Tuesday 1st October 1918

Billets in Creazzo.

Training continued.

Pte. Nathaniel Bather (see 29^th September) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance and 39^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia; he was suffering from gonorrhoea.

Pte. Richard Harrison (see 26^th August) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from scabies; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion ten days’ later.

Pte. Willie Davenport Frame (see 22^nd September) was transferred from 9^th Casualty Clearing Station to 11^th General Hospital in Genoa; he was suffering from “P.U.O” (pyrexia, or high temperature, of unknown origin).

Pte. Sidney John Rainbow (see 16^th September), who had been under treatment at 39^th Casualty Clearing Station for pneumonia, was transferred to 29^th Stationary Hospital in Cremona.

Pte. George Ingle (see 3^rd September) was discharged from 9^th Casualty Clearing Station and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Alfred Charles Dolphin (see 7^th August) was discharged from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Jonas Yoxall (see 4^th September) was posted from Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Cpl. Mark Butler (see 11^th September), who had been wounded on 11^th September, was transferred from 29^th Stationary Hospital in Cremona to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

Cpl. Joseph Dunn (see 31^st May), who had been in England since April having been taken ill while serving with 2^nd/7^th DWR, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

A payment of £2 15s. 7d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Ben Beaumont (see 27^th September 1917), who had been officially ‘missing in action’ since 27^th September 1917; the payment would go to his father, Benjamin.

Pte. Ben Beaumont

The October edition of the Slaidburn Parish Magazine would include reference to a letter received from RSM Charles Edward Parker, DCM, MM (see 28^th September)

“I have had a very interesting letter from RSM C.E. Parker, who joined up in September 1914, and has won the DCM and the MM. I am glad that he asks for our prayers that he might be guided aright. We heartily congratulate him on his wonderful record”.

Monday 30th September 1918

Billets in Creazzo.

Training continued.

Pte. Samuel Smith (see 22^nd September) re-joined the Battalion from 23^rd Division Rest Station, following treatment for scabies.

Pte. Francis Titcombe (see 26^th August), who had been wounded on 26^th August, was evacuated to England; he would be admitted to Queen Mary’s Military Hospital, Whalley, Lancs.

Cpl. Stephen Grady (see 24^th June), serving with 69^th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery, was reprimanded having been reported “absent from 9pm tattoo roll call until 11.20pm same day”.

Cpl. William Frederick Ackrill (see 10^th September), serving in France with 2DWR, suffered an accidental injury to his left knee; he would be admitted via 12^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Casualty Clearing Station.

Pte. George Albert Wright (see 30^th July), serving with 148^th Labour Company Labour Corps, departed for England on two weeks’ leave.

L.Cpl. Ernest Gee (see 29^th June), serving in France with 2DWR, was discharged from 13^th Convalescent Depot at Etaples, following treatment for influenza, and was posted to ‘F’ Infantry Base Depot, also at Etaples.

Pte. Stanley Barker (see 15^th September), who was home on leave, was admitted to Bradford War Hospital, suffering from scabies.

A medical report on Cpl. William Foulds (see 4^th September), who had been at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, for the previous three weeks, stated that, “General condition fairly good; neck condition doing well; recommednded Auxiliary Hospital for one month and disposal”.

Pte. John Beaumont (see 23^rd June), who was home on leave from the Motor Transport Section of the Army Service Corps in France, was admitted to Southport Infirmary, suffering from boils to his right arm.

Lt. Stanley Currington (see 10^th July), serving with the RAF, was promoted Acting Captain.

2Lt. Arthur Kilburn Robinson (see 26^th March), serving with the York and Lancaster Regiment, was transferred to the RAF to serve as an Observer.

A.M. James Linfoot (see 11^th May), serving in England with the RAF, was promoted Air Mechanic, Class 2.

A payment of £12 10s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Jacob Osborne (see 24^th May), who had died of wounds in May; the payment would go to his father, Edward Jacob.

Casualties for the month were officially recorded as being:

Killed                                 1

Accidentally killed           0

Died of wounds               2

Wounded                          9

Accidentally wounded    0

Missing                              0

The official cumulative casualty figures since arriving in France in August 1915 were thus:

Killed                                   280

Accidentally killed                5

Died of wounds                  23

Wounded                       1,377

Accidentally wounded      53

Missing                               189

Sunday 29th September 1918

Billets in Creazzo.

Training continued.

A/CSM Albert Blackburn (see 13^th September) was appointed Warrant Officer Class II and Company Sergeant Major, B Company.

Pte. Albert Reynolds (see 23^rd July) was promoted Corporal.

A/Cpl. Alfred Bradbury (see 27^th August) was confirmed in his rank.

A/Cpl. Martin Jackson (see 31^st August) relinquished his acting rank and reverted to Lance Corporal.

Capt. Dick Bolton MC (see 9th September) departed on thirty days’ leave to England.

Capt. Dick Bolton MC

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Ptes. John Blackburn (see 20^th September), Arthur Clarke (see 13^th May 1917) and Edwin Wright (see 4^th April) departed on two weeks’ leave to England.

Ptes. Nathaniel Bather (see 1^st September), Reginald Dayson (see 20^th August) and Arthur Walton (see 11^th September) re-joined the Battalion from the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. William Thomas Foley (see 26^th August), who had been wounded on 26^th August, was evacuated to England; the details of his treatment in England are unknown.

Pte. Fred Rawnsley (see 3^rd September), who was suffering from “mental illness, not yet diagnosed” was evacuated to England; once in England he would be committed to the Scalebor Park Asylum, Burley-in-Wharfedale.

L.Cpl. Harry Bailey (25248) (see 13^th September) and Ptes. William Atkinson (25980) (see 3^rd September), Thomas Henry Cox (25806) (see 31^st July), William Harper (25972) (see 18^th September), Joseph Livesey (see 4^th March), Joseph McDermott (see 22^nd April), Richard Metcalfe (see 20^th August) and James Stott (see 10^th July) re-joined the Battalion from the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

L.Cpl. Victor Lawson Smith joined the Battalion; he was 22 years old and from Mirfield. He had joined 5^th (Reserve) Battalion in October 1914 and had served in France with 1^st/5^th DWR from April 1915. He had been wounded in August 1915 but had remained in France and had re-joined his Battalion after three months. He had then been wounded for a second time in September 1916 and invalided back to England. In October 1916 he had been transferred to the Army Reserve Class W to resume his civil employment, but had then been recalled in April 1918. He had been posted back to France on 30^th August and from there to Italy. 

Pte. Arthur Brook joined the Battalion; he was a 22 year-old spinner from Gomersall. He had attested in March 1916and had served in France with 2^nd/7^th DWR between February 1917 and April 1918, when he had suffered wounds to his right arm and had been evacuated to England. He had then served with 6DWR until being posted back to France on 30^th August and from there to Italy.

Pte. Ramsden Pyrah joined the Battalion; he was 25 years old and from Bradford. He had originally attested in December 1915 and had been called up in February, being promoted Lance Corporal and Corporal whilst serving in France with 12DWR, which was a labour battalion. In May 1917 12DWR had been re-designated as 24^th Labour Company, Labour Corps. Cpl. Pyrah had then been transferred to 10DWR in June 1918 after recovering from a period in hospital in Etaples. He had arrived in Italy on 3^rd July, since when he had been at the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Kingsley James Reeve also joined the Battalion; he was 25 years old and from Lowestoft. He had originally been called up to the Suffolk Regiment but had been transferred to the West Ridings and had served in France with 9DWR between September 1917 and February 1918. He had then been evacuated to England suffering from ‘trench fever’. He had been posted back to France on 30^th August 1918 and then posted to 10DWR.

Pte. Charles Sidney Taylor also joined the Battalion; he was a 24 year-old dyers’ labourer from Bradford. He had served in France with 1^st/5^th DWR from June 1916 and had been slightly wounded, but remained at duty, in February 1917. He had been evacuated to England in October 1917 suffering from a severe case of ‘trench foot’, as a result of which he had spent six months in hospital and had also been treated for influenza in June 1918. He had been posted to Le Havre, en route to Italy, on 30^th August.

Pte. Arthur Lindsay (see 20^th October 1916), serving in France with 2^nd/4^th DWR, was wounded in action, suffering a bullet wound to his left hand; he would be evacuated to England and admitted to hospital in Halifax. Pte. Herbert Willis Pickles (see 12^th September), who had joined the same Battalion just ten days’ previously, was also wounded, suffering shrapnel wounds to his left hand; he would be admitted to hospital in Camiers before being evacuated to England on 2^nd October, travelling onboard the Hospital Ship Duchess Argyll. On arrival in England he would be admitted to Wharncliffe War Hospital in Sheffield.

Pte. Arthur Lindsay

L.Cpl. Frank Mallinson MM (see 2^nd September), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was presented with the Military Medal awarded to him for his conduct at the Battle of Messines on 7^th June 1917. The presentation was made by the Mayor of Huddersfield, in a ceremony at Crosland Moor United Methodist Sunday School.

A memorial service was held at Cowling Parish Church, remembering, among others, Pte. Albert Christopher Benson (see 27^th September), who had been killed on 11^th September. A similar service was held at the Wesleyan Chapel in Hellifield in memory of 2Lt. Harley Bentham (see 27^th September).

 

Pte. Albert Christopher Benson

 

2Lt. Harley Bentham

Saturday 28th September 1918

Billets in Creazzo.

Training continued, with ‘special attention paid to the Lewis gun’.

Pte. Albert Jeffrey (see 26^th August) was reported by RSM Charles Edward Parker, DCM, MM (see 9^th September), A/Cpl. Ralph Pocock Crease (see 4^th September), Sgt. Percy James Dawson (see 24^th July), Cpl. William Hay Murdock (see 22^nd March) and Sgt. Herbert Grayshon (see 6^th June 1916) for “making an improper reply to a warrant officer at 9.10pm”; on the orders of Capt. Leonard Norman Phillips MC (see 21^st September) he would undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Sgt. Wilfred Fletcher (see 28^th July) and A/L.Sgt. George William Keeling MM (see 21^st June) departed on seven days’ leave to Lake Garda.

Pte. Stanley Sykes (see 7^th September 1917) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance and 24^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd general Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia; he was suffering from jaundice.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 24^th September), who was en route to re-joining 10DWR in Italy, sent a postcard to his sister, Joy, telling her simply, “After being here all this time, I am leaving this afternoon for Italy.  I shall probably be unable to write for five or six days.  Great enthusiasm over war news here. Am quite fit but the weather is breaking”.

(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. Walter Eary (see 7^th September), who was being treated for a laryngeal tumour, was posted back to England from 57^th General Hospital in Marseilles. On arrival in England he would be admitted to Queen Mary’s Military Hospital, Whalley, Lancs.

Pte. James Percival (see 7^th September), who had suffered wounds to his left leg on 26^th August, was evacuated to England from 57^th General Hospital in Marseilles. He would travel onboard the Hospital Ship Guildford Castle; on arrival in England he would be admitted to the County of Middlesex War Hospital at Napsbury, near St. Albans.

L.Cpl. Dennis Waller MM (see 13^th September), who had been severely wounded in action on 8^th August while serving in serving in France with 2DWR, suffering a compound fracture of his left femur, underwent a further operation at Edmonton General Military Hospital. According to the Medical report the procedure was, “General anaesthesia; wounds enlarged; few small pieces of separated bone removed; counter incision posteriorly; calipers applied”.

It would appear, based on his service number, to have been around this time that Pte. Sydney Hoar (see 5^th January 1917) would have been transferred to the Labour Corps. However, in the abence of a surviving service record, the details of his transfer cannot be confirmed.

Friday 27th September 1918

Billets in Creazzo.

Creazzo was to be the base for training ahead of the projected return to France, but the area had both advantges and disadvantages as referred to in the official Divisional History: “The new area had many recommendations. Billets were good and the Division enjoyed a well-earned rest during a week of perfect weather. But the projected transfer of the Division to France, where the armies had broken away from the old trench lines, made training in the tactics of open warfare and urgent matter. The new area had not been organised for training and the close cultivated country made it most unsuitable for practice in open warfare”.

Pte. Fred Clayton (see 5^th September) was reported by Sgt. Willie Nichols (see 16^th November 1917) as being ‘dirty on 2pm parade’; on the orders of 2Lt. Sam Benjamin Farrant (see 4^th August) he was to be confined to barracks for three days.

Pte. Claude Wilfred Norman (see 9^th August) re-joined the Battalion from 23^rd Division Rest Station.

Pte. Harry Beaumont (29306) (see 7^th August) was discharged from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia; he had been suffering from “I.C.T.” (inflammation of the connective tissue) to his neck.

2Lt. Albert Edgar Palmer (see 30^th April), serving in France with 8^th West Yorks, was initially reported missing in action but would subsequently be confirmed as having been killed in action. He would be buried at Flesquieres Hill British Cemetery, south-west of Cambrai.

Pte. Ernest Franklin (25969) (see 19^th September), who was serving 28 days’ detention as a result of being absent off his final embarkation leave from 3DWR at North Shields, was posted back to France and would join 5DWR.

Pte. Albert Ellis (see 24^th April), serving in England 26^th Durham Light Infantry, was transferred to 2^nd/7^th Durham Light Infantry. Ten days later the Battalion would be posted to Northern Russia as part of the Allied expedition to assist the White Russians in their fight with the Red Army. The Battalion would land Russia on 24^th October and be put to guarding the docks, supply dumps, and a prison in Archangel.

Following two months treatment at the Camp Hospital at Northern Command Depot at Ripon, Pte. John Stenson (see 27^th July) was granted one weeks’ leave before reporting to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. William Henry Jones (see 30^th December 1916), serving with the Labour Corps, was formally discharged from the Army ‘sick’, suffering from ‘chronic sycosis’ (facial inflammation); he was awarded the Silver War Badge and an Army pension of 7s. 6d. per week.

A payment of £5 3s. 9d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Herbert Farrand Hogley (see 23^rd June), who had been killed in action on 23^rd June, while serving with 2DWR; the payment would go to his widow, Florence. She would also receive a package of her late husband’s personal effects, comprising of, “wallet, letters, photos, mirror, spectacles (broken) in case”.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the deaths of Pte. Albert Christopher Benson (see 11^th September) and 2Lt. Harley Bentham (see 13^th September);

COWLING

The sad news is to hand that Signaller Albert C. Benson, M.M., of the Duke of Wellington's, and No. 2 Green Street, Cowling, was instantaneously killed by shell fire on September 11th whilst laying telephone wires on the Italian front. Signaller Benson had greatly endeared himself to his comrades by his cheerful and willing service under most trying conditions. He was buried with military honours in the British Cemetery. He joined the Forces four years ago in September 1914, went out to France in August 1915, and was transferred to Italy in November of last year. In September 1917 he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in face of the enemy. Under heavy fire he dug out four comrades who had been buried as a result of shellfire. Previous to joining the Colours he was employed by Messrs. John Binns and Sons Ltd. at Croft Mills as a weaver.

Pte. Albert Christopher Benson

I am, as yet, unable to confirm the award of the Military Medal to Pte. Benson as no record has been found in the official records and some subsequent correspondence casts doubt as to whether the award was ever formally made. 

HELLIFIELD - OFFICER DIES OF WOUNDS

We regret to record the death of Second-Lieutenant Harley Bentham, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, which occurred on September 13th, the official report stating that he died at the 19th Casualty Clearing Station, Havrincourt, of wounds received in action on September 13th. Lieut. Bentham was 23 years of age, and the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Bentham, of Thorndale Street, Hellifield. He joined the Duke of Wellington's as a Private in January 1916 and went to France the following May. In December of the same year he was recommended for a commission, and after completing his training with the O.T C. at Gailes, he was gazetted in August 1917, and returned to France in October. After leaving Giggleswick Grammar School he entered the Bank of Liverpool at Settle, where he was employed up to the time of his enlistment. Amongst a number of letters of sympathy and tributes was one from his Lieut.-Colonel, which states:- "It is with deep sorrow that I have to inform you of the death of Second-Lieutenant Bentham in action on the 13th. He was wounded by shellfire whilst gallantly leading his men in the attack, which resulted in the capture of Havrincourt. He did not suffer and died shortly after reaching the C.C.S. We officers, N.C.O.s and men of his battalion thought much of him as a gallant, cheerful comrade, and it is a great grief to us that victory has cost so much to you and him. May the knowledge that he did his duty well and bravely help to lighten this great sorrow."

2Lt. Harley Bentham

There was also brief mention of Pte. Irvine Clark (see 14^th June), who had been one of Tunstill’s original recruits but was now serving at the Regimental Depot at Halifax.

BOLTON-BY-BOWLAND

Private Irvine Clark, who enlisted soon after the outbreak of war, has had five birthdays in the Army.

Thursday 26th September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.

Starting out at 7pm, the Battalion marched thirteen miles south, via Villaverla and Costabissara, to billets in Creazzo.

Lt. John William Headings (see 15^th June 1917), the Battalion Quartermaster, was injured in an accident, as described in Headings’ own statement:  “At Creazzo about 9.30pm on 26^th Sept. on the road near to the transport lines. It was dark and the road narrow. To avoid one of our limbers proceeding in the opposite direction, I sidestepped and was thrown into a deep gully at the roadside, the weight of my body being thrown onto the left knee”. A statement was also taken from Rev. E G Selwyn, Chaplain attached to 8Yorks (the statement was taken by the acting adjutant, 2Lt. Cyril Edward Agar, see 27^th July): “On the night of Thursday Sept 26^th 1918 I was walking two paces behind Lt. Headings along the narrow lane leading to the village. A limber was coming up from the opposite direction and there was no room to pass in the road. Seeing what looked like a shallow gutter on the right side of the road, Lt. Headings stepped with his right foot into it; but the gulley was far deeper and wider than could be seen in that light, and, with his right foot finding no hold, he came down heavily on his left knee on the edge of the gulley”. Lt. Headings was admitted via one of the local Casualty Clearing Stations to 11^th General Hospital in Genoa.

Pte. Edwin Baldwin (see 7^th September), serving in France with the Motor Transport Section of the Army Service Corps, was ordered to be confined to barracks for ten days having been one day late in reporting back from leave to England.

Pte.  Arthur Wood (29040) (see 27^th July), who had been posted back to England from 5DWR, was posted to Northern Command Depot at Ripon, but would have one weeks’ leave before reporting for duty.

Wednesday 25th September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.


Cpl. Harry Wood (see 14^th September) was transferred to England from 57^th General Hospital in Marseilles; he would travel onboard no.36 Ambulance Train and, on arrival, would be admitted to 2^nd Western General Hospital in Manchester.

A/Sgt. Horace Dewis MM (see 1^st August), serving with the RAF, was confirmed and paid according to his new rank, having previously held it unpaid.

Pte. Robert Ellis Clayton (see 15^th June), serving in France with the Labour Corps, was transferred to the Royal Fusiliers.

Tuesday 24th September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.

Ptes. Ernest George Denyer (see 5^th September) and Hiram Tasker (see 20^th June) were appointed (unpaid) Lance Corporal.

Pte. Smith Stephenson Whitaker (see 26^th August) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from scabies.

Pte. Joe Mallinson Lancaster was admitted via 71^st Field Ambulance and 39^th Casualty Clearing Station to 51^st Stationary Hospital; he was suffering from ‘venereal disease – not yet diagnosed’. He was a 31 year-old blacksmith from Brighouse and had been an original member of the Battalion.

Ptes. James Pidgeley (see 22^nd July) and John William Procter (see 16^th July) were transferred from 16^th Convalescent Depot at Marseilles to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

L.Cpl. Victor Munnery (see 11^th September), who had suffered a shrapnel wound to his right elbow two weeks’ previously, was transferred from 24^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia.

Pte. Frederick George Westlake (see 14^th September), who had suffered an accidental gunshot wound to his right foot a month previously, was transferred from 9^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia.

Pte. Ernest Mudd (see 15^th September), who had been under treatment for inflammation to his left knee for the previous two weeks, was transferred from 39^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 20^th April), who had been in England since having been wounded on 20^th September 1917, left England en route to re-joining 10DWR in Italy.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO

Lt. Col. Robert Raymer (see 28^th May) was transferred to command 5^th (Pioneer) Battalion South Wales Borderers; he would have ten days’ leave to England before taking command.

Lt. Col. Robert Raymer

Lt. Andrew Aaron Jackson (see 15^th September), who had suffered wounds to his right shoulder during the trench raid on 26^th August, and was currently under treatment at Lady Cooper’s Hospital, Hursley Park, Winchester, appeared before an Army Medical Board at Winchester. The findings of this Board are unknown but he appears to have remained in hospital.

Lt. George Stuart Hulburd (see 20^th July) appeared before a further Army Medical Board, which, as previously recommended, classified him as category Cii. Under this category he would be regarded as fit for garrison duty at home, being “free from serious organic diseases; able to walk 5 miles, see and hear sufficiently for ordinary purposes”.

Lt. George Stuart Hulburd

Image by kind permission of Paddy Ireland

Maj. Harry Robert Hildyard (see 3^rd August) was formerly appointed Assistant Provost Marshal with Northern Command.

The War Office replied to Capt. Herbert Sparling MC (see 10^th September), who had been severely wounded on 18^th October 1917, having his left leg amputated below the knee, regarding his offer to continue his military career, “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 11^th September 1918, and to inform you in reply that in view of the finding of the Medical Board held on 10^th September, whilst the offer of your further services is appreciated, there is no opportunity of utilizing them in any capacity  until you are passed by the medical authorities as fit for some form of military duty”.

Pte. William Postill Taylor (see 22^nd August), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was discharged from Brighton Grove Military Hospital, Newcastle-on-Tyne and re-joined his Battalion.

Sgt. Harry Clark (see 11^th May), who had been on an officer training course at no.19 Officer Cadet Battalion at Pirbright, was transferred to 6^th (Reserve) Battalion, London Regiment at Blackdown; the reason for his transfer is unknown.

Pte. Alfred Heath was formally discharged from the Army under King’s Regulations, paragraph 392 (xix), which would indicate a man discharged after serving 18 years in the army. In the absence of a surviving service record I am unable to make a positive identification of this man or to establish any details of his service with 10DWR.

The London Gazette published notice of the award of the Military Cross to Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 18^th September), which he had been awarded following the trench raid in June; “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in charge of a company and a half in a raid. Despite a bright moon, he successfully assembled his party and attacked, killing a large number of the enemy and capturing thirty-one prisoners and two machine guns. His gallantry and fine leadership were largely responsible for the success of the raid”.

 

Capt. Henry Kelly VC, MC

Monday 23rd September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.

Sgt. Alfred Dolding (see 27^th June) re-joined the Battalion from XIV Corps Reinforcement Camp at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Thomas Butler (see 20^th August) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from scabies; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after five days’ treatment.

Pte. Frank Tucker (see 4^th September) was admitted to 71^st Field Ambulance, suffering from scabies; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after three days.

Cpl. Arthur Edward Hunt (see 12^th May), serving in France with 266^th Area Employment Company, departed for England on two weeks’ leave.

Pte. Charles Oldham (see 24^th February), serving in France with 5DWR, departed on one weeks’ leave to England.

Pte. James Kilburn (see 16^th August), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported ‘absent from tattoo at 10pm’; he would be ‘apprehended by Military Foot Police in Newcastle at 10.40pm on 26^th September’; he would be ordered to serve 72 hours’ detention.

L.Cpl. Robert William Buckingham (see 16^th July), serving at the Regimental Depot at Halifax, was late reported for ‘Neglect of duty, ie when on escort duty not returning to barracks on completion of duty’; he would be ordered to be reduced to the rank of Private.

Pte. Herbert Wood (see 23^rd May), who had been in England since having been wounded in April, was transferred from West Bromwich District Hospital back to Lichfield Military Hospital.

Sunday 22nd September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.

Pte. Frederick Sharp (see 12^th August) re-joined the Battalion from the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia following a period of illness.

Pte. Willie Davenport Frame (see 25^th August), who had only returned from leave to England two days’ previously, was admitted via 71^st Field Ambulance to 9^th Casualty Clearing Station; he was suffering from “P.U.O” (pyrexia, or high temperature, of unknown origin).

Ptes. Jack Edgar Hall (see 3^rd August) and Samuel Smith (see 7^th July) were admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station; both were suffering from scabies.

Pte. John William Mallinson (see 24^th April) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance and 9^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia; he was suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his face.

Maj. James Christopher Bull MC (see 25^th August) left for England, where he was to attend a senior officers’ course at Aldershot; he was accompanied by his servant, Pte. James Albert Garbutt (see 29^th September 1917).

Maj. James Christopher Bull MC

Image by kind permission of the Trustees of the DWR Museum

Pte. Herbert Crowther Kershaw (see 23^rd July) departed on two weeks’ leave to England.

After 27 days’ treatment and three operations at 39^th Casualty Clearing Station, Pte. Joseph Firth (see 11^th September), who had been wounded on 26^th August, was finally evacuated onboard no.39 Ambulance Train (destination unknown).

Pte. Walter James Biddle (see 19^th July) was transferred from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia to Cremona.   

Pte. Ernest Fozard (see 18^th May) was posted back to France from 3DWR at North Shields; he would join 9DWR.

Saturday 21st September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.

Pte. Joseph Hadley (see 28^th August) was reported by Pte. Solomon Richard Webb (see 25^th December 1917; it is not known when he had been promoted) as having been “absent from a working party from 2pm until reporting at 9pm”; on the orders of Capt. Leonard Norman Phillips MC (see 30^th July) he would undergo seven days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Ptes. Ernest Ashness (see 31^st July) and John Griffiths (see 17^th June) departed on seven days’ leave to Lake Garda.

Pte. Vernon Barker (see 5^th September) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from diarrhoea; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after five days.

Pte. Ernest Normanton was admitted via 71^st Field Ambulance and 39^th Casualty Clearing Station to 51^st Stationary Hospital; he was suffering from ‘venereal disease – not yet diagnosed’. He was an original member of the Battalion but, in the absence of a surviving service record I am unable to make a positive identification of this man.

Cpl. Thomas Henry Cox (9328) (see 26^th August) was transferred from 11^th General Hospital in Genoa to 81^st General Hospital in Marseilles.
CQMS Maurice Harcourt Denham (see 15^th September), who had been discharged to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano a week previously, was re-admitted 38^th Stationary Hospital in Genoa; he was now suffering from influenza.

CQMS Maurice Harcourt Denham

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Pte. Edwin Dawson (see 29^th August) was posted back to France from 14DWR at Clacton; after arriving at Etaples he would join 9DWR.

L.Cpl. Joseph Simpson (see 19^th November 1917), serving in England with 14^th Training Reserve Battalion at Welbeck, was reported on three disciplinary charges: “I. Absent off tattoo until seen by the Military Police at Broad Lane about 12.30am on 22^nd – 2hrs. 30mins.; II. Irregular conduct; viz. being in possession of L.Cpl. Booth’s pass; III. Improperly dressed; viz. wearing a private soldier’s coat with staff buttons”; he would be reprimanded but face no further action.

Friday 20th September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.

A/L.Sgt. Harold Best (see 27^th August) was confirmed in his rank.

Pte. Walter Gee Wardley (see 20^th June) was reported by Sgt. John Stephenson (see 24^th May) as being “unshaven on 6.30am parade”; on the orders of Capt. Paul James Sainsbury (see 26^th August), he would be confined to barracks for two days.

Pte. Tom Smith (see 7^th July) was reported by Sgt. Arthur Ledgard (see 11^th September) for “slackness on parade”; on the orders of Lt. Vincent Edwards MC (see 26^th August) he would be confined to barracks for three days.

Pte. Matthew Howard (see 7^th July) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station; he had suffered an injury during a musketry competition on the range. In his own words Pte. Howard, “when running across the ground I fell over a piece of rock and sprained my ankle”. Howard’s version of events was confirmed by Sgt. Stanley Vyvyan Golledge (see 11^th September) and Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see30^th August), both of whom had witnessed the incident. Pte. Howard would re-join the Battalion five days later.

Cpl. Fred Greenwood MM (24522) (see 29^th June) and Pte. John Blackburn (see 15^th June) re-joined the Battalion from the Base Camp at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Michael Hannigan (see 6^th September), who had suffered a sprained ankle while in training two weeks’ previously, re-joined the Battalion from 23^rd Division Rest Station.

Pte. Alfred Whittaker (see 1^st September) failed to report on schedule at 3.30pm ready to embark for Italy on the expiry of his two weeks’ leave to England; he would report two days later and would be returned to Italy under close arrest.

Sgt. John William Wardman DCM, MM (see 6^th August) was transferred from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia to 81^st General Hospital in Marseilles; he was suffering from “P.U.O” (pyrexia, or high temperature, of unknown origin).

Sgt. John William Wardman DCM, MM

Image by kind permission of Paul Bishop

L.Sgt. George Heeley (see 2^nd July), who had been wounded on 21^st June, was transferred from 57^th General Hospital in Marseilles to 16^th Convalescent Depot, also in Marseilles.

Pte. Gott Fielding (see 4^th December 1917), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service on account of ‘neurasthenia’ (shellshock); he was awarded a pension of 13s. 9d. per week for six months, reducing to 8s. 3d. after six months at which point the award was to be reviewed.

Pte. William Clarence Mitchell (see 20^th September 1917) was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service; this was the first anniversary of his having been wounded. He was assessed as having suffered a 60% disability and was awarded a pension of £1 4s. per week.

A payment of £2 14s. 8d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Alfred Spencer (see 16^th May), who had been officially ‘missing in action’ since 20^th September 1917 and was now presumed dead; the payment would go to his widow, Selena.

Pte. Alfred Spencer

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald carried news of a number of former 10DWR men:

Another War Honour Won for Newsholme

The remarkable way in which boys from our farms have made good in this war is once more exemplified by the winning of a Military Medal by Private Thomas Procter (see 5^th July 1916), Machine Gun Corps, nephew of Mr. Thomas Askew, of Demesne Farm, Newsholme, for whom he worked at the time of enlisting. The official report of Private Procter’s achievement is as follows: “At ………. between the 20^th and 29^th July 1918. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations on the ……………., when his gun team had suffered heavy casualties. This soldier repeatedly fetched ammunition under intense shell fire and this enabled his gun team to remain active at a critical period. Private Procter’s pluck and cool determination heartened his comrades under trying circumstances. Throughout the operations his conduct was worthy of high praise”. The congratulations of all the neighbourhood will go out to Private Procter and his relatives.

BOLTON-BY-BOWLAND - 'The Boys'

Lance-Corporal Alfred Carey (see 28^th February, he was the younger brother of Norman Carey (see 9^th January 1916) who had been one of Tunstill’s original volunteers, who is at present up in the line, has been made Corporal. Lance-Corporal Edwin Reeves is at present home on leave.

CRAVEN AND THE WAR - THE LATE PRIVATE W. SMITH

We reproduce a photograph of Private William Smith, York and Lancaster Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Smith, Church Street, Addingham (he was the younger brother of Pte. Johnny Smith (see 26^th April and the late Pte. Reuben Smith, see 5^th September 1917, both of whom had been original members of 10DWR), who, as reported in our columns last week, was killed in action on the Western Front on September 2nd last, aged 19 years. Prior to joining up in December 1917, the deceased soldier was gardener for Mrs. Cooks, Summerfield, Ilkley. He was one of six brothers who have served their country, and one of them, Private Reuben Smith, has also laid down his life for the common cause of humanity. We extend sincere sympathy to the bereaved family.

Pte. William Smith

DENT - Memorial Service

A special memorial service was held in the Parish Church on Sunday evening, in memory of Dent soldiers who have recently given their lives for their country, viz., Private E. Gornall (West Riding Regiment), youngest son of Mr. R. Gornall, of Helmside, reported missing on May 2nd, 1917, and now presumed dead. He was formerly a member of the Church choir. Private Pte. John Myles Raw (see 7th May), (West Riding Regiment), son of Mr. R. Raw, of Gawthorpe, killed in action September 20th, 1917; Private G.E. Fawcett, (West Ridings), also of Mr. G. Fawcett, of Cowgill, killed in action last month, and formerly a member of the Dent Church Choir; Private G.T. Middleton (Australian Pioneers), youngest son of Mrs. Mabel Middleton, Dent, died in hospital; Private G. Mason, (A.S.C.), son of Mr. C. Mason, of Slack, died of sunstroke in Mesopotamia; Private T. Cragg (West Ridings), killed in action April 18th, 1918.

Pte. John Myles Raw

Thursday 19th September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.

Ptes. Robert Callaghan (see 5^th February 1916) and Michael Cooney MM (see 16^th August 1917) were tried by Field General Court Martial on charges of being absent without leave (details unknown); both were found guilty and were sentenced, respectively, to 35 days and 42 days Field Punishment No.1.

Pte. Ernest Franklin (25969) (see 9^th September), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, who had been reported as “absent off his final leave pass at 11.55pm” on 9^th September, reported back to his Battalion at 10pm. Having been absent for ten days in total, he would be ordered to undergo 28 days’ detention.

Wednesday 18th September 1918

Beregana Camp, south-east of Thiene.

Pte. James Longworth (see 25^th August) re-joined the Battalion from the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. John Thorp Newsome (see 25^th August) was reported by A/CQMS George Alfred Giles (see 18^th August) as absent off leave, having failed to return on time from his two weeks’ leave to England. He would report back on 26^th September and, on the orders of Capt. Henry Kelly VC (see 8^th August) would be awarded seven days’ Field Punishment no.2 and ordered to forfeit three days’ pay.

Pte. William Douglas (see 10^th September), who had been admitted to 51^st Stationary Hospital suffering from gastritis after arriving in Italy en route to join 10DWR, was discharged from hospital and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. William Harper (25972) (see 14^th August), who had been under treatment for the previous month, was discharged from 9^th Casualty Clearing Station and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia. 

L.Cpl. Thomas Lloyd (see 26^th August), serving in France with 1^st/7^th DWR, was promoted Corporal.

Pte. John Foster (see 11^th September), serving in France with 2/7^th DWR, was posted from ‘F’ Infantry Base Depot at Etaples to re-join his Battalion.

L.Cpl. Alfred Edward Wybrow MM (see 30^th August), who had been in England since having been wounded three weeks’ previously while serving in France with 2DWR, was discharged from 3^rd Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. He would have one week’s leave before reporting to the Regimental Depot in Halifax.

Pte. Walter Ralph (see 14^th August), serving in England with 3^rd Battalion York and Lancasters, was attached for duty with 474^th Agricultural Company, Labour Corps, based in York; he was the elder brother of Pte. Kit Ralph (see 30^th April 1917) who had been killed at Le Sars in October 1916.