Thursday 24 August 2017

Twenty Fifth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres



Friday 24th August 1917

There has been fighting again today around the Ypres Salient. 14th (Light) Division are at the old stamping ground of the 18th Division - Inverness Copse. This morning the front line ran through the middle of this blasted wood and at 4 a.m. the enemy unleashed a powerful barrage upon it and the ground north of it, as far as Glencorse Wood. They then launched an attack by men with grenades and flame-throwers. On the open ground just south of Glencorse Wood and east of Fitzclarence Farm the Germans were successful in driving the Division back somewhat. They were less successful in Inverness Copse, as shattered trees make very effective obstacles to progress of any attacker. As I write this the Division is still holding the western edge of the wood.


Again, as I write the Worcesters of 61st Division are attacking an enemy strongpoint called Aisne Farm(1)

After their day at the seaside yesterday the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, are back to training today. The adjutant tells me that 5th Army musketry range was allotted to the Battalion. The men were taken there by lorries starting at 9 a.m. The rifle shooting of the men was good each man fired 15 rounds at a figure target, and Lewis gunners fired at a plate.

Source: X550/8/1

(1)This was unsuccessful.

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