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Thread: 100 Years Ago Today

  1. #1601

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    Good luck in my absence Neil - back on August 8th

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  2. #1602

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    NP Chris, Rob has kindly taken the reins back from Fri to Mon inclusive as I'm incommunicado (wherever that is) over the weekend. Then I'll be back at the press on Tuesday through to your return.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  3. #1603

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    Thursday 27th July 1916
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    Attachment 203176
    Sergeant Albert Gill
    VC (8 September 1879 – 27 July 1916) he was 36 years old, and a sergeant in the 1st Battalion, The Kings Own Royal Rifle Corps. On 27 July 1916 at the Battle of Delville Wood, the enemy made a very strong counterattack on the right flank of the battalion and rushed the bombing post after killing all the company bombers. Sergeant Gill rallied the remnants of his platoon, none of whom were skilled bombers, and reorganised his defences. Soon afterwards the enemy nearly surrounded his men and started sniping at about 20 yards range. Although it was almost certain death, Sergeant Gill stood boldly up in order to direct the fire of his men. He was killed almost at once, but his gallant action held up the enemy advance.

    Today we lost: 1400

    The Bedfordshire Regiment suffers heavy casualties from gas shelling during an attack on Longueval.
    Brothers and Privates in the Berkshire Regiment Harry and William Bernard Whiting are killed while serving together. Harry dies at age 32. Their stepfather will be killed in November 1917.

    At Delville Wood the enemy makes a very strong counter-attack on the right flank of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and rush the bombing post after killing all the company’s bombers. Sergeant Albert Gill rallies the remnants of his platoon, none of whom are skilled bombers and reorganizes his defences. Soon afterwards the enemy nearly surrounds his men and starts sniping at about 20-yards range. Although it almost certainly means his death, Sergeant Gill stands bolding up in order to direct the fire of his men. He is killed almost immediately, but his gallant action held up the enemy advance. For this action Sergeant Gill will be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

    Master Charles Algernon Fryatt (SS Brussels) is executed by the Germans after being convicted of being a pirate for attempting to ram a submarine that has attempted to sink his ship. He is 43 years old.

    Today’s losses include:

    A Victoria Cross winner

    Brothers killed together whose step father will be killed in November 1917

    The son of a member of the clergy

    The grandson of a member of the clergy

    The son of a Justice of the Peace

    An Australian Rules footballer

    Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War

    A member of the Ulster Cricket club

    A Brigadier General

    The son of a Major General

    The son of a Jurist

    The brother of a Great War poet

    The son of an Irish Constabulary District Inspector

    A Clapton Orient footballer

    The son-in-law of a Baronet

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Lieutenant Bruce Lawson Monie (Australian Infantry) is killed. His brother will be killed next April.

    Second Lieutenant William Scott Kemmis (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 29. He is the son of the Reverend Canon William Henry Kemmis.
    Sergeant John Preston Walker (Australian Infantry) an Australian Rules Footballer is killed at age 23. He scored 2 goals in 4 games for St Kilda in 1910 and 1911.

    Private David Henry Bindoff (Australian Infantry) is killed. His brother died of wounds in Egypt in September 1915.

    Lance Corporal Edward Huntley (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 38. He is the son the R E Huntley MD, JP.

    Lance Corporal Percy Adams (Royal Fusiliers) dies of wounds at age 23. His brother will be killed in July 1917.

    Private George Jackson (Royal Fusiliers) is killed. He was a member of the Ulster Cricket Club and his brother will be killed in four days.

    Private Sydney George Lewis (Royal Fusiliers) dies of wounds at age 29. His brother will be killed in the sinking of the steamer Minnehaha in September 1917.

    Private Henry MacKenzie (Seaforth Highlanders) is killed in High Wood. His brother died on service in March of this year.

    Private Benjamin Johnson (Seaforth Highlanders) is killed at age 24. His brother will be killed in April 1918.

    Private William MacDonald (Seaforth Highlanders) is killed at age 21. His brother died of wounds in October 1914. Brigadier General Edwin H

    Hazelton the Principal Veterinary Officer in India since April of this year dies on service.

    Major Ernest Cave Rowcroft DSO (Indian Army) dies on service in India at age 49. He is the son of Major General G C Rowcroft.

    Captain Edmund Lally Howell (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) is killed in action at age 41. He is the son of the Honorable Hector Howell Chief Justice of Manitoba.

    Lieutenant John Angus Nicolson McEwen Scobie (Royal Engineers) is killed at age 21. His brother, a “Great War Poet” will be killed in England in October 1918.

    Second Lieutenant Alfred Tottenham (Machine Gun Corps) is killed at age 20. His brother was killed in April of this year and they are sons of the Irish Constabulary District Inspector and grandsons of the Venerable William Creek Archdeacon of Kilmore.

    Corporal Edmund Lloyd Parkins (West Surrey Regiment) is killed at age 23. His brother will be killed next April.

    Lance Corporal Thomas Sim (Gordon Highlanders) is killed in action at age 33. His brother will be killed in three days.

    Private Richard Henry Ellis (South Africa Infantry) dies of wounds received on 18th July at age 40. His two brothers are also killed in 1916.

    Private William Jonas (Middlesex Regiment) is killed at age 26. He scored 23 goals in 74 matches for the Clapton Orient and Havanna Rovers Football Clubs. He became trapped in a trench with his Orient team-mate Richard McFadden while fighting at Delville Wood. Under heavy fire, he says goodbye to McFadden, jumped out of the trench and is killed instantly. McFadden will be killed in less than three months.

    Private Charles C Carter (Devonshire Regiment) is killed in action at age 20. His brother will be killed in March 1918.

    Private Bertie Smith (Norfolk Regiment) is killed. His brother will be killed in the same regiment in four days.

    Private Wilfred Crowe (Cheshire Regiment) is killed in action at age 19. His brother will be killed in March 1918.

    Private Alfred Bakewell (Warwickshire Regiment) is killed at age 20. His brother will be killed next May.

    Private Harold George Summers (Gloucestershire Regiment) dies of wounds as a prisoner of war at age 21. His brother will die on service at home in February 1917.

    Private Albert Rhucroft (Hampshire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 20. His brother will be killed in March 1917.

    Private Martin Robertson-Glasgow (Machine Gun Section Royal Fusiliers) is killed at Delville Wood at age 34. He was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and the son in law of ‘Sir’ Richard Carnac Temple 2nd Baronet.

    Air Operations:

    Hostile aeroplanes drop bombs on Bari and Otranto.

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: No losses are recorded today.

    Claims: 2

    Sous Lt Joseph Denis Bernard Robert De Bonnefoy claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying for N65 he shot down an enemy plane near Brie. "A pilot of exceptional ardor and bravery. He has distinguished himself in a number of long distance bombardments, and has given proof of the highest military qualities during the course of recent operations. On 27 July 1916, he downed an enemy plane and forced a second to land in its lines.

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    Tenente Ferruccio Ranza claims his 1st confirmed kill flying for 77a he shot down a Hansa Brandenberg CI near Martel.

    Western Front

    Aisne and Champagne:

    Germans make two strong attacks on French centre at Ville-au-Bois, north of Aisne, and in Champagne, west of Prosnes.

    Somme:

    British advance in Delville Wood, fighting continues near Pozieres and at Longueval.

    French make progress east of Estrees.

    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).

    Tunstills Men, Thursday 27th July 1916:

    Trenches near Becourt Wood
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    There was some German shelling overnight on 26th/27th and the threat of gas shells, but there were no great alarms for the Battalion and conditions were generally quiet. Orders were received for the Battalion to move, next day, through Contalmaison and into the front line trenches east of Pozieres.

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    The funeral took place, at St. Ambrose’s, Grindleton, of Pte. Thomas Rigby (see 21st July) who had died at Frensham Hospital, whilst being treated for wounds suffered in the advance on Contalmaison. It was reported that, “The local mills stopped for a time and almost all the local operatives attended the Churchyard. The scenes were impressive. The Grindleton Band played suitable music, inside and outside the Church, and after the body had been lowered to its last resting place the Last Post was sounded by a bugler. The last rites were performed by the Vicar (Rev. F.G. Ackerley) and the Rector of Slaidburn (Rev. J.C. Garnett)”.

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    The surviving personal effects of the late Lt. Leonard Hammond (see 14th July), who had been killed in action on 5th July, were despatched to his family. They comprised of, “Cigarette case, plated flask, note case with photos, cheque book, gold medal”.

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    A similar return of personal effects was recorded (but not dated) for Capt. Herbert Montagu Soames Carpenter (see 20th July), who had been killed the same day. In his case, his effects were itemised as, “Letter case with photos, fountain pen, Holy Bible, cheque book, Colt 45 automatic pistol with 4 spare magazines and cleaning rod, cardboard pocket book, Morocco pocket book, pair of field glasses, diary”.

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    For Lt. Adolph Keith Lavarack (see 6th July), also killed on 5th July, his effects were recorded as having been, “Metal cigarette case, note book with photos, note case (empty), letter case with keys, cheque book, small pocket book, fountain pen, identity disc, charm, tie-pin”.The family of the fourth officer killed on 5th July, 2Lt. Walter Douglas Taylor (see 18th July), also received his personal effects: “Silver case, match box and stamps, note case containing photographs, gun metal watch, photo, fountain pen, cheque book, officers’ advance book, ring”.

    2Lt. John Redington who had left the Battalion three weeks earlier (see 6th July), was transferred back to England, aboard the hospital ship HMS Newhaven from Calais to Dover, for further medical treatment. It was reported that, “This officer has been suffering from extreme weakness for the past six months in France. He was unable to march without pain, which was chiefly located in the left inguinal region. The pain is attributed to adhesions in the appendicular region.”

    Edward Smitham, the eldest son of Sgt. George Edward Smitham (see 24th June), attested for service, claiming to be aged 18 (he was in fact only 17). He was posted to 3rd (Reserve) Battalion DWR.

    Eastern Front:

    Sakharov reaches Klekotov position, within five miles of Brody.

    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:

    Turks and Germans begin to move from Katiya line.
    Russians advance towards Sivas (west of Erzingan); a Turkish attack near Mosul is repulsed.
    Arabia:Yenbo (Medina’s port, including Stotzingen mission to Yemen) surrenders to Emir Abdulla, Grand Sherif of Mecca.

    Persia:
    Sykes’ 500 men leave Kerman for Yezd.

    Naval Operations:

    Shipping Losses: 1

    Agenda:
    Norway: The brig was sunk in the North Sea off the mouth of the River Tyne by SM U-23, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Political:

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    Captain Chas Fryat, of the G.E. liner "Brussels", is court-martialled and shot by German authorities in Belgium for attempt to ram German submarine.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 07-27-2016 at 14:27.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  4. #1604

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    The execution of Captain Charles Fryatt (his name was spelt incorrectly on his tombstone in Bruges) was quite a big thing at the time. The British made a lot of propaganda out of it. His was one of only three bodies repatriated after WW1. The other two being Edith Cavell and the Unknown Warrior.

    I had never heard of him until the BBC local t.v. news did a piece about him. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-36745439

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Fryatt

  5. #1605

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    Friday 28th July 1916
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Size:  76.5 KBClaud Charles Castleton, VC (12 April 1893 – 29 July 1916) was born in Kirkey, Lowestoft, England. Educated at a council school, he won a scholarship to the grammar school. In 1912 he set off on a long adventure, stopping first at Melbourne, Australia. He worked in various parts of Australia before heading to New Guinea, intending to earn funds for the return journey to England via New Zealand, India and Africa. Matters changed with the outbreak of the First World War; he joined the Australian force formed in New Guinea for the defence of the area in the face of German warship activities.


    In March 1915 Castleton returned to Sydney and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. He subsequently served at Gallipoli, where he earned promotion. He later transferred to the Australian Machine Gun Corps. He was 23 years old, and a sergeant in the 5th Machine Gun Company, 5th Brigade, 2nd Division when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.


    On the night of the 28/29 July 1916 near Pozieres, France, during a night attack the infantry was temporarily driven back by the intense machine-gun fire from the enemy trenches. Many wounded were left in no man’s land lying in shell holes. Sergeant Castleton went out twice in the face of this intense fire, and each time brought in a wounded man on his back. He went out a third time and was bringing in another wounded man when he was himself hit in the back and killed instantly



    Anniversary:


    Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.


    Today we lost: 852


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    Lieutenant Robert Goldthorpe Raws (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at age 30. He is survived by his older brother who will be killed within a month while serving in the same regiment. The brothers are the subject of the book “Hail and Farewell, Letters from two Brothers killed in France in 1916”.
    Today’s losses include:
    Great War letter writers and diarist


    Multiple families that will two and three sons in the Great War


    A Military Chaplain


    The son of a member of the clergy


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:


    Major Alexander Icely Drysdale (Royal Field Artillery) is killed in action at age 35. His brother was killed in September 1915.
    Captain Ian Osborne Crombie (Middlesex Regiment) is killed at age 21. He is the first of three brothers who will be killed in the Great War.
    Chaplain Edward Keightley Botwood dies of illness contracted on service at home at age 44.
    Private Henry George Woolger (Middlesex Regiment) is killed at age 23. His brother was killed less than two weeks earlier.
    Private Nelson Noakes (Australian Infantry) dies of wounds the same day his brother Private Albert T Noakes (Australian Infantry) is killed in action.
    Private Robert Eric Penty (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 26. His brother will be killed next January and they are sons of the Reverend Robert Penty Vicar of Taralga New South Wales. Robert is an Australian Great War Diarist.
    Private Robert Prowse Hearn (Royal Fusiliers) dies of wounds at age 30. His brother will be killed in October 1917.
    Private Frederick Joseph Thelwall (Cheshire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 23. His brother will be killed in October 1917.
    Private Walter L Blunt (Middlesex Regiment) a professional footballer is killed at age 19. His brother will be killed next July.
    Private Albert Scott (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at age 19. He has two brothers who are also killed in the Great War.
    Air Operations:
    Britain: 6 German Navy airships drop 69 bombs over Norfolk and Lines (night July 28-29, no civilian casualties).
    Somme: Guyne*mer’s Nieuport survives 86 hits and an LVG is his 11th victory.
    Western Front: 4 Martinsyde Scouts of 27 Squadron successfully bomb (2x112lb, 3x20lb) Mons station; 14 Anglo-German air combats.
    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: 3
    Private Braund, W. (William), 30 Squadron, Kut garrison, RFC. Captured when British Garrison at Kut el Amara surrendeded 29 April 1916. Died as a Prisoner of War in Mesopotania, in Turkish Hands, 28 July 1916.

    2Lt Molineaux, A.W.S. (Albert Ward Spencer), RFC. Killed while flying 28 July 1916, aged 21.

    Lt Smith, J.F. (John Fletcher), RFC. Died 28 July 1916.


    Claims: 4
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    Sous Lt René Pierre Marie Dorme claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying for N23 he shot down a twin engine enemy aircraft near Chaulnes-Roye.

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    Sous Lt Georges Charles Marie François Flachaire claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying for N67 he shot down a Albatros C near Souilly. He shared this claim with Lt Jean Matton and Sous Lt Georges Lachmann. Having served with an artillery unit, Georges Flachaire transferred to aviation in 1915. He scored eight victories flying Nieuport scouts with Escadrille 67.

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    Sous Lt Georges Marcel Lachmann claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying for N67. He shared this with Sous Lt Georges Marie Francois Flachaire and Lt Jean Matton. Having earned a civil pilot's license a month earlier, Lachmann was a Sergent serving with the French Air Service in August 1914 when he received a Pilot's Brevet. Throughout the war, Lachmann served with various Escadrilles on the Western, Russian and Italian Fronts.

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    Lt Jean Georges Fernand Matton claims his 1st confirmed kill shared with Sous Lt Georges Charles Marie François Flachaire and Sous Lt Georges Marcel Lachmann. Matton earned a Military Pilot's Brevet on 14 January 1916. After serving with Escadrille MF20, he joined N57 on 23 July 1916 and scored his first victory just five days later.
    Western Front
    Enemy raids near Neuve Chapelle repulsed.
    Verdun:
    French gains west of Thiaumont (Verdun).
    Somme:
    British capture of Delville Wood and Longueval village; make further progress near Pozieres.
    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).
    Flanders:
    Tunstills Men, Friday 28th July 1916:
    Trenches near Becourt Wood
    By now the weather had become very hot, with temperatures soaring into the 80s Fahrenheit, and this was to remain the case for the next two weeks. Conditions were generally quiet and 2Lt. Bob Perks (see 25th July) later reflected on how much conditions in the area had changed (I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to quote from Bob Perks’ report),
    “July 28th found us enjoying our third morning camped or rather bivouacced on top of what was officially called O.B. l x 20- 26 which being interpreted means the original British front line from which troops who took Fricourt started on July 1st. Very pleased with ourselves we were too. We had feared we should have been in the thick of it two days earlier, and here we were with the promise of a probable 5 or 6 days stay and a willingness to stay “for the duration” as the men said. It is true our first night had been disturbed by gas alarms due to gas shells arriving on our left but none had really come near us, and only two stray shells of the ordinary type ever visited us. It was also very true that we were, so to speak, continually “on tap” if any large counter threatened or any energetic general coveted a piece of Bosche trench we should be called upon. On the other hand, that was a feeling we were quite used to and soon forgot especially in this case those of us who had previously been in that part when one proceeded under shell fire over an appalling shambles and an obviously very recent battlefield. The transformation was wonderful. We now wandered over the Bosche trenches as if they were model dug in England, but what comforted us most was our view of water pipes being laid and an English steam roller making a road through the original German front line. You don’t know how home-like an English steam roller can look. My men burst into cheering when we first met it. It was while I was watching this and wondering how far we must have advanced to make its work safe, the bolt fell. As usual when we expected a long stay, we moved at a few hours notice.”

    Pic perks
    As reported by Perks, in the afternoon, the Battalion moved forward, marching by platoon, with intervals of 200 yards between, via Round Wood, where they met their guides at 6.30pm, and Contalmaison, to positions in what had been the old German second line trenches, east of Pozieres. These movements were carried out under heavy German shelling and three men (not from Tunstill’s Company) were killed on the way to the line. The death of one man was reported by Col. Hayne as he commended Pte. Enoch Rhodes, one of the Battalion stretcher-bearers, for his bravery. He described how, “At Contalmaison on the way to the trenches a shell killed his partner and he was thrown over a cart. Though badly shaken, he at once tied up a man who had had his hand blown off and then proceeded to the trenches”. Rhodes himself later wrote to the mother of the man who had been killed, L.Cpl. James Kettlewell:

    “It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Pte. James Kettlewell. He was killed by a shell on the 28th ult. whilst going into action, but I can safely say that death was instantaneous and that he suffered no pain and was laid to rest in the British soldier's cemetery in a village where he met his death. I had not known him long only being drafted to this Battalion a few months. I was his partner and was at his side when the shell burst. He was a gallant soldier and always ready to help the wounded when called and there is no one feels the loss of so true a pal as I do. He had a good name, both from officers and men of the Regiment, and it came as a shock when I informed them of his death, but, you can always rest assured, he was a true soldier and knew no danger where duty called him. He was a stretcher-bearer and was recommended only recently for his gallant conduct and was made Lance-Corporal the night previous to going into action. The men and officers join in deepest sympathy on the loss of so worthy a pal”.

    Kettlewell was originally buried in Contalmaison, close to where Lt. Marks had been buried (see 10th July), but, like Marks, his remains were exhumed in July 1919 and he was re-interred at Gordon Dump Cemetery near Pozieres.The other two men killed were Ptes. Hugh Atkinson and Charles Holgate; they have no known grave and are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

    Pic kettlewell

    Over the previous days British and ANZAC forces had made significant gains in and around Pozieres, though at enormous cost, and were in occupation of sections of what had been the German second line defences along the crest of Pozieres Ridge. Australian troops were now established in Pozieres after days of fierce fighting and, though still under regular and severe German artillery bombardments, had secured much of the village and also some parts of the double line of trenches, known as O.G. (Old German) 1 and 2 which ran from north-west to south-east in rear of the village. It was in a section of these trenches, east of Pozieres, that the Battalion was to be positioned.
    Map pozieres

    Col. Hayne had been instructed to ensure that “a supply of flares, rockets, green Very lights and ordinary Very lights” were taken up to the front line. Also, a party of two officers and 50 men from 11th West Yorks was attached to 10DWR to assist in carrying bombs and ammunition up to the front line. These measures were part of the prepartions for attacks to be launched by the Battalion, which was to be part of a larger assault made by the Australians to the left. Orders had been received for the Battalion, in the early hours of the following day, to make a bombing attack to proceed as far as possible up Munster Alley, which had been a communication trench leading to the old German second line switch line of trenches. Col. Hayne entrusted the task to ‘D’ Company, with the attacking party to be led by Lt. Frederick Hird (see 16th February). Hird had originally served with Tunstill’s Company but had also spent some time attached to 69th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery before returning to the Battalion. He was to be accompanied also by other former ‘A’ Company men, including CSM Albert Edgar Palmer (see 15th July) and Sgt. William Jones (see 6th April 1915). These men had apparently been transferred to ‘D’ Company to bolster it after the Company had suffered considerable casualties in the actions around Contalmaison earlier in the month.

    Map contalmaison

    However, ahead of the bombing attack, a party from the Battalion was despatched to secure the point at the junction of Munster Alley and O.G.2 (known as Point 41) from which the attack was to be launched. This task was instructed to 2Lt. Perks and he gave a vivid description;
    “What happened to the rest of the Battalion and the rest of B Coy (this was Perks’ Company) I don’t really know as I was in charge of a special little party on my own. They were all somewhere near but such was the state of the trenches – bits of trench and lots of shell holes that I never got into touch with any but one Company, not my own (this was ‘D’ Company). I was detailed to take a party of 25 including two Lewis Gun teams and two snipers to hold the end of a communication trench which was held by the Bosche further up. I heard a good deal about this post and the number of times it had been lost and regained before I started, but it exceeded expectations and I have heard since my guide took me to the wrong place! I may say here I was near Pozieres and an Australian I have met since told me I must have gone near the village to get to my post. On my rejoining that I never saw it, he assured me there was nothing left to attract my notice.
    To return to Munster Alley, the name of my communication trench, so called I imagine because the Munsters first held it. Within half an hour of my taking over the position it was dark so that my idea of how the land lay was very slight, but I thought it prudent to continue as I had begun sorting out the extraordinary half-buried muddle of rifles, bombs, ammunition etc, - the debris of many attacks and retreats but also my only arsenal. After about another half hour, I turned my attention rather to some disturbing facts. During my first hour, three Australian officers, from the troops on my left and in support, had come up one after the other and all told me the same tale and each made my knees more shaky. They all agreed that the Bosche had three times driven us out of that place, nightly for the last three nights in fact, and twice driven attacking parties starting from my barrier back further than they had started from. The first explained they, the Australians, had three times to help the English and as the last occasion was a five hours business and more than finished off their bombers would I introduce a new programme tonight? A little later the second came along and pointed out that the trench on my right hardly existed and was not held. He assured me it was the Bosche habit, and very easy too, to work round in the dark and attack on my right and in my rear. This is better understood by looking at my diagram.
    Trench diagram
    Disregarding for the moment the dotted lines on the left, the diagram shows Munster Alley with the two barricades and my position with dotted lines on my right where I imagine the continuation of my trench once might have been. There were support trenches of course somewhere behind me, but obviously for night surprise bomb attacks, I was open on three sides. This became of increasing interest when my third Australian visitor had had his say. He told me that the Australians were going to attack that night and try to take up a position about where my left hand dotted lines are. He pointed out that a successful Bosche assault on my corner then would tend to cut them off and suggested that the enemy knowing this and expecting our troops to be concentrated on the left for our attack would make a determined assault on me and my 25 men.

    From then onwards, the tension and state of nervous excitement got steadily worse. At length our guns began their bombardment chiefly on the left and our excitement reached an awful pitch when some of the little garrison including myself saw outlined by the light of shells behind them gigantic Germans standing in a row on their parapet on our left front. While I was trying to get machine guns and rifles to bear on these fitful apparitions and generally “clear for action” the guns redoubled their efforts and the Germans lit up the scene with Very lights. I afterwards learned that the Australians had gone over at this point and met perfectly prepared Bosche standing on his parapet, but at the time we quite thought he was going to visit us.”


    The impact of the recent fierce fighting on the Somme involving local men must have become even more apparent to readers of the local newspapers as they carried ever more reports of casualties and there were several references to men from Tunstill’s Company.

    SUTTON - PRIVATE HENRY TAYLOR KILLED
    Mrs. Taylor, of Sutton Lodge, has received a letter from Company Quartermaster Frank Stephenson as follows:-"I am very sorry to inform you that your son, Private Taylor (see 5th July), was killed in action on the 5th inst. If it is any consolation to you, I might say that your son was killed whilst heroically attacking the German trenches, and his regiment covered itself with glory. Although he was not in my Company, coming from the same district, and knowing him personally, I though it best to write you, as it might be a few weeks before you are officially notified through the War Office. Wishing you all sympathy in your sudden and sad bereavement, Yours truly, (signed) C.Q.M. Stephenson, A. Company, 10th West Riding Regiment."

    Pic taylor

    SKIPTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR - PTE. CLIFFORD GEORGE UNWIN
    News of the death from wounds of Pte. Clifford George Unwin (see 11th July), son of Mr. Samuel Unwin, formerly of Skipton, but now of Keighley, was received last weekend. Before joining the Army on his 22nd birthday in September, 1914, deceased was a twister and loomer at Messrs. Rose, Hewitt, & Co., and lived with his married sister, Mrs. McEnnerney, in Dawson Street, Skipton. He joined the 10th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment and had been at the front several months. His death is referred to by another Skipton soldier, Pte. J. W. Atkinson, who in a letter to his wife at 29, Cavendish Street, Skipton, says:- "We have a Skipton lad out of our battalion who has died from wounds. I am sorry to say his name is Clifford Unwin. I expect you will know him."
    Pte. Atkinson is a stretcher bearer attached to the 29th Division, 69th Brigade, and in the same letter he says:- "We are still out of the trenches and we can do with staying out a bit after the work we have had. We have received some splendid congratulations on our work. Our troops are still advancing all along the line, so I don't think the war will last much longer."

    Pic unwin

    Mr and Mrs James H. Bradley, 105 Keighley Road, Cowling have been informed that their eldest son, Willie Bradley, 10th Battalion West Riding Regiment, has received a flesh wound by shrapnel in the arm above the elbow and a bullet wound in the arm below the elbow, which fortunately missed the bone. Pte. Bradley enlisted in September 1914 and went to France in August last. While in training he joined the Military Band, having been a member of the Cowling Brass Band. Since going to France he has acted as a stretcher bearer. He has two brothers serving in France.

    Pic bradley

    KIRKBY MALHAMDALE AND THE WAR
    We regret to have to report that Mrs. Earnshaw, of Airton, has been informed by the War Office that her son, Pte. Farrand Earnshaw (see 1st July), had been missing since July 1st. Pte. Earnshaw was the youngest brother of Sergt Kayley Earnshaw, D.C.M., whose death was reported in June. He was living with his mother up to the time of joining the army in March last. Great sympathy is felt throughout the dale for the family, and especially for the mother.

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    BOLTON-BY-BOWLAND - The Stricken Brave
    Private Richard D. Ellison (see 8th July), who joined Captain Tunstill's men, is another name which has unfortunately to be added to our list of killed whilst in action. Pte. Ellison had been in France in the fighting line for many months, and was employed as a gardener at Bolton Hall for a short time prior to the war breaking out. His home was at Rawtenstall in Lancashire.


    DENT - Special Services
    A memorial service was held in Dent Parish Church on Sunday evening, in memory of the soldiers who have fallen in the war. There was a very large congregation and an impressive service opened with the voluntary 'O rest in the Lord' (Mendelssohn). The Rev. E.S. Curwen, vicar, preached the sermon and made special reference to Signalman John Bruce Davidson (see 14th July), of the 10th West Ridings, Duke of Wellington's, who died in Hospital in France on the 14th inst. He had been a member of the church choir both as a boy and as adult, and had been highly respected for his willing and obliging manners. The hymns chosen for the occasion were 'Lead, Kindly Light,' 'Now the Labourers task is o'er,' and 'On the Resurrection Morn.' Special sermons were preached on Sunday afternoon and evening last in the Wesleyan Chapel, Dent, by Mr. Stephen Harris, of Over Kellet. There were good attendances.

    Poic davidson

    SAWLEY - FIRST SOLDIER FATALITY
    The death occurred on Friday afternoon at Frensham Hospital, Surrey, of Private Thomas Rigby (see 21st July), of Sawley, as a result of wounds received in the 'big push' in France. He was 26 years of age, and the third son of Mr. Thos. Rigby, of Lawson's House Farm. One of the first in the district to join Mr. Tunstill's party, he became attached to the Duke of Wellington's and became a stretcher-bearer. After serving many months in that capacity he was invalided home suffering from poisoning as a result of drinking bad water. After spending eleven weeks in the hospital he returned to France and, along with two other comrades, was removing wounded soldiers on the battlefield when all were struck with shrapnel. Rigby was struck in the arm, but what became of the others he was not able to relate. Singularly his injured limb was dressed at the base hospital by his sister-in-law's brother, formerly a schoolmaster at Langcliffe. On being brought to Frensham hospital he was visited by his parents, who found him in capital spirits, in spite of the fact that he had undergone a couple of operations. He was anxious to get to a hospital nearer home, and as his parents left, he expressed his thanks that he had escaped so fortunately. Later on Thursday, however, other symptoms set in, and as a result he died on Friday noon. He was a young man of fine physique. His loss is greatly deplored by his relations and many friends.

    Pic rigby

    COWLING SOLDIER'S HEROIC FATE
    Last week Mrs. Benson of Crag View, Cowling, received a private letter from Quartermaster Sergeant Frank Stephenson, informing her that her only son, Pte. Fred Benson (see 11th July), of the 10th Battalion Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, had been killed in action on Tuesday, July 11th in the great offensive in France.
    Another Cowling man, Corp. John Hartley, has since forwarded to Mrs. Benson full details in the following letter:- "Dear Mrs. Benson, - I have a sorrowful duty to discharge, to give you details of the circumstances under which your son met his death. On Monday afternoon a part of our brigade attacked a village for which there had previously been heavy fighting by other brigades. We were in support, and as dusk fell we moved out through a heavy barrage of fire to reinforce and to consolidate the position. That night and next day passed quietly. During the evening Fred and another lad went on listening post duty a little in front of the trench where we had dug ourselves in. A little later they gave the alarm and turned round to get back into the trench, but before they had gone a yard they were both hit by the Germans. A small enemy patrol had crept up within a short distance unobserved till quite close. Both staggered back somehow into the trench. A minute or two later when the alarm was over, I and two others got them out and did what we could, but it was to no avail, for he must have been bleeding internally. He was in some pain for a minute or two during which he said four times "Take me", he then drifted into unconsciousness and a few minutes later passed quietly and gently away. He was hit in the back just above the left hipbone and the bullet passed through and out at the right groin. I was supporting his head when he died. We were relieved a few minutes later and had reluctantly to leave him there with his waterproof sheet over him. We went to get a stretcher to carry him out, but none were available. He will probably have been buried by now by the salvage Corp. We were all so upset. All the boys in the platoon wish me to convey to you their sincere sympathy in your loss, which is also in a less degree ours, for he was a cheerful, willing comrade. We shall all miss him very much. He was in great spirits, as were we all because of our successes of the past few days. We were all much affected by his and the other chap's death. Again, assuring you of our sincere sympathy. Yours in sorrow, John Hartley."
    Pte. Benson enlisted in Kitchener's Army along with 17 other Cowling young men in August 1914, and after the usual period of training went to France in September. Before enlisting, Pte. Benson was employed as a weaver at Messrs. J. Binns & Sons, Ltd., Carr Mills.
    A memorial service was held at the United Methodist Church on Sunday morning, and was conducted by the Rev. C. E. Penrose, pastor, Pte. Benson, having passed through the Sunday School as a scholar. The choir sang the anthem 'The Homeland' and Miss Whitaker, the organist, played Beethoven's 'Funeral March' and 'O rest in the Lord.' A memorial service was also held at the Parish Church, conducted by the Vicar. A similar service was held on Sunday evening at the Ickornshaw Wesleyan Church, conducted by Mr. Ward, of Nelson.
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    SKIPTON MEN WOUNDED
    Pte. Charlie Branston (see 5th July) , of the West Ridings, son of Mrs. Branston, of 27, Brook Street, Skipton, has received a gunshot wound in the knee and is being nursed in the Australian General Hospital in France. Before enlisting, he was employed at Messrs. Lipton's Ltd., Skipton.
    Pic branston
    GRASSINGTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR
    As the war drags its slow length along, the local 'Roll of Honour' grows, and this week another brave name has to be added. This is that of Sergeant John Thomas Limmer (see 10th July), who was killed in action in the great advance. The information has been sent by his brother, Pte. Walter Limmer. Sergeant Limmer was in his 33rd year, and was in the A Company of the 8th Yorkshire Regiment. The death has not been officially confirmed, but in the letter referred to, which was received last week but is undated, his brother says:- "I have been talking to the two Sergeants out of the same company as Tom, and they both told me that he was quite well and cheerful up to the time he was killed, and that he did not suffer at all; he was killed outright, the bullet going right through his heart."
    Sergeant Limmer was born at Lazonby, in Cleveland, and came to Grassington 13 years ago; he leaves a wife, child and widowed mother for whom there is great public sympathy.
    PIC Tom Limmer


    Pic walter limmer
    Eastern Front:
    Brusilov Offensive resumes.
    Pripet: 250,000 Russians (gas shell barrage on part of sector) against 115,000 Austro*-German troops. Lesch and Kaledin partly cross Upper Stokhod; Guard Army takes 3 villages, 46 guns, 65 MGs and 11,000 PoW’s.
    Galicia: Sakharov enters Brody (40,000 PoWs, 49 guns and 100 MGs since July 15). Brusilov’s Seventh and Ninth Armies attack astride Dniester, former crosses river Koropyets to north (July 31), having taken c. 8,000 PoWs and 33 guns.
    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:
    East Africa: South African Motorcycle Corps (Deventer’s ‘s 2nd Division) occupies Dodoma on Central Railway, 100 miles of it in British hands.
    Lake Tanganyika: Belgian Southern Brigade occupy Kigoma rail terminus, scuttled gunboat and one gun of cruiser Koenigsberg found.
    Suez: Patrol engagements with Turks east of Suez Canal.
    Naval Operations:
    Shipping Losses: 10
    Andrew Ina: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 12.5 nautical miles (23.2 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.
    Dandolo: Italy: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) south east of Cape Spartiivento, Calabria by SM U-35,Kaiseliche Marine.
    Good Design: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.
    Jane Stewart: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.
    Janet Overstone: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was rammed and sunk in the North Sea 13 nautical miles (24 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.
    Johan: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.
    Renown: United Kingdom: The drifter was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine. Her crew survived
    Speedwell: United Kingdom: The drifter was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.
    Spero Meliora: United Kingdom:The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.
    Volunteer: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine. Her crew survived
    Political:
    American Ambassador in London presents formal protest against the policy of the "Black List".
    See you on the Dark Side......

  6. #1606

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    Friday 28th July 1916
    Name:  castleton VC.jpg
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Size:  76.5 KBClaud Charles Castleton, VC (12 April 1893 – 29 July 1916) was born in Kirkey, Lowestoft, England. Educated at a council school, he won a scholarship to the grammar school. In 1912 he set off on a long adventure, stopping first at Melbourne, Australia. He worked in various parts of Australia before heading to New Guinea, intending to earn funds for the return journey to England via New Zealand, India and Africa. Matters changed with the outbreak of the First World War; he joined the Australian force formed in New Guinea for the defence of the area in the face of German warship activities.

    In March 1915 Castleton returned to Sydney and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. He subsequently served at Gallipoli, where he earned promotion. He later transferred to the Australian Machine Gun Corps. He was 23 years old, and a sergeant in the 5th Machine Gun Company, 5th Brigade, 2nd Division when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

    On the night of the 28/29 July 1916 near Pozieres, France, during a night attack the infantry was temporarily driven back by the intense machine-gun fire from the enemy trenches. Many wounded were left in no man’s land lying in shell holes. Sergeant Castleton went out twice in the face of this intense fire, and each time brought in a wounded man on his back. He went out a third time and was bringing in another wounded man when he was himself hit in the back and killed instantly

    Anniversary:

    1914 Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.

    Today we lost: 852

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    Lieutenant Robert Goldthorpe Raws (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at age 30. He is survived by his older brother who will be killed within a month while serving in the same regiment. The brothers are the subject of the book “Hail and Farewell, Letters from two Brothers killed in France in 1916”.

    Today’s losses include:

    Great War letter writers and diarist

    Multiple families that will two and three sons in the Great War

    A Military Chaplain

    The son of a member of the clergy

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Major Alexander Icely Drysdale (Royal Field Artillery) is killed in action at age 35. His brother was killed in September 1915.

    Captain Ian Osborne Crombie (Middlesex Regiment) is killed at age 21. He is the first of three brothers who will be killed in the Great War.

    Chaplain Edward Keightley Botwood dies of illness contracted on service at home at age 44.

    Private Henry George Woolger (Middlesex Regiment) is killed at age 23. His brother was killed less than two weeks earlier.

    Private Nelson Noakes (Australian Infantry) dies of wounds the same day his brother Private Albert T Noakes (Australian Infantry) is killed in action.

    Private Robert Eric Penty (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 26. His brother will be killed next January and they are sons of the Reverend Robert Penty Vicar of Taralga New South Wales. Robert is an Australian Great War Diarist.

    Private Robert Prowse Hearn (Royal Fusiliers) dies of wounds at age 30. His brother will be killed in October 1917.

    Private Frederick Joseph Thelwall (Cheshire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 23. His brother will be killed in October 1917.

    Private Walter L Blunt (Middlesex Regiment) a professional footballer is killed at age 19. His brother will be killed next July.

    Private Albert Scott (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at age 19. He has two brothers who are also killed in the Great War.

    Air Operations:

    Britain: 6 German Navy airships drop 69 bombs over Norfolk and Lines (night July 28-29, no civilian casualties).

    Somme: Guynemer’s Nieuport survives 86 hits and an LVG is his 11th victory.

    Western Front: 4 Martinsyde Scouts of 27 Squadron successfully bomb (2x112lb, 3x20lb) Mons station; 14 Anglo-German air combats.

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: 3

    Private Braund, W. (William), 30 Squadron, Kut garrison, RFC. Captured when British Garrison at Kut el Amara surrendeded 29 April 1916. Died as a Prisoner of War in Mesopotania, in Turkish Hands, 28 July 1916.

    2Lt Molineaux, A.W.S. (Albert Ward Spencer), RFC. Killed while flying 28 July 1916, aged 21.

    Lt Smith, J.F. (John Fletcher), RFC. Died 28 July 1916.

    Claims: 4

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    Sous Lt René Pierre Marie Dorme claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying for N23 he shot down a twin engine enemy aircraft near Chaulnes-Roye.

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    Sous Lt Georges Charles Marie François Flachaire claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying for N67 he shot down a Albatros C near Souilly. He shared this claim with Lt Jean Matton and Sous Lt Georges Lachmann. Having served with an artillery unit, Georges Flachaire transferred to aviation in 1915. He scored eight victories flying Nieuport scouts with Escadrille 67.

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    Sous Lt Georges Marcel Lachmann claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying for N67. He shared this with Sous Lt Georges Marie Francois Flachaire and Lt Jean Matton. Having earned a civil pilot's license a month earlier, Lachmann was a Sergent serving with the French Air Service in August 1914 when he received a Pilot's Brevet. Throughout the war, Lachmann served with various Escadrilles on the Western, Russian and Italian Fronts.

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    Lt Jean Georges Fernand Matton claims his 1st confirmed kill shared with Sous Lt Georges Charles Marie François Flachaire and Sous Lt Georges Marcel Lachmann. Matton earned a Military Pilot's Brevet on 14 January 1916. After serving with Escadrille MF20, he joined N57 on 23 July 1916 and scored his first victory just five days later.

    Western Front

    Enemy raids near Neuve Chapelle repulsed.

    Verdun:

    French gains west of Thiaumont (Verdun).

    Somme:

    British capture of Delville Wood and Longueval village; make further progress near Pozieres.

    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).

    Tunstills Men, Friday 28th July 1916:

    Trenches near Becourt Wood

    By now the weather had become very hot, with temperatures soaring into the 80s Fahrenheit, and this was to remain the case for the next two weeks. Conditions were generally quiet and 2Lt. Bob Perks (see 25th July) later reflected on how much conditions in the area had changed (I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to quote from Bob Perks’ report),

    “July 28th found us enjoying our third morning camped or rather bivouacced on top of what was officially called O.B. l x 20- 26 which being interpreted means the original British front line from which troops who took Fricourt started on July 1st. Very pleased with ourselves we were too. We had feared we should have been in the thick of it two days earlier, and here we were with the promise of a probable 5 or 6 days stay and a willingness to stay “for the duration” as the men said. It is true our first night had been disturbed by gas alarms due to gas shells arriving on our left but none had really come near us, and only two stray shells of the ordinary type ever visited us. It was also very true that we were, so to speak, continually “on tap” if any large counter threatened or any energetic general coveted a piece of Bosche trench we should be called upon. On the other hand, that was a feeling we were quite used to and soon forgot especially in this case those of us who had previously been in that part when one proceeded under shell fire over an appalling shambles and an obviously very recent battlefield. The transformation was wonderful. We now wandered over the Bosche trenches as if they were model dug in England, but what comforted us most was our view of water pipes being laid and an English steam roller making a road through the original German front line. You don’t know how home-like an English steam roller can look. My men burst into cheering when we first met it. It was while I was watching this and wondering how far we must have advanced to make its work safe, the bolt fell. As usual when we expected a long stay, we moved at a few hours notice.”

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    Bob Perks

    As reported by Perks, in the afternoon, the Battalion moved forward, marching by platoon, with intervals of 200 yards between, via Round Wood, where they met their guides at 6.30pm, and Contalmaison, to positions in what had been the old German second line trenches, east of Pozieres. These movements were carried out under heavy German shelling and three men (not from Tunstill’s Company) were killed on the way to the line. The death of one man was reported by Col. Hayne as he commended Pte. Enoch Rhodes, one of the Battalion stretcher-bearers, for his bravery. He described how, “At Contalmaison on the way to the trenches a shell killed his partner and he was thrown over a cart. Though badly shaken, he at once tied up a man who had had his hand blown off and then proceeded to the trenches”. Rhodes himself later wrote to the mother of the man who had been killed, L.Cpl. James Kettlewell:

    “It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, Pte. James Kettlewell. He was killed by a shell on the 28th ult. whilst going into action, but I can safely say that death was instantaneous and that he suffered no pain and was laid to rest in the British soldier's cemetery in a village where he met his death. I had not known him long only being drafted to this Battalion a few months. I was his partner and was at his side when the shell burst. He was a gallant soldier and always ready to help the wounded when called and there is no one feels the loss of so true a pal as I do. He had a good name, both from officers and men of the Regiment, and it came as a shock when I informed them of his death, but, you can always rest assured, he was a true soldier and knew no danger where duty called him. He was a stretcher-bearer and was recommended only recently for his gallant conduct and was made Lance-Corporal the night previous to going into action. The men and officers join in deepest sympathy on the loss of so worthy a pal”.

    Kettlewell was originally buried in Contalmaison, close to where Lt. Marks had been buried (see 10th July), but, like Marks, his remains were exhumed in July 1919 and he was re-interred at Gordon Dump Cemetery near Pozieres.The other two men killed were Ptes. Hugh Atkinson and Charles Holgate; they have no known grave and are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

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    James Kettlewell

    Over the previous days British and ANZAC forces had made significant gains in and around Pozieres, though at enormous cost, and were in occupation of sections of what had been the German second line defences along the crest of Pozieres Ridge. Australian troops were now established in Pozieres after days of fierce fighting and, though still under regular and severe German artillery bombardments, had secured much of the village and also some parts of the double line of trenches, known as O.G. (Old German) 1 and 2 which ran from north-west to south-east in rear of the village. It was in a section of these trenches, east of Pozieres, that the Battalion was to be positioned.
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    Col. Hayne had been instructed to ensure that “a supply of flares, rockets, green Very lights and ordinary Very lights” were taken up to the front line. Also, a party of two officers and 50 men from 11th West Yorks was attached to 10DWR to assist in carrying bombs and ammunition up to the front line. These measures were part of the prepartions for attacks to be launched by the Battalion, which was to be part of a larger assault made by the Australians to the left. Orders had been received for the Battalion, in the early hours of the following day, to make a bombing attack to proceed as far as possible up Munster Alley, which had been a communication trench leading to the old German second line switch line of trenches. Col. Hayne entrusted the task to ‘D’ Company, with the attacking party to be led by Lt. Frederick Hird (see 16th February). Hird had originally served with Tunstill’s Company but had also spent some time attached to 69th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery before returning to the Battalion. He was to be accompanied also by other former ‘A’ Company men, including CSM Albert Edgar Palmer (see 15th July) and Sgt. William Jones (see 6th April 1915). These men had apparently been transferred to ‘D’ Company to bolster it after the Company had suffered considerable casualties in the actions around Contalmaison earlier in the month.

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    Munster Ally map

    However, ahead of the bombing attack, a party from the Battalion was despatched to secure the point at the junction of Munster Alley and O.G.2 (known as Point 41) from which the attack was to be launched. This task was instructed to 2Lt. Perks and he gave a vivid description;

    “What happened to the rest of the Battalion and the rest of B Coy (this was Perks’ Company) I don’t really know as I was in charge of a special little party on my own. They were all somewhere near but such was the state of the trenches – bits of trench and lots of shell holes that I never got into touch with any but one Company, not my own (this was ‘D’ Company). I was detailed to take a party of 25 including two Lewis Gun teams and two snipers to hold the end of a communication trench which was held by the Bosche further up. I heard a good deal about this post and the number of times it had been lost and regained before I started, but it exceeded expectations and I have heard since my guide took me to the wrong place! I may say here I was near Pozieres and an Australian I have met since told me I must have gone near the village to get to my post. On my rejoining that I never saw it, he assured me there was nothing left to attract my notice.

    To return to Munster Alley, the name of my communication trench, so called I imagine because the Munsters first held it. Within half an hour of my taking over the position it was dark so that my idea of how the land lay was very slight, but I thought it prudent to continue as I had begun sorting out the extraordinary half-buried muddle of rifles, bombs, ammunition etc, - the debris of many attacks and retreats but also my only arsenal. After about another half hour, I turned my attention rather to some disturbing facts. During my first hour, three Australian officers, from the troops on my left and in support, had come up one after the other and all told me the same tale and each made my knees more shaky. They all agreed that the Bosche had three times driven us out of that place, nightly for the last three nights in fact, and twice driven attacking parties starting from my barrier back further than they had started from. The first explained they, the Australians, had three times to help the English and as the last occasion was a five hours business and more than finished off their bombers would I introduce a new programme tonight? A little later the second came along and pointed out that the trench on my right hardly existed and was not held. He assured me it was the Bosche habit, and very easy too, to work round in the dark and attack on my right and in my rear. This is better understood by looking at my diagram.

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    Disregarding for the moment the dotted lines on the left, the diagram shows Munster Alley with the two barricades and my position with dotted lines on my right where I imagine the continuation of my trench once might have been. There were support trenches of course somewhere behind me, but obviously for night surprise bomb attacks, I was open on three sides. This became of increasing interest when my third Australian visitor had had his say. He told me that the Australians were going to attack that night and try to take up a position about where my left hand dotted lines are. He pointed out that a successful Bosche assault on my corner then would tend to cut them off and suggested that the enemy knowing this and expecting our troops to be concentrated on the left for our attack would make a determined assault on me and my 25 men.

    From then onwards, the tension and state of nervous excitement got steadily worse. At length our guns began their bombardment chiefly on the left and our excitement reached an awful pitch when some of the little garrison including myself saw outlined by the light of shells behind them gigantic Germans standing in a row on their parapet on our left front. While I was trying to get machine guns and rifles to bear on these fitful apparitions and generally “clear for action” the guns redoubled their efforts and the Germans lit up the scene with Very lights. I afterwards learned that the Australians had gone over at this point and met perfectly prepared Bosche standing on his parapet, but at the time we quite thought he was going to visit us.”

    The impact of the recent fierce fighting on the Somme involving local men must have become even more apparent to readers of the local newspapers as they carried ever more reports of casualties and there were several references to men from Tunstill’s Company.

    SUTTON - PRIVATE HENRY TAYLOR KILLED
    Mrs. Taylor, of Sutton Lodge, has received a letter from Company Quartermaster Frank Stephenson as follows:-"I am very sorry to inform you that your son, Private Taylor (see 5th July), was killed in action on the 5th inst. If it is any consolation to you, I might say that your son was killed whilst heroically attacking the German trenches, and his regiment covered itself with glory. Although he was not in my Company, coming from the same district, and knowing him personally, I though it best to write you, as it might be a few weeks before you are officially notified through the War Office. Wishing you all sympathy in your sudden and sad bereavement, Yours truly, (signed) C.Q.M. Stephenson, A. Company, 10th West Riding Regiment."

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    Henry Taylor

    SKIPTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR - PTE. CLIFFORD GEORGE UNWIN
    News of the death from wounds of Pte. Clifford George Unwin (see 11th July), son of Mr. Samuel Unwin, formerly of Skipton, but now of Keighley, was received last weekend. Before joining the Army on his 22nd birthday in September, 1914, deceased was a twister and loomer at Messrs. Rose, Hewitt, & Co., and lived with his married sister, Mrs. McEnnerney, in Dawson Street, Skipton. He joined the 10th Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment and had been at the front several months. His death is referred to by another Skipton soldier, Pte. J. W. Atkinson, who in a letter to his wife at 29, Cavendish Street, Skipton, says:- "We have a Skipton lad out of our battalion who has died from wounds. I am sorry to say his name is Clifford Unwin. I expect you will know him."

    Pte. Atkinson is a stretcher bearer attached to the 29th Division, 69th Brigade, and in the same letter he says:- "We are still out of the trenches and we can do with staying out a bit after the work we have had. We have received some splendid congratulations on our work. Our troops are still advancing all along the line, so I don't think the war will last much longer."

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    Clifford George Unwin

    Mr and Mrs James H. Bradley, 105 Keighley Road, Cowling have been informed that their eldest son, Willie Bradley, 10th Battalion West Riding Regiment, has received a flesh wound by shrapnel in the arm above the elbow and a bullet wound in the arm below the elbow, which fortunately missed the bone. Pte. Bradley enlisted in September 1914 and went to France in August last. While in training he joined the Military Band, having been a member of the Cowling Brass Band. Since going to France he has acted as a stretcher bearer. He has two brothers serving in France.

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    Willie Bradley

    KIRKBY MALHAMDALE AND THE WAR
    We regret to have to report that Mrs. Earnshaw, of Airton, has been informed by the War Office that her son, Pte. Farrand Earnshaw (see 1st July), had been missing since July 1st. Pte. Earnshaw was the youngest brother of Sergt Kayley Earnshaw, D.C.M., whose death was reported in June. He was living with his mother up to the time of joining the army in March last. Great sympathy is felt throughout the dale for the family, and especially for the mother.

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    Farrand Earnshaw

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    kayley Earnshaw

    BOLTON-BY-BOWLAND - The Stricken Brave
    Private Richard D. Ellison (see 8th July), who joined Captain Tunstill's men, is another name which has unfortunately to be added to our list of killed whilst in action. Pte. Ellison had been in France in the fighting line for many months, and was employed as a gardener at Bolton Hall for a short time prior to the war breaking out. His home was at Rawtenstall in Lancashire.


    DENT - Special Services
    A memorial service was held in Dent Parish Church on Sunday evening, in memory of the soldiers who have fallen in the war. There was a very large congregation and an impressive service opened with the voluntary 'O rest in the Lord' (Mendelssohn). The Rev. E.S. Curwen, vicar, preached the sermon and made special reference to Signalman John Bruce Davidson (see 14th July), of the 10th West Ridings, Duke of Wellington's, who died in Hospital in France on the 14th inst. He had been a member of the church choir both as a boy and as adult, and had been highly respected for his willing and obliging manners. The hymns chosen for the occasion were 'Lead, Kindly Light,' 'Now the Labourers task is o'er,' and 'On the Resurrection Morn.' Special sermons were preached on Sunday afternoon and evening last in the Wesleyan Chapel, Dent, by Mr. Stephen Harris, of Over Kellet. There were good attendances.

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    John Bruce Davidson

    SAWLEY - FIRST SOLDIER FATALITY
    The death occurred on Friday afternoon at Frensham Hospital, Surrey, of Private Thomas Rigby (see 21st July), of Sawley, as a result of wounds received in the 'big push' in France. He was 26 years of age, and the third son of Mr. Thos. Rigby, of Lawson's House Farm. One of the first in the district to join Mr. Tunstill's party, he became attached to the Duke of Wellington's and became a stretcher-bearer. After serving many months in that capacity he was invalided home suffering from poisoning as a result of drinking bad water. After spending eleven weeks in the hospital he returned to France and, along with two other comrades, was removing wounded soldiers on the battlefield when all were struck with shrapnel. Rigby was struck in the arm, but what became of the others he was not able to relate. Singularly his injured limb was dressed at the base hospital by his sister-in-law's brother, formerly a schoolmaster at Langcliffe. On being brought to Frensham hospital he was visited by his parents, who found him in capital spirits, in spite of the fact that he had undergone a couple of operations. He was anxious to get to a hospital nearer home, and as his parents left, he expressed his thanks that he had escaped so fortunately. Later on Thursday, however, other symptoms set in, and as a result he died on Friday noon. He was a young man of fine physique. His loss is greatly deplored by his relations and many friends.

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    Thomas Rigby

    COWLING SOLDIER'S HEROIC FATE
    Last week Mrs. Benson of Crag View, Cowling, received a private letter from Quartermaster Sergeant Frank Stephenson, informing her that her only son, Pte. Fred Benson (see 11th July), of the 10th Battalion Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment, had been killed in action on Tuesday, July 11th in the great offensive in France.

    Another Cowling man, Corp. John Hartley, has since forwarded to Mrs. Benson full details in the following letter:- "Dear Mrs. Benson, - I have a sorrowful duty to discharge, to give you details of the circumstances under which your son met his death. On Monday afternoon a part of our brigade attacked a village for which there had previously been heavy fighting by other brigades. We were in support, and as dusk fell we moved out through a heavy barrage of fire to reinforce and to consolidate the position. That night and next day passed quietly. During the evening Fred and another lad went on listening post duty a little in front of the trench where we had dug ourselves in. A little later they gave the alarm and turned round to get back into the trench, but before they had gone a yard they were both hit by the Germans. A small enemy patrol had crept up within a short distance unobserved till quite close. Both staggered back somehow into the trench. A minute or two later when the alarm was over, I and two others got them out and did what we could, but it was to no avail, for he must have been bleeding internally. He was in some pain for a minute or two during which he said four times "Take me", he then drifted into unconsciousness and a few minutes later passed quietly and gently away. He was hit in the back just above the left hipbone and the bullet passed through and out at the right groin. I was supporting his head when he died. We were relieved a few minutes later and had reluctantly to leave him there with his waterproof sheet over him. We went to get a stretcher to carry him out, but none were available. He will probably have been buried by now by the salvage Corp. We were all so upset. All the boys in the platoon wish me to convey to you their sincere sympathy in your loss, which is also in a less degree ours, for he was a cheerful, willing comrade. We shall all miss him very much. He was in great spirits, as were we all because of our successes of the past few days. We were all much affected by his and the other chap's death. Again, assuring you of our sincere sympathy. Yours in sorrow, John Hartley."

    Pte. Benson enlisted in Kitchener's Army along with 17 other Cowling young men in August 1914, and after the usual period of training went to France in September. Before enlisting, Pte. Benson was employed as a weaver at Messrs. J. Binns & Sons, Ltd., Carr Mills.

    A memorial service was held at the United Methodist Church on Sunday morning, and was conducted by the Rev. C. E. Penrose, pastor, Pte. Benson, having passed through the Sunday School as a scholar. The choir sang the anthem 'The Homeland' and Miss Whitaker, the organist, played Beethoven's 'Funeral March' and 'O rest in the Lord.' A memorial service was also held at the Parish Church, conducted by the Vicar. A similar service was held on Sunday evening at the Ickornshaw Wesleyan Church, conducted by Mr. Ward, of Nelson.

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    Fred Benson

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    Frank Stephenson

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    John Hartley

    SKIPTON MEN WOUNDED
    Pte. Charlie Branston (see 5th July) , of the West Ridings, son of Mrs. Branston, of 27, Brook Street, Skipton, has received a gunshot wound in the knee and is being nursed in the Australian General Hospital in France. Before enlisting, he was employed at Messrs. Lipton's Ltd., Skipton.

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    Charlie Branston

    GRASSINGTON'S ROLL OF HONOUR
    As the war drags its slow length along, the local 'Roll of Honour' grows, and this week another brave name has to be added. This is that of Sergeant John Thomas Limmer (see 10th July), who was killed in action in the great advance. The information has been sent by his brother, Pte. Walter Limmer. Sergeant Limmer was in his 33rd year, and was in the A Company of the 8th Yorkshire Regiment. The death has not been officially confirmed, but in the letter referred to, which was received last week but is undated, his brother says:- "I have been talking to the two Sergeants out of the same company as Tom, and they both told me that he was quite well and cheerful up to the time he was killed, and that he did not suffer at all; he was killed outright, the bullet going right through his heart."
    Sergeant Limmer was born at Lazonby, in Cleveland, and came to Grassington 13 years ago; he leaves a wife, child and widowed mother for whom there is great public sympathy.

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    Tom Limmer

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    Walter Limmer

    Eastern Front:

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    Brusilov Offensive resumes.

    Pripet: 250,000 Russians (gas shell barrage on part of sector) against 115,000 Austro*-German troops. Lesch and Kaledin partly cross Upper Stokhod; Guard Army takes 3 villages, 46 guns, 65 MGs and 11,000 PoW’s.

    Galicia:
    Sakharov enters Brody (40,000 PoWs, 49 guns and 100 MGs since July 15). Brusilov’s Seventh and Ninth Armies attack astride Dniester, former crosses river Koropyets to north (July 31), having taken c. 8,000 PoWs and 33 guns.

    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:

    East Africa: South African Motorcycle Corps (Deventer’s ‘s 2nd Division) occupies Dodoma on Central Railway, 100 miles of it in British hands.

    Lake Tanganyika: Belgian Southern Brigade occupy Kigoma rail terminus, scuttled gunboat and one gun of cruiser Koenigsberg found.

    Suez: Patrol engagements with Turks east of Suez Canal.

    Naval Operations:

    Shipping Losses: 10

    Andrew Ina: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 12.5 nautical miles (23.2 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.

    Dandolo: Italy: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 50 nautical miles (93 km) south east of Cape Spartiivento, Calabria by SM U-35,Kaiseliche Marine.

    Good Design: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.

    Jane Stewart: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.

    Janet Overstone: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was rammed and sunk in the North Sea 13 nautical miles (24 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.

    Johan: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.

    Renown: United Kingdom: The drifter was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Speedwell: United Kingdom: The drifter was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.

    Spero Meliora: United Kingdom:The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine.

    Volunteer: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) north east of the mouth of the River Tyne by SM UB-23, Kaiseliche Marine. Her crew survived

    Political:

    American Ambassador in London presents formal protest against the policy of the "Black List".
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 07-28-2016 at 15:24.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  7. #1607

    Default

    Thanks for your time and effort

  8. #1608

    Default

    I am now taking a spot of R&R, F.O. Kyte resumes his post for 4 days before my return for next Tuesday August 2nd report.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  9. #1609

    Default

    Big Bumper Issue.

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    July 29th 1916.


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    July 29, 1916 - Unease in London over Somme Losses.


    1 airman has fallen on Saturday July 29th 1916.



    Capt Douglas Birch Richardson. 29 Squadron Royal Flying Corps Attached from the Royal Engineers. Killed in Action 29 July 1916 aged 24.


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    Douglas Richardson was the son of Richard Richardson (1854-1895) and Florence Anderson Fox (1864-1945). He attended Saint Ronan’s School and Gresham’s School (Howson’s House) from 1907 to 1910. He was awarded colours for shooting and won The Jodrell prize for Mathematics in 1910. He attended Liverpool University, where he studied Engineering.
    In November 1914 he joined the Cheshire Field Company, Royal Engineers and he was in camp when war was declared.
    In May 1915 he suffered from pleurisy and was invalided home. It was at this time that he received a bunch of white feathers, an accusation of cowardice at the time.
    Later he joined the RFC, gaining his wings in February 1916. He was promoted to captain and flight commander with the 29th Squadron on his 24th birthday. He was killed on 29th July while flying an FE8 near Ypres.

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    The 29th July 1916 was an important day for the two squadrons at Abeele as they were to take part with two other squadrons (16 and 20) in a large scale attack on Courtrai station. Fourteen aircraft from Number 6 (every serviceable machine on that day) took part with escorts provided as necessary by Number 29. It was a very busy day on the airfield, the weather being overcast but hot (over 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Whether Captain Richardson was part of this mission is not known, but he crashed and was killed in the second of the FE8s – 6380 – whilst in the process of taking off from Abeele. Abeele was not an easy aerodrome to operate from on the best of days. By mid 1916 the airfield was covered with hangars and other structures. In addition, on the 29th July the traffic was heavy and the weather hot and not very good for lift, so it’s not surprising that there was a fatal accident.





    Claims.

    Four claims were made today.

    Laurence Henry Scott made his first claim. with his Captain George Reid flying an FE2b.over Zandfoorde he shot down a Rumpler C type. He later went on to be awarded the MC.
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    Leutnant Hartmut Baldamus made his fifth claim, destroying a Farman near La Chalade.



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    Polkovnik
    Aleksandr Kozakov, Russia's highest scoring Ace, made his third claim. Flying a Nieuport 10 he shot down an Albatros CIII over Dvinsk.




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    Finally Major George Reid Mc and Bar. claimed his fifth victory flying an FE2d when he shot down an LVG C type over Ypres.


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Corporal William De Boynton (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at age 29. He is the first of three brothers who will be killed within the next year.
    Lance Corporal Frank Leslie Lugton (Australian Infantry) is killed. He is an Australian sportsman who played 1st class cricket for Sheffield and Australian Rules Football for Melbourne. His brother will be killed in August 1918.
    Private James Alexander McDonald (Australian Infantry) is killed. He has two brothers who will be killed next year.
    Private Henry Lethbridge Tingcombe (Australian Infantry) dies of wounds at age 23. His brother will be killed in less than a week.
    Private James Edward Blyth (Australian Infantry) is killed. His brother was killed in April of last year.
    Private Frank Gordon Griffiths (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 20. He is the first of three brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.
    Captain Joseph Baines (Middlesex Regiment) is killed at age 34. He has two other brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.
    Lieutenant Ion Keith Millar (East Surrey Regiment) is killed at age 29. His brother will be accidentally killed at home in the Royal Air Force in April 1918.
    Second Lieutenant Reginald Ramsbottom (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 32. He is a member of both the Bury Cricket Club and Bury Rugby Football Club.
    Second Lieutenant Charles Montague Williams (Manchester Regiment) dies of wounds received in the neighborhood of Amierns at age 26. He is the eldest son of Montague Scott Williams JP for Dorset, High Sheriff 1894 late Major (Honorary Lieutenant Colonel) Dorset Yeomanry. He was farming in Canada, returned to England on the outbreak of the War and obtained a Commission in the Manchester Regiment. He went out to France on 15th July 1916.
    Sergeant Andrew Ross (Otago Regiment) is killed in action at age 37. His brother will die of gassing in July 1918.
    Gunner Samuel Bacon (Royal Garrison Artillery) is killed at age 28. He is an assistant librarian at Stepney Borough Libraries.
    Private Thomas Goodson Roberts (Leicestershire Regiment) is killed. His brother will be killed in November.
    Private Ernest James Triggs Carder (Devonshire Regiment) dies on service at age 37. His two brothers will lose their lives next year.
    Private Walter Thorley (Cheshire Regiment) is killed at age 22. His brother will die of wounds in September 1917.
    Private Ernest Bull (Manchester Regiment) is killed at age 20 four weeks after his brother will killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.


    Home Front.

    Due to the long light evenings of summer, this was the first Zeppelin raid for three months. Of the ten Navy Zeppelins that set out, four turned back early. Thick sea fog and heavy coastal mist severely hampered the raid and only one, L.13, penetrated a significant distance inland.

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    Commanded by Kapitänleutnant Eduard Prölss, L.13 came inland at North Somercoates on the Lincolnshire coast at 12.37am and embarked on a tour of the county with very little effect. Initially heading towards Lincoln, at 1.10am L.13 dropped a high-explosive (HE) and incendiary bomb on the village of Fiskerton, about six miles east of Lincoln, which broke windows in a house and a chapel. Prölss passed to the south of Lincoln and continued towards Newark, dropping an incendiary at Bassingham that landed harmlessly. Turning south, L.13 passed to the east of Newark, dropping a single incendiary bomb at Long Bennington before being attracted to the lights of a moving train on the line between Newark and Grantham. L.13 then dropped 27 bombs (10 x HE & 17 incendiary) which all fell between 50 and 500 yards of the railway. Two of the HE bombs fell at Stubton, breaking windows in a house, as did the four HE bombs that landed at Dry Doddington.


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    Then, at about 2.0
    0am, the remaining bombs all landed within 200 yards of Hougham station without causing any damage. L.13 then headed eastwards and went out to sea over the Wash, just north-east of Boston, at about 2.30am.


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    Zeppelin L.24, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Robert Koch, approached the mouth of the Humber at Kilnsea, crossed the estuary to Immingham, before dropping six HE bombs at 1.10am which landed on Stallingborough Marsh, near to Immingham Halt station. One of the bombs fell near the electric railway line, breaking electricity wires and windows in a hut. A 12-pdr gun at Immingham Halt hopefully fired off two rounds into the fog, but without result. L.24 exited on a north-east course across the Humber towards Withernsea where a 3-pdr and a 6pdr gun briefly engaged through the fog, each getting off a single round. For some reason Koch then steered north and came inland again briefly just south of Bridlington. He went towards Driffield but before he reached it he headed back to the coast at Hornsea, where he aimed two bombs at a Swedish merchant ship anchored off the town; both missed.


    Kapitänleutnant Herbert Ehrlich, commanding L.17, appeared near Grimsby at the mouth of the Humber at about 12.10am. He headed north-west along the southern bank of the river in thick fog. A searchlight at Chase Hill Farm, North Killingholme, briefly opened up and L.17 responded by releasing eight HE and three or four incendiary bombs over Killingholme at about 12.
    45am; one fell on a road, the rest in fields. They caused no damage. Three minutes later he dropped another two HE and two incendiaries. These fell at East Halton. The two incendiaries set fire to a large straw stack on Manor Farm and an HE bomb exploded on a farm on Mill Lane where it killed a calf, damaged the farmhouse and demolished some outbuildings, while also causing minor damage to four cottages nearby. The other HE bomb landed in a field on Ash Tree Farm, damaging the windows of the farmhouse and those of two other cottages. Ehrlich then took L.17 back across the Humber and headed towards the coast, passing out to sea between Hornsea and Withernsea at about 1.10am.

    Kapitänleutnant Erich Sommerfeldt, commanding L.16, approached the Norfolk coast at 12.50am but appears to have struggled with the fog. He came inland over Brancaster Bay, passed over Thornham and released a flare over Ringstead. At Hunstanton L.16 turned south towards Heacham, which she reached at 1.15am. She then probed south of the town, dropping
    two incendiary bombs over Snettisham before heading out over the Wash. She came back inland at Heacham, then returned to Brancaster Bay and headed out to sea at about 1.45am.

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    Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Mathy commanded L.31, one of the new ‘super Zeppelins’ as the British dubbed them, on her first flight to England.


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    She came inland near Corton, just north of Lowestoft at about 1.15am. In the heavy fog Mathy first steered towards Beccles, then Bungay, but turned back to the east before reaching that town. He returned to the coast and, having circled there for a short time, went out to sea over Kessingland at about 1.50am. Unable to identify any targets, Mathy released no bombs overland.




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    The last raider to come inland, Korvettenkapitän Viktor Schutze’s L.11, approached Sheringham on the north Norfolk coast at 2.35am, dropping an HE bomb that landed in the sea. Five minutes later L.11 came inland at Weybourne, dropping an HE bomb in a field, killing a cow and dislodging roof tiles. Schutze released a flare over Holt and then, at 2.45am, dropped an HE bomb at Sharrington without damage. Another followed a few minutes later at Gunthorpe with a similar result. Turning eastwards, L.11 then headed back to the coast where she next dropped a HE bomb at Paston, near Mundesley at 3.20am (also, possibly an incendiary). Then, as she went out to sea over Mundesley, L.11 dropped a final HE and incendiary bomb. The incendiary landed about 300 yards from an AA gun positioned on Stow Hill.
    Western Front.

    Hand to hand struggle north and north-east of Pozieres and High Wood.

    Early this morning near
    Pozières, during a night attack the Australian infantry is temporarily driven back by the intense machine-gun fire from the enemy trenches. Many wounded are left in ‘No Man’s Land’ lying in shell holes.


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    Sergeant Claude Charles Castleton (Australian Infantry) goes out twice in the face of this intense fire, and each time brings in a wounded man on his back. He goes out a third time and is bringing in another wounded man when he is himself hit i
    n the back and killed instantly. For his actions this morning he will be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

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    He is killed at
    age 23.

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    Two German attempts to recapture Delville Wood fail.

    Activity south of Ypres and in Loos salient.


    Tunstill's men.


    Front line trenches, east of Pozieres.


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    At about 12.45am two platoons from ‘D’ Company, under the command of Lt. Frederick Hird (see 28th July) commenced a bombing attack up Munster Alley. They began their assault from around 20 yards in rear of point 41, close to the junction of Munster Alley and O.G.2, with orders to construct a barrier as far up as possible; they were supported by fire from the two Lewis Guns under the charge of 2Lt. Bob Perks (see 28th July). Hird led the advance personally with a bombing party of eight men. They were followed, at a distance of 20 yards, by the remainder of no.13 platoon, with no.14 platoon following. Little opposition was met for about 60 yards, but then “the enemy vigorously counter-attacked with bombs with men concealed in shell holes on either side of the trench and a party in the trench”. Hird was killed and six of the bombing party wounded, and the platoons were forced back to their original barricade behind point 41.

    The Germans then maintained a concerted bombing assault on the barricade for the next half hour. Hird having been killed, CSM Albert Edgar Palmer (see 28th July) “immediately took command of no.13 platoon and, having re-organized it, remained throwing bombs for several hours, being under heavy bomb fire throughout”. He was ably assisted by Sgt. William Jones (see 28th July) who “personally built up the greater part of the barricade and, although several men near him were killed and wounded, continued to work with greatest bravery and coolness until his work had been completed”. There was assistance also from the party from ‘B’ Company who had been sent, the previous night, up towards point 41. They were led by 2Lt. Perks who, according the official account “was wounded in the face about 1am and was for a time insensible, but on recovering continued to throw bombs until wounded seriously in the hand, foot and face again. He throughout the operation showed the greatest gallantry and by his magnificent example was largely responsible for our being able to hold and consolidate the point gained in Munster Alley”.

    Perks himself gave a vivid account of events ((I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to quote from Bob Perks’ report),
    “I was called away by the Company Commander on my left (Lt. Hird, commanding ‘D’ Company) who had orders to push up Munster Alley. This movement was meant to coincide with the Australian attack (see 28th July) but the message was late and it was only carried out when the Bosche was relieved of the fear of any Australians and could devote his time to us. Perhaps that was why we had such a warm time. I was to hold my position as a protection to the rear and flanks of the party from D Coy carrying out the third British attempt to push up Munster Alley. Like the other two it failed. Various explanations are possible but all I know is after proceeding very successfully at first the party suddenly returned minus their officer and leading bombers – and returned with some haste with Bosche in hot pursuit. We tried to keep up a barrage of bombs and rifle grenades behind and on the flanks of this party in spite of the flashes and flying bits which showed the bombs were reaching us by now. The great danger was however from Munster Alley and eventually the triumphant Bosche chasing down to what they thought was an easy victory were stopped by two of my men who, although already wounded, met them face to face at our original barrier and drove them back. Of these two men one had to stop through sheer inability to use his arm but as soon as a bit of bandage was put on started again. I believe it was in this first period that my leg was hurt, but I have never been very clear when that happened – I hardly noticed until it stiffened later – but I do know that I was wounded twice in the next ten minutes of an awful nightmare of flying bits and flashes (near enough to be warm!) with the terribly obvious fact continually before one that one’s life was at stake – worse all their lives were at stake – the rapidly dwindling garrison must be kept at it and kept at it properly and steadily until the Bosche gave way. This he did eventually and I found that although I was only touched on the lip and finger, my power of talking (to direct operations) was spoilt by the gory nature of my lip wound and my ability to manipulate bombs was rapidly getting less owing to my stiffening finger. I therefore asked for an officer to be sent with the reinforcing men I expected. These had hardly arrived when we indulged in more fireworks, the Bosche having returned and I got another touch on the lip. The display was not a very long one this time and when all was quiet again, I handed over to two other officers and limped thankfully away. I afterwards heard that only a sergeant and three men of our party of 19* came back whole.” (*19 has been altered to 26 on a contemporary transcript done by Robert’s father, Thomas Perks).


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    2Lt. Robert Clement Perks
    Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson
    About 2am a second attempt was made to advance the position along Munster Alley. 2Lt. Henry Herbert Owen Stafford (see 25th April) led a second bombing attack and gained about 30 yards before encountering more stiff resistance from the Germans. However, Stafford’s party were able to construct a new barricade at this point. It was reported that Stafford, “was at the head of all our bombing parties at the barricade. His bravery and exceedingly cheerful spirit was of the greatest value in cheering on the bomb throwers when under exceedingly heavy bomb fire”. He was slightly wounded, but remained at duty. The construction of this new barricade “compelled the enemy to abandon his original barricade and put up another one some yards further back from which position he opposed our further advances vigorously for about an hour”. The position then stabilized.

    Col. Hayne recognized the significance of these events, “There is little doubt he (the Germans) wished to drive us out of Munster Alley as his bombers came into the broken ground in front of his barricade and continued until it was quite light to throw bombs with great determination. Fortunately, supplies of bombs, S.A.A. (small arms’ ammunition) and filled sandbags were sent up with great regularity and in this we received great assistance from 17th Battalion Australian contingent, who prolonged our chain of supplies and did us great service in this respect”. Hayne also commended the efforts of a number of other individuals involved in the action. He reported that stretcher-bearer Pte, Enoch Rhodes, who had shown great fortitude on the way into the line (see 28th July), “Has in every engagement shown the most wonderful devotion to duty … he attended to at least 50 wounded men, always under intense artillery fire”. Two men, Ptes. John William Beaver and Tom Feather “carried many messages with speed and regularity, regardless of shell fire. Pte. Beaver was afterwards admitted into hospital suffering from shell shock” (Beaver was subsequently transferred to the Labour Corps).

    The day became fine and hot and the Battalion remained in their front line positions, troubled only by what was described as ‘moderately active’ German artillery.
    In the late evening a third attempt was to be made to occupy Munster Alley, but on this occasion the attack would be made over ground, rather than by bombing up the trench itself. It would also be combined with an attempt to advance the British position along another old German communication trench further south-east, known as Gloster Alley.


    About 10pm the Battalion again attacked Munster Alley, this time along a line from point X.5.b.4.1 in O.G.2 (point 41, where they had been held up in the early hours) to X.6.a.4.6. One platoon from ‘C’ Company, supported by a second platoon, was drawn up in O.G.2 between points 41 and 78 and wheeled to its left, pivoting on point 41. At the same time, ‘B’ Company, in the section of trenches known as ‘The Loop’ (apparently somewhere between Lancs Trench and Munster Alley), led by 2Lt Roland Herbert Wyndham Brinsley-Richards (see 27th May) and 2Lt. Cecil Crowther Hart (see 27th May), attacked point 24 with three platoons in six waves, one platoon remaining in The Loop in support. Tunstill’s Company remained in close support in O.G.2. Both attacks were supported by machine gun fire and Stokes mortars. Munster Alley and the German Switch line were heavily shelled by artillery before and during the progress of the attack. A barrage was also kept on the railway and the Windmill Road. The main objective on the left was the junction of Munster Alley with a new German trench at X.5.b.7.3, the new trench, afterwards called Torr Trench had just been discovered by Captain Lawrence, 69th Brigade.


    Both attacks had been made at 10pm and by about 11.30pm reports were received that all objectives had been reached. During the advance from The Loop, however, ‘B’ Company had suffered severe casualties; all the Officers, the Company Sergeant Major and a large number of NCO’s being hit. ‘A’ Company advanced in the early hours of 30th July to help consolidate the new positions gained by ‘B’ Company.

    However, the Germans subsequently counter-attacked up Torr Trench from the north-west and drove ‘C’ Company back to the left. A barricade was formed and held in Munster Alley slightly in advance of the point which had been barricaded in the early hours of the morning.
    Meanwhile the advance along Gloster Alley, conducted by ‘D’ Company (with one company, 11th West Yorkshires, in reserve in Gloster Alley and part of Lancashire Trench) had partially achieved its objectives. The plan had been to move from S.1.d.1.6 (point 06) to secure points 38 and 29 in the German Switch Line and thus achieve a position overlooking not only the Switch Line itself but also ground to the north and east towards High Wood and Martinpuich. In fact a point was consolidated about 25 yards short of point 38, but still commanding it, and overlooking, Switch Trench and Martinpuich. Consolidation of the new position was then carried out “under heavy fire of all kinds”.
    The support of Australian troops in the operations had been crucial: “Throughout the operations the 12th Australian Brigade gave great assistance by bringing up bombs, carrying in wounded and other useful work. A deputation of Australian officers kindly came across to congratulate the 10th West Ridings on their efforts. A party of the enemy who left Munster Alley to move northwards was effectively dealt with by Australian machine guns”.

    Casualties suffered during this action were considerable. Two officers were reported killed, along with 31 other ranks; another officer was reported missing in action as were 44 other ranks; five officers and 127 men had been wounded. It seems that a number of those originally reported missing were taken prisoner or subsequently otherwise accounted for as the official casualty record for 29th/30th July has 48 other ranks killed or presumed dead, including a number who clearly died from wounds rather than being killed outright.

    Three of Tunstill’s original recruits were among those who had been killed. News of the death of Sgt. Wilfred Blackburn, (see 22nd May) who had only recently been promoted, was conveyed to the family by 2Lt. Frederick Lowther Dawson Barker (see 24th May); he wrote to Blackburn’s cousin, Elizabeth (Blackburn had been living with his uncle and family before enlisting): “Perhaps you have already heard of the death of your cousin, but as his Platoon Officer I would like to tell you how much we all sympathise with you in your loss. He was a very efficient Sergeant and was very popular among the men. Capt. Tunstill, his Company Commander, tells me he has mentioned his name amongst those who did brilliant work in the recent fighting in which the Battalion played so successful a part. Personally I shall miss him very much, as he was a great help to me and could always be relied on. Again let me assure you of our deep sympathy with you in your sorrow”. There was news of Wifred Blackburn’s death, and confirmation of the high regard in which he had been held, in another letter, from an (unnamed) Addingham comrade, who wrote of how, "I am sorry to say poor Wilfred Blackburn has been knocked out. He was laid dead close to where I stood as we halted after the work we were on with was finished. I could not help but think about him, he was a good sergeant."


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    Sgt. Wilfred Blackburn
    The other two men killed were both serving with the machine gun section at the time of their death. Pte. Arthur William Bailey (see 21st September 1914) was reportedly killed by German shellfire, while L.Cpl. Harry Thornton (see 14th January) was shot by a German sniper. Harry Thornton’s parents received letters from 2Lt. Maurice Tribe and from Sgt. Tom Pickles, both of whom had previously written to the family of Pte. Bert Maltby (see 11th July). Tribe told Thornton’s family, “Your son died instantaneously, killed by a bullet. He did not know death was coming, nor was there a moment’s pain. He was in a difficult place and behaving as he had done in many other difficult places; one particularly I remember when by his coolness and clever handling of his gun he saved the life of a particular friend of mine, and largely helped by that in taking of a German trench. For that he had been recommended for a D.C.M., but higher honours than this army could give have come to him. I often feel that those whom we call dead may be able to do so much more for us than ever they could before. We all miss him very much and I am sure we shall not forget him.” Pickles said: “Your son Harry made the great sacrifice whilst doing his duty like the brave lad he was. He was caught by a sniper’s bullet … We all feel very keenly for you. Harry was well liked in the section and I found him a good man. He was shortly in for promotion but God willed otherwise.”


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    Pte. Arthur William Bailey

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    L.Cpl. Harry Thornton
    It also fell to Tribe and Pickles to write to the family of Sgt. William Digby Stockdale, who, although he had already volunteered before Tunstill began his campaign in September 1914, was from the village of Thornton-in Craven and would certainly have been well known among his fellow Craven recruits. Indeed he had been one of the local men who had refuted Tom Pickles’ complaints about conditions at Frensham Camp in the Autumn of 1914 (see 19th October 1914). Pickles now told Stockdale’s family, “He was killed instantly by a rifle bullet as he climbed the parapet. He suffered no pain whatever and died with his usual smile on his face. The whole section expresses its deepest sympathy with you. Digby was liked by men and officers alike. He only came to the section a few weeks ago, but became a favourite at once." Tribe wrote, "It is not for me to try and estimate your loss, but knowing what ours has been I can imagine something of what yours must be. I have known him since the beginning of March 1915, when we were in the same platoon and again out here in the Machine Gun Section. He was one of those who cannot be replaced and who are missed by everyone. He was handling a difficult situation with his usual ability and calmness when he was hit. We shall not forget who he was nor how he died, and we shall always feel honestly sorry that he had to leave us." There was also a letter from L.Cpl. Wright Firth (see 5th September 1915), who had enlisted with Stockdale in September 1914: “The day before he was killed we were in a trench together all day, and we passed the time on champion. He was in action at the time and doing his duty nobly. When I heard, we were so busy that it took us all our time to look after ourselves; but when the rush was over and I realised that Digby was dead, it broke me down. I don't know how to write to you. Digby was a thorough gentleman, always the same, laughing and cheerful, and he remained so until the end. I saw Walter Robinson the other day, and when he knew he was very much upset."

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    Sgt. William Digby Stockdale

    The officers confirmed as having been killed were Lt. Frederick Hird (see above), who was killed in the initial bombing raid up Munster Alley, and 2Lt. Geoffrey Raymond Palmer (see 1st July), who had been with the Battalion for less than a month. Palmer had been with ‘C’ Company as they advanced in the evening attack; his family received letters from both Capt. John Atkinson (see 10th July) and Lt. George Reginald Charles Heale (see 6th July).



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    2Lt. Geoffrey Raymond Palmer

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    Capt. Atkinson and Lt. Heale, pictured with other officers in Spring of 1916, annotated by Lt. **** Bolton
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

    The officer officially reported missing was 2Lt Roland Herbert Wyndham Brinsley-Richards (see above). He had led the attack of ‘B’ Company across ground from ‘The Loop’, which had met with fierce German resistance. In the confusion of the fighting there was no doubt among witnesses as to his fate, but considerable differences as to the precise circumstances. It was variously reported that he jumped down into the trench and “was fighting hand to hand with the enemy” when killed; that “on top of the German parapet he was shot by machine gun fire”; that he had been, “killed by a bomb or a piece of shell while he was going across … waving his revolver and calling for the men to come on when he was struck. Part of his head was blown away”; the most reliable account, given later by an eye-witness from his own platoon, would suggest that “He was killed outright by a bomb. His body was badly smashed. This occurred out near the German parapet”. There was also doubt as to whether Brinsley-Richards’ body had been recovered. One man stated that “His body was buried at first in our trenches and I do not know if it was ever recovered. The grave was marked”. However, another reported that, “Our stretcher bearers went out to try and find and bring him in the following night, but the fire was too heavy for them to reach him”. A third account conceded, “though I never heard myself of his body being brought in, I think he must have been buried by our own men”.


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    The fate of Brinsley-Richards’ remains was shared by many of the other men killed in the actions. The majority of those killed (42 of the 51, including the three officers) have no known grave and are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial; among them was Pte. John William Hawkridge, who had earned the DCM alongside Sgt. Kayley Earnshaw near Souchez in March (see 9th March). Of the remainder, Ptes. William Jakeway and Robert Sugden were both buried at Contalmaison Chateau Cemetery; Pte. Sykes Walker was buried at Peake Wood Cemetery; Pte. Arthur Purcell Hollows, who had been wounded on 29th died next day and was buried at Albert Communal Cemetery Extension. The remains of CSM George Lister Mayman, L.Cpl. John Sanders and Pte. Fred Townend were all recovered from the area around Munster Alley and identified in the Summer of 1919 and all were re-interred at Pozieres British Cemetery. The remains of Pte. Thomas Robinson (identified by “paper in bottle”) were recovered in June 1920 and he was re-interred at Ovillers Military Cemetery. The remains of Cpl. William Munday, identified by his ID disc, were discovered, near the site of the junction of Munster Alley and O.G.2, in October 1927 and he was re-interred at Serre Road Cemetery no.2. L.Cpl. William Knox, around whose date of death there is some doubt, (see 25th July) was buried at Dantzig Alley British Cemetery.

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    L.Cpl. Knox, Pte. Hollows and Pte. Townend
    At least 15 of Tunstill’s original volunteers were among the wounded. Their condition varied considerably. Among the most severely wounded was Sgt. Thomas Henry Edmondson (see 10th July), who had been awarded the Military Medal for his actions at Contalmaison. Edmondson was seriously wounded in both legs and evacuated to England, where he was admitted to the County of Middlesex War Hospital at Napsbury, St. Albans. L.Cpl. George Oversby (see 7th July) was severely wounded in the left thigh; he was treated first at 3rd Stationary Hospital at Rouen before being sent back to England onboard the hospital ship Asturias. Pte. Richard Butler (see 25th June) was wounded in the left arm and he also went first to 3rd Stationary Hospital at Rouen, before then being sent back to England, from where he was transferred to Bargrave War Hospital, West Lothian. Pte. Tom Swales (see 7th January) was treated for some time at 11th Stationary Hospital, Rouen, before being evacuated to England. Pte. Irvine Clark (see 31st March) was wounded in the right thigh and sent home to be treated at the Southern General Hospital in Bristol. Pte. George Binns (see 29th November 1915) was also evacuated to England, though to which hospital is not known.

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    Pte. Tom Swales
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    Pte. George Binns
    No details of treatment are known for a number of other men whose names appear in the casualty list, but it seems clear that their wounds were severe enough for all of them to have been evacuated to England as none of them continued to serve with the Battalion. Pte. George Jellett (see 31st January) was listed as suffering from shellshock; he was subsequently (date unknown) transferred to 2nd/6th Battalion and later to 2nd Battalion DWR. Acting Sgt. Harry Smith and Ptes. Richard Harper and Alfred Edgar Smith were all named in the casualty lists and all three were subsequently discharged due to wounds without ever apparently seeing active service again; none of these three men have as yet been positively identified. A number of others were also listed as wounded but seem to have been treated locally as they appear to have remained with the Battalion. This seems to be the case with Cpl. Arthur Bearpark (see 12th June 1915), Ptes. Joe Feather (see below), Job Kayley (see 27th March), Anthony Lofthouse (see 15th September 1914) and Jack Massheder (see below).


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    Pte. Anthony Lofthouse
    Joe Feather and Jack Massheder had both been among the Keighley volunteers added to Tunstill’s original recruits in September 1914. Joe Feather, the son of a well-known Keighley auctioneer, Robert Feather, had enlisted aged 27 and had been working as a coal miner; three of his brothers also enlisted. Jack Massheder had joined the army aged 20, having been an apprentice brush-maker before joining up; he was originally from Bradford.

    The condition of the five wounded officers varied considerable. 2Lt. Stafford had suffered only a minor injury and was able to remain at duty. 2Lt. Ernest Cyril Coke (see 28th May) had suffered a shrapnel wound to his left hand which had shattered the tip of the middle finger, while 2Lt. Cecil Crowther Hart (see 27th May) had suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg. Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison (see 13th September 1915) had been shot in the middle of the left thigh; the bullet had passed through the muscle, missing the femur, and had exited through the back of his leg. All three men were treated first at 69th Field Ambulance, before being sent on, via Albert, to hospital at Corbie and then to no.8 General Hospital at Rouen. 2Lt. Perks had been wounded in the face, foot and hand. He was evacuated to no.1 Red Cross Hospital Le Touquet.

    Cpl. Billy Rawlinson (see 11th July)) who had been severely wounded at Contalmaison was evacuated to England and admitted to Southern General Hospital in Bristol. Billy’s injuries, 47 in total, were severe, including losing the sight in his left eye and breaks to his left leg and right foot. Remarkably, he was able, within days of his injury to write to Mr. George Charnley, for whom he had worked as chauffeur and gardener before the war, to tell him how well he was being treated in hospital and to assure him that he was ‘going on well’.


    The weekly edition of the Keighley News carried extended reports on the deaths of two local men who had been serving with Tunstill’s Company, along with more brief mention of others:

    MEN WHO HAVE MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
    Private Francis Herbert (Bert) Maltby (22) (see 11th July), West Riding Regiment, the son of Mrs. Maltby of 41 Redcliffe Street, Keighley, has been killed by the bursting of a shell. A letter has been received from Second-Lieutenant Maurice Tribe, who said: “I am very sorry to have to tell you that your son has died, but he felt no pain. It is more than sad to know that it is only by deaths such as his, and fights such as that in which he played his part so well that England can come through this war to something better. I know it cannot lessen your personal grief but it does greatly add to his personal glory. Without such men no one can say where England would be now … Personally I am very sorry for he was invaluable to the section.” Sergeant Tom Pickles, writing to Mrs. Maltby, said: “Your son was not in the section a long time, and personally I did not know him, but the other boys liked him well. From what I have seen he was a fine lad and did his duty well and nobly. The whole section desire me to convey to you their deepest sympathy”. Private Maltby enlisted in the early stages of the war, and went abroad about twelve months ago. Formerly he was apprenticed to Mr. Arthur Tillotson, painter and decorator, Keighley. He was associated with the Devonshire Street, Congregational Church, being a member of the Young Men’s Class.


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    Pte. Bert Maltby

    COWLING
    TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN COMRADE
    Mrs. William Benson, of 129 Crag View, Cowling, has received a private letter from Quartermaster Sergeant Frank Stephenson, informing her that her only son, Private Fred Benson (see 23rd July), of the West Riding Regiment, was killed in action on July 11th in France. Another Cowling man, Corporal John Hartley, writing to Mrs. Benson says, “On Monday afternoon, part of our Brigade attacked and carried a village for which there had previously been heavy fighting by other Brigades. We were in support, and as dusk fell we moved up through a heavy barrage fire to reinforce and to consolidate the position. That night and next day passed quietly. During the evening Fred and another lad went on listening post duty a little in front of the trench where we had dug ourselves in. A little later they gave the alarm and turned round to get back into the trench, but before they had gone a yard they were both hit by the Germans. A small enemy patrol had crept up within a short distance unobserved till quite close. Both staggered back somehow into the trench. A minute or two later when the alarm was over I and two others got him out and did what we could but it was of no avail and he passed quietly and gently away. He was hit just above the left hip bone and the bullet passed through and out at the right groin. I was supporting his head when he died. We were relieved in a few minutes. All the boys in the platoon with me convey to you their sincere sympathy in your loss, which is also in a less degree ours, for he was a cheerful, willing comrade. We shall all miss him very much. He was in great spirits, as we all are because of the successes of the past few days. We were all much affected by his and the other chap’s death”. Private Benson enlisted in Kitchener’s Army along with seventeen other Cowling young men in August 1914, and after training went to France in September 1915. Before enlisting he was employed as a weaver at Messrs J. Binns & Sons Ltd, Carr Mills.
    A memorial service was held, conducted at the United Methodist Church, on Sunday morning last by the Rev. C.E. Penrose. Private Benson had passed through the Sunday School as a scholar. The choir rendered an anthem and Miss Whitaker played Beethoven’s ‘Funeral March’ and ‘O rest in the Lord’. A memorial service was also held at the Parish Church, conducted by the vicar, and a similar service was held at the Ickornshaw Wesleyan Church. Name:  Benson.jpg
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    Pte. Fred Benson



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    CQMS Frank Stephenson
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton


    Wounded
    Lance Corporal Herbert Thornton (see 5th July), West Riding Regiment, the son of Mr. T. Bailey Thornton of 75 East Avenue, Keighley, is in hospital suffering from severe wounds in the chest and leg. He is now in the hospital of St. John at Etaples.
    An extended list of the names of wounded men also included Pte. Herbert Rooke (see 5th July).

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    L.Cpl. Herbert Thornton
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    Pte. Herbert Rooke

    Pte. Andrew Aaron Jackson, who would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR (see 25th July), serving with 27th Battalion Royal Fusiliers at Portobello, near Edinburgh, was released from 2nd Scottish General Hospital, Craigleath, following treatment to a puncture wound to the armpit, suffered as the result of an accident.






    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    Dodoma, German East Africa is occupied by South African troops.


    There were two losses to U boats today.



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    Both were scored by U39 Captained by Walther Forstmann. The Italian Steamer Letimbro stopped and sunk 40 miles from Benghazi, and Sailing vessel Rosarina G.v. somewhere off Tunisia.


    Political, etc.


    Duke of Devonshire appointed Governor-General of Canada.

    USA.

    German Note to U.S.A. Ambassador at Berlin rejects British offer to permit passage of U.S.A. foodstuffs to Poland.



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    The Black Tom explosion was the peak act of German sabotage on American soil during the First World War. On July 29, 1916, German agents set fire to a complex of warehouses and ships in the New York harbor that held munitions, fuel, and explosives bound to aid the Allies in their fight. Though America was technically a neutral nation at the time of the attack, general policies greatly favoured the Allies. The attack persuaded many that the United States should join the Allies and intervene in the war in Europe.

    Planning the attack at Black Tom: In 1914, shortly after the start of war in Europe, the German government sent a new ambassador to Washington.

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    Count Johann Von Bernstorff brought with him a consular staff not of diplomats, but of trained German intelligence operatives. The staff also had an unusually high budget of 150 million dollars. The staff performed regular consular duties, but also led a network of other agents in the Unites States. They designated targets for sabotage... the fires scarred the pre-1920s American psyche. A certain hysteria began regarding the presence of spies and saboteurs on American soil. Rumours of German agents spreading germs, planting bombs, and kidnapping people were plentiful in the public imagination. Even though the threat posed by saboteurs on the public was propagandized to the extreme, the actions of saboteurs were limited in scope until 1916....

    The Black Tom explosion:

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    Months before his capture, von Rintelen established a team of agents that would be responsible for the destruction of Black Tom Pier. He hired several agents to perform various tasks from smuggling the charges onto ships to bribing pier workers. It remains unknown who actually lit the first explosive fuse to cause the explosion at Black Tom.


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    Police investigations pointed to a man named Michael Kristoff who was living at a boarding house in Bayonne, New Jersey, and was reported by his land lady to keep odd hours and often return home smelling of fuel or having small soot stains on his hands or clothing. Kristoff, when later questioned by authorities mentioned several other accomplices, but did not specifically mention their various roles in the sabotage.
    The exact events of the night of the Black Tom explosion largely remain a mystery. Several night watchmen guarded the area around the pier, but two were later discovered to have accepted bribes from German agents to loosen their guard. The cargo itself was largely unprotected, and sat loaded on moored barges and hips in the harbour. An ammunition storage facility and several fuel tanks were located on the adjacent shore. The first fire and explosion most likely began in this area. Guards fled the scene, wary of the materials they knew were in the vicinity. At 2:08 a.m., a thunderous explosion shook the New Jersey harbour, shattered windows, and threw people from their beds across the bay in Manhattan. That explosion began aboard the Johnson 17, a ship carrying explosives and fuel that was docked near the pier.

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    Several other explosions were heard shortly after, and continued until dawn. Shrapnel rained down on New York City and the New Jersey harbour area. Immigrants awaiting entry processing on Ellis Island were evacuated from their barracks, and the Statue of Liberty sustained damage from flying debris. When all of the fuel and explosives were spent, the smoke cleared to reveal a swath of devastation several city blocks wide. Black Tom pier and most of its island were gone.

    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 07-29-2016 at 12:01.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  10. #1610

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    That was, indeed, and extra long issue. And a lot of work to go with it.

  11. #1611

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    Thanks Sam.
    It just happened to be a big news day.
    Thanks also for the Rep.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  12. #1612

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    Bit of catching up to do - wow that was some post Rob thanks for that. Thanks too to Neil for all his hours of work. Enjoy the R&R

  13. #1613

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    July 30th 1916.



    3 airmen have fallen on Sunday July 30th 1916.


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    Capt. Leslie Stafford Charles, 60 Squadron Royal flying Corps. Died of Wounds 30 July 1916 as a Prisoner of War aged 21. He has been on a reconnaissance in Morane BB 5193, accompanied by Lt C Williams on 30 July.

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    Morane BB






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    Lt. Cyril Williams, 60 Squadron Royal Flying Corps. Killed in Action 30 July 1916 aged 20.

    Capt. David Wilson, 24 Squadron. Royal Flying Corps. Killed in Action 30 July 1916 aged 23.

    Claims.

    Five claims were made today.

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    Fernand Jacquet scored his 4th victory. Flying a Maurice Farman shot down an LVG C type over Houthulst.

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    Maxime Albert Lenoir gained his sixth 6th over a Fokker E type near Souilly-Etain

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    Herman Goring achieved his third 3rd. victory over a Caudron near Mamey.

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    Kurt Wintgens 12th. victim was a Martinsyde G 100 east of Peronne

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    Raoul Lufbery ,the soon to be decorated American Air Ace, gained his first victory . A two seater over Foret d"Etain.


    The son of Edward Lufbery of Wallingford, Connecticut, Gervais Raoul Lufbery was born in France and moved to the United States with his parents when he was six years old. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years in 1907 and served in the Phillipines. After being discharged from the army, he traveled throughout Asia and, in 1910, took a job as a mechanic with Marc Pourpe, a French aviator. When the war began, they were in France and Pourpe quickly joined the French Air Service. Lufbery, being an American, joined the Foreign Legion but followed Pourpe to the front as his mechanic. When Pourpe was killed in action in December 1914, Lufbery applied for and received a brevet in the French Air Service. After several months as a reconnaissance pilot, he moved on to single-seat fighters. Lufbery spent almost four years in the French Air Service and with the Lafayette Escadrille, scoring 16 victories, before he joined the United States Air Service as an instructor in early 1918. Idolized by his subordinates and revered by his peers, he was killed in action as he attempted to bag a German Rumpler north of Nancy. Hit by enemy fire, his
    Nieuport 28 suddenly flipped over and Lufbery was seen to fall from the aircraft. The following day, in an impressive funeral that was witnessed by hundreds and recorded on film, Lufbery was buried in the cemetery at the Sebastopol Hospital. In the village of Maron, near the Moselle River, a bronze tablet marks the place where he fell. Lufbery's remains were later moved to Lafayette Memorial du Parc de Garches in Paris.
    In 2004, eighty six years after he was killed in action, Raoul Lufbery was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.. The medal was awarded for wounds received in his final air combat on 19 May 1918.

    Sunday 30 July 1916 – We Lost 2,397


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

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    Wallace Fraser

    A second major push ‘over the top’ takes place at the village of Guillemont in which approximately 460 Liverpool Pals officers and men are killed and about 600 others are wounded, captured or missing. Among those killed is Captain and Adjutant Wallace Fraser. He is the Captain of the Northern Cricket Club.

    Lieutenant Reginald Ernest Melly is killed at age 28. He is a hockey player for Warwickshire, the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North of England.


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    Lieutenant Richard William Vaughan-Roberts is killed at age 24. He is a member of the Northern Cricket Club and the Liverpool Ramblers Football Club.

    Private Samuel Hunt is killed at age 25. The regiment is virtually wiped out.


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    Captain Robert Lyon (Gordon Highlanders) is killed in action at age 24. He is the son of ‘Sir’ Alexander Lyon Kt JP ex Lord Provost of Aberdeen.


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    Lieutenant Albert John Guthrie (Gordon Highlanders) is killed in action at age 25. He is the son of the Reverend W G Guthrie and his brother will be killed in July 1917.

    Second Lieutenant Philip Mansell Alexander (Gordon Highlanders) is killed by a shrapnel wound to the head at age 23. His brother will be killed in Palestine in December 1917.

    Sergeant John Sim (Gordon Highlanders) is killed in action at age 27 three days after his brother has been killed.

    Lieutenant Noel Stuart Harrison (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed at age 19. His father will die on service one week before the armistice.

    Acting Corporal Frank Beesley (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed in action at age 21. His brother was killed in September 1915.


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    Lance Corporal William Edmunds (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed. He is one of three brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.

    ance Corporal Clarence J Parker (Bedfordshire Regiment) is killed. His brother was killed in March 1915.
    Private Arthur Benjamin Nicholls (Bedfordshire Regiment) is killed at age 20. His brother will be killed in June of next year.

    Private Alfred John Covington (Bedfordshire Regiment) is killed at age 24. His brother will be killed in October.


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    Private William James Johnson MP (Australian Infantry) dies of wounds at age 45. He is the former Australian House of Representatives Labor Member for Robertson. Two weeks ago his Division was addressed by Prime Minister Billy Hughes and former Prime Minister Andrew Fisher when Hughes recognized Johnson in the crowd and the three are seen laughing together.

    Lieutenant Colonel Edmund Flower Rainey (Punjabis) dies on service in India at age 51. He is the son of Major General A M Rainey.

    Major Eric Henry Goodwin Leggett (Royal Field Artillery) is killed in action a little over two weeks after his brother has died in action, becoming the third son of Colonel Leggett to be killed in the Great War. He dies at age 35.

    Captain Percy Alfred Blythe MC (Manchester Regiment) is killed at age 21. His brother will be killed in five days.

    Captain David Westcott Brown (Leicestershire Regiment) is killed at age 23. He is the son of the Reverend George Gibson Brown and a Great War Poet.

    Captain and Adjutant Andrew Currie Begg (Black Watch) is killed at age 36. He is the son of the late Reverend Bruce B Begg DD.

    Lieutenant Ernest Beauchamp Walters (Gloucestershire Regiment) is killed at age 21. He is the son of the Reverend George Ernest Walters Vicar of Keynsham.

    Lieutenant David Wilson MC (Royal Flying Corps) dies of injuries at age 23. He is the son of the late Reverend David Wilson and nephew of Lord Nunburnholme.

    Second Lieutenant Frank Norcross (Manchester Regiment) is killed at age 19. His brother will be killed in October 1917.

    Second Lieutenant Francis Cecil Orr Twist (Manchester Regiment) is killed in action at age 20. He had been obtained a Classical Scholarship to Balliol in 1914 and was the Captain of Rugby School 1914-15.

    Second Lieutenant Edmund Poole Underwood (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 29. His brother was killed in November of last year.

    Second Lieutenant Lawrence Grant Robertson (King’s Own Scottish Borderers) is killed at age 36. He was on the staff of the Ministry of Health and his brother will die of wounds as a prisoner of war in June of next year.

    Second Lieutenant Richard George Hart (Warwickshire Regiment) is killed at age 24. He is a Rhodes Scholar.

    Second Lieutenant Kenneth Richmond Cook (Black Watch) is killed. He is a fine swimmer and a member of the London Scottish Rugby Football Club.

    Henry William Williamson (Essex Regiment) is killed at age 28. His brother will be killed next June.

    Private William Borthwick (Royal Scots Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 21. His brother will be killed in Salonika in October 1918.

    Private William Dimbleby (Warwickshire Regiment) is killed at age 20. His brother will be killed in October.

    Private Albert Henry Wakefield (Gloucestershire Regiment) is killed at age 22. His brother was killed two weeks earlier.

    Private William Dance (Berkshire Regiment) is killed at age 37. His brother died of wounds in November 1914.

    Private George Brubach (Lancaster Regiment) is killed at age 24. He is the second of four brothers who are killed in the Great War.


    40 squadron Royal Flying Corps departs Fort Grange for the Western Front and their new base at Treizennes near Aire.



    Tunstall's Men.
    Sunday 30th July 1916

    Front line trenches east of Pozieres.

    About 3am Tunstill’s Company moved forward to reinforce the men holding sections of Munster Alley.

    The day became hot and fine and remained largely quiet. At 6pm the Battalion was relieved by 9th Yorkshires and moved back to trenches near Scots Redoubt.

    From 11.30pm the front lines and Brigade HQ at Contalmaison were heavily shelled with tear- and poison-gas shells; this continued through the night until 6am, “necessitating the continuous use of gas helmets at Brigade HQ and by troops in Contalmaison for over 6 hours. Practically no sleep was obtainable”. Brig. Genl. Lambert described conditions in a letter to his wife (I am indebted to Juliet Lambert for her kind permission to quote from the letter);

    “the Bosches had started sending those beastly gas shells at us. It was then about 12 midnight. They went on doing it steadily. It was my turn to go to sleep at about 1am but by this time we had all got our gas helmets on and in considerable discomfort! We had to bottle up all entrances and exits to our dugouts and even then the stuff kept creeping through. They sent over a mixed lot of shells. Sime big fellows full of lachrymatory or tear gas which makes your eyes water but mixed up with these were any number of little chaps which hold poison gas. We have had to sit for six hours with smoke helmets on, bubbling away in great discomfort and all looking like a lot of Italian Inquisitors. It was infernally hot and stuffy down in our dugout of course but they were shelling such a lot outside that it was no more pleasant and the whole air was full of their beastly stuff! It was practically all wasted as it did no harm but it was very uncomfortable and knocked out a few of course. Personally I fared better than most. I cannot breathe in a helmet for long owing to the lack of the best part of my old lung I suppose but Fraser and the others looked after me and shut me up with wet hankies etc. far down in one part of our little bolt-hole with Kerridge who was feeling rather bad. He and Elliott had to go sick afterwards but I hope they will be all right”.

    Lt. William Andrew Leo Kerridge (see 27th August 1915) was one of the original officers of 10DWR. He was from Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk, where his father had worked as a solicitor’s clerk. William was one of eight children and had been born in 1886. Before enlisting he had been a school teacher in Cambridge. He had been commissioned (Temporary) Second Lieutenant on 22nd January 1915 and promoted Lieutenant on 22nd June 1915. He had recently, while on leave, been married to Ada Read.


    Lt. McCulloch, 15th Battalion, 5th Infantry Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, sent a congratulatory message to 10DWR, following the events around Munster Alley:
    “I beg to congratulate you on the excellent work done by your Signal Section during the 28th, 29th and 30th July. The way they have maintained telephone communication under heavy shell fire is grand, repeatedly going out on the lines while the wires were being cut, and in this connection I must mention two names, that of Cpl. Dean and L.Cpl. Walker. It is no exaggeration on my part to say your lines were broken on an average of once an hour and immediately the operator reported any one of your Companies out of ‘call’ the above two men went out and repaired the break. Altogether these two men have laid over three miles of wire, the whole of it under shell fire. On the 29th the front of your signal dugout was blown in, wrecking all wires and smashing two telephones. One of your section was killed and the cool way your Signal Sergeant and and his men set to work to clear the debris and restore the wires excited my admiration and their subsequent work has been a revelation to me.
    I am in a position to criticise the work done by your work because I have been standing by your telephones for the past three days keeping up communication with our Brigade through yours and I trust you will excuse me in taking this opportunity of congratulating you on such a fine section.
    With regard to Cpl. Dean and L.Cpl Walker, these two men must have taken enormous risks in maintaining your wires and I feel it my duty to specially mention their names”.

    L.Cpl. James Walker (see 4th May) was one of the Earby recruits who had been added to Tunstill’s Company in September 1914. The other man commended, Acting Cpl. Angus Dean, was not one of Tunstill's recruits.

    Following the recent losses in actions there were a series of promotions, several of them involving men from Tunstill’s Company. Sgt. Billy Oldfield (see 25th December 1915) was promoted Company Sergeant Major; Cpl. Arthur Bearpark (see 29th July) was promoted Sergeant, leaving his post with the Company administrative staff. CQMS Frank Stephenson (see 11th July), later remembered that “I spoke to him about staying as my clerk, when he would not have to go over the top, but, like all good and true Englishmen, he wanted to get on”. Cpl. Albert Herd (see 18th September 1914) was promoted Acting Sgt.; L.Cpl. William Edmondson Gaunt (see 1st May) was promoted Corporal and immediately appointed Acting Sergeant. L.Cpl. Edwin Merrall (see below) was promoted Corporal and Pte. Willie Waggitt (see 9th January) Lance Corporal. Another man appointed L.Cpl. with the Company was Pte. John Stewart (see below).

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    CSM Billy Oldfield
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton


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    CQMS Frank Stephenson
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton



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    Acting Sgt. Albert Herd

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    L.Cpl. Willie Waggitt
    Edwin Merrall had been one of the Keighley recruits posted to Tunstill’s Company in September 1914; he had been working alongside his father, Fred, who was a bootmaker and had joined up underage, being only 17 when he enlisted.

    John Stewart had not originally been a member of Tunstill’s Company and it may be that this appointment marked his move into the Company. He was a Scotsman, born in Govan, but on 27th August 1914, aged 29, he had enlisted in Wallsend, having been working as a shunter on the railways. He was soon (18th September 1914) promoted Corporal and was promoted Sergeant on 21st April 1915. However, he had been reported drunk on 15th July while the Battalion was resting at Molliens-au-Bois and had been tried by Field General Court Martial on 20th July. He had been found guilty and reduced to the ranks and awarded 56 days Field Punishment Number One. The sentence was then immediately commuted to forfeiture of 28 days’ pay in place of FP no.1.

    The six new subalterns (2Lts. Carrington, Costello, Evans, Hodgkinson, Millward and Snowden, see 25th July) who had arrived in France four days earlier reported for duty with the Battalion.

    2Lt. William Neville Dawson (see 20th July), after the extended proceedings regarding his post as a commissioned officer, finally and formally relinquished his commission.

    Pte. Edward Smitham, the eldest son of Sgt. George Edward Smitham (see 27th July), who had attested for service (though underage), three days earlier, was attached from 3DWR to 6th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders.

    Western Front.



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    The next man to be awarded the VC is CSM George Evans, 18th Manchester's, 30th Division on the 30th July 1916. During the planned attack on Guillemont, when under heavy rifle and machine gun fire CSM Evans volunteered to take back an important message after five runners had been killed in attempting the same task. He covered 700 yards under observation from the enemy. CSM Evans succeeded in delivering the message and although wounded he rejoined his company crossing back across the 700 yards under severe rifle and machine gun fire, by dodging from shell hole to shell hole. He was taken prisoner with the remnants of his company several hours later.

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    Combined Allied advance north of Somme, from Delville Wood to the river.
    British make progress east of Waterlot Farm and Trones Wood; French reach outskirts of Maurepas.

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    High Wood.

    There was a gap of a week before the next attack was launched on the 30th of July. The Germans did not waste the time, aerial reconiassance showing a build-up of troops and defences in High Wood and Wood Lane.
    The attack this time was made in the evening, and was preceded by a 'creeping barrage'. Machine gun posts within High Wood had been a major factor in the losses inflicted on the British, and on this occasion there was a conrecerted artillery effort to destroy these. After the infantry attacked at 6.10 p.m., there was some success. Heavy artillery and smoke mortars helped troops of the 19th Division to take Intermediate Trench near High Wood.
    However, in the east of High Wood the machine guns there were able to thwart the 7th Black Watch. At Wood Lane, again there was no success. The 14th Royal Warwicks followed up the initial attack, but were driven back. They suffered 171 casualties in the attack, less than some others - but the strength of the battalion before the attack was only 468.
    At the end of this last attack in July, there were few gains, and High Wood was still firmly in German hands.



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    German attack on left bank of Meuse repulsed.

    Eastern Front.

    In the direction of Kovel and in the region south of the Dniester towards Stanislau, Russians still pursue Austrians.

    Southern Front.

    Austrian attack in Tofana and in the Adige Valley repulsed.

    Austrians reinforced, attack three times in Travignolo Valley without success.

    Russian troops land at Salonika.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.




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    British occupy Kikombo (East Africa).

    Ottranto Straits UB44 destroyed by HM drifters Quarry Knowe and Garrigill with nets and depth-charges.

    Seven ships are lost to U boats today.

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    U35
    Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière sank the British Steamers Ethelbryhta 11 miles WSW of Pantelleria at 1:00pm, and Britannic 20 miles ESE of Cape Bon at 6:00pm.
    Next came the Tunesian Sailing vessel
    Giuseppe Marta sunk 36° 25'N, 12° 05'E.and finally the Danish Steamer Katholm

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    Shelled and sunk about 25 miles NE of Cap Bon or 23 miles NW of Pantellaria.

    U36 Captain
    Kurt Albrecht sank the Sweedish Sailing vessels Anna, and Steamer Pitea off Raumo.

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    Pitea

    Finally UC1 Captained by Kurt Ramien Mined and sank the British Steamer Claudia. 8.5 miles SExS1/2S of Lowestoft with three casualties.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  14. #1614

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    Many thanks again Rob. Shall have to come back again to do this one justice as I have some work to do for a friend, but so far really interesting stuff. I would have hated trying to survive for long in a gas mask - especially in trench conditions - Yuk !!!

  15. #1615

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    July 31st 1916.


    No deaths are recorded for Monday July 31st 1916.

    Four claims were made today.

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    Robert Henry Magnus Spencer Saundby scored his first claim. flying D.H.2 (5967) he drove down OOC a Fokker E East of Roisel.

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    Robert Henry Magnus Spencer Saundby was wounded in the action on 31 July 1916. He was posted to 41 Squadron on 26 January 1917. He was awarded the Military Cross for downing a zeppelin and was granted a permanent commission to Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force on 1 August 1919. He was knighted and retired with the rank of Air Vice-Marshal in 1946.


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    Reid.

    Laurence Henry Scott scored his 2nd.shared along with his Pilot Capt George Reid. Flying an FE 2b he destroyed an LVG C type over Ypres.


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    Raoul Lufbery scored his second victory. A two seater over Fort Vaux.


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    Andre Delorme was wounded in action.





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    James Miller VC.
    At
    Bazentin-le-Petit, France Private James Miller VC (Lancaster Regiment) whose battalion is consolidating a position after its capture by an assault. Private Miller is ordered to take an important message under heavy shell and rifle fire and to bring back a reply at all costs. He is compelled to cross the open, and on leaving the trench is shot almost immediately in the back, the bullet coming out through his abdomen. In spite of this, with heroic courage and self-sacrifice, he compresses with his hand the gaping wound in his abdomen, delivers his message, staggered back with the answer, and falls at the feet of the officer to whom he delivered it and dies at age 26. For his actions he will be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

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    The Bedfordshire Regiment is shelled in its assembly positions south of Bernafoy and Trones wood with tear gas and a new sort of gas that causes violent tomach pains and headaches among the men. They attack Maltzhorn Farm with a battalion of French troops and though they do not hold the Farm the attack is deemed a success.


    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    On this day in 1916, The Courier reported the death of Dunfermline half-back (midfielder) David Izzat.

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    Sergeant John Regan (Royal Garrison Artillery) is killed. He is a member of the Penarth Rugby Club.
    Sergeant John Winning (King’s Own Scottish Borderers) is killed in action. His brother will be killed in November of this year.




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    Sergeant Richard Everard Buckworth-Herne-Soame (King’s Shropshire Light Infantry) dies on service at home. He is the son of ‘Sir’ Charles Buckworth-Herne-Soame the 10th.



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    Corporal Leonard Henry Frampton (New Zealand Rifle Brigade) is killed at age 24. His brother will be killed over Germany in March 1944 as a Pilot Officer in the New Zealand Air Force.

    Lance Corporal Arthur Marsden (Manchester Regiment) dies of wounds at home at age 35. He is a first class cricketer for Derbyshire.


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    Lance Corporal Sidney Smith (Norfolk Regiment) is killed. His brother was killed four days earlier while serving in the same regiment.


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    The Smith brothers.


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    Lance Corporal Albert Victor Nudds (Royal West Kent Regiment) dies of wounds received in action at age 20. His brother will be killed in action in October 1918.
    Private Harry Venni (Sussex Regiment) dies of wounds at age 22. His brother will be killed in May of next year.


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    Private Balfour Jackson (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 24. He is a member of the Ulster Cricket Club and played Rugby for the knock club. His brother was killed four days earlier. At the time, the battalion were in the vicinity of Bernafay and Trones Woods. Balfour was born in Belfast, the son of William and Jane Jackson of 28 South Parade. Belfast, and brother of George. He is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (pier and face 8C, 9A and 16A), Somme, France.

    Private Francis
    Charles Theodore Jansen (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 23. He is the son of the Reverend Francis Charles Theodore Jansen Vicar of Newton Sidney.

    Private Ronald Cameron (Gordon Highlanders) is killed at age 23. He is the middle of three brothers who will lose their lives in the Great War.

    Private Samuel Frederick Bateup (Sussex Regiment) is killed at age 19. His brother will be killed in September next year.



    Private James Tocher (Gordon Highlanders) is killed. He is the third of four brothers who are killed in the Great War.

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    Peter Tocher, right, with two of his sons John and James.



    Private Francis Austin Elliott Paget (Royal Fusiliers) is killed. He is the first of three sons of the Reverend Cecil George Paget who will be killed in the Great War.

    Home Front.

    31st July/1st August 1916.

    Another large air raid, involving eight Zeppelins, but again effects were minimal. Areas of mist and fog did not help either the atta
    ckers find targets or the defenders to engage.



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    L.14, commanded by Hauptmann Kuno Manger, came inland over the Wash close to Sutton Bridge at about 12.10am. Taking a southerly course, L.14 dropped two high-explosive (HE) and two incendiary bombs at 12.33am at March. Landing close to the railway at Whitemoor Junction, one of the bombs cut through three telegraph wires.


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    Turning east, L.14 dropped an incendiary at Hockwold, which failed to ignite, before releasing seven HE and an incendiary at 1.30am, on Croxton Heath, north of Thetford. A short while before L.22 had dropped a flare there, causing the heath to burn. Presuming an important target lay below, Manger added his bombs to the fi
    re. Fifteen minutes later L.14 dropped two incendiaries at Bunwell, then a single incendiary half a mile east of the station at Buckenham. She then followed the railway line to Reedham, dropping four HE bombs at 2.05am, before going back out to sea just south of Great Yarmouth at 2.15am.


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    L.22, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Martin Dietrich, came inland near Lowestoft at 10.30pm and followed a south-westerly course, dropping her first bomb, an incendiary, at the village of Poslingford at 11.45pm. After changing course twice, attracted by a light at West Wickham aerodrome, L.22 dropped four HE bombs at 12.20am, on
    e of which landed on the airfield and the others within 300 yards of it.

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    Five minutes later she dropped six incendiary bombs in fields near Haverhill Gasworks, followed by five HE bombs at Withersfield, breaking windows in four houses. A HE bomb at Great Wratting failed to explode. Next, L.22 approached Thetford at 1.25m, aiming three HE b
    ombs at Snarehill airfield south-east of the town, but without damage. Over Croxton Heath, L.22 released a flare and started the fire that attracted L.14. Dietrich then released six HE and four incendiaries near Hevingham, where bomb splinters injured a horse. The final bomb, an incendiary, landed at Burgh-next-Aylsham, before L.22 passed out to sea between Mundesley and Happisburgh at 2.10am.

    L.16, commanded by by Kapitänleutnant Erich Sommerfeldt, crossed the coast near Skegness at about 11.35pm, shortly after L.14. She dropped only six incendiary bombs, causing no damage. Proceeding across Lincolnshire towards Newark, she dropped two incendiaries at Caythorpe at 1.35am. Five minutes later L.16 dropped another at Skinnand, followed at 1.55am by one at Langford Common. Turning for the coast, she dropped two final bombs, at Metheringham at 2.15am and West Ashby at 2.25am, before heading out to sea near Mablethorpe.


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    L.17 (Kapitänleutnant Herbert Ehrlich) arrived over the coast near Caister at 12.20am. Following a south-west course, he appeared over Pulham Market shortly before 1.00am where three HE bombs exploded harmlessly. Having turned westward, at 1.03am Ehrlich dropped an incendiary at Mellis, close to the Great Eastern railway line, after which he retraced his route then dropped three HE bombs at Billingford. These fell in fields but killed six horses and injured two others. Moments later two HE and three incendiaries landed at Brockdish causing minor damage to a farmhouse. Heading north, L.17 released five HE bombs at 1.30am over Hardwick followed, seven minutes later, by two HE bombs at Long Stratton. They caused no damage. An incendiary bomb near Forncett station landed close to a railway signal, after which L.17 turned, flying back past Pulham to Starston where two HE bombs fell just before 1.45am, killing three horses and injuring another. An HE bomb at Redenall followed then L.17 dropped six incendiaries at Denton at 1.50am before her final three bombs, incendiaries, landed at Broome. She went out to sea near Southwold at about 2.15am.

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    L.11 (Korvettenkapitän Viktor Schütze) approached the coast near Hollesley, Suffolk before coming over Bawdsey Manor at the mouth of the Debden at 1.10am and following that river inland. Schütze dropped two HE bombs in the river close to the crossing of the Bawdsey ferry and an incendiary on Bawdsey. But at Waldringfield, L.11 turned back, dropping a flare over Kirton marshes. A searchlight positioned 400 yards from Kirton then opened to which Schütze replied at 1.20am by dropping four HE bombs. They caused serious damage to six cottages, injuring a boy, and broke windows in 12 other cottages. It seems possible that Schütze initially mistook the Debden for the Orwell, which exited into the sea by the ports of Harwich and Felixstowe, and turned back when he realised his error. At 1.25am she appeared off Felixstowe, engaged by an RNAS mobile gun at Shingle Street. Then began a game of cat and mouse as L.11 came inland over Felixstowe, retreated when guns opened fire, repeating the sequence for about half an hour. At 2.00am she was back over the entrance to Harwich harbour, attracting fire from a number of guns at which point L.11 dropped an HE bomb that landed on the parade ground of Landguard Fort, Felixstowe, where it only damaged some tents and broke hut windows. Six other bombs missed the fort and fell into the sea. L.11 made one more return but dropped no more bombs and finally departed at about 2.35am, sent on her way by a few more rounds from the mobile gun at Shingle Street. It seems possible that L.11 sustained minor damage.


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    L.31 (Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Mathy) made an ineffective raid, spending about two hours over the Straits of Dover. At 24.55am the armed boarding steamer, Duchess of Devonshire, saw L.31 overhead and opened fire. Mathy responded by immediately dropping 20 bombs harmlessly into the sea. Five minutes later L.31 came inland at Deal on the Kent coast but at 1.08am went back out to sea between Kingsdown and St. Margaret’s from where a searchlight picked her up and held her as she appeared off the coast at Dover at 1.10am. Others lights opened and nine of the AA guns at Dover opened fire. Mathy did not attempt to come inland, instead he wisely turned away to the east and headed home.

    Western Front.

    Tunstill's men.
    Monday 31st July 1916


    Reserve trenches near Scots Redoubt
    The Germans use of gas shells continued and the War Diary noted “without causing casualties he (the Germans) created some discomfort”.

    69th Brigade War Diary recorded casualties for the Brigade for the month of July:

    Killed 24 officers and 132 other ranks
    Accidentally killed 0
    Died of wounds 4 officers and 12 other ranks
    Wounded 57 officers and 1,288 other ranks
    Accidentally wounded 0
    Missing 2 officers and 212 other ranks
    10DWR’s casualties were recorded as:
    Killed 7 officers and 55 other ranks
    Accidentally killed 0
    Died of wounds 1 officer
    Wounded 13 officers and 295 other ranks
    Accidentally wounded 0
    Missing 1 officer and 64 other ranks

    If we assume a maximum Battalion strength of perhaps 800 men at the start of July, though even this is likely to be an over-estimate, then these figures indicate a casualty rate of more than 50% and a mortality rate of 16%.

    The official record of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission detail 102 men from 10DWR killed in July 1916; the difference between this and the Brigade War Diary total of 119 killed or missing can presumably be reconciled by taking account of missing men subsequently returning to duty and those found to have been taken prisoner.

    The official cumulative casualty figures for the Battalion since arriving in France were now:
    Killed 92
    Accidentally killed 4
    Died of wounds 4
    Wounded 469
    Accidentally wounded 43
    Missing 68



    Eastern Front.

    Russian advance on the Stokhod towards Kovel. Heavy engagements.
    Russians north of Dniester have crossed Koropyets River.

    Southern Front.

    In the Astico Valley (Trentino) Austrian attack on positions of Monte Cimone repulsed.
    South-west of Castelletto, Austrian attack repulsed by Italians.
    In the Travignolo valley, Italians occupy Paneveggio.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres.

    The pursuit of the Turks from Erzingan (Armenia) continues in the face of a stubborn defence.

    Naval and Overseas Operations.

    British occupy Saranda and Kilimatinde (Central Railway, East Africa).




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    U35 and Captain
    Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière carried on having a field day today with no fewer than five ships falling to them.
    Italian Steamer
    Citta Di Messina sunk 50 miles north of Trapani at 12:00am. Sailing vessels Emilio G. off Sicily at 2:30pm and Generale Ameglio W of Sicily at 3:00pm
    Plus Norwegian Trawlers
    Einar and Erling both Sunk at 4:15pm off Tunis at.38° 12'N, 10° 28'E

    Political, etc.

    Prime Minister in House of Commons denounces murder of Captain Fryatt; immediate action contemplated by Government.

    Mr. H. E. Duke becomes Chief Secretary for Ireland.
    Rob.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 07-31-2016 at 14:39.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  16. #1616

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    Hi Rob, top of post. Claiming his first victory with a DH2 - no name given! Is he known?

  17. #1617

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    Or is that Saunby? I hope so. I've just managed to obtain that model from Amazon France. Assuming it actually arrives and is as described of course. Lucky me if all goes well.

  18. #1618

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    Or is that Saunby? I hope so. I've just managed to obtain that model from Amazon France. Assuming it actually arrives and is as described of course. Lucky me if all goes well.

    Re murder of captain Fryatt, I'm hoping I have attached a photo Postcard pic of his funeral procession in Dover. The card was handed down to me from my grandfather and someone has dated it 7/7/19.

    Attachment 203499

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    August 1st 1916.


    5 airmen have fallen on Tuesday August 1st 1916.


    A Mech. Francis Luke Adams 30 Squadron Australian Flying Corps, attached to Kut Garrison. Captured 29 April 1916 when British Garrison at Kut el Amara surrendered. Died of malaria while a Prisoner of War August 1916 aged 23. Captured when British Garrison at Kut el Amara Surrendered 29 April 1916.

    FS. Norman Thomas Clarkson 22 Squadron Royal Flying Corps. Killed in Action 1 August 1916 aged 22.

    Cpl.John Dillingham 49 Squadron Royal Flying Corps. Accidentally Killed 1 August 1916 aged 26, struck by the propeller of a Martinsyde aircraft he was assisting to start.


    Capt. William Assheton Summers M.C. 22 Squadron Royal Flying Corps. Killed in Action 1 August 1916 aged 20.


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    William Assheton Summers was born in Lydney, Gloucestershire, on 22nd August 1895. He was the son of Frank and Constance (née Taylor) Summers, who were living at Froyle Place, Upper Froyle. Educated at Eton and Sandhurst, William was one of the first young men in Froyle to enlist. He received a commission in the 18th Hussars in March, 1914, and went out with his regiment in the early days of the war. He transferred to the R.F.C. in May 1915 and on 9th September 1915, at The Military School, Farnborough, he took his certificate, on a Maurice Farman Biplane, in order to join the 22nd Squadron, Royal Flying Corps (which, on 1st April 1918, became the Royal Air Force).

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    On 27th July 1916 he received the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and skill. Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Summers, as pilot, and (Temporary) Lieutenant Tudor-Hart, as observer, attacked a flight of nine enemy planes, completely breaking up their formation. They were quite unsupported, but only broke off the engagement when they ran out of ammunition many miles over the enemy’s lines. Their plane was under constant heavy fire from as many as four hostile aircraft at once, and was badly damaged.

    Froyle Parish Magazine reported the honour with pride in the August Magazine:
    It gives us much pleasure to record the fact that Captain W.A.S.Summers has been recommended for the Military Cross. A man in the Flying Corps describes the exploit for which the honour was accorded, in the following words. He says ‘I have just seen in orders that Summers has got the Military Cross. He well deserves it. Apparently the other day he attacked nine Hun machines single handed, and drove one down. All this the other side of the line. Then on his way he fired into the Reserves and stampeded their horses, and crossed the trenches at 1500ft, very low, so he did well.’ We heartily congratulate Captain Summers, and also Mr and Mrs Summers.
    But only a month later the news was tragic:

    Only a month ago we had the pleasure of recording the fact that Captain W.A.S.Summers had won the Military Cross, and now we have to record his death, shot down by anti-aircraft guns as he was flying over military lines. This brave and gallant young officer is only one among many who have died nobly doing their duty for King and Country. But the fact that he lived here, and that we knew him, brings home to us what the war is costing the country in young and promising men. May he rest in peace, and may ‘the God of comfort and consolation’ help his relatives and friends, and all who are in sorrow, to bear their loss with patience and resignation. It was for us they died.

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    William died on 1st August 1916, shot down between Albert and Bapaume, while flying his FE2b.
    In a letter to Frank and Constance Summers, his Brigadier wrote:

    Your boy was quite the most stout-hearted in a very brave lot of pilots, and our superiority in the air here is largely due to him and to the example he set to others. I had his name down for further reward for his extraordinarily fine work in this battle.


    As well as the Military Cross, William was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

    Captain William Assheton Summers is commemorated on the Flying Services Memorial at the Arras Memorial at Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, France.



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    Podporuchik Eduard Martynovich Pulpe 10th Fighter Detachment Imperial Russian Air Service.
    Educated as a school teacher, Pulpe moved to France in 1912. Pursuing an interest in aviation, he obtained a civilian Pilot's Brevet on 19 December 1913. At the age of 34, he enlisted in the French Air Service at the beginning of the war. Assigned to MS23 on 1 May 1915, he scored his first two victories after his Escadrille was re-equipped with the
    Nieuport 11. Pulpe later served with the 10th Fighter Detachment of Imperial Russian Air Service, becoming an ace on 1 July 1916. A month later on August the 1st, he was fatally wounded in aerial combat with Erwin Böhme.

    Claims.




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    Gottfried von Banfield made his fourth claim flying a Lohner M (L-16) he dispatched a Caproni Ca.I over Volosca.



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    David Stewart claimed his first victim flying in an FE 2b piloted by Lt D H Dabbs, he shot down a Fokker E III over Moorslede.

    The son of David and Annie Stewart, David Arthur Stewart was one of the highest scoring bomber pilots of the Great War, He scored his first two victories as an observer with 20 Squadron at the beginning of August 1916. Corporal Stewart received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 3958 on a Maurice Farman biplane at military school,
    Brooklands on 7 December 1916. As a pilot, he joined 18 Squadron in 1917 and scored fourteen victories flying the D.H.4 in 1918. Post-war, Stewart was killed when the D.H.34 he was flying to Paris crashed near Purley, Surrey.

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    Military cross.

    T./2nd Lt. David Arthur Stewart, Gen. List, and R.F.C.
    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion, when returning from bombing an enemy dump, he was intercepted by a formation of thirty hostile machines. He attacked the leader and shot his machine down out of control, whilst his observer shot down another enemy scout. He then fired a burst at another large scout, which dived down vertically out of control. On his observer being hit whilst engaged with another four machines, he spun down 4,000 feet and dived for our lines. Later, when on photographic duty, he was attacked by five enemy scouts, three of which were accounted for by his observer and himself. In the face of heavy odds, his courage, skill and fine tighting spirit have been most conspicuous."

    M.C. Bar.

    T./2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) David Arthur Stewart, M.C., Gen. List, and R.F.C.
    For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the past month, when engaged with superior numbers of enemy aircraft, he has destroyed four hostile machines, all of which were seen to crash by other observers. He has in addition carried out nine successful reconnaissances, as a result of which he has returned with information of the greatest value. He has displayed the greatest courage and determination at all times on his many low flying and bombing attacks on hostile troops and transport.
    (M.C. g
    azetted 22nd April, 1918.)"

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    D.F.C.

    "Lieut. (T./Capt.) David Arthur Stewart, M.C.
    An able leader, conspicuous for initiative and dash. He has destroyed three enemy machines, and has, in addition, taken part in numerous bombing raids, reconnaissances and photographic flights. In the majority of these he has been leader, and frequently in order to obtain accurate information he has led his flight at very low altitudes."



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    Pierre Pendaries scored his first victory. No details available.

    On 4 September 1914, Pendaries joined the army and served in the infantry until he was badly wounded on 14 December 1914. When he recovered, he transferred to the French Air Service in the summer of 1915 and received his Pilot's Brevet on 17 January 1916. He joined Escadrille N69 on 6 May 1916, scoring 3 victories before he was wounded in action over Muizon on 3 June 1917. Returning to duty, he was reassigned to Escadrille Spa67 on 2 February 1918, scoring 4 more victories and ending the war with 1,180 hours of flight time.

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    Médaille Militaire
    "Excellent pursuit pilot who always volunteers for the most perilous missions. He has had numerous combats. On 3 May 1917, he downed his third enemy plane. Wounded during the course of the war and cited in orders." Médaille Militaire citation, 28 May 1917.



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    Paul Tarascon scored his second kill. an Aviatik over Roye.

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    Kurt Student. for his second victory he shot down a Caudron over Vaux.


    Tuesday 1 August 1916 – We Lost 670

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:


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    Lieutenant Colonel William Ernest Marriott Tyndall DSO (formerly commanding 2nd Duke of Wellington’s Regiment) dies of wounds at age 41 at Roehampton received 18th April 1915. He is a South Africa War veteran and played cricket for Berkshire the Minor Counties Champions in 1905.


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    Captain John Champain Tanner (Royal Flying Corps) is accidentally killed at home at age 21. He is the son of the Reverend Maurice Tanner.

    Second Lieutenant Arthur Cuthbert Lock (Indian Army Reserve of Officers attached 104th Rifles) dies as a prisoner of war in Mesopotamia at age 28. He is the son of His Honour Judge Benjamin Fossett Lock.

    Lance Corporal Ernest William Tarrant (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed in action. He is the middle of three brothers who are killed in a five week period on the Western Front.

    Rifleman Thomas William Whateley (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) is killed. His brother was killed last month.

    Private Claude Newberry (South African Infantry) is killed at age 27. He is a South African cricketer who played in four tests from 1913-14.

    Private Arthur Stuart (Devonshire Regiment) is killed in Mesopotamia. His brother will be killed next July.


    Western Front.


    Tunstill's Men.
    Tuesday 1st August 1916.

    Reserve trenches near Scots Redoubt.
    There was further shelling by the German artillery through the day, though “without anything of a more exciting nature”. At 5pm the Battalion was relieved by 8th Yorkshires and marched off to take up billets in Rue Bapaume, Albert. German shells were still periodically falling in the town, but the Battalion suffered no casualties and little material damage was done.

    Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison, 2Lt. Ernest Cyril Coke and 2Lt. Cecil Crowther Hart (see 29th July), who had all been wounded in the fighting around Munster Alley, left no.8 hospital at Rouen and were evacuated to England for further treatment. They travelled onboard the SS Asturias from Le Havre to Southampton. 2Lt. Bob Perks (see 29th July) was also evacuated to England and his family received a telegram from the War Office confirming that he had been wounded in the actions near Munster Alley;
    “Regret to inform you that 2nd Lt. R C Perks West Riding Regiment admitted 1 Red Cross Hospital Le Touquet July 29 slight shrapnel wound left hand and face. Any f
    urther news will be reported. Please supply name address relationship next of Kin.
    Secretary War Office”.
    (I am greatly indebted to Janet Hudson for her kind permission to quote from Bob Perks’ correspondence).
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    2Lt. Robert Clement Perks
    Image by kind permission of Janet Hudson
    One man, not from Tunstill’s Company, died from wounds received in the recent actions; Pte. Harold Normington died at a casualty clearing station and was buried at Gezaincourt Communal Cemetery Extension, near Doullens.

    In a letter home to his wife Brig. Genl. T.S. Lambert, commanding 69th Brigade, commented on recent events (I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me to reproduce the letters here).
    “I think we are going to take a couple of days or so out today … Our last little biff was not quite so full of results but it kept the men’s tails up all right. I think I shall be able to see and talk to them today. I hope to …Things are comparatively quiet this morning so far”

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    Brig. Genl. Thomas Stanton Lambert
    Image by kind permission of Juliet Lambert







    North of Bazentin-le-Petit, German attack repulsed.

    High Wood (Somme), German counter-attack west of, failed.

    French capture string work between Hem Wood and Monacu Farm.

    German attacks west and south of the Thiaumont work (south-west of Douaumont, Verdun) repulsed..

    Naval and overseas.

    There were ten losses to U boats today.





    U20
    Walther Schwieger. British Steamer Aaro About 25 miles SW of Stavanger with three losses of life.





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    U35
    Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière British Steamer Heighington 40 miles NE of Cape Serrat at 1:30pm.




    UB36
    Kurt Albrecht. Swedish Steamer Hudiksvall and Finnish Steamer Pehr Brahe both Stopped and sunk about 30 miles off Raumo.


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    UB39
    Werner Fürbringer no fewer than six ships.

    Five British. Fishing Smack
    Braconash. Stopped and scuttled 36 miles SExE of the Tyne, Trawler Helvetia. Stopped and sunk 5 miles E of Seaham. Trawler King James. Eight miles oiff Seaham, Trawler Rhodesia. Stopped and sunk 4 miles ESE of the Tyne, and Trawler Tatiana. Stopped and sunk 36 miles SExE of the Tyne.
    Also the Dutch Steamer
    Zeeland, 7 miles E of Sunderland.


    Political, etc.

    Announcement in House of Commons regarding deaths among troops on trains from Karachi.

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  21. #1621

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte

    Cpl.John Dillingham 49 Squadron Royal Flying Corps. Accidentally Killed 1 August 1916 aged 26, struck by the propeller of a Martinsyde aircraft he was assisting to start.
    I have often wondered how common accidents of this type were.
    Last edited by zenlizard; 08-01-2016 at 13:19.

  22. #1622

  23. #1623

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    Thank you Mike.
    My short sojourn as sub editor is now over, as I hand the typewriter back to Neil tomorrow.
    Your rep is much appreciated.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  24. #1624

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    Safely arrived back at the front after my R&R. Great reading catching up on the info there WingCo. Sterling job.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  25. #1625

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    Thanks to all who have made this thread what it is. When completed I should like to see it turned into a book I have not seen anything in the bookshops as detailed or as accurate as this thread. Thanks

  26. #1626

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    Nice idea Alastair, but I'm afraid too many people own bits of the copyright to make it feasible.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

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    WEDNESDAY 2nd August 1916
    Anniversaries:

    Germany invades Luxemburg and demands right of passage through neutral Belgium.

    Russia declares war on Germany.

    Today we lost: 434
    Today’s losses include:
    A man whose family will lose all five of its sons in the Great War

    Multiple sons of members of the clergy

    A man whose son will be killed in the Second World War as a Military Chaplain

    Multiple families that will two and three sons in the Great War

    A 1st Violin in the Royal Amateur Orchestral Society

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:


    Major Reginald Mansfield Owen (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed at age 25. He is the son of the Reverend Charles Mansfield Owen Dean of Ripon.

    Lieutenant Bernard Bond (Sherwood Foresters) is killed in action at age 34. He is the son of the Reverend Samuel Bond and his son will lose his life as a Chaplain in the Second World War.

    Second Lieutenant John Chisholm Machutcheon (Sherwood Foresters) is killed at age 31. He is the middle fatality of three brothers who will be killed in the War.

    Second Lieutenant David Harry Johnstone (Hertfordshire Regiment) dies of influenza. He is considered a brilliant pianist and is one of the 1st violins in the Royal Amateur Orchestral Society.

    Second Lieutenant Cyril Francis Davenport (Hampshire Regiment) is killed at age 19. He is the son of the late Reverend Edward Davenport.

    Lance Corporal Albert Edward Willans (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 17. His brother was killed in May 1915.

    Gunner Frederick William Dowsell (Royal Field Artillery) is killed at age 22. His brother was killed last August.

    Private Walter Davis Souls (Machine Gun Corps) dies of wounds at age 24. All four of his brothers, Albert, twins Alfred and Arthur William and Frederick George also served and fell. A fifth brother dies of meningitis.

    Gunner Thomas Walburn (Royal Field Artillery) killed in action at age 28. His brother will be killed in April 1918.

    Air Operations:


    Britain:
    6 Zeppelins raid East Anglia (night August 2-3, 1 civilian casualties) despite Vindex Bristol Scout attack (first carrier home defence operation).

    The German navy had high hopes for the raid on the night 2/3 August when six Zeppelins appeared over England. Four came in over Norfolk while the other two approached from further south, but their achievments did not match their initial optimism.

    L.21 (Hauptman August Stelling) came inland at Wells-next-the-Sea at 11.55pm and followed a generally southward course until, attracted by flares at the RFC airfield of No. 51 squadron at Thetford, she dropped five high-explosive (HE) bombs at 12.45am. Ten minutes earlier a single aircraft had taken off, returned to base with engine trouble just five minutes after the bombs had dropped. Stelling then followed an easterly course across Norfolk before dropping two HE and two incendiary bombs near the airfield at Covehithe without damage. L.21 then headed out to sea at 1.35am where Stelling released another eight bombs, probably to allow him to gain height for the return journey.


    L.13 (Kapitänleutnant Eduard Prölss) reached the coast at Bacton where mobile anti-aircraft guns engaged her. Following the coast Prölss came inland at Happisburgh at 11.52pm. Initially he headed south, dropping his first bomb, an incendiary, at Panxworth, a few minutes after midnight. Further incendiaries fell at Mundham (three), damaging windows at Grange Farm, Ditchingham (three) and Earsham (four). At Ditchingham, Prölss also released three HE bombs, shattering 70 window panes at Ditchingham Hall. At Earsham L.13 turned to the west, releasing three HE bombs over Shelton at 12.45am, which broke a number of windows at Shelton Hall, and ten minutes later six HE and an incendiary fell around Tacolneston. Two incendiaries followed at Fundenhall then, at 1.10am, Prölss dropped three HE bombs at Silfield, which damaged two cottages and two farmhouses, smashing 20 windows and dislodging roof tiles, followed by an incendiary at Wymondham. From there L.13 circled around villages south of Norwich for 10 minutes before passing west of that city and steering towards the coast where she exited between Bacton and Mundesley at 2.10am.

    L.16 (Kapitänleutnant Erich Sommerfeldt) came inland over Hemsby at 12.25am. She flew an erratic course to the south-west and west, as though searching for something but clearly never found it. Her first bombs, three incendiaries, fell at Long Stratton at 1.10am, shortly after which Sommerfeldt turned back to the north-east, appearing over Ashby St. Mary at 1.35am where he released four HE and three incendiary bombs. These broke nearly all the windows in Ashby Lodge as well as those in two nearby cottages. L.16 then returned to the coast and flew out over Great Yarmouth at 2.10am.

    L.17 (Kapitänleutnant Herbert Ehrlich) arrived over the coast near Caister at 12.20am. Following a south-west course, he appeared over Pulham Market shortly before 1.00am where three HE bombs exploded harmlessly. Having turned westward, at 1.03am Ehrlich dropped an incendiary at Mellis, close to the Great Eastern railway line, after which he retraced his route then dropped three HE bombs at Billingford. These fell in fields killing six horses and injured two others. Moments later two HE and three incendiaries landed at Brockdish causing minor damage to a farmhouse. Heading north, L.17 released five HE bombs at 1.30am over Hardwick, followed seven minutes later by two HE bombs at Long Stratton. They caused no damage. An incendiary bomb landed near Forncett station close to a railway signal, after which L.17 turned, flying back past Pulham to Starston where two HE bombs fell just before 1.45am, killing three horses and injuring another. An HE bomb at Redenall followed then L.17 dropped six incendiaries at Denton at 1.50am before her final three bombs, incendiaries, landed at Broome. She went out to sea near Southwold at about 2.15am.

    L.11 (Korvettenkapitän Viktor Schütze) approached the coast near Hollesley, Suffolk before coming over Bawdsey Manor at the mouth of the Debden at 1.10am and following that river inland. Schütze dropped two HE bombs in the river close to the crossing of the Bawdsey ferry and an incendiary on Bawdsey. But at Waldringfield, L.11 turned back, dropping a flare over Kirton marshes. A searchlight positioned 400 yards from Kirton then opened to which Schütze replied at 1.20am by dropping four HE bombs. They caused serious damage to six cottages, injuring a boy, and broke windows in 12 other cottages. It seems possible that Schütze initially mistook the Debden for the Orwell, which exited into the sea by the ports of Harwich and Felixstowe, and turned back when he realised his error. At 1.25am L.11 appeared off Felixstowe, engaged by an RNAS mobile gun at Shingle Street. Then began a game of cat and mouse as L.11 came inland over Felixstowe, retreated when guns opened fire, then repeating the sequence for about half an hour. At 2.00am she was back over the entrance to Harwich harbour, attracting fire from a number of guns at which point L.11 dropped an HE bomb that landed on the parade ground of Landguard Fort, Felixstowe, where it only damaged some tents and broke hut windows. Six other bombs missed the fort and fell into the sea. L.11 made one more return but dropped no more bombs and finally departed at about 2.35am, sent on her way by a few more rounds from the mobile gun at Shingle Street. It seems possible that L.11 sustained minor damage.

    L.31 (Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Mathy) made an ineffective raid, spending about two hours over the Straits of Dover. At 24.55am the armed boarding steamer, Duchess of Devonshire, saw L.31 overhead and opened fire. Mathy dropped 20 bombs at the steamer in response but they all missed the target. Five minutes later L.31 came inland at Deal on the Kent coast but at 1.08am went back out to sea between Kingsdown and St. Margaret’s from where a searchlight picked her up and held her as she appeared off the coast at Dover at 1.10am. Others lights opened and nine of the AA guns at Dover opened fire. Mathy did not attempt to come inland, instead he wisely turned away to the east and headed home.

    Casualties: 0 killed, 1 injured

    Damage: £796


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    HMS Vindex was a Royal Navy seaplane carrier during WW1.

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    The ship spent the bulk of her career operating the North Sea, where she twice unsuccessfully attacked the German Zeppelin base at Tondern and conducted anti-Zeppelin patrols. On 25 March 1916 Vindex attempted to attack the Zeppelin base at Tondern with three Short Type 184 and two Sopwith baby floatplanes, but the attack was ineffective. It did, however, draw out elements of the German Navy so it was repeated on 4 May with the addition of HMS Engadine. The two ships carried eleven Babies between them, each armed with 65-pound (29.5 kg) bombs, but eight failed to take-off; one hit the mast of an escorting destroyer and one had to return due to engine trouble. No damage was inflicted, but one Zeppelin was shot down by a cruiser when it sortied to find the British ships.

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    On 2 August one of her Bristol Scouts, flown by Flight Sub Lieutenant C T Freeman in a Bristol Scout D, but he is forced to ditch when his engine fails near North Hinder, tried to attack the Zeppelin LZ17 with explosive Ranken darts, the first interception of an airship by a carrier-based aircraft in history


    Forty squadron Royal Flying Corps arrives at their new base on the Western Front, Treizennes near Aire.

    Somme:
    RFC helps range 19 batteries and finds 6 MG emplacements.

    Occupied Belgium:
    6 BE2’ss and 3 Moranes (1 lost) in 5-hours long-*range attack on Brussels Zeppelin sheds (4 near misses); Two electrical power houses are bombed from eight hundred feet. Four trucks are blown up while no anti-aircraft fire is encountered.

    16 RNAS aircraft strike St Denis Westrem airfield (southwest of Ghent).

    RFC bomb Coutrai and Bapaume stations.

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: 7


    2lt Backhouse, G.L. (Gerald Lovell),
    46 Squadron RFC. Killed whilst flying 2 August 1916 aged 19, his neck was broken when Martinsyde S1 4237 overturned.

    Flt Lt Baudry, R.G.A. (Royce Gustave Andre),
    A Flight, 9 Squadron, 4 Wing, RNAS. Killed in Action 2 August 1916, Nieuport Type 11 Scout No.3990 hit by anti-aircraft fire, 4 miles North of Ypres.

    2Lt Clark, L.L. (Lyonel Latimer
    ), 60 Squadron, RFC. Killed in Action 2 August 1916 aged 18, when aeroplane hit by anti-aircraft fire. Buried by Germans.

    2Lt Newton, H.J. (Henry Joseph),
    60 Squadron, RFC. Missing - Killed in Action 2 August 1916 aged 19.

    Lt Ormsby, J.A.N. (John Anthony Ninian), RFC. Aged 22.

    Sgt Ruffell, R.W. (Reginald W.),
    30 Squadron, RFC.

    Sgt Walker, A. (Alexander), 30 Squadron, RFC. Aged 22.

    Claims: 6

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    Oberleutnant Otto Jäger claims his 5th confirmed kill, flying with pilot Zugs Karl Urban for Flik10, in a Hansa -Branbdenburg C1, he shot down a Farman east of Selwow. Jäger served on the Russian front with Infantry Regiment No. 67. Wounded for the first time on 30 August 1914, he recovered and returned to duty only to be wounded in the chest on 21 March 1915. Again he returned to duty and again he was wounded. This time he was shot through the lung on 17 May 1915. When he recovered he served as a training officer in Hungary and by the following year he applied for and was accepted into the air service. In the spring of 1916, Jäger was posted to the Russian front with Flik 10 as an observer. Having scored five victories, he trained to become a pilot during the last three months of 1916.

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    Offizierstellvertreter Karl Urban, claims his 4th confirmed kill. See above.

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    Capt Kenneth Lloyd Gopsill claims his 1st confirmed kill shared with Capt A T Watson & 2Lt C L Blake , flying an FE2b with Observer 2Lt R S Osmaston of 23 Squadron RFC, he shot down a Fokker E near Vitry-en-Artois. The son of Thomas Frank Lloyd and Mary Eliza Gopsill, 2nd Lieutenant Kenneth Lloyd Gopsill, of the 3rd East Surrey Regiment, received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 2620 on a Maurice Farman biplane at Military School, Norwich on 24 March 1916.

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    Oberleutnant Erwin Böhme claims his 1st confirmed kill for Kasta III in a Albatros CIII when he shot down a Nieuport 12, flown by Eduard Pulpe, near Radzyse.

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    Leutnant Wilhelm Frankl claims his 7th confirmed kill for KEK Vaux, shooting down a Maurane Parasol near Beaumetz. The son of a Jewish businessman, Frankl scored his first victory on 10 May 1915 while serving as an observer with FA 40. That day, he shot down a Voisin with a carbine. For this feat, he received the Iron Cross, 1st Class. Later that year he became a pilot and scored nine victories flying the Eindekker with KEK Vaux.

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    Leutnant Kurt Wintgens claims his 13th confirmed kill for KEK Vaux, shooting down a Maurane Parasol south of Peronne.

    Western Front

    Verdun:

    French capture 2,550 PoW’s and Fleury (until August 3), lose it and regain it on August 4.

    Somme:


    Very hot day (88°F). German attack on Delville Wood repelled.
    German counter-attack on French at Estrees (southern Somme) repulsed.

    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).


    Tunstills Men, Wednesday 2nd August 1916:


    Billets in Albert

    The German shelling of Albert, which had been noted the previous day, intensified and four staff officers of 68th Brigade were killed when their headquarters was hit. The Battalion, meanwhile, was engaged in providing working parties, including the burying of a number of horses which had been killed by the German shelling. The renewal of the shelling was noted by Brig. Genl. T.S. Lambert, commanding 69th Brigade, in a letter home to his wife (I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me to reproduce the letters here); “We are back in comfort for a day or so again before strenuous things. We were not sorry to get out of our gas ridden hole and get some sleep but they have recently started shelling this place with a heavy gun and woke us up at 3am by a succession of heavy crumps close by so we thought it desirable to migrate to underground life again till it appears to be over.”

    Brig. Genl. Lambert also revealed his frustration over his attempts to secure honours for men whom he had recommended for awards during the recent actions:

    “I do not know how long ago it is since I was so annoyed as I was last night. After our Contalmaison affair I had naturally had some people to recommend for immediate rewards. When we were sitting doing nothing very much in the trenches dozens of people got DSOs and other things for raids and such like minor affairs; let alone DCMs and honours for the men. We all knew how cheaply they were earned and they used to cause a certain amount of standing jokes throughout the Army, especially among regulars who were generally excluded. Now that we really do something big, when men and officers know that it is not a matter of mere raids on minor things, but assaults through shell fire, machine guns and all the contrivances of the devil on a whole brigade front or more, I am told that the occasions “do not quite come up to the standard required” or something of the sort and my recommendations are sent back! Can you wonder that after all the number of times this has happened to me during the war, I sometimes feel pretty sick of the whole idea of honours or rewards. These men gave everything they had to give at my bidding and behaved with a gallantry that, when you look at the ground, makes one still marvel; they were more than successful at a most critical period; and then I am told they are to get nothing, but may be included in a later general list if thought desirable. Meanwhile, hundreds of honours have been given for doing nothing very special. It has made me feel as if I positively hated those who can accept honours themselves sitting at office work and then refuse them to the men who are really in danger. Of course it has nothing to do with our Division who have done all they can. Well, I have had my grouse. I suppose we must start from the beginning again with none of the enthusiasm that a few quickly given might have raised. I seem to be always starting from the beginning again myself! So I am used to it, but I am afraid others will not all be – we will learn to be philosophic in time I suppose, but mst of us get killed first and then it is too late to give or talk of rewards, except the VC, for they are all expressly excluded”.
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    Brig. Genl. Thomas Stanton Lambert
    Image by kind permission of Juliet Lambert

    Lambert’s comments about recommendations for rewards can be illustrated in the case of 10DWR. Lt. Col. Hayne made the following recommendations for award following the actions around Munster Alley:
    2Lt. Robert Clement Perks (see 1st August); honour for which recommended: Military Cross; no previous honour received.
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    This Officer was in charge of a party of ‘B’ Company which had been brought up by mistake to point 41. He was wounded in the face about 1am and was for a time insensible, but on recovering continued to throw bombs until wounded seriously in the hand, foot and face again. He throughout the operation showed the greatest gallantry and by his magnificent example was largely responsible for our being able to hold and consolidate the point gained in Munster Alley.

    2Lt. Henry Herbert Owen Stafford (see 29th July); honour for which recommended: Mention in Dispatches; no previous honour received.
    Was at the head of all our bombing parties at the barricade. His bravery and exceedingly cheerful spirit was of the greatest value in cheering on the bomb throwers when under exceedingly heavy bomb fire.

    Sgt. Albert Edgar Palmer (see 29th July); honour for which recommended: Military Medal; no previous honour received.

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    On Lt. Hird being killed immediately took command of no.13 platoon and, having re-organised it, remained throwing bombs for several hours, being under heavy bomb fire throughout.
    Sgt. William Jones (see 29th July); honour for which recommended: Military Medal; no previous honour received.

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    Personally built up the greater part of the barricade and, although several men near him were killed and wounded, continued to work with greatest bravery and coolness until his work had been completed.

    Pte. Enoch Rhodes (see 29th July); honour for which recommended: Distinguished Conduct Medal; no previous honour received.
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    Has in every engagement shown the most wonderful devotion to duty. At Contalmaison on the way to the trenches a shell killed his partner and he was thrown over a cart. Though badly shaken, he at once tied up a man who had had his hand blown off and then proceeded to the trenches. During the night of 18th/29th July he attended to atleast 50 wounded men, always under intense artillery fire.

    Pte. Tom Feather; Pte. John William Beaver (see 29th July); honour for which recommended: Mention in Dispatches; no previous honour received.

    Both these men carried many messages with speed and regularity, regardless of shell fire. Pte. Beaver was afterwards admitted into hospital suffering from shell shock.

    Of the men recommended, 2Lt. Perks was actually awarded the DSO and Sgt. Jones and Pte. Beaver were awarded the Military Medal. Howver, there is no indication of any awards being made to 2Lt. Stafford, Sgt. Palmer or Ptes. Rhodes or Feather.

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    2Lt. Robert Clement Perks
    Images by kind permission of Janet Hudson

    The four wounded officers who had returned to England the previous day (see 1st August) were each admitted to hospital for further treatment. 2Lt. Ernest Cyril Coke was admitted to Osborne Hospital on the Isle of Wight; meanwhile, 2Lt. Cecil Crowther Hart was admitted to 1st Southern General Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham. It is not clear where Capt. Alfred Percy Harrison and 2Lt. Robert Clement Perks were treated.

    A telegram was despatched from the War Office to the family of 2Lt. Henry Herbert Owen Stafford (see above) informing them that he had been “slightly wounded but had returned to duty”.

    Pte. Frank Hargrave (see 19th June), who had originally served with Tunstill’s Company, was reported missing in action while serving with 9DWR, who were involved in fierce fighting near Longueval.


    L.Cpl. John William Pontefract (see 18th April), serving with 1st Battalion Honourable Artillery Company, was promoted Corporal; he would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR.

    Eastern Front:

    Germany: Hindenburg appointed to command whole front (he and Ludendorff visit Kovel and Lemberg on August 3, but Austrians then withdraw consent).

    Western Russia: German gas attack in Smorgoni area fails (and on August 22).


    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:

    Armenia – Turk Offensive
    (*until August 15): Kemal’s XVI Corps attacks 9,000 Russians at Mus and Bitlis.

    Naval and Overseas Operations:


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    Mediterranean: Austrian saboteurs blow up and capsize Italian battleship Leonardo da Vinci in Taranto (248 dead). Italy makes no public announce*ment but 1917 raid in Zuerich on Austrian consulate proves sabotage.

    Adriatic:
    4 Franco-Italian destroyers pursue 2 Austrian destroyers to within 15 miles of Cattaro and survive U4 ambush on return.

    Shipping Losses: 15

    Bror Oaskar: Sweden: The coaster was sunk in the Baltic Sea 15 nautical miles (28 km) off Rauma, Finland by SM U-20, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Commece: Sweden: The coaster was sunk in the Baltic Sea off Hudiksyall, Gaylborg County by SM U-20, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Eugenia: Italy: The barque was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 35 nautical miles (65 km) off the Isola de Vecca by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine.

    G.C. Gradwell:
    United Kingdom: The schooner was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 20 nautical miles (37 km) west north west of Cap d’Antifer, Seine-Maritime, France by SM U-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.
    Kohina Maru: Japan: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off Alexandria, Egypt by Sm U-46, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Leonardo do Vinci
    : Regia Marina: The Conte di Cavour class battleship capsized at taranto with the loss of 249 of her 1,000 crew. She was refloated on 17 September 1919 but was not repaired and was scrapped in 1923.

    Margaret Sutton:
    United Kingdom: The brigantine was scuttled in the English Channel 35 nautical miles (65 km) south south east of St. Catherines Point, Isle of Wight by SM U-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Neptune:
    Italy: The brigantine was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 25 nautical miles (46 km) off Cap Sanolo, Algeria by Sm U-35, Kaiserliche Marine.

    Olympia: United Kingdom: The trawler was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) east of Coquet Island, Northumberland by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived

    S.D.:
    United Kingdom: The Thames barge was shelled and sunk in the English Channel 18 nautical miles (33 km) north west of Cap d'Antifer by SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived

    Smiling Morn: United Kingdom: The fishing vessel was scuttled in the North Sea east of Coquet Island by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived

    Twiddler: United Kingdom: The drifter was scuttled in the North Sea east of Coquet Island by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived

    Vera: Sweden: The brigantine was sunk in the Baltic Sea off the Finngrundet Lightship by SM UB-20, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived

    Vermland: Sweden: The coaster was sunk in the Baltic Sea off the Finngrundet Lightship by SM UB-20, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived

    Zeeland: Netherlands: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) east of Sunderland, County Durham by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived

    Political:

    Government attitude to Resolutions adopted by Allies at Economic Conference in Paris explained by Mr. Asquith.

    Two important State Papers on barbarity of Germans published.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 08-02-2016 at 17:20.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  28. #1628

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    Thanks guys for some really excellent posts - much appreciated!

  29. #1629

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    Thanks for your time and effort this was a good readT

  30. #1630

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    Apologies for another horlix. When I deleted the duplicate post it also deleted all the photos in both posts. Hence you may see attachment numbers plus pics.

    Such is the wonders of modern science.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  31. #1631

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    Thursday 3rd August 1916
    Anniversaries:


    Germany declares war on France and signs treaty with Turkey


    Italy declares neutrality


    Today we lost: 568


    Today’s losses include:
    Two Australian Rules footballers

    Multiple sons of members of the clergy


    Multiple families that will lose two, three and four sons in the Great War


    A Rosslyn Park footballer


    A Hearts of Midlothian footballer


    The son of a Justice of the Peace

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:
    Lieutenant Charles Henry Langtree (Royal Field Artillery) dies of wounds at age 32. He is an Australian Rules Footballer who played 1 game for Collingwood in 1900.


    Major George Hallam-Botham (Northumberland Fusiliers) is killed at age 43. He is the son of the Reverend George William Botham Rector of Anderby.


    Lieutenant George William Knight (Fort Garry Horse) is killed at age 32. His brother will die in July of next year.


    Lieutenant George Herbert Fearnley-Whittingstall (Northumberland Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 23. He is the son of the Reverend Herbert Oakes Fernley-Whittingstall Rector of Chalfton St Giles.


    Second Lieutenant Arthur Douglas Garnett Odell Kerr (Middlesex Regiment attached Lancashire Fusiliers) is killed at age 21. He is a Rosslyn Park Rugby footballer.


    Sergeant Henry Blockley (Leicestershire Regiment) is killed at age 23. His brother will be killed in April 1917.


    Sergeant James McGill DCM (Royal Field Artillery) dies of wounds received in action at age 38. His brother will drown in an accident in August 1917.


    Lance Corporal James Boyd (Royal Scots) is killed in action at age 21. He was a footballer for the Hearts of Midlothian Football Club along with his brother.


    Private Irving Douglas (Fort Garry Horse) is killed. His brother will be killed in the same month next year.


    Private Wilfred Charles Garraway (Royal Fusiliers) is killed. He is the first of four sons of Samuel Joseph and Kate Garraway who will lose their lives in the Great War.


    Trooper Colin Donald McLeod (Auckland Mounted Rifles) is killed at age 34. His brother was killed on Gallipoli in June 1915.


    Private Ernest Bond (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed. His brother will be killed in September 1918.


    Private George Hardy (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 29. He played on the wing in Newcastle’s first team of 1908.


    Lance Sergeant Albert Guttridge (West Yorkshire Regiment) dies of wounds received on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. He found himself in Bethnall Green Hospital, London where he dies after his leg was amputated. He was a prominent member of the Leeds Athletic Harriers and in 1911 he defeated a field of over 200 to win the Yorkshire Junior Championship.


    Seaman Paul Casimir Trevor Maria Grisewood (Royal Naval Division) dies of tuberculosis at age 28. He is the last of three sons of Harman Grisewood JP and his wife Concetta the daughter of Count Messina of Malta who will lose their lives this year.

    Air Operations:


    Britain: Zeppelin raid over east counties. (See yesterdays report)’

    Eastern Front:
    German heavy bomber unit Rfa 501 (Krupp) formed at Vilna-Porubanok.


    Western Front: RFC
    ranges 127 targets; 5 Martinsydess (1 lost) bomb Zeppelin sheds at Cognelee and Ronet sidings, Namur.


    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: 6



    Spr Des brisay, E.M. (Eric Merrill), 25 Squadron, RFC. Died of Wounds 3 August 1916 aged 23, wounds received in action earlier that day, whilst flying near Lens


    Maj Fletcher, H.P. (Herbert Phillips), 19 Reserve Squadron, RFC. Killed while flying 3 August 1916 aged 46

    A Mech 1 Holmes, S.A. (Sidney Arthur), 25 Squadron, RFC. Died of accidental injuries 3 August 1916 aged 21

    Lt Mathewson, K. (Kenneth), 25 Squadron, RFC. Missing - Killed in Action 3 August 1916 aged 22

    Lt Turner, J.C. (James Clifford), 27 Squadron, RFC. Killed in Action 3 August 1916 aged 20

    2Lt Whitehead, J.R.G. (John Robert Gobertus), RFC. Accidentally Killed 3 August 1916 aged 27

    Claims: 8




    Maj Reginald Stuart "George" Maxwell 3rd confirmed kill flying a FE2b for 20 Squadrin RFC with observer AM1 DA Stewart, he shot down a Roland CII near Gheluwe

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    Capt Guy Patrick Spence Reid claimns his 3rd confirmed kill flying a FE2b for 20 Squadron, RFC, with observer Lt G Dixon-Spain he shot down a Aviatic C near Hollebeke. The son of Thomas Miller and Lisette (Livings) Reid, 2nd Lieutenant Guy Patrick Spence Reid received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 1693 on a Maurice Farman biplane at military school, Farnborough on 4 September 1915. He transferred from the Seaforth Highlanders to the Royal Flying Corps and was posted to 20 Squadron in 1916.

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    Capt David Arthur Stewart claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying a FE2b for 20 squadron RFC, with pilot Capt Reginald Maxwell he shot down an enemy sdvout near Ypres. The son of David and Annie Stewart, David Arthur Stewart was one of the highest scoring bomber pilots of the Great War, He scored his first two victories as an observer with 20 Squadron at the beginning of August 1916.


    Sous Lt Joseph Denis Bernard Robert De Bonnefoy claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying for N65 he shot down an enemy aircraft near Amiens. Joseph Denis Bernard Robert De Bonnefoy was a pre-war cavalryman who volunteered for aviation as soon as the war began. His first flying assignment was with Escadrille 101 as a Voisin pilot. He was removed from the front for a spell as an instructor and then served with two Nieuport squadrons: Escadrille 68 and Escadrille 65.

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    Sous Lt René Pierre Marie Dorme claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying for N3 he shot down a LVG near Maurepas.

    Leutnant Hans Karl Müller claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying foe KEK A he shot down a nieuport near Verdun.

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    Leutnant Max Ritter von Mulzer claims his 10th confirmed kill flying for FA32 he shot down an FE2b near Lens. As a cadet, Mulzer joined the cavalry in the summer of 1914 and received a commission at the end of the year. In August 1915, he transferred to the German Air Force, serving with FFA 4b and FFA 62 before becoming a fighting pilot. He scored his first confirmed victory on 30 March 1916, shooting down a Vickers FB5 north of Wancourt. In July, while briefly serving with KEK B, Mulzer scored his eighth victory and became the first Bavarian to receive the Blue Max. After receiving the Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Max-Joseph, he rejoined FA 32b at Douai where he scored his final victory on 3 August 1916. The following month, Mulzer was killed in a crash while testing the performance of a new Albatros DI.

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    Capt Sidney Edward Cowan claims his 4th confirmed kill flying a DH 2 for 24 Squadrin, RFC. He shot down a LVG C near Sailly. Sidney Edward Cowan was one of the Royal Flying Corps' first aces. Wounded in action on 9 August 1916, he scored 7 victories in 1916 as a DH2 pilot. Cowan was killed in a crash following a mid-air collision with another British aircraft.



    Western Front


    Verdun:

    French retake Fleury (Verdun) and make progress towards Thiaumont, 1,750 prisoners taken.
    Somme:

    British gain ground west of Pozieres.
    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).



    Tunstills Men, Thursday 3rd August 1916:


    Billets in Albert
    There was further artillery activity. There was a church service in the morning before, at 1pm, an advance party of 24 men, made up from all four Companies, led by Lt. **** Bolton (see 7th July), moved off, via Becourt Wood and Sausage Valley, to take over their previous bivouacs in the area of Scots Redoubt. The remainder of the Battalion, headed by Tunstill’s Company, followed an hour later. They started out from the junction of Rue Bapaume and Rue Daussy, and marched by platoons, with 200 yards between, and by 5pm the move was complete. Through the evening men from Tunstill’s Company and from ‘B’ Company were employed as working and carrying parties for the front line. One man was killed, two others were reported missing (and subsequently presumed killed) during these operations and a further four men wounded, though Tunstill’s Men were unscathed. The men killed were Ptes. John William Green; William Henry Smith and Alfred Stitson; all three have no known grave and are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
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    Lt. **** Bolton
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

    Prior to the move back to Scots Redoubt, Acting Sgt. Albert Herd (see 30th July) sat down to write to the vicar of St Helen’s Church in his home village of Waddington, who also happened to be the uncle of Geraldine Tunstill. The calmness and poise of Herd’s letter rather bely the fierce fighting in which the Battalion had so recently been engaged,


    “I am just writing a few lines in answer to your most welcome letter which I received yesterday. I must say what a strange thing it was I was just thinking of writing a letter to you when yours came. I suppose by now you will have heard that Sergeant Smith (Acting Sgt. Harry Smith, see 29th July) has been wounded in the face and I hope and trust that he will not be long before he is better and coming to see you all at Waddington. It happened in a bit of a bombing raid we made and we had two sergeants out of my platoon wounded so I am now made platoon sergeant and I am in charge of thirty-four men, including one lance-sergeant, two corporals and four lance-corporals. So you see I have a great lot of responsibility, so I must try and do my best; that is all one can do. I have a very nice platoon officer (Lt. **** Bolton, see above) and Captain Tunstill is still with us and he has always done well for me and he is in the best of health. We are having some lovely weather out here at present and I hope you are having the same. I suppose people will be very busy in their hay now and I trust they are having the same weather as us and they will not be long in it. We are having a celebration of Holy Communion at eleven o’clock this morning and I am just going. It is now ten minutes to eleven, so I must close, hoping you and Mrs. Parker are in the best of health. Please remember me to all who may enquire about me.”
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    Sgt. Albert Herd
    It may have been around this time, though the precise date has not been established, that Capt. Tunstill wrote to the family of Pte. Thomas Rigby (see 28th July), an extract from the letter was subsequently published in the Craven Herald, “I have only just heard the sad news that your son, who was the best stretcher bearer that anyone could ever wish to have, died in hospital at Frensham. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Rigby was one of those who had been in my company since it was formed. He was a bandsman until we came out a year ago and has been a stretcher bearer ever since. I was hoping he had got a slight wound and would have got home and better, and not had to come out again. We have been fighting more or less continuously since your son was wounded and our losses are naturally heavy. It may be some consolation to you to know that I recommended your son to the Commission Office, the day he was hit, for very brave and gallant conduct in bringing in wounded across the open under very heavy fire”.
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    Capt. Harry Gilbert Tunstill
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

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    Pte. Thomas Rigby

    RSM John William Headings (see 7th June) was admitted firstly to 70th Field Ambulance, and from there transferred to 23rd Divisional Rest Station, suffering from sciatica.
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    RSM John William Headings (standing) , pictured with his brothers, James Lawrence and Henry George.
    (Image by kind permission of Jill Monk)

    Pte. Mark Whitelock of 10DWR, though not Tunstill’s Company, died of wounds suffered in the recent actions; he was buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, north-east of Amiens.

    L.Cpl. William George Wade (see 10th March), who had serving with the Army Cyclist Corps, joined no.3 Officer Cadet Battalion at Bristol to begin his officer training; once commissioned he would join 10DWR.
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    L.Cpl William George Wade, pictured after having been commissioned
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton
    Lt. Paul James Sainsbury, (see 17th July) who would later serve with 10DWR, and had been wounded on 1st July underwent an operation on his “right maxillary antrum” (sinus).
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    Lt. Paul James Sainsbury

    Lt. Thomas Beattie, serving with 9DWR, was wounded in the fighting in Delville Wood; he would later serve with 10DWR.
    Thomas Beattie was 21 years old (born 26th March 1895); he had been studying at the Univeristy of Durham when war broke out and had been a member of the University OTC. He was the eldest son, and one of six children of Richard and Elizabeth Beattie; his father was an engine fitter and the family lived in Hampstead Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He had been commissioned in August 1915 and had joined 9DWR. Beattie later recounted how he had been wounded, “The Battalion was holding Delville Wood, making preparations to attack the German trenches, in order to straighten the line. During the night of 2nd/3rd August 1916 we were subjected to a very heavy bombardment by the enemy’s artillery, and early in the morning of 3rd August I was wounded, by the shrapnel from a shell which burst above my trench, in the left shoulder. I was brought down to the Field Dressing Station and thence to a Field Ambulance after my wound had been dressed. In the afternoon of 3rd August I was operated upon, under anaesthetic, but the 0peration was unsuccessful, as the shrapnel had penetrated too far into my shoulder. I was sent down to the no.2 Red Cross Hospital in Rouen.”
    Eastern Front:

    Russians penetrate into Rudka-Mirynska (east Kovel).
    Desperate fighting near Lyubashevo and Guledichi (east Kovel).
    Brusilov offensive: Brusilov meets Kaledin and Bezobrazov at Lutsk, decides to renew drive for Kovel.

    Pripet: I Turkestan Corps captures village 4 miles west of river Stokhod but Austro-German Polish Legion counter-attack forces it east (until August 4).

    Carpathians*: Austrian counter-offensive makes few gains (until August 14). German 1st Infantry Division arrives at Kirlibaba Pass (August 10).

    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:


    The Battle of Romani begins near the Egyptian town of that name 23 miles east of the Suez Canal near the Mediterranean shore of the Sinai Peninsula. During the night a Turkish force of some 8,000, having advanced from southern Palestine, attacks the British defences at Romani which control the northern approach across the Sinai to the canal.

    Russians capture Turk trenches at Ognut (Armenia).
    Turks advance to attack on Major-General Hon. H. Lawrence's force at Romani (northern Sinai).
    British occupy Ujiji (Lake Tanganyika).

    Naval and Overseas Operations:



    Britain:
    First of 17 accident-prone, fast steam-powered K-class large submarines comes into Royal Navy service.


    North Sea:
    4 Royal Navy C-class subma*rines sail from Lerwick Island (Shetland) under tow on epic 3,500-mile voyage to Baltic via Archangel (August 21), rivers and canals by barge, reach Petrograd on September 9, but hampered by unusable electric batteries so manage only two patrols before winter.


    Shipping Losses: 9



    Badger:
    United Kingdom:The coaster was shelled and sunk in thE English Channel 30 nautical miles (56 km) south west of St. Catherines Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine.


    HMS Clacton:
    Royal Navy:The auxiliary minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea by SM U-73, Kaiserliche Marine, with the loss of 5 crew.


    Fortuna:
    United Kingdom:The schooner was scuttled in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) south south west of Portland Bill, Dorset by Sm UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Jacqueline:
    France:The schooner was sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) north of Cap de la Hague, Manche SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived


    Lucania:
    United Kingdom:The drifter was scuttled in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east by south of Dunstanburgh, Northumberland by SM UB-39 Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Merchant Prince:
    United Kingdom: The trawler was scuttled in the North Sea 9 nautical miles (17 km) east by south of Dunstanburgh by SM UB-39 Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived


    Sphene: United Kingdom: The coaster was scuttled in the English Channel 26 nautical miles (48 km) south west of St. Catherine's Point SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Trawler Prince: United Kingdom: The trawler was scuttled in the North Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) south east of the Longstone Lighthouse, Northumberland by SM UB-39 Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived


    Tricoupis: Greece: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Ile du Planier. Bouches-du-Rhone, France by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Political:



    Anglo-French official papers on ‘German barbarity’ published. British War Propaganda Bureau claim: ‘We swept the German news out of the American papers’.


    Casement hanged at
    Pentonville Prison. Balfour second anniversary naval statement. Union ‘Triple Alliance’ discuss demobilization with Prime Minister.


    Austria-Hungary:
    Four Czech deputies in touch with Masaryk imprisoned.

    Statement by Mr. Balfour re: Naval Situation on the second anniversary of war.
    Prime Minister receives deputation from Miners, Railway Men, and Transport Workers.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  32. #1632

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    Thursday 3rd August 1916
    Anniversaries:


    Germany declares war on France and signs treaty with Turkey


    Italy declares neutrality


    Today we lost: 568


    Today’s losses include:
    Two Australian Rules footballers

    Multiple sons of members of the clergy


    Multiple families that will lose two, three and four sons in the Great War


    A Rosslyn Park footballer


    A Hearts of Midlothian footballer


    The son of a Justice of the Peace

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:
    Lieutenant Charles Henry Langtree (Royal Field Artillery) dies of wounds at age 32. He is an Australian Rules Footballer who played 1 game for Collingwood in 1900.


    Major George Hallam-Botham (Northumberland Fusiliers) is killed at age 43. He is the son of the Reverend George William Botham Rector of Anderby.


    Lieutenant George William Knight (Fort Garry Horse) is killed at age 32. His brother will die in July of next year.


    Lieutenant George Herbert Fearnley-Whittingstall (Northumberland Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 23. He is the son of the Reverend Herbert Oakes Fernley-Whittingstall Rector of Chalfton St Giles.


    Second Lieutenant Arthur Douglas Garnett Odell Kerr (Middlesex Regiment attached Lancashire Fusiliers) is killed at age 21. He is a Rosslyn Park Rugby footballer.


    Sergeant Henry Blockley (Leicestershire Regiment) is killed at age 23. His brother will be killed in April 1917.


    Sergeant James McGill DCM (Royal Field Artillery) dies of wounds received in action at age 38. His brother will drown in an accident in August 1917.


    Lance Corporal James Boyd (Royal Scots) is killed in action at age 21. He was a footballer for the Hearts of Midlothian Football Club along with his brother.


    Private Irving Douglas (Fort Garry Horse) is killed. His brother will be killed in the same month next year.


    Private Wilfred Charles Garraway (Royal Fusiliers) is killed. He is the first of four sons of Samuel Joseph and Kate Garraway who will lose their lives in the Great War.


    Trooper Colin Donald McLeod (Auckland Mounted Rifles) is killed at age 34. His brother was killed on Gallipoli in June 1915.


    Private Ernest Bond (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed. His brother will be killed in September 1918.


    Private George Hardy (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 29. He played on the wing in Newcastle’s first team of 1908.


    Lance Sergeant Albert Guttridge (West Yorkshire Regiment) dies of wounds received on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. He found himself in Bethnall Green Hospital, London where he dies after his leg was amputated. He was a prominent member of the Leeds Athletic Harriers and in 1911 he defeated a field of over 200 to win the Yorkshire Junior Championship.


    Seaman Paul Casimir Trevor Maria Grisewood (Royal Naval Division) dies of tuberculosis at age 28. He is the last of three sons of Harman Grisewood JP and his wife Concetta the daughter of Count Messina of Malta who will lose their lives this year.

    Air Operations:


    Britain: Zeppelin raid over east counties. (See yesterdays report)’

    Eastern Front:
    German heavy bomber unit Rfa 501 (Krupp) formed at Vilna-Porubanok.


    Western Front: RFC
    ranges 127 targets; 5 Martinsydess (1 lost) bomb Zeppelin sheds at Cognelee and Ronet sidings, Namur.


    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: 6



    Spr Des brisay, E.M. (Eric Merrill), 25 Squadron, RFC. Died of Wounds 3 August 1916 aged 23, wounds received in action earlier that day, whilst flying near Lens


    Maj Fletcher, H.P. (Herbert Phillips), 19 Reserve Squadron, RFC. Killed while flying 3 August 1916 aged 46

    A Mech 1 Holmes, S.A. (Sidney Arthur), 25 Squadron, RFC. Died of accidental injuries 3 August 1916 aged 21

    Lt Mathewson, K. (Kenneth), 25 Squadron, RFC. Missing - Killed in Action 3 August 1916 aged 22

    Lt Turner, J.C. (James Clifford), 27 Squadron, RFC. Killed in Action 3 August 1916 aged 20

    2Lt Whitehead, J.R.G. (John Robert Gobertus), RFC. Accidentally Killed 3 August 1916 aged 27

    Claims: 8




    Maj Reginald Stuart "George" Maxwell 3rd confirmed kill flying a FE2b for 20 Squadrin RFC with observer AM1 DA Stewart, he shot down a Roland CII near Gheluwe

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    Capt Guy Patrick Spence Reid claimns his 3rd confirmed kill flying a FE2b for 20 Squadron, RFC, with observer Lt G Dixon-Spain he shot down a Aviatic C near Hollebeke. The son of Thomas Miller and Lisette (Livings) Reid, 2nd Lieutenant Guy Patrick Spence Reid received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 1693 on a Maurice Farman biplane at military school, Farnborough on 4 September 1915. He transferred from the Seaforth Highlanders to the Royal Flying Corps and was posted to 20 Squadron in 1916.

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    Capt David Arthur Stewart claims his 2nd confirmed kill flying a FE2b for 20 squadron RFC, with pilot Capt Reginald Maxwell he shot down an enemy sdvout near Ypres. The son of David and Annie Stewart, David Arthur Stewart was one of the highest scoring bomber pilots of the Great War, He scored his first two victories as an observer with 20 Squadron at the beginning of August 1916.


    Sous Lt Joseph Denis Bernard Robert De Bonnefoy claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying for N65 he shot down an enemy aircraft near Amiens. Joseph Denis Bernard Robert De Bonnefoy was a pre-war cavalryman who volunteered for aviation as soon as the war began. His first flying assignment was with Escadrille 101 as a Voisin pilot. He was removed from the front for a spell as an instructor and then served with two Nieuport squadrons: Escadrille 68 and Escadrille 65.

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    Sous Lt René Pierre Marie Dorme claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying for N3 he shot down a LVG near Maurepas.

    Leutnant Hans Karl Müller claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying foe KEK A he shot down a nieuport near Verdun.

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    Leutnant Max Ritter von Mulzer claims his 10th confirmed kill flying for FA32 he shot down an FE2b near Lens. As a cadet, Mulzer joined the cavalry in the summer of 1914 and received a commission at the end of the year. In August 1915, he transferred to the German Air Force, serving with FFA 4b and FFA 62 before becoming a fighting pilot. He scored his first confirmed victory on 30 March 1916, shooting down a Vickers FB5 north of Wancourt. In July, while briefly serving with KEK B, Mulzer scored his eighth victory and became the first Bavarian to receive the Blue Max. After receiving the Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Max-Joseph, he rejoined FA 32b at Douai where he scored his final victory on 3 August 1916. The following month, Mulzer was killed in a crash while testing the performance of a new Albatros DI.

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    Capt Sidney Edward Cowan claims his 4th confirmed kill flying a DH 2 for 24 Squadrin, RFC. He shot down a LVG C near Sailly. Sidney Edward Cowan was one of the Royal Flying Corps' first aces. Wounded in action on 9 August 1916, he scored 7 victories in 1916 as a DH2 pilot. Cowan was killed in a crash following a mid-air collision with another British aircraft.



    Western Front


    Verdun:

    French retake Fleury (Verdun) and make progress towards Thiaumont, 1,750 prisoners taken.
    Somme:

    British gain ground west of Pozieres.
    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).



    Tunstills Men, Thursday 3rd August 1916:


    Billets in Albert
    There was further artillery activity. There was a church service in the morning before, at 1pm, an advance party of 24 men, made up from all four Companies, led by Lt. **** Bolton (see 7th July), moved off, via Becourt Wood and Sausage Valley, to take over their previous bivouacs in the area of Scots Redoubt. The remainder of the Battalion, headed by Tunstill’s Company, followed an hour later. They started out from the junction of Rue Bapaume and Rue Daussy, and marched by platoons, with 200 yards between, and by 5pm the move was complete. Through the evening men from Tunstill’s Company and from ‘B’ Company were employed as working and carrying parties for the front line. One man was killed, two others were reported missing (and subsequently presumed killed) during these operations and a further four men wounded, though Tunstill’s Men were unscathed. The men killed were Ptes. John William Green; William Henry Smith and Alfred Stitson; all three have no known grave and are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
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    Lt. **** Bolton
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

    Prior to the move back to Scots Redoubt, Acting Sgt. Albert Herd (see 30th July) sat down to write to the vicar of St Helen’s Church in his home village of Waddington, who also happened to be the uncle of Geraldine Tunstill. The calmness and poise of Herd’s letter rather bely the fierce fighting in which the Battalion had so recently been engaged,


    “I am just writing a few lines in answer to your most welcome letter which I received yesterday. I must say what a strange thing it was I was just thinking of writing a letter to you when yours came. I suppose by now you will have heard that Sergeant Smith (Acting Sgt. Harry Smith, see 29th July) has been wounded in the face and I hope and trust that he will not be long before he is better and coming to see you all at Waddington. It happened in a bit of a bombing raid we made and we had two sergeants out of my platoon wounded so I am now made platoon sergeant and I am in charge of thirty-four men, including one lance-sergeant, two corporals and four lance-corporals. So you see I have a great lot of responsibility, so I must try and do my best; that is all one can do. I have a very nice platoon officer (Lt. **** Bolton, see above) and Captain Tunstill is still with us and he has always done well for me and he is in the best of health. We are having some lovely weather out here at present and I hope you are having the same. I suppose people will be very busy in their hay now and I trust they are having the same weather as us and they will not be long in it. We are having a celebration of Holy Communion at eleven o’clock this morning and I am just going. It is now ten minutes to eleven, so I must close, hoping you and Mrs. Parker are in the best of health. Please remember me to all who may enquire about me.”
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    Sgt. Albert Herd
    It may have been around this time, though the precise date has not been established, that Capt. Tunstill wrote to the family of Pte. Thomas Rigby (see 28th July), an extract from the letter was subsequently published in the Craven Herald, “I have only just heard the sad news that your son, who was the best stretcher bearer that anyone could ever wish to have, died in hospital at Frensham. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Rigby was one of those who had been in my company since it was formed. He was a bandsman until we came out a year ago and has been a stretcher bearer ever since. I was hoping he had got a slight wound and would have got home and better, and not had to come out again. We have been fighting more or less continuously since your son was wounded and our losses are naturally heavy. It may be some consolation to you to know that I recommended your son to the Commission Office, the day he was hit, for very brave and gallant conduct in bringing in wounded across the open under very heavy fire”.
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    Capt. Harry Gilbert Tunstill
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton

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    Pte. Thomas Rigby

    RSM John William Headings (see 7th June) was admitted firstly to 70th Field Ambulance, and from there transferred to 23rd Divisional Rest Station, suffering from sciatica.
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    RSM John William Headings (standing) , pictured with his brothers, James Lawrence and Henry George.
    (Image by kind permission of Jill Monk)

    Pte. Mark Whitelock of 10DWR, though not Tunstill’s Company, died of wounds suffered in the recent actions; he was buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, north-east of Amiens.

    L.Cpl. William George Wade (see 10th March), who had serving with the Army Cyclist Corps, joined no.3 Officer Cadet Battalion at Bristol to begin his officer training; once commissioned he would join 10DWR.
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    L.Cpl William George Wade, pictured after having been commissioned
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton
    Lt. Paul James Sainsbury, (see 17th July) who would later serve with 10DWR, and had been wounded on 1st July underwent an operation on his “right maxillary antrum” (sinus).
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    Lt. Paul James Sainsbury

    Lt. Thomas Beattie, serving with 9DWR, was wounded in the fighting in Delville Wood; he would later serve with 10DWR.
    Thomas Beattie was 21 years old (born 26th March 1895); he had been studying at the Univeristy of Durham when war broke out and had been a member of the University OTC. He was the eldest son, and one of six children of Richard and Elizabeth Beattie; his father was an engine fitter and the family lived in Hampstead Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He had been commissioned in August 1915 and had joined 9DWR. Beattie later recounted how he had been wounded, “The Battalion was holding Delville Wood, making preparations to attack the German trenches, in order to straighten the line. During the night of 2nd/3rd August 1916 we were subjected to a very heavy bombardment by the enemy’s artillery, and early in the morning of 3rd August I was wounded, by the shrapnel from a shell which burst above my trench, in the left shoulder. I was brought down to the Field Dressing Station and thence to a Field Ambulance after my wound had been dressed. In the afternoon of 3rd August I was operated upon, under anaesthetic, but the 0peration was unsuccessful, as the shrapnel had penetrated too far into my shoulder. I was sent down to the no.2 Red Cross Hospital in Rouen.”
    Eastern Front:

    Russians penetrate into Rudka-Mirynska (east Kovel).
    Desperate fighting near Lyubashevo and Guledichi (east Kovel).
    Brusilov offensive: Brusilov meets Kaledin and Bezobrazov at Lutsk, decides to renew drive for Kovel.

    Pripet: I Turkestan Corps captures village 4 miles west of river Stokhod but Austro-German Polish Legion counter-attack forces it east (until August 4).

    Carpathians*: Austrian counter-offensive makes few gains (until August 14). German 1st Infantry Division arrives at Kirlibaba Pass (August 10).

    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:


    The Battle of Romani begins near the Egyptian town of that name 23 miles east of the Suez Canal near the Mediterranean shore of the Sinai Peninsula. During the night a Turkish force of some 8,000, having advanced from southern Palestine, attacks the British defences at Romani which control the northern approach across the Sinai to the canal.

    Russians capture Turk trenches at Ognut (Armenia).
    Turks advance to attack on Major-General Hon. H. Lawrence's force at Romani (northern Sinai).
    British occupy Ujiji (Lake Tanganyika).

    Naval and Overseas Operations:



    Britain:
    First of 17 accident-prone, fast steam-powered K-class large submarines comes into Royal Navy service.


    North Sea:
    4 Royal Navy C-class subma*rines sail from Lerwick Island (Shetland) under tow on epic 3,500-mile voyage to Baltic via Archangel (August 21), rivers and canals by barge, reach Petrograd on September 9, but hampered by unusable electric batteries so manage only two patrols before winter.


    Shipping Losses: 9



    Badger:
    United Kingdom:The coaster was shelled and sunk in thE English Channel 30 nautical miles (56 km) south west of St. Catherines Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine.


    HMS Clacton:
    Royal Navy:The auxiliary minesweeper was torpedoed and sunk in the Aegean Sea by SM U-73, Kaiserliche Marine, with the loss of 5 crew.


    Fortuna:
    United Kingdom:The schooner was scuttled in the English Channel 15 nautical miles (28 km) south south west of Portland Bill, Dorset by Sm UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Jacqueline:
    France:The schooner was sunk in the English Channel 14 nautical miles (26 km) north of Cap de la Hague, Manche SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived


    Lucania:
    United Kingdom:The drifter was scuttled in the North Sea 4 nautical miles (7.4 km) east by south of Dunstanburgh, Northumberland by SM UB-39 Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Merchant Prince:
    United Kingdom: The trawler was scuttled in the North Sea 9 nautical miles (17 km) east by south of Dunstanburgh by SM UB-39 Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived


    Sphene: United Kingdom: The coaster was scuttled in the English Channel 26 nautical miles (48 km) south west of St. Catherine's Point SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Trawler Prince: United Kingdom: The trawler was scuttled in the North Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) south east of the Longstone Lighthouse, Northumberland by SM UB-39 Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived


    Tricoupis: Greece: The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Ile du Planier. Bouches-du-Rhone, France by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Political:



    Anglo-French official papers on ‘German barbarity’ published. British War Propaganda Bureau claim: ‘We swept the German news out of the American papers’.


    Casement hanged at
    Pentonville Prison. Balfour second anniversary naval statement. Union ‘Triple Alliance’ discuss demobilization with Prime Minister.


    Austria-Hungary:
    Four Czech deputies in touch with Masaryk imprisoned.

    Statement by Mr. Balfour re: Naval Situation on the second anniversary of war.
    Prime Minister receives deputation from Miners, Railway Men, and Transport Workers.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  33. #1633

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    Apologies, due to bad form by the bally Hun, who fired an unoffcial bombardment, this delivery of the rag was unfortunately delayed.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  34. #1634

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    Friday 4th August 1916
    Anniversaries:


    Germany invades Belgium


    Britain declares war on Germany


    Today we lost: 998


    Today’s losses include:
    Two Rhodes Scholars


    A Justice of the Peace


    A Councillor of the Hamilton Municipality Tasmania


    Multiple families that will lose two and three sons in the Great War


    A man whose remains will be unearthed and buried in a Commonwealth War Great Commission cemetery in 1998


    Multiple sons of members of the clergy


    A North Staffordshire Rugby Club footballer


    The uncle of a Baronet

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:
    Lance Corporal Henrie Clarence Nicholas (Australian Light Horse) is killed at age 34. He is Councillor of the Hamilton Municipality Tasmania and a JP for the district. Lance-Corporal Nicholas was one of the first to volunteer when the War broke out and left Tasmania on 21st October 1914. He served in Egypt and then Gallipoli, returning to Egypt after the evacuation. He was killed instantly by a bullet while holding Meredith’s Ridge against immensely superior forces of Turks. Shortly after his return to Egypt from Gallipoli he was given a Commission in the 12th Lancers (his brother’s Regiment). The papers containing his discharge from his Troop got lost but arrived just before a threatened raid by the Turks on the Suez Canal. He decided to remain with his old battalion until the danger is over, and it is in the action which immediately follows that he is killed.


    Private David Low (Australian Infantry) dies of wounds at home at age 29. He is an Australian rules footballer who played with West Torrens in the South Australian Football League. Originally from Broken Hill, Low was a defender and debuted for West Torrens in 1910. He finished second in the 1911 Magarey Medal count and won the Medal the following season, becoming the first specialist defender to ever win it as well as the first from West Torrens. The Magarey Medal is an Australian Rules football honour awarded annually since 1898 to the fairest and most brilliant player in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), as judged by field umpires. He was also Club Champion that season. During his career he was a regular South Australian interstate representative. Low enlisted in the army in 1915 and went on to serve in Africa and Europe.

    Corporal Alfred Norman Bradford (Australian Infantry) an Australian Rules Footballer with South Melbourne is killed at age 21. He scored 9 goals in 7 games in 1915.

    Lance Corporal Hugh Brinsmead (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 27. His brother will be killed in November of this year.


    Private Russell George Bosisto (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at the Battle of Poziers at age 22, though he is initially listed as missing in action. In January 1998 a farmer plowing a field uncovers the 80-year old body and he will be reburied 5th July 1998.


    Private Spenser Wendell Warne-Smith (Australian Infantry) killed in action at age 22. His younger brother will be killed in action in September 1918.


    Private William Brown (Australian Infantry) is killed at Pozieres at age 25. His brother was killed on Gallipoli in July of last year.


    Private Noel Lethbridge Tingcombe (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 18 less than a week after his brother died of wounds.


    Private Leslie Joseph Rogers (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 20. He is an Australian rules footballer who played for Essendon in the Victoria Football League in 1915.


    Trooper Richard Walters Crozier (Australian Light Horse) dies of wounds at Romani at age 24. His brother will be killed in March 1918.


    Two Rhodes Scholars are killed today. Captain Allan MacDougall (Royal Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 30. He was a 1909 Rhodes Scholar for New Zealand.


    Second Lieutenant Vere Karsdale Mason (Suffolk Regiment) is killed at age 22. He is the second Rhodes Scholar killed today.


    Captain J Everlyn Bryant (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) dies of wounds at age 34. He is the son of the Reverend J J Bryant.


    Captain Arthur Hyndman Percy Austin (Durham Light Infantry) is killed in action at age 38. He is the son of the late Reverend W G Austin.


    Second Lieutenant Charles Fifield Holtom (North Staffordshire) dies of wounds. He is a keen tennis and hockey player and member of the North Staffordshire Rugby Football Club.


    Second Lieutenant Norman Harry Blythe (Manchester Regiment) is killed at age 19 five days after his brother was killed.


    Corporal David Tait Kinnear (Royal Scots) is killed in action at age 27. His younger brother will be killed in July 1917.


    Corporal H Bailey (East Lancashire Regiment) is killed at age 28. His brother will be killed in March 1918.


    Lance Corporal Sidney Chandler (Hertfordshire Regiment) is killed in action by a sniper. His brother will be killed in October.


    Private William Arthur Lawson (Liverpool Regiment) is killed in action at age 28. His brother will die of wounds in August 1918.


    Private Albert Edward Farrier (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 19 at Ovilliers. His two brothers were killed in 1915.


    Private Albert Howell Curtis (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 23. He has two brothers who will be killed in the Great War.


    Private Percy Beauchamp Astley Cooper (East Kent Regiment) is killed at age 40. He is the uncle of ‘Sir’ Patrick Graham Astley Cooper the 6th Baronet and grandson of ‘Sir’ Astley Paston Cooper the 2nd


    Gunner George Vernon (Royal Field Artillery) is killed in Mesopotamia at age 24. His brother was killed last October.


    Private Frederick William Eastland (East Kent Regiment) is killed at age 31. His brother was killed last October.


    Air Operations:


    Sinai:Up to 17 RFC aircraft (1 lost to anti-aircraft fire) active backing Battle of Romani (until August 9), shoot down 1 German aircraft and direct monitor fire.


    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: No losses are recorded for today.

    Claims: 2



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    Adjutant Maxime Albert Lenoir claims his 7th confirmed kill flying for N24 he shot down an aircraft near Moranviller. An experienced pilot when the war began, Lenoir transferred to the French Air Service at the end of 1914. On two occasions in 1916, he was wounded in action while serving as a pursuit pilot with N23.

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    Major Gervais Raoul Lufbery claims his 3rdconfirmed kill flying for N124 he shot down a 2 seater near Aboucort. The son of Edward Lufbery of Wallingford, Connecticut, Gervais Raoul Lufbery was born in France and moved to the United States with his parents when he was six years old. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years in 1907 and served in the Phillipines. After being discharged from the army, he traveled throughout Asia and, in 1910, took a job as a mechanic with Marc Pourpe, a French aviator. When the war began, they were in France and Pourpe quickly joined the French Air Service. Lufbery, being an American, joined the Foreign Legion but followed Pourpe to the front as his mechanic. When Pourpe was killed in action in December 1914, Lufbery applied for and received a brevet in the French Air Service. After several months as a reconnaissance pilot, he moved on to single-seat fighters. Lufbery spent almost four years in the French Air Service and with the Lafayette Escadrille, scoring 16 victories, before he joined the United States Air Service as an instructor in early 1918

    Western Front



    Verdun
    :


    Germans retake Fleury (Verdun) but lose it again to French.


    Somme:



    British and Austra*lians capture German second line trench system on 2,000-yards front north of Pozieres with 1,750 PoW’s, advance continues on August 5.


    Furious German counter-attacks at Thiaumont work repulsed.


    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).



    Tunstills Men, Friday 4th August 1916:



    Bivouac near Scots Redoubt

    ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies were ordered forward to reinforce 10th Northumberland Fusiliers in Contalmaison and, late in the evening, ‘C’ Company further moved into the front line trenches east of Pozieres, supporting 68th Brigade. The War Diary noted that, “our artillery made a terrific bombardment on the enemy trenches and defences”; this was in response to an attack made by 68th Brigade which was reported as having been “only partially successful”. The War Diary noted also that one man was wounded.

    L.Cpl. Bob Harrison (see 16th July) was promoted Corporal.

    Pte. Charles Robert Thompson of 10DWR, though not of Tunstill’s Company, died of wounds at no.22 General Hospital, Camiers; he was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery.


    Pte. Andrew Aaron Jackson, (see 29th July) who would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR, serving with 27th Battalion Royal Fusiliers at Portobello, near Edinburgh, was promoted (unpaid) Lance Corporal.


    L.Cpl. Albert Joseph Acarnley (see 25th June), who would later serve as a commissioned officer with 10DWR, suffered a minor wound in action while serving with 2nd Royal Berkshires on the Somme.


    The weekly edition of the Craven Herald carried news of the continuing fund-raising efforts of Geraldine Tunstill in support of the Company,
    COMFORTS FOR CAPTAIN TUNSTILL’S MEN
    Mrs. H.G. Tunstill acknowledges with grateful thanks the following gifts for the 10th West Riding Regiment: 36 pairs of socks from Longpreston, per Mrs. Sharp; 12 pairs of socks from Mrs. Tunstill (Aysgarth); £2 (monthly), Mrs. H.G. Tunstill; which have been sent with 150 handkerchiefs, 144 pairs of socks, and 2,500 cigarettes from the “Comforts Fund”.
    It is a year this month since the Battalion went to France. They have been in many big actions and have had heavy losses, especially the last month, when they have been in the thick of the fighting, but our brave men have brought lasting glory on themselves, and their Regiment, which will never be forgotten.


    Captain Tunstill writes, “The men are simply splendid, absolutely wonderful, and their bravery is beyond praise. I am too proud of them for words, and even all the horrors we have seen and gone through cannot spoil the thoughts of their magnificent courage and pluck.”
    Mrs. Tunstill wishes to thank gratefully all those who have contributed so splendidly the last year to the “Comforts”, which have been greatly appreciated by our Craven boys. It is needless to say how gladly she will acknowledge further gifts if sent to her at Milford Hall, South Milford, and is sure she will receive the same generous help until the end of the war. She would be so glad to hear from all Captain Tunstill’s men who have been wounded or the relatives of the same as she has lost touch with some of them, and would like their present addresses so that she can send them some parcels of “Comforts”.
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    Capt. Harry Gilbert Tunstill (front right) and Geraldine Tunstill (middle right), pictured with other members of Geraldine's family.
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton
    The Craven Herald also carried news of several of the recent casualties among Tunstill’s Company:

    PRIVATE THOMAS B. CARTMAN
    Pte. Thos. B. Cartman (see 21st July), of the 10th West Riding Regiment, who has died from wounds received in action, was only 22 years' old, and was the son of Mrs. Rishworth, of Wood Side Farm, Silsden. He had resided in Skipton for many years prior to enlisting.
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    Pte. Tommy Cartman

    LONGPRESTON
    The most serious case appears to be William Rawlinson (see 29th July), who was badly wounded in the left thigh, a bone broken in the leg, and wounded in both arms, in the face and other parts. He has lost the sight of his left eye. In a letter to his master, Mr. G. Charnley JP (for whom he was chauffeur) he says how kindly he is treated in B2, 13 Stationery Hospital, BEF, and that he is going on well. Corporal Rawlinson is 23 years of age, and enlisted from Crooklands, Long Preston, in September 1914. He has been sent to the Military Hospital at Bristol.
    ADDINGHAM
    Craven Smith (serving with 16th West Yorks.; he was the brother of Reuben and Johnny Smith, both of whom were members of Tunstill’s Company, see 14th July) writes: “Thanks for cigarettes. We have gone through some very exciting times lately and the worst of it is it will continue for some time yet. Our artillery are continually bombarding day and night; there is a terrible bombardment going on at present, but we are getting used to it. Our Battalion were in the thick of it on July 1st, and the casualties were rather heavy, but there is this consolation, ‘Fritz’s’ front line is broken now. They have been the cause of so many casualties, as he was not only dug in, but concreted in. I have made enquiries about Wilf Holmes, and I am afraid he has gone under. His officer was killed in No Man’s Land, and it looks as if poor Wilf would be killed. There is a possibility of him being brought in by the German stretcher bearers. I hear that a few Addingham boys got wounded, and my brother Jack (ie. Johnny Smith) is amongst them. I hope they will all have a speedy recovery”.


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    There was also news of the presentation of the ribbon of the Military Medal to Pte. John William Atkinson (see 28th July), who had attended to many of the wounded men from 10DWR:

    We have pleasure in reproducing a photograph of Pte. J. W. Atkinson, of the West Riding Regiment, the second Skipton soldier to be awarded the Military Medal. In this instance the award is “for good work in attending to the wounded”. Pte. Atkinson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Atkinson of 8 Nelson Street, Skipton and before enlisting was employed at the Skipton Gas Works. Twenty-eight years of age, he was a member of the local fire brigade and was associated with the Otley Street Baptist Church. His wife and daughter live in Devonshire Street, Skipton.

    In his latest letter to his parents he writes: “I expect you will have heard that I have won the Military Medal for good work in attending the wounded. The General has pinned the ribbons on my chest, but I shall not get the medal until later. The General shook hands with me and said he hoped that I would have the good luck to wear it”.

    Eastern Front:


    Galicia: Brusilov offensive, Sakharov renews offensive south of Brody, takes 8,581 PoWs and 7 villages until August 6; only 4 miles northeast of Lemberg*-Tarnopol railway away on August 10.

    Fierce fighting in progress on the Graberko and Sereth. Russians take 1,300 prisoners.
    Germans by an enveloping movement regain Rudka-Mirynska.
    Southern Front:



    Sixth Battle of Isonzo begins (*until August 17). Franz Graf Conrad von Hotzendorf had reduced the Austro-Hungarian forces along the Soca (Isonzo) front to reinforce his Trentino Offensive. Italian Chief-of-Staff Luigi Cadorna made good use of railroads to quickly shift troops from Trentino back to the Isonzo line for an offensive against the weakened Austro-Hungarian defenses. Eelaborate preparation including air photo*graphs with feint in Monfalcone coastal sector by 14th and 16th Divisions (29 battalions and 199 guns) (until August 10). Duke of Aosta’s Third Army has 16 divisions and 1,251 guns (533 heavy or medium) plus 774 mortars (138 heavy 10-inch mortars) for cutting wire entanglements against Austrian Fifth Army (Borcovic) with 9 divisions and 540 guns (147 heavy).


    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:


    Sinai: Battle of Romani
    (until August 5): Turkish troops (Kress) with 30 guns and 38 MGs drive back 2 Australian Light Horse Brigades and reach Wellington Ridge, but NZ and 5th Mounted Brigades retake it forcing Turk retreat (August 5). Turk casualties 5,000 men nd 4 guns. British loss 1,140 and 9 MGs (until August 9) out of 25,000.



    In the Battle of Romani though vastly outnumbered, Australian Light Horsemen fight a delaying action at close quarters as they relinquish ground slowly. At 02:30 after the moon has set, the Turks make a bayonet charge on Mount Meredith and the light horsemen evacuate the position at 03:00. The Australians are eventually forced back to a large east/west sand dune called Wellington Ridge at the southern edge of the Romani encampment. Having been held south of Romani, the Turks attempt a flanking maneuver to the west and concentrate 2,000 troops around another sand hill called Mount Royston, south-west of Romani. At dawn General Chauvel sends the 2nd Light Horse Brigade back into action in front of Mount Royston. The Turkish advance is at a standstill. After a long night march the Turkish troops now face a difficult day under the desert sun without a source of water and exposed to the British artillery.


    Shortly after dawn the Turks succeed in forcing the Australians off Wellington Ridge which places them within 700 metres of the Romani camp but depleted, exhausted and exposed to shelling from the horse artillery, they ae unable to press the attack further. As soon as General Lawrence is certain a major attack is in progress, he instructs Chaytor’s brigades to advance from Hill 70 to counter-attack against the Turkish flank. The Turks at Mount Royston are checked to the north by the 3rd and 6th Light Horse Regiments, and are under constant bombardment from the horse artillery and the heavy artillery of the 52nd Division and when Chaytor’s force attacks from the west, they surrender on mass, at around 18:00.

    Armenia: Grand Duke Nicholas
    inspects Royal Navy Armoured Car Unit at Sarikamish; in action by August 27.


    Naval Operations:



    Aegean:
    British escorts sink German coastal submarine UB44.


    Shipping Losses: 8



    Demaris:
    United Kingdom: The schooner was scuttled in the English Channel 20 nautical miles (37 km) north of Alderney, Channel Islands by SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Ermenilda: United Kingdom: The schooner was scuttled in the English Channel 24 nautical miles (44 km) south south west of Portland Bill, Dorset by SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Favonian:
    United Kingdom: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Ile du Planier, Bouches-du-Rhone, France by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived


    Jagersborg:
    Denmark: The cargo ship was scuttled in the North Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) north east of the Longstone Lighthouse, Northumberland, by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Siena:
    Italy: The passenger ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Île du Planier, by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine


    Stamfordham:
    United Kingdom: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) south of the Longstone Lighthouse Northumberland, by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Teti: Italy:
    The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Île du Planier by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Tottenham:
    United Kingdom: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 22 nautical miles (41 km) south west of the Île du Planier by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    See you on the Dark Side......

  35. #1635

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    Friday 4th August 1916
    Anniversaries:


    Germany invades Belgium


    Britain declares war on Germany


    Today we lost: 998


    Today’s losses include:
    Two Rhodes Scholars


    A Justice of the Peace


    A Councillor of the Hamilton Municipality Tasmania


    Multiple families that will lose two and three sons in the Great War


    A man whose remains will be unearthed and buried in a Commonwealth War Great Commission cemetery in 1998


    Multiple sons of members of the clergy


    A North Staffordshire Rugby Club footballer


    The uncle of a Baronet

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:
    Lance Corporal Henrie Clarence Nicholas (Australian Light Horse) is killed at age 34. He is Councillor of the Hamilton Municipality Tasmania and a JP for the district. Lance-Corporal Nicholas was one of the first to volunteer when the War broke out and left Tasmania on 21st October 1914. He served in Egypt and then Gallipoli, returning to Egypt after the evacuation. He was killed instantly by a bullet while holding Meredith’s Ridge against immensely superior forces of Turks. Shortly after his return to Egypt from Gallipoli he was given a Commission in the 12th Lancers (his brother’s Regiment). The papers containing his discharge from his Troop got lost but arrived just before a threatened raid by the Turks on the Suez Canal. He decided to remain with his old battalion until the danger is over, and it is in the action which immediately follows that he is killed.


    Private David Low (Australian Infantry) dies of wounds at home at age 29. He is an Australian rules footballer who played with West Torrens in the South Australian Football League. Originally from Broken Hill, Low was a defender and debuted for West Torrens in 1910. He finished second in the 1911 Magarey Medal count and won the Medal the following season, becoming the first specialist defender to ever win it as well as the first from West Torrens. The Magarey Medal is an Australian Rules football honour awarded annually since 1898 to the fairest and most brilliant player in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), as judged by field umpires. He was also Club Champion that season. During his career he was a regular South Australian interstate representative. Low enlisted in the army in 1915 and went on to serve in Africa and Europe.

    Corporal Alfred Norman Bradford (Australian Infantry) an Australian Rules Footballer with South Melbourne is killed at age 21. He scored 9 goals in 7 games in 1915.

    Lance Corporal Hugh Brinsmead (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 27. His brother will be killed in November of this year.


    Private Russell George Bosisto (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at the Battle of Poziers at age 22, though he is initially listed as missing in action. In January 1998 a farmer plowing a field uncovers the 80-year old body and he will be reburied 5th July 1998.


    Private Spenser Wendell Warne-Smith (Australian Infantry) killed in action at age 22. His younger brother will be killed in action in September 1918.


    Private William Brown (Australian Infantry) is killed at Pozieres at age 25. His brother was killed on Gallipoli in July of last year.


    Private Noel Lethbridge Tingcombe (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 18 less than a week after his brother died of wounds.


    Private Leslie Joseph Rogers (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 20. He is an Australian rules footballer who played for Essendon in the Victoria Football League in 1915.


    Trooper Richard Walters Crozier (Australian Light Horse) dies of wounds at Romani at age 24. His brother will be killed in March 1918.


    Two Rhodes Scholars are killed today. Captain Allan MacDougall (Royal Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 30. He was a 1909 Rhodes Scholar for New Zealand.


    Second Lieutenant Vere Karsdale Mason (Suffolk Regiment) is killed at age 22. He is the second Rhodes Scholar killed today.


    Captain J Everlyn Bryant (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) dies of wounds at age 34. He is the son of the Reverend J J Bryant.


    Captain Arthur Hyndman Percy Austin (Durham Light Infantry) is killed in action at age 38. He is the son of the late Reverend W G Austin.


    Second Lieutenant Charles Fifield Holtom (North Staffordshire) dies of wounds. He is a keen tennis and hockey player and member of the North Staffordshire Rugby Football Club.


    Second Lieutenant Norman Harry Blythe (Manchester Regiment) is killed at age 19 five days after his brother was killed.


    Corporal David Tait Kinnear (Royal Scots) is killed in action at age 27. His younger brother will be killed in July 1917.


    Corporal H Bailey (East Lancashire Regiment) is killed at age 28. His brother will be killed in March 1918.


    Lance Corporal Sidney Chandler (Hertfordshire Regiment) is killed in action by a sniper. His brother will be killed in October.


    Private William Arthur Lawson (Liverpool Regiment) is killed in action at age 28. His brother will die of wounds in August 1918.


    Private Albert Edward Farrier (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 19 at Ovilliers. His two brothers were killed in 1915.


    Private Albert Howell Curtis (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 23. He has two brothers who will be killed in the Great War.


    Private Percy Beauchamp Astley Cooper (East Kent Regiment) is killed at age 40. He is the uncle of ‘Sir’ Patrick Graham Astley Cooper the 6th Baronet and grandson of ‘Sir’ Astley Paston Cooper the 2nd


    Gunner George Vernon (Royal Field Artillery) is killed in Mesopotamia at age 24. His brother was killed last October.


    Private Frederick William Eastland (East Kent Regiment) is killed at age 31. His brother was killed last October.


    Air Operations:


    Sinai:Up to 17 RFC aircraft (1 lost to anti-aircraft fire) active backing Battle of Romani (until August 9), shoot down 1 German aircraft and direct monitor fire.


    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: No losses are recorded for today.

    Claims: 2



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    Adjutant Maxime Albert Lenoir claims his 7th confirmed kill flying for N24 he shot down an aircraft near Moranviller. An experienced pilot when the war began, Lenoir transferred to the French Air Service at the end of 1914. On two occasions in 1916, he was wounded in action while serving as a pursuit pilot with N23.

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    Major Gervais Raoul Lufbery claims his 3rdconfirmed kill flying for N124 he shot down a 2 seater near Aboucort. The son of Edward Lufbery of Wallingford, Connecticut, Gervais Raoul Lufbery was born in France and moved to the United States with his parents when he was six years old. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years in 1907 and served in the Phillipines. After being discharged from the army, he traveled throughout Asia and, in 1910, took a job as a mechanic with Marc Pourpe, a French aviator. When the war began, they were in France and Pourpe quickly joined the French Air Service. Lufbery, being an American, joined the Foreign Legion but followed Pourpe to the front as his mechanic. When Pourpe was killed in action in December 1914, Lufbery applied for and received a brevet in the French Air Service. After several months as a reconnaissance pilot, he moved on to single-seat fighters. Lufbery spent almost four years in the French Air Service and with the Lafayette Escadrille, scoring 16 victories, before he joined the United States Air Service as an instructor in early 1918

    Western Front



    Verdun
    :


    Germans retake Fleury (Verdun) but lose it again to French.


    Somme:



    British and Austra*lians capture German second line trench system on 2,000-yards front north of Pozieres with 1,750 PoW’s, advance continues on August 5.


    Furious German counter-attacks at Thiaumont work repulsed.


    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).



    Tunstills Men, Friday 4th August 1916:



    Bivouac near Scots Redoubt

    ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies were ordered forward to reinforce 10th Northumberland Fusiliers in Contalmaison and, late in the evening, ‘C’ Company further moved into the front line trenches east of Pozieres, supporting 68th Brigade. The War Diary noted that, “our artillery made a terrific bombardment on the enemy trenches and defences”; this was in response to an attack made by 68th Brigade which was reported as having been “only partially successful”. The War Diary noted also that one man was wounded.

    L.Cpl. Bob Harrison (see 16th July) was promoted Corporal.

    Pte. Charles Robert Thompson of 10DWR, though not of Tunstill’s Company, died of wounds at no.22 General Hospital, Camiers; he was buried at Etaples Military Cemetery.


    Pte. Andrew Aaron Jackson, (see 29th July) who would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR, serving with 27th Battalion Royal Fusiliers at Portobello, near Edinburgh, was promoted (unpaid) Lance Corporal.


    L.Cpl. Albert Joseph Acarnley (see 25th June), who would later serve as a commissioned officer with 10DWR, suffered a minor wound in action while serving with 2nd Royal Berkshires on the Somme.


    The weekly edition of the Craven Herald carried news of the continuing fund-raising efforts of Geraldine Tunstill in support of the Company,
    COMFORTS FOR CAPTAIN TUNSTILL’S MEN
    Mrs. H.G. Tunstill acknowledges with grateful thanks the following gifts for the 10th West Riding Regiment: 36 pairs of socks from Longpreston, per Mrs. Sharp; 12 pairs of socks from Mrs. Tunstill (Aysgarth); £2 (monthly), Mrs. H.G. Tunstill; which have been sent with 150 handkerchiefs, 144 pairs of socks, and 2,500 cigarettes from the “Comforts Fund”.
    It is a year this month since the Battalion went to France. They have been in many big actions and have had heavy losses, especially the last month, when they have been in the thick of the fighting, but our brave men have brought lasting glory on themselves, and their Regiment, which will never be forgotten.


    Captain Tunstill writes, “The men are simply splendid, absolutely wonderful, and their bravery is beyond praise. I am too proud of them for words, and even all the horrors we have seen and gone through cannot spoil the thoughts of their magnificent courage and pluck.”
    Mrs. Tunstill wishes to thank gratefully all those who have contributed so splendidly the last year to the “Comforts”, which have been greatly appreciated by our Craven boys. It is needless to say how gladly she will acknowledge further gifts if sent to her at Milford Hall, South Milford, and is sure she will receive the same generous help until the end of the war. She would be so glad to hear from all Captain Tunstill’s men who have been wounded or the relatives of the same as she has lost touch with some of them, and would like their present addresses so that she can send them some parcels of “Comforts”.
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    Capt. Harry Gilbert Tunstill (front right) and Geraldine Tunstill (middle right), pictured with other members of Geraldine's family.
    Image by kind permission of Henry Bolton
    The Craven Herald also carried news of several of the recent casualties among Tunstill’s Company:

    PRIVATE THOMAS B. CARTMAN
    Pte. Thos. B. Cartman (see 21st July), of the 10th West Riding Regiment, who has died from wounds received in action, was only 22 years' old, and was the son of Mrs. Rishworth, of Wood Side Farm, Silsden. He had resided in Skipton for many years prior to enlisting.
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    Pte. Tommy Cartman

    LONGPRESTON
    The most serious case appears to be William Rawlinson (see 29th July), who was badly wounded in the left thigh, a bone broken in the leg, and wounded in both arms, in the face and other parts. He has lost the sight of his left eye. In a letter to his master, Mr. G. Charnley JP (for whom he was chauffeur) he says how kindly he is treated in B2, 13 Stationery Hospital, BEF, and that he is going on well. Corporal Rawlinson is 23 years of age, and enlisted from Crooklands, Long Preston, in September 1914. He has been sent to the Military Hospital at Bristol.
    ADDINGHAM
    Craven Smith (serving with 16th West Yorks.; he was the brother of Reuben and Johnny Smith, both of whom were members of Tunstill’s Company, see 14th July) writes: “Thanks for cigarettes. We have gone through some very exciting times lately and the worst of it is it will continue for some time yet. Our artillery are continually bombarding day and night; there is a terrible bombardment going on at present, but we are getting used to it. Our Battalion were in the thick of it on July 1st, and the casualties were rather heavy, but there is this consolation, ‘Fritz’s’ front line is broken now. They have been the cause of so many casualties, as he was not only dug in, but concreted in. I have made enquiries about Wilf Holmes, and I am afraid he has gone under. His officer was killed in No Man’s Land, and it looks as if poor Wilf would be killed. There is a possibility of him being brought in by the German stretcher bearers. I hear that a few Addingham boys got wounded, and my brother Jack (ie. Johnny Smith) is amongst them. I hope they will all have a speedy recovery”.


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    There was also news of the presentation of the ribbon of the Military Medal to Pte. John William Atkinson (see 28th July), who had attended to many of the wounded men from 10DWR:

    We have pleasure in reproducing a photograph of Pte. J. W. Atkinson, of the West Riding Regiment, the second Skipton soldier to be awarded the Military Medal. In this instance the award is “for good work in attending to the wounded”. Pte. Atkinson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Atkinson of 8 Nelson Street, Skipton and before enlisting was employed at the Skipton Gas Works. Twenty-eight years of age, he was a member of the local fire brigade and was associated with the Otley Street Baptist Church. His wife and daughter live in Devonshire Street, Skipton.

    In his latest letter to his parents he writes: “I expect you will have heard that I have won the Military Medal for good work in attending the wounded. The General has pinned the ribbons on my chest, but I shall not get the medal until later. The General shook hands with me and said he hoped that I would have the good luck to wear it”.

    Eastern Front:


    Galicia: Brusilov offensive, Sakharov renews offensive south of Brody, takes 8,581 PoWs and 7 villages until August 6; only 4 miles northeast of Lemberg*-Tarnopol railway away on August 10.

    Fierce fighting in progress on the Graberko and Sereth. Russians take 1,300 prisoners.
    Germans by an enveloping movement regain Rudka-Mirynska.
    Southern Front:



    Sixth Battle of Isonzo begins (*until August 17). Franz Graf Conrad von Hotzendorf had reduced the Austro-Hungarian forces along the Soca (Isonzo) front to reinforce his Trentino Offensive. Italian Chief-of-Staff Luigi Cadorna made good use of railroads to quickly shift troops from Trentino back to the Isonzo line for an offensive against the weakened Austro-Hungarian defenses. Eelaborate preparation including air photo*graphs with feint in Monfalcone coastal sector by 14th and 16th Divisions (29 battalions and 199 guns) (until August 10). Duke of Aosta’s Third Army has 16 divisions and 1,251 guns (533 heavy or medium) plus 774 mortars (138 heavy 10-inch mortars) for cutting wire entanglements against Austrian Fifth Army (Borcovic) with 9 divisions and 540 guns (147 heavy).


    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:


    Sinai: Battle of Romani
    (until August 5): Turkish troops (Kress) with 30 guns and 38 MGs drive back 2 Australian Light Horse Brigades and reach Wellington Ridge, but NZ and 5th Mounted Brigades retake it forcing Turk retreat (August 5). Turk casualties 5,000 men nd 4 guns. British loss 1,140 and 9 MGs (until August 9) out of 25,000.



    In the Battle of Romani though vastly outnumbered, Australian Light Horsemen fight a delaying action at close quarters as they relinquish ground slowly. At 02:30 after the moon has set, the Turks make a bayonet charge on Mount Meredith and the light horsemen evacuate the position at 03:00. The Australians are eventually forced back to a large east/west sand dune called Wellington Ridge at the southern edge of the Romani encampment. Having been held south of Romani, the Turks attempt a flanking maneuver to the west and concentrate 2,000 troops around another sand hill called Mount Royston, south-west of Romani. At dawn General Chauvel sends the 2nd Light Horse Brigade back into action in front of Mount Royston. The Turkish advance is at a standstill. After a long night march the Turkish troops now face a difficult day under the desert sun without a source of water and exposed to the British artillery.


    Shortly after dawn the Turks succeed in forcing the Australians off Wellington Ridge which places them within 700 metres of the Romani camp but depleted, exhausted and exposed to shelling from the horse artillery, they ae unable to press the attack further. As soon as General Lawrence is certain a major attack is in progress, he instructs Chaytor’s brigades to advance from Hill 70 to counter-attack against the Turkish flank. The Turks at Mount Royston are checked to the north by the 3rd and 6th Light Horse Regiments, and are under constant bombardment from the horse artillery and the heavy artillery of the 52nd Division and when Chaytor’s force attacks from the west, they surrender on mass, at around 18:00.

    Armenia: Grand Duke Nicholas
    inspects Royal Navy Armoured Car Unit at Sarikamish; in action by August 27.


    Naval Operations:



    Aegean:
    British escorts sink German coastal submarine UB44.


    Shipping Losses: 8



    Demaris:
    United Kingdom: The schooner was scuttled in the English Channel 20 nautical miles (37 km) north of Alderney, Channel Islands by SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Ermenilda: United Kingdom: The schooner was scuttled in the English Channel 24 nautical miles (44 km) south south west of Portland Bill, Dorset by SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Favonian:
    United Kingdom: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Ile du Planier, Bouches-du-Rhone, France by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived


    Jagersborg:
    Denmark: The cargo ship was scuttled in the North Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) north east of the Longstone Lighthouse, Northumberland, by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Siena:
    Italy: The passenger ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Île du Planier, by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine


    Stamfordham:
    United Kingdom: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 8 nautical miles (15 km) south of the Longstone Lighthouse Northumberland, by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Teti: Italy:
    The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea off the Île du Planier by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.


    Tottenham:
    United Kingdom: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 22 nautical miles (41 km) south west of the Île du Planier by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    See you on the Dark Side......

  36. #1636

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    Saturday 5th August 1916
    Anniversaries:

    1914 Austro-Hungary Empire declares war on Russia.

    Today we lost: 973


    Today’s losses include:
    A musical composer

    A cricket player

    One half of the current Men’s Lawn Tennis Doubles Champions of Egypt

    The grandson of a Baronet

    Multiple sons of members of the clergy

    Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War
    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

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    George Sainton Kaye Butterworth
    Lieutenant George Sainton Kaye Butterworth MC (Durham Light Infantry) is killed on the Somme when he is shot by a sniper at age 31. He is a composer, folk song collector, Morris dancer and cricket player. He is considered by some to be the most promising composer of his generation. A BBC radio talk which introduced a 1942 performance of his Rhapsody stated that he was “Great in what he achieved, greater still in what he promised”. He is the son of the knight, ‘Sir’ Alexander Kaye Butterworth Kt. He is one of four members of Cecil Sharp’s morris-dance demonstration team who are killed in the Great War.

    Major Henry Charles Rees (South Wales Borderers) is killed at age 32. He is a lawn tennis player and currently one half of the Men’s Doubles Champions of Egypt.

    Captain Thomas Geoffrey Brocklebank (Royal Field Artillery) is killed at age 33. He is the grandson of ‘Sir’ Thomas Brocklebank 1st

    Captain Harry Francis Golding Noyes (Royal Army Medical Corps) dies of wounds in Bombay at age 36. His brother was killed in July and they are the sons of the Reverend Henry Edward Noyes Vicar of St Mary’s Kilburn.

    Lieutenant Maurice Wotton Thomas (Royal Field Artillery attached Royal Flying Corps) is killed at age 21. His brother was killed one day short of one year ago.

    Second Lieutenant Frederick Martin Wensley (London Regiment) is killed at age 22. His brother will die four days after the end of the war.

    Second Lieutenant Edward Lockhart Shaw (West Surrey Regiment) is killed at age 29. He is the son of the Reverend Charles Shaw.

    Private Floresten Goodrich (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at age 23. His brother will be killed in October 1917.

    Private Victor Harold Fell (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 24. His brother will be killed in October of next year.

    Bombardier William Frederick Howard (Royal Field Artillery) is killed at age 24. His brother was killed in October 1914.

    Air Operations:


    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: 2


    2Lt Davis, H.C. (Hugh Courtenay), 40 Squadron, RFC. Killed in Action 5 August 1916 aged 19.

    Lt Thomas, M.W. (Maurice Wotton), 4 Squadron, RFC. Killed in Action 5 August 1916.

    Claims: There are no claims today.


    Western Front


    Somme:


    At Pozieres the Germans launch a heavy attack on the Australian 7th Brigade at 04:00. The 27th and 28th Australian Battalions, having driven the Germans back, advance and dig in on around the windmill. At 17:00 on the right flank, 26th Brigade fights off another German assault. At High Wood the Germans recapture 50 yards of Intermediate Trench from 34th Division.

    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).


    Tunstills Men, Saturday 5th August 1916:


    Bivouac near Scots Redoubt


    There was a continuation of the artillery duels of the last few days and it was noted that “a good many” German shells had struck Albert.

    Around noon ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies re-joined the remainder of the Battalion at Scots Redoubt and in the early evening the whole Battalion moved forward the short distance north-east to Peake Wood to relieve 9th Yorkshires. Despite continuing artillery exchanges, this move was effected without casualties.

    Lt. George Reginald Charles Heale (see 29th July) reported sick, suffering from boils on the back of the neck; he was treated locally in the first instance and it was soon reported that his condition had improved.
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    Lt. George Reginald Charles Heale


    Lt. Thomas Beattie, (see 3rd August) who had been wounded in the left shoulder by shrapnel two days earlier while serving with 9DWR was x-rayed and then operated on at no.2 Red Cross Hospital, Rouen; he would later serve with 10DWR.


    Eastern Front:

    Galicia: Brusilov offensive, Hindenburg visits Zborov behind Suedarmee which fights Battle of Zalozce (August 7-10).

    Southern Front:

    Macedonia: Bulgars cross Greek frontier to south of Monastir and occupy two villages (until August 7).

    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:


    East Africa
    Smuts resumes main advance through Nguru Mountains on Morogoro (Central Railway): 7,000 men and 36 guns against c.2,000 Germans.

    Armenia:
    Kemal reoccupies Bitlis and Mus (August 6), taking 2 guns and 2 MGs.

    British counter-attack Turks with success near Romani (northern Sinai).

    British pursuit continues for 18 miles.


    British led forces counter-attack against the Turks in the battle of Romani. At dawn the Australian Light Horse and the New Zealand Wellington Mounted Rifle Regiment that have been holding the line opposite Wellington Ridge mount an attack on the Turkish positions and by 05:00 they have captured 1,000 prisoners and driven off the remainder. Everywhere along the front the Turks are either retreating or surrendering. The fight for Romani, and ultimately the Suez Canal, has now been won, largely by the Australian and New Zealand mounted troops.

    Turk attacks held in the region of Mush-Bitlis (Asia Minor).


    Successful Russian offensive continued 30 miles north of Erzingan.


    British forces in East Africa begin simultaneous forward movement, through Nguru Mountains, etc., towards Morogoro.


    Naval and Overseas Operations:


    Having been part of the blockade of Pola the submarine B10 returns to Venice and ties up alongside the Italian cruiser Marco Polo which is acting as a depot ship.

    Shipping Losses: 6

    Achilles:
    Greece: The coaster was shelled and sunk in the Gulf of Lion by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Aranda:
    Norway: The cargo ship struck a mine and was damaged in the North Channel ( with the loss of two of her crew. She was towed into Lough Foyle where she sank.

    Egyptian Prince:
    United Kingdom: The trawler was scuttled in the North Sea 12 nautical miles (22 km) south south east of the Longstone Lighthouse, by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Mount Coniston:
    United Kingdom: The cargo ship was scuttled in the Mediterranean Sea 7 nautical miles (13 km) east by south of the Medes Islands, by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Spiral:
    United Kingdom: The cargo ship was scuttled in the English Channel 40 nautical miles (74 km) west south west of St. Catherines Point, Isle of Wight by SM UB-18, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    St Olive:
    United Kingdom: The trawler was scuttled in the North Sea 11 nautical miles (20 km) east of Coquet Island, Northumberland , by SM UB-39, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 08-07-2016 at 23:01.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  37. #1637

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    Sunday 6th August 1916

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    William Henry Short
    VC (4 February 1884 – 6 August 1916) was from Eston, Middlesbrough. Before the war he was a steelworker, working as a craneman in a steelworks at Eston. He was also a popular local footballer, playing for the Grangetown Albion, Saltburn, and Lazenby United.

    He was 31 years old, and a private in the 8th Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment, during the First World War. On 6 August 1916 at Munster Alley, Contalmaison, France, during the Battle of the Somme, for which he was awarded the VC:

    Citation:

    For most conspicuous bravery. He was foremost in the attack, bombing the enemy with great gallantry, when he was severely wounded in the foot. He was urged to go back, but refused and continued to throw bombs. Later his leg was shattered by a shell, and he was unable to stand, so he lay in the trench adjusting detonators and straightening the pins of bombs for his comrades. He died before he could be carried out of the trench. For the last eleven months he had always volunteered for dangerous enterprises, and has always set a magnificent example of bravery and devotion to duty.

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    Légion d'Honneur

    "Marechal-des-Logis pilot of Escadrille N67, wounded twice in the cavalry, requested a transfer to aviation where he has become a pilot of the highest order, of remarkable strength and exceptional audacity. Already has the Médaille Militaire for downing two enemy planes, under particularly difficult circumstances, in March and April 1916; on 6 August [1916] he succeeded during the course of the same flight to down two other German planes sequentially one behind our lines the other near the trenches." Légion d'Honneur citation, 29 August 1916


    Today we lost: 710

    Today’s losses include:
    A scoutmaster

    Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War

    The son of a member of the clergy

    An England Rugby International

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:


    Private Charles Herbert Righton (Royal Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 21. His brother will be killed serving in the same regiment in November of this year.

    Private Albert Edward Willans (Royal Fusiliers) is killed at age 17. His brother was killed in May 1915.

    Major Duncan Chapman (Australian Infantry) is killed in action at Pozieres. Fifteen months earlier he has been the first Australian to land at Gallipoli on 25th April while a lieutenant in the 9th

    Captain John Alexander Kennedy (Seaforth Highlanders) dies of wounds at age 37. His brother will be killed in May 1917.

    Private Ernest John White (Dorsetshire Regiment) is killed in action. His brother will be killed in August 1918.

    Rifleman Alfred Herbert Burtt (King’s Royal Rifle Corps) dies of gunshot wounds at Etaples at age 30. His wife was with him when he died and he was the Scoutmaster for the Apsley Troop.

    Private Adam Beaton (Cameron Highlanders) dies of wounds. His brother will die of wounds October 1918.

    Private George Henry Creber (Devonshire Regiment) is killed at age 26. His brother was killed at the Battle of Jutland.

    Private William Baldwin (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 23. He is the first of three brothers who will be killed in the Great War.

    Trooper George Rawdon ffrench Nobbs (Australian Light Horse) is killed at age 20 in Egypt. He is the son of the Reverend George Rawdon ffrench Nobbs.

    Private Leonard Haigh (Army Service Corps) dies on service at home at age 35. He won seven caps playing Rugby football for England in 1910-11.

    Air Operations:

    Western Front: French ace Fonck forces undamaged Rumpler two-seater to land and alights nearby to take the crew as PoWs. Royal Flying Corps Sopwiths break up German 10-bomber formation east of Bapaume.

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: No losses are recorded for today.


    Claims: 7


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    Linienschiffsleutnant Gottfried Freiherr von Banfield
    , claims his 5th confirmed kill.flying a Lohner M (L-16) for Trieste NAS he shot down a Caproni CaI south east of Sistiana. Banfield was the Empire's highest scoring naval ace and the only Austro-Hungarian airman to receive the Empire's highest honor: the Knight's Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa. An excellent marksman, he scored all nine victories from flying boats. Participating in more than 400 sorties against the enemy, he was the first Austro-Hungarian airman to score a victory at night. Flying a Lohner two-seater on 27 June 1915, he scored his first victory, downing an Italian balloon near the mouth of the Isonzo River. In February 1916, he assumed command of the naval air station at Trieste for the duration of the war.

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    2Lt Henry Cope Evans claims his 3rd confirmed kill, flying a DH2 of 24 Sqaudron RFC he shot down an LVG C east of Bois de Vaux. As a young man, Henry Cope Evans emigrated to Canada to learn fruit farming in Ontario. He served with the Canadian Artillery in South Africa during the Boer War and then was a rancher and government-appointed range rider living in Macleod, Alberta. He was described at the time as a "keen sportsman and fine horseman" as well as a polo player. The day after war was declared, at the age of 35, he enlisted in the 19th Alberta Dragoons and went overseas with the First Contingent. As a Sergeant, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 13 September 1915 and was commissioned a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant, becoming an Observer on 13 December 1915. 2nd Lieutenant Evans received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 2603 on a Maurice Farman biplane at military school, Farnborough on 23 May 1916. Posted to Home Establishment on 26 January 1916, he completed pilot training and became a Flying Officer on 15 May 1916. He joined 24 Squadron on 4 July 1916 and flew for two months.
    Maj Selden Herbert "Tubby" Long claims his 1st confirmed kill flying a DH2 of 29 Squadron RFC he shot down a Fokker E near the Ypres salient. Possibly the son of Major General Sidney Selden Long, Selden Herbert Long was commissioned in the Durham Light Infantry before he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps on 25 March 1915. 2nd Lieutenant Long received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 1046 on a Maurice Farman biplane at military school, Brooklands on 25 January 1915. He scored nine victories flying the DH2.


    Maj William Douglas Stock Sanday claims his 2nd & 3rd confirmed kill flying a Sopwith 11/2 Strutter with Observer Lt Busk he shot down 2 Albatros C’s near Gouzeacourt. William Douglas Stock Sanday received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 1295 on a Maurice Farman biplane at Military School, Brooklands on 2 June 1915. He was awarded the Military Cross following numerous reconnaissance and escort missions flying the BE2c with 2 Squadron during the later half of 1915. He was injured in a crash on 9 January 1916. His Distinguished Service Order reflects his work flying the Sopwith 11/2 Strutter with 70 Squadron during the summer of 1916.
    Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

    "Capt. William Douglas Stock Sanday, M.C., R.F.C.
    For conspicuous gallantry and skill. He has led over 35 patrols with great gallantry. On one occasion a machine of his formation was attacked, but he charged and brought down the enemy machine in flames. He has destroyed at least four enemy machines."


    Sous Lt Noel Hugues Anne Louis de Rochefort claims his 6th confirmed kill flying for N26 he downed a balloon north east of Nesles. De Rochefort scored 7 victories with Escadrille N26 in 1916.

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    Sous Lt René Pierre Marie Dorme claims his 4th confirmed kill flying for N3 he shot down a LVG north of Nesles.

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    Sous Lt Marcel P. Viallet claims his 2nd & 3rd confirmed kills, shooting down 2 Aviatics 1 near Avocourt and 1 near Vauquois. Wounded in action while serving in the cavalry, Viallet requested a transfer to aviation in 1915. Receiving a Pilot's Brevet later that year, he was posted to Escadrille C53 as a two-seater pilot. After downing one aircraft and accumulating 376 hours of flight time, he was reassigned to Escadrille N67 in June 1916. Flying single-seat fighters, Viallet scored 8 more victories by the end of the year.

    Western Front

    Verdun:

    German counter-attack defeated, but regains Thiaumont work twice (August 8-9).

    Somme:

    Slight British advance east of Pozieres. Reserve Army begins struggle for Mouquet Farm (until September 3).
    Mouquet Farm is just north of Pozieres and it serves as a German Brigade Headquarters and a strongpoint defended by two companies in a maze of bunkers and machine gun posts. Its importance as a British objective lays in the fact that it flanks Thiepval Ridge. Mouquet Farm (Mucky or Moo Cow Farm to the troops) will be the scene of heavy fighting from today until 3rd September. Royal Fusiliers (36 Brigade 12th Division) are holding Ration Trench. At 04:00 a German attack from the north east with grenades and flame-throwers drives the Fusiliers out of their trench. Fighting in the open they prevent any further German advance.

    At Pozieres in the early morning 5 and 7 Brigades (2nd Australian Divsion) are relieved by the 45th and 48th Battalions of the 4th Australian Division. A German attack from Courcelette is driven back. South of the village, in the afternoon, the 8th West Yorkshire Regiment capture another 150 yards of Munster Alley from the Germans. They also secure the eastern end of Torr Trench. Fighting continues all night with 11th West Yorkshire fighting through the 8th in conjunction with an Australian attack.

    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).

    Tunstills Men, Sunday 6th August 1916:

    Peake Wood

    During the morning Tunstill’s Company provided carrying parties, delivering supplies to the front line trenches held by 8th Yorkshires who were preparing to launch an attack to secure portions of Munster Alley and Torr Trench (see 29th July) which were still being fiercely contested by the Germans. There was a considerable British bombardment through the morning in preparation for the assault and, prior to the attack going in at 4.15pm, Tunstill’s Company was ordered forward to reinforce 8th Yorkshires in the line. 8th Yorkshires’ attack proved successful and positions in Munster Alley and Torr Trench were consolidated. The scale of the fighting over previous days was made clear in the Brigade report which stated that, “Torr Trench, Munster Alley and the surrounding ground, now almost unrecognisable from shell fire, were covered with German dead. The bodies were in many places half-buried and trodden under foot during the progress of the attack”.

    In a letter home to his wife, Brig. Genl. T.S. Lambert reported, “We had a very stiff fight … but we again managed to gain ground and gave the Boche a good hard hit though he avenged himself by putting a terrific artillery barrage on to our trenches and fairly blew some of them to bits. Of course we had casualties but everyone is very pleased with the result and I am glad to think the Brigade has three times now done so well. The Corps Commander and Div Commander came over to congratulate us but I missed the former. We took about 30 prisoners but killed and wounded a lot more by rifles, machine guns and bombs, let alone our artillery fire which must have cost them a lot”. (I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me to reproduce the letters here).

    Acting Sergt. Edgar Shuttleworth (see 23rd January) had his provisional appointment to his rank confirmed.

    Pte. Frank Hargrave (see 2nd August), who had originally served with Tunstill’s Company, and had been reported missing in action while serving with 9DWR near Longueval four days earlier, was now confirmed as having been wounded and was evacuated to England. He had suffered injuried to his left elbow and was transported from 1st Stationary Hospital at Rouen across the Channel on the Hospital Ship Panama.



    Pte. Edwin Everingham Ison (see 23rd July), 1st Battalion, West Yorkshires, was discharged to duty, having spent two weeks being treated for “pyrexia, NYD”, ie pyrexia, or raised temperature, ‘not yet diagnosed’. He would later be commissioned and serve with 10DWR.



    Eastern Front:

    Russians gain heights and villages on right bank of Sereth and Graberko (south Brody) and repel German counter-attacks.

    Southern Front:

    Isonzo: Main Italian assault at 1600 hours after 9 hours intensest artillery barrage yet against Austrian 58th Division (General Zeidler on leave), 42 guns, 65 MGs involves Capello’s VI Corps’ 6 divisions, 603 guns and 390 mortars. They storm Mt Sabatino (1,998 ft) in 45 minutes and part of Podgora, taking 8,000 PoW’s, 11 guns and 100 MGs. Former success much aided by Colonel Badoglio’s exhaustive reconnaissance and planning as CoS VI Corps and his leading of 6 battalions of 45th Division to assault.

    Abruzzi Brigade storms Oslavia and Hill 165 to south, Cuneo Brigade takes Grafenberg on Podgora; Pavia Brigade storms Mt Calvario (603 ft). Italian XI Corps (87 battalions and 217 guns) captures all 4 humps of Mt Michele (Carso) and enters village taking 1,000 PoWs from Austrian VII Corps then gains whole of Northern Carso (until August 9).

    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:


    Sinai:
    British reoccupy Katia, Turk rearguard actions against mounted troops until August 7.

    In Egypt the enemy is found to have retired from Qatia, and, while the cavalry press on in pursuit, the infantry moves forward and occupies the line Er Rabah-Qatia-Bir El Mamluk. Australian Light Horse, which have borne the brunt of observing and harassing the enemy’s advance, are given a day’s rest in camp, while the remainder of the cavalry continue the advance. The enemy’s rearguard is found to be occupying his previously prepared position extending across the road and telegraph line between Hod El Reshafat and Hod El Dhaba. British attempts to turn their flanks by Hod En Negiliat on the north and Hod El Sagia on the south are frustrated by heavy artillery fire. On the same morning the Camel Corps detachment of Smith’s Mobile Column occupy Bir El Mageibra without opposition. Another body of mounted troops also moves to Mageibra in support at Bir El Jafeir. In the afternoon Major John Julius Jersey de Knoop, commanding the Camel Corps detachment of this column, reconnoitres towards Hod El Bayud, and reports that a force of the enemy is occupying Hod El Muhammam, five miles north-east of Mageibra. Orders for an attack next morning are issued by Colonel L C Smith VC.

    Determined Turk attacks repulsed by Russians north of the Upper Euphrates (Armenia) and in region of Mush-Bitlis.

    Russians driven back by the Turks east of Kermanshah (Persia

    Naval Operations:

    Shipping Losses: 1

    Loch Lomond: United Kingdom: The fishing smack was shelled and sunk in the North Sea 18 nautical miles (33 km) east of Lowestoft, Suffolk by SM UB-29, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 08-06-2016 at 11:30.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  38. #1638

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    Blimey its going to take me all week to read the last couple of weeks of postings, great work Neil and Rob. Thank you both

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  39. #1639

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    Monday 7th August 1916

    Today we lost: 697
    Today’s losses include:
    A man who will be awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross

    A Baron

    The son of a different Baron (both killed while serving in Yeomanry attached to the Imperial Camel Corps)

    The son of a Baronet

    Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War

    The son of a member of the clergy

    On the Western Front


    Private William Henry Short (Yorkshire Regiment) performs actions that will result in his being awarded the Victoria Cross. He was foremost in the attack bombing the enemy with great gallantry when he is severely wounded in the foot. He is urged to go back but refuses and continues to thrown bombs. Later his leg is shattered by a shell and he is unable to stand so he lays in the trench adjusting detonators and straightening the pins of bombs for his comrades. He dies before he can be carried out of the trench

    Lieutenant Timothy John Aloysius O’Brien (Royal Field Artillery) is killed at age 24. He is the son of ‘Sir’ Timothy Carew O’Brien the 3rd

    Lieutenant Ernest Wilfred Rupert Finch (Seaforth Highlanders) is killed at age 21. His brother will be killed by Slavic mutineers in North Russia in July 1919.

    Second Lieutenant Ian Strathy Donald (Cameronians) is killed at age 20. He is the son of the Reverend Duncan Macalister Donald.

    Private Steve Runham (Bedfordshire Regiment) is killed at age 21. His brother will be killed in April 1917.

    Private Leonard Swales (West Yorkshire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 20. His brother will be killed in October.

    Versus the Turks at Katia


    Captain John Julius Jersey De Knoop (Cheshire Yeomanry attached Imperial Camel Corps) dies of wounds received at age 40. He is the son of the late Baron and Baroness.

    Lieutenant and Baron Alan Frederick James De Rutzen (Pembroke Yeomanry attached Imperial Camel Corps) is killed at age 40. He is the son of ‘Sir’ Albert De Rutzen Metropolitan Magistrate. His son Major and Baron John Frederick Foley De Rutzen (Welsh Guards) will be killed 11th November 1944 at age 36.

    Air Operations:


    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: 1


    A Mech 2 Dodd, H. (Harry),
    30 Squadron (Kut Garrison), RFC. Captured when British Garrison at Kut el Amara surrendered 29 April 1916. Died as a Prisoner of War in Turkish Hands 7 August 1916.

    Claims: 2


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    Oberleutnant Josef Friedrich
    claims his 3rd confirmed kill for Flik 16 with pilot Hauptmann Raoul Stojsavljevic shooting down a Farman near Val di Raccolana.

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    Hauptmann Raoul Stojsavljevic
    claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying a Hansa-Brandenburg C.I , for Flik 16 with Observer Oberleutnant Josef Friedrich shooting down a Farman near Val di Raccolana.

    Western Front


    Verdun:

    French progress at Fleury and the Thiaumont work (Verdun).

    Somme:


    German attacks north and northeast of Pozieres. British attack outskirts of Guillemont.

    Second Lieutenant Albert Jacka’s VC platoon moves into the line near Pozieres last night and as dawn breaks, German troops overrun a part of the line. Jacka has just completed a reconnaissance and has gone to his dug-out when two Germans appear at its entrance and roll a bomb down the doorway, killing two men. Jacka charges up the dug-out steps, firing as he moves, and comes upon a large number of the enemy rounding up 42 members of the 48th Australian Infantry as prisoners. Jacka rallies his platoon and charges the enemy, some of whom immediately throw down their rifles. Hand-to-hand fighting erupts as the Australian prisoners turn on their captors. Fifty Germans are captured and the line is retaken. Jacka will be awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry.
    French advance north of Hardecourt (northern Somme).

    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).

    Tunstills Men, Monday 7th August 1916:


    Peake Wood

    Tunstill’s Company re-joined the remainder of the Battalion as companies from 9th Yorkshires and 11th West Yorks took over the front line. The day was quieter, “beyond the usual artillery activity there is nothing to report”. In a letter home to his wife Brig. Genl. T.S. Lambert commented on the quieter interlude and the need for some respite, “Things have quietened down a bit here … I hope we shall get a bit of a rest soon now. The men have done splendidly and are full of themselves but cannot go on indefinitely of course”.

    In the evening orders were received that the Battalion would be relieved next day by 13th Royal Scots.

    Eastern Front:

    Russian advance in Graberko-Sereth region.
    Heavy fighting, 2,000 prisoners taken.

    Galicia: Lechitski resumes offensive with gas shell preparation, advances 12 miles to Stanislau capture Tlumacz, takes it with 10,581 (3,500 German) PoW’s (August 10), identifies German Karpat*enkorps arriving from Verdun (August 8).

    Southern Front:

    Italian offensive continues.

    Monte Sabatino, Monte San Michele and bridgehead of Gorizia captured. 8,000 prisoners, 11 guns and 100 machine guns taken.

    Austrian attacks beaten off by Italians on Asiago Plateau and in the Upper Cordevole Valley (Dolomites).

    Isonzo
    :
    Lambro and Etna Brigades storm Hill 188 and Peurna heights. Some Cuneo patrols reach Isonzo in night. Austrians blow up rail bridge and counter*attack at Grafenberg.

    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:


    Stiff fighting at Romani; British threaten Turkish flanks.

    Naval Operations:


    Italy:
    Royal navy transfers 4 ‘W’-class submarines (some of them on August 23) small submarines to Italian Navy.

    Shipping Losses: 3


    HMT John High: Royal Navy:
    The naval trawler struck a mine and sank in the White Sea with the loss of fourteen crew

    Newburn: United Kingdom:
    The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 34 nautical miles (63 km) north north east of Dragonera, Spain by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew were rescued by Daisy: Denmark.
    Trident: United Kingdom:The cargo ship was torpedoed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 34 nautical miles (63 km) north north east of Dragonera, Spain by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew were rescued by Daisy: Denmark.

    Political:

    Admiralty deny allegation in German press that British Hospital Ships are being used as transports.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 08-07-2016 at 15:00.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  40. #1640

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    Thank your for your effort from the Aug 3 to Aug 7 nice work. I wish I could give your Reputation points.

  41. #1641

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    Tuesday 8th August 1916

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    Gabriel George Coury
    VC (13 June 1896 – 2 February 1956), was born on 13 June 1896 in Liverpool to an Armenian father and French mother, he was educated at Stonyhurst College from 1907 to 1913. He worked as an apprentice in a cotton brokerage when the war broke out. Coury volunteered to join Kitchener's New Army in 1914.
    While he was a second lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, The South Lancashire Regiment (The Prince of Wales Volunteers), he performed deeds on 8 August 1916, near Arrow Head Copse, France for which he was awarded the VC. His actions also earned him a promotion to full lieutenant.

    Citation:


    For most conspicuous bravery. During an advance he was in command of two platoons ordered to dig a communication trench from the firing line to the position won. By his fine example and utter contempt of danger he kept up the spirits of his men and completed his task under intense fire. Later, after his battalion had suffered severe casualties and the Commanding Officer had been wounded, he went out in front of the advanced position in broad daylight and in full view of the enemy found his Commanding Officer, and brought him back to the new advanced trench over ground swept by machine-gun fire. He not only carried out his original tasks and saved his Commanding Officer, but also assisted in rallying the attacking troops when they were shaken and in leading them forward.[2]

    Royal Flying Corps


    On 15 November 1916, Lieutenant Coury was seconded to the RFC as a flying officer (observer). He was appointed a flying officer on 20 September 1917, although his seniority was dated from 28 August 1917.
    On 1 April 1918, Coury was transferred to the RAF on its establishment, and he subsequently transferred to the RAF Administrative Branch on 20 September 1918. On 30 September 1918, Coury was promoted to temporary captain in the Medical section of the Administrative Branch. He mustered out as a captain when the war ended.

    Today we lost: 1284
    Today’s losses include:

    Multiple battalion commanders

    The brother of a Victoria Cross winner

    Multiple families that will lose two and three sons in the Great War

    Multiple sons of members of the clergy

    Four professional footballers

    The author of a boot “The Mummy’s Play”

    A A Milne’s best friend

    Multiple examples of two brothers killed together

    An Assistant Master at Dalton School

    Today’s highlighted casualties include:


    Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Goff MC (commanding 1st Liverpool Regiment) is killed at age 26.

    Second Lieutenant John Theodore St Clair Tisdall (Liverpool Regiment) is killed at age 23. He is the brother of Sub Lieutenant Arthur Walderne St Clair Tisdall who was awarded the Victoria Cross on Gallipoli in April 1915 and who was killed the following month and they are sons of the Reverend William St Clair Tisdall Vicar of St George’s Deal.

    Second Lieutenant Lancelot Andrew Noel Slocock (Liverpool Regiment) is killed in action at age 29. He is an English International Rugby football player and his brother will die of wounds in April 1918. His Noel middle name came from the fact he was born on Christmas day. He is the son of the late Reverend F H Slocock, Rector of Mottisfont.

    Second Lieutenant John Reginald Swallow (Liverpool Regiment) is killed. He is the only member of the staff of Southgate Country School to be killed in either World War.

    Private John William Greenhalgh (Liverpool Regiment) is killed at age 29. He is the second of three brothers who will die in the Great War, the first died in April 1915 while the last will be killed in 10 days.

    Private Wilfrid Chaloner (King’s Liverpool Regiment) is killed during an attack on Waterlot Farm at age 24. His brother will die of malaria on service in 1919.

    Private William Webber Walter Gerrish is killed in the attack after losing both his legs at age 31. He played football for Aston Villa from April 1909 to August 1912 and also played for Bristol Rovers and Preton NE. He scored 17 goals in 55 league matches for Aston Villa and 1 goal in 3 cup matches.

    Private Oscar Horace Stanley Linkson is killed at age 28. He started his career with Barnet Alston (later Barnet F.C.) in 1907. He was spotted playing for an amateur team, Pirates FC, on a continental tour by scouts from Manchester United who were also touring in the same area. He signed on as a full team player for Manchester United in 1908. He made his first team debut on 24th October 1908 in a match against Nottingham Forest. In total Linkson played in 55 league games and 4 FA Cup games. He would help the club win the 1909 FA Cup and 1911 league championship. In 1913 he transferred to Shelbourne in Dublin. In 1912 he married his 16 year-old sweetheart Olive Fenton. Olive was the granddaughter of Kate Hodson an actress in the Victorian era and the great niece of Henrietta Hodson, an actress and theatre manager.

    Private Thomas Alfred Clarke is killed at age 19. His brother will be killed in July 1917.

    Lance Corporal Frank Chandler is killed in action at age 26. His brother will die on active in February 1917.

    Private Allan Foster is killed at age 29. He is a football player for both Reading and Bristol City who is remembered for his hat trick against AC Milan in Reading’s 5-0 victory.

    Private William Webber Walter Gerrish is killed in the attack after losing both his legs at age 31. He played football for Aston Villa from April 1909 to August 1912 and also played for Bristol Rovers and Preton NE. He scored 17 goals in 55 league matches for Aston Villa and 1 goal in 3 cup matches.

    Lieutenant Colonel John Plunkett Verney Hawksley DSO (commanding 110th Brigade Royal Field Artillery) is killed at age 28.

    Captain Edward Marmaduke Rennard (North Lancashire Regiment) is killed at age 21. He is the son of the Reverend

    David Smith Rennard Vicar of Heapy.

    Captain Francis Bernard Roberts (Rifle Brigade) is killed at age 33. He is the son of Canon W A Roberts.

    Captain Carlton Collingwood (South Lancashire Regiment) dies of wounds at age 26. He is the son of ‘Sir’ William Collingwood. Lieutenant Reginald John Elliott Tiddy (Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry) is killed at age 36 when a shell strikes the trench he in searching for wounded soldiers. He is a member of Cecil Sharp’s morris-dance demonstration team which will also lose three other members this year. His book The Mummers’ Play will be published in 1923.

    Second Lieutenant Ernest John Pusch (Warwickshire Regiment) is killed by a shell at age 19. He is A A Milne’s best friend and his brother was killed six weeks ago

    Second Lieutenant Henry Merrik Burrell Law (Royal Flying Corps) is killed at age 26. His brother was killed last September and they are sons of the Reverend Henry Kiburn Law Rector of Dolton.

    Second Lieutenant Ronald d’Albertanson MC (East Surrey Regiment attached Dorsetshire Regiment) killed in action at age 22. He is the son of the Reverend Canon of Rua da Cerca, Oporto, Portugal.

    Corporal Henry George Haskett (Somerset Light Infantry) is killed at age 30. His brother will die on service in March 1919.

    Lance Corporal John Cloudsdale age 24 and his brother Private Thomas Cloudsdale age 27 are killed together in the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment).

    Private Albert Dun (South Lancashire Regiment) is killed. His brother was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

    Privates and brothers Edward and William Henry Nicholson (Lancaster Regiment) are both killed at age 18.

    Private Ernest Sidney Smith (Australian Infantry) dies of wounds at age 27. He is the middle of three brothers who will lose their lives this year.

    Private J Burrow (Royal Lancaster Regiment) is killed in action at age 25. He is the Assistant Master at Dalton (Church of England) School.

    Private James Dove (Northumberland Fusiliers) is killed in action at age 22. His brother will be killed in October of this year.

    Private Abel Lomax (East Lancashire Regiment) dies of wounds received in action at age 25. His brother will die of wounds in September 1917.

    Private Allen Foster (Middlesex Regiment) who played football for both Reading and Bristol City is killed at age 29.

    Air Operations:

    Western Front: 3 FE2b’s of No 25 Squadron defeat 6 Roland biplanes over Bethune, forcing them to jettison bombs over own lines.

    Britain: 9 Zeppelins scatter 173 bombs over East England and Scotland (night August 8-9, 21 of 26 casualties in Hull). Admiralty now has 114 warships with anti-aircraft guns able to engage Zeppelins.

    Zeppelin Raids:North-East, N. Yorks., E. Yorks., Norfolk, Scotland:
    Kapitänleutnant Robert Koch, commanding L.24, came in south of Flamborough Head at 12.15am. He headed inland as far as Market Weighton where he changed course, appearing uncertain of his position until, heading south he struck the Selby to Hull railway line and the River Humber, which he followed to the east. At 1.18am L.24 passed over Hessle, dropping eight high-explosive (HE) and two incendiaries which all fell harmlessly in fields between Swanland and Hessle, only breaking a few windows. From there Hull became an obvious target. Approaching the city from the north-west, at 1.20am L.24 released three HE bombs that fell on the golf course followed by another which failed to detonate and four incendiaries dropping around the tracks just south of Spring Bank Junction on the Hull and Barnsley Railway.

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    (The destruction of the Edwin Davis Store, in front of Holy Trinity Church, Hull. The Zeppelins used bombs in all shapes and sizes)

    Koch then steered L.24 along the south side of Anlaby Road, dropping eight HE bombs causing considerable damage in Sandringham Street, Granville Street, Walliker Street and Selby Street. A bomb which landed in the backway between Sandringham and Granville Streets injured Mr and Mrs Broadley and killed their three-year-old son John Charles who had gone there seeking protection from the bombs. The bomb wrecked two houses in those streets and damaged others. A bomb in Walliker Street killed Charles Lingard at no. 61 and Emma Evers (46), who was sheltering in a doorway. It also destroyed a fried fish shop and a house in that street and wrecked two others on the corner of Brunswick Avenue.

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    Bombs also destroyed two houses in Selby Street and damaged a number of others, killing Mary Louisa Bearpark (aged 44) and Emmie Bearpark (14), and three members of the Hall family - Rose (31), Elizabeth (9) and Mary (7). Three other residents of Hull died from shock brought on by the bombs. Engaged by an AA gun, L.24 started to climb and, while circling West Park and Hymers College, a bomb dropped in Arnold Street which set fire to a haystack, before Koch struck off northwards, dropping a succession of incendiary bombs on the following Streets: Wyndham, Derringham, Louis, Princes, Clumber and Belvoir. In Park Avenue four fires broke out, and in Victoria Avenue there was at least one fire. L.21 went out to sea near Hornsea at 1.47am.

    L.14 (Hauptmann Kuno Manger) came inland at Berwick-upon-Tweed at 12.25am, crossed the border into Scotland and dropped an incendiary on a farm at Fallside Hill near Gordon without damage. Turning to the south-east, Manger released three HE bombs at Grahamslaw in the parish of Eckford at 1.08am where they fell in a turnip and grass field, followed by an incendiary at Kersknowe a minute later. Another three minutes and two more incendiaries landed at Clifton in the parish of Morebattle. The only recorded damage was to a field of thistles. L.14 then flew east over the Cheviot Hills, dropping an incendiary half a mile south of Southern Knowe before reaching the coast at Alnmouth at 2.00am.

    L.11 (Korvettenkapitän Viktor Schütze) came in over Whitley Bay, north of the mouth of the Tyne, at 2.30am. After releasing a flare, which landed in a field south of the cemetery, L.11 dropped seven HE bombs in a line from Whitley Road to the railway station, a distance of 223 yards. The first bomb seriously damaged premises owned by a confectioner, a fish merchant, a baker, a poulterer and the Tyneside Gas Company. The second bomb wrecked a house in Albany Gardens while the third bomb detonated in a yard at 23 Albany Gardens causing severe damage to the house. The next two fell close to the corner of Algernon Road and Clarence Crescent, bursting a water main, damaging a wall and breaking many windows. Then two more fell near the Station damaging a signal post, fences and a hen house. Turning south L.11 then dropped an incendiary on a house in Burnfoot Terrace but the Fire Brigade quickly extinguished it. Two more incendiaries struck houses in Lish Avenue causing minor damage, then another HE bomb dropped between Lish Avenue and Carlton Terrace but may not have detonated. The final two bombs, incendiaries, landed in Carlton Terrace where a serious fire broke out at no. 3 practically destroying the building. Five people suffered injuries in the raid. The 3-inch AA gun at Whitley Bay got off four rounds but mist prevented the searchlight from illuminating the target.

    Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Mathy, commanding L.31, arrived off the coast between Sunderland and Seaham and appears to have released a number of bombs over the sea between 12.15 and 1.15am, either aimed at shipping or to gain altitude. Coming inland at Whitburn, between Sunderland and South Shields, L.31 passed over Bolden and Cleadon at about 1.45am before turning back towards the coast. Over Marsden, Mathy aimed six HE bombs at Salmons Hall, a large house formerly known as Marsden Cottage, which along with surrounding buildings was now providing miner’s dwellings. The bombs broke numerous windows, blew slates off the roof, damaged the gable end and killed a horse, but no one was injured. Mathy then passed over South Shields and Tynemouth but a very effective blackout and fog on the Tyne meant he dropped no more bombs and went back out to sea.

    At 1.30am Kapitänleutnant Eduard Prölss, commanding L.13, came inland at Denemouth, north of Hartlepool. Heading west he dropped an HE bomb at 1.45am in a field at Wingate that broke windows in about 10 houses, then continued on the same course attracted by a burning waste heap at Kelloe Colliery and possibly a burning limekiln at Quarrington. On approaching these lights Prölss dropped 12 HE and 14 incendiary bombs.

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    At
    Kelloe the bombs ripped up 24 feet of colliery railway track and smashed 12 panes of glass in a weigh cabin. At Quarrington Hill the explosions smashed windows in 40 houses and a shop. Others fell in neighbouring Bowden seemingly without effect. L.13 then headed back to the coast and went out to sea over Easington at about 2.05am.


    L.30, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Horst von Buttlar, spent about 30 minutes off the north-east coast and dropped a number of bombs at sea before coming in over a blacked-out Hartlepool at 12.55am. It appears von Buttlar did not realise he was over the town and docks. Having turned south, von Buttlar dropped six HE bombs three minutes later in cornfields not far from the railway station and west of the Seaton Carew Ironworks, and three HE at the Ironworks close to a slag-tip. The explosions broke windows in Belle Vue and Longhill. A visible glow from the zinc works at Seaton Snook attracted a single incendiary but it did no damage. Caught by a searchlight at 1.05am, von Buttlar ended his raid and immediately went out over the mouth of the River Tees.

    Kapitänleutnant Martin Dietrich, commanding L.22, came inland near Hartlepool. Attracted to Redcar by flares burning on the RNAS airfield, which had been lit when a BE2c took off at about 12.15am, L.22 released five HE bombs over the airfield. These caused no damage other than gouging craters in the field. He released four more HE bombs to the east of Wheatlands Farm, which landed in a field forming part of a military camp, but again no damage occurred. Dietrich followed the coastline towards the south-east and near Saltburn an AA gun at Hunley Hall opened fire at 1.12am as he passed. Five minutes later L.22 approached Skinningrove, which was under attack by L.21, then turned about at Carlin How and appeared to circle back to locate the AA gun, which had now fired again. Dietrich passed over the gun then followed a route inland to the south until he reached the hamlet of Houlsyke near Danby and dropped a single incendiary bomb on the moor at about 1.35am without damage. Dietrich then headed back towards the coast and was seen going out to sea from Robin Hood’s Bay, south of Whitby, at 1.50am.

    L.21 (Hauptmann August Stelling) attacked the armed yacht Miranda two miles north-east of Skinningrove with three HE bombs at 12.58am; the nearest landed 400 yards from the target. The yacht replied with five 3-pdr rounds. L.21 came inland over the cliffs east of Skinningrove at 1.17am, dropped three HE bombs in a quarry, then steered over the ironworks at 1.20am dropping seven HE bombs. They demolished a small wooden time-office and damaged some pipes, pumps and tanks but there were no casualties, after which L.21 went straight out to sea. The RNAS BE2c probably pursued both L.21 and L.22 at different times but was unable to climb to a position to make an attack.
    Far to the south of the other raiders, L.16 (Kapitänleutnant Erich Sommerfeldt) crossed the north-west Norfolk coast at Brancaster at about 12.30am. Sommerfeldt followed a course towards the south-west and ten minutes later dropped 20 bombs (ten HE and ten incendiary) at Dersingham. The bombs smashed windows and brought down ceilings at Wellswell House and 36 other dwellings with damage estimated at £40. Five minutes later another eight HE and seven incendiary bombs fell between Dersingham and Wolferton. A number of fires broke out on Sandringham Warren but local residents and special constables extinguished them quickly. Sommerfeldt then turned back to the north and followed the coast to Hunstanton where he went out to sea at about 1.09am.

    Royal Flying Corps Losses today: 2

    Capt Collingwood, C. (Carlton)
    , RFC. Died of Wounds 8 August 1916 aged 26.

    2Lt Law, H.M.B. (Henry Merrik Burrell), 18 Squadron, RFC. Killed in Action 8 August 1916 aged 26.

    Claims: 6

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    Hauptman Johann Frint claims his 6th confirmed kill, flying with pilot Ernst Franz in a Hansa-Brandenburg Ci for Flik 23 he shot down a Nieuport scout near Val Grezzana. Frint was an Oberleutnant in Infantry Regiment No. 65 when the war began. While stationed on the Russian front, he was very badly wounded on 14 November 1914. Despite injuries that prevented him from returning to service with the infantry, he succeeded in transferring to the air service and was posted to Flik 23 after completing his training as an observer. Having scored six victories with this unit, Frint was killed during a test flight when the Albatros DIII (53.46) in which he was flying crashed in an orchard.

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    2Lt Henry Cope Evans
    claims his 4th confirmed kill flying a DH2 for 24 Squadron, RFC. He shot down a Roland CII east of Bapaume. (See August 6th)


    2Llt Charles Henry Chapman claims his 1st confirmed kill, flying a FE2b for 25 Squadron, RFC. He shot down a Roland CII near Don. Charles Henry Chapman Woollven transferred to the Royal Flying Corps from the Devon Regiment. He received Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate 2636 on 31 March 1916 and joined 25 Squadron on 19 June 1916 at the age of 19.

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    Leutnant Walter von Bülow-Bothkamp claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying for FA 300 he shot down an enemy plane near El Arish, Suez.

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    Oberleutnant Kurt Arthur Benno Student claims his 3rd confirmed kill flying for AOK 3. He shot down a Nieuport north of Souplet. Student joined the army in 1911 and entered the German Air Force in 1913. After serving with FFA 17 on the Galician front, he flew Eindekkers on the Western Front before assuming command of AOK 3 in June 1916.

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    Major Gervais Raoul Lufbery
    claims his 4th confirmed kill flying for N124. He shot down an Aviatic C north east of Douaomont. (See 4th August).

    Western Front

    Verdun:

    Fierce fighting in Verdun region: Germans gain and lose Thiaumont work.

    Somme:


    French progress north of Hem Wood (southern Somme).
    Germans, by violent counter-attack, regain trenches.

    Fierce fighting in Verdun region: Germans gain and lose Thiaumont work.

    Two German attacks beaten back east of Monacu Farm (northern Somme).

    British gain 400 yards at Guillemont – Germans still hold south end of village, repulse Allied attacks on August 9. British 2nd Division attacks Waterlot Farm to northwest until August 9.

    At Mouquet Farm 35 Brigade, 12th Division is holding the ground near Ration Trench when it is attacked at 03:00 and again at 07.30 on both flanks. The main body holds off the attack but on the right the 5th Royal Berkshire Regiment pulls back. At 09.20 the 15th Australian Infantry drives the Germans from Park Lane and enters 0G1. The failure of 7th Suffolk Regiment on the Australian’s right to retake Ration Trench means that the Australians have to withdraw back to the line of the Farm track.

    XIII Corps launches a two division assault on Guillemont and the area east of Waterlot Farm. 6 Brigade, 2nd Division attacks north of the railway. 1st King’s Liverpool Regiment attacks Guillemont Station with three companies reaching their objective. The fourth company finds the German front lines reoccupied.

    From Waterlot Farm, 17th Middlesex Regiment enters ZZ Trench but fails to link up with the Liverpool Regiment. Two football players are killed during the attack on Guillemont while serving in the Middlesex Regiment.

    55th Division attacks Guillemont itself with two brigades-164 and 165. In 164 Brigade, 1st/4th Liverpool Regiment is stopped by barbed wire south west of the village. The Liverpool Irish (1st/8th King’s Liverpool Regiment) advances past the quarry and occupies the center of Guillemont. They are followed by 1st/4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, whose mission is to occupy the German line. They however are pushed back and the Liverpool Irish are surrounded in Guillemont where the survivors surrendered after 36 hours. South of Guillemont 165 Brigade sends 1st/5th Liverpool Regiment bombing along Cochrane Alley. They are soon stopped and forced back to the assembly trenches.

    (see Somme special July 1st for more information).


    Tunstills Men, Tuesday 8th August 1916:


    Peake Wood
    The Battalion was relieved from 10am by 13th Royal Scots and began a move which, over the next ten days, would take them to a brief period of rest. The Battalion first marched eleven miles via Becourt, Albert, Millencourt and Lavieville to Bresle, arriving there at 3.30 pm. Billeting parties had departed earlier and on the instructions of the Town Major they had arranged accommodation in a combination of billets in town and in bivouacs in the surrounding area.

    A Medical Board convened at 1st Southern General Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham declared that 2Lt. Cecil Crowther Hart (see 2nd August) who had been wounded in the fighting around Munster Alley, would be unfit for duty for at least a month.

    Lt. Thomas Beattie, (see 5th August) who had been wounded in the left shoulder by shrapnel a few days earlier while serving with 9DWR was transferred from no.2 Red Cross Hospital, Rouen to no.2 Western General Hospital in Manchester; the operation carried out three days earlier having proved unsuccessful, he would require further specialist treatment.

    Proceedings began in settling the affairs of Lt. Frederick Hird (see 29th July) who had been killed at Munster Alley. It was reported that he was not known to have left a will and that his next of kin was Mrs. F.Hird (wife), Escombe, Hadlow Down, Buxted, East Sussex. This was actually the home address of his brother Frank Hird.

    Eastern Front:

    Pripet: Brusilov offensive, Russian Guard and Third Armies attack towards Kovel, make no gains (until August 9). Guard losses 55,292 men; July 25 – August 9.

    Russians take Tysmienica (Stanislau, Galicia), 7,400 prisoners.

    Southern Front:

    Isonzo: Italians clear western bank of middle Isonzo, secure all Podgora; 4 battalions cross road bridge to enter Gorizia on east side, Lieutenant Baruzzi (28th Regiment, 12th Division) first in, raises Italian flag on station, winning gold medal.

    African, Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres:

    Macedonia:
    This night ‘Castle Hill’ in Macedonia is occupied by the Worcestershire Regiment.

    Sinai:
    Turks abandon Oghratina but repulse ANZAC Mounted Divisiion pursuit (322 casualties) at Bir*el-Abd (August 9), but evacuate it on August 11.

    Turks occupy Mush and Bitlis (
    Armenia).

    Naval Operations:


    Shipping Losses: 3


    Imperial:
    United Kingdom: The cargo ship was shelled and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea 38 nautical miles (70 km) south west by west of the Ile du by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine. Her crew survived.

    Speme:
    Italy: The barquentine was sunk in the Gulf of Lyons by SM U-35, Kaiserliche Marine.

    SM UB-44:
    Kaiserliche Marine: The Type UB II submarine departed Cattaro, Austia-Hungary for Hersingstand, Turkey. No further trace, lost with all 24 crew.

    Political:

    Portugal decides to extend military help in war at Europe.

    Allies agree on terms for Rumania.

    PEACE TERMS
    .

    HC Deb 08 August 1916 vol 85 c864

    Major HUNT: asked whether, in view of the fact that under the conditions of the War the Germans will have had far fewer ships destroyed during the War than will be the case as to this country and that of the Allies, he can give the House the assurance that, for every ship sunk or destroyed by Germany and her allies, the Government will insist in the peace terms that at least an equal amount of shipping shall be taken from Germany by this country and the Allies to make up for the amount destroyed by enemy countries during the War?

    The PRIME MINISTER: The question referred to is not being overlooked, but it would be premature and inexpedient to make any announcement at present as to the terms of peace.

    Major HUNT: Is the hon. Member not aware that people are anxious to get perfectly straightforward answers on this question?

    The PRIME MINISTER: I do not like to discuss that question on the floor of the House.
    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 08-08-2016 at 05:03.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  42. #1642

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    I now hand over the baton to Hedeby just returned after his spot of R&R. (Winter is coming!)
    See you on the Dark Side......

  43. #1643

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    lol, no pressure chaps - another monster edition for me to try and follow with one of my late night specials....

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  44. #1644

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    You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Skafloc again. I don't give them out that offend but if I could you would get them every day!

  45. #1645

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    What a splendid edition to complete your latest stint Neil.
    Well done that man.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  46. #1646

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    Well its back in the hot seat after a few weeks in hot and sunny climes - massive thanks to Neil and Rob for the coverage whilst I was away - what an amazing job they have both done. So now its back to me - lets see how I start to 'follow that'...


    9th August 1916

    I start back on what was not a good day for the RFC with five losses on this day...

    Lieutenant James Robert Dennistoun
    23 Squadron RFC: Died 9 August 1916 aged 33 as a Prisoner of War at Ohrdruf, from wounds received when aeroplane forced down near Arras on 26 June 1916. Son of George James and Emily Dennistoun, of Peel Forest, South Canterbury.

    New Zealand lost a very keen and able mountain-explorer in death of "Jim" Dennistoun, who, after being wounded and taken prisoner, died in 1916, in a German hospital. (from New Zealand Alpine Journal, volume 3 , No.11, December 1921)" Holding a commission in the Irish Horse, attached to the R.F.C., died at Ohrdruf, in Thuringia, on August 9th, 1916, from the effects of wounds received while flying. His biplane caught fire, and he was compelled to descend in the enemy’s lines. He achieved considerable fame as a member of Scott’s Expedition in 1910, being awarded the King’s Antarctic Medal as well as that of the Royal Geographical Society. After leaving school in 1897 he farmed in Canterbury, and by way of recreation took to mountaineering, ascending many virgin peaks, in particular Mitre Peak, hitherto considered inaccessible. He went to the front in November, 1915, and was for some months intelligence officer to a division, afterwards joining the R.F.C. At the time of his death, he was on a bombing expedition with his cousin, H. B. Russell." (In Memoriam, 1914-1918 [Wanganui Collegiate School])

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    2nd Lieutenant John Welby Gunton 70 Squadron RFC: Killed in Action 9 August 1916 aged 21. He was flying a Sopwith Strutter in Combat near Bapaume and is Commemorated on Arras Flying Services Memorial

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    2nd. Lieutenant Richard Malcolm Sisnett Shepherd 70 Squadron RFC: Killed in Action 9 August 1916, also flying a Sopwith Strutter in Combat over Hesbecourt. He is likewise commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial.

    Capt. Clifford John Hart 25 Squadron RFC: Killed in Action 9 August 1916 aged 30. CAPTAIN (FLIGHT COMMANDER) CLIFFORD JOHN HART, Worcestershire Regiment, attached R.F.C., reported missing on August 9, is now known to have been shot down on that date with his observer when on patrol duty. He was the third son of the late Colonel Wyndham Hart, VD, and Mrs Wyndham Hart, of Fairfield, Streatham, and was 30 years of age. He was educated at Charterhouse, and on the outbreak of war obtained a commission in the Worcestershire Regiment. He was wounded on May 18, 1916, at Festubert while serving with the 2nd Battalion, and was mentioned in dispatches. He transferred to the R.F.C. in August, 1915, and in July last was granted special leave for meritorious work.

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    Lieutenant John Anderson Mann 25 Squadron RFC: Missing - Killed in Action, during an aerial combat 9 August 1916 aged 2. He was the observer in Capt. Hart's plane (See above)

    There were several claims of aerial victories on this day...

    Oberleutnant Ludwig Hautzmayer claims his third kill by shooting down a Caudron whilst flying his Eindecker

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    Capt. John Oliver Andrews
    24 Squadron RFC claims his second kill by shooting down (ooc) an Aviatik C whilst flying his DH.2

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    Claiming his 5th (and alas final kill) was 2nd Lieutenant Henry Hope Evans again of 24 Squadron RFC - he also show down an Aviatik C whilst flying his DH.2. He joined 24 Squadron on 4 July 1916 and flew for two months, earning a Distinguished Service Order. He was killed in action on 3 September 1916 by German anti-aircraft fire while on a morning offensive patrol over the British Fourth Army front. DSO Citation - For conspicuous gallantry and skill on many occasions in attacking hostile aircraft, frequently against large odds. In one fortnight he brought down 4 enemy machines, returning on one occasion with his machine badly damaged.

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    Claiming his second victory on this day was Lieutenant Neil William Ward Webb 25 Squadron RFC - he was flying an F.E.2b (4839) when he shot down an Albatros C (FTL) over Beaumont. His MC citation reads as follows...For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial combats. He has destroyed three hostile machines and driven down four others completely out of control. By his spirit and gallantry he has set a fine example which has inspired the pilots of his flight to successfully attack enemy formations many times more numerous than their own.

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    Lieutenant Paul Albert Pierre Tarascon
    (French Air Service - N62) also claims his second victory by downing an Aviatik C despite his own plane being riddled with machine gun fire... Adjudant pilot of Escadrille N62. Remarkable pilot by his devotion, skill, coolness and initiative. He has distinguished himself for over a year during the course of numerous reconnaissances, protections and pursuits. On 9 August 1916, his plane was hit over 100 times by enemy bullets. Since the first of July, he has had 35 combats, downing five enemy planes and has forced two others to land in a damaged condition." Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation, 15 November 1916

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    and finally claiming his 5th victory we have 2nd Lt. Sidney Edward Cowan, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res 24 Squadron RFC - flying a DH.2 she shot down an Albatros C (des)

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    A momentous occasion on this day with the award of another Victoria Cross... but this one goes to a very special man...

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    Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse VC and Bar, MC (Royal Army Medical Corps attached Liverpool Scottish) is one of only three people to be awarded a Victoria Cross twice. Chavasse will be awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions today at Guillemont, France when he attends to the wounded all day under heavy fire, frequently in view of the enemy. During the night, he continues searching for wounded in front of the enemy’s lines. Tomorrow under heavy shell fire, he and a stretcher bearer carriy an urgent case 500 yards to safety, being wounded himself during the journey. The same night, with 20 volunteers, he rescues three wounded men from a shell-hole 36 yards from enemy trenches, buries the bodies of two officers and collects many identity discs. Altogether he saved the lives of some 20 wounded men. He will die of wounds 4th August 1917 as a result of wounds received performing duties which will win him a bar to his Victoria Cross.

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    Noel Godfrey Chavasse was the younger of identical twin boys born to the Rev. Francis Chavasse (later Bishop of Liverpool and founder of St Peter's College, Oxford) and Edith Jane Chavasse (née Maude) on 9 November 1884 at 36 New Inn Hall Street, Oxford. Christopher Maude was born 20 minutes before his brother. In all, there were seven children born to the Chavasse family, in age order: Dorothea, Christopher, Noel, Edith, Mary, Francis and Aidan. The twins were so small and weak at birth that their baptism was delayed until 29 December 1884 and both were very ill with typhoid in their first year of life. Chavasse was educated at Magdalen College School in Cowley Place, Oxford, where a blue plaque was dedicated to him in 2005, Liverpool College and Trinity College, Oxford. The family grew up in Oxford until, on 3 March 1900, Rev. Chavasse was offered the Anglican Bishopric of Liverpool. The move was not without regrets as Liverpool during this time was one of the busiest seaports in the Empire and also had a great deal of religious turmoil in progress. The family moved to the Bishop's Palace at 19 Abercromby Square, Liverpool. Noel and Christopher went to school at Liverpool College where they excelled at sports from the start. Their academic progress was initially rather slower but as they grew older, both did well until in 1904, both were admitted to Trinity College, Oxford.

    In 1907, Noel graduated with First-class honours[3] but Christopher failed, leading to a nervous breakdown. Both of them stayed at Oxford, Noel to study medicine and Christopher to retake his exams. During their time at Trinity, both men had not neglected their sports, rugby union being a favourite of theirs. In 1908, both twins represented Great Britain in the Olympic Games in the 400 metres. Noel finished third in his heat while Christopher finished second, neither time being fast enough to progress further.[5]

    In January 1909, Noel joined the Oxford University Officers' Training Corps Medical Unit. By the following May, he was promoted to Lance-Sergeant. Noel finished his studies at Oxford in July 1909 and returned to Liverpool to continue his studies under such eminent teachers as Sir Robert Jones who went on to become a leading authority in orthopaedic surgery. On returning to Liverpool, Chavasse resumed his connection with the Grafton Street Industrial School, an institution for homeless boys in Liverpool. In the autumn, he went to London to sit his examination for Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons. He failed, apparently because of ill health. When he sat the examination again in May 1910, he passed it with ease. Christopher, in the meantime, was well into his studies for the ministry under his father's guiding hand. Noel progressed through his studies having studied pathology and bacteriology. As part of his course, he was obliged to undertake a hospital "placement". He found a position at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin. Whilst Chavasse liked Dublin, his first experience of living in a Roman Catholic community disturbed him. In January 1912 Chavasse passed his final medical examination, and was awarded the university's premier medical prize, the Derby Exhibition, in March that year. On 22 July 1912, Noel registered as a doctor with the General Medical Council. His first placement was at the Royal Southern Hospital in Liverpool, initially until 31 March 1913 and then for a further six months. He then became house surgeon to Robert Jones, his former tutor.

    In early 1913, after discussions with some of his fellow doctors, Chavasse applied for and was accepted by the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC); he was commissioned as a lieutenant on 2 June. Thanks to one of his mentors, Dr McAlistair, who was then Surgeon-Captain of the 10th Battalion of the King's (Liverpool Regiment), the Liverpool Scottish, he was attached to the battalion as Surgeon-Lieutenant.[citation needed] The 10th Kings had been a Territorial battalion since the Haldane Reforms in 1909. Chavasse joined the battalion on 2 June 1913 and was welcomed by Lieutenant-Colonel W. Nicholl, the commanding officer. As an officer in a Territorial unit, Chavasse now had to attend to both his civilian and military duties. During the First World War, Chavasse was a captain with the Royal Army Medical Corps, British Army attached to the 1/10th (Scottish) Battalion of the King's (Liverpool Regiment). Chavasse was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry at Hooge, Belgium in June 1915, although the award was not gazetted until 14 January 1916. He was promoted captain on 1 April 1915;on 30 November 1915 that year he was Mentioned in Despatches.

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    On a day we lose 1255 men here are some of the highlighted casualties...

    Lieutenant Leonard Binning Mill (Liverpool Regiment) is killed at age 26. He is the son of the Director of the Everton Football Club.
    Second Lieutenant Herbert Lancelot Woodland (Liverpool Regiment) is killed in action at age 32. He is the son of the late Reverend Clement.
    Second Lieutenant Archibald Charles Watson Buck (Liverpool Regiment) a notable athlete is also killed.
    Lance Corporal John Abbott King (Liverpool Regiment) is killed at age 32. He is a former England rugby football international.
    Private George Herbert Wilbraham (Liverpool Regiment) is killed in action at age 19. His brother will be killed in September 1917.

    Those killed in Egypt in the last day of the Battle of Romani

    Captain Olaf Percival Johnson (Auckland Mounted Rifles) is killed at age 24. He is the son of J E Johnson who ran for the Bay of Islands seat in the Parliament of New Zealand for the Reform Party.
    Captain Kenneth Christopher George Wray (South Lancashire Regiment) is killed at age 25. He is the son of Reverend George Daniel Wray Rector of Easton Grey.
    Squadron Sergeant Major Douglas Hepburn Gamble (Auckland Mounted Rifles) a prominent member of the Remuera Football Club who is killed at age 20.
    Private Frank Dann (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 20. His brother will die of wounds next year.
    Private Geoffrey Carmichael Griffith (Australian Infantry) is killed at age 26. His brother will die on service in March 1919.

    Southern Fronts
    Salonika – Local Allied offensive: Allies shell Bulgar line south of lake Doiran, French 17th Colonial Division (15,000) occupies abandoned station and Hill 227 (until August 10).

    Western Front
    Battle of the Somme: German 18th Reserve Division has 8,288 casualties (ie over 50%) since July 24.

    Flight Sub-Lieutenant Donald Ernest Harkness and Flight Sub-Lieutenant Ralph Harold Collett will both be awarded the DSC in recognition of their services this morning when they drop bombs on the airship sheds at Evere and Berchem St Agathe.

    Sea War
    Adriatic: Royal Navy submarine B10 destroyed by Austrian air raid on Venice dockyard, 3 sister boats recalled (October) after 4 W*-class boats, sold to Italy, arrive. While tied up to the Italian cruiser Marco Polo the submarine B10 is hit by aircraft bombs of the Austrian Naval Air Service during a raid on the port of Venice and it settles on the seabed. B10 was built by Vickers at their Barrow-in-Furness shipyard, launched 23 March 1906 and completed 28 April 1906. The boat was deployed to the Mediterranean soon after the outbreak of World War I. Due to the lack of spare parts this group of submarines were not used after September 1915. On 9 August 1916 B10 was sunk by aircraft of the Austrian Naval Air Service (Kaiserliche und Königliche Seeflugwesen) while under repair at Venice. She was lost as she was tied up after taking part in the blockade of Pula alongside the Italian cruiser Marco Polo, which was acting as a depot ship. B10 was the first submarine to be sunk by an aircraft. An attempt to repair the bomb damage was abandoned after a welding torch ignited a fuel tank resulting in further damage. The submarine was then sold to be broken up.

    A 'B' Class Submarine (actually B6)
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    The B class was a class of 11 submarines, built by Vickers in Barrow-in-Furness for the Royal Navy, and launched in 1904–06. One boat was sunk by a collision in 1912, but the remainder served in World War I. Three boats protected the transfer of the British Expeditionary Force to France in 1914, but were soon relegated to local defence and training duties. Six submarines were in the Mediterranean when the war began and were quickly sent to the Dardanelles to prevent a breakout by the German battlecruiser SMS Goeben and the light cruiser SMS Breslau into the Eastern Mediterranean. B11 ventured into the Dardanelles in December 1914 and sank the elderly Turkish ironclad Mesudiye. The arrival of more modern submarines to blockade the Dardanelles made the B-class boats redundant and they were mostly withdrawn to Malta in 1915. They were transferred to Venice after Italy entered the war, where B10 became the first submarine to be sunk by air attack in 1916. The B-class submarines were transferred back to Malta in late 1916 as they were no longer deemed suitable for combat. In mid-1917 they were converted to surface patrol boats and sent to patrol the Otranto Barrage. They proved to be unreliable and were soon sent back to Malta where they were finally paid off. Only B3 was still in commission when the war ended and that was only because it was being used for experimental work and serving as a target to train anti-submarine forces. All surviving boats were sold for scrap in 1919–21.

    The B-class boats were similar in design to the preceding A class and intended for coastal patrol work. The boats had a petrol engine for surface propulsion and batteries for underwater propulsion. The design was intended to overcome the limitations of speed, endurance and seakeeping that affected the boats of the A class, and the boats were substantially larger than the earlier class. The B-class submarines were 142 feet 2.5 inches (43.3 m) long overall. They had a beam of 12 feet 7 inches (3.8 m) and a draught of 11 feet 2 inches (3.4 m). They displaced 287 long tons (292 t) on the surface and 316 long tons (321 t) submerged. The boats were over 40 feet (12.2 m) longer, slightly wider, and displaced more than 120 long tons (120 t) more than the older boats. Their additional size increased their buoyancy and made them far less liable to unexpectedly plunge beneath the surface in bad weather. The addition of a deck casing above the hull also improved their seakeeping abilities. Diving planes were initially only fitted at the stern, but additional planes were mounted on the conning tower during construction of B1, B2, and B3; B4 was not fitted with them and it is uncertain if the remaining boats received them during construction. These greatly improved the boats' depth-keeping, surfacing and diving abilities compared to the A-class boats. These were later exchanged for bow planes; the last boat to receive them was B6, which did not get hers until January 1916. The B-class submarines lacked any internal bulkheads which exposed the crew to the petrol engine's exhaust fumes. In fact mice were used to detect any concentrations of carbon monoxide inside the hull. Ventilation was provided for the batteries, but none for the crew's living area. No accommodations were provided for the crew and they were forced to improvise while at sea. In recognition of this issue, the crew's endurance was only expected to be four days during the summer and three days during the winter. The submarines' hulls were tested to a nominal depth of 100 feet (30.5 m) by filling the hull with water and subjecting it to a pressure of 35 psi (241 kPa; 2 kgf/cm2), but the maximum operational depth was considered to be 50 feet (15.2 m). Nonetheless several boats safely dived to 95 feet (29.0 m) during World War I. It took about three minutes to dive the boat due to the shape of the boat and that it could dive out of control if water was pumped into the ballast tanks too quickly. Submerged endurance was officially considered to be 10 hours, but several boats were submerged for 16 hours during the war.

    Eastern Front

    Russians gain junction of Chryplin (Stanislau).

    Southern Front


    Capture of Gorizia by Italians. Austrians pursued, 10,000 prisoners taken.

    The Battle of Gorizia

    Preparation and forces

    Italy’s main innovation in the Battle of Gorizia was accurate preparation. For the first time the Italian army had planned in detail the offensive, taking advantage of know-how learned during the first year at war: the aim was to avoid a traditional frontal assault by optimizing human and technological resources. The key elements of this strategy were the distribution of the heavy artillery fire and the ability to hide the arrangement of the offensive. The Italian army was able to bring to the frontline about 1,200 pieces of artillery ‒ 400 of them middle- and large-calibre ‒ and 800 bombards. About 920 of these artillery pieces were placed within an area of eight kilometers where the main attack was to be launched. The Austro-Hungarian Fifth Army could only amass 640 artillery pieces and 333 bombards. The same proportions are reported for troops: the Italian Third Army could muster sixteen divisions (220 battalions) thanks to a rapid repositioning of about 300,000 soldiers from Trentino to Isonzo Valley; the Austro-Hungarian Fifth Army could manage eight divisions (106 battalions, most of them incomplete), due to the Austro-Hungarian war effort in Trentino and in Bukovina where they were attempting to stop the Brusilov offensive. In this context, the Austrian army could take advantage of the good defensive positioning of their trenches. The goal of the Italian offensive was to conquer the Austro-Hungarian bridgehead to the west of the Isonzo river and to occupy the three hills of Sabotino, Podgora and San Michele. This occupation would have enabled the Italian Army to threaten Gorizia with artillery fire and prevent the Austro-Hungarian army from settling in the city.

    Battle and Results

    The offensive was launched on 6 August 1916, after an intense bombardment concentrated on the high ground of Sabotino, Podgora and San Michele. Within an hour, Sabotino was conquered by the troops of Pietro Badoglio (1871-1956), who took advantage of the intense bombardment of this area. Italian soldiers had also been moving forward to Podgora and San Michele but there the Austro-Hungarian counterattack blocked their advance after they had conquered the hills. The battle’s turning point came due to the Fifth Austro-Hungarian Army’s lack of reserves. On 8 August General Svetozar Boroević von Bojna (1856-1920) was forced to order the evacuation of the bridgehead west of the Isonzo. As a consequence, the 58th Austro-Hungarian Division withdrew towards the eastern bank of the Isonzo and arranged a new defensive line 1.5 kilometers to the east of Gorizia. The same happened between San Michele and Monfalcone which were about fifteen kilometers south: on 9 August Boroević commanded the withdrawal of the 17th and 20thHonvéd Divisions to the second trench line, placed about five kilometers to the east. On the same day, the Italian troops could occupy the city. From 10 to 16 August, Luigi Cadorna (1850-1928) tried to transform this local advance into a strategic success. However, the impossibility of transporting artillery quickly to the east of the Isonzo due to lack of bridges prevented the Italians from breaking through the second Austro-Hungarian defensive line. Moreover, Boroević was able to strengthen his trench lines thanks to the hesitations of the Italian troops and by taking advantage of the arrival of reinforcements. Therefore, on 16 August Cadorna decided to stop the offensive. The Italian and the Austro-Hungarian army counted 51,200 and 37,500 casualties respectively.

    Consequences and Evaluations↑

    For the first time after fifteen months of war, the Italian Army was able to overcome the Austro-Hungarian defensive system at the Isonzo Valley. Above all, the conquest of Gorizia had great political value since this was the first Austrian city occupied by the Italian army.

    The Italian press emphasized enormously this conquest, although it was clear that beyond Gorizia there were new Austro-Hungarian trenches and this was just a break in a war of attrition. Though glorified, Gorizia was not a strategic goal and its conquest did not change the conduct and aims of Italy’s war. It comes, therefore, as no surprise to learn that the international press paid modest attention to this battle. For the Austro-Hungarian army, the loss of Gorizia represented merely a symbolic defeat and the push-back of the frontline did not subvert the defensive system in this area: the real threat for the Austro-Hungarian Armeeoberkommando in August 1916 was the Brusilov offensive in Bukovina. In a wider perspective, the Battle of Gorizia can be read as a turning point in the Italian war narrative. The Italian home front and Army had been looking for victories and heroes to give credence to the idea of a "war of conquest". For the first time, an offensive reached its goals. Italian propaganda found in Enrico Toti (1882-1916), a volunteer killed on 6 August, a hero to glorify. Therefore, even if this battle did not lead to real strategic changes, it became part of the Italy’s representation of its participation in the Great War.

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    Italians occupy hills on line Rosenthal-Vertoibica (Isonzo).

    Heavy Austrian attack beaten back on left bank of Isonzo.

    Asiatic and Egyptian Theatres

    Turks press back British cavalry east of Romani (Suez), but are repulsed and lose heavily.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  47. #1647

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    Nice to see the old duplication thing still works

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  48. #1648

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    Welcome back Chris. Nice one!

  49. #1649

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    Nice opening over Chris.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  50. #1650

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    OK how fed up am I? just lost an hours work on this update when closed the wrong bloody tab - I am not impressed...
    Obviously distracted by the two olympic gold medals and half a bottle of fine wine (Le XV du President - I can certainly recommend this one...)

    There were four RFC losses on this day: Two of them perished in the same flying accident...

    2nd Lieutenant Cyril De Freece
    55 Squadron RFC: Accidentally Killed while flying 10 August 1916 aged 19, when the tail of the Armstrong Whitworth FK 3 was cut off by another aeroplane and it crashed from 1490 feet, the other pilot, Lieut G S Rogers was also Killed.

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    Lieutenant George Stanley Rogers: 55 SQuadron RFC Killed in aeroplane accident 10 August 1916 aged 24, when Armstrong Whitworth FK 3 had its tail cut off by another machine and it crashed from 1490 feet, the other pilot, 2nd Lieut C de Frece was also Killed.

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    Air Mechanic 2nd. Class Sidney George Butler 30 Squadron RFC (Kut Garrison) Captured when British Garrison at Kut el Amara surrendered 29 April 1916. Died 10 August 1916 aged 22, as a Prisoner of War in Turkish Hands.

    Captain James Vincent O'Brien 5th Brigade RFC: Killed in Action 10 August 1916.

    There were two aerial victories claimed by aces on this day...

    Hauptmann Adolf Heyrowsky Flik.19 claims his 4th kill whilst flying his Hansa-Brandenburg C.I (61.61) by downing a Voisin near Cormons.

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    Hansa-Brandenburg C.I
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    The Hansa-Brandenburg C.I, also known as Type LDD, was a 2-seater armed single-engine reconnaissance biplane designed by Ernst Heinkel, who worked at that time for the parent company in Germany. The C.I had similarities with the earlier B.I (Type FD, also designed by Heinkel), including inward-sloping interplane bracing struts. Like other early-war Austro-Hungarian reconnaissance aircraft, such as C-types of Lloyd or Lohner, the Type LDD had a communal cockpit for its crew. The C.I served in the Imperial and Royal Aviation Troops in visual- and photographic reconnaissance, artillery observation and light bombing duties from early spring 1916 to the end of World War I. The aircraft had good handling characteristics, and steady introduction of more powerful engines in successive production batches (see below) enabled the improvement of performance and thus the continuing front-line service. Armament of the type consisted of a free-firing 8 mm (.315 in) Schwarzlose machine gun at the rear for the observer, and at least in some aircraft for the pilot there was also a similar fixed, non-synchronised forward-firing gun in a pod above the top wing. This latter weapon was replaced in later production examples by a synchronised 8 mm (.315 in) Schwarzlose gun on the port side of the fuselage. The normal bomb load for the C.I was 60 kg (130 lb), but some aircraft could carry one 80 kg (180 lb) and two 10 kg (20 lb) bombs.

    Claiming his 8th and 9th victories was Hauptmann Wilhelm Frankl KeK Vaux

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    On a day we lose 541 men...

    Today’s losses include:

    Multiple families that will lose two sons in the Great War
    The grandson of a General and Baronet
    Today’s highlighted casualties include:

    Major Henry Bartle Compton Arthur (Royal Field Artillery) is killed at age 36. He is the grandson of Lieutenant General the Right Honorable ‘Sir’ George Arthur 1st

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    Captain Edward Vivian Dearman Birchall DSO (Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry) dies of wounds at age 32. His brother was killed in April 1915.

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    Second Lieutenant Fred Borthwick Sanderson (Royal Field Artillery) dies of wounds at age 27. His brother was killed in September 1915.
    Private F Lumbard (Devonshire Regiment) is killed in action in Mesopotamia. His brother will be killed in September 1918.
    Private John Ballard (Worcestershire Regiment) is killed on Gallipoli. His brother was killed last February.

    Western Front

    The 25th Division early in August relieved the 8th Division after the latter had been held up in its attack on the Westhoek Ridge. The combination of bombardment and rain had reduced the trenches to a fearful state, the mud thigh deep in places and movement impossible. Added to this the working parties are shelled by artillery and machine-gunned by aircraft. Today the 25th Division takes the ridge, B Company of the 6th South Wales Borderers do splendid work in consolidation. Its runner is conspicuous for his gallantry. Though hit in one eye, and besides being buried three times when taking a message back, he persists in duly delivering it before getting his wounds attended to.

    Tunstill's Men: In preparation for their forthcoming move, Company commanders inspected their Companies at 9am and had instruction “to send all men with clothing requiring of changing, or any deficiencies of helmets, waterproof sheets etc. to QM stores under an officer”. A Church service and Holy Communion was held from 10.30am “in the field behind the Lewis Gun billets”. There was heavy rain for much of the day.
    The move orders which had been received the previous day were now revised, with the Battalion now instructed to be made ready to move off in the evening. At 3pm, ahead of the main move, the Battalion transport and the Lewis Gun section were ordered to proceed to Allonville and Poulanville respectively, where each would spend one night before moving off again early on 11th. After these advance parties had moved off the remainder of the Battalion was made ready to move. Officers were reminded to have their kit packed but were also reminded that they, “must make their own arrangements for getting them to the station as no transport is available. Negotiations are proceeding for the hire of a French cart but this cannot be relied on”. Late on the evening of 10th the Battalion completed the short (three mile) march from Bresle to Mericourt L’Abbe and at midnight they boarded a train, ready for their onward journey to Pontremy.

    Battle of the Somme: King George visits the front (until August 15), tells Rawlinson of a ‘cabal’ (including Lord French, Churchill and F E Smith) which plans to oust Haig and curtail Somme offensive.

    The Battle of Mouquet Farm:


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    The Battle of Mouquet Farm, also known as the Fighting for Mouquet Farm was part of the Battle of the Somme and took place as part of the Battle of Pozières (23 July – 3 September). It began on 10 August with attacks by the I Anzac Corps and it was captured by the 3rd Canadian Division of the Canadian Corps on 16 September. The farm was lost to a German counter-attack, before being re-captured on 26 September, during an attack by the 11th (Northern) Division as part of the Battle of Thiepval Ridge (26–28 September), in which No. 16 Section of the 6th East Yorkshire (Pioneers), smoked out the last German defenders. Mouquet Farm was to the right of the modern D 73 Pozières–Thiepval road, south of Grandcourt and to the south-west of Courcelette, about 1.7 kilometres (1.1 mi) north-west of the high ground near Pozières.[1] Following the fighting that had occurred around the village earlier in the year, the decision was made by the British to gain control of the ridge beyond the village to create a gap in the German lines, behind the salient that had developed around the German-held fortress of Thiepval. By capturing Mouquet Farm, the British hoped that it would destabilise the German position and enable subsequent gains.

    During the night of 10 August, parties of the 4th Australian Division of the I Anzac Corps, attacked towards the farm and managed to establish advanced posts in the valley south of the farm and to the east. Attacks were then made from a foothold in Fabeck Graben (Fabeck Trench) to the north-east and to deepen the salient near the farm. By 22 August, the 2nd Australian Division had made several more attempts on the farm and had realised that the main defensive position was underground, where the Germans had excavated the cellars to create linked dug-outs. On 3 September, the 4th Australian Division attacked again with the 13th Brigade and captured much of the surface remains of the farm and trenches nearby, with hand-to-hand fighting in the ruins and underground. German counter-attacks repulsed the Australians except from a small part of Fabeck Graben, for a loss of 2,049 Australian casualties.

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    Southern Fronts
    Serbia: General Winckler replaces General Gallwitz in command of German Eleventh Army, 2 German divisions (1 from Vosges, Western Front) reinforce Bulgars.

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    Arnold von Winckler (Neisse, 17 February 1856 - Bad Freienwalde, 24 July 1945) was a Prussian military officer, and a general in the First World War. He was the son of Lieutenant General Ewald Fedor von Winckler (1813–1895). He joined the Prussian army at the age of 17. By 1912 he commanded the 2nd Guards Infantry Division in Berlin. At the outbreak of World War I, he fought with his division on the Western Front as part of the Second Army and participated in the First Battle of the Marne. In early 1915, his division was moved to the Eastern Front, where it fought in the Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive. On 29 June, he received the command over the XXXXI Reserve Corps and in September over the IV Reserve Corps to participate in the Invasion of Serbia. In March 1916, he took over the command of the 11th German Army from Max von Gallwitz on the Salonika Front. Together with his Bulgarian allies, he held the frontline until he was relieved of command in June 1917. He was sent to command the I Corps to counter the Russian Kerensky Offensive. After the armistice with Russia in February 1918, he received the command of the XXV Reserve Corps on the Western Front, where he fought until November 1918. Von Winckler retired from the Army in January 1919. He died in 1945 in Bad Freienwalde.

    Isonzo: On Carso Austrian Doberdo-Monfalcone line collapses into full retreat for the Vallone, but Italian 23rd Division forces them out. Austrians establish new line northeast of Goriza with 3 divisions and 4 brigades of reinforcements (including 2 divisions from Eastern Front) that block Italian VI and VIII Corps.

    Middle East
    Persia: Turks occupy Hamadan, Daulabad and Bijar.

    African Fronts
    East Africa: Kraut checks British pursuit at Matamondo for day after evacuating Ruhungu position (August 8-9). Deventer’s 2nd Division begins 60-mile Central Railway advance to Kilosa (until August 22) against five rearguard stands.

    Home Fronts
    Turkey: Decree removes Armenian churches from Etchmiadzin to Jerusalem Catholicate.
    Britain: *Chancellor estimates £3.44 billion war debt by March 31, 1917. Distilling fixed at 70% of previous output.

    The War at Sea


    There were nine ships lost on this day...
    Annette Marie France The schooner was sunk in the English Channel 10 nautical miles (19 km) south east of Barfleur, Manche (49°45′N 0°55′W) by SM UB-18 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
    Credo Norway The coaster was sunk in the English Channel 8 nautical miles (15 km) east north east of Barfleur (49°55′N 0°55′W) by SM UB-18 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by Robert ( Denmark).
    Glitra Norway The cargo ship ran aground at Huxter, Sandness, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom.[65] She sank two days later.
    HMT Irawadi Royal Navy World War I: The naval trawler was wrecked on the Tigani Rocks in the Mediterranean Sea.
    Marie France The coaster was scuttled in the English Channel 12 nautical miles (22 km) east north east of Barfleur (49°45′N 0°55′W) by SM UB-18 ( Kaiserliche Marine).Her crew were rescued by Robert ( Denmark).
    Saint Pierre France The sailing vessel was sunk in the English Channel 18 nautical miles (33 km) north north east of Barfleur by SM UB-18 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.
    San Bernando World War I: The cargo ship was scuttled in the North Sea 17 nautical miles (31 km) off the Longstone Lighthouse (55°30′N 1°00′W) by SM UB-19 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by the trawler Magnus ( United Kingdom).
    Sora Norway The cargo ship was sunk in the English Channel north east of Barfleur (49°45′N 0°55′W) by SM UB-18 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew were rescued by Robert ( Denmark).
    Temmei Maru Japan The cargo ship was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea south of France (42°50′N 4°55′E) by SM U-35 ( Kaiserliche Marine). Her crew survived.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

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