Frank in 1917

• The battalion were heavily engaged during the opening day of the Battles of Ypres 1917 (also called the Third Battle of Ypres and Passchendaele), when the battalion lost over 450 men during their assault on St. Julien, part of the Battle of Pilkem. They were also involved less heavily in the Battle of Langemarck in August, the Battle of the Menin Road and the Battle of Polygon Wood in September, as well as the Second Battle of Passchendaele in October.

WAR DIARY FOR JANUARY 1917 [Beds 4th]

1 Jan NOUVION. T.Lieut G.S. STOPFORD [George Waller STOPFORD] graded as Staff Lieutenant 2nd class 1.1.17 while duties of draft conducting officer.

6 Jan NOUVION. Captain S.D. MILLS [Stephen Douglas MILLS, CB, MC, MID] assumed duties of Major on Bn HQ vice Acting Major J.H.G. BAIRD [James Hozier Gardiner BAIRD, MC] who has proceeded to England to join senior officers course at Aldershot.

7 Jan NOUVION. 11 a.m. Battalion is inspected by Bde. Commander (Brig. Gen. H.W.E. FINCH). 8 to 12 Bn and Bde training.

11 Jan NOUVION. T/Captain P. DRAYSON [Phillip DRAYSON] Herts Rgt. attached 4/Bedf. Rgt. to the Base for "P.B." duties.

13 Jan NOUVION. 9.10 Bn left NOUVION and proceeded by route march to LAMOTTE BULEUX.

14 Jan LAMOTTE BULEUX. 9.10 Bn left LAMOTTE BULEUX and proceeded by route march to GEUSCHART.

15 Jan GEUSCHART. 9.40 Bn left GEUSCHART and proceeded by route march to GÉZAINCOURT.

17 Jan GÉZAINCOURT. 9.10 Bn left GÉZAINCOURT and proceeded by route march to PUCHEVILLERS.

20 Jan PUCHEVILLERS. 9.30 Bn left PUCHEVILLERS and proceeded by route march to ARQUEVES.

24 Jan ARQUEVES. 9.10 Bn left ARQUEVES and proceeded by route march to FORCEVILLE.

24 Jan FORCEVILLE. Lt & QM R.J. BARRY [Robert John BARRY] struck off the strength (unfit to return from leave in England BRO 108, para 1)

25 Jan FORCEVILLE. 2/Lieut. (T.Lieut) E.C. WILSON [Eric Chilver WILSON] granted permission to wear badges of rank of Captain (DRO 1471( while commanding a Company. (2/Lieut. E.C. WILSON [Eric Chilver WILSON] had relinquished command of a company on 17.1.17, being evacuated to hospital)

• Monday 11th Feb 1917 Miraumont

• "In February 1917 the British army commenced operations on the banks of the Ancre river once again, intent on driving the German forces from the salient they occupied before pushing on with their next large scale campaigns that spring.

• Several 'assault divisions' were assigned the task, including the renowned 63rd Division, who launched their operations on the 11th February.

• The next two Officers fell and a further 70 casualties were lost during the partly successful advance which was held up by uncut wire."

• http://www.ozanne.co.uk/content/battle-miraumont-ancre-feb-1917

Sunday 25th February 1917

• The 4th Battalion, north of Grandcourt (between Beaumont Hamel and Miraumont) continued to patrol last night. At 9 pm all these patrols reached their respective objectives without opposition and touch was gained between them and communication established with 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers on their left.

• An hour later a further reconnaissance was made in the direction of a trench system which was subsequently occupied. Around midnight a patrol was sent into Miraumont and reported that the town had been evacuated by hostile troops.

• At 9 am this morning the Battalion is holding the line just west of Miraumont.

WAR DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 1917

4 Feb 1917 - Forceville 9 p.m. Bn. proceed by route march to FORCEVILLE. 189 Inf.Bde. relieved 190th Inf.Bde. on North bank of ANCRE. HAWKE Bn. R.N.D. relieve 4 Bedf.R. 2 companies in old German 3rd line Q.18.a. 2 Companies in RAVINE Q.12.d.

5 Feb 1917 - Englebelmer 3 p.m. Bn. proceed by route march to ENGLEBELMER moving into billets vacated by 7/Royal Fusiliers.

6 Feb 1917 - trenches near Beaumont-Hamel 11 a.m. Bn. sent up as reserve troops to 189 Inf.Bde. and occupied old German 1st & 2nd lines with 7 Royal Fusiliers in 3rd line. Q.18.a. 10 p.m. 2 Companies advanced to trench E of BOIS A HOLLANDIE holding line from R.8.a.8.7. to R.2.c.0.10. 1 Company on shell slits PUISIEUX ROAD. 1 Company SUVLA TRENCH R.7.a&b. all in support to 189 Inf.Bde. in action.

7 Feb 1917 6 p.m. 4th Bedf.R. take over left front Subsector and relieve NELSON Bn. R.N.D. Frontage R.1.a.7.3. to R.2.a.9.7. Bn. on our right 10 R.Dublin Fusrs. with 1st H.A.C. on extreme right. Bn. on our left 15 H.L.I. 7 Royal Fusiliers in Support.

11 Feb 1917 [Comment; Operations on the Ancre] 4 Bedf.R. ordered to push forward their line of posts on the E side of the PUISIEUX ROAD from a line R.2.a.9.6. - R.1.b.6.4. to an advanced position R.2.a.9.6. - R.1.b.7.9. Two companies to attack and lined up on tape running from R.2.a.5.3. - R.1.b.7.4. with 1 Company in Support holding trench R.2.c.3.9. - R.1.b.6.2. Company carrying party ready for consolidation. Zero hour 9 pm. Barrage on enemy front system of posts about R.1.b.5.7. - R.2.a.1.9. - R.1.a.4.8. for 5 min. lifting gradually until 9.30 p.m. 9.5 p.m. At 9.5 p.m. the line advanced. The left Company was temporally [sic] held up by enemy wire ad heavy M.G.fire about R.2.a.2.8. and the Company in Support was then pushed forward.

12 Feb 1917 3 a.m. Objective gained, line straightened out and posts consolidated.

15-16 Feb 1917 - Mackenzie Huts, Martinsart 188th Inf.Bde. relieved 190th Inf.Bde. on North bank of ANCRE. 1st R.M.L.I. relieved 4/Bedf.R. on left sub-sector (BEAUCOURT Sector). Frontage R.1.b.4.7. - R.2.a.9.6. The Bn. proceeded to MACKENZIE HUTS MARTINSART.

6-16 Feb 1917 [The action at Miraumont] Casualties Killed 68. Wounded 90. Missing 3. Missing believed Killed 45. Officers killed Lieut.L.T.Despicht, MC. [Leonard Terry DESPICHT, MC] Adjt., 2.Lieut.G.McKirdy [Gilles McKIRDY], 2.Lieut.V.B.Shott [Victor Blake SHOTT]. Officers wounded 2.Lieut.W.B.STIMSON [MC], 2.Lt.H. Smart [Harold SMART], 2.Lt.R.J.Thomas [Reginald James THOMAS], 2.Lt.A.W.Thomas [William Arthur THOMAS?], 2.Lt.D.H.Berry [Douglas H. BERRY].

21 Feb 1917 - front line north of Ancre Bn. proceed by Route march to Front line. 190th Inf.Bde. relieves 188 Inf.Bde. on N. bank of ANCRE R.9. R.3. & R.2. 4th Bedf.R. relieves DRAKE Bn. R.N.D. in the Right front Sub Sector. Frontage R.9.b.4.5. - R.3.a.4.2. Bn.on our left.7/R.Fusiliers. 1st H.A.C. in Support. 10 R.Dublin Fus.in Reserve.

24 Feb 1917 - Sunken Road 4.30 pm. 4th Bedf.R. ordered to advance line of posts to line of SUNKEN ROAD R.4.a.5.1. - R.3.b.5.7. 6 p.m. Three strong patrols each under an officer sent forward. I via MIRAUMONT-BEAUCOURT Road. II via MIRAUMONT ALLEY turning right along trench at R.3.c.6.8. III via MIRAUMONT ALLEY direct to SUNKEN ROAD. 9 p.m. All patrols reached their respective objectives without opposition, touch was gained between them and communication established with 7 R.Fusiliers on left. 10 p.m. A further reconnaissance made in direction of Trench system R.4.a.& b. North of Road and subsequently occupied. 12 m.n. Patrol sent into MIRAUMONT and reported town evacuated by hostile troops. Dispositions 3 Companies in front line R.4.b.2.2. - R.3.b.3.8. 1 Company in QUARRY R.4.a.

25 Feb 1917 9 a.m. 3 Companies occupy HINDENBURG TRENCH to junction with road R.4.b.2.2. in support of remainder 190 Inf.Bde. holding line N. of MIRAUMONT.

26-27 Feb 1917 2 p.m. 62nd Div. relieve 63rd R.N. Division. 4 Bedf.R. relieved by 7 Royal Fusiliers and occupy ANCRE TRENCH R.D.8. 9 p.m. Bn. proceeded to Huts in MARTINSART WOOD being relieved by 2/6 W.Yorkshire Regt.

21-26 Feb 1917 Casualties Killed 1. Wounded 10.

Friday 23rd March 1917 from our correspondent in the field

• Today the 4th Battalion marched to Framecourt (west of Arras) south of Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise and many miles behind the front line at Arras. They have been joined by four new subalterns in preparation for the year’s campaigning - Second Lieutenants Thomas, Lewis, Mogridge and Marshall.

• The days from 9th to 14th April have since been called the First Battle of the Scarpe, (the Second Battle of the Scarpe would open on Saint George’s Day, 23rd April.)

WAR DIARY FOR MARCH 1917 [beds 4th]

1-19 Mar 1917 - Martinsart Battalion billeted in huts in MARTINSART WOOD and employed on road making and unloading fatigues in connection with the rapid advance in the MIRAUMONT district. Specialists training commenced and carried on when possible.

8 Mar 1917 Capt. G P Nunneley [George Paterson NUNNELEY M.C.] and 2nd Lieut E.C. Freear [Eric Charles FREEAR] joined from the base Capt. G P NUNNELEY M.C becomes 2nd in command vice Capt. S.D.Mills [Stephen Douglas MILLS, MC] who takes over command of C Coy.

12 Mar 1917 2/Lt Morrish [Cyril George MORRISH] joined from base

17 Mar 1917 2/Lt Dean [Herbert Robert Stanley DEAN], 2/Lt Knapp [Erling KNAPP, DSO] joined from base

20 Mar 1917 - Val de Maison Battalion marched to VAL DE MAISON

21 Mar 1917 - Beauval Battalion marched to BEAUVAL

22 Mar 1917 - Bouquemaison Battalion marched to BOUQUE MAISON [sic]

23 Mar 1917 - Framecourt Battalion marched to FRAMECOURT 2/Lts THOMAS, LEWIS, Mogridge [Edward Cole MOGRIDGE?] & MARSHALL joined from the base.

25 Mar 1917 - Pernes Battalion marched to PERNES

26 Mar 1917 - Febvin-Palfart Battalion marched to FEBVIN-PALFART

27 Mar 1917 - Manqueville Battalion marched to MANQUEVILLE

28-31 Mar 1917 Battalion resting and training in billets. Specialists classes started. Rifle range and bombing grounds constructed.

28 Mar 1917 2/Lt. Bloodworth [Ralph Cecil BLOODWORTH] joined from base.

30 Mar 1917 2/Lt Scott [Possibly James SCOTT] joined from base.

Saturday 14th April 1917

• Tonight 63rd (Royal Naval) Division will move into the line to replace 34th Division as part of XIII Corps, north of XVII Corps. The adjutant of the 4th Bedfords, part of 63rd Division, has spoken to me briefly on the “blower” to tell me that they moved up to Arras by motor bus and are now in the front line near the enemy village of Gavrelle

Sunday 15th April 1917

• 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment is in the frontline at Gavrelle, north of Arras. Today it has been conducting a reconnaissance of the enemy village, along with 10th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. This has been a hazardous business as the Germans are alert to any forward movement, and two officers, Second Lieutenants Frear and Marshall, have been killed, three officers and fifty five other ranks wounded.

Sunday 22nd April 1917

• The 4th Battalion is also in the front line facing Gavrelle, which they believe will be their target tomorrow. Now we wait.

Monday 23rd April 1917 - Saint George’s Day

• 63rd Royal Naval Division was allotted the capture of the village of Gavrelle and an advance three hundred yards beyond it. They were well-supplied with artillery for this limited objective, though the wire in front of the village was not well cut. The adjutant of the 4th Bedfords, like his colleague in the 6th Battalion, has had time for little more than a brief message. They attacked at 4.45 a.m. and captured Gavrelle, reaching their first and second objectives. Its third objective, along the railway line from Arras to Douai proved beyond them, however because one of the battalions of the brigade - 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, failed to take any of its objectives, exposing the Bedfords to murderous fire.

• No units of the division could advance beyond the village. The Bedfords were shelled very heavily during the day and this afternoon they were counter-attacked by the enemy, an attack which they repulsed. They suffered about 260 casualties, around a quarter of their entire strength.

• During the Battle of Arras the 190th Brigade were heavily engaged in the Second Battle of the Scarpe

• "The 23rd April saw the RND take it’s first steps in the Battle of Arras and captured the village of Gavrelle, the 189th and 190th Brigades took part in this assault. The 189th Brigade were successful in their part of the plan in actually taking the Village, the 190th Brigades attack failed to the north of the village with quite heavy losses, mostly caused by a single strong point which ironically would cause such grief to the Royal Marines. The Taking of the village created a salient into the German lines but any advance forward couldn’t take place as the high ground to the north east of the village on which a windmill stood was still in German hands. The capture of Gavrelle must go down as one of the great feat of arms by the RND yet most anonymous, but the official history puts the record straight “Full justice has not been done to the 63rd Division, because the details of the street fighting, in which it showed great skill and determination, are too intricate for description”(2) the official history also goes on to say ” Actually, if they could have seized the windmill on the high ground to the north east they would have improved their position . It is now known that the enemy regarded this point as of more importance than even the village itself”(3) . This sets the scene for the events of the 28th April 1917."

http://www.royalnavaldivision.co.uk/?page_id=10

• "During the Battle of Arras, the Division were ordered to assault German positions around Gavrelle.

Their sheer tenacity resulted in the operation going down in the annuls of the divisional history as one of the finest achievements of the war which, given their reputation, was quite something.

Almost 300 Bedfordshires became casualties during their determined operations, including the next three officers who were killed that day:"

WAR DIARY FOR APRIL 1917 [Beds 4th]

1-7 Apr 1917 - Manqueville Battalion in rest billets - Training.

4 Apr 1917 Major J.H. Baird, M.C. [James Hozier Gardiner BAIRD, MC] joined from senior officers course in England.

8 Apr 1917 - Maisnil-les-Ruitz Battalion marched to MAISNIL LE RUITZ [sic].

9-10 Apr 1917 Battalion standing by to move.

11 Apr 1917 - Hermin Battalion moved to HERMIN

12-13 Apr 1917 Battalion standing by to move.

14 Apr 1917 - front line near Gavrelle Battalion moved to ARRAS by motor busses and took over line from 23rd N.F.

15 Apr 1917 Reconnaissance of GAVRELLE in conjunction with 10/R.D.F. Casualties Killed 2/Lts Freear [Eric Charles FREEAR] & MARSHALL WOUNDED Left [Lieut?] Wray [George Frederic WRAY], 2/Lts. Romain [Jessel Anidfar ROMAIN] & Mogridge [possibly Edward Cole MOGRIDGE]. 55 O.Rs

16-21 Apr 1917 - support line near Arras Battalion relieved by 7/R.F.

22 Apr 1917 - front line facing Gavrelle Battalion moved to front line and occupied assembly trenches in front of GAVRELLE 189th Brigade on our right 7/R.F. on our left. Objective of Battalion - right boundary main road through GAVRELLE to the far side of the village. Left boundary GAVRELLE-OPPY system of trenches 200 yards North of GAVRELLE.

23 Apr 1917 [The Battle of Arras - the Second Battle of the Scarpe] Attacked at 4.45 A.M. captured village & reached objective. Shelled very heavily during the day and counter-attacked in the afternoon. Casualties - Killed 2/Lt Mulligan [Sidney Gerald MULLIGAN], 2/Lt Muir [Horace Wellesly MUIR] Wounded Capt Berry [Douglas H. BERRY], 2/Lts Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS], Bridges [William Robert BRIDGES], LEWIS, THOMAS, Hunt [Frank HUNT], Knapp [Erling KNAPP, DSO]. O.Rs. 260. Capt. Mills [Stephen Douglas MILLS, MC], 2/Lt North [Henry James NORTH], Brodie [Henry Ross BRODIE], Fishwick [Henry Charles FISHWICK], Morrish [Cyril George MORRISH].

24 Apr 1917 - St.Catherine's Battalion relieved by 2/R.Ms. at midnight and marched down to St.Catherines.

25-27 Apr 1917 Battalion resting at St.Catherine's.

28 Apr 1917 - Oppy Line Battalion received sudden orders to move up to front line under orders of G.O.C. 188th Brigade. Battalion sent to assembly trenches to attack OPPY trench system from Rly. on right to 500 yards North of Rly. on left.

29 Apr 1917 [The Battle of Arras - the phase of Arleux] Battalion attacked at dawn & captured objective, was counter attacked and driven out and recaptured trench and consolidated it about 11.0 A.M. Trench heavily shelled by Bosches all day. Battalion relieved at night by H.A.C. who in turn were relieved by a unit of the 37th Division Casualties Wounded 2/Lt. Bloodworth [Ralph Cecil BLOODWORTH], 2/Lt Dean [Herbert Robert Stanley DEAN].

30 Apr 1917 - Roclincourt Battalion moved to tents near ROCLINCOURT.

Saturday 26th May 1917

• • • Last night 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, went back into the front line north of Gavrelle, which place they helped to take back on 23rd April. Their rough position is shown in red on the map above. They have been joined today by two new officers, Lieutenant Webb and Lieutenant Beck from base.

WAR DIARY FOR MAY 1917

1-9 May 1917 - Roclincourt [Ref Map 51 B N W] Battalion under canvas near ROCLINCOURT employed on road fatigues.

9 May 1917 - Mont-Saint-Eloi Battalion moves by route march to MONT S.ELOY [sic] & is billeted in huts 2nd Lt.E.Ellis [Ernest Dennis ELLIS] joins from R.F.C.

10 May 1917 2nd Lieut A.E.Tee [Albert Edward TEE] joins battalion from 1st Beds Regt

13 May 1917 2nd Lt T.R.G.Cook [Thomas Robert Geddes COOKE] joins battalion from base

10-19 May 1917 Battalion training at MONT S ELOY [sic].

20 May 1917 - support line near Arras Battalion marches to support line & relieves 11th E.LANCS Rgt. A.B.C Coys in dug-outs in railway cutting B 21 c 7 4 - B 27 a 3 2 D Coy in forward trench B 15 d 3 7 - 3 2 Front line battalions. Right 1st H.A.C. Left 10th R.D.F. In Reserve 7th R.F. 2nd Lts Sharpe [William SHARPE, MC], Spicer [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC], Timberlake [Roy TIMBERLAKE], Fynn [Robert Charles FYNN], Kruger [Max August KRUGER], Gate [Leslie Charles Thomas GATE], join from base.

22 May 1917 2 Lt CHAPMAN joins from base.

21-24 May 1917 A.B. & C.Coys doing night digging parties, digging support trench B.24 d 2.3 - C 19.c.3.1 Off Casualties 24th 2nd Lieut.Sharpe [William SHARPE, MC] wounded.

25-26 May 1917 night - front line left of Gavrelle Battalion relieves 1st H.A.C. in front line from B.24 b 2.4 & 5.4 - C 19.c.7.4 Battalion on Right ANSON Batt on Left 7th R.F. Support 1st H.A.C. Reserve: - 10th R.D.F.

26 May 1917 2 Lts Webb [R.D. WEBB] & Beck [Stanley William BECK] join battalion from base. 27th Off Casualties 2 Lt CHAPMAN wounded.

28 May 1917 Lt & Q.M. Barry [Robert John BARRY] rejoins from sick leave in England

28-29 May 1917 night Battalion takes over 3 posts from ANSON battalion, on right of line. Right boundary of front line now C 19.c 8 3.

26-31 May 1917 - Railway Trench and Windmill near Gavrelle Battalion employed constructing RAILWAY TRENCH (B.24 d), deepening trench around Batt H Q (B.30.a 8 9) & linking up posts around WINDMILL (C 19 c 7 4)

31 May 1917 2nd Lt. Gee [Thomas GEE] joins battalion from base Casualties during May - 2 off 29 O.R. Reinforcements during May - 14 off 292 O.R.

WAR DIARY FOR JUNE 1917

1 Jun 1917 - Aubrey Camp, Roclincourt Batt relieved in GAVRELLE LINE by HOOD BATT (189th Inf Bde) and marched back to AUBREY Camp near ROCKLINCOURT [sic]. G.4.a.2.8. (51 B.N.W.).

2-3 Jun 1917 Batt resting AUBREY CAMP.

4 Jun 1917 Batt. started training at AUBREY CAMP.

5 Jun 1917 Lt.Col. J.S.Collings-Wells D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] took over T/Command of 190th Inf.Bde vice Brigadier General H.W.E.FINCH.

6 Jun 1917 2 Lt A.S.Lockhart [Algernon Smee LOCKHART] joined batt from base. Major G.P.Nunneley M.C. [George Paterson NUNNELEY M.C.] took over T/command of Batt in absence of Lt.Col.J.S.Collings-Wells [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO].

7 Jun 1917 2 Lt.P.F.Watts [Percy Frederick WATTS, MC] rejoined from D.H.Q. (staff course) & took over command of C.Company from 2nd Lt H.H.Theobold [Harold Holloway THEOBALD].

8 Jun 1917 190th Bde Horse Show. Batt took 5 firsts, & one second out of seven events.

10 Jun 1917 - G.5.b.8.9. Lt.Col.J.S.Collings-Wells [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] left for BOULOGNE to attend 1st ARMY CONFERENCE. Lt Col Collings-Wells [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] represented 63rd (R.N.) DIV. at this conference. Batt moved from AUBREY CAMP (huts) to shelters & dugouts at G.5.b.8.9. (51 B.N.W.).

11-13 Jun 1917 Batt employed digging RED LINE (nightly) B.16.b.6.1. - B.23.a.7.4.

14 Jun 1917 Batt employed digging TYNE ALLEY communication trench.

14-16 Jun 1917 Batt continued work on TYNE ALLEY. 2nd Lt.C.R.EDWARDS 1st HEREFORD REGT joined from base.

17 Jun 1917 Lt.A.V.NICHOLSON and 2 Lt.W.Dockrill [William DOCKRILL] joined from base. Batt worked on TYNE ALLEY. 2nd Lt H.H.Theobold [Harold Holloway THEOBALD] wounded in the thigh by bullet on working party. Div Horse Show. Batt 1st [sic] first & 1 second.

21 Jun 1917 CAPT.P.I.WATKIN M.C. RAMC relieved by Lt.O'NEILL RAMC. CAPT WATKIN left for No 10 Stationary Hospital St.OMAR [sic]

21-25 Jun 1917 Work on TYNE ALLEY continued.

26 Jun 1917 - Mont-Saint-Eloi Batt moved to MONT ST ELOY (huts)

27-30 Jun 1917 Batt training.

Monday 16th July 1917

• • • The 4th Battalion has been in the front line near Oppy Wood, taken by 1st Battalion last month. Today they have been relieved and marched back to Beverley Camp. They have been joined by Second Lieutenants C H Wareing and A L Gordon from base; Captain A C Croskell and Second Lieutenant T R G Cooke have rejoined from hospita

Thursday 26th July 1917

• • • The 4th Battalion are in the front line at Oppy. Lieutenant R Timberlake, commanding a party bringing up rations was killed by a machine-gun.

WAR DIARY FOR JULY 1917

1 Jul 1917 - Mont-Saint-Eloi Bn. sports.

2 Jul 1917 Bn. training.

3 Jul 1917 - Aubrey Camp Bn. moved from MONT ST ELOY [sic] (huts)to AUBREY CAMP (huts). 2nd Lt. W.S.Davies [William Stanley DAVIS] rejoined from 190th Bde. H.Q. 4-night

5 Jul 1917 - south of Oppy Wood Bn. attached 189th Bde. and relieved 12th EAST YORKS REGT. in front line S of OPPY WOOD.

6 Jul 1917 2nd Lieut. W.S.Beck [Stanley William BECK] struck off strength on joining T.M.

8 Jul 1917 2nd Lieut. W. Dockrill [William DOCKRILL] proceeded to Lewis Gun Camp, LE TOUQUET. The Rev.H.G.SOUTH C.F. relieved the Rev.Dr.DAVIS as Chaplain to Hq.Bn

10 Jul 1917 - Railway Cutting Bn. relieved in front line by 7th ROYAL FUSILIERS and moved into RAILWAY CUTTING at B.21.c.

11-15 Jul 1917 Work on MARINE, VISCOUNT and TOMMY TRENCHES and OUSE and BLUE ALLEYS.

14 Jul 1917 2nd Lieuts. R.S.Wells [Ronald Stephen WELLS] and W.C.H.W. HAMMOND joined from Base. 2nd Lt. W.S.Davis [William Stanley DAVIS] A/Staff Captain 190th Bde. 2nd Lt.T.Gee [Thomas GEE] joined XIII Corps School.

16 Jul 1917 - Beverley Camp Bn. relieved in RLY. CUTTING by HAWKE Bn. and marched to BEVERLEY CAMP. Capt. A.C.Croskell [Arthur Cyril CROSKELL] and 2nd Lt. T.R.G.Cooke [Thomas Robert Geddes COOKE] rejoined from Hospital. 2nd Lts. C.H.Wareing [Cecil Hooten WAREING] and A.L.GORDON joined from Base.

17-21 Jul 1917 Bn. resting in BEVERLEY CAMP. 22 Jul 1917 - front line south of Oppy Wood Bn. relieved HOOD Bn. in Front Line. 2nd Lt. W.C.H.W.HAMMOND admitted to C.C.S.

22-30 Jul 1917 Bn. in FRONT LINE S. of OPPY WOOD.

23 Jul 1917 2nd Lt.W.J.Davis [William Stanley DAVIS] proceeded on leave.

26 Jul 1917 Lieut. R. Timberlake [Roy TIMBERLAKE] killed by machine gun bullet on ration party.

30 Jul 1917 - Red Line Bn. relieved by 7th R.FUSILIERS in FRONT LINE and relieved them in RED LINE. 2nd Lt. R.D.WEBB rejoined from BOMBING COURSE.

31 Jul 1917 2nd Lt. E. Ellis [Ernest Dennis ELLIS] proceeded to 1st Army Rest Camp and 2nd Lt. C.R. EDWARDS to Lewis Gun Course, PERNES. Casualties 1 Off. 35 O.R. Reinforcements 4 Off. 94 O.R.

WAR DIARY FOR AUGUST 1917

1 Aug 1917 - Bradford Trench, Red Line Work on BRADFORD TRENCH continued. 2/Lts.F.A.Girling [Frederick Alick GIRLING] and W.D.F.Smith, [William Dent Frank SMITH] joined the Bn.

2 Aug 1917 2/Lt. Moyse [Robert Edwin MOYSE] joined the Bn.

1-7 Aug 1917 Work on BRADFORD TRENCH.

7 Aug 1917 - Beverley Camp 1 casualty occurred. Bn. was relieved by DRAKE BN.188th Inf.Bde. and moved to BEVERLEY CAMP.

8 Aug 1917 - St-Aubin Relieved by 7th ROYAL FUSILIERS. Bn. marched to St. AUBIN.

9 Aug 1917 Training 3 hours daily. Bn. to have as much rest as possible during period out of the line. Major G.P.Nunneley M.C. [George Paterson NUNNELEY M.C.] granted leave.

10 Aug 1917 Training as for 9th.

11 Aug 1917 2/Lt. Macklin [David Harold MACKLIN] joined the Bn.

12 Aug 1917 Bn. Rifle Meeting was held. Capt.F.T.Spicer M.C. [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC] won the Colonel's Prize.

13 Aug 1917 Training as for 9th.

14 Aug 1917 Brigade Rifle Meeting took place. Capt.F.T.Spicer, M.C. [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC] won the G.O.C. 190th Inf.Bde. Prize. 2/Lt.K.V.R.GOLD [?] joined the Bn. 2/Lt's L.C.T.Gate [Leslie Charles Thomas GATE] & F.T.Spicer [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC] appointed Acting Captain.

15 Aug 1917 2/Lt. Davis [William Stanley DAVIS], A/Staff Capt. 190th Inf.Bde.

16 Aug 1917 - Railway Cutting B.21.c. Bn. moved to RAILWAY CUTTING (B.21.c.) and relieved HAWKE Bn. 189th Inf.Bde. Draft of 34 O.Rs. joined from 17th I.B.D. Capt.Scott [James SCOTT] & 2/Lt.Thompson [F.C.H. THOMPSON?] granted leave to England.

17 Aug 1917 Lt.& Adjt.J.H.Blackwell [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar] appointed A/CAPT. Work on EARL TRENCH commenced by Bn.

18 Aug 1917 2/Lt. Dockrill [William DOCKRILL] admitted to C.C.S. from FIELD AMB.

19 Aug 1917 2/Lt. Glossop [Sydney A. GLOSSOP] joined Bn. 3 O.Rs. rejoined from 17th I.B.D. 1 O.R. from C.C.S. Improvements to dugouts in RY. CUTTING carried out. Work on EARL TRENCH continued.

20 Aug 1917 Two casualties. (O.Rs)

22 Aug 1917 Two killed, one wounded (11) Major G.P.Nunneley [George Paterson NUNNELEY M.C.] assumed command of Bn. in absence of Lt.Col.J.S.Collings-Wells D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO], granted leave to ENGLAND.

23 Aug 1917 Capt.R.J. Barry [Robert John BARRY] granted leave to ENGLAND.

24 Aug 1917 - front line south of Oppy Wood Bn. relieved 1st ARTISTS RIFLES in Front line S. of OPPY WOOD.

25 Aug 1917 6 O.R's rejoined from 17th I.B.D. Work on EARL, MARINE, RAILWAY TRENCHES.

26 Aug 1917 3 killed and 3 wounded (O.R's.)

27 Aug 1917 1 killed and 3 wounded (O.R's.)

28 Aug 1917 Work continued by Batt. in Front Line.

29 Aug 1917 2/Lt. J.R.G. Cooke [Thomas Robert Geddes COOKE] granted leave to ENGLAND.

30 Aug 1917 Bn. in Front line. Draft of 4 O.R's from 17th I.B.D.

31 Aug 1917 Bn. anxiously waiting relief. Received word that on relief, Bn. proceeds to St.AUBIN again.

Sunday 2nd September 1917

• • • 4th Battalion, meanwhile, have left the front line at Oppy Wood. They will be taking the train to Saint-Aubin, north of Arras.

Friday 28th September 1917

• • • There has been little fighting today at Ypres as lines are consolidated and guns brought up ready for the next push. Remarkably in this sodden offensive we have now had no rain to speak of for eight days in a row and the higher parts of the battlefield are beginning to present firm going.

    • The 4th Battalion have received seven subalterns - G Theed, J W Tacchi, G W Childs, C Bornet, L A W Vincent, G M Radwell and W I Broughton.

    • The adjutant of the 4th Battalion, currently at Oppy Wood near Arras speculated with me that the new draft might indicate a move to Ypres and participation in the offensive soon.

• WAR DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 1917

• 1 Sep 1917 - front line south of Oppy Wood No casualties.

• 2 Sep 1917 - Saint-Aubin No casualties. Battn. relieved by HAWKE Battn. at 6 p.m. and entrained in the CUTTING for St. AUBIN arriving there about midnight. Lieut. Col. Collings-Wells D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] returned from leave.

• 3 Sep 1917 Battn. Training.

• 4 Sep 1917 Battn. Training Sports, Cricket and Football in the evening.

• 5 Sep 1917 Capt. & Adj. J.H.Blackwell [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar] and 2nd Lt. E.Ellis [Ernest Dennis ELLIS] granted leave to England.

• 7 Sep 1917 Battn. practiced [sic] Trench to Trench attack. 2nd Lt.F.J.IVEY joined.

• 9 Sep 1917 2nd Lt. F.H.Shaw [Francis Herbert SHAW], 2nd Lt. L.Hambling [Lionel HAMBLING, MC] and 2nd Lt. F.Hunt [Frank HUNT] joined. Capt. L.G.Plumbly [Leslie Graham PLUMBLY, MC] to 1st Army Rest Camp.

• 10 Sep 1917 Battn. relieved 2 Coys (NELSON and HOOD Bns) in RED LINE. 2nd Lt.F.Hunt [Frank HUNT] to C.C.S. injury.

• 11 Sep 1917 3 O.R. rejoined from 17th I.B.D.

• 12 Sep 1917 Lieut.Col. Collings-Wells D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] assumes temp. command of 190th Inf.Bde. Major G.P.Nunneley M.C. [George Paterson NUNNELEY M.C.] assumes command of the Battn.

• 14 Sep 1917 - front line south of Oppy Wood Relieved 1st Artists Rifles in FRONT LINE. 2nd Lieuts W.C.H.W.HAMMOND and W.Dockrill [William DOCKRILL] struck off strength on evacuation to England.

• 15 Sep 1917 2nd Lieuts C.KEITH-JOHNSTON M.C. and G.C.Catt [George C. CATT] joined.

• 16 Sep 1917 2nd Lieut. A.L.GORDON wounded. 1 O.R. Killed 5 O.R's wounded.

• 17 Sep 1917 2 O.R's. joined from XIII Corps M & R.Camp.

• 19 Sep 1917 Capt. L.C.T.Gate [Leslie Charles Thomas GATE] proceeded on leave to England.

• 20 Sep 1917 Lieut.Col.J.S.Collings-Wells D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] returned from Brigade H.Q.

• 22 Sep 1917 Relieved by 7th R.FUSILIERS in FRONT LINE and took over from them in RED LINE.

• 24 Sep 1917 - Ourton Relieved by 21st LONDON Regt. 47th Div. entrained in Cutting for ECOIVRES proceeded thence by Motor Bus arriving about 6 p.m.

• 25 Sep 1917 Training started.

• 26 Sep 1917 2nd Lt. A.E.Tee [Albert Edward TEE] and draft of 126 O.R. joined from XIII Corps M & R Camp.

• 27 Sep 1917 2nd Lieut. A.L.GORDON returned from hospital. Met the 190th M.G.C. at football won 2 - 1.

• 28 Sep 1917 2nd Lieuts G.THEED. J.W.TACCHI [?]. G.W.Childs [George Wilmot CHILDS]. C. Bornet [Charles BORNET]. L.A.W.Vincent [Leslie Arthur Walter VINCENT], G.M.Radwell [George Millard RADWELL], and W.I.Broughton [Walter Isaac BROUGHTON] joined. Played 223rd M.G.C. at football won 4 - 3.

• 29 Sep 1917 2nd Lt.W.D.F.Smith [William Dent Frank SMITH] proceeded to 1st Army School. Played 7th R.F. at football, lost 1 - 2.

• 30 Sep 1917 BRIGADE Church Parade at la COMTE. Inspection by G.O.C.

Passchendaele Oct-Nov 1917

• • • In the Third Battle of Ypres 1917 (also referred to as the Battle of Passchendaele), the battalion were engaged during the Second Battle of Passchendaele

    • The likelihood of surviving this infamous battle was limited, so I assume Frank was sent home sick during this period.

Wednesday 3rd October 1917

• • • 63rd (Royal Naval) Division, including the 4th Bedfords, is also evidently coming to the party. The Battalion is currently a Zermezeele near Kassel, close to the Belgian border."

Saturday 20th October 1917

• • • The 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, part of 63rd (Royal Naval) Division is at Houtkerque on the border between France and Belgium west of Poperinghe. They have been training, specifically learning how to attack pill boxes and so it looks as if their introduction to the Third Battle of Ypres may not be long delayed.

WAR DIARY FOR OCTOBER 1917

1 Oct. Major G.P. Nunneley, M.C. [George Paterson NUNNELEY M.C.] and 2 Lt A.L. GORDON to C.C.S.

2 Oct. Left ORTON at 11pm and marched to LIGNY St. FLOCHEL where Btn entrained for north.

3 Oct. Arrived CASSELL 12.30pm and marched to ZERMEELE. Coys much scattered. Transferred from VIII to XVIII Corps

4 Oct. Training

5 Oct. Major F.W.F. Lathom [Farquhar William Forbes LATHOM] joined

7 Oct. Marched to HOUTKERQUE, arrived 3pm. Very wet. Coys scattered

8 Oct. Training. A draft of 6 Signallers joined

9-20 Oct. Coy and Battn. training for pill box attack. Weather wet.

21 Oct. 15 Officers and 20 other ranks to XVIII reinforcement camp. 2nd Lt T.R.G Cooke [Thomas Robert Geddes COOKE] struck off strength upon transfer to RFC

22-25 Oct. Final preparations for active operations

26 Oct. Embus at 11.30am and proceed to DANBURY CAMP, POTTENHOOK. Arrive 3pm. Under canvas. Very wet night.

27 Oct. Brigade march to CANAL BANK, about 1 mile N. of YPRES. Battn. billeted in dug outs on [unreadable, but probably 'side of bank']

28 Oct. Battn. marched from CANAL BANK to an [?] trench near CHEDDAR VILLA.

29 Oct. Battn. marched at 4.30pm to the front line about 1½ miles S.E. of POELCAPPELLE and took up position for attack at dawn on a front of about 600 yards.

30 Oct. [The Battle of Ypres 1917 - the Second Battle of Passchendaele] Battn. attacked at 5.50am 7RF on left, Artists Rifles on right, Canadian Corps on right of Artists. Canadians reached [unreadable] objectives but our attack was held up by very heavy and boggy ground surrounding the PADDEBEEK and a total advance of about 150-200 yards only was made. CASUALTIES - Officers Killed; Capt. L.C.T. Gate [Leslie Charles Thomas GATE], 2Lt A.E. Tee [Albert Edward TEE]. Wounded; Capt. J. Scott [James SCOTT], Lt C.H. Wareing [Cecil Hooten WAREING], Lt K.V.R. GOLD, 2Lt S.A. Glossop [Sydney A. GLOSSOP], 2Lt Bornett [Charles BORNET], 2Lt New [Leslie Perry NEW], 2Lt Radwell [George Millard RADWELL]. OR Killed 52, wounded 180, missing 23. Battn relieved by NELSON Battn. at 7pm and marched out to IRISH FARM. Lt-Colonel Collings-Wells D.S.O., [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] Capt. & Adjt. J.H. Blackwell [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar], 2Lt Ellis [Ernest Dennis ELLIS], 2Lt R.C. Fynn [Robert Charles FYNN], Capt. F.T. Spicer MC [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC], 2Lt J.W. TACCHI, Capt P.F. Watts [Percy Frederick WATTS, MC] came out with the battalion.

WAR DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 1917

1 Nov 1917 - Poperinge Batt. entrained at Irish Farm 1.30 p.m. arrived Poperinghe 5 p.m. moved to good billets near Square.

2 Nov 1917 2nd Lt.F.C.H.THOMPSON struck off strength on transfer to I.A.Reserve of Officers. Capt.F.T.Spicer M.C. [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC] to command B.Coy vice Capt.J.Scott [James SCOTT] wounded.

5 Nov 1917 - Tunnelling Camp, Sint-Jan-Ter-Biezen Batt. marched to Tunnelling Camp. Capt. H.O'NEILL R.A.M.C. admitted to F.A.

7 Nov 1917 2nd Lt.G.C.Catt [George C. CATT] struck off strength on evacuation to England sick.

9 Nov 1917 Lt.H.R.SINCLAIR, R.A.M.C. reported for temp. duty.

11 Nov 1917 - Winnezeele Batt. marched to Winnezeel [sic]. details from Reinforcement Camp rejoined.

12 Nov 1917 - Arneke Batt. marched to Arneke.

13 Nov 1917 - Eringhem Batt. marched to Eringhem.

14 Nov 1917 2nd Lt. W.B.STIMSON. 2nd Lt.L.Humphreys [Leonard HUMPHREYS]. 2nd Lt.A.Hayes [Arthur HAYES]. 2nd Lt.P.Shott [Percival SHOTT]. 2nd Lt.A.V.Clark [Albert Victor CLARK, MC] and 165 O.R. joined.

15 Nov 1917 Lt.J.B.Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS] and 3 O.R. joined.

16 Nov 1917 Major F.W.F.Lathom [Farquhar William Forbes LATHOM] assumed command of the Batt. in the absence of Lt.Col.Collings-Wells D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] on leave.

19 Nov 1917 MILITARY MEDALS have been awarded the following for gallantry in action [comment; possibly for 30th - 31st October actions]- 12282 Sgt.SCRUBY, N.C. [Norman C. SCRUBY, MM], 22008 Sgt.TURNER A.J. [Alfred J. TURNER, MM], 8179 Cpl.MASON, J. [3/8179 Joseph MASON, MM], 30292 Pte RUGGLES, G. [George RUGGLES, MM], 23499 Pte.HOLDOM, G. A. [George A. HOLDOM, MM], 40629 Pte. COOPER, C. [Charles Cecil COOPER, MM].

20 Nov 1917 20 O.R. joined.

23 Nov 1917 9 O.R. joined.

25 Nov 1917 5 Sergts. joined. Lt.R.S.E.Wells [Ronald Stephen WELLS] struck off strength.

28 Nov 1917 - Houtkerque Batt. marched to Houtkerque.

30 Nov 1917 Training.

WAR DIARY FOR DECEMBER 1917

1 Dec 1917 - Houtkerque Training.

2 Dec 1917 Training. Lt A/Capt P.F.Watts [Percy Frederick WATTS, MC] awarded the Military Cross for gallantry & devotion to duty in action.

3 Dec 1917 Training. Lt A/Capt.J.H.E.SANDFORD struck off strength on resuming his medical studies

4 Dec 1917 Training. 16 O.R. joined

6 Dec 1917 - Godewaersvelde March to GODEWAERSYELDE [sic]

9 Dec 1917 - Rocquigny Entrained at 3 a.m. arrived at MIRAUMONT at noon. Marched to ROCQUIGNY arrived in camp 7.30 p.m.

10 Dec 1917 5 O.R. rejoined.

13 Dec 1917 - Etricourt-Manancourt Marched to ETRICOURT. (under canvas)

15 Dec 1917 - Metz-en-Couture Marched to METZ.

16 Dec 1917 - Highland Ridge, Villers-Plouich 42 O.R. joined Batt. relieved [sic] the 10th R.I.R. in the support trenches on HIGHLAND RIDGE near VILLERS PLOUICH

19 Dec 1917 - front line near Villers-Plouich Batt relieved HOOD batt. in front line. Lieut.Col. Collings Wells D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] resumed command of Batt.

22 Dec 1917 Batt releived [sic] 7th R.Fus in front line. Lieut H.M.E.Gudgeon [H.M.E. or Ennis Hugh GUDGEON] Taken on strength of Batt.

27 Dec 1917 - Havrincourt Batt releived [sic] by 7th R.Fus and marched to camp in HAVRINCOURT WOOD Total casualties during tour O.R. 3 killed and 10 wounded. Major F.W.F.Lathom [Farquhar William Forbes LATHOM] assumed temp command of 7th R.Fus.

29 Dec 1917 The following were mentioned in Dispatches of Nov.7th/17 - Blackwell Sec Lt (Actg Captn) J.H. [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar] Collings-Wells Capt (Actg.Lt.Col) J.J. D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO], Pearce, No 13972 Sgt.F.C. [Frederick C. PEARCE], Marks, No 4/6663 Sgt.W.G. [William George MARKS, MM]

30 Dec 1917 [The action at Welch Ridge] - trenches near Villers-Plouich Batt moved up to line at one hours notice owing to Enemy attack on Div. front.

31 Dec 1917 Major G.P.Nunnelley M.C. [George Paterson NUNNELEY M.C.] rejoined from England. Batt moved to front line. 2nd Lt A.V.Clarke [Albert Victor CLARK, MC] wounded. Lt C.KEITH-JOHNSON and 2nd Lt. W.D.Smith [William Dent Frank SMITH] gassed, O.R. 5 Killed, 9 wounded, 8 gassed.

Reorganisation as Troop numbers fell on all sides Dec 1917

• After Ypres, the Royal Naval Division was incorporated into the Third Army, now commanded by general Julian Byng.

30th December 1917 Cambrai

• The division found itself west of Cambrai, near Flesquières on a ridge which became known as the Welsh Ridge, and did not get a peaceful New Year celebration there. The hill was a bulge in the British frontline, a part of the Hindenburg line taken from the Germans after the battle for Cambrai in late November 1917.

• The Germans decided to straighten this vulnerable bulge and so the Royal Naval Division had to spend two days Long defend rather than attack. It was a local battle in the trenches, but led to many casualties, causing the Hood battalion to be withdrawn from the front line on January 1st, 1918. 31)"

If you have any questions, you can email me at thosedistantechoes@gmail.com (pls include Frank Munkman in the email heading)