WORLD WAR I

The battalion took over SPECTRUM trench on 9th October. On the 10th and 11th the enemy shelled the trench heavily resulting in casualties –16 Other ranks killed.
12th October: “In conjunction with an aerial attack the battalion was ordered to attack at 2.25 pm. Formed up in assembly trenches by 3.20am. Very little hostile shelling during the morning. Our heavy artillery became active towards midday. The battalion attacked at 2.25pm.
The attack failed with heavy casualties. A report on the attack is at appendix (i) . There was a strange incident of a group of Germans apparently surrendering, but the [unknown] author thought it may have been some sort of ruse. The use of German spotter aircraft is mentioned. The particular role of Starbuck’s company, “C”, to deal with a previously unidentified German trench, is described. It may have been where Starbuck lost his life. The report concludes with lessons to be learned – listed as “suggestions”.
Important messages received are at appendix (iia) + (iib); Important messages dispatched at Appendix (iii). Some are quite poignant, especially those from Company to Battalion and emphasise the appalling situation and the confusion that existed. [click here for some examples of messages]

Casualties
Killed 4 officers, 62 other ranks [one of these was Pte Starbuck]
Wounded 6 officers, 162 other ranks
Missing 1 officer, 100 Other ranks” (one of these was private Starbuck)