1916 War Diary

NOTES: All remarks in squared brackets are my own additions, amendments or comments and are not part of the original document

I have adjusted all names to show in bold and capital letters, to make them easier to pick out. This is not how they appear in the original document.

War Diary for January 1916

1 Jan 1916 - Ribeaucourt Billets RIBEAUCOURT. The Battalion played the 17th Kings Liverpool Regt at Football and lost 2 - 0. In the last minute of the game 2/Lt.A.Grover [Albert GROVER, DSO, MC] met with an unfortunate accident breaking his leg in two places.

2 Jan 1916 Billets RIBEAUCOURT

3 Jan 1916 Billets RIBEAUCOURT

4 Jan 1916 Capt R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] proceeded on leave.

5 Jan 1916 Billets RIBEAUCOURT

6 Jan 1916 Billets RIBEAUCOURT 2/Lieut.R.J. Saunders [Robert John SAUNDERS] admitted to Hospital Sick.

7 Jan 1916 - Naours Billets RIBEAUCOURT. The Battalion left at 9.15 am for NAOURS en-route for the Trenches arriving at NAOURS at 1.15 PM.

8 Jan 1916 - Pont-Noyelles The Battalion left NAOURS at 9.15 am for PONT-NOYELLES arriving at 2 P.M. On this date the 30th Division were attached to the 10th Corps and the Battalion came under the Command of the 90th Infy Brigade. Capt LF Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] proceeded on leave.

9 Jan 1916 - Chipilly and Etinehem The Battalion left PONT-NOYELLES at 9.15 am for CHIPILLY and ETINEHEM, arriving Arkansas CHIPILLY at 2 P.M. where "A" and "C" Coys billeted. H.Q. & B & D Coys moved on to ETINEHEM arriving at 2.50 PM.

10 Jan 1916 Billets at CHIPILLY and ETINEHEM. NCO's & Men were given permission to visit the 1st Battalion which was at BRAY.

11 Jan 1916 - Suzanne Billets at CHIPILLY and ETINEHEM. The Battalion left at 5.PM for SUZANNE arriving at 7.15 PM.

12 Jan 1916 - trenches near Maricourt Billets SUZANNE. 2/Lieut L K Lawrence [Leonard Kingsley LAWRENCE] appointed Battalion Intelligence Officer. The Battalion left SUZANNE at 5 P.M. to relieve the 2/Royal Scots Fusiliers in the trenches Sector A.2. relief completed by 9 P.M. Disposition of Battalion B. Co. Front Line LEFT C. Co. Front Line RIGHT. D.Co. Support A.Co. Reserve. The Trenches are Situated S.E. of MARICOURT. The Battalion held the line from A.29.a.7.2. to A.23.a.5.2. (Ref. MARICOURT 1/10000 62CN.W.I.). The 19th Bn. MANCHESTER Regt being on our left Flank and the 17th Bn MANCHESTER Regt on our Right Flank.

13 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. 2 Other Ranks Wounded. 2Lieut F.A. Sloan [Frank Alan SLOAN, MC] proceeded on leave. 25 Other Ranks of Battalion joined from 3rd Entrenching Battalion. ENEMY Artillery very active

14 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Heavy shelling by Enemy with Light and Heavy Guns. 1 Other Rank Killed 4 Other Ranks Wounded 1 Other Rank died from MENINGITIS. Sick Wastage 5 Other Ranks

15 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT Enemy Artillery again active. 1 Other Rank Killed. 2 Other Ranks Wounded. A.Co moved from Reserve to Front Line "D" Co from Support to Front Line "C" to Support "B" Co to Reserve.

16 Jan 1916 - Suzanne Trenches MARICOURT. 2 Other Ranks Wounded. Enemy Artillery again active. The Battalion were relieved by 2/R.S.F. and returned to billets in SUZANNE - Relief completed by 7.40 PM.

17 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. Enemy put 6 Shells into the Village. 2Lieut W. RUSSELL-SMITH admitted to Hospital sick.

18 Jan 1916 Lieut and Adjutant J.W. Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] rejoined the Battalion from England.

19 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE.

20 Jan 1916 - front line near MARICOURT Relieved 2 Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers in trenches by MARICOURT, taking up the same position as on the 12th Jan 16 in A.2. Subsector. The 17th Bn Manchester Regt. on our left. Relief completed 7 p.m. Very quiet. 1 O.R. Wounded.

21 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Enemy shell Bn. H.Q. with 77m.m. guns, about 40 rounds being fired. Our communication trenches also shelled. 2Lieut Oldfield [Reginald Theodore OLDFIELD, MC & Bar] proceeded on leave. Casualties NIL. Sick Wastage 2 O.R.

22 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Enemy fired a few 77m.m. shells & rifle grenades, otherwise quiet. Casualties 1.O.R. killed 2 wounded.

23 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Very quiet. 1 man wounded.

24 Jan 1916 - Suzanne Bn. relieved by 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers. Relief completed 8 p.m. Returned into billets in SUZANNE. Major Onslow [Cranley Charlton ONSLOW, CB, CMG, CBE, DSO] joined the Bn. from England.

25 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. Most of the Bn. employed on working parties in the trenches. Major C.C. Onslow C.M.G. [Cranley Charlton ONSLOW, CB, CMG, CBE, DSO] took over command of the Bn. from Major H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO]. Lieut R.E. Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] proceeded on leave.

26 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. Working Parties in trenches. Helmet Test by 30th Div.

27 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE

28 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. About 9 a.m. Enemy commenced shelling our billets with H.E. Shrapnel and lachrymatory shells, this bombardment lasted systematically throughout the day. The effect of this bombardment on the Bn. was one man wounded. Relief of 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers suspended. Order received at 12.55 p.m. Considerable enemy activity during this day in the neighbourhood of FRISE MAP. REF. VAUX 1/10000 G.18.d. and high ground S. of that village. During this night Germans took FRISE and advanced their line about 800 yards on a front of 500 yards. Capt P.C. Cavan [Phillip Charles CAVAN] and 2Lieut L.K. Lawrence [Leonard Kingsley LAWRENCE] admitted to hospital sick. Shelling ceased about 4.40 p.m. Sick wastage for the week NIL

29 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. The enemy continue to shell SUZANNE heavily commencing about 4 a.m. Heavy bombardment of French position on high ground just South of FRISE, which was not followed by an infantry attack. Lieut-Col C.C. Onslow C.M.G. [Cranley Charlton ONSLOW, CB, CMG, CBE, DSO] receives orders to take over command of the 1st Bn. Bedford Regt. At 1 p.m. orders received to send one Machine GUN to assist the French in the neighbourhood of ECLUSIER (VAUX G.22.a.) 6 p.m. received orders to send another gun to ROYAL DRAGOONS - VAUX G.6.a.b. 8.35 pm received orders to send two platoons to battle dug-outs in VAUX WOOD. Lieut W.White [William WHITE] and two platoons A.Coy. 10.30 p.m. A Coy, 1st Bn.Norfolk Regiment arrive from BRAY and attached to the Bn. Casualties 9 O.R. wounded.

30 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. Lieut-Col C.C. Onslow C.M.G. [Cranley Charlton ONSLOW, CB, CMG, CBE, DSO] left at 6.30 a.m. to command 1st Bn. Bedf. R. Enemy continue to shell SUZANNE but not so violently. Practically ceases at 10 a.m. Major H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] assumes command of the battalion. Lieut H.A. Deacon [Harold Augustus DEACON] proceeds on leave. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded.

31 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. At 5.30 p.m. two platoons of "A" Coy under Lieut White [William WHITE] move from BATTLE DUG-OUTS to VAUX WOOD. SUZANNE was not shelled on this day. Total Casualties in the regiment during shelling of SUZANNE 12 O.R. wounded a remarkably small number considering the very bad fortifications found in this village.

War Diary for February 1916

1 Feb 1916 - Suzanne and trenches near Maricourt 2 Platoons A. Co. from VAUX WOOD returned to Billets at 5.30 PM At 5.30 P.M. other two platoons A.Co left SUZANNE for Battle Dug-Outs. At 5.30 P.M. B Co. under Capt E.S.M. Poyntz relieved 1 Company 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers in A.2 Subsector. 2 Lieut H.A. Deacon [Harold Augustus DEACON] and 26 O.R. transferred to 21st Bde M.G. Co. and struck off strength.

2 Feb 1916 - trenches near Maricourt Relieved 2nd R.S.F. in A2 Subsector Right Front 'C' Co Left Front 'B' Co. Support 'D' Co. Reserve "A" Co. Day quiet. Practically no artillery fire. Capt. J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] takes over duties of 2nd in Command. Lieut W.White [William WHITE] to command 'A' Co. Casualties NIL.

3 Feb 1916 A quiet day. Casualties nil.

4 Feb 1916 Artillery active. 'A' and 'D' Coys to front line. 'C' in support, 'B' Co reserve. 1.O.R. Killed and 2 O.R. wounded. 2/Lieut L.K. Lawrence [Leonard Kingsley LAWRENCE] returned from Hospital.

5 Feb 1916 A quiet day. Artillery quiet. 1.O.R. wounded. Sick wastage 9.)

6 Feb 1916 Casualties NIL.

7 Feb 1916 - Maricourt Defences Relieved by Royal Scots Fusiliers in A2 at 7.40 p.m. After relief the Battalion took over MARICOURT DEFENCES from the 17th BN Kings Liverpool R. Relief completed at 10 pm. 2 Lt.H A Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN] and 2Lieut G.Anstee [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC] join the Battalion. The former posted to B.Coy the latter to 'A' Co. A quiet day. Companies work hard in very wet trenches.

8 Feb 1916 A quiet day. 24 men proceed to A2 at 7pm for sapping. Connecting 14 and 15 Sap heads.

9 Feb 1916 A quiet day. Companies employed in improving trenches.

10 Feb 1916 Between 6 and 7.15 pm Enemy's Artillery active especially in the neighbourhood of BN.H.Q. 2 O.R. wounded. 2/Lt. R.F.C.Ballard [Robert Francis Cooper BALLARD] proceeds on short leave.

11 Feb 1916 - front line near Maricourt 1.O.R. wounded. relieved at 7pm by 1/7 Black Watch. After relief BN. relieved R.S.F. in A2 subsector. Relief complete about 12 midnight.

12 Feb 1916 Very quiet day. 1.O.R. wounded. Sick wastage 1.O.R. 2 Lt.H A Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN] to 3rd Entrenching Bn. French attack on our right, take 100 prisoners.

13 Feb 1916 Nothing to report. Companies engaged improving trenches. Dispositions: - Right Front 'C' Coy. Left B.Coy. Support 'D' Coy. Reserve 'A'Coy.

14 Feb 1916 Dispositions - Right Front D Coy Left A Coy. Support B Coy Reserve "C" Coy. About 12 midnight message received from Bde that a German captured by the French stated "That the German 12th Div, would attack our front the following morning protected by a Gas attack".

15 Feb 1916 No sign of any attack, in fact, an exceptionally quiet day. Lieut R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] proceeds on leave. Casualties NIL

16 Feb 1916 - Suzanne A quiet day. relieved by 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers at 7 p.m. After relief Battalion moves into SUZANNE. C Company remain behind in 'U' Work MARICOURT DEFENCES. 2 Lieut R.T. Oldfield [Reginald Theodore OLDFIELD, MC & Bar] appointed 89th Bde Grenade Officer. 2 Lieut B. Newton [Bernard NEWTON] appointed BN. Grenade Officer

17 Feb 1916 Billets SUZANNE 'B' Coy relieve 'C' Coy in 'U' WORKS. Very quiet.

18 Feb 1916 Billets SUZANNE

19 Feb 1916 During this tour in SUZANNE moist of the BN is occupied on different working parties. Sick wastage 8 O.R. 2Lieut E.G. Hankinson [Errole G. HANKINSON] proceeds on leave.

20 Feb 1916 - front line near Maricourt Relieved 20th BN. Kings Liverpool R. in the new A" Subsector. The old A2 Subsector being renumbered Z2 with exception of 18 TRENCH. Z2 is now two Subsections south of the present A2. Relief completed 9.50 pm. Trenches in new Subsector found in very much better condition than the old Subsector. position of BN H.Q. Ref.MARICOURT TRENCH MAP 1/10000 62.c.NW1 - A.22.a.1.6. British trenches extend from A.16.b.8.6. to A.16.a.2.7. This being front of A.2.Subsector.

21 Feb 1916 Capt E.S.M. Poyntz and Capt H. Cressingham [Hugh CRESSINGHAM] proceed on leave. Dispositions - Front line A.B.C. Coys from left to right. D Coy. in Reserve at BN H.Q. Right of 21st Gap between 32 and 33 trenches connected up. About 70 yards of trench constructed. Lieut J.T. Coe [John Thomas COE] takes over command of B Co. 24 hours very quiet.

22 Feb 1916 Heavy snowstorm and very cold. No Artillery fire. At dusk (about 5pm) Germans attack 7th Division in D1 and D2 Subsectors on our left. The attack was preceded by an intense bombardment lasting about half an hour. Heavy rifle and Machine Gun fire prevented any of the enemy gaining a footing in our Trenches. Those of the enemy who left their own trenches sis not return. The night was very quiet.

23 Feb 1916 Lieut.Col. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] proceeds on leave. Still snowing and very cold. 2/Lieut. E.E.A. Collisson [Evelyn Ernest Arnold COLLISSON] Killed. Capt.J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] takes over command of the Battalion. Very quiet.

24 Feb 1916 - Etinehem Lieut.W.White [William WHITE] proceeds on leave. 2Lieut.F.A. Sloan [Frank Alan SLOAN, MC] takes over command of A.Coy. Very quiet. Still snowing and frost. relieved by 20th BN K.L.R. at 7 p.m. After relief the Battalion marches by platoons into Billets at ETINEHEM. the last platoon arriving at 12.50 am. 25th. 'D' Coy are ordered to remain under O.C. MARICOURT DEFENCES. Dispositions 2 platoons 'U' WORKS. 2 platoons Hd Qrs.

25 Feb 1916 Snow falls throughout the day. The BN is ordered to parade at 2 p.m. for work under RE's. Parade cancelled at 1.50 pm on account of weather.

26 Feb 1916 - trenches near Maricourt On account of severe weather reliefs will now be every 48 hours. Lieut R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] on return from leave takes over command of 'A' Coy. At 6pm the battalion leaves billets to relieve 20th K.L.R. in A2. relief commences 8 P.M. Completed 10.10pm. Weather still very severe. 1.O.R. wounded.

27 Feb 1916 1O.R. wounded. Artillery active about 2 miles South. The French warn us they will fire on German Communications and that we may expect retaliation. Enemy fires about 100 77m.m. and 30 5.9 shells into MARICOURT. Many falling near BN.H.Q. 1 O.R. Died of wounds. After 6.30pm rest of night very quiet. Very wet.

28 Feb 1916 A very quiet day. After wet and thaw trenches in terrible condition. 1.O.R. wounded.

29 Feb 1916 - Maricourt Defences A quiet 24 hours. New work on trenches hopeless. On account of wet and mud trenches fall in in many places. At 7pm 20th K.L.R. commence relieving us. Relief complete 9.35pm. After relief Battalion takes over MARICOURT DEFENCES. 'D' Coy. holding 'U' WORKS. DEFENCES taken over completely by 10.40 pm

War Diary for March 1916

1 Mar 1916 - Maricourt Defences Very quiet day and night. Casualties NIL. From this date 'A'1 and 'A'2 Subsectors are renamed 'Z'1 and 'Z'2.

2 Mar 1916 - front line trenches near Maricourt At 6.30 pm the battalion relieved the 20th Kings Liverpool Regt in 'Z'2. relief completed at 8 P.M. Dispositions: - Front line from left to right A.B.C. Companies. 'D' on completion of relief in 'U' works come into Reserve at Hd. Qrs. Casualties NIL.

3 Mar 1916 D. Coy relieve 'A' Coy in left group. 'A' Coy in Reserve.

4 Mar 1916 Snow fell about 3am. Very cold. Communication Trenches frozen over. At 9.10 p.m. 90th Brigade report S.O.S. from KNOWLES POINT, nothing appeared to happen. 9-10.30pm Enemy fire 4.2 howitzers into N.E. corner of MARICOURT WOOD. Our howitzers retaliated. Sick wastage 18.O.R.

5 Mar 1916 - Etinehem and U Works The Battalion (less 'A' Coy to 'U' Works) relieved at 7.15 p.m. by the 20th Kings Liverpool Regt. Relief complete about 10.15pm. After relief the Battalion marched by platoons into Billets in ETINEHEM arriving 1.55am 6/3/16. Casualties NIL.

6 Mar 1916 Snow in early morning. Companies free from working parties. 2Lieut G.F. Reid [George Frederick REID, MC] admitted to Hospital Sick.

7 Mar 1916 Battalion on fatigue under R.E.

8 Mar 1916 - front line near Maricourt Battalion left at 5.15 pm to relieve the 20th BN. Kings Liverpool Regt. in 'Z'2 Subsector. Relief competed by 9.45 pm. Dispositions B.C & D Coys front line 'A' Coy from 'U' works to reserve at Battalion H.Q. There was slight Artillery activity during relief and more sniping than usual. Casualties 2.O.R. Wounded.

9 Mar 1916 A very quiet day. Casualties 1.O.R. Wounded. There was a very heavy fall of snow during the night of 9/10th.

10 Mar 1916 Trenches. A quiet day. Casualties 1.O.R. wounded.

11 Mar 1916 2/Lt. R.F.C.Ballard [Robert Francis Cooper BALLARD] admitted to Hospital Sick. A draft of 20 O.R. joined the Battalion from BASE. Enemy Artillery was very active between 9-11pm mostly directed about A.P.1 where 1 O.R. was Killed and 3 Wounded. Sick wastage for week ending 11th 13.O.R.

12 Mar 1916 - Maricourt Defences A quiet day. The Battalion was relieved by the 20th BN Kings Liverpool Regt. Relief completed by 10 p.m. Battalion then withdrew to MARICOURT DEFENCES where positions were taken up by 10.40 pm. Dispositions - A Coy PERRONNE [sic] ROAD - MOUND KEEP (exclusive) 1 Platoon in Reserve at BN.H.Q. ;'B' Coy MOUND KEEP (inclusive) - CENTRE AVENUE. 'D' Coy CENTRE AVENUE - WEST KEEP (inclusive). 'C' Coy In Reserve at BN.H.Q.

13 Mar 1916 A quiet day. casualties 1.O.R. wounded. A draft of 40 O.R. joined from 3rd Entrenching Battn.

14 Mar 1916 At 9.50 pm Enemy heavily shelled MARICOURT 2.O.R. Killed and 1 wounded.

15 Mar 1916 - Bray-sur-Somme and Froissy Relieved by 8th BN. NORFOLK Regt. Relief completed by 10.15pm. The Battalion then withdrew to Billets as under. C & D and H.Q. - BRAY 'A' & 'B' at FROISSY. Casualties NIL.

16 Mar 1916 Battalion as Rest.

17 Mar 1916 - Corbie The Battn left at 9 a.m. for CORBIE arriving about 1-pm. BN billeted here for one night.

18 Mar 1916 - la Houssoye Battn left CORBIE at 10 am for billets at LA HOUSSOYE arriving at 11.50 am. BN. billeted AMIENS-ALBERT Road just under the E in LA HOUSSOYE. REF. MAP AMIENS Sheet 17 1/100,000. Sick wastage for week ending 18/3/16. 2 O.R.

19 Mar 1916 Voluntary Church Parade. Battn. Bathing at CORBIE.

20 Mar 1916 Battn at Training and Classes of Instruction.

21 Mar 1916 BN. at Training etc. Capt.J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] & 2 Lieut.A.M.B. Gaze [Alfred Malcolm Brockway GAZE] proceeded on leave.

22 Mar 1916 BN at Training etc.

23 Mar 1916 BN at Training etc. One O.R. accidentally wounded whilst on Bayonet Assault Course. 2 Lieut L.A.L. Fink, MC [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] 2/Bedf.R. & 2Lieut L.H.Fox [Leslie Herbert FOX] 4/Bedf.R. joined the BN and posted to C & A Coys respectively. A Football match between Officers & Sergeants took place resulting in the Officers winning by 4 goals to 3. Snow fell heavily throughout the night of 23/24th.

24 Mar 1916 2/Lieut H.C.Phillips 3/Bedf.R. joined BN and posted to 'D' Coy.

25 Mar 1916 BN at training etc. Lieut C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER] 2/Bedf.R. joined Battn & posted to 'A' Co. Sick wastage for week ending 25 1.O.R. In the afternoon a Football Match took place between the Battn and 17th Battn Kings Liverpool Rgt ending in a win for the Battn 1-0.

26 Mar 1916 2/Lieut.L.Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] (Cadet late R.A.M.C.) joined Battn and posted to 'D' Coy. Lieut. W. White [William WHITE] proceeded to 4th Army School FLEXICOURT for a course of Instruction and Lieut C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER] took over command of 'A' Coy.

27 Mar 1916 BN at Training etc. Lieut. W. White [William WHITE] admitted to Hospital Sick. 2Lieut A.H.O.Riddell [Alexander Herbert Oliver RIDDELL, MC] & 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] proceeded on leave.

28 Mar 1916 A demonstration with GAS was held showing the effectiveness of the SMOKE HELMET. Capt R.O. Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] admitted to Hospital Sick. Lieut & Adjutant J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] admitted to Hospital Sick. Lieut R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] took over command of 'C' Coy. 2Lieut F.A. Sloan [Frank Alan SLOAN, MC] took over the duties of Acting Adjutant. PRESENTATION General R.L.CURTIES (late Commanding Officer of the 2nd BN Bedfordshire Rgt) forwarded to the Commanding Officer the Sum of 5 to be awarded to the Non-commissioned Officer or man who, in the opinion of all Ranks, has performed the most gallant Offensive Act during the war, without receiving any recognition. The Battalion has decided that this sum should be presented to No.9878 Corporal G. Freshwater 'C' Company, for the following act of gallantry. At 2.30 pm on march 28th 1916, Brigadier General C.B STANLEY D.S.O. Commanding 89th Infantry Brigade presented the sum of 5 to No 9878 Corporal G.Freshwater 'C' Company 2/BN Bedfordshire Rgt for the following act of gallantry. "At NEUVE CHAPELLE on the 12th March 1915, Capt C.C.FOSS V.C., D.S.O. [Charles Calverley FOSS, VC, DSO] called for Volunteers to capture a trench which the enemy had taken. Corporal Freshwater (then a Private) at once volunteered and called on others to follow his example and accompany Capt FOSS. The party consisting of one Officer and 6 Bombers recaptured the lost trench and took 54 German prisoners. Corporal Freshwater showed exceptional courage and was the second man to enter the German trench". On arrival of the G.O.C. the Battn presented arms and formed three sides of a square. The G.O.C. addressed the Battn as follows. "Officers, N.C.O's and Men of the 2nd BN. Bedfordshire Regt. Colonel Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] has done me the honour of asking me to present the sum of 5 to Corporal Freshwater" and addressed him as follows: - "Corporal Freshwater if affords me the greatest pleasure to present to you the sum of 5, you have been chosen by your comrades as having performed the most gallant act during the war, without receiving any award or recognition and I am assured you thoroughly deserve it. It must afford you the greatest pleasure to know that you have been unanimously chosen by your comrades to receive this award as a brave man." G.O.C. shakes hands and congratulates Corporal Freshwater. After this ceremony the G.O.C. made the following address to the Battn. "Some 3 1/2 months ago I had the pleasure of welcoming you into my Brigade and I felt that I should be proud of you. I find that I have had just cause to be so, and anything I required doing in the Trenches I received immediate response from the 2nd BN Bedfordshire Regt. Officers and Men carried out all duties with vigour and exactitude and I feel that I can rely on you under every circumstance. You have always shown a willingness which affords me the greatest pleasure - Colonel POYNTZ I congratulate you on your fine battalion."

29 Mar 1916 - Grovetown Camp The Battn left at 10am for GROVETOWN CAMP arriving at 4.P.M. GROVETOWN CAMP is situated in L.8.d. Ref.Map FRANCE Sheet 62D 1/40,000.

30 Mar 1916 1/2 Battn at Training 1/2 Battn employed in working parties under R.E.

31 Mar 1916 Whole of Battalion employed on Working Parties under R.E's.

War Diary for April 1916

1 Apr 1916 - Grovetown Camp Battalion under Canvas at "GROVETOWN CAMP", BRAY. Reference Map ALBERT (combined sheet 1/40000 L.8.). Battalion employed on Working Parties under Royal Engineers.

2 Apr 1916 GROVETWON CAMP - Church Parade. In the afternoon the Battalion played the 8th Bn. Royal Sussex Regiment at Football, winning by 3 Goals to 1 following [sic] by a Concert in the Sussex Lines at 6 p.m. 2nd Lieutenants B. Newton [Bernard NEWTON] and A.YOUNG proceeded on leave.

3 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Working Parties under R.E. Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] takes over Temporary Command of 89th Infantry Brigade during the absence of the Brig: General F.C.STANLEY, D.S.O. Captain J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] takes over temporary command of the Battalion.

4 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion employed on Working Parties under R.E. Sergeants of the Battalion played the Sergeants of the 8th Bn.Royal Sussex Regiment at Football winning by 2 goals to NIL. Extracts from List of Appointments No.75 dated 26.3.16: "No.6246 C.Q.M.Sgt. E.C.Pledger [Ernest Charles PLEDGER] to be Second Lieutenant and posted to 16th Bn.Lancashire Fusiliers."

5 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

6 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] resumes command of Battalion. The Battalion played the 11th Bn.South Lancashire Regiment at Football winning by 3 Goals to NIL.

7 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Captain L.F.Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] and Captain W.Sharpe [William SHARPE, MC] proceeded on Leave. Lieutenant J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] rejoined Battalion from Hospital. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

8 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. A Draft of 20 Other Ranks joined from BASE. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. SICK WASTAGE for week ending 8th April, 1916, 2 O.R. 2nd Lieutenant E.C.PLEDGER left to join 16th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers.

9 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP - Church Parade. Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] proceeded to 4th Army School at FLEXICOURT. Captain J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] took over command of Battalion. the Battalion played the 8th Bn.Royal Sussex Regiment at Football and lost by one goal to Nil, afterwards pulling them at Tug-of-War which we won.

10 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

11 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. The Battalion played the 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt at Football losing by 3 goals to Nil.

12 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

13 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. A Boxing Tournament was held between the 2nd and 7th Battalions, the 2nd Bn. winning 3 Fights and the 7th Battalion winning 2 Fights.

14 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

15 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. 1 O.R. accidentally wounded. SICK WASTAGE for week ending 15.4.16, 1 O.R.

16 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP - Church Parade. Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] rejoined from 4th Army School and resumed command of Battalion. The following Football Matches were played: - Officers 1 goal v Officers Servants 5 Goals. N. C. O's NIL v Privates 1 Goal.

17 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

18 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

19 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. 2nd Lieutenant B. Newton [Bernard NEWTON] proceeded to take over command of 89/2 TRENCH MORTAR BATTERY.

20 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

21 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. Approval given for Captain J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] to be Temporary Major.

22 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. SICK WASTAGE for week ending 22.4.16 NIL. Result of INTER-COMPANY FOOTBALL LEAGUE. "A" Company Winners. "B" Company "Runners Up".

23 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP - Church Parade. Captain E.S.M.POYNTZ proceeded to 4th Army School FLEXICOURT. 2nd Lieutenant F.A. Sloan [Frank Alan SLOAN, MC] took over command of "C" Company. Lieutenant R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] took over command of "B" Company. The Battalion played the 8th Bn.Royal Sussex Regt at Football losing by 2 Goals to 1.

24 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. 25 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Lieutenant J.J. Coe [John Thomas COE] and 2nd Lieutenant L.K. Lawrence [Leonard Kingsley LAWRENCE] proceeded to leave. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. Lieutenant R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] admitted to Hospital, Sick. 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] took over Command of "B" Company. The Battalion played the 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment at Football winning by 4 Goals to NIL.

26 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. INTER-COMPANY TUG-OF-WAR (Heats). Headquarters beat Transport "A" Company beat "C" Company. "B" Company beat "D" Company.

27 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. INTER-COMPANY TUG-OF-WAR. "A" Company beat Headquarters. "B" Company - BYE. FINAL: - "A" Company beat "B" Company. In the evening Preliminary Rounds of 89th Infantry Brigade Boxing Tournament took place.

28 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. The following Sports took place in the Afternoon and Evening. INTER-PLATOON RELAY RACE. No.15 Platoon were the winning Platoon and "B" Company the Winning Company. INTER-REGIMENTAL TUG-OF-WAR. 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt beat 17th Bn Kings Liverpool Regt. 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt beat 19th Bn Kings Liverpool Regt. FINAL 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt beat 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt. the finals of the 89th Infantry Brigade Boxing Tournament then took place with results as follows: - 9 Stone and Under won by Pte.Leray, 2.Bedf.R. 10 Stone and Under won by Pte.Pilkington 2.Bedf.R. 11 Stone & Under won by Sgt.Baker (19th Bn.K.L.R.) Heavies won by Sgt.Baker, 2.Bedf.R. At the conclusion of Sports the Prizes were presented by Brigadier General F.C.STANLEY, D.S.O.

29 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. The Battalion again pulled the 8th Bn.Royal Sussex Regiment at TUG-OF-WAR and beat them. SICK WASTAGE for week ending 29.4.16, 2 O.R. At 8.30 p.m. the Battalion left Camp to relieve the 10th Bn.ESSEX Regiment in the Trenches at MARICOURT Z.2. Sub-sector, taking over the same trenches as when the Battalion was in the Line before, with the following Dispositions. "C" Company Right Front 1 Platoon Support. "B" Company Centre 1 Platoon Support "D" Company Left Front 1 Platoon Support. "A" Company in reserve at CHATEAU KEEP under command of Officer Commanding MARICOURT Defences. The 11th Bn.Royal Fusiliers being on our left in A.1, and the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment on our right in Z.1. It was exceptionally quiet during the whole of the relief which was completed by 12.25 a.m. 30.4.16. Casualties NIL.

30 Apr 1916 Lieutenant J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] and 2nd Lieutenant F.A. Sloan [Frank Alan SLOAN, MC] proceeded on Leave. At 5.20 p.m. Enemy opened up a short bombardment lasting 10 minutes. At 7.30 p.m. the Enemy opened up a heavy bombardment on A.2 on our left; at 7.35 p.m. S.O.S. received from A.2 and orders were given to "STAND TO". At 8.30 p.m. all was quiet again. Casualties NIL.

War Diary for May 1916

1 May 1916 - trenches near Maricourt A quiet day. At 9 p.m. Enemy opened up heavy bombardment in A/2 Subsector. 9.5 p.m. the "S.O.S" sent up at CARNOY. Casualties NIL.

2 May 1916 A quiet day. Lieut.W.White [William WHITE] rejoined from hospital. 2nd Lieutenant W.E. Boulton [Walter Edward BOULTON] joined from Cadet School and posted to "B" Company. Casualties Nil.

3 May 1916 A quiet day. Lieutenant W.White [William WHITE] took over command of "C" Company from 2nd Lieutenant A.M.B. Gaze [Alfred Malcolm Brockway GAZE]. Casualties NIL.

4 May 1916 The night 3/4th was exceptionally quiet. At 9.15 a.m. one of our aeroplanes attacked and brought down an enemy aeroplane, which fell in the enemies lines behind Y.2. Our plane dived almost to the ground in doing so, but managed to get back to our own lines although flying at only 300 feet above the German trenches. Casualties Nil. 1 O.R. accidentally wounded at 4th Army School.

5 May 1915 - Etinehem At 1.55 a.m. Enemy opened a heavy bombardment on our Right in the direction of FRISE and KNOWLES POINT. Battalion stood to. The bombardment increased in intensity at 2.15 a.m. Nothing happened the front of Z.2 subsector and things quietened down at 3 a.m. Battalion stood down at 3.50 a.m. The rest of the day very quiet. At 3.55 p.m. a shock of a mine explosion was felt at Battalion Headquarters. The battalion relieved by the 20th Kings Liverpool Regiment and marched into Billets in ETINEHEM arriving at 3.45 a.m. on the 6th May. Casualties Nil.

6 May 1916 Lieutenant R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] rejoined from hospital and took over command of "B" Company from 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER]. Sick Wastage 3 Other Ranks.

7 May 1916 Church Parade.

8 May 1916 Companies engaged in Training.

9 May 1916 Companies at Training.

10 May 1916 Companies training. 2nd Lieutenant G.A.Anstee [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC] proceeded on leave. 2nd Lieutenant B. Newton [Bernard NEWTON] seconded to 89/2 Trench Mortar Battery

11 May 1916 - front line trenches near Maricourt Companies at Training. In the afternoon Battalion held "AQUATIC SPORTS". Battalion relieved 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment in Z.2. Relief complete 11 p.m. A quiet night. Lieutenant J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] rejoined from leave and resumed duties of Adjutant. Casualties Nil.

12 May 1916 1 a.m. Enemy opened up a very heavy bombardment on Y.1 on our right. This bombardment slackened about 2 a.m. Quiet by 2.45 a.m. Enemy raided Y.2. Casualties Nil. Draft of 30 O.R. joined from Base. Sick Wastage 3 O.R. Casualties Nil.

13 May 1916 Enemy artillery active on front line and village during the evening with H.E. and shrapnel. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed. 2 O.R. wounded.

14 May 1916 Quiet day. Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] proceeds on leave. Major J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] takes over command of the battn. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed. 7 O.R. Wounded.

15 May 1916 A quiet day. Captain Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] returns from Hospital. 2nd Lieutenants Hobbs [Wilfred HOBBS, MC], Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] and Oldfield [Reginald Theodore OLDFIELD, MC & Bar] proceed on Leave. Casualties Nil.

16 May 1916 A quiet day. Casualties Nil.

17 May 1916 - Maricourt Defences A quiet day. Enemy snipers active. Casualties Nil.

18 May 1916 A quiet day. 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] proceeds to Grenade School. Captain H.A.W.Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] joins from ENGLAND. Casualties Nil.

19 May 1916 A quiet day. Captain R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] and 2nd Lieutenant Boulton [Walter Edward BOULTON] proceed on leave. Casualties Nil.

20 May 1916 A quiet day. Casualties Nil. Sick Wastage 2 O.R.

21 May 1916 Our heavy guns bombarded German trenches from 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Practically no retaliation. Capt.E.S.M.POYNTZ rejoins from 4th Army School. casualties Nil.

22 May 1916 2nd Lieutenant Plummer, F.E. [Frederick Ernest PLUMMER], joined from ENGLAND. Casualties Nil.

23 May 1916 - front line trenches near Maricourt Relieved by 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. Battalion takes over Z.1. Subsector. Casualties Nil.

24 May 1916 Very quiet. Casualties Nil.

25 May 1916 Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] rejoined from leave and resumes command of the Battalion. At 11 a.m. this day, the battalion comes under command of its of Brigade, the 21st. Casualties Nil.

26 May 1916 A quiet day. 2nd Lieut. Hankinson [Errole G. HANKINSON] and Lieutenant R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] proceed on Leave. Lieutenant N.V.Dabell [Norman V. DABELL], 2nd Lieutenant A.L.GORDON and 50 Other Ranks from Base. 87 Other Ranks from 1st Entrenching Battalion. Captain E.S.M.POYNTZ assumes duties of 2nd in Command. Casualties 1 Other Rank wounded.

27 May 1916 Relieved by 19th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment at 2 a.m. Relief complete 3.45 a.m. 28/5/16. Battalion withdrew to MARICOURT village. 2nd Lieutenant D.P.Cross [Dennis Patrick CROSS, MC] and 2nd Lieutenant H.G.Fyson [Harold George FYSON] joined from 4th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment. Casualties Nil. Sick Wastage 2 O.R.

28 May 1916 - Maricourt Defences Battalion work all night on new trenches in front of our 1st line system. In conjunction with the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment about 1,200 yards of trenches constructed, wired and communication with our own front trenches established in the one night. The regiment congratulated by the G.O.C. 30th Division and the Brigadier 21st Inf.Brigade. Although 500 men working in front of our own trenches no casualties occurred. On completion the Battalion withdrew to MARICOURT DEFENCES.

29 May 1916 Casualties Nil.

30 May 1916 The Battalion relieved by the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment. Battalion withdrew as follows: - Headquarters, "B" and "C" Companies to BRAY. "A" and "B" Companies to Camp in BILLON WOOD. Arrived Bray, 1.30 a.m. 31.5.16. casualties Nil.

31 May 1916 - Bois des Celestins The Battalion left at 8 p.m. for camp in BOIS LES CELESTINS arriving about 11 p.m. CASUALTIES NIL.

War Diary for June 1916

1 Jun 1916 - Corbie Battalion in Camp at BOIS LES CELESTINS. Captain E.S.M.Poyntz and Captain H. Cressingham [Hugh CRESSINGHAM] proceeded on leave. The Battalion left Camp at 4.10 p.m. for billets at CORBIE arriving at 7.30 p.m.

2 Jun 1916 - St-Sauveur Billets CORBIE. the Battalion left CORBIE at 4 p.m. for billets at St.SAUVEUR arriving about 11 p.m. SAIN SAUVEUR is about 5 miles N.E. of AMIENS. Reference Map AMIENS, Sheet 12.

3 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Sick Wastage for week ending 3rd June 7 O.R.

4 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. A Draft of 6 Other Ranks joined from Base. 2 Lt.H A Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN] rejoined the Bn. from 3rd Entrenching Battalion and posted to "B" Company. The Battalion commenced training with the whole of the 89th Brigade, in practising "The Attack" over a replica of the Trenches the Brigade held in MARICOURT Sector.

5 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training.

6 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training. Lieut W.White [William WHITE] and Lieut.H.C.PHILLIPS proceeded on leave.

7 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training.

8 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training.

9 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieut.A.H.O.Riddell [Alexander Herbert Oliver RIDDELL, MC] (3/Queens) attached to Bn admitted to Hospital sick. Lieut. J.C.HOUSTON, R.A.M.C., attached to Battalion during the absence on leave of Captain T.E.AMYOTT, R.A.M.C. from 10th to 16.6.16.

10 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training. Sick wastage for week ending 10th 2 Other Ranks.

11 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training. 2/Lieut.L.Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] proceeded on leave.

12 Jun 1916 - Bray-sur-Somme Billets St.SAUVEUR. the Battalion left billets at 10.40 a.m. for AILLY-SUR-SOMME. Entrained at AILLY for HEILLY en route to BRAY. Arrived at HEILLY at 3.5 p.m. detrained and left for Billets at BRAY 3.30 p.m., arriving at BRAY at 7.30 p.m. Capt.E.S.M.POYNTZ & Capt.H. Cressingham [Hugh CRESSINGHAM] rejoined from leave.

13 Jun 1916 - Bray-sur-Somme and front line near Maricourt Billets BRAY. "C" and "D" Coys proceeded to MARICOURT (Z.1) at 8.30 p.m. and commenced digging new trench from MARICOURT AVENUE to N.W. Fire trench, during this, the enemy opened up a heavy bombardment and attacked the French who were holding trenches on our Right. It turned out to be a small raid. 2nd Lieutenant H.J.BRICKNELL (Commissioned from Ranks from Sergeant) joined the Battalion from 5th Lancers and posted to "C" Company. 2nd Lieutenant J.B.Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS], 4th Bn. Bedfordshire Regt joined the Bn. from base and posted to "D" Coy.

14 Jun 1916 Billets BRAY. "A" and "B" Companies proceeded to MARICOURT Trenches at 8.30 p.m. and continued work on NEW Trench. At 4 p.m. a warning order was received that the Battn would proceed to MARICOURT Trenches on the 16th and take over Z.1 Subsector. At 11 p.m. the Daylight Saving Bill was adopted by B.E.F.

15 Jun 1916 At 8.30 p.m. "D" Company proceeded to MARICOURT Trenches and completed NEW Trench. Captain W.Sharpe [William SHARPE, MC] admitted to Hospital Sick.

16 Jun 1916 - front line near Maricourt At 8.30 p.m. the Battalion left BRAY for Trenches (Z.1 Subsector) to relieve the 16th Bn.Manchester Regt, 90th Brigade. The relief was completed by 1.15 a.m. on 17th. Battalion held the line from A/16.b.2.0. (Right Flank) to A/9.d.3.5 (Left Flank) with the French (8th Company, 156th Regiment) on our RIGHT and the 2nd Bn.Royal Scots Fusiliers on our LEFT. Reference Trench Map MAUREPAS, 1/20,000. DISPOSITIONS: - LEFT "A" Coy. RIGHT "D" Coy. SUPPORT "B" Coy. RESERVE "C" Coy. Very quiet during relief. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded and remaining at duty. Battalion Headquarters vicinity of CHATEAU.

17 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. A very quiet day and night. During the day our Artillery registered on MONTAUBAN - BRIQUETERIE - GERMAN WOOD. During the night the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment relieved the 2nd Bn.Royal Scots Fusiliers on our Right. Casualties NIL. Sick wastage for week ending 17th June 4 O.R. Capt.T.E.AMYOT [RAMC], Lieut W.White [William WHITE] & Lieut.H.C.PHILLIPS rejoined from leave.

18 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. A quiet Day and Night. 2nd Lt. T.J.PEMBERTON, 4th Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment and a Draft of 50 Other Ranks joined from BASE. 2nd Lieut.PEMBERTON posted to "C" Coy. A party of 2 Officers 2 Lieuts G.A.Anstee [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC] and D.P. Cross [Dennis Patrick CROSS, MC] and 50 Other Ranks left Trenches for BRAY to practice for a Raid. Casualties NIL.

19 Jun 1916. A very quiet day and night. Raiding Party practising at BRAY. 2nd Lieut. D.D.Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN], 4th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt joined from base and posted to "C" Company. Lieut.HOUSTON, R.A.M.C. ceased to be attached to the Battalion. Casualties - 1 O.R. Self-inflicted wound. No.17796 Pte.F.Chambers [Frederick CHAMBERS].

20 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. At 6.15 p.m. Enemy heavily shelled the vicinity of the CHATEAU lasting about 10 minutes wounding 2 O.R. In the evening Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] and Lieut.J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] proceeded to BRAY to supervise Raiding party. News received that No.9078 Cpl.W.Eade [William R.EADE, D.C.M]., had been accidentally killed and No.9521 L/C.Tyrrell W, accidentally wounded by a Bomb explosion at BRAY in the morning. Casualties: - 3 O.R. wounded. A quiet night. No.10002 Cpl.F.Johnson [Frederick JOHNSON] wounded himself in the left foot self-inflicted when proceeding to Trenches. This N.C.O. joined with Draft on 18th.

21 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. Enemy shelled MARICOURT intermittently during the Day. A quiet night. C.O. and Adjutant returned from BRAY. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed.

22 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. Considerable Aerial Activity. the CHATEAU and LEXDON Street shelled heavily from 9 to 10.30 p.m. A quiet night. Casualties NIL.

23 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. Registering by our Guns. Enemy shelled MARICOURT at intervals in retaliation. Commanding Officer and Adjutant proceeded to BRAY. A very quiet night. Casualties NIL.

24 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. We bombarded Enemys Front and Support Line and Strong Points all Day, very little retaliation. At 10 p.m. we opened up a very heavy bombardment lasting till 11.30 p.m. Commanding Officer and Adjutant returned from BRAY with Raiding party. Casualties NIL. Sick Wastage for week ending 24th 7 Other Ranks.

25 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. Bombardment continued all day. At 4 p.m. our Aircraft brought down in flames immediately to our front 3 Enemy Observation balloons. At 11.15 p.m. a party of 2 Officers and 49 O.R. (see Appendix "A") carried out a raid on the Enemy's lines opposite our subsector from A/10.c.30.70 to A/10.c.55/60. Reference Trench Map MARICOURT 1/10000 62.c.N.W.1 Edition 2.c. It was quite a success. All the Party returning to our lines safely, capturing one prisoner (wounded). Very little retaliation on part of the enemy. Our Casualties were: - 6 O.R. wounded. 1 O.R. Shell Blindness. 1 O.R. accidentally wounded by Barbed Wire. Other Casualties during the day: - 1 O.R. Killed, 2 O.R. Wounded.

26 Jun 1916 - support trenches near Maricourt Trenches Z.1. The following message was received. "To ROOT. Hearty congratulations on your success of last night due to careful and thorough preparation. I am very pleased. Please thank Officers and men of MINNIE Expeditionary Force. From Major General SHEA". The Code Words referred to above came into force on 19th June. for telephonic communication, owing to enemy tapping our Wires. 30th Division Code Word TREE. 89th Brigade Code Word ROOT. 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt Code Word MINNIE 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool R. Code Word ANNIE 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool R. Code Word EMILIE 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt Code Word MARY. Bombardment continued all Day. Enemy heavily shelled MACHINE GUN WOOD and continued all day. Enemy probably brought up more Guns as this was the heaviest retaliation we had since our bombardment. At 10 p.m. the 17th and 20th Bns Kings Liverpool Regiment commenced relieving the Battalion in the front line, on completion of relief the disposition of the Battalion was as follows. "A" & "B" Companies in GROVE AVENUE East of CENTRE AVENUE. "C" & "D" Companies in GROVE END ROAD West of CENTRE AVENUE. Battalion Hd.Qrs remained at the CHATEAU. Casualties: - 10 Other Ranks wounded.

27 Jun 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Heavy bombardment of hostile Trenches continued all day. Enemy retaliation was very heavy. During the morning 2 Companies were withdrawn to the CHATEAU and DONES REDOUBT to thin out the Liverpools, the 17th Bn. & 20th having had about 120 casualties during the night and early morning. At 2.25 p.m. sounds of a Mine Explosion was heard in the enemy line. At 5 p.m. the following Officers proceeded to Transport as a Reserve of Officers for the coming offensive. Major J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS]. Captain E.S.M.POYNTZ. Lieut N.V. Dabell [Norman V. DABELL]. Lieut H.C.PHILLIPS. Lieut H A Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN] Lieut W.White [William WHITE]. Lieut H.G.Fyson [Harold George FYSON]. 2nd Lieut. A.L.GORDON. 2nd Lieut.F.E.Plummer [Frederick Ernest PLUMMER]. 2nd Lieut J.B.Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS]. 2nd Lieut.T.J.PEMBERTON. 2nd Lieut.D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN]. 2nd Lieutenant T.J.G.Reynolds [Thomas Joceline Gordon REYNOLDS], 4th Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment joined and remained with reserve of Officers at Transport in BRAY. 2nd Lieutenant F.Hague [Frederick HAGUE] (commissioned from Ranks [comment: formerly 958 Bedfordshire Yeomanry]) joined the Battalion from Bedfordshire Yeomanry and remained at Transport with reserve of officers. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed. x7 O.R. Wounded. x includes Sgt.Robinson wounded and C.S.M. P.Chandler [7612 Percy William CHANDLER] Severely Wounded.

28 Jun 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Bombardment continued all day. About 5 p.m. Orders received that the Attack was postponed for 48 hours (probably on a/c of the weather which had been very wet for the previous two days). News received that C.S.M.Chandler [7612 Percy William CHANDLER] had died of wounds. At 8 pm the Battalion relieved the 17th and 20th Kings Liverpool Regts in Z.1 Subsector. 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] and 2 N.C.O's and eight men carried out a very successful reconnaissance of the enemy lines during the night. Patrol penetrated into enemy support line and returned with very useful information. 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] returned with the whole patrol intact. 2 Lieut L.A.L. Fink [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] and 2 N.C.Os and ten men also reconnoitered enemy front line trenches. Unfortunately Corporal Thurgood and six men lost touch and did not return. Casualties 5 O.R. wounded. 1 O.R. Shell Shock.

29 Jun 1916 2.1 Subsector. Zero Hour 7.30 a.m. 30th June postponed apparently on account of bad weather. Bomnardment continues. 2nd Lieutenant E.G. Hankinson [Errole G. HANKINSON] wounded and Sergeant Laycock killed when visiting Lewis Gunners in front line trenches. Corporal Thurgood and Privates Sutton, Palmer, Humbles and Gray return after 24 hours in the German Lines. Casualties: - 1 O.R. Killed, 2 O.R. Wounded, 2 O.R. missing.

30 Jun 1916 Z.1. Subsector. Bombardment continues. Battalion busy preparing for the morrow. Notified that attack would be launched at 7.30 a.m. on the 1st July. Casualties from 16th to 30th June, 2nd Lieutenant E.G. Hankinson [Errole G. HANKINSON] Wounded KILLED 6 Other Ranks. KILLED Accidentally 1 Other Rank DIED OF WOUNDS 2 Other Ranks MISSING 2 Other ranks WOUNDED 35 Other Ranks WOUNDED Accidentally 3 Other Ranks WOUNDED Self-inflicted 3 Other Ranks SHELL SHOCK 9 Other Ranks WOUNDED - At Duty 5 Other Ranks SICK 5 Other Ranks Total: 1 Officer 71 Other Ranks

Appendix A RAIDING PARTY

2/Lieutenant G.A.Anstee [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC]. 2/Lieutenant D.P. Cross [Dennis Patrick CROSS, MC]. No 9212 Sergt Nicholls.H. "D" Company No 9931 Sergt Compton P [Percy COMPTON, DCM]. "A" Company No 9909 L/Sgt Smith L. "B" Company. No 9759 L/Sgt Simons S. "C" Company No 3/7234 A/Cpl Cannon E. "A" Company No 10016 A/Cpl Howard A. "B" Company No 9757 L/Cpl Thorogood A. "C" Company No 9578 L/Cpl Mason A. "D" Company No 9891 L/Cpl Mee A. "B" Company No 9818 L/Cpl Seagrave H. "A" Company No 10731 L/Cpl Clark C. "D" Company No 9387 L/Cpl Boyce F. "A" Company No 18817 L/Cpl Fynn D. "A" Company No 18550 L/Cpl Dawson F. "A" Company No 18639 Pte Bristow W. "C" Company No 4/4964 Pte Bennett J. "C" Company No 19270 Pte Barker W. "B" Company No 20995 Pte Bean A. "A" Company No 13082 Pte Cleaver W. "D" Company No 17572 Pte Church W. "B" Company No 18600 Pte Cleeve J. "D" Company No 9646 Pte Cann F. "D" Company No 20973 Pte Dawson W.A. "C" Company No 10060 Pte Fairweather C. "D" Company No 9178 Pte Fynn L. "C" Company No 6584 Pte Gurdler A. "A" Company No 9726 Pte Gilbey A. "D" Company No 18180 Pte Gray H. "C" Company No 17590 Pte Hands T. "C" Company No 21156 Pte Henry J. "A" Company No 9700 Pte Hoval J. "B" Company No 17754 Pte Hall C. "B" Company No 7198 Pte Higgins H. "B" Company No 17738 Pte Jarman H. "B" Company No 21168 Pte Kidd J. "A" Company No 9022 Pte Milliard A, "B" Company No 6542 Pte Marrables J. "C" Company No 4/7476 Pte Osborne P. "D" Company No 4/6813 Pte Osborne E. "A" Company No 3/7372 Pte Poole G. "C" Company No 6655 Pte Reed H. "B" Company No 14429 Pte Staughton E. "D" Company No 10226 Pte Senior F. "D" Company No 17923 Pte Sinfield A. "D" Company No 13050 Pte Sams A. "D" Company No 10797 Pte Stratton F. "A" Company No 21090 Pte Sharp E. "C" Company No 7017 Pte Wood B "C" Company No 3/7644 Pte Waldock D. "C" Company No 21050 Pte Walker A. "A" Company

War Diary for July 1916

1 Jul 1916 [Battle of the Somme] - support trenches near Maricourt During the night of June 30th the Bn. which was in support formed up in the trenches of Z.1. Subsector as shown in Operation Order No.76. The early morning of July 1st was hazy and from our positions we could not see the German positions. At 7.30 a.m. (ZERO Hour) the general advance commenced, led by the 17th and 20th Bns Kings Liverpool Regt, the 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment being in support and the 19th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment in Reserve. The Bombardment has been so successful that very little resistance from Rifle Fire took place, but most of the casualties were sustained from Shell Fire. The Headquarters of the Battalion were in the Chateau dug-outs during the preliminary advance. By 8 a.m. the German 1st Line Trenches were taken (including FAVIERE and SILESIA fire trenches) the leading Battalions pushing on to CASEMENT TRENCH - ALT ALLEY - GLATZ ALLEY. B and C Companies commanded by Captain H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] and Captain R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] respectively followed 100 yards in rear of the attacking Battalions and established themselves in FAVIERE SUPPORT and SILESIA SUPPORT trenches whilst the Artillery bombarded DUBLIN TRENCH. A & D Coys commanded by Captain C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER] and Captain L.F.Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] respectively, advanced and occupied FAVIERE SUPPORT - SILESIA SUPPORT and B & C Coys. supported the advance to DUBLIN TRENCH occupying CASEMENT TRENCH. At 12.30 p.m., the 20th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment assaulted and took the BRIQUETERIE. Besides supporting the advance of the Brigade the Battalion had special duties allotted to it. 2/Lt. A.M.B. Gaze [Alfred Malcolm Brockway GAZE], 2/Lt. A.Young and 60 Other Ranks of D.Coy. followed the 3rd wave of the attacking Battalions for the purpose of cleaning up the German dug-outs and trenches. These were split up into small parties of an N.C.O. & 5 men, each told off to work up defined sections of enemy trench. This was successfully accomplished and about 300 prisoners and 4 Machine Guns were taken, this work completed, the men rejoined their company. No.1, 2, 5 & 6 Strong Points as on Map Appendix A were made by the Bn., under heavy shell fire during the day and night. At 8.15 a.m. Bn. H.Q., moved up into LEXDON STREET in our old front line trenches and remained there during the operations of July 1st to 4th. 2/Lt. R.F.C.Ballard [Robert Francis Cooper BALLARD] rejoined from hospital. 2/Lts H.G.Fyson [Harold George FYSON] and J.B.Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS] proceeded from Reserve of Officers to 89th Bde H.Q. for duty.

2 Jul 1916 - trenches around Maricourt All positions won were consolidated in spite of 4 Counter Attacks. At 5 p.m. on 1st July, Orders received from Brigade to withdraw 2 Companies as Divisional Reserve into our old front line trenches. "A" & "D" Companies were withdrawn at 10 p.m., 2nd July. A new trench was dug by the Battalion running East from GERMANS WOOD to the BRIQUETERIE ROAD under heavy shell fire, this trench was also wired and named BEDFORD TRENCH. 2nd Lieut.A.L.GORDON proceeded to join Battalion from Reserve of Officers at Transport.

3 Jul 1916 Further consolidation of positions. Positions intermittently shelled by the Enemy. At 2 p.m. "A" & "D" Companies relieved "B" & "C" Companies - changing places. At 3 p.m. Orders received to send garrisons of 1 Platoon each to garrison No.1 & 4 STRONG POINTS just to WEST of GLATZ REDOUBT. These were sent from "B" Company under 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] and "C" Company No.2 Strong Point under an N.C.O. Orders were received to dig a communication trench from DUBLIN TRENCH to the BRIQUETERIE ROAD end. This was commenced and completed from S.4.d.3.1 to about S.4.d.3.6. as shown on Map Appendix "A".

4 Jul 1916 Further consolidation. Positions well consolidated and actively shelled throughout the day. 2/Lieut.L.Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] wounded. At 10 p.m. the Battalion was relieved by the 3rd SOUTH AFRICAN INFANTRY, the Battalion then withdrew to the BOIS-de-TAILLES for a rest, the last platoon arriving at 6.35 a.m. on 5th July. The Casualties from 1st July to 4th July were: - 2nd Lieutenant W.E.Boulton [Walter Edward BOULTON] - Shell Shock - 1.7.16. 2nd Lieutenant Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] - Wounded - 4.7.16. OTHER RANKS: - KILLED 7, MISSING 8, WOUNDED 56, SHELL SHOCK 5, WOUNDED AT DUTY 2. Total 78 - 1 since found to have been killed. 3 since found to have been Wounded. 3 since found suffering from Shell Shock. 1 still missing.

5 Jul 1916 - Bois des Tailles Battalion at rest in the BOIS-de-TAILLES Ref: Map ALBERT (Combined Sheet) 1.40,000 K.18.a. Casualties NIL.

6 Jul 1916 Battalion at rest in the BOIS-de-TAILLES. Casualties NIL.

7 Jul 1916 Battalion at rest in the BOIS-de-TAILLES - Rain all day. At 5 p.m. Orders received to STAND BY. 2nd Lieutenant H.J.BRICKELL returned from leave. A draft of 6 Other Ranks joined from Base including C.S.M. BLISS. Casualties NIL.

8 Jul 1916 - Billon Wood Battalion at rest in the BOIS-de-TAILLES. 10 a.m. Church Service. At 1 p.m. Orders received to be ready to move at half hours notice. At 7.5 p.m. Battalion left BOIS-de-TAILLES and proceeded to BILLON WOOD and bivouacked at the SOUTHERN Edge. the following Officers remained behind with transport as reserve of officers: - Major J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS], Captain E.S.M.POYNTZ. Lieut.N.V. Dabell [Norman V. DABELL], Lieut W.White [William WHITE], Lieut.J.T. Coe [John Thomas COE], 2 Lieut L.A.L. Fink [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] 2/Lieut.T.J.PEMBERTON, 2/Lieut.H.G.Fyson [Harold George FYSON], 2/Lieut.A.M.B. Gaze [Alfred Malcolm Brockway GAZE], 2/Lieut.A.YOUNG, 2/Lieut.F. Hague [Frederick HAGUE]. Casualties NIL.

9 Jul 1916 - trenches near Maricourt. Battalion in Bivouac in BILLON WOOD. At 9.30 p.m. the Battalion moved up into trenches in Old Z.1 Subsector with Headquarters in COBHAM STREET.

10 Jul 1916 Battalion in Z.1 trenches. Captain H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] sprained his ankle and had to go back to the Transport Lines. Lieut H A Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN] then took over command of "B" Company. At 5 p.m. Orders were received that the Battalion were to attack TRONES WOOD at 3.27 a.m. on 11th July and if possible entrench the Eastern side of the wood. The information handed over by the 90th Brigade was that the wood was only lightly held by the enemy. Two Battalions had each previously made two separate attacks on the wood, but had suffered severely and had been unable to establish a footing in the wood. On the night of 10th July the Battalion occupied our old Front Line Trenches of Z.1 Subsector and at 11 p.m. moved up the BRIQUETERIE ROAD to the SUNKEN ROAD just East of the BRIQUETERIE, which was the position of deployment for the attack.

11 Jul 1916 - Trones Wood The Battalion were in position by 1.30 a.m. formed up in lines of 1/2 Companies with an interval of five paces between the men, and a distance of 150 yards between platoons, in the following order: - "A" Company commanded by Captain C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER] "B" Company commanded by Lieutenant Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN] "C" Company commanded by Captain L.F.Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] "D" Company commanded by Captain R.O.Wynne. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] Orders had been received that the Battalion was to enter the wood at 3.27 a.m., so the leading line commenced to advance at 3.10 a.m. towards the South eastern edge of TRONE SWOOD. It being almost dark, the advance was not observed until the leading line was 400 yards from the wood, when enemy Machine Guns opened fire from Points Z and R marked on Sketch (Appendix "B"). The enemy quickly got their artillery to work and the Battalion suffered many casualties entering the WOOD, but by 3.45 a.m. the whole Battalion had gained the inside of the WOOD, but owing to Machine Gun and shell fire, had entered rather too much at the SOUTHERN END. Owing to the denseness of the undergrowth, it was not possible to see more than 4 yards in front of you, so the Companies had great difficulty in keeping touch. Lieut.R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] was killed entering the wood and 2nd Lieut.F.E. Plummer [Frederick Ernest PLUMMER] wounded and it was found that the WOOD was strongly held and full of Trenches and Dug-outs. After much fighting inside the wood, part of "A" & "B" Companies, reached the S.E. edge of the wood and dug themselves in as shown on Sketch (Appendix "B"). "C" and part of "D" Company dug in along the S.W. edge of the Wood. At 4.20 a.m. 11th July Captain L.F.Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] with about 27 men of "D" Company and 13 men under Lieut H A Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN] of "B" Company reached the N.E. edge of the Wood and commenced to dig in. As no British Troops were holding the Northern end of the wood, this party became isolated and the enemy were seen advancing from the direction of LONGUEVAL. Captain Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] finding himself isolated and nearly surrounded withdrew into LONGUEVAL ALLEY about 9 a.m. After several messages had been sent to Capt Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC], without success, due to the enemy's barrage, a message eventually got to him with orders to bring his party back via BERNAFAY WOOD and join up with Capt.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] ("C" Company) which was entrenched in the S.E. corner of the WOOD. This was done at 5 p.m. 11th July. Great difficulty was experienced organising in the wood owing to heavy casualties and the denseness of the undergrowth but the Battalion managed to hold its own, and by 7 p.m. on evening of July 11th "A" & "B" Companies and "C" and 1/2 "D" Companys had dug themselves In on the S.E. side and S.W. side of the wood (all Companies much reduced by Casualties). Whilst the men were digging In, strong patrols worked the interior of the wood collecting stragglers and bombing the enemy in their Trenches and Dug-outs, and accounted for a great number. "A" & "B" Companies were leading Companies in the Advance at 3.10 a.m. and were particularly unfortunate in losing many N.C.O's on entering the wood, including the C.S.M. of "A" Company (C.S.M.GALE). 2nd Lieut.F.E. Plummer [Frederick Ernest PLUMMER] was wounded just outside the wood. Both Companies much reduced by Casualties, worked their way across to the S.E. corner of the Wood and commenced to dig IN. At about 6 a.m. 11th July Captain C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER] discovered he was too far SOUTH of his allotted position, so they moved up the Wood further North.. At 8 a.m. 11th July 2nd Lieut L.H.Fox [Leslie Herbert FOX] left the patrol and went on ahead, but did not return, it is presumed he was taken prisoner. At 11.30 a.m. 11th July Captain C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER], 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] and 2nd Lieut.D.P. Cross [Dennis Patrick CROSS, MC] and a strong patrol of about 40 men endeavoured to work their way Northwards up the Eastern edge of the wood, but they encountered strong opposition from a "Strong Point" marked "P" on (Appendix "B") where the GUILLEMONT Road enters the wood. Captain C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER] was severely wounded and ordered the party to withdraw to their Trench which they did. Captain C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER] could unfortunately not be brought in. This trench was held against several counter attacks, but at 10 p.m., the enemy surrounded and bombed the trench from three sides, so 2 Lieut L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] who was in command ordered the remainder of "A" & "B" Company to withdraw by Southern end of TRONES WOOD and make their way back to the BRIQUETERIE along the Sunken Road. This was done successfully the party rejoining Headquarters at about 11 p.m., 11th July. "C" Company under Captain R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] were the last Company to cross during the advance. They were to entrench on the Western Side of the Wood, just North and South of the Tram Line running through the wood. The Company entered the wood by TRONES ALLEY and established itself there, one platoon working up towards the tramline. This Platoon was held up by the enemy near Point "H" as shown on Map (Appendix "B") and forced to withdraw. Three more attempts were made during the morning, but without success, so Capt.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] decided to entrench where he was. He endeavoured to get touch will all Companies on the Eastern edge of the wood but could only get touch with "A" Company. Other patrols got held up by a "Strong Point" at "K" as shown on Sketch. At about 6 p.m. 11th July Capt.L.F.Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] with his party of "B" & "D" Companies joined "C" Company. At about 6.30 p.m., one Company of the 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment arrived to clear the southern part of the Wood, but they lost touch and got badly handled by the Strong Points at "K" and "P". At about 10 p.m. "A" & "B" Coys were forced to withdraw, but "C" & "D" Coys held Utah against all Counter Attacks. Lieutenant J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] admitted to Hospital sick.

12 Jul 1916 Lieutenant W.White [William WHITE] and 2 Lieut L.A.L. Fink [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] joined Battalion from Reserve of Officers at Transport Lines. Lieutenant W.White [William WHITE] takes over command of "A" Company. At about 1 a.m. 2 Companies of the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment were ordered to occupy the Southern edge of wood and join up with "C" & "D" Coys. This was successfully done and the Southern part of the wood was successfully held until relieved by the 7th Bn.ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT (55th Brigade) on the morning on the 13th at about 1 a.m. in spite of many hostile bombing attacks. the casualties for this engagement were: - Lieutenant R.B.Gibson [Robert Bowness GIBSON] Killed. Captain C.G.Tyler [Cornelius George TYLER] Wounded and Missing. 2Lieut L.H.Fox [Leslie Herbert FOX] Missing. 2nd Lieut.F.E. Plummer [Frederick Ernest PLUMMER] Wounded. 2nd Lieut.H.J.BRICKNELL Wounded. 239 OTHER RANKS.

13 Jul 1916 - Bois des Tailles At 1 a.m. Battalion withdrew from TRONES WOOD to our Old trenches in Z.1. Subsector, with dispositions as follows. "A" Company from HEAD STREET to A.P.3. "B" Company from HEAD STREET to Left of Z.1. (TYLER STREET & NEW TRENCH) "C" Company from COBHAM STREET - MAULDON STREET and CULVER STREET as far as the Bend. "D" Company Remainder of CULVER STREET and MERSEY STREET. Headquarters in LEXDON STREET. At 10 a.m. the Battalion withdrew to the BOIS-de-TAILLES arriving about 12.45 p.m.

14 Jul 1916 - Vaux-sur-Somme Battalion in Camp at the BOIS-de-TAILLES. Ref: Map ALBERT "K" 18.a. Battalion left at 10 a.m. for billets ay VAUX-SUR-SOMME arriving at 12.45 p.m.

15 Jul 1916 Billets VAUX - about 10 miles east of AMIENS. 89th Brigade inspected by Divisional Commander (Major General J.M.S.SHEA, C.B., D.S.O.) at 9 a.m. 2 O.R. accidentally wounded by a bomb explosion in the Transport Lines whilst detonating bombs. Sick wastage week ending 15th NIL.

16 Jul 1916 Billets VAUX - Battalion at Baths. 2 p.m. Church Parade. Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] proceeds on leave. Major J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] takes over command of the Battalion.

17 Jul 1916 Billets VAUX. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieutenant H.C. Lovely [Herbert Clyde LOVELY], 4th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt, rejoined Battalion from England and posted to "A" Coy. Information received that the following immediate Awards had been made for gallantry and devotion to duty: THE MILITARY CROSS. 6887 R.Q.M.Sgt. F.H.Osborne [Frederick Henry OSBORNE, MC]. THE MILITARY MEDAL 16483 Corporal G.Kelly [George KELLY, MM], 9178 Private L.Fynn [Leonard J. FYNN, MM].

18 Jul 1916 Billets VAUX. Battalion at Training. Lieutenant & Adjutant J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] rejoined from Hospital. 100 Other Ranks joined from Base.

19 Jul 1916 - Happy Valley near Ovillers Billets VAUX. Battalion proceeded on a Route March at 9 a.m. At 9.45 a.m. Orders received that 89th Brigade would march to HAPPY VALLEY. Battalion recalled from Route March and left VAUX at 1.10 p.m. marching via SOMME VALLEY - ETINEHEM - BRAY to HAPPY VALLEY where the Battalion Bivouacked for the night.

20 Jul 1916 - The Citadel near Albert Battalion left HAPPY VALLEY at 10.31 a.m. and arrived at F.15.b. ref Map ALBERT (Combined Sheet) 1/40,000 near "THE CITADEL" at 11.15 a.m. where the Battalion Bivouacked. At 12 noon the Commanding Officer inspected the last draft of 100 men. Lieutenant J.T. Coe [John Thomas COE] takes over command of "B" Company from Lieutenant H A Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN]. 4 Other Ranks 2/Bedf.R., joined from 18th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment.

21 Jul 1916 Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. A Draft of 47 O.R. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Regiment joined the Battalion.

22 Jul 1916 Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. Commanding Officer inspected Battalion at 10.30 a.m. 1 Other Rank joined from 1st Battalion. Sick Wastage week ending 22nd July 7 Other Ranks. At 3.15 p.m. orders received that the Brigade would attack between GUILLEMONT and FALFEMONT FARM tomorrow. At 4.40 p.m. orders received that Operations were postponed for tomorrow.

23 Jul 1916 Battalion in Bivouac at 5.15.b. At 10.20 a.m. orders received to be ready to move at half an hours notice. At 12.30 p.m. orders received that unless anything unusual happened the Brigade would not move tonight. Lt.Colonel Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] rejoined from Leave.

24 Jul 1916 Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] resumes command of the Battalion. At 2.55 p.m. Orders received that operations postponed 48 hours.

25 Jul 1916 Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. During night of 25th/26th "A", "B" & "C" Companies were employed as carrying parties and digging trenches N.E. of TALUS BOISE.

26 Jul 1916 Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b.

27 Jul 1916 Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. 2nd Lieutenant H.H.HARMAN, 32nd Bn.Royal Fusiliers joined and posted to "A" Company. 15 Other Ranks, 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment joined from 18th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment.

28 Jul 1916 Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. Captain T.E.AMYOT, R.A.M.C., admitted to Hospital sick. Captain E.TAWSE R.A.M.C. attached to Battalion. 5 Other Ranks joined from Base.

29 Jul 1916 - just south of Bernafay Wood Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. (CITADEL). Attack on German Second Line position on July 30th 1916 by the 89th Brigade. OBJECTIVE The front allotted for the attack by the 89th Brigade was as shown on Sketch (Appendix "C"). "A" Company Commanded by Lieutenant W.White [William WHITE]. "B" Company Commanded by Lieutenant J.T. Coe [John Thomas COE] until wounded and then by Captain E.S.M.POYNTZ. "C" Company Commanded by Captain R.O.Wynne. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] "D" Company Commanded by Captain L.F.Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC]. DISPOSITION OF BATTALOINS; The 19th and 20th Battalions Kings Liverpool Regiment formed the attacking Troops. The 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment were in support. The 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment were in RESERVE. ZERO HOUR was fixed for 4.45 a.m. on July 30th. The 90th Brigade were to attack GUILLEMONT on our Left and the French to attack MAUREPAS on our Right. One Company of the French 153rd Regiment were to attack MALTZ HORN FARM from the South and "A" Company 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment were to attack the Farm simultaneously from the west, both Companies preceding the advance at ZERO HOUR. At 10 p.m. July 29th the Battalion moved up from F.15.b. (The CITADEL) to its first assembly Positions just SOUTH of BERNAFAY WOOD and were in position by 3.30 a.m. on July 30th. On the march up to this position the Battalion suffered from Lachrymatory, Tear and Poisonous Gas Shells. Smoke Helmets had to be out on. A number of Officers, N.C.O's and men suffered from the effects of the Gas Shells. Headquarters of the Battalion were in the SUNKEN Road just East of the BRIQUETERIE.

30 Jul 1916 At 3.30 a.m. "A" Company moved up into its forming up position along the SUNKEN Road just East of the British Front Line Trench, ready for the attack at ZERO HOUR. At ZERO HOUR the Company attacked the MALTZ HORN FARM and Trench and captured it. They attacked in two lined, 1/2 Company extended in each Line. The attack was a Brilliant success, from 70 to 80 Germans being killed in the Trench, and one Prisoner taken. The Farm itself was found not to be held. As soon as "A" Company had cleared the MALTZ HORN GERMAN Trench, they were ordered to rejoin the Battalion in our original front line. This they did and suffered about 30 Casualties in the whole operation. 2nd Lieutenant H.C. Lovely [Herbert Clyde LOVELY] was wounded in this Operation at 4.55 a.m. Orders had been previously given to the Battalion that as soon as the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment had moved up to support the attacking Battalions, the Battalion were to move up into their positions in the Trenches just South of TRONES WOOD. This was done at about 5.45 a.m. The attack was severely hampered by a dense fog causing the attacking Battalions to lose touch. At about 6.30 a.m., Officers Commanding 17th and 20th Kings Liverpool called for reinforcements. Orders were given for "B" and "C" Companies to move up in support, but these Companies were stopped by the O.C. 17th Bn.Lings Liverpool Regiment on reaching him, as he could get no information from Officer Commanding 19th and 20th Kings Liverpool Regiment as to here support was required. These two Companies therefore remained with Officer Commanding 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. At about 6.45 a.m. Headquarters moved up to the HAIRPIN BEND and joined the Officer Commanding 20th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment. As no information could be given by him as to what was happening in front, "B" & "C" Companies were ordered to stay where they were with O.C. 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. At 6.45 a.m. Lieutenant H A Chamen [Harold Ashcombe CHAMEN] was seriously wounded. At 9 a.m. Lieutenant J.T. Coe [John Thomas COE] and 2nd Lieut.A.L.GORDON were wounded. At 10 a.m. Lieutenant W.White [William WHITE] with "A" Company were sent off to get touch with the French. They got touch with them and found that they had also been held up and were digging in. "A" Company therefore dug in on their left just SOUTH of MALTZ HORN FARM. At about 1.30 p.m. orders were received to consolidate the MALTZ HORN RIDGE from ARROW HEAD COPSE to the French Left. At 11.30 a.m. 2nd Lieutenant F.A. Sloan [Frank Alan SLOAN, MC] was wounded. "D" Company under Captain L.F.Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] were sent to connect up from MALTZ HORN FARM to the left of "A" Company, this they did and dug in. "B" and "C" Companies under Captain R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] moved off at 3 p.m. and dug a NEW TRENCH 300 yards long connecting up ARROW HEAD COPSE to the North end of the GERMAN MALTZ HORN Trench. The Companies were well dug in by 7 p.m. All Units that could be collected at HAIRPIN BEND were sent off at 1 p.m. to hold the old German Front Line. Trench running from MALTZ HORN FARM Northwards towards ARROW HEAD COPSE. By 7 p.m. the MALTZ HORN RIDGE was well consolidated, the whole position being heavily shelled throughout the day. At about 8 p.m. Orders were received that the Brigade were to be relieved. the Battalion was relieved by the 4th Bn.Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, Commanded by Lt.Colonel SWAINSON. The relief commenced at about 2 a.m. and completed by 6 a.m. The Battalion then withdrew to our old Bivouac at 10 a.m. on the 31st July, 1916. The Casualties during these operations were: - OFFICERS 6. OTHER RANKS 186x x includes 9 Wounded at Duty.

31 Jul 1916 - The Citadel Battalion in Bivouac at F.15.b. Reference Map 62.d. N.E. Speech made to the Battalion by Major General J.S.M.SHEA, C.B., D.S.O., Commanding 30th Division, on 31st July, 1916. "I have come here this morning to thank you all for the way that you fought yesterday. It may seem to most of you that after doing all you could, you were only successful in capturing a small amount of ground. This however does not in any way represent the results of your hard fighting. It came to my knowledge only this morning, that eleven of the freshest German Battalions (The 12th Bavarian reserve) had just been brought up on the front which you attacked. There were only 8 Battalions actually fighting for the Division, and judging from the number of prisoners taken, and the number of casualties known to have been inflicted on the enemy, it is clear that you were instrumental in completely preventing what would have been a very strong counter attack on the Bantams in TRONES WOOD. The Army Commander has told me to thank you for him, and to his thanks I add mine and my hearty congratulations. Colonel Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] I congratulate you on your Battalion and on your men."

War Diary for August 1916

1 Aug 1916 - The Citadel near Albert Battalion in Bivouac (THE CITADEL) F.15.b. reference map ALBERT, 1/40,000. 2/Lieut.R.Timberlake [Roy TIMBERLAKE], 10th Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment, joined and posted to "B" Company.

2 Aug 1916 - en route from Longpré-les-Corps-Saints The Battalion left F.15.b. at 3.45 a.m. for DERNANCOURT arriving at 7 a.m. where the Battalion entrained for LONGPREE. Arrived LONGPREE at 6.30 pm where Battalion detrained and marched to billets in FRESNE [sic] (Reference Map ABBEVILLE 1/80,000) arriving at VAUX at 2.15 a.m. 3/8/16 where "A" Company billeted and FRESNE at 3.15 a.m. 3/8/16 where remainder of Battn billeted.

3 Aug 1916 - en-route from Vaux-Marquenneville and Fresnes-Tilloloy The Battalion left FRESNE at 10 p.m. for PONT REMY halting about half way for 4 1/2 hours. Arrived at PONT REMY at 6.50 a.m. on 4/8/16

4 Aug 1916 - Calonne-sur-la-Lys the Battalion entrained at PONT REMY and left for MERVILLE at 8.55 a.m. arriving at 4.30 p.m. Battalion detrained and marched to billets in CALONNE arriving at 6.30 p.m. On arrival in this area the 30th Division came under command of XI Corps First Army.

5 Aug 1916 BILLETS CALONNE. Battalion billeted in Q.8 and 9, reference Map FRANCE, Sheet 36.a.S.E., 1/20,000. A Draft of 95 O.R. joined.

6 Aug 1916 BILLETS CALONNE. Sick wastage for week ending 6/8/16 - Nil.

7 Aug 1916 BILLETS CALONNE.

8 Aug 1916 BILLETS CALONNE.

9 Aug 1916 - l'Epinette and Lestrem BILLETS CALONNE. Battalion left for Billets at LESTREM at 2.30 pm arriving at 4.40 p.m. Came under Command of 93rd Bde 31st Division on arrival. "A" Company billeted at L'EPINNETTE remainder at LESTREM. Reference Map BETHUNE (Combined Sheet).

10 Aug 1916 BILLETS LESTREM. At 9 p.m. came under command of 89th Brigade again. 11 Aug 1916 BILLETS LESTREM. Captain H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] appointed Adjutant of 30th Division Infantry School.

12 Aug 1916 BILLETS LESTREM. Lieutenant W.White [William WHITE] took over command of "A" Coy. 2/Lieut.F.J.CHADWICK joined and posted to "D" Coy. Sick wastage week ending 12/8/16 - 17 Other Ranks.

13 Aug 1916 BILLETS LESTREM.

14 Aug 1916 BILLETS LESTREM. 2/Lieutenant F. Hague [Frederick HAGUE] proceeded on leave. 2/Lieutenant J.P.Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] (ex Cpl) 16th Lancers joined and posted to "D" Coy.

15 Aug 1916 BILLETS LESTREM.

16 Aug 1916 BILLETS LESTREM. 2nd Lieutenant A.M.B. Gaze [Alfred Malcolm Brockway GAZE] admitted to Hospital sick.

17 Aug 1916 BILLETS LESTREM.

18 Aug 1916 - Mont Bernanchon and les Harisoirs BILLETS LESTREM. Battalion left at noon for billets in MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS arriving at 2.15 p.m. "C" and "D" Coys billeted at LES HARISOIRS, W.2. reference Map Sheet 36.a.FRANCE. Remainder of Battn billeted at MT BERNENCHON W.1 and Q.31.

19 Aug 1916 BILLETS MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS. Sick wastage week ending 19/8/16 3 Other Ranks.

20 Aug 1916 BILLETS MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS. 2nd Lieutenant A.P.Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN], 3rd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment joined and posted to "D" Company. 2nd Lieutenant T.J.G.PEMBERTON proceeded to Hd.Qrs 90th Brigade to learn "A" duties.

21 Aug 1916 BILLETS MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS.

22 Aug 1916 BILLETS MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS. 2nd Lieutenant F. Hague [Frederick HAGUE] rejoined from leave.

23 Aug 1916 BILLETS MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS.

24 Aug 1916 BILLETS MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS. 2nd Lieutenant J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] proceeded on leave. 89th Infantry Brigade Sports.

25 Aug 1916 Billets MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS. 89th Infantry Brigade Sports.

26 Aug 1916 - Gorre Billets MT BERNENCHON and LES HARISOIRS. Battalion left at 4 p.m. for reserve Billets at GORRE arriving at about 7 p.m. Bn.Headquarters at F.4.a.4/2. Reference Map BETHUNE combined sheet. Sick wastage ending 26/8/16 4 Other Ranks. On this date the following were awarded MILITARY MEDALS. No.9606 Sgt. R.A.Foster [Reginald A. FOSTER, MM]. No.5846 Cpl.F.Selby [Frank SELBY, DCM, MM & Bar]. No.18551 Pte.S.F.Burrows [Samuel F. BURROWS, MM]. No.10835 Pte.A.Girdlestone [Albert E.J. GIRDLESTONE, MM].

27 Aug 1916 - front line near Givenchy-les-la-Bassée Reserve Billets GORRE. At 4 p.m. the Battalion left to relieve the 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment in the Left Subsector of Trenches at GIVENCHY. Relief complete by 7 p.m. Very quiet during the relief. Battalion held line from A.9.d.5/5 Right flank to A.9.a.9/7 Left Flank. Reference Map FRANCE Sheet 36.c.N.W. with 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment on our right and the Durham Light Infantry on our Left N. of LA BASSEE CANAL. DISPOSITIONS. RIGHT COMPANY "A" Company LEFT COMPANY "D" Company CENTRE COMPANY "B" Company RESERVE COMPANY "C" Company Battalion Head-quarters in HITCHEN ROAD

28 Aug 1916 TRENCHES GIVENCHY. A Draft of 17 Other Ranks joined from Base. Enemy fairly active with Artillery and Trench Mortars during the Day - A quiet night. Casualties - 3 Other Ranks Killed. 2 Other Ranks Wounded.

29 Aug 1916 TRENCHES GIVENCHY. At 3 p.m. we commenced to bombard enemy's Trenches opposite our sector. At 4 p.m. a very heavy storm came on. Very little reply from enemy. A quiet night. Casualties 2 Other ranks wounded.

30 Aug 1916 TRENCHES GIVENCHY. During the day the enemy shelled intermittently our front and support lines and searched the VILLAGE. Casualties NIL. 20 Other Ranks joined from base. A quiet night.

31 Aug 1916 - Gorre TRENCHES GIVENCHY. A quiet day. At 4 p.m. the 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment commenced to relieve the Battalion. relief completed by 5.40 p.m. the Battalion then withdrew to Reserve billets at GORRE. Casualties 1 Other Rank Killed. 1 Other Rank Wounded.

War Diary for September 1916

1 Sep 1916 - Gorre Billets GORRE. 2nd Lieutenant I.T.M.Collins [Ivan T.M. COLLINS], 10th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. 2nd Lieutenant W.H.Bird [William Henry BIRD], 10th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. 2nd Lieutenant H.D.Chester [Henry Dibble CHESTER], 10th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. joined and posted to "A", "B" and "C" Companies respectively. Whole of Battalion employed as Working Parties in GIVENCHY Trenches.

2 Sep 1916 Billets GORRE. Whole of Battalion employed as Working parties in GIVENCHY Trenches. Rev.H.P.TURNBULL admitted to Hospital Sick. Sick wastage week ending 2/9/16 11 Other Ranks.

3 Sep 1916 Billets GORRE. Whole Battalion employed as Working Parties in GIVENCHY Trenches. Major J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] proceeded on Leave to England.

4 Sep 1916. - front line near Givenchy-les-la-Bassée Billets GORRE. At 4 p.m. the Battalion left to relieve the 20th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment in the Left Subsector of GIVENCHY. trenches and took over line as on 27/8/16. relief completed by 6 p.m. Shortly after relief Hostile Artillery opened heavily on Front and Support Line with 77 m.m. and 15 c.m. Disposition of Battalion: - RIGHT "C" Company. CENTRE "D" Company. LEFT "A" Company. RESERVE "B" Company. A quiet night.

5 Sep 1916 Trenches GIVENCHY. Hostile Artillery active on front line during the day. A quiet night. 2 O.R. Killed. 1 O.R. wounded.

6 Sep 1916 Trenches GIVENCHY. Hostile Artillery fired intermittently on front and support lines during the day. A quiet night. 1 O.R. Killed, 5 O.R. wounded. Captain L.F.Beal [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] proceeded on Leave. 2nd Lieutenant W. Hobbs [Wilfred HOBBS, MC] took over command of "D" Company.

7 Sep 1916 Trenches GIVENCHY. A quiet day and night. 1 O.R. Killed 1 O.R. wounded.

8 Sep 1916 - Essars Trenches GIVENCHY. At 1.30 a.m. our troops made a raid S. of LA BASSEE Canal. At 9 a.m. the 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment commenced to relieve the Battalion. Relief completed by 11.30 a.m. the Battalion then withdrew to Billets in ESSARS. casualties NIL. 2nd Lieutenant J.B.Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS] admitted to Hospital sick.

9 Sep 1916 Billets ESSARS. Battalion Headquarters at X.25.a.5/4 ref map BETHUNE combined sheet 1/40,000. Battalion employed as working parties in GIVENCHY Trenches. 2nd Lieutenant A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN] took over command of "D" Coy. Sick Wastage week ending 9/9/16 3 O.R.

10 Sep 1916 Billets ESSARS. 27 Other Ranks of the Northampton Regiment attached to the Battalion were transferred to the Battalion.

11 Sep 1916 Billets ESSARS. Major J.W.H.T. Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] rejoined fro leave. Battalion played 149th Brigade of Artillery at Football winning by 2 Goals to 1. Orders received that the 89th Brigade would relieve the 90th Brigade in the FESTUBERT Section on night of 13/14th September.

12 Sep 1916 Billets ESSARS. Captain R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] proceeded on leave to England. 2nd Lieut.R.E. Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] took over command of "C" Company. Final of Inter Company Knock Out Football Competition. "B" Company 3 - Transport Nil.

13 Sep 1916 Billets ESSARS. Battalion employed on working parties in the Trenches GIVENCHY. At 10.35 p.m. orders received that our move into the FESTUBERT Sector was cancelled.

14 Sep 1916 Billets ESSARS. Battalion employed on working parties in the GIVENCHY trenches. A Draft of 11 Other Ranks joined from Base.

15 Sep 1916 Billets ESSARS. Battalion employed on Working Parties in GIVENCHY Trenches.

16 Sep 1916 - Busnes Billets ESSARS. At 4.15 p.m. the Battalion left for BUSNES arriving at 8.40 p.m. Battalion Headquarters at P.26.c.1/1, Map BETHUNE 1/40,000. 2nd Lieut.P.J.Reiss [Phillip Julius REISS, MC & Bar, MM], Lieut.R.L.Shaw [Robert Leslie SHAW], Lieutenant R. Hopkins [Ronald HOPKINS], 3rd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment joined the Battalion and posted to "D", "B" and "C" Coys respectively. Sick wastage week ending 16th 4 O.R.

17 Sep 1916 Billets BUSNES. At 12.35 p.m. orders received that 30th Division would be transferred G.H.Q. Reserve. Captain H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] rejoined from 30th Divisional School and took over command of "A" Company.

18 Sep 1916 - en route from Lillers to Doullens Billets BUSNES. Battalion left at 9.35 p.m. for LILLERS where Battalion entrained for DOULLENS. left LILLERS at 11.51 p.m. arriving at DOULLENS at 4.15 a.m. 19/9/16. Battalion detrained and left for GEZAINCOURT arriving at 5.50 a.m. came under command of G.H.Q. reserve.

19 Sep 1916 - Gézaincourt Billets GEZAINCOURT, about one mile S.W. of DOULLENS ref. Map LENS Sheet 11, 1/100,000. Received notification that the following Awards had been granted for gallantry on the SOMME. Medal of ST.GEORGE 4th Class No.18769 Private A.W.Brandon. THE MILITARY MEDAL: No.21160 Pte.R.Hooson [Robert HOOSON, MM], No.21172 Pte.T.Lees [Thomas LEES, MM], No.9757 L/C.A.Thorogood [Alfred THOROGOOD, MM], No.9297 Cpl.G.Gurney [George GURNEY, MM], No.9387 L/C.F.Boyce [Frederick BOYCE, MM], No.5389 Sgt.F.Robinson [Frederick ROBINSON, MM], No.9022 Pte.A.Milliard, No.16641 Sgt.F.Brown [Frederick BROWN, MM], No.14470 Cpl.S.Thurgood [Herbert L. THURGOOD, MM], No.15111 Pte.E.Humbles [Ernest J. HUMBLES, MM], No.18833 Pte.F.Sutton [Frederick SUTTON, MM], No.18180 Pte.H.Gray [Herbert E. GRAY, MM], No.18812 Pte.L.Palmer [lewis G. PALMER, MM], No.9517 Sgt.R.Kirby [Robert G. KIRBY, MM], No.17906 Pte.W.Gadsby [Walter GADSBY, MM], No.12951 Pte.A.Wood [Andrew WOOD, MM].

20 Sep 1916 Billets GEZAINCOURT. A Draft of 7 O.R. joined from Base.

21 Sep 1916 - Vignacourt Billets GEZAINCOURT. Battalion left at 7.10 a.m. for Billets at VIGNACOURT arriving at 12 noon. About 20 Kilometres S.W. of DOULLENS ref.map LENS 1/100,000. Lieutenant H.E.Mudford [Harold Ernest MUDFORD] 2.Bedf.R. 2/Lieut.C.H. Shaw [Charles Henry SHAW], 2.Bedf.R. 2/Lieut.E.Houseman [Eric HOUSEMAN] 10th.Bedf.R. joined and posted to "C", "A" and "B" Coys respectively. A draft of 160 O.R. joined from Base 2nd Lieutenant D.P. Cross [Dennis Patrick CROSS, MC] appointed A/Adjutant of 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment.

22 Sep 1916 Captain R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] rejoined from leave and resumed command of "C" Company.

23 Sep 1916 Billets VIGNACOURT. A Draft of 4 O.R. joined. Sick wastage week ending 22nd 2 O.R. Captain H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] appointed Adjutant 30th Div.School. Lieutenant W.White [William WHITE] took over command of "A" Company.

24 Sep 1916 Billets VIGNACOURT. Lieutenant R.L. Shaw [Robert Leslie SHAW] admitted to Hospital Sick.

25 Sep 1916 Billets VIGNACOURT. the Battalion played the 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt at Football winning by 4 Goals to 1.

26 Sep 1916 Billets VIGNACOURT. A draft of 9 O.R. joined from base. 1 Company and a Lewis Gun Section consisting of 5 Officers and 139 O.R. under Captain R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] proceeded to 4th Army School for instructional purposes.

27 Sep 1916 Billets VIGNACOURT. Lieutenant N.V. Dabell [Norman V. DABELL] took over command of "A" Company. the Battalion played 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment at Football winning by 1 goal NIL.

28 Sep 1916 Billets VIGNACOURT

29 Sep 1916 Billets VIGNACOURT

30 Sep 1916 Billets VIGNACOURT. Sick wastage week ending 30th September 6 O.R. Battalion played 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt at Football resulting in a draw of one goal each.