This Day in History: 1915-09-25

The 2nd Battalion took part in a attack on the enemy line north of Neuve Chappelle in support of a French attack in the Champagne region. It was the first time the Goorkhas had experienced gas. The weather was heavy rain and mist with high winds. The 6am assault was met by a blizzard of German bullets and they were driven back. At 2.30pm the advance was called off. It was to be their last action in France.  Click here for an account of the campaign.

A 2nd Battalion Rifleman in anti-gas kit.  Note the cloth around his face and mouth, a primitive form of gas mask, and the bell hanging from his pack, used to warn of gas.