Tit-for-Tat

Trench mortar at the Imperial War Museum

Wednesday 24th February 1915: The Adjutant of the 1st Bedfords, currently in the front line near the Belgian town of Wyschaete has spoken to us of a fire-fight which has taken place today.

In conjunction with the 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, which is in the same brigade (15th) as the Bedfords, they fired mortars and rifle grenades at German trenches on the Wytschaete Road(1). Unfortunately one of the mortars used by the Norfolks burst, injuring an officer in the Royal Engineers, killing one and injuring one soldier.

The adjutant reports that most of the bombs fell short as the range these weapons have is quite limited. One or two appeared to find a target, however. The Germans then replied with heavier bombs, wounding two of our men. This sort of tit-for-tat exchange is typical of the sort of thing which goes on daily, along with sniper fire and shelling from artillery pieces stationed some way behind the lines. It means that even on quiet days the British army loses quite a number of men killed and wounded. For example, we understand that yesterday, just one such "quiet day" the army lost 2 officers and 48 other ranks killed in action across the whole front line.

Source: X550/2/5

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(1) Rifle grenades were grenades on long sticks which were put down the barrel of a rifle then fired from it. They were comparatively new in British service.