4 June 1916

Extract from the official war diary of 1st Bn, 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment

Arras

Fine day.  2^nd Lieut. J.E. RENWICK admitted to hospital.  Bombardment of J2 and also of K1 continued being especially heavy in the afternoon and getting quieter about 7.30 pm.  Bn. Commenced to relieve 1^st NORFOLKS.  At 9.10 pm the Germans sprung 3 mines in front of J2 and one in front of K1.  A heavy artillery and trench-mortar fire on both sides started immediately.  Relief suspended.  The Germans made a raid immediately after the blowing of the mines and entered our trenches on south of BAILLEUL Road.  They also appear to have made one on the North of the BAILLEUL road which did not succeed in entering our trenches.  The Germans withdrew having done very little damage, and leaving a very large quantity of bombs, rockets, etc., outside our trenches.  The 1^st NORFOLKS who were in the front line during the mine explosions and raid lost 3 officers missing about 12 other ranks killed, 21 other ranks missing and 25 other ranks wounded.  Our casualties during the raid were 9 other ranks wounded and 1 missing who afterwards rejoined.  Bombardment slackened at about 10.30 pm and things resumed the normal.  Relief was then continued and completed.