| Regiment | 6th Royal Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Bray |
| Entry | The trenches very wet - more rain coming. Artillery fired into enemy's trenches without eliciting much reply. The day was very quiet. The B'dr came round in the evening. "C" Coy relieved "A" Coy on the right.. At 7pm the enemy exploded mine G4 which destroyed the parapet of the D and did some further damage to our fine trenches and communicating trenches. Some men working on the mines (Essex Regt & RE) were overcome by the shock & the fumes of the gasses from the exploded mine. The gas had the same effect on the men as alcohol. They were violent at first, as though fighting drunk - & then sleepy. Stretcher bearers at once went to the spot and carried them away. This was very difficult on account of their condition - the narrowness of the trenches and the slipperiness of the ground. Our men were excellent and opened fire for about 5 minutes on the enemy. The Germans fired for some minutes with a machine - gun but did no damage. Our Artillery fired 16 shells at the new crater, 20 minutes after the explosion. Some of these fell short and landed behind our fire trench. About 8pm a sausage landed close to B Coy's HQ. Our artillery replied to this within 40 seconds. After this the enemy satisfied himself with occasional sniping. Our casualties during the night were - Capt CW Hemp, slightly wounded and one man - Pte Perrin - "D" Coy - rendered temporarily insane. A working party started at once to repair the damage done. The signallers worked well & reports reached Bn HQ regularly. There was no panic. A very strong smell of sulphur accompanied the exploding of the mine. All was Quiet from about 10.30pm. Pte Greenhough - "B" Coy - died of wounds in No 5 Casualty Clearing Stn. Capt K Burns returned to London to report to Admiralty. |
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