Sirmooree Summer 2015

double companies of about 80 in each company. It was later changed to

normal company organisation).

Since a German attack was felt to be imminent, digging was the first

priority. This however proved to be extremely difficult as the trenches

immediately filled up with water. Without sandbags or revetting materials

it was impossible to strengthen the weak parapets which rifle and machine

gun bullets could easily pierce. As the Regimental History notes `..Life

under these conditions was one of utter discomfort, wallowing in mud and

filth continually digging or bailing out water.’

On 27 and 28 October the Germans attacked in strength, taking Neuve

Chapelle. They soon started shelling 2/2GR trenches which quickly

collapsed. German trenches were only 30 yards away and they were able

to deploy their trench mortars (of which we had none) to great effect. On 2

November a tornado of fire concentrated on 2/2GR No 1 Double Company,

obliterating the trenches and forcing them to take shelter with the next

company in line, No2 Double Company. Lieutenant Lucas commanding No

1 Double Company was killed as was Major Becher commanding No 2

Double Company. The Germans were now occupying both Double

Companies’ trenches.

Major Ross commanding No 3 Double Company with the Battalion’s

Subedar Major Mansing Bohra led a gallant counter attack to retrieve the

lost trenches but to no avail, Major Ross being killed in the attempt.

Lieutenant Reid had taken over No 4 Double Company after its commander

Major Barton had been killed earlier in the day. Realising the gravity of the

situation he sent a message to the battalion on his left, The Connaught

Rangers, asking for assistance in a counter-attack to drive the Germans out

of the lost trenches. Meeting the reinforcement from the Connaught

Rangers and guiding them to meet up with No 4 Double Company he and

the Sergeant leading The Connaughts were killed. As this was happening

Lieutenant Walcott and Lieutenant Innes of the MG detachment led any

men they could collect in a vain counter-attack to regain the lost trenches,

both dying in the attempt. No 4 Double Company under its Gurkha Officers

and supported by some 150 Connaughts now launched their attack. The

Germans had got a machine gun into the trenches which firing in enfilade

mowed down Gurkhas and Connaughts alike. Only the Battalion reserve

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