(64) 1915 October "Bravo Territorials"

BRAVO TERRITORIALS 
The Walsall Advertiser Writes.
Thrilling Account of Great Charge.
Important Redoubt Captured After Regulars Had Failed
Frank Writes

9 Saturday

Clerk’s duty. Terrific bombardment takes place in the region of La Bassée & brick fields, of which we can hear all. 1st and 2nd Staffords Regulars billeted in Béthune.

Birthdays: Ethels October 2nd

10 Sunday

On Clerk’s duty. Heavy bombardment taking place lasting in some cases 24 hours & up to 50 hours.

Church Parade by Canon Hunt.

11 Monday

Fouquières. Pass out from 9am to 1 o’clock pm. On duty in afternoon ‘til eight; Grenadier Guards take 2 lines of trenches up here. Heavy artillery duels.

12 Tuesday

On Clerk’s duty as usual, went to see Staffords go into trenches. Saw Humfrey Fox, Harold Baker & Alfred Bateman.

13 Wednesday - 15 Friday

Gas used by us & a charge by our Div at 2pm o’clock, in which we took 4 lines of trenches & village. We suffered heavy losses. Capt Parkes wounded in abdomen, and John Hall. Every Stafford Officer wounded, over 300 wounded admitted into our hospital, fine work done. I was on duty day & night. Wounded: Alfred Bateman, Harold Baker, 2 Tonks’ sons, Lat Wedge and others. Figures in our books 1000. Brigade come out of trenches. Humfrey Fox is missing, no news of him.

16 Saturday

Fouquières.

Joe Fletcher’s wife died, and he goes on leave. Rol Tonks died of wounds from the charge. I am on duty all day admitting patients suffering from gas poisoning. Casualties of charges which Staffs Division made estimated at 3,500. Staffs are reinforced. Cock Ford comes up. Béthune shelled.

17 Sunday

Fouquieres.

Clerk of Ward no 3, night duty. Heavy bombardment prevails. Hours of duty 7pm to 7am the following day.

18 Monday

Staffs reinforced.

Clerk. Night duty.


11th October 1915.
"A Love Letter"
From Frank to Ethel