BRUCE, Robert William, 22 Osborne Road, West Hartlepool.

Enlisted in the N.C.B. on December 23rd, 1913, and came to the 2/1 Battalion in February, 1915. Company Scout afterwards Signaller.

Left 2/1 N.C.B. November 6th, 1915 for 1/1 N.C.B. France July 22nd, 1916. Drafted to 4th Tyneside Scottish. Vimy Ridge and Armentieres. My firm applied for me to go on munitions. Powers that be sent me to Artillery as battery artificer instead. Joined battery at Ypres. Rough time. Plenty of casualties.

Took part in advance towards Langemarck, July 31st, 1917. Stopped a piece of shrapnel on Flanders Ridges near Artillery Wood, August 10th. 1917. Hospital at St. Albans Convalescent at Ware (Herts). France again April 22nd, 1918.

Joined fresh battery. Somme, Peronne etc. Sent to Ordnance for Staff-Sergeant’s course August, 1918. Passed test. Went to hospital with flu on the day previous to that on which I should have gone to base for appointment.

In hospital at Rouen when Armistice was signed. Back to artillery base. Given option of going up to a battery as Staff- Sergeant or having ticket. Needless to say, took latter. Demobbed April 13th, 1919, the 13th being a lucky day for once.