On September 8 the Battalion took over the front trenches immediately to the left of the Staden Railway, where the line was held by a series of posts running across the Broembeek. This was a very unpleasant line to occupy, as it was wet and marshy, and the enemy was able practically to overlook the trenches. Captain Walker, M.C., commanded the Battalion, while Major Rasch temporarily took command of the Brigade. During the three days in the line, 6 men were killed and 32 wounded. Second Lieutenant H. B. G. Morgan and three other ranks were slightly wounded, but remained at duty. On the 10th the Battalion spent four very disagreeable days at Rugby Camp, where it was continually bombed, shelled, and gassed. The men were employed in carrying up material to the front line, but considering they were constantly subjected to shell-fire they suffered very little: 3 men were killed, 3 wounded, and 11 gassed. Just as the Battalion was leaving camp, six 8-inch shells fell close by, but fortunately without causing any casualties. After a fortnight at De Wippe Camp, where it was employed on fatigues, the Battalion moved on the 23rd to Plumstead Camp, where it remained until October 6. On September 22 Brigadier-General G. D. Jeffreys, C.M.G., having been given command of the Nineteenth Division, left the 1st Guards Brigade to take up his new appointment, and was succeeded by Lieut.-Colonel C. R. C. de Crespigny. Lieutenant R. Y. T. Kendall and Second Lieutenant H. D. Stratford joined the Battalion on the 14th, and Second Lieutenant G. H. Hanning on the 21st.
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE 2ND BATTALION AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER
Major G. E. C. Rasch, D.S.O. Commanding Battalion. Major the Hon. W. R. Bailey, D.S.O. Second in Command. Capt. A. H. Penn Adjutant. Hon. Capt. W. E. Acraman, M.C. Quartermaster. Lieut. G. G. M. Vereker, M.C. Transport Officer. 2nd Lieut. H. M. Wilson Intelligence Officer. Capt. J. N. Buchanan, M.C. No. 1 Company. Lieut. J. C. Cornforth (Battalion Bombing Officer) ” ” 2nd Lieut. P. A. A. Harbord, M.C. ” ” 2nd Lieut. S. H. Pearson ” ” 2nd Lieut. H. D. Stratford ” ” Capt. Sir A. L. M. Napier, Bart. No. 2 Company. Lieut. F. A. M. Browning (Asst. Adjutant) ” ” Lieut, the Hon. F. H. Manners ” ” Lieut. F. H. G. Layland-Barratt, M.C. ” ” Lieut. W. H. S. Dent ” ” 2nd Lieut. R. H. R. Palmer ” ” 2nd Lieut. H. B. G. Morgan ” ” Capt. C. N. Newton, M.C. No. 3 Company. Lieut. R. Y. T. Kendall ” ” Lieut. F. A. Magnay ” ” Lieut. A. W. Acland ” ” 2nd Lieut. H. White ” ” Capt. G. C. FitzH. Harcourt-Vernon, D.S.O. No. 4 Company. Lieut. G. R. Westmacott ” ” Lieut. R. A. W. Bicknell (Battalion L.G. Officer) ” ” Lieut. J. Tabor ” ” 2nd Lieut. G. H. Hanning ” ” Capt. J. A. Andrews, M.C., R.A.M.C. Medical Officer. Capt. the Rev. Hon. C. F. Lyttelton Chaplain.