Another lovely day after a sharp frost. Very dark night up to 10.00 p.m., and threatening snow; very hard to get on with work owing to darkness. Got a certain amount done and some bits of the elephant up. Went round 5:30—7:30 p.m. Again a quiet night.

Lieutenant A C Hollywood

9:30 p.m.—We had a sad show this evening. A patrol of two officers (Hollywood and Wood)—the latter has only just joined a month from H.A.C. [Honourable Artillery Company]—two sgts. and four men went out to investigate what the Huns were doing about 40 yards from our advanced post. While investigating they were fired at (rifle grenades). Poor Wood was killed and a Pte. Ford [sic], Hollywood and two Ptes. wounded, not severely. They behaved extremely well, and H stayed out with the bodies until relief came out and brought them in. Otherwise it has been a quiet day. It snowed a bit off and on today, but didn’t lie. Freezing again tonight.

The ruins of the Mill where Second Lieutenant Wood and Private Forde were killed.

Footnote

The casualties were:
17671 Private Samuel James Forde, killed in action on 22 February 1916; Hamel Military Cemetery.
Second Lieutenant Reginald Nixon Wood, killed in action on 22 February 1916, the first officer of the Battalion to be killed in action; Hamel Military Cemetery.
In addition to Lieutenant Hollywood, 14004 Private Charles Bryans was wounded; he was later discharged as a result of his wounds.