Night Work

Friday 29th January 1915: The 1st Bedfords are working at improving the front line trenches near Wulvergem which are in a bad way due to all the rain. Each might they work at constructing a communication trench.

Our trenches, and those of the enemy, are not simply one line but are an intricate maze of fortifications. Communication trenches lead back, more or less at right angles from the front line and connect it with the second line trench which runs parallel to it but some way back, giving a second line of defence against any enemy incursion. The work, though within our own trench system is hazardous as the sounds of work attract German shelling.

Source: X550/2/5

Route Marches

Bailleul

Sunday 17th January 1915: The 1st Battalion have left the waterlogged trenches at Wulvergem and proceeded to slightly drier ground at Bailleul just over the French border. After the cold damp of the trenches the men will be warmed up by a series of route marches over the next few days.

Source: X550/2/5

Sometimes Flooded Trenches are a Blessing

Thursday 14th January 1915: readers will be aware that, at the moment, the trenches in France and Belgium are in a terrible state owing to constant rain. Many have become small streams. As can be imagined this makes Tommy Atkins curse as he is never dry or warm in them.

Sometimes, however, this can be a blessing in disguise. We have spoke with the adjutant of the 1st Bedfords today, who tells us that the right hand section of trenches where the battalion is stationed, near Wulvergem, have been shelled by the enemy. These trenches are completely waterlogged and thus not manned, so all the German shells did was to make the water ripple.

Source: X550/2/5

Taking Over

Wednesday 13th January 1915: The 1st Bedfords are today taking over front line trenches near Wulvergem from the Dorset Regiment. The relief, as it is known, tends to happen at night and as quietly as possible to hide the fact that it is occurring from the enemy. This is because it is a hazardous time both for the unit withdrawing and the unit coming in to replace it.

Such wholesale movement, involving up to two thousand men in a very confined area, means that they are, inevitably, more focused on the task in hand than on the enemy and this can result in showing themselves above the parapet, with the inevitable tragic result. It also means that there is a certain amount of disorganisation which can lead to any raid by the Germans meeting with considerable success, even to the extent of taking the front line trench.

Source: X550/2/5

The Noble Death of Corporal Goldsmith

Sunday 10th January 1915: Quarter Master Sergeant O. H. Perkins of the 1st Bedfords has told us of the death of Old Bedford Modernian, Corporal Hubert Goldsmith of 20 Saint Andrew’s Road, Bedford which occurred today at Wulvergem, south of Ypres: “He died a hero, went out of his trench to dress a wounded comrade (voluntarily) like a gallant soldier”.

“It might be some small comfort to you to know that he can have had no pain. I have lost a good and promising NCO, one of the best. His future was certain, had God spared him. He was buried in a soldier’s grave just inside a farm close to where he fell. The Captain of his Company read the burial service and all his comrades who could be spared from the trenches attended the sad ceremony”(1).

Source: Bedfordshire Times 5th February 1915

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(1) He belonged to A Company, was 19 and is buried at RE Farm Cemetery.

The 1st Battalion at Wulvergem

Saturday 9th January 1915: As we related yesterday the 1st Battalion is in front line trenches near Wulvergem in Belgium. We have just spoken with the adjutant who told us: “The enemy have brought up a quick-firer, probably a motor gun (that is, mounted on a lorry), to within a few hundred yards of our trenches and is firing obliquely on them”.

“We have had seven men wounded. The ground in the direction of this gun is convex, that is, the gun is below a very slight hill, meaning we cannot bring effective rifle-fire to bear on it”.

“Earlier today we shot two Germans at close range who were moving along the parapet of their trench. Probably it was full of water, ours is and our trenches and those of the Germans are only about thirty yards apart in places. The men keep busy each night in endeavouring to bale water out of the trenches. They also have to revet the trenches after landslides caused by constant rain and unstable soil”.

It is sobering to those of us who have played cricket to imagine that the Germans are not much further away from our men than a batsman is from a bowler as he approaches the wicket.

Source: X550/2/5

First Bedfordshire Regiment Men Killed in Action this Year

Harry Hack

Friday 8th January 1915: Just over a week into 1915 and today the Regiment has had its first men killed in action. The 1st Battalion are currently in the front line trenches north-west of Wulvergem, which is south of Ypres.

They have been shelled whilst holding the trenches and six men have been killed. Three of these men were from Bedfordshire – Private Wright from Shefford, Private Pestell from Bedford and Lance Corporal Hack from Luton. The other four men are from Essex, Hertfordshire, Warwickshire. This shows how widely the regiment recruits.

Many men in the Bedfordshire Regiment have always come from Hertfordshire, as that county has no front line infantry regiment of its own and this seems to be continuing, with many Hertfordshire men joining since the outbreak of war. However, men are recruited from further a-field, particularly London and others of the eastern counties.

We understand that it is War Office policy to ensure that, wherever possible, regiments comprise men from a variety of geographical backgrounds. This makes good sense when one considers the disaster which might be visited upon a locality if one of the battalions in its local regiment were to suffer high numbers of casualties in an action. This policy should help to ensure no missing generation in the towns and villages of Bedfordshire, however long the war lasts.

Source: X550/2/5

1st/5th Bedfords' Christmas and War Returns to Wulvergem

Saint Edmundsbury Cathedral

Saturday 26th December 1914: the 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, is currently stationed at Bury Saint Edmunds [Suffolk]. It is stationed at the ice rink in the town, a spacious building which admirably served the purpose of a dining hall. A special church parade was held in the morning when the Battalion paraded with the bans and marched to the Saint James' Cathedral Church[1] where a special military service was held. With the one exception of this parade the men were given leave for the entire day, and at one o'clock Christmas dinner was served. The menu consisted of roast turkey, sausages, potatoes, greens, plum-pudding etc. The usual Christmas desert was also provided, as well as beer and mineral waters. The welfare of the men was well attended to by the mayor (Alderman Owen A Clark), the mayoress and the Brigadier-General C de Winton, Colonel F N Butler and a large company of officers[2]. The Mayor congratulated the men on their good behaviour during their stay in Bury Saint Edmunds.

All the arrangements were carried out under the direction of the Quartermaster (Lieutenant Kiddle). Gifts of cigarettes and tobacco were distributed, a large number of those being given by the inhabitants of the town. The band, under the able conductorship of Bandmaster Goodyer, gave a selection of patriotic airs. The afternoon was spent in general jollification and in the evening the Battalion spent an enjoyable time at the Royal Colisseum where a special concert was given, the arrangements having been made by the management and the Quartermaster. The day, which is sure to be remembered with pleasure for years to come by all now serving in the Battalion, closed with the singing of the National Anthem and cheers for the Mayor of Bury Saint Edmunds. There will also be special celebrations on New Years Day.

The adjutant of the 1st Battalion tells us that some of the Germans in the front line opposite his unit seem to be under the impression that the suspension of hostilities and the fraternisation, undertaken by some British and German units yesterday, might still be in force. Some of them came forward into no man's land, apparently "with a view to friendly intercourse. A few shots were fired in their direction as a hint to withdraw". later in the day the Germans shelled the trenches and the ruined village of Wulvergem behind, several rifles were damaged and one man wounded.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 1st January 1915

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[1] The former parish church, upgraded to a cathedral in that year.

[2] It is the custom in the British Army for the officers to serve the other ranks on Christmas Day when not in the face of the enemy.

A Lucky Escape

Monday 21st December 1914: The 1st Battalion remains in front line trenches near Wulvergem. The adjutant informs us that they have had a few lucky escapes today. Firstly Battalion Headquarters, a partially damaged farm, was hit by two German shells. One inflicted no casualties and the other, an 8 inch armour piercing round, failed to explode. Several German shells struck the trenches but, owing to levels of water, they were sections which were unmanned.

The adjutant tells us that local people advise that the water table here on the flat Flemish plain is usually very high in winter or at times of high rainfall. It does not take much, apparently, for ditches to fill with water and what else is a trench but a glorified ditch?

Source: X550/2/5

Still No Attack

Sunday 20th December 1914: we are glad to report that the 1st Battalion have not been required to make an attack on the German front line today. However, the adjutant tells us that attacks have been made by other units, in co-operation with a heavy British bombardment.

The Germans responded by shelling the British front line. About twelve yards of the Bedfords’ front line trench has been blown in. This has damaged a machine gun. In addition two men have been killed and two wounded by German snipers(1).

Source: X550/2/5

(1) In fact only one man, Private Edward John Windsor from Marylebone, is recorded as being killed in action on this day. He has no known grave. This is an example of how one source contradicts another.

No Attack

Saturday 19th December 1914: It seems that the 2nd Battalion has spent another period keyed up for an attack only to have the plan cancelled. Word has reached us that the attack by the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, expected last night or today, will not now take place and so C Company will not need to assault a German trench which extends some way in front of the enemy front line. Whilst this is, of course, welcome to the men, we feel sympathy for them as they will have spent a sleepless night, many of them wondering if it was to be their last night on earth.

Such little episodes as this, though not even meriting a footnote when the history of this great conflict is penned in years to come, all sap the soldiers’ nerves and strength and will, no doubt, continue to linger in the memory of those involved for some time to come. The battalion remains in the front line trenches today and has received reinforcements to the tune of two officers and six others ranks.

Another instance of the fog of war concerns the 1st Battalion. Half its strength (two companies) is in front line trenches near Wulvergem. Last evening the remaining two companies were ordered up to reinforce the battalion. However, on their arrival they discovered that there was no room for them in the trenches and so they had to march back to their billets in Niewekerke!

Again this morning B Company was ordered to the front line, arriving at 6 am with instructions to, as the adjutant put it to us: “Crowd into the trenches or, failing room, to get any cover available in Wulvergem which, owing to shelling has no complete houses standing”. A reconnaissance will be carried out later with a view to possibly making an attack on the enemy’s front line.

The enemy’s front line, at this point, forms a rough arc around the Bedfords' position. This means that if they advance they will be fired at from three sides. Such murderous fire will likely cause very high casualties.

Sources: X550/3/wd; X550/2/5

Teaching the Art of War

Cheshire Regiment cap badge

Wednesday 16th December 1914: The 1st Battalion are going into the front line again tomorrow, or at least half of them are. Two companies will be in the front line close to Wulvergem on the Franco-Belgian border whilst the other two will be in billets to the south-west at Neuve Église or Nieuwkerke.

The battalion will have a company of the 1st/6th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment attached. This unit will be been added to the Bedfords’ Brigade, 15th, as of tomorrow, to learn from the “old sweats” how this war is being fought and what to do when in the front line. It is expected that they will be reassigned to another division in the New Year (1) having landed in France on 10th November.

The newcomers will have a rough introduction. It is understood that the communication trenches are full of water making life very cold and wet for the men in the front line.

Source: X550/2/5

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(1) In fact they were assigned to General Headquarters on 1st March 1915. 

Hard Luck!

Tuesday 8th December 1914: Readers may remember that the 1st Battalion was relieved from its front line trenches near Wulvergem on 5th December except for three officers and two hundred men left behind to help out the under-strength King’s Own Scottish Borderers. These men finally received their relief yesterday, joining their comrades in billets at Dranouter.

Today, however, the battalion has been unexpectedly ordered into the front line again just after midday. This time they will relieve the 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment. The unlucky two hundred have thus had less than twenty four hours rest

Source: X550/2/5

Partial Relief

Saturday 5th December 1914: The 1st Battalion were supposed to be relieved from their front line trenches north-west of Wulvergem today. In the event it has only been a partial relief. The relieving Battalion, 2nd Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers (13th Brigade, 5th Division), are still very weak as a result of casualties received in the recent fighting and so could not hold the front line without being stretched dangerously thin.

Three officers and two hundred other ranks have been left in the front line, no doubt much to their vexation, to help the Borderers whilst the rest of the Battalion have retired back to more comfortable billets in Dranouter.

Source: X550/2/5

On Parade

Sir Thompson Capper

Friday 4th December 1914: The 2nd Battalion has been inspected by the General Officer Commanding 7th Division – Major-General Thompson Capper at Fleurbaix. The general had organised the parade in order to congratulate the battalion on its conduct during the fierce battles around Ypres in October and November.

The general took the opportunity to express his satisfaction and pleasure with the battalion’s turnout and appearance and said how pleased he was to see it returned to full strength. Since landing in France the battalion has suffered many casualties – 105 of them killed in action and 31 who have died of wounds as well as several hundred wounded.

General Capper admitted that at Ypres the battalion had been put to a very severe test – holding the line against three times their own number of enemy soldiers at times. He went on to express his admiration for their steadiness and courage, particularly that of the other ranks in view of the high percentage of casualties to officers leaving them, at times, leaderless. The general concluded by stating that Ypres had not been a victory as the enemy had not yet been pushed out of Belgium, most of which is now in their clutches but he had every confidence that that victory will come and that the 2nd Battalion will do further credit to the name of the regiment and of the British Army.

Meanwhile the 1st Battalion decided to have some fun this morning in their front line trenches north-west of Wulvergem. They dug a sap last night. A sap is a trench dug at right angles to the front line and thus extending out into no man’s land. At dawn some men at the furthest end of this sap fired on a party of Germans bringing up rations to their garrison in the front line trench. A number of hits were confirmed. Sadly our own men suffered six casualties themselves from return fire, all wounded.

Sources:X550/2/5;  X550/3/wd

In Old French Trenches

Monday 30th November 1914: The adjutant of the 1st Battalion tells us that they have just taken over an additional 400 yards of front line trench near Wulvergem. The state of these excavations can be judged by his terse comment that the section taken over is: "full of unburied French soldiers and old trenches". The bodies will have to be disposed of, in order to prevent disease and these old trenches will need to be shored up and joined with the trenches occupied yesterday to form a workmanlike defensive system.

The adjutant further states that the new trenches are in very close contact with the Germans, whose trenches, on slightly higher ground, were within about 25 yards. Imagine playing cricket and, as the batsman, the Germans are about as far away as the bowler as he approaches the opposite crease to bowl to you.

The battalion, despite the receipt of reserves in recent days, is still very weak owing to the actions last month around Festubert and at the beginning of this month at Ypres. Consequently, a company of another Regiment has been detailed to assist in reserve in case of an enemy attack.

Source: X550/2/5

Water in the Trenches

Sunday 29th November 1914: The 1st Battalion are in the front line again, in trenches north-west of Wulvergem, which is south of Ypres and north of Armentières just inside the Belgian border.The adjutant tells us that the trenches are disconnected and in bad condition. Trenches generally begin when a unit in the open has to dig in with some alacrity when coming under fire. These temporary trenches have then become permanent but in areas of the line where there has been little action they do not always interconnect with other trench systems and it is this activity which both sides will now be undertaking, to create a continuous front line running from the Swiss border to the sea.

The adjutant further comments that the communicating trenches are full of water and that the men are kept hard at work trying to revet and improve trenches and bail out water. The Communicating trenches are those which lead backwards from the front line to a second and third line, these being necessary if the front line is rushed and taken by the enemy.

Sources: X550/2/5