September 1916

September 1, 1916. MAISTRE BOUCHE. The Battalion training.

September 2, 1916. 2^nd Lieut. Trowell and 21 other the ranks detached as working parties, MAISTRE VILLERS AU BOIS, under 2^nd Lieut. Sussex, A and C companies. Battalion proceeded to FREVILLERE, they are to be billeted, Brigade being in reserve for the 1^st Army.

September 3, 1916. FREVILLERE. ___ and 9 other ranks joined Battalion.

September 4, 1916. Major R M Heath departed to assume command of 10/Royal Warwick. Battalion training. 2^nd Lieut. Finn appointed Town Major,  FREVILLERE.

September 5, 1916. 2^nd Lieut. Irwin proceeded for short gas course. Battalion training.

September 6, 1916. B company inspected in marching order by GOC 63^rd brigade. Battalion training.

September 7, 1916. Battalion route marched. 2^nd Lieut. Connor reported evacuated to England sick on 25 – 8 – 16. Capt. W E Williams joined the Battalion from base.

September 8, 1916. Battalion training. 2^nd Lieut. Murray rejoined Battalion from base hospital.

September 9, 1916. Battalion training. 2^nd Lieut. Schofield rejoined from sniping course, PERNES. Lieut. P Jones, 2^nd Lieut. H S Whitlock and D F Hearn joined the Battalion from base or posting.

September 10, 1916. Sunday. CQM Sgt. Carruthers, C company, proceeded to officer cadet school at headquarters.

September 11, 1916. 2^nd Lieut. Mitchell proceeded to join bombing course at PERNES. Battalion training.

September 12, 1916. Battalion route march. 2^nd Lieut. Maitland rejoined Battalion from trench mortar course CLARQUES.

September 13, 1916. Battalion training. Reinforcements 21 other ranks joined Battalion includes 17 Lewis gunners, one man found unfit DAW otherwise up to standard.

September 14, 1916. Battalion training. Company commanders proceeded to CARENCY to reconnoiter.

September 15, 1916. Battalion training.

September 16, 1916. Battalion training.

September 17, 1916. ABLAIN ST MAZARE. Battalion marched to ABLAIN ST MAZAIRE relieving HOOD Battalion in support of Royal Navy Division in SOUCHEZ sector. Disposition; A company on right, commanding ABLAIN- SOUCHEZ Road. C company center. D company on left (at LORETTE SPUR), B company in reserve near MAESTRE LINE. Both sides exceedingly quiet. Battalion headquarters in ABLAIN ST MAZAIRE. Transport parked at COUPIGNY, quartermaster stores at HERSIN. 12 2^nd Lieut.’s, under Capt. W E Williams, proceeded to HERSIN to join signal offices class while Brigade is in the trenches.

September 18, 1916. Nothing exceptional happened. Enemy and ourselves very quiet. Reminder of Brigade marched into SOUCHEZ section. 8^th Somerset Light Infantry occupying trenches in SOUCHEZ I; 8^th Lincolns rear Regiment in SOUCHEZ II; 10^th YORK and LANKS in reserve at BOIS DE MOULETTE. Brigade headquarters being at AIX MOULETTE. Both sides still inactive.

September 19, 1916. Still very quiet. Bad weather presumably responsible for the lull in active operations.

September 20, 1916. Ditto.

September 21, 1916. Considerable artillery activity on both sides. Whether brighter. Enemy sent large numbers of trench mortars on VIMY RIDGE. Captive balloons up on both sides directing operations. Major Webb-Gowen joined the Battalion.

September 22, 1916. Enemy airoplanes passed over our lines at 9:30, returned at 11:30. Our AAC fired on same without results. Six-inch howitzer battery 300 yards rear of Battalion headquarters very active during the day.

September 23, 1916. Normal. Usual artillery fire both sides. 2^nd Lieut. Maitland posted to 63^rd T M battery.

September 24, 1916. Quiet day. 8 PM. Battalion relieved 8^th Somerset Light Infantry in frontline, SOUCHEZ I subsection. A company on right, B company center and C company left of line. D company in support on SUNKEN ROAD. This company also occupying SOUCHEZ POST with one officer and 12 other ranks and one Lewis gun by day and patrolling the banks of River SOUCHEZ by night. Relief completed 11:35 PM. No casualties. 10^th York and Lanks on our left in SOUCHEZ II and 13 Middlesex (24^th Division) on our right.

September 25, 1916. Quiet day. Our artillery very active. German artillery very dormant. No casualties.

September 26, 1916. Enemy Minnemverfer busy. No damage. Our airoplanes active. No casualties.

September 27, 1916. A Company parapet broken in by enemy trench mortars. Retaliation 12 to 1 by our stoke mortars. One slight casualty – men returned to duty. 2^nd Lieut. Williams appointed 37^th Division Salvage Officer.

September 28, 1916. Nothing to chronicle. Usual artillery firing by both sides. Enemy more active with machine guns than usual at right. Our machine guns fired on German support and the CTs at intervals from 9:30 PM. 63^rd T M Battery fired 175 rounds during afternoon and severely damaged enemy frontline trenches in support line. Site of hostile T M Battery located and fired upon, results not known.

September 29, 1916. Very quiet day, mainly owing to the weather. Misty and rain. Dugouts platoon of 20 men on the 2^nd Lieut. Trowell detached for duty with 152^nd Company Rifles with headquarters at AIX MOULETTE.

September 30, 1916. No casualties. 8 PM. Battalion relieved by 8^th Somerset Light Infantry and proceeded to LORETTE SPUR (headquarters at ABLAIN ST MAZAME). Disposition of Brigade and Companies as detailed 17^th instant.

August 1916

August 1, 1916. Awarded military medal for operations at FRICOURT on July 1.

No.      335                Cpl. Clarke W           D company

12075             Cpl. Ingram W           D company

1679               Sgt. Wright C            A company

7854               Pte. Page F               A company (attached to Brigade Signalers)

14599             Pte. Folkes R            A company

7792               Sgt. Westbrook R     (attached T. M. Battery)

date of award 23 – 7 – 16

Awarded DCM

11092             CSM Worboys A

date of award 29 – 7 – 69

August 26, 1916. 2^nd Lieut. Smith and Hooke returned from gas course at DESTRAYELLE; 2^nd Lieut. Branch from musketry instruction course at CAMIERS and 2^nd Lieut. Harris from physical training and bayonet fighting course at PERNES. 2^nd Lieut. Schofield joined snipers course at PERNES. Specialist training.

August 28, 1916. Training continued. Draft of 5 signalers, 2 Lewis gunners and one bomber arrived from base, normal standard.

August 29, 1916. 2^nd Lieut. Harris posted to the 63^rd Trench Mortar Battery. Major R M Heath DSO posted to Battalion from base and assume duties of second-in-command.

August 30, 1916. Working parties (under Lieut. Melbourne) joined the Battalion from BOIS DESHLLEUX. 2^nd Lieut. L W Andreau reported to Battalion from the 63^rd T M Battery. 2^nd Lieut. Stokley returned from trench warfare course, PERNES, 2^nd Lieut. Fireman from Lewis gun course, PERNES.

August 31, 1916. Battalion training. 2^nd Lieut. Maitland joined light trench mortar course at CLARQER.

July 1916

July 1, 1916. 6:25 AM. The intense preliminary bombardment commenced at 6:25 am: this caused some retaliation by the enemy’s artillery which caused considerable causalities among the companies occupying the front line, especially Company A.

7:25 AM. The leading Platoons attempted to leave the trenches at 7:25 am according with instructions but suffered severely from machine fire and had to get back. Two mines were exploded at 7:28 am at our right near the German TABOUR. The leading platoons left the trenches again shortly before 7:30 am, the actual hour of assault, and were met with heavy rife and machine gun fire. The remainder of A and B Companies followed in lines of platoons at a distance of 100 yards. C Company followed them in two lines, two platoons in each line, at the same distance. D Company, in the same formation, came last; the rear line carrying the Battalion’s reserve of ammunition and gas masks. Battalion Headquarters moved with the rear line of C Company.

The leading Companies reached and passed over the German’s front line. By this time all the officers, except Lt. Simpson, and most of the N.C.O.’s had been hit: the survivors pushed on in small groups beyond the support line. Between this line and the SUNKEN ROAD, in spite sever fighting, they were able to maintain themselves until the arrival for the supporting Battalions. They attached themselves to the 8^th Lincoln Regiment upon their arrival and remained with them until the morning of 3^rd July when they were bought back to Regimental Headquarters by Sgt. MILLWOOD. C and D companies and Battalion Headquarters similarly lost heavily due to machine fire in crossing “no man’s land” and, by the time they reached and established themselves in the German front line trench, were reduced to a strength of four officers and about one hundred other ranks.

Owing to the failure of the 50^th Infantry Brigade to hold the German trenches in front of FRICOURT, the right flank of the Battalion was exposed and considerable parties of the enemy with machine guns were able to work their way up between the remnants of the leading Companies and the support Companies from FRICOURT. At this time the situation was extremely critical. The leading Companies were disorganized and had lost the whole of their officers, the supporting Companies were holding and had only partially consolidated their position in the German front line trenches. At this time valuable service was rendered by Capt. WILLIS and 2^nd Lt. LOFTS and BARNLT, also by Sgt.  WARBOY, Sgt. WRIGHT and Sgt. MILLWOOD. About this time determined bombing attacks were made by the enemy from the right: all of which were repulsed. It was realized that due to the severe losses and the strong opposition of the enemy any attempt to advance further without support would be impossible; it was decided to hold and consolidate the ground won and at 8:15 am a message to that effect was send Brigade Headquarters.

At about 9:15 am the supporting Battalions began to arrive: The 10^th YORK and LANCASTER Regiment pushed through the left of the Battalion and drove the enemy from his support line which they occupied and the 8^th LINCOLN passed through the 8^th SOMMERSETS and occupied LOZENGE and the SUNKEN ROAD.

At about 11 am orders were received from Brigade to protect the right flank of the Brigade as the 10^th YORK and LANCASTER and 8^th LINCOLN Regiments were going to make a further advance. The bombing posts, which had already been established, were strengthen and Lewis guns added and all enemy trenches leading to FRICOURT were blocked. To form this defensive flank absorbed the whole strength of the Battalion and this position was held until mid-day 3^rd July.

The Lewis guns were able to bring a most effective line of fire to bear on the enemy in FRICOURT and inflicted sever causalities on parties seen moving about.

July 2 , 1916. The Battalion continued to hold this position, which was subject to intervals of heavy shelling by guns of large caliper, which, however, did little harm. Major ODLING and the officers and N.C.O.’s who had been left behind as reinforcements joined the Battalion soon after daybreak.  All available men were employed all morning carrying up ammunition and grenades to the 62^nd Infantry Brigade, request for which was urgent.

July 3 , 1916. The Battalion remained in the same position until after midday. During the morning, the bodies of all the officers that were killed were collected and a grave dug but due to heavy shelling the work could not be continued. A heavy shell fell in the trench killing 2^nd Lt. BARNETT and Sgts. MILLWOOD and PROSSER, all of whom had rendered conspicuous good service during the action, besides killing and wounding about 30 other ranks.  At noon orders were received to move to LOZENGE ALLEY and take up a position there in Brigade Reserve facing north. The other three Battalions of the Brigade were in the German trenches further north covering the left flank of the Division.

July 4 , 1916. At 3 am the Battalion was relieved by a battalion of the 17^th Division and marched to DERNACOURT, proceeding later by train and march to VAUX about 12 kilometers NW of AMIENS.

Casualties in operation July 1^st – 3^rd.

Officers killed:

Capt. O.R.F. JOHNSON, Lt. A. SAFTE, Lt. G.L.C. RIDPATH, 2 Lt. A. BRANCH, 2 Lt. A.G. CHAMBERS, 2 Lt. A.A.H. JOHNSTON, 2 Lt. F.C. PAXTON, 2 LT. G.R. MONEY, 2 Lt. P. BARNETT, 2 Lt. S.P. CHESTERFIELD, 2 Lt. WINN-SIMPSON, 2 Lt. W.J. WEST, 2 Lt. E. PAXTON, 2 Lt. E.V. WHITBY.

Officers wounded:

Capt. D.C.L. ROWLEY (died 2^nd July), 2 Lt. P. LEIGH-PEMBUTON, 2 Lt. A.J. MARTIN, 2 Lt. F.E. COUMBE, 2Lt. R.T.C. CARY

Other ranks:

Killed                             131

Wounded                        337

Missing, believed dead      15

Missing                            38

July 7, 1916. The Battalion remained resting at VAUX till this date when orders arrived for the Brigade to be transferred to the 37^th Division. It paraded at 3:45 pm with the rest of the Brigade and marched to TALMAS, arriving at 8 pm.

July 8, 1916. Battalion marched to HALLOY. A message from Maj. Gen. Campbell, a copy of which is attached, was received on leaving the 21^st. Division.

July 11, 1916. Battalion marched to HUMBERCAMP where they had dinner and later to BIENVILLERS where they took over ___ billets, the remainder of the Brigade occupying the front line trenches at HANNESCAMP.

July 12, 1916. The Battalion supplies working parties to the front line which took all available men. An accident occurred in the transport line: a box of grenades, while being moved, exploded killing four men and wounding four others as well as 12 horses.

July 13, 1916. Maj. ODLING left to assume command of 6^th Batt. NORTH STAFFORD Regiment. During the time in BIENVILLERS, the village was frequently shelled but the Regiment had no causalities.

July 14, 1916. Working parties supplied in the morning. At 4 pm the Battalion moved to POMMIER. The Division being relieved by the 56^th Division.

July 15, 1916. Battalion marched at 7:30 am to HOUVIN-HOUVIGNEUL.

July 16, 1916. Battalion marched to VILLERS- BRULIN.

July 18, 1916. Battalion marched to MAISNIL-BOUCHE. Message received that body of 2 Lt. G.A. St JOHN – JONES, reported “missing believed killed” on 4^th June had been found near the German TAMBOUR. F3.a.4.1 MONTAUBAN.

July 19, 1916. The following officers joined for duty: Lt. E.A.H. FINN and R UNDERHILL. 2 Lt. A.C. TERRELL, E.A.M. WILLIAMS, P.M. CURNOW, L.C. THOMPSON, O.N. MARTIN, D.C.L. MURRY, O.C. JOHNSTON, P.W. SMITH, R.M. HILTON, A.N. MacLEON, E.A.G. MITCHELL, A.E. FERMAN, W.S. STOCKLEY.

Battalion classified for grants of Service and Proficiency Pay.

July 20, 1916. The following officers joined for duty:

2 Lts. F.W. SCHOLEFIRELD, A.D. HOOKER, R.C. WILLIAMS, A.D. TREWELL, R.F.T. ERWIN.

July 22, 1916. The Battalion and 1^st Line Transport were inspected by the Divisional Commander, Maj. Gen. Count GLUCHIN.

July 24, 1916. Commanding Officer and Company Commanders reconnoiter the trenches. BERTHONYAL section, VIMY RIDGE, to be taken over by the Battalion.

July 25, 1916. Battalion relieved 1/7^th LONDON REGIMENT, 47^th DIVISION in trenches in sub-section BERTHINYAL. 2 Lt. F. LOFTS proceeded to bombing course. 2 Lt. H.M. WILLIAMS proceeded to physical training course.

July 27, 1916. Lt. S.W. MELBOURNE and three sergeants joined.

July 28, 1916. Draft of 45 other ranks joined. Lt. R. UNDERHILL proceeded to physical training course. 2 Lt. S.A.G. MITCHELL proceeded to trench warfare course. 2 Lt. H.F. BOWEN proceeded to sniper course. 2Lt. S. MIANS proceeded to Lewis gun course.

July 29, 1916. 2 Lt. H.M. WILLIAMS rejoined.

July 31, 1916. Battalion relieved in trenches by 8^th Somerset Light Infantry after a very quiet duty during which there were no causalities and relieved 8^th Lincoln Regiment in support lines at CABARET ROUGE.

June 1916

June 1, 1916. MEAULTE. The Battalion marched out of LA NEUVILLE at 6:30 AM en route to MEAULTE where we are to be under the command of the 64^th Brigade for working parties and, if necessary, for tactical purposes. The day was very hot and oppressive and a great number, than is usual with the Battalion, fell ill. They all however eventually rejoined at MEAULTE which place was reached at about 11 AM.

Dispositions of the Battalion are as follows

A company at                       VILLE

B company in the                INTERMEDIARY LINE

C and D                                 MEAULTE

Battalion Headquarters       MEAULTE

Working parties are formed by the Battalion for work under R E supervision, the work generally consists of dugouts and emplacement construction. The company in the intermediary line is employed on the construction of strong points along this line and these posts are numbered from right to left 15 –. During this 1^st day no working parties were formed by us.

June 2, 1916. Gradually every NCOs and man in the Battalion is employed on working parties and during the night, owing to the enemy attempted raid on left of the Battalion, stood to arms for about an hour. After this time the scare fizzled out and all returned to billets. We sustained 6 casualties in working parties of A company. One killed.

June 3, 1916. Nothing special to report. The enemy were rather offensive during the afternoon and shelled the outskirts of MEAULTE, causing some casualties to the Battalion of the K.O.Y L I. but none to us. About 30 shells arrived, about 4.5 caliber, our artillery retaliated on CONTALMAISON which place is occupied in the same manner by the enemy as this village is, the artillery of both sides holding each place as a hostage for the other and if either place is fired on the opposing village received a very prompt reply. It is therefore, at least for the present, best to leave well alone. We sustained no casualties during the day. On this day, the King’s birthday, honors were published in the London Gazette

The Commanding Officer, Lieut. Col. Bicknell received the DSO.

Capt. T S Woolocombe (now with the 11^th Brigade) received the Military Cross and Sgt. J Walker (signal Sgt.) received the Military Medal.

June 4, 1916. The artillery on both sides was firing actively during the day and there was a fair amount of aerial activity. A raid was planned to take place about 11 PM by the 1^st Lincoln Regiment. The enemy apparently suspected and promptly after dark he erected a barrage along the whole of our front. Our artillery was very active and for quite 2 hours the bombardment of both sides was intense and it was thought highly probable that the enemy was about to attack and therefore 2 companies from MEAULTE (C and D companies) moved up to the INTERMEDITARY LINE occupying No 19 and 21. The raid which had been planned could not take place. It is believed that, on the left, the enemy did leave his trenches but he did not get across no man’s land. At about 1:30 AM normal activities resumed and at 2:30 AM C and D companies returned to billets. We sustained no casualties.

June 5, 1916. The usual working parties formed by the Battalion. A quiet day on our front. Nothing special to report. No casualties.

June 6, 1916. A wet morning and both sides quiet. The little artillery activity in the evening but nothing special to report. A draft of 12 joined the Battalion.

June 7, 1916. Nothing special to report. Enemy artillery fairly active. The following offices joined for duty. 2^nd Lieut.

June 8, 1916. Usual working parties. Nothing to report. No casualties.

June 9, 1916. During the morning, the Commanding Officer and all the Company Commanders visited the trenches in the section which we are to occupy. The enemy were active during the morning and trench mortars, which arriving in some parts of the trenches, had exploded well. A lot of work will be required to keep these trenches in a defensible state. In the evening, Lieut. Col. BICKNELL DSO rejoined from leave and took over command of the Battalion.

June 10, 1916. Working parties were formed by the Battalion as usual. Enemy were remarkably quiet and a few shells fell south of the village. Rain fell during the day preventing much activity. No casualties.

June 11, 1916. FRICOURT SECTOR. The Battalion relieved the 15^th Durham Light Infantry in the trenches on the right section of the Divisional Front. The dispositions of the Battalion are as follows

D company on the right of firing line

A company in center of firing line

C company on left of firing line (TAMBOUR)

B company in support

Battalion Headquarters in RAVINE

Relief was completed by 11 AM. No casualties occurred during the relief. 2 killed later during the day by trench mortar fire. Enemy were fairly active during the early part of the night and during the day when our airoplanes passed over. Our snipers claim one-hit. Transport were heard in direction of FRICOURT at about 9:30 PM. The enemy’s chief source of annoyance here now is that of the trench mortar which fires a canister of about 8 inches caliber which explodes with a deafening determination. Its effects are very local but very nerve shattering. Our heavy howitzers effectively dealt with this source of annoyance and claim a direct hit on one of these mortar emplacements. Patrols were busy along the whole of our front but, except for a mining party near the TAMBOUR, had nothing to report. Our Lewis guns dealt with this party and dispersed them.

June 12, 1916. Less machine gun fire than usual. Our snipers claim no hits. The wiring party was seen and dispersed by our rifle fire. The enemy artillery was very offensive against TAMBOUR and the Center Company with rifle grenades. His latest ruse is to fire a canister and two grenades, one on each side, evidently to prevent dodging and this ruse certainly works well and annoys. Our artillery and mortars effectively replied and silenced them eventually. Our casualties were 1 wounded and one slightly wounded.

June 13, 1916. A wet day and bad for observation. Our snipers claimed one-hit. Enemy mortars were again busy and part of our trenches near PONT DE BUSSY was completely blown in. TANGIER and KINGS AVENUE also came in for attention. Our artillery again did some excellent shooting and succeeded in quieting them. The patrol under 2^nd Lieut. A Branch was out for the purpose of capturing one of the enemy as identification is required. No success was met with. We had no casualties during the day.

June 14, 1916. Enemy again quiet and his mortars did not fire at all. The chief annoyance during the day were his 7.7’s and a 5.9 gun which was firing at the rate of one round every 3 minutes practically the whole daylight. The shooting was poor and many of the rounds were blind. QUEENS REDOUBT, BECORDEL and SURRY STREET received most of the attention from this gun. Patrols were out along alcohol front. The patrol from C company under 2^nd Lieut. St. John Jones went out at about 9:45 PM in the vicinity of the craters. They were spotted by a German listing post on the left of the craters and fired upon, all of the patrol laid low except one Lance Corporal who ran to the right to take up a position where he could protect the flank and also obtain good cover. The patrol returned in in arriving trenches the discovered that the above-mentioned Lance Corporal was missing. After waiting for almost ½ an hour, the patrol went out to look for. They took a different route and walked onto another patrol of the enemy and were fired upon at point-blank range 2^nd Lieut. St. John Jones is believed to be in killed. Several patrols went out later to find his body but it was not there. It is thought that whether killed or wounded, the enemy took him for identification purposes Lance Corporal Burgess (who was the Lance Corporal lost) was not found and no sign of him was seen. Other patrols were out and that of 2^nd Lieut. Branch, though out all night, met with no enemy patrols. L casualties during the day were 2^nd Lieut. John Jones missing and also Lance Corporal Burgess and one slightly wounded.

June 15, 1916. Our artillery did some excellent firing in retaliation to enemy mortars and effectively silenced them. There was no special activity. Lance Corporal Burgess came in at night. The statement of this NCO is attached. Our casualties were nil.

June 16, 1916. The enemy was quiet but our artillery, which has been swelled considerably of late, were busy. The 8^th Lincolns Regiment relieve the Battalion by 11 AM and we moved to Brigade Reserve at MEAULTE with one company at QUEENS REDOUBT for carrying purposes. No casualties.

June 17, 1916. MEAULTE. The whole of the Battalion, though in Brigade reserve, were utilized for working parties. There was some aerial activity but nothing special to report. No casualties. 2^nd Lieut. A Burch joined the Battalion for duty.

June 18, 1916. The CO and all Company Commanders visited the trenches on reconnaissance connected with future operations. Working parties as usual. Nothing special to report. No casualties.

June 19, 1916. Working parties were formed by Battalion. Nothing special to report. No casualties.

June 20, 1916. Battalion relieved by 13^th Durham Light Infantry, relief being completed at noon. Battalion marched to VILLE where dinners were ready. After dinner the Battalion marched to LA NEUVILLE. Enemy were busy shelling the kite balloon, which is stationed at VILLE, with the result that several shells fell uncomfortably near the Battalion but fortunately we sustained no casualties. We arrived at LA NEUVILLE at about 5 PM. Billets are good and clean.

June 21, 22, 23, 1916. During the stay of the Battalion here, men would have as much rest as possible. In view of the coming offensive operation (See OO which are attached) all ranks are to be kept as fit as possible. Sports are held and company concerts and everything is done to encouraged and promoted Esprit de Corps. The men looking very fit and quite eager to get to grips with the enemy. A bayonet practice attack was carried out one day with good results.

June 23-25, 1916. Nothing special to report. Everybody preparing for the great offensive and all looking very fit. The bombardment, as mentioned in O Orders, commenced on the 24^th . 2^nd Lieut. S MIRIAMS joined the Battalion for duty.

June 26, 1916. LA NEUVILLE. 8:30 PM. Battalion proceeded to VILLE en route to the trenches.

June 27, 1916. VILLE. 9 PM. Battalion moved to assembly area, arriving there 2:30 AM on June 28, 1916. Preliminary bombardment was in progress, during which we lost 3 other ranks killed and 7 wounded.

June 28, 29, 1916. LEFT SECTOR. 7 PM. Orders were received that the attack,which was to have taken place next morning, had been postponed for 48 hours. The 8^th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry took over the whole of the brigade front and the Battalion withdrew to trenches at QUEENS REDOUBT where they remained until 9:30 PM on the 30^th.

June 30, 1916. LEFT SECTOR. Battalion again marched into their assembly trenches, disposition as before (as detailed in operation orders). During the cutting of our wire, the adjutant (Capt. T L Boden) was wounded and 2^nd Lieut. Peyton took over his duties. Preliminary bombardment still in progress.

May 1916

May 1, 1916. LA NUVILLE. Battalion route marched for 4 1/2 hours, returning at 1:30 PM. Inspection of feet etc. in the afternoon. A draft of 42 men joined including one Sgt. and one Cpl. Nothing special to report

May 2, 1916. Battalion paraded for drill under the adjutant from 6:45 to 7:30 AM. The results were good and a marked increase in “steady work”. After breakfast the companies were at the disposal of the company commanders for the practice of the attack on facsimile trenches dug near the village. The chief bar to training of the Battalion in extended formations here is the lack of uncultivated ground, the desire to train hard and do things well is very marked in all ranks and despite the aforementioned difficulties much is being done and the rest and the work has proved most beneficial. The 10th York and Lancs and the 3rd Lincolns moved off to the BRAY-SUE-SOMME area in the early morning. Orders have been given that all marches, where possible, to be carried out before the heat of the day. Tomorrow, we and the 8th Somerset L. I. are to move to VILLE.

May 3, 1916. The Battalion marched to VILLE, parsing the LEVEL CROSSING at 6:30 AM. The morning was fine and the rain of the previous evening had made the roads good for marching. The Battalion arrived at VILLE at about 9:30 AM. The billets at this place and not very good, been known as “close billets”. From this place, working parties formed daily totaling 600 in all. Only 100 were formed tonight by the Battalion.

March 4, 1916. The Battalion formed working parties. The work consisted chiefly of building gun emplacements, digging cable trenches, dugouts etc. and improving CTs. 2 men wounded by shrapnel.

March 5, 1916. VILLE SUR SOMME. Working parties formed by the Battalion. Nothing special to report.

May 6th 1916. Working parties as usual. All offices clear of duty attended the demonstration of the AYRTON fan, for use with a VERMOREL sprayer, this at 2 PM near BUIRE. Nothing special to report.

May 7, 1916. Working parties formed by the Battalion. Lieut. Col. Bicknell proceeded to 4th Army school to attend a seven-day course for senior officers.

May 8, 1916. Working parties as usual. 2nd Lieut. P Barnett joined the Battalion for duty. 3 wounded.

May 10, 1916. Working parties. Battalion bathed.

May 11, 1916. Working parties. Offices reconnoitered the new section to be taken over tomorrow. Capt. O R F Johnson joined and took over command of B company.

May 12, 1916. FRICOURT SECTOR. The Battalion relived the 1st Yorkshire Regiment in QUEENS REDOUBT, BONTE REDOUT and in BECORDEL VILLAGE, Battalion Headquarters being at MEAVITE. The Battalion is in support of the Battalions holding frontline in the distribution reserve follows;

A Coy             BONTE REDOUBT             The garrison of this place finds one officer and 60 men for work with miners in tambour.

B Coy             QUEENS REDOUBT          This garrison also finds a fatigue party daily of one Sgt. and 30 mean                                                                         for mining works.

C &  D Coy    BECORDEL DEFENCES  The garrison of this village is required to find 3 shifts of one officer and 60 for 6 hours each. These parties in conjunction with A Coy work the 24 hours.

Bn Hqrs          MEAULT                                The building occupied is near the church.  ECOLE-DES-GARCONS.

The companies at  BECORDEL have one platoon and 2 squads of bombers always standing by ready to perform a counter raid on the enemy trenches should the enemy enter ours. The company selected is C company and 2nd Lieut. G A St. John Jones is OC of the party with 2nd Lieut. H E Heffer assisting him. The orders for this party as follows;

In the event of an enemy raid, this platoon stands to, ready to move off via WILLOW AVENUE, KINGSTON AVENUE & ROYAL AVENUE to the SALLY PORT, east of TAMBOUR. The point fixed for the raid is the SUNKEN ROAD leads up to this point. (See sketch map) the composition of this attack are as follows;

STRENGTH  2 officers, 44 other ranks including 2 squads (16) Battalion bombers.

Objective        Salient at F3.C.69.3.6. WICKED CORNER.

Objects           To capture Germans

To kill Germans

To take as much loot as possible

To damage trenches

Recommendations  The officers, NCOs and scouts will reconnoiter the ground between our trenches and the WICKED CORNER every night until thoroughly acquainted with.

Lewis Guns               Those Battalion holding the line will harass the enemy trenches on both flanks of the salient (objective). The Lewis gun officer of the raiding Battalion superintending, making any necessary arrangements with OC Lewis detachment of the Battalion holding line.

Divisional Artillery    Divisional Artillery will commence on the salient with objective of cutting wire and destroying machine gun emplacements to southeast of it. This will take place during hostile bombardment. At a time fixed by Divisional probably 2 hours after the enemy raid a barrage will be erected behind the objective which will last for 20 minutes. During this time the raid will take place.

Rating Parties           These will be organized as follows

No 1 Party 1 NCO and 7 men        (Battalion bombers)

No 2 Party 1 NCO and 7 men        (Battalion bombers)

No 3 Party 1 NCO and 7 men        (Company bombers)

No 4 Party 1 NCO 2 NCO and 10 men – looting party.

No 1 Party 1 NCO and 7 men – covering party

The whole in command of 2nd Lieut. St. John Jones.

Formation for Attack 1 NCO and 2 men (scouts) from No 5 party.

No 1 party on left No 2 party on right in single file abreast followed by No 3 and 4 parties in the same formation. No 5 party in rear of No 4 accompanied by stretcher party.

General Scheme      No 1 party to proceed along enemy trench running northeast about 40 yards and hold it.

No  2 party to proceed along enemy trench running southeast about 40 yards and hold it.

No 3 party divides up two folks of communication trench at point F3.C.8.3.

No 4 party to look for and capture any prisoners under cover of bombing parties. The offices and NCOs of this party to carry flash lamps.

No 5 party (Reserve) close to enemy parapet at point of entrance, working flanks and this party will cover retirement of raiding party.

Composition of parties        No 1, 2 and 3 will consist of 2 bayonet men, 2 throwers, 2 carriers, 1 leader and one spare man.

No 4 party will carry rifles and bayonets fixed (the latter dulled) and 4 grenades in pockets of jacket and one sandbag for loot.

No 5 party rifle and bayonets fixed and 4 grenades inside pockets and a sandbag for loot tired around the neck.

No equipment will be worn, steel helmets will be worn. 10 rounds in magazine and one in breach. 50 rounds in breast pocket. Throwers carry one bomb waistcoat. Bayonet men to carry one waistcoat on their backs containing 10 bombs. All bombers will carry bludgeons.

No 5 party will carry one bandolier of SSA. All NCOs carry whistles and wire cutters. Scouts will also carry wire cutters.

Badges          pay books, markings discs, gas helmets satchels and all other means of identity will be left behind in an envelope. For each man a card with rank and name will be carried by each man. A black mark will be put on each man’s face and a white patch sewn on back in centre of collar, as means of identification.

Prisoners       Will be sent back to our trenches and on arrival there all loose articles will be taken from them and placed in sandbags. They will then be sent to Battalion Headquarters as soon as the rating party returns.

Stretcher Bearers     will stay at Sally Port, proceed with No 5 party in carrying any wounded. A small advanced party will be set up in a dugout near the Sally Port where wounded will be treated and sent to the Regiment Aid Office via ROYAL, KINGSTON, WILLOW AVENUES. The medical officer of the raiding Battalion will proceed to Regimental Aid Post of the Battalion holding the line and assist.

Headquarters             The CO and Adjutant of the raiding Battalion will move to the headquarters of the      Battalion holding the line where reports will be sent.

The relief was completed at 1 PM. There were no casualties. Enemy very quiet.

May 13, 1916. Enemy artillery was active during the day and we effectively retaliated. The 8^th Somerset L I, during the night of the 13^th – 14^th carried out a minor enterprise which was not a success. No casualties.

May 14, 1916. Enemy were active during the afternoon from about 2 – 5 PM but did little damage, we retaliated. Lieut. Col. Bicknell rejoined from course at infantry school. Provisional orders were issued from Brigade for future operations. Battalion operational orders are to be rendered to Brigade by 3 PM tomorrow. A draft of 112, including 5 sergeants, joined the Battalion. 50% have been out at the front before. There were no casualties during the day.

May 15, 1916. A quiet day and a lot of aerial activity. Artillery were active during the night chiefly in the vicinity of the TAMBOURS. We sustained no casualties.

May 16, 1916. Except for artillery duels nothing special to report. In the early morning, at about 5:15, the enemy opened fire with 4.2’s, the shells bursting about 200 – 300 yards north of MEAULTE CHURCH. They were apparently battery searching. About 60% of the shells were blind. No damage was done. The weather is very hot and the glare from the chalk in which the trenches are dug is rather trying. We sustained one casualty from rifle grenades during the day. Wires were received from 2^nd, 6^th, and 13^th battalions wishing luck for today, ALBUHERA DAY.

May 17, 1916. Nothing special to report except artillery duels. We sustained no casualties.

May 18, 1916. A lot of aerial activity and little else. In the evening from about 6 – 8 PM there was a great deal of trench mortaring in the vicinity of the TAMBOUR. Our retaliation was effective and silenced them. No casualties.

May 19, 1916. A very quiet day. Aerial activity and little else. The wind is slight but in favor of an enemy gas enterprise. All ranks were duly warned and precautions taken but nothing relative to gas happened. It is believed that the enemy has installed gas cylinders in the sectors opposite us, therefore the suggested precautions were maintained. There were no casualties during the day.

May 20, 1916. A quiet day with little artillery activity. A good day for observation but nothing special and no movement was seen. No casualties.

May 21, 1916. Artillery action but little retaliation. One man killed by rifle grenade in the TAMBOUR.

May 22, 1916. Battalion relieved the 13^th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, relief being completed by 3:30 PM. Enemy evidently spotted relief and some well burst shrapnel was sent over parties passing through MEAULTE but we sustained no casualties. The Battalion billeted at BUIRE for one night.

May 23, 1916 BUIRE. The Battalion paraded for the march to LA NEUVILLE at 8 AM. The route via TREUX, MERICOURT & CORBIE, a distance of about 8 miles. On the whole the Battalion marched well and arrived at LA NEUVILLE at about 11:30 AM. The same good billets were occupied as before. Company guards were abolished and company ploice instructed.

May 24, 1916. The Battalion paraded for training in wood fighting at ESCARDONNEUSE WOOD and after an instructive morning returned to billets at 12:30 PM. The afternoon was involved in inspections etc.

May 25, 1916. A Brigade tactical exercise was arranged to take place today to test the best means of airoplane cooperation with infantry in the attack. Owing to the bad weather it had to be postponed. Companies were therefore at the disposal of company commanders.

May 26, 1916. During the morning two companies carried out bomb throwing practice and all NCOs and men of A and C who had not thrown live bombs did so and other companies practiced under supervision of the Brigade Bombing Officer with dummy bombs and also practice the attack on the facsimile trenches near LA NEUVILLE. These exercises are doing much to foster defensive spirit of all ranks which is apt to deteriorate in the trench warfare which has lasted so long.

May 27, 1916. The Battalion practiced the attack in conjunction with the 10^th York and Lanks who are our supporting Battalion in case of future operations. A Divisional tactical exercise was held in the evening for all company commanders and senior officers and the new Divisional Cmdr. Maj. Gen. D G M. Campbell, who has succeeded Lieut. General Jacobs, being present.

May 28, 1916. Divine services were held for all denominations. The Battalion C O E service being held on the football field. Nothing special to report.

May 29, 1916. The brigade attack, which was postponed on the 25^th instant, was carried out, the scheme was as follows; airoplanes with distinguishing marks acted as scouts and observers before each successive advance and their role was to inform commanders of progress in any movements or pending counterattacks of the enemy and of the results of our bombardments and when to advance etc. boxes of signals were arranged. On the whole the practice was successful although it is difficult to judge whether, when intense bombardment or actual firing etc., it would be practical. The scheme was instructive and the attack will carried out. In the evening the Brigade boxing tournament took place and some excellent fights was seen. The Battalion was well represented and picked up some very good fights and were also well represented in the price list.

May 30, 1916. Companies practiced bombing etc. at the practice trenches and also phases of the attack. A football match, resulting in a drawer, was played by us against the 8^th Lincolns, the score being 0 – 0.

May 31, 1916. The Divisional Cmdr. inspected the Brigade at 9:30 AM and expressed himself as highly pleased with the Battalion. Transport and the OCs of the Battalions were called upon to emulate the example of smartness and training of our 1^st line. After inspection the Brigade again practiced the attack but without airoplane observation. The stay at LA NEOVILLE has greatly benefited the Battalion and all ranks are appearing extraordinarily fit and are full of Espire-de-Corps. A draft of 42 joined the Battalion making our strength up to 1086 other ranks and 35 offices. Lieut. Sapte rejoined the Battalion from hospital and Lieut. Col. Bicknell proceeded on leave and Major W A Odling took over command of the Battalion. The Battalion moves to MEAULTE tomorrow.

April 1916

April 1, 1916. AMIENS. The train conveying the Battalion from GODESWARESVELD arrived at LONGPRET on the outskirts of AMIENS about 7 AM where we detrained. The march to ALLONVILLE, about 7 miles, was via the town. The day was hot and sunny. We arrived at our billets about 11:30 AM. The village of ALLONVILLE is about 12 miles from the firing line and is a clean healthy little place although some difficulty may be experienced in finding training areas owing to cultivation. During the remainder of the day, the Battalion rested.

April 2, 1916. ALLONVILLE. Church services were held on the slopes of a small hill just outside the village at 10:30 AM. The remainder of the day was spent chiefly in cleaning of equipment etc. and resting.

April 3, 1916. The Battalion paraded for drill under the commanding officer from 9:30 AM until noon. In the evening the Battalion played football against R F E stationed here and obtained a win of 2 – 0. The 2nd Battalion Middlesex passed through the village of QUERRIEU, 4 km from here, on the way to the trenches near ALBERT. The commanding officer, several other offices, NCOs and men and the drummers of this Battalion met them at this village and saw them pass, the drums playing them through the village.

April 4, 1916. ALLONVILLE near AMIENS. Companies were at the disposal of company commanders who carried out advance formations etc. The sergeants of the Battalion played the NCOs of the Royal Flying Corps at football, losing the game 2 – 0. Sports, and especially football, is being played as much as possible by all ranks. The weather is very bright and sunny and the men are beginning to look fit for work again.

April 5, 1916. Companies at disposal of company commanders. Nothing special to report.

April 6, 1916. The commanding officer took over command of the brigade during the absence on leave of Brig. Gen. E R Hill. Major W A Oaling resumed command of the Battalion. Companies were at the disposal of the company commanders. Orders were received for move towards the trenches. The Battalion is to move to VILLE tomorrow, near ALBERT near which place the new section of line is to be held by the Battalion is situated.

April 7, 1916. The Battalion moved off at 8 AM from ALLONVILLE and marched to VILLE, a distance of about 12 miles. The day was good for marching and very few fell out en-route. Some difficulty was experienced at VILLE to find accommodations for all companies and eventually D company and part of C were billeted in the village named BUIRE, about 3/4 mile away. The rest which the Battalion has had has greatly improved the march discipline of the Battalion. We were settled down in the new billets at about 5 PM.

April 8, 1916. VILLE. A working party of 400 men formed during the day. D and C companies have now moved to VILLE. Nothing special to report.

April 9, 1916. The Battalion formed a working party in the morning consisting 200 and 4 offices. Remainder of Battalion attended Divine services. The deputy chaplain to the forces taking the service. In the afternoon the Battalion played the 10th Yorks and Lancaster Regiment at football, winning 4-1.

April 10, 1916. Companies placed at the disposal of OC companies. Nothing special to report.

April 11, 1916. One day grenade course at which B company and Lewis gun detachment were to take place had to be canceled on account of the rain. Companies employed the morning in lectures, inspections and instruction in gas helmet drill etc.

April 12, 1916. CO, OC companies and OC detachments proceeded to visit the trenches to reconnoiter the ground to be taken over by the Battalion. The Battalion formed working parties of 4 offices and 200 rank-and-file. These were formed by A and B companies being relieved at noon by C and D companies.

April 13, 1916. Companies placed at the disposal of OC companies during the morning. In afternoon 350 men bathed at bath house. 2 Lewis guns borrowed from the 8th Lincolns. These, with Battalion Lewis guns, were sent to the dump in the evening prior to Battalion going into trenches on the following afternoon. Nothing special to report.

April 14, 1916. Battalion relieved the 9th K.O.Y.L.I. in the trenches. This new section of the line is a marked contrast to the trenches which the Battalion have been used to. The country hilly and the ground chalky therefore, though harder to dig than Flanders mud, the riveting of trenches and the enormous quantity of sandbags which had to be utilized for that purpose are conspicuous by their absence. Th nature of the soil however, lends itself to mining enterprises, which fact is duly realized by both sides, relief of units can be made during the day owing to the depth of CTs and also the rolling nature of the ground. The relief was completed by 6 PM. The enemy artillery was active at night. Here they are able to conceal flashes naturally and not as in Flanders where the ground was so flat. Our artillery reply very quickly at all times and respond on principle to any annoyance from the enemy. In one sector of the line (see sketch map) the TAMBOOR, rifle grenades, are the chief arrivals and the cause of 80% of our casualties. Casualties were one killed and 4 wounded the 1st night owing to this weapon.

April 15, 1916. During morning rain fell. The enemy were again busy with rifle grenades and trench mortars. We replied vigorously both by artillery and grenades. Sniping is very scarce here but our snipers are active and claim one-hit. Our casualty during the day one killed, one wounded. 2nd Lieut. Heffer joined the Battalion.

April 16, 1916. A wet day. Enemy fairly quiet but introduced aerial torpedoes into his daily snafe. These are rather annoying but can be seen and dodged. They cause a heavy explosion but the effect is rather local. Our casualties during the day were 5 wounded.

April 17, 1916. Trenches near MEAULT and FRICOURT. During day enemy fairly quiet, perhaps owing to the rain. A few rifle grenades were fired by them to which our grenadines effectively replied silencing them. Our casualties during the day were one killed, one wounded. A draft of 6 signalers joined the Battalion.

April 18, 1916. Capt. Boaen returned from leave. Rifle grenades and trench mortars were busy and we bombarded the enemy trenches at 4 PM until 5 PM. To this he replied and our casualties during the day were 8 wounded and 2 slightly wounded.

April 19, 1916. The enemy were noisy during the morning from about 10 AM until noon with mortars, grenades and torpedoes which were nearly all directed on the TAMBOOR. We replied effectively and silenced him temporarily. In this retaliation rifle grenade work, we fired about 250 daily. In the evening, at about 7 PM, the enemy commenced to bombard our front trenches on the right of our line and also in the section held by the Battalion on our right. A raid of the enemy was expected and eagerly awaited but our artillery replied so effectively onto his parapets that the enemy could not have left them had he wished. In order to obtain the last word out artillery kept up its retaliation until about 8:30 PM and occasionally at intervals during the night. Our casualties were one killed, 6 wounded.

April 20, 1916. Very wet day. Little to report. The Divisional Cmdr. visited trenches. Our casualties were 2 wounded.

April 21, 1916. Enemy noisy during morning. Bright day and good for observation. Rained in the afternoon and evening. Casualties during day nil.

April 22, 1916. The Battalion was relieved by the 13th Battalion N. Fusiliers commencing at 12:30 PM with the signalers. The whole Battalion relief being completed by 6:30 PM. Battalion in billets for one night at VILLE. No casualties.

April 23, 1916. The Battalion paraded at 11 AM and moves by march route to Divisional Reserve area as part of Brigade in Divisional Reserve, arriving at about 2:30 PM. The day was very hot but the march, being only about 7 miles, was not too irksome for the somewhat tired Battalion. Billets are good for officers and NCOs.

April 24, 1916. LA NEVVILLE. D company attended a one-day course at the grenade school near Battalion billets and 3 other companies rehearsed for the purpose of practicing the attack on lines later down for probably future operations. Nothing special to report.

April 25, 1916. Working parties formed by the Battalion, 500 strong, for work at grenade school.

April 26, 1916. Battalion bathed. Companies at disposal of the company offices. Gas helmets inspected by chemical experts. 2nd Lieut. Whisly proceeded on leave.

April 27, 1916. Working party of 500 formed by Battalion. Demonstration at noon attended by offices and NCOs to prove the inefficiency of German Flammenwerfers.

April 28, 1916. The field exercise was carried out by the Battalion, the subject being practice which serves open country. The Battalion has had little practice in this sort of warfare but on the whole exercise was well carried out, men devoting all the energies to the work. 2nd Lieut. J H Hogjon joined the Battalion.

April 29, 1916. Services were held at 10:30 AM and the other denominations also attended their services. Nothing special to report.

April 30, 1916. Battalion route marched. The Battalion football team played the Somerset Light Infantry team and after much exciting and close game, lost 2-1. Nothing special to report.

 

March 1916

March 1, 1916. The Battalion formed working parties of 530 in separate parties morning and evening and two companies bathed in the morning at PONT NIEPPE baths. One man was wounded while with a working party. Operation orders were received that the Battalion moved to the trenches in EPINETTE SALIENT tomorrow night. The Battalion has been in these trenches before. CO and Adjutant visited new line which is rather wet and unpleasant.

March 2, 1916. The remainder of the Battalion bathed during the morning. In the evening the relief was commenced at 6 PM, being completed by 9 PM. The trenches held are 72 – 77. We relieved the 9th Battalion, K.O.Y.L.I. Disposition for the Battalion is as follows; A company, 72 and 73 trenches (right Coy) C company 74 and 75 trenches (center Coy), D company 76 to 77 trenches (left Coy). B company in reserve in trenches SS 75 and 76. There were no casualties during relief. See attached map of trenches.

March 3, 1916. A quiet morning and not very clear. The artillery bombarded the enemy trenches opposite the Mushroom at 1:30 PM. They retaliated at about 2:15 PM on numbers 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 trenches which their artillery enfiladed from direction of FUNQUEREAU. Owing to our line being held very thinly, and the inaccurate shooting of the enemy, our casualties were nil but it was rather unhappy for about an hour. 7.7’s and 9.2’s were the chief caliber shells used and small trench mortars, called by the troops, “Sausages”. Our snipers reported one hit. Col. Bicknell returned from leave.

The Divisional General Jacobs was wounded and GSD I Col. Daniels killed in billets in ARMENTIERS.

March 4, 1916. During the night, shells fell unceasingly and also during the morning until 12 noon. The ditches therefore have assumed the semblance of millstreams and flooded many trenches and dugouts. The enemy was very quiet during the day but at about 5 PM he commenced with small field guns and we retaliated. No damage was done. The work on the trenches is greatly handicapped by the weather. The trenches are falling in with they are unriveted and battalion headquarters on PLANK STREET is practically flooded out. Worked parties from reserve battalions have been supplied to cope with the work which is accumulating. Our casualties during the day were nil.

March 5, 1916. During the night it was freezing and extra fuel was sent up for the firing line. Enemy machine guns were busy from about 8 PM to 10 PM. It was proposed by the R. E. that a dam be placed across the stream which floods from enemy lines across no man’s land across trench 73 and down PLANK AVENUE. The object aimed at being to stem the torrent of the stream and to flood the enemy trenches. This was done by C Company which was then in command of Lieut. Fry. A certain amount of success was obtained though the results to the enemy trenches were not found out. The level of the water in the enemy side of the stream was raised quite 3 feet. In answer to a memo from the brigade, list of names of offices, NCOs and men was sent in for recommendation for awards for continuous good work in the field. The names will be found in the margin. Our casualties during the day nil.

For Military Cross; Capt. Woolocomb, Capt. Boden.

DMC’s; Sgt. Walker, Sgt. Horner, Sgt. Worbots, Cpl. Tandy, Lance Sgt. Bowie.

March 6, 1916. With the conditions somewhat improved today and water began to fall lower. The enemy was rather quiet except for long-range artillery work. Our casualties were nil. Officers of the 8th Somerset Light Infantry, who are to relieve us, visited trenches.

March 7, 1916. We are to be relieved tomorrow night by the 8th Somersets. During our time in the trenches much work has been done, chiefly in strengthening strong points. Much wire has been put out, about 83 coils and 200 stakes have been used. The chief source of trouble in construction of new work is the amount of labor and quantity of materials involved in patching up existing parts which, in many cases, are actually unriveted and, in consequence, the weather has caused wholesale collapse of parts. The water, which is at present continually pouring in, is a great deterrent to progress. However, there is a great improvement in the conditions of the line in comparison to when we took over. Our casualties during the day were 1 wounded.

March 8, 1916. A quiet day but not good for observation. The water level has sunk continually. Much work has been done on the wire in front and also around supporting points called SPX and SPY. We were relieved by the 8th Somerset Light Infantry. The relief being completed by 9:30 PM. Our casualties during the day were one killed, one wounded.

March 8, 9, 10, 11, 1916. The Battalion was in ARMENTIERS, in brigade reserve. During these 3 days we formed working parties of 150 per day. A draft of 2 sergeants and 43 men joined the Battalion, most of them have been out before and had either been sick or wounded. During this period a new scheme of holding the line was formed in order to simplify matters in the handing over to the 7th Division who are to replace us about the 2nd instance. The old section i.e. trenches 67, 68, 69 is to be taken over by the Battalion after 3 days in the Subsidiary line but is being held by 2 companies in the firing line and 2 in the Subsidiary line and LILLE POST. The Battalion relieved the 8th Lincolns in the Subsidiary line from LILLE POST to FARM DE LA BUTERVE, SPX & SPY & PORT EGAL REBOUBT. The relief was completed by 9:15 PM.

March 12, 1916. Under the old system of holding the line, the Battalion is Subsidiary Line (which is of course is the Battalion in Support). Companies are so split up and cover such a length of frontage that it would be a difficult unit to control in certain eventualities and much would have to be left to the company commanders themselves. The work to be done is chiefly that required in the front line by the Battalion there and parties are detailed only to each Battalion. Wiring is also being done in great quantities by A company who holds the right of the line near the LILLE ROAD. The enemy shelled the vicinity of CHAPELLE D’ ARMENTIERS and were uncomfortably near battalion headquarters near Sq Farm during the morning. At night we sustained one casualty (who later died of wounds).

March 13, 1916. The weather has evidently decided to be spring like and the effect on the landscape and the men is wonderful. The trenches are getting drier and the possibilities of starting a drainage scheme to cope with next winter’s water is being considered already. The enemy artillery was fairly active and again shelled the vicinity of CHAPELLE D’ ARMENTIERS. We sustained one casualty during the day (wounded).

March 14, 1916. During the day working parties for the front trench performed by us and commencing at 7 PM we relieved the 10th Yorks and Lanks in trenches 67, 68, 69 and LILLE POST. The frontage is held by 2 companies (B and C) in frontline. 80 men and 2 officers of a company in LILLE POST, remainder of a company in right of Subsidiary line near LILLE ROAD while D company holds left section of the Subsidiary line. The Battalion on our right is the Tyneside Scottish and on our left the 8th Lincolns. The relief was completed about 9 PM. The enemy was fairly active with machine guns at night but we sustained no casualties.

March 15, 1916. Except for shelling of CHAPELLE D’ ARMENTIERS and battery searching, the enemy were fairly quiet on our front.  His snipers were fairly active but ours effectively replied. It was a splendid day for observation and 2 enemy airoplanes were busy over our lines. Ours were active too, about 8 of them passing over in the direction of LILLE at about 8 AM. It is always noticeable that on fine days both sides devote themselves to long range artillery duels and the trenches the left alone. At about 6 PM Sgt. Mansell was killed and Capt. S T Woolocome and one man slightly wounded. Major Sandys received orders to proceed to and join the 2nd Battalion to take up command.

March 16, 1916. Except for little of the usual shelling, very little to report. No casualties. Capt. D C T Rowley and 2nd Lieut. G. A. St. John Jones joined the Battalion.

March 17, 1916. During the morning the Corps Cmdr., Gen. Sir Charles Ferguson inspected the trenches. The conditions of the strong points were not quite to his satisfaction but he saw the great progress had been made. He was accompanied by Brig. Gen. E R. Hill. We had no casualties during the day.

2nd Lieut. A S Hawke and A S Willcockson.

March 18, 1916. Officers of the 7th Lincoln Regiment, who belong to the 17th Division, which is to relieve us on the night of 19/20th, visited the trenches to reconnoiter and to get an idea of the work in hand. No casualties. 2nd Lieut. E Peyton joined the Battalion.

March 19, 1916. The signalers of the relieving unit, the Lewis detachment and the Grenadiers arrived at about 10 AM to take over the respective parts and positions of the line. The enemy were very quiet and though bright day it was not good for observation. The relief was carried out thoroughly all information gathered during our occupation of the section handed over on paper. The relief was completed by 9:30 PM. The Battalion moving to billets in ARMENTIERS. There were no casualties during the day.

March 20, 1916. Battalion bathed in the morning at PONT NIEPPE baths. Remainder of the day spent in cleaning up and packing for the moved to rest at STEAZEELE area.

March 21, 1916. The Battalion paraded ready to move off at 8 AM, moving off in column of half companies at 200 yard intervals. The route was via PONT NIEPPE, NIEPPE, STEENVERCKE to LA CRECHE area where the night was to be spent. It is interesting to sum up the casualties of the Battalion whilst in the ARMENTIERS section since November 16, 1915 to present date. They are as follows

Killed   one officer, 32 other ranks.

Wounded   7 officers, 140 other ranks.

Total casualties   8 offices, 172 other ranks.

Total 180.

For the period spent here, this casualty list is not so heavy as other parts of the line held by the Battalion. The Battalion arrived at billets in LA CRECHE area at about midday after a very tiring march to the Battalion although the distance was only about 8 miles, the men felt it badly after their spell of trench work which does not allow of much exercise in route matching.

March 22, 1916 Battalion moved off from billets for the remainder of the journey to STEAZEELE at 10 AM. The weather was damp and slightly raining. The route was via OUTTERSTEENE, MERRIS, STRAZEELE. The Battalion arrived at about 2 PM and took over their respective billets. The Battalion area is very scattered but if fine weather prevails, should be quite good and afforded plenty of room for training.

March 23, 1916. Programmes of work were discussed and drawn up. Rain however prevented work being done. Lieut. Avison rejoined the Battalion.

March 24, 1916. The rain and sleet which fell during the night prevented companies doing much work but time not being wasted but devoted to lectures etc. Major W A Odling joined the Battalion as 2nd in command.

March 25 March 25, 1916. STRAZEELE. Companies carried out as near as possible their programmes of work but the wet again prevented work.

March 26, 1916. Church parades were canceled owing to rain and sleet. Capt. T S Wovlmier rejoined the Battalion.

March 27, 1916. A little routine work was done. Rain. Lieut. Steele joined Battalion.

March 28, 1916. The Battalion went for route march to MONT- E- CATS and the Brig. Gen. E R Hill commanding 63rd Infantry Brigade inspected transport. Improvement in weather. Lieut. Sharpe (MG) and 2nd Lieut. Branch proceeded on leave.

March 29, 1916. Battalion Route march, two Battalion marches have to be done during this rest period. About 75% of the Battalion have been re-inoculated against enteric and during the preceding 3 days, therefore, many have been quite unable to carry out the original training programmes. Orders were received during the that this Division was to join the 13th Corps.

March 30, 1916. Training was carried out by companies in the morning and afternoon until 3 PM went when several football matches were played amongst companies and one officers versus sergeants, the latter winning 3 – 0. The weather has improved wonderfully. The Battalion is to entrain at 7:53 PM on the night of the 31st.

March 31, 1916. The day was spent chiefly in packing up for the journey to the new area. Kits was reduced to a minimum. At 7:20 PM the Battalion arrived at GODUSWAERSVELOE and moved out of the station in one train at 7:40 PM. The limited time spent in this area is not allowed of much other than work and the weather has been bad, so there are not many regrets at moving to a new area. 2nd Lieut. F R T Simpson went on leave.

February 1916

February 1, 1916. ARMENTIERS. Trench strength 693. Battalion relieved the 1st Lincolns in the new post (to us) of the line. Trenches 74, 75, 76, and part of 77 being held in the front line by D and C Coys. Support trenches 74 and 74 SS and supporting trench X (SPX) being held by A company and 75, 76, 77 and SPY being held by B company. The relief was completed by 8:30 PM. One casualty been sustained.

February 2, 1916. A bright morning and the enemy shelled our frontline trenches with 7.7’s. Lieut. A J Jackson, Company Sgt. Major Vause and 2 other officers being wounded thereby. The new trenches are fairly good but need a great deal of strengthening, they are however the driest trenches in this part of the line near. ARMENTIERS.

February 3, 1916. The day was again bright and clear and there was much aerial activity. The artillery on both sides being busy. Except for a few 7.7’s, our trenches were left alone. The enemy snipers were very inactive but at night his machine guns fired continuously from about 6 PM until 9 PM, hovering very widely and very quickly doubtlessly in the hope of getting working and ration parties.

February 4, 1916. During the morning, which was bright, there was more aerial activity and some shells of about 4.7 caliber fell in the reserve trenches near number 79 trench, these caused no casualties. Orders were received during the day the new system of holding the frontline was to be taken into practice the following night. This new scheme means that frontage at present held by 3 battalions of the brigade is to be held by 2 only. As to this, only certain bays are to be held, thus giving a succession of strong posts. This means less men in the firing line and thus a greater immunity from shell file. The existing fire trench is still to be maintained and the unoccupied spaces between post is to be frequently patrolled and fired from so that the enemy suspect no alteration in the system of holding the line. The front held by the Battalion is now about 1 mile. The new positions in the post to be occupied or inspected by the commanding officer and other company commanders during the day, and plans prepared for the several moves for the next night. The enemy were again quiet during the day but noisy with machine guns at night. There were no casualties during the day but our snipers claimed a hit during the day.

February 5, 1916. Enemy airoplanes were busy all day and also ours were in evidence, several indecisive combats between them taking place, if anything our machines had the advantage. The enemy apparently spotted one of our strong posts called SPX and at about 4:30 PM ten heavy shells fell near this place. They were 5.9’s or as they are better known to the troops, “Coral Boxes”. These did little damage except turning up the earth. Companies took over the new positions of the line at 5:30 PM. Casualties from shell fire during the day was 4 wounded.

February 6, 1916. Enemy again shelled vicinity of supports. On the whole, the day was quiet and our casualties were 1 wounded by snipers and 1, Lance Corporal Robinson, accidentally killed by a machine gunner.

February 7, 1916. Quiet day but wet. The Battalion was relieved by the 10th Yorkshire Regiment of the 62nd Brigade. The whole of the 63rd brigade was relieved this night and we moved to new billets at ARNEMTIERS. The relief was completed by 9 PM. No casualties.

February 8, 1916. Battalion in billets. Working parties were formed daily by the Battalion.

February 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 1916. From the 8th to the 13th instant Battalion remained in billets at ARNEMTIERS. 2 casualties occurred during that period whilst on working parties and to whilst in ARNEMTIERS town. 1 of whom subsequently died.

February 13, 1916. Battalion moved to HOOPLINES and billeted in the village and in a factory known as the TISSAGE. While taking over stores in the afternoon the Regimental Sgt. Major was wounded and 3 men slightly wounded. Took over billets from the 10th K.O.Y.L.I. Relief completed by 8:30 PM.

February 14, 1916. Working parties were formed by the Battalion. HOOPLINES was shelled. No casualties. Major E F F Sandys joined the Battalion for duty and took over duties as second-in-command.

February 15, 1916. Quiet day and in the evening a few shells, 7.7’s, fell near the billets but no damage was done.

February 16, 1916. Battalion moved to other billets and also took over part of the Subsidiary northeast of HOOPLINES. The Battalion is to remain in support for 3 days before moving into the front trenches. The two Coys not in the Subsidiary Line billeted in the brewery near the Lock Gates. No casualties occurred during the day.

February 17, 1916. During the forenoon the enemy shelled vicinity of the new Brigade Headquarters with 5.9’s. No damage was done and no casualties occurred. The Brigade Headquarters are at an old château in the banks of the LYS called CHATEAU LE TIOSE. The commanding officer and the second-in-command visited the new position of the line which we are to hold from the 20th instant. No casualties.

February 18, 19, 1916. During these 2 days there was nothing special to report. Our artillery carried out several bombardments but enemy retaliation was practically nil. No casualties.

February 20, 1916. At 5 AM the Battalion moved up into the front trenches taking over from the 10th York and Lanks. The relief was completed by 7 AM and the Battalion headquarters moved to LOCK CHATEAU. The trenches held from 73 to 79 inclusive. The left trench (79) resting on the banks of the river near the village of FRELINGHEIN, which is occupied by the enemy. The trenches are very wet and in a very bad condition particularly owing to neglect and also in a measure due to the continual rise and fall of the LYS which inundates the country around after rain. Our casualties during the day was 1 wounded. The Division Commander visited the trenches during the morning.

February 21, 1916. Our front was very quiet during the day. The enemy artillery was out for long range shooting and shelled the vicinity of LE BIZET and caused some casualties among the battery near there. Out casualties during the day with 2 wounded.

February 22, 1916. The early morning was very cold and the trenches, in parts, frozen quite hard. A message was received from the Brigade during the day to the effect that the 25th Division was to relieve us on or about 1 March. The memo went on to say that the Divisional Cmdr. wished all ranks to put in as much work as possible to improve the trenches we now occupy so that the next division relieving us would not be able to complain of the state of the trenches. Therefore, a great deal of work was carried out and working parties from the reserve Battalion at the TILLAGE and BRASSERIE was sent up to assist daily, much wire was put out by us nightly and the existing wire improved. Our casualties during the day were one died from wounds and 1 wounded.

February 23, 1916. During the morning, a bombardment of the enemy trenches opposite trench 72 was carried out prior to an enterprise which is being worked out by the 10th Yorkshire Regiment. The general idea was a “cutting out” enterprise. The artillery cut wire at intervals during the day and appears to be successful. At 10:57 PM the artillery open fire and at 11 PM raised their elevation and erected a barrage on the enemy communications and at the same time the cutting out party left the trenches and got into the German wire. The party was comprised of 50 other ranks and 5 offices. On arrival at the enemy wire they were met by bombs, the enemy was waiting for them, and had to retire. The total casualties were about 15 wounded among which was one officer. It would appear that the enemy was getting quite used to these enterprises and await them at the gaps made in the wire with Grenadier squads. The enemy artillery retaliation was very poor and chiefly composed of 7.7’s and trench mortars. We suffered no casualties from retaliation. One man was wounded during the day. Col. Bicknell proceeded on leave.

February 25, 1916. Very cold day. Maj. Sandys is in command while Col. Bicknell is on leave. During day messages received from brigade that prior to handing over to the 25th Division, who are relieving us, the general condition of the trenches is to be improved and special attention paid to the wire. The latter part of the message is been complete until 10:30 PM. No casualties.

February 26, 1916. Battalion in billets in ARMENTIERS, the billets occupied by Battalion being in the HOSPICE CIVIL. Working parties were formed by the Battalion in the evening. No casualties.

February 27, 1916. Working parties formed by the Battalion at total of 500 being needed. 2nd Lieut. E T William, who was in charge of one, being wounded during the afternoon. The CO and Adjutant visited the ARMENTIERS defense lines at BOIS GRENIER, LA VESEE, CHAPELLE D’ ARMENTIERS, CHAPELLE ROMPUE, LABIZET and the banks of the river LYS near HOUPLINES. Under the new system of holding the frontline, 1 battalion being brigade reserve and one brigade is in divisional reserve. Therefore, it may be necessary to move to either of these places in event of a successful enemy attack. There are good positions built at these places except on the CHAPELLE D’ ARMENTIERS Road but there is a good ditch there which, in itself, is very good, and could soon be put in a state of defense. The wiring is also good. The bridges over the LYS are mined and the river, especially during the wet months when the country around is inundated, would form a formidable obstacle. Draft orders are to be made out for the move to either of these places. This was done during the evening by Maj. Sandys. At about 11:30 PM gas bells were heard ringing in a northerly direction. All company offices immediately joined the companies and were about to turn out when a message from Brigade told us that the whole alarm was a result of an accident. It, however, proved that the chain of sound was good.

February 28, 1916. During the morning the Battalion was on fatigue under the R. E. There being much still to be done on defenses. No casualties.

February 29, 1916. The Battalion is in reserve today. The orders on such days of that all are to be ready to turn out at a minute’s notice. Inspection of arms and equipment was carried out during the day and men had a rest and a chance to clean up their kits etc. Orders stating that the move of the Division to rest are canceled for the time being.

January 1916

January 1, 1916. ARMENTIERS. The new year with ushered in by the Germans at 11 PM according to our time, we, of course, being one hour behind their time.  they opened up a rapid fire with rifles and machine guns and shouted but what they said was not ascertained. The shots were very high, no damage was done. At 1 AM a wire cutting enterprise by the 23rd Division was carried out and as a result our trenches were very heavily shelled, especially 67 and 68. The bombardment lasted for nearly 2 hours and trench mortars, 7.7’s and grenades all fell in the section occupied by C and B companies respectively. Our casualties were 5 killed and 30 wounded (5 lightly). Towards dawn everything resumed as normal and no further casualties were received during the day.

January 2, 1916. The enemy artillery was active during the morning and successfully located a battery near CHAPELLE D’ ARMENTIERS. He evidently brought up some heavy guns especially for the purpose. About 120 heavy 8” shells fell around the battery, some very good shooting was done, but no direct hits occurred. Only one gun was damage slightly and the guns were safely got out during the night. Casualties amongst the gunners were only one killed but some parties of RE caught in the cellar and 7 were killed. Capt. T S Woolocome left the Battalion for temporary duty with Munition Workers investigators, 2nd Army. Our casualties were nil.

January 3, 1916. Unusually quiet with hardly a shot fired, probably due to the rain. No casualties. Lieut. C E Going and 2nd Lieut. T L John Jones admitted to Field Ambulance, the former suffering with shock.

January 4, 1916. Nothing to report, all quiet on front. Battalion relieved by 8th Lincolns, relief being completed by 820.

January 5, 1916. Battalion in billets. Usual working parties of 400 provided.

January 6, 1916. Battalion braised at PONT NIEPPE. Usual inspections. Major H P F Bicknell assumed temporary rank of Lieut. Col. Vice.  Temporary Lieut. Col. Bridgman who relinquished temporary rank.

January 7, 1916.  Working parties of 400 formed by Battalion. Nothing to report.

January 8, 1916. Battalion relieved the 8th Lincolns in the trenches, relief completed at 7:30 PM. No casualties.

January 9, 1916. A quiet day and much work was done to improve the trenches which in part are in a very bad state owing to the continual wet and the low-lying country.  Our snipers claim 3 hits in WES MACQUART Cemetery. A lot of movement has been seen there of late. 2nd Lieut. Willis and 2nd Lieut. Saple, commanding D and C Coys   respectively gazetted as Temporary Captains. Casualties one slightly wounded.

January 10, 1916 a Misty cold day and very little activity on either side. Enemy 7.7 ‘s fired as usual on CHAPELLE D’ ARMENTIERS. Sniping activity on both sides. One-hit claimed by us. Enemy very noisy with rifles and machine guns at night and by the number of very lights used seems to be very merry. One wounded.

January 11, 1916. A bright and clear day therefore plenty of aerial activity, one of our airoplanes was bought down about 2 1/2 miles  southwest of WES MACQUART. He was flying at too low an altitude and enemy antiaircraft batteries scored a direct hit. The pilot attempted to descendent spiral volplanes but his machine burst into flames and fell nose forward to earth.  A minor enterprise which was carried out by a Brigade to our left (62nd Brigade) at 11 PM was successful and about 20 Germans were killed and 2 taken prisoners of the 133rd Saxon Regiment. (This information of who the opposing troops was confirmed the enemy movements details, of which had been received from other sources). The enemy artillery replied on our trenches, especially 69 but caused no casualties.

January 12, 1916. A quiet day. Enemy shelled the subsidiary lines and trench 67. The Battalion was relieved by the 10th York and Lanks who are in this (63rd) Brigade. A change has been made whereby the sectors held by the left battalions of the brigade are now to be held by the right. Thus, the mushroom, trenches 70, 71, 72, 73, are to be held by the in the 8th Lincolns and 67, 68 and 69 to be held by the 8th Somerset Light Infantry and the 10th York and Lanks. The Battalion, while occupying the sector, have done a great deal of work in improving and draining these trenches and it is a matter of regret that we are not to reap the fruits of so much labour. The relief was completed at 9:15 PM. No casualties were sustained during the day or relief.

January 13,1916. Battalion in billets. Working parties of 450 formed by us.

January 14, 1916. Battalion bathed at PONT NIEPPE. Reconnoitering parties visited the new part of the line to be held. These reports were not comforting as to the condition of the trenches, but are all of the opinion that they can be improved and will be habitable in a little time with use of the experience in trench work this Battalion has.

January 15, 1916. Battalion relieved the 8th Lincolns in the new section the relief was completed by 8:45 PM. Two Coys (A and B) occupied trenches 71, 72, and 73 whilst D Coy holds the mushroom and trench 70. C company is in support in the subsidiary line and are to relieved by D Coy after 48 hours. No casualties.

January 16, 1916. The trenches in this section a very wet and the line is most irregular. The mushroom is a salient on a salient and is a perfect quagmire about 4 feet deep in places. The communication trenches are waterways now though doubtless dry in the summer time. The parapet in several places in fact in practically the whole of the line is not bulletproof and owing to recent activities is in a most wretched state. The Germans, after a raid of the Somerset Light Infantry about the middle of December (which was successful), have continually bombed and trench mortared it to an abominable extent and little work is being done on the line for quite a month by the previous occupants. A rough sketch made of the section will be found on next page. During this day we sustained 3 casualties of which were from a sniper who is very keen on the point between number 69 trench in the entrance to the mushroom. He has been located and is to receive attention tomorrow.

January 17, 1916. During the morning there was much aerial activity it being a clear morning and good for observation. One of our machines, flying very low, was continually fired on by rifles and machine guns but, though persistent, he was not hit. Snipers got a direct hit on the enemy sniper who was spotted yesterday. His post remained vacant the remainder of the day. We have already gained an apparent ascendance over the enemy snipers. Our casualties during the day were nil.

January 18, 1916. A bright day and much activity on both sides both aerial and by artillery. The railway salient was much bombarded with apparent good results. Our snipers claim to one-hit.  Our casualties were 2 wounded. 2nd Lieut. Cutbuch being hit early in the morning by a stray bullet while in a dugout.

January 19, 1916. A quiet day. Nothing special to report. The Battalion was relieved by the 8th Lincolns at 8 PM. No casualties. A successful smoke attack by brigade on left.

January 20, 1916. Battalion in billets at ARMENTIERS. The usual working parties were formed by the Battalion. Lieut. Jackson proceeded on leave.

January 21, 1916. Battalion braised a tPONT NIEPPE baths. The usual inspections took place.

January 22, 1916. Working parties again formed by Battalion. Nothing special to report.

January 23, 1916. Church parades for the Battalion. Relieved the 8th Lincolns in the trenches at 8 PM. No casualties during relief. 2nd Lieut. Lofts and 2nd Lieut. Whitby joined the Battalion for duty.

January 24, 1916. Preparatory to a minor enterprise by the Divisional Cyclists the enemy’s wire was cut by the artillery on each side of the craters in front of the mushroom. The enemy retaliated on the trench in rear of the mushroom (trench 70) and blew down the entrance to the mushroom called Yorkshire Post and the garrison which had been previously withdrawn from the mushroom were unable to reoccupy their original posts before dark. During the bombardment our casualties were 2 killed and 9 wounded. The reports on the effective wire cutting vary but some gaps were made. 2nd Lieut. Churchfield joined the Battalion.

January 25, 191. During the previous night the enemy responded freely to our machine guns which were trying to prevent the enemy repairing the gaps in his wire, and was apparently in a state of nerves. He threw some bombs at our forward bombing posts in the saps but they fell short. The raid planned by the OC Divisional Cyclists was timed to commence at 8:45 PM from the saps in front of the mushroom. The Grenadiers post in the sap were withdrawn at 9:15 and the Cyclist took their place. The object of the raid, which was timed to last for 20 minutes, was to obtain as much information of the identity of the enemy and to obtain as many prisoners as possible. The attack was to be silent and the bayonet is to be freely used. The Company (A) who were occupying the mushroom and trench 70 were to be prepared (and were) for any counterattack by the enemy. The raiding party, about 34 strong including 5 offices of the Cyclist Company, were in the saps and a patrol was sent out to reconnoiter at 9:30 PM. . and reported favorably. At 9:50 PM the parties, comprised of one officer and 2 men, left the sap and on arrival at our wire will bombed by a party of 10 of the enemy in front of their wire. The disposed of the enemy retired and the officer of the patrol was wounded. The Cyclists continued to move forward and went in front of the German wire was shot down by rifle fire. The remains of the cyclists then bolted for the saps and much congestion was closed at the point where the saps into underneath the parapet of the Mushroom. The casualties were to offices killed and one officer wounded, 3 men killed and 7 men wounded. The lessons learned from this minor enterprise I reconnoiter properly. II ensure that all participants know the ground and what is expected of them. III every man to know what to do if the enterprise fails. IV do not be too confident of success and make no price parade and for reserve. The enterprise was a failure. In the subsequent bombardments which was chiefly carried out amongst the former being Company Sgt. Major Marler.

January 26, 1916. During the morning, at about 1130, the enemy artillery was very active and shelled the vicinity of Battalion Headquarters and HAYSTACK FARM. A dugout at this latter place was blown down and buried 5 of the Battalion Grenadies who had come off duty from the Mushroom during the early hours of the morning. Rescue parties unearthed the men but 3 were already dead, one survived and another died of wounds. Of the other Grenadines 8 received wounds or severe shock. Our total casualties during the day with 5 killed, 13 wounded. Major Brown of the Battalion Middlesex was attached to this Battalion for 2 days instruction in the trenches.

January 27, 1916. During the early morning there was some aerial activity in the enemy artillery was busy. The towns of ARMTIERS and HOUPLINES was shelled. Our trenches also received attention. Our artillery replied and effectively silenced the enemy. Casualties during the day was one killed, one wounded. The Battalion was relieved at 8 PM by the 8th Lincolns.

January 28, 1916. Battalion in billets. The usual working parties were formed.

January 29th 1916. Battalion bathed at PONT NIEPPE. Nothing special to report.

January 30, 1916. Battalion church parades during the morning. The rest day except for the usual inspections.

January 31, 1916. Owing to a change in the plans of the Division with regard to the holding of the trenches. The Battalion did not proceed to the trenches until the night of 1st February. It has been so arranged that one brigade will always be in Divisional Reserve. The new sectors of the Divisional front therefore to be held by battalions and continual change of front will be entailed. Trenches that we are to hold our numbers 74, 75, 76 and part of 77. This portion of the line is on the left of our old position and in front of HOUPLINES.

December 1915

December 1, 1915. Bathed that PONT NIEPPE baths on the 21st divisional arrangements which is very good and a clean change and ironing rooms available there.

December 2, 1915.ARMENTIERS

Battalion supplied working party of 450 men for work in CTs and subsidiary line.

December 3, 1915. Battalion relieved the 8th Lincolns in trenches. Relief completed by 8:30 PM. No casualties.

December 4, 1915. Very quiet day and night in the trenches. Enemy seems of the “live and let live type”. Capt. H A Handley left the Battalion to take over duties as instructor at Cadet school at BLENDESQUES near ST OMER. Casualties during the day one wounded (Lance Corporal Feist).

December 5, 1915. Our artillery awakened that of the enemy during the afternoon and he replied with whizz bangs on our front trenches but did no physical damage. The trenches are very bad and wet owing to the rain after frosts and in places they are collapsing. The earth being of clay nature is subject to falls in many dry weather revetments are giving way.

December 6, 1915. A quiet day and wet. Trench mortars a bit troublesome in the afternoon. We had one casualty. Private Butchers of D company being killed.

December 7, 1915. A little shelling in the morning and some shouting from the enemy to the effect that they were fed up. The Battalion was relieved by the 8th Lincolns. Relief being completed without casualty by 8:30 PM.

December 8, 1915. Battalion in billets. Nothing of importance occurred. Lieut. Avison, 2nd Lieut. F E Coumbe, 2nd Lieut. V D Chapmam joined the Battalion. Lieut. Goinc proceeded on leave.

December 9, 1915. Our gunners bombarded parts of the enemy lines and villages in the rear and they replied on ARMENTIERS wounding 2 men, 6963 Sgt. King and 10471 Private Avenall.

December 10, 1915. The Battalion formed working parties but part was canceled. There was nothing unusual happened.

December 11, 1915. Battalion in billets Lieut. Sapte took command of C company and 2nd Lieut. Branch took over transport.

December 12, 1915. Divine services for the Battalion was held. Maj. Gen. H Jacobs attending. 2nd Lieut.’s Austin and C J Cottam joined the Battalion.

December 13, 1915. The Battalion relieved the 8th Lincolns commencing at 5 PM. After about 4 PM the enemy shelled out billets in ARMENTIERS and killed Pvt. Bailey (10315), wounding CQM Teryl Buckley, Privates Allsworth, Jenkins, Hardman, Bradley, Buckland and Links. No casualties during relief.

December 14, 1915. A quiet day and wet was spent. We sustained one casualty 6956 Corporal Mitchell being killed. (Sniped)

December 15, 1915. During the 15th we bombarded the trenches opposite number 69 and 70 trenches preparatory to an “cutting wire” enterprise which was to take place early on the 16th. The enemy barbed wire was well cut and our heavy artillery, which fired on the RAILWAY SALIENT, did good shooting. During the day we sustained one casualty though fairly heavily shelled. 7424 Pvt. Mitchell being killed.

December 16, 1915. The “cutting out” enterprise which had been undertaken by the 8th Somerset Light Infantry, who are on our left, was due to start at 3:10 AM. In perfect silence the 120 NCOs and men chosen for the duty and 3 officers arrived at the enemy wire at 3:15 AM and entered the enemy trenches at 3:17 AM without a single shot being fired at them. Our barrage of fire was erected at 3:18 (to the second) on the enemy’s CTs. The fire was most accurate and did excellent execution, annoying the enemy (the 139th Regiment, 11th Saxon division), who had bolted on our entry into the trenches. The enemy did not show much fight and those who resisted were bayoneted or bombed. Much information was gamed from papers in the signaler’s duty hut and the company comander’s. It was surprising to find that the advance of our men was quite unobserved by enemy sentries even after the wire cutting by our guns during the day. The whole enterprise was carried out without a single casualty and the raiding parties returned to the trenches without a mishap. The trenches were heavily shelled, number 69 trench especially and the raiders were caught by this fire and 3 killed and 7 wounded. Number 69 was held by our B company (Capt. Woolocomb) and for fully an hour was bombarded by trench mortars, 7.7’s and other shells causing much damage to the trenches but though the bombardment was so intense our losses were very light. Out total casualties for the whole day and night being 2 killed and 20 wounded. Among the latter was Capt. Harris who was badly hit in the head by part of a trench mortar bomb.

December 17, 1915. After 7 AM the artillery on both sides was quiet probably owing to the mist which prevented observations. Our casualties during the day being 3 wounded amongst who was 2nd Lieut. S J Bear.

December 18, 1915. The day was uneventful except for a few 7.7’s during the day. Nothing of extra ordinary nature happened. The scheme of reducing the number of troops in the frontline trenches was commenced and one platoon of the company in 68 trench took over a part of the subsidiary line near CHAPELLE D ARMENTIERS. Our casualties were 3 wounded.

December 19, 1915. An enemy day of retaliation, for at 6:30 AM, the enemy exploded 2 mines which formed craters about 30 feet diameter and about 20 feet deep but they were badly arranged and were 30 yards short of the parapet of the mushroom (trench 70) held by the Somerset Light Infantry. Our guns immediately opened fire and the enemy were unable to occupy the craters. The actual explosion caused no casualties but in a subsequent bombardment of our line we sustained one officer killed and 9 wounded. The officer, 2nd Lieut. C J Cottan, who had only joined the Battalion on the 12th., though mortally wounded was most devoted to his duties and his last words of encouragement to his men and said “Take charge the oldest soldier and keep a sharp lookout in front”. He was buried at CHAPELLE D ARMENTIERS. The Battalion was relieved at 8:30 PM by the 8th Lincolns with the exception of C Coy who remained at the subsidiary line.

December 20, 1915. Billets at ARMENTIERS. C Coy returned to billets at 3 PM. The Battalion bathed at PONT NIEPPE.

December 21, 1915. Battalion resting but formed working parties, in all 450 NCOs and men.

December 22, 1915. Battalion resting. 2nd Lieut. Steele proceeded on leave. Nothing of note happened.

December 23, 1915. Battalion relieved the 8th Lincolns in trenches and relief completed without casualties by 8:30 PM. The enemy had made several futile attempts to occupy the craters formed by his mines in front of the mushroom trench but, in each case, they were frustrated. They then resorted to sniping forward and ran out 3 parallel saps from their trench. The commanding officer of the 8th Somerset Light Infantry, Lieut. Col. L C Howard was conducting a reconnaissance at about 10:30 PM and was killed. For his previous work during the cutting out enterprise he had just been awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

December 24, 1915. Very little activity on either side during the day, but at night machine gun and rifle fire was very active. The enemy were heard singing during the night after 12 midnight the enemy fire quieted down. They were heard to shout “we want peace”. We replied with 5 rounds rapid. A reinforcement of 50 NCOs and men joined the Battalion.

December 25, 1915. Christmas day, quiet reigned for about 2 hours after light and then the 23rd Divisional artillery open fine. The enemy retaliated by shelling CHAPPELLE D’ ARMENTIERS. Our artillery fired a few rounds also. The enemy, in places, made overtures, probably to try and fix up an unofficial truce but not actually on our front. They did not get one. There was one casualty, (wounded) during the day.

December 26, 1915. A wet and misty day. Not much activity on either side. Casualties nil.

December 27, 1915. A bombardment of enemy trenches opposite the mushroom trench commenced at 12:45 PM and continued intermittently until 3 PM. The retaliation was very poor. One casualty during the day. The Battalion was relieved by the 8th Lincolns, the relief being completed by 8:30 PM.

December 28, 1915. Battalion in billets. 400 men supplied for working parties.

December 29, 1915. Battalion resting. The men’s Xmas dinners and the issue of gifts etc. took place. The puddings sent from different sources was sufficient to supply each individual with a liberal helping. The evening concert was held by companies and a pleasant time spent.

December 30, 1915. Battalion formed working parties. Nothing special happened. 2nd Lieut. Willis proceeded on leave.

December 31, 1915. Battalion relieved the 8th Lincolns. It rained. At 11 PM the enemy open burst of machine gun and rifle fire and did a lot of shouting. This to welcome the new year for their time is one hour previous to ours. Nothing special happened up until midnight.