(44)
Statement made by a private in the Loyal North Lancs.:
On or about December 21st, I think near Neuve Chapelle, we were ordered up to the trenches occupied by the Gurkhas. We got over them and lined a ditch—some of ours wounded there. We charged, and they started with hand bombs. On our right was Captain Smart, shot in the head. We had to retire; an hour and a half later we advanced again, and here I found one of our wounded with his throat cut (he had been shot previously). I heard of others with their throats cut. I lay down close to him. Dawn was just breaking. We had to retire again, and the bodies were left there.