Comparisons

Monday 12th November 1917

It seems clear, with winter drawing near and the weather worsening, that the Third Battle of Ypres must be drawing to a close, of it has not actually done so, especially now the all-important village of Passchendaele and its ridge have been taken. Certainly there seems to be no urgency to troop movements following the last attack on Saturday. This has led the gentlemen of the press corps to compare the great offensive here with that which occurred in the second half of last year on the Somme.

If the battle has indeed come to an end after the attack of 10th November this battle, which began on 31st July has lasted 103 days. The Somme began on 1st July and ended a week later on 18th November, for a total of 141 days. The length of front has, generally been shorter here, but the Somme was a joint attack by our own forces and the French whereas this battle has been carried on solely by British and Imperial forces.

It is reckoned that the Somme saw an advance of six miles at its greatest extent. The gains here have been less but still substantial. The most vexed issue, as always, is the number of casualties, for which there may never be a completely reliable number. Indeed, the numbers for the Somme are still in dispute, one year on. In the end we each did our separate research, each estimated a figure and found the average! We suggest 400,000 British and Empire and 200,000 french casualties (dead, wounded, missing) on the Somme as opposed to 450,000 German. We arrived at figures of about 250,000 for each side in this battle.

These figures are, obviously, guesses and, it may be said, irresponsible guesses at that. Each statistic is a man’s life. What is clear, however, is that this battle has been less hungry of those men's lives. Given the awful conditions prevailing for much of this battle and the fact that the enemy’s fortifications were of longer standing than those on the Somme this shows that our army is becoming more efficient and less destructive of its most precious resource.

I see from my notes that the battalions of the Bedfordshire Regiment involved suffered 1,281 deaths. By my best calculations, after speaking to the various adjutants, the Regiment has suffered something like 339 casualties during this battle, a reduction in the order of two-thirds. Of course, the Regiment was less heavily involved in this battle, the 8th Battalion, for example, playing no part. Nevertheless the numbers are remarkable.

Hundred and Third Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Saturday 10th November 1917

Two divisions have made attacks here today, in heavy rain and aching mud. The 1st Canadian Division’s 2nd Brigade took all its objectives in advancing the front line on the Passchendaele ridge 500 yards east from the Mosselmarkt-Meetcheele road. They took Venture Farm in so doing.

The British 1st Division also made an attack on the Canadians’ left flank. Only 3rd Brigade was employed but it did not manage to achieve very much. Virile Farm and Goudberg Copse resisted attack, though Void Farm and Veal and Vat Cottages were taken. An advance half way up the slope was made but sent tumbling back by a barrage. In then defending Void Farm they made ingenious use of the mud, making it into the mud-balls which they threw at the enemy who, thinking they were bombs, fell back. It was all to no avail, however, and the farm was eventually retaken by the enemy. Later in the day Tournant Farm was taken and held(1)

(1) The Official History later decided that this was the last day of the battle.

One Hundredth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Wednesday 7th November 1917

It is one hundred days today since this battle began on 31st July. In that time many yards of ground have been gained, many strong-points, woods and villages taken and many lives lost on both sides. The weather has, for much of the time, been as harsh an opponent as the enemy, rain ensuring that the men have to struggle forward through veritable swamps of mud and standing water. Having seen the rear areas, taken a few months ago this correspondent cannot conceive of what it is like to take part in an attack through such sludge.

We are hearing disturbing news from Russia, where a rebellion has broken out in Petersburg against the authority of the provisional government, formed after the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in March. The malcontents are an extremist faction known as Bolsheviks who wish to seize power from chairman of the government Alexander Kerensky(1)

(1) Known as the October Revolution because Russia still used the old-style Julian Calendar according to which the date was 25th October. The revolution ultimately brought Lenin and the Communists to power in what became the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Ninety Ninth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Tuesday 6th November 1917

More attacks have been made here at Ypres today. 95th Brigade of 5th Division made another attempt on Polderhoek Chateau. This has not ended successfully as the defences are strong and the enemy brought down a barrage on the attackers which lasted for two hours, so eager are they to retain control of this strong-point.

Meanwhile 2nd Canadian Division used its 6th Brigade to attack the village of Passchendaele. The enemy were seen to be evacuating the village, or more correctly, its rubble on 30th October. Accordingly no real resistance was encountered until they had passed through the village and then took fire from pillboxes on the north side of the ruins. So this village, which has achieved almost the status of a talisman or icon for the army over the last few weeks has finally fallen. The men from the prairies and mountains add another embellishment to their proud record in this war!

1st Canadian Division also made an attack today, seizing a spur of land between Bellevue and Meetcheele. They seized a blockhouse at Mosselmarkt and seized Vine Cottage south of Goudberg. From here, as from Passchendaele there are views over the German lines further east which will be relished by our artillery spotters.

Ninety Seventh Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Sunday 4th November 1917

Here in cold, wet, boggy Ypres Drake Battalion has captured some enemy posts. Most of our attention is focused on warm, dry Palestine however. The adjutant of the 1st/5th Bedfords continues to keep us informed of the previous day’s events.

Yesterday a section of Royal Engineers put a pump and well into the Beach Road which “is giving us a good supply of water”. However, “The men are very tired, the long advance over the sand carrying heavy loads took a lot out of them, they got a little sleep last night, and blankets are expected up for them tonight, bivouac sheets are already up. The morale of the men is excellent all-round, and needs to be on account of the heavy shell fire they are subjected to”.

Patrols were sent out during the night went out to Turtle Hill, where they found the enemy consolidating and Lion and Tiger Trenches where they found he same thing. Two observation posts have been established. Small parties of Turks were seen at different times all yesterday morning on high ground behind enemy lines. Then, at 3.45 pm the Turks came forward over a small ridge in front of a trench on the Lion-Tiger Line. They were in full march order suggesting they were reinforcements. The adjutant remarked: “Johnny Turk is evidently unwilling to give up his prize just yet”

The adjutant gives total casualties for 2/3rd as one officer killed and three wounded, of whom two remain at duty. He is not yet sure of casualties amongst the other ranks. A British cemetery has been made in Sheikh Hasan Garden. On a happier note, two barrels of beer were brought up with the rations and issued to the men.

Source: X550/6/8

Ninety Fourth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Thursday 1st November 1917

Today the only action of which we have heard at Ypres has been capture of a German pillbox by Nelson and Hawke Battalions of 63rd (Royal Naval) Division. Lieutenant-Colonel C H de St P Bunbury of 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment was admitted to hospital last night and so Major Reggie Wynne DSO is now in command of the Battalion.

The great news here today has not been actions here, however, but those in far-away Palestine. Yesterday British and Imperial forces attacked the Turks at Beersheba, 25 miles south-east of Gaza. The 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment was not involved in this - the attacking units being 10th (Irish), 60th (London) and 74th (Yeomanry) Divisions along with the ANZAC and Australian Mounted Divisions and the 7th Mounted Brigade of Yeomanry. Cavalry still play an important part in this war on more open battlefields with less trenches and machine guns.

The attack has been a great success. We understand that 4th Australian Light Horse Brigade performed a mounted charge which carried them right into the town of Beersheba, leading to its capture. Losses in the whole battle have been remarkably light by the standards of the Western Front, with less than two hundred of our men believed killed. Around a thousand Turks are believed to have perished with perhaps twice that number being captured.

Tibby Cotter

On a sad note, we hear that the Australian fast bowler Tibby Cotter has been killed. He was a stretcher bearer with 4th Australian Light Horse and, on entering Beersheba with his unit during the charge, he was shot at close range. He had a slinging action which generated great pace, though it is fair to say he was not always accurate. Nevertheless, on his day he was a fearsome opponent, and a fascinating site from the safety of the stands(1)

Source: X550/3/wd

(1) He was 33. His action was reminiscent of Jeff Thomson of latter years and he was probably as fast. Between 1904 and 1912 he played in 21 test matches, taking 89 wickets at an average of 28.64. In first-class matches he took 442 wickets at 24.27. Trooper Albert Cotter is buried in Beersheba War Cemetery.

Ninety Third Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Wednesday 31st October 1917

The adjutant of 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, Captain J H Blackwell has managed to contact us after their disaster in the mud of the Paddebeek yesterday. They have been holding the line and, as I write this should be in the process of being relieved before marching back nearer to Ypres. We have heard that 189th Brigade of 63rd (Royal Naval) Division has again had to give up Banff House to the enemy.

In the early hours of this morning 50th (Northumbrian) Division made an attack which has been successful in advancing the line from a point at Turenne Crossing to Colombo House.

Source: X550/5/3

Ninety Second Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Tuesday 30th October 1917

As expected, 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment has been in action today, for the first time here at Ypres. Altogether four divisions have made attacks towards the village of Passchendaele and its spur.

The southernmost attack was made by 12th Brigade of 4th Canadian Division. The Canadians have suffered heavily, but have taken all their objectives, including Vienna Cottage and Crest Farm. Best of all, patrols pushed into Passchendaele found that the Germans are leaving. No attempt was made to force the village, on the basis that it it wasteful to attack a place the enemy are yielding up. It is hoped that the village can be occupied in the next few days as the division is now consolidating on the western outskirts..

Part of the reason why the Canadians of 4th Division did not advance further is that 3rd Canadian Division, on its left flank, had a more difficult time. Snipe Hill and Duck Lodge were taken, as were Furst Farm, Source and Vapour Farms but they could not advance quite as far as the 4th Division, which tempered its advance to make sure the line kept abreast.

63rd (Royal Naval) Division used its only formation of army troops, 190th Brigade, in its attack. They went over the top at 5.50 this morning and struggled in the vile conditions underfoot, clinging mud and standing water around the stream called Paddebeek. To make matters worse the enemy dropped a barrage just behind the advancing British barrage and right onto the advancing troops. This evening we are hearing that the division has managed to cling on to the line running through Source Trench, Varlet Farm, Bray Farm and Berks Houses which had been taken by the division in the attack of 26th October. Preliminary figures from the Bedfords suggest that two officers have been killed (Captain L C T Gate and Second Lieutenant A E Tee) and seven wounded; amongst the other ranks 52 are reported killed, 150 wounded and 23 missing(1).

On the left flank of the 63rd Division an attack was made by 58th (2nd/1st London) Division using 174th Brigade. An advance of about 100 yards was accomplished and pillboxes around Noble Farm have been taken as has a mound overlooking the Spriet road.

Source: X550/5/3

(1) Lieutenant Cecil Hootton Wareing would die of his wounds on 1st November and is buried at Dozinghem Military Cemetery. A total of 850 Canadians were recorded as dying on that day. Deaths from the British units taking part in the attacks this day number about 500 with 93 men from the Bedfordshire Regiment recorded as dying.

Ninetieth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Sunday 28th October 1917

We understand that 5th Division is being relieved in the front line by 14th (Light) Division following its attack two days ago. The 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment have been relieved by the 1st Battalion, Devonshire Regiment. The relief began at 4.45 pm and is drawing to its conclusion as I write these lines. The adjutant tells me that during the time the battalion was in the line it has suffered 101 casualties to other ranks, with two officers also being wounded one of whom, Second Lieutenant Croockewit, has subsequently died of his wounds.

Source: X550/2/5

Eighty Ninth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

The attack on 26th October

Saturday 27th October 1917

Early this morning Hawke Battalion of 63rd (Royal Naval) Division recaptured Banff House. This strong-point had been taken in yesterday’s fighting but as darkness gathered last evening the troops inside had been forced to withdraw by enemy pressure. Some more ground has been taken by 4th Canadian Division, too. In fact they have taken all their first objective, which, again, pressure had forced them to relinquish yesterday.

Last night the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment was relieved in the line by a battalion of the London Regiment. The adjutant explained to me, rather acidly: “This relief was about the worst on record, the relieving troops losing their way up and becoming thoroughly disorganised. The relief was not complete until about 10 a.m. this morning”.

Things are stirring in Palestine, as a few had predicted. With the arrival of the cooler weather another attempt to take the town of Gaza from the Turks seems to be on the cards. The adjutant of the 1st/5th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment has explained to us that on Thursday they worked on Gas Training with box respirators then attended a demonstration by 1st/4th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment on scaling cactus hedges. He notes that the General Officer Commanding XXI Corps (Lieutenant-General Edward Bulfin) came to the decision that it is better to use a spade to dig through a hedge instead of using scaling ladders as the place or hole once cut through the cactus hedge is permanent while scaling ladders easily break and are by no means permanent.

Yesterday more training with box respirators was undertaken. These were only issued to the Battalion on Wednesday. Less happily a Field General Court Martial assembled at headquarters for the purpose of trying 200456 Private Arthur Horace Holderness. We are pleased to report that no execution followed(1)

Source: X550/6/8

(1) No member of the Bedfordshire Regiment was executed during the First World War. Over a quarter of a million men from the British and Imperial forces were subject to court martial during the war with nine in every ten being convicted; 3,080 were executed. Common crimes were: absence without leave; drunkenness; desertion; insubordination and loss of army property such as a rifle. There is no record of Private Holderness’ offence. As well as death, and far more common, was imprisonment or field punishment. Field Punishment Number 1 involved being shackled to an object such as a wheel and left for up to two hours over a number of days. Field Punishment Number 2 involved being shackled by not attached to anything. With both the object was to humiliate the prisoner.

Eighty Eighth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Friday 26th October 1917

Another attack has been made today on the village of Passchendaele and its ridge as well as on the village of Gheluveldt along the Menin Road. These attacks have involved eight divisions.

For the first time in three weeks, serious fighting returned to the vicinity of the Menin Road. Here 7th Division attacked south-east towards Gheluveldt. Those with long memories have been struck by the fact that this division, which then included 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, saw its first action in this very vicinity almost exactly three years ago, making an attack from Gheluveldt towards Gheluwe on 15th October 1914. That attack ended in failure and retreat. Today’s attack seems to have been little more successful. 91st Brigade could make any headway against a solid wall of machine-gun fire. 20th Brigade, at times waist-deep in water, did penetrate the village, getting to within one hundred yards of the church. Then came a wave of German counter-attacks which pushed the attackers out of the village and almost back to their starting positions. Those who remember it tell me what a pleasant little place Gheluveldt was before the war, sitting on its ridge over-looking Ypres to the west and Gheluwe to the east. Evidently the enemy are very fond of it, too, and will not give it up without a prolonged struggle.

Next in the line going north is 5th Division, who were also in this vicinity three years ago. This division attacked with 13th Brigade, heading south-east along the north side of the Menin Road down the valley of the Scherriabeek, which has become vile, stinking bog. On 16th October the 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment played a war game called “The Taking of Polderhoek Chateau”. That feat was achieved for real today by 15th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment but they were forced to pull back, because the units on either flank had made no progress, letting the enemy back into the strong-point he had lost. He then counterattacked the Warwicks and the last we heard the whole of the brigade was back at its starting line of this morning.

The adjutant of the 1st Bedfords told me that at ten o’clock this morning he had received a message from divisional headquarters that all objectives had been taken. At noon another message was received saying that the Warwicks had abandoned the chateau and that 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers had been ordered to reinforce the attack. At 1.15 pm the adjutant received orders for the Bedfords to the support the Borderers and the Battalion moved forward arriving at a spot called the Tower at 4.30. An hour later they were ordered to take over in the front line between the foul morasses of the Reutelbeek and the Scherriabeek which they are in the process of doing as I write this.

So much for the attacks along the Menin Road. The other main area of attack has been the Passchendaele Spur. 4th Canadian Division is astride the road from Broodeseinde to Passchendaele and their attack, by 10th Brigade, was aimed directly for the village. They seized their first objective but, under relentless counter-attacks have withdrawn nearly to their starting position. On the left is 3rd Canadian Division whose attack, by 8th and 9th Brigades, headed in the direction of Mossemarkt and Goudberg. Again, they made their first objective but could not go any further. Nevertheless, Wolf Copse and Bellevue have been taken.

63rd (Royal Naval) Division are next in the line, though 4th Bedfords are still in support closer to Ypres. The attack was made by 188th Brigade comprising two battalions of sailors and two of Royal Marines. As with the Somme last November, many have been the wry remarks about the battlefield being so flooded that the navy has been sent in. Only in the centre was the attack prevented from getting too far forward, the right flank taking Varlet Farm and the left flank taking Bray Farm and Berks Houses. Thus the majority of the first objective has been taken and consolidated.

58th (2nd/1st London) Division made the attack on the navy’s left flank, using one brigade, the 173rd, pushing north-east from Poelcapelle. Cameron House and its blockhouses fell quickly but then the advance stalled and we understand that enemy counter-attacks this afternoon have pushed the Londoners back to their original line.

57th (2nd West Lancashire) Division attacked with 170th Brigade but, in truth, never really began. It simply could not get through the marsh in front of it. A few men were able to get round the morass and establish posts in Memling farm and Rubens Farm, which were unoccupied by the enemy but that has been the extent of what was possible.

Finally, 50th (Northumbrian) Division, heavily involved in the final stages of the Somme campaign in the bitter fighting in the bogs around the Butte de Warlencourt was faced with more of the same today when 149th Brigade was ordered to attack north-eastwards towards Schaap-Balie. The weight of fire from the enemy, combined with the state of the ground has reduced their advance to one of eighty yards in some places, no advance at all in others.

The attacks today have not had the same success as some of those of recent times. The enemy’s resistance seems to be stiffening as the year fails and the weather closes in. Still the village of Passchendaele, which seems to have become something of a touchstone for the later stages of this battle, remains untaken.

This evening we hear that Brazil has joined the long list of civilized countries which have lost patience with German aggression. A few days ago one of their ships was sunk by a U-Boat and its captain taken prisoner. Relations have not been good between the two states for most of this year but this has been the final straw and Brazil has declared war on Germany. Whether we see any soldiers from the land of the samba remains to be seen(1)

Source: X550/2/5

(1) Only about twenty men were sent to the Western Front to learn the strategy and tactics of modern war. The Brazilian navy, however, played an important part in anti-U-boat operations in the South Atlantic.

Eighty Seventh Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Thursday 25th October 1917

The adjutant of the 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, which is in support at Stirling Castle near Hooge, reports that they have been shelled at intervals throughout the day. A victim of this has been Second Lieutenant A E Croockewit who has been severely wounded and Second Lieutenant L J Hobson somewhat less so(1).

A number of men from the 6th Battalion have been awarded the Military Medal: Lance Corporal L Orpin, Lance Corporal F Lee, Lance Corporal R Grubb, Lance Corporal W Wright and Private B Smith.

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/7/1

(1) Alexander Edward Croockewit died on 26th October and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, he was 31 and came from Dover [Kent] but had been educated at Bedford School. Hobson seems to have survived the war.

Eighty Fifth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Sir Ivor Maxse

Tuesday 23rd October 1917

The adjutant of the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, tells me that the commander of XVIII Corps, Lieutenant-General Sir Ivor Maxse, has issued a congratulatory telegram to 18th (Eastern Division) after the success by 53rd Brigade yesterday. It reads: “The XVIII Corps Commander sends his hearty congratulations on the success of the 18th Division on the 22nd instant. He adds that this success was gained in spite of bad weather, bad mud and hot artillery fire, and that all concerned deserve great credit from highest to lowest”. It was issued via Major Arthur Percival, ex-7th Bedfords, now Acting Brigade Major of 54th Infantry Brigade.

The adjutant remarked wryly that he was not sure what Sir Ivor was congratulating the Bedfords about, possibly on resting, refitting and bathing, which was their part in yesterday’s attack! Of course, Sir Ivor was commander-in-chief of 18th Division until his promotion in January this year.

Source: X550/8/1

Eighty Fourth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Monday 22nd October 1917

Three divisions have made attacks here today in an advance from Poelcapelle in the south to Veldhoek in the north - the northernmost part of the current battlefield. 18th (Eastern) Division took most of Poelcapelle on 12th of this month. Today 53rd Brigade has taken the Brewery on the eastern side of the town, which had held up their advance in 12th. They have also taken Meunier House, another target on 12th, as well as Noble’s Farm and Tracas Farm. This has been a highly satisfactory attack to add to the laurels of this élite division.

On their left flank, 34th Division pushed forward with two brigades, 101st and 102nd. 102nd Brigade took their objectives including Requete Farm. 101st Brigade had much more difficulty, being very badly handled, we understand, by a nest of pillboxes, and then by a counter-attack which seems to have pushed them back a good way.

35th Division has replaced the Guards Division in the line and their attack, with two brigades, was made due north against ground immediately south of Houthulst Forest. 104th Brigade has taken Colombo House and all its objectives, though, rather rashly, they pressed on into Houthulst Forest and were then forced to withdraw to the southern edge. 105th Brigade took Marechal Farm and Panama House and all their objectives. However, late this afternoon we are told, the Germans managed to break through 16th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment in a counter-attack, causing that battalion to retreat all the way back to its start line.

Thus today has been, as so often, a day of mixed fortunes. There has been sufficient success, however, to make the army believe that one more push, at one point or along the whole battlefront and some real success may result. 

Eighty Third Day of the Third Battle Ypres

Sunday 21st October 1917

The casualties incurred by the army during the present battle have made an impact on 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Today fifteen officers and ninety other ranks have been struck off strength as they have been transferred to XVIII Corps Reinforcement Camp to provide reinforcements to the divisions in that corps(1). Second Lieutenant T R G Cooke has also left the Battalion as he has joined the Royal Flying Corps.

Source: X550/5/3

(1) During the Third Battle of Ypres the divisions forming part of XVIII Corps fluctuated but included the following: 9th (Scottish) Division; 11th Division; 18th (Eastern) Division; 39th Division; 48th (South Midland) Division; 51st (Highland) Division; 58th (2nd/1st London) Division and 63rd (Royal Naval) Division.

Eighty Second Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Lord Ampthill [X550/9/2]

Saturday 20th October 1917

Over the last two days Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Ampthill, formerly commanding officer of the 8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, and more recently Director of Indian Labour at Headquarters, has been with the 1st Battalion and today he inspected them on parade.

The 4th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, part of 63rd (Royal Naval) Division is at Houtkerque on the border between France and Belgium west of Poperinghe. They have been training, specifically learning how to attack pill boxes and so it looks as if their introduction to the Third Battle of Ypres may not be long delayed.

The 6th Battalion is at Epsom Camp, Westouter. Three days ago an officer, Second Lieutenant S van der Linde was killed and another officer, Second Lieutenant A Foll as well as three other ranks were wounded when an enemy aircraft dropped a bomb on them whilst north-east of Ypres. Today Second Lieutenant A Stone MC, Second Lieutenant F J Smith and fourteen other ranks have joined as reinforcements.

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/5/3; X550/7/1

Eighty First Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Friday 19th October 1917

Yesterday the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment went back into the front line at the Canal Bank on the Ypres-Comines Canal near Hollebeke where 2nd Battalion have also been at times this year. Today they have been severely attacked by gas shells. The adjutant reported that the mud is very thick and the duckboards few, meaning that the men are constantly over their ankles in a cold, glutinous mess, to the detriment of their feet, their temper and their health generally. The line, it should be noted, is not a continuous trench but often merely a series of shell holes filled with water. The adjutant hoped that their stay would be a short one otherwise there may be many men fit for nothing but being sent to hospital(1).

Source: X550/8/1

(1) It would be a short tour, relief taking place the following evening.

Eightieth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Thursday 18th October 1917

Today 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment put into practise what they had learned in the last few days. They gave a demonstration of how to make a modern attack to all the battalion commanders and adjutants in 15th Brigade. In the afternoon the officers beat the other ranks at rugby by nine points to nil(1)

Source: X550/2/5

(1) At this period scoring was: four points for a dropped goal; three points for a try or a penalty; two points for a conversion.

Seventy Ninth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Wednesday 17th October 1917

Today 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, has been practising an attack, according to the adjutant: “with special reference to pill boxes, barrages, counter-attack, communication, sectional advances, rapid consolidation, fire control, bayonet, Lewis gun, rifle grenades and smoke” a very full account of the way modem war is fought. Afterwards the commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel P R Worrall MC, gave a lecture on the subject. In the afternoon the second-in-command, Major Halford, took a course for all officers in map reading.

Source: X550/2/5

Seventy Eighth Day of the Third Battle of Ypres

Tuesday 16th October 1917

The adjutant of 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment, tells us that today the officers and sergeants have taken part in a ‘war game’ using toy soldiers on a large model near Battalion Headquarters. This war game was called “The Taking of Polderhoek Chateau” to make them aware of the latest thinking on offensive tactics as well as the latest observations on defence by the enemy. This afternoon the officers have taken on the other ranks in a game of rugby and tonight there will be a concert for the battalion.

6th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment has been reinforced. One officer, Lieutenant E S Dyer, and ninety other ranks have arrived to swell the ranks.

Sources: X550/2/5; X550/7/1