1918 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 1918

1 Jan 1918 - Stirling Castle Battalion in Support Area STIRLING CASTLE. Captain R.B.Parslew (Chaplain Dept) to leave. 2nd Lieut. A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE] to leave.

2 Jan 1918 - front line near Polderhoek The Battalion relieved 19th Bn. K.L.R. in the POLDERHOEK Front Line Subsector Dispositions: - "C" Company Right Front Line "D" Company Left Front Line "B" Company In Support "A" Company In Reserve and Strong Points 1 & 2. Battalion Headquarters J.19.b.1/9. Regimental Aid Post - TOWER Relief complete 6.50 p.m. 3 Jan 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 2nd. 3 Other Ranks - Killed 4 Other Ranks - Wounded

4 Jan 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 3rd. 1 Other Rank - Killed 1 Other Rank - Shell Shock

5 Jan 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 4th. 5 Other Ranks - Killed 13 Other Ranks - Wounded Sick wastage. 3 Other Ranks - sick

6 Jan 1918 - en route to Ontario Camp The Battalion was relieved by 12th Bn.Kings Royal Rifle Corps and after relief entrained at MANOR HALT, detraining at FUZEVILLE, marching from there to ONTARIO CAMP. Relief complete at 12.50 a.m. 7th inst. ONTARIO CAMP M.5.a.15/42. 1 Other Rank - Killed.

7 Jan 1918 - Islinghem, Blamart, Sablonniere, Lerons the Battalion entrained at DICKEBUSCH Station (H.33.b.7.8) and proceeded to EBLINGHEM [sic], and marched to the WARDEQUES [sic] Area arriving at 6.0 p.m. Battalion H.Q. at A.22.b.0.8. Companies were billeted in ISLINGHEM - BLAMART - LA SA BLONIERE [sic] and LERONS. (Ref.Maps Sheet 36.A. & Sheet 27, 1/40,000) 2nd Lieut.W.F. Billingham [William Frederick BILLINGHAM] to leave

8 Jan 1918 Battalion in Billets as on 7th

9 Jan 1918 Battalion in Billets as on 7th

10 Jan 1918 Battalion in Billets as on 7th

11 Jan 1918 - Hailles The Battalion moved by rail from the WARDREQUES Area to Fifth Army Area entraining at STEENBECQUE and detraining at LONGEAU (3 miles S.E. of AMIENS). The Battalion entrained at 12.8 a.m. 12th inst. and detrained at 8.15 a.m. arriving in billets at HAILLES at 12.15 p.m. (Ref.Maps Sheet 36 A.N.W. 1/20,000., HAZEBROUCK Sheet 5A 1/100,000, AMIENS Sheet 17 1/100,000, Sheet 36 A 1/40,000)

12 Jan 1918 Battalion in Billets - HAILLES. Sick wastage - 16 Other Ranks

13 Jan 1918 - Wiencourt-l'Equipée The Battalion at 10.30 a.m. marched from HAILLES to WIENCOURT arriving at 3.20 p.m. Battalion Headquarters in RUE VERTE, and were billeted in Village for one night. (Ref.Map AMIENS 1/100,000).

14 Jan 1918 AT 11.30 a.m. the Battalion marched from WIENCOURT to VAUVILLERS arriving at 1.30 p.m. Battalion Headquarters at AMIENS 2.L.55.24. Ref. Map AMIENS 1/100,000)

15 Jan 1918 Battalion in billets at VAUVILLERS. 2nd Lieut.D.P. Cross [Dennis Patrick CROSS, MC] rejoined from Course at HAYLING ISLAND

16 Jan 1918 Battalion in billets at VAUVILLERS Lieut.Colonel E.I.de S.Thorpe D.S.O. [Edward Ivan De Sausmarez, CMG, DSO] proceeded on leave prior to taking over command of 1st Bn.Bedfordshire Regt.

17 Jan 1918 Battalion in billets at VAUVILLERS. Lieut.Colonel H.S.Poyntz D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] assumed command of the Battalion vice Lieut.Colonel E.I.de S.Thorpe D.S.O. [Edward Ivan De Sausmarez, CMG, DSO] to command 1st Battalion. 51 Other Ranks joined from base.

18 Jan 1918 - Warsy Battalion marched to WARSY arriving at 2.30 p.m. (ref.Map AMIENS Sheet 17)

19 Jan 1918 - Beaulieu-les-Fontaines The Battalion marched to BEAULIEU-LES-FONTAINES arriving at 5.30 p.m. Sick wastage 15 Other Ranks

20 Jan 1918 Battalion in billets BEAULIEU-les-Fontaines. Captain F.V.Parker [Frederick Vivian PARKER] and 5 Category B (1) men joined Battalion from Base.

21 Jan 1918 Battalion in Billets BEAULIEU-les-Fontaines

22 Jan 1918 Battalion in Billets BEAULIEU-les-Fontaines. 29 Other Ranks joined from Corps Reinforcement Camp. The Battalion played the 106th French Regt. of Heavy Artillery at Football. Result. Win 7-2.

23 Jan 1918 Battalion in billets BEAULIEU Battalion played 17th Bn.K.L.R. at Football. Result. Draw 0-0.

24 Jan 1918 Battalion in billets BEAULIEU

25 Jan 1918 Battalion in billets BEAULIEU

26 Jan 1918 Battalion in billets BEAULIEU The Battalion was inspected by Brig-Gen.F.C.Stanley D.S.O. Sick wastage 12 Other Ranks

27 Jan 1918 - Chauny The Battalion marched to CHAUNY arriving at 5.30 p.m. Ref.Maps AMIENS 17. 1/100,000 ST QUENTIN 18 1/100,000

28 Jan 1918 Battalion in Billets at CHAUNY Major R.O.Wynne D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] proceeded on leave

29 Jan 1918 - Viry-Noureuil Battalion marched to VIRY NOUREUIL and were in Brigade Reserve. 89th Infantry Brigade relieved the 338th Infantry Regt. (French) on night 29/30the January. Lieut.G.S.Silliman M.O.R.C., U.S.A. proceeded to join Fifth Army Artillery School. Captain H.B.Jones R.A.M.C. joined Battalion from 97th Field Ambulance. 2nd Lieut.E.E. Bath [Evelyn Ernest BATH] to leave.

30 Jan 1918 Battalion in reserve at VIRY NOUREUIL

31 Jan 1918 Battalion in Reserve at VIRY NOUREUIL

War Diary for February 1918

1 Feb 1918 - Viry-Noureuil Battalion in Billets at VIRY NOUREUIL 2nd Lieut.H.B. Lang [Harry Beckett LANG, MC] to England Sick. Captain W.Hobbs [Wilfred HOBBS, MC] granted one month's leave in England

2 Feb 1918 - Viry Noureuil, Condren and Tergnier "A" Company relieved a Company of 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment at CONDREN. "B" Company moved to TERGNIER. Battalion Headquarters and "C" and "D" Coys remained at VIRY NOUREUIL. (Ref.Maps St.QUENTIN 1/100,000, FRANCE Sheet 70d Sheet 66c)

3 Feb 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 2nd. Lieut.W.J.Holbrook, M.C. [William James HOLBROOK, MC] to leave

4 Feb 1918 - Autreville, Pierremande, Rond d'Orleans The Battalion moved from Reserve Position and were distributed as follows: - "A" Company at AUTREVILLE (relieved at CONDREN by 2 Platoons of 17th Bn.K.L.R.) Battalion Headquarters, "B" and "D" Company at PIERREMANDE. "C" Company outpost duty at ROND d'ORLEANS (BASSE FORET). The Battalion relieved 20th Bn.K.L.R. in above dispositions. (Ref.Map ST QUENTIN 1/100,000 and Sheet 70d 1/40,000) 2nd Lieut.D.Lydle [David LYDLE] rejoined Battalion from Corps Reinforcement Camp

5 Feb 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 4th

6 Feb 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 5th No.9331 Sergeant P.Compton D.C.M. [Percy COMPTON, DCM] awarded the Belgium Croix de Guerre

7 Feb 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 6th

8 Feb 1918 - Béthancourt Battalion in dispositions as on 7th At 5 p.m. the Battalion marched to BETHANCOURT arriving at 8.15 p.m. (Ref.Map ST QUENTIN 1/100,000). Captain W.T.Pares, M.C. [William Thomas PARES, MC], 2nd Lieut.E.A.Maddison, 2nd Lieut.W.Whitbourn [Walter WHITBOURN, MC] and 89 O.R. joined Battalion from 8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

9 Feb 1918 - Guiscard The Battalion marched to GUISCARD starting at 1.30 p.m. and arriving at 4 p.m. (Reference Maps St.QUENTIN, 1/100,000 and Sheet 70.e.N.E. 1/20,000). Captain W.T.Pares, M.C. [William Thomas PARES, MC] took over command of "D" Coy.

10 Feb 1918 - Beaulieu-les-Fontaines The Battalion marched to BEAULIEU LES FONTAINES arriving at 12.30 p.m. (Ref.Maps St.QUENTIN 1/100,000 and AMIENS 1/100,000). 2nd Lieut.L.E.Agar [Leonard Edwin AGAR] struck off strength of Battalion, medical board ordered. 2nd Lieut.W.F. Billingham [William Frederick BILLINGHAM] from Hospital

11 Feb 1918 - Moyencourt The Battalion marched to MOYENCOURT arriving at 12.45 p.m. Reference Map AMIENS 1/100,000. Lieut.W.J.Holbrook, [William James HOLBROOK, MC] struck off strength of Battalion whilst on six months tour of duty in England. Lieut.W.L.Carpenter [Walter Leonard CARPENTER] and 6 Other Ranks joined from 8th Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment. The Battalion was transferred from the 89th to 90th Brigade and was inspected by Brigadier General F.C.Stanley D.S.O.

12 Feb 1918 Battalion at MOYENCOURT - Training Lieut.D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN] to Leave.

13 Feb 1918 Battalion at MOYENCOURT - Training The 30th Division was inspected by the Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, K.T., G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E. Place of Parade Map Squares O.28 and O.34. (Ref.Map Sheet 66d). The Battalion attended this inspection.

14 Feb 1918 The Battalion in MOYENCOURT - Training Captain F.V. Parker [Frederick Vivian PARKER] took over command of the Battalion vice Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O., [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] who took over command of the 89th Infantry Brigade vice Brigadier General F.C.Stanley, D.S.O.

15 Feb 1918 Battalion in Billets MOYENCOURT - Training

16 Feb 1918 Battalion in Billets MOYENCOURT - Training 2nd Lieut.A.Baker [Arthur Henry BAKER, formerly Sergeant 9430 of the 2nd battalion] commissioned from ranks and posted to Battalion.

17 Feb 1918 Battalion in Billets - MOYENCOURT - Training

18 Feb 1918 Battalion in Billets - MOYENCOURT - Training 2nd Lieuts J. Kerr [John KERR] and S. Courtney [Samuel COURTNEY] to Leave. 7 O.R. from Corps Reinforcement Camp.

19 Feb 1918 Battalion in Billets MOYENCOURT - Training

20 Feb 1918 - Aubigny-aux-Kaisnes Battalion marched to AUBIGNY arriving at 1.45 p.m. (Reference Map ST.QUENTIN 1/100,000).

21 Feb 1918 - Savy Dugouts The Battalion marched to SAVY DUGOUTS at X.25.d arriving at 12 Noon. Reference Map 62.c.S.E. 2nd Lieuts J.C.M.Taylor and E.A.Maddison to Leave. Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] took over command of 90th Infantry Brigade vice Brigadier General G.A.Stevens, D.S.O. to Leave.

22 Feb 1918 - front line near Savy, Manchester Hill and Francilly-Selency Battalion in SAVY DUGOUTS. At 6 p.m. the Battalion proceeded to relieve the 2/7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment in the SAVY Front Line Sector. Boundaries North S.11.d.7.2. South S.23.c.9.6. The Battalion took over dispositions as follows. "B" Company right front line subsector "D" Company Left front line subsector (less 1 Platoon) "D" Company 1 Platoon in FRANCILLY. "A" Company Counter attack Company at N.& S. ends of MANCHESTER HILL "C" Company In Redoubt at MANCHESTER HILL Battalion Headquarters in BROWN QUARRY at S.21.a.6/3. Relief complete at [blank]

23 Feb 1918 Dispositions as on 22nd. Lieut.C. Haywood [Charles HAYWOOD] joined from 8th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt.

24 Feb 1918 Dispositions as on 23rd

25 Feb 1918 Dispositions as on 24th 1 O.R. Self inflicted wound

26 Feb 1918 Dispositions as on 25th. 1 O.R. wounded

27 Feb 1918 Dispositions as on 26th. Lieut.A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN] and 2nd Lieut.W. Pennington [William PENNINGTON, MC] to Leave.

28 Feb 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 27th. Major R.O.Wynne, D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] took over command of the Battn.

SICK WASTAGE DURING FEBRUARY - 17 Other Ranks

War Diary for March 1918

1 Mar 1918 - Savy Dugouts The Battalion was relieved in SAVY Front Line Sector by 2nd Bn.R.S.Fusiliers and proceeded to SAVY DUGOUTS in Support. Relief complete by 10 p.m.

2 Mar 1918 Battalion in Support 2nd Lieut.A.Baker [Arthur Henry BAKER] to Leave 2nd Lieut.S.E.D. Cline [Shirley Eric Douglas CLINE] joined Battalion

3 Mar 1918 Battalion in Support working on Battle Zone. 2nd Lieut.A.W. Joyce [Arthur Wesley JOYCE] to England for six months rest.

4 Mar 1918 Battalion in support working on Battle Zone

5 Mar 1918 - Villers-St-Christophe Battalion in support working during the morning on Battle Zone At 1 p.m. the Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment and marched to VILLERS ST CHRISTOPHE arriving at 3.45 p.m. Battalion Headquarters at K.4.c.3/7

6 Mar 1918 Battalion at VILLERS ST CHRISTOPHE employed on railway work under A.D.L.R. 5th Army. 2nd Lieutenant S.W. Goble [Sidney Walsingham GOBLE, MC] on leave

7 Mar 1918 Battalion employed on railway work

8 Mar 1918 Battalion at Training

9 Mar 1918 Battalion at Training Capt.P.J.Reiss, M.C., M.M. [Phillip Julius REISS, MC & Bar, MM] to leave

10 Mar 1918 Battalion at VILLERS ST CHRISTOPHE

11 Mar 1918 Battalion at Training. The Drums of the Battalion proceeded to 18th Corps School GUILLACOURT to give performance for 1 week.

12 Mar 1918 Battalion at Training the Battalion played 16th Bn.Manchester Regt at Football, Score 2-2

13 Mar 1918 The Battalion provided working parties, remainder of the Battalion at Training

14 Mar 1918 The Battalion provided working parties, remainder of Battalion at Training. The Battalion played 2nd Bn.R.S.F. at Football, Result win for Battalion Score 3-1.

15 Mar 1918 The Battalion provided working parties, remainder at Training. Capt.J.T. Coe [John Thomas COE], 2.Lt.C. Shekbury M.C. [Cecil SHEKURY, MC], 2/Lt.S.H.Smith proceeded on Leave.

16 Mar 1918 The Battalion at Training. Battalion played 16th Bn.Manchester Regt at Football, result Draw 1-1. 2nd Lieut.F.C. Baldwin [Frederick Charles BALDWIN] to Leave

17 Mar 1918 The Battalion at Training 2nd Lieut.P.A. Page [Percival Arthur PAGE, MC] to leave.

18 Mar 1918 - Savy Dugouts The Battalion at Training. At 3.15 p.m. the Battalion march to SAVY DUGOUTS to relieve the 17th Bn.Manchester Regiment, in Support. Relief complete 6 p.m.

19 Mar 1918 The Battalion in Support

20 Mar 1918 The Battalion in Support.

21 Mar 1918 [The First Battles of the Somme 1918 - the Battle of St Quentin] Enemy bombardment started at 4.45 a.m. The Battalion "Stood to" in Battle Zone between SAVY and ETREILLERS at 6 a.m. "A" and "C" Companies in Front. "B" Company in Counter Attack position, "D" Company and Battalion Hd.Qrs in STEVENS REDOUBT. Enemy broke through the Forward Zone and came in touch with "A" Company during the morning. A few Germans got into the right of "A" Coys position. "B" Company went up to reinforce "A" Company at Dusk but could not turn out the enemy, who had established themselves firmly on either side of the SAVY Road. Captain W.Hobbs [Wilfred HOBBS, MC] wounded.

22 Mar 1918 - Verlaines Early in the morning a few Germans worked into "C" Coys position, from a Sunken Road just in front of our wire. "A" and "C" Coys were heavily shelled all day and at about 2 p.m. the enemy attacked in large numbers. "C" Coys position was taken and some of our men taken prisoner. The remnants of "A" and "B" Coy hung on till surrounded by large numbers of enemy. They fought very well and only a few got back. By 4 p.m. the enemy could be seen advancing on either side of STEVENS REDOUBT. At 5 p.m. Orders were received to withdraw. The withdrawal was carried out at once, but there were a number of casualties as the withdrawal had to be made across open country and the enemy machine gun and shrapnel fire was very heavy. The Battalion withdrew to VERLAINES via GERMAINE - FORESTE - VILLERS ST CHRISTOPHE and HAM. Billetted in VERLAINES for the night. Casualties: Lieut.A.P. Methuen [Arthur Pemberton METHUEN] Wounded, Lieut.D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN] wounded, Captain F.A.Sloan [Frank Alan SLOAN, MC] wounded, Capt.H.B.Jones, R.A.M.C., missing, 2nd Lieut.F.E. Thompson [Frank Ernest THOMPSON] missing [Comment: was taken prisoner and was repatriated 11th December 1918].

23 Mar 1918 "Stood to" at 5 a.m. on account of Rifle and M.Gun fire near HAM. 89th Infantry Brigade were holding HAM Defences but were driven back. The Battalion and the 2nd Bn.Royal Scots Fusiliers were ordered to cover the retirement of 89th Inf.Bde. to ESMERY HALLON. We took up a position outside ESMERY HALLON - VERLAINES Road while the 89th Brigade withdrew. The enemy did not advance beyond HAM, so the 89th Brigade went forward again and occupied a position just East of VERLAINES. We remained in our position till about midnight. Some of our details were in defence of HAM. Casualties: - Killed 2nd Lieut.W.R.Shaw [Comment: was actually taken prisoner]. Wounded and Missing Captain F.V. Parker [Frederick Vivian PARKER] [Comment: was taken prisoner]. Lieutenant D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN] rejoined the Battalion

24 Mar 1918 [The actions at the Somme Crossings] - Buverchy Bridge About 1 a.m. we took up a position between VERLAINES and VILLETTE in Support of 2nd Bn.R.S.Fusiliers who were covering Right Flank of 89th Inf.Bde. Enemy worked round our right flank and got into GOLANCOURT. He then attacked on our Left Flank and we were forced to withdraw towards ESMERY HALLON. Here we came under heavy Machine Gun fire from our Right Flank and a further withdrawal was carried out to the Canal. The 90th Infantry Brigade held the western bank of the Canal between LANNOY FARM RIDGE and BUVERCHY BRIDGE. The Battalion was responsible for the Sub-Sector at BUVERCHY Bridge. Remainder of the day and night was quiet. Casualties: - Capt.W.T.Pares, M.C. [William Thomas PARES, MC], 2nd Lieut.W.L.Carpenter wounded.

25 Mar 1918 - Arvillers Enemy seen Massing and forming up for an attack all day. Our Guns busy shelling him. Enemy shelled the two Bridges and MOYENCOURT. At about 6 p.m. enemy broke through the French who were in line on right of the 2nd Bn.R.S.Fusrs. We withdrew through MOYENCOURT and passed through the French Outposts West of MOYENCOURT. Went on to SOLENTE were we embussed for ROYE-EGLISE. rested a short time at ROYE-EGLISE and then bussed to ARVILLERS and spent remainder of night there. Casualties: - Lieut.C. Haywood [Charles HAYWOOD] wounded [Comment: was taken prisoner]

26 Mar 1918 [The Battle of Rosieres] - between Bouchoir and Parvillers-le-Quesnoy Moved forward from ARVILLERS about 12 noon and took up a position along the BOUCHOIR - ROUVROY Road, just North of the ROYE AMIEN Road. 2nd Bn.R.S.Fusrs on our Right, 89th Inf.Bde. on our Left. Quiet for the remainder of the day. Enemy infantry and artillery could be seen passing through LE QUESNOY about a mile in front of us. This continued all night. Our Patrols got right up to LE QUESNOY but met no enemy till they got to the village.

27 Mar 1918 - Arviller-Folies Road Enemy attacked again on both flanks and got through to the right of 2nd Bn.R.S.Fusrs. About 12.30 pm we withdrew to Line of the ARVILLER - FOLIES Road. Here we held up the enemy and remained throughout the night. Our position was shelled fairly heavily. At dusk we re-organised Units and consolidated the position. Our relief by the French did not materialise. No rations or water brought up

28 Mar 1918 - Rouvel Our position heavily shelled during the morning. A number of casualties. Enemy again attacked on both flanks and got into ARVILLERS on our Right and FOLIES on our Left. Enemy then got up to within 100 yards of our position when we received orders to withdraw. About 2.30 pm we withdrew but had a number of casualties owing to hostile Machine Guns and Shell fire. We formed up at MEZIERES just South of AMIEN - ROYE Road and marched through MOREUIL where we halted to give the men some food, to Billets at ROUVEL. Lt.Colonel H.S.Poyntz D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] rejoined Battalion from 90th Infantry Brigade. Casualties: - 2nd Lieut.W. Pennington [William PENNINGTON, MC], 2/Lt.A.F. Aldridge [Arthur Frederick ALDRIDGE], 2/Lieut.S. Courtney [Samuel COURTNEY], 2nd Lieut.E.E. Bath [Evelyn Ernest BATH] wounded. Captain and Adjutant G.A.Anstee, M.C. [Geoffrey Arthur ANSTEE, MC] Missing.

29 Mar 1918 Remained in Billets all day resting. Lt.Col.H.S.Poyntz, D.S.O. [Hugh Stainton POYNTZ, DSO] admitted to Hospital Sick. Fake Alarm Reported that enemy had taken MOREUIL. Many French Troops in front of us.

30 Mar 1918 - St-Valery-sur-Somme Left ROUVREL at 9 a.m. and marched to SALEUX just S.W. of AMIEN. Entrained and went to ST VALERY arriving there at 12 m.n.

31 Mar 1918 - Catigny and Arrest marched to Billets in CATIGNY - ARREST arriving at 2 a.m.

Total Casualties from march 21st - 31st Officers 15, Other Ranks 554.

War Diary for April 1918

1 Apr 1918 - Catigny, Arrest In BIllets at CATIGNY ARRESTE Battalion at Training. Major R.O.Wynne D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] assumed command of the Battalion.

2 Apr 1918 In Billets at CATIGNY ARRESTE Battalion at Training.

3 Apr 1918 In Billets at CATIGNY ARRESTE Lieut.H.Pomcrantz, M.O.R.C., U.S.A. joined Battalion and took over duties of Medical Officer. Captain P.J.Reiss, M.C., M.M. [Phillip Julius REISS, MC & Bar, MM], 2nd Lieut.F.C. Baldwin [Frederick Charles BALDWIN], 2nd Lieut.A. Baker [Arthur Henry BAKER], 2nd Lieut.S.H.Smith, 2/Lieut.P.A. Page [Percival Arthur PAGE, MC], 2nd Lieut.C. Shekbury M.C. [Cecil SHEKURY, MC] rejoined from leave.

4 Apr 1918 - en route from Feuquieres-en-Vimeu - Fressenneville to Rousbrugge At 8.30 p.m. the Battalion marched to FLUQUIERES FRESSENNVILLE Station and entrained for ROUSBRUGGE (Ref.Map ABBEVILLE, 1/100,000) 2nd Lieut.E.A.Maddison proceeded on probation to Royal Flying Corps. 2nd Lieut.E.E. Bath [Evelyn Ernest BATH] to England wounded.

5 Apr 1918 - Dragon Camp The Battalion marched from ROUSBRUGGE STATION to DRAGON CAMP A.15.b.5.3. (ref.Map Sheet 28 France & Belgium) arriving at 7.30 p.m.

6 Apr 1918 Battalion in DRAGON CAMP

7 Apr 1918 - Huddleston Camp At 11.30 a.m. the Battalion Marched to HUDDLESTON CAMP C.7.c.5.3. and took over 2 Sections of the BATTLE ZONE "A" & "B" Coys were responsible for "E" Section taking over from 1st/1st Yorkshire Dragoons Cyclist Regiment. "C" & "D" Coys. were responsible for "F" Section taking over from 1st Black Watch.

8 Apr 1918 Dispositions as on 7th

9 Apr 1918 Dispositions as on 7th

10 Apr 1918 Dispositions as on 7th

11 Apr 1918 Dispositions as on 7th A/Captain W.S.Deller [William Samuel DELLER] appointed Adjutant II Corps Reinforcement Camp and struck off strength of Battalion. 2/Lieut.A.J.H.Rogers from Hospital Major & Quartermaster H.Cressingham D.S.O., D.C.M. [Hugh CRESSINGHAM, DSO, DCM] to Depot

12 Apr 1918 Dispositions as on 7th.

13 Apr 1918 - between Pilckem and Langemarck At 5.0 a.m. the Battalion took up position in BATTLE ZONE between Pilckem and LANGEMARCK. Battalion H.Q. at STRAY FARM. Companies distributed in Depth as follows: - "D", "C", "B", "A" from Front to Rear. One Battalion was withdrawn from Forward Zone, 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt. remained as Outposts. 1st Battalion 10th Belgian Infantry Regiment were on the Left, 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regt. on the Right.

14 Apr 1918 In the same positions in BATTLE ZONE. Companies working on the Defences. A quiet day. Viscount Obert joined Battalion as Interpreter.

15 Apr 1918 In same positions. A quiet day. Companies working in their own areas. "D" Company was relieved by a Company of 18th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt and went into reserve near PILCKEM

16 Apr 1918 During the night 15th/16th the Outposts were withdrawn and the line of the STEENBEEK was taken up. This left the Battalion in the Front Line. The Bridges over the STEENBEEK were all blown up. The withdrawal was carried out without trouble and was not noticed by the enemy until the afternoon. After 3.0 p.m. he could be seen advancing in small paryies and at 6.0 p.m. 200 were reported to be entering LANGEMARCK. "D" Company took over front position again during the day. 2nd Lieut.C. Shekbury M.C. [Cecil SHEKURY, MC] Killed in Action. A quiet night and patrols which were out saw no enemy. Lieut. & Quartermaster F.Wombwell [Frederick WOMBWELL] joined Battalion from England.

17 Apr 1918 [The Battle of the Lys - First Battle of Kemmel] Enemy Patrols pushed forward to the STEENBEEK and attempted to cross at PICCADILLY BRIDGE soon after dawn. During the day hostile artillery was active particularly on our left were enemy made an attack on Belgians, but were repulsed. Enemy pushed forward into LANGEMARCK all day. Our guns caused him considerable casualties in LANGEMARCK. Half "A" Company sent up to reinforce "D" Company. Captain P.J.Reiss M.C., M.M. [Phillip Julius REISS, MC & Bar, MM] took charge of the forward positions. During the evening two Boche patrols crossed the STEENBEEK & established themselves in Pillboxes. The Battalion were relieved by 2nd Bn.10th Belgian Infantry Regiment.

18 Apr 1918 - Erie Camp, Brandhoek Relief complete 2.30 a.m. marched back to MANNING CAMP near ELVERDINGHE. Left MANNING CAMP 2.30 p.m. and marched to ERIE CAMP (28.G.11.c.) near BRANDHOEK. A very cold & windy day.

19 Apr 1918 A very cold day with Sleet and Snow. Companies left Camp at 10.0 a.m. and were employed in digging Strong points between VLAMERTINGHE and RENINGHELST. At 10 p.m. we were recalled to camp and had word that the Battalion was going into the Line again. A Composite Brigade under Brig.General Goodman was formed. The three Battalions were as follows: - No.1 Battalion 2 Coys 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. 2 Coys. 2nd Bn. Wiltshire Regt. (Administered by Bedf.H.Q.) No.2 Battalion. 2 Coys 16th Manchesters & 2 Coys 17th Bn.Manchester Regt. No.3 Battalion. 4 Coys 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regt. No.1 Composite Battalion was made up as follows: - No.1 Coy. Capt.P.J.Reiss M.C. M.M. [Phillip Julius REISS, MC & Bar, MM] (Our "A" & "B" Coys) No.2 Coy. Lieut.S.E. Cline [Shirley Eric Douglas CLINE] (Our "C" & "D" Coys) No.3 Coy. Capt.Druitt (Wilts.R.) No.4 Coy. Capt.Wilson (Wilts R.) the Battalion took over the Line from 1 Coy 6th K.O.S.B's. relief complete about 3.0 a.m. (20th). Dispositions as follows: - No.4 Coy. In Front Line by the BLUFF 28.I.34.c. No.3 Coy. In Dugouts in CANAL BANK No.1 Coy. In Dugouts in SPOIL BANK 28.I.34.c. No.2 Coy. In Dugouts by LOCK 7. Battn.H.Q. LOCK 7. 28.I.32.b.6.4. Manchesters on the Right. Yorkshires on the Left.

20 Apr 1918 - front line, Bluff, Canal Bank, Spoil Bank, Lock 7 A quiet day. At night the 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regt took over our piece of Front Line. No.1 & No.2 Coys remained in their old positions. No.4 Coy. moved in Strong points just North of CANAL. Company H.Q. near NORFOLK BRIDGE 28.I.33.d.3.6. No.3 Company moved to LOCK 8.

21 Apr 1918 A quiet day. Companies & Headquarters remained in same positions

22 Apr 1918 A quiet day. At night enemy did a lot of gas shelling round YPRES & BEDFORD HOUSE. Remained in same positions

23 Apr 1918 Remained in same positions. A quiet day but a lot of gas shelling on Back Areas at night.

24 Apr 1918 - The Bluff to the Caterpiller A quiet day except at the BLUFF, where the enemy were shelling. Took over front line from right Coy of 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment. No.1 Company on right, from the BLUFF exclusive to 28.I.34.b.5.0. No.2 Company on left from 28 I.34.b.5.0. to the CATERPILLER 28 I.35.a.8.7. inclusive. No.3 Company in Support about NORFOLK BRIDGE. No.4 Company in reserve at LA CAPPELLE 28 I.33.b.5.9. Battalion Headquarters at LOCK 7.

25 Apr 1918 Heavy Gas shell bombardment by the enemy at 2.30 a.m. Chiefly on back areas. Heavy bombardment south of Canal. Enemy attacked at dawn to South of Canal. Our Outpost Line driven back a little. Quiet on our front. Enemy advanced to the South and took KEMMEL HILL.

26 Apr 1918 Enemy pushing forward a little just south of Canal. Battalion Headquarters in SPOIL BANK had to evacuate as enemy got very near them. Enemy also got the MOUND at ST.ELOI and nearly all our troops withdrew to line of LOCK 8. A lot of heavy shelling by the enemy. At 9 a.m. Battalion Headquarters moved from Lock 7 to BEDFORD HOUSE. We formed a defensive flank along Canal from Lock 8 to Spoil Bank, No.4 Company were employed for this. Captain Wilson (Wilts R.) wounded. Later in the day two Companies of 1st Bn.West Yorkshire Regiment were sent to LA CAPELLE Ridge to strengthen our right flank. During the day enemy made repeated attempts to capture the BLUFF. These attempts were broken up by 2nd Lieut.P.A. Page [Percival Arthur PAGE, MC] and his Platoon. Enemy captured the BLUFF in the afternoon and at about 7.30 p.m. he crossed the Canal at NORFOLK BRIDGE. Captain Smith (Wilts R.) and part of his Company were captured. No.1 Company had to withdraw on the line LA CAPELLE - RAVINE in 28 I.34.a. as the enemy were working round behind them. At 12 midnight we received orders to withdraw

27 Apr 1918 - Scottish Camp At 2 a.m. we withdrew from our line and passed through 110th Brigade who were holding the line ZILLEBEKE BUND - LOCK 8. This is now the Front Line. Withdrawal carried out successfully and without any casualties. During the day we suffered Casualties from heavy shell fire. TOTAL CASUALTIES 107 Killed, Wounded and Missing. Withdrawal complete at 4.30 a.m. Marched back to SCOTTISH CAMP 28.G.23.a.

28 Apr 1918 - Montreal Camp Remained in Camp til l1.30 p.m., when we moved forward to MONTREAL CAMP 28.H.19.b.7.8. We are now in Divisional Reserve and may have to help either the 110th or 89th Infantry Brigade. Heavy Gun fire just before Dusk. S.O.S. went up in several places on VIERSTRAAT Line.

29 Apr 1918 [The Battle of the Lys - the Battle of Scherpenberg] - 500 yards in front of Montreal Camp Moved from Montreal Camp at about 4 a.m. to Trenches just South of the Camp. Enemy barrage started at 4 a.m. Remained in the Trenches till about 9.30 a.m. when we moved forward about 500 or 600 yards. Battalion Headquarters in Farm at 28.H.20.c.1.5. Heavy fighting all day between YPRES and SCHERDENBERG. Enemy apparently repulsed everywhere and suffered heavy losses.

30 Apr 1918 - Dickebusch Lake Moved forward to trenches about DICKEBUSCH HUTS 28.H.26.b. at 3.30 a.m. Battalion Headquarters in Farm at 28 H.26.b.0.8. At 10 p.m. Battalion moved forward to DICKEBUSCH LAKE. No.2 and 4 Companies occupying a position North of the LAKE. 1 and 3 Companies occupying a position South of the LAKE. Battalion Headquarters in FARM South of the Lake. Battalion supporting the 89th Infantry Brigade. Slight shelling during the day. (REFERENCE MAP: - BELGIUM Sheet 28 1/20,000)

War Diary for May 1918

1 May 1918 - Dickebusch Lake Battalion supporting 89th Bde. at DICKEBUSCH LAKE. No.2 & 4 Coys. in position N. of the Lake. No.1 & 3 Coys. in position S. of the Lake. Battalion H.Q. in Farm South of Lake.

2 May 1916 - Camp at G.23 The Battalion were relieved by a Battalion of the 56th Infantry Brigade and after relief marched into Camp at G.23. Area (Map Reference SHEET 28)

3 May 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 2nd.

4 May 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 3rd

5 May 1918 - Front Line near Vierstraat Battalion relieved the South African Composite Brigade and held line from N.10.c.5.7. to N.10.b.8.8. No.2 Company on Right (Front Line) No.4 Company on Left (Front Line) No.1 Company in reserve relieving No.1 Coy of Scottish Rifles. No.3 Company Immediate Support. Relief complete at [blank] Reference Map. Sheet 28 1/40,000 Sheet 28 S.W. 1/20,000

6 May 1918 Battalion in same dispositions. Hostile Artillery active during the day

7 May 1918 Battalion in same dispositions Hostile artillery very active shelling back areas with Gas Shells causing casualties among No.1 Coy.

8 May 1918 At 3.0 a.m. enemy put down a barrage with gas shells on Reserve position which drifted back on Front Line. At 4.10 a.m. he put down very heavy barrage on Front Line with Trench Mortars, 5.9's which lasted 4 hours. About 7.30 a.m. enemy Infantry attacked using Flammenwerfer forcing the French to retire which left our Right flank exposed, our two Front Companies had to fall back to our Support Line which eventually became the Front Line. No.1 Coy. had to form a defensive flank to stop the enemy from penetrating our Support Line. At 7.0 p.m. a Counter-attack was launched by the French and ourselves to try and re-establish our original Front Line, which failed. The enemy's artillery kept up an intense bombardment right through the day causing very heavy casualties to the Battalion Total Casualties 7 Officers 170 Other Ranks At night the enemy quietened down the Battalion still holding the Support Line. 2/Lieut.W.F. Billingham [William Frederick BILLINGHAM] Wounded. 2/Lieut.A.J.H.Rogers Wounded. 2/Lieut.F.C. Baldwin [Frederick Charles BALDWIN] Wounded, 2/Lieut.A. Baker [Arthur Henry BAKER] Missing. 3 Officers 2/Wilts Regt

9 May 1918 - St.Lawrence Camp Battalion proceeded to ST LAWRENCE CAMP. Relief complete by 5.0 a.m.

10 May 1918 - Buysscheure Battalion in ST LAWRENCE CAMP At 2.0 p.m. the Battalion marched to L.17.c. and embussed for BUYSSCHEEURE arriving at 8.30 p.m. Battalion Headquarters at [blank]

11 May 1918 Battalion resting at BUYSSCHERE At 3.0 p.m. the personnel of 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regt who were attached on the formation of the Composite Battalion on 19th April 1918 proceeded to rejoin their Battalion. 2nd Lieut.F.C. Baldwin [Frederick Charles BALDWIN] Died of Wounds.

12 May 1918 Battalion resting at BUYSSCHERE Captain R.E.Oakley M.C. [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] rejoined from England after 6 months rest Lieut.R.T.Oldfield [Reginald Theodore OLDFIELD, MC & Bar] from Brigade Employ. Lieut.S.E. Cline [Shirley Eric Douglas CLINE] wounded (gas) at duty

13 May 1918 Battalion resting at BUYSSCHERE

14 May 1918 Battalion resting at BUYSSCHERE. 2nd Lieut.D.Lydle [David LYDLE] from Town Major

15 May 1918 - Audruicq Battalion resting at BUYSSCHERE At 11.0 p.m. the Battalion marched to AUDRUICQ

16 May 1918 - Ault At 7.39 a.m. the Battalion entrained at AUDRUICQ for WOINCOURT arriving there at 7.0 p.m. Battalion detrained & marched to AULT where they were billeted. Battalion H.Q. No.30 Grand Rue. Ref.Map HAZEBROUCK 5A and ABBEVILLE 14

17 May 1918 Battalion resting at AULT

18 May 1918 Battalion resting at AULT

19 May 1918 Battalion resting at AULT

20 May 1918 Battalion resting at AULT

21 May 1918 Battalion resting at AULT 2/Lieut.W.Whitbourn M.C. [Walter WHITBOURN, MC] to Hospital Sick

22 May 1918 - Mirvaux AT 8.30 a.m. the Battalion marched to EU entraining there and detraining at POULAINVILLE about 7.0 p.m. The Battalion then marched to MIRVAUX arriving about 10 p.m. Reference Maps ABBEVILLE 14, LENS 11, AMIENS 17. On this date the Battalion was transferred from 30th Division to 18th Division [comment; Battalion being merged with the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment]

23 May 1918 Battalion at MIRVAUX 23 O.R. joined Battalion from Base

24 May 1918 Battalion at MIRVAUX

25 May 1918 - Behencourt The Battalion marched to Area E of BEHENCOURT and joined the 7th Battalion. Ref.Map LENS 11 AMIENS 17

26 May 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 25th. A party of 5 Officers & 24 O.R. proceeded to join the 30th Div Training Cadre in the EU Area. Lt.Colonel R.O.Wynne D.S.O. [Richard Own WYNNE, DSO] Major J.T. Coe [John Thomas COE], Captain R.E. Oakley M.C. [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC], Captain S.E. Cline [Shirley Eric Douglas CLINE], 2nd Lieut.J. Kerr [John KERR].

27 May 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 26th. On this date the 7th Battalion were absorbed into the 2nd Battalion. 7th Bed.R.Strength 30 Officers 664 O.R.

28 May 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 27th. Approximate Battle Casualties during month. 5 Officers 200 O.R. Evacuated Sick during month 1 Officer 32 O.R.

War Diary for June 1918

1 Jun 1918 - Henencourt Wood Battalion in Reserve in HENENCOURT WOOD and were Counter-attack Battalion in Brigade Reserve. Companies were situated in V.26.a. 6 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base 2 Other Ranks Wounded 2nd Lieut.P.A. Page [Percival Arthur PAGE, MC] awarded Military Cross. 6108 Pte.F.Scripps [Frank SCRIPPS, MM], 4/7274 Pte.F.White [Frederick WHITE, MM], 31952 Pte.A.Coles [Alec COLES, MM], 29077 Pte.J.Fretwell [James FRETWELL, MM] Awarded Military Medal

2 Jun 1918 Battalion in Reserve. 2 Other Ranks Wounded

3 Jun 1918 Battalion in Reserve 3 Other Ranks from Base

4 Jun 1918 Battalion in Reserve 1 Other Rank Accidentally wounded 1 Other Rank Wounded, at duty

5 Jun 1918 - counter attack sector The Battalion (less Battalion H.Q.) relieved 8th Bn.Royal Berks Regt as Counter-attack Battalion in the Left Sub-Sector. Battalion H.Q. relieved Battalion H.Q. of 7th R.W.Kents. Captain W.E.Aylwin M.C. [Walter Edwin AYLWIN, MC] joined Battalion 3 Other Ranks wounded

6 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions Captain D.P. Cross [Dennis Patrick CROSS, MC] to 41 C.C.S. Sick 25 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base

7 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions

8 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions 12 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base 2/Lieut (A/Major) J.P. Pitts [James P. PITTS, MC] awarded Military Cross, 9126 Sgt.A.Cobbold [Arthur COBBOLD, DCM], 8172 Sgt. L. Hubbocks [Leonard HUBBOCKS, DCM] Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal

9 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions

10 Jun 1918 Battalion in the Line Draft of 3 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base 3/8112 Sgt.T.A.Smith [Thomas A. SMITH, DCM, MM] awarded D.C.M. 2 Other Ranks Killed 1 Other Rank wounded, at duty Lieut.J.M.Glen [John Mackenzie GLEN], 2/Lieut.A.D. Greenwood [Arthur Donald GREENWWOD], 2/Lieut.H.J.Poulter [Herbert James POULTER], 2/Lieut.G.S.Richards 88 Other Ranks To Base 10.6.18

11 Jun 1918 Battalion in Line On night 10th/11th Battalion were relieved by 11th Bn.Royal Fusiliers & took up dispositions. The Battalion were Counter-attack Battalion.

12 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions as Counter-attack Battalion Captain S.G. Hague [Sidney George HAGUE, MC]. to leave Draft of 3 Other Ranks from Base

13 Jun 1918 - Jakes Trench Battalion were relieved by 8th Bn.East Surrey Regt & after relief proceeded to V.22. Draft of 5 Other Ranks from Base

14 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions. 3 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base

15 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions 3 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base

16 Jun 1918 - details at Molliens-au-Bois Battalion in same dispositions. Details of Battalion at MOLLIENS-AU-BOIS (Ref.Map AMIENS, Sheet 17)

17 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions 7 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base No.19796 Cpl.B.Parles [Bertram PARLES] (D of Wounds 6.4.18) awarded Meritorious Service Medal

18 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions Captain & Adjutant H.C.Browning M.C. [Herbert Compton BROWNING, MC] attached to 6th Northamptonshire Regiment

19 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions 7 Other ranks joined Battalion

20 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions

21 Jun 1918 On night 20th/21st the Battalion relieved 7th Buffs & 1 platoon of 7th Queens 3 Other Ranks Killed 2 Other Ranks Wounded Captain L.H.Keep M.C. [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO, MC] granted rank of Major Captain H.C.Browning M.C. [Herbert Compton BROWNING, MC] granted rank of Major

22 Jun 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 21st T/Captain W.J.W.Colley M.C. [William Joseph Wellesley COLLEY, MC & Bar] Temp. Major at 30.5.18.

23 Jun 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 22nd 3 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base Lieut.H.E. Mudford [Harold Ernest MUDFORD] Lieut.H.de Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE] Transferred to Base and Struck off Strength

24 Jun 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 23rd

25 Jun 1918 - Possum Trench and Carson Trench The 6thBn.Northamptonshire Regt relieved the Battalion in the Left Sector of Bde Front on night 25th/26th. 3 Other Ranks Killed in Action. 3 Other Ranks Wounded. 7 Other Ranks from Base

26 Jun 1918 Battalion in same dispositions as on 25th

27 Jun 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 26th. No.26539 L/Cpl.Peacock. G. [George PEACOCK, DCM] awarded Croix de Guerre. 2 Other Ranks joined Battalion from Base

28 Jun 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 27th

29 Jun 1918 - Front Line and Melbourne Trench Battalion in dispositions as on 28th At 10.15 p.m. the Battalion marched to relieve 6th Bn. Northamptonshire Regt. Lieut.F.S.Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] joined Battalion from Base.

30 Jun 1918 Battalion in the Line. The Battalion took part in active operations N.W. of ALBERT

War Diary for July 1918

1 Jul 1918 - Albert Battalion in dispositions as appendix I. Lieut.A.E.Hammond and 2nd Lieut.H.W.Haward [Hereward Warren HAWARD] Wounded 30-6-18. 2nd Lieut.G.A.L.Kerr [George Augustus L'Estrange], Missing on 30-6-18. 2nd Lieut.T.N.Donovan [Terrence Norman DONOVAN] proceeded to England to join R.A.F Casualties O.R.s ending noon 1st. Killed 8; Wounded 46; Missing 1

2 Jul 1918 Battalion in dispositions as appendix I. Lieut. J.L.Ash [John Luxton ASH] killed 2-7-18. 2nd Lieut. W.Hughes M.C. [William HUGHES, MC] and 2nd Lieut. R.W.Curtice [Robert William CURTICE] (54th T.M.B.) Wounded 2-7-18. Casualties ending noon 2nd (24 hrs) Killed 10; Wounded 38; Missing 2.

3 Jul 1918 - Warloy-Baillon The Battalion was relieved in the line by the 7th Bn. The "Queens" Regt and after completion of relief marched to billets in WARLOY

4 Jul 1918 Battalion in billets resting. The Battalion was in Brigade Reserve

5 Jul 1918 Battalion resting in Billets

6 Jul 1918 Battalion resting in Billets. Lieut. F.F. Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] appointed Assistant Adjutant. 2nd Lieut.A.W.G.Smith appointed Bn.L.G.Offr.

7 Jul 1918 Part of the Battalion were engaged in Working Parties. Draft of 87 Other Ranks arrived from the Base. Lieut.Colonel A.E.Percival DSO, MC [Arthur Ernest PERCIVAL, DSO, MC] proceeded to 54th Inf. Bde. to command the Brigade during the absence of the G.O.C. on leave. Major L.H.Keep MC [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO, MC] took over command of the Battalion.

8 Jul 1918 Battalion in billets. In the evening the Battalion practised manning "Battle Positions". 2nd Lieut. A.G.Brown [Arthur George BROWN] and a draft of 22 Other Ranks arrived from the Base. 2nd Lieut. J.R.Taylor attached to the 54th Trench Mortar Battery.

9 Jul 1918 Part of the Battalion were finding Working Parties. A draft of 51 Other Ranks arrived from the Base. Lieut. H.B.Stewart [Hew Bertram STEWART, MC] and 2nd Lieut.A.W.G.Smith were evacuated to Hospital Sick.

10 Jul 1918 Battalion finding Working Parties. No.9216 Sergt. Cobbold A.F. awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Supp.L.G. D/10-7-18)

11 Jul 1918 Battalion resting in Billets. Lieut. J.M. Glen [John Mackenzie GLEN] arrived from the Base. Major J.T.Payne MC (General List) attached to the Battalion for one month.

12 Jul 1918 - Ferrieres At 5.30 p.m. the Battalion embussed just outside CONTAY and proceeded to FERRIERES arriving at about 10.0 p.m. Battalion passed into G.H.Q. Reserve and ready to move at 9 hrs notice.

13 Jul 1918 Battalion resting in billets and re-fitting. Captain R.L.V.Doake [Richard Lionel Vere DOAKE, DSO, MC] and 30 Other ranks arrived from the Base

14 Jul 1918 Battalion resting in billets and re-fitting

15 Jul 1918 Battalion training under O.C. Companies. Lewis Gunners, Scouts etc undergoing instruction under their respective Officers. 2nd Lieut. J.R.Taylor taken on the establishment of the 54th Trench Mortar Battery and struck off strength of the Battalion from 15-7-18.

16 Jul 1918 Battalion training at FERRIERES under O.C. Companies Captain H.Seys-Phillips [Howard Seys PHILLIPS] appointed Acting Adjutant

17 Jul 1918 Battalion training at FERRIERES. A party of 8 Other Ranks proceeded to the 4th Army Rest Camp near EU. Lieut. G.N.Groves R.A.M.C. relieved Capt. J.Thompson as Medical Officer whilst on leave.

18 Jul 1918 Battalion training at FERRIERES Lieut W.Fielden [Wilfred FIELDEN] proceeded to join the Machine Gun School, Grantham on 18-7-18 and struck off strength of the Battalion from that date

19 Jul 1918 Battalion training at FERRIERES under O.C. Companies including Artillery Formation fire and movement

20 Jul 1918 The Battalion paraded at 10 a.m. for Church Parade at GUIGNEMICOURT

21 Jul 1918 Battalion training at FERRIERES

22 Jul 1918 Battalion training under O.C. Companies. At 12 noon the Battalion formed up and practiced the Normal Formation for the Attack. A draft of 12 Other Ranks arrived from the Base Captain G.E.Gott [Gilbert Ewart GOTT] arrived from the Base.

23 Jul 1918 Battalion training, during the morning a Bn. Guard Mounting Competition was held. A draft of 10 Other Ranks arrived from the Base

24 Jul 1918 Battalion training at FERRIERES

25 Jul 1918 Battalion training

26 Jul 1918 The Corps Commander presented decorations to N.C.O.s and men of the Battalion

27 Jul 1918 Battalion attended the Bde Sports and won 75% of the prizes. Weather awful everybody had a very enjoyable day in spite of the rain. The following N.C.O.s and men were awarded the Military Medal No.33978 Cpl. Clifton H. [sic 33798 Harold CLIFTON, MM], No.29838 Cpl. Sawkins J. [John SAWKINS, MM] attached to 54th Trench Mortar Battery, No.50331 Pte. Petty A.V. [Albert V.G. PETTY, MM] attached to the 54th Trench Mortar Battery.

28 Jul 1918 Battalion resting in billets

29 Jul 1918 - divisional reserve trenches at Franvillers At 12 noon the Battalion embussed on the BOVELLES-FERRIERES road and debussed at QUERRIE and marched to trenches just outside FRANVILLERS (Ref.mao: - Sheet 62E) the Battalion being in Divisional Reserve. 2nd Lieut. A.G. Brown [Arthur George BROWN] proceeded to join the 1/1st Bn.Hertfordshire Regt and struck off strength of the Battalion from 29th inst.

30 Jul 1918 - Brigade Reserve line near Franvillers The Battalion in Divisional Reserve in trenches outside FRANVILLERS. In the evening the Battalion proceeded to the line to relieve the 56th Australian Bn. Lieut.Colonel A.E.Percival DSO, MC [Arthur Ernest PERCIVAL, DSO, MC] returns from 54th Bde and resumes command of the Battalion.

31 Jul 1918 Battalion after relieving the 56th Australian Bn. became Battalion in Brigade Reserve

War Diary for August 1918

1 Aug 1918 - Brigade Reserve Line near Franvillers Battalion in Brigade Reserve - dispositions as on 31st July. 39 O.R's (chiefly W.O's & N.C.Os) arrived from 7th Bedfordshire Regt.Training Cadre

2 Aug 1918 - trenches from Bray-Corbie Road to River Somme Battalion relieved "A" & "B" Coys 11th Royal Fusiliers & "A" & "B" Coys 6th Northamptons in Line BRAY-CORBIE ROAD to SOMME (Ref. Map Sheet 62.d. N.E. 1/20,000)

3 Aug 1918 Battalion in dispositions as for 2nd inst. Casualties: 3 O.R. Killed, 1 O.R. wounded

4 Aug 1918 Battalion in dispositions as for 2nd inst. Casualties - 2 O.R.Wounded. Capt.S.E.D. Cline [Shirley Eric Douglas CLINE], Lieut.H.de Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE], 2/Lieut.T.H.Flavell [Thomas Henry FLAVELL], 2/Lieut.A.D. Greenwood [Arthur Donald GREENWWOD] and 2nd Lieut.J. Kerr [John KERR] joined Battalion from 7th Bedfordshire Regt Training Cadre. Major J.T.Payne MC (General List) proceeded to command No.2 R.T.C. Lieut (A/Capt) P.J.Reiss MC MM [Phillip Julius REISS, MC & Bar, MM] awarded bar to MC. Lieut.H.B.Stewart [Hew Bertram STEWART, MC] and Lieut.W.S.Oliver-Jones awarded Military Cross. No.10731 Sgt.Clarke, C. [Charles CLARKE, DCM], No.17442 Pte.A.Goodliffe MM [Albert GOODLIFFE, DCM, MM & Bar] awarded D.C.M.

5 Aug 1918 - front line between Bray-Corbie Road and River Somme Battalion relieved by 10th London Regt. On being relieved Battalion took over frontage of 8th East Surrey Regt (55th Bde). Dispositions as follows: - "C" Coy. from K.20.c.4.8. to BRAY - CORBIE ROAD exclusive at K.20.a.2.9. "D" Coy. from K.25.b.6.6. to K.20.c.4.8. "A" Coy. from COOLGARDIE TRENCH from J.24.c.3.4. to BRAY - CORBIE ROAD. "B" Coy. from J.24.d.8.5. to BRAY - CORBIE ROAD K.19.a.20.99. (Ref. Map Sheet 62.D. N.E.) Casualties: - 2/Lieut.P.A.Page MC [Percival Arthur PAGE, MC] Wounded, 1 O.R. Wounded

6 Aug 1918 Bosche attacked our Line & penetrated into several positions (see report) MARKED X. Major L.H.Keep MC [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO, MC] in command of Battalion in the Line. Casualties: - Lieut.F.S. Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Wounded. Lieut.C. King-Smith [Colin KING-SMITH] wounded. 2/Lieut.W.G.McJannet [Walter Guy McJannet] wounded. Lieut.D.D. Warren [Douglas Daintry WARREN] Missing [Comment: taken prisoner]. Lieut.A.F.Woodford [Arthur Francis WOODFORD] Missing [Comment: taken prisoner]. Killed in Action 6 O.R. Wounded 38 O.R. Missing 71 O.R.

7 Aug 1918 - Brigade Reserve Line Battalion relieved by 8th London Regt and became Battalion in Brigade Reserve in attack by Fusiliers & Northamptons to recover original British Front Line from K.14.a.4.0 to K.25.b.7.8. Casualties: - Lieut. K.J.Ritchie [Kenneth James RITCHIE] wounded. Lieut. S.G. Hague [Sidney George HAGUE, MC] wounded still at duty. Killed in Action - 4 O.R. Wounded - 21 O.R. Missing - 1 O.R.

8 Aug 1918 - near Bonnay Battalion relieved by Sussex Regt (12th Division) and accommodated in Bank near BONNAY. Casualties: - 3 O.R. Wounded

9 Aug 1918 - Ballarat-Roma Line Battalion moved to BALLARAT - ROMA LINE and vicinity of same between BRAY - CORBIE ROAD and J.10.b.8.0. Battalion on Right as far north as J.17.a.2.7. (Ref. Map Sheet 62.D. N.E.)

10 Aug 1918 - Melbourne Trench west of Albert On Night 10th/11th inst Battalion relieved 20th London Regt. as Battalion in Brigade Reserve W. of ALBERT (MELBOURNE TRENCH). Captain R.E.Oakley MC [Robert Edwin OAKLEY, MC] & 2nd Lieut.W.Ashton [William ASHTON] joined Battalion from Training Cadre

11 Aug 1918 Battalion in same dispositions

12 Aug 1918 Battalion in same dispositions. 1st Battalion 129th Regt, U.S. Army attached to the Battalion

13 Aug 1918 Battalion in same dispositions A Draft of 256 arrived, about 50 were old 2nd & 7th Battalion men - remainder first time out.

14 Aug 1918 - front line near Albert Night 14/15th inst. "B" & "C" Coys. relieved the 11th Royal Fusiliers in Left sub-sector 54th Bde. Front. "A" & "D" Coys. remained in MELBOURNE TRENCH Major L.H.Keep MC [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO, MC] proceeded to Brigade as Acting Brigade Major. 12 W.O's, - C/Q.M.S. & Sergeant despatched to Base as supernumerary to establishment. Lieut & Quartermaster F. Wombwell [Frederick WOMBWELL] Mentioned in Despatches

15 Aug 1918 "B" & "C" Companies relieved by 11th Royal Fusiliers & on completion relieved 6th Northamptons in Right Sub-sector. Casualties - Lieut.H.de Buriatte [Harold de BURIATTE] Wounded - 2 O.R's wounded.

16 Aug 1918 - Melbourne Trench and Murray Trench "B" & "C" Companies relieved in Line by 6th Northamptons. After completion of relief "B" Coy. took up position in MELBOURNE TRENCH. "C" Company In MURRAY TRENCH. (Ref. Map SENLIS 1/20,000)

17 Aug 1918 Battalion in same dispositions. Major L.H.Keep MC [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO, MC] returned from Brigade

18 Aug 1918 - Henencourt Wood Battalion relieved and took over Bivouac in HENENCOURT WOOD. Preliminary instructions were issued in the event of the Brigade going forward. The whole of the 54th Bde. & attached Units forming the Advanced Guard to the 18th Division.

19 Aug 1918 Dispositions as for 18th. Lieut.C.N.A.Sharland (Suffolk Regt) joined Battalion

20 Aug 1918 Battalion relieved a Battalion of 47th Division as Battalion in Brigade Reserve E. of DERNANCOURT. Lieut. W.G.Samuel [Wilfrid Gilbert SAMUEL] (Suffolk Regt) joined Battalion.

21 Aug 1918 Battalion in same dispositions as on 20th. Casualties: - 5 O.R's Wounded, 1 O.R. Accidentally wounded.

22 Aug 1918 [The Second Battles of the Somme 1918 - the Battle of Albert] - Tara Hill, near Albert Brigade attacked just S. of ALBERT. Captain W.E.Aylwin MC [Walter Edwin AYLWIN, MC] commanding Battalion in Line vice Commanding Officer who commanded Brigade vice Brigadier, wounded. Battalion in Brigade Reserve At night the Battalion relieved 11th Royal Fusiliers on left Sub-sector on left of TARA HILL Casualties: - 2/Lieut.W.Whitbourn MC [Walter WHITBOURN, MC] killed in Action, Lieut. G.B. Reed [Guy Baron REED] Wounded, 6 O.R's Killed in Action 48 O.R's Wounded 2 O.R's Missing 1 O.R. Accidentally wounded.

23 Aug 1918 Battalion in same dispositions Lieut. W. Harrison (Hunts Cyclist Bn) joined Battalion. Captain H.Seys-Phillips [Howard Seys PHILLIPS] in Command of Battalion. Casualties: Lieut. G.B.Reed [Guy Baron REED] Died of Wounds, 3 O.R's Killed (attached 54th T.M.Battery) 9 O.R's Wounded.

24 Aug 1918 Battalion in dispositions as on 23rd Line advanced during day about 1000 yards without opposition. Casualties: - Lieut. D.P. Cross [Dennis Patrick CROSS, MC] Killed in Action 7 O.R's Wounded

25 Aug 1918 - Fricourt Lt.Colonel A.E.Percival DSO MC [Arthur Ernest PERCIVAL, DSO, MC] assumes command of the Battalion. Battalion took part in the attack and capture of FRICOURT and the line was advanced about two mile Casualties: - 3 O.R's Killed in Action 6 O.R's Wounded 1 O.R. Wounded (54th T.M.Battery)

26 Aug 1918 - in front of Fricourt-Contalmaison Road 54th Brigade held Line of resistance in front of CONTALMAISON - FRICOURT ROAD. Casualties: - 2 O.R. Wounded 2nd Lieut. R.J.Vince [Rupert James VINCE] joined battn. Embarked 21.8.18.

27 Aug 1918 54th Brigade in Div. Reserve in dispositions as on 26th inst. Casualties - 2 O.R. Wounded.

28 Aug 1918 - Trones Wood Battalion relieved by 8th Bn. Royal Berks Regt. in front line - TRONES WOOD

29 Aug 1918 At 5.15 a.m. 38th (Welsh) Division attacked from LONGUEVAL in a S.E. direction through DELVILLE WOOD under a heavy barrage. No enemy were encountered and the Battalion advanced without opposition on the right of the 38th Division, taking GUILLAMONT. Northampton Regt on the right did not start at first but eventually conformed to the movement. The 12th Division on the Northampton's Right did not move till late in the morning. LEUZE WOOD and the high ground to the N. of it were captured without much trouble owing to the speed of the advance although prisoners stated that the enemy intended to hold the line. Our advance was held by strong machine gun fire from the enemy in position along the spur running from MORVAL Southwards towards COMBLES. We established a line during the day from T.16.c.3.0 to T.27.b.2.6. with a post forward about T.28.a.3.7. (Ref. Map Sheet 62.C.N.W & 57 C.S.W.) Casualties: - Killed in Action 4 O.R. Wounded in Action 34 O.R.s

30 Aug 1918 - trenches near Combles On the morning of 30th an unsuccessful attempt was made to capture the SUNKEN ROAD running from T.16.d.8.5 to T.22.d.8.5. but as a result other line was advanced & run along the SUNKEN ROAD T.16.d.3.7 to T.22.b.4.1 & thence S. through the E. end of COMBLES. Enemy artillery was very active throughout the day and no counter-battery work was practised by our batteries. The whole forward area was strongly searched all day with all calibres. We suffered a large number of casualties in the front line as a result. At Dusk the following dispositions were taken up: - "D" Coy. Railway Cutting & Trench in T.22.a.square with liaison post about T.16.c.5.3. "A" Coy. Trench in T.22.c.square with advanced Platoon in SUNKEN RD. T.22.c.8.0. - T.22.c.8.5. "B" Coy. About T.28.d.4.8. with advanced posts about T.28.b.8.3. "C" Coy. Trench line T.27.b.5.3. to T.28.c.0.0. S.O.S. Line after 8 pm will be - T.16.d.0.2. - T.22.b.4.0. - T.22.d.8.0. - T.29.a.0.7. (Ref.Map Sheet 62.c.N.W. & 57.c.S.W.) Casualties: - 2/Lieut.A.D. Greenwood [Arthur Donald GREENWWOD] Killed in Action, Captain P.J.Reiss MC MM [Phillip Julius REISS, MC & Bar, MM] Wounded remaining at duty 9 O.R. Killed in Action 32 O.R. Wounded 5 O.R. Missing

31 Aug 1918 [The Second Battles of the Somme 1918 - the Second Battle of Bapaume] Before dawn 31st inst "B" Company succeeded in establishing a line of posts T.29.a.3.5. T.22.b.8.8. - QUARRY at T.22.d.6.2. - T.22.d.0.6. in touch with "D" Company. No enemy shelling during the day as enemy guns had evidently been taken back during the night. Our guns fired throughout the day and night. (Ref. Map Sheet 62.c.N.W. & 57 c.S.W.) Casualties: - 3 Other Ranks Wounded. 3 Other Ranks Missing Draft of 40 Other Ranks joined from Base. 2/Lieut R.W.Smith, 2/Lieut H. Russell [Henry RUSSELL, MM], 2/Lieut. J.E.Bowen joined Battalion Embarked 21.8.18. PRISONERS During the month of August the Battalion Captured 1 Officer and 71 Other Ranks German Prisoners.

War Diary for September 1918

1 Sep 1918 - trenches near Combles Battalion in dispositions at T.20.d.2.4. in Divisional Reserve. Casualties: - 1 O.R. Killed, 1 O.R. Died of Wounds. 117 P.of W. Captured by Bn.

2 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Resting

3 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Resting

4 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training

5 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training

6 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training

7 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training. Major L.H.Keep M.C. [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO, MC] took over command of Battalion vice Lt.Colonel A.E.Percival DSO, MC [Arthur Ernest PERCIVAL, DSO, MC] to leave. 19 Other Ranks from Base

8 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. training. The following awards were notified: - Bar to Military Medal: - 18817 Sgt.D.Fynn MM [Daniel FYNN, DCM, MM & Bar], 14553 Sgt.E.T.Blake MM [Eric T. BLAKE, MM & Bar]. Military Medal: - 3/8572 Pte.F.Dunton [Frederick DUNTON, MM], 40813 Pte.F.G.Ashby [Fred ASHBY, MM].

9 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training Lieutenant D.F.Howard [Douglas Frederick HOWARD, MC] appointed Intelligence Officer, 54th Bde & Struck off Strength.

10 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training The III Corps Commander presented ribbons on a presentation parade to the undermentioned. 17442 Pte.A.Goodliffe DCM [Albert GOODLIFFE, DCM, MM & Bar], 14293 Pte.T.Moss M.M. [Thomas MOSS, MM], 33798 Cpl.H.Clifton M.M. [Harold CLIFTON, MM], 3/8572 Pte.F.Dunton M.M. [Frederick DUNTON, MM], 40813 Pte.F.G.Ashby M.M. [Fred ASHBY, MM], 18817 Sgt.D.Fynn Bar to M.M. [Daniel FYNN, DCM, MM & Bar]. Captain H.Seys-Phillips [Howard Seys PHILLIPS] Croix de Guerre

11 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training

12 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training

13 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training 3 O.R. T.M.Battery accidentally wounded. Draft 14 O.R. from Base

14 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training

15 Sep 1918 Battalion at T.20.d.2.4. Training

16 Sep 1918 - wood west of Aizecourt-le-Bas [?] Battalion embussed at LEUZE WOOD & proceeded to a Wood W. of AIZECOURT-LES-LAS 2nd Lieut.W. Pennington [William PENNINGTON, MC] joined Battalion

17 Sep 1918 - west of Ronssoy Battalion in same position. In the evening Battalion moved to assembly position W. of RONNSOY.

18 Sep 1918 [The Battles of the Hindenburg Line - the Battle of Epehy] - Ronssoy Battalion took part in attack on RONSSOY 2/Lieut.S.E.Dancer [Sidney Ernest DANCER] Wounded. Lieut.A.E.Ogle [Arthur Edwin OGLE] wounded. 2/Lieut.H.Russell [Henry RUSSELL, MM] Wounded. 2/Lieut.J. Kerr [John KERR] Wounded. Lieut.W.Oliver-Jones Wounded Draft of 12 O.R. from Base

19 Sep 1918 Battalion took part in Operations near RONSSOY Lieut.J.M.Glen [John Mackenzie GLEN] wounded. Lieut.S.E.D. Cline [Shirley Eric Douglas CLINE] Wounded. 2/Lieut.R.W.Smith Wounded at duty. Major L.J.Keep MC [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO, MC] Wounded & at duty.

20 Sep 1918 Battalion took part in Operations near RONSSOY

21 Sep 1918 Battalion took part in operations near RONSSOY. Lieut.W.G.Samuel [Wilfrid Gilbert SAMUEL] Killed. Lieut.S.G. Hague [Sidney George HAGUE, MC] died of wounds. Lieut.H.B.Stewart MC [Hew Bertram STEWART, MC] Wounded. 2/Lieut.J.E.Bowen Wounded. 2/Lieut.R.W.Smith Missing [Comment: later found to have been captured]. Captain G.E.Gott [Gilbert Ewart GOTT] Wounded. 2/Lieut.D.Davies Wounded.

22 Sep 1918 Battalion took part in operations near RONSSOY. Lieut.R.T.Oldfield MC [Reginald Theodore OLDFIELD, MC & Bar] Wounded & at duty. Lieut.W.R.Harrison Wounded & at duty. Total casualties up to 12 mn. during operations from 18th - 22.9.18. Killed 1 Offr 48 O.R. Missing 1 Offr 11 O.R. Wounded 11 Offrs 175 O.R. Died of Wds. 1 Offr 2 O.R. TOTAL 14 Offrs 236 O.R.

22 Sep 1918 Lt.Colonel A.E.Percival DSO, MC [Arthur Ernest PERCIVAL, DSO, MC] from leave.

23 Sep 1918 - quarry near St-Emilie Battalion took part in operations near RONSSOY. The Battalion were relieved by 7th Bn.R.W.Kent Regt. at Midnight and marched to QUARRY near St EMILE

24 Sep 1918 Battalion in Quarry about 100 yards N. of St EMILE Resting

25 Sep 1918 - Nurlu Battalion marched to billets near NURLU

26 Sep 1918 Battalion at NURLU re-organising & refitting. 2nd Lieut.D.Davies awarded M.C.

27 Sep 1918 Battalion at NURLU re-organising & refitting

28 Sep 1918 - west of Epehy Battalion proceeded to Area W. of EPEHY. Draft of 20 O.R. from base (See O.O. 35)

29 Sep 1918 [The Battle of the St Quentin Canal] - near Ronssoy Wood Operations near RONSSOY WOOD. Casualties 2 O.R Killed in Action. 19 O.R. Wounded. Brigade attacked & captured the KNOLL E. of RONSSOY forming left flank to Americans. Battalion in Reserve except "A" Coy. under command of Lieut.R.I.Edwards MC [Ronald Irving, MC] attached to a Battalion of Americans to do liaison work. "B" & "C" Coys employed as carrying parties "D" Company formed "Mopping up" Company. Battalion Hd Qrs W. of RONSSOY WOOD

30 Sep 1918 "B" & "C" Coys. were ordered to proceed to VENDHUILLE as mopping up Coys. but did not arrive as village was not captured. Battalion relieved 11th Royal Fusiliers in the line & cleared the village of VENDHUILLE up to the canal. 2/Lieut.H.B. Lang [Harry Beckett LANG, MC], 2/Lieut.G.Hyslop [Geoffrey HYSLOP], 2.Lieut.C.J.Sturges [Charles James STURGES], 2/Lieut.I.L.Whittingham [Ivor Lancelot WHITTINGHAM, MC] joined Battalion from Base.