Friday 24th
August 1917
There has
been fighting again today around the Ypres Salient. 14th (Light) Division are
at the old stamping ground of the 18th Division - Inverness Copse. This morning
the front line ran through the middle of this blasted wood and at 4 a.m. the
enemy unleashed a powerful barrage upon it and the ground north of it, as far
as Glencorse Wood. They then launched an attack by men with grenades and
flame-throwers. On the open ground just south of Glencorse Wood and east of Fitzclarence Farm the Germans
were successful in driving the Division back somewhat. They were less
successful in Inverness Copse, as shattered trees make very effective obstacles
to progress of any attacker. As I write this the Division is still holding the
western edge of the wood.
Again, as I
write the Worcesters of 61st Division are attacking an enemy strongpoint called
Aisne Farm(1)
After their
day at the seaside yesterday the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, are back
to training today. The adjutant tells me that 5th Army musketry range was
allotted to the Battalion. The men were taken there by lorries starting at 9
a.m. The rifle shooting of the men was good each man fired 15 rounds at a
figure target, and Lewis gunners fired at a plate.
Source: X550/8/1
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