More Awards

Friday 5th January 1917

The New Year is a time when awards are granted to outstanding soldiers in the army. We heard of a number of awards to 2nd Battalion on New Year’s Day; yesterday we heard of seven members of the battalion mentioned in despatches: Lieutenant-Colonel H S Poyntz, DSO; Captain R O Wynne, DSO; Lieutenant J W Hurrell; 2nd Lieutenant G A Anstee, MC; 2nd Lieutenant L H Walker; 9009 Company Quarter Master Sergeant H Maidment and 9675 Lance Sergeant G Wilson(1)

Lieutenant J W Hurrell [X550/1/81]

Meanwhile, 8th Battalion has been informed that their regimental sergeant major has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. In addition the commanding officer (Lord Henry Scott), Captain Steyn, Captain Pares and Second Lieutenant Smith have been mentioned in despatches(2) .

Sources: X550/3/WD; X550/9/1

(1) Second Lieutenant Walker was killed in the attack on Gird Trench on 12th October 1916 and is buried at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, Longueval.

(2) Second Lieutenant W T Smith would be killed on 3rd March and is buried at Cambrin Military Cemetery.

Gongs and Gloves

Tuesday 2nd January 1917 from our correspondent in the field

Readers will remember that the adjutant of the 1st Battalion, in thee waterlogged trenches in the flat-lands of Cuinchy reported yesterday on the dreadful state of those trenches. Today, he tells me, the enemy added to the misery by bombarding the men with aerial torpedoes and rifle grenades. Thankfully this resulted in no casualties, but made the bad state of the trenches even worse.

The adjutant of the 6th Battalion tells me that Lieutenant W E Aylwin has been awarded the Military Cross whilst Lieutenant-Colonel F H Edwards, Lieutenant C Chamier and Regimental Sergeant Major Headland have been mentioned in despatches.

The adjutant of the 7th Battalion spoke with me on the blower and told me that they have been busy training. This hard work is being leavened by a boxing tournament tonight in a barn used as a recreation room. The preliminary bouts have taken place in the last few days so tonight will be the finals and some good boxing is expected.

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/3/WD; X550/8/1