P.
and just as things were growing interesting in the field of view of the
telescope, the Hun instituted a "certain liveliness" of a different
sort. Repetitions of this sort of thing convinced the observers that no
useful purpose could be served by staying there, so they
left--fortunately without mishap--and they were eager to inform the I.O.
that their new position was infinitely superior to Little Priel Farm! It
was in this vicinity that Pte. Wilbraham was killed by a shell. This
news saddened the whole battalion, for he was our champion lightweight
boxer, and we had been entertained many a time on the desert by his
clever exhibitions.
There was naturally a good deal of digging to be done in this sector,
and although relieved eventually in the front positions by the 5th, the
battalion found itself up in the line each night making continuous
trenches. It was in connection with this work that we lost our
brigadier, General Ormsby. On the night of May 1st, he, with a number of
R.E. officers, was examining the position near Catelet Copse when the
Boche suddenly started a short hurricane bombardment. The trench he was
in was only waist deep, and soldier and leader to the end he disdained
to take full advantage of the scanty shelter, preferring to set an
example of calmness and steadiness under fire to his men. A piece of
shell struck him in the head and he died almost immediately. This was a
great blow to the brigade, just at the commencement of their adventure
in the new warfare.
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