Son of Joseph and Sarah Brown of Victoria Street, Wetherby; husband of Eliza Brown of 7, Exchange Street, Hunslet, Leeds.

Charley Brown was born at Wetherby in 1885, the son of Joseph, occupation, a Horse Breaker/Groom, and Sarah Brown. The 1901 Census details record that at this juncture, Charley had found employment as an Errand Boy (Post), his father's occupation now being described as that of a Domestic Groom.

Moving to the City of Leeds at some point between the years 1901-1905, Charley entered a union of marriage in the latter year with one Florence Mary Savage, the couple eventually setting up their marital home at Number 7, Exchange Street, off Wilson Street, Hunslet. The couple would be blessed with the birth of two children, Edna May in May 1910 and Florence Ursula in May 1914 respectively. (Authors note: The area of Hunslet that contained Exchange Street has now long since vanished in the slum clearances of the City. The position of the street however now equates to an area off Low Road and Church Street close to the modern day Penny Hill Shopping Centre).

Enlistment

Charley enlisted into the British Army in late August or in the early days of September 1914 at Leeds. It was estimated that over 100 recruits per day were enlisting in Leeds as a consequence of the first proclamation of Kitchener's 'Call to Arms,' a request for 100,000 men to join the Colours issued on the 11th August but this number was increasing rapidly. Such was the influx of men willing to enlist, the Recruiting Depot located in Hanover Square was proving to be far from adequate for the purpose, so to expedite the recruitment process, a 'new' Recruiting Depot was opened on the 3rd September at the Tramway Depot located in Swinegate. Attesting for military service and after undergoing a preliminary medical examination, Charley Brown was now deemed to have enlisted. Assigned the serial number 12765, he would ultimately be posted to the 10th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment.

The 'New Armies'

After a dramatic response to the first 'Call to Arms,' a second proclamation was made on the 28th August requesting a further 100,000 men to join the Colours. Once again men flocked to their local recruitment offices across the country but amongst the patriotic crowds of men now joining the 'New Armies,' there was an emphasis placed on the recruitment of those who had previous military service such as non-commissioned officers and drill instructors to train these new units. This shortfall of trained military personnel would prove to be problematic across the whole formation of the Kitchener's 'New Armies' but still men continued to enlist.

The Leeds Mercury reported on the 11th September that the Prime Minister, in a statement made to the House of Commons, declared that the number of recruits enlisting into the army since war had been declared now numbered about 439,000 men, exclusive of those in the Territorial Force. In Leeds, the number of men who passed through the Swinegate Depot the day previously now brought the City of Leeds contribution to Lord Kitchener's 'Army' up to about 5,000 men. In addition, Leeds had also commenced to raise its own "Pals" Battalion, the Leeds City Battalion, recruitment moving apace at both the Town Hall and the Hanover Square Recruitment Office to find 1,200 men, this being completed and exceeded by the 8th September.

After the first 'Call to Arms,' Army Order 324 was issued on the 21st August, this authorising the creation of six new divisions comprising purely of the Kitchener's Volunteers. Designated K1, and with each battalion designated as a 'Service' Battalion, i.e. formed for the duration of the war, these six divisions comprised of the 9th (Scottish) Division, 10th (Irish) Division, 11th (Northern) Division, 12th (Eastern) Division, 13th (Western) Division and the 14th (Light) Division. Similarly, the second 'Call to Arms' resulted in the issuing of Army Order 382 on the 11th September authorising another six new divisions. Designated K2, these six divisions comprised of the 15th (Scottish) Division, 16th (Irish) Division, 17th (Northern) Division, 18th (Eastern) Division, 19th (Western Division) and the 20th (Light) Division. In addition to K1 & K2, Army Order 388 was issued on the 13th September authorising the formation of another six divisions. Designated K3, these divisions were not issued titles and were more diverse in composition but it is now that we will turn our attentions to the 10th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, contained in the 17th (Northern) Division.

17th (Northern) Division

The 10th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment was formed at York on the 3rd September 1914 as part of K2 of the New Armies. The battalion was contained in the 50th Infantry Brigade that also consisted of the following units:-

7th (Service) Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment

7th (Service) Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards)

6th (Service) Battalion, Dorset Regiment

Recruits for the 10th West Yorkshire's were drawn not only from Yorkshire but from the numerous counties of both England and Wales and from a variety of trades and professions. Men such as Thomas George Burtoft, a Miner and a native of Usworth, County Durham. Robert Porter, a Rubber Worker from Aston, Birmingham, born at Meerut, India, and Wilfred Ball, a native of Newport, Monmouthshire and an adopted child who had in fact enlisted aged 16 years at Bath.

Command & Staff

On the 6th September 1914, Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Walker was appointed to command the fledgling battalion. A Scotsman by birth, Walker had already witnessed a varied and illustrious military career. Serving in Afghanistan and west Africa with the 14th Foot, Second Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, he retired from the service in 1899 upon attaining the rank of Major. Serving in various capacities at home, he was then appointed to command the 3rd (Militia) Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment with which he served in South Africa. Appointed Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, it was no doubt due to his experience, that he was recalled to command a battalion of the New Army.

On the 24th September 1914 (London Gazette dated the 22nd), Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Tom Reay C.B. was appointed the rank of Temporary Brigadier-General and placed in command of the 50th Infantry Brigade. Commissioned into the 63rd Foot Regiment in 1875, Reay would initially serve as a Probationer on the Indian Staff Corps and in 1882 serve as a Captain in the Manchester Regiment in the Anglo-Egyptian War. Posted to the 1st Battalion of the Regiment as Adjutant in 1884, he would eventually rise to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1899 and command the 2nd Battalion, Manchesters throughout the course of the Boer War. Upon completion of his service, Reay would be placed on 'half pay' on the 6th October 1903 and serve on the Commands and Staff until February 1911 whereupon he was officially placed on Retired Pay in March of the following year.

On the 18th September (London Gazette dated 6th October 1914), Major-General Walter Rupert Kenyon-Slaney C.B. was appointed to command the 17th (Northern) Division. Joining the 4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own) in 1869 as an Ensign by purchase, Slaney was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1871 after conducting service in both India and Aden. Rising to the rank of Captain and promoted to Adjutant in 1881, this appointment expired in 1886 whereupon he was seconded for service as an Adjutant of Auxiliary Forces. Attaining the rank of Major after service in Egypt, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1897 before being placed on 'half pay' in 1901. Serving on the Staff in South Africa as a Special Service Officer and then a Lieutenant-Colonel and Brevet Colonel (Local Brigadier-General commanding the Middelburg District, Transvaal), it was in 1907 that Kenyon- Slaney was awarded the C.B. and promoted to the rank of Major-General in the following year. Confirmed in the rank of a Brigade Commander in 1909, in September 1913 and after a colourful military career spent on many continents, Slaney was then placed on retired pay. 

Training: The Camp

With the respective battalions of the division concentrating at their Home Stations, it soon became apparent for the need to find more suitable areas for the men of the New Armies to commence their training. In early September 1914 and to this end, the units that comprised the 17th (Northern) Division had received orders to move southwards to Dorset. Arriving at Wareham, the allocated camp being located at Worgret to the west of the town, the camp consisted of tented accommodation but few in number for the substantial amounts of men arriving in the town. Initially men were billeted in various local establishments such as church and chapel schools as at the camp there was very little else in the shape of beds, tables and established cooking facilities. Luxuries afforded to the men such as tobacco and a decent cooked meal were non existent, one soldier of the 7th (Service) Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment reporting that "Last night our tea consisted of hard biscuits and jam, and sweet tea with no milk in it." Privations even extended to the lack of blankets as well as the essential necessities of life such as boots and clothing. Local organisations however provided many comforts for the men, the people of Bournemouth for example collecting camp blankets, wool shirts, books and periodicals which were delivered to the camps located at Wareham and Wool. A large tent was also established by the Y.M.C.A. by the Finchley Association under the control of the Secretary, Mr. T.D. Johnston, the latter having previously administered the St. Albans establishment for the London Irish Rifles.

Despite woeful organisation on the part of the military, the camp slowly began to establish itself. Discipline in the initial stages of training had proved to be rather problematic but this was more due to the transition being made from civilian to soldier. Order had to be created and to this end, those with previous military service came to the fore in the form of both officers and N.C.O.'s. The 7th (Service) Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, 51st Infantry Brigade of the 17th Division had one particular distinguished veteran amongst their number, one Lance-Sergeant George Henry Wetherall. Enlisting into the Special Reserve on the 9th September 1914 aged 69 years, this veteran had originally served in the Militia and had volunteered his services as a Drill Instructor with the 7th Battalion located at Wool. Assigned a squad and noted as "exceptionally smart," George would be discharged after completing one years service with the Colours in February 1916, an incredible man no doubt who, like old soldiers do, 'faded away' in 1918.

There was an absence of uniformity amongst the men as uniforms were virtually non-existent. Parades were conducted with the men dressed in a variety of clothing and as regards rifle training, a few 'Drill Purpose' rifles had been acquired but not sufficient in number. Uniforms of a sort however did begin to arrive in October but these were an eclectic mix comprising of old pe-war regular and militia uniforms, the men truly resembling soldiers of "Fred Karno's Army" no doubt much to everyone's amusement. Route marches and various drills were now introduced to the training programme as their development from civilian to soldier progressed apace. A fascinating insight into life in the camp is provided by Private Ernest George Hopkinson, 13692, 10th West Yorkshire's and a native of Westfield Terrace, Mytholmroyd. Serving previously with the Todmorden Volunteer Corps and completing his terms of enlistment, Ernest enlisted at Halifax on the 7th September 1914. Writing to his brother, William, who would also serve in the war with the Royal Engineers, the letter was published in the Todmorden and District News dated the 16th October 1914, a lengthy extract of which is as follows:-

"From Monday morning to Saturday they had to turn out of bed at 5-30 in the morning, wash in cold water in buckets outside, clean out tents, shake their blankets, of which they had at least two each, and put them out into the open air and sun until afternoon. The tents had to be swept out and all the bits of paper picked up and burnt with the other rubbish. This has to be followed by dressing for the first parade at 7 o'clock, which continues for an hour. The parade consists of Swedish drill, arm swinging, body bending, hopping, jumping, running, leap frog, and other forms of exercises, which makes them have good appetites for their breakfast, which is served at eight o'clock. The meal consists of bread and cheese, jam, marmalade, boiled ham and tea. Of course those things were not all served at one meal, but alternated. The next parade was with the rifles and drill for army training, of which their is plenty; this occupied from nine until 12.30. Dinner consists of stewed meat, mixed with all kinds of vegetables, boiled in egg-shaped buckets, one being sufficient for two tents, containing 28 men. Each battalion has its own cook house and there are about 1,200 men in a battalion. About 700 troops belonging to different regiments are in camp. The next drill extends from 2 until 5 o'clock and is for rifle training, company and battalion drills. Tea consists of jam, cheese and bread, and once they had salmon. The margarine is eaten to the accompaniment of all kinds of language known, but he would not say any more about the delicious substance. After tea they were "on their own" until nine o'clock and they spent the time walking into the village and getting a little supper, and he was sure the shopkeepers and others were making fortunes, as they had not had such a busy time in all their lives. All lights have to be out in camp 10-15, but most of the men are in bed by nine o'clock. During the night search-lights played all around the camp and sea, but they could not tell where the lights came from, but they are a few miles away. It has been lovely during the moonlight nights; it was so bright that they could see to read the newspaper. They had route marches varying from eight to seventeen miles a day. After the long walks they had no drill, but feet inspections and lectures, two or three of the latter being given each week on discipline etc. The people in the district appear to be easy going and do not appear to do much work. The chief occupation is farming, fruit and vegetable growing. Fruit was very cheap, and blackberries most plentiful, and the people did not know what to do with them. They had lots of pets in camp, of which the men were very fond. He wished they could see the men washing their towels, shirts, socks etc., and ends up by declaring that they will be "full-blown washerwomen" some day.

Writing later on behalf of himself and Harold Barker (Authors note, 13693), he says the Young Men's Christian Association is doing a very good work among the troops. They have erected a large marquee for the comfort and pleasure of the troops in the evenings. There is singing and games, accommodation for writing, and various kinds of amusements, which all go to make the evenings happy for those who attend. On Saturday evening they had a concert given by ladies and gentlemen from Bournemouth, who willingly gave their services for the good of the troops. There were present the Brigadier-General, and several other officers, and the General said he hoped to see them all march to Berlin, to which there were loud cries of "hear, hear." The officer promised to purchase footballs in order that the company matches might take place for a cup which he would present. Lots of generous people visit the camp and send various gifts, consisting of overcoats, socks, shirts, towels, cigarettes and other articles. The trees and plants, said the writer, were in full bloom, but he supposed all the leaves would have fallen at Mytholmroyd. In the early hours of the day it was very cold, and the mist from the sea was heavy, but the men soon got warmed up with exercise. After the mist had cleared away the sun came out in all its glory and the heat was almost unbearable; indeed, at times numbers of men had to be carried away. The letter concludes with a wish to be remembered to all at Mytholmroyd Church Institute."

Autumn & Winter 1914: Industrial Disputes, Rain & Vaccination 

Towards the end of the month of September, a suitable number of tents had arrived to establish the camp as a more 'permanent' facility. This was all well and fine as the month had been one of glorious weather but as autumn approached, there was a pressing need to turn the camp into one consisting of hutted accommodation. In October, men who had been exposed to the vagaries of a wet autumn now began to fall ill and to compound matters further, a workers dispute over the erection of huts arose. Carpenters engaged in construction and employed as 'day workers' were alarmed at the fact that those assigned 'piece work' were able to work more hours during the day. After consultation, delegates of those employed on a daily rate approached the contractor for an extra penny an hour, double pay also being a requisite if required to work on a Sunday. The number of hours to be worked was also discussed with the contractor, and, if terms were not met, it was suggested that they performed a strike action which was ultimately initiated. After prolonged discussion, the matter was only resolved by the intervention of Lord Kitchener himself by adopting a rather 'tactical' approach. Kitchener intimated that he fully recognised that there were others such as munitions workers who were doing their duty for the King, this tactful statement eventually led to more productive dialogue and the dispute was settled between the strikers and the contractors.

Discipline however was still proving to be problematic. A soldier of the 6th Dorsets appeared before Mr Stephen White Bennett at the Police Court, Wareham, on the 14th October charged with attempting to steal money from a till at the Lord Nelson Public House, North Bridge, Wareham. After formal evidence was taken, on the following day the soldier was bound over. Appearing before Mr Bennett on the same day was a  Private of the 10th West Yorkshire Regiment. The charges laid before the Court were that between the 1st - 9th October, the accused was charged with "feloniously stealing certain post letters, the property of the officer commanding the Regiment." Lieutenant and Quarter-master Green (Authors note: John James Green), gave evidence that the prisoner was employed as a regimental postman and included in his duties was to fetch the mail from the Post Office at Wareham and carry them back to camp. Suspected of theft, the Quarter-master ordered the Private to be searched and upon doing so, in his pockets were found to be letters addressed to the men of the 10th West Yorkshire's. The letters had been opened and the accused handed over to the civil authorities. It transpired that he had been witnessed opening letters in his tent, a bundle of nine letters being found on his person. His duties involved the sorting of the letters upon which he would hand them over to a Corporal of the various companies for distribution. The Private denied the charges and was subsequently placed on remand for a period of three months whereupon in January 1915, the prisoner was sentenced to three months hard labour.

It was not just military personnel that transgressed the rule of law. A young lady of just nineteen years was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment at Shepton Mallet Jail for having solicited from soldiers in the town of Wareham. Having a previous record for similar offences, her 'activities' were witnessed by a constable on plain clothes duty and she was subsequently arrested.

At the beginning of the month of November, the weather began to take a turn for the worse with the men still occupying tented accommodation. The battalion had also been vacinated, possibly against T.B. by the camp Medical Officer, Lieutenant Douglas William Hunter M.B., so as one can imagine, they possibly felt slightly unwell and in low spirits not only due to the weather but also of the effects of the inoculation. An extract of a further letter from Private Ernest Hopkinson of Mytholmroyd to his brother published in the Todmorden & District News dated the 13th November describes the chaos that ensued due to the adverse weather conditions but the letter also contained a rather poignant statement as regards the character of the men in general:-

"Writing to his brother says they were having some awful weather. For the last ten or twelve days they had nothing but rain or fog, which came over the hill from the channel, "and it did not half come down either." Trenches had to be dug around the tents, but these were quickly filled up. Some of the tents had been blown down and the fellows washed out. To make things more exciting all had been vacinated and they had to fight all those difficulties with one arm. They were like a lot of wounded soldiers. Some of the fellows' arms were the size of two and very stiff. The war cry at present was "Mind my arm." It was quite amusing to see them, some with their arm in a sling and others with them strung down and as stiff as a poker, while others could not get their arms into the sleeves of their coat. They had only light duty to do. Many had lost nights of sleep, but after all they would be "all there" if they were needed for anything more exciting than the life of training. There were men from all stations of life, but they were all on a level when in the ranks, and he was sure that after what they had heard of the cruelty of the enemy every man of them would sacrifice his little bit in order to adjust matters."

There was a transition during the month at last to hutted accommodation for some, various Mess Halls for both officers and men now being established on a more permanent basis at the camp but there was however a question of the water supply. A special meeting of Wareham Town Council in Committee, was held on the 14th November in response to a letter being received from the War Office to address the situation. The exact details of the request by the military powers is unknown, possibly a matter of water extraction, but a resolution was arrived and as a consequence duly agreed and carried. This was indeed timely as on the day previously, a detachment of the Army Service Corps numbering about 350 men under the command of Captain William M.C. de Quesne Caillard had arrived at the camp, this detachment forming the nucleus of the 17th Divisional Train, A.S.C.

A Musical Interlude: The "Blue Knuts."

On Tuesday the 1st December, a concert was held in order to assist the work of Dr. Banardo's Homes. The Western Gazette published on the following Friday recorded the event held at Wareham:-

"On Tuesday evening the Oddfellows' Hall was crowded at a concert given by officers of the West Yorkshire and Dorset Regiments now in camp. The hall is in use every night as a club for non-commissioned officers who gave it up that evening to the "Blue Knuts," in order to assist the work of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. When the curtain drew up the four "Knuts," clad in blue pyjamas, were seen comfortably seated in armchairs, from which they lazily emerged, advanced to the footlights, and began to sing to the accompaniment of a piano played by another of the company. The officers thus disguised were Capain Gartside, and Messrs. Stammers, Cutler, Aspinwall and Dutson (sic), assisted behind the scenes by Mr. Burgess. The songs and dialogues showed much talent, both in music and acting, Captain Gartside especially proving himself to be an actor of versatile gifts. The programme included the grave and gay judiciously mingled. Amogst many good pieces the old man's song, "Memory, oh! memory" was the best. At the request of Mrs. Courtenay, president of the Wareham Habitation of the Young Helpers' Leaugue of Dr. Barnardo's Homes, Canon Blackett, in the interval, made a brief and earnest appeal for support to the Homes, which have already supplied 400 old "Barnardo boys" to the Canadian contingent for the war, besides recruits and buglers to Kitchener's Army, and more than 200 trained boys to the Navy. Some of these last have already been engaged in active service, and several have given up their lives for the defence of our shores. The concert resulted in a sum of £8 being added to the income of the Homes."

(Authors Note: The Cast of this evening of fund raising and jovial entertainment consisted of Captain (Temporary) Lionel Gartside and Temporary Second-Lieutenants Seymour Bernard Egerton Cutler, Guy Aspinwall and Sidney Robert Stammers, all 10th West Yorkshire Regiment, and Temporary Second-Lieutenant Courtenay Duttson, 6th Dorsets).

December

The month of December witnessed the delivery and distribution of a large quantity of Old Pattern Lee-Enfield Rifles. With a substantial supply of ammunition available a programme of musketry was initiated under the command of Major Sir Charles Roderick Hunter, Bart., Musketry Staff Officer, 17th Division. A rifle range had been constructed on Hyde Heath near Bovington but as Christmas approached, the men's thoughts turned to home and the possibility of some leave. The prolific letter writing Ernest Hopkinson writing home to his parents stated that he believed that they would be at home either at Christmas or in the New Year. An extract of two letters published in the Todmorden & District News dated the 4th of December recorded:-

"It would feel a treat to be in the old village again. They were having some frosty weather and it felt nice to wash in ice-cold water first thing in the morning. They were still under canvas, but as he had nine blankets and a warm overcoat to wrap himself at nights he did not feel much of the cold. He had been transferred to the military police force for the camp. His duty was to keep all suspicious people out of the camp and prevent their own fellows from leaving camp before five o'clock. They had to see that all lights were out at 10-15 and take the fellows who made any bother prisoners. One man had been confined to camp for six weeks for striking a sergeant, and had to report himself every half-hour. He was in the pink of health and getting fat, especially with being a "bobby." In another letter he tenders his greatest thanks to all who contributed to the excellent parcel of comforts. He had a few pairs of socks on hand, so he passed them on to those who were less fortunate than himself."

For one soldier of the 7th (Service) Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, there was to be no festive celebrations but unfortunately an untimely death. Private James Palmer, 11240, had enlisted at Middlesbrough in late August 1914. A married man of South Bank and employed at a Steel Works, the outbreak of the war empowered James to escape the vagaries of his work and join Kitchener's Army. James would die of causes not known at present on the 22nd of December 1915 and was subsequently laid to rest in Wareham Cemetery on the 29th of the month, the Reverend Thomas George Brierley Kay officiating, Chaplain to the Forces. (Authors note: Believed to be James Oscar Palmer, husband of Ethel Palmer. Ethel would remarry in June 1918 to one John Henry McSorley).

Information as to how the 10th West Yorkshire's spent their Christmas at Wareham is scarce, but for some, the lucky few, there was no doubt leave granted to return home to their loved ones. The Leeds press records that various 'comfort funds' were sending out numerous parcels to the battalions of the Regiment both at home and abroad however the History of the Green Howards In The Great War by H.C. Wylly records that the men of the 7th (Service) Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, had to partake of their Christmas repast, "with the floor for a table and a folded blanket for a tablecloth."

The New Year

Training continued as per programme but it was in January 1915 that there was to be a change in command of the 17th (Northern) Division, Major-General Thomas David Pilcher C.B. now assuming command due to resignation of Colonel Kenyon-Slaney. Pilcher had also experienced a colourful military career. Educated at Harrow, Pilcher received a commission as a Second-Lieutenant into the Dublin City Militia Artillery in August 1878 (Authors note: London Gazette dated 27th September 1878, Hart's Army List of 1896 however states June 1879). Transferring to the 22nd Regiment of Foot in July 1879, shortly after his appointment Pilcher transferred once again to the 5th Regiment of Foot, later designated the 5th (Northumberland Fusiliers) in 1881. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in that year, in February 1886 the rank of Captain was attained whereupon in November 1895 he was granted the rank of Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General, Dublin, (Army List 1896). Granted the rank of Major in November 1897, Pilcher was then promoted to the rank of Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel and placed in the command of the recently formed 1st Battalion, West African Frontier Force serving on the Niger between 1897 -1898. Promoted to the rank of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel in July 1899 and assuming a position as Second-in-Command of the 2nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment in that year, the full rank of Colonel was granted in October 1900 after the termination of the services of Lieutenant-Colonel Wentworth Odiarne Cavenagh. Employed on 'Special Service' and serving in the South African War in command of the 3rd Mounted Infantry Regiment, Pilcher would witness numerous important engagements including the Relief of Kimberley in February 1900. In April of the following year he was made an Aides-de-Camp (Extra) to the King with the Brevet rank of Colonel and awarded the C.B. (Authors note: Awarded for services in South Africa up to the 29th November 1900). Upon his return to England, Pilcher assumed command of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, 2nd Division, 1st Army Corps at Aldershot and was promoted to the rank of Temporary Brigadier-General in April 1904. Promoted to the rank of Major-General in 1907, his tenure of this appointment ceased in this year that is until he was appointed a Brigade Commander in India in December of that year. Finally, Pilcher was appointed to command the Burma Division in 1913 and made Colonel of the Bedfordshire Regiment in April 1914. A published author, his private life was somewhat turbulent leading to two marriages however his pre-war military concepts advocated the use of the machine-gun in heavier numbers, much against military doctrines of the time.

January

January had also witnessed the formation of a Divisional Pioneer Battalion, the 7th (Service) Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment being selected for this purpose, Officer Commanding, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Nicholl Byass. As the war had progressed, it was soon recognised that there was a specific need for an organised labour force contained within a division to carry out field engineering tasks such as the construction of trenches etc. and to assist in the duties performed by the Field Companies of the Royal Engineers attached to the division. Before the formation of the Pioneers, it was often the case that infantry at 'rest' were seconded to perform these duties, a far from ideal scenario. The 7th Yorks & Lancs were a suitable choice for conversion to this role, the men of the battalion comprising of a vast majority of miners from South Yorkshire, men such as Private Aaron Priest, a native of Wombwell, enlisted in August 1914 aged 21 years, Private Thomas Froggatt of Rawmarsh, also enlisted in August 1914 aged 22, and Private Herbert Blower of Grimethorpe, Barnsley, who had enlisted in September 1914 aged 29 years. Froggatt would succumb to wounds received during the closing stages of the Somme offensive in 1916, Priest would be killed in action at Arras in April 1917 whilst Blower would die of the effects of gas poisoning at a Casualty Clearing Station near Arras in the same month.

On the 12th of January, Second-Lieutenant Arthur Douglas Richardson of Kirklevington Grange, Kirklevington, Yorkshire, died aged 28 years. A Sergeant in the Officer Training Corps at Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire, Arthur originally enlisted into the ranks of the Royal Fusiliers (Public Schools) Battalion on the outbreak of the war. Commissioned as a Second-Lieutenant on the 2nd November 1914 and posted to the West Yorkshire Regiment, Arthur contracted enteric fever (typhoid) and died at home at Kirklevington Grange. One of five sons who served their country before and during the war, one would be killed in action, another in a submarine accident in 1912, of the remaining two brothers, they would both die as a direct result of war service. (Yorkshire Evening Post dated 11th April, 1919).   

March

As training still continued with drill, route marches and tactical schemes being initiated, a limited number of service rifles was issued in addition to the new 1914 leather type infantry equipment. Command of the 10th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment had also now changed, Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Kirwan Umfreville D.S.O. now assuming command (London Gazette appointment 30th March) vice Colonel Henry Walker who was placed on the Reserve of Officers.

Umfreville, a native of Kent, had already had a distinguished military career. Educated at Brighton College, he was commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) on the 9th of April 1892 as a Second-Lieutenant. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on the 5th of December 1894, he was subsequently posted to the 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) on the 7th of December 1895 and the rank of Second-Lieutenant on augmentation. Posted overseas to Malta in 1896, Harry acquired the rank of Lieutenant in February 1897 and returned to the United Kingdom in the following year. Serving in the South African War with and witnessing numerous engagements including service with Hunter's Mounted Troops, Lieutenant Umfreville was mentioned in Despatches twice and received the Queen's South African Medal (Four Clasps). Promoted to the rank of Captain on the 1st of February 1902 and transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment, he was subsequently seconded for service on the Staff (India) on the 15th of April 1904 and became a Superintendent of Gymnasia at Poona. Remaining in this capacity until 1908, Supernumerary Captain Umfreville was eventually placed on the Reserve of Officers in 1911. Rejoining the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) upon the outbreak of the war, he joined the battalion in the field at Missy-sur-Aisne on the 16th September 1914 whilst they were engaged in the Battle of the Aisne. (Authors note: Embarked however on the 8th of September 1914). Wounded on the 11th November 1914 near the Ypres-Menin Road and evacuated to England, Captain Umfreville was awarded the D.S.O., London Gazette dated the 18th of February 1915. 

In the camp, there was however unfortunately still instances of theft, one man from the 6th Dorsets who could not be identified, selling provisions destined for the Officers Mess to a Potato Merchant from Wareham, this 'peculation' it soon became apparent, being prevalent in all of the camps. The month of March would also witness yet another unfortunate death of a man belonging to the Division, one Provost Sergeant Charles Ernest Stevens, 3/9231, of the 10th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, who died on the 7th of the month. Originally a resident of Leeds, the Leeds Mercury dated Friday, 12th March 1915, recorded the following:-

"The funeral took place at Wareham Parish Church, Dorset, with full military honours, on Wednesday, of the late Sergt. C.E. Stevens, of the 10th (Service) Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment. The scene was a very impressive one. The drums and fifes of the battalion and the regimental band of the 6th Battalion Dorsets played en route to the church. The deceased sergeant was an old pensioner having served twenty-one years with the Oxfordshires, now the Oxford and Bucks. Light Infantry. Before the war broke out he was employed as a postman at Wakefield, having been transferred from Leeds to Morley and from there to Wakefield. The late sergeant's parents live in St. Jame's-square (sic) and a married sister in the Stoney Rock district. Up to the time of his death, which took place on Sunday, he was Provost Sergeant of the battalion."

At Number 18, Saint James Square and at Stoney Rock in Burmantofts, news of the death of a son and brother was received with a heavy heart. After 18 years service with the Colours with both the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Oxford and Bucks in far flung continents of the world, Charles had died aged just 44 years.

April

There was still instances of ill discipline amongst the ranks. One soldier it was reported in the Lichfield Mercury had deserted the 10th West Yorkshire's at Wareham in March but had been apprehended. It was no wonder however that discipline was hard to maintain as the soldiers in training at Wareham were still very much reliant on the generosity of various public bodies. One request to the Voluntary Aid Detachment Headquarters located at Hull from the 7th (Service) Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment at Wareham stated that they required "1000 pairs of socks, 200 shirts, 200 pants and 50 Cardigan jackets." There is no doubt that this 'reliance' on the generosity of the public must have had a certain effect on morale. In some circles this may have been viewed by the men as a rather 'unmindful' attitude adopted by the War Office to attend to the men's needs. Suffice to say, the needs of those fighting at the front were of paramount importance but this indifferent approach to the men who had volunteered for the New Armies, specifically the 10th West Yorkshire's, must have been a bitter pill for those who had enlisted at Leeds. News in the form of letters and the local press must have reached Wareham that on the 28th April, the Leeds "Pals" were to march to Ripon from their camp at Colsterdale and receive a civic 'welcome' complete with bunting, the Leeds Mercury reporting "that they had had a rough time during the winter." Had not the men of the 17th (Northern) Division? A 'poem' of sorts appeared in the Harrogate Herald dated the 16th June 1915 and summed up the mood of those men who had volunteered to join the 50th Infantry Brigade. Entitled "THE FORGOTTEN BRIGADE" (A Tragedy), the 'poem' is lengthy but the Author will include some verses that are particularly relevant to these men of Kitchener's Army:-

"The hist'ry of war is full of brave acts, Of men who have shone in retreats and attacks, We all know the story, that never can fade, Of the gallant charge of the "Light Brigade." And with pride we remember the glorious day, When we held fifty thousand Germans at bay, But the grandest stand a brigade ever made, Was the long weary stand of the "Forgotten Brigade."

This famous Brigade was composed of the best, "The Dorsets," "Yorks-Lancs.," the Yorks. East and West." If the Huns only saw them - my word; it would scare 'em; But alas! this Brigade was forgotten, at Wareham. They joined in their youth and trained night and day, But now some are dead, and some old and grey, Some are still training and some in graves laid, Out of Wareham "None" came of the "Forgotten Brigade."  

May: The Arrival Of A New Commander Of The 50th Infantry Brigade

The month of May would commence with a change in command of the 50th Infantry Brigade when Temporary Brigadier-General Frederick Lionel Banon took command vice Colonel Charles Tom Reay C.B. who was placed on Retired Pay. Born at York in 1862, Banon was the son of Richard George Davys Banon, a Staff Surgeon Major in the Army, formerly of the 87th Foot. Commissioned on the 9th September 1882 from the Royal Military College and granted the rank of Lieutenant, Banon would be posted to the 2nd Battalion, King's (Shropshire Light Infantry) on augmentation. Transferred to the 1st Battalion of the Regiment on the 24th October 1883, Banon would witness service with the battalion in the Expedition to the Soudan (Sudan) in 1885 and was awarded the Egypt Medal and Clasp in addition to the Khedive's Star.

Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Banon was seconded for service with the Army Service Corps on the 2nd of July 1889 and took up a posting at Dublin. Promoted to the rank of Captain on the 1st of January 1890, Supernumerary, Shropshire Light Infantry, Banon subsequently entered the Staff College, Sandhurst in 1897, passing in December 1898. Promoted to the rank of Major, K.S.L.I. on the 11th of August 1900, he was posted as an Assistant to the Military Governor of Johannesburg (Colonel Colin John Mackenzie) and graded as a Deputy-Assistant Adjutant-General (London Gazette appointment dated the 6th of June 1900). Serving in the South African War from November 1899, in addition to his duties as Assistant to the Military Governor, he temporarily commanded Columns and was also in command of the 17th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry. Witnessing various actions between 1900-1902, he was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded The Queen's South Africa Medal (Four Clasps) and the King's South Africa Medal (Two Clasps) respectively.

Upon returning home, Banon relinquished command of the 17th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry however on the  29th of August 1902, he was appointed the Deputy-Assistant Quartermaster-General, Dublin District, on the 11th of November. On the 11th of November 1903, Major Banon retained his rank but was posted to the 3rd Army Corps, vacating this position on the 4th of December 1905 (London Gazette dated the 5th of January 1906). Taking up a position as a Deputy Assistant Adjutant General at the Staff College, Sandhurst, General Staff Officer, 2nd Grade and also and promoted to the rank of Brevet Colonel on the 23rd of December 1905, Banon acquired 1st Grade status on the 1st of January 1909 (London Gazette dated the 5th of January 1909). Promoted to the rank of Colonel on the 9th of November 1909 and placed on the Half-pay List in December 1909, Banon was appointed Assistant Adjutant-General at the War Office on the 14th of July 1910 (London Gazette dated the 22nd of July).

After completion of his period of service on the Staff, Banon was once again placed on the Half-pay List on the 7th of March 1915 but was promoted to the rank of Temporary Brigadier-General vice Colonel Reay C.B. on the 6th May 1915 as previously stated. There is no doubting the experience that Banon possessed both in organisational skills and courage on the field of battle. These attributes would stand him and the men of the 50th Infantry Brigade in good stead in the trying months to follow.

Strike Camp!    

During the last quarter, orders were issued to strike camp at a moments notice. On the 27th and after feverish activity to assemble equipment stores etc., the division was ordered to proceed by route of march to various camps and billets located in the area of Winchester. The History Of The 17th (Northern) Division by A. Hilliard Atteridge records that the columns of infantry set forth on the afternoon of the 27th before bivouacking on the first leg of their journey at Cranford Park near Wimbourne. On the second day of their route march, Somerley Park on the borders of Hampshire and Dorset was reached and on the third day, the men marched through the New Forest to Lyndhurst whereupon on Tuesday, 1st June (Atteridge states Sunday), the division were distributed in camps and billets to the south and west of Winchester.

The infantry now resumed their training, the latter now including visits to Fovant Camp on Salisbury Plain where musketry courses were conducted on the ranges. The infantry of the division was also to be joined in the early days of the month of June by their respective Divisional Artillery, the 78th, 79th and 80th Brigades, R.F.A., in addition to the 81st Brigade (Howitzers), their commanders being Lieutenant-Colonels Edward Henry Willis, Harrison, George Ambrose Cardew and Reginald Stanley Hardman.

It was in June however that General Pilcher received the news that the 17th (Northern) Division were to be earmarked for home defence duties along with one other division of K2 establishment. It must have proved to be a bitter blow but with the threat of enemy invasion likely, it was no doubt deemed a necessary course of action. No sooner had the division concentrated however and were preparing to move to a designated defence centre in either the Midlands or one of the eastern counties of England, the War Office rescinded the order on the 5th July with immediate effect. The 17th (Northern) Division were now with immediate effect, ordered to proceed on overseas service and as a consequence of these orders, all mounted units with transport and horses of dismounted units, were to proceed from Winchester to Southampton and embark for Le Havre between the 12th July - 15th July. In addition to these units, a party of 3 officers and 108 Other Ranks drawn from each infantry battalion were also to embark, the respective infantry battalions of each brigade however were to be transported by train to Folkestone whereupon they would embark for Boulogne. (Source: Atteridge. Authors note: Transport will have consisted of Machine Gun Section, Regimental Transport etc.).

Embarkation For The Western Front

Embarkation details for the 10th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment unfortunately do not exist or have not survived however we can glean some information as to the rather complex programme of embarkation from the other constituent units of the 50th Infantry Brigade and the division as a whole. For example on the 12th of July, the advance party of the 6th (Service) Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment numbering 3 officers and 96 Rank and File and all their transport, embarked at Southampton for Le Havre on the S.S. City of Dunkirk, commandeered as a troop ship from the Ellerman City Line. On the following day, the infantry embarked at Folkestone on the S.S. Saint Cecilia bound for Boulogne. Also on the 13th July, the 7th (Service) Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment, embarked at Folkestone on the T.S.S. Queen, formerly owned by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway however there is no mention of any advance party being formed in the pages of the War Diary.

As regards Charley Brown's date of landing at Boulogne, an examination of his Medal Index Card (M.I.C.) indicates his entry into the theatre of operations as the 13th July 1915. There is however, a variation in disembarkation dates; George Falls, 12762, 12th July, Frederick Fletcher, 12768, 13th July but the dates of disembarkation becomes more apparent in the officers of the battalion. Second-in-Command Temporary Major Joseph Ernest Crabtree (12th July), Captain Lionel Gartside (11th July), Captain/Adjutant, John Humphrey Berkley (13th July) and Quartermaster John James Green (13th July). It is difficult to exactly determine which officers comprised the advanced party, and this in itself, warrants further research.

Western Front: The March To The Front

The 50th Infantry Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division, now began to assemble and concentrate at Boulogne. It is of interest to note that the respective War Diaries of the 7th Yorkshire's, 7th East Yorkshire's and the 6th Dorset's record that at first they moved into billets located at Ostrohove Camp on high ground to the east of the town, the War Diary of the 10th West Yorkshire's however does not record their intial place of encampment. At 3.30 p.m. on the afternoon of the 14th, the West Yorkshire's entrained at Pont-de-Briques to the south-east of Boulogne and proceeding by rail, the battalion arrived at Lumbres, south-west of Saint Omer, at 10 p.m. Upon detrainment, the battalion then proceeded by route of march southwards towards the hamlet of Ouve-Wirquin which was reached at 4 a.m. on the morning of the 15th. The 50th Infantry Brigade now remained in billets both in Lumbres and hamlets to the south of the latter for a period of two days. Even though the brigade had only just detrained in France, there even at this early stage been lessons to be learned as regards the formation of advance parties to organise suitable accommodation prior to the arrival of their respective battalions. Upon marching to Remilly-Wirquin, the 7th Yorkshire's found much to their dismay that billets had not been allocated to Signallers, Transport, the Machine Gun Section and other Headquarters details but at least it was dry and fine and the men were not exposed to the vagaries of inclement summer weather.

After this period of rest, the brigade now marched to Arques, the 10th West Yorkshire's departing Ouve-Wirquin at 7.30 a.m on the morning of the 18th and arriving at the town at noon whereupon they proceeded to billet. For the Dorset's, the route to Arques had proved to be problematic from the outset, other troops frequently crossing the route of march with no apparent regulation in the flow of traffic. On the following day, the West Yorkshire's resumed their march at 8.45 a.m., the ultimate destination of the battalion in brigade being Steenvoorde located to the south-west of Poperinghe (Poperinge). Although there are no details of the route of march recorded in the War Diary, the latter of the East Yorkshire's records that this battalion proceeded via Fort Rouge (east of Arques and west of Renescure) and in a north-westerly direction to Oxelaere just to the south of Cassel. At Oxelaere there was a halt in the timetable for the duration of half an hour but this was extended by a further thirty minutes in order to pick up all stragglers of all regiments of the brigade. This was due, the diary of the East Yorkshire's noted, "reason assumed to be the unnecessary amount of water consumed." The march was trying indeed and due to the cobbled roads and also the topography of the route of march, the latter being directed to avoid the higher ground around the Cassel area and in particular the Mont Cassel on which the town was situated. Despite this, it was an uphill march in hot and sultry conditions, the 6th Dorset's recording that five men were ambulance cases and that seventeen rank and file fell out of the line. Steenvoorde was reached by the West Yorkshire's at 3.30 p.m. on the afternoon of the 19th whereupon the men proceeded to billet, however, the latter were found to be scattered and poor.

With artillery fire being heard intermittently in the distance, on the following morning the 50th Infantry Brigade were inspected by General Sir Herbert Plumer K.C.B., G.O.C., Second Army. No doubt pleased as he often was to have Yorkshire battalion's under his command, the men set about drill and various inspections, the War Diary of the 7th Yorkshire Regiment also recording that there were experiments conducted with gas and smoke helmets, vital protection against the enemy's use of chemical agents. Orders were now issued for the brigade to move by road to La Clytte (Klijte), south-west of Ypres and into the area of operations of Fifth Corps, Second Army, the corps being under the command of Temporary Lieutenant-General Sir Edmund Allenby K.C.B. Once again, the War Diary of the 10th West Yorkshire's furnishes no details as regards the route of march but that of the 7th East Yorkshire's records that the brigade marched through the night in driving rain and once again under trying conditions. The brigade proceeded westwards via the impressive Mont des Cats and Mont Noir onwards through Westoutre (Westouter) before La Clytte was reached by the 10th West Yorkshire's at 3 a.m. on the morning of the 23rd. The diary of the 6th Dorset's records that during the march, the men's waterproof groundsheets were utilised as capes, this proving to be an effective method of at least keeping the men dry to a certain extent.

Sanctuary Wood

Upon arrival at La Clytte, the camp consisted of hutted accommodation that was woefully inadequate. To emphasise the dangers presented by the Ypres Salient, during the morning two German aircraft, Taube monoplanes, flew low over the camp but fortunately there was no incident. At 8 a.m. on the morning of the 24th and following procedures of the other units of the brigade, some who had moved into trenches in the Kemmel Sector, "A" Company and two machine guns of the 10th West Yorkshire's left La Clytte for a period of trench familiarisation with the 1/6th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts. & Derby) Regiment, 139th Infantry Brigade, 46th (North Midland) Division in the trenches at Sanctuary Wood. Following this detachment, at 8 p.m. two platoons of "B" Company also entered the line referred to as the "J" Trenches in respect of the designated map square. Familiarisation duties continued on the following day when at 8 p.m. the two remaining platoons of "B" also entered the line, the two platoons of the latter that had gone in the day before returning at 11 p.m. On the 26th, 9 and 10 platoons moved into the "J" Trenches (no company designation) at 8 p.m. whilst platoons 5 and 6 returned at 11 p.m., presumably the two platoons of "B" Company that had entered the line the day previously. Number 5 Platoon however had suffered one casualty one Private Hall, 18027, being severely wounded and subsequently evacuated. At 11 p.m. on the night of the 27th, numbers 9 and 10 platoons returned followed by "A" Company and the two attached machine guns at 2 a.m. on the morning of the 28th, later that evening at 8 p.m., 11 and 12 platoons also moved forward to the "J" Trenches (no company designation). Although evacuated, Private Arthur William Hall, a married man with a large family of Girlington, Bradford, succumbed to his wounds at the 85th (3rd London) Field Ambulance of the 28th Division aged 33 years, the first man of the battalion to fall in action.    

February:- Relief Of The 3rd Division

Between the dates of the 1st - 20th of February, the pages of the War Diary of the 10th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, as of 2021 are unfortunately 'missing.' As a consequence, their movements up until the latter date are now compiled from a variety of sources. Orders were received by the 50th Brigade on the 6th of February to prepare for entrainment, the various battalions that comprised the brigade making their way by route of march to their allocated stations. Entrainment began early on the morning of the 6th, the 7th Yorkshire's entraining at 8 a.m. at Audruicq for Poperinghe whereupon they proceeded to a 'Rest Camp' that was recorded as being located "halfway between Reninghelst and Westoutre". On the following day, both the 7th East Yorks and the 6th Dorset's proceeded by route of march to St. Omer to prepare for entrainment. Of the East Yorkshire's, they departed their billeting area in two parties, the first comprising of the Battalion Transport plus one company, followed by the second party comprising of the remainder of the battalion. Entraining at 11.50 a.m., the East Yorkshire's arrived at Godewaersvelde at 2.36 p.m. and after a halt made for dinner, the battalion arrived at Reninghelst at 9 p.m. whereupon the proceeded to billet. As previously stated, the movements of the 10th West Yorkshire's cannot be deduced with a complete degree of accuracy but one may surmise that they too entrained at Audruicq, the nearest station to their billeting area, before departing for Poperinghe on the 7th of February. Arriving in the Reninghelst area at sometime during the course of the evening, Wyrall's History records that the battalion were billeted in New Camp, the precise location not being recorded.

The movements of the 52nd Brigade to the front involved a complex series of entrainments from different start points, original orders for entrainment being modified. Commencing early on the 5th, the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers entrained at Audruicq at 2.55 a.m, arriving at Poperinghe at 6.30 a.m. After a halt of four hours for something to eat and a rest, the battalion accompanied by the Battalion Transport marched to Reninghelst which was reached at 12.10 p.m. Billeting arrangements had been made previously to take over Camp "D" from the 7th (Service) Battalion, King's Own Shropshire Light Infantry of the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division, who had vacated the latter some days previously. Proceeding from their rest area at Bayenghem-les-Eperlecques on the 5th, the 10th Lancashire Fusiliers marched to Watten at 3 a.m. and entrained for Reninghelst which was reached at 12 noon however upon their arrival, both the Machine Gun and Bombing Sections were immediatley despatched to Battalion Headquarters. Orders for the 'specialists' now dictated that they were to take over the respective details of the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers holding positions both north and south of the Ypres - Comines Canal. The 9th West Riding's had marched out of their respective camp located at Eperlecques on the 4th and after passing through St. Omer, the battalion entrained at Arques early on the morning of the 5th and journeyed onwards to Godewaersvelde. Upon detrainment, they then marched via Westouter to Reninghelst and proceeded to billet at Camp "J" located to the south-west near Heksken. Finally as regards the movements of the 52nd Brigade, the 12th Manchester's departed their camp Eperlecques on the 5th at 6.30 a.m. and upon reaching Arques entrained at 11.49 a.m. as per Brigade Orders. Detraining at Godewaersvelde, they then proceeded by route of march to Reninghelst and went into camp north of Heksen, the camp previously being occupied by the 1st Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers of the 9th Brigade, 3rd Division.

As regards the 51st Brigade and their journey back to the front, the 8th South Staffordshire's departed their camp located at Serques at 2.15 a.m. on the morning of the 6th. Detraining at Godewaersvelde, the battalion then proceeded by route of march via Poperinghe to their allocated camp located to the west of Dickebusch, H.31.d. Battalion Bombers, the Machine Gun Section and Signallers were however ordered to be sent up to the trenches that night to relieve their counterparts of the 8th (Service) Battalion, King's Own Royal Lancaster's, of 76th Brigade, 3rd Division, in the Verbrandenmolen Sector. The movements to the front of the 10th Sherwood Forester's were to be conducted in a series of moves. "A" Company accompanied by one 'Cooker' would depart their rest area at Houlle and entrain at St.Omer at 5.30 a.m. early on the morning of the 6th of February. Also detraining at Godewaersvelde, they would then proceed by route of march to Poperinghe and from there to reserve dug-outs close to the Ypres - Comines Canal at map reference I.33.a. The "Poachers," the 7th Battalion, Lincoln's, departed their camp at Hellebrouck in a series of movements conducted on the 6th of February. The first party comprising of the battalion 'Specialists' were to depart Audruicq at 7.39 a.m. and proceed by rail to Poperinghe whereupon they would be taken by bus to the trenches, relieving the 'Specialists' of the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division, on the night of the 6th/7th. The second party, less "B" Company and Battalion Transport, would entrain at St. Omer for Godewaersvelde which was envisaged to be reached at 1.35 p.m. and upon detrainment, would proceed by route of march via Poperinghe to Reninghelst. Finally, the third party comprising of "B" Company and the Battalion Transport would entrain on the same train as that of the second party at St. Omer, all of the battalion, minus the 'Specialists,' taking up billets in "B" Camp, located to the south of Reninghelst at map reference M.6.a.2.7. The 7th Border's departed their camp located at Ganspette on the 7th, "A" Company and Battalion Transport departing the camp at 8 p.m. followed by the remainder of the battalion at 10.30 p.m. respectively. Entraining at Audruicq, the train departed at 2.45 a.m. arriving at Poperinghe at 6.15 a.m. early on the morning of the 8th. Marching to Camp "A" located some distance to the east of Reninghelst, it was found that the camp was still occupied by the 2nd Suffolk's of the 76th Brigade, 3rd Division, but at noon, the latter departed to entrain at Poperinghe.

With the infantry of the 17th (Northern) Division now about to complete the relief of the 3rd Division, the remainder of the units that comprised the division had also put in motion their return to the front. Equally complex, the Divisional Artillery for example commenced movements on the 6th of February and by the 12th, the Divisional Ammunition Column finally completed the relief of their counterparts of the 3rd Division. The Divisional Pioneers, the 7th Yorks & Lancs. had commenced their movements on the 5th, this being completed on the 8th. Of the medical units attached to the division, orders were issued on the 4th to commence the movement of advanced parties on the 6th, this being completed by the 8th. Engineers, Signals, the Divisional Train to name but a few units of the division, also moved by rail and route march to the front but on closing this chapter, it is now that we will examine the dispositions of the division on their allocated front.

Dispositions:- St.Eloi - "The Bluff"

Coming under the orders of the Second Army, G.O.C. (Plumer), the 17th (Northern) Division were now contained in V Corps under the command of Temporary Lieutenant-General Hew Dalrymple Fanshawe C.B. Deemed to have relieved the 3rd Division on the night of the 7th/8th of February, the 50th Infantry Brigade were subsequently placed in V Corps Reserve and remained in their respective camps in the Reninghelst area. As previously noted, 'Specialists' of the 51st Brigade had already entered the line and these were subsequently joined by their respective battalions; the 8th South Staffordshire's relieving the King's Own Royal Lancasters on the evening of the 7th, relief completed by 9.15 p.m., and the 7th Lincoln's completing the relief of the 2nd Suffolk's one hour later. Under orders of the brigade, two companies of the 10th Sherwood Foresters were sent to reserve positions in R.10 & R.11 to garrison the Fortins (Redoubts), located east of La Chapelle and at Gordon Post, south-east of the Spoil Bank, the remainder of the battalion staying in Camp "B" south of Reninghelst. The Border's were subsequently placed in Divisional Reserve and as a consequence, remaind in camp however their activities are not recorded in their respective War Diary. Upon the relief of the Brigade Front being completed, command now passed to Brigadier-General Fell at 10 p.m. on the 7th, the respective battalions of the 51st Brigade now being disposed as follows:- 7th Lincoln's, Right Section, 8th South Staffordshire's, Left Section. The two companies of the Foresters, to the rear of Right Section.

The dispositions of the units of the 52nd Brigade are more detailed in their respective positions. Upon the relief of the 9th Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Division in the St. Eloi Sector, the frontage of the 52nd Brigade extended on their right flank from the Bois Confluent, west of St. Eloi, to their left flank, located on The Bluff. With Brigade Headquarters established just to the north of Vijverhoek, the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers held the left flank of the brigade frontage from trenches P1 - P4B (both inclusive) with a Strong Point being established S.8.. Battalion Headquarters were located at Dead Dog Farm, south-west of Voormezeele, the unit of their right flank being the 21st Canadian Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Canadian Division respectively. To the left of the Fusiliers, the line was held by the 9th West Riding's, their Headquarters being established at Voormezeele. The battalion were distributed in various positions along the line at St. Eloi as follows; one company (less one platoon) at Q2, one company at Q1 and Q1A, and one company in the line between R1 and R2. Two platoons were placed in positions at R2S whilst the Battalion Bombers occupied positions in R7, located to the east of Bus House. The remaining three platoons were placed close to Battalion Headquarters east of Voormezeele. On the left flank of the West Riding's, the 12th Manchester's took up their positions in trenches to the east of St. Eloi, the battalion frontage extending from T1 - T3 (both inclusive) south of Shelley Farm, and with one company along with Battalion Headquarters being established at Voormezeele. The extreme left of the 52nd Brigade line was held by the 10th Lancashire Fusiliers between U23 - 28 (both inclusive), with one platoon being stationed on the north bank of the Ypres - Comines Canal, between the latter and the end of the position known as The Bluff. Three platoons were placed in reserve and positioned along with Battalion Headquarters at the Spoil Bank.

Topography

Three significant features dominated the battlefield in this sector, the Ypres - Comines Canal, The Bluff, and the Spoil Bank. The Canal, bisected the extreme left front held by the 52nd Brigade, both the Spoil Bank and The Bluff being created by the excavation of soil during the construction of the Canal as it cut its way through a low aspect on the Messines Ridge between the high ground south-east of Ypres. The Bluff rose to a height of about 30 feet on its western face, decreasing in height as it extended towards the east. To the west of this position was the continuation of the excavated material from the construction of the Canal, the Spoil Bank, and to the north, i.e. north of The Bluff, the ground was wooded that included a key position known as The Ravine. Behind the British line to the west of Voormezeele was located a defensive line, the G.H.Q. Line, that extended from the south of Elzenwalle and just to the north, but it was The Bluff that dominated the area, commanding extensive views across the whole of the sector. If this position was to be lost, the iniative would be in the hands of the enemy, to this end, The Bluff had to be held at all costs.                                

The Enemy Attack

The 8th of February dawned fine and clear, enemy artillery remaining inactive. Despite the situation being quiet above ground, below ground the race was truly on as both British and German miners pushed forward offensive and defensive mine galleries in attempts to gain an advantage. Previous to the 17th Division taking over the sector, the 172 Tunnelling Company under the command of Temporary Captain Gilbert Andrew Syme M.C. were experiencing numerous problems in the vicinity of The Bluff. Work on a new shaft, "F" Shaft located in New Year Trench on the south side of The Bluff, was temporarily halted by an influx of water, the decision to continue being dictated by the arrival of steel tubbing to line the shaft. As time was of the essence, it was decided that work should only continue in the offensive mines and as a consequence, all defensive mines were therefore detailed for the purpose of listening, and it was not long before the German Mineure were heard in a deep level mine in the St. Eloi Sector working towards the British line. Due to this threat, work was commenced immediately to intercept them, steel tubbing eventually arriving on the 4th enabling work in "F" Shaft to recommence. It was on the 6th that a decision was made to cease work in "E" Shaft at St. Eloi where enemy mining activity had been heard. It appears that the situation as to the progress of the enemy was uncertain, therefore it was deemed more prudent to 'listen' than to take immediate offensive actions.

Transferred from 3rd to 17th Divisional command on the 8th of February, further problems were encountered that necessitated the closure of "F" Shaft at The Bluff. Due to the shaft being initially lined with timber, the presence of quicksand was unknown as the shaft penetrated deeper. Upon the shaft being widened to take the steel caissons, the ground behind the timbered lining became unstable and as a consequence both the dug-out and the mine shaft in which the former was located, began to cave in. It was at The Bluff though on the 10th of February that there was a face to face encounter with the enemy underground, this incident taking place at the B2 Mine that already contained a 'standing charge'. The enemy broke in to the mine gallery in the airspace of 'tamping' and then proceeded to cut the leads to the charge and also a 'listening device' comprising of a rubber tube and a metal funnel. A man on listening duties, subsequently reported the enemy entering the gallery whereupon Temporary Second-Lieutenant Richard Brown Brisco M.C. entered the mine, removed the sandbags that 'tamped' the charge, and waited in the dark for a period of four hours. As a German Mineure suddenly appeared, Brisco shot at him, entered the enemy gallery and placed a charge of guncotton which he then detonated. Due to there only being about six feet of 'heading,' the charge 'cratered,' destroying the enemy sap, 17th Division being informed as a consequence that the situation at The Bluff was now deemed as "critical".

Known mine shafts were now subjected to artillery fire by howitzers but it was on the 11th that the indomitable Second-Lieutenant Brisco was out again, this time determined to locate the enemy gallery and destroy it completely. To this end, he led a party of men out in front of the crater in an attempt to bore down into the supposed location of the enemy workings. Observed by the enemy, they were met by rapid rifle fire and driven back to the crater, Brisco and Sapper Harry Gray, 94740, being wounded. Despite sustaining casualties, the party managed to drive a bore from the bottom of the crater and upon reaching timber, a charge of 30 Ibs of guncotton was fired, timber being seen to rise from the detonation.

As work continued in the mines with all possible speed, it was on the 12th of February that the Officer Commanding, 10th West Yorkshire's, accompanied by officers, visited the trenches held by the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers in the P Sector. Due to be relieved on the night of the 14th/15th February, the Fusiliers had spent a relatively quiet period whilst holding the line and up until the 12th instant, had suffered just six men wounded. To bolster the 50th Infantry Brigade, 17th (Northern) Division, it was on the 12th that the 50th Company Machine Gun Corps detrained at Godewaersvelde and after a five hours march arrived at Reninghelst at 11 p.m. Under the command of Temporary Captain Herbert William Bolton, on the following day the officers of the 50th M.G.C. toured the trenches to be taken over, the Bombers and the Machine Gun Section of the 10th West Yorkshire's commencing and completing a relief of their counterparts of the 9th Northumberland Fusiliers without incident. (Authors note:- A Narrative of Operations contained in the 50th Brigade War Diary records that the two respective sections of the West Yorkshire's relieved those of the 9th Northumberland's in the P Sector on the night of the 13th/14th of February. The Bombers and the Machine Gun Section of the 7th Yorkshire's likewise relieved those of the 12th Manchester's in the T Sector respectively).

It was on the 14th of February that the Left Sector held by the 51st Brigade was heavily shelled by enemy artillery. Commencing at about 3 p.m. and increasing in intensity, this bombardment initially, according to the War Diary of the 78th Brigade, R.F.A., targeted Trenches 29 - 37, heading northwards from the Canal. With rear areas also targeted, trench mortars also barraged the front line positions but it was at 5.30 p.m. that the worst fears of the 172nd Tunnelling Company were realised when the enemy detonated a mine in front of The Bluff, just to the south-east of the crater blown some days previously. It is at this juncture that we will follow the actions of each unit, where possible, up until midnight of the 14th of February.

Under The Bluff and sheltering in a tunnel, a platoon of "C" Company of the 10th Lancashire Fusiliers under the command of Second-Lieutenant Thomas Campbell Walker was entombed by the detonation of the mine, Walker himself being killed shortly afterwards. A report now reached Battalion Headquarters located at the Spoil Bank from Sergeant Harry Hickinbottom, 5215, of "C" Company, stating the death of Second-Lieutenant Walker and also that the platoon was effectively "cut off". Colonel Wade now ordered forward Temporary Captain Basil Charles Winser with a further platoon of "C" Company to reinforce what was left of the garrison in N 28 A Trench. At about 8.15 p.m., C.S.M. Robert Toms, 5061, reported that Captain Winser had found the enemy already west of The Bluff and advancing along the ridge with his platoon with himself leading from the front, Winser appeared to "outstrip" his men and was believed to have been captured. (Authors note:- Winser was last seen engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with the enemy, his death in action being reported about a month later). C.S.M. Toms then proceeded to establish a firing line along the ridge, the Colonel now sending forward his Bombing Officer, Temporary Second-Lieutenant Harold Godfrey Bache to reinforce what remaind of "C" Company on the ridge. With the situation becoming more desperate, Wade also ordered up "A" Company of the Yorks. & Lancs. who had previously been stationed at King's Way Dug-Outs, west of the Spoil Bank. Under the command of Temporary Lieutenant William Douglas Gillies, a message had been received from Colonel Wade at 9 p.m. stating that he had received communication from New Year Trench that the enemy were now occupying the crater. Gillies was now ordered to assemble what men he could and "drive them out".

Gillies had forty men and three officers at his immediate disposal with a further forty men and one officer marching up to the line as of 8.45 p.m. Reporting to Colonel Wade at 9 p.m. at the Spoil Bank, Gillies was informed that there were no grenades available and that the charge on the crater had to be performed by rifle only. Placed under the command of Temporary Major George Leslie Torrens of the Lancashire Fusiliers, it was at 9.15 p.m. that Gillies returned to King's Way and paraded the men under his command, his orders being communicated by wire to the Officer Commanding 7th Yorks. & Lancs., Temporary Major Armstrong. Reporting back to Colonel Wade, both the men of the Fusiliers and the Yorks and Lancasters were now ready to perform a counter-attack. Shortly after reporting to the Colonel, Gillies and his party advanced under heavy enemy artillery fire crossing the Canal by way of a bridge located at map reference I.33.d.2.6., a position equating to due east of Norfolk Lodge. Upon the formation moving forward in sections of eight men, they were met by heavy enemy artillery fire, the rear of the party losing touch and subsequently moving in the wrong direction. With the latter party suffering casualties, they were halted by Temporary Second-Lieutenant John Henry Harris, a guide being sent out by Gillies to bring them up at about 11 p.m. Also at this time, Temporary Second-Lieutenant David Houseman also of the 7th Yorks. & Lancs. arrived with a party of forty men. Receiving orders to follow up from Colonel Wade, a guide was also sent out by Major Torrens to Gillies party ordering them to move up, Gillies subsequently proceeding along the south of The Bluff until they reached a position about 200 yards from New Year Trench. It was whilst proceeding forward that Second-Lieutenant Houseman was seriously wounded in the head but despite his injuries, he remained with his men until being ordered to the rear after midnight.

In addition to the men at his disposal, Colonel Wade had also requested that four guns of the newly arrived 50th Machine Gun Company be sent forward, these being sent to The Bluff in readiness for a counter-attack. Also at his disposal were the 32nd Trench Mortar Battery, attached to the 17th (Northern) Division, and comprising of four sections, "A" and "C" (1.5 inch mortars), and "B" and "D" ( 2 inch mortars). Stationed in and around St. Eloi, the battery sent forward Second-Lieutenant Charles Edward Higgins of "A" Section, the War Diary of the Battery (WO95/1992/2) recording that earlier in the day he had been sent forward to establish positions on the Spoil Bank for two 2 inch and two 1.5 inch mortars. During the enemy artillery bombardment in the afternoon, two men were hit whilst possibly carrying ammunition forward, one of the men, Private Percy Steer, 18026, attached from the 10th West Yorkshire's, unfortunately being killed. One of thirty-nine N.C.O.'s and men who had either volunteered for service with the battery or were seconded, Percy, aged 19 years, a resident of Alderson Road, Sheffield, has no known grave and is therefore commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.