Saturday 1st June 1918

Support positions near Cesuna.

Pte. James Isaac King (see 21^st May) appeared before a Field General Court Martial, charged with desertion. He was found guilty and sentenced to five years’ penal servitude; the sentence was, the following day, confirmed by Brigadier General Archibald Bentley Beauman DSO, commanding 69^th Brigade.

Cpl. Thomas Butler (see 24^th May) was tried by Field General Court Martial on a charge of drunkenness. He was found guilty and ordered to be reduced to the ranks and to pay a fine of 10s.

Pte. William Barber (see 17^th May) departed on one weeks’ leave in Italy. 

Pte. Frank Dodgson (see 24^th January) was admitted to 71^st Field Ambulance, suffering from “P.U.O.” (pyrexia, or high temperature, of unknown origin); he would be discharged and return to duty five days later.


Pte. Edwin John Collard (see 20^th May) was transferred from 11^th General Hospital in Genoa to a convalescent camp in Genoa; from there (date and details unknown) he would re-join the Battalion.

Pte. James Stott (see 25^th May) was transferred from 38^th Stationery Hospital in Genoa to 57^th General Hospital in Marseilles; he was suffering from myalgia.

Pte. John Walter Gethen (see 15^th May), serving with 69^th Trench Mortar Battery, was discharged from 23^rd Division Rest Station and returned to duty.

Lt. Leslie Guy Stewart Bolland MC (see 1^st June 1917) was transferred to the Indian Army and would serve with 1^st/8^th Rajputs.

Pte. William Franklin (see 22^nd May), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported absent without leave at 11.55pm; he would return at 11.35pm on 4^th June; following his return he would spent 48 hours in detention.

A pension award was made in the case of the Pte. James Harding (see 16^th October 1917), who had been officially missing in action since 16^th October 1917; his widow, Elizabeth, was awarded 29s. 7d. per week for herself and her three children.

Friday 31st May 1918

Support positions near Cesuna.

The Battalion War Diary noted the award of the Belgian Croix de Guerre to two men from the Battalion; Sgt. John Thomas Machin (see 4^th December 1917) and L.Cpl. Enoch Wilson Rhodes MM (see 22^nd March). These awards would be formally published in the London Gazette on 12^th July, along with notice of the same award to Cpl. Joseph Dunn (see 5^th April), who had left the Battalion having been wounded on 7^th June 1917 and was currently in England.

Ptes. Herbert Jacklin (see 5^th July 1917) and George Lownsborough (see 30^th October 1917) were admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance suffering from suspected influenza; both would be discharged and return to duty four days later.

Pte. Arthur Thomas Wilford (see 21^st May) was transferred from 38^th Stationery Hospital in Genoa to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albaro, near Genoa; he had been suffering from an abscess to his jaw.

No casualties were recorded for the month; the official cumulative casualty figures since arriving in France in August 1915 thus remained as: 

Killed                                   275

Accidentally killed                5

Died of wounds                   21

Wounded                       1,287

Accidentally wounded       53

Missing                               178

Trooper Claude Darwin (see 4^th April), serving in Egypt with 1^st Field Squadron, Engineers, Anzac Mounted Division, was discharged from hospital in Port Said and posted to a rest camp at Moascar; he had been suffering from malaria. He was the brother of Tunstill recruit, Pte. Tom Darwin (see 2^nd February), who had been discharged from the army.


Having spent eight months in hospital after being severely wounded in September 1917 L.Cpl. Ernest Wilson (28985) (see 29^th September 1917) was discharged from Keighley War Hospital; he was to be discharged from the Army on account of his wounds.

Pte. Robert Sylvester Downey (see 11th February), serving at the Regimental Depot in Halifax, was formally transferred to Army Reserve Class P; this classification of the reserve applied to men “whose services were deemed to be temporarily of more value to the country in civil life rather than in the Army”. He was to resume his previous employment as a driller with Dorman Long & Co. in Middlesbrough. He was also awarded an army pension of 27s. 6d. per week for four weeks, reducing thereafter to 11s. per week and to be reviewed in one year.

The War Office wrote to 2Lt. Billy Oldfield MM (see 25^th May), who had been severely wounded while serving in France with 1^st/4^th DWR and was currently being treated at 2^nd Northern General Hospital, Leeds. They informed him that, as a result of his injuries, he was to be “gazetted as relinquishing his commission on grounds of ill-health”; such notice would appear in the London Gazette on 10^th June. He was also informed that his case would be referred to the Ministry of Pensions.

2Lt. Billy Oldfield MM

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald published further news on the death of Pte. James Tuddenham, known to all as ‘Tudd’ (see 24^th May), who had been killed in action while serving with 1^st/6^th DWR.

“The death in action of Private James Tuddenham, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, son of Mr. Tuddenham, 18 Cemetery Road, Earby, briefly announced in our last week's issue, is the subject of a letter from the O.C., 'A' Company (Lieut. H.E. Lowther) who says:- "He was killed by a shell in the early morning of April 30th and can have suffered no pain whatever. He was buried with two of his comrades, and the grave was marked by a cross made by the men of his own platoon. He was one of our company stretcher bearers who are always men picked specially for their bravery. He always did the job well, however dangerous the circumstances, and always thought of the wounded men he tended before himself. I know how hard it will be for you, but I want you to realise how deeply we feel his loss. 'A' Company will never forget 'Tudd', as he was known to everyone”.

 

Pte. James Tuddenham

Thursday 30th May 1918

Support positions near Cesuna.

Pte. James Hillhouse (see 11^th March) was reported by Sgt. Herbert Wheyland (see 22^nd March) and 2Lt. Archibald (Archie) Allen (see 28^th February), for “using obscene language”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 25^th May) he was to undergo 14 days’ Field Punishment no.1.

More men reported sick, suffering from suspected influenza. L.Cpl. Harry Bailey (25248) (see 12^th March) and Ptes. Mortimer Banks (see 19^th December 1916), William Henry Luke (see 21^st March) and Simpson Phillips (see 5^th October 1917) were admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance; all would be discharged and return to duty within five days.

Lt. Harold Lockhart Waite (see 12^th February), serving at the Royal Flying Corps' No. 5 School of Military Aeronautics at Denham, was declared fit for active service, although for ground duties only.

A memorial service was held at Sedbergh Church to remember, among others, 2Lt. Charles Leonard Chorley (see 25^th April), who had been killed in action while serving with 2^nd/5^th Lancashire Fusiliers; he was a former member of 10DWR and brother of L.Cpl. Richard Cleasby Chorley (see 25^th April).

2Lt. Charles Leonard Chorley

At home in Headington, three year-old Beatrice Caroline Newell died from measles and broncho-pneumonia; she was the daughter of Pte. John Richard Newell (see 21^st April).

A pension award was made in the case of the Pte. Fred Hargreaves (20214) (see 1^st October 1917), who had been officially missing in action since 1^st October 1917; his widow, Phyllis, was awarded 25s. 6d. per week for herself and her two children.

A pension award was made in the case of the Pte. Francis John Bottomley (see 28^th March), who had been killed in action on 21^st November 1917 while serving with 2/4^th DWR; his widow, Sarah, was awarded 20s. 5d. per week for herself and her daughter.

Wednesday 29th May 1918

Support positions near Cesuna.

There were further admissions of men suffering from suspected influenza. Ptes. Fred Heap (see 16^th January 1917) and John Hargreaves (18009) (see 15^th January) were both admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance, suffering from suspected influenza; both would be discharged and return to duty five days later.

Pte. Isaac Robinson (see 3^rd September 1917), serving with 69^th Brigade Light Trench Mortar Battery, was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance, suffering from suspected influenza; he would be discharged and return to duty four days later.

Pte. Frank Easterby (see 4^th May) was transferred from the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albaro, near Genoa to 38^th Stationary Hospital in Genoa, suffering from influenza.

Pte. Thomas Henry Cox (25806) (see 27^th April) was transferred from 29^th Stationary Hospital at Cremona, to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

Having completed their courses of officer training, Cpl. Wilfred Clarkson (see 17^th September 1917) and L.Cpl. Thomas Arthur Bedford (see 16^th October 1917) were both commissioned Temporary Second Lieutenant with the West Yorkshire Regiment.

Pte. Frank Brooks (see 9^th December 1916), who had been returned to England in a prisoner exchange, having been severely wounded (he had had his left foot amputated) and taken prisoner by the Germans in July 1916, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service. He was awarded a pension of 27s. 6d. per week, which was to be reviewed in six months.

A pension award was made in the case of the Pte. John Arthur Cole (see 4^th April), who had been killed in action in November 1917 while serving with 2^nd/6^th DWR; his mother, Jemima, was awarded  6s. per week.

Tuesday 28th May 1918

Support positions near Cesuna.

Pte. Michael Hannigan (see 21^st March) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance suffering from suspected influenza; he would be discharged and return to duty a week later.

Pte. Arthur Walter Williams (see 24^th April) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from eczema; he would discharged and return to duty after eight days.

Pte. Harold Passmore Lee was transferred from the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albaro, near Genoa to 38^th Stationery Hospital in Genoa. In the absence of a surviving service record, the original reason for his being at Lido d’Albaro, the nature of his illness and his recovery and return are unknown. However, it is known that at some point whilst in Italy (date and eetail unknown) he would be diagnosed as suffering from ‘rose measles’ (an alternative name for German measles or rubella). He was 24 years old and from Heckmondwike, where he had worked before the war as a butcher’s assistant; when he had joined 10DWR is unknown.

Pte. James Longworth (see 1^st May), serving with 273^rd Area Employment Company, was admitted to 39^th General Hospital at Le Havre; the nature of his illness is unknown as it was simply stated as “NYD” (not yet diagnosed).

Former 10DWR CO, Lt. Col. Robert Raymer (see 12^th January) was transferred from command of 10^th Officer Cadet Battalion to take command of 9^th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. The Battalion had suffered heavy casualties in recent fighting close to Bligny, near Reims. Raymer would join his new Battalion on 7^th June. Two days later the remains of the Battalion (some five officers and 243 other ranks) were ordered to form part of a new composite battalion to be formed within the brigade.

Pte. George Hayes (see 1^st January), serving with 3DWR at North Shields having been twice wounded in action, was formally discharged from the Army on account of “Being surplus to military requirements having suffered impairment since entry into the service” and specifically “V.D.H. (valvular disease of the heart) caused by exposure on active service”. 

Pte. Michael Bedley (see 25^th August 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was 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 thereafter to 16s. 6d. and to be reviewed after one year.

Pte. Frank Blakeborough (see 8^th May), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was 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 thereafter to 16s. 6d. and to be reviewed after six months.

Pte. William Green (25220) (see 5^th July 1917) was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service; in the absence of a surviving service record it has not been possible to establish when he had been wounded or when he had left 10DWR.

Pte. Basil Middleton (see 9^th November 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was 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 thereafter to 11s. per week and to be reviewed after nine months. 

A payment of £10 10s. 6d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Cpl. Arthur Boorman (see 2^nd February), who had died on 2^nd February; the payment would go to his widow, Edith.

Monday 27th May 1918

Support positions near Cesuna.

Pte. Albert Edward White (see 23^rd April) was reported by Sgt. Edward Arthur Myers (see 17^th May) as having a ‘dirty rifle on parade’; on the orders of Maj. William Norman Town (see 15^th May) he would be confined to barracks for seven days.

Pte. William Atkinson (25980) (see 2^nd April) was transferred from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera to hospitalin Marseilles (details unknown); he was suffering from gonnorhea.

Pte. Ernest John Robbins (see 5^th October 1917) was discharged from hospital in Italy and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia; it is not clear when, or for what reason, he had been admitted to hospital.

L.Cpl. Ernest Gee (see 14^th May), who had been absent without leave from 3DWR at North Shields for six weeks, was found guilty of “deserting His Majesty’s service” and sentenced to 28 days’ detention and loss of 28 days’ pay.

Sgt. Rennie Hirst (see 25^th March) was discharged from hospital in Glasgow; he would have two weeks’ leave before reporting to Northern Command Depot at Ripon.

Pte. Ernest Franklin (25969) (see 21^st April), who had been suffering from ‘trench fever’, was discharged from the Voluntary Auxiliary Hospital in Cirencester and posted to the Regimental Depot at Halifax.

A payment of £1 15s. 10d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. James Buckley Kenworthy (see 21^st March), who had been officially missing in action since 7^th June 1917; the payment would go to his father, Charles.


An increase was authorised in the pension award in the case of the late Pte. Charles Smith (29004) (see 24^th December 1917), who had been killed in action in June 1917; his widow, Ann, was to be awarded £1 2s. 8d. per week instead of the 18s. 9d. which she had received hitherto.

Sunday 26th May 1918

Support positions near Cesuna.

Brigadier General Archibald Bentley Beauman DSO, of the South Staffordshire Regiment, assumed command of 69^th Brigade. Aged just 29, he was the third youngest officer to be promoted to the command of a Brigade. He had begun the war as a subaltern with 2^nd South Staffs and had gone to France with the BEF and been involved in the retreat from Mons. He had been invalided back to England, ill, before the end of 1914 but had been promoted Captain and had returned to France to join 1^st South Staffs early in 1915. He had been promoted to command 1^st South Staffs in the Autumn of 1916 and had travelled to Italy in the Autumn of 1917 as part of 7^th Division. He later recalled his impressions of his new Brigade; “My new Brigade consisted entirely of Yorkshire regiments and no county provides finer fighting material. All the battalions had had a lot of hard fighting on the Somme. They were all “New Army” battalions and considering the almost entire lack of regular or even territorial officers and NCOs they were remarkably well disciplined and easy to handle both in and out of the line. They were really a wonderful example of the fine fighting formations that can be evolved from civilian cources in a few years of war”. 

Orders were received that the allied offensive which had been planned for early June, and for which extensive preparations had been made, was to be postponed.

Cpl. Stanley Vyvyan Golledge (see 29^th April) and Pte. Harry Bailey (25198) (see 5^th July 1917) departed on two weeks’ leave to Rome.

Pte. Sidney Powdrill (see 21^st September 1917) was granted two weeks’ ‘special leave’ to the UK; the nature of this ‘special leave’ is unknown, but whilst Powdrill was away it would be extended for a further week, to 17^th June.

The sentence of two years’ imprisonment with hard labour which had been imposed on Pte. Ernest Wilson (11751) (see 17^th May) was remitted on orders from 69^th Brigade.

Pte. Frederick Sharp (see 3^rd May), who had been under treatment for the previous three weeks for scabies and septic sores, was transferred from 69th Field Ambulance, via 39^th Casualty Clearing Station, to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera.


Pte. Harry Barraclough MM (see 27^th April), who had been serving with 23^rd Battalion  Machine Gun Corps, was transferred, onboard No.10 Ambulance Train, from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera to hospital in Marseilles; he suffering from venereal disease.

Pte. Alfred Shaw (see 26^th April) was transferred from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera to hospital in Marseilles.

Pte. George Bernard Hardy (see 24^th January), serving in France with 2DWR, was admitted to hospital, suffering from boils.

Saturday 25th May 1918

Billetted in huts at Granezza.

Moving off at 9am, the Battalion moved from Granezza via Pria del Aqua to support positions in the left sector of the Divisional Front near Cesuna, where they relieved 8^th Yorks. and Lancs.. Pte. Harold Charnock (see 18^th May) recalled that, “we went into woods above Spiazza Croce, being unable to use the huts owing to the influenza epidemic.  We had few fatal cases and a good many mild cases in the Battalion but we did not suffer as badly as some other Brigades”.  

Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 11^th May) received orders to leave 69^th Brigade and return to France to take command of 32^nd Division. A farewell dinner was held in his honour and prior to his departure Lambert issued a farewell order to the Brigade:

“In saying farewell to the Yorkshire Brigade with which he has had the honour to serve for more than two years Brigadier General T.S. Lambert desires to thank all ranks for the manner in which they have supported him, for the great gallantry in action which they have always shown and for their behaviour at all times which has given the Brigade the reputation it holds. He knows that that reputation will never fail, and that those who have served with him will always look back with pride to the days they have spent in the 69^th Infantry Brigade and the share they have taken in its victories. He wishes all ranks the best of luck. They know that his heart is always with them”.

The Divisional History noted that Lambert, “had taken a prominent and distinguished part in every great victory the Division had won. His energy and initiative, his supreme confidence in himself and his men, and, above all, his unswerving loyalty to his Divisional Commander, had been in no small degree responsible for the unbroken success of the 23^rd Division. His loss was keenly felt”.

Lt.Col. R.S. Hart DSO, 9Yorks was placed in temporary command of the Brigade.

Pte. Arthur Walton (12^th May) was reported on a charge of drunkenness; he would be immediately placed under arrest pending trial by Field General Court Martial. He would be tried and convicted a week later and be ordered to undergo 28 days’ Field Punishment no.1 and to be fined 10s.

Pte. Thomas Edward Laycock (see 5^th May), who had twice been reported for being drunk in the last month, was now again reported as “absent without leave from 3.45pm”; he would not return until 8.15pm the following day. The report was submitted by Sgt. Frank Shelah Gilleard (see 30^th April) and CSM Ernest James Odell (see 9th February) and on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 24^th May) Pte. Laycock would undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Pte. Albert Jeffrey (see 15^th May) was reported by Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 21^st February), Sgt. Albert Blackburn (see 23^rd February), Cpl. James Hotchkiss (see 24^th February)  and Cpl. George Alma Cook (see 21^st March) for being “drunk at 2.25pm”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 24^th May) he would undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Pte. Walter Evans (see 18^th February) was reported by Cpls. Alfred Frankland (see 9^th May), Bates (unidentified) and  Mark Butler (see 30th April) as, “drunk about 3.30pm”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 24^th May) he would be awarded 14 days’ Field Punishment No.1.

L.Cpl. Smith Hesselden (see 2^nd April) was reported by Sgt. Ernest Craddock (see 31^st October 1917), and Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 7^th May) for “neglect of duty, ie whilst in charge of prisoners allowing them to get drunk”; he would be severely reprimanded by Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 24^th May).

Pte. Owen Frank Hyde (see 22^nd February) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance and 24^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera; he had suffered a sprained ankle.

Pte. John Newton (see 21^st March) was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance suffering from “P.U.O.” (pyrexia, or high temperature, of unknown origin); he would be discharged and return to duty a week later.

Pte. James Stott (see 26^th April) was admitted to 38^th Stationery Hospital in Genoa, suffering from myalgia.

Pte. Horace Trinder (see 1^st May) was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields.

2Lt. Billy Oldfield MM (see 10^th May), who had been severely wounded while serving in France with 1^st/4^th DWR, was transferred from 2^nd London General Hospital, Chelsea to 2^nd Northern General Hospital, Leeds. 

2Lt. Billy Oldfield MM

Friday 24th May 1918

Billetted in huts at Granezza.

It was remarked that, “Conditions on the Asiago Plateau had greatly changed since the Division’s first tour. The weather had become mild and pleasant, the snow had mostly disappeared, and the advent of Spring had combined with the general provocation of our own and the French guns to rouse the Austrian artillery from their customary lethargy … A brilliant sun shone without being oppressive, a soft, balmy breeze blew through the glades between the pines and on all sides spring flowers poked up out of the carpet of moss and pine cones. Rations were also much better – including rice, oatmeal and more butter”. 

Extensive preparations began to be put in place for a planned allied advance, which was intended not only to overrun the Austrian front line but also to push on into the high mountains beyond. In the event, other circumstances would intervene and the planned operations would never be put into effect.

Cpl. Thomas Butler (see 13^th March) was reported by Lt. Arthur Neill (see 15^th March) for drunkenness; he was placed in confinement pending trial by Field General Court Martial.

Pte. John Smallwood (see 9^th March) was reported by Sgts. Scott (unidentified) and John Stephenson (see 17^th May) for “insolence and using obscene language to an NCO”; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 17^th May) he would undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Pte. Jacob Osborne (see 31^st August 1916), who was serving with 2^nd/4^th DWR, died of wounds. He was buried at Bienvillers Military Cemetery, south-east of Arras.

Sgt. Richard Farrar (see 10^th May), serving at the Regimental Depot in Halifax, was reported for ‘Neglect of duty; ie not returning to barracks and reporting to the RSM returning off conducting duty’; he would be severely reprimanded but suffer no further sanction.

CSM Harry Dewhirst (see 11^th December 1917), formerly of 10DWR, serving with 4DWR at Rugeley Camp, Staffs., was attached to the Military Provost Staff Corps and appointed Acting RSM and Quartermaster Sergeant in charge of groups of prisoners of war at No.42 Agricultural Depot at Halam, Nottinghamshire.

Following the recent exchange of correspondence between his family and the authorities, A pension award was made in the case of the late L.Sgt. Fred Light Pashley (see 22^nd April), who had been posted ‘missing in action’ on 20^th September 1917. Despite the representations made by his family on the grounds that Pashley and his wife had been estranged, the award was made to Pashley’s widow, Elsie Annie; she was to receive 21s. 8d. per week for herself and her son.

The War Office wrote to the solicitors dealing with the estate of the late L.Cpl. Arthur Milner (see 6^th May), who had been officially missing in action since 20^th September 1917, informing them that, “an unofficial report of this soldier’s death has been received through the British Red Cross Society from 25214 Pte. F.J. Russell (Pte. Frederick Russell, see 5^th July 1917 and see below) of the same regiment, who has been examined, and it is feared that his statement is correct”. They confirmed that they would now proceed with the official acceptance of Milner’s death.

This reference to Pte. Russell would suggest that he may have been wounded at the same time as Milner had been killed, although this cannot be confirmed. In any event, Russell was, at a point unknown, transferred from 10DWR successively to 8DWR and 5DWR, before then being transferred to the Yorkshire Regiment.
A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Joseph Clough (see 28^th February 1918), who had died of wounds in December 1917 while serving with 2^nd/7^th DWR; his widow, Mary, was awarded 13s. 9d. per week.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the death of Pte. James Tuddenham, known to all as ‘Tudd’ (see 30^th April), who had been killed in action while serving with 1^st/6^th DWR.

Private James Tuddenham, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, killed in action April 30th, was 23 years of age and a native of Cumberland, but had lived in Earby for the past ten years. He enlisted in August, 1914, and had been previously wounded. Before joining up he was a weaver at Grove Shed (Messrs. R. Nutter and Co.), Earby.

 

Pte. James Tuddenham

Thursday 23rd May 1918

In billets at Valle di Sopra and Covolo.

The Battalion made the steep ascent of around five miles, following the mule tracks, via Perpiana, Campana, Tessa and Sciessere, back to Granezza, where they were again accommodated in the huts. Granezza was “now an even more bustling military junction”.

Cpl. Fred Greenwood MM (24522) (see 17th May) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance and 9^th Casualty Clearing Station to 38^th Stationary Hospital in Genoa; he was suffering from jaundice.

A number of other men would also be admitted to hospitals in Genoa, having been found to have been suffering from mild cases of illness. They were all evacuated on no.31 Ambulance Train from Villaverla. However, in their cases, in the absence of surviving service records, it has not been possible to establish exactly when they had first reported sick or when they would re-join the Battalion. They were Sgt. Middleton Busfield (see 9^th May), and Pte. Fred Rawnsley (see 16^th December 1917), both suffering from “P.U.O.” (pyrexia, or high temperature, of unknown origin); Cpl. Sydney Alec Exley (see 5^th May), who was suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) in both legs; L.Cpl. Horace Dunn (see 8^th June 1917), who was suffering from gonorrhoea; and Ptes. Joseph Edward Core (see 20^th September 1917), who was suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his right knee; Harry Hirst (29966) (see below), suffering from a mild illness, not yet diagnosed; John George Sleight (see 8^th September 1917), who was suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his knee; and George William Tombs (see 29^th October 1917), who was suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his hands and legs. Ptes. Core and Tombs would subsequently (date and details unknown) be further evacuated to hospital (details unknown) in France.

In the absence of a surviving service record I am unable to make a positive identification of Pte. Harry Hirst or to establish any details of his service.

Pte. William Baxter (see 23^rd June 1917), serving with 17^th Prisoner of War Company, was reported as “absent off guard mounting parade at 8.30pm and remaining absent until 10.10pm; drunk and creating a disturbance”; he would be ordered to undergo 14 days’ Field Punishment no.2.

Pte. Edward Somers (see 29^th March), who had been in England since having been wounded on 20^th September 1917, was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. Herbert Wood (see 15^th April), who had been in England since having been wounded five weeks’ previously, was transferred from Lichfield Military Hospital to West Bromwich District Hospital.

Wednesday 22nd May 1918

In billets at Valle di Sopra and Covolo.

Pte. George Towler Brown (see 10^th December 1917) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from inflammation to his back; he would be discharged to duty a week later.

Sgt. Lionel Vickers (see 11^th April), who had suffered an accidental injury to his knee whilst playing football in February, was discharged from 16^th Convalescent Depot at Marseilles and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. William Franklin (see 5^th January) was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields.

A payment of £7 19s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Cpl. George Benson Heap (see 14th November 1917), who had been killed in action on 23^rd May 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Annie. The reason for the prolonged delay in issuing the payment is unknown.

A payment of £14 1s. 9d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Leonard Watling (see 17^th October 1917), who had died of wounds on 17^th October 1917; the payment would go to his grandmother, Ann Eliza Debenham. She would also receive a parcel of his personal effects comprising of, “disc, letters, photos, religious book, wallet, notebook, note case, cigarette case, purse, wrist watch, steel mirror, signallers certificate, farthing, cap badge, lighter”.

Tuesday 21st May 1918

In billets at Valle di Sopra and Covolo.

Pte. James Isaac King (see 16^th May) who had, five days previously, been reported absent without leave, was arrested and placed in confinement to await trial by Field General Court Martial.

Pte. Arthur Thomas Wilford (see 26^th April) was admitted via 24^th Casualty Clearing Station to 38^th Stationery Hospital in Genoa, suffering from an abscess to his jaw.

Pte. John Henry Fidler (see 29^th November 1917) was temporarily attached for duty to 23^rd Battalion, Machine Gun Corps.

2Lt. Arthur Lilley (see 26^th April), who had left the Battalion a month previously to return to the UK for transfer to the RAF, reported at the Air Ministry and was formally transferred to the RAF. 

Pte. Walter William Scott (see 9^th January), who had been posted back to England in January suffering from bronchitis, was posted from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields. However, he was immediately reported absent off sick parade. He would return two days later and would be awarded two days’ Field Punishment no.2.

A payment of £6 7s. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. John Crossley (see 21^st December 1917), who had died on 21^st December 1917; the payment would go to his married sister, Ada Robinson. 

A payment of £5 11d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. Gilbert Swift Greenwood (see 31^st January), who had died of wounds on 2^nd January; the payment would go to his father, John. 

A payment of £8 10s. 5d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Gnr. George Thistlethwaite (see 22^nd March), who had died of wounds on 18^th February; the payment would go to his father, John. 

Gnr. George Thistlethwaite

A pension award was made in the case of the late Pte. Stanley Peace (see 27^th March 1918), who had died of wounds in September 1917; his mother, Mary Ann, was awarded 10s. per week.

Monday 20th May 1918

In tents and bivouacs south of Mare.

The Battalion marched a mile further north-east to new billets in the villages of Valle di Sopra and Covolo, with two companies billeted in each of the villages. There were also bathing facilities at Mare and the location was described as being one of “sylvan tranquillity”. Further training would be carried out here over the next few days.

Capt. Dick Bolton MC (see 30th April) kept photographs of two young women with whose family he was billeted.

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Cpl. Walter Smith (18428) (see 27^th October 1917) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance and 39^th Casualty Clearing Station to 11^th General Hospital in Genoa; he was suffering from impetigo.



Pte. Edwin John Collard (see 29^th October 1917) was admitted to 39^th Casualty Clearing Station suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his left groin. Five days later he would be transferred onboard no.31 Ambulance Train from Villaverla to 11^th General Hospital in Genoa.
Pte. Samuel Richards (see 24^th March) was posted from the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Ernest George Denyer (see 11^th April) was discharged from hospital in Marseilles and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Ernest Thorn (see 2^nd May), serving in France with 1^st/7^th DWR, was admitted to hospital, suffering from a right inguinal hernia.

Sgt. John William Dickinson (see 31^st January), serving in France with 137 Prisoner of War Company, was admitted to 1^st Stationary Hospital in Rouen, suffering from gonorrhoea. 

Sunday 19th May 1918

In tents and bivouacs at Fontanelli.

Starting out at 7.40am, the Battalion marched a further six miles north, from Fontanelli up the valley of the Astico River, via Lugo di Vicenza to tents and bivouacs south of the village of Mare.

L.Cpl. Frank Mallinson MM (see 5^th May), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported for “being improperly dressed in Saville Street without a permit about 11.15 pm; ie not wearing puttees”; he was reprimanded, but suffered no other punishment.

Pte. Edwin Dawson (see 30^th September 1917), who had been in England since having suffered severe wounds to his chest, left wrist and left foot on 20^th September 1917, was posted to Northern Command Depot at Ripon.

Saturday 18th May 1918

Billets at Cornedo Vicentino.

The Battalion completed an arduous march of around 20 miles north-east from Cornedo Vicentino, via Malo, Molina, Rossi and Sarcedo to Fontanelli, just south of Santa Maria, where they were accommodated overnight in tents and bivouacs. In anticipation of hot weather the march had commenced early, with 10DWR setting out at 6.45am and Pte. Harold Charnock (see 12^th May) described it as, “a very hard march, on a stifling day”. This move was in preparation for a return to the front line as part of a plan for an allied offensive to be launched in early June, in the course of which the 23^rd Division was to co-operate, along with 7^th Division to the left and French forces to the right in an advance against the Austrian positions on the Asiago Plateau. 

This march was also marked by the first cases of influenza, which were to become much more prevalent over the following weeks. In the words of the Divisional History, “The 23^rd Division claims, among other distinctions, that of having been the first British Division in the war to have encountered what later became the scourge of the armies in Europe. On the first march from the Trissino area no fewer tha eighty men fell out on the wayside from one Company of a Battalion of the 70^th Infantry Brigade. They had been billeted at Arzignano, a great cente of the silk industry, and the diagnosis of the rank and file attributed the catastrophe to a disease caught from silkworms! With every respect to the medical profession, it may be said that the rank and file were at least unanimous in their diagnosis, while the disease as it spread through the Battalion and then the Brigade, remained for some time a matter of controversy among the medical officers. The one would claim for it all the symptoms of influenza, while the other would hold that whatever the malady might be, at least it was not influenza. It was influenza, not silkworms, and in view of the projected operations it created a very serious situation. At this time, fortunately, it took a very mild form. For three days only the victim was placed hors de combat, and recovery was quick. No means could be found of checking the spread of the epidemic. There appeared, however, to be no recurrence of the disease, and it could only be hoped that it would spread sufficiently quickly to render the Division immune before operations commenced. During the next few weeks the disease attacked the Division regularly and methodically, unit by unit”.

Pte. Charles Knight (see 21^st April), who was on attachment to a working party at Rocchetto Station, was reported for ‘drunkenness’ and was deprived of 14 days’ pay.

Following 12 days in hospital, being treated for dental caries, Pte. Willie Holmes (see 6^th May) was discharged to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

L.Cpl. Alfred John Davis (see 30^th April), serving in France with 179^th Tunnelling Company, Royal Engineers, was discharged from 2^nd Canadian General Hospital at Le Treport and posted to the Royal Engineers Base Depot at Rouen; he would remain there for ten days before re-joining his unit on 27^th May.

Pte. Thomas McDonald (see 3^rd August 1917), serving in France with 9DWR, was posted back to England (reason unknown); he would subsequently be transferred to the Royal Defence Corps.

Lt. Charles Frederick Wolfe (see 26^th January), former Transport Officer to 10DWR, now serving with the ASC, was posted to the Horse Transport Depot at Park Royal, London.

Pte. Philip Pankhurst (see 11^th November 1917), who had been in England since November 1917, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. Ernest Fozard (see 28^th January), who had in England since January, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

At home in Rotherham, Doris Draper died at the age of eight months from whooping cough and bronch-pneumonia; she was the only child of Pte. Harold Draper (see 14^th September 1917) and had been born after he had departed for France in the Summer of 1917.

A payment of £1 1s. 7d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Ernest Bradley (see 5^th February), who had been killed in action on 18^th October 1917; the payment would go to his widow, Dorothy. She would also receive a parcel of his personal effects, comprising of, “photo case, photos, letters”.

A payment of £7 4s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. Sydney Exley (see 3^rd December 1917), who had died of wounds on 3^rd December 1917; the payment would go to his father, Albert. He would also receive a parcel of his son’s personal effects comprising of, “letters, cards, photos, 2 notebooks, religious books, 2 cigarette cases, metal ring, 2 wallets, 3 pencils, metal charm, collar stud, numeral, 2 German coins, 2 Belgian coins, cigarette holder, 1 coin ( ½ d.)”.

A payment of £18 11s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Thomas Tibble (see 8^th January), who had died from lobar pneumonia; the payment would go to his father, Thomas. He would also receive a parcel of his personal effects, comprising of, “disc, 8 coins, photos, cards, writing pad and envelopes, 2 packets cigarettes, 2 packets tobacco, 2 cotton bags (1 small), pencil, 2 scarves, cap comforter”.