Lives of the First World War

known 28th September 1915

The Batallion War Diary records: "September 27th Vermelles: Strength of Battalion; Fighting 26 officers 957 other ranks. The Battalion marched to VERMELLES and halted in a field at 1pm. A few shells fell in the field wound two of the Coy Q2 sargeants. At 2pm “A” and “D” Coys under Major BEEVOR were ordered to relieve certain units in the CORONS DE PEKIN trenches, IV of Fosse 8. On the way it was found that these positions had been abandoned. Bde Gen PEREIRA and Bd Major – Capt. FLOWER arrived and ordered the two Coys The Buffs to push on and establish themselves in a position on the captured German line HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT. Gen PEREIRA and Capt. FLOWER accompanied The Buffs. The communicating trenches were so congested with troops that the Buffs quitted them and reached the appointed positions being shelled heavily en route. On arrival a platoon of “D” Coy charged the enemy and accounted for a score. Capt FLOWER was wounded. About this time Gen PEREIRA was wounded. Lieut. CORY-WRIGHT O/C “D” Coy wounded. All Buffs bombers actively engaged all evening and night. [5pm] 2/Lt N.E. WOOD severely wounded. During the night wounded men of all units were removed, a matter of great difficulty given the rain and the distance to be traversed.

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