217 14 15 16 17 18 The GreatWar (machine gun) fire. In advancing on Final Objective (RED) considerable resistance form enemy strong points met with. RED objective consolidated by linking up shell holes…Casualties during the day were heavy. The reference to “first objective” and “final objective RED” were the 7th Battalion’s objective lines that morning. The first objective was the Black Line, about 350 yards away and it was taken quickly before the Germans knew what was happening. The second objective line, RED, proved to be a tougher task but was taken by mid-morning. By the end of the first day the Battalion had taken all its objectives and dug in and held until relieved on the night of the 15th. Musgrave survived the opening assault but was wounded a few days later on the 14th but elected to remain on duty. While we will never know what he endured during the battle, we do know his bravery was acknowledged with the awarding of the Military Medal and ten days leave to the UK in July 1917. Given the length of his leave, it is likely Musgrave returned to Harwick to see his mother. It would be for the last time. Musgrave returned to his Battalion
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