The Friends Of The Suffolk Regiment

  • Welcome
  • Introduction
    • The 'Family'
  • Publications
    • Operation 'Legacy'
  • Join Us
  • 'Honours and Awards'
  • Battlefield Tours
  • The Team
  • Friends News
  • Contact
  • Welcome
  • Introduction
    • The 'Family'
  • Publications
    • Operation 'Legacy'
  • Join Us
  • 'Honours and Awards'
  • Battlefield Tours
  • The Team
  • Friends News
  • Contact

OPERATION LEGACY
​A UNIQUE DAY-BY-DAY REMEMBRANCE, 2014 - 2018

follow below, the great war service of the suffolk regiment,
​from mobilisation to the armistice

"3 Drummers Killed, 8 Wounded, 3 Shell Shock"

3/6/2016

 
Picture
The above statement appeared in the War Diary for the 8th Battalion, the Suffolk Regiment on 3rd June 1916.
The Battalion were in billets just behind the line at Bronfay Farm, just to the rear of Carnoy on the lower section of the Somme sector of the line.
Early that morning, one single 4.2" enemy shell fell in the farm courtyard, killing three of the Battalion's drummers who were sleeping together in the hayloft of one of the farm buildings. in one stall, some of the drummers were playing cards, whilst the other slept next door. The shell burst through the roof, richocheyed off the wall before exploding. "One man killed" wrote Sydney Fuller "was the big drummer and a Wicken man named Hall."
The other two drummers to meet their end by the same shell were Edwin Boxcer of Walthamstow and William Ward of Lowestoft. Ward (above centre) joined 8th Suffolk in late in 1914 and was soon based at Colchester where the above photograph was taken in May 1915. The lady and gentlemen are Mr and Mrs Curtin who ran a soldier recreation hut at the Colchester Garrison. Around William are men from other units in the 53rd Infantry Brigade of which 8th Suffolk were part of in the 18th (Eastern) Division. William's family have never forgotten him. In 2015, his great grandson travelled back to Bronfay Farm cemetery to visit his grave and pay his respects. 
Perhaps the most poignant words in the diary entry were "shell shock" - a new phrase that had not yet been fully defined. It had been coined at the front for those suffering mentally from the effects of the war. Later its effects would be seen and made public, but for the moment, it's mention and its meaning were being heavily suppressed. With a large offensive planned in the next few weeks, it was essential that public opinion at home was 100% behind the war effort abroad. 


Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Welcome to our online 'blog' charting the history of the many Battalions of the Suffolk Regiment and the part they played in the Great War.
    Starting back in March 2014, we have recorded the events of 100 years ago on the centenary of their happening.
    Keep checking back to see how the Great War is progressing for the men of the Suffolk Regiment.
    ​

    Archives

    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.