Lewis Gunner

Mr. Bond describes several aspects of camp life.

Mr. Bond describes a sniping incident advancing toward Amiens. He shoots a German and is in turn badly wounded and carried out by his officer.

Mr. Bond describes the role of runners; maintaining communications with the flanks when shelling disabled the radio communications system.

Mr. Bond describes his initial training as a Lewis gunner, and then being offered and accepting a position as runner.

Mr. Stevenson describes how his corporal’s instinct saved their lives during a barrage, and burying the dead in shell holes as part of a burial party.

Mr. Stevenson describes trying to move around in mud caused by heavy rain collapsing the trenches, and being issued hip waders so he could man his Lewis gun position.

Mr. Stevenson describes joining the 46th Battalion just after Passchendaele, and then seeing action on the Oppy Front as a Lewis gunner. He describes in detail an Allied shelling strategy called a box barrage.

Mr. Stevenson describes assault tactics and the events surrounding his being wounded at his advance machine gun post.

Mr. Stevenson describes the extent of the Allied bombardment at Canal du Nord, and its effect on the German first line defenses.

Mr. Stevenson describes an amusing miscue on the parade square.