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Key dates over September 1916

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Lives lost on this day: 3

22nd September 1916 - 2nd Battn report enemy shelling towards Hebuterne and a shortage of floorboards for repairing trenches.

2nd Batt: There was enemy shelling towards Hebuterne. Patrols reported guns being brought up by germans to their front line. There is a shortage of floorboards for repairing trenches.

2/7th Batt: A Coy moved to Croix Barbee as a working party for Batteries in the Front Line.

10th Batt: There was a box respirator (Gas helmet,) inspection by the Medical Officer.

A Big Puzzle: The Military Authorities in Wiltshire find themselves faced by a problem of unusual dimensions in the person of a young innkeeper who is said to measure no less than 8ft. 2ins. in height and to be still growing. The youth, who is 22 years of age, turns the scale at considerably over 20 stone, and when it is essential that he should take a railway journey the company considerately permit him to travel in the guard’s van, the available space in an ordinary coach being too restricted for comfort. As the Military Authorities are exercised in mind as to what they could possibly do with him if they had him in the army, he for the time being remains peacefully at home in his Wiltshire village inn.

Soldiers’ Comforts and the Red Cross: On Thursday afternoon Mrs. Price Hughes, of Red Hill, lent her house and grounds for the purposes of a fete in aid of causes for Worcestershire soldiers and necessaries for those who are wounded. In the work of organisation she was assisted by a large band of willing helpers, and the fete had all the essentials for success. On the lawn were erected various well-arranged stalls and prettily decorated tea tables, and in other parts of the grounds, interesting competitions and an open-air whist drive were held. The ham slicing provoked great merriment and attracted many entries.

Evesham Men Wounded: Pte. Frank Roberts , of the Worcestershires, and third son of Mr. Sidney J. Roberts, of Evesham, wrote to his parents from a Sheffield Hospital on Friday, stating that he had been “gassed” in France. A “gas” shell burst before he and many others had a chance of putting on their gas helmets. He has a brother in the Royal Engineers.

Driver Garbutt, R.F.A., has died from wounds received while taking up ammunition to the Batteries. The sister-in-charge of the Camp Operating Stations said in her letter to his mother: “Everything possible was done for him, but I regret to say he died soon after admission. He didn’t suffer much pain; he seemed to sleep away, so I did not disturb him to get any message. I am sure he did not realise he was dying. I hope it will comfort you to know that he was well cared for soon after being wounded. “ Capt. M.C.H. Smith Carington writes; “The officer in charge tells me your son was most plucky. Since he has been with my unit he has proved himself a most conscientious and good soldier, and you have every reason to be proud of him.”

Pte. J. Tibbetts, of the Worcestershire Regiment, who was recently awarded the D.C.M for gallantry in the field, has also been awarded the Russian Order of St. George (Fourth Class).

New Petrol Regulations: Samuel Tuke Green, garage manager, was summoned for using motor spirit for the purpose of a char-a-banc trip. The defendant was stopped on Sunday by P.C. Greaves, whom he told that he did not require a permit as he was taking out munition workers. Inspector Wagstaff said that the accused told him he used two-thirds paraffin and one-third petrol. Mr. Harrington said that one of the exceptions under the Order was for trips “in connection with munition service.” The Bench held that every garage proprietor ought to know the regulations. They imposed a fine of £2.

Content researched by the Worcestershire World War 100 project team.