Sunday 1st December 1918

Billets at Arzignano

According to the Brigade War Diary, “Units of the Brigade carried out training during the mornings from 9am until 12 noon. The afternoons were devoted to recreational training. Competitions were arranged, namely, inter-Battalion and inter-Company competitions. Some very good games ensued. “A” Company 11^th West Yorkshires were the winners of the inter-Company competition. The inter-Battalion football competition was postponed until a later date”.

2Lt. Fred Dyson (see 30^th November) left the Battalion to return to England in preparation for his being released from service.

L.Sgt. Albert Reynolds (see 30^th October) and Pte. John William Kirby (see 20^th November) departed on two weeks’ leave to England.

Pte. Richard Metcalfe (see 22^nd November), who had been almost a month late in returning from two weeks’ leave to England, appeared before a Field General Court Martial on a charge of “absenting himself without leave from 3.30pm, 26^th October, to 1pm on 22^nd November. He was found not guilty of absence from 2^nd November onwards (that being the date at which he had reported to the military authorities in England), but guilty of absence from 26^th October to 2^nd November. He was ordered to undergo 42 days’ Field Punishment no.1. Evidence had been taken from Sgt. Willie Nichols (see 26^th October), Cpl. George Kelly (see below), Cpl. Thomas Mann MM (see 16^th October) and L.Cpl. Lawrence William Hinchcliffe (see 15th October).

Beyond the fact that he had previously served with 8DWR and 3DWR, I am unable to make a positive identification of George Kelly. 

Ptes. Wilfred Henry Fiddes (see below), Tim Helliwell (see below), Albert Mellor (see 22^nd November) and David Twigg (see below) were all posted from 34^th Infantry Base Depot at Etaples to join 10DWR; they would report for duty on 9^th December.

Wilfred Henry Fiddes was 28 years old and originally from Canonbury, London, where he had worked as a metal caster. He had enlisted in the Regular Army in July 1908 and had gone to France with 2DWR on the outbreak of war. He had been reported missing during the retreat from Mons until returning to England on 22^nd September 1914. He had then served with 2DWR from January to June 1915 since when he had been back in England, apparently having been taken ill, and had served with the Royal Defence Corps between April 1916 and May 1918, when he had been re-posted to 3DWR. He had been posted to France on 10^th November.

Tim Helliwell was a 21 year-old spinner from Sowerby Bridge. He had attested under the Derby Scheme in December 1915 and had served in France with 9DWR in January and February 1917 and with 2DWR between July 1917 and May 1918, being wounded three times. He had been serving with 3DWR at North Shields since June 1918 and had several times been reported for breaches of discipline. He had been posted to France on 10^th November.

David Twigg was a 22 year-old labourer from Rotherham; he had served with 8DWR between September 1915 and September before being evacuated to England suffering from venereal disease. He had been treated in various hospitals for a year before being posted to 3DWR at North Shields, and had a string of disciplinary issues on his record. He had been posted to France on 10^th November.

Pte. Samuel Garside Hardy (see 3^rd October) was discharged from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia and posted to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

Cpl. Joseph Dunn (see 1^st October), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was granted one weeks’ leave.

Saturday 30th November 1918

Billets at Arzignano

2Lt. Fred Dyson (see 26^th October) wrote in reply to an enquiry from Mrs. Emma King regarding the fate of Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 15^th November). Mrs. King had been ‘landlady’ to both 2Lt. Dyson and Capt. Perks while they were stationed with 3DWR in North Shields.

“Dear Mrs King

Your letter of enquiry re the untimely end of poor Capt. Perks reached me a few days ago, and I shall be only too pleased to give you as full particulars as lies in my power with regard to the manner in which he met his fate. It was on Oct 27^th, the first day of the offensive, that he was killed instantaneously by a machine gun bullet through the head.  He was at the time gallantly leading his company in the front wave of the attack. The company, B Company, was opposed by heavy machine guns and suffered rather heavily. Out of the four officers of that company one was killed and another wounded in addition to Capt. Perks himself.  My own company, C Company, was much more fortunate.

I can assure you that the loss of Capt. Perks is keenly felt in the battalion, for he was one of its oldest officers and the bravest of fellows, and universal sympathy goes out to his bereaved parents. As you say it is hard that so near the end of hostilities he should be called upon to make the supreme sacrifice, but we must try to think of him as having given his all for freedom’s sake and that his death has not been in vain. I realised what a shock the sad news would be to you, and I should certainly have written to you in any case. 

For Capt. Perks I had a great admiration and respect for he was a real gentleman and the bravest of soldiers - always jolly - he was a favourite among the officers and men. You may rest assured that he was given decent burial though the exact location of his grave I cannot tell you.  On the north bank of the Piave his body lies at rest, and in his last moments he suffered no pain.

My experience has been a more fortunate one and I have much to be thankful for in having seen the end of hostilities and being able to look forward to the day which will bring us back home for good.  As a matter of fact I am proceeding on leave to-morrow, and look forward to drinking a cup of tea with you Mrs King and Granville once more in the near future.

I am in the very best of health and am pleased to say that Mrs Dyson and little Barbara are the same. That you are all similarly favoured is my sincere wish.

Kind regards and all good wishes to Mr King, yourself and Granville”.

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

Pte. Sam Sunderland (see 28^th October), who had suffered a minor injury to the little finger of his left hand when pricking it on an acacia thorn, was transferred from 11^th General Hospital in Genoa to 57^th General Hospital in Marseilles.

Pte. Jack Edgar Hall (see 13^th November) was transferred from hospital in Marseilles to 16^th Convalescent Depot, also in Marseilles.

Pte. Thomas Caton (see 2^nd August), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported for “failing to comply with an order given by an NCO; ie failing to get out of bed when ordered to do so”; he would be confined to barracks for seven days.

Sgt. Arthur Manks (see 7^th September) on attachment from 3DWR to a Prisoner of War camp at Catterick, was transferred, again on attachment, to another camp at Barlby, near Ripon.

Pte. Willie Holmes (see 19^th November), serving at Northern Command Depot at Ripon, was posted to the Dispersal Centre at Ripon, in preparation for being discharged from the Army.

Pte. Cyril Hollingsworth (see 30^th July), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was formally transferred to Army Reserve Class P. This classification of the reserve had been introduced in October 1916 and 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 take up employment as a colliery fitter with Hargreaves Colliery Company, Handsworth, Sheffield. He was also awarded a pension of 8s. 3d. per week, to be reviewed in one year.

The Infantry Records Office in York wrote to Pte. Harry Gordon Binns MM (see 26^th November), who had been recently discharged from the Army, regarding the issue of his Military Medal; on his instruction the medal would be duly despatched to him at his home address a few days later.

Friday 29th November 1918

Billets at Arzignano

Pte. Joseph Hadley (see 4^th November) was admitted to 70^th Field Ambulance, suffering from “P.U.O” (pyrexia, or high temperature, of unknown origin); he would be discharged to duty six days later.

Pte. Charles Edward Lund (see 4^th November), who had been under treatment for influenza at 25^th General Hospital at Hardelot, was evacuated to England, travelling onboard the Hospital Ship, Cambria. On arrival in England he would be admitted to 2^nd Western General Hospital in Manchester.

Pte. William Hissett (see 27^th June), serving in France with 9DWR, was posted back to England to be demobilized.

Pte. Albert John Start (see 1^st November), serving in England with 360^th Reserve Employment Company, based at Ripon, was transferred back to the Non-Combatant Labour Corps.

Pte. Louis Charles Preen (see 9^th November) was discharged from 3^rd Western General Hospital in Cardiff; he was granted one weeks’ leave before reporting to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. Sidney John Rainbow (see 8^th November) was discharged from hospital in Birkenhead, with a recommendation that he be discharged from the Army. He would have ten days’ leave before reporting to 3DWR at North Shields on 8^th December.

Pte. Charley Norman (see 8^th November), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service due to wounds suffered in action; he was awarded a pension of 16s. 6d. per week, to be reviewed in one year’s time.

Pte. Robert Phillips (see 27^th September 1917), who had been severely wounded in September 1917, was formally discharged from the Army on account of his wounds; he was awarded a pension of 19s. 3d. per week for six months, reducing thereafter to 13s. 9d. per week and to be reviewed after a further six months.

At home in Sligo, Michael O’Gara, the six year-old son of Pte. John O’Gara (see 4^th September), died as a result of influenza and broncho-pneumonia; John O’Gara was with his son when he died, having been wounded on 26^th August.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the death of Cpl. Alfred Carey MM (see 6^th November) who had been killed in action while serving in France with 2^nd/5^th DWR; he was the younger brother of Norman Carey (see 9^th January 1916) who had been one of Tunstill’s original volunteers.

BOLTON-BY-BOWLAND - A MILITARY MEDAL WINNER KILLED

Bolton-by-Bowland has suffered another loss in the terrible war by the death of Corporal Alfred Carey (son of Mr. and Mrs. Carey, of Copy Nook Hotel), who was instantaneously killed on the 6th of this month as he was leaving the trenches. Corporal Carey joined the Army in January 1915, and was attached to the 5th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment. He was wounded in July 1917, but afterwards returned to France. His last leave was in February of this year. For conspicuous bravery in Bourlon Wood he was awarded the Military Medal in 1917, in recognition of which he was presented with a silver wristlet engraved watch in the Bolton-by-Bowland School.

The following is a copy of a letter from his pal in the same regiment:- "It is with the deepest regret that I write these few lines to you knowing that I have lost one of my best chums in the death of your dear son Alf. No doubt you have received the sad news of his death, which occurred near Fresnoy on the 6th. I can assure you he is missed by all who knew him. He did not suffer any pain as he was killed instantaneously by a shell. If all goes well I may be able to come to see you in the near future and give you more particulars. All the lads in the company tender their deepest sympathy in your sad loss, and hope that God will give you health and strength to combat with your trouble."

Mr. and Mrs. Carey have the greatest sympathy of the whole neighbourhood; this is their second loss, and it will be easily remembered that their son Harold gave his life for his country in December 1915.

Thursday 28th November 1918

In billets at Montecchia di Crosara and Grumolo.  

Starting out at 7.15am. the Battalion marched nine miles north-east, via Terrossa and Montebello Vicentino to billets at Arzignano.

Pte. Herbert Archer (see 27^th October), who had been wounded on 27^th October, was evacuated to England; the details of his treatment are unknown.

Pte. John Smallwood (see 21^st October) was posted back to England; in the absence of a more complete service record, it has not been possible to establish the reason for his posting, but it may be that he had been wounded in the actions in late October.

Pte. Arthur Clarke (see 10^th November), who had been taken ill whilst on home leave, re-joined the Battalion.

Pte.  John Wright Pollard (see 16^th November) was admitted to 71^st Field Ambulance, suffering from influenza; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after one week.

Pte. James Henry Lomax (see 20^th November) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance to one of the local Casualty Clearing Stations, suffering from influenza; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after one week.

Pte. Douglas Mercer (see 10^th November) was discharged from 38^th Stationary Hospital in Genoa and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

2Lt. Norman Roberts MM (see 4^th May), who had been taken prisoner on 24^th March while serving with the Machine Gun Corps, was one of a number of British officers who were re-patriated to England onboard the SS Viper. Having returned to England he would be promoted Lieutenant.

Pte. Patrick Sweeney (see 8^th November) was discharged from 30^th General Hospital in Calais and returned to 7^th Military Prison at Les Attaques near Calais, where he was serving a sentence of 15 years’ penal servitude.

A/Cpl. Rowland Firby (see 3^rd August), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, reverted to the rank of Private and was posted back to France; he was originally due to join 2DWR, but would instead be posted to 13DWR.

Lt. John Keighley Snowden (see 19^th July), who had been detached from 3DWR, and serving as an “assistant instructor with a British Military Mission” (details unknown), relinquished his appointment.

Pte. John Dinsdale (see 17^th May) was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit for service on account of; in the absence of a surviving record it has not been possible to establish when he had been wounded or when he had left 10DWR. He was assessed as having suffered a 20% disability and was awarded the Silver War Badge and an Army pension of 8s. per week.

Pte. John Edward Dolan (see 12^th June 1916) was formally discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit due to wounds. Having been wounded in June 1916 while serving in France with 10DWR he had been transferred to the Army Ordnance Corps, but in the absence of a surviving service record it has not been possible to establish any details of his service.

Pte. Albert Moore (see 15^th June), who had been formally transferred to the Army Reserve Class W, to resume his civil employment, wrote to the War Office, “In regard to one month’s furlough and ration allowance to which I am entitled having been transferred to Class W Army Reserve, June 15^th 1918. Hoping you will give my case early consideration”.

George Milner, father of Pte. George Edward Milner (see 27^th November 1917), who had been officially missing in action for the previous year, after serving with 2/7^th DWR, wrote to the War Office: “I have not heard of Pte. George E. Milner since he was at Ripon about November last. I should like to know something”. The War Office would reply that Pte. Milner was indeed officially missing in action and that they had informed next of kin in December 1917.

A payment of £5 1s. 10d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Noah Davis (see 1^st September), who had died of pneumonia and jaundice on 1^st September; the payment would go to his widow, Helena.

Wednesday 27th November 1918

In billets at Montecchia di Crosara and Grumolo.  

A/RQMS Edgar Shuttleworth (see 6^th October) relinquished his acting appointment and reverted to Company Quartermaster Sergeant, ‘D’ Company. It seems likely that RQMS Frank Stephenson (see 6^th October) had returned from his stay in hospital, but in the absence of a surving service record for RQMS Stephenson, this cannot be confirmed.

Pte. Sidney Powdrill (see 5^th September), serving with 69^th Trench Mortar Battery, was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from bronchitis; he would be discharged and return to duty after one week.

A/Sgt. Thomas Anthony Swale (see 27^th October) and Ptes. Frederick Abbot (see 10^th October), John Charles Clarke (see 29^th October) and Stanley Sykes (see 28^th September) were evacuated to England, travelling onboard the Hospital Ship Grantully Castle. The details of A/Sgt. Swale’s and Pte. Sykes’ treatment in England are unknown, but Pte. Abbot would be admitted to hospital in Exeter and Pte. Clarke would be admitted to the University War Hospital in Southampton.

Pte. Richard Henry Harris (see 4^th October) was transferred from 16^th Convalescent Depot in Marseilles to the Stationary Hospital in the same city, suffering from scabies.

Pte. John James Goodship (see 18^th October) who had been taken prisoner during the trench raid on 21^st June, was one of a number of British prisoners identified as having been released from captivity in Austria and posted to British GHQ, Italy.

Pte. James Edward Haley (see 31^st December 1916), who had been taken prisoner on 29^th July 1916, was one of a number of British prisoners who were re-patriated to England. He would be posted to the Regimental Depot at Halifax, but would be immediately granted two months’ leave.

Sgt. Ronald Jeckell (see 31^st December 1917) and Pte. John Henry Crawshaw (see 2^nd August), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, were posted back to France to join 2DWR. However, a week later Sgt. Jeckell would be re-posted to re-join 10DWR and Pte. Crawshaw would be posted to 1^st/7^th DWR.

L.Cpl. Arthur Lund (see 17^th September), serving at Northern Command Depot at Ripon, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison MC (see 6^th June), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, appeared before a further Army Medical Board; he had been re-classified as medical category C1 and therefore suitable only for service at home.

A payment of 8s. 7d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. William Barber (see 11^th September), who had died of wounds on 11^th September; the payment would go to his widow, Ellen.

The Infantry Records Office in York wrote to the father of the late Pte. Hector Salembier (see 26^th January), who had been killed in action on 7^th June 1917. Hector Salembier snr. had written enquiring about his son having returned to his home following the armistice. The letter confirmed that, “I deeply regret to inform you that your son was killed in action at Ypres on 7.6.1917. His place of burial has not yet been received in this office, but, immediately this comes to hand, the particulars will be forwarded to you”.

Tuesday 26th November 1918

In billets at Montecchia di Crosara and Grumolo. 

Cpl. James Hotchkiss (see 1^st September) was promoted Lance Sergeant.

Ptes. Samuel Lawton Birtles (see 9^th November), Alfred Ellis (see 11^th November), William Douglas (see 18^th September), William Gordon Johnston (see 4^th November), William James Nunn (see 18^th November), Ernest Portman (see 26^th October), John Chadwick Taylor (see 9^th August), Joseph Barber Taylor (see 18^th November) and Jonas Yoxall (see 1^st October) re-joined the Battalion from the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.
Pte. John Walter Gethen (see 14^th August) was discharged from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. William Ley (see 9^th November) was discharged from 38^th Stationary Hospital in Genoa and posted to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

Pte. Milton Wood (see 14^th December 1917), serving in France with 2^nd/5^th DWR, departed for England on two weeks’ leave.

Pte. John Henshall (see 6^th August), serving in India with 1DWR, was admitted to hospital (details unknown), suffering from ‘headache’ and a high temperature.

Pte. Albert Ellis (see 27^th September), serving at Archangel with 2^nd/7^th Durham Light Infantry, was reported as having been drunk on duty. He would be tried by Field General Court Martial, found guilty and sentenced to six weeks’ Field Punishment no.2.

Pte. Mark Beaumont (see 30^th June), serving with 27^th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry at Herne Bay, was transferred to 1^st Garrison Btn, Northumberland Fusiliers and posted to Malta to join the Battalion.

Pte. Fred Richmond (see 23^rd June 1917), serving with 488^th (Home Service) Employment Company, Labour Corps at Brocton, was transferred to 475^th Company, at Ripon.

Pte. Harry Gordon Binns MM (see 14^th June) was formally discharged from the Army as no longer fit for service due to wounds; he was awarded a pension of 9s. per week, to be reviewed after one year.

Pte. Horace James Nurse (see 8^th September 1917) was formally discharged from the Army as no longer fit for service due to wounds; in the absence of a surviving service record it has not been possible to establish when, or under what circumstances, he had been wounded.

A second payment, of 1s. 10d. was authorised, being a further amount due in pay and allowances to the late L.Cpl. Thomas Mullaney (see 1^st February), who had been killed in action on 20^th September 1917; the payment would go to his mother, Mary.

The London Gazette published official notice of a number of Italian gallantry awards made to members of 10DWR:

Italian Silver Medal for Valour to Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 23rd November).

Italian Bronze Medal for Valour to Pte. Joseph Alfred Formby (see 31^st July) and Sgt. Ellis Rigby (see 22nd August).

Italian Croce di Guerre to 2Lt. Keith Sagar Bain (see 15^th November) and 2Lt. Wilfred Frederick John Thomson (see 26^th August).

Monday 25th November 1918

In billets at Montecchia di Crosara and Grumolo. 

Sgt. Wilfred Fletcher (see 28^th September) was admitted to 9^th Casualty Clearing Station having suffered a colles fracture to his right wrist while playing rugby. The circumstances were described in a statement given by Pte. William Harker (see below): “While D Company was engaged in a game of rugby on the morning of 25^th November I ran in to Sgt. Fletcher to get the ball which he had in his hands and while Sgt. Fletcher was throwing the ball my arm accidentally collided with his. I did not know that I had hurt Sgt. Fletcher until someone shouted, “Stop the game!”, and I saw Sgt. Fletcher holding his wrist”. Pte. Harker’s account was confirmed by Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 4th November) who had witnessed the incident.

In the absence of a surviving service record I am unable to make a positive identification of William Harker, beyond the fact that he had originally served with 9DWR (going out to France in July 1915) before being transferred (date and circumstances unknown) to 10DWR.

Cpl. Arthur William Stobart (see 4^th November), who was being treated at 9^th Casualty Clearing Station, having suffered a self-inflicted wound three weeks previously, was tried by Field General Court Martial. The injury was found to have been accidental, though caused by Cpl. Stobart’s negligence, and he was found not guilty of any charge.

Sgt. Edward Isger (see 27^th October) was transferred from 39^th Casualty Clearing Station to 24^th Casualty Clearing Station.

Pte. John William Mallinson (see 19^th October), who had been in hospital in Marseilles, was evacuated to England; on arrival he would be admitted to hospital in Eastleigh.

Lt. Robert Oswald Milligan (see 17^th July), who had suffered severe injuries to his left arm on 7^th June 1917, was finally declared fit for service; the details of his posting are unknown.

Sunday 24th November 1918

In billets at Montecchia di Crosara and Grumolo.  

A/CQMS John William Baird (see 6^th October) was confirmed in his post.

Ptes. John Cronin (see 20^th November), Alfred Charles Dolphin (see 9^th October), Cuthbert Dyer (see 22^nd June 1917) and Alfred Shaw (see 20^th November) departed on two weeks’ leave to England.

Pte. George Green (22749) (see 15^th September) was admitted via 70^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station; he was suffering from “I.C.T.” (Inflammation of the connective tissue) to his left thigh. He would be discharged and re-join the Battalion after one week.

Pte. Joseph Holmes (see 27^th October), who had been wounded on 27^th October, was discharged from hospital (details unknown) and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. George Smith (25950) (see 27^th October), who had been wounded on 27^th October, was evacuated to England; the details of his treatment are unknown.

Pte. John Newton (see 10^th November) was evacuated to England from 57^th General Hospital in Marseilles; on arrival in England he would be admitted to the London War Hospital, Woolwich.

Saturday 23rd November 1918

In billets at Montecchia di Crosara and Grumolo. 

The Battalion was occupied in training and inter-Company football matches.

Pte. Harold Charnock (see 14^th November) recalled that at Montecchia di Crosara “there was an excellent football field and good training ground.  HQ now in Priest’s House”. The village was also remembered as being, “a charming little township, set amidst pleasant hill country, with a delightful mini theatre”.

Pte. Edgar Baron (see 5^th September) was reported by CSM Fred Pattison DCM (see 15^th November)  as having been ‘absent from guard mounting’; on the orders of Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see 4^th November) he would undergo 14 days’ Field Punishment no.1.

Lt.Col. Francis Washington Lethbridge DSO (see above) wrote to HQ, 69^th Brigade, regarding the late Pte. James Isaac King (see 27^th October), who had been killed in the crossing of the Piave and who had previously been convicted of desertion and sentenced to five years’ penal servitude. “I have to report that during the past three months the conduct of Pte. King has been quite satisfactory and that at the time of his death he was courageously doing his duty in action. I suggest his sentence be remitted”. One week later official confirmation would be issued from 23^rd Division HQ that the sentence had indeed been remitted.

Seven weeks after having been reported as a deserter, Pte. John Stenson (see 4^th October) reported for duty with 3DWR at North Shields and was placed under arrest to await trial by court martial.

Friday 22nd November 1918

In billets and tents at San Giovanni Ilarione.

The Battalion marched four miles south to billets at Montecchia di Crosara and Grumolo.  

Pte. Richard Metcalfe (see 2^nd November) re-joined the Battalion; he was almost a month late in returning from his two weeks’ leave to England. He was immediately placed in detention to await trial by Field General Court Martial.

Pte. James Frederick Palmer (see 17^th July) was reported by Sgts. William Henry Dobson MM (see 24th April) and John Ratlidge (see 4th November) for “losing by neglect his greatcoat”; on the orders of Maj. William Norman Town (see 26^th October) he was to pay for the lost item.

Pte. Arthur Thomas Wilford (see 9^th November) was reported by Sgt. Bob Maunders (see 10^th October) for having ‘dirty boots on 10am parade’; on the orders of Capt. Dick Bolton MC (see 11^th November) he would be confined to barracks for seven days.

Pte. Harry Beaumont (29306) (see 9^th October) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from boils to his eye; he would be discharged to duty after four days.

Pte. Reginald Dayson (see 10^th November), who had been absent without leave since escaping from confinement twelve days previously, surrendered himself to the Military Police in Faenza. He would again be returned to the Battalion and  placed in confinement to await trial by Field General Court Martial.
Pte. Clarence Hubert Bolt (see 8^th October) was discharged from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Walter James Biddle (see 22^nd September) was transferred hospital in Cremona to hospital (details unknown) in Marseilles; he was now diagnosed as suffering from scabies.   

Pte. Albert Mellor (see 6^th November) was discharged from 39^th General Hospital at Le Havre and posted back to ‘B’ Infantry Base Depot at Le Havre, where he had been en route to re-joining 10DWR from England.

L.Cpl. Alfred Edward Wybrow MM (see 15^th November), serving at Northern Command Depot at Ripon, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. Alec Radcliffe (see 4^th December 1917), who had been in England since having been wounded in September 1917, was formally discharged from the Army due to his wounds. He was awarded a pension of 27s. 6d. per week for life.

Pte. Alfred Samuel Long was formally discharged from the Army on account of sickness; he had served with 10DWR but, 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.


William Leach (see 30^th January), who had been working as a fireman since having been discharged from the Army due to wounds in August 1916, died from influenza.

William Leach

Image by kind permission of Andy Wade and MenOfWorth

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the death of Pte. Willie Cowgill (see 27^th October).

EARBY - Soldier's Death in Italy 

The death is officially reported from Italy of Private William Cowgill, West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. John Cowgill, Rostle Top Road, Earby, who succumbed to wounds received in action on the 27th ult., two days prior to the Austrian armistice. Private Cowgill was 35 years of age and leaves a wife and two children living at Sunnyside, Sough Bridge. He served a year on the Western Front before being transferred to Italy, where he had been about 15 months. Prior to enlistment he was employed as a tackler by Messrs. A.J. Birley Limited.

Pte. William Cowgill

There was also a report regarding Pte. Ted Askew (see 10^th October) who had been one of Tunstill’s original recruits before being transferred to the ASC.

Military Items.

Pioneer Charles Nutter, son of Mr. Wm. Nutter, arrived in Gisburne from France at the weekend, the first man to arrive in the village from over there since hostilities ceased. Two other local soldiers to arrive on leave are Sapper Thos. Robinson, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Robinson, Poultry Houses, Gisburne, and Private Ted Askew, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Askew, Demesne Farm, Newsholme, the latter not having had leave for nearly three years. Private James Nutter, son of Mr. Ben Nutter, has had a few days leave this week.

Thursday 21st November 1918

In billets and tents at San Giovanni Ilarione.

Sgt. John William Dickinson (see 1^st November) was posted from ‘I’ Infantry Base Depot at Etaples to undertake duty at no.5 Military Prison at Les Attaques.

Ptes. Frederick McKell (see 4^th October) and Ernest Thorn (see 14^th September), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, were posted back to France; they were initially to have joined 9DWR, but would in fact be posted to 1^st/7^thDWR.

L.Cpl. Stanley Basil Studd (see 9^th October), serving at the Regimental Depot in Halifax, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte.  Arthur Wood (29040) (see 26^th September), serving at Northern Command Depot at Ripon, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields. 

Catherine Fielden, widow of the late Pte. Frederick Fielden (see 9^th November), who had died of wounds on 6^th September, was re-married, at Halifax Parish Church, to John Lewis Hanson. Pte. Fielden had dictated a new will shortly before his death, removing all reference to his wife.

A payment of 6s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late L.Sgt. Fred Light Pashley (see 24^th May), who had been posted ‘missing in action’ on 20^th September 1917; there had been an exchange of correspondence regarding who should be the beneficiaries and, in the event, the payment would go to his mother, Annie.

A second payment, of 1s. 6d. was authorised, being a further amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Thomas Cragg (see 29th October) who had been killed in action while serving with 1^st/7^th DWR; the payment would go to his widow, Annie.

Pte. Thomas Cragg

Wednesday 20th November 1918

In billets and tents at San Giovanni Ilarione.

2Lt. Mark Allan Stanley Wood (see 26^th August), who had spent some time in England having been wounded on 26^th August, re-joined the Battalion. 

Sgt. Albert Hoggarth (see 6^th November), Cpl. Mark Butler (see 17^th October) and Ptes. John Cronin (see 17^th October), Walter Dey (see 12^th November), Willie Davenport Frame (see 28^th October), John William Kirby (see 26^th October), James Henry Lomax (see 6^th November), James Pidgeley (see 1^st November) and Alfred Shaw (see 3^rd October) re-joined the Battalion from the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Ptes. Ralph Braithwaite (see 24^th October) Thomas Prince (see 29^th October), Samuel Stansfield (see 27^th October), Alfred Whittaker (see 12^th October) and Arthur Wood (29524) (see 24^th October) also re-joined the Battalion, following treatment at 9^th and 39^th Casualty Clearing Stations.

Pte. Samuel Stansfield

Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

Pte. Sidney Guy Mealing (see 29^th June) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance, suffering from scabies; he would be discharged and re-join the Battalion one week later.

Pte. Josiah Charles (see 27^th October) was discharged from 51^st Stationary Hospital and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Harry Simpson (see 29^th October) was discharged from 38^th Stationary Hospital in Genoa and posted to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

Pte. Claude Wilfred Norman (see 27^th October), who had been wounded on 27^th October, was transferred from 51^st Stationary Hospital to 81^st General Hospital in Marseilles.

Pte. John James Pickering (see 29^th October), who had been wounded on 29^th October, was transferred from 11^th General Hospital in Genoa to 81^st General Hospital in Marseilles.

Pte. Tom Lister Ellison (see 18^th October) was transferred from 38^th Stationary Hospital in Genoa to 81^st General Hospital in Marseilles; in addition to influenza he was also suffering from piles.

Pte. Herbert Wood (see 3^rd October), who had been in England since having been wounded in April, was transferred from Northern Command Depot at Ripon to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. John Mooring (see 7^th June 1917), who had been in England since having been wounded in June 1917, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

2Lt. John William Pontefract (see 15^th November), who had suffered a bullet wound to the face on 7^th October, appeared before an Army Medical Board at 1^st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham. The Board found that, “The wound has healed; there has been no injury of bone, vessels or nerves. He complains of stiffness and pain when biting on the right side; this, however, is improving daily”. He was granted one months’ leave and duly travelled to the family home in Huddersfield.

Pte. Richard Marsden (see 13^th April), who had been taken prisoner in April while serving with 1^st/4^th DWR, was among a draft of released British prisoners who were repatriated to England, travelling from Calais to Dover.

Tuesday 19th November 1918

In billets and tents at San Giovanni Ilarione.

Pte. Lancelot Johnson (see 13^th November) was discharged from the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano and posted to “Caesar’s Camp” at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Joseph Wilkinson (see 28^th October) was discharged from 16^th Convalescent Depot in Marseilles and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Herbert Willis Pickles (see 29^th September), who had been wounded in September, was discharged from Wharncliffe War Hospital in Sheffield; he would have one months’ leave before reporting to 3DWR at North Shields on 21^st December.

2Lt. Joseph Barrett Hartley MC (see 12^th November), who had been wounded twelve days’ previously while serving in France with 17^th Royal Welsh Fusiliers, appeared before an Army Medical Board assembled at Somerville Section, 3^rd Southern General Hospital, based at Somerville College, Oxford. The Board found that, “The wound has healed. He is now convalesced and is fit for general service. He is recommended three weeks’ sick leave”. He was instructed to report to 3^rd (Reserve) Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers at Limerick on 11^th December.

2Lt. Joseph Barrett Hartley MC

Ptes. Willie Holmes (see 5^th October) and Horace Trinder (see 21^st October) were both discharged from the Camp Hospital at Northern Command Depot at Ripon and returned to duty.

Pte. Stanley Barker DCM (see 15^th November), reported for duty with 3DWR at North Shields; he had been reported absent without leave eight days’ previously having failed to report after being discharged from hospital. He would be ordered to undergo eight days’ Field Punishment no.2 and to forfeit eight days’ pay. Three days later he would be admitted to 1^st Northern General Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, suffering from a recurrence of scabies.

A payment of £2 7s. 6d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Harry Willey (see 28^th May), who had been officially missing in action since 20^th September 1917; the payment would be divided in equal shares of 11s. 11d. between his brothers Jack and James, sister Alice, and married sister, Mary A. Dawson.

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Monday 18th November 1918

In billets and tents at San Giovanni Ilarione.

Pte. Harold Wall (see 16^th November) appeared before a Field General Court Martial on a charge of “writing an officer’s name on an envelope addressed to England with intent to deceive the censor”. He was found guilty and ordered to undergo 42 days’ Field Punishment no.1. However, on review by Brig. Genl. Archibald Bentley Beauman DSO (see 1^st September), commanding 69^th Brigade, his sentence would be commuted to forfeiture of 42 days’ pay.

L.Cpl. William Henry Luke (see 6^th August) relinquished his appointment as Lance Corporal “at his own request” and reverted to Private.

Pte. John Starling (see 9^th September) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance to 23^rd Division Rest Station, suffering from inflammation to his right shoulder; he would return to duty after five days.

Ptes. Edward Henry Chant (see 15^th November) and William Naylor (see 6^th November) were discharged from the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. William James Nunn (see 12^th October) was discharged from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia and posted to the Base Depot at Arquata Scrivia.

Pte. Walter Eary (see 2^nd November), who was being treated for a laryngeal tumour, died at East Leeds War Hospital at 6.30pm. His medical notes recorded that since admission two weeks’ previously he had, “suffered from increasing frailty. Cause of death not due to, but aggravated by, active service”. He would be buried at Leeds General Cemetery, but the cemetery would be closed in 1969 and the First World war casulaties still buried there are now remembered on a memorial at Leeds (Lawnswood) Cemetery.

Pte. Henry Charles Lindsay (see 10^th October), who was serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was reported absent off his final leave pass; he would report at 8.30am on 20^th November and would be ordered to undergo four days’ Field Punishment no.2.

Lt. George Stuart Hulburd (see 4^th October) was attached to the Ministry of Labour and was to attend a course in forestry at the Officers University and Technical Classes in Oxford.

Lt. George Stuart Hulburd

Image by kind permission of Paddy Ireland

Carl Parrington Branthwaite (see 10^th May), who had been permanently discharged from the Army on account of illness contracted in service, appeared before a further Army Medical Board. The Board found that, “complains of dyspnoea; slight cough; lost flesh; right chest flattened and deficient in expansion; chest measures 32”-33”; weight 8st. 5lbs.”. He was confirmed as permanently unfit and to remain in a convalescent hospital. His pension of 27s. 6d. per week was extended for a further six months, at the expiry of which he was to be re-examined.

At home in Huddersfield, Mrs. Ruth Ann Taylor, wife of Joseph Barber Taylor (see 12^th November) died, aged 30; her cause of death was stated as being influenza and broncho-pneumonia”. She was the mother of four children, the youngest of whom was only 14 months old.

A payment of £13 15s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Sgt. Charles Robert Scarber (see 9^th September), who had died from pneumonia on 9^th September; the payment would go to his mother, Mary Anne.

The Hobart Mercury reported news of the death of Lt. Col. Ashton Alexander St. Hill DSO (see 27^th October), C.O., 11^th Northumberland Fusiliers, who had been in temporary command of 10DWR in February 1917.

“A cable message which has been received by relatives in Tasmania announces that Colonel Ashton A. St Hill, DS0 son of the late Colonel W. H. St Hill a former commander of Tasmanian forces was killed in action on the Italian Front on October 27.  Colonel Ashton St Hill was in command of the 11th Norlhumberland Fusiliers. He was well known in Hobart where he was connected with the old Southern Tasmanian Artillery. He was born in India in 1872 and entered the Imperial Army in 1896.  He saw action in the last Ashantee campaign and was also in numerous Indian frontier bouts.
He went to Tibet with General Younghusband.  In the present war he was first on the French front and was transferred to the Italian front. In addition to the DSO Colonel Ashton St Hill had received the Croix de Guerre and had been recommended for the French Legion of Honour. He married a couple of years ago Miss Lilian Carr, daughter of Mr. A.  B Carr of Rose Bay Sydney. She was attached to a Red Cross organisation in Italy and was close up to the fighting line all the time”.

Sunday 17th November 1918

In billets and tents at San Giovanni Ilarione.

L.Cpl. Robert William Gough (see 15^th October) and Ptes. John Griffiths (see 21^st September), Robert Jackson (see 20^th June) and Frank Wood MM (see 9^th October) departed on two weeks’ leave to England.

Saturday 16th November 1918

In billets and tents at San Giovanni Ilarione.

Pte. Harold Wall (see 31^st October), who had been previously been held in confinement on a charge of “writing an officer’s name on an envelope addressed to England with intent to deceive the censor”, was re-arrested and placed in confinement to await trial by Field General Court Martial.

A/Cpl.  John Wright Pollard (see 27^th August) reverted, at his own request, to the rank of Private.

L.Cpl. Richard Cleasby Chorley (see 15^th November) was transferred from 81^st General Hospital in Marseilles to 16^th Convalescent Depot, also in Marseilles.

Pte. Norman Greenwood (see 26^th October) was discharged from Chester War Hospital and posted to 3DWR at North Shields; he would have ten days’ leave before reporting for duty.

A payment of £12 9s. 1d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Tom Feather MM (see 24^th July), who had died of wounds on 24^th July; the payment would go to his father, Sutcliffe.

A payment of £4 6s. 4d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. John Richard Newell (see 8^th August), who had died from influenza on 8^th August; the payment would go to his widow, Caroline. She would also receive a package of her late husband’s personal effects, comprising of, “disc, photo, cigarette case, cap badge, chain (metal), coin, cards, wallet, 2 Italian coins, defaced coin (3d.)”.

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Friday 15th November 1918

In billets and tents at San Giovanni Ilarione.

The Battalion was occupied in training, route marches and football matches.

Pte. William Havery (see 25^th August) was posted on attachment to 71^st Field Ambulance.

Pte. Herbert Williams (see 8^th July) was admitted to 69^th Field Ambulance, suffering from inflammation to his right knee; he would be discharged to duty after three days.

Pte. Edward Henry Chant (see 24^h October) was transferred from 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia to the Convalescent Depot at Lido d’Albano.

Orders were issued at the War Office for L.Cpl. Richard Cleasby Chorley (see 31^st October), who was being treated for influenza at 81^st General Hospital in Marseilles, among others, to be “transferred to the Reserve … in order that they may resume their civil employment at the Ministry of Labour. It must be explained to these men that if they elect to accept this employment they will only receive the civil wages which their employers are prepared to pay them”.

2Lt. John William Pontefract (see 3^rd November) was evacuated to England from 81^st General Hospital in Marseilles, travelling from Le Havre to Southampton; on arrival in England he would be admitted to 1^st Southern General Hospital, Birmingham.

Pte. George William Corby (see 21st June) was evacuated to England. He had been suffering from influenza, but the details of his treatment in Italy are unknown; on arrival in England he would be admitted to Tower Auxiliary Hospital, Rainhill.

L.Cpl. Alfred Edward Wybrow MM (see 4^th October), serving at Northern Command Depot at Ripon, received the Military Medal which he had been awarded in 1916.

Cpl. William Foulds (see 8^th November) reported for duty at the Regimental Depot in Halifax. However, after just five days he would be admitted to the Military Hospital in Halifax, suffering from a recurrence of the swollen glands in his neck which had seen him hospitalised previously.

2Lt. Keith Sagar Bain (see 9^th November) was transferred from 5^th London General Hospital to Peveril Park Hospital.

A payment of £2 15s. 6d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Clifford Mackrell (see 16^th October 1917), who had been officially missing in action since 16^th October 1917; the payment would go to his father, Samuel. 

The London Gazette published official notice of the award of a bar to the Distinguished Conduct Medal to CSM Fred Pattison DCM (see 4th November) for his conduct during the trench raid on 26^th August; “He led his men through heavy rifle and machine gun fire to a cutting about 500 yards behind the enemy’s front line system, where he captured a large number of prisoners. Throughout he showed the greatest disregard for danger and, by his dash and leadership, he ensured the complete success of the raid on his objective”.

There was also notice of the Distinguished Conduct Medals awarded to four other men for their conduct in the same action.  CSM Albert Blackburn (see 28^th October) “Although severely wounded in the head before reaching the enemy wire, he remained with his platoon which he led to the final objective. He organised the mopping up of dug-outs, killing many of the enemy and personally capturing an officer. His coolness and utter disregard of danger instilled great confidence into his men”. Sgt. Ernest Craddock (see 3^rd September) “He was Acting Company Sergeant Major and showed great fearlessness in carrying out his duties under heavy machine gun fire. When the situation was critical he was of the utmost assistance in rallying small detached bodies of men and again leading them to the attack. No one could have been of greater help to his Company commander”. A/Sgt. Abel Roberts (see 4^th November), “He kept his platoon well in hand under very heavy machine gun fire during the preliminary stages of the advance, and, finally, with a few others, pushed right through the enemy position to the final objective, although the enemy was holding out on both sides of him. His conduct throughout was splendid”. Pte. Stanley Barker (see 11^th November), “when his platoon in the early stages of the action encountered an enemy post, he went forward and engaged the enemy with rapid fire, thus enabling the others to outflank the post and capture the garrison. Throughout, he displayed great skill and initiative and utter disregard of personal danger”.

The weekly edition of the Craven Herald reported news of the death of Capt. Bob Perks DSO (see 12^th November),

Captain Robert Clement Perks, D.S.O., was killed in action on Sunday, October 27th leading his company against a machine gun on the first day of the attack on the Italian Front. He was the second son of Mr. T.P. Perks, of Leeds, barrister-at-law, residing at The Green House, Hebden, near Skipton, and would have been 24 on January 2nd next. He was educated at Heath Grammar School, Halifax, and at Merton College, Oxford, where he was in his second year when, in January 1915, he was given a temporary commission in the 10th (Service Battalion) Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment. He went out to France in August of that year with his battalion and was three times wounded, viz., in July 1916, June and September 1917.

While only a Second Lieutenant he was in August 1916 given the D.S.O. He was then promoted to Temporary Lieutenant, and was afterwards mentioned in despatches. In June of 1917 and until September of 1917 he was Acting Captain. After his third wound he was in England invalided for some time, and afterwards attached to the 3rd Battalion of 'The Duke's' at North Shields. Feeling he was not doing his country much service there, he took steps to go again on active service. On September 24th he left England for the last time to rejoin his old battalion in Italy. He was then immediately promoted to be Temporary Captain, and in that capacity gave his life for his country as above stated. The sad news became known to his parents only on Saturday last. We tender them heartfelt sympathy.

Capt. Bob Perks DSO

Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson

There was also news of 2Lt. Joseph Barrett Hartley MC (see 12^th November),

Lieut. J.B. Hartley, M.C., son of Mr. Luke Hartley, Thornton-in-Craven, was slightly wounded on 7th of November and is now in hospital in Oxford. He joined the Army in September 1914 and gained the M.C. in July 1917.

 

2Lt. Joseph Barrett Hartley MC