{"id":19175,"date":"2025-03-28T13:10:06","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T13:10:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/?page_id=19175"},"modified":"2025-12-24T11:40:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T11:40:12","slug":"1917-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1917-2\/","title":{"rendered":"1917"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/early-lives-of-the-brothers\/\">Early lives<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1914-2-2\/\">1914<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1915-2\/\">1915<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1916-2\/\">1916<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1917-2\/\">1917<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1914-2\/\">1918<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1927-2\/\">1927<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t<!-- Cool Timeline PRO V6.1.1 -->\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ctl-wrapper\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Timeline\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div data-timeline-type=\"story-tm\" data-action=\"story_timeline_cat_filters\" class=\"ctl-category-container ctl-category-default\" data-id=\"cool_timeline_2\"><button aria-haspopup=\"true\" role=\"button\" data-value=\"\" class=\"ctl-category-dropdown-button\"><span>y1917<\/span> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" height=\"1em\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"\/>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/svg><\/button><ul class=\"ctl-category\" role=\"menu\"><li class=\"ctl-category-item\" role=\"menuitem\"><a data-post-count=\"299\" href=\"#\" data-tm-type=\"story-tm\" data-action=\"story_timeline_cat_filters\" data-term-slug=\"all\" aria-label=\"All - 299 posts\">All<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ctl-category-item\" role=\"menuitem\"><a data-post-count=\"24\" href=\"#\"  active-category data-term-slug=\"y1917\" aria-label=\"1917 - 24 posts\">1917<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ctl-category-item\" role=\"menuitem\"><a data-post-count=\"11\" href=\"#\"  data-term-slug=\"donald-y1917\" aria-label=\"Donald - 11 posts\">Donald<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ctl-category-item\" role=\"menuitem\"><a data-post-count=\"12\" href=\"#\"  data-term-slug=\"reggie-y1917\" aria-label=\"Reggie - 12 posts\">Reggie<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t<div id=\"cool_timeline_2\" class=\"cool-timeline-wrapper ctl-both-sided ctl-vertical-wrapper ctl-default\" data-nav=\"hide\" data-line-filling=\"false\" data-nav-pos=\"right\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ctl-start\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Timeline Container -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ctl-timeline ctl-timeline-container\" data-animation=\"slide-up\" aria-live=\"polite\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Center Line -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ctl-inner-line\" role=\"presentation\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Story Year Section --><div data-cls=\"sc-nv-light vertical\" class=\"timeline-year scrollable-section ctl-year ctl-year-container light-year\" data-section-title=\"1917\" id=\"year-1917\"><div class=\"ctl-year-label ctl-year-text\"><span>1917<\/span><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18647\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"1\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">January 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18647\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Reggie returns to the 8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL but then goes to Field Ambulance; battalion in training\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/january-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">Reggie returns to the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL but then goes to Field Ambulance; battalion in training<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\r\n<p>Reggie returns from his time with the 76<sup>th<\/sup> Brigade and a period of leave.<\/p>\r\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL see time in the front line near Serre and then spend time in training in Courcelles.<\/p>\r\n<p>Reggie has to go to the Field Ambulance. While Reggie at the field ambualnce, the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL move to an area behind the front line West of Vimy and Arras.<\/p>\r\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/january-1917-2\/#more-18647\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Reggie returns to the 8th KORL but then goes to Field Ambulance; battalion in training\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18644\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"2\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">January 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18644\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Donald goes on leave; 4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; SAI near Arras\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/january-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">Donald goes on leave; 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI near Arras<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>Donald passes command of the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI to Lt.Col.E. Christian and goes on leave again.<\/p>\n<p>While Donald is on leave, the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI supply work and fatigue parties and spend time in the front line near Arras.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/january-1917\/#more-18644\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Donald goes on leave; 4th SAI near Arras\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18750\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"3\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">February 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18750\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Donald on leave; 4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; SAI work parties\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/february-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">Donald on leave; 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI work parties<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>While Donald is on leave the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI spend time supplying further work parties and spending some time in the trenches in the Arras area.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/february-1917-2\/#more-18750\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Donald on leave; 4th SAI work parties\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18649\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"4\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">February 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18649\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"While Reggie is at the Field Ambulance\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/february-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">While Reggie is at the Field Ambulance<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>While Reggie is at the Field Ambulance, the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL spend time under Major B.H.H. Perry in various lines of training, spend some in providing work parties in Arras and finally move back behind the lines.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/february-1917\/#more-18649\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading While Reggie is at the Field Ambulance\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18645\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"5\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">March 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18645\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Donald gets married; 4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; SAI in training\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/march-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">Donald gets married; 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI in training<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>After a brief period in trenches near Arras, the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI move to the &#8220;Y&#8221; huts near Etrun and then onto Ostreville for a period of training before returning back to the vicinity of Arras.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, on the 17<sup>th<\/sup> March, Donald marries Marion Grizelda Guillum Scott at St. Stephen\u2019s, Kensington. The ceremony is partly performed by Donald&#8217;s brother Rev. Francis Whittaker Hunt. Marion is the daughter is Sir Arthur Guillum Scott (Accountant-General at the India Office) and of Lady Scott, formerly of 41 Lexham Gardens, Kensington. After the wedding they rent a furnished flat at 19 Emperor&#8217;s Gate, South Kensington.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/march-1917\/#more-18645\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Donald gets married; 4th SAI in training\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18650\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"6\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">March 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18650\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Reggie returns to the 8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL and resumes command;\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/march-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">Reggie returns to the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL and resumes command;<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>Reggie returns to the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL from the Field Ambulance that he has attended since January.<\/p>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL provide working parties and spend time in training in preparation for the coming <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Battle_of_Arras_(1917)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3<sup>rd<\/sup> Battle of Arras<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/march-1917-2\/#more-18650\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Reggie returns to the 8th KORL and resumes command;\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18646\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"7\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">April 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18646\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Donald still on leave; Battle of Arras; The Scarpe; The Fampoux fiasco; Lt.Col. MacLeod returns\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/april-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">Donald still on leave; Battle of Arras; The Scarpe; The Fampoux fiasco; Lt.Col. MacLeod returns<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>It is not clear when Donald returned to the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI at the front after his wedding. The letter from Reggie to Helen on the 5<sup>th<\/sup> May would indicate that he had returned before that date. However, he is not on the list of officers involved with the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI in the Battle of the Scarpe on the 9<sup>th<\/sup> April.<\/p>\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_19399\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19399\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a data-rel=\"lightbox-image-bGlnaHRib3gtaW1hZ2UtYkdsbmFIUmliM2c9\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"From The History of the South African Forces in France by John Buchan between pages 118 and 119\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"From The History of the South African Forces in France by John Buchan between pages 118 and 119\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-scaled.png\" title=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-19399\" src=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-300x206.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-300x206.png 300w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-768x526.png 768w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-1024x702.png 1024w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-1536x1052.png 1536w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-2048x1403.png 2048w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-1200x822.png 1200w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/1917\/04\/ArrasNorthWhite-1980x1357.png 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19399\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The South Africans advance at the Battle of Arras<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n<p>The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI are in action in the Battle of the Scarpe which is, initially, a great success but soon gets bogged down and the battalion&#8217;s last action in this battle is the ill-fated action at Fampoux where they get caught in machine gun crossfire.<\/p>\n<p>Lt.Col. D.M.MacLeod returns after recovering from his wounds received at Delville Wood the previous July.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/april-1917\/#more-18646\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Donald still on leave; Battle of Arras; The Scarpe; The Fampoux fiasco; Lt.Col. MacLeod returns\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18651\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"8\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">April 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18651\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Battle of Arras; Attack on Gu\u00e9mappe; Reggie is wounded (again) but remains at duty; Defence of Monchy-le-Preux\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/april-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">Battle of Arras; Attack on Gu\u00e9mappe; Reggie is wounded (again) but remains at duty; Defence of Monchy-le-Preux<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>On the 9<sup>th<\/sup>, the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL are involved in the Battle of Arras in operations around Gu\u00e9mappe and Monchy-le-Preux with Reggie personally leading the Battalion into battle.<\/p>\n<p>Reggie is wounded on the 11<sup>th<\/sup> while but remains at duty.<\/p>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL move back to Arras to recover and are thanked by the G.O.C. 3<sup>rd<\/sup> Division. On the 23<sup>rd<\/sup> move back to the front east of Monchy-le-Preux and help defend the town from German attack for 3 days.<\/p>\n<p>It is for one of these actions that Reggie is awarded D.S.O. in the 1918 New Year&#8217;s Honours.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/april-1917-2\/#more-18651\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Battle of Arras; Attack on Gu\u00e9mappe; Reggie is wounded (again) but remains at duty; Defence of Monchy-le-Preux\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18661\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"9\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">May 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18661\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Battle of Arras (cont.); 3&lt;sup&gt;rd&lt;\/sup&gt; Battle of the Scarpe; training\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/may-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">Battle of Arras (cont.); 3<sup>rd<\/sup> Battle of the Scarpe; training<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>After supplying working parties for the Royal Engineers while billeted in Arras, the battalion is involved in holding the line on the Green Line north of Fampoux near Arras.<\/p>\n<p>Later in the month, they spend time in combat and skills training.<\/p>\n<p>On the night of the 5th\/6<sup>th<\/sup> May, Donald is mentioned in a letter from Reggie to their sister, Helen. It relates the story of Donald narrowly avoiding a bomb through his bed. The letter also says &#8220;Donald goes up tonight, just on our left, to a badly straffed place like this salubrious village.&#8221; Since the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI had been furnishing working parties up until the 4<sup>th<\/sup> May and it was only on the 5<sup>th<\/sup> May that they were ordered to stop doing so and prepare to go into line, it is very likely that the two brothers met on the 5th. At the time, the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL were in trenches on Brown Line probably near La Chapelle de Feuchy and were employed building communication trenches west of Monchy Le Preux having been moved up on the 4<sup>th<\/sup> May.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/may-1917-2\/#more-18661\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Battle of Arras (cont.); 3rd Battle of the Scarpe; training\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18652\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"10\" role=\"article\" style=\"--ctw-cbx-img-radius: 0px\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">May 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18652\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL in further actions at Monchy-le-Preux; rest and recovery west of Arras\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/may-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL in further actions at Monchy-le-Preux; rest and recovery west of Arras<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL are relieved from their duty in the\u00a0 trenches east of Monchy and spend a couple of days resting and cleaning near Arras.<\/p>\n<p>On the 4<sup>th<\/sup> they move back to trenches on Brown Line near Chapelle de Feuchy.<\/p>\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_19507\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19507\" style=\"width: 150px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19507 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/P1100014-small-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19507\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Reggie to Helen page 1<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n<p>On the night of the 5th\/6<sup>th<\/sup> May Reggie writes a letter to his sister, Helen, describing meeting their brother, Donald of the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI, probably during the day of the 5<sup>th<\/sup> May. You can read the <a href=\"#letter\">full letter<\/a> towards the bottom of this page.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>On the 12<sup>th<\/sup>, the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL attacked Devil&#8217;s Trench to the East of Arras and North of Monchy-le-Preux in order to secure their positions at Monchy. The action was not a success after being met with heavy rifle fire and many losses.<\/p>\n<p>The Germans retaliated with heavy bombardment of Monchy on the 13<sup>th<\/sup> and 14<sup>th<\/sup> and then the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL were relieved and moved back to west of Arras where the cookers provided breakfast.<\/p>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL moved further west of Arras where they stayed for 2 weeks rest and recovering. They received a letter of appreciation from Brigadier-General Porter, GOC of the 76<sup>th<\/sup> Brigade, for their efforts at Monchy and Gu\u00e9mappe.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/may-1917\/#more-18652\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading 8th KORL in further actions at Monchy-le-Preux; rest and recovery west of Arras\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18662\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"11\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">June 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18662\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; SAI supply work parties; combat and skills training\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/june-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI supply work parties; combat and skills training<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI supply work parties and partake in combat and skills training.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/june-1917-2\/#more-18662\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading 4th SAI supply work parties; combat and skills training\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18653\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"12\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">June 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18653\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL support the attack on Infantry Hill; Reggie goes on leave\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/june-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL support the attack on Infantry Hill; Reggie goes on leave<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL moves back to Arras and supplied many work parties trench digging around Arras.<\/p>\n<p>On the 12<sup>th<\/sup>, the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL moves back to the area around Monchy-le-Preux and, on the 14<sup>th<\/sup>, they acted in support of a wider attack on Infantry Hill east of Monchy which was eventually taken and held despite concerted attempts by Germans to retake the hill.<\/p>\n<p>On the 20<sup>th<\/sup>, the 76<sup>th<\/sup> Brigade (including the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL) was relieved and marched back into Arras for rest and baths. They were then bused to billets in Halloy where they stayed until the end of the month.<\/p>\n<p>On the 21<sup>st<\/sup>, Reggie went on a brief leave to England with Major B.H.H. Perry taking over command of the battalion.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/june-1917\/#more-18653\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading 8th KORL support the attack on Infantry Hill; Reggie goes on leave\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18663\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"13\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">July 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18663\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"The 4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; SAI move south to Bertincourt\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/july-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI move south to Bertincourt<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The regiment is in combat and skills training at the &#8220;Y&#8221; huts near \u00c9trun and then at Berneville.<\/p>\n<p>On the 25<sup>th<\/sup> July, in a letter home by Cpl A.W. Cloete-Smith of the 2<sup>nd<\/sup> SAI wrote &#8230;<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>&#8230;<br \/>\nMajor D. Hunt was popular. No matter when and in the most unlikely places, he would come out with &#8220;Ha! Ha! Get your hair cut&#8221;. His way of getting new drafts was in this fashion :-<br \/>\n&#8220;How many men, Sergeant-Major?&#8221;<br \/>\n&#8220;Sixty men, Sir!&#8221;<br \/>\n&#8220;Ha! Ha! One shell and you&#8217;ll all be dead. Ha! Ha! Get your hair cut.&#8221;<br \/>\n&#8230;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Towards the end of the month the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI move south to Bertincourt in the north of the Somme area to relieve the 6<sup>th<\/sup> London Regiment in divisional reserve.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/july-1917-2\/#more-18663\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading The 4th SAI move south to Bertincourt\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18654\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"14\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">July 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18654\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Reggie returns from leave; the 8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL in trenches around Louverval and in billets at Fr\u00e9micourt; Reggie goes on attachment with the Heavy Artillery\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/july-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">Reggie returns from leave; the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL in trenches around Louverval and in billets at Fr\u00e9micourt; Reggie goes on attachment with the Heavy Artillery<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL move to an area close to Louverval about 10 miles south-east of Monchy. Reggie returned from leave on the 6th.<\/p>\n<p>On the 10<sup>th<\/sup>, the battalion moved into trenches at Louverval. Here life in the trenches was quiet and they spent a week in relative peace compared to the frantic action they had experienced during May and June just a few miles further north.<\/p>\n<p>On the 18<sup>th<\/sup>, the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL moved to Fremicourt for some well-deserved R&amp;R and baths.<\/p>\n<p>On the 24<sup>th<\/sup>, they were back in action in the trenches and again it was relatively peaceful with just the occasional skirmish until the end of the month. For this tour, Major B.H.H. Perry was in command so that Reggie could spend a few days on attachment with the Heavy Artillery.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/july-1917\/#more-18654\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Reggie returns from leave; the 8th KORL in trenches around Louverval and in billets at Fr\u00e9micourt; Reggie goes on attachment with the Heavy Artillery\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18664\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"15\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">August 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18664\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Trenches in Trescault; Lt.Col. MacLeod goes on leave; Donald takes command of the 4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; SAI\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/august-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">Trenches in Trescault; Lt.Col. MacLeod goes on leave; Donald takes command of the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI take their turn in the front line trenches at Trescault.<\/p>\n<p>Donald attends a burial at Metz-en-Couture and, after Lt.Col. MacLeod goes on leave, takes command of the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI.<\/p>\n<p>The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI receive a visit from their Colonel-in-chief, Sir William Dalrymple.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/august-1917-2\/#more-18664\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Trenches in Trescault; Lt.Col. MacLeod goes on leave; Donald takes command of the 4th SAI\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18655\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"16\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">August 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18655\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"The 8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL spend a month in training, sports competitions and quiet trenches\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/august-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL spend a month in training, sports competitions and quiet trenches<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL spent August alternating between camp at Fremicourt and the trenches near Louverval.<\/p>\n<p>While in camp they engage in training and in many activities designed to raise the spirits of the battalion. They have boxing matches, tent pitching competitions and concerts.<\/p>\n<p>Again, as last month, the two weeks that they spend at the front are quiet.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/august-1917\/#more-18655\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading The 8th KORL spend a month in training, sports competitions and quiet trenches\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18665\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"17\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">September 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18665\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Visit to Butte de Warlencourt; Battle of the Menin Road Ridge\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/september-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">Visit to Butte de Warlencourt; Battle of the Menin Road Ridge<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI pay their respects to the fallen of the South African Brigade at the Butte de Warlencourt in October 1916.<\/p>\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_19395\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19395\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a data-rel=\"lightbox-image-bGlnaHRib3gtaW1hZ2UtYkdsbmFIUmliM2c9\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"From The History of the South African Forces in France by John Buchan between pages 134 and 135\" data-rl_title=\"\" data-rl_caption=\"From The History of the South African Forces in France by John Buchan between pages 134 and 135\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-scaled.png\" title=\"\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-19395\" src=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-300x250.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-768x639.png 768w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-1024x853.png 1024w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-1536x1279.png 1536w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-2048x1705.png 2048w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-1200x999.png 1200w, https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3rdYpreWhite-1980x1649.png 1980w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19395\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From The History of the South African Forces in France by John Buchan between pages 134 and 135<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n<p>Move north to the Ypres area and take part in the attack of the Battle of the Menin Road Ridge on the 20<sup>th<\/sup> Sept. Donald is not listed in the officers taking part in the attack and so was probably not present by design (but see next month).<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/september-1917-2\/#more-18665\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Visit to Butte de Warlencourt; Battle of the Menin Road Ridge\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18656\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"18\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">September 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18656\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL in action in the Battle of Polygon Wood\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/september-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL in action in the Battle of Polygon Wood<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL spends the first part of the month in both skills and physical training.<\/p>\n<p>The C.O. of the 1<sup>st<\/sup> King&#8217;s Dragoon Guards (Reggie&#8217;s own Regiment) watches the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL practice an attack on the 17<sup>th<\/sup> and, on the 18<sup>th<\/sup>, the battalion moves north to camp west of Ypres in preparation for an attack on the 26th.<\/p>\n<p>The camp is not in a good state and the battalion spends time making it habitable.<\/p>\n<p>The battalion is in position for the attack at 12.45 am on the 26<sup>th<\/sup> and has to wait a long 5 hours for zero hour.<\/p>\n<p>The Battle of Polygon Wood was launched at 5.50am on the 26<sup>th<\/sup> September. The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL succeed in taking Tokio and M\u00fchle Farms on the outskirts of Zonnebeke and hold on to those positions until relieved on the 29th.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/september-1917\/#more-18656\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading 8th KORL in action in the Battle of Polygon Wood\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18658\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"19\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">October 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18658\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"The 8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL in trenches at Bullecourt\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/october-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL in trenches at Bullecourt<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The Brigade G.O.C. thanks the 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL for their efforts at Polygon Wood. The battalion move south to the Bullecourt area just north of where they had been at Louverval back in July.<\/p>\n<p>The trenches at Bullecourt are no worse than they had been at Louverval and the time that the battalion spends at Bullecourt are relatively quiet.<\/p>\n<p>8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL take turns with the 10<sup>th<\/sup> Royal Welsh Fusiliers in the trenches at Bullecourt interspersed with camp at Mory. They are visited in the line by several senior officers including Gen. E. Allenby &amp; Maj.Gen. C.J. Deverell.<\/p>\n<p>On the 12<sup>th<\/sup>, Reggie left the line for a trip to Paris. The journey is not described as &#8220;on leave&#8221;. He returned to the battalion on the 24th.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/october-1917\/#more-18658\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading The 8th KORL in trenches at Bullecourt\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18666\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"20\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">October 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18666\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; SAI hold 1000 yds of the Ypres Salient; move to the coast\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/october-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI hold 1000 yds of the Ypres Salient; move to the coast<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>Training for forthcoming action near Passchendaele.<\/p>\n<p>On the 13<sup>th<\/sup>, with Donald in command, the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI hold about 1000 yards of the front line of the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Ypres_Salient\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ypres Salient<\/a> North-East of H\u00fcbner Farm. The night of the 13th\/14<sup>th<\/sup> was one of the very worst nights that the battalion spent in their entire time on the Western Front due to the mud and the gas.<\/p>\n<p>The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI are relieved on the evening of the 16<sup>th<\/sup> by the 1<sup>st<\/sup> SAI and move west to be in a position to supply working parties for the front.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, they move towards the Belgian coast at Coudekerque-Branche and spend some time a little further up the coast at La Panne working on the defence systems. They are very relieved to be out of the Ypres Salient.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/october-1917-2\/#more-18666\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading 4th SAI hold 1000 yds of the Ypres Salient; move to the coast\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18659\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"21\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">November 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18659\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"The 8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL in trenches at Bullecourt (cont.)\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/november-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL in trenches at Bullecourt (cont.)<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL are in the trenches at Bullecourt. They send out a couple of patrols to search for weak spots in the enemy&#8217;s defences.<\/p>\n<p>They then spend time in camp at Mory in cleaning, playing sports and having concerts.<\/p>\n<p>On the 12<sup>th<\/sup> they are back in the trenches repairing damage caused largely by the bad recent weather.<\/p>\n<p>Back in camp at Mory, they receive a delivery of Christmas Puddings well in time for next month. They spend more time playing sports and having concerts.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, at the very end of the month, they are back in the trenches at Bullecourt on the receiving end of gas shells.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/november-1917\/#more-18659\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading The 8th KORL in trenches at Bullecourt (cont.)\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18667\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"22\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">November 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18667\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"Donald returns from leave; move south to the Somme\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/november-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">Donald returns from leave; move south to the Somme<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>After a brief trip back to the Ypres area, the 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI start a long journey south back to the Somme area.<\/p>\n<p>Donald returned to the regiment on the 25<sup>th<\/sup> from leave. However, it is not clear when it was he went on leave.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/november-1917-2\/#more-18667\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading Donald returns from leave; move south to the Somme\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18660\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon odd ctl-story-left ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-monthly ctl-reggie-y1917 ctl-reggie-monthly\" data-story-index=\"23\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">December 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18660\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"8&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; KORL in trenches at Bullecourt (cont.2); Reggie goes on leave; the battalion sees in the New Year\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/december-1917\/\" class=\"story-link\">8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL in trenches at Bullecourt (cont.2); Reggie goes on leave; the battalion sees in the New Year<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 8<sup>th<\/sup> KORL are in the line at Bullecourt again but this time it is getting more lively from around the 10th\/11<sup>th<\/sup> with much more artillery usage from both sides.<\/p>\n<p>On the 19<sup>th<\/sup>, Reggie goes on leave to England leaving Major Lawrence (who had joined from the 1<sup>st<\/sup> Gordon Highlanders on the 12th) in command. Major Lawrence pronounces the Christmas dinner as being the best one he has had in France.<\/p>\n<p>Major Lawrence moves onto another command leaving Capt.H.N.Morgan, Reggie&#8217;s erstwhile adjutant, in command.<\/p>\n<p>The battalion spends the New Year in Hendecourt a few miles north-west of Mory where the officers attend a successful dinner party.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/december-1917\/#more-18660\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading 8th KORL in trenches at Bullecourt (cont.2); Reggie goes on leave; the battalion sees in the New Year\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- Timeline Content --><div id=\"ctl-story-18668\" class=\"ctl-story ctl-story-dot-icon even ctl-story-right ctl-no-media ctl-y1917 ctl-donald-y1917 ctl-donald-monthly ctl-monthly\" data-story-index=\"24\" role=\"article\"><!-- Story Date --><div class=\"ctl-labels\"><div class=\"ctl-label-big story-date\">December 1917<\/div><\/div><!-- Story IconDot --><div class=\"ctl-icondot\"><\/div> <!-- Story Arrow --><div class=\"ctl-arrow\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<!-- Story Content --><div class=\"ctl-content\"><!-- Story Title --> <div class=\"ctl-title story-18668\" role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><a target=\"_self\" title=\"The 4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;\/sup&gt; SAI return to the Somme at Gouzeaucourt\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/december-1917-2\/\" class=\"story-link\">The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI return to the Somme at Gouzeaucourt<\/a><\/div><!-- Story Description --><div class=\"ctl-description\"><h3 class=\"before-more\">Summary<\/h3>\n<p>The 4<sup>th<\/sup> SAI continue their journey south towards the Somme area. On the 5<sup>th<\/sup> they are at the front near Gouzeaucourt.<\/p>\n<p>The men&#8217;s feet are getting very sore from the conditions in the trenches and require constant attention<\/p>\n<p>A traditional Christmas is spent in hutments near Gouzeaucourt.<\/p>\n<p> <a href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/timeline\/december-1917-2\/#more-18668\" class=\"more-link\"><span aria-label=\"Continue reading The 4th SAI return to the Somme at Gouzeaucourt\">(more&hellip;)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ctl-end\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/early-lives-of-the-brothers\/\">Early lives<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1914-2-2\/\">1914<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1915-2\/\">1915<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1916-2\/\">1916<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1917-2\/\">1917<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1914-2\/\">1918<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/ancestry-resources\/hunts-of-sedgeford\/hunts-in-world-war-1\/1927-2\/\">1927<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":19094,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"hunt-ancestry","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19175","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19175","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19175"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20542,"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19175\/revisions\/20542"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/selwyn-family.me.uk\/~chris\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}