General Capper's Congratulations to the 2nd Bedfords

Saturday 27th March 1915: Today Major-General Thompson Capper, commanding 7th Division, has issued the following statement: “The Divisional general has now received the reports on the action near Neuve Chapelle on 10th to 14th March. He desires to express his appreciation of the steady conduct of the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, and particularly of the gallant action of Major Denne and his small party who made a devoted counter attack on the enemy in order to assist a neighbouring battalion”.

“The Divisional general wishes also to record his admiration of the conduct of Captain C. C. Foss, D.S.O., and his few grenade throwers, who succeeded in an attack on the enemy, capturing 50 prisoners. The Divisional General much regrets the losses sustained by this Battalion”.

Source: X550/3/wd

The 2nd Bedfords in Action at Neuve Chapelle

Saturday 13th March 1915: yesterday morning we reported that the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment was about to go into action. We can now report more fully what has happened since courtesy of the adjutant. “At 7 a.m. yesterday Major W. H. Denne prepared to make a counter-attack with part of A Company on a trench captured by the enemy shortly beforehand. Major Denne was severely wounded(1). Captain C. B. Cumberlege and Captain J. H. G. Baird commenced another counter-attack but the whole party was killed or wounded. Captain Baird and four men reached the trench which was the object of the attack and one man was killed and the other three wounded”.

“At about the same time it was noticed that the Royal Scots Fusiliers were suffering severely from our own shell fire. I was sent to report this to Brigade Headquarters and the Brigadier directed that the trench should be re-taken”.

“Captain C. C. Foss D.S.O., with men of our Grenade Section advanced along A Company Trench, behind the Northampton Trench, followed by a platoon to make good the trench and they attacked the Germans. These, after one or two grenades had been thrown, held up their hands and were captured. One Officer and 48 Germans surrendered of whom fourteen were wounded. A Company. was sent forward to consolidate the position won. Part of a Platoon of B Company escorted the prisoners back”.

We understand that the names of the brave men led by Captain Foss are as follows: 9078 Private W. Eade; 6215 Private S. Scrivener, 9822 Sergeant W. Peggs, 7270 Private P. Cogan, 6477 Private W. Smith, 9878 Private G. Freshwater, 5803 Private J. Lovett, 9797 Private H. Barnett and 16441 Private F. Brown.

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The battalion has lost four officers wounded, fifteen other ranks killed, sixty six wounded and five missing in yesterday’s action. It is understood that Captain Foss’ name is to be put forward for a singular honour and that the men who went with him may also receive gallantry awards in time(2). The Battalion held the same line overnight and continues to hold it this morning.

The battle as a whole now appears to be over due to lack of ammunition for our guns. Our troops have pushed the Germans back some way and shown that their trenches can be captured. The generals will, no doubt, study this limited success in hopes of achieving something even better next time.

Source: X550/3/wd

(1) He died on 21st February 1917, aged 40 and is buried in Brimpsfield churchyard in Gloucestershire.

(2) Charles Calveley Foss was gazetted with the Victoria Cross on 23rd August 1915. The citation reads: “For most conspicuous bravery at Neuve Chapelle on 12th March 1915. After the enemy had captured a part of one of our trenches, and our counter-attack made with one Officer and 20 men having failed (all but two of the part being killed or wounded in the attempt), Captain Foss, on his own initiative, dashed forward with eight men, under heavy fire, attacked the enemy with bombs, and captured the position including the 52 Germans occupying it. The capture of this position from the enemy was of the greatest importance, and the utmost bravery was displayed in essaying the task with so few men”.

A New Commander for the 2nd Bedfords

Tuesday 12th January 1915: readers will be familiar with the 2nd Bedfords’ commanding officer, Major William Henry Denne. He remains with the battalion but now as second-in-command, the new commanding officer being Major Cranley Charlton Onslow.

The battalion is currently in trenches south-west of Fleurbaix. It is very wet here and the trenches are full of water. Yesterday the battalion received four semi-rotary pumps, two of them of a type used by the French. We hope they will be able to stem the flow of water converting trenches into streams.

Source: X550/3/wd

Presents for the 2nd Bedfords

Sunday 3rd January 1915: Major W. H. Denne, commanding officer of the 2nd Bedfords tells us: “A large consignment of presents arrived from the Women of Bedfordshire Comforts’ Fund a few days ago, consisting of a towel, a handkerchief, one piece of soap and two candles. This has been distributed to the men of the battalion and I cannot tell you how delighted they were with it. They call it the best present they have ever had, and from what I hear I think it must be true. If I may make a suggestion I should like to say that socks are one of the most needed things these days. A very few days in the trenches wears them out. Then again gloves not mittens are always required. Would you mind expressing my very best thanks to the “Women of Bedfordshire” for their great kindness and forethought in providing the men of the Battalion with so many comforts. You will only be able to realise how much they appreciate them when they come home and can speak for themselves”.

Lady Ampthill, who runs the committee, adds that a pot of Vaseline and a cake of chocolate were also sent to each man. Beside this Christmas largesse she tells us the committee has also sent out over the months: 1,833 pairs of socks; 1,321 pairs of mittens; 914 scarves; 535 body belts; 453 shirts; 50 housewives (1); 88 sleeping helmets; 24 pairs of kneecaps; 12 cardigans; 8 chest protectors; 4 Thermos flasks; 31,000 cigarettes; 6 gross of matches; tooth brushes; writing paper; peppermints; acid drops; tinder lighters; letter-wallets; braces; boracic condiment and cold cream.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 15th January 1915

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(1) A housewife (pronounced “hussif”) was the army term for an all-purpose sewing kit.

The New 2nd Battalion Commander

Wednesday 18th November 1914: The 2nd Battalion, which lost its commanding officer on 31st October has a new one - Major William Henry Denne has replaced the temporary commander Captain C. B. Cumberlege.

The General Officer Commanding 7th Division, Major-General Thompson Capper, has praised the work of the battalion in the battles around Ypres at the end of October and since: "This battalion was in Brigade Reserve during the early days of the fighting round Ypres, but portions of it were continually called upon to move up under shell fire and occupy positions in the face of hostile rifle and machine gun fire. Steadiness and good leading were required and given and the Brigade Commander considers that the battalion behaved in a most gallant manner throughout a trying and arduous period. On the 29th October the battalion took part in a general counter-attack, advancing steadily and gallantly in spite of heavy enfilade artillery and rifle fire when its losses were heavy. On the 31st October the battalion made several counter-attacks and lost many officers and men, including the Commanding Officer and Second in Command".

Source: X550/3/wd; Bedfordshire Times 22nd January 1915