Day Twelve on the Somme

Wednesday 12th July 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field

The 2nd Battalion’s ordeal in Trônes Wood has continued today. About 10 pm last night the enemy surrounded the force formerly led by Captain Tyler, bombing it from three sides. In the circumstances Lieutenant L H Walker ordered the men to fall back to the old brickworks on the other side of Bernafay Wood where they joined the Battalion’s headquarters. C and D Companies, entrenched in the south-west of the wood managed to retain their toe-hold all night despite frequent attacks.

Lieutenant Walker

This morning Lieutenant W White and Second Lieutenant L A L Fink were sent from the reserve of officers at the Battalion’s transport lines to replace those officers who were lost yesterday. Lieutenant White took over command of A Company from the unfortunate Captain Tyler who is either dead or a prisoner.

Lieutenant White

Just after midnight two companies of 17th Battalion King’s (Liverpool) Regiment occupied the southern edge of the wood and linked up with C and D Companies of the Bedfords. Through the day this line has been held despite many determined attacks with bombs by the enemy. Second Lieutenant H J Bricknell was wounded during the day.

Second Lieutenant Bricknell

We understand that 55th Brigade of 18th Division (7th Bedfords are in 54th Brigade of that division) has been temporarily attached to 30th Division because, although the division now holds the southern part of the wood, it has suffered many casualties over the last four days and is exhausted. I can vouch that the lined faces of the officers and men I have seen today attest to their expenditure of strength and courage over the last day or more.

Source: X550/3/wd

Day Ten on the Somme

Monday 10th July 1916 From our Correspondent in the Field

The Battle for Trônes Wood began in earnest yesterday, with the wood being taken and then lost by 30th Division. Last night a trench was dug by 30th Division on the south-west edge of the wood and early this morning troops from 90th Brigade used this to move into the wood, which seemed empty. However, the enemy then moved back in and fighting has been confused throughout the day, dead British and German bodies are intermingled and, added to the fallen and splintered trees and shell-holes have made a once pleasant wood into something from Hell. It is a thoroughly confusing place where it is easy to lose one’s bearings according to men who have been in and come out again alive.

2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment forms a part 90th Brigade but has not yet been used in any attack in this ten day-old battle. Tonight the adjutant has received orders that they are to go into action in the wood tomorrow. It is believed that it is currently only lightly held by the enemy but these things can change quickly. Certainly the defenders have put up a stiff fight today. Tonight the Battalion rests near an old French brickworks close to the south-west edge of Bernafay Wood which lies a few hundred yards west of Trônes Wood.

This afternoon the village of Contalmaison was finally captured by 23rd and 34th Divisions. This place has been in the army’s sights for over a week and great satisfaction is felt that it is finally “in the bag”. 6th Bedfords did not take part in the capture but formed a defensive flank against German counter-attacks, which cost them 6 dead, 4 missing and 40 wounded.

The 38th (Welsh) Division has been involved in heavy fighting in Mametz Wood. It is understood that they have managed to infiltrate and capture a good portion of it.

Source: X550/3/wd