The New 2nd Battalion Commander

Wednesday 18th November 1914: The 2nd Battalion, which lost its commanding officer on 31st October has a new one - Major William Henry Denne has replaced the temporary commander Captain C. B. Cumberlege.

The General Officer Commanding 7th Division, Major-General Thompson Capper, has praised the work of the battalion in the battles around Ypres at the end of October and since: "This battalion was in Brigade Reserve during the early days of the fighting round Ypres, but portions of it were continually called upon to move up under shell fire and occupy positions in the face of hostile rifle and machine gun fire. Steadiness and good leading were required and given and the Brigade Commander considers that the battalion behaved in a most gallant manner throughout a trying and arduous period. On the 29th October the battalion took part in a general counter-attack, advancing steadily and gallantly in spite of heavy enfilade artillery and rifle fire when its losses were heavy. On the 31st October the battalion made several counter-attacks and lost many officers and men, including the Commanding Officer and Second in Command".

Source: X550/3/wd; Bedfordshire Times 22nd January 1915