Wednesday, 19 April 2017

Gaza, Loos and Givenchy



Thursday 19th April 1917

On 17th British forces in Palestine, including 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, made successful attacks on Turkish defences south of Gaza. We all expected to hear the result of yesterday’s assault on the town itself during the course of the day. However, we understand that yesterday was a day of consolidation so the main attacks has, we assume, been made today – we all eagerly await the result.

Today 8th Bedfords, south of Loos have held all the ground they have taken in the last few days, despite a number of bombing attacks by the enemy and a very hostile barrage. As I write these lines the battalion is expecting to be relieved.



Meanwhile the 1st Battalion is south of the 8th and north of us here at Arras, 1st Battalion is near the enemy-held town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, south-west of Lens.They have suffered heavy shelling and a number of fatalities including five pack animals of a ration party. They, too, expect to be relieved tonight.


Sources: X550/2/5; X550/9/1

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