Monday 16th April 1917
Readers will
remember that yesterday 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment seized some enemy
ground near Loos. This evening we have heard once again from their commander,
Lord Ampthill. A and C Companies of the battalion, under heavy bombardment,
have bombed their way forward and consolidated the objective, some way towards
a prominence called Hill 70.
However, the battalion attacking on their left failed and retired, leaving the
companies of the Bedfords “in the air”, that is, with their flank exposed to
enemy fire and attack. Despite this all attacks were repulsed and the Bedfords
hung on with just two men killed and seventeen wounded. It is not surprising
that Lord Ampthill expressed his pride in men he had trained himself at
Ampthill camp, their courage and professionalism being, in his lordhip’s words
“second to none”.
Second Lieutenant S E Cline [X550/1/81]
The adjutant
of the 2nd Bedfords contacted me late last night with the news that they are at
Couin, east of Doullens. They have received significant reinforcements – 170
other ranks and three officers, Second Lieutenants Cline, Haywood and Lydle.
Second Lieutenants Haywood and Lydle [X550/1/81]
We have heard
that the French have burst into life some way south of here, around the city of
Saint-Quentin on a long ridge known as the Chemin des Dames or Ladies’ Ride.
They have had a successful first day, gaining ground and taking prisoners, Vive
la France!
Sources: X550/3/WD; X550/9/1
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