The Train to Ludd

Wednesday 26th June 1918

Your correspondent had a message earlier today that 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment took a train yesterday from Surafend to Ludd. On looking at the atlas, Ludd proves to be a city also known as Lydda. After some research it proves to be the city known in the Bible as Lod, the Book of Ezra telling us that some of the Jews returning from captivity in Bablyon settled in Lod. It is also where Saint Peter cured a paralytic man. More to the point for Tommy Atkins it is said to be the birthplace of Saint George and also where he is buried(1)

Source: X550/6/8

(1) Lod is today home to Ben Gurion Airport on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Working on the Railways

Second Lieutenant Goble [X550/1/81]

Wednesday 6th March 1918

2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment are currently at Villers-Saint-Christophe. They are behind the front line but are not allowed to rest. They are being employed on railway work under the Assistant Director, Light Railways for 5th Army. One man who will be having a rest is Second Lieutenant S W Goble, who has today gone on leave.

Source: X550/3/wd

The Battle of the Somme begins Again

Captain P C Cavan [X550/1/81]

Saturday 27th January 1917 from our correspondent in the field

It seems that the Battle of the Somme, suspended since the middle of November because of the bad weather, is once more getting under way. Today 29th Division have taken over three hundred prisoners in an advance of a quarter mile near the River Ancre. The feeling amongst correspondents is that we will see similar piecemeal actions for a while, to test the enemy’s resolve and defences before any major offensive gets under way.

The 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment is currently in billets at Beaurepaire just east of Doullens The whole Battalion has been providing a railway fatigue - building a new railway to ensure the most efficient movement of men and material behind the front line. Captain P C Cavan of the 4th Bedfords has arrived today and taken over command of D Company.

Source: X550/3/WD