THE HISTORY OF THE
1/4TH BATTALION, DUKE OF
WELLINGTON’S (WEST RIDING)
REGIMENT.
1914–1919.
1914.
1918.
THE CLOTH HALL, YPRES.
THE HISTORY
OF
THE 1/4TH BATTALION
DUKE OF WELLINGTON’S
(west riding)
REGIMENT,
1914–1919.
BY
CAPT. P. G. BALES, M.C.
(Formerly Adjutant of the Battalion.)
Published by
HALIFAX:
EDWARD MORTIMER, LTD., REGENT STREET.
LONDON:
EDWARD MORTIMER, LTD., 34, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C. 4.
1920.
Stott Brothers Limited, Printers, Mount Street Works, Halifax.
TO
ALL RANKS
OF
THE 1/4TH BATTALION
WHO FELL IN ACTION.
PREFACE.
For more than two years I was responsible for keeping the War Diary ofthe 1/4th Battalion, and it was this duty which first suggested to methe idea of writing a History of the Battalion in the Great War. Soonafter the armistice was signed I submitted the idea to the CommandingOfficer, who expressed his strong approval and promised to assist inevery possible way. The present book is the result.
The “History” is based mainly on the official documents in theBattalion’s possession. These have, on the whole, been well preserved,particularly since the beginning of 1916. They have been supplementedby the personal recollections of many officers and other ranks. Proofsof each chapter have been submitted to at least two senior officers,who were serving with the Battalion during the period covered therein,and many alterations have been made as results of their criticisms andsuggestions.
My sincere thanks are due to Brig.-General R. E. Sugden, C.M.G.,D.S.O., T.D.; Lieut.-Col. H. S. Atkinson, T.D.; Lieut.-Col. J. Walker,D.S.O.; Major W. C. Fenton, M.C.; and Capt. E. N. Marshall, M.C., forreading part, or the whole, of the proofs; for many valuable criticismsand suggestions; and for much information. I desire also to acknowledgemy obligations to Major E. P. Chambers for much help with the earlierperiod; to Sergt. E. Jones, particularly for his assistance with theItinerary; and to the many officers and other ranks, too numerous toname, who have willingly placed their knowledge at my disposal. Mostimportant of all has been the help rendered by Lieut.-Col. A. L. Mowat,D.S.O., M.C. Nothing has been too much trouble for him. He has readthrough the whole of the proofs, and the book owes much to his kindlycriticism. He has relieved me of the whole of the business side of theproduction. It is not too much to say that, without his constant helpand encouragement, this book would never have been published.
The book has been written primarily for the men who served with theBattalion. If they experience as much pleasure in the reading, as Ihave in the