Le Touret

Lieutenant R E Oakley [X550/1/81]

Thursday 1st February 1917 from our correspondent in the field

The 1st Battalion adjutant remarked to me today that they, part of 5th Division, are now quite close to 6th Battalion, who are part of 37th Division. Last month 6th Battalion were at le Touret today it is 1st Battalion who are acting as brigade reserve. The adjutant commented: “Very cold weather and very cold billets for the men”.

2nd Battalion are still at Baurepaire, hard at work building a railway. We hear that Lieutenant R E Oakley has been granted the acting rank of Captain whilst he commands a company.

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/3/WD

The Battle of the Somme begins Again

Captain P C Cavan [X550/1/81]

Saturday 27th January 1917 from our correspondent in the field

It seems that the Battle of the Somme, suspended since the middle of November because of the bad weather, is once more getting under way. Today 29th Division have taken over three hundred prisoners in an advance of a quarter mile near the River Ancre. The feeling amongst correspondents is that we will see similar piecemeal actions for a while, to test the enemy’s resolve and defences before any major offensive gets under way.

The 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment is currently in billets at Beaurepaire just east of Doullens The whole Battalion has been providing a railway fatigue - building a new railway to ensure the most efficient movement of men and material behind the front line. Captain P C Cavan of the 4th Bedfords has arrived today and taken over command of D Company.

Source: X550/3/WD