War Diary
Pont-a-Chin – 21:10:19 – 0930: A&B Coys move up to effect crossing of the River L’escaut. B Coy (Left Front Coy) moved to Pont-a-Chin to ruined bridge. 2nd Lieut Patom with a strong telephone wire climbed over the ruins of the bridge and fastened wire to the footbridge 50x South of the ruined bridge. This footbridge was eventually pulled into position and several men crossed. During these operations some Bosche ran towards Paradis firing a white Verey light. This brought heavy artillery fire onto Pont-a-Chin. (There were indications also but some of the natives was signaling to the enemy for whenever a platoon was moved it was shelled).
A Coy (right front Coy) with C Coy immediately behind it moved along southern edge of Chateau de Chin Wood. But owing to our concentration of machine [gun] fire from a convent showing the Red Cross from & a signal cabin & also of hostile shelling of all calibers the Coys could not get to the river and eventually after having many casualties withdrew to his starting point.
When B Coy heard of this withdrawal and knowing that the left Battalion was not going to attempt to crossing, decided to leave a strong Lewis Gun post to guard the bridge and withdraw the men from the heavily shelled village.
2020: Battalion relieved by the 2/4th Bn Loyal North Lancs, 57th Div. Unit marched back to NW outskirts of Templeuve H.33.a & H.26.d & Crombue H.25.b. Templeuve heavily shelled during night. END
Newspaper Obituary
ALCESTER SOLDIERS KILLED
Since the beginning of the Armistice news has been received in Alcester of two local men who have fallen in battle. The first to be reported, and by a sad coincidence on the morning that the news of the signing of the Armistice terms was received, was that of Private George Baylis of the 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers who fell in action on October the 21st. Baylis, when at home, resided in the Stratford Road, Alcester, and was well known in the town as a keen athlete, and formerly an energetic member of the Alcester football club and the very prominent player.
News that Private Albert Steele (usually known as Jockey) Royal Warwickshire Regiment I've been killed was received with regret by his many friends. He had been in the army nearly two years and had seen much fighting in France. He leaves a widow and one son for whom much sympathy is felt.
