The Aftermath of Boom Ravine

Sunday 18th February 1917 from our correspondent in the field

7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, were fortunate to be in reserve for the desperate fight at Boom Ravine yesterday rather than one of the assaulting battalions. The adjutant spoke to me this morning: “Casualties for the fight are said to be one thousand NCOs and men and thirty five officers. The 11th Royal Fusiliers and 6th Northants suffered the heaviest”.

Today the whole brigade, 54th, have been relieved by 55th Brigade and have withdrawn to hits in and around the village of Martinsart. 7th Bedfords are being employed on fatigues for the Royal Engineers.

Source: X550/8/1

Counting the Cost

Friday 16th February 1917 from our correspondent in the field

Today the 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment completed its move back from the front line north of Beaucourt-sur-Ancre to Mackenzie Huts at Martinsart, having been relieved by 1st Battalion, Royal Marine Light Infantry. The battalion has been in the line since 6th February and made a successful attack on the night of 11th/12th.

The adjutant informs me that the cost of the last ten days has been 68 killed, 90 wounded, 3 missing and 45 missing, believed killed. This is the equivalent of about a company of men, nearly a quarter of the battalion’s strength. Among the casualties were eight officers - three killed (Lieutenant Despicht, Second Lieutenant McKirdy and Second Lieutenant Shott) and five wounded (Second Lieutenant Stimson, Second Lieutenant Smart, Second Lieutenant R S Thomas, Second Lieutenant A W Thomas and Second Lieutenant Berry)

Meanwhile 7th Battalion are just about to go into the fray. It is in support for an attack planned at Miraumont tomorrow. Two companies are at Farback Trench between Thiepval and Miraumont and two in reserve at Mouquet Farm between Thiepval and Pozieres.

Sources: X550/5/3; X550/8/1

Day One Hundred and Thirty Nine on the Somme

Thursday 16th November 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field

Today the 4th Bedfords, after their exertions near Beaumont-Hamel, have moved to bivouacs and huts on the road from Englebelmer to Martinsart, quite well behind the lines.

Source: X550/5/3