Friday 16th
February 1917 from our correspondent in
the field
Today the 4th
Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment completed its move back from the front line
north of Beaucourt-sur-Ancre to Mackenzie Huts at Martinsart, having been
relieved by 1st Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry. The battalion has been
in the line since 6th February and made a successful attack on the night of
11th/12th.
The adjutant
informs me that the cost of the last ten days has been 68 killed, 90 wounded, 3
missing and 45 missing, believed killed. This is the equivalent of about a
company of men, nearly a quarter of the battalion’s strength. Among the
casualties were eight officers - three killed (Lieutenant Despicht, Second
Lieutenant McKirdy and Second Lieutenant Shott) and five wounded (Second
Lieutenant Stimson, Second Lieutenant Smart, Second Lieutenant R S Thomas,
Second Lieutenant A W Thomas and Second Lieutenant Berry)
Meanwhile 7th
Battalion are just about to go into the fray. It is in support for an attack
planned at Miraumont tomorrow. Two companies are at Farback Trench between
Thiepval and Miraumont and two in reserve at Mouquet Farm between Thiepval and
Pozieres.
Sources: X550/5/3;
X550/8/1
