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 - trenches near Villers-Plouich Battalion in line. Bn. H.Q. R.4.a.3.3. [Map References Sheet 5/c.S.E.& N.E.]

2 Jan 1918 Lieut. C.Keith-Johnson M.C. & 2/Lieut W.D.F.Smith [William Dent Frank SMITH], Gassed. 2/Lieut. A.V.Clark [Albert Victor CLARK, MC] wounded (since died of wounds).

3 Jan 1918 - Havrincourt Relieved by 7th South Lancashire. & 7th Kings Own Regt (56th Inf. Bde.) Battalion came into Div. reserve in HAVRINCOURT WOOD.

10 Jan 1918 - trenches near Villers-Plouich Relieved NELSON BATT. (189 Bde) Bn. H.Q. R.8.c.8.2.

13 Jan 1918 - counter attack area near Villers-Plouich Relieved in front line by 1st Artists & withdrawn to counter attack area. Bn. H.Q. R.7.d.7.4.

16 Jan 1918 - front line near Villers-Plouich Relieved 1/4th K.S.L.I. in front line. Bn. H.Q. R.8.d.75.85.

18 Jan 1918 - Metz-en-Couture Relieved by NELSON Bn & withdrawn to METZ. 2/Lieut G.W.Childs [George Wilmot CHILDS] wounded (since died of wounds).

22 Jan 1918 - Beaulencourt Moved by light railway to BEAULENCOURT (V.Corps Reserve Area). 2/Lieut G.W.Childs [George Wilmot CHILDS] died of wounds.

23 Jan 1918 Training commenced.

26 Jan 1918 G.O.C. 190th Bde. inspected batt. & transport.

30 Jan 1918 2nd Lieut W.D.F. Smith [William Dent Frank SMITH] rejoined.

Casualties Jan.1918 Killed 16 O.R. Died of wounds 2 off. Wounded 39 O.R. Gassed 2 off. 26 O.R. Reinforcements Jan. 111 O.R.

WAR DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 1918

1-5 Feb 1918 - Beaulencourt Training and Camp improvements.

6 Feb 1918 Lt.E.Ellis struck off strength on proceeding to England for 6 months tour of duty. Joined 2nd Lt.W.Holmes, 2nd Lt.C.R.Tranter [Cecil Randall TRANTER], 2nd Lt.E.M.L.Green [Edgar Methven Lingard GREEN].

7 Feb 1918 The following officers and 299 Other Ranks posted to Batt from 8th Batt on disbanding - Capt. R.B.Knight [Richard Brodnax KNIGHT], 2nd Lt.Oakley [William George OAKLEY], Capt N.C.F. Nixon [Noel Charles Frederick NIXON], 2nd Lt. Mallinson [Cecil W. MALLINSON], 2nd Lt.E.C.Webb [Ernest Charles WEBB], 2nd Lt.P.W.Everett D.C.M. [Percy W. EVERETT, DCM], 2nd Lt.A.Hawkes, MC [Albert HAWKES M.C.], 2nd Lt.H.L.Gudgeon [Henry Lester GUDGEON], 2nd Lt. R.C.Cowell [Ronald George COWELL], 2nd Lt. E.Kinkead M.C. [Edward KINKEAD, MC], 2nd Lt. J.W.Bradfield [James W. BRADFIELD], 2nd Lt. R.Bland [Robert BLAND], 2nd Lt. W.H.T.Cothill [William Henry Thomas COTHILL].

8-12 Feb 1918 Training. Batt beaten in Final of Div Football Cup by HAWKE. Batt. 2nd Lt.F.H.Shaw [Francis Herbert SHAW], 2nd Lt.G.THEED struck off strength sick

13 Feb 1918 - counter attack area near Ribecourt-la-Tour. Batt moved into line near RIBECOURT relieving 6th Wiltshire (19th Div.) in counter attack area.

16 Feb 1918 2nd Lt.Hinchliffe [Elliot John HINCHLIFFE] joined. 4 O.R. gassed.

17 Feb 1918 2nd Lt E.C.Webb [Ernest Charles WEBB] Killed.

19 Feb 1918 Lt.C.KEITH-JOHNSON rejoined from Hospl. 1 O.R. Killed.

20 Feb 1918 - West Wood Camp, Havrincourt Batt relieved by 1st Artists Rifles in front line and proceeded to West Wood Camp.

21-23 Feb 1918 Camp Improvements commenced.

24 Feb 1918 - support line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Battn relieved the 7th R.F. in Support line.

28 Feb 1918 - front line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Battn relieved the 7th R.F. in Front line.

WAR DIARY FOR MARCH 1918

1-4 Mar 1918 - front line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Batt. in the Front Line. 2.Lt.Hinchliffe [Elliot John HINCHLIFFE] wounded on the 3rd inst. 1 prisoner captured by 2.Lt. D.H.Macklin [David Harold MACKLIN].

5-8 Mar 1918 - West Wood Camp, Havrincourt Camp improvements. A/Capt. P.F.Watts M.C. [Percy Frederick WATTS, MC] struck off strength sick to England.

9-12 Mar 1918 - support line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Support line. 2/Lt. C.W.Mallinson [Cecil W. MALLINSON] struck off strength sick to England. Capt. Ogilvie [Frederick Wolff OGILVIE] joined.

13 Mar 1918 - front line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Batt. heavily shelled with mustard gas. Capt. Moyse [Robert Edwin MOYSE], 2.Lts.Smith [possibly William Dent Frank SMITH], Shott [Percival SHOTT], Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC], Bradfield [James W. BRADFIELD] and 264 O.Rs. were evacuated from effects of same.

14 Mar 1918 2.Lt. Cothill [William Henry Thomas COTHILL] joined.

16 Mar 1918 Shell in front line, improvements carried out.

17 Mar 1918 - West Wood Camp, Havrincourt Big wiring parties.

19 Mar 1918 Capt. Edwards struck off strength sick to England. Capt. Nixon [Noel Charles Frederick NIXON] & 2.Lt.Bland [Robert BLAND] joined.

20 Mar 1918 - support line near Ribecourt-la-Tour Took over support line at night.

21 Mar 1918 [The First Battles of the Somme 1918 - the Battle of St Quentin] - 2nd line defences near Ribecourt-la-Tour Enemy attacked and captured front line posts. Brigade were withdrawn to 2nd line defence.

22 Mar 1918 - Havrincourt Wood Withdrawal to Havrincourt Wood.

23 Mar 1918 - Ytres At noon, the Batt. retired again through NEUVILLE to YTRES. Lieut. W.S. Davis [William Stanley DAVIS] killed. 2.Lt. M.A.Kruger [Max August KRUGER] came up with rations, since been missing; probably prisoner.

24 Mar 1918 [The First Battle of Bapaume] - Courcelette Overnight the Batt. having withdrawn to R.E. dump N. of YTRES, retired under heavy M.G. Fire through BARAST [sic] - to BOULENCOURT [sic] where they remained for 2 hrs. and after firing all but withdrew as a rearguard, provided by A Coy. to BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT and then to COURCELETTE, where the Batt. stopped overnight. Lt. Girling [Frederick Alick GIRLING] wounded. 2/Lt. Cowell [Ronald George COWELL] missing, Capt.Nixon [Noel Charles Frederick NIXON], 2/Lts.Vincent [Leslie Arthur Walter VINCENT], Green [Edgar Methven Lingard GREEN], missing.

25 Mar 1918 - Thiepval Batt. advanced on HIGH WOOD and formed a defensive flank, when all ammunition had been expended and fighting to the last, they retired to THIEPVAL and took up a position on the ridge. 2/Lts.R.C.Fynn [Robert Charles FYNN], A.Hayes [Arthur HAYES] were killed. 2/Lt.R.Bland [Robert BLAND] wounded.

26 Mar 1918 - Bouzincourt Batt. marched to AVELUY WOOD where they were informed they were relieved by 12 Division and were marched to and billeted in a wood W of ENGLEBELMER. At 6.30 p.m. orders were received to move as an advance guard to BOUZINCOURT.

27 Mar 1918 - west of Albert. Batt. was moved south to a position W of ALBERT where they attacked the Railway at 7.30 a.m. Lt.Col. J.S.Collings-Wells, D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO], Major G.P.Nunneley [George Paterson NUNNELEY, MC], 2/Lt. D.H.Macklin [David Harold MACKLIN], 2.Lt. O.J.Soames [Oliver Jack SOAMES] killed, Lts.C.KEITH-JOHNSTON M.C., J.B. Primrose-Wells [James Bowen PRIMROSE-WELLS]. 2.Lts. L.Hambling [Lionel HAMBLING, MC] & W.Broughton [Walter Isaac BROUGHTON] wounded. Capt.L.G.Plumbly [Leslie Graham PLUMBLY M.C.] took over command of the Batt. temporarily from this date.

28 Mar 1918 - Forceville Batt. was relieved at 3.30 a.m. and marched to SENLIS, billetted there until 11 a.m. and then marched to MAILLY-MAILLET wood, then on to billets in FORCEVILLE. Casualties from 20th inst. killed 21, wounded 88, 124 missing.

29 Mar 1918 23008 Pte. [J.] SLOUGH awarded M.M.

30 Mar 1918 Billets at FORCEVILLE reorganising.

WAR DIARY FOR APRIL 1918

1 Apr 1918 - Forceville Reorganization of Batt.

3 Apr 1918 - Mesnil-Martinsart Batt relieved 2nd H.L.I. (2nd Div) in line at MESNIL.

4 Apr 1918 Lt. H.P. McConway [Hugh Percy McCONWAY], Lt. H.R. Gledstone [Herbert Reginald GLEDSTONE], 2/Lt. R.B. Ruddock [Reginald B. RUDDOCK], 2/Lt. W.W.Miln [William Wallace MILN], 2/Lt. J. JENKINS, 2/Lt. C. Lovatt [Charles LOVATT, MC], 2nd/Lt. T.J. Waller [Thomas Jenkinson WALLER] and 17 O.R. of 26th Northd. Fus. joined.

6 Apr 1918 Enemy attacked at dawn, position very heavily shelled, Batt maintained their line, but Fus. on right were driven back, counter attack by 1st & 2nd R.M.L.I. re-established position. 2/Lt. R.B. Ruddock [Reginald B. RUDDOCK] Killed, 440 O.R. joined.

7 Apr 1918 - Forceville. 2/Lt. C.M. Marshall [Charles May MARSHALL], 2/Lt. F. AIREY, 2/Lt. H. Reeve [Hermann REEVE], 2/Lt. K.J. Little [Kenneth Joseph LITTLE] & 188 O.R. from 12th S.W.Bs. joined. Batt. relieved in line by Hood. Batt. 7 O.R. Killed 49 O.R. wounded.

8 Apr 1918 Lt. S. Norrish, M.C. [Samuel NORRISH, MC], 2/Lt. S. Caddick D.C.M. [Sidney CADDICK, DCM] joined. Capt. F.W. Ogilvie [Frederick Wolff OGILVIE], 2/Lt. P.W. Everett D.C.M. [Percy W. EVERETT, DCM], 2/Lt. C.R. Tranter [Cecil Randall TRANTER] to Eng. sick.

9 Apr 1918 Capt. R.B. Knight [Richard Brodnax KNIGHT] assumed command of Batt.

10 Apr 1918 2/Lt. W. Mathieson [William MATHIESON] & 2/Lt. W.F.TURNEY joined on 1st appt.

11 Apr 1918 - line south of Mesnil-Martinsart Batt relieved 2nd R.M.L.I. in line S. of MESNIL

12 Apr 1918 2/Lt. Lovatt M.C. [Charles LOVATT, MC] killed. Capt. H.P. McConway [Hugh Percy McCONWAY] & 2nd Lt. H. Reeve [Hermann REEVE] wounded. Capt. T.C. BELL, Lt. R.B. Peddie [Richard Bruce PEDDIE, MC], Lt. R.M. SIMPSON, 2/Lt. W.G. Birnie [Walter Gregor BIRNIE] & 2/Lt. A.C. Barton [Albert C. BARTON] joined.

14 Apr 1918 Awards:

Bar to M.M. 23352 Pte Bunyan G. [George BUNYAN, MM & Bar]

MILITARY MEDAL - 6663 Sgt. Marks W.G. [William George MARKS, MM], 12123 L/C Le Gros P. [Paul Le GROS, MM], 14124 L/C Batchelor W. [William BATCHELOR, MM], 30983 Pte Auburn W.E. [William E. AUBURN, MM].

15 Apr 1918 - Acheux-en-Amienois battn relieved in line by 10th Sherwood For. (117th Div. [sic]) 9 Killed 33 wounded. Lt. J.M. Nairn [James McVicar NAIRN, MC] & 2.Lt. J.T. Nuttall [probably John Thomas NUTTALL, MC] joined.

18 Apr 1918 Awards:

M.C. Capt. & Adjt. J.H. Blackwell [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar], 2nd Lt. L. Hambling (Lionel HAMBLING, MC].

M.M.: 171504 Pte Cheetham F. [204393 Frank CHEETHAM, MM] 49048 Pte Austin A. [Alfred W. AUSTIN, MM].

20 Apr 1918 Lt. H.F.H. WYETT, 2/Lt. S.J. Fox [Samuel John FOX], 2/Lt. P.J. Flory [Percival James FLORY], 2/Lt. P.E.J. Smith [Percy Edward John SMITH], 2/Lt. H.F. SNELLING, 2/Lt. R.S. TURNER, 2/Lt. A.E. Medway [Arthur Edgar MEDWAY], 2nd/Lt. J.T. Dickinson [John Thomas DICKINSON], 2/Lt. A. Levy [Albert LEVY], 2/Lt. H.L. Waddingham [Harold Lionel WADDINGHAM], 2/Lt. T.D. TURNER, 2/Lt. T.A. Colls [Thomas Archibald COLLS], 2/Lt. H. Mockford [Harry MOCKFORD], 2/Lt. J.H. Lee [John Henry LEE] joined.

21 Apr 1918 2/Lt. F. AIREY struck off. S. to E. sick

22 Apr 1918 - Talmas Batt marched to TALMAS. Lieut.Col. A.G. MacDonald, D.S.O. [Arthur Gabell MacDONALD, DSO] (R.Berkshire.R.) assumed Command on joining.

23 Apr 1918 Lt. H.R.S. Dean [Herbert Robert Stanley DEAN], 2/Lt. J.E. Vaughan [John Ernest VAUGHAN], 2/Lt. C. SCUTT & 21 O.R.joined.

24 Apr 1918 13 Officers & 72 O.R. to Div. Wing.

26 Apr 1918 - Toutencourt Batt. Marched to TOUTENCOURT.

27 Apr 1918 - Talmas Batt. returned to TALMAS. 2/Lt. G.F. Wibberly [George Frederick WIBBERLEY] joined Lt. A.L. GORDON Rejoined. Awards: VICTORIA CROSS. Capt. (A/Lieut.Col.) J.S. Collings-wells, D.S.O. [John Stanhope COLLINGS-WELLS, VC, DSO] (deceased). M.C. 2/Lt. C. Lovatt [Charles LOVATT, MC] (deceased).

28 Apr 1918 Batt. Sports.

30 Apr 1918 Working Party of 10 officers & 400 O.R. proceeded to VARENNES. Capt. T.C. BELL struck off on transfer to XVIII Corps. Capt. & Q.M. R.J. Barry [Robert John BARRY] struck off, sick to E.

WAR DIARY FOR MAY 1918

1 May 1918 - Talmas Working Party of 10 Officers 400 O.R's at VARENNES, remainder of Battn at TALMAS.

3 May 1918 Lt-Col A.G.Macdonald D.S.O [Arthur Gabell MacDONALD, DSO] struck off on Transfer to IV as G.S.O. 2/Lt C.M.Marshall [Charles May MARSHALL] struck of [sic] sick to E. Capt.R.B.Knight [Richard Brodnax KNIGHT] assumed command of Battn. Working Party returned from VARENNES.

4 May 1918 28 O.R's joined.

7 May 1918 - Arqueves Battn marched from TALMAS to ARQUEVES.

8 May 1918 - support lines at Acheux Wood Battn marched from ARQUEVES to ACHEUX-WOOD. Battn relieved 7 Battn East Yorkshire Regt in support Battn H.Q at Q 31.b.9.9.

10 May 1918 42 O.R's joined. 2 O.R's killed

11 May 1918 2 O.R's wounded.

12 May 1918 - front line at Aveluy Wood Battn relieved 7th Battn Royal Fusiliers in front line Battn H.W. Q 34 a 35.00 2 wounded 3 O.R's joined.

13 May 1918 1 O R killed 4 O.R's wounded

14 May 1918 1 O R wounded

15 May 1918 22 O R's joined 2/Lt W.G.Birnie [Walter Gregor BIRNIE] struck off sick to E. 1 O R killed 6 O R's wounded 1 O R gassed.

16 May 1918 - reserve line at Forceville Battn releived [sic] by 1st Battn Artists Rifles front line and proceeded to Reserve line in bivouacs at FORCEVILLE P.27.A.

17 May 1918 19 O.R's joined

19 May 1918 Enemy heavily bombarded Rear Support position P.36.b.0 with Gas shells.

20 May 1918 - support line at Forceville 2/Lt K.J.Little [Kenneth Joseph LITTLE] and 2/Lt J.H.Lee [John Henry LEE] 90 O.R's gassed. Battn releived [sic] 7th Royal Fusiliers in support line Lt-Col F.W.Smith D.S.O. D.C.M. joined and assumed command of Battn.

23 May 1918 Lt and Quartermaster W.Brown joined 16 O R's joined 3 O R's wounded.

24 May 1918 Lt Ellis joined 15 O R's joined 3 Coys A.B.C. raided Enemy's line at Q 35 A.B

25 May 1918 2/Lt W.W.Miln [William Wallace MILN] killed. Capt H.R. Gledstone [Herbert Reginald GLEDSTONE] and 2/Lt W.Mathieson [William MATHIESON] missing believed killed 2/Lt P.E.J.Smith [Percy Edward John SMITH], 2/Lt C.SCUTT, 2/Lt G.F.Wibberley [George Frederick WIBBERLEY], 2/Lt T.A.Colls [Thomas Archibald COLLS] wounded 6 O R's killed 11 O.R's missing. 31 O.R's wounded 1 Gassed 7 O Rs joined

26 May 1918 - reserve line at Forceville 1O R wounded 1 O R gassed. Battn releived [sic] by 7th Royal Fusiliers abd proceeded to Reserve Line P.27A Forceville.

27 May 1918 Corps Commander inspected all ranks that took part in raid at Forceville 3 O R's wounded.

28 May 1918 Major A.G.Hayward M.C. [Arthur Gracie HAYWARD, MC] joined and assumed 2nd in Command of Battn. 14 O R's joined Battn.

29 May 1918 - support line near Forceville Battn. releived [sic] 7th Royal Fusiliers in support Bn H.Q. Q.31 b 9.9

30 May 1918 6 O R's joined 1 O R wounded.

31 May 1918 2/Lt R.S.TURNER wounded.

WAR DIARY FOR JUNE 1918

1 Jun 1918 - front line Aveluy Wood [MAP 57d. S.E.] battn. relieved (GOVA) 1/Artists Rifles in front line. 2 O.Rs. wounded

2 Jun 1918 10 O.Rs. joined - 2 O.Rs. Killed - 8 O.Rs. Wounded.

3 Jun 1918 1 O.R. Killed. Capt.J.H.Blackwell M.C. [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar] awarded BAR. Supp.LDN Gazette.

4 Jun 1918 9 O.Rs. joined - 1 Killed - 3 O.Rs. Wounded.

5 Jun 1918 - Acheux Wood Battn. relieved by 13th Welsh Regt. night 5/6th and proceeded to ACHEUX WOOD.

6 Jun 1918 - Toutencourt Wood Battn. marched to TOUTENCOURT WOOD - under canvas.

7 Jun 1918 Battn. commenced training. Capt.F.T.Spicer M.C. [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC] proceeded on leave to England.

8 Jun 1918 2 O.Rs. joined.

9 Jun 1918 56 O.Rs. joined, 2/Lts. W.W.Dainty [Walter William DAINTY] and F.W.Bellamy [Frank William BELLAMY] joined.

10 Jun 1918 18 O.Rs. joined.

11 Jun 1918 1 O.R. joined.

12 Jun 1918 2 O.Rs. joined.

13 Jun 1918 2 O.Rs. joined.

14 Jun 1918 5 O.Rs. joined.

15 Jun 1918 1 O.R. joined.

16 Jun 1918 1 O.R. joined. Brigade Horse show.

17 Jun 1918 1 O.R. joined. 1 O.R. Wounded.

18 Jun 1918 5 O.R. joined. Capt.J.K.Batten [Joseph Keith BATTEN] joined.

19 Jun 1918 2/Lieut.H.L.Gudgeon [Henry Lester GUDGEON] transferred to England (sick).

20 Jun 1918 Battalion Sports.

21 Jun 1918 Lt.Col.F.W.Smith D.S.O. D.C.M. and 2/Lt. S.Caddick D.C.M. [Sidney CADDICK, DCM] proceeded on leave to England.

22 Jun 1918 - reserve line at Acheux Wood Battn. marched to ACHEUX WOOD - Battn. relieved 9th Bn. DUKE of WELLINGTONS in Reserve Line. Bn.H.Q. - Q.7.d.7.4.

23 Jun 1918 2 O.Rs. joined.

24 Jun 1918 [unreadable]

25 Jun 1918 - support line Battn. relieved 1/Artists in Support. 1 O.R. wounded. Bn. H.Q.. - Q.2.d.1.9.

26 Jun 1918 1 O.R. wounded, 5 O.Rs. joined.

27 Jun 1918 [unreadable]

28 Jun 1918 - front line Aveluy Wood Battn. relieved 1/Artists in front line. Bn. H.Q. - Q.3.d.5.5.

29 Jun 1918 4 O.Rs. joined.

30 Jun 1918 Capt.L.G.Plumbly M.C. [Leslie Graham PLUMBLY, MC]struck off strength to England to attend Senior Officers' Course. 1 O.R. Killed. 2 O.Rs. Wounded

WAR DIARY FOR JULY 1918

1 Jul 1918 - front line near Aveluy Wood; transport lines on Louvencourt-Acheux Road [Map 57 D S.E.] 1 O.R. killed.

2 Jul 1918 Major P. Sandilands R.M.L.I. joined Capt.Rev.H.G.South struck off strength to England. 1 O.R. Killed.

3 Jul 1918 - reserve line near Forceville Batt, relieved by HOHA (7th R.Fs.) in front line. After relief Battn. marched to Reserve Line Bn.H.Q. Q.7.d.7.4.

4-5 Jul 1918 32 O.Rs. joined. Lieut.H.F.H.WYETT A/Captain.

6 Jul 1918 - reserve line near Acheux Wood Battn. relieved by HOHA (7th R.F.) in reserve line. After relief Bn. moved to Bde. Reserve. Bn. H.Q. P.6.d.1.8.

9 Jul 1918 - near Acheux Wood Battn. moved back to position near ACHEUX WOOD P.15.d. (Brown Line). Capt.Rev.J.Schofield joined Battn. 7 O.Rs. joined.

10 Jul 1918 16 O.Rs. joined. 1 O.R. gassed.

11 Jul 1918 Lt.H.R.S.Dean [Herbert Robert Stanley DEAN] struck off strength unfit.

12 Jul 1918 11 O.R's joined.

14 Jul 1918 Capt.F.T.Spicer M.C. [Frederick Thomas SPICER, MBE, MC] struck off strength to England (6 months exchange) Major P.Sandiland R.M.L.I. ceased to be attached. 2/Lt.T.J.Waller [Thomas Jenkinson WALLER] proceeded on leave to England. 9 O.Rs. joined.

15 Jul 1918 2 O.R's joined. Lieut.R.B.Peddie [Richard Bruce PEDDIE, MC] A/Captain.

18 Jul 1918 - support line near Acheux Wood Battn. relieved by 2nd R.Welsh Fus. in support line. Left Sector Bn.H.Q. Q.26.b.4.5.

19 Jul 1918 2 O.Rs. joined Lieut.E.W.HASTINGS joined.

22 Jul 1918 12 O.Rs. joined. Major A.G.Hayward M.C. [Arthur Gracie HAYWARD, MC] A/Lt.Col. assumed command of Battn. 1 O.R. wounded.

23 Jul 1918 Lt.Col.F.W.SMITH, D.S.O., D.C.M. struck off strength to England sick. 24 O.Rs. joined. 1 O.R. wounded.

24 Jul 1918 - Brown Line near Acheux Wood Battn. relieved by 1st Bn. Wiltshire Regt. in support. After relief Bn. moved to Brown Line, H.Q. P.15.d. Capt.H.M.E.GUDGEON proceeded on leave to England.

26 Jul 1918 39 O.Rs. joined. Lieut.W.Dayrell-Steyning [William Joseph DAYRELL-STEYNING] and 2/Lt. S.A.Peerless [Stanley Arthur PEERLESS] joined.

27 Jul 1918 1 O.R. joined.

29 Jul 1918 - Henu Battn. relieved by 171st Inf.Bde. (38th Div.) in Brown Line. After relief Bn. marched to HENU and relieved 8th K.L.R.

30 Jul 1918 Lieut.C.N.Cubitt [Charles Nutting CUBITT], Lieut.G.R.Buck [George Reginald BUCK] and 2/Lt.S.D.Allen [Stephen Dexter ALLEN] joined. 64 O.Rs. joined.

WAR DIARY FOR AUGUST 1918

1 Aug 1918 - Henu Battn. Training - 1 O.R. joined.

2 Aug 1918 1 O.R. joined.

3 Aug 1918 2/Lt. T.D.TURNER struck off strength sick to England.

4 Aug 1918 - Arqueves 4th Anniversary of Declaration of War. Church Parade - Battn. marched to ARQUEVES.

5 Aug 1918 Battn. Training.

6 Aug 1918 6 O.Rs. joined - Capt. D.M.Saunders [Douglas Mill SAUNDERS], Capt. A.W.Elliott, M.C. [Arthur Winterbottom ELLIOTT, MC] - 2/Lieut E.E.Ashby M.C [Edward Ernest ASHBY, MC] joined.

7 Aug 1918 11 O Rs joined. Capt O.E.Hobson [Owen Ellis HOBSON] joined.

8 Aug 1918 - Beaucourt Battn left ARQUEVES at 7 p.m. and marched to BEAUCOURT.

9 Aug 1918 17 O.Rs. joined.

10 Aug 1918 Bn. Training.

11 Aug 1918 Bn. Training.

12 Aug 1918 2/Lt. W.W. Dainty [Walter William DAINTY] - 2/Lt J. JENKINS, M.C. granted leave to U.K.

13 Aug 1918 Bn Training.

14 Aug 1918 - Pas-en-Artois 2 O.Rs joined. Bde Swimming Sports. Battn marched to PAS.

15 Aug 1918 Bn Training

16 Aug 1918 Bn Training.

17 Aug 1918 8 O.Rs joined - 2/Lt E.E. Ashby M.C. [Edward Ernest ASHBY, MC] attd 7th R.Fusiliers

18 Aug 1918 2/Lt. J.T. Dickinson [John Thomas DICKINSON] attd to 190th Inf Bde. 2/Lt. L. Humphreys [Leonard HUMPHREYS] granted leave to England.

19 Aug 1918 - Souastre Battn left PAS. 11.30 p m and marched to SOUASTRE - 2/Lt D.G. Greig [Dennis George GREIG] granted leave to England.

20 Aug 1918 - Leeds Trench Battn marched from SOUASTRE to a position in Leeds Trench L.20 c and d.

21 - 27 Aug 1918 [The Second Battles of the Somme 1918 - the Battle of Albert] As per report attached.

27 Aug 1918 2/Lt A.W. Oakman [Albert William OAKMAN, MC]. 2/Lt H.A.Garton-Sprenger joined.

28 Aug 1918 - Miraumont Battn moved back to a position in MIRAUMONT.

29 Aug 1918 [unreadable]

30 Aug 1918 Battn. left MIRAUMONT and marched to a position about S.9 a.5.5. (Map Sheet [sic] (Map Sheet 51 b. SW.)

31 Aug 1918 Lt W B STIMSON granted leave to England. 2 O Rs joined.

WAR DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 1918

1 Sep 1918 - Hindenburg Support Line near Henin-sur-Cojeul Battn marched from BOIRY to N.34 central near HENIN in the Hindenburg Support Line. Hostile aircraft raid, Lieut M.Brawn [Mark BRAWN, DCM] killed 3 Other Ranks killed 11 Other Ranks wounded and 26 horses & mules killed. 2/Lt W.JOHNSON, 2/Lt A.E.Iliffe [Alfred Eldred ILLIFE, MC] and 119 Other Ranks joined.

2 Sep 1918 - [The Second Battles of Arras 1918 - the Battle of Drocourt-Queant] Fontaine-les-Croisilles Battn moved to FONTAINE and then to V 18.a. 3 Other Ranks joined.

3 Sep 1918 - Cagnicourt Battn moved to position near CAGNICOURT.

4 Sep 1918 - Inchy-en-Artois Battn moved forward into front line position south of INCHY. 3 Other Ranks wounded.

5 Sep 1918 Battn in the line 42 Other Ranks joined 2 Other Ranks wounded. [Captain Richard Brodnax KNIGHT died of wounds]

6 Sep 1918 Battn in the line 13 Other Ranks wounded.

7 Sep 1918 Battn in the line 3 Other Ranks killed. 2/Lt.W.W.Dainty [Walter William DAINTY] and 9 Other Ranks wounded.

8 Sep 1918 - Boyelles Battn relieved by a Battn of the 57th Division and marched to a position near HENDICOURT [sic]. Battn left position near HENDICOURT and marched to BOYELLES. 2 Other Ranks joined.

9 Sep 1918 - Bailleulmont Battn entrained at BOYELLES at 7.0 am and detrained at LAHERLIERE [sic] and marched to BAILLEULMONT. 2/Lt.W.Bellamy [Frank William BELLAMY] granted leave to England. 1 Other Rank wounded.

10 Sep 1918 Battalion Training.

11 Sep 1918 Battalion Training 2/Lt W.H.RICHARDSON and 2/Lt.T.W.WILLANS joined.

12 Sep 1918 Battalion Training.

13 Sep 1918 Battalion Training.

14 Sep 1918 Battalion Training. Divl. Race Meeting Lt.A.L.GORDON struck off strength. Major J.H.Blackwell M.C. [John Humphrey BLACKWELL, MC & Bar] granted leave to England.

15 Sep 1918 Battalion Training.

16 Sep 1918 - St.Leger Battalion marched to St.LEGER. Capt.D.M.Saunders [Douglas Mill SAUNDERS] proceeded to England.

17 Sep 1918 Battalion Training. 2/Lt.A.E.Iliffe [Alfred Eldred ILLIFE, MC] granted leave to England. 37 Other Ranks joined.

18-21 Sep 1918 Battalion Training.

22 Sep 1918 Battalion Training. Regimental Sports. 2/Lt.J.T.Nuttall [John Thomas NUTTALL?] granted leave to England. Lieut.Col.C.C.Harman D.S.O. [Charles Cecil HARMAN, DSO] and Capt.and Qr.Mr. J.A.Hislop [Joseph Archibald Martin HISLOP] joined.

23-25 Sep 1918 Battalion Training.

26 Sep 1918 - Moeuvres Battalion marched to position near QUEANT and moved forward to assembly position near MOEUVRES.

27 Sep 1918 [The Battles for the Hindenburg Line - the Battle of the Canal du Nord] Battn commenced operations at 5.20 a.m. and crossed Canal du Nord capturing their objective in the Hindenburg Support Line from K 4.d.5.8. to Sunken road at Z.28.d.8.3.

28 Sep 1918 - Cantaing-sur-Escaut Battn still in position in the Hindenburg Support Line and moved forward to position near CANTAING L 2.a. 2/Lt.T.J.Waller [Thomas Jenkinson WALLER] killed. Capt.O.E.Hobson [Owen Ellis HOBSON], Capt.J.K.Batten [Joseph Keith BATTEN], Lieut.E.Ellis [Ernest Dennis ELLIS] and Lieut.W.B.STIMSON, 2/Lt.H.A.GARTON-SPRENGER, 2/Lt.W.JOHNSON, and 2/Lt.H.Mockford [Harry MOCKFORD] wounded. 12 Other Ranks killed. 61 Other Ranks wounded. date of casualties Sept.27.1918).

29 Sep 1918 Battn moved forward to position in front of CANTAING. Lieut.S.Norrish M.C. [Samuel NORRISH, MC] and 2/Lt. H.F.SNELLING granted leave to England.

30 Sep 1918 - south of Cambrai Battn moved forward to attack high ground south of CAMBRAI about A 26 and 27 [Map Sheet 51.b.]