John Cassells's Story.
The Birkenhead News, Saturday July 17, 1915.
“Wounded and Missing”
PRENTON “SCOTS” FATE.
Below we reproduce a photograph of Private J. C. Ross, off the Liverpool Scottish, and son of Mr. and Mrs. Ross of Corra Lynn, Elm Rd North, Prenton. Young Ross who is now only 18 years of age, enlisted shortly after the outbreak of war and left for the front early in the new year. He took part in several heavy engagements, notably in the gallant charge of his regiment at Hooge on June 16th. Since this last name battle nothing has been heard of Private Ross by his parents who are naturally very anxious about his safety. In a recent list of casualties Private Ross’s name appears under wounded and missing, but this report is not confirmed by the Liverpool Scottish headquarters. Mr and Mrs Ross will be glad to hear from any of private Ross's comrades who saw him either during or after the charge at Hooge.
The Battalion war dairy for the period reads:
From the 10th to the 15th June the Battn was busily engaged in training for an operation to take place on the 16th, particular attention being given to bombing.
On the morning of the 12th June a composite Company under Capt R F B Dickinson attended a ceremonial parade near the camp, where the GOC 3rd Div, General Haldane presented DCMs to NCOs and men of the brigade, Private Howarth of B Coy being one if the recipients of this distinction.
On the evening of the 14th June Major A S Anderson proceeded to RAILWAY WOOD ( which is situated West of BELLEWARD farm and north of Hooge) from which point the 9th Brigade were to attack on the morning of the 16th he took with him 2 men from each company at act as markers and also 2 cyclists.
At 4pm on the afternoon of 15th the Battn left the camping ground near BUSSE BOOM and proceeded via YPRES to RAILWAY WOOD.
IWM Q49750
16th The attack was made on a frontage of about 1000 yards, the Northumberland, Royal Scots and Royal Fusiliers were detailed to take the first line, we in conjunction with the Lincolns were to take the 2nd line, the 7th Brigade being in reserve.
We were shelled rather heavily between 12.30 and 2.10 am on the morning of the 16th during this time several of our men were killed or wounded.
Our artillery bombardment started at 2.10am and carried out the work of demolition so successfully that little difficulty was experienced in taking the first and second line trenches. Unfortunately however in continuing the advance we suffered many casualties as owing to the difficulty in observing signals it was impossible to keep our shells ahead of the advancing Infantry, although the 3rd line German trenches were reached it was impossible to hold on to them the whole brigade consolidated the 1st part of the 2nd line German trench, manning them until 11.30pm on the night of the 16th at which point they were relieved by the 8th Brigade.
The casualties amongst our officers were particularly heavy of the 24 officers who went up only Lt Wall, 2nd Lt Roddick and Lt Chavasse came back unscathed.
The work of all ranks throughout the day calls for the highest praise our bombing parties doing particularly good work. The stretcher bearers throughout a most trying day did excellent work and showed great courage in attending to so many wounded under heavy shell fire.
IWM-Q-49751 First Attack on Bellewaarde, 16th June 1915. "Y" Wood, Hooge, at 6 a. m. 1/10th King's Regiment (Liverpool Scottish), 3rd Division.
The diary ends with the following.
The following is an extract from a special order by Major General Haldane Commanding 3rd Div published on the 17th June. The Major General commanding cannot adequately express his admiration for the gallant manner in which the attack was carried yesterday. The dash and determination of all ranks was beyond praise, and that some actually reached the objective in the first push and remained there under most trying circumstances is proof of their superiority over the German infantry, that the captured could not all be held is disappointing, more especially as the losses incurred were heavy, but these casualties have not been in vain.