Military History

Claude is listed as being killed in action on 26 September 1914. The 2nd Battalion war diary for the period 23rd Sept to 6th Oct is transcribed below.

Pargnan - September 23^rd: On the 23^rd the Brigade was ordered out early in the morning to occupy the ridge just to the north of Moulins in support of the French. Cover was found for most of the men in caves at the top of the ridge but we were hardly shelled at all.

Two batteries in the valley were very heavily shelled all day, but although one gun was smashed by a direct hit, not one man was hit and the batteries only ceased fire at intervals when the shelling became especially unpleasant.

We returned to Pargnan that evening.

Next day we heard that the 1^st Battalion were in Ceuilly and some of us went down to see them. At that time they had lost 5 officers wounded but not one killed.

September 25^th: On the 25^th we relieved the 18^th Brigade in the old line about Troyon. They had suffered very heavily in a German attack soon after they had relieved us.

For the next three or four weeks we remained in the same position, carrying out reliefs as a rule every four days. The time was spent in improving the trenches and making better shelters for Officers and Men.

We were constantly shelled and lost a good deal of officers and men, both from this cause and from rifle fire in the trenches. There were frequent alarms and warning of German attacks but we were never seriously attacked and it is doubtful if the enemy ever left their trenches except for sniping.

During this time we filled up with drafts from home, and by the middle of October were nearly up to strength.

September 26^th: Lieut R.H. Willan wounded

October 6^th: Captain W.A.I. Kay wounded.