Divisional & Brigade Reserve

Upon relief by the 1st Royal Irish Rifles, 25th Infantry Brigade, 8th Division, the 2nd West Yorkshire's proceeded by route of march to hutted accomodation located in Henencourt Wood, west of Albert, the remainder of the 23rd Infantry Brigade being billeted nearby.

On the 10th April, Major Leighton Hume-Spry D.S.O. assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment vice Colonel Barrington who was promoted to Temporary Brigadier-General, 118th Infantry Brigade, 39th Division. Hume-Spry, an experienced and most capable officer, had been posted from the 30th Division where he had held the appointments of both Assistant Adjutant and that of Quartermaster General.

Whilst at Henencourt, a training programme was initiated initially consisting of four hours of instruction. With a battalion Bombing Section now being introduced, training was interrupted frequently by the weather however steady progress was made with a range and bombing trench being constructed and a canteen opened for the men. As the weather deteriorated, the huts were cold and leaked rainwater, the wood itself turning into a veritable quagmire. It was no doubt with some relief that orders were received to proceed to Albert and into Brigade Reserve. As a contrast to the cold and leaking accomodation to be found at Henencourt, the billets in the town were found to be "good," the West Yorks now in support to the 2nd Scottish Rifles. Whilst at Albert, further training continued with an emphasis being placed on physical drill, company drill, bayonet fighting and bombing practice, this being carried out with live ordnance.

Relieving the Scottish Rifles on the 23rd, the battalion moved into the trenches located in The Nab on the edge of Authuille Wood, the battalion taking up positions in front of the wood on their left flank, and on their right, facing the enemy fortified village of Ovillers. Although the enemy opposite the West Yorkshire's positions remained relatively inactive during daylight hours, his machine guns were opened up under the cover of the hours of darkness as the men went out into No Man's Land every night on working parties to improve their barbed wire defences and it was inevitable that casualties were sustained. The War Diary records that two men were killed and one wounded however an analysis of both the Commonwealth War Graves records and that of Soldiers Died In The Great Database concludes that in fact 3 men were killed with one man succumbing to wounds on the 26th. Authors note: Private Thomas William Thorley, 8636, succumbed to wounds on the 26th April at Mericourt-l'Abbe. It is possible that his wounds were received near Becourt earlier in the month. The three men who are recorded as killed in action are as follows:- Privates Leonard Marshall 21232 and Thomas Wrigley 8636, buried in adjoining graves at Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension and Private William Derbyshire, 62307, commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Relieved by the Scottish Rifles on the 29th, the battalion moved back into Brigade Reserve at Albert, training in all disciplines continued and the usual working parties were found for various duties. A 'permanent' raiding party was formed on the 3rd May under the command of Lieutenant John Neville Alexander comprising of two officers and 62 Other Ranks. On this date also, the Lewis gun detachment ceased to exist as an autonomous unit, the men along with two guns being sent to each of the four companies.

The dangers of using 'live' ordnance became all too apparent when on the 5th May, Second-Lieutenant Walter Edward Mackay was accidentally wounded by the explosion of a bomb at the 23rd Infantry Brigade Bomb School. This unfortunate incident may have also resulted in the fatal wounding of Sergeant Raymond Alic Simpkin, 9162, a career soldier and a native of Clacton-on-Sea who is now buried at Millencourt Communal Cemetery Extension. Raymond's brother, Augustus, also served in the battalion and was later commissioned in June 1918.

Returning to the trenches on the 11th May after a period spent in Brigade and Divisional Reserve, relief of the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, 25th Infantry Brigade, 8th Division, would witness occupation of the line in the vicinity of The Nab. This tour was characterised by a more active enemy who frequently fired rifle grenades, trench mortars and salvoes of shrapnel into the positions held by the West Yorkshire's. His activity grew in intensity on the 14th, The Nab position coming under a hurricane bombardment consisting of mortars, high explosive and shrapnel. Although the War Diary contains no record of casualties sustained by the battalion during this tour, an analysis of both Soldiers Died and that of the Commonwealth War Graves Databases indicates that three men were killed in action on the 14th during this bombardment lasting for a duration of only 15 minutes. Privates Walter Bickerdike, 4/8249, Charles Broadhead, 4/7969 and Joe Smithson, 21428, all lie in adjacent graves located in Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension.

The Bombardment Commences

At 4 a.m. early on the morning of the 24th June, British artillery batteries commenced the opening phase of the bombardment on the enemy's postions both front and rear as a precursor to the launch of the Allied offensive. Codenamed "U" Day, over 1500 artillery pieces of numerous calibres were now brought into action performing various tasks such as the cutting of the enemy's barbed wire defences, the destruction of known strong points, counter-battery work and the bombardment of enemy supply routes to the front.

As the West Yorkshire's witnessed the ferocity of this opening bombardment, the men must have thought that the artillery were already winning the war for them as shell after shell screamed overhead to its allocated target. To add to this cacophony, gas was also intended to be discharged however with the wind speed decreasing at dusk and with the West Yorkshire's standing by, it was not until 1.45 a.m. on the morning of the 25th that the decision was made not to discharge. Authors note: This discharge from cylinders would have been performed by a unit of the Royal Engineers Special Brigade. The chemical agent possibly intended for use being "White Star," a combination of both phosgene and chlorine gas.

During the night of the 24th/25th, two patrols were sent out into No Man's Land to examine the German barbed wire defences so as to ascertain the effects of the British artillery's attempts at cutting the wire. One patrol under the command of Second-Lieutenant Charles Arthur Phillips, the second, under the command of Sergeant Robinson, ventured forth under the cover of darkness. The information brought back by both patrols would prove to be replicated all across the front, the wire appeared to be pratically "Undamaged."

"V" Day, the second day of the bombardment, would witness a heavy bombardment of both the villages of Pozieres and Contalmaison by heavy calibre artillery. A discharge of gas was planned for 10 p.m. that evening but once again the wind proved to be unfavourable. At midnight, a preparatory bombardment commenced as a precursor to a successful raid mounted by the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, occupying the line to the left of the West Yorkshire's. Inevitably this raid provoked retaliation by the enemy's artillery firing both explosive and Lachrymatory shells but fortunately there were only three casualties sustained by the battalion.

Under the cover of darkness work was carried out by the men of "B" Company on Border Street and New Front Trench, the latter having being registered previously by the enemy's artillery.  Upkeep was also carried out on Ryecroft Street by the men of "D" Company no doubt each company endeavouring to complete their tasks by daybreak. As regards attempts to ascertain the condition of the German barbed wire defences, an officers patrol under the command of Second-Lieutenant Frederick John Freeman was sent out, Freeman reporting back that "the wire to be only cut in a few places."

"W" Day. Relieved in the line by the 2nd Battalion, Scottish Rifles, 23rd Infantry Brigade at 1 a.m. on the morning of the 26th, the battalion proceeded by route of march to Millencourt which was reached at 4 a.m. whereupon officers and men moved into billets. During the afternoon a conference was held no doubt discussing operation orders for the forthcoming offensive however the area of Millencourt was still in the range of German artillery and at 2 p.m., three 5.9 inch Howitzer shells landed close to Headquarters. Despite the destruction that these 150 mm shells caused on detonation, no casualties were sustained.

"X" Day. With final preparations made and companies equipped for the commencement of the assault the day previously, the battalion proceeded to take up their allocated positions in the trenches to await the launch of the offensive. Authors note: Although the War Diary does not record at any period the route in and out of the line, an examination of the War Diaries of the constituent units of the 25th Infantry Brigade record that this journey was made via Long Valley, east of Millencourt, this route now marked by the modern road the D91 entering the town of Albert on the Route de Millencourt. The route would then witness the battalions passing through the town in a northerly direction possibly journeying via the modern day D50 and on to Aveluy before entering the line in this locality.

Upon entering the line, the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment were deployed as follows:-

"C" Company (3)    New Front Trench & Border Street
"D" Company (4)   Ryecroft Street
"A" & "B" (2) Companies   Houghton Street

"Y" Day. As the bombardment continued to roar overhead, enemy artillery retaliated by shelling New Front Trench and Ryecroft Street causing considerable damage to the trench system and nine casualties. At 2 p.m. during the afternoon of the 28th June, notification of "Zero" Hour was received by Battalion Headquarters but these orders were cancelled at 6 p.m. due to heavy rainfall and an overcast that had hampered both aerial observation and the movement of men and supplies to the front. Enemy artillery fire also grew in intensity when the enemy commenced to enfilade Ryecroft Street with both 8 and 5.9 inch shells necessitating the withdrawal of two platoons of "D" Company during the evening to assembly dug-outs located in Houghton Street.

Intelligence had to gathered as to the condition of the enemy's wire so as a consequence two patrols were sent out across No Man's Land, one under the command of Second-Lieutenant Arthur Wilfred Wilkinson, the second, under the command of Second-Lieutenant Edgar Hugh Matheson. Upon the return of both patrols, the information gathered was similar, they reported that they found the wire "still more or less intact."

In the trenches, "C" Company arranged trench bridges to be ready for erection in their positions, New Front Trench and Border Street respectively, in addition to cutting the wire in front of their positions ready for removal before the commencement of the assault. "D" Company placed ladders ready for climbing from Ryecroft Trench whilst "A" and "B" Companies furnished working parties of 50 men each to assist in the repair of the trenches that had been damaged by the enemy bombardment. During the course of the 27th/28th June, in addition to the nine casualties suffered on the 27th, two men had been killed, Sergeant Lawrence Morton, 8722, and Private Richard Alfred Tennyson, 9512, both men having served with the battalion on the Western Front since the very outset. Their bodies unfortunately not identified after the war, both Sergeant Morton and Private Tennyson are now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.

Final Preparations

It was noted during the final days of the bombardment and with "Z" Day now rescheduled for the 1st July, that enemy artillery in this sector had "slackened off." During the nights of the 29th/30th, a new assembly trench was commenced parallel and 100 yards to the rear of Border Street by working parties of 50 men each from "A" and "B" Companies initially intended to be under the command of Major Alfred Mory Boyall but prior to the commencement of the work, Major Boyall became a casualty due to Shell Shock. Before the work commenced on this new assembly trench, Second-Lieutenant Phillips, a native of Weston-super-Mare, taped out the exact position for the trench, the War Diary remarking that this officer "did good work."

Moving up from positions in Long Valley, the 2nd Devons now moved into the line, "D" Company of the battalion constructing a new assembly trench on the night of the 29th/30th. As this battalion had moved into position, "C" and "D" Companies of the 2nd West Yorkshire's withdrew to the battalion's assembly trenches located in Houghton and Hodder Streets as enemy artillery continued to shell the sector it would appear indiscriminately. Private Frederick Brown, 23590, a native of York, was unfortunately killed along with Private Arthur Hague, 4/8487, a native of Sheffield. Arthur now lies in Aveluy Communal Cemetery Extension whilst Frederick is now buried in Albert Communal Cemetery Extension.

With the 2nd West Yorkshire's now in their assembly positions, enemy retaliation to the bombardment was described as "very slight." With final preparations for the commencement of the offensive in hand, during the night of the 30th June - 1st July, ladders to debouch from Ryecroft Street were pegged into position and numbered by men of "D" Company. As regards the barbed wire defences in front of the trench, sixteen men selected from both "A" and "B" Companies were delegated the removal of the wire to the front with cutters. To the rear of Border Street, twenty-five men from each company under selected officers completed the construction of the New Assembly Trench, Captain Percy Yarborough Harkness, Second-in-Command reporting that this work was completed at 1 a.m. on the morning of the 1st July.    

"Zero" Hour

The attack was scheduled to commence at 11.30 a.m., however, at 8.50 a.m. a message was received at Brigade Headquarters that the hour of attack was to be postponed until 2.30 p.m. due to rain and mist. As some of the men no doubt busied themselves checking rifles and equipment, for some, it may have been the last chance to write a final letter home expressing their thoughts before battle commenced. As the final barrage roared overhead, the men left the comparative safety of their lines following the creeping barrage that fell just fifty yards in front of them. The War Diaries of both attacking battalions do not record specific details as regards the assault therefore the following narrative of events is primarily based on the Headquarters Diary of the 23rd Infantry Brigade.

The Attack

The Middlesex, following close behind the protective creeping barrage, "A" & "B" Companies on the right and left flanks respectively, rose to the attack with "C" Company on the right and "D" Company on the left in support positions. Lieutenant-Colonel Finch watched on as his men advanced across a sea of mud and shell torn terrain to their first objective, Zenith Trench, their 'Special Parties' specifically assigned to deal with pockets of enemy resistance between the start point and the latter enemy trench.

Upon entering the enemy trench hand-to-hand fighting ensued, the Middlesex inflicting heavy losses on the defenders depite the Scottish Rifle's advance being momentarily checked by heavy machine gun, rifle fire and grenades that caused significant casualties. The men of the Middlesex at once set about clearing Zenith Trench of any further opposition and once this task was completed, a new line was established some 200 yards beyond the old hostile front line.

Of the Scottish Rifles, on the right flank of the Middlesex, they were disposed as follows:- 1st Line, "B" & "D" Companies, 2nd Line, "A" & "C" Companies respectively. Despite their first wave being held up and checked by severe opposition, both support companies being brought forward, entry into the enemy trench was effected. Second-Lieutenant John Ferguson assisted by Sergeant Frederick Hawkins, 9032, "C" Company, and one Private Murray?, now bombed their way along the enemy trench. Upon bombing down the first objective, Ferguson and Hawkins put out of action three machine guns and in progressing further, eventually cleared a distance of 30 yards however Second-Lieutenant Ferguson was unfortunately killed after clearing almost the whole front opposite the battalion, 25 prisoners being captured in the process. Hawkins, for his actions, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Second-Lieutenant John Ferguson, aged 24 years, a former student at Edinburgh University and a native of Aberfoyle, Stirling, is now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.

At 2.45 p.m., the 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade, left flank battalion of 25th Infantry Brigade, 8th Division, were reported to be digging in on their first objective, also Zenith, sending up flares to indicate their position. The objective however were not achieved without stiff resistance by the enemy, the leading waves, "A" & "B" Companies being held up by heavy machine gun fire at the junction of the Zenith and Eclipse trenches. The battalion's support companies, "C" & "D" Companies were eventually sent up and assisted in the process of "digging in' but the failure of their right attacking battalion, the 2nd Lincolns, made the situation somewhat precarious.

The Lincolns, Officer Commanding Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Bastard, also had Zenith Trench as their first objective. Once captured and consolidated, they would also dig a new line beyond the captured trench. The battalion were disposed as follows: "D" Company, Left Flank, "A" Company, Right Flank. "C" Company and "B" Company in Support respectively, the men assembling just behind Gusty Trench. At "Zero" hour, the leading companies kept close on the heels of the creeping barrage, so close in fact that some men were wounded by friendly fire. It had been noted nearly an hour before "Zero" that the enemy had been observed moving down Zenith Trench from the right, no doubt in an attempt to vacate the line and retire to the rear via Eclipse Trench. With the latter knocked in by the bombardment he had no choice but to stand and fight. As the Lincolns had advanced but a short distance, they were met by intense, rapid rifle fire virtually decimating the leading companies, only one section of "A" Company managing to enter the trench on the left flank of the Middlesex. Of the support companies, they met a similar fate and were hit by not just rifle fire but also that of machine gun. All company commanders had become casualties, three being killed whilst one succumbed to wounds received on the following day.

Shortly after 3 p.m. the enemy's artillery barrage appeared to be directed mostly on the village of Lesboeufs and the valley located in trench map reference, N.33. (Central) in close proximity to the support positions held by the 2nd West Yorkshire's. At 3.14 p.m. this barrage now extended along the full length of the Gueudecourt - Lesboeufs Road no doubt in an attempt to interdict men and materiel from entering the battle zone.

At 3.31 p.m. Brigade Headquarters were in touch with the contact patrol aeroplane that had been airborne from three minutes after "Zero." Four minutes later, Colonel Jack received orders to move one company forward to the trench vacated by the Scottish Rifles, consequently, "A" Company under the command of Captain John Philip Palmes M.C., moved forward in line of platoons and in file and across the open. Proceeding towards the trench system, the company was subjected to the attentions of the enemy's artillery, a total of 15 casualties being sustained before they reached their allocated positions. Amongst their number was one Private Matthew Milner, 28932, aged 21, a native of Pudsey, Leeds.

Matthew had enlisted at York in April 1916 under the Military Service Act, in other words, conscripted, and was posted to the battalion in August. Prior to the war he had been employed at a Worsted Mill, one of many in the Pudsey area as a "Doffer," someone who removes bobbins, pirns or spindles from a spinning frame replacing them with empty ones. Wounded during the enemy artillery barrage, Matthew was evacuated along the casualty clearing line to the 2/2nd London Casualty Clearing Station located at Meaulte, south of Albert where he unfortunately succumbed to his wounds. Matthew now lies buried in Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, Somme.

It was at 3.40 p.m. that news was received at Brigade Headquarters that the attack of the 2nd Lincolns on the left flank had failed, as we now know, with serious casualties, of the 2nd Rifle Brigade, they had now consolidated their first objective and were pressing on towards their second. Both the 2nd Scottish and the 2nd Middlesex were reported to be on their second objectives at 3.45 p.m. with a 'bag' of 39 prisoners and what was referred to as two weak counter-attacks by the enemy, one at 3.15 p.m. and one an hour later were beaten off.

Orders were now issued by 23rd Brigade Headquarters for the 2nd West Yorkshire's to send forth a "strong" bombing party to the Sunken Road at N.35.a.1/2.9. with the objective of making preparations to retake Orion Trench. Once in position, Colonel Jack was to report that he was ready. As the men busied themselves, the time for this bombing attack to commence was issued for 9 p.m.

Artillery batteries now made preparations to bombard the Sunken Road at N.35.a.1.0. therefore, it was critical, 8th Division Headquarters reaffirmed, that 23rd Brigade Headquarters inform them once that the 2nd West Yorks were in position as all guns were now under divisional control. (Authors note: The projected bombing attack of the 2nd West Yorkshire's was subsequently cancelled by Fourteenth Corps Headquarters).

Uncertainty as to positions now ensued as at 7.25 p.m. a message was received at 23rd Brigade Headquarters from the 25th Brigade H.Q. that the 2nd Rifle Brigade had been pushed out of the left of Zenith Trench and that their exact status and position was unknown.

Provision of supplies to units at the front was now paramount and to this end, two companies of the 1st Sherwood Foresters, 24th Infantry Brigade, were placed under the command of the 23rd Brigade, relieving the 2nd Devon's who were in Divisional Reserve located at Gap & Punch Trenches. Under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Joseph Elton Sunderland who had returned from Advanced Brigade Headquarters at 7 p.m., orders were received at late in the evening for the Devon's to proceed at once to Needle Trench located to the east of Flers and to the west of Lesboeufs respectively.

Just after 8.30 p.m., the Scottish Rifles reported their position at this point in time; Zenith Trench was now in their hands and was now consolidated. A strong point had been established on their right flank to counter any attack on this, and four Vickers guns were now in the line. In addition to this protective manoeuvre, a strong bombing post had been established near Orion Trench with additional strong points being pushed up over the crest in their forward positions.

As a dark night descended over the battlefield, Corps Headquarters cancelled any further operations on the 23rd Infantry Brigade front. The Commanding Officers of the 2nd Middlesex, 2nd Scottish Rifles and the 2nd West Yorkshire's were now issued with orders; all positions taken were to be consolidated and communication trenches commenced so as to link the forward positions with the rear, an emphasis being placed on completion of this vital work before dawn. Of the 2nd Devon's slogging their way forward through the mud and the darkness, they suffered two casualties due to all avenues of approach to the sector being shelled by enemy artillery as it bombarded identified routes up and down to the front. Upon arrival at their allocated position, the wounded from the attack were strewn across the ground, unable to be evacuated due to the condition of the terrain and a lack of stretcher bearers.

For the dead, their bodies lay out across the ground, a despairing sight no doubt for the survivors who had not only fought the enemy but also the trying conditions of the terrain over which they were ordered to attack. Success, despite numerous casualties, was assessed by higher command in yards gained not in men. Further attempts to advance would follow as the Somme battle continued across these lonely heights.

Casualties: 2nd Middlesex

The War Diary of the 2nd Middlesex (T.N.A. WO/95/1713) records casualties sustained by the battalion as 3 officers killed, 3, wounded. In Other Ranks, 62, Killed, 117 Wounded & 47 Missing, a total of 6 officers and 226 N.C.O.'s and men. The records of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission now record that the battalion suffered 82 casaualties Killed or Died of Wounds on the 23rd October. Whilst the vast majority of men who fell on this day have no known grave and are now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, for some, their earthly remains were located and exhumed as late as the 1930's.

Both Second-Lieutenant Frederick Owen Kemp, a married man from Gloucester, and Private Rupert Bennett, G/28130, a native of Bedmond, Hertfordshire, were buried together in one grave close to where they fell (N.28.d.85.00). Exhumed in March 1937, Kemp was identified by various items of insignia and clothing in addition to an inscribed hip flask, Bennett also by clothing and insignia and a piece of boot stamped 28130. Both men now lie buried in adjoining graves at London Cemetery Extension, High Wood, Longueval, Somme.

Of the missing, one of their number was Private Charles John O'Leary, G/905, aged 36 years. A married man of Notting Hill, London, Charles enlisted at Fulham and was posted to France on the 11th December 1914 whilst the battalion were in the trenches near Neuve Chapelle. Awarded the Military Medal, London Gazette 11th November 1916, the exact date or circumstances of the award are unknown at present, Charles justs represents one of many men of the battalion whose names are now inscribed on the Thiepval Memorial.

2nd Scottish Rifles

The War Diary of the 2nd Scottish Rifles (T.N.A. WO/95/1715/1) records casualties sustained by the battalion as 6 officers Killed, 4 Wounded and 2 Missing. In Other Ranks, 47 Killed, 167 Wounded and 14 Missing, a total of 12 officers and 228 N.C.O.'s and men. Once again an analysis of the records of the Commonwealth War Graves now record that the battalion suffered 67 casualties Killed or Died of Wounds.

Commemorated on the panels of the Thiepval Memorial is one Lance-Corporal John Gall, 8203. Born and enlisting at Aberdeen, John initially served with the 1st Battalion, Scottish Rifles, landing in France on the 15th August 1914. Transferred to the 2nd Battalion, date unknown, John's actions no doubt saved numerous lives and for his brave actions he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Noted in the War Diary on the 25th November, his citation for gallantry appeared in the London Gazette dated 21st December 1916:

"For conspicuous gallantry in action. Alone, with two bombs in his hand he advanced 25 yards straight up to a hostile machine gun and killed the team"

2nd West Yorkshire's

The 23rd Infantry Brigade War Diary (T.N.A. WO/95/1709/2) records estimated casualties to the battalion as one officer Killed. In Other Ranks, 2 Killed, 8 Wounded and 10 Missing. Casualties recorded in the battalion War Diary (T.N.A. WO/95/1714/2)  state that on the 23rd October 1 officer was killed (attached 23rd Trench Mortar Battery) along with 2 Other Ranks either Killed or Wounded. A further 15 O/R's casualties were sustained throughout the course of the day. An analysis of Commonwealth War Graves Commission records that 6 Other Ranks were Killed or Died of Wounds, the officer attached to the 23rd T.M.B. being one Lieutenant Norman Bastow, his death being inextricably linked with the fate of his brother.

Born in Reims, France in 1895 whilst his parents Thomas and Margaret were residing in premises located at Rue Croix-Saint-Marc, shortly after Norman's birth the Bastow (Baistow) family relocated back to London where he and his elder brother Frank were baptised at the Church of St. John of Jerusalem, South Hackney, London, in September of that year. The son of a Wool Combing Engineer, his father would unfortunately die in 1899 at the untimely age of 41 years, Margaret, remarrying in 1902 to one Alfred Charles Starling.

Both boys were sent north to Bradford and are recorded in the 1901 Census as residing with their Grandfather, Jeremiah Bastow, in the Manningham area of the city. By 1911, and with his stepfather now recorded as a Clerk in Holy Orders, Norman took up residence with his mother and husband at Whitley Bay, Norman at this juncture being recorded as a Student. (Authors note: Educated at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle & Leeds University. Served an apprenticeship at Wallsend Slipway & Engineering Company). Frank had now returned south to continue his education at Dulwich College, south-east London before proceeding to Clare College, Cambridge, where he studied in the Mathematical Tripos no doubt with a view to following in his father's footsteps as an engineer.

Upon the outbreak of war, both Norman and Frank were appointed as Second-Lieutenants (On Probation) into the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, on the 15th August 1914 (London Gazette dated 15th September 1914, Page 7303). Confirmed in their ranks in April 1915, Frank had by now joined the ranks of the 1st Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, on the 24th March 1915 whilst they were located near Houplines to the east of Armentieres, Norman subsequently being posted to the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment in June 1915, both being confirmed in the rank of Lieutenant (London Gazette dated 7th July, 1915, appointments dated the 14th June 1915).

Receiving the news of the death of their mother in March 1916, the last link to their family had now been all but erased, Margaret dying whilst her husband was performing duties as Vicar at the Church of Saint John the Baptist, Stanwick, near Darlington. For Frank and Norman, their respective divisions having both being engaged on the Western Front from 1914, both would eventually move southwards to Picardy in northern France to play their part in the Battle of the Somme.

In September near Lesboeufs, Frank would be seriously wounded in the arm, a wound that would leave him with a permanent disability. As for Norman, the action that resulted in his untimely death is recorded in the pages of the Royal Grammar School Roll of Honour. Having left the comparative safety of the trench so as to better supervise operations, he was shot through the heart and died instantly. His body unfortunately lost, Norman is now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.

Promoted to the rank of Captain in February 1917, Frank continued to serve at home with the 3rd (Reserve) Battalion of the Regiment and would then be seconded for service with the Royal Defence Corps. Despite his disability, Frank was posted to join the ranks of the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment in April 1918 and on the 27th May was unfortunately killed whilst the battalion were holding positions to the east of the Chemin des Dames, north of Reims. Denied a known grave, Frank, aged 25 years, is now commemorated on the Soissons Memorial, Soissons, Aisne, France. In addition to being commemorated on the memorials to the missing at Thiepval and Soissons, both brothers are also remembered on the War Memorial located in the Church of St. John, Stanwick. United in death, these two brothers just replicate the destruction of one family, like so many, by the war on the Western Front.

Holding The Line

The 23rd Infantry Brigade were now holding the positions Zenith Trench - Zenith - and the Forward Line. In the front line the 2nd Scottish Rifles formed the right flank battalion, the 2nd Middlesex the left respectively. John and the men of the 2nd West Yorkshire's were now disposed with two companies in Spectrum Trench and two companies in Windmill Trench whilst the 2nd Devon's remained in Needle Trench in Divisional Reserve.

The men now set about strengthening and consolidating their positions, this work being conducted under heavy enemy artillery fire that resulted in numerous casualties. During the day a conference was held at Brigade Headquarters to discuss further operations in this sector of the line, 25th Infantry Brigade being designated for an attack on the portion of Zenith Trench still held by the enemy.

At 8.15 p.m., "B" Company under the command of Captain Lesley Douglas Gordon-Alexander and "D" Company, Second-Lieutenant Thomas Sankey of the 2nd West Yorks, moved forward to Spectrum Trench and the captured portion of Zenith to relieve the 2nd Scottish Rifles, 20 casualties being suffered by the battalion during the course of the day primarily due to shell fire. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission now records that 8 men were Killed or Died of Wounds on this date, only three of their number being buried in known graves.

The 2nd Scottish Rifles now moved upon relief into support trenches located at Windmill and Shin (sic) Alley. Although relieved from the front line, their Battalion Headquarters were subjected to the attentions of enemy artillery, several casualties being sustained during this bombardment.

Although the left flank held by the 2nd Middlesex was subjected to localised bombing attacks from the section of Zenith Trench still held by the enemy, these were easily repulsed. Despite enemy infantry still trying to gain lost objectives, the attentions of his artillery were primarily directed against the new forward positions which were in the process of being deepened, enemy artillery also conducting a systematic bombardment of Spectrum Trench, no doubt with the intention of interdiction. Therefore to assist the movement of men and supplies forward, a communication trench was now constructed and dug back from the front to Zenith, all the while, the men being subjected to shell fire as they stuck to their task. With the Middlesex bearing the brunt of the enemy's attacks and gaining the upper hand in the ensuing bombing duels, proposals were sent to the division that the battalion were in a position to adopt a more offensive attitude towards the enemy and launch a bombing attack on their positions in Zenith. Caution though had to be exercised, and to hold on to positions hard gained was possibly the best course of action, divisional headquarters 'declining' the proposed attack. Operations for attack were now scheduled for the 25th Brigade, objective, to finally 'push' the enemy garrison out and capture the remainder of Zenith Trench still in the hands of the enemy.

The Attack Of The 25th Infantry Brigade: 3.50 a.m.

As heavy rain once again began to fall, operation orders were issued to both the 2nd Battalion, Royal Berkshire's and the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles of 25th Infantry Brigade to prepare for attack. The Officers Commanding, Lieutenant-Colonel's Roland Haig and Evan Colclough Lloyd respectively, issued their orders for the attack. Both battalions were to assault with two companies each and in two waves, 25 yards apart. To assist in the operation, a platoon of the 22nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, Pioneer Battalion of the 8th Division, under the command of Second-Lieutenant Edward Hartley would be attached to the second wave to dig a communication trench once the objective was taken.

As the attack promptly commenced at "Zero," it was met by heavy machine gun and rifle fire from the stubborn defenders of Zenith Trench as the men attempted to advance across the quagmire. In less than an hour, the attackers were withdrawn to their original start positions after advancing only a short distance, suffering numerous casualties in the process.

Positions On The 25th October

23rd Infantry Brigade, right hand brigade of the division, were now disposed as follows:- 2nd West Yorks, Right Front Battalion, 2nd Middlesex, Left Front Battalion. 23rd Machine Gun Company and 23rd Trench Mortar Battery, also in the line. The 2nd Devon's at this juncture were now attached to the 25th Infantry Brigade whilst the 2nd Scottish Rifles had now moved fron their support positions in Windmill and Shin Alley to reserve at Bernafay Wood.

Positions now held by the division after both attacks was established during the morning, the following positions being recorded in the pages of the War Diary of the 2nd Devon's. Zenith Trench - N.34.b.9.5. - N.28.d.5.5. (all references approximate), and a line of shell craters running from the northern section of Zenith (N.28.b.0.1 1/2) to near Misty Trench (N.28.a.6.4.) The section of Zenith Trench that remained in the hands of the enemy it was ascertained now ran from between N.28.d.5.5. - N.28.b.0.1 1/2.

2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire's, on the right flank, were disposed in the line as follows:- Right Front, "A" Company, Left Front, "C" Company. "B" & "D" Companies in Support. During the afternoon, the latter two companies were shelled heavily by the enemy's artillery resulting in 20 casualties. "A" & "C" Companies had also suffered about 15 casualties, the men from these two companies either being killed or wounded whilst performing the duties of bringing rations and stores up into the line.

Under the cover of darkness, the battalion sent out a patrol across No Man's Land towards enemy positions near Orion Trench. This small patrol consisting of just one officer and three men (Source: Brigade War Diary) under the command of Second-Lieutenant Oswald Andrew Peters, "A" Company, had the objective of interdicting any enemy forces gathering in the gloom for the attack. Rather fortuitously, this small patrol ran into a party of the enemy numbering about 15 men who had, as the Brigade War Diary notes, "lost their way." The whole party surrendered without a fight whereupon 2nd Lieuetenant Peters and his small band returned to the British lines with their 'bag.' Authors note: General Jack's Diary states that this party had the intention to surrender much earlier but were denied the opportunity by their Sergeant, as Jack records in his opinion, "evidently a hard-hearted man."

During the day, enemy artillery continued a heavy fire programme on both Spectrum Trench and the Sunken Road. In the road were stationed the headquarters of the various units in the line and enemy artillery had the range, sweeping the road with shell fire. Brigade Headquarters located at T.8.a.5.4. south-west of Lesboeufs came in for particular attention between the hours of 9 - 11 a.m., dug-outs being blown in no doubt resulting in men being entombed. As a result of this bombardment, the Brigade Diary records that 16 Other Ranks were killed and a further 6 were wounded.

The 2nd West Yorkshire's had suffered one officer Killed and one Wounded (Second-Lieutenant Eric Vernon Gilliat). In Other Ranks, the battalion had suffered 7 Killed, 21 Wounded and 13 Missing (Source: Brigade War Diary). Commonwealth War Graves now records that 20 Other Ranks were either Killed or Died of Wounds on this day plus one officer, Second-Lieutenant John Littlejohn. Originally buried close to Spectrum Trench (N.34.b.55.75) along with a number of men, John's body was exhumed in 1931. His body displayed signs of trauma, suggesting the cause of death to be the result of an explosion but we will probably not know the exact circumstances surrounding his unfortunate death. Effects found with the body were limited and amounted to just his officers uniform, boots and buttons, conclusive proof of indentity therefore being impossible. As a consequence, John, the teacher from Strathbungo School, Glasgow, is now commemorated on his headstone as "Believed To Be," the date of his death being recorded by the C.W.G.C. as the 26th October, Thiepval Anglo-French Cemetery.

News also reached battalion Headquarters of the death of the Battalion Medical Officer, Captain Barcroft Joseph Leech Fayle, R.A.M.C. A native of Clifton, Bristol, Fayle was attached to the battalion in September 1916 replacing Captain Harold Garnett Janion M.C. Educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, he had previously been attached to the 5th Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery, 8th Divisional Artillery before being posted to the West Yorkshire's as M.O.

Working without respite tending to the wounded, General Jack's Diary records that the death of Captain Fayle was reported by an orderly who came down the steps of the Headquarters dug-out to inform his commanding officer that Fayle had been killed on the road outside. Genuinely shocked by the death of such a popular officer, 'Jack' in his own words records in the War Diary:- "No words can convey my appreciation of his tireless and brave devotion to duty."

Denied a known grave and his body 'lost' in the confusion of battle, two isolated bodies were exhumed in 1935. Amongst uniform, insignia and other equipment on one man, was was found a cigarette case engraved B.J.L.F. in addition to a ring engraved with a crest. With the effects confirming that this was in fact the body of Captain Fayle, the M.O. of the 2nd West Yorkshire's is now buried at the London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval, Somme, of the remains of the other man, his remains, unidentified, are now buried in the same cemetery.  

One of the Other Ranks who fell on the 25th October has a local connection, Private Samuel Ware, 32006. Sam was born at Bramham in 1896 to parents Frederick, occupation, Agricultural Labourer, and Louisa Ware, the family residence being recorded in the 1901 Census as premises located on the Ingmanthorpe Hall Estate. By 1911, the family had relocated to Stubbing Moor, west of Wothersome near Bramham, Samuel's occupation being recorded at this juncture as that of a Farm Labourer aged 15 years.

Enlisting in early December 1915 at Boston Spa, Samuel formed part of a large draft to various battalions of the West Yorkshire Regiment, his arrival on the Western Front and subsequent posting to the 2nd Battalion possibly being August 1916. Killed at some point during the course of the day, Samuel aged just 19 years, his home address being recorded as Wothersome Kennels, is now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial as well as the Bramham War Memorial.

Consolidating & Patrolling

With the 4th Division now being relieved by the 33rd Division on the right flank, the men continued their work deepening communication and front line trenches as well as burying the numerous dead as the rain continued to fall. Enemy artillery continued his bombardment of the trench systems throughout the day resulting in numerous casualties. 2nd West Yorkshire's reported 30 casualties primarily to carrying parties and those in support, but casualties were also suffered by the men devoid of the protection of dug-outs in the front line positions, the latter becoming even more untenable not only due to the weather but the increasing attentions of the enemy's guns.

About 1 a.m., a patrol was sent out by the West Yorkshire's however there is no record of the company or strength that conducted this patrol recorded in the pages of the War Diary. One would assume that this was performed by either officer(s) and men of  "A" or "C" Companies as it is apparent that the dispositions of the companies had not altered. It was reported that large parties of the enemy were observed in front of the lines but due to no hostile action being instigated, it was assumed that these were purely 'out' for the purpose of working and the strengthening of their positions.

An analysis of CWGC records now confirm that 1 officer (2nd/Lt. Littlejohn) and 18 Other Ranks were recorded as Killed or Died of Wounds on the 26th. Three men who fell on this day reflect the varied composition of those who served with the battalion at this stage of the war; Corporal Edward Collier, 15/1583, Private James Ealand, 15/1658, and Private William Henry Hare, 29031.

Collier and Ealand, both natives of Leeds, had joined the ranks of the Leeds "Pals," (15th (Service) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment), in June 1915 at their camp at Colsterdale, near Masham, North Yorkshire. Allocated to "E" Company, the Depot Company of the battalion, they remained on home service with this company whilst the remainder of the battalion set sail for Egypt in December 1915 and ultimately the Western Front in March 1916. Drafted to the 2nd West Yorkshire's on or about September 1916, both men are now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Somme.

A native of Bramham, William Henry Hare was born at Wetherby in 1893 to parents Joseph, occupation, Farm Labourer, and Harriet Emma Hare, the family residing in premises located at Linton. Relocating to Bramham shortly after 1900, the 1911 Census records that the family had taken up residence at 'The Crag,' Bramham, William's occupation now being declared as a Farm Labourer. Upon the death of his father in 1914, the family moved to premises located in Low Road. Enlisting at Boston Spa in late February 1916, William was drafted to the 2nd West Yorkshire's in September of that year and with little or no experience of trench warfare, was killed in action after just a few weeks at the front aged just 23 years. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, William is also remembered on the village war memorial located at Bramham.

27th October: The Conditions Worsen

As the rain continued to fall, the condition of the ground deteriorated even further turning into liquid mud. In the front line positions the men set about their task of trying to improve and consolidate their positions in addition to the burying of the dead where possible. As intermittent shell fire bombarded both the front and the rear positions it was inevitable that casualties were to be suffered. At some point during the course of the day, Second-Lieutenant Eric Vernon Gilliat, a native of West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, was wounded for a second time. Transferred to the 3rd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, Gilliat would eventually serve as a Lieutenant with the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force and die at Leeds in 1959 aged 60 years.

During the morning the Brigadier accompanied by Captain F.G. Roberts (Authors note: Possibly Frederick George Roberts M.C., Royal Scots Fusiliers and East Lancashire Regiment attached) toured the line no doubt making notes on the defensive preparations in hand. It became apparent from information obtained from the units holding the line that the enemy opposite appeared to be more subdued when subjected to fire, small parties it was observed retiring from positions providing an ideal target for snipers. It was only at night that he made forays across No Man's Land to approach the British barbed wire defences whereupon he then took cover in shell holes out in front of the line, snipers waiting for targets of opportunity. To the rear in the vicinity of the ruined village of Le Transloy, large working parties were observed early in the morning these being consequently harassed by machine-gun fire that forced them to disperse. (Authors note: In fact, the enemy were constructing yet another defensive line in the rear, the adoption of a "defence in depth" strategy).

Regarding future operations, 25th Infantry Brigade received preliminary orders to prepare for an attack to push out the last defenders of that portion of Zenith Trench still in the hands of the enemy, "Z" Day preliminary being set for this operation to take place on the afternoon of the 28th. As a precursor to the attack, field artillery of various calibres would begin a steady bombardment on a daily basis of the ground to the south-west and to the north-west of Zenith, the latter also opening occasional strafes on the latter position itself. Both 23rd and 24th Infantry Brigades would assist the momentum of the attack by directing Lewis and machine gun fire on the enemy's trenches and on any other targets that presented themselves. (Authors note: An Operation Order was issued later in the day postponing the attack until the 29th).

Of the 2nd Scottish Rifles who had been withdrawn from the line on the 25th, they were now ordered to proceed back to the front line from reserve positions located at Trones Wood to relieve the 2nd Middlesex who now in turn moved to positions near Montauban, no casualties being sustained in the long march across difficult terrain.

The Officer Commanding 2nd Devon's, attached to 25th Infantry Brigade for offensive operations, now visited the front line positions that the battalion were to occupy prior to the attack. The trenches he found were in a deplorable state due to the adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, there was no established position for Battalion Headquarters and stores had not been carried forward in sufficient number to make an attack feasible. As a consequence of the lack of stores present, carrying parties were furnished whilst "C" & 2 Platoons of "B" Company commenced a relief of the 2nd Royal Berkshire Regiment in Larkhill and Spider Trenches located to the south-east of Gueudecourt during the night. This relief was not without incident as the Devonshire's were subjected to heavy shell fire, Second-Lieutenant Charles Hector Simeon Buckley being wounded in addition to 3 Other Ranks Killed and 5 wounded.

"D" Company of the 2nd West Yorkshire's under the command of Second-Lieutenant Sankey now proceeded back to positions located in Shin Alley and as the hours of darkness descended over the front line positions, patrols were sent out to ascertain the enemy's activities. Whilst one of these patrols was 'out,' Second-Lieutenant Joseph Littlewood was wounded, but, fortune had played into the hands of one of these forays, two of the enemy had been made prisoner. Running in to a patrol, a short fight ensued resulting in one Unteroffizier being wounded in the neck and another man captured. This officer, to his credit, resisted until he received his wound, his unit upon capture then being ascertained as Pioneers of the 28th Ersatz Battalion, Bavarian Ersatz Division who had only come into the line opposite Le Transloy on the 25th/26th October.

Outbreaks of Trench Foot, a medical condition brought about by prolonged periods of exposure to water or dampness now began to materialise. With little or no means of preventing the immersion of the men's feet in water due to the state of the trenches and the adverse weather conditions, Captain George Ernest Elkington R.A.M.C. made his timely arrival on the 26th.

An analysis of Commonwealth War Graves records show that three men died on the 27th October, Privates Tom Kirby, 28790, Ernest Wilkinson, 28999, and Lance-Corporal William Lund, 16314. Both Kirby, aged 29 years, a native of Green Hamerton and resident of Marton-cum-Grafton and Wilkinson, aged 23 years and a resident of Hyde Park, Leeds, succumbed to wounds received at either one of two Casualty Clearing Stations located at Grove Town near Meaulte and are now buried in Grove Town Cemetery. William Lund has no known grave and is therefore now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

William Lund was born at Knaresborough in 1889 to parents William, a Brick Layers Labourer and Mary Jane Lund, the family residing in premises located off Windsor Lane. Married in November 1909 to one Minnie Elma Chorley, a widow and late of the The Crown Inn, Minskip, near Boroughbridge, the family set up residence at Gate Cottage, Forest Moor, Knaresborough, William's occupation recorded in the 1911 Census as that of a Labourer/Bricklayer.

Enlisting at York in late November 1914, he was drafted to the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment on the 24th March 1915 to replace losses sustained by the battalion in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle. Wounded on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916, it was whilst recuperating that he received the news of his brother's death whilst serving with the 5th Reserve Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. (Authors note: Roger, served overseas from the 24th August 1915 the date suggesting service with 23rd Divisional Artillery, Died at Home on the 24th July 1916, buried, Knaresborough Cemetery).

Returning to his battalion, William was possibly killed in one of the enemy's artillery bombardments but the exact details of his death are unknown at present. Both William and Roger are now commemorated on the Knaresborough War Memorial, located in the grounds of Knaresborough Castle.

Saturday, 28th October 1916: The Death Of Private John Starmond Crossley

The weather had by now turned very cold in addition to the relentless rainfall. In these conditions, John and the men of the 2nd West Yorkshire's continued their work in consolidating and improving the front and communication trenches as well as the construction of strong points and the driving out of forward saps. The War Diary records that the total casualties sustained by the battalion since the 23rd October were approximately 4 officers and 171 Other Ranks.

At 6 a.m. on the morning of the 28th October, 98th Infantry Brigade, 33rd Division, on the right flank of the 8th Division, launched a successful attack against Dewdrop Trench securing a large number of prisoners primarily from the Bavarian Divisions holding this sector. This attack, pushing the line forward, had however not come without substantial casualties to the division.

Regarding the 2nd West Yorkshire's and with an overdue relief about to come to fruition on the night of the 30th October, the casualties still mounted, amongst them John Crossley, the young married man from Wetherby. The War Diary at best, describes the conditions and interminable endurance of the men under most trying circumstances:

"The Battalion went into action - actual fighting men - on 22nd and including officers, but not including officers and O/R's on transport or left in camp as reinforcements, was 437. Between 22nd & 30th the casualties were 6 officers (including one officer attached T.M.'S) and 214 O/R's. A & C Coys only lost about 15 advancing to front line on 25th - B & D Coys suffered most in the trenches whilst carrying parties of all Coys and HQ suffered severely. All the stretcher bearers and orderlies worked with the greatest gallantry and had to traverse ground continually swept by heavy shell fire. Bn. HQ in a sunken road, well marked by enemy's artillery, also suffered severely and was continually shelled by both 5.9's + shrapnel whilst the routes both to the rear + to the front - particularly the former - were very exposed and dangerous."

A total of 13 men were either Killed or Died of Wounds on the 28th October, one man, buried at Grove Town Cemetery and another at St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, no doubt succumbing to wounds received days previously. Of the remaining casualties, only two have known graves, Lance-Corporal John Morrell, 8373, and Lance-Corporal John Smith, 9385. Both Morrell and Smith had served with the 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment on the Western Front since November 1914, Morrell's body being found and exhumed in 1932 and identified by his identity disc. John now lies in Serre Road Cemetery Number 2, a large concentration cemetery containing over 7000 burials. John Smith, his body exhumed by the 3rd Labour Company performing battlefield clearance duties, now lies in the Guards' Cemetery, Lesboeufs, a short distance from where he was originally buried.

Amongst the men who have no known grave and who are now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial is one Private Arthur Kellett, 28109, a resident of Tadcaster. Born at Royston, South Yorkshire in 1878 to parents Charles, an Agricultural Labourer, and Sarah Kellett, by the 1890's the family had relocated to Low Park Farm, Hazlewood, near Tadcaster. Moving to Wingate Hill near Stutton, both Arthur and his father continued employment as Farm Labourer's, Mabel, Charles' daughter also residing with the family, finding employment as an Assistant Teacher with Leeds City Council.

Enlisting at Leeds in December 1915, Arthur was posted to the battalion in the following year, the precise date of his draft being unknown but possibly August/September of that year. It is most likely that Arthur too was killed in the systematic bombardment of the lines by enemy artillery but the exact circumstances of his death are unknown at present. Recorded as "killed in action" in the Register of Soldiers' Effects, Arthur is now commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial along with his comrades who fell on this day.

At the marital home located at 50 North Street, Wetherby, Maud received the telegram from the War Office informing her of the death of her husband. His death was reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post just a month later suggesting that his final moments were witnessed by one of his fellow soldiers and comrades. A further newspaper article published in the Leeds Mercury dated the 20th of November 1916 appears to confirm this, the latter reporting that a Sergeant had witnessed John's last few moments stating in a letter to Mrs. Crossley that he died from "shell-shock."  If John had only survived at the front just a few more days, the battalion were about to be relieved on the night of the 30th/31st October.

Walking this area of the Somme battlefield, I often think of John and the men of all combatants either German, French or men of the Commonwealth who endured these terrible conditions as the battle drew to a bitter conclusion during the following month in mud and freezing conditions. For me personally, in this area of the battlefield, I can find no solace either in summer or winter.