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Report of 2nd Lieutenant Clarke

Spelling and grammar is as on the original typed report.

EVIDENCE OF 2nd Lieut. R. J. CLARKE, "A" Coy. 7th

BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT, CONCERNING THE GALLANTRY OF

No. 13908, Pte. COX, C.A. STRETCHER BEARER of "B" Coy.

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On 14th March "A" Coy. received orders to hold a line of shell holes on the hill directly in front of LOUPART LINE. Previous to their advancing, the stretcher-bearers had gone back to the Dressing Station with two wounded men.

On arrival at their position, they (A Coy.) again had severe casualties caused mostly by H.E. Shrapnel and most of these cases were dangerous. We were without stretcher-bearers but B Coy who were then in Reserve to us lent us theirs and amongst these were Pte. COX.

It was impossible for them to take the case down at once owing to the fact that the hill was swept by M.G. fire and shells were dropping everywhere.

Heedless of the fire Pte. COX went from shell hole to shell hole and bound the wounded up and after he had finished them started back with another man, with the most severe case. For the first 200 yards he was under M.G. fire, but without hesitating once he completed his journey and I saw him come back for a second load a few hours later.

Pte. Cox saved many lives that day by risking his own and I certainly think he deserves the coveted honour.

7-4-17.

Sd. R.J. CLARKE 2/ Lieut