Friday 14th December 1917

Support positions between roads 12 and 13 on the Montello.

A fine but dull day.

Pte. Frank Wood (see 5^th November) was reported by Sgt. Harry Holmes (see 20^th September) as having “dirty boots on 8.45am parade”; he was reprimanded by Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 10^th December).

Ptes. Ellis Sutcliffe (see 5^th December) and Milton Wood (see 10^th November) were posted from 3DWR back to France and would join 2^nd/5^th DWR.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 27^th November), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, wrote to his father with news of his prospects of leave over Christmas; “Thanks for the letter. I seem to have made some mistakes with my dates. My leave is from 21^st to 27^th inclusive. That means from early morning to late at night on the dates. But one’s time after tea is usually free and thus I shall be able to start on the Thursday 20^th but not able to reach Hebden same night and hit upon Leads as a resting place.  Similarly I intend to get back as far as Newcastle on 27^th but it will be all right if I blow up here by morning 28^th. As to meeting you, I should like it immensely but am rather doubtful as to how soon I can get off. With luck and an awful rush I might manage to arrive by 7.35pm, otherwise it will be something after ten. I will try and let you know nearer. Am very busy now, very and have had a touch of flu too but am recovering now.  Am going to play Bridge with my vicarage friends to-night”. 

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

CQMS Andrew Hermiston (see 30^th November 1916) was transferred from 83^rd Training Reserve Battalion to 3DWR at North Shields.

Sgt. Cecil Stanley Pitblado (see 4^th August), serving with 89^th Training Reserve Battalion, based at Catterick, was transferred to 4DWR and reverted to the rank of Corporal.

A pension award was made in the case of the late Sgt. Charles Smith (11791) (see 8^th June 1917), who had died of wounds in June 1917; his widow, Elizabeth, was awarded £1 1s. 3d. per week. She had received no payment from her late husband’s pay and allowances as there had been found to have been a debit balance on his account at the time of his death.
A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. George William Cook (see 1^st October), who had been killed in action on 7^th June; his mother, Clara, was awarded 10s. per week.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the progress of two men who had been among Tunstill’s original volunteers. Pte. Jim Coates (see 9^th November) had been wounded while serving with the West Yorks; Pte. Richard Howell (see 15^th September 1914) had originally failed to pass his Army medical, but had apparently been called up at a later date (details unknown). There was also a mention of George Singleton, brother of Pte. Robert Singleton (see 8^th December 1916), who had been another of Tunstill’s original recruits.

BOLTON-BY-BOWLAND

“Our Boys”: News was received on Sunday morning last that Pte. Albert Geldard, who was seriously wounded, has much improved. Mr. and Mrs. Singleton of ‘Closes’ have had official intimation that their son, Pte. George Singleton, has been wounded in France to the left arm and right leg. He is now in hospital in England. Corporal James Coates, who is still in hospital, is reported as being much better, and expected to be home before long. Pte. Richard Howell is engaged on farm work in France.