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.