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Gotts Surname Family History
Bernafay Wood
The Battalion diary for the days when Arthur was wounded show he was at Bernafay Wood, which is near the village of Longueval, on the Somme. It is 300 yards west of Trones Wood, the scene of many attacks and deaths by both sides. Bernafay Wood was a jumping off point for some of these.
After the initial advances on 1 July 1916, there were several battles during July. Around 19th July Bazentin Ridge, just west of Bernafay Wood was one such battle, followed by periods of entrenchment, attack and counter-attack around these areas.
On 21st July, the Battalion was at Bernafay Wood, holding the line from there to Trones Wood and southwards to Maltz Horn Farm, but sustained three men wounded in action. It seems that Arthur Walter was one of these.
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17th Battalion diary:
21 July BERNAFAY WOOD
Relieved 18th Bn Lanc Fusiliers in the front line, holding a position from TRONES WOOD inclusive to MALTZ HORN FARM exclusive (extreme right of the British line). 3 men wounded in action and 1 Transport Driver wounded,
22 July FRONT LINE
The Battalion still holding the front line which was subjected to heavy fire from hostile artillery. Casualties as follows:
Officers killed nil, wounded 3. Other ranks: killed 8, wounded 75
23 July FRONT LINE
The front line was again heavily shelled throughout the day. The Battn was relieved by the 23rd Bn Manchester Regiment about 11pm and proceeded to TALUS BOISE. Casualties during the day were as follows:
Officers killed nil, wounded 2. Other ranks: killed 18, wounded 58
24 July TALUS BOISE
Relief complete and Bn in TALUS BOISE by 2am.
Casualties for this day were as follows:
Officers nil. Other ranks: killed 6, wounded 14, missing 2