The following is a compilation of ‘Camp Correspondent’s’, (Re. R. Bradshaw) reports of the ‘do-ings’ of the Battalion, published in the Accrington Gazette, 10th July, 1915 and 17th July, 1915:
Monday 5th July Evening: Concert organised by A.Q.M.S. Hindle. Regimental Band played selections.
Tuesday 6th July Afternoon: Brigade marched in sections for sham fight. 12th Y. & L. to defend trenches attacked by 11th E. L. and 13th Y.&L. 14th Y & L. acted as reserves to attacking forces.
Evening: Cricket. 11th E. L. versus 12th Y. & L. 11th E. L. 147 all out.
Wednesday 7th July Sixteen mile route march, the whole Brigade taking part. Each man had a substantial meat sandwich for lunch.
Thursday 8th July Morning: Repeat of Tuesday with 11th E. L. defending. Perhaps it would be wise not to state how many were killed in just one action.
Afternoon: Formal opening of Y.M.C.A. Recreation Hut, with new Billiard Room and Concert Room. Chair taken by Brig. Gen. Bowles, C.B.
Friday 9th July Tuesday’s cricket match continued. ‘Accrington’ (11th E. L.) won by an innings and 16 runs.
Saturday 10th July Sports Day at Hagley Park. No prizes came Battalions’ way. Up against crack athletes of 12th Y. & L. Running and jumping lost arts in Accrington.
Monday 12th July Morning: Sixteen mile route march to Cannock. Some only arrived back from leave at 3.30 a.m having walked from Rugeley Station.
Tuesday 13th July Football. 12th Y. & L. beaten 2–1. Concert in Y.M.C.A.
Wednesday 14th July Report on Battalion orders re: sham fight last Thursday. — ‘Defence — the 11th E. L. is to be commended for the manner in which its discipline, when sorely tested, was fully maintained’.
Thursday 15th July Evening: Concert in Y.M.C.A.
Night: Lining and re-lining trenches. Each company alternating at this work.
Compiled from ‘Camp Correspondent’s’ reports, (Re. R. Bradshaw) Accrington Gazette, 23rd October, 915 and 30th October, 1915:
Tuesday 12th October Parade a.m. for Battalion attack four miles away through Fovant. Back at 5 p.m. Nothing to eat since 7 a.m. Ready for late dinner.
Wednesday 13th October Brigade field day — route march with full pack through Dinton and Tuffant Manor. We arrived at selected position which we had to defend against all-comers. Aeroplanes flew overhead as part of manoeuvres. Very acceptable hot dinner served by field-kitchens. Returned through Fovant. Back at 5.30 p.m.
Thursday 14th October Another full pack morning. This time on outpost duty and at night went on night patrol work.
Friday 15th October Night patrol duty with 12th, 13th and 14th Y. & L. The 13th, 14th Y. & L. and 11th E. L. were attacked by 12th Y. & L. We left camp at 3.45 p.m. and at nightfall, 12th Y. & L. attacked with much vigour. We were able to repel the attack with heavy losses. Returned to camp midnight.
Saturday 16th October Morning spent cleaning up and preparing for hut and kit inspection. Visit from Quartermaster-General (Lt. Col. J. H. A. Annesley) who enquired if we had enough to eat and would we like supper. Needless to say, we ‘liked’.
Caught special leave train to London, arrived 3.40 p.m. and returned Sunday evening. Needless to say, saw ‘trail of the Zepps’. (Zeppelin bomb damage in the Strand, Aldwych and Holborn).
Monday 18th October Brigade close order drill on the Downs.
Tuesday 19th October Field work under Company arrangements, practising for Battalion and Brigade work. Strenuous day.
Wednesday 20th October Brigade tactical exercises. We had to assail positions held by 12th, 13th and 14th Y. & L. Each Battalion represented a Brigade, each Company a Battalion, so in theory were engaged in Divisional operations. Reveille was 5 a.m. Paraded at 7 a.m. Took up positions eight miles from camp. The battle ended, a two mile march brought us a hot meal. Dinner never more relished. Hot and tiring day. Camp reached at 5 p.m.
Thursday 21st October Half day holiday. Cross-country run of three or four miles. All Battalions in Division entered teams.
N.B. The 11th E. L. do not shine as long-distance runners. The first three places were from 15th W. Y. (West Yorkshire Regiment).
Friday 22nd October Another Brigade day. We defended position. Day warm and fine. Again dinner from field-kitchens and returned home.