On the 3rd and 4th December "C" and "D" Companies from Millencourt went through a similar programme. On the 6th the front line only of Sectors F1 and F2 were taken over, and then on the 8th the whole Battalion took over Sector F1—some 2,000 yards of system from just north of La Boisselle towards Authuille (Blighty) Wood. The front line and communication trenches were knee deep in water and the trench shelters were poor. Rats galore and of enormous size added to the amenity of the district.
Havre.[ToList]
Ruins of Bethune.[ToList]
To face page 28.
On the 4th of December the 17th suffered their first casualty by enemy action, Pte. J.M. Harper, "A" Company, being wounded by a rifle grenade.
The next day Ptes. A. Taylor and R. Cross, of "D" Company, were wounded while bringing up rations. On the afternoon of the 11th, the Battalion, having completed its course of practical instruction, was relieved, and returned, two Companies to Bouzincourt, two to Millencourt. During the relief the enemy shelled the position heavily, and the Battalion was fortunate in escaping with only one casualty, Pte. R. M'Kelvie of "B" Company. The next day the Battalion marched back to Molliens-au-Bois, via Senlis and Beaucourt, to recuperate after their opening experience of active trench warfare conditions. The mud and water and the delapidated condition of the trenches were indeed an eye-opener to the men, as much as the comparative absence of "enemy activity." As they tramped back to Molliens, they passed some Companies of the 15th H.L.I. en route for their first spell, and their blank astonishment at the muddy appearance of the returning 17th Battalion was much appreciated by the war-worn veterans!