1917 War Diary

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

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

War Diary for January 1917

1 Jan 1917 - front line trenches Berles-au-Bois Trenches BERLES. 2nd Lieut.G.A.Anstee [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC] rejoined from leave. 50 Other Ranks joined from Base. A quiet day and night. Casualties Nil. Extract from London Gazette 1/1/1917. "D.S.O., Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO]. D.S.O., Captain R.O.Wynne [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] M.C., 2nd Lieut.G.A.Anstee [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC]. To be Hon Major: - Captain & Qr.Mr.H.Cressingham." [Hugh CRESSINGHAM, DSO, DCM]

2 Jan 1917 Trenches BERLES. A quiet day and night. Casualties Nil.

3 Jan 1917 - support billets at Berles-au-Bois Trenches BERLES. At 12.30 p.m. the 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool regt commenced to relieve the Battalion. relief complete by 3 p.m. The Battalion then withdrew to BERLES in support. Casualties Nil.

4 Jan 1917 Billets BERLES (In support). Casualties Nil. 2nd Lieut.H.D. Chester [Henry Dibble CHESTER] proceed on leave. Captain R.O.Wynne, D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO], proceeded to a senior officers course at ALDERSHOT. Extract from London Gazette 4/1/1917. "MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES: Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] Captain R.O.Wynne, D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] Lieutenant J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC]. 2nd Lieut.G.A.Anstee, M.C. [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC] 2nd Lieut.L.H.Walker [Laurence Hale WALKER] (Killed). No.9009 C.Q.M.Sgt.H.Maidment. No.9675 Lce.Sgt.G.Wilson."

5 Jan 1917 Billets BERLES (In support) Casualties Nil. Sick wastage week ending 5/1/17, 3.O.R.

6 Jan 1917 Billets BERLES (In support)] Casualties Nil.

7 Jan 1917 - Mondicourt Billets BERLES (In support). Battalion relieved by 2 Companies of 4th Bn., 1 Company of 7th Bn. and 1 Company of 5th Bn. West Riding Regiment. Relief complete by 4 p.m. The Battalion then withdrew by Companies to Billets at MONDICOURT and last Company arriving at 7 p.m. Lieut.N.V. Dabell [Norman V. DABELL] rejoined from leave and took over the duties of Town Major at HUMBERCAMPS from Lieut.H.E.Mudford [Harold Ernest MUDFORD].

8 Jan 1917 Billets MONDICOURT. 2nd Lieut.R.E.Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] and 2nd Lieut.J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] rejoined from leave and resumed command of "C" and "D" Companies respectively.

9 Jan 1917 Billets MONDICOURT. Capt.H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] proceeded on leave. Capt.E.S.M.Poyntz rejoined Battalion from Senior Officers Course at Aldershot. A Draft of 37 O.R. joined from Base.

10 Jan 1917 Billets MONDICOURT. Major J.W.H.T.Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] rejoined from leave. "A" and "B" Company employed on R.E.Fatigues. Remainder of Battalion at Training.

11 Jan 1917 Billets MONDICOURT. Battalion at Training.

12 Jan 1917 Billets MONDICOURT. A Draft of 56 O.R. Joined from Base. Battalion at Training. Sick wastage week ending 11/1/17, 4 O.R.

13 Jan 1917 Billets MONDICOURT. Major J.W.H.T.Douglas [Johhny W.H.T. DOUGLAS] left to command 1/6th North Staffordshire Regiment. Captain E.S.M.Poyntz appointed Major on Headquarters of Battalion. Battalion at Training.

14 Jan 1917 Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO], proceeded to 3rd Army School. Major E.S.M.Poyntz took over command of Battalion. "C" and "D" Companies employed on R.E.Working Parties.

15 Jan 1917 - Beaurepaire At 9 a.m. the Battalion left MONDICOURT (on a Route March) en route for new Billets in BEAUREPAIRE which is about 2 miles East of DOULLENS. Arriving at 12 noon. 2nd Lieutenant H.D. Chester [Henry Dibble CHESTER] admitted to Southern General Hospital, BRISTOL, whilst on leave.

16 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Battalion at Training.

17 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Battalion at Training.

18 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. "A" and "B" Companies employed on R.E.Working Parties. Remainder of Battalion at Training.

19 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. 2nd Lieut.D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN] proceeded on leave. Battalion at Training. Sick Wastage week ending 19/1/17: - 3 O.R.

20 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieutenant E. Houseman [Eric HOUSEMAN] and 37 O.R. proceeded to 30th Divisional Depot for duty.

21 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. A Distribution of Medal Ribbons took place at HALLOY at 10 a.m., by the G.O.C., 30th Division. The following were present: Major H.Cressingham [Hugh CRESSINGHAM, DSO, DCM] - Promoted Hon.Major. Lieutenant J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] - Mentioned in Despatches. 2nd Lieut.G.A.Anstee [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC] - Military Cross & Mentioned Lieut. L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC]- Military Cross No.9009 C.Q.M.Sgt.H.Maidment - Military Medal and mentioned in Despatches No.9515 Sergt.T.Searle [Thomas George SEARLE, MC, MSM] - Meritorious Service Medal No.5846 Lce.Sgt.F.Selby [Frank SELBY, DCM, MM & Bar] - Bar to Military Medal No.18769 Pte.A.Brandon [Albert W. BRANDON, MM] - Military Medal.

22 Jan 1917 - Beaurepaire and Gaudiempré Billets BEAUREPAIRE. 2nd Lieutenant A. Stone [Albert STONE, MC], 2nd Lieutenant A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] and 70 O.R. proceeded to GUADIEMPRE as a wood cutting party. "C" and "D" Companies employed on R.E.Working Parties. Remainder of Battalion at Training.

23 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Battalion at Training. No.10353 Sergt.A.W.Joyce [Arthur Wesley JOYCE] granted a Commission in the Battalion and posted to "D" Company. Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO], rejoined from 3rd Army School and resumed command of Battalion. Captain H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] rejoined from leave.

24 Jan 1917 2nd Lieutenant I.T.M. Collins [Ivan T.M. COLLINS] proceeded on Leave. Battalion at Training. During the afternoon an Inter-Company Cross Country Race took place. Winning Company "D" Company. First 3 men home: - 9399 Cpl.G.Joyce [George JOYCE], 13626 A/Sgt.G.Butcher [George C. BUTCHER], 9950 Pte.F.Humphries.

25 Jan 1917 - Beaurepaire Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieut.A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE], 2nd Lieut.A. Stone [Albert STONE, MC] and 70 O.R. returned from Wood Cutting fatigue at GAUDIEMPRE.

26 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Whole of Battalion employed on Railway Fatigue under R.E. Sick wastage week ending 26/1/17: - 6 O.R.

27 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Whole of Battalion employed on Railway Fatigue. Captain P.C.Cavan [Phillip Charles CAVAN], 4/Bedf.R., rejoined from Base and took over command of "D" Company.

28 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. A Draft of 9 N.C.O's joined from Base.

29 Jan 1917 Billers BEAUREPAIRE. Battalion at Training.

30 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. "A" and "B" Companies on Working Parties R.E. Remainder of Battalion at Training. The G.O.C., 3rd Army inspected "D" Company who gave a demonstration in the new organisation of Company in Attack.

31 Jan 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Whole of Battalion employed in Railway Fatigue under R.E. Inter Battalion Cross Country Race, 89th Brigade. 1st 20th BN.K.L.R. Points 2769 2nd 2nd Bn.Bedf.R. Points 2763 1st man home - Cpl.Joyce [9399 George JOYCE], 2nd Bn.Bedf.R.

War Diary for February 1917

1 Feb 1917 - Beaurepaire Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Whole of Battalion employed on construction of Railway. 2nd Lieut.R.E.Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] granted Acting Rank of Captain whilst Commanding a Company.

2 Feb 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Whole of Battalion employed on construction of Railway. 2nd Lieut.D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN] rejoined from Leave to England. Sick Wastage week ending 2.2.17 - Eleven O.R.

3 Feb 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Whole of Battalion employed on Working Parties. Captain R. Hopkins [Ronald HOPKINS] proceeded on leave.

4 Feb 1917 Billets BEAUREPAIRE. Battalion employed on working parties.

5 Feb 1917 - Warluzel Billets BEAUREPAIRE. At 10.30 a.m. the Battalion left for Billets in WARLUZEL arriving at 1.30 p.m. Lt.Colonel H.S. Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO], D.S.O., took over command of 89th Brigade, during the absence of Brigadier General Stanley, D.S.O. 2nd Lieut.G.A.Anstee, M.C. [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC], admitted to Hospital sick.

6 Feb 1917 - Monchiet Billets WARLUZEL. At 10.15 a.m. the Battalion left for billets in MONCHIET arriving at 1.30 p.m. and became Divisional Reserve.

7 Feb 1917 Billets MONCHIET. Captain R.E.Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] proceeded to 3rd Army School. Lieutenant L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] took over command of "C" Company.

8 Feb 1917 Billets MONCHIET 2nd Lieut.I.T.M. Collins [Ivan T.M. COLLINS] rejoined from Leave. Battalion employed on working parties.

9 Feb 1917 Billets MONCHIET. 2nd Lieut.C.H. Shaw [Charles Henry SHAW] proceeded on leave to England. Battalion employed on Working Parties. Sick wastage week ending 9.2.17. Eleven Other Ranks.

10 Feb 1917 Billets MONCHIET. Battalion employed on working parties.

11 Feb 1917 - Monchiet and reserve trenches at Agny Billets MONCHIET. At 8 a.m. "C" and "D" Coys under Lieutenant L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] and 2nd Lieutenant J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC], proceeded to Agny to relieve 2 Companies of 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment in Reserve Trenches

12 Feb 1917 - reserve trenches at Agny Billets MONCHIET. At 10 a.m. Headquarters, "A" & "B" Companies left to relieve the remainder of 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt in Trenches (LEFT BATTALION G.1 Subsector) at AGNY. Relief complete by 4 p.m. The Bn. held line from M.14.d.58/60 to M.15.a.92/52. Ref.Map NEUVILLE VITASSE, 51.b. S.W. 1., 1/10,000, with 18th Liverpools on our left and 17th Liverpools on our Right. Dispositions of the Bn., as under: - "D" Company LEFT COMPANY "C" Company RIGHT COMPANY "A" Company RESERVE Coy. "B" Company AGNY DEFENCES and GOAT POST. Headquarters - AGNY. A quiet night. Casualties NIL. Lt. Col. H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO], rejoined the Bn.

13 Feb 1917 Trenches AGNY. A quiet day and night. Casualties NIL. Lt. Col. H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO], proceeded on leave to England.

14 Feb 1916 Trenches AGNY. Quiet. Casualties, Nil.

15 Feb 1916 Trenches AGNY. Quiet, Casualties, Nil.

16 Feb 1916 Trenches AGNY. A quiet day and night. Casualties NIL. Sick wastage week ending 16-2-17, Six Other Ranks.

17 Feb 1917 Trenches AGNY. A quiet day and night. Casualties NIL.

18 Feb 1917 - Arras Trenches AGNY. At 10 a.m., the 19th Liverpools commenced to relieve the Bn., Relief complete by 12.15 p.m., The Bn. then withdrew to ARRAS and became Bde. Reserve. Casualties NIL. Captain R. Hopkins [Ronald HOPKINS] rejoined from leave. The following Officers joined the Bn., and posted to Companies as stated. Lieut. H.HARGREAVES "B" Coy. Lieut. W.E.HART, "C" Coy. 2/Lt. G.Lenton [Gerald LENTON] "B" Coy. 2/Lt. E.J.Wray [Edward J. WRAY] "C" Coy.

19 Feb 1917 Billets ARRAS. Bn. employed on Working Parties in AGNY.

20 Feb 1917 Billets ARRAS. Bn. employed on Working Parties in AGNY. Lieut.J.W.Hurrell [John William HURRELL, MC] appointed 2nd in Command of 19th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment 2/Lt. G.A.Anstee, M.C. [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC], appointed Acting Adjutant of the Bn. Lieut. H.HARGREAVES appointed Lewis Gun Officer of the BN.

21 Feb 1917 Billets ARRAS. Bn. employed on Working Parties in AGNY.

22 Feb 1917 Billets ARRAS. 9 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base. Whole of Battalion employed on working parties in AGNY.

23 Feb 1917 Billets ARRAS. Whole of Battalion employed on working parties in AGNY. Sick wastage week ending 23/2/17 - Ten Other Ranks. Casualties - Sgt.Wilson wounded.

24 Feb 1917 - trenches at Agny Billets ARRAS. At 7.30 a.m. the Battalion left to relieve the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment in Trenches (RIGHT Battalion G.1 Subsector) AGNY. Relief complete by 11.20 a.m. The Battalion held the line from M.19.b.95/55 to M.14.d.58/60., with 1/7th West Riding Regiment on Right and 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment on our Left. Disposition of Battalion was as follows: - "A" Company LEFT Coy. "B" Company RIGHT Coy. "C" Company RESERVE Coy. "D" Company SUNKEN RD and MILL POST. Headquarters - GEORGE St. A quiet night. Casualties Nil.

25 Feb 1917 trenches AGNY. A quiet day. Information received that we are pushing forward fast down South and enemy were abandoning their positions. Division on our Right given orders to send out Strong Patrols to see what was happening on their front. We also sent out patrols for the same object. Casualties Nil.

26 Feb 1917 Trenches AGNY. A quiet day. Casualties Nil. Between 8 p.m. and midnight our Artillery was active on enemy's communications. 2nd Lieutenant C.H. Shaw [Charles Henry SHAW] rejoined from leave.

27 Feb 1917 Trenches AGNY. Our Artillery active throughout the day on enemy's works. A quiet night. Casualties Nil. 2nd Lieutenant E.E.Bath [Evelyn Ernest BATH] joined and posted to "D" Company. Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO], rejoined from Leave.

28 Feb 1917 Trenches AGNY. A quiet day and night. casualties Nil.

War Diary for March 1917

1 Mar 1917 - trenches at Agny Trenches AGNY. A quiet day - Casualties Nil. 2nd Lieut.A.W. Joyce [Arthur Wesley JOYCE] proceeded on leave. Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO], D.S.O., took over command of 89th Infantry Brigade during the absence on leave of Brigadier General F.C.Stanley, D.S.O. Captain H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] proceeded to 89th Infantry Bde Headquarters for instruction in "Q" duties. Lieutenant H.de.Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE] took over command of "A" Coy.

2 Mar 1917 - Arras Trenches AGNY. At 10 a.m. the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment commenced to relieve the Battalion. Relief complete by 12.30 p.m. The Battalion then withdrew to billets in ARRAS and became Brigade Reserve. Sick Wastage for week ending 2/3/17 - 3 Other Ranks.

3 Mar 1917 Billets ARRAS. Whole of Battalion employed on work in AGNY. No.8051 Company Sergeant Major F.T.Matthews [Frederick T. MATTHEWS] granted a commission and posted to 2nd Battalion.

4 Mar 1917 Billets ARRAS. Whole of Battalion employed on work in AGNY. A Draft of 10 Other Ranks joined from Base.

5 Mar 1917 Billets ARRAS. Whole of Battalion employed on work in AGNY.

6 Mar 1917 Billets ARRAS. Whole of Battalion employed on work in AGNY.

7 Mar 1917 Billets ARRAS Whole of Battalion employed on work in AGNY.

8 Mar 1917 - trenches at Agny Billets ARRAS. At 10 a.m. we commenced to relieve the 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment in the Trenches at AGNY - relief complete by 12.30 p.m. The Battalion held line as on 12th February with following dispositions, with 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment, 21st Infantry Brigade on our LEFT and 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment, 89th Infantry Brigade, on our RIGHT.

9 Mar 1917 Trenches - AGNY. A quiet day - Casualties NIL. Sick Wastage for week ending 9th March, 1917, 7 O.R. No.9515 Sergeant T.G.Searle [Thomas George SEARLE, MC] granted a commission and posted to 2nd Battalion.

10 Mar 1917 Trenches AGNY. A quiet day - Casualties NIL. Captain R. Hopkins [Ronald HOPKINS] admitted to Hospital Sick, 2nd Lieutenant A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN] took over command of "B" Company.

11 Mar 1917 Trenches AGNY. A quiet day - Casualties Nil.

12 Mar 1917 Trenches AGNY. At 7.30 a.m. the 143rd Brigade on our Right carried out a Raid. Casualties Nil. Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] rejoined from 89th Brigade, and resumed command of the Battalion.

13 Mar 1917 Trenches AGNY. Enemy's Artillery active on village during the afternoon. Casualties Nil. Lieutenant L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] admitted to Hospital Sick.

14 Mar 1917 Trenches AGNY. At 8 a.m. the following reliefs took place. "A" Company took over from "C" Company LEFT Company. "B" Company took over from "D" Company RIGHT COMPANY. "C" Company took over AGNY DEFENCES AND GOAT POST. "D" Company took over SUPPORT LINE. Relief completed by 10.5 a.m. The 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment relieved the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment in G.2 Subsector on our Left and the 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment relieved 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment on our Right. Captain L.F.Beal., M.C. [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC], rejoined from Headquarters 30th Division and took over command of "D" Company. A quiet day - Casualties NIL.

15 Mar 1917 Trenches AGNY. At 10.30 p.m. the 18th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment (21st Inf.Brigade) carried out a raid on enemy trenches on our Left from M.16.a.05/35 to M.16.a.20/08 to M.16.a.46/27. Ref.Map Sheet 51.B. S.W. The silent raid of our Battalion which was to have taken place at same hour had to be cancelled, as our patrols which went out last night under 2nd Lieutenant A. Stone [Albert STONE, MC] and 2nd Lieutenant C.Shekbury [Cecil SHEKURY, MC] reported that trenches where Gaps had been made were wired in and that Sap heads were not held and also wired in. The artillery, however, barraged the flanks of raid which was to have taken place and enemy Support Line. The enemy retaliated on our front and support line with 77 m.m. shells doing very little damage. We had no casualties. 2nd Lieutenant R.H.Hose [Ronald Henry HOSE], 5th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt, joined the Battalion, also 6 Other Ranks from Base.

17 Mar 1917 Trenches AGNY. Much Aerial Activity. Casualties NIL.

18 Mar 1917 Trenches AGNY. A quiet day - Casualties NIL. Sick wastage week ending 16/3/17 - 10 Other Ranks.

OPERATIONS FROM 18th to 21st March 1917

1st PHASE During the night of March 17th and early morning of March 18th, a number of fires were observed behind the German Lines and also loud explosions were heard. At 7.30 a.m. on March 18th we received information that the Brigade on our Right (No.175th Inf.Bde under Brig.Gen H.C.Jackson, D.S.O.) had advanced and occupied the German Trenches. At about 8 a.m. we received orders from Brigade to send over patrols to ascertain if the Germans in front of us had gone. One Platoon of "A" Company under 2nd Lieut.T.G. Searle [Thomas George SEARLE, MC] and one Platoon of "B" Company under 2nd Lieut F.T. Matthews [Frederick T. MATTHEWS] entered the German Lines and found them unoccupied. At about 9.30 a.m. "A" and "B" Companies under Lieut.H.de Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE] and 2nd Lieut.A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN] respectively advanced and occupied the German Front and Support Line. "B" Company with its RIGHT on LAUENBERG LANE on the West of the Railway; "A" Company with its LEFT about M.15.c.10/40. "D" Company under Captain L.F.Beal, M.C. [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC], in Support in the German Front Line. "C" Company under Captain R.E.Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] in our original Front Line. The 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment were on our RIGHT with their LEFT on LAUENBERG LANE, the 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt on our LEFT. Battalion Headquarters moved to Sap G.13.A. During this occupation of the German Lines we were subject to a little Artillery Fire, chiefly 77 m.m. and some 4.8 howitzers. Quite a number of traps were encountered, 2nd Lieutenant R.H.Hose [Robert Henry HOSE] and No.21111 Private T.PEARSON being both killed by Bomb Traps. The advance was continued both sides of the Railway, patrols preceding the Advance. MANSFIELD TRENCH - LE CHAT MAIGRE - SWITCH - LAUENBERG REDOUBT, were each occupied by our Troops. About 1 p.m. Patrols were next pushed on to MADELEINE REDOUBT - MADRAGUE REDOUBT - MALPLAQUET TRENCH. These were also unoccupied. Battalion Headquarters moved into the German Support Trench about M.15.c.50/20. At 7 p.m. we received orders to take over that part of the line occupied by the 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment, and at dusk the positions were as shown on attached map. At 5.45 p.m. one Platoon of "D" Company under 2nd Lieut.A.W. Joyce [Arthur Wesley JOYCE] was ordered to reconnoitre towards MERCATEL and ascertain if it was occupied. At about 7 p.m. the patrol found the village occupied and withdrew a short way. Patrols were again pushed into the Village about 9 p.m. and found that the enemy patrols had withdrawn and that the enemy were now shelling the village. About 2.30 a.m. on morning of 19th 2nd Lieut.A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] with a platoon of "C" Company joined 2nd Lieut.A.W. Joyce [Arthur Wesley JOYCE] and they both pushed forward, 2nd Lieut. Joyce [Arthur Wesley JOYCE] with his Platoon to the Eastern Edge of the Village and 2nd Lieut. Aldridge's [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] to the High Ground about contour 95 (M.35.c.and d). About 7 a.m. on 19th March a German Cavalry Patrol of six men was fired on by 2nd Lieut. Aldridge's [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] party, but no casualties were seen. 2nd PHASE. The night of 18th March passed off quietly. Orders were received for an advance on MERCATEL at 7.30 a.m., March 19th, in conjunction with 2/10th LONDON Regiment on our RIGHT and the 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment on our LEFT. At 7.30 a.m. the Battalion was formed up ready for the attack, "C" and "D" Companies forming the attacking waves, "A" Company in SUPPORT, and "B" Company in Reserve in MALPLAQUET TRENCH. Headquarters moved to the Railway about M.27.a.60/70 at 7 a.m. The Advance did not take place until 10.30 a.m., as the 2/10th London Regiment did not come up until then. MERCATEL was reached without opposition and a little shelling chiefly 77 m.m. About 12 noon the leading Companies got as far as the track running through M.35.b. and d. and dug in here, as the 2/10th London Regiment had not come up on our RIGHT. The objective was as shown on the Map in Blue pencil. At 3.30 p.m. Orders were given for "C" and "D" Companies to push on and dig in along their objective on the BEAURAINS - BOYELLE Road which they did under considerable shell fire, as they were digging in full view of the enemy who were in NEUVILLE VITASSE and the ridge S.E. of it. On seeing our men advancing the 2/10th London Regt advanced shortly after and joined up on our RIGHT along the Road. Touch was also at once gained with the 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment along the Road on our LEFT. This formed the main position and small posts were pushed out about 150 yards in front of it, forming an Outpost Line. By dusk the men were well dug in. Dispositions of Companies as on M.51.B.S.W. enclosed. The night of March 19/20th passed off quietly, desultory shelling throughout the night. Heavy rain continued all night. The 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment relieved the 2/10th London Regiment on our RIGHT in the early hours of 20th. A Patrol under 2nd Lieut.G. Lenton [Gerald LENTON] went out to HENIN SUR COJEUL at 4.30 a.m., but found it occupied. At about 10 a.m. March 20th, Battalion Headquarters moved up to SWITCH LANE about M.28.c.80/50. Our main position was shelled by 77 m.m. and a few 4.2. and 5.9 guns at intervals throughout the day and night but no casualties occurred. The Village was also shelled but we had entirely avoided it. At 12 midnight March 20/21st, the 17th Bn.Manchester Regiment commenced to relieve us, the relief was complete by 6 a.m., 21st. the Battalion then returned to our old front Line Trenches in G.Sector, AGNY, arriving about 7.30 a.m. A very noticeable point about these 3 days operations was the systematic way the enemy had destroyed everything which would be of any use to us. All dug-outs had been blown in, trees cut down, trenches wired in, and all stores removed. There is no doubt they had been preparing for this retirement for some months. Our casualties during above operations were: - 2nd Lieutenant R.H. Hose [Robert Henry HOSE], KILLED. No.21111 Pte.T.PEARSON, KILLED. One Other Rank Wounded. One Other Rank Wounded accidentally. A Draft of 8 Other Ranks joined from base on 20th. 22 Mar 1917 - Bretencourt At 6 a.m. Battalion left Trenches at AGNY for Billets in BRETENCOURT arriving at 8.30 a.m. (Reference Map 51.c.S.E. R.26.d.1/20,000). Captain P.C.Cavan [Phillip Charles CAVAN] took over command of "A" Company from Lieutenant H.de. Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE]. Captain R. Hopkins [Ronald HOPKINS] rejoined from Hospital and took over command of "B" Company from 2nd Lieutenant A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN]. Lieutenant L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] rejoined from Hospital.

23 Mar 1917 Billets BRETENCOURT. 2nd Lieut.F.T. Matthews [Frederick T. MATTHEWS] proceeded on leave. Sick wastage week ending 23rd - 14 Other Ranks.

24 Mar 1917 Billets BRETENCOURT

25 Mar 1917 Billets BRETENCOURT.

26 Mar 1917 Billets BRETENCOURT. 2nd Lieutenant T.G. Searle [Thomas George SEARLE, MC] proceeded on Leave. Captain H.A.W. Pearce [Hugh Armine Wodehouse PEARCE, MC] admitted to Hospital sick.

27 Mar 1917 Billets BRETENCOURT

28 Mar 1917 - Bailleulmont At 9 a.m. Battalion left for Billets in BAILLEULMONT arriving at 11 a.m. Reference Map 51.c.W.2.c. and d.

29 Mar 1917 Billets BAILLEULMONT

30 Mar 1917 Billets BAILLEULMONT. Sick wastage week ending 30th - 8 ).R. 2nd Lieutenant A. Stone [Albert STONE, MC] and 2nd Lieutenant C. Shekbury [Cecil SHEKURY, MC] awarded the MILITARY CROSS.

31 Mar 1917 Billets BAILLEULMONT

War Diary for April 1917

1 Apr 1917 - Bailleulmont Billets BAILLEULMONT. 2nd Lieut.R.T.Oldfield [Reginald Theodore OLDFIELD, MC & Bar] admitted to Hospital Sick. A Draft of 10 Other Ranks joined from Base.

2 Apr 1917 Billets BAILLEULMONT. Battalion played 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment at Football in Heavy Snow-storm, losing 3-1.

3 Apr 1917 - Blairville Billets BAILLEULMONT. Lieut.G.A.Anstee, M.C. [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC], admitted to Hospital - Sick. Lieutenant L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] took over Acting Adjutant. At 2 p.m. Battalion left BAILLEULMONT for BLAIREVILLE "X".4.a. Ref: Map 51.c.S.E., arriving at 5 p.m. Relieved 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment.

4 Apr 1917 Billets BLAIRVILLE. Battalion employed digging communication trench about S.3.c. reference Map 51.B. S.W.

5 Apr 1917 Billets BLAIRVILLE. Battalion employed as on 4th. Capt.L.F.Beal, M.C. [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] and Capt.P.C.Cavan [Phillip Charles CAVAN] proceeded to Senior Officers Course of instruction at Aldershot. Lieut.H.de. Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE] took over command of "A" Company. 2nd Lieut.J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] took over command of "D" Company.

6 Apr 1917 BLAIRVILLE. Capt.R.O.Wynne, D.S.O., [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] rejoined Battalion from Aldershot. Sick wastage week ending 6th 10 Other Ranks.

7 Apr 1917 - outpost line around Hénin-sur-Cojeul BLAIRVILLE. Battalion left BLAIRVILLE at 6.45 p.m., and relieved 16th Bn.Manchester Regiment and one Company 2nd Bn.Royal Scots Fusiliers in Outpost Line around HENIN-SUR-COJEUL, with dispositions as shown on attached Map. Bn.Hd.Qrs at S.11.b.4/6. Ref: Map 51.B. S.W. 1/20,000. Relief complete about midnight.

8 Apr 1917 At 2.15 a.m. enemy tried to rush one of "B" Companies Advanced posts at N.32.b.7/7. Remainder of "A" and "B" Companies relieved by 19th and 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. After relief "A" and "B" Companies moved back to SWITCH LANE about S.5.a.c.d. "D" Company moved up into Sunken Road at N.32.d.1/6 At 11 p.m. Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] went sick, Capt.R.O.Wynne, D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] came up from Transport Lines and took command.

9 Apr 1917 [The Battle of Arras - the First Battle of the Scarpe] - St-Martin-sur-Cojeul At 1.30 a.m. "D" Company under 2nd Lieut.J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] attacked St.MARTIN-SUR-COJEUL. At the same time "C" Coy under Capt.R.E.Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] pushed forward on flanks and established posts at N.33.d.3/9 and N.27.c.1/5. After "D" Coy had cleared ST MARTIN 2nd Lieut.A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] of "C" Coy established a post holding one Platoon at N.33.a.7/6. Casualties Lieut.W.E.HART, slightly wounded, 2 O.R. wounded. We captured prisoners of 86th R.I.R.. "D" Company withdrew to SWITCH LANE about 5 a.m. remainder of morning quiet and spent in fitting and resting At 5.30 a.m. General Attack on the LEFT commenced. At 2 p.m. attack by our Brigade started. 19th BN. K.L.R. Attacking on the RIGHT. 20th Bn.K.L.R. Attacking on the LEFT. 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire R. In Support. 17th Bn.K.L.R. In Reserve. "A" and "D" Companies were supporting 19th Bn.K.L.R. SOUTH of River COJEUL. "B" Company supporting 19th a dn20th Bn.K.L.R. NORTH of River COJEUL. "C" Company is Posts at St MARTIN and In Reserve. Enemy put up fairly strong barrage in HENIN. "B" Company avoided Casualties by keeping to left of Village. "A" and "D" Companies crossed River 500x West of HENIN. Attack held up by Wire and Machine Gun fire, also owing to Brigade on our LEFT (21st Brigade) being held up. The Division attacking on our RIGHT was the 21st Division. "B" and "D" Companies dug in on a line from N.27.c.1/5 to N.33.d.2/7. "A" Company were in advance on Right Flank on 19th Bn. K.L.R. about N.33.b.8/3 Soon after dark the troops in advance of "B" and "B" [D] Coys were withdrawn so as to allow our guns to shell enemy trenches again. "A" Company under Lieut.H.de. Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE] took up position in Sunken Road at N.33.a.8/2. At 11 p.m. Battalion Headquarters moved up to point T.1.a.1/2. remainder of night quiet and nothing unusual to mention.

10 Apr 1917 Quiet all morning. About 1 p.m. received orders that 2 Companies were to attack HINDENBURG LINE from N.27.c.1/4 to N.27.d.6/10 at 4 p.m., this order was cancelled and reports received that our Cavalry Patrols were in HENINEL. This information was false. 19th and 20th Bn.K.L.R. had orders to move forward with 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment in Support. This order was cancelled. During the night 2nd Lieut.E.E. Bath [Evelyn Ernest BATH] and 2nd Lieut.A. Stone MC [Albert STONE, MC], took out strong patrols to examine gaps reported in enemy wire. They found very small gaps and wire uncut. Patrols were heavily fired on and "D" Coy Patrol had 1 O.R. Killed. After this patrol 2nd Lieut.E.E. Bath [Evelyn Ernest BATH] and 2nd Lieut.A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] went back to transport, they were both knocked up. Received orders at 11 p.m. that we were to attack German Line on either side of River COJEUL at 5.30 a.m. the next morning.

11 Apr 1917 At 4 a.m. Battalion Hd.Qrs. moved up to N.32.d.0/6. At 5.30 a.m. attack started SOUTH OF RIVER. "D" in front. "A" in Support. NORTH OF RIVER "B" in front. "C" in Support. Attack held up almost at once, came under heavy enfilade M.G. fire and wire was uncut. German Trenches very strongly held. "D" and "A" Companies dug in about N.33.b.7/8 to N.33.b.6/2. "B" Company dug in about N.27.c.7/4 and held on there. "C" Company remained in Support to "B" Company. The attack by 21st Division on our RIGHT was held up. At 10 a.m. 4 Tanks appeared on our Left and crossed German Line. They were of no assistance as no scheme of co-operation with us had been worked out. Remainder of morning spent in reconnaissance. At 2 p.m. enemy seen retiring in N.27.b. Fired on by "B" Coys Lewis Guns. During the afternoon 164th Inf.Brigade on our Left had entered HINDENBURG LINE and were bombing down the trenches in front of us. By dark they held German Trenches as far South as the River COJEUL. the 18th Bn.Manchester Regt who were attached to our Brigade took over these Trenches. We remained as we were. A quiet night, but very cold with a heavy fall of snow.

12 Apr 1917 - Blaireville The 18th Bn.Manchesters continued Bombing along German Line South of River and eventually handed over this part of line to 21st Division. By 8 a.m. Germans had all gone and our patrols pushed out to HENINEL. We remained in our positions during the day. All quiet. At 5 p.m. the Battalion was relieved by 5th Scottish Rifles and marched back to BLAIREVILLE. Last Company arriving about 9.30 p.m. A very wet night. The weather was very bad throughout the whole operations During above operations Company Commanders were as follows: - "A" Company Lieut.H.de. Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE]. "B" Company Capt.R. Hopkins [Ronald HOPKINS]. "C" Company Capt.R.E.Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC]. "D" Company 2nd Lt.J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] CASUALTIES during above operations were: - 2nd Lieutenant E. Houseman [Eric HOUSEMAN] Wounded 8th. Lieutenant W.E.HART Wounded 8th. 2nd Lieut.G.B.L.MATHEWS Wounded 9th Lt-Colonel H.S.POYNTZ, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] Sick 9th 2nd Lieut.A.YOUNG Wounded 11th 2nd Lieut.A. Stone M.C. [Albert STONE, MC] Wounded 11th 2nd Lieut.F.T. Matthews [Frederick T. MATTHEWS] Wounded 11th 2nd Lieut.A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] Sick 11th. OTHER RANKS Killed 13. Died of Wounds 4 Missing 2 Wounded 63 Wounded at duty 5 Shell Shock 2 TOTAL: - 89.

13 Apr 1917 - Bailleulmont At 8 a.m. Battalion left BLAIREVILLE for Billets in BAILLEULMONT arriving at 11.20 a.m. Sick wastage week ending 13th 2 O.R.

14 Apr 1917 - Couin Billets BAILLEULMONT. 2nd Lieut.E.J. Wray [Edward J. WRAY] admitted to Hospital sick. Battalion left a 4 p.m. for billets in COUIN - about 9 1/2 miles S.E. of DOULLENS (Ref.Map.LENS) arriving at 8 p.m.

15 Apr 1917 Billets COUIN. 2nd Lieut.S.D.Cline [Shirley Eric Douglas CLINE], 2nd Lieut.C.Haywood [Charles HAYWOOD], 2nd Lieut.D.LYDLE 170 Other Ranks Joined Battalion from Corps Reinforcement Camp.

16 Apr 1917 Billets COUIN. A Draft of 11 O.R. Joined.

17 Apr 1917 Billets COUIN.

18 Apr 1917 Billets COUIN. 2nd Lieut.A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] rejoined from Hospital.

19 Apr 1917 Billets COUIN.

20 Apr 1917 - X Works near Agny At 9.30 a.m. Battalion left COUIN in Busses for X Works in old German Front Line about M.16.a. Central (Ref.Map 51.B. S.W.) arriving at 6.30 p.m. Came under VIITH Corps. About 9 p.m. 11 O.R. were accidentally wounded by explosion of one of our STOKES Bombs. Sick Wastage week ending 20th 11 O.R.

21 Apr 1917 In Bivouac at M.16.a Central. Draft of 7 O.R. joined from Base.

22 Apr 1917 In Bivouac at M.16.a central. About 9.15 a.m. 1 O.R. was accidentally wounded by explosion of German Bomb. 2nd Lieut.E.L.Marsden [Edward Leverson MARSDEN] joined Reinforcement Camp from Base.

23 Apr 1917 - Neuville-Vitasse In Bivouac at M.16.a.Central. At 6.50 p.m. orders received to move at 7.30 p.m. for the NEUVILLE VITASSE Area. Battalion left at 7.35 p.m. and arrived at N.19.d.2/8 at about 9 p.m. where we bivouacked for the Night.

24 Apr 1917 - Hindenburg Line near St-Martin-sur-Cojeul At 10 a.m. orders received to move in HINDERBURG LINE. Battalion left N.19.s.2/8 at 10.15 a.m. and were all in position in the HINDENBURG LINE from N.27.b. to N.27.c. [sic N.28.c?] by 11.45 a.m. Battalion Headquarters at N.27.b.3/5. 1 O.R. wounded.

25 Apr 1917 Battalion in HINDENBURG LINE. 1 O.R. wounded.

26 Apr 1917 Battalion in HINDENBURG LINE. 1 O.R. wounded. A Draft of 10 O.R. joined from Base.

27 Apr 1917 Battalion in HINDENBURG LINE. 1 O.R. wounded. Sick wastage week ending 27th 21 O.R.

28 Apr 1917 - en route for Nuncq Battalion left HINDENBURG LINE at 6.20 a.m. for bivouac at M.16.a. Central arriving at 9 a.m. At 1.30 p.m. Battalion left to entrain at ARRAS for NUNCQ. Left ARRAS at 6.15 p.m. arriving at NUNCQ about 5 1/2 miles S.S.W. of St.POL (Reference Map: LENS) at 2.15 a.m. on 29th April. came under XIX Corps

29 Apr 1917 - Nuncq Billets NUNCQ

30 Apr 1917 Billets NUNCQ. Major B.P. Newbolt [Bertie Phillip NEWBOLT] joined the Battalion

War Diary for May 1917

1 May 1917 - Nuncq Battalion in Billets at NUNCQ about 5 1/2 miles S.S.W. of St.POL, ref.map LENS 11 Lieutenant G.R. Jacob [Gordon Robert JACOB], 2nd Lieut.E.L. Marsden [Edward Leverson MARSDEN], 2nd Lieut.K.C.J.Jones [Kenneth Charles Johnston JONES, MC], 2nd Lieut.S.G.Hague [Sidney George HAGUE, MC] and 2nd Lieut.S.H.SMITH joined Battalion.

2 May 1917 Billets NUNCQ

3 May 1917 - Buire-au-Bois Billets NUNCQ. At 2 p.m. Battalion left for billets at BUIRE-AU-BOIS (about 3 miles N.E. of AUXI-LE-CHATEAU ref Map LENS 11) arriving at 5.30 p.m.

4 May 1917 Billets BIURE-AU-BOIS. Sick wastage week ending 4th, 9 O.R. The following were arwaded MILITARY MEDALS: - 19078 Cpl.J.T.Williams Attached 89th Trench Mortar Battery 21055 Cpl.T.J.Hedges Attached 89th Trench Mortar Battery 9727 Lce.Cpl.J.Brown 19167 Pte.C.Furr 9873 Pte.G.Harding

5 May 1917 Billets BUIRE-AU-BOIS

6 May 1917 Billets BUIRE-AU-BOIS

7 May 1917 Billets BUIRE-AU-BOIRE. 2nd Lieut.S.H.Smith admitted to hospital sick. Battalion played Bedfordshire Yeomanry at Football. Result 2 goals each.

8 May 1917 Billets BUIRE-AU-BOIS. Draft of 10 O.R. joined from Base.

9 May 1917 Billets BUIRE-AU-BOIS. Photos were taken of Companies and various groups. Copies for Records When received.

10 May 1917 Billets BUIRE-AU-BOIS. 9357 Sgt.P.A.Page [Percival Arthur PAGE, MC] granted a commission and posted to Battalion. 2/Lieut.A.D.Greenwood [Arthur Donald GREENWWOD] and 2nd Lieut.A.D.Barnetson [Angus Douglas BARNETSON] joined Battalion. "C" Company played "D" Squadron of Bedfordshire Yeomanry at Football, winning 3-1.

11 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS 2nd Lieut.S.H.Smith rejoined from Hospital. Battalion played Bedfordshire Yeomanry at Football losing 2 goals to 1. Sick wastage week ending 11th 11 O.R.

12 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS. Brigade ceremonial parade and Medal Ribbon Distribution by G.O.C. XIX Corps (Lt.General H.E.WATTS, C.B., C.M.G.). The following were presented: 2nd Lieutenant C. Shekbury [Cecil SHEKURY, MC] Military Cross No.9606 Sgt.R.Foster [Reginald A. FOSTER, MM & Bar] Bar to Military Medal, No.8883 Sgt.J.Wheeler [John WHEELER, MM] Military Medal, No.9757 A/Sgt.A.Thorogood [Alfred THOROGOOD, MM] Military Medal, No.9297 L.Sgt.G.Gurney [George GURNEY, MM] Military Medal, No.21055 Cpl.T.Williams Military Medal, No.19078 Cpl.J.Hedge [Thomas J. HEDGE, MM] Military Medal, No.9873 Pte.G.Harding [George A. HARDING, MM] Military Medal, No.19157 Pte.C.Furr [Charles FURR, MM] Military Medal, No.9727 L/C.J.Brown [James BROWN, MM] Military Medal.

13 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS Battalion played 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment at Football winning 1-0.

14 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIRE No.7014 Company Sergeant Major R.FIELD awarded the Military Cross.

15 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS

16 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS Battalion took part in Brigade Sports. See Attached Result of Events.

17 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS Battalion played 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment at football losing 0-1.

18 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS Sick wastage 14 O.R. week ending 18th.

19 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS. A draft of 17 O.R. joined from Base.

20 May 1917 BUIRE-AU-BOIS At 9 a.m. Battalion left for NUNCQ arriving at 12.15 p.m.

21 May 1917 - Bours Battalion left NUNCQ at 8.15 a.m. for BOURS, about 6 miles N.E. of St.Pol, ref Map LENS, arriving at 2.20 p.m. Lieutenant W.J.Holbrook, M.C. [William James HOLBROOK, MC] joined from 8.Bedf.R.

22 May 1917 - Bourecq Battalion left BOURS at 8 a.m. for BOURECQ, 5 miles S.E. of AIRE arriving at 3.30 p.m. (ref Map HAZEBROUCK). Captain H.de. Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE] proceeded on leave.

23 May 1917 Battalion at rest in BOURECQ.

24 May 1917 - Steenbecque At 6.45 a.m. Battalion left for STEENBECQU, 4 1/2 miles N.E. of AIRE, ref Map HAZEBROUCK, arriving at Noon.

25 May 1917 - le Peuplier, Caëstre Battalion left at 6.45 a.m. for CAESTRE arriving at "LE PEUPLIER", about 3 miles N.E. of HAZEBROUCK at 10.40 a.m. Sick wastage 4 O.R.

26 May 1917 - near Watou Battalion left LE PEUPLIER at 7.30 a.m. for WATOU area arriving at 11 a.m. Battalion billeted in the vicinity of the BELGIUM border about 1 1/2 miles S.W. of WATOU, ref.Map HAZEBROUCK. Battalion Headquarters at K.15.d.4/6 ref.Map BELGIUM Sheet 27. Lieutenant D.Cogan, R.A.M.C. joined Battalion as Medical Officer.

27 May 1917 - Brandhoek At 6.30 a.m. Battalion left for BRANDHOEK Area, crossed BELGIUM Border at 6.45 a.m. arriving in Camp at G.11.c. at 10.45 a.m. Ref.Map Belgium, Sheet 28 N.W. Captain T.Amyot, R.A.M.C. left the Battalion for ROUEN.

28 May 1917 - Infantry Barracks at Ramparts, Ypres At 9 p.m. Battalion left Camp at G.11.c to entrain for YPRES to relieve the 8th Bn.Royal West Kent Regt in Brigade reserve. relief complete by 12.15 a.m. 29th May. Battalion billeted in Infantry Barracks with Battalion Headquarters at the RAMPARTS, I.14.b.1/8, ref.Map Sheet 28 N.W.

29 May 1917 - trenches in front of Zillebeke In reserve at YPRES. At 9.15 p.m. Battalion left to relieve 8th Battalion Royal West Surrey Regt, 72nd Brigade, in the trenches HOOGE, Sector in front of ZILLEBEKE, taking over line from I.24.d.65/05 Right Flank to I.18.d.3/1 Left Flank with following dispositions: - Relief complete 1.50 a.m. 30th May. RIGHT COMPANY - "A" Company. CENTRE COMPANY - "B" Company. LEFT COMPANY - "C" Company. SUPPORT COMPANY - "D" Company. Battalion Headquarters at DORMY HOUSE, I.23.a.6/3 Casualties 1 O.R. Wounded. 70th Brigade 23rd Division on our Right. 166th Brigade, 55th Division on our Left, with 19th BN.K.L.R. on our immediate left. Lieut.W.Hobbs [Wilfred HOBBS, MC], took over duties of Acting Adjutant from Lieutenant L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC]

30 May 1917 Trenches - HOOGE Sector. Casualties NIL.

31 May 1917 Trenches HOOGE Sector. 7014 C.S.M. Field, M.C., Wounded.

War Diary for June 1917

1 Jun 1917 - Observatory Ridge, near Zillebeke Battalion in Trenches at OBSERVATORY RIDGE (ZILLEBEKE Sector). 2nd Lieutenant C. Haywood [Charles HAYWOOD] rejoined from Hospital. Casualties 1 O.R. KILLED. 5 O.R. Wounded.

2 Jun 1917 Trenches OBSERVATORY RIDGE. Casualties 6 O.R. Wounded. Captain R.O. Hopkins [Ronald HOPKINS] appointed Chief Lewis Gun Instructor at II Corps School. Sick Wastage week ending 2nd 24 O.R.

3 Jun 1917 Trenches OBSERVATORY RIDGE. Casualties 5 O.R. Wounded. Major & Qr.Mr.H.Cressingham [Hugh CRESSINGHAM, DSO, DCM] proceeded on leave.

4 Jun 1917 Trenches OBSERVATORY RIDGE. Casualties 3 O.R. Wounded. Lieutenant L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] Proceeded on leave.

5 Jun 1917 Trenches OBSERVATORY RIDGE. At 1.30 a.m. a party consisting of 2nd Lieut.K.C.J. Jones [Kenneth Charles Johnston JONES, MC] and 24 O.R. raided enemy's Front Line and Sap at J.19.c.97/45 and J.19.c.13/55. The object was to secure an identification. The raid was quite successful, the party leaving our Trenches at 1.30 a.m. and returning at 1.37 a.m. with one prisoner, an N.C.O. of No.5 Company, 2nd Bn.58th I.R., 119th Division. His name was NEUMANN. Our Casualties were: - 4 O.R. Wounded (3 Slightly). For the above successful operation the following were granted leave to England for 10 days: - 2nd Lieutenant K.C.J. Jones [Kenneth Charles Johnston JONES, MC], No.33034 Cpl.C.Jeeves No.202669 Pte.H.Medcraft. The following received decorations: - 2nd Lieutenant K.C.J. Jones [Kenneth Charles Johnston JONES, MC] MILITARY CROSS. No.33034 Cpl.C.Jeeves [Charles F. JEEVES, MM] MILITARY MEDAL. No.9214 A/L.Cpl.H.Preston [Henry PRESTON, MM] MILITARY MEDAL. Casualties during remainder of day: - 2 O.R. Wounded. At 4.30 p.m. Battalion Headquarters moved from DORMY HOUSE to CRAB CRAWL. 2nd Lieutenant H.H.Harman, 32nd Royal Fusiliers rejoined from Hospital.

6 Jun 1917 Trenches OBSERVATORY RIDGE. Casualties 6 O.R. Wounded.

7 Jun1917 Trenches OBSERVATORY RIDGE. Battle of MESSINES RIDGE commenced by Second Army. Ref: - Trench Map ZILLEBEKE, 1/10,000. WE were in the Line from I.24.d.65/05 to I.18.d.30/10, but did not take part in the Actual attack OBSERVATORY RIDGE being the pivot of the attack. On our Right were the 23rd Division (the Regiment on our immediate Right was 8th Bn.K.O.Y.L.I.) they were forming a defensive flank for the Main Attack. The left of 23rd Division attack was about 300 yards to our Right, at about I.30.b.40/50. ZERO was at 3.10 a.m. and at that hour a number of large Mines were exploded, the nearest of these to us was one at Hill 60. Immediately our guns opened a heavy barrage. The hostile artillery retaliated, and our two Right Companies "A" and "B" were shelled fairly heavily and their trenches somewhat damaged. The Main attack proceeded satisfactory, our counter-battery being most effective. At 9.30 a.m. 2nd Lieutenant A.W. Joyce [Arthur Wesley JOYCE] and 20 O.R. got across NO MANS LAND, to Boche Trenches, and were just getting into trench, when they saw it was crowded with Germans. The Patrol got back safely. About 10.30 a.m. a party of about 300 Germans came across to Front Line Trenches about 300 yards to our Right. Our Vickers and Lewis Guns took advantage of this target and accounted for a large number, a few however got into our lines, but these were soon driven out by bombing party under 2nd Lieutenant T.G. Searle [Thomas George SEARLE, MC]. Some men of the 2nd Canadian Tunnelling Company rendered valuable assistance in this little operation. From this time on to the time of our relief (10th June) we had to extend our Right to DAVIDSON STREET, I.30.b.45/65, as the Brigade on our Right were not strong enough to hold this piece of trench. WE had "B" Company 17th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment attached to us for this purpose. For the remainder of our tour nothing unusual occurred on our Battalion Front, but the Germans made a strong counter-attack on the evening of 8th June a little further to the South, but were not successful in regaining their lost ground. During this spell in Trenches we had considerable trouble with our own artillery, 18 pdrs and 4.5 hows: who were shooting short. Casualties: - 2nd Lieut.A.D. Greenwood [Arthur Donald GREENWWOD] - Wounded. Lieut.H.HARGREAVES - Wounded and remaining at duty. Other Ranks: - Killed 7 Wounded 28. Shell Shock 2. The following decorations were awarded for above operations: - 2nd Lieut.T.G. Searle [Thomas George SEARLE, MC] MILITARY CROSS No.17711 Pte.W.Battams [Walter BATTAMS, MM & Bar] MILITARY MEDAL 7489 Pte.G.Kempson [George KEMPSON, MM] MILITARY MEDAL 18817 Pte.D.Fynn [Daniel FYNN, DCM, MM] MILITARY MEDAL No.7138 Pte.E.Thorn [Edwin THORN, MM & Bar] MILITARY MEDAL

8 Jun 1917 Trenches OBSERVATORY RIDGE. Casualties: - 3 O.R. Killed. 10 O.R. Wounded. 1 O.R. Gassed.

9 Jun 1917 At 10 p.m. the 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment commenced to relieve the Battalion. relief complete by 2 a.m. 10th June. The Battalion withdrew to VLAMERTINGHE about H.8.b.8/7 where we entrained for POPERINGHE arriving at 6 a.m. 10th. Casualties 4 O.R. Wounded. News received that the following awards had been made for gallantry on 12th October, 1916 on the SOMME. Captain R.E.Oakley [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC], Military Cross. No.10016 Sergeant A.Howard [Alfred Ernest HOWARD, DCM] Distinguished Conduct Medal No.9578 Sergeant A.Mason [Albert MASON, DCM] Distinguished Conduct Medal. Our total casualties for this period in the Trenches were. 2 Officers wounded. Other Ranks: - Killed 11 Died of Wounds 3 Wounded 63 Wounded at duty 3 Gassed 1 Shell Shock 2 Sick wastage week ending 9th - 4 OR.

10 Jun 1917 - billets south west of Poperinghe The Battalion left POPERINGHE Station at 6.15 a.m. for billets about 2 miles S.W. of POPERINGHE about L.14 Reference Map BELGIUM Sheet 27, arriving at 7.15 a.m. Battalion Headquarters at L.14.b.9/3. 2nd Lieutenant T.J.Pemberton proceeded on leave. Lieutenant R.T.Oldfield [Reginald Theodore OLDFIELD, MC & Bar] rejoined from Hospital and resumed duties of 89th Brigade Bombing Officer.

11 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE. Lieutenant W.J.Holbrook, M.C., [William James HOLBROOK, MC] took over command of "B" Company from 2nd Lieutenant A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN].

12 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE. 2nd Lieutenant D.LYDLE admitted to hospital, sick.

13 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE. Lieutenant W.E.Hart rejoined from Hospital.

14 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE. Major B.P.Newbolt [Bertie Phillip NEWBOLT] appointed Area Commandant 30th Division.

15 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE. Reverend P.H.TURNBULL admitted to Hospital, sick. Sick wastage week ending 15th 2 O.R.

16 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE. 2nd Lieutenant S.E.D. Cline [Shirley Eric Douglas CLINE] admitted to Hospital, sick.

17 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE Lieutenant A.NEWTON-BRADY, R.A.M.C., joined as Medical Officer

18 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE Lieutenant D.COGAN, R.A.M.C. to 98th Field Ambulance

19 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE

20 Jun 1917 Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE Lieutenant H.HARGREAVES appointed Assistant Camp Commandant II Corps

21 Jun 1917 - Dickebusch Camp Billets S.W. of POPERINGHE At 3 p.m. Battalion left for Camp near DICKBUSCH about H.20.d.4/2 ref: Map, BELGIUM, Sheet 28, N.W., arriving at 6 p.m. and relieved 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment

22 Jun 1917 In camp near DICKEBUSCH 2nd Lieutenant C. Haywood [Charles HAYWOOD] wounded whilst on a reconnaissance of Infantry Tracks leading to Trenches.

23 Jun 1917 In camp near DICKEBUSCH Casualties: - 1 O.R. Killed, 1 O.R. Wounded, whilst employed on Working Parties. Sick wastage week ending 23rd 9 O.R. 2nd Lieut.K.C.J. Jones M.C. [Kenneth Charles Johnston JONES, MC] admitted to Hospital, Sick.

24 Jun 1917 In camp near DICKEBUSCH Captain R.E.Oakley, M.C. [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] proceeded on leave. Lieutenant L.A.L.Fink, M.C. [Lawrence Alexander Lewis FINK, MC] took over command of "C" Company

25 Jun 1917 In camp near DICKEBUSCH

26 Jun 1917 In Camp near DICKEBUSCH Lieutenant W.E.Hart admitted to Hospital, sick. 3 O.R. accidentally wounded whilst on a class of instruction in firing Rifle Grenades

27 Jun 1917 In camp near DICKEBUSCH

28 Jun 1917 - English Wood In Camp near DICKEBUSCH At 9.30 p.m. Battalion left to relieve 20th Bn.K.L.R. in Brigade Reserve in ENGLISH WOOD, H.20.d. Reference Map, BELGIUM, Sheet 28 N.W. Relief completed by midnight. Battalion Headquarters at H.30.c.1/6. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed. 3 O.R. Wounded whilst employed on working parties.

29 Jun 1917 Battalion in Reserve in ENGLISH WOOD. Casualties NIL.

30 Jun 1917 Battalion in Reserve in ENGLISH Wood. Captain J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] proceeded on leave. Sick Wastage week ending 30th 9 O.R. Casualties NIL

War Diary for July 1917

1 Jul 1917 - English Wood Battalion in reserve at ENGLISH WOOD (H.29.d. ref: Sheet 28 N.W.BELGIUM). Casualties: - 2 O.R. Killed 7 O.R. Wounded. 1 O.R. Wounded accidentally. No.9675 L/Sgt.G.Wilson attached Y.33 T.M.Battery awarded Military Medal (London gazette 18/6/17). "The following awarded the Medal for "Long Service and Good Conduct" (Special A.O.1/4/17[)]. No.6229 C.S.M. (now 2/Lieut) A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE], No.5846 Lce.Sgt.F.Selby [Frank SELBY, DCM, MM & Bar], No.6095 Pte.J.Harris [John HARRIS]".

2 Jul 1917 Battalion in Reserve at ENGLISH WOOD. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded

3 Jul 1917 Battalion in Reserve at ENGLISH WOOD. Lt.Col.E.S.M.POYNTZ proceeded on leave. Major B.P. Newbolt [Bertie Phillip NEWBOLT] proceeded to Base at ROUEN to join 48th Prisoner of War Company. Captain L.F.Beal, M.C. [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] rejoined from School of Instruction ALDERSHOT. Major C.H.de.St.P.Bunbury [Charles Hamilton De St. Pierre BUNBURY] joined from 2nd Bn. Yorkshire Regiment. Casualties: - NIL

4 Jul 1917 Battalion in Reserve at ENGLISH WOOD. Major C.H.de.St.P. Bunbury [Charles Hamilton De St. Pierre BUNBURY] took over command of Battn: Captain L.F.Beal, M.C. [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] took over command of "D" Coy. Casualties Nil.

5 Jul 1917 Battalion in Reserve at ENGLISH WOOD. Rev.R.B.PARSLEW attached to Battalion. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.

6 Jul 1917 Battalion in Reserve at ENGLISH WOOD. Casualties NIL. At 11.45 p.m. the 7th Bn.R.W.Kent Regt commenced to relieve the Battalion. We then withdrew to Camp about G.24.c. (ref Sheet 28 N.W.) arriving at 1.30 a.m. 7th

7 Jul 1917 - Polincove At 10 a.m. Battalion left Camp at G.24.c. to entrain at G.21.a.6/7 for WATTEN arriving at WATTEN at 4.10 p.m. Battalion detrained and marched to billets at POLINCOVE about 2 miles S.E. of AUDRUICQ (ref.Map HAZEBROUCK 5.a.) arriving at 7.50 p.m. Sick wastage week ending 7th 4 O.R.

8 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE

9 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE Battalion commenced training

10 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE Major R.O.Wynne, D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] left to command 19th Battn: Kings Liverpool Regiment.

11 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE 2nd Lieut.D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN] accidentally injured by fall from his horse

12 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE

13 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE 2nd Lieut.K.C.J.Jones, M.C. [Kenneth Charles Johnston JONES, MC] to England (transferred to Indian Army)

14 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE Sick wastage week ending 14th 14 O.R.

15 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE Captain J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] took over command of "A" Company from Captain H.de. Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE].

16 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE Lieutenant J.T.Coe [John Thomas COE] rejoined Battalion from England. Major R.O.Wynne, D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] rejoined from 19th Bn.K.L.R.

17 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE

18 Jul 1917 Billets POLINCOVE 2nd Lieut.H.H.HARMAN proceeded on leave.

19 Jul 1917 - Steenvoorde At 1 p.m. Battalion left POLINCOVE to proceed by Lorries to STEENVOORDE arriving at 8.20 p.m.

20 Jul 1917 - en route to Wippenhoek At 5.50 p.m. Battalion left STEENVOORDE for WIPPENHOEK Area arriving at PATRICIA Camp (L.29.b.2/6 ref Sheet 27 BELGIUM) at 9.15 a.m. Came under 90th Brigade

21 Jul 1917 - Patricia Camp, Wippenhoek PATRICIA CAMP. Sick wastage week ending 21st July 7 O.R.

22 Jul 1917 - Dickebusch Huts At 5.15 a.m. Battalion left PATRICIA CAMP for DICKEBUSCH HUTS, H.20.d.5/0 (ref Sheet 28 BELGIUM) arriving at 7.45 a.m. relieved 11th Bn.R.Fusiliers. Casualties 3 O.R. wounded

23 Jul 1917 - front line in front of Zillebeke and Chateau Segard DICKEBUSCH HUTS At 7 p.m. the Battalion, 13 Officers and 376 O.R. strong, under Major R.O.Wynne, D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] proceeded to relieve the 8th Bn.East Surrey regiment in the Trenches in front of ZILLEBEKE taking over Line from ST PETERS STREET inclusive on the Right to about I.24.b.80/20. (Ref: Map ZILLEBEKE) with following dispositions. "A" Coy RIGHT FRONT "B" Coy LEFT FRONT "C" Coy RESERVE "D" Coy SUPPORT Headquarters in CRAB CRAWL At 10 p.m. remainder of Battalion left to take up position as Brigade Reserve at CHATEAU SEGARD arriving at 11 p.m. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded.

24 Jul 1917 Battalion in the line at ZILLEBEKE and Reserve at CHATEAU SEGARD. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded

25 Jul 1917 Battalion in the line at ZILLEBEKE and Reserve at CHATEAU SEGARD. casualties 2 O.R. wounded

26 Jul 1917 Battalion in the Line at ZILLEBEKE and Reserve at CHATEAU SEGARD. Major R.O.Wynne, D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] proceeded to 30th Division as Liaison Officer. Lt.Colonel C.H.de.St.P. Bunbury [Charles Hamilton De St. Pierre BUNBURY] proceeded to Trenches to Command Battalion. At 5 p.m. the 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment and 18th Bn.Manchester Regiment carried out a raid in front of this Sector with successful results. No.8718 Cpl.F.Aveling [Frank AVELING, MM], 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment, awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in this raid. Casualties. 2nd Lieutenant G. Lenton [Gerald LENTON] wounded. Other Ranks: 11 Killed 19 wounded. These included a party under C.S.Major R.Kirby [9517 Robert G. KIRBY, MM, killed in action that day] who were returning to CHATEAU SEGARD (17 Strong) and were knocked out by a shell near BEDFORD HOUSE, of which 6 were Killed. 5 Died of wounds. 6 Wounded.

27 Jul 1917 Battalion in the line at ZILLEBEKE and Reserve at CHATEAU SEGARD. 2nd Lieutenant E Lenton [Gerald LENTON] Died of wounds. Casualties: - 1 O.R. Killed. 5 O.R. wounded.

28 Jul 1917 Enemy reported to be evacuating his Front System of Trenches North of YPRES. At 12.30 a.m. 2 Strong Patrols were ordered to go out and reconnoitre Enemy's Front Line to ascertain if they were withdrawing on our Front. Patrols from "A" and "B" Companies went out - see attached reports [under Operational Orders and Appendices]. CASUALTIES: - 2nd Lieut.I.T.M. Collins [Ivan T.M. COLLINS] Missing [Comment: was taken prisoner]. 2nd Lieut.P.A. Page [Percival Arthur PAGE] Wounded Other Ranks: - Killed 8 Wounded 17 Missing 4 Gassed 18 At about 11 p.m. 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment commenced to relieve the Battalion in the Trenches. Relief complete about 4.30 a.m. 29/7/17. The Battalion then withdrew to CHATEAU SEGARD The total Casualties during this tour in the trenches were: - 2nd Lieutenant G. Lenton [Gerald LENTON] Died of Wounds 2nd Lieut.I.T.M. Collins [Ivan T.M. COLLINS] Missing 2nd Lieut.P.A. Page [Percival Arthur PAGE, MC] Wounded Other Ranks: - Killed 20 Died of Wounds 5 Wounded 43 Missing 4 Gassed 18 = 90 Sick Wastage week ending 28th 3 O.R.

29 Jul 1917 - bivouac near Ypres In reserve at CHATEAU SEGARD At 10.15 p.m. Battalion left for Bivouac at H.27a ref: Sheet, 28 N.W. BELGIUM Casualties 1 O.R. wounded Captain R.E.Oakley, M.C. [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] to 30th Div as Liaison Offr.

30 Jul 1917 Bivouac at H.27.a. At 6 p.m. Battalion came under orders of G.O.C., 30th Division, as Divisional Reserve. Casualties 1 O.R. Wounded.

31 Jul 1917 [The Battle of Ypres 1917 - the Battle of Pilkem] Attack by Fifth Army commenced at 3.50 a.m. At 6 p.m. Battalion left H.27.a. and moved to CHATEAU SEGARD arriving at 6.50 a.m. At 10.15 a.m. left CHATEAU SEGARD for PROMENADE Trench, immediately South of ZILLEBEKE LAKE arriving at 11.30 a.m. Battalion Headquarters about I.22 Central. At 4.15 p.m. Battalion left PROMENADE for assembly position NORTH of MAPLE COPSE. 4.45 p.m. Battalion in assembly position in Artillery formation in file N.W. of MAPLE COPSE i.23.b. 4.50 p.m. Orders received that this Battalion on LEFT and 19th Bn.K.L.R. on RIGHT were to attack JARGON Trench W. of GLENCORSE WOOD. "A" and "B" Companies in Front Line, "C" Company in Support, "D" Company in Reserve. 5 p.m. Instructions sent to 19th Bn.K.L.R. that Battalion was ready to move off. 5.50 p.m. Orders received cancelling attack. Battalion withdrew about 200 yards and lay in another Field about 300 yards E. of DORMY HOUSE. 5.30 p.m. Heavy shelling of Area in immediate neighbourhood of Battalion with 5.9's commenced. Battalion took cover in adjacent trenches. 6 p.m. Orders received that Battalion were to occupy JACKDAW RESERVE TRENCH immediately after dark, relieving elements of 90th Brigade. 6.30 p.m. 2nd Lieut.A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN] left for JACKDAW RESERVE with reconnoitering party. 9 p.m. Reconnoitring party returned and Bn. left for JACKDAW RESERVE 10.30 p.m. Battalion Headquarters established about J.13.c.3/7 taking over from 16th Battalion Manchester Regiment. No information regarding location of Companies could be obtained. 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt.

War Diary for August 1917

1 Aug 1917 - trenches near Stirling Castle At 5.45 a.m. Lt.Colonel C.H.de.St.P. Bunbury [Charles Hamilton De St. Pierre BUNBURY] carried out a personal reconnaissance and found dispositions of Companies to be as follows: - "A" and "D" Coys in JACKDAW RESERVE nr STIRLING CASTLE. "C" Coy about 300 yards behind them in trench running N. and S. between JACKDAW AVENUE and JAM AVENUE. "B" Coy could not be found, but were discovered later in the day to be occupying a trench about 50 yards behind "C" Company. They thereupon moved up and relieved "D" Company who withdrew and came into Battalion Reserve occupying trenches near Bn.Headquarters. 2nd Lt.C.H. Shaw [Charles Henry SHAW] Died from wounds. 2nd Lt.T.J.PEMBERTON - Wounded. 4 p.m. Orders received to relieve 17th BN.K.L.R. in front line 7 p.m. Commanding Officer after conferring with O.C. 17th Bn. K.L.R. decided that it would be impossible to carry out this relief owing to the Marshy State of the Ground. Warning Order received that Battalion would have to carry out an attack in about 2 days time on same lines as that ordered on 31.7.17.

2 Aug 1917 Battalion in same disposition at 12 noon. Major R.O.Wynne D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] assumed Command of Battalion owing to indisposition of Commanding Officer. At 1 p.m. Code Message received that Brigade expected to be relieved that Night at 3 p.m. Verbal confirmation of above received. At 7 p.m. Guides under 2/Lieut C. Shekbury [Cecil SHEKURY, MC] left for DORMY HOUSE

3 Aug 1917 - Micmac Camp At 2 a.m. 12th Bn.Middlesex Regt arrived to relieve the Battalion. relief completed by 5 a.m. On relief the Battalion withdrew to CHATEAU SEGARD Area No.2. At 6.15 p.m. Battalion left for MICMAC Camp arriving about 7 p.m. Casualties for these Operations: - 2nd Lieut.C.H. Shaw [Charles Henry SHAW] Died of Wounds. 2nd Lieut.T.J.PEMBERTON Wounded Other Ranks: - Killed 14 Missing 3 Wounded 50 (1 Self-inflicted) Shell Shock 6 Gassed 2 TOTAL 75

4 Aug 1917 Battalion in MICMAC CAMP. Sick wastage Week ending 4th August 33 Other Ranks

5 Aug 1917 - billets near Caëstre Battalion left MICMAC CAMP at 9.30 a.m. to entrain at RENINGHELST for CAESTRE arriving at 3.30 p.m. Battalion detrained and proceeded to Billets about Q.23 reference Sheet 27 BELGIUM. Came under IX Corps, Second Army

6 Aug 1917 Billets about Q.23.

7 Aug 1917 - Merris At 7 a.m. Battalion left for MERRIS Area, arriving in Billets about X.27.d. ref Sheet 27 BELGIUM just South of METEREN at 10.30 a.m.

8 Aug 1917 Billets about X.27.d.

9 Aug 1917 Billets about X.27.d.

10 Aug 1917 - billets near Sint-Jan-Capell Billets at X.27.d. 7 p.m. Battalion left for Camp near ST JANS CAPEL S.2.a. Ref. Sheet 28 Belgium. Arriving at 9 p.m. 2nd Lieut. A.D. Greenwood [Arthur Donald GREENWWOD] rejoined Battalion from BASE.

11 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Sick wastage for week ending 11th: - 9 Other Ranks. Battalion at Training.

12 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training. In the afternoon the Regimental Team played 20th Bn. K.L.R. at Football Winning 1 - 0. 2nd Lieut.L.E.Agar [Leonard Edwin AGAR], 2nd Lieut.G.W.Manners [Gilbert Wilson MANNERS] Joined the Battalion from England.

13 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. In the Afternoon Regimental Team Played 19th Bn.K.L.R. at Football Winning 3 - 1.

14 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training.

15 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Captain W.J.Holbrook M.C., [William James HOLBROOK, MC] and 2nd Lt.A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN] proceeded on leave.

16 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at training. 9 a.m. A party consisting of Capt.L.F.Beal, M.C. [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC], 2nd Lieut.A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE], 2nd Lieut.E.E. Bath [Evelyn Ernest BATH] and 105 Other Ranks proceeded under O.C. 200 Coy. R.E. to VIERSTRAAT AREA for work on Ridge Defences.

17 Aug 1917 In camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieut.E.L. Marsden [Edward Leverson MARSDEN] to BASE, Unfit.

18 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training. Sick Wastage 7 Other Ranks

19 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a.

20 Aug 1917 In camp at S.2.a. Brigade Sports. Lieut.W.Hobbs [Wilfred HOBBS, MC] and Lieut.A.NEWTON-BRADY, R.A.M.C., proceeded on leave.

21 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieut.W.R.SHAW joined from BASE.

22 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training. Lieut.Col.C.H.de St.P. Bunbury [Charles Hamilton De St. Pierre BUNBURY] proceeded on leave. Major R.O.Wynne D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] assume command of Battalion. 54 Other Ranks joined from BASE.

23 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training. 2 Other Ranks from BASE.

24 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training

25 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training. Sick Wastage 4 Other Ranks

26 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. 5 Other Ranks from BASE. Captain R.E.Oakley M.C. [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] took over Command of details with 200 Fd.Coy. R.E. at N.28.b.4/6 from Capt.L.F.Beal, M.C. [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] Battalion played R.F.C. at Football Winning 3 - 1.

27 Aug 1917 In Camp at S.2.a. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieut.C. Shekbury M.C. [Cecil SHEKURY, MC] to leave.

28 Aug 1917 - in support near Ypres In camp at S.2.a. Battalion left Camp at 9 a.m. and proceeded to N.31.b.8/8 arriving at 11 p.m. where it was encamped.. Battalion in Support. Ref.Map Sheet 28 N.W. Draft of 16 Other Ranks from BASE.

29 Aug 1917 Battalion in Support at N.31.b.8/8. Casualties NIL

30 Aug 1917 Battalion in Support at N.31.b.8/8. Casualties NIL. 7 Other Ranks joined from base.

31 Aug 1917 Battalion in Support at N.31.b.8/8. Casualties NIL Sick Wastage: - 7 Other Ranks. 1 Officer & 19 Other Ranks of the Royal Navy were attached to the Battalion and are shown round the WYTSCHAETE RIDGE by Company Commanders.

War Diary for September 1917

1 Sep 1917 - Chinese Wall In Camp at N.31.b.8/8. At 5.30 p.n. the Battalion left Camp to relieve the 13th Bn Royal Fusiliers 111th Infantry Brigade in area 23b (CHINESE WALL). Battalion H.Q. about N.23.b.5/5. Battalion arrived at 7 p.m. and came under orders of G.O.C. 111th Infantry Brigade. 14 Other Ranks joined from Base.

2 Sep 1917 Area 23.b. (CHINESE WALL). Reserve Battalion 111th Infantry Brigade. 2nd Lieut.E.L. Marsden [Edward Leverson MARSDEN] taken on strength from 31/8/17. 2/Lieut.R. Hopkins [Ronald HOPKINS] taken on Establishment of II Corps School from 31/8/17. At 8.30 p.m. the Battalion moved off to relieve 13th Bn.K.R.R.C. in the right sub-sector WYTSCHAETE, with dispositions of Companies as follows: - "B" Company Right. "C" Company Centre "D" Company Left "A" Company Support. Relief complete at 1.30 a.m. Casualties: - 1 Other Rank Wounded. Reference Maps: - FRANCE, SHEET S.W.1/20,000 WYTSCHAETE S.W. 1/10,000 Battalion H.Q. at O.15.c.60/85.

3 Sep 1917 - front line near Wytschaete Battalion in Trenches. Captain W.J.Holbrook M.C. [William James HOLBROOK, MC] struck off strength. 2/Lieut.A.D. Barnetson [Angus Douglas BARNETSON] Wounded. 1 Other Rank Wounded.

4 Sep 1917 Battalion in trenches. Right Sub-sector. The following change in dispositions took place: "A" Coy. took over trench from "C" Coy. 17th Bn.K.L.R. from O.16.c.5/8 to O.16.c.3/2 (approx). "B" Coy. handed over their portion of Front line to "C" Coy. "B" Coy. then took over position previously occupied by "A" Coy. "C" and "D" Coys hold front line, each Company having two Platoons in front line and one Platoon in Support. "C" Coy. hold from O.23.a.9/4 to O.17.d.25.25 (approx) "D" Coy. hold from O.17.d.25/25 to O.17.b.4/0 (approx) Casualties: - Nil.

5 Sep 1917 Battalion in Trenches Right Sub-sector. 2 Other Ranks wounded.

6 Sep 1917 Battalion in trenches Right Sub-sector. Casualties: - Nil.

Sep 1917 Battalion in Trenches Right Sub-sector. Casualties: - 3 Other Ranks wounded. 1 Other Rank S.I. Wound.

8 Sep 1917 Battalion in trenches Right Sub-sector. Captain L.F.Beal M.C. [Leonard Frank BEAL, MC] proceeded to 6th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. to take over 2nd in Command. Sick wastage during week: - 10 Other Ranks. 2 Other Ranks wounded. [Raid report attached under Operational Orders and Appendices]

9 Sep 1917 Battalion in trenches Right Sub-sector. Casualties: - 3 Other Ranks Killed. 3 Other Ranks Missing 15 Other Ranks Wounded. 2/Lieut.H.H.HARMAN, 32nd R.Fus. attached to Bn. Wounded. The enemy raid our front shell-hole system, capturing 1 Lewis Gun, 3 men were missing and 1 Other Rank Killed.

10 Sep 1917 Battalion in trenches Right Sub-sector. The Battalion were relieved partly by 18th K.L.R. 21st Brigade and partly by 17th K.L.R. 89th Brigade. "D" Company remained in their dispositions, except that Company H.Q. moved to PRESTON HOUSE O.15.c.6/9. Relief complete 1.45 a.m. Casualties: - 2 Other Ranks Killed 1 Other Rank Wounded.

11 Sep 1917 - Estaminet Corner, Dammstrasse and Oak Dump near Wytschaete Battalion at IRISH HOUSE, N.23.c.9/7. At 7.30 p.m. the Battalion moved off to the Support line and took up the following dispositions: - "A" Coy. relieved "C" Coy 20th K.L.R. in WYTSCHAETE Dug-Out about O.20.a.15.55. "B" Coy. relieved a Company of the 19th K.L.R. situated in DAM STRASSE. "C" Coy. relieved the DRUMS of the 20th K.L.R. at OAK DUMP O.4.a.3/3. "B" and "C" Coys formed Support to 20th K.L.R. and came under orders of Officer Commanding. "D" Coy. moved from their dispositions on 10th and took over the WYTSCHAETE Dug-out about O.20.a.15/55 sharing it with "A" Coy. Battalion H.Q. at O.20.a.25/75 near ESTAMINET CORNER. Relief Complete 9.30 p.m. Captain W.J.Holbrook M.C. [William James HOLBROOK, MC] joined Battalion from Leave. 2/Lieut.A.J.H.Rogers 2/Lieut.W.F.Billingham [William Frederick BILLINGHAM] joined Battalion. 2/Lieut.E.E. Bath [Evelyn Ernest BATH] to leave. Casualties: - 10 Other Ranks Gassed.

12 Sep 1917 Battalion in Support ESTAMINET CORNER Casualties: - 1 Other Rank wounded. 1 Other Rank Gassed

13 Sep 1917 Battalion in Support ESTAMINET CORNER. Casualties: - Nil. 2/Lieut.A.W. Joyce [Arthur Wesley JOYCE] to leave.

14 Sep 1917 Battalion in Support ESTAMINET CORNER. Casualties: - Nil.

15 Sep 1917 Battalion in Support at ESTAMINET CORNER. Casualties: - Nil. Sick Wastage: - 8 Other Ranks

16 Sep 1917 Battalion in Support at ESTAMINET CORNER. Major R.O.Wynne D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] proceeded on leave. Casualties: - 3 Other Ranks gassed.

17 Sep 1917 Battalion in Support at ESTAMINET CORNER Casualties: - 3 Other Ranks Gassed.

18 Sep 1917 Battalion in Support at ESTAMINET CORNER. Casualties: - 2 Other Ranks Gassed. 1 Other Ranks Wounded "C" Coy. relieved "A" Coy. 20th K.L.R. (Right Coy. of Left Sub-sector) in the Line.

19 Sep 1917 - support line near Wytschaete Battalion in Support ESTAMINET CORNER. At 7.30 p.m. Battalion left to relieve remainder of 20th K.L.R. "B" Coy. relieved "B" Coy. K.L.R. in Left Sub-sector at 10.30 p.m. "A" & "D" Coys. relieved "C" & "D" Coys 20th K.L.R. in Support at 11 p.m. The DRUMS took over OAK DUMP O.4.a.3/3. Battalion H.Qrs. at O.5.c.3/9. Support Company H.Qrs. O.5.c.75/20. Right Company Headquarters FORRET FARM. Left Company H.Qrs. O.6.c.3/0. Casualties: - 20 Other Ranks Gassed.

20 Sep 1917 Battalion in Trenches. The Battalion made a raid [Report attached at end, under Appendices]. During the raid the following casualties occurred. 2/Lieut.T.G. Searle M.C. [Thomas George SEARLE, MC] Wounded and Missing. Other Ranks: - Killed 8 Missing 4 Wounded & Missing 3 Wounded 13 Other casualties: - Lieut.G.R.Jacob [Gordon Robert JACOB] wounded. Other ranks: - Killed 3 Wounded 5

21 Sep 1917 Battalion in the Trenches. Relieved by 17th Manchester Regt. After relief Battalion marched back to Camp at M.30.d.8/2. ref. sheet 28 S.W. last part arriving at 4.15 a.m. 22/9/17. One Other rank Missing 2/Lieut.J.C.M.Taylor joined. Sick Wastage: - 16 Other Ranks.

22 Sep 1917 - in Camp near Ypres In camp at M.30.d.8/2. Battalion found working parties in Front Line. 3 other Ranks Wounded. 2/Lieut.D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN], 2/Lieut.J.Kerr [John KERR], 2/Lieut.W.S.Goble [Sidney Walsingham GOBLE, MC], 2/Lieut.F.C.Baldwin [Frederick Charles BALDWIN], 2/Lieut.S.Courtney [Samuel COURTNEY] joined from Base Battalion came under VIII Corps at 7 p.m.

23 Sep 1917 In Camp at M.30.d.8/2. Battalion on Working parties in Front Line.

24 Sep 1917 In Camp at M.30.s.8/2. Lieut.H.de Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE] 2/Lieut.S.G. Hague [Sidney George HAGUE, MC] Leave

25 Sep 1917 In Camp at M.30.s.8/2

26 Sep 1917 In Camp at M.30.d.8/2

27 Sep 1917 In Camp at M.30.d.8/2

28 Sep 1917 In Camp at M.30.d.8/2 2/LIEUT.L.A.Tansley [Leo Alfred TANSLEY], 2/LIEUT.C.E.Compton [Charles Edgar COMPTON], 2/LIEUT.C.SCUTT, 2/LIEUT.W.Pennington [William PENNINGTON, MC] joined

29 Sep 1917 In Camp at M.30.d.8/2. Casualties: - Nil

30 Sep 1917 - Deny's Wood, Rose Wood, Englebrien Farm, Ravine and White Chateau In Camp at M.30.d.8/2. At 5.30 p.m. the Battalion marched to relieve 3 Coys. of 16th Manchester Regt. and 1 Coy.17th Bn.K.L.R. in DENY'S WOOD SUPPORT AREA. Dispositions: - "A" Company ROSE WOOD - 16th Manchester Regt. "B" Company ENGLEBRIEN FARM - 16th Manchester Regt. "C" Company RAVINE 16th Manchester Regt. "D" Company WHITE CHATEAU - 1 Coy.17th K.L.R. Battalion H.Qrs. DENY'S WOOD Relief complete at 9.30 p.m. Casualties: - Nil. 2/Lieut.F.E.Thompson [Frank Ernest THOMPSON] and 10 Other Ranks joined from Base.