Casualties Whilst Practising

Lieutenant-Colonel Poyntz as a captain [X550/1/82]

Wednesday 21st June 1916: Raids and attacks need to be practised and, to be realistic, live ammunition is often used. We understand that 2nd Battalion has suffered two casualties whilst practising for a forthcoming raid. Lieutenant-Colonel Poyntz and the adjutant Lieutenant J W Hurrell had gone to Bray to supervise the training for a raid and witnessed Corporal W Eade killed by an exploding grenade. This man was an exceptional soldier, having been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry. Lance Corporal W Tyrrell was wounded in the same explosion.

By contrast with the tragic death of Corporal Eade, Corporal F Johnson, perhaps partly seeking to emulate the example of Private Chambers, whose death was reported yesterday, wounded himself in the left foot. He had only been with the Battalion for three days, having joined with a draft on 18th.

Source: X550/3/wd

(1) Corporal Eade, from Islington, is buried at Chipilly Communal Cemetery Extension. Self-inflicted wounds were a serious offence, carrying a maximum sentence of a lengthy period of imprisonment. Over 3,800 men were sentenced for this offence during the war. 

Suicide

Lieutenant Warren [X550/1/81]

Tuesday 20th June 1916: Another officer joined the 2nd Battalion yesterday, Second Lieutenant D D Warren. The raiding party, we understand, are still practising at Bray.

17796 Private Thomas Stephen Chambers, aged 22, killed himself yesterday. Perhaps the strain of the impending offensive which everyone is talking about, preyed on his mind(1), certainly yesterday was a very quiet day.

Source: X550/3/wd

(1) He has no known grave and is commemorated on the le Touret Memorial.

6th Battalion and Football

Count Gleichen

Thursday 2nd March 1916: Lance Corporal Stanbridge, 6th Bedfordshire Regiment, late Captain of the Ampthill Football Club, has sent home a report of a semi-final played “Somewhere in France”. He says: “We have played the semi-final which, I am sorry to say, we lost 1-0. We played the 9th Leicesters, not far from the firing line. It was a very bustling game, witnessed by about 1,500 spectators, including the Divisional General(1) and officers. For the greater portion of the first half we were outplayed and their inside right scored the only goal of the match from four yards out, hitting the underneath of the cross-bar and then going through. Just before half-time, during a charge, our outside left had to leave the field for good. During this half we kicked up hill with the wind at our backs. In the second half we played our opponents practically to a standstill, but could do everything but score, our opponents for once not being able to shoot. I should like to say we were beaten but not disgraced, as the score readily suggests. Our team, which was at full strength with one exception, was as follows: Lance Corporal Stanbridge, goal; Private Smith and Sergeant Bilsborrow, backs; Privates Rance, Wiggs and Iremonger, halves; Lance Corporal Hunter, Private Hawkes, Private Chambers, Sergeant Abbott and Private Munro forwards”.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 14th April 1916

(1) Count Gleichen

6th Bedfords Football Record

Tuesday 11th January 1916: The various battalions of the Bedfordshire Regiment continue to add fresh laurels to their football honours. Lance Corporal W A Powell told us: “We are now resting after spending Christmas and New Year’s Day in the trenches. During this little spare time we get, football matches are played with the object of winning a cup which is presented by the Divisional Commander. Already the battalion is on the way to victory, as is shown by the following: - since November last, played 8, won 7, drawn 1, 30 goals for, 6 against”.

“A great match was played yesterday by this battalion and the 8th East Lancashire Regiment, which was witnessed by about 1,000 spectators including the Divisional Commander(1). Great excitement prevailed throughout the game, which was due to the grand footwork displayed by both teams. The game ended in a win for the 6th Battalion by 4 – 1. The team consisted of the following, some of whom are no doubt well known: Lance Corporal Stanbridge; Private N Smith; Sergeant Bilsborrow; Lieutenant Hitch; Private Wiggs; Private Ironmonger; Lance Corporal Hunter; Private Hawkes; Private Chambers; Sergeant Abbott; Private Munro(2). The evening was then brought to a successful close by a good two hours continual laugh in the Divisional Theatre, where the ‘Barn Owls’ (who are singers and dancers selected from the division) gave us a delightful time”.

Source: Luton News 27th January 1916