2nd Essex - Poison gas attack during Second Battle of Ypres 1915
At about 5pm on 2 May 1915 the 2nd Essex were in the line at Ypres when the Germans released chlorine gas. The green smoke was seen drifting towards the lines and the order was given to don respirators and hold the line.
When the gas hit there was some panic along the line with man men getting out of the trench and reeling to the rear.
Captain Pechell with 12 men from B Company stayed in their position until the trench was reoccupied by Lieut Irwin with A Company and Lieutenant Atkinson with C Company from the reserves.
The members of B Company were
CSM Tipler
CQMS Turl
Sgt Cumbers
Sgr Barker
Private Brown
Private Maynard
Private Howes
Private Read
Private Curtis
Private Finch
Private Briggs
Private Scrutton ( A Company)
Sadly CSM Tipler was killed during the action.
