The Battle of Loos – Second Day

The 7th Division Attack at Loos (Official History of the War - Military Operations in France and Belgium 1915 - Vol II)

Monday 27th September 1915: The battle of Loos entered its second day yesterday but 2nd Bedfords played little part in it. They were left to man Gun Trench until 8 pm when they were relieved and went back to the original German front line.

The 8th Battalion, nearby, forming part of 24th Division were ordered at 3 am yesterday morning to support 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment in an attack on the quarries [shown in yellow on the above plan] from which rifle fire hit the 2nd Battalion in their advance yesterday.

The morning was thick and misty. The Battalion advanced north from la Rutoire in open formation as far as the Vermelles road [shown in yellow on the above plan]. Their advance was four hours behind that of the Norfolks and when they came on trenches occupied by the Cameron Highlanders(1) they discovered that they knew nothing of the whereabouts of the Norfolks. Patrols were sent out but they failed to get in touch with the Norfolks.

All this while the 8th Bedfords were subjected to severe rifle and shell fire as well as gas bombs. After three hours as no news could be obtained of the Norfolks, so the Commanding Officer decided to reoccupy the front line British trenches, as the Cameron Highlanders stated there was no room in the captured enemy trenches.

On returning to the First Line British trenches the Battalion became somewhat separated owing to portions of the trench being occupied by other units. The Battalion was relieved about 6 pm and returned to Vermelles for the night where they bivouaced. Casualties received were two other ranks killed and Second Lieutenant A G Hodges and 23 other ranks wounded. Colonel E S C Kennedy and two other ranks were gassed(2).

We hope that this Battalion can overcome the disappointment of this somewhat farcical introduction to active service and achieve great things in the future(3).

Sadly we hear that the popular and able commander of 7th Division, Sir Thompson Capper is dead. He was wounded by a sniper yesterday, the bullet passing through both lungs and he died this morning, aged 51(4).

Source: X550/9/1

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(1) Probably 1st/4th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders of 21st Brigade, 7th Division (the same Brigade as 2nd Bedfords).

(2) These light casualties contrast strikingly with the 9th Norfolks, who had 64 dead that day.

(3) 8th Battalion do not seem to have been a lucky unit and, by contrast with 7th Battalion, for example, would have a frustrating war.

(4) he is buried in Lillers Communal Cemetery.