The Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War

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1918 War Diary appendices

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.

January 1918

OPERATION ORDER No. 120 1st Battalion The Bedfordshire Regt. 22nd January 1918 Reference map BRENTA - PIAVE 1/100,000

1. Battalion will move with 15th Infy Bde Group to the MORGANA area tomorrow 23rd inst.

2. STARTING POINT level crossing South of S. GIORGIO delle PERTICHE Station. Battalion will pass Starting Point at 10.2 a.m. 200 yards in rear of Bde. H.Q. and No.4 Signal Section.

3 ROUTE CAMPOSAMPIERO - Road Junction 1/2 Kilometre south of LOREGGIA - VIANELLO - RONCHI - PIOMBINO DESE - thence as guided to Billeting Area by Signalling Officer.

4. PARADE. Battalion will parade at 9-55 a.m. in column of Route on Road Head of Column to be at point on Road 300 yards E. of Battalion Headquarters. Order of March: - Headquarters. Drums. "B" Coy. "D" Coy. "A" Coy. "C" Coy. Transport. 100 yards between Companies will be maintained when the Battalion moves off. Details of 13th. Infantry Brigade (1 Officer and 53 O.R's.) will be attached to "C" Coy. until further orders.

5. DINNERS. will be cooked on line of march, and will be ready by 2 p.m.

 

February 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 121 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment Reference - Sketch Map February 1st. 1918.

1. Battalion will relieve the 14th. Royal Warwickshire Regiment in support to-morrow, in the neighbourhood of ROTUNDA BIDASIO.

2. GUIDES. 14th. R.Warwickshire Regiment will meet the Battalion at the Church ARCADE, at 7 p.m. on the following scale: - One per Platoon, one for each Coy. H.Q. and one for Battalion Headquarters.

3. DISPOSITIONS. "A" Coy. will relieve a Coy. of the Warwicks holding the ROTUNDA, (Left) "B" Coy. will relieve a Coy. of the Warwicks holding the QUARRY, etc, (Left Centre) "C" Coy. will relieve a Coy. of the Warwicks holding the Railway Embankment (Right Centre) "D" Coy. will relieve a Coy. of the Warwicks holding the Railway Embankment (Right)

4. RECONNAISANCE. One Officer per Company and Capt S.H.Draper for H.Q. will reconnoitre the road from VILLORBA to Church ARCADE. Route - VILLORBA to junction of track and road immediately North of the N in VISNADELLO, thence road junction on N.E. of the O in VISNADELLO, thence by main road to the Church.

5. LEWIS GUNS. 3 Guns per Company will proceed in limbers in rear of each Company. The remaining gun with complement of magazines, will be carried on one Pack animal. 2 Lewis Gunners will march with this gun, and will be ready to deal with any hostile Aircraft that may come over on the line of march.

6. Companies will march at 100 yards distance. Order of march: - Headquarters, "A" Coy. "B" Coy. "C" Coy. "D" Coy. Head of column to pass the Club at 5 p.m.

7. RELIEF COMPLETE will be reported by Runner to Battalion Headquarters. All work in progress and lists of trench stores taken over will be sent to Battalion Headquarters by 9 a.m. on the 3rd. inst.

8. EACH Company will detail a party of one N.C.O. and 6 Other Ranks to march with the limber conveying the Blankets and trench stores proceeding to the trenches.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 122. PUG Feb. 9th. 1918.

1. Battalion will relieve POINTER in front line on evening of the 10th. inst.

2. Companies will move off at 5-15 p.m. Platoons will move at 100 yards interval. "A" Coy. will use No. 8 Communication trench. "C" Coy. tactical trench to right Coy. "D" Coy. Trench by Railway and support line. "B" Coy. No. 4 Communication trench.

4. C.S.M's. will proceed in advance to take over stores et., C.Q.M.S's. or Coy. Clerks will remain to hand over to incoming Unit.

5. POINTER will leave one guide fpr each ward post.

6. "D" Coy. will send two Lewis Guns and Teams to be attached to "B" Coy. for duty while in the line.

7. Relief complete will [be] reported by word "AMBER" and confirmed by Runner.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 123. PUG Ref. Map. Spresiano 1/25,000. February 17th./18.

1. The Battalion will be relieved by PENGUIN on the evening of the 18th. inst.

2. GUIDES. One guide per Platoon, and one for Battalion Headquarters will be sent as follows: - "C" Coy. to SPRESIANO Church, and remainder to C.ZAGO. 2/Lieut. V.E.Farr will be in charge of guides at C.ZAGO. Guides will be [at] rendez-vous by 7 p.m.

3. When relieved, Companies will withdraw independently to Billets in VISNADELLO.

4. Quartermaster and C.Q.M.Sgts. or Coy. Clerks will take over billets in VISNADELLO from PENGUIN, and arrange to meet Battalion.

5. BLANKETS will be rolled in bundles of 10. Limbers will collect these, Officers trench Kits and Cooks Kit at the following places: - H.Q. "A" and "D" Coy's. at VILLA CAVALIERI. "B" Coy. at C.BREDA. "C" Coy. at SPRESIANO ROAD.

6. RELIEF Complete by Code word "BRITIS" and confirmed by runner.

7. If advanced posts are not out when Companies are relieved, one guide per post will be left.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 124. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Ref. Map. SPRESIANO Sheet 1/25,000. Feb. 26th. 1918.

1. Battalion will relieve the 1st. Devonshire Regiment in Support to-morrow in the neighbourhood of ROTUNDA BIDASIO.

2. DISPOSITIONS. "A" Company will relieve a Company of the Devons holding the Rotunda, (Left) "B" Company will relieve a Company of the Devons holding the Quarry, etc., (Left Centre) "C" Company will relieve a Company of the Devons holding the Railway Embankment (Right Centre) "D" Company will relieve a Company of the Devons holding the Railway Embankment, (Right)

3. LEWIS GUNS. 3 Guns per Company will proceed in Limbers in rear of each Company. The remaining gun with a complement of magazines, will be carried on one pack animal. 2 Lewis Gunners will march with this gun, and will be ready to deal with any hostile Aircraft that may come over on the line of march.

4. Companies will march by platoons, at 3 minutes interval between platoons. Order of march: - Headquarters "A" Coy. "B" Coy. "C" Coy. "D" Coy. Head of column to pass the Church at ARCADE at 8 p.m. (Headquarter party will leave VISNADELLO at 7 p.m.)

5. RELIEF COMPLETE will be reported by Runner to Battalion Headquarters. All work in progress, and lists of trench stores taken over will be sent to Battalion Headquarters by 9 a.m. on the 28th. inst.

6. EACH Company will detail a party of one N.C.O. and 6 Other Ranks to march with the limber conveying the blankets and trench stores, proceeding to the trenches. Company Commanders will arrange for C.S.M's. to proceed to their positions in the line, to take over trench stores during daylight.

 

March 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER no. 126. - Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. March 4th.1918.

1. Battalion will relieve 16th. R.Warwickshire Regiment in Right Sub-sector to-night 4th./5th. as follows: - "C" Coy. on right in relief of "B" Coy. 16th R.Warwickshire Regt. "A" Coy. in centre in relief of "D" Coy. 16th R.Warwickshire Regt. "B" Coy. on left in relief of "C" Coy. 16th R.Warwickshire Regt. "D" Coy. will remain in Support. 2. Companies will leave present positions at 6 p.m. and proceed to Front line by following routes: - 3 minutes interval between platoons. "C" Coy. by right C.T. "A" Coy. by CAVALIERA C.T. "B" Coy. by C.BREDA C.T.

3. One Officer per Coy. and One N.C.O. per platoon will be sent on in advance to take over all posts, work in progress, stores, etc., Owing to rise in River several of the posts have been altered.

4. On completion of relief O.C. Coy's will send maps showing exact dispositions and work taken over.

5. Lists of stores take over to reach Battalion Headquarters by 9 a.m. on the 5th inst.

6. Rations will be taken to Front line Coy. Ration Dumps.

7. Each Coy. will detail one N.C.O. per platoon to hand over present lines to 16th. R.Warwickshire Regt. These N.C.O's. will rejoin their Coy's. on completion of relief.

8. Relief complete will be reported by Fuller using code word as under: - "A" Coy. - No. 2764 Pte. Smith. "B" Coy. - Send Sandbags. "C" Coy. - Rations correct.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 127 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. March 11th. 1918.

1. Battalion will be relieved by the 16th. R.Warwickshire Regt. to-night, and will withdraw to Brigade Reserve at ARCADE. C.Q.M.Sgts. have been instructed to take over accommodation.

2. GUIDES. One guide per Company Headquarters and one per platoon will meet the incoming Companies of the 16th. R.Warwickshire Regt. as under: - "B" Coy. ay ROTUNDA at 8 p.m. "A" and "D" Coy. at Battalion Headquarters at 8 p.m. The Warwicks will not require guides for right Coy.

3. WORK. All work in progress is to be handed over. List of all British Stores, such as Explosives, S.A.A. Tools, etc., which are to be withdrawn in due course, will be handed over to relieving Coy. and a duplicate list sent to Battalion Headquarters.

4. RELIEF COMPLETE will be reported by wire, using code word "Shelling".

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 128. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Reference Map - BRENTA PIAVE, 1/100,000. March 16th. 1918.

MOVE. "A". On the 17th/18th. inst. the Battalion will withdraw to billets in S.ANDREA. "B" On the 18th. inst. the Battalion will march to CASTAGNOLA. "A". 17th/18th. inst.

1. Order of march: - H.Q. to pass a point 500 yards South of Church ARCADE, at 7 p.m. "A" Coy. to pass a point 500 yards South of Church ARCADE, at 7.2 p.m. "C" Coy. to pass a point 500 yards South of Church ARCADE, at 7.5 p.m. "D" Coy. to pass a point 500 yards South of Church ARCADE, at 7.8 p.m. "B" Coy. to pass a point 500 yards South of Church ARCADE, at 7.11 p.m. 50 yards distance will be observed between Platoons.

2. Lewis Gun Limbers and one Pack animal to carry Lewis Gun will march in rear of each Coy.

3. Transport, Q.M's. Stores and Drums will move independently to S.ANDREA on 17th. inst. and take over Billets.

4. Watches will be synchronised with the Adjutant at 5 p.m. "B". 18th. inst.

 

1. Battalion will parade ready to move off at 10.30 a.m. in S.ANDREA.

2. Order of march will be notified later.

3. Following intervals will be observed: - 50 yards between Companies. 50 yards between each group of 6 vehicles. Drums will march in front of leading Coy. until first halt, and then with each Coy. in turn.

4. Dinners will be served on line of march at a convenient point after Battalion has crossed the S.GUISSEPPE - ISTRANA Railway.

5. Watches will be synchronised with the Adjutant at 9 a.m. on the 18th. inst. BILLETS. "A". for night of 17th/18th. Following party will parade at Battalion Headquarters at 8 a.m. to-morrow on bicycles: - Lieut. J.P.Kingdon. C.Q.M.Sgt. and one O.R. per Coy. 1 N.C.O. for Headquarters and Interpreter. they will proceed to S.ANDREA to take over billets. The area will be occupied by Italians on night 16th/17th. "B" for night of 18th/19th.

 

1. On completing the billeting at S.ANDREA on the 17th. inst. Lieut.Kingdon will proceed to CASTAGNOLA the same day to take over billets from the 14th. R.Warwickshire Regt. The same billeting party will proceed to CASTAGNOLA early on morning of 18th. inst. under senior C.Q.M.Sgt. They will parade at Battalion Headquarters at 7.30 a.m. at S.ANDREA.

2. Blankets will be rolled ready for loading at Q.M's. Stores at 7.30 a.m. on the 18th. inst. Officers Kits will be ready for loading at Coy. H.Q. at 8.30 a.m. also Officers Mess Kits. PROTECTION against Hostile Aircraft. During the dinner halt all Coy's will mount one Lewis Gun for Anti-Aircraft.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 129 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Map Ref. - BRENTA PIAVE 1/100,000. March 22nd. 1918.

1. On the 23rd. inst. the Battalion will proceed to LE PITOCCHE. Battalion Starting point - Alle Statute 300 metres S.W. of C in CASTAGNOLA. Order of march: - H.Q. to pass starting point at 8.40 a.m. "C" Coy.. to pass starting point at 8.42 a.m. "D" Coy. to pass starting point at 8.44 a.m. "A" Coy. to pass starting point at 8.46 a.m. "B" Coy. to pass starting point at 8.48 a.m. Transport to pass starting point at 8.50 a.m. Following intervals will be observed from Brigade starting point: - 50 yards between Companies. 50 yards between each group of 6 vehicles. Drums will march in front of leading Coy. until first halt, after passing Brigade Starting point, and then with each Coy. in turn. Dinners will be served on line of march at a point after passing TREBASELECHE.

2. BILLETS. Following party will parade at Battalion Headquarters at 8 a.m. to-morrow on bicycles: - Lieut. G.Mc.M.Betty. C.Q.M.Sgt. and one O.R. per Coy. One N.C.O. for H.Q. and Interpreter. They will proceed to LE PITOCCHE and take over billets.

3. BLANKETS. Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10, and be at Coy. H.Q. at 6 a.m. ready for collection. Officers Kits, Mess Kits and Cooks Kit remaining will be at Coy. and Battalion Headquarters ready for collection at 7.15 a.m.

4. DRESS. Special attention will be paid to packs, which must be high, mess tins to be inside packs. The Brakesmen per vehicle will carry rifle and pack. Two Cooks will march in rear of each Cooker as brakesmen, packs to be placed in Cooks Wagon and not on the Cookers. When cooking, chimneys must remain up,, They will be down when not cooking.

5. PROTECTION against Hostile Aircraft. During dinner halt, all Companies will mount one Lewis Gun for Anti-Aircraft work.

 

Operation Order No. 130. 1st Bn Bedfordshire Regt. 23-3-18. Ref. Maps Brenta Piave - 1/100,000 Padova 1/100,000

1. The Bn will march to VIGODAZERE on the 24th inst.

2. Starting Point Road Junction on RUSTEGA - GUIZZE road, 300 metres S. of Bn. H.Q.

3. ORDER OF MARCH. Hq.Qrs. will pass starting point at 8.15 a.m. B Coy. will pass starting Pt at 8.16 a.m. A Coy. will pass starting Pt. at 8.17 a.m. C Coy will pass starting Pt at 8.18 a.m. D Coy will pass starting Pt at 8.19 a.m. Transport will pass starting Pt at 8.20 a.m.

4. The same billeting party as to-day will report to Lt.G.M.Mc.Betty [sic] at Bn. H.Q. at 7.30 a.m.

5. B & D Coys will provide one team & L.G. with pans to report to T.O. for A.A.Duty with transport. Nos 1 & 2 only will parade.

6. OFFICERS KITS must be ready for collection at 6.15 a.m. Mess Kits at 7.15 a.m. Blankets must be rolled in bundles of 10 & ready for collection by 5.45 a.m.

 

Operation Order No. 131 1st. Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. 24.3.18. Ref Map PADOVA - 1/100,000.

1. The Battn. will move to CREOLA on 25th inst.

2. Order of March. H.Q. C. Coy D Coy A Coy B Coy Transport Interval 50 yds as for to-day.

3. Bn will parade in mass in front of billet at 9.10 a.m. Drums & Markers at 9-0 a.m.

4. The same billeting party will parade at Orderly Room at 9 a.m. under Lt.G.M.Mc.Betty [sic].

5. Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10, & taken to Q.M. Stores by 7-30 a.m. Officers Kits & Mess Kits will be taken to Transport ready for loading by 8.30 a.m.

6. A & C Coys reserved L.G. with nos 1 & 2 of team will report to T.O. for duty with Transport for A.A.

April 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 132 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment April 1st 1918.

1. Battalion will Entrain at TAVERNELLE Station Date. April 4th 1918. Time - 10.11. p.m. 2. TRAINS. - Bn. will Entrain in 2. trains: Each train will consist of. - 1. First or Second Class coach 2. Third Class coaches 22. Covered Trucks 13. Flats 2. Brake Cans. - Bn will be distributed as under. Train I. No 9. Serial No 534. H.Q. Lt Col.E.I. deS.Thorpe D.S.O. A/Adjt. Transport Officer. Quartermaster. Lt.J.P.Kingdom [sic], Cpl. Law. H.Q.Servants & Mess Staff, Cpl.Belben & 3 Pioneers. DRUMS A. & C. Coys complete: 1 M.O.Orderly, 2 Orderly Room. Half Transport.

2. L.G.Limbers 1/2 Limber SAA 1/2 Limber Bombs 1/2 Limber Tools 1/2 Limber Signalling 1 Water Cart; 1 Cooker, 1 Cooks wagon, 1 Baggage, 1 Supply wagon, Mess Cart 4 Pack animals. Chargers of Officers travelling on train Train 2. - O.C.Train - Major M.W.Halford M.C. Medical Officer, A/Adjt, Lt.G.McM.Betty, Lt.Stanton, R.Q.M.S., Transport Sgt. & 1 M.O.Orderly - Remainder of Transport. Maltese Cart, 3 Pack Animals, B & D Coys Complete - L/Cpl Dadley & 3 Pioneers. 1 Bugler. 1 Orderly Room N.B. All Headquarters Employ not Enumerated above will travel with their Coys. Q.M. Employ will travel with Transport.

3. Entraining Officer Capt. C.A.Warner, M.C. 15th T.M.B. Detraining Officer Capt. J.E.Pearman 16th R.W.R.

4. Entraining All animals & vehicles will arrive at the Entraining Station 3 hours before train is timed to start. Personnel will arrive 1 hour before.

5. Loading Parties A party of 2 Officers & 100 O.R. from 1st Norfolk Regt. will be detailed for loading at VICENZA.

6. Equipment & Rations. Each man will entrain carrying full equipment: 120 Rounds S.A.A. rations for day of Entrainment, Iron rations, full water bottle, steel helmet, box respirator & 2 blankets. All clipped animals will be rugged, other animals will have 1 rug each carried on Transport.

7. Forage. Forage for day of Entrainment will be carried in the horse trucks. Men in charge of horses will travel in the horse trucks Supply wagons will be loaded Full.

8. Animals: Animals will be entrained unharnessed. Harness will be loaded under its vehicle. Canvas buckets will be carried in each horse truck. Cinders or Gravel will be strewn on floors of horse trucks. Breast Ropes must be provided for all horses. No oats will be fed for the 1st 12 hours after Entrainment. Ventilation of Trucks is important & should be regulated as to wether [sic] train is in motion or halted. The door on the side of running way is to be kept closed. Bins for carrying water up to 24 Gall. per truck will be supplied at Entraining Station. Horses will be Entrained by their own drivers.

9. Rations. 8 days rations, in addition to those mentioned in paras 6 & 7 will be carried in bulk, for all men & animals on each train. A covered truck will be set aside for issue of rations en route. Forage & non perishable supplies can be loaded under vehicles. If possible bread will be issued en route at "St Germain au Mont d'or". Forage for day of entrainment will be carried in horse trucks. E.F.C. will arrange for a canteen lorry to be at each entraining station.

10. Discipline The strictest discipline will be maintained throughout the journey. The senior Combatant Officer will Command each train & he will appoint Orderly Officers, who will take tours of duty & will also detail a guard at each end of the train of 1 N.C.O. & 3 men. The duties of Orderly Officers & guards are: - (a) To see that no one leaves the train when it halts unless authorised to do so, at a recognised halting place by the O.C. (b) To ensure that no men ride on the steps, or tops of carriages, or climb along the train from truck to truck. There is very little clearance between the trucks & Tunnel. c. To guard all Stores on train throughout. d. To watch both sides of train when halting. e. Each O.C.Train will obtain from the entraining Officer before starting a copy of G.H.Q. instructions for O.C. trains. These instructions are secret & should be destroyed before detraining. Cooking & Fires of any description are forbidden in any horse trucks. At halts the following signals by bugle will be given. For everyone to leave the train - Regimental Call. & G. Warning that train will move in about 5 minutes - Regimental Call & Fall In. Warning that train will move immediately - Regimental Call & Advance

11. Entraining States. the O.C. of each train will send on in advance an Entraining State in duplicate. This state will show strength of Officers, O.Rs, horses by types, vehicles, by types, the number of days rations entrained. These states will be handed over to Entraining Officer. A certificate will be added to the effect that the unit is complete with equipment & rations.

12. Gas Drill. During the journey box respirators will be worn for at least 1 hour daily by all ranks

13. Billeting A billeting party consisting of. Captain F.Hague & C.S.M.Hale will proceed by 1st train of Brigade Groups. They will take bicycles & report to Entraining Officer, at VICENZA at 6 a.m. 4th inst. Capt.Hague will be responsible for billeting the Battn in France. They will travel on No.6 train from VICENZA reporting to Lt Col.Deakin.

14. Surplus Kit. All surplus kit will be conveyed in 2nd train. It will be kept separate; & orders will be issued at detraining station as to whether [sic] it is to be dumped there, or whether there will be transport available to take it to billeting area.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 133 1st Battalion The Bedfordshire Regt. April 1st 1918

1. On the 2nd inst. the Battalion will march to LONGARE Battalion starting point: - Church at CREOLA Order of March: - H.Q. to pass starting point at 10 A.M. "B" Coy. to pass starting point at 10.2 A.M. "A" Coy. to pass starting point at 10.4 A.M. "D" Coy. to pass starting point at 10.6 A.M. "C" Coy. to pass starting point at 10.8 A.M. Transport to pass starting point at 10.10 A.M. Drums will march with "D" Coy.

2. BLANKETS - Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10. "A" & "B" Coys & H.Q. will take Blankets to Q.M.s Stores by 8 A.M. "C" & "D" Coys will have blankets ready for collection by 7 A.M. Officers' kits, Mess kits & Cooks kits will be ready for collection at 8 A.M.

3. PROTECTION AGAINST HOSTILE AIRCRAFT As on march from BADDERE, "A" & "B" Coys. will find reserve L.G.s & 1&2's to accompany them to report to T.O. by 9 A.M.

4. MARCH DISCIPLINE - Dress, intervals etc. as on previous marches

 

Operation Order No. 134 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment 3.4.18. Map Ref. PADOVA: 1/100,000

1. On the 4th inst Bn will march to TAVERNELLE station to Entrain. Bn starting point Road Junction 500 yds N of R in LONGARE Order of March A Coy will pass starting point at 2 p.m. C Coy will pass starting point at 2.2 p.m. B Coy will pass starting point at 2.4 p.m. D Coy will pass starting point at 2.6 p.m. Transport will pass starting point at 2.8 p.m. Drums to March with Coys in turn.

2. BILLETS. Following party will meet 2Lt.E.Johnson at cross roads by B Coy billet at 12 noon & proceed to TAVERNELLE to take over tents for Coys. 1 N.C.O. per Coy. 1 N.C.O. per Transport.

3. BLANKETS Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10 & be at Coy H.Q. ready for collection at 8 A.M. Officers Kits to be ready at Coy HQrs by 11 A.M. Mess Kits by 12.15 p.m.

4. Headquarters will join their Coys before marching off & other details will join Coys ready for Entraining. Transport will be divided for the two trains before moving off. Field punishment prisoners will join their Coys.

5. Protection from Hostile Aircraft As usual B & D Coys will find reserve L.Gs 1 & 2s of team to march with transport.

6. Officers will take steel helmets, box respirators & full equipment & personal equipment.

7. Men of "B" Coy travelling on 1st Train will be attached to "A" for rations & those of "D" Coy to "C" Coy & vice versa for 2nd train C.Q.M.Sgts will obtain numbers before entraining.

8. Officers train Kits 1 Mess box for train & officers surplus kits which must be clearly marked with (name, Coy & Regt of owners) to be ready for collection at 11 A.M.

 

Operation Order No.135 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment April 9th 1918

1. The Battalion will move to SOMBRIN to-morrow to [sic] 10th inst. Bn. starting point Quartermasters Stores. Order of march. - H.Q. to pass starting point at 6.50 a.m. D Coy. to pass starting point at 6.52 a.m. B Coy. to pass starting point at 6.54 a.m. C Coy. to pass starting point at 6.56 a.m. A Coy. to pass starting point at 6.58 a.m. Transport to pass starting point at 7.0 a.m. Brigade Starting Point - Cross roads formed by the FREVENT - DOULLENS road & the NEUVILLETTE - BOUQUEMAISON road, 150 yards west of BOUQUEMAISON Church. Following intervals will be observed after passing Bde starying point. 100 yards between Coys. 300 yards between Battalions. 100 yards between groups of three transport vehicles.

2. BILLETING. The following party will parade at Bn.H.Qrs. at 6 a.m. Sgt Sale will arrange bicycles for party, to be at Bn.H.Qrs - Capt.F.Hague, Coy.Q.M.Sgts & L/Cpl Bear for H.Q. & Transport. Capt Hague will report to Town Major SOMBRIN at 8 a.m.

3. BLANKETS Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10 & be taken to Q.M.Stores by 5.30 a.m. Officers Kits, Mess Kits, & Cooks kits will be at Coy.H.Qrs, ready for collection at 5.30 a.m.

4. PROTECTION against HOSTILE AIRCRAFT. As usual A & C.Coys will find reserve L.Gs. & Nos 1 & 2s for protection of transport. They will report to T.O. by 6.20 a.m.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 137 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. April 16th. 1918

1. 15th. Brigade is relieving 95th. Brigade to-night.

2. 1st. Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve 3 Coy's. of Gloucesters in Reserve in K.7.a and b. "B", "C" and "D" Coy's. will relieve opposite numbers. "A" Coy. will dig in, in K.7.a. as indicated.

3. ROUTE for all Companies: - Up Main drive through wood to J.23.b.3.9. - FORESTERS HOUSE - LA RUE des MORTS.

4. Companies will leave their present lines at 5 p.m. in following order: - "D" Coy. "B" Coy. "C" Coy. "A" Coy. 50 yards interval between platoons.

5. Lewis Gun limbers will convey blankets at once - on return, they will be loaded up with Lewis Guns, etc., and march up with their Companies. Also S.A.A. limbers and Pack animals. All S.A.A. will be dumped at new Battalion Headquarters. Transport will return to TANNAY, refill with S.A.A. at once, and await orders from Staff Captain.

6. RECONNAISANCE. On completion of relief, O.C. Coy's will send up one Officer per Coy. 1 N.C.O. per platoon and three runners per Coy. to reconnoitre all routes to Front line Companies of Battalions in the line. Battalions will be disposed as under: - Norfolks on Right Front. Cheshires on Left Front. Warwicks in Support. This reconnaissance must be carried out as soon as it is dark enough.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 138 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. April 20th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will relieve the Norfolk Regiment in Right Sub-sector of Brigade Sector on night 21st./22nd. April as under: - "A" Coy. will relieve "A" Coy. Norfolks, Right Front "C" Coy. will relieve "C" Coy. Norfolks, Centre Front "D" Coy. will relieve "D" Coy. Norfolks, Left Front "B" Coy. will relieve "B" Coy. Norfolks, Immediate Support.

2. Battalion Boundaries: - Right. Road K.15.c.7.1. inclusive. Left Road K.15.b.2.9. inclusive.

3. GUIDES. Guides of Norfolk Regiment on 21st/22nd. will meet Companies at Headquarters Norfolk Regiment, One per Coy. H.Q. One per platoon. Companies will proceed in following order: - "D" Coy. via Main Road. "A" Coy. via Main Road. "C" Coy. via ride through K.7.d. central. "B" Coy. via ride through K.7.d. central.

4. RECONNAISANCE Party of One Officer per Coy. and One N.C.O. per platoon will report to Headquarters Norfolk Regiment at 9 p.m. to-night. They will then proceed to their respective Coy. Fronts where they will remain until their Companies arrive the following night. They will take over all despositions [sic], forward posts, etc., also Work, Tools, V.P.A., S.O.S., and S.A.A.

5. WATER can be obtained in any houses in the vicinity. Solidified alcohol will be issued by Quartermaster. Coy. Arrangements for cooking should be made if possible.

6. All Tools in present lines will be handed over to forward party of 1st. Cheshire Regiment. Blankets will be rolled in bundles of ten by 2 p.m. to-morrow. T.O. will arrange to convey same back to Transport lines, where they will be cleaned and ironed by Quartermaster.

7. REPORTS. (a) Situation reports will reach Battalion Headquarters at following times: - 4 a.m., 10 a.m., and 4 p.m. (b) Intelligence - at 7.30 a.m. (c) Casualties - 12 noon. 8. Actual times of relief will be notified later. 9. relief complete will be reported by Runner. Reference proposed minor operation.

 

1. INFORMATION, regarding relative positions. Our Front line runs from Railway at K.20.b.7.5. to K.20.b.9.9. to K.c.2.0. to K.15.c.3.1. to MERVILLE - LEMOTTE Road at K.15.c.6.1. This at present is held by a line of detached posts. Enemy line opposite this portion of our front as far as can be judged by Aeroplane photos runs from Railway K.21.c.15.95. to Road K.21.a.55.25. thence to Main Road K.21.a.90.80. There is also a switch trench at K.21.a.00.20. to house at K.21.a.35.50. There is also an advanced trench shown very faintly from enclosure at K.21.a.50.80. to Road at K.21.a.60.100. The result of patrols up to the present have been to show that the enemy only occupies the forward part of his line with very small numbers. The trench from K.21.a.50.80 was very shallow and unoccupied. It has not yet been established how, and in what strength the enemy is holding his line rear of the South Eastern Edge of the enclosure. It is hoped that more detailed information will be available shortly, and the appreciation is based that he has only a small forward post in the enclosure at K.21.a.

2. OBJECT To advance our line and clear group of house and enclosure in K.21.a. of the enemy.

3. NATURAL FEATURES. The dominating natural feature is the wooded enclosure at K.21.a. the Road running through K.21.a. and thick line of hedges that surround LES LAURIERS, K.14.d.100.10.

4. METHODS OF ATTACK. These would seem to be: - (i) An attack with assistance of Artillery and M.G. barrages, or - (ii) A surprise advance at night.

5. POSSIBLE ENEMY ACTION. In the event of the first method, he would see the extent of the operation and be able to concentrate his fire on the troops, either whilst advancing or consolidating. His S.O.S. would most probably be sent up, and the battle front being always of rather a sensitive nature, it might happen that casualties would be incurred unnecessarily amongst other troops and our own supports. (i) If the enemy under a cover of a big barrage chose to counter attack, the possibility of him penetrating into our former front line, which is only about 70 yards from nearest edge of the enclosure, might have to be brought into consideration. (ii) In event of second method being employed, it might be some time before the enemy [knowing] that anything more than a large patrol action was taking place, and it is unlikely that the enemy Artillery would be able to be directed on to the place where troops are consolidating for some time.

6. ACTION PROPOSED. Assuming that only one Coy. is required to take part in the advance, and that from the Railway onwards would be the duty of other troops, the following method is proposed: - There would be one Officer and 6 Other Ranks who by the result of previous patrolling would have good knowledge of nature of ground in the enclosure. One Platoon under this Officer would be sent forward in three parties to clear the enclosure and the house, and eventually consolidate on the far side (S.E.) of the enclosure, with forward posts pushed out as near as possible to main German line. The two flank platoons would similarly after allowing the first platoon three minutes, advance on either side of the enclosure, with a forward party well forward as in the centre platoon, and the whole would consolidate on a line about K.21.a.05.10. - South Eastern edge, and along bottom edge of enclosure, thence to our old front line posts K.21.a.60.100. It would be necessary for a certain amount of harassing Artillery fire on known M.G. emplacements to take place at same time as operation. Also the enemy trench system and any tracks leading from his support to his front line might receive a certain amount of attention at the same time. Previous to the operation, it would be necessary to deal with houses on the Road running through K.21.a. from K.21.a.6.0. to K.21.a.4.5. The support Coy. would find the garrison for our original jumping off position. Rough Sketch attached [not attached]

 

OPERATION ORDER No.139 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Map Ref. 36.a.N.E. 1/10,000. April 25th. 1918.

1. "A" Coy. and one platoon of "B" Coy. will advance its line from LES LAURIERS to a line running from K.21.a.05.15. to K.21.a.50.95. Road, taking in farm about K.21.a.4.6. (BEDFORD FARM) The Gloucester Regt. will conform with a similar movement on our right as far as VERTBOIS.

2. ARTILLERY will form a creeping barrage from K.20.b.7.6. to K.21.a.40.95. rate of advance will be 1 minutes for first 300 yards. The Barrage will stop on line of new enemy trench from about K.20.b.1.8. to K.21.c.1.9. One Newton will fire on certain targets. Four light Trench Mortars will give a hurricane bombardment from ZERO to ZERO plus 1 minutes playing on an area around BEDFORD FARM. They will then lift and play for half an hour round building and orchard on Road around K.21.a. and c. They will then stand to for S.O.S.

3. MACHINE GUNS (a) two guns will fire from Zero onwards while the Artillery barrage lasts from K.15.d.4.5. on a line through K.21.a.60.05. Rate of Fire, - Intense for ten minutes, and harassing rate until Artillery barrage ceases.

(b) One M.G. will fire from K.20.b.5.8. straight down the Railway from Zero to Zero plus 10.

(c) Two M.G's. at about K.14.d.100.20 will be in readiness to move forward to BEDFORD FARM ant [sic] time after Zero.

4. ASSEMBLY. "A" Coy. will be assembles [sic] ready for the attack at 15 minutes before zero, between Eastern edge of Chateau grounds and MERVILLE - LA MOTTE Road at K.15.c.15.15 as marked out with O.C. "A" Coy. on "X" night. One platoon of "B" Coy, commanded by 2/Lieut. F.H.Fox will form up in rear of first wave of "A" Coy. and be in reserve. As soon as troops have moved forward, one platoon of "B" Coy. under 2/Lieut A.E.Peel, will occupy old front line from Railway K.20.b.8.5. to Road K.15.c.80.05. O.C. "C" Coy. will extend his right and occupy the line as far as the Road at K.15.c.80.05. vacated by "A" Coy.

5. ATTACK. At Zero, "A" Coy. will move forward to the attack, No.2 platoon leading, followed by No.1 and No.3 platoons in two lines, 50 yards in rear. One platoon of "B" Coy. under 2/Lieut. F.H.Fox will advance 100 yards in rear of "A" Coy. and must be ready to re-inforce the attack, at any moment or assist in mopping up. No.2 platoon of "A" Coy. will advance with patrols on flanks of enclosure. N.B. Barrage must be closely followed by these patrols.

6. CONSOLIDATION. The main line of resistance will be along the hedge running from K.21.a.3.5. to K.21.a.5.7. Two posts will also be dug about K.21.a.2.5. and K.21.a.05.15,to join up Railway. Two posts will also be dug towards the MERVILLE Road to join up with the post at K.15.c.80.05. Forward group will be pushed forward to cover the consolidation. These will be withdrawn at dawn. The platoon of "B" Coy. will dig an immediate support approximately about 100 yards in rear of "A" Coy. in the enclosure.

7. EQUIPMENT. (i) Packs will be dumped in present positions. (ii) Fighting kit with two bandoliers of S.A.A. will be worn - haversacks containing rations on back. (iii) Every man will carry a pick or shovel - 10 shovels to one pick. (iv) One bomb and one rifle grenade per man will be carried. (v) Rations for the 26th. inst. and emergency rations will be carried. (vi) Waterbottles to be full. (vii) One round of white V.P.A. per man will be carried, and three sets of S.O.S. Signals per platoon, (GREEN 1") (viii) Every Officer will carry two rounds of RED V.P.A. 1". N.B. O.C. Coy. will send up one RED Rocket on objective being gained.

8. COMMUNICATIONS. (i) Signalling Officer will arrange for telephone and lamp to go forward with "A" Coy.

9.Forward Battalion Headquarters will be established at LES LAURIERS at 3 p.m. 25th.April, where all reports will be sent. If a barrage is heavy, on LES LAURIERS, reports can be sent via "C" Coy's. H.Q.

10. Zero hour will be about 9 p.m. 25th. inst. exact hour will be notified later.

11. Watches will be synchronised by Runner about 4 p.m. and before 7 p.m.

12. MEDICAL. Dressing Station will remain at same place where walking wounded should proceed. There will be a bearer squad at LES LAURELIERS [sic] to deal with stretcher cases.

13. R.S.M. will report to Adjutant to receive instructions re stragglers post.

14. Prisoners to be sent direct to old Battalion Headquarters. Support platoon of "B" Coy. will provide escort. On no account are men of "A" Coy to be sent back with prisoners.

 

To PILLOW. Report on attack and taking of enclosure at K.21.a. Reference attached sketch map [not attached].

1. ASSEMBLY. "A" Coy. 1st. Bedf. Regt. and one platoon of "B" Coy. assembled for the attack at 9.15 p.m. according to plan. The barrage opened to time, some guns were firing short - 18 pounder shrapnel. About 12 casualties were caused by this including O.C. "A" Coy. (Capt.F.Hague) who however went forward with his Coy.

2. THE ATTACK, was carried out according to plan. Two sections of the support platoon "B" Coy. had to be sent forward to the right platoon to replace casualties. This right platoon suffered more heavily than the remainder of the Coy. Two unwounded prisoners and one wounded prisoner were brought in, also one M.G. The RED Rocket (signal for gaining objective) was first seen at 9.38 p.m. and again at 9.58 p.m. At 10.35 p.m. message was received by Runner from O.C. "A" Coy. saying all objectives had been taken. At 11 p.m. Capt. F.Hague reported that he had been all round his line and that he was in touch with the Gloucester Regt. on his right, and "C" Coy. 1st. Bedf. R. on his left. He then came to Battalion H.Q. at LES LAURIERS, where it was discovered that he had a bad wound in the thigh. He was sent down to the Dressing Station at 11.30 p.m. Telephonic communication was obtained with Front line at 11 p.m. 3. CONSOLIDATION. "A" Coy. are holding the line of the objective as laid down in Brigade O.O. and have dug in, in accordance with attached sketch map. At 10.15 p.m. 2 Bde. M.G's were sent up, and took up positions in right and left corners of wood as indicated. The house at K.21.a.4.5. has been cleared and is being held at night. This house is about 50 yards in front of (i.e. S.E.) of bottom right hand corner of enclosure. The line is at present held as per attached sketch map. Our estimated casualties are 25 wounded including Capt. F.Hague, and killed at present unknown, though believed not heavy. - probably about 15. The front line has been visited, and the trenches are well sited. One M.G. has been captured. Time - 1.30 a.m. April 26th. 1918.

 

OPERATION ORDER No.140 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Map Ref.36.a. N.E. 1/20,000. April 26th. 1918

1. Battalion will be relieved on the night of the 26th/27th. as under: - Right Coy. "A". From K.21.a.15.05. to Road K.21.a.80.90. exclusive, to be relieved by a Coy. of the D.C.L.I. Centre Coy. "C". From Road K.21.a.80.90. inclusive to Canal at K.15.d.2.8. by a Coy. of the K.O.S.B. "D" Coy. Left Coy. "D" Coy. From Canal to corner of enclosure K.15.b.1.9. by a Coy. of the K.O.S.B. "B" Coy. Support Coy. "B". at K.15.c. central will be relieved by a Coy. of the K.O.S.B. ("A" Coy.) 2/Lieut. V.E.Farr will hand over all these trenches to this Coy. of K.O.S.B. They will not relieve the two platoons of "B" Coy. in Front of LES LAURIES [sic].

2. RECONNAISANCE. One Officer per Coy. and one N.C.O. per platoon of D.C.L.I. and K.O.S.B. will report at Battalion Headquarters at 8.30 p.m. whence they will be guided to their respective Coy Fronts, and stay there the night 26/27th.

3. GUIDES. on scale of One O.R. per platoon, and one O.R. for H.Q. (Coy) will meet relieving Units at Bn. H.Q. (Faggot Stack) at 8.45 p.m. on the 27th. inst. Guides will report to the Intelligence Officer. They will each be in possession of a slip of paper shewing which platoon and Coy. of relieving Unit they are to guide. Two guides from 2/Lieut. Farr's platoon "B" Coy. will be sufficient for support Coy.

4. ALL WORK in progress and proposed, all trench stores, S.O.S. rockets, V.P.A., etc. will be handed over, also tools. The two extra bandoliers per man will be collected in platoon or section dumps and kept dry and handed over. Lists of all trench stores etc., to be handed over will be sent to Battalion Headquarters by daybreak 27/4/18 by runner.

5. The greatest care must be taken in handing over forward posts, so that no ground is lost.

6. On completion of relief Coy's. will withdraw by complete platoons to bivouacs at J.20.b. Q.M. will arrange for one guide per platoon and one for Coy. H.Q., and two for Battalion Headquarters to be at Battalion Headquarters by 10.30 p.m. to guide Coy's. back to bivouacs.

7. T.O. will arrange for limbers to collect spare Lewis Gun Magazines at Bn. H.Q. also Lewis Guns and magazines of Coy's. Sgt. Faulder will supervise loading.

8. RELIEF COMPLETE will be reported by wire using following code message: - "BARBEDWIRE". O.C. Coy's. will also report at Bn. H.Q. on their way out.

 

[Headq]uarters, 15th. Infantry Brigade

The enemy attacked our right coy. this morning at about [tear in document] a.m. behind a heavy barrage. About 200 enemy advanced to within [tear in document] yards under cover of their barrage and the mist. Our M.G., L.G. and [tear in document] fire broke up the attack. The S.O.S. was not sent up on our front. It is reported that we are still in touch with the 12th. [Glouc]ester Regt. The Coy. has had about 15 casualties, caused by shell fire. [tear in document] W.W.White, Commanding this Coy. front line has been wounded. [Ti]me - 7.48 a.m. [27]/4/18.

 

To PILLOW. The following is a continuation of report about the enemy counter attack in the early morning of the 27th. April 1918: -

The barrage was put down chiefly on our part of the line, running through enclosure and going up thence to the 12th. Gloucesters. There is no doubt that the enemy suffered considerable casualties. Opposite the centre of our line, some of the enemy were seen to throw away their arms and equipment, and turn tail. Our Lewis Gun on the right, which was at K.21.a.05.15, was enabled to enfilade the attack, and greatly assisted. Touch was maintained during the action with the 12th. Gloucesters. Our patrols which were out on the night of the 27th. to cover the relief, report finding number of enemy dead. 28/4/18.

May 1918

 

WARNING ORDER A327

1. On the night of the 3rd/4th. the Battalion will relieve the 1st. Bn. East Surreys in support. Headquarters at J.24.d.6.4.

2. Reconnaisance [sic] party consisting of One Officer and one runner per Coy. and one N.C.O. per platoon will proceed to the line to-day, and take over from their opposite letter Companies. These parties will remain with the East Surreys until relieved by the Battalion the following day.

3. Intelligence Officer and 2 Runners from Battalion Headquarters will accompany this party.

4. Parties will report to the Headquarters of the East Surreys at 5 p.m. to-night. 2/5/18

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 141 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. May 8th. 1918.

1. Battalion will relieve the Cheshire Regiment in the left sub-sector to-morrow, May 9th/10th. as under: - Left Front - Bedfords "B" Coy. - Cheshires "C" Coy. - move off at 8.45 p.m. - route via "D" Coy.line - Railway K.14.d.15.40. Centre - Bedfords "D" Coy. - Cheshires "B" Coy. - move off at 8.45 p.m. - same route as "C" Coy. Right - Bedfords "C" Coy. - Cheshires "D" Coy. - move off at 8.45 p.m. - route main track K.13.d.8.2. to enclosure K.20.c. Support - Bedfords "A" Coy. - Cheshires "A" Coy. - move off at 8.45 p.m. - route via railway K.14.d.15.40. H.Q. - move off a 8.45 p.m. - route via Wired Track

2. GUIDES of Cheshires, one per platoon will meet Companies at respective front line at H.Q.

3. PATROLS. Strong standing patrols will at once be sent out as close to the enemy as possible. These patrols will be posted by an Officer and will NOT withdraw until daybreak. NOTE. - Our S.O.S. barrage is 300 yards front of our front line.

4. STAND TO. As it is the first night in a new sector, no Officers or men will sleep until after stand down in the morning.

5. RATIONS For "B", "D" and "A" Coy's. rations will be brought on pack animals as far as ration dump on Railway K.14.d.15.40. These Companies will each send 3 men to draw rations, water and half tea from this dump - not more than three men per Coy. are to be away at the same time. Fighting order to be worn. For "C" Coy. rations etc., will go as far as Coy. H.Q. Rations should be at the above dumps about 9.30 p.m. These dumps must be well reconnoitred to-night.

6. Fighting order, plus Great Coats rolled, waterproof sheets and Mess Tins. DRESS. Packs will be dumped near light railway to-morrow by 2 p.m. Q.M. will arrange for the Drums to be at Battalion Headquarters at this time. They will fetch the packs of Coy's. down to Railway on main diagonal road and will see them loaded in the train, and taken back to Transport. T.O. will arrange for accommodation on train. Packs must be clearly marked with the Regimental Number, name and Coy. BLANKETS will be ready same time and proceed by same means. No surplus kit of any kind is to [be] taken to the front line.

7. STORES. All stores, work etc., and explosives and S.O.S. are to be taken over. One N.C.O. and one runner in addition to reconnoitring parties already detailed, will proceed to front line to take over, and remain there until their Coy's. arrive there to-morrow night.

8. TIME will be sent round Coy's. to-morrow at 4 p.m. Relief complete to be reported by wire, using names of C.S.M's. as code word. Also by Runner. These orders will be destroyed before proceeding to front line.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 142 1st Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. May 15th. 1918.

1. Battalion will be relieved by TEHE on night of 16/17th. May as follows: - "A" Coy. TEHE will relieve our "C" Coy. Right Coy. "B" Coy. TEHE will relieve our"D" Coy. Centre Coy. "D" Coy. TEHE will relieve our "B" Coy. Left Coy. "C" Coy. TEHE will relieve our "A" Coy. Support Coy.

2. All stores, S.A.A. (except 120 rounds per man) V.P.A., S.O.S., etc., will be handed over. Tools must be collected in platoon dumps. Lists of stores to be handed over must reach Battalion Headquarters at daybreak to-morrow. All work in progress, etc., and action in case of an attack must be explained to relieving Coy's.

3. Detailed work reports with sketch map, showing wire, posts, etc., and showing work done during tour must reach Battn. H.Q. by daybreak to-morrow.

4. GUIDES. One guide per platoon will report to I.O. at Battn. H.Q. to-night, where they will remain until relief arrives. I.O. will arrange to meet relieving Unit at K.13.b.3.6. Junction of Infantry Row and VIA ROMA at 9 p.m. Relief complete will be reported by wire using names of C.S.M's. as code, and also by runner.

5. T.O. will arrange necessary Transport for Lewis Guns, H.Q. Cooks kit, Signal and Mess Kit.

6. On completion of relief, Companies will withdraw by platoons to VILLORBA Camp, J.20.b. reporting their arrival to Capt. G. de C.Millais.

7. The Battalion will be at the disposal of the XIIIth. Brigade until further orders.

8. O.C. Coy's. will commit these orders to memory and destroy same immediately after being read.

 

OPERATION ORDER No.143. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. May 28th. 1918.

1. On the night of the 29th/30th. Battalion will follow the 1st. NORFOLKS in Right Sub-Sector. After relief, Coy.s. will be disposed as follows: - "B" on the Right. "D" on the Left. "A" in the centre. "C" in Support.

2. The following alterations were made on the night of the 26th/27th. Right Coy. - No change. Centre Coy. - One platoon withdrawn to occupy position immediately N. of River BOURRE, in old front line, K.15.a.9.2. Left Coy. - One platoon withdrawn to occupy position in our old front line at K.9.d.6.3. Support Coy. - One platoon withdrawn from old front line to trench in rear of SURREY FARM enclosure at K.2.d.0.4.

3. ROUTE. Along VIA ROMA to the HALT, thence direct to Coy. fronts.

4. GUIDES of 1st. NORFOLK Regt. one per platoon will meet Coy's. at the HALT.

5. SKETCH Maps showing exact dispositions, wire, and state of trenches will be sent to Battalion Headquarters, before daybreak on morning of the 30th.

6. Party of one N.C.O. per platoon will be sent on to-night by respective Coy's. to take over stores, work, etc., This party will remain in trenches until arrival of Coy's.

7. WORK. Front line Coy's. will concentrate on wiring their respective fronts. Barricades in the form of Breastworks will be constructed at all places where Roads pass through our front line. The Road at K.9.d.8.5. is inclusive to Left Battalion.

8. Companies will leave Camp in the following order: - 200 yards distance between platoons. "B", - "D", - "A", - "C", - H.Q. Head of column will leave Camp at 9 p.m.

9. RELIEF COMPLETE will be reported by the name of the C.Q.M.Sgt. in each Coy. by wire, also by Runner.

June 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER No.145. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Map - Reference 36.A. 1/40,000 June 12th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st Bn. D.C.L.I. to-day.

2. Order of march - H.Q., "B", "C", "D" and "A" Coy's. 5 minutes between each Coy. 200 yards between each platoon. Head of Headquarters to cross pontoon bridge at D.7.c.4.5. at 2.15 p.m.

3. ROUTE - Pontoon bridge, (D.7.c.4.5.) along canal to D.8.a.7.9. - Main ST.VENANT Road to l'Epinette, from thence along inside edge of wood, and along VIA ROMA.

4. GUIDES - Guides at the rate of one per platoon will meet Companies at the house by old Dressing Station, E.13.a.8.4.

5. O.C. Coy's. will render to Orderly Room before marching off, certificates that billets vacated by them have been left clean and free from S.A.A. and that Gas appliances are correct.

6. Administrative arrangements as in Battalion Orders dated 11/6/18.

7. Relief complete will be reported by Runner.

8. Necessary precautions will be taken in case of enemy Aircraft.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 146 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. June 18th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st. Battalion Cheshire Regiment in left Sub-sector on the night 18th/19th. June.

2. DISPOSITION. Front line - "C" Coy. On the left - On [sic] "A" Coy on the right. Support - "B" Coy on the left. "D" Coy on the right. Companies will relieve as follows: - "C" Coy. Bedfords relieve "D" Coy Cheshires. "A" Coy. Bedfords relieve "A" Coy Cheshires. "B" Coy. Bedfords relieve "C" Coy Cheshires. "D" Coy. Bedfords relieve "B" Coy Cheshires.

3. GUIDES. One guide per platoon and one for Coy. Headquarters will be ready to meet Companies at 10 p.m. at the following places: - "C" Coy. at junction of broad guage [sic] railway and support line at K.20.b.6.4. "A" and "D" Coy's. at end of light railway K.20.a.9.0. "B" Coy at point where light railway crosses main MERVILLE Road about K.14.b.3.3.

4. Companies will proceed in the following order: - "C", "A", "D". 200 yards interval between platoons, five minutes between Companies. Head of "C" Coy. leaving Camp at 9.30 p.m. ROUTE - Along light railway running from K.14.c.25.60. to K.20.a.9.0. "B" Coy. will proceed independently along brach line from K.14.c.15.85. to K.14.b.3.3. Headquarters move independently at 9.15 p.m. to Cheshire H.Q. at K.13.b.9.4.

5. RECONNAISANCE. One Officer per Company will reconnoitre their Coy. front to-night. One N.C.O. per platoon and one for Coy. Headquarters will proceed to the line at 1 a.m. on the 18th. to take over trench stores, remaining in the line until the arrival of their Companies.

6. All mens packs and surplus Coy. kit not required in the line will be dumped at the junction of light railway and VIA ROMA, (K.13.a.7.5.) by 7.30 p.m. One man per Coy. will look after this kit until the arrival of the ration train, when it will be handed over to Coy. Q.M.Sgts.

7. RATIONS. Rations will be issued before the Battalion moves off, each man carrying his own rations up to the line.

8. List of stores taken over to reach Battalion Headquarters before dawn.

9. Completion of relief will be reported by name of C.S.M., by wire and confirmed by runner.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 147. 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Date. 21/6/18.

1. The Battalion frontage will be shortened on the night of the 21st/22nd. from the present position on the right to the MERVILLE - LA MOTTE Road exclusive at K.21.a.99.90. This readjustment will take place in both front line and support south of the MERVILLE Road.

2. The dispositions of the Battalion will then be as follows: - Front line. "A" Coy. from their present position on the right at VERTBOIS to the junction of the C.T. and fire trench at K.20.d.7.9. "C" Coy. from K.20.d.7.9. to the MERVILLE - LA MOTTE Road. "C" Coy's. H.Q. will move to Slit trench at K.21.a.15.45. "A" Coy's. H.Q. remaining in present position. Support line. "D" Coy from their present position on the right to point where support line crosses stream at K.20.d.25.95. "B" Coy. from the stream at K.20.d.25.95. to the MERVILLE - LA MOTTE Road. "D" Coy's. H.Q. will remain in present position. "B" Coy's. H.Q. will move to Slit trench at K.20.b.45.50.

3. Details of guides, time etc., will be arranged between Coy. Commanders concerned in both Battalions.

4. Coy. Commanders will arrange to reconnoitre their new area.

5. A sketch map showing position of Lewis Guns and Platoons to be sent to Battalion Headquarters as soon as possible after completion of re-adjustments.

6. Completion of readjustment of line will [be] reported by the names of C.S.M's. by wire and also by runner.

 

OPERATION ORDER No.148. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Ref. Map France 36.A. N.E. 1/20,000 Ed.7. June 23rd. 1918.

1. The Battalion will be relieved by the 1st. Bn. Cheshire Regt. on the night 24th./25th. June 1918.

2. On relief Companies will proceed by platoons into Brigade Reserve at VILLORBA Camp at J.15.d.

3. ROUTE - Along light railway from K.20.a.9.0. to K.13.b.7.9. and then along VIA ROMA and ROTTEN ROW to l'Epinette, where they will be met by guides.

4. GUIDES - Companies will provide guides at the rate of one per platoon, and one for Coy. Headquarters to guide the incoming unit, to be K.20.a.9.0. and 10.30 p.m.

5. All trench stores, defence schemes, aeroplane photographs and work in progress will be handed over and receipt obtained by Coy's.

6. Machine Gun Limbers will meet the Companies at K.13.b.7.9.

7. T.O. will arrange to have Officers kits, Cookers etc., taken to VILLORBA Camp.

8. Instructions regarding Cooks utensils, Signallers kit, etc., will be issued later.

9. Q.M. will arrange to take over huts at VILLORBA Camp to-morrow morning, and see that guides are at l'Epinette at 11.30 p.m. to guide platoons in.

10. Q.M. will arrange for a hot meal to be given to the troops on arrival at VILLORBA Camp.

11. Completion of relief to be reported by the word "STRAFE". by wire and also by runner. On arrival at billets, Coy's. will report present to Battalion H.Q.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 149. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Reference: Map, France 36.A. N.E. 1/20,000, Ed. 7. June 30th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st. Battalion The Cheshire Regiment in left sub-sector of the LE SART sector of the front on the night of the 30th. June and 1st. July. 1918.

2. DISPOSITIONS. "B" Coy. Left Front Line. "D" Coy. - Right Front Line "C" Coy. Left Support. "A" Coy. - Right Support.

3. Companies will move off in the following order: - "B", "D", "C", and "A". 100 yards between platoon, and five minutes between Companies, Head of "B" Coy leaving Camp at 9 p.m.

4. ROUTE AND GUIDES. Will be notified later.

5. All mens packs, Officers valises and surplus kit not wanted up the line, will be collected at the entrance to Camp by 5 p.m. Mess Boxes and Officers kits for the line will be at the same place by 8 p.m. One servant per Coy. will accompany these.

6. LEWIS GUN Limbers will take the guns as far as K.13.b.45.80. where they will be unloaded and picked up by Companies as they pass. One N.C.O. per Coy. will proceed with these limbers.

7. RATIONS. Rations will be issued before moving off. Hot tea will be issued during the night. Time to be notified later.

8. LIST OF STORES taken over will reach Orderly Room by 6 a.m.

9. COMPLETION of relief will [be] reported by the word "JIMMY", both by wire and runner.

 

July 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER 151. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Reference Map - France 36.A. N.E. 1/20,000. July 4th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will be relieved by the 1st. Battalion D.C.L.I. on the night 5th./6th. July 1918. On relief, Companies will march by platoons to Acade [sic] Camp, (J.8.c.)

2. ROUTE. "B" and "C" Coy's. via the Halt, "D" and "A" Coy's. via Infantry Track from K.20.a.55.65. to K.13.b.25.75. All Companies then proceed along VIA ROMA and edge of Wood to l'Epinette and thence along main ST.VENANT - HAZEBROUCK Road to Arcade Camp Guides will meet the Battalion in Main Road near Spresiano Camp.

3. GUIDES at the rate of one per platoon and one for Coy. H.Q. will be at Battalion H.Q. by 9.30 p.m. to-morrow night the 5th. inst to guide the 1st. D.C.L.I. to the line. These men must be certain of the exact route for their various platoons.

4. All Cooks utensils, Signallers kit, and Officers Mess Boxes, etc., will be dumped at the end of the light railway, K.13.b.7.9. by 9 p.m.

5. "B" and "C" Coy's. will meet their Lewis Gun Limber at The Halt. "D" and "A" Coy's. will meet their Lewis Gun Limber at the end of Infantry Track at K.13.b.35.75.

6. All trench stores, defence schemes, aeroplane photographs, and work in progress will be handed over and receipts obtained by Coy's.

7. Lists of stores to be handed over will reach Orderly Room with Intelligence reports to-morrow morning.

8. Q.M. will arrange for a hot meal to be given to the troops on arrival at Arcade Camp

9. Q.M. will arrange to take over Arcade Camp to-morrow morning, and have guides to meet the Battalion outside Spresiano Camp at midnight.

10. Completion of relief will be reported by the words "LEATHER GUN" both by wire and runner. On arrival at Billets Coy's. will report present to Battalion Headquarters.

 

OPERATION ORDER No.152. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regt. July 11th. 1918.

1. The 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. will relieve the 2/K.O.S.B's. in support in the left section of the Divisional front on the night of the 11th./12th. July 1918.

2. DISTRIBUTION. Companies will be distributed as follows: - "B" Coy. on the right, "C", "A" and "D" Coy. on the left. Companies will take over as follows: - "A" Bedfords from "A" Coy. K.O.S.B's. "B" Bedfords from "B" Coy. K.O.S.B's. "C" Bedfords from "C" Coy. K.O.S.B's. "D" Bedfords from "D" Coy. K.O.S.B's.

3. One Officer per Coy. and one N.C.O. per platoon will report to Orderly Room at 2 p.m. to proceed to the line to take over stores etc., and arrange distribution of platoons.

4. GUIDES. Guides at the rate of one per platoon and one for Coy. H.Q. will meet the Battalion at the end of No. 7 Infantry Track.

5. ROUTE. Via No. 7 Infantry track. Head of "B" Coy. to pass Headquarters Guard at 8.30 p.m. 100 yards between platoons and 200 yards between Companies. Order of march: - "B", "C", "A" and "D".

6. Officers valises, mens packs and surplus kit not wanted in the line will be dumped by Orderly Room by 4 p.m. Mess Boxes, Officers trench kit, Signalling kit and Cooks utensils for the line will be dumped by Orderly Room by 8 p.m.

7. RATIONS. Rations will be issued to the men before marching off, and will be carried to the line on the man.

8. Quartermaster will arrange to have 12 tins of water per Company sent up to-night and the tea cans sent to Battalion Headquarters.

9. Lists of stores taken over must reach Orderly Room by 8 a.m. to-morrow the 12th. inst.

10. Completion of relief will be reported by wire by the name of C.S.M's.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 153 1st. Battalion the Bedfordshire Regiment. Reference - Map, France, 36.A. N.E. Scale 1/20,000. July 16th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st. Battalion Norfolk Regt. in the right section of the ARREWAGE sector on the night of the 17th/18th. July 1918.

2. Dispositions. Coy's. will take over as follows: - "A" Coy. Left Front Line. "C" Coy. Right Front Line. "D" Coy. Left Support. "B" Coy. Right Support.

3. Company Commanders will arrange with their corresponding Company Commanders for guides. Companies to move off from their present positions as soon as it is dark. Battalion H.Q. will be at the Halt.

4. One Officer per Coy. will remain at present Coy. H.Q. to hand over to the 1st. Cheshire Regt. who are coming into our present position.

5. Guides at the rate of one per platoon and one for Coy. H.Q. will be sent to report to 1st. Cheshire H.Q. at Bristol Park (K.3.d.50.25) at 10 p.m. to guide the Cheshires to their positions.

6. List of stores taken over and rough sketch maps of new dispositions must reach Orderly Room with Intelligence reports on morning of 18th. July.

7. Rations will be brought up to Coy. H.Q. after relief.

8. Relief complete will be reported by the word "Potatoes" by wire.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 154 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Reference - Map, France 36.A. N.E. Scale 1/20,000. July 19th. 1918.

1. The enemy will be cleared from all the ground formed by triangle between our front line, the PLATE BECQUE, and R.BOURRE. As many prisoners as possible will be captured and brought back alive.

2. "A" Coy. will carry out this operation to-night 19th/20th. with the support of Artillery, 6" Newtons, Stokes Mortars and Machine Guns.

3. The raid will be carried out by two platoons in two waves. First wave consisting of 4 rifle sections, and second wave two Lewis Gun sections. One Officer will be put in command of each wave. Boundary between the two platoons will be the road running up to the footbridge inclusive to right platoon. One platoon will follow up in support but will not be used unless opposition is encountered. One platoon will remain in reserve in our front line.

4. The two assaulting platoons will assemble with first wave 40 yards outside our wire, and second wave 20 yards behind the first. The supporting platoon will keep in the front line until zero hour. Assembly will be complete by 11.40 p.m.

5. The objective will be a line 50 yards East and parallel to the German trench running from K.16.c.50.50. to K.16.a.80.60. but any enemy still remaining this side of the PLATE BECQUE will be rounded up.

6. Dress will be fighting order. Each rifleman will carry two Mills. Wire cutters will be carried by every man in the front wave.

7. ARTILLERY PROGRAMME. Artillery barrage will be put down at Zero hour on enemy positions between K.16.b.25.30. round the junction of PLATE BECQUE and R.BOURRE to bend of R.BOURRE at K.16.c.30.20. and along enemy position from this Point to Gurnard Cross K.21.b.50.60. One Thermite round in every five will be fired on the following points to give direction of the two flanks and centre of the raid. Right on line of R.BOURRE running through K.22.b. centre on Les Pures Becque left at K.16.d.60.90. rate of fire for the first 20 minutes will be intense, will slacken down for the next ten minutes, and finally die down after a further ten minutes. Total - 40 minutes fire.

8. Stokes Mortars will shoot on enemy positions from K.21.b.50.60. to K.21.b.99.99.

9. 6" Newtons will fire on the line between RENNET FARM and PURES BECQUE.

10. Machine Guns will enfilade the enemy position between K.16.b.25.30. and K.16.d.30.80.

11. Watches will be synchronised at 8 p.m.

12. Zero hour will be12 midnight, but the raid will not start before the Artillery barrage is put down.

13. All clear will be signalled by 3 GREEN Very lights.

14. General. the raid will be carried out with the utmost rapidity and vigour. It will be impressed on all ranks that as many prisoners as possible are to be brought in and that no uncaptured enemy are to remain on our side of PLATE BECQUE. The places where the enemy will probably be found are in post at K.16.c.50.50. probable post at road K.16.c.70.80. and probable working party about K.16.central. No papers or letters will be carried nor numerals worn.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 155. 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. July 20th. 1918.

1. The new distribution of Companies will be carried out as soon as it is dark to-night, as arranged at Conference this afternoon.

2. "C" Coy. will relieve "A" Coy. as soon as they have been relieved by "B" Coy. "D" Coy. can move to new positions as soon as it is dark.

3. Rations will be sent up to new Company Headquarters.

4. Maps of dispositions must reach Orderly Room with Intelligence report in the morning.

5. List of stores on new Company fronts will be sent in on night of 21/7/18.

6. Redistribution complete will be sent by wire by code word "BON".

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 156 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. July 23rd. 1918.

1. The 1st. Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. will be relieved by the 1st. Bn. The Devonshire Regt. on the night of 23rd./24th. July 1918. On relief, the Battalion will move into La Lacque Camp.

2. Each platoon on being relieved will proceed to the Halt, where they will entrain on the light railway. The police under Lt. Nailer will superintend the entrainment.

3. Q.M. will arrange guides to meet trains at La Lacque station at the rate of one per platoon to guide them to their huts.

4. Coy's. will arrange to send guides at the rate of one per platoon and one per Coy. H.Q. to report at Battalion Headquarters by 9 a.m. to guide the incoming Unit into the line. These guides must be certain of the route to their various platoons.

5. Lewis Guns will be taken on the train.

6. Battalion Cooks utensils will be ready to go down on R.E. train by 3 p.m. Q.M. will arrange to meet these at HARTSTONE Station.

7. Two Limbers, Officers Mess cart, and Medical Cart will be at the Halt by 9.30 p.m.

8. The following Transport will move to La Lacque Camp: - All Chargers, Officers Mess and Medical Carts and Lewis Gun Limbers.

9. Lists of trench stores to be handed over must reach Orderly Room by 12 noon.

10. A hot meal will be issued to the troops on arrival at La Lacque.

11. Completion of relief will be reported by the code words "Send Rum" by wire. Company Commanders will call at the Halt as they pass.

 

OPERATION ORDER No.157. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Map Reference - Sheet 35.A. N.E. scale 1/20,000 Ed. 7. July 29th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will relieve the 15th. Battalion The R.Warwickshire Regt. in reserve in the LE SART Section on the afternoon of the 30th. July 1918.

2. The Battalion will march in the following order: - H.Q., "D", "B", "C" and "A". 100 yards between platoons and 200 yards between Companies. H.Q. to pass Officers Mess at 1 p.m. Special attention will be paid to March Discipline.

3. ROUTE. Road South of Camp, through squares I.32.b., I.27.c., I.33.b., across railway and ferry to main Tannay Road. Thence to road at I.26.b.4.5. - alongside of wood to l'Epinette and Villorba Camp.

4. 2/Lieut. H.J.Snashall and 4 C.Q.M.Sgts and Sgt. Thurlay will proceed to Villorba Camp to-morrow morning to take over from the 15th. R.Warwicks. 2/Lieut. W.Haynes and One N.C.O. per Coy. will stay to hand over La Lacque Camp to the incoming Unit.

5. C.Q.M.Sgts will meet their Companies at the entrance to Villorba Camp, to guide them into their Huts.

6. Lewis Guns will be taken on Limbers. Sgt. Faulder will be responsible for the loading.

7. Officers Valises, Officers and Sergeants Mess Boxes, Orderly Room and Canteen Boxes will be collected at 1.30 p.m. Transport Officer will arrange to have whole picked up and taken to Villorba Camp One servant per Coy. and one for Coy. H.Q. will remain with these kits.

8. Rations will be issued at Villorba Camp.

9. Companies will report at Battalion Headquarters at Villorba Camp when their Coy's are all in.

August 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 158. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. August 5th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will withdraw to LA LACQUE Camp on the evening of the 6th./7th. August 1918.

2. Order of March: - Headquarters, "D", "C", "B" and "A" Coy. 100 yards between Companies. Head of Column will leave Camp at 6.30 p.m.

3. ROUTE - Along edge of wood to Road at J.20.d.2.2. to main Tannay Road Road at I.29.a.0.5. - Cross Ferry and Railway to La Lacque Camp. Drums will join[?] the Battalion at a point where the Battalion strike the Tannay Road.

4. C.Q.M.Sgts. will report to 2/Lieut.L.J.Hobson at Transport Lines at 8 a.m. on the morning of the 6th. inst. where they will proceed to La Lacque Camp to take over from the 1st. Devonshire Regt. arriving there at 9 a.m.

5. Details at Transport Lines will march independently under 2/Lieut.W.Haynes to La Lacque Camp, arriving there at 7 p.m. 2/Lieut. W.Haynes will provide guides from these details to meet the Battalion at the entrance to La Lacque Camp, and guide them to their Huts. One guide per platoon.

6. Guards at Forest Corner, J.21.central and L'Epinette (J.21.a.6.6.) will be withdrawn by the R.S.M. at 4 p.m. if they are not relieved before.

7. Lewis Guns will be taken from Villorba Camp on L.G.Limbers. Sgt. Faulder will superintend the loading of these.

8. Personnel of Brigade Pioneer Coy. will rejoin Unit at La Lacque Camp.

9. Officers Valises, Mess Boxes, Orderly Room Boxes and Canteen Boxes will be ready for loading at 4.30 p.m. sharp. Transport Officer will arrange for necessary Transport for these to be at the Camp by 5 p.m.

10. Rations will be sent to La Lacque Camp, and will be distributed before breakfast on the morning of the 7th. inst.

11. O.C. Coy's and R.S.M. will report present of otherwise to Battalion Headquarters at La Lacque Camp immediately on arrival.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 159 1st. Battalion the Bedfordshire Regiment. Aug. 7th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will march to Area "C", North of BLARINGHAM [sic].

2. Head of column will pass starting point, (Officers Mess) at 2 p.m. Order of march: - Drums, H.Q., "A", "B", "C" and "D" 100 yards between Companies and between Rear Coy. and Transport.

3. ROUTE. Drawbridge at I.32.a.4.5. - AIRE Station - WITTES - BLARINGHAM - RENESCURE ROAD. Strict march discipline will be maintained.

4. The Transport moving direct from TANNAY will join the rear of the column at Drawbridge at I.32.a.4.5.

5. Dinners will be at 11.45 a.m. Teas on arrival.

6. All Companies will be clear of the huts at 1 p.m. to enable the Medical Officer to make an inspection.

7. Officers Valises and Mess Boxes will be loaded by 1.30 p.m.

8. O.C. Coy's and R.S.M. will report Battalion present or otherwise immediately on arrival in the new area.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 160. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Ref. Map - HAZEBROUCK 5A. Edition 2, Scale 1/100,000. August 13th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will move to-morrow the 14th. inst to the Third Army Area by train, marching to WIZERNES Station.

2. ROUTE - WARDRECQUES - BLAMART - LE HOCQUE - BLENDECQUES - WIZERNES

3. REVEILLE. Reveille will be at 6 a.m. Sick parade at 6.30 a.m. Breakfasts at 7 a.m.

4. STARTING POINT. Head of column will pass starting point, (Road Junction immediately south of the first F in NEUF-FOSSE) at 8.30 a.m. Order of march - Headquarters, Drums, C, B and A Coy's. Transport will move off at 8.15 a.m. and will not accompany the Battalion. They will be in advance. The Drums will change to the next Company in rear at each Halt.

5. Officers Kits, Mess Boxes, Orderly Room Boxes, Canteen Boxes, etc., will be ready for loading at 7 a.m. Officers Kits etc., will be stacked outside Coy. Headquarters, and Transport will call for them on the march.

6. DINNERS will be served at WIZERNES Station on arrival, before entrainment, about 11.45 a.m.

7. TENTAGE. All Tents, Bivouac Sheets, etc., will be struck immediately after reveille. These will be collected by the Transport Officer, and handed over to the Area Commandant. Receipts will be obtained.

8. BILLETING PARTY. The Billeting party detailed in this office A.769, dated 13/8/18, will rendezvous at "B" Coy's. Headquarters at 7 a.m. They will proceed to ARQUES Station, arriving there at 6 a.m. They will proceed by train No. 16, leaving at 9.27 a.m.

9. Orderly Officer for to-morrow - 2/Lieut. W.Haynes.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 161 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Ref. Map. - LENS 11. Scale 1/100,000. August 16th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will move into billets at REMAISNIL this afternoon the 16th. inst.

2. ROUTE - To Cross Roads immediately south of the ll in Mezerolles, turn to the left to the village of Mezerolles, thence to the Right to Remaisnil.

3. The Battalion will form up in the following order: - H.Q., Drums, "D", "C", "A" and "B", Stretcher Bearers, Transport. Head of column to be on bridge across river by Battalion Orderly Room, facing North, ready to move off by 4 p.m.

4. ADVANCE PARTY. One Sgt. per Coy, and one for H.Q., and one for Q.M's stores and Transport, will report to Orderly Room at 10 a.m. to proceed to take over billets at Remaisnil.

5. Officers Kits, Mess Boxes, Orderly Room Boxes, canteen Boxes, etc., will be stacked outside billets ready to pick up by 2 p.m.

6. Certificates to the effect that billets are left clean will be handed to the Adjutant before moving off by Companies.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 162 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Ref. Map - Scale 1/20,000, 57.D. N.E. and 57.C. N. August 20th. 1918.

1. The Third Army has been ordered to press the enemy back towards BAPAUME, and to prevent him from Destroying the railways and communication. The initial attack on the 4th. Corps front will be made by the 37th. Div. whose objective will be the BLUE Line. The 5th. Division, with the 63rd. Division on its left, will pass through and capture the BROWN and RED Lines. The 5th. Division will attack with the 95th. Brigade on the right, and the 15th. Bde. on the left, the 13th. Bde. being in reserve. The 15th. Bde. will attack with the 1st. Bedfords on the right, and the 1st. Norfolks on the left, 16th. Warwicks in rear of 1st. Bedfords, and 1st. Cheshires in rear of 1st. Norfolks. The boundaries and objectives allotted to the Battalion are shown on the Asps already issued to Coy's.

2. ASSEMBLY POSITION. The Battalion will assemble on a line, KEANE and CROSS Trenches, the right boundary being H in KEANE TRENCH, left boundary ESSARTS - BUCQUOY Road, in touch with the 1st. Norfolk Regt. on far side of the road.

3. PLAN OF ATTACK. The Battalion will attack with "C" and "D" Companies in the front line, each Coy. with two platoons in the front wave and two in support. "D" Coy. will be on the right and "C" Coy. on the left. "B" Coy. will be in support, holding two platoons to support each of the front line Coy's. "A" Coy. will be in reserve. At Zero hour, the Battalion will leave its assembly position and advance to the Eastern side of BUCQUOY to about line L.9.b.3.8. to L.3.d.9.8. The formation during this move will be in Artillery formation with platoons in file. Here they will re-assemble with the two leading Coy's. in Artillery formation, of blobs of sections in file. Support and reserve Coy's. will remain in original formation, unless enemy shelling is heavy, when they will break up in section blobs at the discretion of Coy. Commanders. During the move between these two assembly positions, the left leading platoon of "D" Coy. will guide. Great care must be taken to keep in touch with this platoon, as the ground through the village is broken and enclosed. At Zero plus 85 minutes, the Battalion will advance, and cross the BLUE objective at zero plus 90 minutes. This advance will be covered by Tanks. The leading Companies will keep as close to the Tanks as possible. Rate of advance - 100 yards in 4 minutes. The distance between the leading Companies and the Support Coy. will be 100 yards. At zero plus 162 minutes, the 16th. R.Warwicks will pass through the Battalion and advance to their final dotted RED Line objective. When touch has been obtained with troops on both flanks, and the 16th. Warwicks and 1st. Cheshires have passed over the BROWN Line, the Battn. will side slip and take over the whole of the BROWN Line with C & D Coys, the 1st. Norfolks being withdrawn. Consolidation will then be immediately started on the BROWN Line. MACHINE GUNS. One section of "C" Coy. 5th. M.G.Battalion is allotted to the Battalion and will advance with the support Coy. On arrival at the BROWN objective, O.C. of the section will select position to cover this line while it is being consolidated. He must also be prepared to support the attacking Companies during the advance of the necessity arises. STOKES GUNS. Two Stokes Guns will also be attached to the Battalion, and will move forward during the attack with the Support Coy. ARTILLERY. The advance from the BLUE to the BROWN objective will be covered by a creeping barrage of Field Artillery, which will cease at zero plus 162 minutes. TANKS. In the capture the BROWN Line, 6 Mark IV Tanks are allotted to the Brigade. One of these will move up between the two parallel trench lines running along our right boundary. TANK SIGNALS. Tanks to Infantry. White and Green Flag - Come to me. Red and Yellow Flag - Am out of action. Go on without me. RED, White and Blue Flag - Am withdrawing, Don't shoot. INFANTRY TO TANKS. Helmet waved on rifle - Come to me.

4. ORDER OF MARCH. Headquarters, "C", "D", "B" and "A" Coy's. Headquarters will move off at 8.55 p.m. Interval between Companies - 100 yards.

5. GUIDES. Guides of the New Zealand Division at the rate of 3 per Coy. and 3 for Battalion Headquarters will be picked up at SAILLY-au-BOIS Church. These guides will take Companies as far as the South corner of RETTEMOY Farm, and on from there to the assemble area, guides of the 37th. Div. will lead Companies.

6. LEWIS GUN LIMBERS. The L.G.Limbers will march in the rear of each Coy. Lewis Guns will be taken off the limbers on arriving just East of GOMMECOURT.

7. CONTACT PLANES. A Contact Plane will fly over the attacking Infantry and call for flares. At zero plus 3 hours "C" and "D" Coy's. light flares. AT zero plus 5 hours Battalion will not light flares. At zero plus 7 hours Anyone lights flares. The Signal from the Plane to denote assembly of hostile counter attack will be the dropping of a RED Smoke Bomb.

8. LIAISON. Close touch must be kept with the troops on either flank.

9. BATTALION HEADQUARTERS. Battn H.Q. during the assembly will be at the junction of RETTEMOY Avenue and CROSS TRENCH. When the Battalion moves forward to second assembly position, East of BUCQUOY, Battn. H.Q., will be established in the trench about L.4.c.1.1. When the attacking troops reach the BROWN Objective, Battn. H.Q. will be established in the trench about L11.d.6.7.

10. MOPPING UP. "A" Coy. will systematically mop up the system of trenches running parallel to the line of our advance up to the BROWN Line. "B" Coy. will keep a sharp lookout for any pockets that may be missed during the advance of the leading Coy's. and mop these up.

11. SYNCHRONISATION. Watches will be synchronised at Battalion Headquarters at 7.30 p.m. Zero hour will be notified later.

12. SIGNALS (a) One Very light will be fired by order of Coy. Commander on the capture of BROWN objective, and two in succession on the capture of the RED. (b) The S.O.S. Signal will [be] RED over GREEN over RED.

13. DUMPS. Tools for the consolidation of the BROWN Line will be dumped at a point on the BUCQUOY - ACHIET-LE-PETIT Road where the BROWN Line crosses it. In addition to this, arrangements have been made for the Tanks to bring up as many shovels as possible and to dump those on the BROWN Line, but it is not expected that more than 50 shovels will be brought up by Tanks.

14. DRESS. Dress will be fighting order.

15. RATIONS. Rations for the 21st. and the 22nd. will be carried in addition to the Iron Rations. Each man will also carry one tin of solidified alcohol.

16. EXPLOSIVES & TRENCH STORES. Each man will carry two sandbags and one extra bandolier of S.A.A. Very Lights, Flares and S.O.S. Signals will be distributed to Companies as available.

17 RUM. Rum will be issued at Zero minus one hour.

18. DRESSING STATION will be established at Battn. H.Q. in each position.

 

September 1918

 

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 164 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Sept. 1st. 1918.

1. On Sept. 2nd. the advance will be resumed by the 15th. Infantry Brigade in conjunctions [sic] with Divisions on either flank.

2. The attack of the 15th. Infantry Brigade will be carried out on a two Battalion frontage as follows: - 1st. Norfolks - Right. 1st. Cheshires - Left. 16th. R.Warwicks - In support, (Left) 1st. Bedfords - In reserve, (Right) The attack will be preceded by an Artillery barrage which will open on the line I.21.c.3.0. to I.9.c.3.0. where it will remain for four minutes before creeping forward.

3. The objective allotted to the 15th. Infantry Brigade are as follows: - 1st. Objective. 1.28.a.1.1. round Eastern edge of BEUGNY - I.16.a.8.5. 2nd. Objective. I.34.b.8.8. - I.29. central. - I.17.d.5.7. - (Factory) The dividing line between Battalions will be the normal guage [sic] railway through I.21. - I.22.c. - I.28.b. - and I.29.a. The 1st. Norfolks and 1st. Cheshires will be responsible for the capture of both objectives.

4. The general rate of advance to the 1st. objective will be 100 yards in 4 minutes. A halt of one hour will be made on the line of the 1st. objective. The signal for the advance to the 2nd. objective to commence will be the opening of the Artillery barrage, which will only take place if the 62nd. Division (on left) have captured MORCHIES. If the 62nd. Division fail to capture MORCHIES, the barrage for the advance to the 2nd. objective will not open, and no further advance will be made.

5. (a) MACHINE GUNS. 1 section of "C" Coy. M.G.Battn. will advance with Battalion. (b) TANKS. 2 tanks (Mark IV) will assist in mopping up BEUGNY and will advance to the high ground in I.27. and I.28.

6. ASSEMBLY. The Battalion will be ready to move off at 8.30 p.m. to-night in the following order: - "C", "D", "B", and "A" Coy's. H.Qrs.

7. ROUTE. By Infantry Track through H.10. central then through H.17.a. to track in [H.]17.d.4.5. then by track to railway at H.21.b.6.8. to positions in I.13. central. "C" Coy. on the right front. "D" Coy. on the left. "B" behind "C". "A" behind "D".

8. GUIDES. One Offcier and one N.C.O. per Company have been shewn the position and the route, by 2/Lieut. L.J.Hobson this afternoon.

9. At zero hour the Battalion will move forward in Artillery formation to about I.21.a.central astride the road, where Companies will dig in if no cover is available, in the same order as in assembly positions. Zero hour will be notified later, but will be about 5 a.m. The signal for the Infantry to advance will be the opening of the barrage.

10. Lewis Guns will be carried on Limbers the whole way.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 164. 1st. Battalion the Bedfordshire Regiment. Ref. - France 57.B. Scale 1/40,000. Sept. 4th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will march to-day to the area H.19. and 20.

2. Order of march - H.Q., "A", "B", "C" and "D" Coy's. Transport. H.Q. to start off at 3.15 p.m. 100 yards interval to be maintained between Companies.

3. ROUTE. I.29.b. along road to FREMICOURT, by track to H.24.b.5.8., along track to FAVREUIL, thence to monument at H.15.c.4.6. where guides will meet the Battalion.

4. Officers Valises, Mess Boxes etc., will be ready at 2 p.m.

5. Great Coats will be rolled and carried on haversacks.

6. Steel Helmets will be worn.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 165. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Ref. Map: - Sheet 57.C. Scale 1/40,000.

1. The Battalion will move into Divisional Reserve at VILLERS-au-FLOS, to-morrow the 15th. inst.

2. Battalion will form up on ground at back of Battalion Headquarters, ready to move off at 10 a.m.

3. DRESS - Full marching order. Caps to be worn. March discipline and the usual 200 yards interval between Companies will be maintained.

4. ORDER OF MARCH. Headquarters, Drums, "A", "B", "C" and "D" Companies. Battalion will be clear of the Brigade Starting point (Fork roads at H.34.c.2.8.) by 11.30 a.m.

5. ROUTE - BAPAUME - RIENCOURT - VILLERS-au-FLOS.

6. Transport will march in rear of Battalion.

7. Officers Kits, Mess Boxes, etc., will be stacked at Battalion H.Q., ready for loading by 9 a.m. Sgt. Faulder will superintend the loading of L.G. Limbers at 7 a.m.

8. DUMPED Personnel will parade under Capt. J.C.A.Birch at Battalion H.Q. half an hour after departure of Battalion, when they will proceed to ACHIET le GRAND, and report to O.C., Divisional Reception Camp. Dumped Officers Kits will be ready for collection by Lorry on road opposite Transport Lines by 9 a.m.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 166. Ist. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Sept. 20th. 1918.

1. On the evening of the 20th. inst. the 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. will move into Support and take over ffrom the 1st. D.C.L.I. in YTRES.

2. The Battalion will move in the following order: - H.Q., "B", "C", "D" and "A" Coy's. Transport. 200 yards between Companies. Head of H.Q. to pass Church at VILLERS au FLOS at 5 p.m.

3. ROUTE - BARASTRE - BUS - YTRES.

4. DRESS - Full Marching order, with Steel Helmets on packs.

5. Billetting parties will take over details of working parties etc., from 1st. D.C.L.I.

6. Officers Kits, Mess Boxes, etc., to be outside Coy. H.Q. at 3 p.m. Transport Officer will; arrange to collect these.

7. Lewis Guns will be carried on Limbers in rear of each Coy.

8. Sgt. Washington will arrange for teas at 3.30 p.m.

9. Coy. Commanders to report to Battalion Headquarters when all their Coy is in Billets.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 167 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Map Ref. - Sheet 57.C. S.E. Scale 1/20,000. Sept. 25th. 1918.

1. On a date to be notified later the offensive will be resumed by the 3rd. Army. The IV Corps will attack with the 5th. Divn. on the right and the 42nd. Divn. on the left. The 17th. Divn. (V Corps) will attack on the right of the 5th. Division.

2. The 5th. Division will attack un a two Brigade front, with the 13th. Infy. Bde. on the right and the 15th. Infy. Bde. on the left. The 1st. Bedfordshire Regt. will capture the RED objective, from R.13.a.0.8. (junction of trench and sunken road) to Q.18.a.9.1. The 16th. R.Warwicks will follow behind 1st. Bedfords, and go through to the BROWN dotted line, after the RED objective has been captured. The 1st. Cheshires will be in support, with one Coy. linking up left of 1st. Bedfords with the right of the 42nd. Divn. afterwards helping to mop up BEAUCAMP [sic] VALLEY. 1st. Norfolks will be in reserve. The objective of the 13th. Bde. will be the RED line within their Bde. boundaries. The final objective if the 42nd. Divn. will be the BLUE Line as shewn on special map issued to Companies.

3. PLAN OF ATTACK. "A" and "C" Coy's. will attack in the front line, "A" on the right and "C" on the left, each having two platoons in the front wave, and two in immediate support. 15 yards between lines and 50 yards between waves. "D" Coy. will be in support, 100 yards distance in the same formation, two platoons supporting "A" Coy. and two supporting "C". "B" Coy. in reserve at 200 yards distance, in Artillery formation, with sections echeloned. As soon as the barrage lifts to the RED objective, "B" Coy. will proceed to mop up the Western portion of BEAUCAMP [sic]. They will be assisted by one Tank. One section of Tanks will operate on the Brigade front, each Tank will be accompanied by three men, who form a smoke screen for them. After the RED objective is taken, one tank will rally South of BEAUCAMP [sic], and two North of the village. It must be impressed on Infantry that they are not to follow the Tanks, but keep their direction assisting the Tanks on the[ir?] asking for help in mopping up. Signals are as follows: - Tanks to Infantry: - White and Green Flag...Come to me. Red and Yellow Flag....Am out of action. Go on without me. Red, Blue & White Flag...Am withdrawing. Don't shoot. Infantry to Tanks: - Helmet waved on rifle...Come to me.

4. The directing point, if not observed by mist and smoke, is the high tree South and East of BEAUCAMP [sic] VILLAGE, the true bearing of which is 35 degrees from Q.23.a.90.15. The true bearing of the line of advance of each Battalion will be taken. Every Officer must carefully set his compass, in case of fog or smoke obscuring the directing point.

5. CONSOLIDATION. The 1st. Bedfords will consolidate in depth, with "A" and "C" Coy's. in the front line, from Q.18.a.9.1. to R.13.a.0.8. "B" Coy, after mopping up Village, will move into support at Q.18.a.6.6. to Q.12.d.4.2. "D" Coy. will withdraw to the neighbourhood of the sunken Road about Q.17.b.6.0. to Q.18.a.2.6. with Battalion Headquarters in the sunken Road about Q.17.b.6.2. No dug-outs or shelters are to be entered in capturing trenches, until they have been visited by the Tunnelling section. Use should be made of prisoners to find out whether the trenches are mined.

6. ASSEMBLY. Battalion will move to assembly positions which have been allotted to Companies on Y/Z night. ROUTE of assembly will be WINCHESTER VALLEY TRACK - QUIVERING Support and QUOTIENT Trenches to BANK POST, thence along communication trench to TRIG POST. Order of march - "C", "A", "D" and "B" Coy's. H.Q. 150 yards interval between platoons. Rear of H.Q. to pass Cemetery (P.23.c.5.4.) by 9 p.m. Time of start will be notified later. Battalion Headquarters will be at Q.23.a.8.4.

7. ARTILLERY. The attack will be carried out under a barrage which creeps at the rate of 100 yards in 4 minutes, with the following halts: - (a) On the line - Q.11.d.8.6. - Road at Q.11.d.9.3. - Road at Q.18.a.0.6. - Trench at Q.18.a.4.4. - along line of trench to junction of Q.18.a.8.1. - LINCOLN RES. at Q.18.d.0.6. (b) On the RED Line. Actual duration of halts will be notified later.

8. MACHINE GUN BARRAGE. One Coy. M.G. Battalion will fire a direct and indirect machine gun barrage. The guns firing direct will cover the gap (200 yards) between 1st. Bedfords left and 1st. Cheshires right, and the gap (250 yards) between left of 1st. Cheshires and 42nd. Divn. This fire will be on a wide arc at first, and gradually narrow down. All ranks are to be informed that it is direct fire, and that they can be seen by the firers. It will not take place in case of fog. Machine Gun barrage (One Coy) is of the usual nature, - 500 yards in front of advancing Infantry.

9. MEDIUM TRENCH MORTARS. Medium Trench Mortars operating on the 15th. Infantry Bde. front of attack are grouped as follows: - 6 to enfilade trenches in Q.17.b. 6 to bombard BEAUCAMP [sic]. 12 to enfilade trenches on BEAUCAMP [sic] RIDGE or bombard trenches in Q.23.d.

10. SIGNALS. (a) On the capture of the RED Line, two white lights will be sent up by the 1st. Bedfords. (b) Red flares will be dropped by Counter attack patrol machine to denote that enemy are massing for counter attack. (c) White ground flares will be lighted when called for by Contact Planes. Tin Discs will also be used to show our positions to Contact Aeroplanes.

11. ZERO HOUR. "Z" Day and Zero hour will be notified later. Watches will be synchronised on Y/Z night under arrangements of the Intelligence Officer.

12. STORES. Stores to be carried will be issued to Companies on "Y" Day. Hot tea will be issued at midnight on Y/Z night, and breakfast provided on Z Day. Companies will report to Battalion Headquarters by name of Coy. Commander when Companies are in assembly positions.

October 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 168. 1st. Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. Ref. Map Sheet 57.c. 1/20,000 (S.E.) Oct. 9th. 1918

1. The Battalion will move to-day to area North of GOUZEAUCOURT - MASNIERES Road in Squares R.16. R.17. and R.22.a.

2. ROUTE and TIME. The Head of the Battalion will pass the cross roads at P.29.a.5.7. at 13.00 hours, and proceed via METZ Road to Brigade starting point at METZ Cross Roads, thence to GOUZEAUCOURT, and along main GOUZEAUCOURT - CAMBRAI Road, until met by guides of billeting party.

3. ORDER of MARCH. H.Q., Drums. "A", "B", "C", and "D" Coy. Transport. Drums will fall back to Companies in turn at each halt. 200 yards interval will be kept between Companies. Strict march discipline will be observed.

4. DRESS. Full marching order. Leather Jerkins will be carried on the tops of packs. Steel Helmets strapped on back.

5. Officers Valises will be ready for loading outside Coy. H.Q. at 11.00 hours. Orderly Room Boxes and canteen Boxes will be ready at the same hour

6. Mess Boxes will be ready at 12.00 hours.

7. Lewis Guns will be loaded at Transport Lines at 10.30 hours. Sgt. Faulder will superintend loading. Lewis Gun Limbers will march in rear of their Companies.

8. Dinners at 11.45 hours. Teas on arrival.

9. Marching out states will be handled to Adjutant before marching off. On arrival in new area, Companies and R.S.M. will report present or otherwise to Battalion Headquarters.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 169. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Map Ref. Sheet 57.B. and 57.C. Oct. 10th. 1918

The Battalion will move to-day to Area in Square N.3. (57.B)

2. ROUTE. Lieut. B.L.Pavey will meet Bde. Intelligence Officer to reconnoitre route at M.16.a.8.9. at 09.00 hours

3. TIME. Head of Battalion will pass Battalion Headquarters at 10.35 hours, and will proceed via main CAMBRAI Road and pass Bde. Starting point at M.15.b.6.2. at 11.47 hours.

4. ORDER OF MARCH. H.Q., Drums, "B", "C", "D" and "A" Coy's. Drums will fall back one Coy. at each halt.

5. Billeting Party the same as yesterday will meet the Staff Captain at N.1.b.2.4. at 09.30 hours.

6. All surplus baggage and kit will be dumped, probably at LESDAIN. Location will be notified later.

7. Dinners on arrival in new area.

8. Blankets, rolled in bundles of 10, will be dumped on the road, at the same place as drawn from yesterday, by 09.00 hours.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 170. 1st. Battalion the Bedfordshire Regiment. Map Ref. 57.B. 1/40,000. Oct. 11th. 1918.

1. The Battalion mill move to-day to LIGNY en CAMBRESIS, and will probably move on to CAUDRY during the afternoon. 2. ROUTE and TIME. Route via Cross Country tracks to be reconnoitred by Lt. J.C.Noble. Battalion will move cross country at 08.35 hours and will pass Bde. Starting point at N.5.c.8.8. at 09.07 hours. 3. ORDER of MARCH. H.Q., Drums, "C", "D" "A" and "B". Drums will fall back one Coy. at each halt. 4. On arrival, Battalion will concentrate about O.3.d.3.7. and will await orders. 5. Billeting party, same as detailed yesterday, will hold itself in readiness to meet the Staff Captain when the Battalion arrives at O.3.d.3.7. 6. Officers Valises, Mess Boxes etc. to be ready for loading at Q.M. Stores by 07.30 hours. Blankets, rolled in bundles of 10 to be at the Q.M. Stores by 07.00 hours. 7. "B" Echelon and Dumped personnel will move with the Battalion. 8. Dinners will be eaten at O.3.d.3.7.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 171. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Oct. 12th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will move to CAUDRY this afternoon, and will take over billets from the 1st. Devonshire Regt.

2. ROUTE and TIME. Head of Battalion will pass Cross Roads at O.3.b.90.25. at 14.35 hours and will be clear of outskirts of LIGNY at I.38.s.2.5. by 15.00 hours. Troops will be kept off main roads as much as possible, tracks beside the roads being made use of.

3. ORDER OF MARCH. Headquarters, Drums, "D", "A", "B" and "C" Coy's. Drums will fall back one Company at each halt. 500 yards will be observed between Units, and 100 yards between Companies.

4. Battalion will be met outside CAUDRY and guided to billets by billeting party previously detailed.

5. Billeting certificates will be rendered to Orderly Room two hours after arrival. Blankets, Mess Boxes, Orderly Room Boxes and Officers Kits as previously detailed.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 172. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Oct. 19th. 1918.

1. MOVE. The Battalion will move to BETHENCOURT on night of 19th/20th. 1918.

2. ROUTE and TIME. Battalion will parade opposite Billets ready to march off at 21.40 hours, and the head of the column will cross the CAMBRAI - LE CATEAU Road at 22.00 hours.

3. ORDER of MARCH. Headquarters, "A", "D", "C" and "B" Coy's. Intervals of 200 yards between Companies and 100 yards between each group of 6 vehicles.

4. BLANKETS. Will be rolled in bundles of 10, clearly labelled and dumped for collection by Transport Officer at 15.00 hours. Officers Kits at about 16.00 hours, and Coy. Mess Boxes will be ready for collection at 20.00 hours

5. DRESS. Full Marching Order.

6. GUIDES. Companies will be met before entering BETHENCOURT, by Coy. Guides.

7. DUMPED PERSONNEL. will remain at CAUDRY with the exception of Drums, who will accompany the Battalion to BETHENCOURT, and will collect blankets and any other Dumped kit, in the event of a sudden move. Drums will report to Rear Battn. H.Q., CAUDRY, in the event of a further move. All Transport will move with the Battalion, and will remain with Unit until further orders. On arrival at BETHENCOURT, 5 men of "C" Coy. will report immediately to 15th. T.M.Battery, to act as carriers. They will be rationed to 20th. inst. inclusive. 2/Lieut. E.W.P.Robinson, will report to 15th. Infy. Bde. H.Q. at 22.00 hours on the 19th. Oct. for synchronization of watches.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 173 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Map, Sheet 57.B. N.E., 1/20,000. Oct. 22nd. 1918.

1. The advance will be resumed on the 23rd. Oct. 1918.

2. The 5th. Division will attack on the right of the IV Corps and the 42nd. Division on the left. The 21st. Division (V Corps) will attack on the right of the 5th. Division.

3. The 95th. Infantry Brigade will continue to hold the line. The 15th. Infantry Brigade will assemble in rear of the present front line and will pass through the 95th. Infantry Brigade, and capture the high ground east of BEAURAIN Village.

4. PLAN OF ATTACK. The 1st. Bedfordshire Regiment will attack on the right of the 15th. Infantry Brigade. The 1st. Cheshire Regiment on the left. The 1st. Norfolk Regiment will be in support, remaining in readiness about E.21.a. and c. The Battalion will attack on a two Company front as follows: - "A" Coy. on the right. "B" Coy. on the left. Up to the GREEN Line. Both Companies on a four platoon front. "C" and "D" Companies each on a three platoon front with one platoon in support of "A" and "B" Coy's. respectively. "C" and "D" Coy's. will pass through "A" and "B" Coy's. on the GREEN Line, and advance and capture the RED Line. "A" and "B" Coy's. will each detail two platoons to follow in close support of "C" and "D" Coy's. for mopping up as follows: - "A" Coy. up to and including line of SUNKEN Road from E.12.c.8.0. to E.12.c.0.6. "B" Coy. BEAURAIN Village south of Left Battalion boundary. Subsequent to mopping up these platoons will consolidate and hold a line running approximately 100 yards East of Road E.12.c.8.0. to E.11.b.7.3. Two Tanks will co-operate in the attack and have been allotted the task of assisting in mopping up of the SUNKEN Road E.16.a. to E.10.d. and Village of BEAURAIN. At a time to be notified later a Brigade of 37th. Division will pass through the 15th. Infantry Brigade on the RED Line and continue the pursuit.

5. BOUNDARIES. Right Battalion Boundary - E.22.d.0.5. to E.17.d.0.5. to E.12.c.8.0. to F.7.a.0.5. Left Battalion Boundary - E.16.c.0.0. to E.17.a.0.8. to E.11.c.7.6. to E.11.b.4.0. to E.11.b.6.3. to E.6.c.5.1. Inter Company Boundary - E.22.a.5.3. to E.16.d.7.5. to E.11.d.5.0. to E.12.c.0.6. to E.12.b.0.4.

6. ASSEMBLY. The Battalion will leave present positions at 21.00 hours on night of 22nd./23rd. Oct. 1918, and will assemble on the line E.22.c.7.8. to E.16.c.2.1. (Junction with 1st. Cheshires) Companies will move in the order A, B, C, D, and H.Q. and will form up as per diagram attached [not attached]. Route from present positions to assembly will be notified later. Marking Officers of 1st. Bedfords and 1st. Cheshires with 8 markers and two guides per Battalion will meet the Brigade Major at Brigade Advanced Report Centre at E.21.b.6.2. at 21.00 hours 22nd Oct. 1st. Bedfords will be clear of the Cross Roads at E.19.a.99.10. by 22.00 hours.

7. MACHINE GUNS. Subsequent to capture of RED Line, two Sections of "C" Coy. 5th. M.G.Battalion will take up positions approximately as follows: - 1 Sect. - E.12.d.2.8. 1 Sect. - E.12.c. central. These sections will move forward independent of the Battalion.

8. ARTILLERY. The attack will be carried out under a creeping barrage of Field Artillery. Details as to rate of advance will be issued later. A M.G. barrage is also being arranged which will be furnished by two Companies of 5th. M.G. Battalion.

9. LIGHT T.M's. 2 Guns will assemble in rear of the Battalion. These will move forward by bounds at a considerable distance in rear of the Battalion, and be carried by Pack animals. O's.C. leading Companies will send back for one gun per Company if and when required.

10. HEADQUARTERS. Battalion Headquarters will be at approximately E.21.b. central Advanced report Centre will be established about E.17.b.1.6. as soon as all Companies pass this point. Upon capture of objectives, Coy. Headquarters will be established as follows: - "A" Coy. about E.17.b.8.8. "B" Coy. about E.11.d.0.4. "C" Coy. about E.12.central. "D" Coy. about E.12.a.5.4.

11. DRESS. Battle order. 1 Rifle Grenade per man. 1 Round V.P.A. per man. 1 Days rations. 1 Iron Ration.

12. SIGNALS. White Very Lights will be fired on the capture of each objective.

13. SYNCHRONIZATION. An Officer from Battalion Headquarters will visit Companies for purpose of synchronizing watches during the early hours of the 23rd. inst.

14. ZERO HOUR. Zero hour will be notified later.

 

1st. Battalion the Bedfordshire Regiment. Addendum to Operation Order No. 173, dated 22/10/18.

1. Ref. para. 1. 7th. Leciesters will attack on night [sic] of this Battalion. 8th. Leicesters will pass through them on RED Line.

2. Ref. para. 4 (Plan of Attack) The two platoons of "A" Coy. detailed for mopping up behind "C" Coy. will consolidate a line running approximately E.12.c.3.8. to E.18.a.3.5. The support platoon of "C" Coy. will consolidate a line running E.12.d.2.4. to E.12.d.2.8. Support platoons of "C" and "D" Coy's. will move in rear of the right leading platoons of these Companies and will be prepared to defend the right flank of their Companies should the situation so demand. The 111th. Brigade (37th.Divn) are due to pass through 15th. Infy. Bde. on RED Line at 08.40 hours.

3. Ref. para. 8. (Artillery) The barrage will dwell for 6 minutes on the initial line (E.22.b.2.2. to E.16.a.0.6.) and then move forward at the rate of 100 yards in six minutes. A dwell of 12 minutes will be made on the GREEN Line.

4. Ref. para. 9. (Light T.M's.) Light T,M's. will not move forward from about E.20. central till dawn.

5. Four Tanks will assist in mopping up BEAURAIN.

6. Contact Planes will call for flares at 07.00 hours.

7. Zero hour will be 03.20 hours on 23rd. Oct. 1918.

8. Compass Bearing for all Companies is 48 degrees. (True).

  

November 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 174 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment Nov. 3rd. 1918.

1. The Battalion will move to BEAURAIN to-day Nov. 3rd. 1918.

2. Route - Via BETHENCOURT - VIESLY - BRIASTRE - MAROU - BEAURAIN.

3. Time. Battalion will be formed up in Column of route, in Square, (I.24.a.9.8.) clear of traffic, ready to move at 16.45 hours.

4. Order of March. H.Q., "A", "B", "C" and "D" Coy's. Intervals of 500 yards between Units and 100 yards between Companies and sections of Transport will be maintained.

5. Officers Kits and Orderly Room Boxes will be ready for collection by Transport Officer at 14.30 hours. Mess Boxes as previously arranged.

6. Damage Certificates will be rendered to Orderly Room by 16.00 hours. In cases of occupied billets, from owners, and unoccupied billets, from Town Major.

7. Guides from Billeting party will meet Battalion at BEAURAIN Church.

8. Lewis Gun Limbers and Cookers will move immediately behind their respective Coy's.

9. Teas will be at 15.15 hours. Hot food will be served on arrival.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 175 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Map Ref. Sheet 51. S.W. 1/20,000. Nov. 10th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will move at once to JOLIMETZ, via LA GRANDE CARRIERE.

2. TIME. Head of Battalion will pass EMBU FARM ("D" Voy's. H.Q.) at U.8.b. at 13.45 hours.

3. ORDER OF MARCH. Headquarters, "D", "A", "B", and "C" Coy's. and Transport. Interval of 100 yards will be observed between Companies.

4. On arrival, Battalion will be met by guides outside village.

 

OPERATION ORDER No. 176. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Nov. 13th. 1918.

1. The Battalion will march to RAMPONEAU (M.20.a.) to-day Nov. 13th. 1918.

2. ROUTE. Via Cross Roads at M.26.c. - Cross Roads at M.21.c. - Cross Roads at M.19. Head of Column will pass Cross Roads at S.1.d.4.6. at 14.30 hours. Interval of 50 yards will be observed between Companies.

3. ORDER of MARCH. H.Q., "A", "B", "C" and "D" Coy's. Drums will march with each Coy. in turn.

4. Officers Kits will be sent to Quartermasters. Stores at once.

 

December 1918

 

OPERATION ORDER 177 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Dec. 12th. 1918

1. MOVE. The 15th. Infantry Brigade will commence march to GEMBLOUX to-morrow the 13th. inst. as per Brigade March table attached [not attached]

2. TIME. The Battalion will parade in the Rue JUHEL ready to move off at 08.55 hours. Order of March - Headquarters, Drums, "A", "B", "C" and "D" Coy's. and Transport. Interval between Companies - 10 yards. Interval between Battalions - 50 yards.

3. HALTS. No halts except the 10 minutes half before each clock hour will be permitted. The Commanding Officer will sound one long whistle on minute before each clock hour, on which Coy. Commanders will order men to dress and fall in. At the clock hour, Commanding Officer will sound two whistles, whereupon Coy. Commanders will give order "Quick March."

4. DRESS. Full Marching order. Leather Jerkins rolled on top of pack, Box Respirators on top of pack. Mess Tins inside pack. Steel Helmets in straps on back of packs.

5. BILLETING PARTY. The following Billeting party will report to Orderly Room to-morrow at 07.00 hours. 2/Lieut. E.W.P.Robinson. 4 C.Q.M.Sgts. 1 N.C.O. for Headquarters. 1 N.C.O. for Tpt. and Q.M. Stores.

6. OFFICERS KITS Orderly Room Boxes etc., will be ready for collection by 07.30 hours. Mess Boxes at 08.00 hours. BLANKETS will be rolled in bundles of 10, labelled and taken to Q.M. Stores by 07.30 hours.

7. REVEILLE will be at 06.30 hours. Breakfasts at 07.00 hours. 8. SYNCHRONISATION. The Signalling Sergt. will ensure that all Officers received the correct time at 07.00 hours to-morrow.

1st Battalion links

Below are links to the other pages with information on the 1st battalion during the Great War:

1914 War Diary 1915 War Diary 1916 War Diary 1917 War Diary 1918 War Diary 1919 War Diary
    1916 Appendices 1917 Appendices 1918 Appendices  

Book - History of the 1st battalion from Mons to the Somme
Biographies of those Officers who fell in the 1st battalion
Biography of Private 7602 Edward Warner who won the Victoria Cross on Hill 60 in May 1915
Officers photographs and biographies (1)
"Other Ranks" photographs and biographies (1)
Group photographs and biographies (1)
Personal diary of 2/Lt Paul Norman Jones CHRISTIE, 1917