The Second day of the Battle of Festubert

Monday 17th May 1915: The adjutant of 2nd Bedfords tells us that they made no further attack yesterday, instead working parties under 2nd Lieutenants F. Powell and N. Dabell from B and C Companies respectively, did excellent work, while being heavily shelled, making communications from our old front line trench. Sergeant. T. Eustace of B Company with Lance Corporal Coleman of 2nd Battalion, Border Regiment showed great gallantry in bringing in wounded men to the cover of our trenches while under heavy shell fire. These two non-commissioned officers brought in over fifty wounded and gained the praise of several officers. The Battalion was heavily shelled all day and night and it is understood that 2nd Lieutenant R. A. B. Orlebar from Hinwick was buried for a while and wounded(1).

Later yesterday morning both 2nd and 7th Divisions made attacks to try to link up, a dangerous gap having developed between them. This failed and the men of 6th Brigade of 2nd Division were forced to withdraw some way.

This means that more attacks have begun this morning by 7th Division and parts of 2nd to close the gap between them. An intense bombardment on the position known as The Quadrilateral, which stopped the advance of 6th Division on the first morning of operations resulted in the garrison surrendering en-masse. It is understood that it is raining this morning which will mean mud and thus render any attack more difficult. It is understood that the attack will be made by 21st Brigade and so our men will be involved. We pray they may be fortunate.

Source: X550/3/wd

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(1) Sergeant Eustace won the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his bravery. Sadly he was killed on 31st July And is buried at Saint-Vaast Post Military Cemetery, Richebourg-l’Avoué. Happily, Dabell and Powell seem to have survived the war.