Thursday 24th February 1916

Between Neuf Berquin and Estaires

Despite the urgency of the previous two days, there was now a hiatus in activity; the War Diary reported that, “Nothing further has transpired. We were however instructed to "Stand to". The weather is bad”.

Pte. Arthur Fawbert was appointed (paid) Lance Corporal; he was a 23 year-old plumber from Bradford.

Pte. Vernon Barker (see 28^th January), who had suffered shrapnel wounds to his left thigh a month previously, re-joined the Battalion from 1^st Canadian General Hospital in Etaples, via 23^rd Infantry Base Depot where he had spent five days after being discharged from hospital.

2Lt. John Henry Hitchin (see 7^th February), who had been absent without leave from 11^th Battalion West Ridings since 29^th December 1915 was formally confirmed as having been, “removed from the Army” on account of his absence.