Interesting indeed ! Many thanks for sharing !

However, I do not agree with your

Conclusion 6: It is possible that the mortality rate was reduced because the Ninth were able to shelter inside buildings.

In my opinion a shelter in a building would reduce the probability to be hit at all, but not the mortality rate if hit. On the contrary, men in a building would be more likely to receive (potentially more dangerous) shots into the head or chest while firing from the windows. Or maybe into arms and hands as well ...

Of the remaining 137 POWs: 3 were musicians

Does this mean the regimental band accompanied the regiment ? Do you have any info about the actions of these musicians ? Playing music ? Or were they used for carrying away the wounded ?

Cheers,

Oli