Thursday 17 May 2018

"Friendly" Fire


Friday 17th May 1918

Yesterday we reported the detailed patrol work of 1st/5th Battalion, near Jaffa in Palestine. This has continued, a patrol of one officer and seven other ranks going out at one o'clock yesterday morning. A few minutes out two rifle grenades were fired at the enemy by a neighbouring British unit, bursting just west of the patrol. This very nearly caused casualties amongst the Yellow Devils on patrol. The adjutant mused that he often wondered just how many casualties are caused to soldiers at the front by their own side, usually its own artillery. To get away from any more grenades the patrol moved smartly east where they heard movement in the enemy's front line and they located a picquet position. 

Source: X550/6/8

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