The Aftermath of Boom Ravine

Sunday 18th February 1917 from our correspondent in the field

7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, were fortunate to be in reserve for the desperate fight at Boom Ravine yesterday rather than one of the assaulting battalions. The adjutant spoke to me this morning: “Casualties for the fight are said to be one thousand NCOs and men and thirty five officers. The 11th Royal Fusiliers and 6th Northants suffered the heaviest”.

Today the whole brigade, 54th, have been relieved by 55th Brigade and have withdrawn to hits in and around the village of Martinsart. 7th Bedfords are being employed on fatigues for the Royal Engineers.

Source: X550/8/1

Day Ninety Four on the Somme

Monday 2nd October 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field

The 7th Bedfords have today travelled to the villages of Vacquerie and Gorges, well behind the lines south-west of Doullens. The 8th Battalion, also in billets behind the lines, has had the honour today of congratulations from General Officer Commanding 6th Division on their performance in terrible circumstances on 15th September as well as on 25th September.

Sadly, strong German counter-attacks in the early hours of this morning pushed the Canadians out of the gains they made in Regina Trench yesterday. The 47th (2nd London) Division carried on the fight around Eaucourt-l’Abbaye but this still remains in enemy hands. 50th (Northumbrian) Division cleared some of the area on the Londoners’ left flank.

The Schwaben Redoubt remains a point of contest. Today 55th Brigade of 18th Division was attacked in its positions in the redoubt and driven from some of them by an attack which has lasted all day

Today has been wet and chilly and the fighting has definitely taken on the characteristics of Autumn. There is mud everywhere and this tires the men as quickly as being in action itself.

Sources: X550/8/1; X550/9/1

Day Thirteen on the Somme

Thursday 13th July 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field

Just after midnight this morning 2nd Bedfords were relieved from their trenches in the south-west of Trônes Wood by 7th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment of 55th Brigade, 18th Division. We understand that two battalions of 54th Brigade have also been assigned to the struggle in the wood, joining 55th Brigade. 7th Bedfords are part of 54th Brigade but have not yet been fed into this confusing and brutal struggle. This evening an attack by three different battalions from three directions is under way. 

We understand that the work so ably begun by the 38th (Welsh) Division has been completed today by 21st Division. Now the whole of Mametz Wood is in British hands

Day Twelve on the Somme

Wednesday 12th July 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field

The 2nd Battalion’s ordeal in Trônes Wood has continued today. About 10 pm last night the enemy surrounded the force formerly led by Captain Tyler, bombing it from three sides. In the circumstances Lieutenant L H Walker ordered the men to fall back to the old brickworks on the other side of Bernafay Wood where they joined the Battalion’s headquarters. C and D Companies, entrenched in the south-west of the wood managed to retain their toe-hold all night despite frequent attacks.

Lieutenant Walker

This morning Lieutenant W White and Second Lieutenant L A L Fink were sent from the reserve of officers at the Battalion’s transport lines to replace those officers who were lost yesterday. Lieutenant White took over command of A Company from the unfortunate Captain Tyler who is either dead or a prisoner.

Lieutenant White

Just after midnight two companies of 17th Battalion King’s (Liverpool) Regiment occupied the southern edge of the wood and linked up with C and D Companies of the Bedfords. Through the day this line has been held despite many determined attacks with bombs by the enemy. Second Lieutenant H J Bricknell was wounded during the day.

Second Lieutenant Bricknell

We understand that 55th Brigade of 18th Division (7th Bedfords are in 54th Brigade of that division) has been temporarily attached to 30th Division because, although the division now holds the southern part of the wood, it has suffered many casualties over the last four days and is exhausted. I can vouch that the lined faces of the officers and men I have seen today attest to their expenditure of strength and courage over the last day or more.

Source: X550/3/wd