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Key dates over October 1918

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Lives lost on this day: 32

24th October 1918 - Battle of Vittorio Veneto. Italians launch a strong offensive in the north-east along the River Piave, against the Austro-Hungarian line which begins to collapse.

Rolling casualty count: 11276

War Front:

1st Batt: The trench was completed and manned. Two officers and 38 OR were affected by gas.

2nd Batt: The Divisional Commander presented medal ribands to officers and men for the action at Neuve Eglise in April.

4th Batt: In the pm the enemy sent over much gas, using mustard, phosgene lachrymatory and several men were sent to the MO. Enemy balloons were up on the Corps Front in spite of 7 balloons being brought down. One of our airmen was seen to be brought down by AA fire in the enemy lines.

2/8th Batt: Two platoon of the Batt prepared to rush the enemy position at Sec while a similar force of 1/6th Glos raided Ave. At 10.15pm the British guns opened fire and men rushed forward led by Lt WS Gundry. Within minutes the trenches had been cleared for a 100 yards right and left. 12 enemy were killed in the trenches and several other were killed by rifle fire as they ran. 3 prisoners were captured.

Home Front:

Homes for Disabled Men – Worcester Sportsmen’s Bungalow – Over £300 Towards It – The Worcester Sportsmen’s Committee’s effort on behalf of the Mayor’s Homes for Disabled Sailors and Soldiers has resulted in the presentation of a cheque for £303.7s.5d. towards that admirable scheme.

Gallant Worcesters Praised – Sir Douglas Haig in the details of his message makes honourable mention of the Worcesters and the 33rd Divisions to which they were attached on the Southern flank. Our troops had not been able to prevent the enemy’s entry into Merville. As troops of the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 31st, 61st and 1st Australian Divisions began to arrive, the southern portion of the battle front gradually became steady. Time was still required, however, to complete our dispositions, and for the next two days the situation in this area remained critical.

Information researched by The Worcestershire World War 100 team