1st Bn Bedfordshire Reg

[shaymen]

Could one of our resident Beds experts tell me what the 1st Bn were up to on or before 08/10/1917. Seemed to be between the Battles of Broodseinde and Poelcapelle.

Reason for my interest is some background to another soldier listed on my local Mem.

Name: BUSH James Timothy

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Serjeant

Regiment: Bedfordshire Regiment

Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Date of Death: 08/10/1917

Service No: 8186

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: XVII. C. 13.

Cemetery: HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY

Thanks Glyn

[Paul Johnson]

Glyn,

The following comes from the Volume II of the "The Story Of The Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment".

"On the 25th September the Battalion went by train to St.Omer and, by stages, marched to Sanctuary Wood, arriving there on the 3rd October. Next day at dawn the 13th Infantry Brigade attacked North of the Ypres-Menin Road and after gaining some ground was held up at Polderhoek Chateau. The Battalion was ordered to move up after dark and dig in towards Velderhoek, in close support of 1st Royal West Kents. This was done and the line was taken over by them the next day. A continuous front and support line was dug during the next three days. On the 9th the 15th Infantry Brigade attacked Polderhoek Chateau with the 1st Norfolks and 16th Warwicks but the attack failed owing to intense enemy artillery and machine-gun fire, and appalling mud. The following day the Battalion was relieved and moved back to Ridge Wood. Although the Battalion made no actual attack, holding the line involved heavy casualties. Between the 4th & 10th October Lieutenants Reynolds, Fleming, Cotchin & Christie were killed; Captain Pearse, Lieutenants Laughton, Graham, Flavell, Norrish and Nailer were Wounded. Other Ranks casualties consisted of 35 killed, 4 Missing and 97 Wounded. The attacks of the 4th & 9th are officially described as the Battles of Broodseinde and Polecapelle. The Battalion moved back to rest and re-organise in the Meterin area, being accommodated in tents and farmhouses. A war game for officers and sergeants studtying the the "capture of Polderhoek" was held. In a rugger match the officers beat other ranks by 9 points to nil."

It is more than likely that your man was killed by artillery or sniper fire whilst engaged in the work described above.

Hope this helps.

Regards

PAUL JOHNSON

[shaymen]

Thanks Paul

Just the sort of background required

Glyn