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Key dates over August 1917

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Lives lost on this day: 4

20th August 1917 - French launch a new attack at Verdun and recapture more ground lost the previous year

Rolling casualty count: 7233

War Front:

1st Batt: Batt moved to at 3.30pm to Caestre and billeted at La Briarde. A draft of 317 other ranks joined from Territorial and Reserve Batts-a good draft on the whole.

2nd Batt: There was a lecture on bayonet fighting for the Batt. All Coys marched down to the sea near Coxyde Bains and bathed.

4th Batt: A fine day at last and the mud is beginning to dry up. Batt established a post over the Broenhoek during the night.

2/7th Batt: Batt relieved by 2/1 Bucks and moved to Goldfish Chateau.

2/8th Batt: Shelling very heavy during Stan-to am. Batt cleared a post of 20 Bosch from the right flank and advanced our joint post.

10th Batt: Divisional sports pm after PT and drill.

Yeomanry /Cavalry: Men found they could fish for catfish-as many as 40 in one haul using lobster-type, home-made pots. Not exciting to eat but a change from bully beef!

Home Front:

CANALS TO RELIEVE RAILWAYS – Transport Problems – Owing to the pressure on the railways an appeal has been issued by the Canal Control Committee, to promote the use of inland waterways for transport to the utmost possible extent.

COUNTY WAR COMFORTS FUND – Royal Marines Band’s Visit – One of several schemes being arranged to raise the large sum necessary to provide parcels for prisoners belonging to Worcestershire Units was the visit of the fine band of the Royal Marines, for two concerts on the County Cricket Ground on Thursday. Happily the weather was all that could be desired and the attendance was even larger than expected.

Information researched by The Worcestershire World War 100 team