253636 L/Cpl Charles Edmund Field British Army 10th Btn West Yorkshire Regiment from:Leeds, Yorkshire I hold two brown paper hand written receipts for secret papers, together with a typed note: "on 1918-03-21 the about was commissioned by H.A G. Neville MC to carry the Battalion's secret papers under murderous bombardment to Brigade HQ.
The Battalion were defending the Front Line near Lock 7 Canal du Nord. Brigade HG was at Backworth Spoil Heap. Left soon after dawn and reached HQ at noon and was presented by Brigade Major Ruthven to Brigadier General Yatman.
In further retreat at midnight was entrusted all the Brigade's secret papers; East Yorks, West Yorks and Dorsets and took same to Viller au Flos. Above are receipts on being handed over."
This is my grandfather. My mother said that he was to be recommended by his officer for an award but the officer was killed.
My grandfather was very proud of the receipts and he was under heavy fire all the way - he had to cross a road where there was a sniper.
He laid down and counted how long the sniper waited during his burst of fire and then he made a dash across.
|