Military History

Patrick is listed as being killed in action on 10 Aug 1915 and the battalion war diary for the period 9th to 11th August 1915 is transcribed below.

9th August: At 1:30 am orders were received to creep up the hill and assault at 5:15 am. The 6th Ghurkas under Major Allanson & 2 Corps, 6th South Lancs Regt under his orders on our right, the whole to be in conjunction with the attack by 5 Battery Artillery bombardment 4:30 am to 5:15 am. The Bn advanced and occupied the Turkish trenches with few casualties, Unfortunately, attack by the other 5 Bns had been delayed & the Bn and the 6th Ghurkas were not able to hold on to the position won and were compelled to retire back to line held by 6th Ghurkas. 3 Coys of the Battalion held on to Ghurka Hill until relieved by the R. Warwick Regt. When the companies returned to the regiment line. 1 Coy remaining in support of R. Warwick regt.

10th August: The Turks bombed the position held by the R. Warwick Regt. All the night and at 3:00 am opened a heavy rifle fire. No attack was made then but at 4:45 am a strong attack was made and the enemy was able to occupy the hill to the left of that held by the Bn and to bring enfilade fire to bear with M.G.’s. Two companies supporting the R. Warwick Regt. On Ghurka Hill and two companies extended the line to the left. Two M.G.’s and twenty men in a redoubt were able to prevent the enemy advancing round our left flank. The Bn suffered very heavy casualties and at 10:00 am it was decided to withdraw to the second line. The Ghurkas retired first and at 10:30 the Bn retired gradually to the second position. Few casualties during actual retirement.

The Bn had suffered very heavy casualties during the two days fighting. The M.G. Section under Lt Van Der Valle rejoined from the redoubt after dark.

11th August: Major G Mott took over command of the Battalion also of the R. Warwick Regt. Lt-Col H K Woods invalided. The Battalion took over the line held by the 14th Sikhs. END