The actions of 2/4th Bn, Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regt) are described in an appendix to the Battalion War Diary:

"Appendix I

Report on Operations November 4th to 1100 hours November 11th 1918.

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The battalion was billeted in SOLESMES when orders were received that the 186th Infantry Brigade would attack on November 4th.

On the night of November 2nd/3rd the battalion marched to ESCARMAIN and remained in billets for the night.

At midnight November 3rd/4th the Brigade moved forward and took over the right half of the Divisional front, from the 187th Infantry Brigade.

The battalion left ESCARMAIN at midnight November 3rd/4th and moved forward along a track which had been taped out and assembled in the Sunken Road in R20 d and R26 b. The ground had been reconnoitred the day before and there was no difficulty in reaching the position.

The 2/4th Hampshire Regiment were to take the 1st objective from R18 c.3.0. to R11 d.7.0. The 2/4th Duke of Wellington's Reg't the 2nd objective on the line of road M15 d.1.0. - M15 b.5.0. - M9 d.8.0.

with an intermediate objective at M14 d.6.0. - M8 d.8.0. The 5th Duke of Wellington's Reg't the 3rd and final objective about M18 c.7.0. to M12 c.1.0.

The barrage that came down at Zero hour (0530 hours) was exceedingly heavy and effective. At zero hour the 2/4th Duke of Wellington's moved forward in column of route with platoons at intervals, to positions in rear of the 2/4th Hampshire Reg't. The enemy retaliated with considerable shell fire and several casualties were caused in two platoons of the leading company.

At about the railway it became necessary to go forward in Artillery formation as this point was apparently the barrage line of the enemy.

The jumping off position in rear of the Hampshire Reg't was reached well before time and the leading companies passed through as soon as the Hampshires gained their objective.

The battalion attacked on a two company frontage with three platoons in front and one in support. At 0751 hours the leading companies passed through the Hampshire Reg't. The right company met with harassing fire from machine guns from the start but gradually worked forward capturing several MG and killing the gun crews.

North of RAMPONEAU the enemy tried to hold their ground but resistance was soon overcome and 30 prisoners taken.

The objective was reached well up behind the barrage and the position consolidated.

The left company met with bitter opposition at first but on reaching the river RHONELLE the eastern bank was strongly held. The enemy were immediately engaged with Lewis Gun fire whilst platoons crossed the river which was in places 30 inches deep.

Two platoons worked round and outflanked the position whilst the third platoon mopped up.

The company then advanced to La BELLE MAISON FARM and heavy machine gun fire and trench mortars were met. Two field guns were also close to this position firing at point blank range. The centre platoon worked forward under cover of the walls and entered the house capturing 4 machine guns and killing a number of the enemy.

Under cover of the barrage the company advanced and captured a number of the enemy in the sunken road M14 a. & b.; the left platoon up the sunken road in M8 d. & captured two field guns and reached their objective.

The rear companies then passed through the leasing companies and proceeded towards the final objective of the battalion. The right support Coys proceeded some distance meeting only slight opposition from machine gun fore but on reaching a position about M15 c.6.6. were held up but eventually overcame the resistance and captured three officers & 73 other ranks together with 10 machine guns. About 1015 hours the objective on the right was precured.

The left support company advanced without much opposition until it reached its objective, when considerable machine gun was met. This was eventually overcome and the consolidation was completed. The final objective having been reached the 5th Duke of Wellington's Reg't passed through."

During the period 4 - 11 November 1918 the Battalion lost 3 officers and 17 other ranks killed, 2 officers and 94 other ranks wounded, and 21 other ranks missing.

The Todmorden & District News - Friday 29 November 1918 - recorded:

"ELEVENTH HOUR LOSSES. PTE. WALTER ORMEROD. Yesterday week, Mr. and Mrs. Ormerod, of 21, Pudsey Road, Cornholme, received intimation the death in action on Nov. 4th of their youngest son, Pte. Walter Ormerod (West Riding Regt.) He was 21 years of age, and joined up on August 8th, 1916, and went to France on the 4th of December, 1916. He was invalided home with trench feet in October, 1917, and returned to France in June, 1918. He had a life-long connection with Shore Baptist School. He was of cheerful and thoughtful disposition, always putting home and friends before himself, and was very highly respected by all who knew him. Much sympathy will be extended to Mr. and Mrs. Ormerod and family in their sad bereavement.

IN MEMORIAM

ORMEROD - In loving memory of Pte. Walter Ormerod, 2/4 West Riding Regiment, who was killed in action, Nov. 4th, 1918

When last we saw his smiling face,

He seemed so strong and brave,

We little thought how soon he'd be

Laid in a soldier's grave.

A dutiful son, a brother kind,

A beautiful memory left behind.

A brave soldier,

He hath done his duty.

God took him.

- From his Mother, Father, Brothers and Aunt Susy.

ORMEROD - In loving memory of Pte. Walter Ormerod, 2/4th West Riding Regiment: killed in action, Nov. 4th.

Not dead to those who loved him,

Not lost, but gone before;

He lives with us in memory still,

And will for evermore.

- With deepest sympathy from all at 28, Brighton Terrace, Cornholme."