Kemmel 14.5.1915: 1 a.m. Relieved by 5th Battalion. One Company to SEIGE FARM. 2 in bivouac, 1 in Farm WEST of LITTLE KEMMEL on road to LOCRE.
Casualties: 1 Officer killed, OR 1 killed 25 wounded.
[WO/95/2694].
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We are expecting to be relieved today. We were relieved by our 5th Battalion, and instead of going back to our own Billets at Locre we were billeted just behind the firing line near to Kemmel. This farm is called Siege Farm.
[1415 Cpl. Alfred Afford]
Everything went on as usual until night when there was a two hour bombardment. We had two wounded. We were relieved by the 5th Battalion. We got to our billets about midnight. Nearly all the men were bivouacing out. We had to go to an Estaminet and we had a job to get in for the people did not want us, but after a little waving of hands and a few gestures we laid down on the floor while morning. It surprised me at the dressing station the way the farmers tilled their land and went on with their work only taking cover when they began shelling. Near the dressing station the Derbyshire Artillery were stationed, when they gave a volley it being enough to frighten anybody.
[2381 Pte. George Potter Bagshaw]
Began to rain about 2 a.m. & continued all day. Things quiet with us but trench mortar, rapid fire etc. on our right about 6 Came out about 11 p.m. being relieved by 5th S.F. Bad passage. Bivouacked in a field near Kemmel, although still raining. Wretched night.
[3289 Pte George William Beardsley]
