Oct 23rd to 25th

"On October 22nd the Germans did not advance through Zonnebeke and the battalion was able to rest and improve its new line. On October 23 the enemy threatened to push their attack through Polygon Wood to the south of Zonnebeke and a company of Royal Warwickshire was consequently detached to assist the South Staffords. At dawn on the following day [24th] the three remaining companies were sent to recover lost trenches where the Germans had broken through our lines at Polygon Wood. The wood was very thick and it was difficult to keep direction, but after hard and close fighting the German's were driven back.

Then the three companies came under heavy machine-gun fire from a small farm house. Nevertheless the house was assaulted and captured, and after the line had been reformed they advanced another mileand recovered the lost trenches which they held till evening. Colonel Loring, who is spite of his wound, still remained with his regiment, rode that day at the head of his men, encouraging them to greater efforts by the example of his fearless bearing. Twice his charger was shot under him and at last he fell himself at the assault on the farm. He was one of three noble brothers, all alike conspicuous for character and courage, who were killed in the first year of the war. Earlier in the day 2nd Lieut Deane had been killed and the other casualties were over 100.

It was a fine achievement, which, as General Rawlinson told the regiment the next day, had saved the situation at a critical moment".