June 24/25 TRENCHES: At 12.45 am on the night of the 24/25th the 5th Sherwood Foresters raided the enemys trenches at the point N.1.d.16.44. and N.1.d.11.20. It is estimated that about 50 Germans were killed. Several dugouts were bombed and blown up. One prisoner was taken but he died at battalion Headquarters. Our casualties were very slight.

139 Infantry Brigade: Headquarters War Diary [WO95/2692]

At 12.45am the enemy line was successfully raid between points N.1.d.16.44. and N.1.d.11.20 by “A” & “C” Companies. Strength 6 Officers and 110 other ranks. Gaps in enemy wire, through which parties entered enemy trenches had been very satisfactorily cut b7 79th Siege Battery.

All parties reached their objectives and remained in enemy line 30 minutes. A number of dead were found on entering enemy line, presumably killed by artillery barrage. The reminder of the enemy put up some show of resistance and were either bayonetted or bombed.

Total of killed and wounded by raiding party is estimated at 21 killed and a considerable number wounded. A number of the enemy were heard in dug-outs which were heavily bombed.

A party of about 5 of the enemy surrendered to an Officer and were passed back and sent over to our lines. One only of these was brought in and he died about 1 hour afterwards. The remainder appear to have offered resistance and further details as to this party is obscure.

Our casualties were slight:-

• Killed………..2
• Missing……..2
• Wounded….9

Bot the ‘missing’ are known to have got clear of enemy lines. A patrol searched for these men until daylight.

Casualties from the raid

Killed:-

• 3856/201212 Pte Albert Beresford from Belper.
• 4816/201791 Pte William Burbidge Miller aged 21 and the Son of Joseph and Alyce Miller of Market Place in Belper.

Missing presumed killed:-

• 2025/200313 Sergeant Harry Allen from Long Eaton who arrived in France in June 1915.
• 3000/200799 Pte Frederick Charles Buggins from Long Eaton who arrived in France in June 1915.