Herbert 2491 Gotts #022-2

This text is included on this website describing the 4th Battalion’s war at Ypres, or Ieper as it is called now. Bill Danby’s website

24th OCTOBER. The Btn moved by train to Elverdinghe where they proceeded to Cariboo Camp. 25th OCTOBER. The Btn relieved the 6th Btn Northumberland Fusiliers and went into reserve to the 149th Infantry Brigade. They were placed under the command of the 149th Brigadier and over the next days were to take part in the Battle of Houtholst Forest.

The Battalion War Diary says little of the day to day actions, but from other sources it is clear that the Division had to attack heavily defended German positions over swampy land that was criss-crossed by streams and had now been turned into a quagmire by heavy rains and constant shelling.

The 4th Yorks and 6th Northumberland Fus were in reserve at Pascal Farm.

The attack was to commence at 5 am next day, with 149th Brigade leading.

It was as usual supported by a creeping barrage of Artillery fire, but the Infantry could not cover the ground at the same speed of its advance.

They were met by a German Artillery barrage and a hail of machine gun fire.

The 149th Bde were to lose some 1,000 men killed, wounded and missing.

26th OCTOBER. The 4th Btn moved into Support in the morning and into the line at night.

That day the following men were killed in action and all but 3 are commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial and have no known grave. (Includes a reference to Herbert Gotts)