October 1st 1916: Spontaneous Action at the Somme leading to Major Bonds

Since 1756, the Ranger saga has been made up of many acts of individual initiative and prowess with an outsized influence.  October 1st, 1916, on the Somme, this was shown yet again.

After their spectacular success at Courcelette, the 20th Battalion was back at the frontline again on the Somme as the offensive continued.  On October 1st, they were working on establishing a new front line after another hotly contested advance just to the northeast of the ruins of Destremont Farm. 

Between heavy mist and German shellfire, things were a bit hectic and a German counter-attack was expected soon.  In the attack, elements of two platoons got separated but latched on to the 8th Battalion of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, on the Ranger’s right.

No problem, and the Yorkshiremen were having an even rougher go than the Rangers.  Worse, the expected German counter-attacks first went for the British battalion. 

Sergeant F.J. Higgins and nine men made themselves especially useful as an outpost of the KOYLI, and took an active role in repelling two German counterattacks.  After the second one they were just about out of ammunition, but decided to hold put and stay regardless.  Fortunately, more ammunition arrived before more Germans did.

Further to their right, ten more Rangers under their corporal did not have quite a trying time of it but still made themselves extremely useful.  The Ranger’s stretcher bearer who had also shown up was deeply appreciated for the service he did, getting wounded Yorkshiremen and German prisoners back to their aid station.

The KOYLI letter was most grateful.

A minor episode in a major battle, but one that is remembered in further strengthening the historic bonds between the regiments of Yorkshire and today's Queen’s York Rangers.