Wednesday 16 September 2015

More Reports from Patrols



Thursday 16th September 1915: Captain Meautys, adjutant of the 7th Bedfords, tells us in his morning tactical report that two shells were fired into a nearby redoubt yesterday. These shells were amalgamated with phosphorous and a sample was forwarded to headquarters for analysis in case some new devilry is being planned.

A red rocket was sent up from Fricourt at 9.15 pm and a cart was seen over to be ablaze behind the enemy's lines, it is amusing to think that this was was probably due to the flare. At 10.30pm a mine was exploded, this was followed by a little rapid fire from the enemy. Our guns replied with a salvo of shrapnel & High Explosive.

A patrol returned at 1.30 and reported they had got right up to the German lines and heard voices and sound of rifles being loaded. They are of opinion that the trench in front of Fricourt is strongly held, a contrast to other areas of the front line. On the right of the Bedfords’ line the men report an unusual quietness in the enemy and report that line to be very lightly held. There is no sniping from this part of line and only occasional machine-gun fire.

Sources: X550/3/wd

No comments:

Post a Comment