Friday 1st March 1918

Front line trenches on the Montello, between roads 11 and 14.

Overnight 1st/2^nd the Battalion was relieved by the 11WYR and marched, via roads 10, 12 and 14 (the incoming Battalion used roads 11 and 13) to billets at Venegazzu. The relief was completed in heavy rain, with torrential downpours which would soon put the Piave into full flood.

Battalion 2IC, Capt. William Norman Town (see 2^nd December 1917), was promoted Temporary Major.

Pte. Michael Langley (see 9^th February), who, three weeks previously, had been reported as having overstayed his leave in England, re-joined the Battalion; he was ordered to undergo 28 days’ Field Punishment no.2 and to forfeit 28 days’ pay. 

L.Cpl. James Moran (see 26^th January), serving in France with 4^th Labour Company, Labour Corps, was posted back to the UK to Scottish Command Labour Centre prior to taking up munitions work, reverting to the rank of Private.

Lt. Robert Stewart Skinner Ingram (see 22^nd February 1917), who had been one of the original officers of Tunstill’s Company, but was now serving with the RFC, was promoted Captain.

Maj. Charles Bathurst MC (see 31^st October 1917), who had been in England since having been taken ill four months previously, relinquished his temporary appointment as Major and was appointed Temporary Captain whilst commanding a company of an Officer Cadet Battalion.

Pte. Trayton George Harper (see 26^th September 1917), who had been in England since having been wounded on 20^th September 1917, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. Daniel Brennan (see 8^th February), who had been in England since having been wounded in October 1916, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service. He was awarded a penion of 27s. 6d. per week, to be reviewed in six months.


A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Joe Anderson (see 6^th December 1917), who had died of wounds in September 1917; his widow, Edith, was awarded 18s. 9d. per week for herself and their son, Frank.

Thursday 28th February 1918

Front line trenches on the Montello, between roads 11 and 14.

A patrol was to be despatched overnight 28^th February/1^st March to carry out reconnaissance work on the Austrian lines. Those involved would have been in no doubt as to the difficulties they would face, as described in the Divisional History; “The patrol work was very severe. Men, stripped and with their bodies oiled as resistance to the cold, would cross the first deep channel and drag across a boat carrying the patrol, dressed in white as camouflage against the snow, with their legs protected by thigh gum-boots. The patrol would then proceed to negotiate the farther shallower channels. If the swift current rose above a man’s knees, it would be hard for him to keep his footing”. 

Many years later 2Lt. Bernard Garside (see 26^th February) recalled a conversation with 2Lt. Albert Joseph Acarnley (see 14^th October), who was to lead to the patrol:

“I remember one or two things which might interest you about our stay on the banks of the Piave. One was an incident I always remember which shows you the kind of brave man or one kind of brave man. We had an officer in our Company called Acarnley – we called him Mephistopheles because he looked so fierce with his thin red face and pointed short moustache. He was wounded all over, covered with little puckers where bullets had gone in and the flesh had healed (Acarnley had been twice wounded while serving with Royal Berks. before being commissioned). He was called the bravest man in the Brigade, so whenever there was a job needing reckless bravery, a lonely job, ‘Meph’ was asked to do it. He came into my dug-out one day nearly crying and cursing. I said, “What’s the matter Meph?”. He said, “Garside, they call me the bravest man in the Brigade, but I’ll tell you why they say that. It’s because I’m in the front of every attack. And why am I? Because I feel if I don’t rush forward, I’ll turn round and rush back. And so I get all the dirty jobs. The Colonel has just asked me …” – and he mentioned a very dangerous job. He had to cross right over the shingle and the river and lie in wait for an Austrian ‘runner’ right in front of the Austrian trenches, carefully collar him and stun him, without making him cry out and bring him back, smothered in a sack, so that he could be questioned about the troops the Austrians had there and so on. Which shows you why ‘Meph’ was brave. You may think him, after that, even braver than others thought him”.

The plan was to put three separate parties across the river. The first party, led by Acarnley, with 12 other ranks, was to “proceed due North to reconnoitre the enemy wire and if possible to reconnoitre Monte Pilonetto”; a second party, led by 2Lt. Mark Allan Stanley Wood (see 9^th October 1917), with four other ranks, was to follow Acarnley’s party but to go no further than the Austrian wire; while the third party, also of four other ranks and led by 2Lt. Archibald (Archie) Allen (see 4^th January), was also to go as far as the Austrian wire and then reconnoitre 500 yards due East.   

All three parties were across the river by 7.25pm and in position. What followed is best described in the words of the official report from the Battalion War Diary:

“The first party proceeded rather to the West of Magnetic North and after searching the scrub were confronted by a stretch of shingle between them and the river bank. The Officer (Acarnley) here decided to go forward with three men to see whether it was possible for the remainder of the patrol to follow. While engaged in crawling across the shingle an enemy post of four men was observed. The four men divided into two pairs and crawled further forward. Hereupon they were observed and a man came slightly out from the shadow of the bank. Not satisfied with what he saw he went back and came forward with a second man. They came to within four or five yards of the Officer who fired his revolver point blank at the first man. This man although apparently hit in the stomach immediately closed with the Officer while the remaining man of the post ran back to raise the alarm. Apparently they had not far to go as machine gun fire and rifle fire were opened in very quick time. The wounded man was apparently quite off his head and struggled with great vigour with the Officer and a Sergeant (Sgt. Christopher Clapham, see 25^th January) who were together. Eventually he got away but not before his cap had been secured. The party then collected and after making a short reply to the fire aimed at them returned without casualties. It is believed that the skirmish took place about H.28.28.

The other two parties, after going about half-way across the bed of the river, changed direction a few degrees further East and reached the further bank without being observed. Here a post was located close to some trees behind the wire. The two Officers crawled carefully up the bank but were observed whereupon a Very light was fired and two rifle shots. The post were then heard running away. The patrol then worked forward but found no trench. They cut samples of the wire which was on new wooden stakes seven or eight yards apart. The wire was of unusual make being made with the barbs fastened to a stiff wire of rectangular cross-section. It was found very easy to cut and when cut the pieces could be taken out very quietly. On further examination no trenches were found but a certain amount of movement and coughing was heard at various points on the front. Some wire was also being put up. The officer in charge of the third party (Allen) went further East and found all the wire of the same kind. His furthest point was apparently about H.38.29. Soon after this, both the second and third parties turned towards the West, forming a defensive flank for the first party".

All parties returned to the British lines, having suffered no casualties, by 10.30pm.

Acarnley would subsequently be awarded the Military Cross and Clapham the Military Medal for their actions. The citation for Acarnley’s reward stated: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When he was in command of a patrol reconnoitring on the farther side of the river his position was discovered, but, owing to his good leadership and initiative, he succeeded in withdrawing his patrol without loss. His patrol work has at all times been most conspicuous, and during numerous difficult crossings of the river he has displayed great courage and skill”.

The Battalion War Diary recorded no casualties for the month; the official cumulative casualty figures since arriving in France in August 1915 remained as: 

Killed                                   275

Accidentally killed                5

Died of wounds                   21

Wounded                        1,280

Accidentally wounded       53

Missing                                178

Pte. Edwin Kenyon (see 18^th February), in England on ten days’ leave, was married to May Rimmington.

L.Cpl. Arthur Lund (see 7^th February), serving in France with 1^st/4^th DWR, was wounded (details unknown).

Sgt. John Thomas Matthews (see 6^th November 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was formally transferred to the Army Reserve Class W, to resume his civil employment.

Cpl. Edwin Lightfoot (see 20^th October 1917), who had been in England since having wounded on 20^th September 1917, appeared before an Army Medical Board which recommended that be discharged from the army as no longer physically fit for service.

Pte. John Beresford (see 20^th September 1917), who had been in England since having been wounded in September 1917, was discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service on account of his wounds; he was assessed as having suffered a 40% disability and was awarded an Army pension of 16s. per week. He would also be issued with his National Registration Act identity document.

Pte. John William Midgley (see 7^th February), who had been in hospital in Scotland having suffered wounds to his head and both legs in May 1917, was formally discharged from the army as no longer physically fit for service. He was awarded a pension of 27s. 6d. per week for four weeks, reducing to 16s. 6d. per week and to be reviewed in one years’ time.

Mrs. Jane Earnshaw, widow of Sgt. Kayley Earnshaw DCM (see 27^th July 1917), who had been killed in June 1916, was among a group of 66 soldiers and relatives who attended a ceremony held at Leeds Town Hall in the course of which medals were presented to the men or their surviving relatives by Lt. Gen. Sir John Maxwell.

Sgt. Kayley Earnshaw DCM

Image by kind permission of Sue Lugton

A payment of £2 6s. 5d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Joseph Clough (see 3^rd December 1917), who had died of wounds on 3^rd December 1917 while serving with 2^nd/7^th DWR; the payment would go to his widow, Mary. She would also receive a parcel of his personal effects comprising of “disc, letters, photos, pocket book, 3 religious books, watch & chain, ring, cigarette case, pocket mirror, comb, purse, metal mirror, 6 defaced coins (1s. and 5 coppers), 6 coins”.

A payment of £5 9s. 3d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. George Hartell (see 20^th September 1917), who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Edith.

A payment of £2 9s. 7d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Joe Kaye (see 5th December 1917), who had been killed in action on 7^th June 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Mary Ann.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald published news of the death of Gnr. George Thistlethwaite (see 22^nd February).

AUSTWICK - DIED OF WOUNDS

It is with regret we record the death of another Austwick lad, Gunner George Thistlethwaite, R.F.A., second son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Thistlethwaite, Main Street, who succumbed to his injuries on Monday last. Gunner Thistlethwaite, who was 20 years of age, enlisted in September 1914 in the 10th Duke of Wellington's Regiment (Tunstill's Company), and after training for a short time at Frensham Camp was discharged owing to ill-health. From that time he followed his former work, as farm hand, and was also employed on munitions. He was called to the Colours again in August 1917, and went out to France in December last. Gunner Thistlethwaite was of a quiet, sympathetic disposition, steady and reliable, and very highly respected, and the sympathies of the people of this district are extended to Mr. and Mrs. Thistlethwaite and family in their great loss. 

A letter has been received by the parents from the Chaplain, 3rd Casualty Clearing Station, which states:- "You will have had the very sad news of your son. He was brought here very severely wounded in the head, and quite unconscious. In spite of every care, his condition remained practically the same until yesterday afternoon, when he passed peacefully away. We have laid his body to rest in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, where a cross will mark his grave. His personal effects will be sent home by the authorities. I know what a great blow it will be to you, but you must be very proud in the remembrance of the loyal devotion with which your boy gave himself to the very end. Today I trust he has found, in the larger life of God's Paradise, a perfect rest after his labours, and I pray that the same God may be your comfort and strength in your great sorrow”.

There was also news of of Pte. Alfred Carey; he was the younger brother of Norman Carey (see 4^th January) who had been one of Tunstill’s original volunteers. 

BOLTON-BY-BOWLAND - Presentation

On Friday evening last in the schoolroom, Lance-Corporal Alfred Carey was the recipient of a present, the result of subscriptions in the village, on the suggestion of the Local War Fund Committee. Mr. A.C. Milne-Redhead, presided, and in making the presentation said the Local War Fund Committee considered that some recognition should be made of Lance-Corporal Carey's success in being awarded the Military Medal. There were many more from the Parish who were fighting for their country, but he had been the first to obtain distinction that had been recognised by the War authorities. The Local War Fund Committee thought that as he was at present on leave, it was a fitting opportunity to give him a silver wrist watch with suitable inscription. The result of his efforts on the battlefield must have been satisfactory to himself, gratifying to his parents, and it was an honour to the district; they all appreciated his bravery and patriotism. He had great pleasure in presenting the watch and hoped it would bring him luck. In supplementing the Chairman's remarks, Mr. C.R. Lambert referred specially to three things by which Lance-Corporal Carey had set an example to many others, viz., duty, courage, and modesty. The Rev. C.C. Broadhurst said they were all proud of Lance-Corporal Carey; he was an honour to Bolton, and hoped that many others would follow his example. Lance-Corporal Carey apologised for not being able to say much; with him speech-making was at a discount. His family had not been long in the village, but during that time, people had been very kind to them. In regard to the soldiers, the Committee had done well in looking after them. He hoped it would not be long before they were altogether again. He thanked them for the handsome present.

Wednesday 27th February 1918

Front line trenches on the Montello, between roads 11 and 14.

L.Cpl. Alfred John Davis (see 8^th November 1917), serving in France with 179^th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, departed for England on two weeks’ leave.

Sgt. Michael Kenefick MM (see 24^th September 1917), who had been in England since having been wounded in September 1917, appeared before a District Court Martial and would be found guilty of a charge of desertion (details unknown); he would be ordered to be reduced to the rank of Corporal.

A payment of £1 19s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Leonard Le Lacheur (see 20^th September 1917), who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917; the payment would be divided between his sister, Hilda who received £1 and his mother, Ada who received the balance of 19s. 1d. His mother would also receive a parcel of his personal effects, comprising of “wallet, letters, cards, pencil, linen (LL), 2 cloth numerals, dictionary”.

A payment of £1 18s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. James Lister Petty (see 18^th September 1917), who had been killed in action on 18^th September 1917. Although Petty had been a married man, the payment would go to his executor, Arthur Telford Smith. Mr. Smith would also receive a parcel of Petty’s personal effects, comprising of “wallet, photos, penknife”.

A payment of £2 2s. 7d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Herbert Smith (31449) (see 20^th September 1917), who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Hannah. She would also receive a parcel of his personal effects, comprising of “disc, wallet, comb, 2 cards, mirror (broken), razor blades, part of sharpener”.

A payment of £2 6s. 5d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Thomas Thompson MM (see 27^th October 1917), who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917; the payment would go to his widow, Catherine.


A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Henry Thomas Lackey (see 11^th February), who had died of wounds in September 1917; his widow, Hannah, was awarded £1 6s. 3d. per week for herself and her three children. Two days later her youngest son, Cyril, would die aged 16 months; as a result her weekly pension would be reduced to £1 2s. 11d.

Tuesday 26th February 1918

Front line trenches on the Montello, between roads 11 and 14.

Conditions in the line remained quiet, although it was said that, “our artillery was decidedly more active than that of the enemy”. However, the Austrian artillery would become more engaged as weather conditions deteriorated over the following days. This was explained as being due to, “the rain and mist that prevailed, as it was noticeable that the poorer the visibility the more active would be the enemy’s guns – a compliment to our counter-battery work”.

It may well have been the increased artillery activity at this time to which 2Lt. Bernard Garside (see 25^th February) was referring in a mention in the memoir he wrote for his young niece and nephew, “one day, as two of us were walking back to the Battalion HQ from our Company HQ, there was a sudden shrieking in the air and we dropped on our tummies in a ditch whilst a great shell passed over us. It blew the roof off a farm barn a little distance away and I felt scared then thrilled for that was my first shell”.

Sgt. Harry Clark (see 17^th January) was posted back to England to begin a course of officer training.

Pte. Wilson Hepworth (see 18^th January), on attachment to 23^rd Division HQ, was accidentally injured whilst playing rugby football; he suffered a kick to his knee and would report sick the following morning. However, the injury was not considered serious and he would remain at duty.

A payment of £3 18s. 5d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Herbert Kitley (see 9^th October 1917) who had been killed in action on 9^th October 1917; the payment would go to his father, John.

A payment of £2 4s. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Arthur Prestwood (see 27^th January), who had died of wounds on 22^nd September 1917; the payment would go to his widow, Elsie. She would also receive a parcel of his personal effects, comprising of, “wallet, photos, letters, cards, cap badge, notebook, testament, purse, coin, pipe”.

Monday 25th February 1918

Billets at Altivole.

Another glorious day.

The Battalion returned to the front line. Starting out at 9.55am they marched via Contea and Montebelluna to Biadene; here they halted during the day at their former billets. After dusk they marched on, via Ciano, to return to the sector they had occupied in December 1917 (see 16^th December 1917). They took up positions in the right sector of the right brigade of the divisional front. Three Companies were in the front line with the fourth in close support and Transport Lines at Venegazzu. Pte. Harold Charnock (see 18^th February) remembered that, “All HQ were now in dugouts, the houses previously occupied being almost destroyed”. 2Lt. Bernard Garside (see 19^th February) also remembered the changed conditions, “We lived in a great dug-out which we entered by four ladders, one below the other. And we each had a little room scooped out of the ground and candles to see by”. There had been heavy rain in the preceeding days and the Piave had risen by over four feet since the Battalion’s previous tour and many trenches and dugouts in the much lower-lying left sector of the line were now flooded.

L.Cpl. Fred Wilson Fawcett (see 13^th February) was reported by Capt. Dick Bolton MC (see 23^rd February) and Pte. George Drake (see 25^th May 1917) for “neglect of duty in allowing a man on guard to take off his equipment and puttees”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 9th February) he would be deprived of his Lance Corporal’s stripe and be reduced to Private.

Cpl. Joseph Edward Robinson (see 20^th September 1917) and Ptes. Israel Burnley (see 26^th November 1917), William George Clements (see 29^th October 1917), Ernest Heyhirst (see 22^nd March 1917), Frederick Sharp (see 4^th September 1917) and Albert Stanley (see 29^th October 1917) departed for England on two weeks’ leave.

Pte. Rowland Firby (see 26^th November 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, began to be paid as Lance Corporal, having previously held the rank unpaid.

Lt. Sydney Charles Ernest Farrance (see 23^rd January), serving as a probationary officer in the Indian Army, was promoted Captain.

Pte. James Thomas Sagar (see 4^th February), who, for the previous ten days, had been working for Messrs. H. Pontifex and Sons Ltd, Farringdon Works, Birmingham, on munitions work, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service. He was granted a pension of 27s. 6d. for four weeks, reducing to 8s. 3d. thereafter and to be reviewed in one year.

Sunday 24th February 1918

Billets at Valla.

Another warm and sunny day.

In accordance with the new orders received the previous day, the Battalion, departing at 9.35am, marched three miles north, back to their former billets at Altivole. Here, according to Pte. Harold Charnock (see 18^th February), “on the excellent ground the officers beat the sergeants at football after a close game”.

Pte. Thomas Warburton (see 2^nd February 1917) was reported by Cpl. James Hotchkiss (see 23^rd February) as having been, “dirty on guard mounting”; on the orders of Capt. Paul James Sainsbury (see 23^rd February), he was to be confined to barracks for three days.

Pte. Fred Sutcliffe (see 23^rd February) was reported for the third consecutive day; on this occasion Cpl. James Hotchkiss (see above) reported him for having a, “dirty rifle on guard mounting parade”. For the accumulation of the three charges Sutcliffe was ordered, by Lt. Thomas Beattie (see 31^st October 1917), to be confined to barracks for seven days.

Ptes. Frederick McKell (see 18^th February), Charles Oldham (see 18^th February) and Herbert Ridley (see 30^th January) were posted back to France from 3DWR and would join 5DWR.

Saturday 23rd February 1918

Billets at Valla.

There was a marked improvement in the weather, which was described by one man as, “glorious, really too hot to exert oneself!”.

A sudden change of orders was received at Brigade level for 69^th Brigade to return to the Montello to relieve units of 41^st Division, with effect from the following day. This was necessitated by the decision to transfer 41^st and 5^th Divisions back to France in response to a growing concentration of German divisions on the Western Front. 41^st Division had been ordered to begin entraining for France on 1^st March. It had, at one point, been intended that 23^rd Division would return to France but 41^st Division had then been selected instead.

Pte. Harry Robinson (see 23^rd October 1917), was reported by Cpl. James Hotchkiss (see 23rd September 1917) and Sgt. Albert Blackburn (see 18^th December 1916) as “absent from 9pm”; he would return to duty at 8.15am the following day. He was then kept under close arrest until 28^th February when he would be tried by Field General Court Martial, as a result of which he would be sentenced to seven days’ Field Punishment no.2 and forfeit one days’ pay.

Pte. Fred Sutcliffe (see 22^nd February) was reported for the second consecutive day; on this occasion CSM Fred Pattison (see 19^th February) and Cpl. James Hotchkiss (see below) reported him as having been, “absent off Company Commander’s Orderly Room Parade”. 

Capts. Dick Bolton MC (see 8^th February) and Paul James Sainsbury (see 8^th February) re-joined the Battalion following their two weeks’ leave in Italy.

Sgt. Alvin Edmond Tolley (see 4^th October 1916), serving with the Royal Engineers, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service on account of having suffered a compound fracture of the skull (date and details unknown); he was assessed as having suffered a 20% disability and was awarded an Army pension of 11s. 6d. per week.

.

Friday 22nd February 1918

Billets at Valla

Training continued and parties of officers, NCO's and men again went a few miles north by motor lorries to the hills in the vicinity of Asolo for instruction in hill fighting.

Sgt. Lionel Vickers (see 8^th February) suffered an accidental injury. According to a report made by 2Lt. Andrew Aaron Jackson (see 20th September 1917), “At Valla on the afternoon of the 22^nd February Sgt. Vickers was a member of no.3 platoon’s team in the match 3 platoon vs. 4 platoon. During the match, in collision with an opponent, he appeared to receive a severe wrench of the left knee. For a time he tried to carry on but later had to be helped off the field”. After being treated locally, Vickers would be admitted to 11^th General Hospital in Genoa.

Pte. Arthur Clark (25966) (see 29^th October 1917) was admitted via 71^st Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from “I.C.T.” (inflammation of the connective tissue) to his left heel; he would be discharged and return to duty after five days.

Cpl. William Hutchinson (see 18^th February), who had been held “under close arrest” since having been reported as “drunk when on active service” appeared before a Field General Court Martial. He was found guilty of the offence and reduced to the ranks.

Pte. Herbert Archer (see 29^th October 1917) was reported as “absent off 10am parade”; on the orders of Maj. James Christopher Bull MC (see 18^th February) he was to be confined to barracks for seven days.

Pte. Fred Sutcliffe (see 23^rd September 1917) was reported by Sgt. Frank Brierley (see 11^th January; it is not known when he had been promoted) for “leaving kit untidy”.

Pte. Owen Frank Hyde (see 2^nd December 1917) re-joined the Battalion having spent seven weeks in hospital.

L.Cpl. Jesse Merritt (see 1^st February) was discharged from 66^th General Hospital at Bordighera and re-joined the Battalion, following three weeks treatment.

Pte. Thomas Henry Fearn (see 6^th February), who had only been back with the Battalion for two weeks following two months in hospital, was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance, suffering from diarrhoea.

Pte. Charles William Hird (see 5^th January), serving in France with 2DWR, was reported for “inattention on the line of march and being deficient of iron rations”; he was ordered to be confined to barracks for seven days.

Pte. Richard Swallow (see 15^th October 1917), who had been in England since October 1917, was admitted to the Military Hospital in Halifax, suffering from a left, inguinal hernia; he would be discharged to duty after eight days.

Pte. Norman England (see 29^th July 1916), who had been severely wounded in July 1916, resulting in the amputation of his right leg, appeared before an Army Medical Board assembled at 2^nd Southern General Hospital in Bristol. The Board recommended that he be discharged from the army as no longer physically fit for service.

A payment of £2 4s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Joseph Honeyble (see 1^st October 1917) who had died of wounds on 1^st October 1917; the payment would go to his widow, Rose, for herself and their two children. She would also receive a parcel of her late husband’s effects, comprising of, “waist belt, gold ring (9ct.)”.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the wounding of Gnr. George Thistlethwaite (see 18^th February), who had in fact died of his wounds four days previously.

AUSTWICK - Wounded

Mr. and Mrs. J. Thistlethwaite, Main Street, have been notified from the Canadian Casualty Station that their second son, Gunner George Thistlethwaite, R.F.A., has been admitted suffering from compound fracture of the skull and his condition is very serious.

 

Gnr. George Thistlethwaite

Thursday 21st February 1918

Billets at Valla

Training continued and parties of officers, NCO's and men again went a few miles north by motor lorries to the hills in the vicinity of Asolo for instruction in hill fighting.

Pte. Willie Holmes (see 15^th January) was reported for “having an untidy kit”; on the orders of Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 7^th January) he was to be confined to barracks for three days.

L.Cpl. Fred Atkinson (see 12^th August 1917) relinquished his appointment as Lance Corporal, ‘at his own request’ and reverted to Private.

A payment of £1 18s. 3d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. James Herbert Armstrong (see 18^th October 1917) who had been killed in action on 18^th October 1917; the payment would go to his mother and father, Mary and James, as joint legatees.

A payment of £2 3s. 9d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. William James Horne (see 18^th October 1917) who had been killed in action on 18^th October 1917; the payment would go to his widow, Agnes.

A payment of £3 17s. 6d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Thomas Manuell (see 20^th September 1917) who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917; the payment would go to his father, Joe. He would also receive a parcel of his son’s personal effects, comprising of, “wallet, letter, eyeglasses, disc”.

A payment of £5 16s. 2d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Frederick Miller (see 7^th June 1917) who had been killed in action on 7^th June 1917; the payment would go to his father, Hermann.

James Lyon, father of the late 2Lt. Donald Halliday Lyon (see 22^nd December 1917) who had been killed in action on 20^th September, made his formal declaration stating that his son had left no known will and that he was not intending to apply for letters of administration for his son’s estate.

Wednesday 20th February 1918

Billets at Valla

The Battalion was occupied in general training. Parties of officers, NCO's and men went a few miles north by motor lorries to the hills in the vicinity of Asolo for instruction in hill fighting.

Pte. Herbert Rushworth (see 26^th September), who had been in England since having suffered severe wounds to his left arm on 20^th September 1917, appeared before an Army Medical Board assembled at the University War Hospital, Southampton. The Board recommended that he be discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service.

2Lt. Godfrey Isaacs (see 22^nd January) formally relinquished his commission on grounds of ill health, having been treated for the symptoms of neurasthenia for the previous eight months.

A payment of £1 16s. 10d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Cpl. Albert Harold Hanson (see 20^th September 1917), who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917; the payment would go to his father, Frederick.

A payment of £2 5d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. George Stinson (see 20^th September 1917) who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Betsy.

Tuesday 19th February 1918

Billets at Valla.

Pte. Samuel Richards (see 29^th October 1917) of ‘D’ Company suffered a sprained ankle during a football match between men of the Battalion. As reported by CSM Fred Pattison (see 31st January), “about 9.30am the boys were doing physical training and games. During a game of football Pte. Richards, in attempting to kick the ball, slipped and sprained his ankle. I saw this happen”. Pattison’s account was corroborated also by Sgt. William Henry Mears (see 18^th November). The injury appeared trivial and the incident was not reported to the officer on duty, 2Lt. Edward Kent Waite MC (see 3^rd December 1917). 

L.Cpl. Reginald James Nosworthy (see 30^th December 1917) re-joined the Battalion from the base depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Ptes. William Hewitt (25172) (see 10^th February) and William Little (see 6^th January) were discharged from 23^rd Division Rest Station and re-joined the Battalion. 

2Lt. Wilfred Frederick John Thomson (see 6^th February), who had been posted to France two weeks previously en route to joining 10DWR, reported for duty.

It may have been in the more relaxed conditions at Valla that an incident occurred which 2Lt. Bernard Garside (see 12^th February) would later relate in the memoir he wrote for his young niece and nephew, 

“Now before I go on – you see I keep remembering things – I forgot to tell you a funny story about what happened at a dinner we had when we came out of the line on the Piave – you noticed we did no fighting there and we were only shelled. At the dinner I was sat by a pal who was opening a champagne bottle. He couldn’t get the cork out till, all of a sudden, he did. It flew straight up in the air, hit the ceiling and – would you believe it? – came plop down on the Colonel’s bald head. Oh dear there was a row!”.

A payment of £9 4s. 6d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Joseph William Henley (see 18^th October 1917) who had been killed in action on 18^th October 1917; the payment would go to his widow, Lilian.

A payment of £4 18s. 2d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. William John Williamson (see 16^th November 1917) who had been killed in action on 1^st October 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Mary.

Pte. William John Williamson

A payment of 8s. 10d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Frank Woodall (see 9^th October 1917), who had been killed in action on 9^th October 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Lilian.

Monday 18th February 1918

Billets at Altivole.

Starting out at 11.30am, the Battalion marched a further three miles south to billets at Valla, which they took over from 18^th King’s Royal Rifles. Pte. Harold Charnock (see 27^th January) later recalled, “The march was very pleasant and Valla provided good billets and football grounds”.

Pte. Walter Evans (see 11^th January) was reported by Sgt. Charles Marsden (see 24^th December 1916) for “filling his water bottle from an unauthorised source”; on the orders of Maj. James Christopher Bull MC (see 21^st January) he was to be confined to barracks for three days.

Pte. William McVeigh (see 5^th October 1917) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance to 39^th Casualty Clearing Station, suffering from “I.C.T.” (inflammation of the connective tissue) to his right groin; an operation would be carried out the same day to drain the swollen area. Next day he would be evacuated onboard no.21 Ambulance Train (details and destination unknown).

Pte. Isaac Raisman (see 7^th November 1917) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance to 39^th Casualty Clearing Station, suffering from “I.C.T.” (inflammation of the connective tissue) ‘general’; next day he would be evacuated onboard no.21 Ambulance Train (details and destination unknown).

Cpl. Fred Greenwood MM (24522) (see 17^th December 1917), L.Cpl. Cain Rothera MM (see 17^th December 1917) and Ptes. Walter Eary (see 29^th October 1917), Harold Raymond Hebdon (see 6^th February), Lancelot Johnson (see 7^th January), Edwin Kenyon (see 20^th January 1917) and Ernest Mudd (see 16^th March 1917) departed for England on ten days’ leave.

Gnr. George Thistlethwaite (see 30^th November 1917), who had been serving with 226^th Siege Battaery, Royal Garrison Artillery, died of wounds at 3^rd Casualty Clearing Station at Remy Sidings, having been wounded some time previously. The circumstances of his death would be related to his family in a letter from one of the chaplains: "You will have had the very sad news of your son. He was brought here very severely wounded in the head, and quite unconscious. In spite of every care, his condition remained practically the same until yesterday afternoon, when he passed peacefully away. We have laid his body to rest in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, where a cross will mark his grave. His personal effects will be sent home by the authorities. I know what a great blow it will be to you, but you must be very proud in the remembrance of the loyal devotion with which your boy gave himself to the very end. Today I trust he has found, in the larger life of God's Paradise, a perfect rest after his labours, and I pray that the same God may be your comfort and strength in your great sorrow”. 

Sgt. Rennie Hirst (see 13^th January), serving in France with 2DWR, was admitted via 10^th Field Ambulance and 8^th Casualty Clearing Station to 15^th General Hospital at Abbeville; he was suffering from ‘trench fever’. 

Pte. Frank William Rabjohn (see 5^th February), imprisoned at no.1 Military Prison at Rouen having been convicted on a charge of ‘deserting His Majesty’s service’ had his sentence commuted from one of 15 years penal servitude to two years imprisonment with hard labour.

Ptes. Henry Charles Lindsay (see 9^th January), Frederick McKell (see 12^th October 1917), Charles Oldham (see 8^th January) and Ernest Smith (29167) (see 9^th January) were all reported absent off their final leave passes from 3DWR at North Shields.  Lindsay would be absent for a total of eight days and on returning would be sentenced to 28 days’ detention and loss of eight days’ pay. McKell and Oldham would be absent for two days and Smith for four. McKell and Oldham would be sentenced to four days’ Field Punishment no.2 and forfeit two days’ pay, while Smith would have eight days’ punishment and would lose four days’ pay.

A payment of £3 3s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Edwin Waterworth (see 20^th September 1917) who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917 while attached to 69^th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery; the payment would go to his cousin and sole legatee, Mrs. Ada Smith.

Sunday 17th February 1918

Billets at Biadene.

Mid-morning the Battalion marched five miles south-west from Biadene to new billets at Altivole, marching via Montebelluna and Caselle. Meanwhile, two 3-ton motor lorries were provided for the movement of stores to Altivole.

Cpl. William Hutchinson (see 4th November 1917) was reported by CSM Charles Edward Parker, DCM, MM (see 19^th November 1917) and 2Lt. Fred Dyson (see 16^th December 1917) as having been “drunk when on active service”. He was ordered to be detained pending a trial by Field General Court Martial. 

A congratulatory message from the Corps Commander, the Earl of Cavan, was issued to all units, “The Divisional Commander has been desired by the Corps Commander to convey, to all ranks of the Division , his sincere appreciation of the work they have done during the last 2 ½ months, both as regards organization and the manner in which it has been carried out. The Corps Commander also considers the active spirit shewn by all units in crossing the river is most praiseworthy. He wishes all ranks to be informed of his gratitude for their accomplishments. The Divisional Commander, in adding his congratulations, feels sure the Division will continue to merit the high opinion formed of them by the Corps Commander in any undertaking they may be called upon to carry out”.

Saturday 16th February 1918

Front line trenches on the Montello, between roads 14 and 19.

Overnight 16^th/17^th the Battalion was relieved by the 10^th Battalion, Royal West Kents Regt, from 123^rd Brigade and marched to billets at Biadene.

Whilst returning from a working party to the front line Pte. Thomas Henry Cox (25806) (see 29^th October 1917) suffered a sprained ankle as a result of having, “accidentally stepped into a hole on the roadway”. He would spend some time (details unknown) at 23^rd Division Rest Station before re-joining the Battalion. 

The Military Medal due to Pte. Jesse Barker MM (see 31^st January), was issued, at the request of the Lord Mayor of Bradford, in order that it could be presented to Pte. Barker before he returned to Italy from leave.

Pte. Arthur Cerenza King (see 15^th December 1917) was transferred from 14^th Convalescent Depot at Trouville to ‘B’ Infantry Base Depot at Etaples.

Pte. Joseph Livesey (see 30^th October 1917), who had been in hospital in France for more than three months after suffering from a severe case of trench foot, was discharged from hospital and posted to ‘B’ Infantry Base Depot at Etaples.

Pte. William Postill Taylor (see 11^th December 1917), serving in France with 2DWR, was discharged from hospital and re-joined his Battalion.

Pte. Spencer Buckley (see 21^st December 1917), who had been serving with the Royal Engineers, was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and would be employed in England as an air mechanic.


Cpl. John Hannon (see 6^th October 1916) was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service on account of wounds (the date of his having been wounded has not been established); he was assessed as having suffered a 60% disability as a result of head wounds and neurasthenia and was awarded the Silver War Badge and an Army pension of £1 6s. per week.

A payment of £6 11s. 11d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Herbert Briggs (see 17^th October 1917), who had been killed in action on 17^th October 1917; the payment would go to his father, Robert.

A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. George Waterworth (see 19^th November 1917), who had been killed in action in June 1917; his mother, Sarah, was awarded 15s. per week, in regard to George and his brother, Richard James, who had also been killed in action.

Friday 15th February 1918

Front line trenches on the Montello, between roads 14 and 19.

There was a light fall of snow.

A party of one officer, one CQMS and six other ranks departed for Valla, to where the Battalion was shortly to move, to arrange the taking over of billets from 18^th King’s Royal Rifles.

A/Cpl. Bertie Gooch (see 27^th November 1917) was reported by Sgts. Alfred Dolding (see 22nd January), Richard Everson (see 5^th January) and Edward Arthur Myers (see below) on a charge of, “when on active service, neglect of duty; ie absenting himself without permission from 7pm to 7.30pm”. He would be reprimanded by Maj. Edward Borrow DSO (see 9^th February).

I am, as yet, unable to make a positive identification of Sgt. Edward Arthur Myers and it is not known when he had joined the Battalion.

Pte. John Thomas Brady (see 17^th July 1917) was posted back to England. The precise reason for his departure is unknown, but he would subsequently be discharged from the Army on grounds of “feeblemindedness”.

The case of Pte. Reginald Dayson (see 28^th January) who had recently been convicted on a charge of, “when on active service leaving his post without orders from his superior officer”, was again reviewed, this time by General Sir Herbert Plumer. His sentence of five years’ penal servitude, which had already been reduced from the original tariff of ten years, was now suspended. A new sentence of two years’ imprisonment with hard labour was instead imposed. Dayson, however, would remain with 10DWR.

2Lt. John Robert Dickinson (see 15^th January), who had recently joined 3DWR at North Shields, following a period of hospital treatment following gas poisoning, appeared before a further Army Medical Board which found him unfit for general service for two months but fit to continue home service with 3DWR. 

A payment of £4 5s. 8d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Frank Ernest Walton (see 18^th October 1917), who had been killed in action on 18^th October 1917; the payment would go to his executor, his aunt and sole legatee, Mrs. Evelina Sanderson. She would also receive a parcel of his personal effects, comprising of, ‘wallet, photos, cards’.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported on the death of Pte. Hebden Walker, elder brother of L.Cpl. James Walker MM (see 5^th February).

EARBY SOLDIER'S DEATH FROM PNEUMONIA

The death is officially reported at No. 16 General Hospital, France, on the 5th February, of Private Hebden Walker, P.O.W.'s Yorkshire Regiment, as being due to pneumonia following an attack of septic poisoning in the toe. Deceased, who was 29 years of age and single, was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Walker, 37, Longroyd Road, Earby, and late of Gargrave. He was admitted to hospital about a fortnight prior to his death, and a few days later the parents received a telegram stating that he was dangerously ill with pneumonia. Private Walker joined up in September last. In civil life he was a weaver employed at Messrs. A. J. Birley Ltd., a member of the Rechabites, and a well-known fancier and member of the National Homing Society. His brother, Sergt. James Walker (Military Medallist), only recently returned from furlough after three years in France, and is now serving as instructor in signalling with the Army in Italy.

There was also further news of Pte. John Preston, of 2DWR, who had been ‘adopted’ by the villagers of Gisburn whilst a prisoner of war in Germany; he was the younger brother of Cpl. Joseph Edward Preston (see 29th March 1917), who had been one of Tunstill’s original recruits and had been killed in October 1916.

PRISONER OF WAR - Further particulars are to hand of the prisoner of war recently adopted by the village. Pte. Preston is 26 years of age, single, and an employee of the Bobbin Works Company, of Caton, near Lancaster, where he lived with his parents at Brook House. He showed himself of the right stuff by volunteering in the very early days of the war, and was captured at Vimy Ridge in May of last year after two and a half years with the colours. An elder brother was killed on October 4th, 1917, and a younger brother is serving with the King's Own Lancasters. Pte. Preston bears an excellent character among his fellow-workers, who speak highly of him as a teetotaller and a constant member of the village church choir and a bell ringer. - Mrs. Dawson Parkinson writes thanking the people of Gisburn for their kindness - kindness which she says she will never forget - to her husband, the late prisoner of war of the village, and regretting that he never had the comfort of knowing all that was done for him.