France 7^th October 1916

Tuesday

My Dear Ethel,

Just a few lines to answer your very nice, although short letter of the 29^th.  I quite understand that Harry steals all the news & leaves you practically nothing to write about but next time you write first and do him in.  Now I have written him a fairly long letter and practically exhausted myself so I am afraid this letter will also be short.

I very much hope Alan will be able to get home, wouldn’t it be fine if I could get home at the same time but I don’t think it is much good thinking of leave at all.

I think you deserve to get into hot water, reading other people’s letters, but I have said enough in Harry’s letter.  I do want though to buy you both a Christmas present & hope you will help Mother by telling her what you would like.  Will you please me?

I am glad you like Madge’s husband and hope it will help to break your loneliness: it is a pity though that it is so awkward getting to their place.

My sympathy is entirely with the man in the antique shop.  In a heated argument with an Irish woman he could not expect to do any good.  Did he know the person he was talking to was Irish?

Well now I must get to bed so you must excuse more tonight.

With fondest love

I am, Yours,

Bernard.

P.S. How are Ada & Cecil getting on – remember me to them when you write and also everyone else I know in Dublin.  B

No envelope with this letter.

There is an earlier envelope marked On Active Service envelope addressed to Harry R King, Esq., Glen Hilda, Park Avenue, Worcester, England.

Ans^d 8/10/16

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE R.6.  2 OC 16.  Hexagonal PASSED FIELD CENSOR 3624.  Signed T.B. Cox

There is no letter with this envelope.

ON SEPTEMBER 6^th.

All Regiments of the Brigade were back at the CITADEL.

ON SEPTEMBER 7^th.

During the morning Brigade Headquarters joined up with the Brigade at this place.

ON SEPTEMBER 9^th.

The Brigade, less 15^th Machine Gun Company, marched to MORLANCOURT.  15^th Brigade O.O. 61 gives the order of march and starting point.

The 13^th Infantry Brigade with the 15^th and 15^th Machine Gun Companies, 1^st Devon Regt, 1^st E. Surrey Regt. and 1/6 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (Pioneers) formed a Composite Brigade and were left at the CITADEL for the purpose of taking over the front line front line of the 56^th Division on the night of the 10/11^th.

The Composite Brigade was under the Command of Brigadier-General L.O. Jones, D.S.O.

The 1^st D.C.L.I., 12^th Gloucester Regt. and 95^th Machine Gun Company were at VILLE-sur-ANCRE.  Divisional Headquarters at TREUX.

FROM SEPTEMBER 9^th to 15^th:

The Brigade (less 15^th Machine Gun Company) remained at MOURLANCOURT finding fatigue parties for the unloading of ammunition, etc.

ON SEPTEMBER 12^th:

The 15^th Machine Gun Company joined the Brigade.

ON THE NIGHT 15/16^th SEPTEMBER:

The Brigade marched to the CITADEL reaching that place at 7 a.m.

On reaching the CITADEL we came under the orders of the 20^th Divn.

ON THE NIGHT 16/17^th SEPTEMBER;

The Brigade relieved the 60^th Brigade, who in their turn relieved the 2^nd Guards Brigade.  The location of the Brigade being round ATIMLOT FARM (S.18.c.7/0)

15^th Brigade O.O. 63 gives details as to the relief.

The Brigade remained with the 20^th Division until the 18^th September.

ON THER NIGHT SEPTEMBER 18/19^th:

The 15^th Brigade relieved the 18^th Brigade.  Details of the relief and the line held are enumerated in O.O. 65.

The 13^th R. Warwicks on taking over advanced the line 250 yds. and dug in from the QUARY T.9.d.1/4 to T.9.d.2/8.

ON SEPTEMBER 19^th:

Warning orders were issued for a general offensive an 21^st which, as far as XIV Corps were concerned, were to be carried out by the 56^th, 5^th and Guards Divisions in the line.

The 5^th Division were to capture MORVAL and the GUARDE LES BOEUFS; whilst the 56^th Division formed a defensive flank.  The 20^th Division were ear-marked as Corps Reserve.

From the 19^th September until the date on which the Brigade took MORVAL all energies were concentrated on the construction of the Assembly Trenches.  The final positions of the Assembly Trenches (four in number) are shewn on the sketch map marked “A”.  The construction of these trenches, which had to be sited in by night was extraordinarily well carried out.  The amount of labour put into them proved to be labour well expended.  The trenches were eventually held comfortably by two Battalions and the greatest credit is due to the Commanding Officers who were responsible for the siting of the trenches and to those who dug the trenches, to wit, our four Regiments helped by 2 Coys of the 1/6^th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and 1/2^nd Home Counties, ,R.E.

ON THE 20^th SEPTEMBER:

A Bombing attack took place.  This failed, our casualties being 1 Officer killed and 1 Officer wounded.  7 Germans were killed.  Orders for the Bombing Attack form G.1477/1, dated the 19^th September.

ON THE NIGHT 20/21^st SEPTEMBER:

The Brigade front was shortened to allow the 18^th Infantry Brigade, of the 6^th Division, to come in on our left.

On the 21^st orders were received for the postponement of operations for 48 hours and the 13^th Brigade took over the whole front.

The 2^nd K.O.S.B. relieved the 1^st Norfolk Regt.

“ 14^th R. Warwicks   “     “ 1^st Bedford Regt.

The 1^st Cheshires withdrew Company by Company from GUILLEMONT, starting at 5 p.m.  the 13^th R. Warwicks remained on the WEDGE WOOD – GUILLEMONT Line.

ON THE NIGHT SEPTEMBER 24/25^th:

The Brigade took over the position of Assembly.  These positions are shown on Map marked “A”.

The general idea of the operations which took place on the 25^th was as follows:-

Four French Corps were attacking on the right of the 56^th Division.

The XIV Corps had on its left the XV Corps.

The Reserve Army were also attacking on the left of the XV Corps.

The Order of Battle of the XIV Corps was the 56^th, 5^th 6^th and Guards Divisions.

The 95^th and 15^th Brigades were detailed to achieve the 5^th Divisional Objectives.

The Boundaries between the 95^th and 15^th Brigades in the assault were as under.

T.10.c.5/0 – T.10.c.80/05 – Road junction T.11.c.25/50 thence due East.

The 15^th Brigade were ordered to make Strong Points at the northern exit of MORVAL, T.11.a.1/2 on the spur running East through T.11.d.

Battalions detailed to carry out the attack were

1^st Norfolk Regiment                        1^st Objective.

1^st Bedford Regt                               2^nd Objective

1^st Cheshire Regt.                            3^rd Objective whilst

the 13^th R. Warwicks were to hold themselves in readiness to go right through the Cheshires and establish themselves on the line T.11.b.1/9 – T.11.d.9/9.  This to ensure observation of SAILLY SALISEL and LE TRANSLOY and deny any of the high ground on the MORVAL SPUR to the enemy.

The attack was timed for 12.35 p.m. at which hour the 1^st Norfolk Regiment were to take the BLUE Line, at 1-35 p.m. the 1^st Bedfords were to take the SUNKEN ROAD or the BROWN Line, at 2-49 p.m. the 1^st Cheshires were to be on the western edge of MORVAL, and at 2-51 p.m. eastern outskirts of the village.

The 1^st Cheshires were also told to help the 95^th Brigade should their attack be held up by going thro’ the village from north to south.

It should be noted that the advance of the Cheshires into MORVAL was ahead of the Battalion of the 95^th Brigade on their right and hence it was necessary for the Cheshires to look after their right flank.

The action of the 16^th R. Warwicks was dependant on the success of the Cheshires.  The Cheshires had a call on the 16^th R. Warwicks should stubborn opposition be met with in MORVAL.

THE ATTACK

The O.C. 1^st Norfolks, taking into consideration the fact that the capture of the 1^st Objective was all important, not only to the success of our Divisional Attack, but of vital importance to the Division on our left (the 16^th Brigade being in continuance of our 1^st Objective) and any failure on our part to make our 1^st Objective good would have exposed the right flank of the 16^th Brigade, during their advance to the Sunken Road – also owing to the fact the Norfolks (like every other Regiment in the Brigade) had already fought two battles and had lost their nucleus, decided that it was incumbent on him to lead his Regiment.

Hence at Zero the 1^st Norfolks, led by Lieutenant-Colonel P.V.P. STONE advanced covered by a good artillery barrage and some excellent shooting by our Machine Gunners, made, as one man, the 1^st objective, killing or capturing all the occupants of the trench.

In addition to a hundred odd prisoners sent back the Norfolks captured 3 Machine Guns and 1 Grenade Thrower.

The attack on the Sunken Road at 1-35 p.m. which had been allotted to the 1^st Bedfords, was a complete success.  The Battalion Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel W. ALLASON, D.S.O. went over with the second wave – all the defenders were either killed or taken prisoners.  At 2-** p.m. the Cheshires were on the western edge of MORVAL and pushing right thro’ the village they were on the eastern extremities by 2-55 p.m.

The Cheshires not only secured their flanks but pushed patrols out in an easterly direction right under our barrage and commenced the consolidation of a line some 200 yds in front of the village.  2 Machine Guns were captured by this Regiment.

The attack by the 95^th Brigade had, in the meanwhile, prospered well, with the exception of the Strong Point at T.16.d.2/8.  All objectives had been taken.  As soon as our barrage lifted the 16^th R. Warwicks went right thro’ the Cheshires and commenced consolidating a line T.11.a.5/6 to T.11.d.1/4.

Two companies of the 1/8^th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Two Sections of the 1/2^nd Home Counties, R.E. were sent up to assist in the work of consolidation.  1 Coy was detailed to assist the Cheshires and 1 Coy to help the 16^th R. Warwicks.  2 Sections Home Counties, R.E. made a Strong Point at the northern exit from MORVAL.  At daylight on the 26^th the 16^th R. Warwicks pushed still further forward and occupied THUNDER TRENCH with their left at T.11.b.2/8.  Their right being at T.12.a.2/8.

On the left of the 16^th R. Warwicks the 13^th Brigade had established a post 50 yds to the left rear and close to MORVAL.  The advance of the 95^th Brigade on the 16^th R. Warwick Line had been held up by Machine Gun Fire and the enemy who were commencing to re-occupy THUNDER TRENCH. Met the 16^th R. Warwicks at T.12.c.2/6.  The 16^th R. Warwicks bombed them back 50 yds, made 2 stops in the trench.

The final position of the Brigade was as follows:-

1^st Norfolks and 1^st Bedfords in their objectives of the 25^th.

1^st Cheshires (less 1 Coy) augmented by 1 Coy 1/6^th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and 4 Machine Guns on line T.11.a.5/6 – T.11.d.1/4 holding Strong Points (1) at northern exit from MORVAL T.11.a.05/10, (2) T.11.a.4/4, (3) T.11.d.9/8 and on Line T.11.a.6/0 – T.11.c.6/4.

The 1/2^nd Home Counties in Strong Point T.11.a.2/1 – T.11.c.5/8.

16^th R. Warwicks, with 1 Coy 1^st Cheshires and 1 Coy 1/6^th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (with 4 Norfolk Lewis Guns and Gunners).

Some 21 Officers and 800 Other Ranks were captured by the 15^th and 95^th Brigades.

On the afternoon of the 26^th orders came for the relief of the Brigade by the 71^st Brigade of the 6^th Division and the 60^th Brigade of the 20^th Division were to relieve the 95^th Brigade.

The Leicesters relieved the 16^th R. Warwicks and 1^st Cheshires, two Coys of the Sherwood Foresters the 1^st Bedfords.

The 1^st Norfolks commenced their march to OXFORD Copse at 5 p.m.

The relief of the 16^th R. Warwicks and 1^st Cheshires was a late one as the enemy shelled heavily, with gas shells, the approaches to MORVAL.

The whole Brigade arrived at OXFORD COPSE in the early hours of the morning of the 27^th September.

A list of casualties is attached and also a list of Officers and Other Ranks whose names have been forwarded to the Division for conspicuous gallantry.

The capture of MORVAL constituted the Third Feat of Arms accomplished by the Brigade during the BATTLE OF THE SOMME.  The Brigade can now claim LONGUEVAL, WEDGE WOOD, FALFEMONT FARM and lastly MORVAL – a splendid record accomplished by sheer determination aided by the extraordinary spirit which pervades the Brigade.

The spirit of everybody trying to help and everybody working for the main good.

May this spirit remain in the Brigade; if it does the Brigade will always be second to none in the Army.

K. Tyrell Brook

Captain,

Brigade Major, 15^th Infantry Bde.

6^th October, 1916.

15^th INFANTRY BRIGADE.

Casualties for period from 21^st September to 26^th September 1916.

1^st NORFOLK REGIMENT

Officers

2^nd Lieut. J.F.  Woodthorpe                                    Wounded      September 25^th

2^nd Lieut. W.J. Read                                             “                         “       25^th

2^nd Lieut. L.P. Clarke                                            “                         “       25^th.

2^nd Lieut. I.P.S. Spencer                                      “                         “       25^th

2^nd Lieut. B L. Rose                                     Wounded (at Duty)  “       25^th

2^nd Lieut. J. Soddy                                                   “                       “       25^th

Other Ranks:                                     Killed              Wounded                  Missing

    6                       56                              19

1^st BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT

Officers

2^nd Lieut C.H.Z. Piercy                                Wounded      September 25^th

2^nd Lieut. D.B. Candy                                           “                         “       25^th

Lieutenant G.de C. Millais                          Wounded (at duty)   “       25^th

2^nd Lieut. A.W. Watson                                           “                       “       25^th

Other Ranks:                                     Killed              Wounded                  Missing

    10                     97                              20

1^st CHESHIRE REGIMENT

Officers

2^nd Lieut. A.W. Henri                                   Wounded       September    24^th

Lieutenant L.C. Knocker                                         “                    “             25^th

Lieutenant J.D. Mason                                Wounded (at duty)  “           25^th

2^nd Lieut. C.H. Horsley                                         “                     “            25^th

Lieutenant E.J. Groves                                        “             “                      25th

2^nd Lieut. W.K. Clarke (1/Beds attd)          Wounded                  “           25^th

Other Ranks:                                     Killed              Wounded                  Missing

    25                     97                              17

13^th R. WARWICKSHIRE REGIMENT

Officers

2^nd Lieut. F.P. Cooper                                 Killed              September 25^th

Lieutenant L. Sayer                                     Wounded              “          25^th

2^nd Lieut. C.N. Whitehouse                               “                       “          25^th

2^nd Lieut. B.J. Scott (1/Beds attd)                     “                       “          25^th

2^nd Lieut. W. H. Stanton                                    “                       “          25^th

Other Ranks:                                     Killed              Wounded                  Missing

    12                     114                          25

15^th MACHINE GUN COMPANY

Officers

2^nd Lieutenant D.B. Richards                     Wounded                  September 25^th

Other Ranks:                                     Killed              Wounded                  Missing

    12                     8                                1

15^th TRENCH MORTAR BATTERY

Officers

Captain H.W. Bubb                                     Wounded                  September 20^th

Captain W.V. O’Brian                                  Killed                                      “       20^th

Other Ranks:                                     2 Missing

TOTAL CASUALTIES  – 544

Killed              Wounded                  Missing

Officers                                     2                         23                               –

Other Ranks                          33                     372                             84

Officers and Other Ranks recommended for Gallantry

and Devotion to Duty at MORVAL.

1^st Norfolk Regiment                                               1^st Bedfordshire Regt.

2^nd Lt. (T/Capt.) R.G.H. DAVIES                           Captain H.J. EVERETT

8141   Pte. A EDWARDS                                       Lieut. A.O.R. BEALE

****      SL. CAUSTON                                             14051 Pte. P. WALDOCK

13015 Pte. J.F. AINSWORTH                                8937 Pte. HILLS

6879   Pte. A. MIDDLETON                                   7175 Cpl. FAULDER

17122 Cpl.  A. KNIGHTS                                        19891 L/Cpl. PATEMAN

7029   L/Cpl. S.GREEN                                          9731 Sgt. HILL

7914   Pte. A. PEARSON                                       9557 Sgt. STANLEY

8423   L/Cpl. V. RUDDLE                                       16936 Pte. HOW

9391 Sgt. FOX

1^st Cheshire Regt.                                        16^th R. Warwickshire R.

Pte. T.A. JONES                                                      16/537 Cpl. D. FRIEND

16/1049 Sgt. H. DAVIS

Lieut (T/Capt.) L.V.J. POGSON                             16/920 Cpl. H.H. KAYE

Lieut. E.J. GROVES                                                16/75 L/Cpl. L. PILDITCH

Sgt. (A/C.S.M.) H. MOTTERSHEAD                               

Pte.  (A/Cpl.) F. COMPTON                                   15^th Machine Gun Co.

A/Sgt. S. WATSON

L/Cpl. J. MORGAN                                                  2^nd Lt. L.A. MILLETT                       

Pte.  A. HALONEY                                                  16758 Cpl. WILSON

Pte.  S. ALLCOCK                                                  

L/Cpl.  W. ROBINSON                                                       

Pte.  F. DAVIDSON

Pte.  W.A. ROBINSON

L/Cpl.  R. BROOKS

Congratulatory Messages received in connection with the

Operations at MORVAL.

From General Rawlinson, Commanding Fourth Army to 5^th Division

30/Sept/1916.  The conspicuous part that has been taken by the 5^th Division in the Battle of the SOMME reflects the highest credit on the Division as a whole, and I desire to express to every Officer, N.C.O. and man my congratulations and warmest thanks.

The heavy fighting in DELVILLE WOOD and LONGUEVAL, the attack and capture of the FALFONT FARM line and LEUZE WOOD, and finally the storming of MORVAL, are feats of arms seldom equalled in the annals of the British Army.  They constitute   a record of unvarying success which it has been the 1^st of few Divisions to attain, and the gallantry, valour, and endurance of all ranks have been wholly admirable.

The work of the Divisional Artillery in establishing the barrages and supporting the Infantry Attacks is deserving of the highest praise and proves that a very high standard of training has been reached.

It is a matter of great regret to me that the Division is leaving the Fourth Army, but after three strenuous periods in the battle front they have more than earned a rest.

In wishing all ranks good fortune for the future, I trust I may one day have this fine Division again under my Command.

From Army Commander

25/9/1916  Army Commander sends his best congratulations to all ranks on the great success.

26/9/1916  Please convey to Guards, 6^th, 5^th and 56^th Divisions my thanks for, and admiration of, the excellent manner in which they carried out their attacks today.  Special credit is due to the 5^th Division who have already undertaken two prolonged and successful offensives since July 20^th.  My warmest thanks to yourself and 14^th Corps Staff for the able and thorough manner in which the operations have been controlled and directed.

From Corps Commander

25/9/1916  Hearty thanks and sincere congratulations to you and all.  A very fine achievement splendidly executed.

From Divisional Commander

26/9/1916 The G.O.C. wishes to thank all ranks in the Division for their magnificent conduct yesterday.

In spite of their heavy losses in previous actions and the hardships which they have endured during the recent bad weather they have shown that their spirit is as good as ever.

No task is too hard for the 5^th Division.

From B.G.C. 15^th Infantry Brigade to Units

28^th Sept. 1916.  The Brigadier-General Commanding desires to express again his unbounded admiration and gratitude to the Brigade for the magnificent manner in which they captured their objectives on Monday last.

Owing to the Military situation the Brigade, though badly needing a rest, and after two previous most successful attacks, had to be again employed, and with splendid gallantry and determination completely defeated the enemy and captured the most important village of MORVAL.

The Brigadier-General feels that no words of his can sufficiently express his pride in having the honour of commanding such troops.  The mutual co-operation between Battalions has, throughout the time we have been on the SOMME front, been most helpful and has largely contributed to the results attained.

All ranks from Commanding Officers downwards have combined to maintain the glorious traditions of the Brigade, and the Brigadier-General has no hesitation in saying the 15^th Brigade is second to none in the British Army.

4 OC 16

Major Scovell General Staff

Northern Command York am appointed Commandant commanding officers courses Aldershot will you be coming London this week end should like to see you.  Kentish Rag London

TO CONFIRM TELEGRAM

General Staff,

Northern Command.

General Kentish, c/o Rag, LONDON.

G.4619 Oct. 5^th AAA Will make every endeavour to arrive LONDON Saturday 6p.m. AAA Please keep evening clear for discussion AAA proceed Stafford Sunday.

From Major Scovell.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

To Kentish, Rag, LONDON.

Welcome Home May possibly manage to get to London Saturday but cannot promise as may have to fo Cannock Chase.  If not will come weekend later.

From Scovell.

76^th Infantry Brigade.

4 10 16

Dear G.J.S.

I have been ordered home to train C.O’s to Command Batt^ns for the spring offensive.  I would have wished that some other had been selected for the honour but then it is D.H. told Vesey to tell me that he had selected me from all the Brigadiers in the country that he attached the greatest importance to it & that he would give me a command the moment the course was over.  Will you be coming to London in the near future?  And how are you & how is the General & Lady W****?  Will you please tell Lady W*** that Freddy Maitland, her cousin, is one of my *** lecturers **** to-day.  He has done excellent work with me in the Brigade, as an Instructor of his Battn when training or ***** behind the line and he badly wanted a rest.  All my Instructors all Regulars of some standing I am pleased to say.

Wild 5 Fus                                         17 years

Maitland Gordons                            18    “

Ramsay Camerons                          15    “    ?

(Hon) Lillie Fraser Gordons            10    ”    ?

Crumm 60^th 24    “

Harrison Leister                                18    “

Buys Glouster                                   19    “

Marshall Norkolks                            17    “

& 2 others **** & Sappers, Gunners etc.

I should like to tell you & to get your advice of possible * certain points before course ***

I see all Instructors Friday it Rag at 10 a.m. & then they return following Friday to Aldershot & Sunday night 15^th Oct class arrives & we commence work on the 16^th Oct.

Great haste

Yours ever

R.J.K.

L.S. A.J. Wilson No 5575

Hood Batt, 63 R.N. Div S1

I.B.D. A.P.O.

B.E.F. France.

1916 Oct 4^th

Dear Sir,

Just a line to let you know I am still in the land of the living hoping this letter finds you all the same at home, I have not met with many of the old boys for they are up a bit farther on up from here, I hope to see him befor long.  Give my love to all at home, the weather down here is very wet at the time I am writing to you.  I have met with one of the Whitwick boys, his name is W. Sear I have allso met with a Coalville lad out here, so I am not so lonely out here.  Give my kind regards to Mr Bastard tell him I will write as soon as I get the chance to, does the men’s Service still carry on as it used to do.  I will now close with the best wishes to all at Whitwick, from one of the old Class.

I remain L.S. A.J. Wilson.

In envelope addressed to The Rev. T.W. Walters, The Vicarage, Leicester Rd, Whitwick, Leicesterhire.  Eng.

Letter postmarked A.P.O. S.17.  5 OCT 16

PASSED BY CENSOR 3438 in hexagonal cachet in red.