Poisoned Gas at Hill 60

Official map of Hill 60

Sunday 2nd May 1915: The adjutant of 1^st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment reports that about 6.30 last evening the enemy made a sudden attack on the trenches to the battalion’s right, on Hill 60. Once more asphyxiating gas was used, just as it was against the French North African troops to the north on 22^nd April. All the men in the right-hand section of the front line felt the ill effects of this noxious vapour and were violently sick.

Fortunately, once again, the enemy’s vile actions rebounded to an extent on them and they were unable to mount a fully effective attack because the fumes blew back towards them and so with their own weapons they were worsted. Nevertheless one man has died from the effects of the gas and four have had to be evacuated to a Dressing Station with its ill effects on their lungs.

Despite their mishap the German attack did reach the front line trenches. In one spot a trench had had to be evacuated and here one man, through his outstanding courage, prevented disaster. The adjutant tells us that Private Edward Warner, from Saint Albans in Hertfordshire, re-entered the trench on his own and held it in a determined manner against the enemy. As soon as it became clear what was happening more men were sent to help him but the gas prevented them reaching him. After a while he returned and took a few men with him to assist in the defence as the effects of the gas lessened. Although exhausted he assisted his comrades in holding the trench against the enemy.

Private Warner was one of the four men sent to the Dressing Station but, tragically, his bravery has cost him his life as the adjutant has just reported to us that he has heard that this gallant soldier has died due to the effects of the gas on his lungs. Such magnificent courage and devotion to duty cannot but inspire his comrades(1).

Source: X550/2/5

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(1) Private Edward Warner was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial