This procedure is detailed in the book “The practical methods of organic chemistry” (English translation) by Ludwig Gattermann in 1903. I have adapted the procedure from the book on my website here:
http://roguesci.org/megalomania/synth/synthesis2.html#chloroacetic (http://roguesci.org/megalomania/synth/synthesis2.html#chloroacetic)
Visit my site and forum at http://www.roguesci.org (http://www.roguesci.org)
From the Ullmann:
Benzalchloride and acetic acid plus tin(II) or tin(IV)chloride yields benzaldehyde and chloroacetic acid.
Patent US3691217 (http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/viewer?PN=US3691217&CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD)
Patents referenced in the Ullmann actually work as I learned.
/ORG