The Bedfordshire Regiment in The Great War

The 1st Battalion War Diary Orders and Appendices, 1918
 

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.