A SPRING THRESHING: TRENCH RAID PORTRAITS
22 JUNE 1917: THE BEDFORDSHIRES CAUGHT SLEEPING
On 22 June 1917, German troops in northern France, near the town of Hulluch, launched a trench raid on the British trenches opposite. While trench raids were common, this particular raid was unusual. The aftermath of the raid, carried out by men of the 72nd Infantry Regiment, was captured on camera.
Two photographs were taken, one of the entire German raiding party posing with two of their British prisoners, and another with the entire complement of British prisoners as the main subject. In the regimental history of the raiding unit, the 4th Thuringian Infantry Regiment No. 72, the trench raid is briefly described and summarised:
On 22 June, a patrol under the command of Leutnants R. Heide and Störel of the 11th Company, both slightly wounded, carried out a successful operation dubbed 'Spring Threshing'. Major Zander had carefully planned the operation over several days. It was launched against the southern part of the enemy trench system opposite us, supported by heavy artillery and mortar fire which completely suppressed the enemy. The well-equipped English trench was destroyed, while dugouts and reinforced concrete observation and machine-gun positions were destroyed by the company's sapper-miner squad. Inside the enemy trench, 1 officer and 5 men were killed in hand-to-hand combat, while 12 to 15 others were killed by the artillery barrage. During the hand-to-hand fighting in the enemy trench, 11 men of the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment were taken prisoner and much equipment was captured. In addition to the officers, Leutnants Kühnlenz (2nd Company) and Schröder (12th Company) and Unteroffizier Stollerz (4th Company) distinguished themselves. The drummer Brinkmann of 4th Company, who had volunteered to join one of the assault parties after receiving permission from his platoon leader, returned with a wounded English prisoner who he was carrying on his back! Our losses were two killed, both recovered, and 12 wounded. Once again the men had proved that the old victorious fighting spirit was still alive in them!
The war diary of the 8th Bedfordshires is silent about the raid and gives no reason for the high number of casualties: "In trenches. Enemy made heavy use of their trench mortars on the right. His planes were active but none crossed our line. Casualties 5 O.R. killed, 7 O.R. wounded, 12 O.R. missing. 2/Lt H.J.Weller wounded'.
With a little effort it was not too difficult to identify the British prisoners:
Buggs, George - *1895, +7 June 1965, 52 North Street, Luton (22845) - Held in Dülmen/Sythen POW camp
Burslem, Frank *31 July 1893 in Manchester, lived in Birmingham, Held in Grafenwöhr camp. (203316)
Chinery, Hazel Phillip - *1893, from Bulmer, Essex (40100) - Held in Dülmen/Sythen and Parchim POW camps.
Colgan, L. C. - Hertford (33255)
Geeson, Arthur Edward - *1884, Gt Bercham Kings Lynn, Norfolk (29014) - Held Dülmen/Sythen POW Camp.
Gipp, William Arthur - West Row, Mildenhall (40262)
Goude, Arthur William - 17 August 1885, Northampton (31021), Held in Dülmen/Sythen POW camp
Grant, Cpl. Leonard F. - *8 October 1892 in Upper Warlingham, Woodford Green (33185)
Gregory, A. E. - Barton (22669)
Matthams, Percy *16 July 1894 in Chelmsford (33247)
Rose, L.-Cpl. Albert Raymond *23 May 1896 Far Cotton / Northampton (33427)
If you are related to any of the men listed above, I would love to hear from you.
It’s good to see you back!