2
Jan 1918 The Companies under the direction of R.E.'s commenced
drainage of Jaffa-Selmeh Road.
Reinforcement consisting of 6 Officers and 148 Other Ranks arrived
during afternoon [Comment; 2/Lt
Albert Victor Clarke MC and Sergeant
201240 Alfred Holmes died of wounds at 75 CCS, Junction Station.
Officers arrived – 2/Lts
R.C. Sharman, R.C. Wilson, H.E. Rose, J.A. Choat and A.G.
Derby of the Bedfordshire’s arrived]
3
Jan 1918 Work as for yesterday continued
4
Jan 1918 Usual working parties
5
Jan 1918 Usual working parties: considerable rain fell during
the day
6
Jan 1918 Too wet for digging. No Church Parade
7
Jan 1918 Digging resumed. More Rain
8
Jan 1918 Digging resumed. More Rain
9
Jan 1918 Digging resumed. More Rain
10
Jan 1918 Usual digging. Heavy storms
11
Jan 1918 Usual digging. Heavy storms
12
Jan 1918 Usual digging. Heavy storms [Comment; RQMS
200233 Edward Scott of Luton
died from Bronchial Pneumonia at the 2/4th London Field
Ambulance]
13
Jan 1918 Stormy day; and church parade was in consequence cancelled.
Working parties as usual. Move Orders issued
14
Jan 1918 - Mulebbis Battalion marched to MULEBBIS, where it is
billeted at one end of the colony. The Battalion is in Brigade
Reserve, the Brigade having taken over the [blank]
15
Jan 1918 The Colony was shelled with H.E. during the morning,
causing one casualty in the Battalion. No work; billets cleaned
up and interior economy
16
Jan 1918 Part of the Battalion as [sic] engaged as digging parties
on road draining. The remainder are on training and classes. Draft
of 40 arrived [comment; draft included 2/Lt
K.H. Ricketts of the 5th Bedfords]
17
Jan 1918 Work and training continued [Comment; Private
201353 Arthur Richardson of Clophill died of his wounds at
77 CCS in Jaffa]
18
Jan 1918 Usual work and training
19
Jan 1918 Usual work and training. This morning the billet area
was shelled with Shrapnel for a short time.
20
Jan 1918 No work or training. Battalion
Church Parade
21
Jan 1918 Work and training resumed
22
Jan 1918 Usual work and training
23
Jan 1918 Ditto. This afternoon the first Divisional Weekly Cross
Country Run took place. The Battn secured 4th, 5th, 6th and 10th
places.
24
Jan 1918 Usual work and training
25
Jan 1918 Ditto. Reinforcements consisting of 1 Officer [comment;
Captain C. Mellows
of the Huntingdonshire Cyclists] and 43 Other Ranks arrived today
26
Jan 1918 Usual work and training
27
Jan 1918 Heavy rain fell and Church Parade was consequently cancelled.
No work etc. Draft of 48 O.R's joined
28
Jan 1918 usual work and training. The C.O. took over duties as
Brigadier on the latter taking a short leave. Major
[C.R.] James assumed command of the Battalion
29
Jan 1918 Usual work and training. Draft of 20 Other Ranks joined
today. The second Divisional Cross Country Run took place and
the Battalion secured eight out of the first 14 places including
1st and 3rd
30
Jan 1918 Usual work and training
31
Jan 1918 Usual work and training
War
Diary for February 1918
1
Feb 1918 - Mulebbis Usual work and training
2
Feb 1918 Usual work and training
3
Feb 1918 Brigade Church
Parade
4
Feb 1918 Usual work and training. Orders received to find Guard
of Honour for H.R.H. the Duke on Connaught [Comment; Private
271510 Loftus Day of Clacton died of his wounds at 43 Stationary
Hospital in Massaid,
Egypt]
5
Feb 1918 Usual work and training
6
Feb 1918 Rainy day; much work curtailed
7
Feb 1918 Weather cold and wet; all work and training stopped
8
Feb 1918 Work and training as usual
9
Feb 1918 Work stopped owing to rain
10
Feb 1918 No Church Parades owing to inclement weather
11-
15 Feb 1918 Work and training as usual [Comment; 2/Lt
Arthur Pratt died from his wounds]
16
Feb 1918 The Brigade came into Divisional Reserve. Battalion moved
out of Billets into bivouacs
17
Feb 1918 Brigade Church
Parade
18
- 21 Feb 1918 Company training
22
Feb 1918 Battalion Route March [Comment; Captain
S.D. Mills of the Bedfordshire regiment arrived]
23
Feb 1918 Coy. training
24
Feb 1918 No Church Parades
25
Feb 1918 Coy. training
26
Feb 1918 Battalion Route March
27
Feb 1918 usual training
28
Feb 1918 Ditto
War
Diary for March 1918
1
Mar 1918 - Mulebbis Coy Training. Nos 5 Platoon under 2/Lieut
C.A.I. DAMON and No 15 Platoon under No.200559 Sgt.C.MARLOW
left to represent the Bn in the Divl Platoon Tournament at YAZUR
where 2 Platoons from each Bn in the Div are concentrating for
a six days competition. The Bn Team won the Final Divl. Cross
Country Race which consisted of 15 runners from each Unit in the
Division
2
Mar 1918 Battalion Training. Practicing the attack
3
Mar 1918 Church Parade at 1000. Town was shelled by the enemy
at about 0600 for an hour by H.E. A few houses hit otherwise no
damage
4
Mar 1918 Battalion Training. Practicing the attack
5
Mar 1918 Battalion Training. Practicing the attack. Move Orders
received. the whole Brigade is to concentrate at R.24 on night
7/8 March. The Adjutant went with Staff Capt to see the area allotted
to thus Unit. The Town Baths were allotted to us for Bathing and
fumigation
6
Mar 1918 Coy Training 2 Platoons from 'B' Coy. left at 1730 as
an advance party and to find working party for R.E's. Surplus
Kit was sent on in advance. Final day of Platoon Tournament C.O.
and several officers went to see the exhibition competitions.
No.15 Platoon was 2nd and No.5 were 9th in the placing of the
whole of the Platoons.
7
Mar 1918 - [Tarif] The 2 Platoons from the Tournament Camp went
straight to the new area. The day was spent in packing and cleaning
up. A Bde Dump was formed where all spare Kit and camp
Equipment
was left. The Btn Paraded at 1830 ready to move, proceeding via
WILHELMA to the new area, arriving there at 2400 after a very
rough heavy march. The ground at the new area is rocky.
8
Mar 1918 Morning spent in cleaning up, making paths etc. Rifle
Inspections etc. during afternoon. B.G.C. gave a Lecture to all
officers and Sergts on Hill and Open Warfare, he also congratulated
everyone on the good results the Bde had obtained in the Divisional
Competitions, which have been held recently
9
Mar 1918 Coy. Training
10
Mar 1918 No Church Parade. Bde Orders received for operations
taking place on 12th inst. C.O., Adjt., and Coy.Comdrs reconnoitred
the ground over which the Advance is to take place. Bn. Order
No.14 issued
11
Mar 1918 Coy. Drill in the morning. Cleaning up and packing in
afternoon.
12
Mar 1918 Bn paraded at 0530 and marched to point from which the
attack was to start, accompanied by Coy. Limbers, Pack Animals
and SAA Limbers. The attack commenced at 0745 proceeded
by Artillery Fire. Our objectives were taken without opposition
and without casualties. A heavy storm came on during the attack
making observation very difficult. 0900 At about 0900 the 1/4th
Northampton Regt and 1/10th London Regt passed through our line
to resume the attack. About this time PT.489 was slightly shelled
by the enemy, one shell bursting near a group of our men (A Coy.)
and wounding six. 1/4th Northampton Regt gained their objective
without opposition. 1/10th London
met with some resistance at MEDJEL YABA but after a bombardment
by the Artillery the place was taken by 1230. During this period
the Bn had moved to KH DIKERIN. Here, during [sic] the afternoon
a 2nd Line was formed by B C D Coys, A Coy with Bn HQ in Reserve.
Blankets & water were brought up by camels. The Limbers were
unable to reach H.Q. owing to the rocky ground. Whilst standing
on the Plain they were bombed by enemy aeroplane, 4 Bombs being
dropped. 2 Mules were Killed, 3 men wounded. A dump was formed
in a Wadi near Bde H.Q. During the night the work on the 2nd Line
was begun. The ground being too rocky for entrenching, the defences
were made of sangars. Orders received to relieve 1/4th Northampton
Regiment
13
Mar 1918 During morning roads and paths were made to Coys. C.O.
Adjt., and Coy Comdrs went round the line held by 1/4th Northampton
Regiment. Immediately after dinner (1300) relief of 1/4th Northampton
Regt, in the Right Section 162 Bde Line, was begun. relief was
complete by 1600. Distribution of Coys now is C Coy. on Right.
B Coy. in Centre. D Coy. on Left and A Coy. at Bn. H.Q. in Reserve.
Patrols were sent out during night to WADI RABAH and found all
clear.
14
Mar 1918 During the night a Platoon from D Coy. salvaged about
100 shells, these were probably left by a mountain gun Battery
which is known to have been somewhere in the vicinity. Work on
roads was carried out by A Coy. The Coys in the line worked on
their defences (sangars). Just before dusk it was reported by
the Outram Rifles, on our right, that the enemy were concentrating
in front of C Coy. but a patrol which was immediately sent out
could find no trace of the enemy. At the same time one of our
'planes was dropping lights and firing tracer bullets about 1500
yds to the N. of the WADI RABAH. The 'plane did not leave until
quite dark. Work on Roads and defences were continued in the evening.
Patrols were sent our to WADI RABAH at dusk and returned about
2100 having found all clear of enemy.
15
Mar 1918 A further 100 shells were salvaged by D Coy. during the
night. Sniper were [sic] sent out in the morning to remain out
all day. The day was very dull the clouds hanging on the hills
making observation very bad. Heavy Rain fell in the evening. Patrols
were sent our at dusk, but found no sign of enemy
16
Mar 1918 Heavy Rain in the early morning.
Major
C.R.James, Capt.F.B.Hobbs &
Lieut.W.A.Shaw MC,
R.S.M.Milton
MC, DCM,
C.S.M.Chandler
Sgts Sapsford, Sharpe, Cpl.Ball D.C.M's.,
Sgt.Marlow,
Ptes Halfpenny, Andrews M.M's
proceeding
to YAZUR for presentation of decorations by the Duke of Connaught.
Usual patrols were sent out in evening. Very heavy Rains. One
Arab boy wandering in our immediate front was brought in and sent
to Bde.
17
Mar 1918 Heavy rains. Work on posts continued. Defence Orders
published. Patrol left our line as usual at dusk.
18
Mar 1918 2 Turks gave themselves up after being fired at by a
Listening Post of B Coy. 2 Arabs were also brought into our lines
& sent to Bde.
19
Mar 1918 Slight Rain in morning. Enemy aircraft active. usual
patrols & snipers went out. Patrols distributed propaganda
20
Mar 1918 No Rain. Weather a great deal warmer. Enemy aircraft
active. Front Line slightly shelled by 5.9. No casualties. usual
patrols went out.
21
Mar 1918 Situation Quiet. 2 officers and 13 O.Ranks proceeded
on leave to Egypt.
Usual patrols & snipers
22
Mar 1918 Enemy Aircraft active one 'plane came right over our
portion of line presumably taking photographs. Fired at by M.Gs
& A.A. without result
23
Mar 1918 Special Patrol of 1 officer and 20 Other ranks proceeded
towards Wadi Rubal at 0400 and returned at 0530. Communion Service
at Battn H.Q. at 0900
24
Mar 1918 Very heavy hail storm in afternoon. Usual patrols &
snipers sent out.
25
Mar 1918 Patrols & snipers as usual. One of our agents came
into our lines & was sent to Bde.
26
Mar 1918 Patrol reconnoitred approaches to KH BUREID. Enemy Artillery
active on our front line. 2 Arabs and one boy found wandering
in our lines with two donkeys, sent to Bde.
27
Mar 1918 - Kurnet el Haramiyeh Orders for the advance of the line
issued. We advanced our line to KURNET EL HARAMIYEH and M.27.c.d.
New line occupied 1930 which was consolidated & wired during
night. [Comment; 2/Lt
David Harold Macklin killed in action serving
in France]
28
Mar 1918 At 0700 enemy snipers ejected our day occupation from
KH BUREID. Enemy Aircraft very active one driven to ground by
our Airmen [Comment; Lance Corporal 200402 Stanley Boon of Kempston
was posted missing and later presumed dead]
29
Mar 1918 Snipers took up positions & came into action with
enemy Picquet. Usual shelling by our Artillery. Signalling observed
from MULEBBIS and answering signals in enemy's line could be seen
[Comment;
the following men lost their lives today -
Private
14997 Frank Camp of Hunsdon in Herts.
died of wounds in the trench,
Private
36864 Ernest Miles of Kettering
was killed in the trench
Private
21502 Charles Simpson of Ofton in
Suffolk
was missing and later presumed dead
Private
48787 Albert Smith of Plaistow in
Essex was killed in the trench]
30
Mar 1918 Snipers go out as usual. About 1530 about 150 enemy seen
advancing down Green WADI disappearing behind ridge in front of
WADI RABAH, making their way towards KH BURIED [sic] ay 1630 this
party became visible on crest line M.21.a crossing in extended
order. Our enemy [sic. artillery?] shelled effectively. Heavy
Rain. Front line shelled by enemy.
[Comment;
the following men died of wounds today, having been wounded yesterday:
Private
26726 William Brace of Hatfield died
at 26 CCS in Ludd
Private
21966 William Fry of Walthamstow died
at the 1/2nd East Anglian Field Ambulance
Private
47427 John Russell died at 76 CCS
in Ludd]
31
Mar 1918 Our snipers occupied position in M.20.a returned after
dark our snipers also one L.G. are in position on M.19.d central
1730 The enemy in large numbers appeared on the erect line in
M.20.a & b and M.21.a At dusk about 150 enemy in three waves
crossed the crest & advanced down slopes, towards our post
in KURNET EL HARAMIYEH. They were immediately engaged by Lewis
Guns & eventually took up a line halfway down the hill. From
this position as darkness fell they opened heavy fire on our post.
Under cover of this fire a party of 15-20 Turks crossed WADI &
advanced against two of our sangars some were bombed & dispersed
by a Listening Post a few of remainder reached our wire, but were
bombed out. Patrols who immediately searched the slopes in front
of our wire could find no trace of enemy dead. Our patrol attempted
to occupy M.20.a., but were immediately fired on by enemy picquets.
Our casualties 3 slightly wounded [Comment; Officers joined -
Captain E.H. Casey
of the West Riding Regiment, Lts
L.G.F. Berkeley of the Bedfordshire’s, H.
Poole of the Dublin Fusiliers and D.F.P.
Spurgeon of the London’s]
War
Diary for April 1918
1
Apr 1918 - East of Mejdel Yaba Usual patrols and snipers at M.20.a
2
Apr 1918 Usual patrols and snipers at M.20.a. Slight shelling
of Wadi in rear of Battn H.Q. Orders issued for relief of A Coy
(in the line) by C Coy. B Coy to come into reserve. Patrol to
SNIPERS RIDGE (blank) Our Artillery and M.G. and LG fire opened
at 0400.
3
Apr 1918 Snipers sent out as usual. Enemy aircraft active all
day
4
Apr 1918 Two Patrols left our lines at 1930 and went in direction
of M.20.c they opened fire at M.20.a. Very little enemy fire was
drawn. After our Artillery Bombardment of M.20.a. Patrol pushed
on to ascertain casualties they reached enemy sangars but no dead
were found. 6 officers joined unit from Base. [Comment; Officers
joined were 2/Lts E.J.
Strong, H.B. Dawes and L.W. Strong of
the Devon’s, 2/Lts
S.L. Robinson, S.C. Horwood, A.W. Lincoln and
E.W. Moulton of the Bedfordshire’s]
5
Apr 1918 Quiet day usual routine patrols and snipers as usual.
6
Apr 1918 1615-1700 Enemy shelled whole of this sector with 5.9
no casualties or damage.
7
Apr 1918 3 officers joined from Base. [Comment; Officers joined
were 2/Lts W.R. Symons
and H.V. King of the
Devon’s and W.E.
Game of the Suffolk’s]
8
Apr 1918 0600 Vicinity of MEJDEL YABA shelled. Casualties 2 Killed
19 Wounded (7 remained with unit]. Burial service at 1400. Orders
issued for attack on SNIPER'S RIDGE [attached] [Comment; Private
203455 Sidney Cleaver of Harlington and Private 21902 John Walker of Bethnal Green
both killed in action and buried behind their trenches]
9
Apr 1918 75th Division started to advance on our right in accordance
with Corps Order. Day quiet except for 75th Divisional front.
10
Apr 1918 0405 Enemy opened heavy bombardment along ridge occupied
by HQ no casualties. Usual patrols and snipers sent out.
11
Apr 1918 0505 Normal except when enemy put down heavy barrage
of small calibre shell (shrapnel) on a line 600x in rear of our
front line. Patrol of 1 off and 7 OR's proceeded Coy snipers to
SNIPERS RIDGE where snipers were left in position. Our Left Post
was taken over by 1/10th London Regt., while we took over
the Left Post of 2/4th Devon
Regt., on our Right
12
Apr 1918 Brigade Operation Order No.57 and Battn Operation Order
No.22 cancelled. Headquarters moved to new position.
13
Apr 1918 Very quiet day. Snipers sent out as usual.
14
Apr 1918 0425 Normal except when
enemy put down a shrapnel and H.E. barrage over same area previously
shelled. casualties - 1 Killed; 1 wounded. [Comment; Private
21475 Charles Cowler of Buckhurst Hill in Essex
killed in the trenches]
15
Apr 1918 Usual reciprocal artillery fire. Usual patrols &
snipers
16
Apr 1918 - Wilhelma, Mazeirah and Orange Post 0830 Brigade Relief
Order No.60 received. Battn Operation Order 34 issued APPENDIX
C 1300 Advance Party left & proceeded to new area 2100 Battn
relieved in the line by 1/6th Essex Regt., and proceeded via Rantieh
to new area at Wilhelma, which was reached at about 2330
17
Apr 1918 Position of Coys: - 'A' Coy at Mezeirah; "B" Coy at Orange
Post, "C" "D" and H.Q.Coys at P.33.c.
18
Apr 1918 0930 Commanding Officers Conference at Brigade Hqrs.
19
Apr 1918 No parades. Interior economy throughout Battn.
20
Apr 1918 0900 Instruction personnel left for Divisional School
of Instruction at ROUGE FARM, YEHUDIYEH
21
Apr 1918 0900 Battn. Church Parade (less 'A' & 'B' Coys)
22
Apr 1918 Battn. fumigated and disinfected throughout day. Draining
programme and Classes commenced.
23
Apr 1918 Orders issued for 1/11th London Regt. to relieve "A"
and "B Coys. tomorrow
24
Apr 1918 "A" & "B" Coys relieved by 1/11th London Regt., less
a working party left by "A" Coy. 'B' and 'D' Coys proceeded to
O.35.a; 'A' Coy occupied area vacated by 'D' Coy. [Comment; Captain
Andrew Best McBride M.C. killed in action]
25
Apr 1918 Route March and usual Instructional Classes
26
Apr 1918 Usual training and Classes, and working parties
27
Apr 1918 Hostile aircraft active all during day. Usual parades
and Route March; and working parties.
28
Apr 1918 Voluntary Church
Services. Working parties as usual.
29
Apr 1918 Parade and Working Parties as usual.
30
Apr 1918 0220 Hostile shelling of plain in vicinity of Railhead.
Enemy aircraft active during morning. Route March, Classes and
Working parties as usual.
APRIL
1918 Appendix "D"
Other
Ranks Killed 3.
Wounded.
21 includes 9 remaining at duty.
Sick
Admitted 97.
Drafts.
Nil. rejoined from Hospital. 25.
War
Diary for May 1918
1
May 1918 - Wilhelma All HQ Coy tents taken down and surplus material
stacked i.e. Canteen Messes, Pioneers Stores, ready for the forthcoming
move by this Battn. Battn Move Order No.25 issued to all concerned,
Battn to relieve 1/5 Norfolk Regt in LEFT SUBSECTION LEFT SECTION
and to leave WILHELMA at 1830 on the night of 2nd May 1918. Overcoats
given in and dumped at No.12 WILHELMA. Selections given by massed
bands of 162nd Inf Bde.
2
May 1918 - F.12.A.8.2. No training owing to move by this battn.
Orders issued with regard to "Stand To" while in the line. 0330
"Stand To" Advance party left WILHELMA for F.12.A.8.2. at 1200
Battn left for F.12.A.8.2. at 1830 Battn arrived at F.12.A.8.2.
t 2130 HQ established Relief complete 2320 A and D Coy in line
B and C in reserve
3
May 1918 Reconnaissance of ISOLATED WOOD made by Commanding Officer
and dump of 28 4.1 Turkish Ammunition Quiet Day.
4
May 1918 Orders issued to 2 Lieut H.B.DAWES for a Salvage
Patrol to ISOLATED WOOD as follows (1) Recover dump of Turkish
Gun Ammunition already located by you near Bridge at D.31.A.9.9.
(2) Search vicinity for any other stores worth salving
5
May 1918 0100 Salvage Patrol of 1 officer and 27 OR's proceed
to ISOLATED WOOD and brought in 28 rounds enemy 4.1 Gun Ammunition
patrol returned without incident at 0400. 1430 LEFT SUBSECTION
LEFT SECTION ORDER No 26 issued at 1430. Quiet Day
6
May 1918 Move by companies completed. 1830 Patrol of 2 officers
and six ORs left D.31.B.5.0. at 1830 and proceeded to WADY [sic]
DHAHEB and D.16.C.8.2. One prisoner was brought in by patrol.
Patrol placed propaganda with 50yds of Railway line D.16.D.2.2.
2300 Patrol returned.
7
May 1918 1200 Operation Order number 27 issued. 2200 Patrol of
2 officers 18 OR's left D.31.A.2.0. and proceeded to D.31 central
owing to mist patrol returned at 0130 without incident. Quiet
day.
8
May 1918 2200 Order for redistribution of SUBSECTION received
from 162 Inf Bde. 1845 Patrol of 2 Officers and 4 OR's left D.21.D
at 1845 and proceeded along WADY DHAHEB. Propaganda was placed
on the Railway and returned without incident at 2310 LAMP SIGNALLING
from the direction of MULEBBIS seen when patrol were at D.27.B.0.7.
and was answered from JILJULIEH. LAMP SIGNALLING was also seen
from KEFR KASIM to the W but it was unanswered
9
May 1918 0400 LEFT SUBSECTION Order No.28 issued 1900 Patrol of
2 Officers 6 OR's left D.31.C.0.7. at 1900 and proceeded along
WADY ISHKAR. Enemy picquet located at D.16.D.3.2. Propaganda was
placed at D.16.D.0.3 abd D.16.D.0.9. Patrol returned to our lines
at 2140 without incident. 1 Deserter Sgt Arab entered our lines
at MILL RACE
10
May 1918 0330 Relief complete. Work on front line and Support
Posts started and plans of work completed and proposed being prepared
for Brigade
11
May 1918 Work continuing on all posts also wiring nearing completion.
Ammendments [sic] added to ORDER No 27
12
May 1918 Orders Re Renumbering of Posts both Front and Support
Line. 1930 Patrol of one Officer and 7 O.R. left D.13 marching
on bearing of 55 degrees at 2400. A band was heard playing about
1500yds N of patrol probably from BIR ADAS. Patrol returned without
incident at Post D.13 at 0320 [Comment; Private
200135 Frederick Marshall of Luton
died from Typhus Fever and Pneumonia at 44 Stationary Hospital
in Kantara]
13
May 1918 1930 Patrol of 1 Officer and 7 ORs left our lines at
1930 and proceeded towards Railway line, picquets were seen at
D.22.central, D.16.A.1.0., D.16.D.3.9., D.16.C.9.8. Patrol returned
to our own lines at 0300. [Comment; Private
200616 Robert Parrot M.M. of
Marston Church End died from his wounds at 76CCS in Ludd]
14
May 1918 2350 Patrol of 1 Officer and 1 OR left our lines (see
15th)
15
May 1918 Patrol reached D.22.A.1.4. where a cavalry patrol of
ten was seen moving N.E. up the WADY ISHKAR at D.16.G central,
patrol proceeded to cross Railway at D.16.B.4.5. Enemy picquets
were heard on the line no rails were seen; at 0400 two picquets
were seen one at D.16.D.2.1 another at D.22 central. Strength
of picquets eight each one picquet remained after daylight to
cover working party of twelve who were cutting grass in front
of D.22 central. Seven wagons came from BIR ADAS at 0400 with
6 men in each to D.20.B.8.5. Three parties of cavalry total 30
met at D.16.D.5.1 and moved to JILJULIEH where they evaded a machine
gun on a pack mule. Patrol returned to our own lines at 0845 1200
SUBSECTION ORDER No.29 and amendments 2030 VII Indian Division
heavily shelled
16
May 1918 Patrol of 1 officer and 7 OR's proceeded along BIR
ADAS ROAD until 0100 when two rifle
grenades were fired by enemy from D.14.D.6.10. Grenades burst
to the West of the patrol in WADI West of road. Patrol then moved
East 500 yds to D.15.central when movement was heard. Patrol located
a picquet in D.15.B. A white Every light was sent up from JILJULIEH
BRIDGE at
0215. Patrol returned to D.31.C.0.7 at 0445 without incident.
Track from ISOLATED WOOD to BIR ADAS as far as patrol went is
metalled but overgrown with grass 2300 Patrol of 1 officer and
3 OR's left post D13 at 2300
17
May 1918 0300 Patrol reached D.16.C.1.0 and moved towards JILJULIEH
BRIDGE. Patrol
crawled forward and was able to locate picquet, strength 8-10
men at D.16.C.10.8. A second picquet was located at D.16.A.5.3,
no trenches were seen. Patrol then moved West to BIR ADAS track,
and saw a party of the enemy loading grass at D.22.A. One enemy
seen in trench at D.7 central and 3 men at D.14.A. 0625 Patrol
returned. Notes made by patrol. The WADI ISHKAR has continuous
water for about 1600 yds from ISOLATED WOOD. It is deep and in
many places thick with weed and tall grass. Beyond, it widens
and there is water at intervals only Picquets observed were at
D.16.C.10.8 and D.16.A.5.3. 2115 Enemy signalling observed from
KEFR KASIM only letters read were: VOM.ZUGE
ABDTTTTT RD after which lamp ceased
2400 Patrol of 1 officer and 3 OR's left D13
18
May 1918 Patrol (mentioned above) proceeded NE along WADI DHAHEB
for 1500 yds when WADI merged into surrounding country. Patrol
marched by compass to railway in D.22.D.1.5. A single narrow guage
[sic] line runs between two embankments which are covered with
thick vegetation. At this point the officer with 1 OR crossed
railway and moved to D.22.D. The knoll is about 25' high with
what appeared to be an OP at the summit. Patrolled [sic] moved
D.22.D.5.3, saw nothing of the enemy, so returned to railway embankment,
to watch enemy picquet line as day was breaking. Nothing was seen
of the enemy on the WADI DHAHEB east of the railway. The enemy
picquet in D22 central remained in position and a number of men
came out to cut corn. A M.G. and auto rifle fired at a British
plane in D.22 cantral. 0630 Patrol returned. 1800 Signalling again
observed from direction of KEFR KASIM; This was impossible to
read. 2115 Patrol of 1 officer and 5 OR's left post D13 and proceeded
up course of WADI DHAHEB to D.28.A.3.6. From here the enemy could
be heard cutting grass. Patrol remained 1/2 an hour until 2300
then moved to South bank of WADI and waited at D.28.A.4.3. until
the moon was observed when they moved ENE to a point D.28.A.7.4.
from which point movement was observed along the WADI
19
May 1918 0030 Three of the enemy approached to within 20 yards
of patrols position from about D.22.C.10.0. At this point a picquet
could be heard 50 or 80 yds away also East of the railway about
D.23.C. At 0100 patrol moved to D.28.A.9.7 and withdrew at 0245
returning to post D13 at 0415 without incident. Enemy picquets
located at D.22.C.10.0 and in direction of D.23.C, propaganda
being placed at D.22.C.4.0. 1800 to 1830 Stokes guns register
on ISOLATED WOOD. 1930 lam signalling observed at bearing of 85
degrees from F.12.A.8.2; letters read were: TR AUJA JAP. It may
be noted that TR is the code of one of our own units in that section
of the line but on the other hand the spot from which the light
comes is unmistakable and certainly not within British lines 2230
patrol of 1 officer and 7 OR's left our lines. Propaganda was
placed at D.22.C.7.3.
20
May 1918 0445 Patrol returned 22.15 Patrol of 1 officer and 7
OR's left post D13 and moved up BIR
ADAS ROAD to D.14.D.4.5. At this point
6 of the patrol were left and officer and 1 OR moved forward.
At 2330 patrol heard a cry simulating a jackal; this cry was taken
up all along the line including the two groups located by the
patrol D.14.B.5.2 and D.15.A.4.5. patrol then moved on a bearing
of 80 degrees for 600 yds when they were fired on by rifles from
D.15.A.4.5. Patrol moved 100 yds further and a white Very light
was fired from D.15.A.4.5. As a white Verey light was fired from
JILILIEH, patrol saw 12 of the enemy in extended order moving
towards them, so they withdrew 200 yds. Patrol did not see enemy
again as they turned East. After waiting 1/2 an hour, they moved
N.E. crossed the WADI ISHKAR and got on the JILJULIEH TRACK at
D.22.A central along which they moved for 500 yds. At 0410 the
mist was very thick and patrol returned to our lines.
21
May 1918 F.G. Court Martial on No [blank] Pte.H.Butler.
Capt.R.C.Haughton A.S.C. joined unit for duty and was posted
to "A" Coy. B.G.C. inspected all books and papers of officers
mess, P.R.I. and Bn. Orderly Room correspondence. 2200 1 Officer
and 14 ORs left Post D.13. moved along WADY DHAHEB to D.27 central
where voices and wheeled transport were heard N of the WADY.
22
May 1918 On moving on to D.21.D.1.2 patrol attempted to locate
picquet at D.22 central but owing to a line of 12 enemy skirmishers
each side of the Rly were unable to do so. Patrol withdrew to
D.28.A.9.5. small KNOLL at D.28.A.3.3 patrol waited till daybreak
to get observation but were shot at by rifle and MG from D22 central
and skirmishers again appeared so patrol withdrew to own lines
without incident at 0620. 0945 Two rounds 77 mm in front of Isolated
Wood slight shelling on SW front at intervals during the morning
300 yds W of MILL RACE and shrapnel 600 yds E of it. 2005 Signalling
again observed from about KEFR KASIM the following only was read
SG a prefix denoting that an SG (urgent signal) message is coming.
A call for light signalled by means of a succession of dots and
a long dash was observed. Bde HQ wired in accordance with their
instructions on commencement of signalling 2145 Patrol of 1 off
and 13 ORs left post D13 and moved with its right flank on the
N bank of WADY DHAHEB on arriving at about D.22 A and C the patrol
came on a hobbled horse one N.C.O. and five men were sent to the
right flank and when these were in position patrol commander and
the seven men surprised and captured a picquet of eight of the
enemy who were sleeping near the horse after searching surrounding
country for without result patrol returned to own lines reaching
Post D13 at 0315
23
May 1918 1800 Signalling again observed on bearing of 90 degrees
from Cat HOUSE it appeared to come from a different position than
previous occasions and was probably beyond KEFR KASIM. An unusual
sign which was very much used by the enemy whilst signalling on
this occasion was .-.-. Major C.R.JAMES MC assumed command
of 1/10 London Regt from today. The signalling noted at 1800 read
as follows. RH20 S.A.E. REGFLZLF EREULMNI TDBGUN E GEZENU WEK
TNDIENI URESPK HABT H.R.S.P. P.W. VERR AURGED OMMIN K TRAMPE 2.
STAND PEPOSTEN TRAMPE 12. AAA. 2115 One officer 7 OR's left post
D.13, moved along BIR ADAS TRACK for 2000 yds Patrol then moved
NE and located enemy picquets at approx D16 central, D.15.b.8.6.,
six to eight Turks in each. Patrol then moved W and located another
picquet at D.15.A.0.2. and returned to Post D10 at 0425 without
further incident.
24
May 1918 Signalling again observed with very powerful lamp apparently
at BIDIEH and in communication with KEFR KASIM letters rec'd as
follows: TR (called four times) AM LT III KU III TST ----III SM6
AB CD TST CVGEEE EE GEEE NNRSB III C MMEMI ETTAGTI AEUNE TST IK
IKIK IK .-.-. K T T UA WGAA CH .-.-. message ends Orders issued
for relief of A and D Coys by B and C Coys
25
May 1918 Relief of A and D Coy by B and C duly carried out Parties
from 54 D.P.L.S. rejoins unit as course was broken off at beginning
1830 Signalling again observed from approx direction BIDIEH 2215
Patrol of 1 officer and 9 OR's left D13 Post and moved along BIR
ADAS RD to a point 200 yds beyond ISOLATED WOOD then crossed WADY
ISHKAR at D.25.D.8.8. and moved along JILJULIEH track to D.21.B.10.5
where a party of the enemy was seen moving south at D.22.C.8.4.
Patrol leader then moved to D.15.A.9.7 where he saw 8 or 9 enemy
in extended order advancing these he endeavoured [sic] to lead
on by withdrawing but lost sight of them and they were not seen
again. Patrol located enemy picquet at D16 central 2 sentries
and several sleeping men seen 200 yds from this picquet 20 or
30 men were seen working at the front of a small hill. Patrol
returned reaching D13 at 0420
26
May 1918 1830 Usual enemy signalling Quiet Day work on front and
Support Line Posts both digging and wiring 2130 Patrol of 1 off
and 6 OR's left D12 Post proceeding to a point about 300 yds east
of Railway at D.28.A.9.4. Nine Turks seen moving NW at D.27.B.5.3.
Five Turks seen E of WADY moving N. Party of four seen moving
N along Rly at D.28.A.9.4. patrol returned owing to approach ofdaylight
at 0400.
27
May 1918 Capt.H.Wilkin
MC assumes duty of Adjutant having returned
from Divl
Platoon Leader
School as
Adjutant. 2030. Patrol of 1 off and 6 O.R's left D11 Post and
proceeded to spot 500 yds south of SHEMS ED DINS following WADY
DHAHEB to D.27.B.6.2. thence N.E. crossing Rly to track in D.23.C.
which patrol followed no enemy and no track of trench marked in
D.23.b were seen.
28
May 1918 1000 Course of lectures to young officers by the C.O.
started today at 1000 with Introductory Lecture. Mess Etiquette
2030 VII Indian Division advanced their line on our left much
shelling and machine gun fire in their sector all night 2040 Patrol
left D11 Post and proceeded by WADY DHAHEB and crossing the Rly
near its source reached JILJULIEH TRACK and proceeded up it at
SHEMS ED DINS Patrol leader heard voices in the WADY ISHKAR at
this point which he believes came from an enemy sentry group in
the WADY patrol returned by same route at 0345.
29
May 1918 Great increase of enemy shelling and M.G. fire on VII
Indian Division Front Patrol of 1 off and 8 OR's left D11 Post
and proceeding by same route as yesterday patrol reaching Rly
at D.22.B.3.3 50 yds N of this spot an enemy picquet was observed
two or three of which crawled towards our patrol which withdrew
S and E and crossed Rly at D.22.B.2.0. arriving on JILJULIEH TRACK
they moved to D.18.C.3.5. from here patrol leader observed enemy
picquet on S side of WADY ISHKAR at D.18.C.6.7. he also saw movement
on road at D.17.D.8.7. returned by same route to our lines at
0345
30
May 1918 Battalion of 32 Sikh Pioneers arrived this area at 1900
to clear the banks of the River Auja of all vegitation [sic] Patrol
of 1 off and 9 OR's left d13 Post, followed WADY DHAHEB and passing
under a culvert in the Rly embankment and proceeded to the mound
marked in D.22.D no enemy were found on the mound but voices and
much movement were heard in the direction of about D.22.D.5.3.
crawling [sic] in this direction patrol got to within 150 yds
of them and 4 camels were seen to leave going N.E. Patrol then
crawled N and the east in this manner getting within 70 yds of
a sentry group at about D.22.D.5.3. this group they crawled towards
when they suddenly came upon a sleeping picquet of eight Turks
these they bayoneted but their screams gave the alarm and six
more Turks whom they had not seen in the long grass humped up
and fired at them, a sentry group was also alarmed and turned
to reinforce the picquet. Patrols rearguard also reported more
enemy coming from the mound whereupon the patrol fought its way
through and saw two more Turks fall. The Turks did not follow
up and the patrol got away under the culvert and arrived back
in our lines at 0345 at least ten enemy were killed or badly wounded
our casualties were one wounded.
31
May 1918 1000 G.O.C. 54th Division presents M.M. ribbon
to Corporal
S.WELCH outside Battn HQ all "A Coy was
on parade". Balls Bridge Post being temporarily relieved by D
Coy
MAY
1918
O'RANKS
KILLED NIL
WOUNDED
1 on Patrol 31st May
18
SICK ADMITTED
81
DRAFTS
NIL
REJOINED 58
