September 1915

1^st.Battalion inspected by General Sir Herbert Plumer KCB with the 2^nd Battalion Royal Scots and 4^th Gordon Highlanders. He expressed his satisfaction. The commanding officer and the adjutant reconnoitered the trenched to be occupied next time it goes into the firing line. Classes continued as usual in the morning.

2^nd. Battalion resting. Classes continued as usual in the morning. Ay 5:00 pm the Battalion moved to another rest camp in H 13 C. Great difficulty was experienced in obtaining any form of covering for the men and 6 tents from the officers and hop poles and canvas sufficient for about half the Battalion was secured with difficulty from RE by the evening. It rained incessantly for 24 hours and the bivouac ground became a swamp. Machine gun officer and Sgt. and Sniper officer and Sgt. visited the trenches.

3rd. Spent the day draining the bivouac grounds and putting up fresh bivouac. The rain stopped at about 6 PM. A company and the bombers and snipers bathed at DICKEBUSCH. Too wet for classes.

4th. Classes continued as usual. There were 18 sick which nine was sent to Field Ambulance. As this is nearly twice our usual number of admissions to Field Ambulance for the whole week presumably due to wet camping ground. Lieutenants C. A. B. Cook and E. J. B. King, W. C. Steele and 40 NCOs and men joined the Battalion.

5th. Holy Communion at 8:30 AM. Church parade arranged for 10:30 had to be canceled due to the weather. D company (50 offices and 150 men) worked under R. E. Supervision at I 16 C5 .8. No casualties. Captains Hanley, Williams, Tate and Lieut. Farr reconnoiter trenches. Classes as usual.

6th. Nothing of importance occurred during the day.

7th. Classes continued. Rapid loading, aiming and firing practiced by all companies in all companies route marched. Fine day in the camp dried considerably. Capt. Johnson, Lieut. Townsend and Milland reconnoitered communication trenches to be repaired by the Battalion.

8th. Classes continued. Bombing machine gun musketry and route marching. Captains Wollocomb and Potter reconnoitered the HOOGE position and communication trenches to be repaired by the Battalion.

9th. Company and Pioneer offices went up to reconnoiter in SANCTUARY WOOD to settle accommodations for the Battalion. Lieut. Going, Talbut and Cook went up to reconnoiter the approaches to the firing line from SANCTUARY WOOD. Classes continued as usual. Six offices and 200 men from the A and B companies worked under R. E. Supervision at the MOATED GRANGE in I 16 C and ZILLEBEKE SWITCH. C company worked in Regent Street communication trench. One man wounded in C company.

10th. Classes continued as usual. Sent up loading potties of NCOs and 10 men for each company with a three GS wagon H to draw 5000 sandbags. 53 timbers, 200 sheets of corrugated iron and to take it to SANCTUARY WOOD with an offset for each company and the Pioneer officer will laying out dugouts for the Battalion. An officer and platoon from each company went up during the night to build them during the next day. Also, the pioneers and a party of machine gunners and snipers to build a headquarters dugout.

11th. Classes continued as usual. The same loading parties and materials sent to SANCTUARY WOOD and the same working parties at 2 AM. Orders received in the evening will move up brigade to the HOOGE position in the Battalion to YPRES ramparts tomorrow.

12th. Holy Communion 8:30 AM. Church of England parade service 10:30 AM. R. C. service 9:30 AM. Nothing happened until 4 PM when the usual loading parties was sent off with the 12 G. S. Wagons for materials to SANCTUARY WOOD. At 6:15 PM the Battalion marched off to the YPRES ramparts where it took over from the Royal Irish rifles. The machine gun detachment sent to guns to take from 2nd.  South Lanks Regiment at YEOMANRY POST and one gun to a position in the rear of C3 trench. Working parties returned from SANCTUARY WOOD to the Ramparts. Two men wounded in SANCTUARY WOOD.

13th. Nothing happened during the day at the Ramparts. Working platoons left at 3 AM, also six snipers and six signalers for work at SANCTUARY WOOD. Battalion ordered to do salvage work in brigade area. An officer from each company sent out to mark down serviceable articles in daylight and one platoon per company sent out to collect them at night. A great number of rifles and heaps of equipment and supplies were brought in. One man (machine gunner) wounded during the day.

14th. Nothing happened during the day. Parties engaged in salvage work in one platoon to company and the pioneers, six snipers, 12 bombers and six signalers engaged on completion of dugout in SANCTUARY WOOD. The bombing Sgt. killed in SANCTUARY WOOD during salvage work.

15th. Nothing of importance occurred during the day. One man wounded in SANCTUARY WOOD. Engaged in building dugouts. Three parties from each company now remain in the woods permanently for work. More salvage work carried out.

16th. Nothing of importance occurred during the day. Two men wounded in SANCTUARY WOOD whilst building dugouts. More salvage work carried out. Orders received that the company occupying caseinates in the ramparts and headquarters would move into cellars in YPRES to make room for the 3^rd Divisional staff tomorrow morning at 8 AM. A fatigue party of 200 men sent up in the evening to digging the trench line. The party however went to the wrong rendezvous and the two offices and three NCOs had been sent to reconnoiter the work line in daylight. The party was never found.

17th. Changed headquarters into the RUE DE LILLE  and B Company moved into cellars and the post office and a convent in the same street. The same working party was sent up into SANCTUARY WOOD at night but increased to 300 men. No casualties.

18th. Spent the day cleaning and doing salvage work in the morning and in the afternoon starting at 2 PM moved to SANCTUARY WOOD in small parties of under 10 and NCO until dusk when the parties were increased to one platoon at a time. The Battalion, except for the transport and handover representatives, had all left YPRES by 7 PM. No casualties during the day (although YPRES and the Battalions all around were heavily shelled all day) or during the relief.

19th. A great shortage of material was discovered and though work had not been hindered by this owing to a large supply of sandbags being available yet few dugouts could be improved as only a very few baulks and sheets of corrugated iron were issued. The guns of both sides shelled pretty freely at dawn, especially ours and in the afternoon at about 4:40 PM the Germans opened very heavily on the wood with both high and low bursting shrapnel. The bombardment lasted 1 1/4 hours but we only had one man wounded by a splinter. Two other men were hit by a sniper in a spot when another man had previously been hit. Dug 250 yards of new communication trench

20th. Soon after dawn two men were killed and three wounded by the same sniper as before and afterwards an English bullet fired by the same man was found. It was a new rifle plainly as the grooves were exceedingly well marked on the bullet. Our snipers went up to find him and they succeeded. He was about 30 feet up a tree with a hole board through the tree to snipe through. Tomorrow we are getting the regiment occupying that part of the trench to turn a machine gun on him from both sides as soon as he starts sniping. Dug about 200 yards more of the communication trench and ran it into an old existing one which we had draining.

21st.Our artillery bombarded very heavily for an hour at 4:45 AM just on the left of the brigade front.

22nd. The sniper did not start sniping until 9:30 AM when our sniping officer went up to deal with him in conjunction with the Northumberland Fusiliers. Continued working on the dugouts and the draining of the old communication trench. Very heavy bombardment to the north of the trench for several hours. The sniper’s tree was hit by shrapnel but he was not silenced. Bombardment took place from 4 to 4:45 PM of the trenches in front of SANCTUARY WOOD. One man wounded.

23rd. Continue digging on communication trench and joined the 1st Gordons HQ to main trench. Continue digging on communication trenches day and night. Germans started bombarding before dawn and our guns replied with a 50 minute bombardment chiefly on their guns. Heavy thunderstorms. Arrange for reserve communication and water supply.

24th. Put down flooring boards in communication trenches which was very wet and muddy. Continued work on dugouts and the water supply. Major Greenway and four men wounded by the sniper who got 13 men various units during the day.

25th. Bombardment by our guns started at 3:50 AM. They shelled the Germen front line from 3:50 AM to 5 AM and parts in the rear from 4 to 4:30 AM. Four mines went up at 4:19 AM and two at 4:19 1/2 a.m. and the Royal Scots, the 1st. Gordon Highlanders and the 4th. Gordon Highlanders were assaulted at 4:20 AM. Prisoners and wounded started coming down at about 6:30 AM and continued to do so for about two hours. At about 10:30 AM we heard that the frontline was giving way partly on account of artillery fire and partly from lack of bombs. The battalion bombers assisted in detonating the brigade supply of bombs. About this time orders were received to send a party of bombers and two platoons of support to bomb up the communication trenches leading to the FORT which the 4th.Gordon Highlanders had taken in the assault and had been driven out of it again. The other two platoons of this company (D company) was sent at the same time to relieve the remnants of the 4th. Gordons. In about another hour the company was sent up to garrison B 8 and B 8 support. The communication trenches had all been blown in with trench mortars, heavy and field gun shells and both companies were heavily shelled but managed to stop in the trenches without suffering very heavily casualties. C company was sent up at about 3 PM to reinforce the Royal Scots who had had to retire owing to the fact that the Germans had got between them and the 3th. Gordon. They were also very heavily shelled but did not lose very many men. About 5:30 PM the Battalion was ordered to relieve the Royal Scots in B3, B4 and 1/2 of B7. A company was sent up to 1/2 B4 and B7 and B Company relieved C company in 1/2 B4 and 1/2 B3. They worked solidly overnight and made the firing line continuous. Casualties during the day, five men killed, second Lieut. C. A. B. Cook and 30 men wounded and one man slightly wounded.

26th.  Worked all day on the firing line and communication trenches and at night on the end of the B4 salient which had been too badly damaged by the previous days bombardment to be occupied. At about 11 PM our bombers saw some Germans just in front of them and bombs them back to their lines. Lieut. Farr and Sgt. Remnant, the bombing office and Sgt. reaching the German and trench in the enterprise. Lieut. Farr was badly wounded in the leg by a shell splinter just after getting back to lines. This enterprise started a large artillery duel as news reached the brigade that we are being attacked and they sent the SOS signal around the field batteries who immediately open rapid fire which spread to the heavy artillery. A great deal of confusion started amongst the working parties in the rear of the firing line and the ration parties at the dump but all was quiet again in about three quarters of an hour. Another working party was out at the time making an old sap into a firing trench; this work had to cease temporarily. The firing line was blown in in several places again but was repaired by dawn. Casualties chiefly owing to this bombardment. Capt. A. E. Bulloch RAMC and second Lieut. H. P. Oche and two men killed. Lieut. Farr P.W. and 22 men wounded. Second Lieut. G. C. Redpath slightly wounded. The medical officer who had been continuously with the battalion since September 14, 1914 was killed by a stray bullet on the dumping grounds. The Germans had their frontline very badly knocked about by the bombardment and a lot of dead was seen next morning in front of the trenches.

27th. Worked hard at the trenches in the daytime which was very quiet and at night (also quiet) the nose of the B4 salient was finished and occupied. The sap in B3 was to have been wired and converted into a fire trench but the snipers of the enemy were too active and the night so light that work was slow and the R. E. Party did not get the wire out. Casualties; Lieut. Talbot and one a man killed, second Lieut. A. D. Herbert wounded.

28th. Nothing happened during the day except the work on the trenches and salvage work was carried out as usual. After dark a party working on the point of B4 salient met the Germans and bombing and rifle fire broke out. The commanding officer ordered the guns to fire shrapnel and to ease down as the firing and bombing in the trenches quieted down. The brigade however sent the SOS signal which was answered with great effect by the guns. They did a great deal of damage to the Germans frontline working parties in front of the trenches leaving many corpses on the ground as visible next morning. A fair amount of confusion however was caused by the sudden outburst amongst fatigue and working parties in the rear of our own firing line but as far as could be ascertained none of these belonged to the Middlesex Regiment. Casualties during the day, one man wounded.

29th. Nothing happened during the morning or the afternoon but at about 4:30 PM the enemy sprung a mine on the left of the battalion front. Shortly afterwards the enemy’s bombers rushed across from the northern side of the crater into the back of B4 (our left trench) clearing the trench before our bombers could get into action. Our bombers stopped them and the line was adjusted across the salient from POLLOCK STREET through B2S to the middle of B7 (the right trench of the next Regiment) but leaving a gap between us and the Suffolks on our left from the Central Avenue. Orders were received from the brigade to organize a counterattack as soon as possible.

30th. After working all night for the arrival of an adequate supply of bombs it was decided to attack at 2 PM with an inadequate supply by high authority. Owing to the HAC not getting up into the line in time it was put off until 3 PM. Our bombardment of the enemy’s trenches started at 3 PM and lasted for one quarter of an hour. It was very effective but did not cut the barbed wire of the front line. At 3:15 the bombing columns advanced to the attack. Good progress was made along B4 by the Middlesex and by the Suffolks along the north of the salient but the Royal Scots was very soon held up by wire blocks in the trenches. From this time forward there was a constant succession of checks along the advancing front owing to the shortage of bombs and on account of this shortage in about 4:30 PM the various columns were ordered to dig in its most advanced position that they had arrived at and keep their bombs to repel a hostile bomb attack. Without a small supply of bombs for this purpose we might be driven out of the trenches altogether. This order was carried out in the position then ran from 25 yards from the crater in B7 through BS$, B2S, POLLOCK STREET, CRABSTON TERRACE which line was consolidated and is now held. Our casualties for the whole two were as follows;

six offices in 33 men killed

eight offices in 119 men wounded

117 men missing

Considerable damage appears to have been done by hostile machine guns from the list of the crater. Previous orders to the 60-pound trench howitzer battery were given to devote its attention to the crater. This weapon however broke down after one round. There is little doubt that, had we had an adequate supply of bombs in the first instant, the whole of the lost trench would have been quickly and easily recaptured.

Two lines were ordered to be dug and wired during the night. This was done with the help of R. E. and 4th. South Lanks but the R. E. arrived too late to the the front line. It was noticed by an officer who rushed to the front at the moment of the first sign of alarm that the garrison of B4 was in the trench still. They had not left their position and had been killed by the enemy bombs. The conduct of second Lieut. R. P. Hallowes was an example to all. He showed great coolness and resolution on this and previous occasions. When mortally wounded he still went on encouraging his men. His last remarks being “men we can only die once, if we have to die, let us die like men – like diehards!

Strength: 14 officers, 540 men

Recommendations;

VC. Lt. R. P. Hallowes

D.C.M.            Sgt. Rennant, L/Sgt. Davis, A/Sgt. Lansworth, Pte’s Granger, Tanner, Wildman.

Mentioned in Dispatches    Cpl. Simmons, Pte Simonds

 

July 1917

July 1, 1917. The Battalion remained in the line. The day passed fairly quietly. Weather was very bad. The casualties for the day were 4 other ranks wounded. 2^nd Lieut. J C Lyal and 8 other ranks proceeded to 2^nd Army rest camp for period of 14 days. 2^nd Lieut.’s R F T Irwin and T De Val proceeded to IX Corps school with 3 sergeants for one month’s course.

July 2, 1917. MONT KENNEL. The Battalion was relieved by the 10^th Battalion Warwickshire Regiment and the 10^th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment and moved to camp in the DRANOURRE – KEMMEL area at N.31.a.9.9.

July 3, 1917. MONT KEMMEL. The Battalion arrived in camp in the early hours of the morning. The day was spent in resting and cleaning up.

July 4, 1917. Companies were placed at the disposal of company commanders for kit inspection and cleaning up of arms and equipment. A party of 200 ORs worked on salvage of R E material from all trenches in the vicinity. 8 ORs transferred to 234^th Division Employment Company.

July 5, 1917. In the morning, companies held inspection of arms and equipment, and cleaned up camp lines. In the evening, 2 companies were working on the construction of the reserve line. One OR attached to the 152^nd field company RE was killed in action.

July 6, 1917. Commanding Officer and 2 Company Commanders proceeded to reconnoiter the Ridge defenses. 2 companies were salvaging material from the old British line throughout the day.

July 7, 1917. Training was carried out by 2 companies, the remaining 2 companies were in working parties, constructing the reserve line. In the afternoon, the baths at DRANOUTRE were used by 2 companies.

July 8, 1917. Voluntary Services were held. The weather was very bad. One company and a half supplied working companies for the reserve line. The baths at KEMMEL Château will used by the other companies.

July 9, 1917. Training was carried out by companies, afternoon being devoted chiefly to  rapid loading. Patrols in the morning. In afternoon, specialist training was carried out.

July 10, 1917. As on the previous day, training was proceeded with.

July 11, 1917. Battalion marched to the lines to relieve the 8^th Lincolns Regiment in support. Battalion headquarters was situated at TORREKEN FARM. (O20 d 23 Ref. Wytschack French Map) relief was completed satisfactorily by 11:30 PM, there were no casualties. Major M C C Miers was crossposted to 8^th Somerset Light Infantry today assuming command of that Battalion.

July 12, 1917. The Battalion was engaged upon salvage work and cleaning up the trenches so far as possible during daylight under direct observation of enemy. During night (12/13) all companies were engaged as working parties on the digging of communication trenches. Enemy artillery activity normal.

July 13, 1917. Enemy artillery quiet during the day. A and B companies relieved the left companies of the 8^th Lincolns Regiment in front and close support lines respectively. A company occupied shell holes in frontlines. The other 2 companies were engaged as working parties. C company digging forward communication trenches. Enemy opened very severe barrage at 10 PM, lasting 50 minutes, greatly impeding the relief. D company sustained 3 casualties, one man killed and 2 wounded.

July 14, 1917. There was a heavy bombardment on frontline and along railway line on right of L sector at about 3 AM. Enemy artillery, inactive during day, bombarded heavily at long intervals during the night. A Company had one man wounded. Working parties of C and D companies were at work during the night.

July 15, 1917. Rained during the evening, fairly heavily. Salvage operations were proceeded with. At usual enemy artillery fairly quiet during the day, becoming very active at intervals during the night. The company has 5 men in one Lewis gun section wounded. Working parties from the 2 support companies continued the work on frontline and communication trenches.

July 16, 1917. As usual, the day passed quietly except for some considerable aerial activity. Enemy artillery was vigorous during evening on sectors on right and left. During night, working parties again detailed for frontline trenches from companies in support. 2^nd Lieut. J H Hodgan rejoined Battalion from reinforcement camp at Calais where he had been employed as instructor and assumed duties of Transport Officer.

July 17, 1917. Our own artillery was very active, especially at night, when a raid was carried out by battalion on her left. A company advanced the shell hole line approximately 200 yards ran from O 23 c 3.6 to O 23 a 8 4. Communications was therefore obtained with right company of Battalion of Cheshire Regiment on our left. Enemy shelled fairly heavily during night especially on our close support company who suffered 8 casualties, 3 killed, 3 wounded and 2 men buried.

July 18, 1917. In the early morning, the new type of gas shell was noticed in most companies. Severe swelling and watering at eyes resulted. The smell of the gas was too faint for any adequate idea of its character to be given. During evening, at about 9 PM, enemy put up heavy barrage on Brigade on left where it was obvious he was counter attacking Junction Building, captured by them on previous day. During the night number 5 platoon in close support relieved by a platoon of C company. More gas shells were observed during night on railway leading past Malice Farm.

July 19, 1917. Battalion was relieved by the 10^th Loyal North Lancashire. Enemy shelled DOSTAVERNE ROAD heavily during the relief which was accomplished by 1:30 AM on the 20^th. The Battalion suffered 2 casualties during the relief.

July 20, 1917. Beaver Camp, Mt. KEMMEL. Battalion arrived at Beaver Camp during early morning. The day was spent in rest and cleaning.

July 21, 1917. Beaver Camp. Companies placed at disposal of company commanders for general fitting of equipment and cleaning. 2^nd Lieut. S J Bear joined the Battalion. 2^nd Lieut. H R Odling proceeded to 95^th Corps signals school for 6 weeks course. Lieut. Fsuir rejoined Battalion on being relieved from employment as area commandant (No 4 Sub Area).

July 22, 1917. Companies bathed during the day beginning at 8 AM. 2^nd Lieut. R G Williams proceeded to 63^rd Brigade School for course of instruction. 2^nd Lieut. C W Ridgeway rejoined Battalion from 63^rd Brigade School. 2^nd Lieut. P H Steele proceeded to 9^th Corps Bombing and Lewis gun school for course of instruction. Notification was received of the awards of green cards for gallantry and devotion to duty in action during operations north of Scarpe River to No 13323 CSM J Walker, No 29337 Corp. C Burden.

July 23, 1917. The Battalion practiced in the attack in view of future operations. Battalion marched to Spy Farm at 10:15 AM, returning to camp about 2:30 PM. Subsequently gas drill was carried out.

July 24, 1917. Battalion again carried out practice of attack, returning to camp at 1 PM. One other rank joined the Battalion (specialist in Saddlery).

July 25, 1917. Battalion proceeded to line, relieving the 10^th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Relief completed by 2:30 AM 26–7–17.

July 26, 1917. Battalion in line, quietness prevailed throughout the day. During the afternoon, orders were received that the Battalion would be relieved, same took place, by the 13^th Battalion Rifle Brigade, relief completed by 4:30 AM next morning. One other rank wounded.

July 27, 1917. Battalion, upon relief, proceeded to camp, in early hours of the morning. Hot meals were prepared for troops upon arrival. Remainder of day was spent resting.

July 28, 1917. Battalion placed at disposal of company commanders for general cleaning of clothes, equipment and arms. Owing to inclement weather, the afternoon was spent in lectures on box respirators and various points of interest concerning active operations. A fatigue party under Capt. E Belfield worked on the deepening and connecting of Shell Hole Line with Battalion on the left, party returning at 6 AM next morning, no casualties occurred.

July 29, 1917. Battalion was placed at disposal of company commanders. Inclement weather prevailed throughout the morning. Lectures were given on various points concerning active operations. Remainder of day was spent in gas drill with new box respirators extensions. Lieut. A C Mitchell and 2^nd Lieut. H F Bowser proceeded to 9^th Corps school of instruction for courses (duration of course one month).

July 30, 1917. Battalion in the line, intermittent shelling took place on both sides. 7 other ranks wounded. Inclement weather throughout the day.

July 31, 1917. Up to this time, touch was maintained with the companies of 8^th Lincoln at June and July Farms. When the further advanced took place, the action of the companies became distinct, so that it would be better to follow them separately. A company advanced to search Bab Farm. They found 2 German medical offices and 8 other ranks. Almost at once, a counterattack came up, which they repelled and stood their ground waiting for more, C company moved forward to Rifle Farm to support them. About 2 more counterattacks repelled by rifle fire and rifle grenades. At this time the 2 companies had machine gun fire playing on them from the left front, front and right front and right. Finally, a counterattack came from the left front. The left was thrown back and extended to meet it. On it being repelled, very few men were left, and they were taken to the left by CSM Worboys to join the company. D company meanwhile advanced to its left, rested on Bee Farm on the other side of which were the 8^th KOR Lancaster Regiment. They were out of touch on the right. The farm was searched and about 40 prisoners taken, half of these were seen to fall to the hostile machine gun fire. Between 7 AM and 8 AM, hostile bombers approached and began to attack their right. They were met with rifle grenades, rifle and Lewis gun fire, and gave no further trouble. About 9 AM, when the remnants of A and D joined them, they was shelled heavily by 5.9’s until about midday, and suffered considerable casualties. Hostile rifle fire was also fairly active.

The best evidence is still not available. The order of advanced was: C company on the right, D company on the left, A company supporting C, and B company in reserve. At zero hour, the Battalion left the trenches and formed up “as on parade” parallel with the barrage. It was about dark at this time. C company had to form up on the east side of May Farm. As they passed over it one German ran forward with hands up and surrendered. During the first advance of the barrage (up till Z +40) touch was at first lost with the Battalion on our left but was regained by a divergence of the company to the left. At Z+ 40, the Battalion was on the objective, C company  Rifle Farm, D company after a gap on the left, A Company behind Rifle Farm. It’s left platoon had it’s right on the northern enclosing hedge.

At about 12:30 PM, from sounds of machine guns, it appears that the King’s Own was being attacked. At about 1:15 PM a counterattack. Advancing on their front, and also around the left rear. The position was considered untenable by the Officer in Command who ordered a retirement fighting on our front, Shell Holes Line. This was carried out, covered by Lewis gun fire. They retired into the front of the 19^th Division, having 4 privates of the King’s Own with them. No more of the 19^th division was seen and the line was held against the possible further advance. B company, in reserve, was in the Front Shell Hole Line. This was a week company (70 strong). Runners were sent forward to getting touch with the leading companies _____ after the advance of Z +40 no information came in.

Enemy at May Farm, commenced sniping at about 5:30 AM. The position was reconnoitered, and it was estimated that it contained about 50 in trenches. The company moved out to attack them, and cleaned out half of the positions. The officer commanding called on the platoon of the 8^th Lincolnshire Regiment to assist on the other side. The attack was then resumed on 3 sides, and the place finally cleared. About 8 Germans surrendered, and the remainder were killed. The officer commanding the Lincoln platoon was unfortunately killed here. As soon as was done the officer commanding the Battalion ordered the company to spread out along the Shell Hole Line, to prevent a possible hostile advance. Up until this time the whole of the Battalion had been fully occupied with the enemy. Immediately after, reinforcements of the East Lincolnshire Regiment began to arrive and was sent to regain touch on right and left.

It is not apparent whether the enemy in May Farm were in the trenches the when the leading companies passed over in the dawn, or whether they were hidden in shell holes. Beyond trenches, there was only one small concrete shelter there.

Capt. E Belfield, wounded and missing.

Lieut. P W Farr, wounded and missing.

Lieut. L C Thompson, killed in action.

2^nd Lieut. F J R Simpson, killed in action.

2^nd Lieut. H M Donnell killed in action.

2^nd Lieut. A Reid, wounded in action.

2^nd Lieut.  F B Beacham, wounded and missing.

2^nd Lieut. S J Bear, wounded and missing.

Other ranks: 15 killed in action, 97 wounded in action, 69 missing believed wounded, 23 missing believed killed.

The following congratulations have been received:

“The GOC, 34^th Division, wishes to convey to the officers, NCOs and men of this Battalion his appreciation of the steadfastness, and gallantry during the recent operations”.

He considers that they have fully maintained their name of ”DIE-HARDS”.

the GOC 63^rd Infantry Brigade thanks the offices, NCOs and men of this Battalion for the good work they have lately performed. He fully realizes the difficulties of ground and whether that they have encountered.

June 1917

June 1, 1917. The Battalion moved in motor buses to MANIN, arriving there about 8 PM. The Battalion was billeted there.

June 2, 1917. MANIN. The companies carried out route marches. Each company commander selecting his own route. Lieut. P W Farr and 2^nd Lieut. A D Reid with 136 other ranks joined the Battalion.

June 3, 1917. There was a voluntary Divine Service held in the morning. In the afternoon companies were at the disposal of the company commanders for training. 3 other ranks joined the Battalion.

June 4, 1917. Company route marches were again carried out in the morning. Training and firing on the rifle range took place in the afternoon. 2^nd Lieut. H E Heffer awarded the Military Cross; Capt. A D Sharpe, RAMC, also awarded the Military Cross.

June 5, 1917. The Battalion moved by motor buses to BEAUVOIS there are to be billeted. The accommodation was rather bad, and the majority of the men slept in the open.

June 6, 1917. The Battalion marched to TANGRY to be billeted there. The billets were very good, and there was ample accommodation for all ranks.

June 7, 1917. The Battalion marched to MATRINGHEM, arriving there about 8 PM. The billets were very good but rather scattered.

June 8, 1917. MATRINGHEM. Company offices and bombing officer reconnoitered the area for training grounds. The day was spent in cleaning up the billeting area.

June 9, 1917. Companies were at the disposal of the company commanders. A working party was supplied to work on the range at HEZECQUES. 2^nd Lieut. J H Hodgson, 2^nd Lieut. F E Beauchamp, 2^nd Lieut. H Donnell and 28 other ranks joined the Battalion. 2^nd Lieut. S S Sutherland rejoined from rest camp; 2^nd Lieut. D F Hurr from 37^th Divisional Depot.

 

June 10, 1917. Training was carried out as per training programme. 2^nd Lieut. F I Rogers and 10 other ranks joined the Battalion. Capt. and Adjutant T L Boden, MC, awarded a bar to the Military Cross, Capt. P W Smith, 2^nd Lieut. A D Hooke, 2^nd Lieut. J C Lyle awarded the Military Cross. No. 12572 a/CSM G. Beattil and No. 2323 H L Gold awarded the DCM. Authorities, 6^th  Corps c/138/179/1/A/ dated 10.6.17 and 3^rd Army H R /475/dated 4.5.17.

June 11, 1917. Training was carried out as per the programme. Major M M C Murs rejoined from 63^rd Brigade School. Draft of 44 other ranks joined the Battalion.

June 12, 1917. Training was carried on. 2 offices per company attended a lecture on “Operations on Vimy Ridge” by Brig. Gen. P de B Radcliffe, DSO.

June 13, 1917. Training was carried on with. 2 offices from each company attended continuing of lecture on “Operations on Vimy Ridge” by Lieut. Col. Webber, DSO.

June 14, 1917. Training carried on. 2^nd Lieut. G W Wridgeway joined the Battalion.

June 15, 1917. Companies fired on brigade rifle range, at HEZECQUES, throughout the day. Battalion sports were held in the evening.

June 16, 1917. Battalion carried on training. 7 other ranks joined the Battalion.

June 17, 1917. Divine Services were held in the training grounds. 2^nd Lieut. S Mirams (a/Adjutant) proceeded on leave to the UK until 30^th instant. 2^nd Lieut. G S Sutherland assumed duties of Acting Adjutant for. 17^th instant to 27^th instant. Capt.P W Smith, MC, assumed command of B company.

June 18, 1917. Training carried out as per the programme. One platoon worked on making bayonet fighting gallows. No 8550, Private H Jackman’s sentence of 6 months IHL was remitted by GOC 63^rd Infantry Battalion for (i) continuous good conduct in the field. (ii) gallantry in action on April 24, 1917 north of the River Scarfe.

June 19, 1917. Training was carried out as per the programme. Baths were allotted to A company and Headquarters.

June 20, 1917. Companies carried out musketry practice on the rifle range at HEZECQUES throughout the day. Grenadiers carried out practice with live bombs under the direction of the Bombing Officer. 5 other ranks proceeded to 1^st Army rest camp for 14 days. Battalion sports were continued in the evening.

June 21, 1917. The day was regarded as a general holiday. Brigade sports were held in FROSES. A presentation of medal ribbons was made by the 1^st Army Commander. A detachment from D company under Lieut. A G Mitchell represented the Battalion in the Brigade Guard of Honour. Capt.P W Smith, MC, and 2^nd Lieut. J G Lyle, MC, received medal ribbons.

June 22, 1917. The Battalion marched to AUCHY-AU-BOIS, there to be billeted for the night. Bad weather.

June 23, 1917. AUCHY-AU-BOIS. The Battalion marched to THIENNES, moving off at 5 AM. 2^nd Lieut. A G Coombs was admitted to the field ambulance.

June 24, 1917. THIENNES. At 4 AM, the Battalion marched to CAESTRE. Billets were very scattered there.

June 25, 1917. CAESTRE. The Battalion marched to the KEMMEL area. The 2^nd Army Commander inspected the Battalion on the line of march at METEREN. The Battalion was billeted at Butterfly Farm.

June 26, 1917. Near KEMMEL. Companies were at the disposal of the company commanders. The camp was in a filthy condition, great wastage lying about. It was generally cleaned up, and many articles of value, quite fit for use, was salvaged. 5 other ranks joined the Battalion.

June 27, 1917. Companies trained under arrangement of company commanders. Company offices and company commanders reconnoitered the forward area to be taken over.

June 28, 1917. The Battalion moved off at 8 PM. At midnight the Battalion relieved the 11^th Battalion Royal ­­­ Inniskilling ­ Fusiliers near Zero Wood.

June 29, 1917. The Battalion remained in the support lines. Hostile artillery was very active. 2^nd Lieut. J C Lyal MC was wounded.

June 30, 1917. 2 AM. The 8^th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment relieve the Battalion. The Battalion then retired to the 10^th Battalion Royal Inniskilling ­ Fusiliers in the line. Relief completed about 3:15 AM. C and D companies were in the frontline, A and B companies were in support. As much as possible, work was carried out throughout the day. During the relief our casualties were 2 killed and 2 wounded. Battalion headquarters were at O.14.B.10.5.

 

May 1917

May 1-3, 1917. MANIN. During this period, the Battalion rested. Time was also given to cleaning up and refitting generally.

May 3, 1917. Training was carried out under company arrangements. Platoon drill, and musketry specialists were trained in the afternoon under the specialist offices.

May 4, 1917. Training carried out as yesterday. Lieut. E A H Fenn, having rejoined the Battalion from duty as town mayor at GOUY-EN-TERNOIS, was posted to B company for duty.

May 5, 1917. The Commanding Officer judged all companies in field firing and rapid wiring in order to select one company to represent the Battalion in the Brigade field firing and rapid wiring competitions. A company was selected for field firing and C company for rapid wiring.

May 6, 1917. The Brigade Thanksgiving and Memorial Service was held; the Battalion spent the remainder of the day resting. Capt. B R Newman, on joining the Battalion, was posted to C Company as Company Commander.

May 7, 1917. The rifle range situated in the village was allotted to the Battalion. Two companies used range throughout the day. A company, having been selected to represent the 63^rd Brigade in the Divisional Field Firing Competition, was conveyed in lorries to LIGNEREUIL to complete. On the return, the result was unknown. 2^nd Lieut’s. A G Mitchell and R F T Irwin were granted leave to Paris until 11^th of May. 2^nd Lieut. J Jamison joined the Battalion and was posted to D company for duty.

May 8, 1917. Training was carried out on the Company Commander’s arrangements. Bombing was included.

May 9-10, 1917. Training was carried out as usual. 2^nd Lieut. W T Faro was admitted to hospital sick. 2^nd Lieut. J H Woods was admitted to hospital sick. Ration strength 539.

May 11, 1917. Training was carried on with. C company marched off to take part in the divisional rapid wiring competition. C company won this competition, representing 63^rd Infantry Brigade.

May 12, 1917. In the morning, training was carried out under company assignments. The afternoon was devoted to recreational training. No. 11218 Sgt. Davis W, 6581 Lance Sgt. Hodges T, and 3969 Lance Cpl. Hoare S were awarded the Military Medal.

May 13 – 14^th 1917. Training was carried out on the company assignments. Capt. E Belfield, upon joining the Battalion, assumed command of D Company. Capt. M D Fitzgibbon, upon joining, assumed command of A Company.

May 15, 1917. A brigade tactical scheme was carried out in the afternoon. The Battalion remained in billets. Heavy rain fell all the afternoon.

May 16, 1917. The Battalion was inspected by the COG 63^rd Infantry Brigade in the morning. The remainder the day was given to bathing and musketry. Capt. A D Sharp was admitted to hospital sick; Lieut. S H Ensing joined the Battalion as Medical Officer. To celebrate the occasion of ALBUHERA DAY, a pint of beer was issued free to every NCOs and man.

May 17, 1917. It had been intended to carry out a brigade tactical scheme, but, owing to the very bad weather, this was canceled. The Corps Cmdr. visited the Battalion in billets, and inspected one company on the rifle range. In the afternoon the Corps Cmdr. gave a lecture at Divisional Headquarters, at which, the Commanding Officer and all Company Commanders were present.

May 18, 1917. The Battalion moved to SIMENCOURT via NOYELLE-VION, LATTRE St QUENTIN and WANQUETIN. Here the Battalion was billeted for one night in huts, accommodation for all ranks was somewhat cramped up. 2^nd Lieut. L W Andreal proceeded to 63^rd Infantry Brigade as Brigade Sniping Officer. Division is being transferred to VI (or Center) Corps from XVII (or left). (Battle of ARRAS area).

May 19, 1927. SIMENCOURT. The Battalion moved to ACHICOURT, a suburb of ARRAS, and was there billeted in houses and barns; these billets were in poor condition when entered and a great deal of cleaning up was required before they were fit for habitation.

May 20, 1917. ACHICOURT. Voluntary church services took place in the morning; in the afternoon communication and bombing drills were carried out.

May 21, 1917. Training was carried out under company arrangements. ________ under the specialist offices.

May 22, 1917. Training was carried out as yesterday. The baths were allotted to the Battalion. The Commanding Officer and two Company Commanders proceeded to reconnoiter the forward area about GUEMAPPES. Very bad weather prevailed throughout the day. Major M C C Meyer joined the Battalion and took over duties as second-in-command.

May 23, 1917. A party of 100 men were employed in building an assault course. Otherwise training was carried out as usual.

May 24, 1917. The party of 100 men were again employed in building an assault course. A party of 2 NCOs and 12 men was sent out to slave petrol tins and brought back 30.

May 25, 1917. The salvage party again went out and bought in 91 petrol tins and various other articles. 2^nd Lieut. F De Val and 5 other ranks joined the Battalion. 2^nd Lieut. De Val was posted to C Company. Offices Commanding A and D Companies reconnoitered the frontline, which was to be occupied by the Battalion.

May 26, 1917. The salvage party brought in 125 petrol teens. Lieut. E A H Fenn proceeded on leave to the United Kingdom.

May 27, 1917. An open air Service Parade was held in the morning. The afternoon was free for all ranks.

May 28, 1917. The morning and afternoon were devoted to cleaning up billets. At 7:15 PM, the head of the Battalion moved to relieve 13^th KRR in the Hindenburg Line near Tilly and in Devil’s Wood. The relief completed by 11 PM. The Battalion was situated in Devil’s Wood at G.36 b. 63^rd brigade is now brigade in support, 111^th relieving 112^th which goes into reserve.

May 29, 1915. TILLDY. The Battalion in trenches and shell holes in Devil’s Wood. The day was devoted to salving on the battlefield of 9 April 1917.

May 30, 1917. The Battalion acted as duty battalion from midnight to midnight. At 4 AM, the Battalion stood to until 4:45 AM. Salving was carried out during the day with considerable success. Bathing took place in the morning. In the afternoon there was a very heavy thunderstorm, when Battalion Headquarters was flooded by about 9 inches of water. The Battalion was detailed to find 200 men for a working party on Gordon Trench, but the order was canceled on account of the state of the ground after the storm. Extract from London Gazette:- 2^nd Lieut. A G Mitchell to be Lieut. Temporary 2^nd Lieut. L C Thompson to be Temporary Lieut., Lieut. Col. W I Bowen, Lieut. Col. H P F Bicknell, Capt. S A Willis and 2^nd Lieut. R G Williams were all mentioned in dispatches of Sir Douglas Haig.

May 31, 1917. The Battalion was relieved by the 2^nd Buckingham Regiment and proceeded to Arras to be billeted in the Schramm Barracks. No casualties due to enemy this month.

April 1917

April 1, 1917. HOUVIN-HOUVINAL. Service was held in open on Battalion training ground. Remainder of the day was spent in recreational training. The Battalion versus the York and Lancs Regiment was postponed through inclement weather. A draft of 20 0Rs joined.

April 2, 1917. Route march was carried out by Battalion via MASNICOURT, MAZIERES, TERNAS, BUNEVILLE, MONGHEAUX to billets. Remainder of the day spent in lectures and inspections. Boxing competition canceled.

April 3, 1917. Usual training programme of physical training, platoon and company drill, bayonet fighting, etc. was carried out during the morning. Afternoon was spent training continuing. Inter-company football and cross-country runs.

April 4, 1917. Battalion ordered to carry out training on Corps training area at DENIER, but owing to bad weather, the scheme was canceled. The Adjutant gave a lecture to NCOs, and conferred with offices re-future active operations. The afternoon was made a holiday for all ranks. Draft of 12 ORs joined. Capt. P Grove-White joined from senior officer’s course at Aldershot. Lieut. L A H Fenn proceeded to GOUY-EN-TERNOIS to assumed duty of Town Major.

April 5, 1917. Battalion proceeded to BEAUFORT to billets. Adequate room for all ranks, good billets.

April 6, 1917. Battalion was to have moved and O O’s for such had been prepaid but were canceled at 12 midnight on 5^th – 6^th. This day was therefore given to training under brigade arrangements, returning to billets at 1:30 PM.

April 7, 1917. Battalion move to NOYELLETTE, billets good. Capt. P Grove-White left to assure duty as second-in-command of 11^th Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

April 8, 1917. Battalion moved to DUIDANS, where it was billeted in huts. Bombs, tools, iron rations, etc. were drawn, and issued with the exception of the bombs. Orders were received from brigade that Zero Hour would be at 5:30 AM and that the Battalion would move to the place of assembly at that hour.

April 9, 1917. ARRAS. The Battalion moved off at 5:30 AM. Very heavy rain fell. The brigade columns were delayed for an hour and half by traffic on the St POS – ARRAS station between DAINVILLE and ARRAS. At 11 AM, the Battalion reached ARRAS station, where a large ammunition dump exploded and blew up. Lieut. Col. W I Webb-Bowen was wounded. Several other casualties occurred. The Battalion had a remarkably narrow escape as the dump was on the 200 yards away. Capt. and Adjutant T L Bowen, MC, took over temporary command. Major A G Dawson left the transport lines to take over command.

April 9, 1917. 12:30 PM. REAR AREAS. Battalion in assembly trenches with Battalion Headquarters at junction of Ivy Street and Duplicate Reserve Line.

2:15 PM orders from Brigade send out officer’s patrol to reconnoiter the route taken by 111^th Brigade.

3:35 PM. Orders received to proceed to Battery Valley in accordance with instructions previously issued.

5 PM. In position in Battery Valley. Deployed on right of 8^th Somerset L.I.

7:15 PM. Vocal orders from Brigade that the Brigade would advance on Orange Hill with 8^th Somerset L.I. and 8^th Lincolnshire Regiment in front (right and left respectively) and the 4^th Middlesex Regiment in support of both battalions with the 10^th York and Lancs Regiment in reserve.

7:30 PM. Moved as above.

9 PM. Battalion digging in on road H 20 7C8 .4 to H 20 7C 2.2 with patrols pushed forward in touch with 8^th S. L. A. and 8^th Lincolns.

11:15 PM. Orders from Brigade received that when 2 battalions of the 111^th brigade shall arrive to support 63^rd brigade, 4^th Middlesex Regiment are to be prepared to prolong the left of line as held by 8^th S. L. I. and 8^th Lincolns, if possible, along Sunken Road from H. 29. b to River.

 

April 10, 1917. Orderes from brigade via 8^th S. L. I. to move up on the left of Lincolns as above. The York and Lancs are to move up on Middlesex left as soon as two battalions of the 111^th Brigade arrive.

12:30 PM. Patrols, on arrival at this point, to be sent out along Scarpe Valley joining up with the Cavalry Post at H 23a 97.

2 a.m. Battalion moved off to take up positions as above. Moved up on left of Lincolns who were west of Sunken Road. The left of this Middlesex Battalion resting near the river. Approximate position H 20 8 b and d. Patrols were sent out but did not gain touch with Cavalry Post along Scarpe Valley.

 

April 10, 1917. 5 AM. Battalion in position as above.

10:30 AM. Vocal orders received that Brigade would advance to LONE CORPS VALLEY and with S. L. I. on the right, then Lincolns, Middlesex, and York and Lancs on the left.

11:30 AM. Moved as above. The enemy put up a very heavy barrage on Orange Hill with artillery and machine gun fire, the latter coming from the direction of FAMPOUX. This fire was so well directed that at 3:30 PM the following only had arrived at Lone Corps Valley:-  2 companies 8^th SLI (on right), 2 companies of Lincoln next and half a company of Middlesex on left. The 10^th York and Lancs had apparently been held up by the intense barrage and therefore the left of the Middlesex was exposed to fire from FAMPOUX and from an expected counterattack from that direction.

6 PM. The line of 8^th Lincolns had advanced beyond Lone Corps Valley to practically the 90° contour, 800 yards northwest of MONCHY-LE-PREUX but were met with severe artillery and machine gun fire and, their left being somewhat exposed, they withdrew to the Lone Corps Valley and in conjunction with the 8^th SLI on right and Middlesex on left, consolidated a line running along the crest of the ridge of Lone Corps Valley approximately right to left H 36 a 33 to H 30 d 35. This line being exposed from left, a defensive flank was formed by the Middlesex on left across Valley. A halfhearted attempt to counterattack by the enemy took place at about 6:30 PM, but was not pressed by him.

6:30 PM. A message was received from battalion headquarters that the line held by remnants of the brigade was practically along the line of the Sunken Road on eastern slopes of Orange Hill.

7:15 PM. Message received from Brigade Headquarters that heavy artillery was bombarding MONCHY-LE-PREUX until 7:30 PM, when the 111^th Brigade, supported by the 63^rd Brigade, would attack on, or as near, that line as possible.

7:30 PM. Remainder of Battalion not yet reinforced at Lone Corps Valley and no sign of the 111^th brigade.

8:30 PM. Remainder of Battalion moving to Lone Corps Valley. Battalion reforming and organizing again owing to casualties.

12 midnight. No move. Front very quiet. Patrols and posts out. Enemy apparently holding a line northwest of MONCHY-LE-PREUX, evidently the trenches in H. 36. D.

April 11, 1917. 3 AM. Orders received as follow:- 6^th Corps will advance at 5 AM, 3^rd division on the right, 15^th division on the left, 112^th brigade on the right, 111^th brigade on the left. The 37^th Divisional boundaries are as follows:- Gridlines between N 12 and N 18. Gridlines between squares H and N. Dividing line between 111^th and 112^th Brigades:- gridlines between 01 and 07. With the 15^th Division has passed through the Green Line, 63^rd brigade will assemble in Divisional Reserve. 2 tanks will also operate from H. 36. c. Operating a round MOMCHY.

6:30 AM. Operations commenced, 3^rd Division and 15^th Division advanced. Brigade still in Lone Corps Valley.

10:45 AM. Message received that 15^th Division had reached Keeling Corps Pelves. 63^rd Brigade to finish on as rapidly as possible to high ground 0.2.d BOIS-DES-AUBERINES and get in touch with 15^th Division on the left. 111^th Brigade on same objective with 112^th Brigade on the right. 10^th York and Lancs will form the advance guard and will move to Lone Corps at 11 AM on BOIS-DES-AUBERINES. Remainder moving in this following order:- Middlesex, Lincolns, Somersets. The Middlesex will prolong the line of the 10^th York and Lancs to the left. 8^th Lincolns in support for 2 battalions. 8^th Somerset in Brigade Reserve.

11 AM. 10^th York and Lancs advanced but could not get forward owing to machine gun fire.

11:30 AM. Battalion deployed in rear of 10^th York and Lancs, ready to move forward.

12:20 PM. Message from Brigade received as follows- 4^th Middlesex will advance at once, moving well to the right of 10^th York and Lancs, who were held up by machine gun fire from the left.

12:30 PM. Battalion moved. Route chosen on right of 10^th York and Lancs alongside of Monarch Road, running Southwest through H.36.c and d. The Battalion advance by platoons and file. Immediately after advancing along the road, which was almost entirely devoid of cover, the enemy open fire with artillery and machine gun fire, erecting a very heavy barrage. By advancing in short rushes of 12 men and lying flat, the Battalion eventually got through with comparatively small casualties, the high wind prevailing, greatly assisted, as most of the enemy bullets were a little too high. On arrival of the head of the Battalion in MONCHY. The OC, the Calvary Corps, reported that he was expecting a counterattack on his right and that he urgently required assistance. A platoon of 20 and 2 Lewis guns were therefore detached to take up a position on the right of the village about 0.1.c.2.4. Offices patrols were pushed out to find the flanks of the proceeding Brigade but were not successful. It was therefore decided to hold the village from any counterattack by a series of posts of Lewis gun and machine guns (some detachments of the 111^th Brigade machine gun company were available).

The posts occupy a line approximately along the track running north from MONCHY to 0.1.a and with a machine gun post at about 0.1.b.2.7 and southwest of the village at 0.1.c, 2.4.

3 PM. These posts were established at about 3 PM. During this period, the enemy were heavily bombarding the village, and pending the arrival of definite information, the men who were not digging posts were placed in cellars.

5:30 PM. An office’s patrol again went out and reconnoitered the whole of the village and outskirts and reported that, except for the posts mentioned above, the cavalry post about 0.1 6.2.8, it appeared that the brigades on the left and right of the village had not advanced east of the village. Many scattered parties of the 112^th Brigade had been passed along the MONCHY road, apparently consolidating a line of shell holes and old trenches in H.36.d. Patrols again sent to get in touch with right of the 8^th Lincolns, who were known to have advanced from Lone Corps Valley on our left. These patrols were unsuccessful. It was therefore decided to consolidate posts already held and patrol approaches to the east of the village. During the remainder of the night, except for intermittent shelling, nothing special happened.

11 PM. Battalion was relieved and proceeded to BATTERY VALLEY, where it remained until about 2 PM on 12 – 4 – 17, when it returned to ARRAS.

April 12, 1917. ARRAS. The Battalion was relieved and proceeded to ARRAS. They were billeted there for the night and hot meals were provided for the troops on arrival.

April 13, 1917. DUISANS. The Battalion moved to DUISANS and was there billeted in hutments. The remainder of the day was given to resting and cleaning up.

April 14, 1917. AGNEZ-LES-DUISANS. The Battalion moved to AGNEZ-LES-DUISANS, again being billeted in huts. 100 ORs under 2^nd Lieut. R M Hinton to GCS for duty there.

April 15, 1917. MANIN. Battalion moved to MANIN and was inspected on the marched by the GOC Division. The move was carried out under very inclement weather conditions.

April 16, 1917. Companies were at the disposal of Company Commanders for refitting and reorganization of platoons and specialists. 45 ORs joined from Corps training depot, FREVENT.

April 17, 1917. Training carried out. Companies at the disposal of the Company Commanders.

April 19, 1917. GOUVES. Battalion proceeded to GOUVES where they were close billeted. The Commanding Officer, Adjutant, and the Signal Officer proceeded to the line to reconnoiter the forward area, returning about midnight. 4 ORs joined the Battalion.

April 20, 1917. ARRAS. Battalion proceeded to ARRAS by motor lorries and was offloaded at the Winter Gardens where the packs were dumped and stored there. The Battalion rested to late p.m. when it moved off in fighting order. At 3:15 PM Company Commanders went up to the line to reconnoiter. Fatigue party under 2^nd Lieut. R M Hilton rejoined from CGS. The Battalion relieved the 1^st R I E in Honey Trench and Hyderabad Work with Battalion Headquarters in Sunken Road at H.11.a.6.2. The Battalion remained here until midnight 22–4–17.

April 22, 1917. Near ARRAS. Midnight. Battalion was in assembly trenches with battalion headquarters in and Hyderabad Work.

April 23, 1917. 4:45 AM. Battalion attacked with 3 companies, the remaining companies being used as a caring party.

6:30 AM. Battalion reached a line 200 yards east of the sunken road at I.y.a where, owing to both flanks being exposed, the Battalion could advance no further.

7 AM. Lieut. Col. A G Dawson was killed by a machine gun bullet, Capt. and Adjutant T W Boden, MC, took over command.

9 AM Capt. T W Boden, MC, was badly wounded by shrapnel, 2^nd Lieut. P W Smith took over command of the Battalion. At this time, communication with the Brigade and other formations was very difficult, and information of the position was very indefinite.

12 noon. The enemy was seen to be forming up for counterattack on the west of Greenland Hill. They advanced down the hill in extended order and artillery formation but, this advance was checked by our rifle and Lewis guns fire, also the machine gun fire of the 63^rd MGC. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy.

12 noon to 9 PM. The Battalion occupied the whole of this time in consolidating position they had taken up. Hostile artillery was continually active throughout the day.

9 PM. 3 battalions of the 112^th Brigade took over this position, and the Battalion withdrew to the sunken road at I.y.c. and consolidated this line during the night.

11 PM. The Battalion remained in this position, which was at frequent intervals heavily shelled, until 11 PM when it was relieved by 2 companies of the 10^th Loyal North Lancaster Regiment. The Battalion then withdrew to Halo trench with battalion headquarters in the sunken road at H.11.a.6.2. The Battalion remained here until the 27^th.

 

April 27, 1917. 11 PM. 2 companies moved to the Assembly Trench (Clasp Trench) with battalion headquarters in Chili Trench along with the 2 reserve companies.

April 28, 1917. 4:25 AM. Battalion attached with 2 companies in support to the 8^th Somerset Light Infantry, the remaining 2 companies still in reserve in Chili Trench. Patrols from these 2 companies were pushed out continually during the day. On account of right flank being exposed to excessive hostile sniping, they were unable to get in touch with the 2 front companies.

10 PM. These 2 reserve companies moved up to reconnoiter Cuthbert trench. This was strongly held by the enemy with machine guns, and owing to the weakness of these 2 companies, it was impossible for them to go any further. They therefore dug themselves in in front of Cuthbert trench.

April 29, 1917. 1:30 AM. These 2 companies were withdrawn to Cuba trench and was relieved by the 8^th Seaforth Highlanders.

3:30 AM. The Battalion moved back to the transport lines at St. Nicholas, where it was conveyed by the motor lorries to Manin.

April 30, 1917. MANIN. The day was devoted to resting and general cleaning up.

Casualties during Monchy-le-Preux operations.

Other Ranks 18 killed, hundred and 52 wounded, 31 missing, 201 total.

Casualties during the operation from 23 to 29/4/17.

Other Ranks 21 killed, 162 wounded, 98 missing, 291 total.

5.4.17           Capt. E J Donaldson to UK sick.

7.4.17         Capt. P Grove-White quitted to assure duty of second-in-command ___ Royal Berkshire Regiment.

9. 4. 17 Lieut. Col. W I Webb-Bowen wounded.
10. 4. 17 Capt. G B Morgan wounded.
11. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. D Cutbush, MC, killed.
12. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. A G Terreub wounded, died of wounds subsequently on 20-4-17.
13. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. W E Stokley wounded.
14. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. A D Trowell wounded.
15. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. H M Williams wounded.
16. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. J H Hodgson wounded.
17. 4. 17 Capt. H E Hefter admitted field ambulance sick.
18. 4. 17 Lieut. Col. A G Dawson killed.
19. 4. 17 Capt. and Adjutant T L Boden, MC, wounded.
20. 4. 17 Capt. S A Willis wounded.
21. 4. 17 Lieut. E A M Williams wounded.
22. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. R A M Hiuton killed.
23. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. L Bartlett wounded.
24. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut.’s W T Farron, A V Witter, H R Odling and J H Woods joined the Battalion.
25. 4. 17 Lieut. Col. G A Bridgman assumed command.
26. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. E B Slade wounded.
27. 4. 17 Lieut. B P Jones wounded.
28. 4. 17 2^nd Lieut. A D Hooke missing.

March 1917

March 1, 1917. 13 BIS. LOOS. Nothing special to report. Enemy quiet except for an occasional trench mortar. Trenches are very bad and, owing to thaw, very much work is entailed to keep communication trenches at all passable. No casualties.

March 2, 1917. Our artillery was active during the day but very little enemy retaliation. Minenwerfers are the chief annoyance. Casualties, one killed. 2^nd Lieut. P H Steele joined Battalion on probation.

March 3, 1917. Battalion relieved by 2 battalions of the 6^th  division. 2^nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry and 1^st Battalion The Buffs. Relief completed by 3:30 PM. No casualties. Battalion billeted in MAZINGARBE.

March 4, 1917. MAZINGARBE. Battalion proceeded to march to BETHUNE via NOEUX LE MINES where billeted for one night in tobacco factory.

March 5, 1917. BETHUNE. Marched to BAS RIEUX via CHOCQUES. Arrived billets 1:30 PM. Battalion marched well, about 4 fell out.

March 6, 1917. BAS RIEUX. Marched via LILLERS and ST HILAIRE to LIGNY LES AIRE. Billets 2 P.M, close. 3 fell out online of march but rejoined.

March 7-8, 1917. LIGNY LES AIRE. Battalion resting and generally cleaning up for the 1^st day. 2^nd day Battalion run organized and carried out with good results. Whether cold.

March 9, 1917. Battalion paraded at 9:30 AM and marched to BETHONVAL and CONTEVILLE, being billeted in both places for one night.

March 10, 1917. BETHONVAL-CONTEVILLE.  Battalion marched to via ST POL to HOUVIN – HOUVINAL. This is to be the training area for the forthcoming offensive. Billets for men are good. Offices close billeting.

March 11, 1917. HOUVIN-HOUVINAL inspection of arms equipment etc. Voluntary church service held, training area reconnoitered.

March 12, 1917. Training commenced with a route march for about 12 miles. First-line transport accompanied the Battalion. Lieut. Col. Bicknell, who has been in command of this Battalion for 18 months ordered and proceeded to the senior officer school, Aldershot, as an instructor. Major A G Dawson took over command of the Battalion. Brig. Gen. E R Hill, who has been in command of the 63^rd Brigade, of which this Battalion is apart, ordered to proceed to England. His command is to be taken over by Brig. Gen. E L Challonder, DSO. Alterations in the lower commands of the Battalion also took effect from this morning. 2^nd Lieut. D C Cutbush, MC, took over command of A company and 2^nd Lieut. E G Grogan took over duties of Battalion Lewis Gun Officer.

March 13, 1917. Battalion bathed and work on site for Rifle Range was started in conjunction with the 10^th York and Lanks.

March 14, 1917. Training continued. The ground allotted to the Battalion is very limited and therefore training is carried out by companies and for a while, until grounds become available, it will be not possible to practice the Battalion as a whole in our attack formation. Subjects are as follows: physical training, drill, musketry, bombing, bayonet fighting, gas helmet drill, lectures etc. are carried out. Working hours from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2 to 4 P.M. Two route matches per week (1 Battalion and 1 Brigade) and two afternoons of Divisional Training are to be carried out.

March 15, 1917. Brigade route marched about 10 miles.

March 16-17, 1917. Training as usual. Lieut. A C Terrell proceeded on a general course at the Divisional School. Lieut. Slade proceeded on the bombing course.

March 18, 1917. Divine Services were held on the Battalion football field. In the afternoon, the Battalion football team played the 11^th Battalion Middlesex Regiment at ZEL LES HAMEAU, securing a win by 5 to 1 goals. (This Battalion is commanded by Lieut. Col. T S Wollocombe, who relinquished the adjutancy of this 4^th Battalion in September 1915). Lieut. Col. W I Webb-Bowen joined and assumed command of this Battalion.

March 19, 1917. Battalion route marched. Lieut. F W Schoefield rejoined Battalion from employment as divisional camouflage officer and resumed his previous duties as Battalion sniping and intelligence officer.

March 20, 1917. Orders received to be ready to move at 6 hours’ notice. The Commanding Officer visited the ARRAS sector today. 2^nd Lieut. R G Williams left Battalion to report for duty as divisional dump officer.

March 21, 1917. Usual training.

March 22, 1917. Battalion marched to Corps training area near DENIER. The weather, sleet and wind, impeded training and the Battalion returned to billets by 2 PM.

March 23, 1917. Battalion training. The Army Commander, Sir Edmund Allenby, presented mental ribbons to the Division on the Battalion football grounds. Capt. H E Heffer was in command of the Guard of Honor of the 63^rd Brigade. Regimental G M Sgt. A Andrews received the Meritorious Service Medal and Lance Corporal G Cass received the Military Medal.

March 24, 1917. Training as usual and Battalion bathed.

March 25, 1917. Divine services on football field. Football matches with the 10^th York and Lanks and lost 3 – 2. Lieut. L C Thompson proceeded on course at the 3^rd Army School.

March 26, 1917. Battalion route marched. Capt. E J Donaldson rejoined from hospital.

March 27, 1917. Usual training. One bombing officer from company attended a demonstration at Divisional School with a new percussion grenade called the Humphreys.

March 28, 1917. Usual training. Nothing special to report.

March 29, 1917. Brigade route marched. Distance 10 miles. Very wet day.

March 30, 1917. Training as usual.

March 31, 1917. Brigade Transport competition, events in classes. One cooker each Battalion, 1 water cart 1 limber, one mess cart and 2 pack mules. Battalion won 1^st prizes in the 1^st 3 items and 2 seconds in the last named. Most satisfactory turnout.

February 1917

February 1, 1917. LA TOURET. Battalion relieved in reserve by 1^st Battalion Cheshire Regiment of the 5^th Division and proceeded to billets at BEUVRY. The whole of this Division moving out of the line and becoming GHQ reserve. Billets good, all arrived by 3 PM. No casualties.

February 2^nd 1917. BEUVRY. Battalion ordered to be ready to move at 6 hours’ notice from any time. General cleanup of arms and equipment.

February 3, 1917. Companies at disposal of Company Commanders. Nothing special to report.

February 4, 1917. Battalion to be ready to move at any time with 12 hours’ notice. To companies to work under RE supervision, remainder attending Divine Services, all offices available attended lectures at BETHUNE on the French organization for attack, which organization, on modified lines, is to be adopted by the British Army.

February 5, 1917. Battalion, with transport, route marched for a period of 3 hours. 2^nd Lieut’s. L Bartlett and E B Slade joined Battalion on probation in the respective ranks.

February 6, 1917. Reorganization of companies and platoons on basis of that of the French on instructions issued by Division was carried out. Under this method platoon becomes a complete unit of all infantry arms.

February 7, 1917. The Battalion continued organization and, in the afternoon, will formed up in the new attack formation by the Commanding Officer. Details of this formation are attached.

February 8, 1917. Orders received that Battalion is to move to take over a new section in the line. The CO, Adjutant and Company Commanders proceeded to reconnoiter the IL BIS sector at LOOS which is to be taken over by the Brigade at an early date.

February 9^th 1917. Training carried out under Company Commanders. Chiefly to instruct all NCO’s and men under new formation conditions.

February 10-11, 1917. Nothing special to report.

February 12, 1917. Support trenches near LOOS. Battalion marched from BOUVRY via SAILLY – LA BOURES and PHILOSOPHE to reserve trenches in the IL BIS sector, LOOS. Relieving 1^st Battalion Royal Fusiliers. The line taken over is known as the VILLAGE LINE. Relief completed by 3 PM.

February 13, 1917. IL BIS sector, LOOS. Battalion relieved by 3^rd Battalion Rifle Brigade, IL BIS right sector. The CTs are in very good condition and also the frontline and supports but it is evident that when the thaw has completely started everything will be a most wretched state. The right of our sector is bounded by the CRASSIER, along bank of debris from the mines of LOOS entities not held except by a post from the Brigade on our right. Relief was completed at 3:30 PM. No casualties during relief and a very quiet day.

February 14, 1917. Minenwerfers were chief annoyances during the 24 hours but the effect is more morale than anything else. Our guns retaliated and silenced them.

February 15, 1917. Quiet day but enemy very active on our right with trench mortars at 7 PM. We sustained 2 casualties, both wounded by rifle grenades.

February 16, 1917. A quiet day but enemy was nervous at night and machine gun fire is almost intermittent. Trench mortars are the greatest annoyance on this front and has to be silenced by our artillery several times. One killed and one wounded by trench mortar fire.

February 17, 1917. Quiet day. Thaw has set in and trenches are showing signs of results. Working parties for work at support line supplied by reserve and support companies. About 80 coils put out. Casualties one killed.

February 18, 1917. Quiet day. Lieut. Col. Bickwell, DSO, proceeded to 1^st Army school full conference of Commanding Officers. Capt. A G Dawson assumed command of Battalion.

February 19, 1917. MAZINGARBE. Relief completed by 3 PM. No casualties. Billets good.

February 20, 1917. Trenches being in bad condition owing to rain and thaw. 3 companies were employed cleaning CTs nightly. The Battalion is employed almost to a man on cleaning results of thaw and wet.

February 21-25, 1917. Battalion employed nightly in repair of communication trenches etc. and is caring parties for trench mortars etc. During this period nothing special to report.

February 26, 1917. Battalion relieved the 8^th Somerset Light Infantry in sector as handed over on the 19^th instant. Relief by night and completed by 4 AM, 27^th instant. No casualties.

February 27, 1917. Quiet day. A dummy raid was carried out on left Brigade front by artillery but little retaliation provoked. Casualties 2 wounded by rifle grenades. Lieut. Gen. Bicknell rejoined.

February 28, 1917. Artillery active on both sides during day and at night at 10 PM the brigade on our left discharged gas. The artillery bombarded and machine guns also assisted. Apparently, gas cloud was very good and enemy retaliated heavily with machine guns and TMs but very little artillery fire. No casualties but some material damage.

January 1917

January 1, 1917. LOCON. Company training. Offices visited section to be taken over on 2^nd instant, section known as NEUVE CHAPPELLE RIGHT. The new year Gazette contains following honors;

Lieut. Col. Bickwell                            mentioned in dispatches

Capt. and Adjutant T L Boden            military cross

Lieut. and Quartermaster E H Amor   mentioned in dispatches

Quartermaster Sgt. A Andrews           meritorious service medal

Army staff Sgt. F Emberson               mentioned in dispatches

January 2, 1917. Battalion relieved the 13^th Battalion K.R.R. in trenches. Relief completed at 12 noon. No casualties. Capt. P Grove-White proceeded to Aldershot for senior officers training course. 2^nd Lieut. H G Fluck joined Battalion, also 6 other ranks.

January 3, 1917. Trenches quiet. Nothing to report. Trenches in poor condition and wet.

January 4, 1917.  NEUVE CHAPPELLE. 2^nd Lieut. H G Fluck ordered to return to England. Much wiring done on our front. No casualties. Nothing special to report.

January 5, 1917. Enemy quiet. Nothing to report.

January 6, 1917. Quiet day. No casualties. Lieut. Col. Bickwell rejoined the Battalion.

January 7, 1917. Capt. G C Moran rejoined from senior officer’s course. Nothing to report. No casualties.

January 8, 1917. Battalion relieved by the 8^th Somerset Light Infantry. Battalion moved to support at CROIX BARBEE. The whole tour of the trenches being completed without casualties. Relief completed by 4 PM. Working parties of 200 formed by the Battalion.

January 9^th 1917. Capt. G C Moran resumed command of B company. Working parties formed by the Battalion.

January 10, 1917. CROIX BARBEE. Battalion chiefly employed on R E working parties. The surroundings of the village is very interesting for it was here that this Battalion attacked in October 1914. Many graves of old comrades are here – nothing special to report.

January 11, 1917. Nothing special to report. Major J D Mayhew ordered to join the 10^th Loyal North Lanks for temporary command.

January 12, 1917. 2 offices and 100 other ranks proceeded to HAVERSKERQUE for work on Divisional Rifle Range. Nothing special to report.

January 13, 1917. 2 offices and 100 other ranks proceeded to HAVERSKERQUE for day as yesterday. Battalion relieved by 13^th Battalion Rifle Brigade and proceeded to billets at LOCON. No casualties, relief completed by 2 PM.

January 15, 1917. Battalion billeted LOCON. General cleaning up.

January 16-22, 1917. Training carried out as far as possible under existing conditions. Ground is unavailable for work owing to cultivation. Nothing special to report.

January 23, 1917. Divisional Cmdr. inspected Battalion in marching order. The turnout of the Battalion was fairly good.

January 24^th 1917. Companies training.

January 25-28, 1917. 2^nd Lieut. D Bush awarded Military Cross, Sgt. Sewell Distinguished Conduct Medal, for work during operations on the ANCER in November 1916. Company training. Nothing to report.

January 29, 1917. Battalion relieved by the 8^th 1^st Lanks Regiment. In reserve billets at LE TOURET, being in support to right Battalion in FERME DE BOIS sector of the line. Battalion is to be ready to move off at one hour’s notice with one Company daily standing to.

January 30, 1917. Nothing special to report. Weather very cold.

January 31, 1917. Battalion ordered to be ready to move into GHQ reserve tomorrow.

December 1916

December 1, 1916. RAINCHEVAL. Battalion marched to RAINCHEVAL. Billets good but scattered.

December 2, 1916. Remained in RAINCHEVAL, time devoted to inspections etc.

December 3, 1916. Wet day, little could be done. Orders received in the evening and marched to billets at BEAUVAL.

December 4, 1916. BEAUVAL. Battalion marched off at 8 AM via BEAUQUENE to BEAUVAL. Billets here exceptionally good. Settled into billets about 1:30 PM.

December 5, 1916. Battalion clean up arms and equipment, inspections etc. Lieut. Col. BICKNELL and Capt. Willis proceeded on leave for 28 days and 10 days respectively.

December 6, 1916. Drill and football grounds and sites for bombing grounds and range was selected. Company’s Training. Programmes of Work submitted to Brig. Major J D Matthews of the Denbit Hussers (Yeomanry) who took over temporary command of the Battalion. Capt. Alice admitted Field Ambulance.

December 7, 1916. Battalion training. Notification received that the Corps Cmdr. Lieut. Gen. Fanshaw would shortly inspect the Battalion. Capt. E J Donaldson joined the Battalion and assumed command of A company. 2^nd Lieut.’s G Grogan, J K Gregson and H M Monk joined Battalion.

December 8, 1916. Battalion training and inspection of company by offices in field marching order. 2^nd Lieut. Heffer and 2^nd Lieut. Thompson appointed temporary captains.

December 9, 1916. Notification that the Corps Commander would inspect the Battalion today was received late last night. The Battalion therefore paraded at 11:38 AM. The turnout was good but owing to the short notice, not quite up to standard. Rain during the inspections. Capt. W G Largie (CF) joined the Battalion.

December 10, 1916. Voluntary church parade service at the Mairie. Training also carried out and inspections of NCOs and men by medical officer.

December 11, 1916. Training, though hampered by rain, still proceeding. Transport inspection by commanding officer.

December 13, 1916. BEAUVAL and AMPLIER. Orders have been received from the Division to join the 1^st Army. The first stage of journey commences today. Battalion paraded and marched off to AMPLIER to billets for the night. Arrived in billets about 1 PM. Men in huts. Billets fair.

December 14, 1916. AMPLIER to BARLY. March continued to BARLY. Marched via DOULLONS. Battalion marched well. Arrived billets about 2 PM, fairly good.

December 15, 1916. BARLY to VACQUERIE. VACQUERIE. Wet roads, heavy marching. About 15 fell out of line of march but rejoined after Battalion arrived at VACQUERIE. Billets very good. Commanding officer held a conference at the MAIRIE at 8 PM and referred to the maintenance of discipline on the march which had not been good during the morning march.

December 16, 1916. VACQUERIE to TROISVAX. Marched to TROISVAX and BELVAL via ST POL. Battalion is now in the 1^st Army. Marching better.

December 17, 1916. TROISVAX to RAIMBERT. Battalion marched to RAIMBERT via VALHUON and PERNES. Arrived in excellent billets at 2:30 PM. Although billets were scattered a comfortable night was spent. March discipline much better.

December 18, 1916. Resumed march at 11 AM via LILLERS to LA MICQUELLERIE and LE CORNET BOURDOIS, 3 km from LILLERS. Good billets but scattered.

December 19 to 21, 1916. LILLERS. Battalion resting. Inspections carried out and physical training on the 2^nd day. A draft of one officer, 2^nd Lieut. J E Lyall joined the Battalion. Capt. Heffer and Lieut. Amor proceeded on leave on the 21^st. Nothing special to report.

December 22, 1916. VILLE CHAPPELL. Battalion marched to VILLE CHAPPELL arriving about 3 PM. Difficulties in billeting but after some delay difficulties were overcome. The Battalion is resting. This village is very interesting to the Battalion for it was here that some very heavy fighting took place in October 1914 when the Battalion was with the 3^rd Division.

December 23, 1916. Battalion rested. Preparations for Xmas is being made for the Battalion is to remain here probably for the whole winter.

December 24, 1916. Battalion attended divine service at 11 AM in the YMCA hut. A quiet day.

December 25, 1916. Xmas day. Divine service was held at the YMCA and dinners were served in companies at 3 PM. A real good dinner was served and by utilizing canteen funds and gifts of puddings from home the whole battalion were very happy. The commanding officer, 2^nd in command and adjutant visited all companies during this hour. There were no exercises and concerts were held in the evening. A very happy day was spent. Lieut. Gen. C P A Howell, who commanded this Battalion before the outbreak of hostilities and during the first few months of the war, visited the Battalion during the morning.

December 26, 1916. Companies at disposal of company commanders for training.

December 27, 1916. Battalion training in the morning and inspection by the commanding officer in the afternoon.

December 28, 1916 Gen. Simpson, the first commanding officer of this Battalion, inspected the Battalion during morning. Usual training programmes carried out.

December 29, 1916. The commanding officer and adjutant visited the new section of the line to be taken over by the Battalion on 2 January. Battalion formed working parties. Reminder training under company commanders.

December 30, 1916. Battalion moved to new billets near LOCON. Billets good but approaches are very wet, the roads being inundated to the depth of 1 foot. New billets occupied by 1 PM and every effort made to make them more comfortable as it is believed that this will our permanent area during the remainder of the winter. Capt. A C Dawson joined the Battalion.

December 31, 1916. All company offices visited the section of the new line in the NEUVE CHAPPELL sector. Trenches are rather wet and need a lot of work to keep them in a good defensive state. They are really breastworks and can only be converted to trenches during summer as the water level is about 18 inches below the surface of the ground. With time and attention to drainage it will be possible to make this sector fairly comfortable. The enemy do not appear to be very aggressive at present.

November 1916

November 1, 1916. BEAUVAL. Battalions in billets. Training. Battalion remained there until 8/11/16.

November 8, 1916. DOULLENS. 1:30 PM. Battalion marched to DOULLENS. A, B and C companies billeted in the Citadel in galleries. D company in the town, Headquarters at Hotel De Ville. Battalion remained there until 10/11/16.

November 10, 1916. LUCHEUK. 1:30 PM. Battalion marched to LUCHEUK. Remained there until 12/11/16.

November 11, 1916. LEALVILLERS. 8 AM. Marched to LEALVILLERS. Blankets, packs and great codes collected preparatory to active operation: ordered to be ready to move at short notice: Remained until 14/11/16.

November 14 to 18, 1916. 11 AM. Marched to HEADAUVILLE, arriving about 3 PM. Had dinner and marched again at 6 PM to position of assembly, 1 mile southeast of ENGLEBELMER, arriving about 8 PM. Marched again at 10 PM to take up positions in brigade reserve at STATION ROAD, east of HAMEL. Arrived there about 2 AM. Brigade disposed as follows: 10^th York and Lanks holding right of frontline Brigade sector. 8^th Lincolns holding left of frontline. 8^th Somerset Light Infantry in support just east of Station Road. On arrival in the position, half of each company was in Station Trench and half in the Valley. Battalion remained here until the morning of the 18^th furnishing carrying and working parties. Station Trench and the Valley were heavily shelled at intervals and the Battalion had 40 casualties. The weather was bitterly cold, thus bringing hard frost at night and some snow.

November 18, 1916. 8:30 AM. At 8:30 AM a message received from Brigade stating that the II Corps, south of the ANCRE would attack GRANDCOURT at 8:10 AM and that the 37^th Division was to be prepared to capture PUSIEUX and RIVER TRENCHES north of ANCRE. The 8^th Somerset Light Infantry, supported by the 4^th Middlesex, would be prepared to attack these trenches up to the junction with MIRAUMONT ALLEY at 11 AM.

10:20 AM. At 10:20 AM a message was received that the attack would commence at 11 AM. The Battalion immediately left for BEAUCOURT to be in position to support the attack. The going was very bad and the mud in places being knee-deep and the road was being heavily shelled. The Battalion reached the headquarters of the 8^th Somerset Light Infantry, about 600 yards east of BEAUCOURT, without casualties at 11:50 AM. Upon arrival there the OC of the 8^th Somerset Light Infantry stated that, owing to nonreceipt of the order, his battalion was not yet assembled and he was not in a position to continue the attack. It was decided therefore to inform the Brigade that the 2 battalions would be ready to attack by 1:30 PM and asked for a new barrage: this was done. At the same time 8^th Somerset Light Infantry were to send patrols towards the southern end of PUSIEUX TRENCH. These patrols managed to get into the trench followed by one company of the 8^th Somerset Light Infantry. C company was sent forward to support them: in doing so Lieut. Underhill was killed and 2^nd Lieut. Birch and MacLeod wounded and the company suffered severely. C company was therefore sent to reinforce them: this company also suffered severely and 2^nd Lieut. lofts was wounded.

3 PM. About 3 PM orders were received for the 4^th Middlesex to relieve the 8^th Somerset Light Infantry: the latter therefore withdrew leaving C and D Companies holding PUSIEUX TRENCH between the ANCRE and the MIRAUMONT ROAD. The enemy holding the remainder.

November 19, 1916. This situation continued till the evening of 19 November when the attack on GRANDCOURT, having failed to make progress, it was decided to withdraw from PUSIEUX TRENCH as soon as it was dark, A Company commenced to dig a trench from BOIS D’ HOLLANDE to the ANCRE and when this was nearly completed C and D companies withdrew: they demolished the trench and bought back all the stores and got back without casualty.

November 20 to 25, 1916. 9 PM. On this date the Battalion was relieved by the 8^th S. Staffords and withdrew to position in the old 3^rd German lines passing through heavy bombardment with only 3 casualties. The Battalion remained there until November 22 providing working parties and caring parties and then moved to the old German frontline. The Battalion remained in this position, still providing working parties, until November 25.

November 26, 1916. 6:30 AM. On 26 November the relief of the division was completed and the Battalion moved to billets at MAILLY MALLET. During these operations the casualties amounted to 2 offices killed and 3 wounded and about 140 other ranks killed and wounded. The weather conditions were however exceptionally trying and the losses due to cold, wet and exposure were heavy.

November 29, 1916. The Battalion moved to huts in MAILLY WOOD.

November 30, 1916. Moved to huts in ACHEUX WOOD.

 

 

October 1916

October 1, 1916 to October 3, 1916.  ABLAIN ST MAZAIRE. Very quiet. Nothing to report. Companies busy wiring and draining trenches.

October 4, 1916. Ditto. Capt. W E Williams proceeded to England as instructor, School of Training. 2^nd Lieut. O G Johnson admitted to Field Ambulance.

October 5, 1916. Still most quiet. Lieut. Col. Bicknell assumed command of 63^rd Infantry Brigade. Brig. Gants of ill granted leave. Major W I Webb-Brown took command of Battalion.

October 6, 1916. SOUCHEZ I.  Battalion relieved by the 8^th Somerset Light Infantry in SOUCHEZ I trenches. Disposition; A Company on right of subsection, C company on left, D company in SOUCHEZ POST, B company in support. Trenches in very bad condition owing to recent Minnenwerfer bombardments – communication in some parts of front line impossible. Very quiet night though.

October 7, 1916. Enemy most active with Minnenwerfer. One of our Stokes Guns buried. No casualties. Quiet at night.

October 8, 1916. Violent Minnenwerfer bombardment all day. Little retaliation possible due to atmospheric conditions. One Sgt. and 6 men temporarily cut off from C company owing to portion of trench being blown in.

October 9, 1916. Enemy Minnenwerfer still very active. Our trenches blown in as fastest as we could rebuild them. Little or no retaliation by our artillery.

October 10, 1916. HOULETTE WOOD.  One man wounded by trench mortar. Draft of 3 sergeants arrived.

October 11, 1916. 2 men killed and 4 wounded by trench mortars. Relieved at 9 PM by 8^th Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment and proceeded to HOULETTE WOOD in the Brigade Reserve.

October 12-14, 1916. Nothing to report. Every available man on work parties.

October 15, 1916. Draft of the 133 other ranks joined Battalion.

October 16, 1916. Lieut. Col. Bicknell DSO joined the Battalion. Battalion relieved by 26^th Battalion, Canadian Infantry, and proceeded to HERMIN, where accommodated in billets.

October 17, 1916. HERMIN. Major W I Webb-Bowen posted to command of 8^th E. Lanks Regiment.

October 18, 1916. VILLERS. Battalion proceeded to VILLERS BRUNY. Headquarters and A and D companies billeted there. C and D companies billeted at GUESTREVILLE.

October 19, 1916. DRULIN. Nothing to report.

October 20, 1916. BERLENCOURT. Proceeded to billets at BERLENCOURT. CO and Adjutant proceeded to ENGLEDMER to reconnoiter.

October 21, 1916. AMPLIER. Marched to AMPLIER – accommodated in huts there.

October 22, 1916. RAINCHEVAL. RAINCHEVAL billets.

October 23, 1916. Battalion practiced artillery formation.

October 24, 1916. Nothing to report.

October 25-26, 1916. Nothing to record. Battalion practiced the attack on each day.

October 27, 1916. Draft of 112 other ranks (all transfers from S W Kent Regiment) joined Battalion.

October 28, 1916. Draft of 36 other ranks (from 23^rd Middlesex Regiment) joined the Battalion.

October 29, 1916. Capt. S Gore-White joined Battalion from England and assumed duties of second-in-command. Draft of 6 other ranks (all of this Battalion – recently wounded) joined. Lieut. S N Melbourne departed to England.

October 30, 1916. BEAUVAL. 1:40 PM. Battalion proceeded to BEAUVAL, there to be billeted.

October 31, 1916. Artillery formation and extended order practiced by Battalion.