Yesterday
morning the bad weather of the previous twenty four hours began to clear and a
new bombardment of the German lines got underway in the afternoon with the
intention of attacking at 4.30. Sadly, we believe that the attack orders often
did not get through until about an hour beforehand, leaving the units concerned
little time to prepare. Two brigades were destined for the attack, 4th (Guards)
Brigade on 2nd Division and 3rd Canadian Brigade, which is attached to 7th
Division. Sirhind Brigade of the Indian Army was selected to make a subsidiary
attack, to draw German attention, some way to the north of the main thrust.
What an Empire wide effort this was, with men from east and west, Asia and
North America along with those of the Mother Country – brave men all.
It is
understood that the artillery bombardment was late in beginning and did not
materially affect the German defences. This, together with heavy German
machine-gun fire stopped the attacks of Briton, Indian and Canadian in their
tracks, even the Guards could make no headway. The Canadians scarcely began
their attack before it was called-off as the position was seen to be hopeless.
Overnight the
Canadian Division has been replacing 7th Division in the line. The 51st
(Highland) Division is replacing 2nd Division. So the interest of Bedfordshire
in this battle remains keen, as the highlanders have been our guests in Bedford
practically since war broke out. We wish them well. 47th Division has entered
the line to the south of Festubert. The 2nd and 7th Divisions have suffered
much but, it must be remembered, have been thwarted by bad weather, ill luck
and strong defensive positions. It is not yet clear whether there will be any
more attacks or whether the battle has ended.
The adjutant
of 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment tells us that his unit was relieved by
one company of 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment about 3 a.m. and returned to
billets in Rue l’Epinette. The strength of the battalion, he tells us, is 8
officers and 417 other ranks. Lieutenant Baird is the new Medical Officer.
Total casualties during operations from 8 p.m. on 11th to 3 a.m. on 19th May
have been 2 officers killed, 9 wounded and one sick with 45 other ranks killed,
276 wounded and 68 missing.
Source: X550/3/wd
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