Circumstances Leading to Death (Normally from War Diary)
The war diaries for the Salonkia campaign are not yet online. The following is taken from A Gallant County: The Regiments of Gloucestershire in the Great War by Robin A. Grist
The last action of 1916 on the Salonika Front was the Battle of Tumbitza Farm, from 17 November until 7 December, which ended in failure for the British. In mid-November 2nd Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (DCLI) tried to capture the farm but failed; 10th Camerons were then ordered to do so, supported by 2nd Gloucesters. Rabbit Wood was about 500yds west of Tumbitza Lake, and the farm buildings were some 200yds south of the lake. The plan was for 2nd Gloucesters to take Rabbit Wood, and it advanced at 4.30 am on 6 December and dug in. Then 10th Camerons moved through 2nd Gloucesters and attempted to cross the Tumbitza Stream and assault the trenches on the far bank but was beaten back by rifle and machine gun fire. Any movement in Rabbit Wood now drew shellfire, and casualties began to mount; 10th Camerons withdrew to the wood. At 4.00 pm there was an intense bombardment on the enemy positions which only had a short-term effect. After dark, 10th Camerons were relieved by 2nd DCLI, and 2nd Gloucesters had the task of taking the Farm, supported by 2nd DCLI. At 6.45 am on 7 December, 2nd Gloucesters, followed in support by 2nd DCLI, advanced against the position. C Company and most of D Company succeeded in crossing the Tumbitza Stream under heavy fire and found cover on the opposite bank, but the remainder of the attacking troops were unable to cross owing to the weight of enemy rifle and machine gun fire. At 8.00 am Lieutenant Colonel Kirk of the 2nd DCLI ordered the two companies that had crossed to fall back to the wood. That evening 2nd Gloucesters withdrew back to its billets, having suffered 114 casualties, of whom 34 died. Tumbitza Farm remained in enemy hands. Ernest was killed on the final day of the battle.
