred to 86^th Training Reserve Battalion.

Sgt. Ronald Jeckell (see 12^th August), who had been in England since having been wounded in July, was discharged from hospital and posted to Northern Command Depot at Ripon. 

L.Cpl. Charles Graham (see 21^st June), who had been in England since having had his right foot amputated as a result of wounds suffered while serving with 10DWR in July 1916, was transferred from Keighley War Hospital to the Pavilion Military Hospital in Brighton.

Pte. Robert Wilson Irving (see 24^th June), serving with 360^th Labour Company, Labour Corps, appeared before an Army Medical Board in Nottingham. The Board found him unfit for further military service and recommended that he be discharged. 

Pte. Louis Heren (see 27^th October) was formally discharged from the Army as permanently unfit for further service, having lost both eyes when wounded on 20^th September. He remained at St. Dunstan’s Hospital for further treatment.

Pte. Walter Lee (see 15^th March), who had been transferred to the Army Reserve Class W in March and had resumed his pre-war employment as a core maker for Messrs. Joseph Blakeborough & Sons, Woodhouse Works, Brighouse, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service on account of his wounds. He was awarded an Army pension of 5s. 3d. per week for four months, increasing thereafter to 5s. 6d. per week.

At home in Malton, Mary Jane Johnson, wife of Pte. Lancelot Johnson (see 22^nd March), gave birth to the couple’s third child; the baby boy would be named Francis Victor.

At home in Maidstone, Kent, Jessie Wood, wife of L.Cpl. Joseph Simpson (see 14^th July), serving in England with 493^rd (Home Service) Employment Company, gave birth to the couple’s first child, a daughter who would be named Betty.

A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. William Ackroyd (see 12^th September), who had been killed in action on 1^st May while serving in France with 2DWR; his widow, Edith, was awarded £1 8s. 9d. per week for herself and her four children.

A payment of £6 12s. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. George Holmes (15231) (see 8^th June), who had died of wounds on 8^th June; the payment would go to his sister and sole legatee, Elizabeth Williams. 

A payment of 12s. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. George Waterworth (see 7^th June), who had been killed in action on 7^th June; the payment would go to his father, James.