Military History

Joseph/Richard is listed as being killed in 9 Oct 1917. The 2nd Battalion war diary entry for the 8th & 9th are transcribed below.

8.10.17 – In the Field 5.30am at Polygon Wood: Bn Held the line east of Polygon Wood. A, D & C Coys in front line, B Coy in support. 2 Lt D.W. Searle put out tapes for attack [on 9.10.17].

9.10.17 – In the Field 5.30am at Polygon Wood: The Bn attacked with H A C [Honourable Artillery Company] on right. A Coy held the line on left, D Coy & C Coy attacked with B Coy in support

5.55am: Green lights seen all along out objective line. 2^nd Lt J.H. Davies killed at the Butte.

6.20am: Two wounded N.C.O’s of left Coy report Coy had passed through Judge Copse and has captured on prisoner. Enemy ran away and were fired on continuously.

6.50am: enemy prisoner brought in by two men of 9^th Devons, he was found in a pill box behind our lines near the Butte. Prisoner was with two men of the 2 R War R and stated he had been there for three days. Prisoner stated he belonged to 92 I.R. [92 Infantry Regiment]

7.10am: message received from H.A.C. On the right that continuous machine gunfire or still coming from direction of Judge Copse.

7.15am: Sent message to O.C. Support Coy to send platoon to mop up Judge Copse.

7.30am: received a message from 2/lt J.M. Green of left attacking Coy stating he was wounded and with A Coy (holding line on left of attacking companies). Situation map marked. He reported that left attacking Coy had lost direction passed through Judge Copse and had mixed with left Coy on N edge of Cemetery. Also that B Coy (Support) had advanced in direction of Cemetery and were with D & C Coys there.

8.40am: sent message to OC A Coy to reconnoitre his right, collect any men of left attacking Coy and establish them in defensive posts. Also informed them of advance of a Coy of 9^th Devons who were being sent to mop up Judge Corpse and fill up gap on the left flank. Capt. D Aucutt reported killed.

9.00am: received message from 2/Lt J.A. Dorey (right attacking Coy) stating that they were on a line N of Cemetery. Capt. C.L.N. Roberts and 2/Lt R.C. Stable killed. Right Coy in touch with left of H.A.C.

10.00am: received the message from OC A Coy and situation map marked. Received message from OC B Coy to say that he was sending a platoon to deal with machine gun in Cemetery.

12.10pm: received message from Sgt Partridge, Commanding D Coy. Received message from OC A Coy that 1 Coy of 9^th Devons were in position on his right.

2.30pm: OC 9th Devons received message from OC Coy on right of A Coy R War R that he is not in touch with D Coy R War R on W side of Judge Copse but that his right in on E edge of Judge Copse. Officers Commanding Battalions decide that an attack shall be made to clear enemy still in Copse by a raid by 9^th Devons.

4.00pm: Received message from OC A Coy – Captain G.CV. Blandy killed

4.15pm: Received message from OC C Coy and situation map

5.35pm: Received report of patrols and situation from OC A Coy

5.45pm: SOS sent up on our front. Enemy barrage put down. Received A295 (?) from Brigade. 2 Lts C.C.W Maguire & A. Scrivener joined.

10.10.17 – In the Field at Judge Copse: 7.00am: Message from A Coy, sent 2/Lt S A Wheeler to D Coy, established connection on right. 9^th Devon partly cleared Judge Copse. Capt. R.A. Raphael returned from line and reported all connected up. Situation report from Officers Commanding C & D.

Battalion relieved [and went to camp at Zillebeek Lake]