Lives of the First World War

Brigadier F.C. Stanley writes in History of the 89th Brigade, (Page 223-224): “The Brigade was holding Torr-Tops, and the right battalion lived in an extensive system of mined galleries, which became inevitably crowded with troops and stores. This place was to be the subject, some months later, of a terrible tragedy. For some unknown reason the whole place caught fire, and in a few minutes was completely burnt out. Several officers of the 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment were burnt to death, and the Rev. C. Moore, C.F., who used to be with the 20th Battalion K.L.R., unfortunately met his death there. Poor fellow! from all accounts he could have got out perfectly well, but he went back to see if he could do anything to help the others, and was heard of no more.” NOTES: 1. Brigadier Stanley (included in this community) is recording events second hand. a. He refers to Torr-Tops (often Tor-Tops) which was the name used at Brigade level to aggregate this extensive system of mined galleries. The forward right Bn. of the in place Brigade occupied Hedge Street tunnels. b. Brigadier Stanley talks of an “unknown reason” for the fire but an electrical fault was later reported as likely cause. c. He mentions the death toll included “several officers” - it actually totaled 21 (12 ORs and 9 officers) - all from "2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment" (actually 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment - but both 21 Bde units) - and Bde Staff. d. He incorrectly uses the initial C. instead of E.N. when referring to Edgar Moore. 2. Major Pickard (included in this community) later recorded the definitive report on the tragedy. a. The "one officer of the Royal Engineers" and Medical Officer, Lt Picken (who survived), mentioned in his account are yet to be identified. b. The "twelve men of the Battalion" are recorded on the CWGC site.

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