Hi Pals

I'd be grateful for any info in relation to this battle especially the DLI

Cheers

Soren

Got the 10/DLI War Diary including maps and aerial photos,( plus Lt.Col.Morant's report re:Hooge) amongst other things if that's any good to you. (I'm presuming that you're referring to the July/August 1915 actions?)

There're about 16 or 17 pages regarding Hooge so I won't be posting them on here. Send me an email if you think any of it may be of use.

Dave.

***EDIT*** ....also got the 2/DLI War Diary

That'll be great Dave, what about the 2nd 'White Gurkhas' I understand they were decimated, also why are they called that?

These documents relating to the 10th is it the same attack/ground? The battle I'm looking at is August 15


I'm working on painting of the action....

Hi Soren,

I believe that you are looking at 9th August, 1915? Well, from 'The British Campaign, 1915' by Conan Doyle, page 162/3:

"The infantry assault had been assigned to the Sixth Division, who advanced at 3.15, with two brigades in front and one in support.
The 18th Brigade(Ainslie)was upon the right. Colonel Towsey was in immediate command. The 2nd Durham Light Infantry were in the lead, and got across two companies in front with little loss----. The wave of infantry were over the German parpet in an instant. All resistance was in vain, and those who stood were bayoneted, while the fugitives were pelted with bombs from traverse to traverse wherever they attempted to make head against their pursuers. So sudden had been the British rush that many of the Germans were found in their dug-outs---".

The Germans made several counter attacks during the day but were beaten back each time. For the day it seems that the 2nd DLI were the chief sufferers, with 12 officers and 500 men out of action. Many of these were as a result of the German counter attacks and shelling. I don't believe that the 10th DLI were involved at this time but were involved during the July liqiud fire attack?

I hope this is what you are looking for.

Best wishes, Robert

Extract from Lt.Col.Morant's (10 DLI) personal diary in reference to the action and 2/DLI...

...you should have the 2/DLI War Diary for the whole of August'15 sat in your email inbox as I write, but here's the mention of them from the 10/DLI diary. Looks like these guys had to clear quite a mess up when they moved into the trenches (slightly further north) that night!...

...

From the O.H. ...

...Trenchmap extract (trench dated Aug 3rd 1915)...

This is just fantastic! Thank you so much!

No idea... I can't say I've ever heard of them referred to as that (though (I think) that the 9th Bn were the "Gateshead Gurkhas"). The only "White Gurkhas" I can think of off the top of my head were the 2nd Inf Bde. AIF.

Dave

Coincidence Soren?
Their CO had served in India hence the Ghurka nick name. They advanced from Sanctuary wood area across the position where the cemetery is now opposite the museum towards the outbuildings of the original Hooge Chateau. Pte J Ogden, 2nd DLI, decided to dive into a shell crater thinking they never hit the same place twice. (as told by a comrade to his family). He was wrong and is now commemorated on the Menin Gate.
Regards
John

A start

.....

A little further

I'm a little lacking reference photos in relation to holding the rifle so am having to play it by ear!

The flash on my camera is obscuring the painting, I shall try to get a better version...

Thanks for looking

Soren