Mailly – 1 [Jul 1916] – 7.40am: Battalion left their assembly trenches 10 minutes behind the 1/8^th R War R – heavy casualties, about 80, before crossing our own lines, mingled in with 1/8^th R War R immediately on reaching German lines, worked up as far as the third line. First and second wave Battalions on the right had advanced no further. 31^st Division on left also hung up, certain units reaching Serre. Enemy’s opposition a well distributed barrage and very severe cross machine gun fire. 12^th Infantry Brigade followed but were unable to advance further than line held by 11^th Inf Bde.

The one officer unhurt (2/Lt J.G. Cooper) returned with a message to Brigade HQ between 11 and 12am. The line which was being consolidated was severely pressed on the flanks and forced to withdraw to the quadrilateral from where the few remaining men were sent back to our lines about 4pm. All that could be collected were taken back to Mailly at midnight. Estimated casualties 120 killed and missing, 316 wounded.

A long list of officer casualties is not transcribed here.

War Diary reference WO 95/2755/2 - page 10

Warwick Advertiser 12th August 1916

Mrs L Hunt, 4 Guy’s Cliffe Terrace, Warwick has received the following letter from an officer of the 12^th Battalion the King’s Liverpool Regiment:- “I have a painful task. Two nights ago I had to go on a patrol near the German lines and I found the body of Pte. Hunt. He was lying facing the German lines and apparently was killed while charging over towards them. As to when I could not say, as my regiment only just came into this part of the line.

I got his military pocket book and in it was you name and address (I presume his mother). It has been forwarded to his regiment; it contained some letters and will probably be sent to you. I presume he will have been reported as missing, so I expect that this will be your first definite information of his being killed.

I am extremely sorry to tell you so but cannot but feel sure that you would rather I did so. It is quite evident from the way I found his body lying that he died bravely doing his duty and I trust this knowledge together with this, will bring you consolation. I only hope that if it is my fate to face that, I too will do so doing my duty, as he apparently did his.

I offer you my sincerest sympathy in your loss”.