The Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War |
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1917 War Diary NOTES: All remarks in squared brackets are my own additions, amendments or comments and are not part of the original document I have adjusted all names to show in bold and capital letters, to make them easier to pick out. This is not how they appear in the original document. |
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WAR
DIARY FOR JANUARY 1917 1
Jan 1917 - Front Line, Cuinchy Battalion relieved 16/R.Warwickshire
Rgt in CUINCHY LEFT Subsector. Dispositions as under. B Coy. 2
Platoons S of CANAL, one in front line, one in HUNTERS. 2 Platoons
in Support N of CANAL one in SPOILBANK KEEP one in ORCHARD. A
Coy. Immediately N of CANAL one platoon in Front Line one in ARTILLERY
ROW Supports BAYSWATER ROAD C Coy. Centre Coy. 2 Platoons in Front
Line between ORCHARD RD & FINCHLEY Rd. 2 Platoons in OXFORD
TERRACE (SUPPORTS). D Coy. Left Coy. 2 Platoons in Front Line
between FINCHLEY RD & RED DRAGON CRATER. 1 Platoon in STRATHCONA
WALK. 1 Platoon in CAMBRIDGE TERRACE. H.Q. in Village line N.
of CANAL. Trenches in very poor state owing to recent heavy rain
and accommodation for men in Trenches very poor & scanty.
REs working in Oxford & Cambridge Terrace making "White" shelters,
but progress very slow. 2
Jan 1917 In trenches. Enemy bombarded front line of Left &
Centre Coys with small aerial Torpedoes & rifle grenades,
causing a certain amount of material damage but no casualties.
Work chiefly confined to clearing trenches and putting up shelters.
40yds of wiring in front of Left Coy. 3
Jan 1917 In Trenches. Enemy again fired on our front line of Left
Coy with aerial torpedoes and near RED DRAGON with "Minnies" doing
considerable damage to trench. Our Artillery did not reply, probably
owing to Relief by 5th Divl. Arty. 4
Jan 1917 In Trenches. Day quiet until 7 p.m. when a mine was blown
opposite GIVENCHY at N. of existing Craters. The enemy retaliated
very promptly with his artillery and eventually bombarded our
left Support trenches with 77 mm H.E. & Shrapnel, blowing
in trench and causing 10 casualties (3 killed 7 wounded). The
front line hardly suffered. Rest of night quiet. LT COL F.N.
[Francis Noel] BUTLER proceeded on leave and CAPT.C.A.S.
[Charles Alan Smith] MORRIS assumed command of Battalion 5
Jan 1917 - Village Line, Harley Street, Cuinchy Battalion relieved
by 16/R.Warwick Rgt and proceeded in relief to VILLAGE LINE in
HARLEY STREET (CUINCHY). The Adjutant (Capt.H.WILLANS)
and Capt [A.O.R.] BEALE returned from leave. 6-8
Jan 1917 In support as above. Work on strengthening Village Line,
which consists of line of strong points or Keeps. Capt.O.A.R.Beale
M.C. went for attachment to Staff. Brigade Training Depot
established at BEUVRY. This Dept under Command of Maj.DEAKIN
(16/R.War.R.) takes all drafts that come to Brigade. Drafts remain
at Dept until fully qualified in Musketry & all branches of
training - when they are absorbed into their Battalions. Lt.
A.J. [Arthur James] FYSON proceeded for duty to the Training
Dept as instructor. 9
Jan 1917 - Front Line Cuinchy Left SubSection Relieved 16/R.Warwickshire
Rgt. in CUINCHY Left Subsection. Dispositions as on 1st inst.
1/NORFOLK Rgt on right, 13th Infantry Bde. on left. 10-12
Jan 1917 In trenches as above. Enemy fairly active with Artillery
& T.M.s. Trenches very wet & bad in parts. 13
Jan 1917 - le Quesnoy and Beuvry Relieved by 16/R.Warwickshire
Rgt. withdrew to Billets at LE QUESNOY, with one Coy. at BEUVRY.
14-16
Jan 1917 In Billets as above. 17
Jan 1917 - Cuinchy Left Subsection Relieved 16/R.Warwickshire
Rgt. in CUINCHY LEFT. Dispositions as before except that 2 platoons
S. of Canal are now withdrawn & placed in PONT FIXE redoubt
& at Bn. H.Q. (B. Coy. this forming a support Coy). Southern
Boundary being the Canal. 18
Jan 1917 Enemy shelled supporting Battery (A./300) with about
500 Gas Shells (TEAR) during afternoon. Effect of these Lachrymatory
shells was felt in subsection held by Bttn. but no casualties.
19-21
Jan 1917 In trenches as above. Quiet period. trenches wet &
in bad repair. Frost began. 22
Jan 1917 - Feuillade Barracks, Bethune Withdrew to BETHUNE on
relief by 1/E.SURREY Rgt. (95th Infantry Bde) Battalion billeted
in FEUILLADE Barracks, BETHUNE. Lt.-Colonel F.N.BUTLER
returned from leave. 23-31
Jan 1917 In Billets as above. Frost continued during whole period,
restricting training owing to cold. Route Marches, Drill &
certain amount of Musketry carried out. on 28th Capt.O.A.R.BEALE,
M.C. returned from attachment to Staff & assumed duties
of Acting/Adjutant. Capt.H.WILLANS, M.C. proceeding to
Brigade for attachment.
WAR
DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 1917 1
Feb 1917 - le Touret Battalion moved to Billets in LE TOURET &
acted as Bde Reserve to FERME du BOIS sector. Very cold weather
& very cold billets for the men (O.O. No.47 dated 31/1/17)
2
Feb 1917 In billets. Officers reconnoitred the line. 3
Feb 1917 Ditto 4
Feb 1917 Ditto Military
Cross ribbons were presented by Sir R.B.HAKING C.,B. cmdg
XI Corps to Capt H.WILLIANS M.C. Capt O.A.R.BEALE M.C.
and 2/Lt H.J. [Horace John] EVERETT M.C. in the Theatre
at BETHUNE. 5
Feb 1917 - Front Line Ferme du Bois Right Subsection Relieved
the 16th Bn. Royal Warwickshire Reg in the Right Sub-section of
the FERME du BOIS Sub-sector relief passed off quietly in Daylight.
A&B Coys in Firing line 'C' Coy in RICHMOND TERRACE D Coy
in O.B.L. (O.O.50 dated 4/2/17). Trenches in fair condition, but
were very weak & damaged. 6-8
Feb 1917 Very quiet nothing of note to record. 9
Feb 1917. Le Touret Bn was relieved by the 16/R.War R. & withdrew
to Billets in LE TOURET see O.O. 51 dated 8/2/17 10
Feb 1917 In Billets. Training was carried on in Coys. Capt
H.WILLIANS M.C. appointed Staff Captain 15 Inf Bde. A/Capt
O.A.R.BEALE M.C. appointed Adjutant to 1/Bedfordshire Regt.
(Authority XI Corps No.A6/316 dated 19/2/17) 11-12
Feb 1917 In Billets. Very cold. 13
Feb 1917 Inspected by Sir Douglas HAIG C-in-C British Armies
in FRANCE. See attached App IV [not attached] 14
Feb 1917 - Front Line Ferme du Bois Right Subsection Relieved
16/R.War.R. in trenches see O.O.52 dated 13.2.17. The trenches
were held with 3 Coys & one coy in Billets Rue de L'EPPINETTE.
This coy supplied wiring parties for coy. in Front line. 15
Feb 1917 Nothing to record in trenches 16
Feb 1917 Inter - Coy relief passed off quietly see O.O. 53 dated
15.2.17 attached [not attached] 17
Feb 1917 About 4.45 a.m. Enemy raided our trenches
see attached report dated 17th [Comment; attached
in Appendices]
18
Feb 1917 - le Touret Relieved by 16/R.War.R. & withdrew to
Billets in LE TOURET see O.O. No.54 dated 17/2/17 19-20
Feb 1917 Bn. was re-organised according to instructions received
from G.H.Q. Bn HQ including Transport & Quarter Masters employ
was reduced to 150 strong plus 16 snipers & 16 Drums. Coys
were re-organised as follows: Coy H.Q. 14 including officers.
4 Platoons each consisting of 4 sections as under No.1 section
Riflemen & Rifle Grenadiers No.2 section Lewis Gunners &
Snipers No.3 section Bombers No.4 section Riflemen & Rifle
Grenadiers 21
Feb 1917 - Front Line Ferme du Bois Right Subsection Relieved
16/R.War.R. in the line see O.O. No.55 dated 20.2.17 22
Feb 1917 In trenches nothing to report 23
Feb 1917 Inter-Coy relief see O.O. No.56 24
Feb 1917 In trenches 25
Feb 1917 - le Touret Relieved by 16/R.War.R.
see O.O. No.57 26
Feb 1917 In Billets at LE TOURET. Several officers of Russian
Mission passed our billets & called in at the officers Mess.
27
Feb 1917 - Beuvry Bn. moved to Billets in BEUVRY. Mostly good
billets but rather crowded. See O.O. No.58 28
Feb 1917 In Billets at BEUVRY. Good training grounds. Special
attention paid to training Lewis Gunners, Rifle Grenadiers &
Bombers.
WAR
DIARY FOR MARCH 1917 1
Mar 1917 - Beuvry BEUVRY. Battalion carried on with training excellent
weather. 2
Mar 1917 BEUVRY. Battalion carried on with training excellent
weather. 3
Mar 1917 BEUVRY. Battalion carried on with training excellent
weather. All officers reconnoitred CAMBRIN SECTOR. 4
Mar 1917 6th Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. billeted in BETHUNE 5
Mar 1917 - Front Line Cambrin Relieved 9th Bn. K.O.Y.L.I. Relief
passed off quietly. Trenches in very bad condition. See O.O. No.59
dated Mar 3. 6
Mar 1917 In Trenches. Bosche Snipers & T.M.s very active.
7
Mar 1917 Inter coy relief 8
Mar 1917 In trenches 9
Mar 1917 - Village Line Relieved by 16/R.War.R. & withdrew
to Village line see O.O. No.60 dated 8th. 10-12
Mar 1917 In Village line supplied working parties for front line
13
Mar 1917 Relieved 16/R.War.R. in Right Sub sector CAMBRIN Sector
see O.O. 61 dated 12.3.17. 14-15
Mar 1917 Nothing to report Trenches very bad owing to Frost &
Rain. 16
Mar 1917 Trenches. About 8 p.m. the Enemy attempted to raid
our trenches. See attached report & XI Corps wire
[Comment; attached in Appendices]
17
Mar 1917 - Annequin Bn. withdrew into reserve billets at ANNEQUIN.
See O.O. 62 dated 16.3.17 18
Mar 1917 Opportunity was taken to re-equip the men as far as possible
19
Mar 1917 - Orphanage, Bethune Relieved by 2/8 Manchester Regt
199 Bde, 66th Division & withdrew to Billets in ORPHANANGE
BETHUNE see O.O. 63 dated 18.3.17 20
Mar 1917 Day spent in cleaning up 21
Mar 1917 Platoon training commenced under new organisation 22nd
Mar 1917 Bn ordered to be ready to move at 6 hours notice to support
the 66th Division in CAMBRIN, CUINCHY, GIVENCHY & FERME du
BOIS sectors in case of hostile attack. One officer per coy reconnoitred
line Platoon training carried on 23
Mar 1917 Platoon training 24
Mar 1917 Platoon training. Inspection by B.G.C. 25
Mar 1917 - Allouagne Moved to ALLOUAGNE via ANNEZIN, LA BOURRIERE
[sic], LAPUGNOY. Very bad training grounds & poor billets
for men 26
Mar 1917 Platoon training wet morning 27
Mar 1917 Platoon training in woods E. of ALLOUAGNE 28
Mar 1917 Platoon training in woods E. of ALLOUAGNE 29
Mar 1917 Platoon training in woods E. of ALLOUAGNE Billets and
Training Grounds very much improved 30
Mar 1917 Coys bathed at AUCHEL & were inspected by Cmdg Officer
31
Mar 1917 1st days Coy training
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WAR
DIARY FOR APRIL 1917 1
Apr 1917 - Allouagne In Billets at ALLOUAGNE - continued Coy training.
Lt.Col.P.R.[Percy Reginald] WORRALL M.C. DEVONSHIRE Regt.
assumed command of the Battalion. 2
Apr 1917 Coy training 3
Apr 1917 Bn training 4
Apr 1917 Bn took part in Bde scheme over Flagged course see O.O.
No.01 dated April 3.17 5
Apr 1917 Bn Training 6
Apr 1917 Bn Training 7
Apr 1917 - Bruay la Buissiere Bn moved to BRUAY (O.O. No.65 dated
5th). Move being postponed from 6th to 7th 8
Apr 1917 - Cambligneul Moved to CAMBLIGNEUIL O.O. No.66 dated
7th. 5th Division in reserve to CANADIAN CORPS. Bn ordered to
be ready to move at one hours notice Major R.Le [Reginald]
Le HUQUET joined Bn & assumed duties of 2nd in command
9
Apr 1917 In Billets at CAMBLIGNEUL blankets & Haversacks dumped
at Bde H.Q. 10
Apr 1917 Orders received for an officer to reconnoitre positions
round GIVENCHY & THE PIMPLE at 2 a.m. 1 hours notice to move
increased to 4 hours. Bn resumed training Bn Scouts under 2/Lt
[John Phillipps] KINGDON & Lt. [Geoffrey de Carteret] MILLIAS
11
Apr 1917 C.O. & Adjt. reconnoitred line from MONT ST ELOY.
Coy Training. Weather very bad. 12
Apr 1917 CAMBLIGNEUL. Training continued 13
Apr 1917 Bn moved to VILLERS au BOIS see O.O. No.67 dated 13.4.17.
C.O. Adjt. Coy Cmdrs & C.S.Ms reconnoitred VIMY Ridge, GIVENCHY-en-GOHELLE.
Lt.P.F. [Percival Frank] HART 2/Lts F. [Frederick] HAGUE &
B.WILLIAMS joined for duty 14
Apr 1917 - Zouave Valley At 2 a.m. Bn was ordered to move forward
into close reserve in ZOUAVE VALLEY see O.O. No.68 dated 14.4.17.
Bn at once commenced make a mule track from TOTTENHAM TUNNEL to
GIVENCHY known as "HOOD" TRACK. 2/Lt [Douglas Edward] HOOD
was killed, 2/Lt. [Leonard] DOLMAN wounded also 1 O.R.
Killed & 4 O.Rs wounded. 15
Apr 1917 Bn carried on road making very bad weather 1 O.R. wounded
16
Apr 1917 As above. Hostile shelling increased 2 O.R.s Killed.
4 O.Rs wounded 17
Apr 1917 - Front Line, Cyril Section Road making as above. 6 p.m.
Bn relieved 1/Norfolk Regt & detachment of 43 Canadian Bn
in Cyril Section see O.O. No.69 dated 14.4.17 Preliminary Orders
dated 15.4.17 O.O. No.70 dated 17.4.17. Relief complete 2.30 a.m.
Bn dug in & connected up shell holes in a position from 200
yds to 500 yds from Enemy. 1 O.R. Killed 1 O.R. wounded. 18
Apr 1917 DEFENCE Scheme drawn up 19
Apr 1917 - Bois de la Folie As above. Heavy enemy shelling of
communication Routes 2 O.R.s Killed & 6 O.Rs wounded also
5 pack animals Killed & one wounded (Ration party) Bn relieved
by 1/Cheshire Regt & 16 R.War.R. in Front line. Withdrew to
BOIS de la FOLIE see O.O. No.71 dated 19.4.17 20
Apr 1917 - Zouave Valley Bn relieved by 15 R.War.R. (13th Bde)
& withdrew to ZOUAVE VALLEY dug outs see O.O. No.72 dated
20.4.17. 2/Lt [A.S.] TROTTER joined for duty. 21
Apr 1917 In position as above. Preliminary orders received for
capture of LA COULOTTE 22
Apr 1917 Bn proceeded to take up position for attack see O.O.
73 & Timetable attached [not attached] 23
Apr 1917 - la Coulotte/Berthonval Bn. attacked LA
COULOTTE see C.O.'s report attached [comment; attached
in Appendices].
Casualties: Killed
Missing
(believed killed) Wounded
& Missing Wounded
Relieved
by 13th Inf.Bde. & withdrew to camp at BERTHONVAL stayed night
& moved on 24
Apr 1917 - Cambligneul To Billets at CAMBLIGNEUL 25
Apr 1917 In billets as above, day devoted to cleaning up &
re-fitting. 26
Apr 1917 Visited & inspected by Maj. Gen. R.B.STEVENS C.M.G.
G.O.C. 5th Division. Bn inspected. 27
Apr 1917 - Gouy Servins Specialist training. Bn marched to GOUY
SERVINS met 1st Bn. Devonshire Regt at Football & won 2-1
goals. 28
Apr 1917 Specialist training. Two Coys bathed at CAMBLAIN L'ABBE.
2/Lts C.O. [Charles Owen] WHITFIELD & H.H. [Harold Henry] REYNOLDS
joined the Bn. 29
Apr 1917 In billets as above. Church parade (Brigade). The Corps
Commander (CANADIAN) Lt.Gen.Sir Julian BYNG K.C.B. K.C.M.G.
M.V.O. & G.O.C. 5th Division attended. Capt.E.G.[Eric
Gerald] FANNING M.C. joined the Bn. 30
Apr 1917 In billets CAMBLIGNEUL. Training proceeded with.
WAR
DIARY FOR MAY 1917 1
May 1917 - Cambligneul CAMBLIGNEUL. In Billets. Training of Specialists
carried on. Night Operations (Battn. in attack over open, special
attention paid to Scouts) 2
May 1917 As on May 1st. No night operations 3
May 1917 In Billets as above. Training carried on. Received Warning
Order from Bde to move to ROCLINCOURT Area. Tactical Exercise
for Officers & N.C.Os. LT Col. F.N. [Francis Noel] BUTLER
proceeded to join 11th Battn ESSEX RGT. 4
May 1917 - near Roclincourt Battn moved to vicinity of ROCLINCOURT
and bivouacked in open N. of village (see O.O. 74d/ May 3rd) Specialist
training carried on. 5
May 1917 In bivouacs as above. C.O. Adjt & Coy Cmdrs reconnoitred
route to 95th & 13th Bde H.Qs who were holding the line E.
of ARLEUX & W. of OPPY. Battn received orders to be ready
to move at 2hrs notice. Met 4th Battn. Bedfordshire Regt. who
were in bivouacs S.W. of ROCLINCOURT. 6
May 1917 In bivouacs as above. Specialist training. Battn worked
on Infantry Tracks & removed all barbed wire in vicinity of
Camp. Played 4th Battn. football 7
May 1917 In bivouacs as above. C.O. Adjutant Coy Cmdrs & I.O.
reconnoitred routes to Battalions of 13th Bde holding front line
W. of OPPY. During night enemy shelled camp. No damage done 8
May 1917 - near Fresnoy At 9.30 a.m. Battn received orders to
be ready to move at moments notice. At 10.30 a.m. received orders
to move forward at once and be in close reserve to 13th &
95th Inf. Bdes. who had been attacked during night in FRESNOY
VILLAGE. Battn. stayed in position, B.19.c.3/4, old German Trench,
during night. Rifle Grenades, Extra S.A.A., tools etc. were issued.
Officers reconnoitred CORP LINE East of WILLERVAL. 9
May 1917 - Corps Line East of Willerval and Farbus Station In
position as above. 8.15 p.m. Battn moved forward and relieved
1st D.C.L.I. (95th Bde) in support and took over CORPS LINE E.
of WILLERVAL with 2 coys and Line of Trenches E. of FARBUS STATION
with other 2 coys. Owing to strength of Battn approx 400 Trench
Strength, Coys were organized into 2 Platoons each Platoon having
Extra L.G.Section attached. Battn. H.Q. 100yds W. of FARBUS WOOD
(see O.O. No.74a d/9th). During night 2 Coys E. of FARBUS STATION
were heavily shelled with gas & tear shells. A few men were
slightly gassed 10
May 1917 In Support line as above. 5 men wounded by shell fire.
Our artillery opened a heavy bombardment on enemy's front line
at dusk. At 8.30 p.m. 2 Coys E. of FARBUS STATION were moved forward
to CORPS LINE E. of WILLERVAL 11-12
May 1917 Working parties were put on roads and arty tracks running
E from FARBUS RY Embankment to ARLEUX LOOP. Received orders to
relieve 1st CHESHIRE Rgt in LEFT SUB-SECTOR of ARLEUX Sector on
night of 13-14th. C.O. Adgt & Coy Officers reconnoitred line
held by 1st CHESHIRE RGT. 13
May 1917 - Front Line, Left Sub Sector Arleux Sector In position
as above. 10 p.m. Battn moved forward and relieved 1st CHESHIRE
RGT in front line (see O.O. 75 d/12th). Relief complete by 2.30
am 14th. Line taken over was approx 700 yds in length and consisted
of a series of pits which were not connected There were also saps
of about 150 yds between ourselves and units on our Right &
left where trenches had to be dug and posts established in order
to get in touch. Front line was held by A & D Coys under command
of Capt.M.W.[Montague Walter] HALFORD 14-15
May 1917 Nothing of importance to report. The whole Battn was
employed on making a continuous Front line digging communication
trench, Wiring front line and assisting RE who were making dug
outs for Frnt line Coy H.Q. & Battn H.Q. 16
May 1917 "B" & "C" Coys under 2/Lt. [James Kenneth] HOPE
relieved "A" & "D" Coys in front line A & D Coys withdrew
into support in ARLEUX LOOP. Relief passed off quietly. Weather
very bad. (see O.O. 76d/16th) 17
May 1917 Holding line; nothing to report 18
May 1917 - trenches S.W. of Farbus Wood near Commandant's House
Battn was relieved on night 18th-19th by 1st CHESHIRE RGT (see
O.O. No.77 d/18th) and withdrew into Bde Reserve in trenches S.W.
of FARBUS WOOD near COMMANDANT'S HOUSE. Relief passed off quietly.
Casualties during tour 2 O.R. killed 23 O.R. wounded. Attached
as a report on work done and showing dispositions in Front Line,
while Battn was in Front Line [not attached]. While Battn was
in Line, 8 O.R. per Coy were left behind at Transport Lines for
training in LEWIS GUN under 2/Lt J.P. [John Phillipps] KINGDON.
19-20
May 1917 Battalion in Bde Reserve as above. Enemy shelled position
fairly heavily at intervals causing some casualties. Companies
dug slip trenches near original trenches for better protection.
21
May 1917 Battalion in Bde Reserve as above. Occasional shelling.
Battn relieved 1/CHESHIRE R in Left front line. A & B Coys
in Firing Line, C & D Coys in Support. (see O.O. No.78 d/21st).
Relief passed off quietly. Complete 1.50 a.m. Casualties during
Tour in Reserve 1 Officer Wounded 1 O.R Killed 17 Wounded. 22
May 1917 - Left Front Line Battalion in Front Line. Enemy quiet;
his artillery confined to Counter battery work and rear communication.
Whole battn worked all night on consolidating Line. Lt. [Geoffrey
de Carteret] MILLAIS assumed temporary command of "B" Coy
and became O.C. Front Line, 2/Lt J.K. [James Kenneth] HOPE
took over command of "C" Coy. Patrols out all night. No enemy
Patrols seen. Fighting patrol under 2/Lt [Charles Owen] WHITFIELD
found no opportunity for procuring identification and reported
German wire very thick. 23
May 1917 Battalion as above. Very occasional shells on Front Line
and Communication Trench, otherwise quiet. Lt Col P.R. [Percy
Reginald] WORRALL M.C. returned from leave. C.O. & Adjt
of 17 R.F. came up to reconnoitre position prior to taking over
Front Line. Also 1 Officer & 1 N.C.O. per Coy of 17 RF came
up and were attached to corresponding Coys. Sent guides under
2/Lt [Edgar Ivan Fitzroy] NAILER to reconnoitre route for
guiding relieving Battn in and the Coys out the next night. Fighting
Patrol under 2/Lt [John] DALTON found DEVON TRENCH unoccupied
but came on dead German, shoulder strap 73 and having a Fife in
case on equipment. Inter Coy relief B & D Coys relieved A
& B Coys in Front Line (see O.O. No.79 d/23rd) 24
May 1917 Battn as above. Enemy quiet. During whole tour in Front
Line Enemy aircraft were active, aeroplanes occasionally flying
very low over Front Line. These were engaged with Lewis Guns,
but without success. During night the Battn was relieved by 17th
Royal Fusiliers 5th Bde II Divn. Relief passed off quietly. Complete
1.50 am of 25th (See O.O. No.80 d/24th) 25
May 1917 - Camp south of Roclincourt Battalion withdrew to Camp
S of ROCLINCOURT about G.10.b. Battalion in Camp by 5.30 a.m.
Day devoted to Rest. Cleaning up, and clothing inspection.
26
May 1917 Battn in Camp as above. Commanding Officer inspected
Battn. Officers & NCOs from each company reconnoitre routes
etc. to Concentration Camp (A.24.d.) Corps Line (GREEN) on Ridge.
Lt [Geoffrey de Carteret] MILLAIS sent in advance. Commanding
Officer & A/Adj reconnoitre Green Line. Inter Platoon Football
matches after tea. 27
May 1917 Battn in Camp as above. Battn found Working Party of
150 men for Road making on ARRAS - BAILLEUL Road. Remainder attended
Church Parade and BATHS. 1 Officer 1 NCO & 1 Orderly from
each Coy reconnoitred Battalion Concentration position West of
Concentration Camp and N of air Line. Lt [Geoffrey de Carteret]
Millais and A/Adj reconnoitred route from Concentration position
to Green Line - Draft of 8 O.R. arrived from Base. 28
May 1917 Battn in camp as above. Working party as above. Remainder
of Bttn paraded from 8.30 AM till 12.30 P.M. Inter platoon football
match final after tea; won by 13 Platoon "D" Coy. Lt [George]
BLANCHARD admitted to 15th Field Ambulance sick. 2nd Lt
[George Colby] SHARPIN took over duties as Transport Officer.
Lt [Geoffrey de Carteret] MILLAIS took over A/Adjutant
from 2nd Lt [John Phillipps] KINGDON, who proceeded with
5 O.R. to XIII Corps Draft Training School. Commanding Officer
2nd in Command & Coy. officers attended lecture at ECOIVRES
on "Patrolling & Self Defence" by Capt COUSINS-HARDY.
29
May 1917 Bttn in camp as above. Parades & Working parties
as above. 4.0 P.M. Commanding Officer's lecture to Officers &
N.C.O.s on "The Duties of Officers & N.C.O.s." After tea football
match "D" Coy v Rest of Battn. 7.30 P.M. Open air concert by Capt
[John William] SULLIVAN & Co. 30
May 1917 Battn in camp as above. Parades & Working parties
as above. 2 P.M. Bayonet Fighting for Officers & N.C.O.s.
Lt [Ernest Frederick] HANSSEN & 1 Sgt per Coy reconnoitred
RED LINE East of WILLERVAL. 2nd Lt [Horace John] EVERETT M.C.
& 2 O.R proceeded to WAILLY to see a display by TANKS. Bttn
played football match against 1 D.C.L.I. Result we won by 2-1.
31
May 1917 Battn in camp as above. Parades & Working parties as
above. In the afternoon enemy aeroplane attacked 2 of our observation
balloons the occupants landed safely in parachutes. At 6 PM Bttn
played football match against 11th East Lancs. Result, opponents
won 2-0.
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WAR
DIARY FOR JUNE 1917 1
Jun 1917 - Camp south of Roclincourt Bttn in camp as above. Parades
& Working party as above. Considerable hostile aerial activity
over Camp during early hours of the morning. In the afternoon Bttn
held a mounted Gymkhana. Draft of 58 O.R. joined XIII Corps Training
Dept at FLORINGHAM [sic]. 2
Jun 1917 - Concentration Camp near Willerval Battn moved to concentration
camp at A.24.d. Bttn as strong as possible worked on strong point
(WILLERVAL NORTH) in the RED LINE at B.4.a. with the exception of
B Coy, from 10 P.M to 2 A.M. B Coy left camp at 2 A.M for RED LINE
to take over day shift. Draft of 50 O.R joined XIII Corps Training
Dept. 3
Jun 1917 Bttn in camp as above. Found same working party as above.
King's Birthday. Bttn paraded at 12.30 P.M. with 1st NORFOLKS &
presented Arms. Hostile aircraft active at night, several bombs
being dropped near transport at ECURIE. 2 men wounded by shell fire,
on working party. 4
Jun 1917 Bttn in camp as above. Working Party as above. Hostile
aircraft dropped bombs near transport at ECURIE. 5
Jun 1917 Bttn in camp as above. Working Party as above, B &
D Coys exchanged work. Draft of 34 O.R joined Bttn from the Base.
6-7
Jun 1917 Bttn in camp as above. Working Party as above. 8
Jun 1917 As above. Our artillery had two shoots during night on
Enemy trenches. 9
Jun 1917 - Camblain-Chatelain Moved to CAMBLAIN CHATELAINE by Motor
busses (see O.O. No.82 dated June 8th) good billets. C.O. second
in command & Adjt rode round Billets & training grounds
in evening. 10
Jun 1917 Swimming parade before breakfast. Church Parade at 11.15
a.m. Capt H.A.W.[Hugh Armine Wodehouse] PEARSE, 2/Lt P. [Percival
Denis] SISLEY Lt A.N.W. [Arthur Nugent Waldemar] POWELL joined
Bn 11
Jun 1917 In Billets as above inclement weather interfered with training.
Bn assembled in Church Army Hut lectures by Major [Reginald]
le HUQUET on 'TRENCH ORDERS' by C.O. on 'Wood-fighting' also
lectures by Subaltern officers. Competition in Bugle calls, turn-out
saluting, march songs etc. 'D' Coy obtained most points the 'B',
C, A Coys. BN Sports in afternoon. Highest numbers of points were
obtained in following order: - A, D, B & C Coys. 12
Jun 1917 Bn training in Morning Bois des MOTTES (FRANCE 36b) Wood
fighting. Dinners on ground Brigade sports in afternoon. Draft of
7 O.R. joined from Base depot 13
Jun 1917 All Coys did rapid firing on range. Bayonet fighting, Rifle
grenade practice etc. Bde Horse Show in afternoon. Battn were 1st
in G.S.Waggon turn-out 2nd in Wrestling 3rd in Officer Jumping Lt.Col
P.R.[Percy Reginald] WORRALL M.C. 3rd in Transport turn-out
14
Jun 1917 Musketry on range for each coy 1 1/2 hours. Rifle meeting
(15 Inf Bde) in afternoon, every platoon entered a team of 1 commander
& 10 O.Rs firing party 15 rounds rapid time minute. Received
orders to move to ROCLINCOURT area Bde in Divisional Reserve. 15
Jun 1917 - camp near Roclincourt Bn moved in Motor Busses to Camp
A.28.a (ROCLINCOURT Map) arrived 10.30 a.m. See O.O.83 16
Jun 1917 - Front Line near Oppy In Camp as above, received warning
order that Battalion would move up to Front Line at night. At 7
p.m. moved up & relieved 1st Bn R.W.Kents in Front Line near
OPPY. See O.O.84. 17
Jun 1917 In Front line as above, 2 men Killed & 4 wounded by
shell fire 18
Jun 1917 In Front Line as above, situation quiet took over addl
Trench see O.O.85 19
Jun 1917 In Front Line as above, 2/Lt R.W.[Robert Moore] HUNTER
& 4 other Ranks wounded, 2/Lt H.W.[Harold Winning] FLEMING
joined for duty, 1 Company relieved by a Coy of FAN See O.O.86 20
Jun 1917 - Camp near Roclincourt In Front Line as above, 1 man Killed,
1 Wounded. At night were relieved by a Battalion of 13th Bde (14/R.Warwick
Regt) & withdrew to Camp at A.28.a.6/8 See O.O.87 21
Jun 1917 In Camp as above, day devoted to resting and cleaning up
22
Jun 1917 In camp as above, Battalion Training carried on, very inclement
weather. 23
Jun 1917 In cam pas above, Battalion Training for future operations
carried on, 20 Other Ranks, Artists Rifles, Candidates for Commissions,
attached to Battalion for three weeks, to gain experience 24
Jun 1917 In Camp as above, Battalion Training as usual. 105 other
ranks joined from XIII Corps Draft Training Depot 25
Jun 1917 In Camp as above, Battalion Training as usual. 10 O.R.s
joined from Base Depot. 100 Officers & O.R.s attended Lantern
Lecture, subject, Aeroplane Photographs, Commdg. Officer attended
conference at Bde H.Q. Received Operation Order for move. 26
Jun 1917 In camp as above, Training carried on as usual, received
orders to move up to Front Line next day. See OO88 27
Jun 1917 - Front Line near Oppy In camp as above. No Training, preparations
for move at night being made. At night moved up & relieved 14/R.Warwick
Regt, see OO88, while bombs were being issued prior to move, an
accident occurred, casualties 16 O.R.s wounded. 2.30 pm Lt E.F.[Ernest
Frederick] HANSSEN in charge of Battalion Lewis Gun Teams proceeded
to Trenches & arranged for guides to guide Coys up at night
28
Jun 1917 - Oppy Wood Bn in assembly trenches, see attached map &
O.O. No.88/1 [Comment; not attached] The Bn attacked the
German system at Zero 7.10 pm & gained all its
objectives see attached DIARY [not attached] The night was spent
in consolidating the new ground. Rations, water & S.A.A. &
RE material were sent up to Front Line See C.O's report attached
[Comment; not attached] 29
Jun 1917 'B' Coy side slipped to the left & the line in OPPY
Wood was taken over by 1/Norfolk Regt see O.O.No.90 30
Jun 1917 Orders received to take over posts L, N & Q from the
12/Glouc.R. see O.O.91 6.30 p.m. Orders received from Bde that Bn
would be relieved by 2/KOSBs O.O.92. Owing to late arrival of relieving
unit 2 Coys were unable to be relieved that night. Casualties during
action were: 2/Lt.A.S.[Austin
Stanley] TROTTER, 2/Lt C.O. [Charles Owen] WHITFIELD
wounded 2/Lt
[James
Kenneth] HOPE dislocated Knee A/C.S.M.
[9183 Walter James, D.C.M.]
SUMMERFIELD Killed 8
ORs Killed 13
O.R.s missing 95
O.R.s Wounded
WAR
DIARY FOR JULY 1917 43038 Pte F. [Frederick W.] DIGHTON M.M. 20337 Pte W. [William] CLARKE M.M. 10196 Sgt H. [Herbert] HILL M.M. 430239 Pte L.KING M.M. 10238 Sgt D. [David] STONE M.M. 8311 Sgt H. [Harry] NORMAN M.M. 8253 Cpl G. [George] ILOTT (since promoted Sgt) M.M. 10667 Pte J.W. [James W.] HOUSTON M.M. The following were presented with parchment cards by G.O.C. for gallant conduct. 10052 Sgt G.E. [George E.] NEALE 17425 L/C [Arthur] COX 12365 L/C [James C.] PRICE 20374
Sgt.C. [Reginald Charles] HUMPHRIES 2/LT P.D. [Percival Denis] SISLEY 2/LT A.S. [Austin Stanley] TROTTER D.C.M. No.8721 Sgt (a/C.S.M.) R.T.C. [Ronald] LANSBURY No.10055 Sgt PUDDIPHATT [sic Reginald PUDDEFOOT] BAR TO MM. No 28207 Sgt [James] SINCLAIR 25 Jul 1917 In camp. Training as per programme. 26 Jul 1917 In camp. Training as per programme Following Officers joined Battn. 2ND LT. F. [Frederick] HAGUE A.COY. 2ND LT. S. [Sidney] ALLPORT B.COY. 2ND LT. A.W.MATSON C.COY. 2ND LT. P.N.J. Christie [Paul Norman Jones CHRISTIE] C.COY, joined 16th inst. 2ND LT. A.E. [Alexander Edward] CROOCKEWIT COY. 2ND LT. R.C. [Robert Craigh] HARE B.COY. joined 15th inst. 2ND LT. F. [Frank] FLAVELL D.COY. 2ND LT. J. [Joseph] COTCHIN D.COY. 2ND LT. J.T. [John Thomas] DICKINSON A.COY. 2ND LT J.T. [Joseph Thornton] LAUGHTON C.COY. joined 12th inst. [Comment;
CHRISTIE and COTCHIN killed on the 9th October. FLAVELL,
DICKINSON and LAUGHTON wounded]
WAR DIARY FOR AUGUST 1917 1
Aug 1917 - Front Line south of Arleux In Front line trenches south
of ARLEUX Following officers joined the Bn. 2/ts W.William] HUGHES,
P.S.C.DANIELS & H.C. [Harold Charles] LOE 2
Aug 1917 In trenches as above 3
Aug 1917 - Red Line In trenches as above. In afternoon Bn. was relieved
by 1/Cheshire Regt & withdrew to RED LINE see O.O.99 4-8
Aug 1917 200 men per night were sent on Bde working parties - carrying
trench stores digging Bn Cook house also built 9
Aug 1917 - Kitchener Camp, Red Line and Sugar Post Relieved by 1/D.C.L.I.
& 2 Coys & H.Q. withdrew to KITCHENER CAMP. Two coys remained
in RED LINE & SUGAR POST & worked under 491st Fld Coy R.E.
wiring & widening trenches. Task - work see O.O. 100. 10-11
Aug 1917 Work as above two coys in KITCHENER Camp worked on Roads
in back areas. 12
Aug 1917 Inter company relief see O.O.101 13-14
Aug 1917 Work as on 10 & 11 Instants. 15
Aug 1917 - Ecurie Wood Huts Bn relieved by 1/Norfolk Regt &
withdrew to ECURIE Wood huts see O.O.102. 16-20
Aug 1917 - Ecurie Wood Huts and Bray Range Bn Training special attention
being paid to Musketry on19 Inst. Bn marched to BRAY Range &
spent two nights there. See training programme attached Bn moved
back to ECURIE Wood Camp. 21
Aug 1917 - Front Line south of Arleux Relieved 1/D.C.L.I. in Front
Line see ).).103 22-26
Aug 1917 In trenches Front line was heavily shelled with 5.9s &
8 inch on 24 inst casualties 3 O.R. Killed 4 O.R. wounded. Special
attention was paid to wiring 27
Aug 1917 - Vimy-Lievin Line Bn was relieved by 1/Cheshire Regt (see
O.O.104) & withdrew to VIMY - LIEVIN line working parties were
supplied for Front line system. Railways & tracks 28
Aug 1917 As above 29-31 Aug 1917 3 coys employed each night on wiring Front line system, one coy working on tracks Railways etc. 2LTS E.F.K.[Edgar F.K.] GRAHAM, V.E. [Vivian Eric] FARR, L.J. [Leonard Jack] HOBSON & H.G. [Howard George] BAKER joined Bn 30th inst. |
|
WAR
DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 1917 1
Sep 1917 - Tunnel Dump, Vimy-Lievin Line Working parties as on 29th,
30th, 31st Aug. Draft of 5 casuals joined. 2
Sep 1917 Working party as on 1st. 1 O.R. wounded on wiring party
- since died. [comment – Pte 33755 John FAIREY, DOW
5th September] 3
Sep 1917 Working party as above. Enemy Arty. active on FARBUS. Draft
of 4 casuals joined. Played D.15. battery football - result 4-0
against. 4
Sep 1917 - Ecurie Wood Camp Battalion withdrew from Tunnel Dump
to ECURIE WOOD CAMP. 5
Sep 1917 - Frevin-Capelle Battalion marched to FREVIN CHAPPELLE
[sic]. Draft of 38 joined. 6
Sep 1917 - Grand-Rullecourt Continued march to GRAND RULLECOURT
& billeted there. 7
Sep 1917 Day spent in cleaning up, making up deficiencies etc.;
training grounds reconnoitred. B.G.C. congratulates Bn. on work.
8
Sep 1917 Specialist training under Company arrangements. 9
Sep 1917 Parade Service in Chteau grounds with 16th R.Warwick Regt.
& M.G.Coy. First of Inter platoon football knockout played.
Coy. Officers reconnoitred new billeting area at BEAUDRICOURT. 10
Sep 1917 - Beaudricourt Battalion marched to BEAUDRICOURT, and billeted
there. 11
Sep 1917 Battalion was reorganised on a three platoon basis. 2
Lieut. J.P.[John Phillipps] KINGDON & 10 O.Rs rejoined from
XIII Corps Musketry & Reinforcement Camp 10/9/'17. Lieut.
J.B.[John Broadhurst] SPROSTON & 11 O.Rs arrived from Base
Depot 10/9/17. Battalion drill & lecture on Smoke Tactics. In
the afternoon, Inter platoon Football. 12
Sep 1917 Battalion Drill & lecture on Smoke Tactics. Practice
attack with smoke. Inter platoon Football. 13
Sep 1917 Specialist training under Coy. arrangements till 10.30.
Commanding Officer's lecture on Smoke Tactics to visitors (G.O.C
5th Div., B.G's C. 13th, 95th & 15th Bdes. etc.) Demonstration
by Battn. of attack & smoke. In the Afternoon, "Bedford Hunt",
officers mounted. Visitors for tea & lunch. 14
Sep 1917 Firing on Range at N.12. & specialist training. Inter
platoon Football. Night march in box respirators. 15
Sep 1917 Specialist training. Field Firing N.12.a & N.12.c.
Inter platoon football. 16
Sep 1917 Parade service. Final of Inter platoon Competition won
by D Coy. "Bedford Hunt". 17
Sep 1917 One platoon from each Coy. entered Brigade Inter-platoon
competition. No.1 Platoon (2 Lt.H.H.[Harold Henry] REYNOLDS)
chosen for Divisional Competition. Rest of Battn. specialist training.
18
Sep 1917 Lecture by Major ANDERSON, 1st Army Suptd of P.T.
& B.F. Specialist training. 19
Sep 1917 Specialist training. Battn. passed through Gas Chamber.
95th [?sic].Bde. Musketry Competition; teams entered, & team
of Ptes. & Lcpls. was 3rd. Div. Inter platoon Competition; No.1
Platoon was 4th. on Sept. 18th. 20
Sep 1917 Battn. practised scheme. 21
Sep 1917 At 1.0 a.m. marched to Grand Rullecourt; Operations as
per O.O.X. Zero hour 5.45 a.m. Breakfast there; marched back at
9 a.m. 22
Sep 1917 Specialist training under Companies. Baths allotted to
Coys. Officers & Platoon Sergts. attended demonstration of platoon
attack at 3.15.p.m. 2nd Lt.F.A.[Frederick Arthur] GARWOOD
reported and posted to D Coy. 23
Sep 1917 Parade service at 11.30. Officers & L.G.N-C.Os attended
lecture on L.G.Tactics. 24-25
Sep 1917 - Zuid Hove Marched to Tincques, entrained there, detrained
at St.Omer & marched to ZUDROVE [sic], near SERQUES. See M.O.
No.108. 2nd Lts W.W..WHITE & H. [Herbert] HUTCHINSON joined.
26
Sep 1917 Specialist training under Specialist Officers. Lecture
by C.O. in afternoon on "Fire & Movement". 27
Sep 1917 Battn. Parade, lecture & specialist training. 2nd
Lts.A.H.[Albert Henry] WAKEFIELD, A.W. [Arthur William] ROPE & H.W.
[Herbert Walter] CORNELIUS joined. 28
Sep 1917 - Staple 5th Div. transferred from 5th Army to 2nd Army
and posted to X Corps on arrival. Bde. marched to STAPLE, leaving
at 9.a.m. Billeted at STAPLE. 29
Sep 1917 - Thieushouck Bde. marched to THIEUSHOUX, leaving at 9.a.m.
billeted there. 30
Sep 1917 Battn rested in THIEUSHOUCK. All officers, C.S.Ms &
Platoon Sergeants went over taped course for future operations.
WAR
DIARY FOR OCTOBER 1917 1
Oct 1917 - Thieushouck Battn in billets at THIEUSHOUCK 2
Oct 1917 - Westoutre Moved forward & spent night at WESTOUTRE
under canvas. See OO No.109 2/Lt.A.E.[Alfred E.] OXLEY joined
the Battn. 3
Oct 1917 - ridge between Tor Top and Stirling Castle Moved to RIDGE
WOOD had dinners there, dumped haversacks & moved forward to
SANCTUARY WOOD less dumped Personnel O.O. No.110. C.O. Adjt &
4 Coy Cmdrs went on to reconnoitre xsite [opposite?] trenches.
Major [Montague Walter] HALFORD brought Battn on at dusk. All
ranks dug in on Ridge between TOR TOP & STIRLING CASTLE. Battn
in reserve to 13th Inf Bde. Heavy shelling 4
Oct 1917 13th Bde attacked N. of YPRES
MENIN Rd on a Front of 1500 yds to include POLDERHOEK
CHATEAU. Attack commenced at dawn 1/R.W.Kent took their objective
on Right but 2nd K.O.S.B. were held up in Front of POLDERHOEK CHATEAU.
7 p.m. Cmdg Officer was called to Bde H.Q. & Battn was ordered
to move forward & dig in N. of YPRES-MENIN Rd towards VELDERHOEK
[sic] & be in close support to 1/R.W.Kents. This was completed
by Dawn. 5
Oct 1917 - Front Line near Veldhoek Battn relieved 1/R.W.Kents in
Front line from J.21.d.8.9 on Road to junction of THICK COPSE &
the SCHERRIABEEK 6-8
Oct 1917 A defensive system was made & a continuous Front line
dug with Supports. C & B coys were in Front line with A &
D in reserve in O.B.L. Communication trenches were dug back from
Front line to O.B.L. Battn H.Q. situated in Buildings & PILLBOXES
at J.21.d.05.30. 9
Oct 1917 15th Bde attacked POLDERHOEK CHATEAU with 1/Norfolks &
16/R.War R. The attack failed & they withdrew to their jumping
off positions about 250 yds W. of CHATEAU 10
Oct 1917 - Ridge Wood Battn was relieved by 7th Bttn K.R.R.Corps
relief complete by 11.30 pm Battn withdrew to RIDGE WOOD. From the
4th to 10th The Battn was subjected to Heavy shelling. Total casualties
4 officers Killed 6 wounded 35 [ORs] Killed 97 wounded 4 missing.
Officers Casualties were 2/Lts. H.H.[Harold Henry] REYNOLDS H.W.
[Harold Winning] FLEMING, J. [Joseph] COTCHIN, P.N.J.
[Paul Norman Jones] CHRISTIE Killed. Capt H.A.W. [Hugh
Armine Wodehouse] PEARSE, 2/Lts [Joseph Thornton] LAUGHTON, E.F.K.
[Edgar] GRAHAM, F. [Frank] FLAVELL, S. [Samuel] NORRISH, E.I.F.NOAKES
wounded. A/R.S.M. N.FREER wounded. The Battn captured
4 M.Gs. & Killed over 100 Germans by sniping & Rifle Grenades.
Map Reference for above GHELUVELT 1/10,000. 11
Oct 1917 - Brooke Camp, Westoutre The morning was spent in cleaning
up. In the afternoon Bn. moved to BROOKE CAMP WESTOUTRE for one
night. See O.O. 111 12
Oct 1917 - Meteren Bn. continued to march to METERIN [sic] Area
& billeted, billets included Farm & tents. 13
Oct 1917 Cots were reorganised, Kit & equipment etc was completed.
14
Oct 1917 In billets as above, work + sports as attached programme
15
Oct 1917 Draft of 45 O.R's joined from Base Depot. Specialists training,
Lecture by C.O. on "Part Played by the Bn in recent operations",
Bn inspected by Commanding Officer. 16
Oct 1917 Specialist training & Battn drill. War game for officers
& Sergts "The taking of Polderhoek Chateau". A Concert was given
in Hq billet in the evening. 17
Oct 1917 Practised the Battn in the attack with special reference
to Pill Boxes, Barrages, Counter attack, communication, sectional
advances, rapid consolidation, Fire control, Bayonet, Lewis Gun,
Rifle grenades & smoke. Afterwards the Commanding Officer gave
a lecture on the subject. In the afternoon the 2nd in C. took all
officers in Map Reading. 18
Oct 1917 Battn gave demonstration of a modern attack to Batt Commanders
& Adjutants in the Brigade. Rugger match in afternoon Officers
v Other Ranks. Officers won 9 points nil. 19
Oct 1917 Specialist training, Lt.Col.Lord AMPTHILL visited
the Battn. 20
Oct 1917 Lt. Col. Lord AMPTHILL inspected Battn on parade
21
Oct 1917 - Micmac Camp, Dickebusch Battn moved from the area to
DICKEBUISCH area, and stayed one night in MICMAC Camp 22
Oct 1917 - Ridge Wood Camp Battn moved to RIDGE WOOD Camp and stayed
1 night. See O.O. 113 23-24
Oct 1917 - Stirling Castle and Wiltshire Camp Battn less dumped
personnel moved up to STIRLING CASTLE. LT.J.C.A.BIRCH joined
Battn. Dumped Personnel in WILTSHIRE Camp 25
Oct 1917 Battn in STIRLING CASTLE, heavily shelled at Intervals.
Carrying parties were supplied for 1/Cheshire Regt also parties
to bring cable near FITZCLARENCE Fm. 2/Lt.A.E.[Alexander Edward]
CROOKEWIT was severely wounded and died the following day. 2/Lt.L.J.[Leonard
Jack] HOBSON wounded. 26
Oct 1917 - Front Line between Reutelbeek and Scherriabeek 13th Bde
attacked POLDERHOEK CHATEAU & lines between REUTELBEEK &
SCHERRIABEEK. Zero 5.40 a.m. 10 a.m. message received saying all
objectives taken. 12 noon message received saying 14 & 15 Warwicks
had withdrawn to their jumping off positions & evacuated CHATEAU.
In consequence the 2/K.O.S.Bs were ordered to re-inforce all three
attacking Battns of 13th Bde. 1.30 pm Orders received from 15th
Bde for 1/Bedf R. to support the 2/K.O.S.Bs. Coy Cmdrs called together
& Battn moved to TOWER & dug in 700 yds EAST of this point
by 4.30 p.m. 5.30 p.m. Battn ordered to take over Front line between
REUTELBEEK & SCHERRIABEEK & relieve all troops of 13th Bde
in this line - relief complete by 1.15 a.m. 27th 27
Oct 1917 Complete system of Front & support line trenches dug
- also communication trenches. 5 Lewis Guns & 20 Rifles were
salved & 30 stretcher cases of attacking units were evacuated.
28
Oct 1917 In Front line as above. 4 p.m. Orders received that Battn
would be relieved by 1/Devonshire Regt. Our guides met 1/Devons
at TOR TOP near OBSERVATORY RIDGE at 4.45 p.m. Relief complete by
7.30 p.m. Casualties during [time] Battn was in line 2 Officers
Wounded 101 O.R. Killed & Wounded. Map Ref for above ZILLEBEKE
1/10000 29
Oct 1917 - Ridge Wood Battn in tents & dug-outs in RIDGE WOOD
30-31
Oct 1917 Battn in RIDGE WOOD
WAR
DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 1917 1
Nov 1917 - Tunnels at Tor Top and Stirling Castle Battalion moved
from Ridge Wood. A & C Coys with H.Q. going into tunnel at TOR
TOP, B & D Coys going into tunnel at Stirling Castle taking
over from 1st Devonshire Regt. Bn. left Ridge Wood at 5 p.m. relief
complete 7.45 p.m. See O.O. 115 One Officer was appointed to take
charge of precautions against gas & gas sentries were provided
by Bn. 2
Nov 1917 During the morning all quarters were cleaned, gas blankets
were renewed & others fixed. Parties were provided for carrying
water & rum to Battns in the line. 3
Nov 1917 Parties found to carrying rations, picks, sand bags etc.
from limbers to Battns in the line - 300 ft. 2" x 3" timber taken
to TOR TOP for fixing gas blankets. 2nd Lieut WILLIAMS wounded.
4
Nov 1917 Parties found to carry boxes SAA to forward position of
M.G.C. during day. After dusk 130 trench boards taken up to centre
Bn. H.Qrs. Wire & stakes carried up to dump behind centre Bn.
Hqrs. 5
Nov 1917 - Ridge Wood Battn. was relieved by 3 Coys 12th Gloucesters,
2 Coys & H.Qrs. at TOR TOP & 1 Coy at Stirling Castle. Relief
complete by 3 p.m. Enemy shelled track but only 1 man was wounded.
Party of one Officer & 30 O.R. remained behind to carry T.M.
ammo to front line. See O.O. 116. Casualties while Battn was in
line 1 Off. 4 O.R. wounded. 6
Nov 1917 Battn remained at Ridge Wood. Parties were found for R.E.
construction parties. 7
Nov 1917 Battn. remained in Ridge Wood camp. 8
Nov 1917 Battn. remained at Ridge Wood 9
Nov 1917 Battn. remained at Ridge Wood 10
Nov 1917 Battn. remained at Ridge Wood 11
Nov 1917 - Clapham Junction and Railway Dugouts, Zillebeke Battn.
relieved 10th Yorkshire Regiment., Bn H.Qrs, "C" & "D" Coys
at Clapham Junction, "A" & "B" Coys at Railway dugouts Zillebeke.
Casualties during relief 1 man wounded. 12
Nov 1917 - Polygon Racecourse Battn. relieved the 12/13 Northumberland
Fusiliers in front line near Polygon Racecourse. Relief was shelled
6 O.R's being killed. 13
Nov 1917 Situation was quiet except for some area bombardment by
enemy. Trenches were improved - drained & a continuous line
was commenced. One prisoner 26th Prussian regt was taken. 14
Nov 1917 Improvement of line continued with. 15
Nov 1917 - Ontario Camp An enemy patrol of two men approached our
trenches - one was killed & the other taken prisoner - Battn.
was relieved by 2 1/2 Coys. 4th Bn. N.Z.R.B. & 1 Coy 1st. N.Z.R.B.
Battn. was taken by busses to Ontario Camp. 16
Nov 1917 – Coulomby. Battn. entrained at Ouderdom and proceeded
to Lumbres, from there marching to Colomby [sic]. 17
Nov 1917 Battn. spent day in cleaning up, clothing inspections etc.
Preparations were made to commence training on following day. 2/Lt.W.M.
[William Martin] STANTAN & 2/Lt.N.H. [Noel Harry] WILKINS joined
Battn. from 17th I.B.D. 18
Nov 1917 A 30yds range was repaired and made fit for use. Bombing
& B.F. grounds were made & a 200 yds range prepared. Hours
of training 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Football & Boxing matches
were arranged. 19
Nov 1917 Training as above. 20
Nov 1917 Training as above. 21
Nov 1917 Training as above. 22
Nov 1917 Battn. marched to Val-de-Lumbres range and fired following
practises. Grouping (100 yds). Application (200 yds) 15 rounds rapid
(200 yds) 23
Nov 1917 Training from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Battn. then watched Football
match between two teams previously chosen. 24
Nov 1917 - Merck-St-Livin In accordance with orders received overnight
Battn. marched to MERCK St. LIEVIN & Billeted 25
Nov 1917 - Fontaine-les-Boulans March continued to FONTAINE LES
BOULANS where Battn. billeted again. 26
Nov 1917 Battn. rested & commenced refitting. 2nd Lt E.C.[Ernest
Charles] HERBERG joined Battn. from 176th M.G.Coy. 27
Nov 1917 Refitting contd. & Training commenced. 2nd Lt. H.W.J.POWELL,
2nd Lt.A.T. [Arthur Thomas] FRANKLIN & 2nd Lt.B.WILLIAMS joined
Battn. from 17th I.B.D. 28
Nov 1917 C.O's parade in morning B.G.C's lecture to Officers &
N.C.O's in the evening. 29
Nov 1917 Training contd. under Coy. arrangements 30
Nov 1917 Baths at LISBOURG allotted to Battn.
WAR
DIARY FOR DECEMBER 1917 1
Dec 1917 - Fontaine-les-Boulans Battn. remained billeted in FONTAINE
LES BOULANS. Parades for Church Service. 2-3
Dec 1917 Training continued. 4
Dec 1917 Training on morning parade. Battn. Sports in afternoon.
5
Dec 1917 Baths allotted to Battn. at Lisburg [sic]. 6
Dec 1917 Training continued. 7
Dec 1917 Training continued. C.O's lecture to Officers & Sgts.
on Smoke Tactics. 8
Dec 1917 Training continued. 9
Dec 1917 Church Services for all denominations. 10
Dec 1917 Training continued. Rugby match in the afternoon, Officers
v. O.R's. Won by Other Ranks. 11
Dec 1917 - Anvin en route for Italy. Battn. entrained at ANVIN station
for ITALY. 1st Train B & D Coys. C.O. in command of train. 2nd
Train A & C Coys. Major [William Stuart] CHIRNSIDE M.C. [and
Bar] in command. Transport & Q.M. employ equally divided
between the two trains. 12-15
Dec 1917 Battn. on trains en route for ITALY. 16
Dec 1917 - San Giorgio de Brenta and San Giorgio delle Pertiche.
B & D Coys detrained at Fontaineva & marched to St.Giorgio
de Brenta & rested for a few hours resuming march to St.Giorgio
delle Pertiche & billeted there. A & C. Coys detrained at
Ospitale and billeted at St.Girogio de Brenta for the night. 17
Dec 1917 - San Giorgio delle Pertiche A & C Coys marched to
join B. & D Coys and billeted at St.Giorgio delle Pertiche.
18
Dec 1917 Battn. Route march. Played 15th Field Am. at Football -
Bn. lost. 19
Dec 1917 Battn. commenced Training under Coy. arrangements. B &
D Coys marched to Campo San Pietro to Cinema and were allowed some
time in the town. Battn. found 100 men for unloading ammunition.
20
Dec 1917 As above. A & C Coys. taken to Campo San Pietro. 2/Lt.S.D.[Stuart
Daniel] HARROWER joined Battn. 21
Dec 1917 Battn. Route March. 22-23
Dec 1917 Battn. continued training. 24
Dec 1917 10 Officers taken to reconnoitre reserve line near RUBIO.
25
Dec 1917 Christmas day. Church services for all denominations in
morning followed by Cross Country Relay race and distribution of
gifts from Bedford Comforts Fund. In afternoon 2 Performances by
"The Bedford Boys" 2 Coys. at each performance. 26
Dec 1917 Battn. continued training 27
Dec 1917 Brigade Scheme 28
Dec 1917 Battn. Training continued. C.O's parade - Battn. drill.
29
Dec 1917 Battn took part in Brigade Ceremonial Parade. 30
Dec 1917 Church Parades for all denominations. 31
Dec 1917 Battn. Training. C.O's parade. Ceremonial etc. on Brigade
training ground. Inspection by Brigadier Genl F.D.R.OLDMAN [sic]
CMG, DSO Commdg. 15th Infy Bde. Commanding Officer's Lecture
to Officers, N.C.O.s, Lewis Gunners & Scouts. |
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1st Battalion links Below are links to the other pages with information on the 1st battalion during the Great War:
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