1916 War Diary appendices (2), September onwards

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.

September 1916

OPERATION ORDERS No.28 by Lieut.Col.G.D.Price Commanding 7th(S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 4th September, 1916 Ref.Map Lens, Sheet 11. 1/100.000

1. INTENTION The 18th Division will be transferred to the Reserve Army from midnight 6/7th September, 1916. On the 6th [sic] September the 54th Infantry Brigade will march as a column to the MONCHÉAUX Area. On the 6th September it will continue its march to the SOUICH Area. On the 7th September it will proceed to "O" Area Reserve Army. Orders for the last move will be issued later. 2. RENDEZVOUS The Battalion will rendezvous at road junction at Southern end of MARQUAY Village at 10.30 a.m., where it will join other units of the Brigade. The following will be the order of march: - 54th Brigade Headquarters. 12th Middlesex Regiment. 6th Northants Regiment. 11th Royal Fusiliers. 7th Bedfordshire Regiment. 54th Machine Gun Company. 3. ROUTE LIGNY-ST.FLOCHEL - TERNAS. 4. ORDER OF MARCH Companies will fall in, in fours, facing South, on the LA THIEULOYE - MONCHY-BRETON Road, ready to march off at 9.00 a.m., with the head of the column at the crossing opposite "B" Coy. Headquarters. Order/s: - Hd.Qr.Coy. B Coy. C Coy. D Coy. A Coy. Destination of 7th Bedfords - TERNAS. 5. TRANSPORT 1st. Line Transport will march in rear of the Battn. 6. LEWIS GUN HANDCARTS Lewis Gun Handcarts will accompany 1st. Line transport 7. BAGGAGE Officers' valises will be handed in to Qr.Mr.Stores by 6.45 a.m. tomorrow evening. 8. DRESS Service Marching order. Steel Helmets will be worn. 9. RATIONS Hd.Qr.Coy. will ration with their respective companies from 5th to 7th inst. inclusive. 10. WATERBOTTLES Waterbottles will be filled before departure. 11. REPORTS Companies will report their arrival in billets to Battalion Headquarters immediately on arrival, stating position of their Coy. (signed) E.W.Benson [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC] Lieut. A/Adjutant, 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.

OPERATION ORDERS No.29 by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battn. Bedfordshire Regiment 8th September, 1916 Ref.Map Sheet 11 LENS (Edition 2) scale 1/100,000

1. INTENTION The 18th Division will be transferred to the Reserve Army from midnight 10/11th September, 1916. On the 9th September the 54th Infantry Brigade will march as a column to the MONCHEAUX Area. On the 10th September it will continue is march to the SUS ST.LEGER Area. On 11th September it will proceed to "O" Area, Reserve Army, partly by busses and partly by march route. Orders for the last move will be issued later. 2. RENDEZVOUS The Battalion will rendezvous at Cross roads in LIGNY-ST.FLOCHEL (immediately south of N in LA BELLE EPINE) at 10.19 a.m., where it will join other units of the Brigade. The following will be the order of march: - 12th Middlesex Regt. 6th Northants Regt. 11th Royal Fusiliers. 54th Brigade Headquarters. 54th Machine Gun Coy. 54th Trench Mortar Battery. 7th Bedfordshire Regt. 80th Coy. R.E. 54th Field Ambulance. 3. ROUTE ORLENCOURT - MARQUAY - TERNAS. 4. ORDER OF MARCH Companies will "Fall in", in fours, facing North on the MONCHY-BRETON - LA THIEULOYE Road, ready to march off at 8.15 a.m., with the head of the column at "C" Coy. H.Q. Order: - Hd.Qr.Coy.: B Coy. : C Coy.: D Coy.: A Coy. Destination of 7th Bedfords - TERNAS. 5. TRANSPORT 1st. Line Transport will march in rear of the Battalion 6. LEWIS GUN CARTS Lewis Gun Carts will accompany 1st. Line Transport. 7. BAGGAGE All spare kit to be delivered to Qr.Mr.Stores tonight. Officers Valises will be handed in to Qr. Mr. Stores by 6.45 a.m. tomorrow morning. 8. DRESS Service Marching Order. Steel helmets will be worn. 9. RATIONS Hd. Qr. Coy. will ration with their respective companies from 9th til 11th inst. inclusive. 10. WATERBOTTLES Waterbottles will be filled before departure. 11. REPORTS Companies will hang out their Company flags and report their arrival in billets to Battalion Headquarters immediately on arrival, stating position of their company. 12. BILLETING PARTY 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler [Francis Everard DEALLER] and one representative per company and Battn. Hd. Qrs. will proceed in advance, by lorries, leaving Brigade Headquarters tomorrow, 9th inst. at 7.00 a.m. The same party will proceed in lorries on the 10th inst. from the Church TERNAS at 7.15 a.m. (signed) E.W.Benson [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut., A/Adjutant, 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regt.

OPERATION ORDERS No.30 by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battn.Bedfordshire Regt. 9th September, 1916 Ref.Map LENS, Sheet 11 Edition 2. Scale - 1/100,000

1. INTENTION The Battalion will continue its march to the SUS-ST.LEGER Area tomorrow, 10th September, 1916. 2. RENDEZVOUS The Battalion will rendexvous at Road Junction ¼ mile S.S.E. of MONCHEUX Church at 11.19 a.m. where it will join other units of the Brigade. The following will be the order of march:- 54th Infantry Brigade. 12th Middlesex Regiment. 6th Northants Regiment. 54th Machine Gun Company. 54th Trench Mortar Battery. 11th Royal Fusiliers. 7th Bedfordshire Regiment. 80th Field Company R.E. 54th Field Ambulance 152nd Company Divisional Train. 3. ROUTE HOUVIN - HOUVIGNEUL - ESTRÉE WAMIN - BEAUDRICOURT 4. ORDER OF MARCH Companies will fall in, in fours, facing S.W. on the TERNAS-BUNEVILLE Road, ready to march off at 10.00 a.m. with the head of the column at road junction S.W. exit of TERNAS. Order; - Hd.Qr.Coy. C Coy. D Coy. Drums A Coy. B Coy.Destination of 7th Bedfords - IVERGNY. The Battalion will leave the Brigade column at BEAUDRICOURT and march independently to destination. 5. TRANSPORT 1st. Line Transport will march in rear of the Battalion. 6. L.G. CARTS Lewis Gun Carts will accompany 1st. Line Transport. 7. BAGGAGE Officers Valises etc. will be handed to Qr. Mr. Stores by 8.30 a.m. 8. DRESS Service Marching Order. Steel helmets will be worn. 9. WATERBOTTLES Waterbottles will be filled before departure. 10. REPORTS Companies will hang out their company flags and report their arrival in billets to Battalion Headquarters immediately on arrival, stating position of their company. 11. BILLETING PARTY 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler and one representative per company and Battalion Headquarters will proceed in advance by lorries leaving the Church TERNAS at 7.15 a.m. (signed) E.W.Benson [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th (S) Bn.Bedfordshire Regt.

OPERATION ORDERS No.31 by Lieut. Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment. 10th September, 1916 Ref.Map LENS, Sheet 11 Edition 2. Scale 1/100,000

1. INTENTION The Battalion will continue its move into "O" Area, Reserve Army, tomorrow 11th inst. 2. ORDER OF MARCH Companies will fall in, in fours, facing S. on the IVERGNY-LUCHEUX Road, ready to march off at 8 a.m., with the head of the column at the cross roads due W. of the M in Maison Forestier. Order: - D Coy. A Coy. B Coy. C Coy. Battalion Headquarters will embus with their companies. Destination of 7th Bedfords: - RAINCHEVAL. 3. EMBUS The Battalion will embus on the road running through H in Le SOUICH. the first 33 busses are allotted to the 11th Royal Fusiliers and the remaining 34 busses to the 7th Bedfords. each bus will hold 25 men. Allotment of busses as follows: - 1 and 2 Officers 3 to 11 inclusive - D Company and Drums. 12 to 19 inclusive - A Company 20 to 27 inclusive - B Company 28 to 34 inclusive - C Company the number will be chalked on the side of the bus. 4. DEBUS The Battalion will debus at HALLOY, and proceed by road to destination. order of march BN.H.Qrs. D Coy. A Coy. Drums D Coy. C Coy. 5. ROUTE HALLOY - THIEVRES - MARIEUX - RAINCHEVAL 6. TRANSPORT 1st. Line Transport and baggage wagons will march Brigaded under the Brigade Transport Officer. Supply wagons will march with 152nd Company Divisional Train. 7. L.G.CARTS Lewis Gun Carts with one full team of men per gun will accompany first line transport. 8. BAGGAGE Officers Valises, etc. will be handed to Q.M.Stores by 6.30 a.m. 9. DRESS Service Marching Order. Steel Helmets will be worn. 10. WATERBOTTLES Waterbottles will be filled before departure. 11. RATIONS Haversack Rations will be carried. 12. BILLETING PARTY 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler [Francis Everard DEALLER] and one representative per coy. and per Bn.H.Qrs. will proceed by bus direct to destination in "O" Area, leaving IVERGNY at 5.30 a.m. at Cross Roads referred to in para.2. 13. SICK The two men per company and the 4 men detailed by the Medical Officer as unable to march (Total 12) will travel to RAINCHEVAL by special bus leaving IVERGNY at 5.30 a.m. at Cross Roads as mentioned in para. 2. 14. GROOMS & CYCLISTS All Mounted Officers' Grooms with their horses, and all cycles will parade at Battn. Hd.Qrs. at 7.30 a.m. to proceed independently to HALLOY, where they will await the arrival of the Battalion. Instructions will be given these men before they move from IVERGNY. 15. REPORTS Companies will hang out Company Flags and report their arrival in billets to Battalion Headquarters immediately on arrival, stating position of their companies. (signed) E.W.Benson [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.

OPERATION ORDERS by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment 24th September, 1916. Map Ref. 57.D.S.E. 1/20,000

1. INTENTION The Battalion will move to dugouts in N.BLUFF Q.36.c.60 tomorrow. 2. PARADE The Battalion will parade, in Service Marching order, at 6.45 a.m. Order of March: H.Qrs. B: C: D: A. 3. ADVANCE PARTY One N.C.O. per company and 1 for Bn.Hd.Qrs. under 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler, will parade at the Orderly Room at 6 a.m. - dress Service Marching Order, carrying 1 days rations. This party will report to the Staff Captain at the west end of BLACK HORSE ROAD W.5.a.40 at 9.30 a.m. to take over dugouts for the Battalion. Route will be explained to 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler [Francis Everard DEALLER]. 4. RATIONS Rations for tomorrow, 25th inst. must be carried by each individual. waterbottles must be filled and should be preserved as there may be a scarcity of water in the area where the Battalion will be billeted. 5. SPECIALISTS All Officers and Specialists detailed to remain behind with 1st. Line Transport will join 1st. Line Transport tomorrow morning at 8.30 a.m. This party will be rationed by the Quartermaster. Each Officer should take sufficient utensils with him for his own use. 6. OFFICERS FOR DIVL. SCHOOL Instructions regarding these officers will be issued later to all concerned. 7. ROUTE FOR BATTALION BOUZINCOURT - W.7.Central - W.2.b.60 - S. end of MARTINSART WOOD - W.9.b.80 - through C in Cemetery (in W.16.b.) - W.6.a.40 - BLACK HORSE ROAD. The Battalion must not enter BOUZINCOURT before 10 a.m. and must be clear of the same village by 10.30 a.m. After BOUZINCOURT the Battalion will march by companies at 10 minutes interval. 8. REPORTS O.C. Companies will report to Battalion Headquarters immediately their companies arrive at their destination. 9. STRETCHER BEARERS All Stretcher Bearers will march with their respective companies, each party carrying its own stretchers. (sgd) J.H.Bridcutt [John Henry BRIDCUTT, DSO], Captain Adjutant 7th (S) BN. Bedfordshire Regiment.

C.O.'S REPORT - ACTION AT THIEPVAL AND SCHWABEN REDOUBT on 1st July 1916. Dated September 25th, 1916

Battalion moved from Varennes by route march to act as Brigade Reserve and was posted as follows: - A & B Companies - Battalion Hd. Quarters in North Bluff, C & D Companies in Thiepval Wood. About 8 p.m. I left Battalion Headquarters to receive instructions from G.O.C. 54th Brigade. Before doing so, orders were issued for all Companies to stand by in a state of instant readiness. The route to Thiepval had been reconnoitred as well as was possible during the day. The situation was very fully discussed and it was not until midnight of 26th-27th that orders were issued to companies to make their way to Thiepval and there await orders - as the situation demanded. CD 1.25 am I left Brigade Hd.Quarters about 12.30 a.m. 27th. the companies had already started the crossing was quite a tiglish [sic] operation as the Boche had ringed Thiepval round with a very heavy Barrage of H.E. and shrapnel. The night was particularly dark, but all companies reached their objective with comparatively small casualties - A Company only suffered in this respect, B Company on the other hand had no casualty of any kind. I arrived at the Chateau sometime before the arrival of the Companies and so had time to confer with Col. Maxwell and get an idea of the general situation. It was as shown on attached map [not attached] The plan of the attack that was adopted on Col. Maxwell's knowledge of the ground was as follows. Two companies to take over defensive line then held by men of all three Regiments of the 54th Brigade. This had to be done at night. The Companies to be drawn up in two lines, dividing the front 83-08 roughly between them. Thus as soon as day broke. 5.30 a.m. was given as a provisional zero hour. The whole area enclosed by 83, 34, 08, 19, 40 was to be stormed with one rush and cleared at the point of the bayonet. The extremely difficult operation of getting the line into position was carried out under the guidance of Captain Johnson & Lt. Lubman, Royal Fusiliers. Too great credit cannot possibly be given to these Officers, as the night was extremely dark and the ground beyond all powers of description. The time was also strictly limited as my first company did not arrive at the Chateau until the attack being arranged for dawn. At 5.45 "C" Company was in position all ready to move. As it was getting light it started on the attack, without waiting for "D" Company on the left. "D" Company owing to greater difficulty did not get off the mark until 6.50 a.m. I attach a report of what happened sent us by Capt. Keep who was in command of the operations. It is very full and explicit. See attached report marked A. [not attached]. While this attack was being carried out the position of "A" & "B" Companies was as follows - "A" Company occupied they line 60-72 and had orders to occupy the trench 83 to 34 as soon as it was cleared by "C" Company and hold it at all costs in event of a counter attack by enemy. This was done and this Company remained on this line until further operations on 29th. "B" Company were in dug-outs in and around 72. After giving the fullest credit to the skill shown by Captain Johnson and Lt. Lubman of the Royal Fusiliers in getting the Bedfords into position I think that the carrying out of this extremely delicate operation to a successful issue deserves the highest praise. When it is taken into consideration that the Companies received their orders to move from Thiepval Wood and North Bluff at about midnight 26/27, that the route to the Chateau baffles all description, that they had to go through an extremely heavy barrage, without being rattled, that they then had to get into position immediately on arrival and attack an unknown and uneven terrain which they knew to be held by a determined enemy with machine guns - is rare proof that the discipline, determination and morale of the men was of a very high order. In my opinion the ensuing operations, successful though they were, in no way compares with those of the 26/27th. Sept 27th The positions of Companies on this date was as follows: - "A" 83 to 33 with blocking posts on Martins Lane, this latter handed over sector to Essex Regt. B Dug-outs in and around Pt.72. C Holding trenches: - 33-47-36-34-23 with bombing posts and stops 50 yards North of 47 & 36. D. Holding German first line trench from 13 to 08. Preliminary orders were received that the Battn was to be in readiness to assault and taken in conjunction with the 53 Brigade on our right the final objective - Probable Zero Hour 5 o'clock. A conference of Officers was held, formation discussed and final orders issued. The 5th Battn. West Yorkshire Regt. came up during the afternoon and were in reserve, north of the Chateau. After the whole Battalion had got into position the orders for the attack were cancelled and companies got into their formed positions "B" Company relieving "C" Company as the former had been detailed as an assaulting Company. The 5th West Yorkshire Regt. hurried to its former position. Sept. 28th The attack postponed from previous day was carried out at 1 p.m. In order to conform with the barrage, bombing stops and the forward line previously held, were brought back on the line 34, 33, 43, 83. A & B Companies were the assaulting companies and formed up on the line 34 to 83, their 4th line being between points 13-60. "D" Company detailed as clearing up company formed up with the two assaulting companies. "C" Company in support were formed up on the roads 67-19, two machine guns were detailed with supporting Company. "A" Company 5 West Yorks was used as a Battalion Reserve with remaining 3 Coys in support of main attack. The forming up by mid-day was an exceedingly difficult operation as the trenches in question were in full view of the enemy and the light was very good. It was however successfully carried out. The Artillery barrage which opened at 1 pm was very effective, very little fire was met with until lifts occurred. The waves followed the Barrage very closely and went in beautiful formation until points 29 & 49 were reached. "A" Company on the right made for the Cemetery and from thence to swing on to Market Trench but unfortunately, the right platoon got knocked right out by machine gun fire from Schwaben Redoubt before reaching Market Trench. The whole line from here on appears to have commenced to lay to the left - partly forced there by pressure of the Queens on their right. the supports hereabouts joined the assaulting Companies, who were suffering severely from machine gun fire from R.19.c. *From this point the Boches could be seen streaming away in full flight towards St.Pierre Divion along trenches 19-63-54 and towards 69. *About 2.30 Captain Keep [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO] arranged with an Officer of the Queens to relieve him of trench 22-45 and his bomb stop in trench 45-19. About 3 pm 22-45 was taken over by C.S.M. Brand [16176 Richard Morris BRAND, DCM] who had with him men of "A" Coy and West Yorks the latter on the right. Sergt. Patterson West Yorks held strong point 45 with a platoon of his men and the above mentioned bombing stop. After arranging with the Queens officer, Captain K [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO] hurried back to point 86 and found that the party at 19 had fallen back towards 86 making a bombing stop half way up that trench. There was great confusion reigning at this time and the troops available had to be retold off. Men of the West Yorkshire Regt. under 2/Lt.Brawn [Arthur W. BRAWN] were told off to hold the Line 19-86 with a bombing stop and line 19-63 while 2/Lt.Cartwright [Henry Joseph CARTWRIGHT] with 2 Lewis guns and a Stokes mortar gun was put in charge of a strong point 50 yards West of 86 on trench 86.4 This point was immediately counter-attacked, but as quickly driven off. About 4pm the shortage of Mills bombs and ammunition was acutely felt. Boche bombs from dugouts were of immense value. The situation at this point was somewhat precarious. It appeared as if the Queens had failed to reach point 65 and to clear the dug-outs in second line trench from that point to point 45. From 45 to 19 the situation was uncertain except that we held points 45 and 19 but the intervening trench had not been exploited. No bombs were available to do this work. At 7.15 the clearing up of this trench 15-19 was taken in hand by a Platoon of D Company under Lt. D. Keep [Douglas Scrivener KEEP, MC] but was held up by strong resistance on the enemy's part and a lack of bombs, and it was not until 9.30 when bombs and reinforcements were sent up that Lt. Keep managed to win through and join hands with a party of the West Yorks who had been holding Pt.19 and had established bombing stops in and around Pt.39. It was at 11.30 pm that the situation in the square 22, 45, 19, 86, 95, 13 was definitely held with bombing points round 39 and West of 86. All night there were constant bombing fights north of Pt.45 the Boches coming out of their dug-outs in the 2nd Line. About midnight 28/29th the trench 45/19 was reinforced by men of "D" Company & West Yorks, as it appeared to be too lightly held. In order to ensure that the men who were very weary were kept on the alert the square above mentioned was continually patrolled by 2 Officers in relief's starting from 11.30 to 1 a.m. Capt. Colley [William Joseph Wellesley COLLEY, MC & Bar] & Lt. Keep [Douglas Scrivener KEEP, MC] 1 to 3 Lt. Brawn [Arthur W. BRAWN], C.S.M. Hall 3 to 5 Lt. Cartwright [Henry Joseph CARTWRIGHT] and C.S.M. Brand [16176 Richard Morris BRAND, DCM]. Point 39 was held all night but was lost about the time the relief took place - the Boche making a strong counter attack with bombs under cover of a smoke cloud. At 6 a.m. the West Kents relieved the Bedfords and the West Yorks, Lt. Keep [Douglas Scrivener KEEP, MC] taking "B" Coy R.W.K. up trench 86-19 with their right on 19 and Capt. Keep [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO] taking "C" Company R.W.K. along trench 13-22-45-19. On arrival at point 19 it was found 30 had been evacuated but a bombing point had been established along trench 19-39. Point 39 was held by bombers of the West Yorks under their Battn. Bombing Officer. Lt. Keep [Douglas Scrivener KEEP, MC] & 2/Lt.Brawn [Arthur W. BRAWN] personally saw the relief & posting of sentries in both trenches 19-86, 45 to 19 with Officers from the R.W.K. Capt. Keep [Leslie Howard KEEP, DSO] did not leave the position until 9 a.m. The attack on extreme left advanced very quickly as the bomb stops at 36 & 47 were left until just a few minutes before Zero. They had flanking bombing parties posted forward which proved to be invaluable. The Lewis Guns advanced on left flanks through points 36, 29, 22. Very few casualties or serious opposition until reaching points 29, 49, 72. At 29 the Boche had a machine gun emplacement covered by strong bombing party of some 40 men. the flanking bombing party was held up and had to wait until the dugout clearing party came to their assistance. It was here the first three waves suffered losses - 2nd Lt. Adlam [comment; later won a VC - see here for a biography and battle story] organised a strong party, told the men to cheer and they charged the strong point with him as leader, in one big rush, overbore all resistance and completely wiped out the enemy. The Lewis Guns did great execution at this point. two more strong points between 29 & 91 were taken at point of bayonet after a bomb preparation. The situation hereafter became very difficult as it was impossible to recognise any trenches owing to the intensity of the Artillery preparation which had obliterated everything. The final objective was almost impossible to locate accurately. This may account for parties of men over reaching by far the final objective - some patrols pushing as far as 47 and 35. The final objective was held early on in the day and the whole of the Boche front line by parties of Lancashire Fusiliers, Bedfords & West Yorks. until the two latter were withdrawn at dawn, 29th. The whole of this operation was carried out with great dash, personal cases of daring bravery were very numerous. The taking of strong points with a determined rush came off every time both on 27th & 28th. The fact that there were two points numbered 45 led to great confusion and accounted for the lagging of the line away from what was after all the true objective viz. the Schwaben Redoubt. The fact that the right of the right attack was blotted out by machine gun fire may have led to the Queens filling in the gap and causing them to lose their real line. This loss of direction is to be regretted, but on the other hand the 54th Brigade certainly made its objective and held it until handed over to the R.W.K. As there seems to be some doubt on this point I attach statement from my Officers, who held points 19-45 and 86 [not attached]. I have described how it was won. I was fully prepared to hold line won by us till day light or even later. Considering the great difficulties and the continuous barrage communication though slow was good. The work done by all the runners of the Battalion was beyond all praise. They were run off their legs from Zero until day light next morning and yet were ready to go on. As inevitable the question of later was one of extreme difficulty, by far the larger majority of the men fought on without fluid of any sort from Zero. The courage, resolution & endurance displayed by all ranks was quite wonderful. they were out to kill and the Battlefield is a witness that they carried out to the full their intentions. Even when the Battalion had been relieved by the R.W.K. and volunteers were called for in the event of a counter attack being successful on the ground they had so dearly won the preceding day, every man declared his willingness to return at once if needed. I might mention the extreme need for more stretchers. The Regimental stretcher bearers were absolutely inadequate to cope with the numberless cases of all Regiments, some means might be devised to alleviate the sufferings of the wounded and perhaps save many valuable lives. As it was the stretcher bearers of every Battalion worked right through the night and into the morning still leaving many men untended, who might have been brought in were more bearers available. During this attack Capt. Bridcutt [John Henry BRIDCUTT, DSO] who was observing the operations through a very excellent Boche periscope noticed that the Boches had run down the front and intermediate trench between 91 & 29 had lined their parados and shot into the left flank of the advancing troops. All available men consisting of servants, runners, signallers etc. were lined up in front of the Battalion Head Qrs and commenced rapid fire into the flank of the Boche doing great execution and causing them to retire hastily.

18th Division Copies of Congratulatory messages received by the Division on the successful operations resulting in the Capture of Thiepval on September 26th, 1916 and of Schwaben Redoubt on September 28th, 1916

(1) Telegram from Lieutenant General C.W. Jacob C.B., Commanding 2nd Army Corps To 18th Division G1881 26th Corps Commander wishes to thank you and all ranks of your Division for their admirable work today. Thiepval has withstood all attacks upon it for exactly 2 years and it is a great honour to your Division to have captured the whole of this strongly fortified village at their first attempt. Hearty congratulations to you all From 2nd Corps 9.10 p.m. To. 18th Division G1998 28th The Corps Commander again thanks and congratulates all ranks of 18th Division on further gallant and successful work today. He especially commends the good organisation, training and Staff work displayed and the methodical and determined manner in which all orders and plans have been carried out and all prearranged objectives reached and consolidated. From 2nd Corps 11/12 pm

(2) Telegram from General Sir H. de la P. Gough K.C.B. Commanding Reserve Army To Maj. Gen. Maxse 28.9.16 18th Division Congratulate you very heartily on success of today's attack as well as of previous operations. Reflects greatest credit on you and your troops. From: General Gough

(3) Telegram from General Sir Herbert C.O. Plumer G.C.M.G., K.C.B., Commanding Second Army To. 18th Division G930 28th Many congratulations to you and your Division from Commander & Staff Second Army 5.45 pm From Second Army

(4) Personal congratulations of general Sir Douglas Haig G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E., Commander-in-Chief British Armies in France. To 53rd, 54th and 55th Infantry Brigades G.221 Sept 27th The Commander-in-Chief personally called today on General Maxse to congratulate the Division on its success at Thiepval. From 18th Division 4.30 p.m. E.V.Riddell, Lt.Colonel A.A. & Q.M.G., 18th Division 29th September 1916

OFFICERS KILLED IN ACTION; 2nd Lieut. Ian Henry Munro ROSS-TAYLOR 27.9.16 2nd Lieut. Thomas Percy WILSON 28.9.16 2nd Lieut. Herbert George MERCHANT 28.9.16 2nd Lieut. Cedric S. HOWARD 28.9.16 2nd Lieut. Robert Donald HUNSTON 28.9.16

OFFICERS WOUNDED IN ACTION; Captain Thomas Reginald Jack MULLIGAN 27.9.16 2nd Lieut. Samuel Lawrence CANNON 27.9.16 2nd Lieut. Henry POTTS 27.9.16 2nd Lieut. Camille FLOUTIER 27.9.16 Captain Arthur Ernest PERCIVAL 28.9.16 2nd Lieut. Ernest George PERNET 28.9.16 2nd Lieut. Henry Cheney MALONE 28.9.16 2nd Lieut. Tom Edwin ADLAM 28.9.16 2nd Lieut. Robert Edwin MOYSE 28.9.16 2nd Lieut. Harold Agnew REANEY 28.9.16

OTHER RANKS KILLED IN ACTION; 4/6940 L/Cpl. Gladding, F[rederick] A Coy. 27.9.16 15856 Pte. Andrews, F[rederick] A Coy. 27.9.16 4671 Pte. Bennett, W[illiam] A Coy. 27.9.16 14910 Pte. Blackmore, W[illiam] A Coy. 27.9.16 17012 Pte. Bowers, R[ichard] A Coy. 27.9.16 15345 Pte. Brown, J[ohn] W[alter] A Coy. 27.9.16 22040 Pte. Cowland, E[dward] A Coy. 27.9.16 43366 Pte. Evans, W[illiam] A Coy. 27.9.16 7665 Pte. Higgs, J[ohn] F[rederick] A Coy. 27.9.16 17450 Pte. Hunt, A[lbert] V[ictor] A Coy. 27.9.16 19816 Pte. Deighton, R[euben] A Coy. 27.9.16 43292 Pte. Fudge, W[alter] G[eorge] B Coy. 27.9.16 14225 Pte. Gurney, J[ames] B Coy. 27.9.16 25979 Pte. Bayford, L[eonard] J[ohn] C Coy. 27.9.16 15040 Pte. Cracknell, F[rederick] C Coy. 27.9.16 18230 Pte. Elliott, W[illiam] C Coy. 27.9.16 23198 Pte. Edwards, F[rank] H[enry] C Coy. 27.9.16 13367 Pte. Jordan, J[ohn] C Coy. 27.9.16 43369 Pte. Knowles, J[ohn Norman] C Coy. 27.9.16 16416 Pte. Lane, P[ercy] C Coy. 27.9.16 43351 Pte. Lee, A[lbert Victor] C Coy. 27.9.16 12256 Cpl. Arnott, F H[erbert] C Coy. 27.9.16 15319 L/Cpl. Brown, J[ohn] W[alter] C Coy. 27.9.16 22810 L/Cpl. Canham, C[harles] W[illiam] C Coy. 27.9.16 27815 L/Cpl. Shelford, F[red] C Coy. 27.9.16 43346 L/Cpl. Warner, H[arry] C Coy. 27.9.16 16985 L/Cpl. Winfield, G[eorge] C Coy. 27.9.16 16777 Pte. Mitchell, R[ichard] C[harles] C Coy. 27.9.16 43326 Pte. Oldfield, F[rederick] H[inton] C Coy. 27.9.16 23790 Pte. Seward, W[illiam] H[erbert] C Coy. 27.9.16 15433 Pte. Sylvester, H[arry] C Coy. 27.9.16 15400 C.S.M. Fountain, A[rthur] D Coy. 27.9.16 14683 Sergt. Hill, L[eonard] J[ames] D Coy. 27.9.16 16133 L/Cpl. Atkins, A[rthur] E[dward] D Coy. 27.9.16 15229 Pte. Billington, W[illiam Charles] D Coy. 27.9.16 14660 Pte. Dorrell, [Frederick] T[homas] D Coy. 27.9.16 43324 Pte. Nice, P[ercy] D Coy. 27.9.16 15692 Pte. Taylor, V[ictor] C[harles] D Coy. 27.9.16 23363 Pte. Terry, F[rederick Abraham] D Coy. 27.9.16 27859 Pte. Tompkins, J[oseph] W[illiam] D Coy. 27.9.16 19171 Pte. Waterton, S[idney] D Coy. 27.9.16 27884 Pte. Williams, J[ohn] H[enry] D Coy. 27.9.16 27830 Pte. Wright, P[ercy] H[arry] D Coy. 27.9.16 3/8751 Sergt. Marshall, W[alter] A Coy. 28.9.16 22020 Cpl. Andrews, W[illiam] A Coy. 28.9.16 15465 Cpl. Turner, H[erbert] W[alter] A Coy. 28.9.16 14792 Pte. Holloway, J[oseph] J[ohn] A Coy. 28.9.16 3/7497 Cpl. Hodge, W[alter] F[red] B Coy. 28.9.16 16419 Cpl. Quartermass, R[obert Alfred] B Coy. 28.9.16 8289 L/Cpl. Miles, W[alter] B Coy. 28.9.16 27836 Pte. Payne, T[homas] B Coy. 28.9.16 16208 Sergt. Shepherd, R[eginald] W[alter] C Coy. 28.9.16 14808 L/Cpl. Field, M[artin] E[dgar] C Coy. 28.9.16 14872 Pte. Parsons, E[rnest] A[rthur] C Coy. 28.9.16 18202 Pte. Robinson, F[rank] C[harles] C Coy. 28.9.16 43320 Pte. Miller, C[harles] H[enry] D Coy. 28.9.16 15292 Pte. Kingham, A[rthur] D Coy. 28.9.16 43339 Pte. Humphrey, W[illiam] D Coy. 28.9.16 13742 Pte. James, H[erbert] W[illiam] D Coy. 28.9.16

OTHER RANKS WOUNDED IN ACTION; 17431 Pte. O'Neil, A. A Coy. 26.9.16 15760 Pte. Turvey, A[rthur] A Coy. 26.9.16 14318 Sergt. Puddephat, P. C Coy. 26.9.16 13232 Pte. Allen, L. C Coy. 26.9.16 16261 Pte. Allen, W.S. D Coy. 26.9.16 19357 L/Sgt. Butler, A[rthur] [died of wounds 24.10.16] A Coy 27.9.16 43273 Pte. Atkinson, J.H. A Coy. 27.9.16 23417 Pte. Breed, F. A Coy. 27.9.16 14796 Pte. Burge, O[liver] S[amuel] [died of wounds 27.9.16] A Coy. 27.9.16 25626 Pte. Carter, W[alter] [died 27.9.16] A Coy. 27.9.16 16550 Pte. Cripps, C. A Coy. 27.9.16 43367 Pte. Freeman, G. A Coy. 27.9.16 7722 Pte. Furr, E[rnest] W[illiam] [died 27.9.16] A Coy. 27.9.16 20817 Pte. Hill, Edward [died of wounds 28.9.16] A Coy. 27.9.16 17409 Pte. Hobby, A. A Coy. 27.9.16 15030 Pte. Payne, W.G. A Coy. 27.9.16 15357 Pte. Pearce, C[harles] H[enry] [died 27.9.16] A Coy. 27.9.16 15329 Pte. Tripp, A. B Coy. 27.9.16 6436 Pte. Gibbard, A. B Coy. 27.9.16 43347 Pte. Pavitt, E. B Coy. 27.9.16 25555 Pte. Baxter, C.E. C Coy. 27.9.16 10638 Pte. Bean, W. C Coy 27.9.16 12660 Pte. Bradley, A. C Coy. 27.9.16 43283 Pte. Cooper, C. C Coy. 27.9.16 16083 Pte. Cornell, V.H. C Coy. 27.9.16 22910 Pte. Clark, W.P. C Coy. 27.9.16 19925 Pte. Farey, R. C Coy. 27.9.16 19930 Pte. Gould, F.A. C Coy. 27.9.16 22830 Pte. Mellor, J. C Coy. 27.9.16 17462 Sergt. Rubnett, F.H. C Coy. 27.9.16 18192 L/Sgt. Ettey, T. C Coy 27.9.16 43557 Pte. Alderman, G. C Coy. 27.9.16 15232 Pte. Norris, W. C Coy. 27.9.16 13822 Pte. Raynor, A.J. C Coy. 27.9.16 15680 Pte. Rands, T. C Coy. 27.9.16 15399 Sergt. Gamage, H. D Coy. 27.9.16 16029 L.Cpl. Horley, A.L. D Coy. 27.9.16 15644 Pte. Horsted, T. D Coy. 27.9.16 14934 Pte. Jones, H. D Coy. 27.9.16 20095 Pte. Jeffs, J. D Coy. 27.9.16 15118 Pte. Mardle, A[lbert] [died 28.9.16] D Coy. 27.9.16 43332 Pte. Pearson, A. D Coy. 27.9.16 22192 Pte. Putman, H[orace] [died 27.9.16] D Coy. 27.9.16 19175 Pte. Smythe, J. D Coy. 27.9.16 43340 Pte. Shanks, H. D Coy. 27.9.16 27866 Pte. White, W.C. D Coy. 27.9.16 27772 Pte. Woodcock, F. D Coy. 27.9.16 15126 Pte. Yearley, R.W. D Coy. 27.9.16 12801 Sergt. Blakeman, F.G. A Coy. 28.9.16 14499 Sergt. Wilson, A[ugustus] E[dwin] A Coy. 28.9.16 43261 Sergt. Hart, A[lfred] [died 27.9.16] A Coy 28.9.16 16810 Cpl. Clare, G.T. A Coy. 28.9.16 20452 Cpl. Dorrington, J.W. A Coy. 28.9.16 16388 L/Cpl. Allen, J[ohn] R[obert] [died of wounds 31.10.16] A Coy. 28.9.16 14836 L/Cpl. Banes, F.J. A Coy. 28.9.16 18559 L/Cpl. Batty, J.E. A Coy. 28.9.16 43864 L/Cpl. Haverson, A.E. A Coy. 28.9.16 19757 L/Cpl. Spacey, T. A Coy. 28.9.16 15244 Pte. Allen, A.W. A Coy. 28.9.16 43271 Pte. Arborn, W. A Coy. 28.9.16 15963 Pte. Bailey, F.J. A Coy. 28.9.16 20084 Pte. Berry, H[erbert] E[ric] [died of wounds 17/11/16] A Coy. 28.9.16 14894 Pte. Blower, C.R. A Coy. 28.9.16 15683 Pte. Bradbury, W.E. A Coy. 28.9.16 26710 Pte. Bradford, R. A Coy. 28.9.16 14562 Pte. Briers, F.J. A Coy. 28.9.16 23280 Pte. Clifton, C[harles] [died of wounds 5.10.16] A Coy. 28.9.16 25627 Pte. Cowlin, A. A Coy. 28.9.16 15232 Pte. Daniels, W.W. A Coy. 28.9.16 43285 Pte. Davis, A. A Coy. 28.9.16 7677 Pte. Eversden, G[eorge] [died 28.9.16] A Coy. 28.9.16 14934 Pte. Holloway, G.A. A Coy. 28.9.16 12405 Pte. Hunt, C. A Coy. 28.9.16 13281 Pte. Kempster, E. A Coy. 28.9.16 18567 Pte. Masson, R. A Coy. 28.9.16 19659 Pte. Taylor, G. A Coy. 28.9.16 18044 Pte. Thornton, T. A Coy. 28.9.16 19829 Pte. Tutton, A.P. A Coy. 28.9.16 15497 Pte. Watson, A. A Coy. 28.9.16 20980 Pte. Watson, E.C. A Coy. 28.9.16 19676 Pte. Waugh, H. A Coy. 28.9.16 13487 Pte. Whitlock, C. A Coy. 28.9.16 12761 Pte. York, W.G. A Coy. 28.9.16 17276 Pte. Petifor, G.R. B Coy. 28.9.16 27904 Pte. Rowland, R. B Coy. 28.9.16 43363 Pte. Tebbutt, W[alter] B Coy. 28.9.16 17273 Pte. Wagstaff, H. B Coy. 28.9.16 15044 Sergt. Bayford, F[rank] W[illiam] B Coy. 28.9.16 16031 Cpl. Rowlings, W.A. B Coy. 28.9.16 12672 Cpl. Tippett, A[lfred] [died of wounds 30.9.16] B Coy. 28.9.16 15198 Cpl. Chandler, A[lfred] B Coy. 28.9.16 14620 L/Cpl. Bradshaw, E. B Coy. 28.9.16 16215 L/Cpl. Sewell, H.J. B Coy. 28.9.16 10034 Pte. Hammond, J. B Coy. 28.9.16 20874 Pte. Pimm, A, B Coy. 28.9.16 12695 Pte. Brookes, T. B Coy. 28.9.16 43880 Pte. Cairns, T.F. B Coy. 28.9.16 17573 Pte. CHANDLER, C. [Charles] B Coy. 28.9.16 16002 Pte. Meeks, J. B Coy. 28.9.16 14673 Pte. Moverley, A. B Coy. 28.9.16 15956 Pte. Murray, E.J. B Coy. 28.9.16 15138 Pte. Seabrook, A[rthur] B Coy. 28.9.16 16194 Pte. Wilson, A. B Coy. 28.9.16 43364 Pte. Chapman, T.J. B Coy. 28.9.16 43362 Pte. Pickford, G. B Coy. 28.9.16 43300 Pte. Honour, B[ruce] [died of wounds 4.10.16] B Coy. 28.9.16 4/7334 Pte. Butler, J. C Coy. 28.9.16 43443 Pte. Docwra, W. C Coy. 28.9.16 17292 Pte. Greenhill, D[ennis] C Coy. 28.9.16 19131 Pte. Lawrence, G. C Coy. 28.9.16 17206 Sergt. Ingrey, C.R. C Coy. 28.9.16 13969 Sergt. Marchant, H.W. C Coy. 28.9.16 15340 Cpl. Piercy, T[homas] V[ictor] C Coy. 28.9.16 14880 L/Cpl. Payne, A.C. C Coy. 28.9.16 18275 Pte. Andrews, J.E. C Coy. 28.9.16 14222 Pte. Arnold, S. C Coy. 28.9.16 18171 Pte. Aylott, J[ohn] C Coy. 28.9.16 26539 Pte. Peacock, G.R. C Coy. 28.9.16 14874 Pte. Tinsley, E. C Coy. 28.9.16 17016 Pte. Tribe, W. C Coy. 28.9.16 18230 Pte. Wilsher, W. C Coy. 28.9.16 19210 Sergt. Slough, J.W. D Coy. 28.9.16 43340 Sergt. Wyatt, A. D Coy. 28.9.16 43370 Pte. Adams, T[homas Isaac] [died 28.9.16] D Coy. 28.9.16 23409 Pte. Clayton, W. D Coy. 28.9.16 16261 Pte. Halsey, G. D Coy. 28.9.16 43315 Pte. Knock, H. D Coy. 28.9.16 43316 Pte. Lord, H. D Coy. 28.9.16 22666 Pte. Line, B.C. D Coy. 28.9.16 23531 Pte. Land, F[rederick] [died of wounds 9.10.16] D Coy. 28.9.16 43329 Pte. Prew, F. D Coy. 28.9.16 19141 Pte. Simpkins, A.H. D Coy. 28.9.16 26326 Pte. Wright, S.W. D Coy. 28.9.16 43267 L/Cpl. Lewis, H. B Coy. 30.9.16 8365 Pte. Head, S. B Coy. 30.9.16 16173 Pte. Land, A.L. B Coy. 30.9.16 27819 Pte. Showler, G. D Coy. 30.9.16 3/8441 Pte. Cooper, G[eorge] A[lbert] [died 28.9.16] D Coy. 28.9.16 13970 Pte. Hughes, A. D Coy. 30.9.16

OTHER RANKS MISSING; 17410 Pte. Cornish, J.A. A Coy. 27.9.16 18669 L/Cpl. Mardel, C[harles] J[ames] [killed] A Coy. 28.9.16 19003 Pte. Baxter, G.W. A Coy. 28.9.16 13301 Pte. Elwood, W[alter] [killed] A Coy. 28.9.16 14405 Pte. Mimms, J[ames] [killed] A Coy. 28.9.16 10358 Pte. Slatter, G. B Coy. 27.9.16 15312 L/Cpl. Smith, T.W. B Coy 28.9.16 43284 Pte. Chapman, W. B Coy. 28.9.16 26230 Pte. Webb, J[ohn] G[eorge] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 43358 Pte. Battison, A. B Coy. 28.9.16 43286 Pte. Doel, S[ydney Herbert] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 43365 Pte. Dickens, J[ohn] W[illiam] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 25665 Pte. French, W.G. B Coy. 28.9.16 43291 Pte. Fisher, H[arry] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 16922 Pte. Giddings, J[ohn] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 43297 Pte. Goodwin, A[ustin] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 14306 Pte. Hill, W. B Coy. 28.9.16 23262 Pte. Knight, W. B Coy. 28.9.16 27840 Pte. Morgan, W[illiam] B Coy. 28.9.16 43333 Pte. Rollins, J[ohn Henry] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 4/7178 Pte. Pearce, W[illiam James] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 7002 Pte. Hedger, J[ohn] [killed] B Coy. 28.9.16 12010 Pte, Sims, C.A. B Coy. 28.9.16 12693 Pte. Walker, A. B Coy. 28.9.16 19875 Pte. Pepper, F[rank] [killed] B Coy. 29.9.16 15754 L/Cpl. Cochrane, J[ohn] [killed] C Coy. 28.9.16.

MISSING BELIEVED KILLED; 15743 L/Cpl. Heley, T[homas] J[ohn] [died of wounds 29.6.16] D Coy. 27.9.16 27955 L/Cpl. Whittaker, [Charles] J[esse] [killed] D Coy. 27.9.16

7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment List of Recommendations sent to 54th Brigade, October 2nd 1916:

OFFICERS Recommended For: 2/Lieut. Tom Edwin Adlam VC, Capt. Leslie Howard Keep DSO, Capt. William Joseph Wellesley Colley DSO, 2/Lieut. Harold Agnew Reaney DSO, Lieut. Douglas Scrivener Howard Keep MC, Capt. John Henry Bridcutt MC Capt. John Wright Turner MC.

OTHER RANKS [Recommended For]; 16176 Coy.Sergt.Maj. Richard Maurice Brand DCM, 6466 Coy.Sergt.Maj.Charles Hall DCM, 5080 L/Corp. Arthur William Harris DCM, 16540 Pte. George Goldhawk DCM, 21343 Sergt. Alfred Wyatt DCM, 14626 L/Sergt. Albert Turville DCM, 15318 Pte. Alfred Pratt DCM, 3/8402 Battn.Sergt.Maj. Frederick Antcliffe DCM, 15153 Pte. John James Winterbourne MM, 17442 Pte. Albert Goodliff MM, 12615 Corpl. Peter Relhorn MM, 14354 Pte. Arthur Frederick Baker MM, 43318 Pte. William Lewis MM, 18267 Pte. Henry Brett MM, 14681 Pte. Albert Gilbert Bailey MM, 12735 L/Sergt. George Frederick Cowling MM, 17317 Pte. Charles James Perkins MM, 15436 Pte. William Wall MM, 14878 Pte. Arthur James Palmer MM, 14644 Pte. Harry[?] Horgan MM, 16002 Pte. Jesse Meeks MM, 43293 L/Cpl. Thomas Fitzgerald MM, 9140 Pte. Henry Erskine MM, 14805 L/Cpl. Herbert John Gammons MM, 15558 L/Cpl. John Joseph Cousins MM, 15684 Pte. William Sidney Mason MM, 8089 Sergt. Robert Hanson MM, 2/7597 Pte. William Inns MM, 43263 Pte. Robert Willacy MM, 15044 Pte. Frank Bayford MM.

October 1916

OPERATION ORDERS by LIEUTENANT COLONEL G.P.MILLS COMMANDING 7th (S) BN. BEDFORDSHIRE REGT. Map reference LE SARS 57D S.E.2 & 57c S.W.1 (parts of) 1/10,000. 30/10/16

1. INTENTION The Battalion in conjunction with units on its right and left is to capture the village of PETIT MIRAUMONT and the bridge over the ANCRE. 2. INSTRUCTIONS The Battalion will be formed up for the attack as follows: N "C" Coy. on the right in REGINA TRENCH "D" Coy. on the left in REGINA TRENCH "B" Coy. on the right in HESSIAN & VANCOUVER "A" Coy. on the left in HESSIAN & VANCOUVER "C & D" Companies will have their first two waves in shell holes in front of REGINA TRENCH before Zero hour. 3. ROLE OF THE BATTALION The Battalion will form the right attack and fight its way through to PETIT MIRAUMONT. It will seize the bridges at R 56.25, R 5a 46 and the railway bridge at R 5a 55. Strong points with Vickers and Lewis Guns will be made covering these bridges. A party will be sent forward to destroy the telephone exchange at R 5d 28. The Battalion will also form a defensive flank from the left of the 11th Canadian Brigade to the bridge at R.5a 55, these points are marked on special map. On obtaining its final objective the Battalion will by means of Active patrolling be responsible for cutting off the retreat of any Germans retiring from South West Corner of MIRAUMONT towards IRLES. 4. 12TH BATTALION MIDDLESEX REGIMENT The 12th Battalion Middlesex Regiment will furnish one company for dugout clearing, with the 7th Bedfords. 2 sections will follow each of the first four ways [sic] on either flank. The 4 Sections with the first wave will be responsible for clearing Courcelette trench on the right and west MIRAUMONT ROAD on the left up to trench in 17 central and also any dugouts in 17 central trench. The 4 sections with the second wave will be responsible for clearing Courcelette trench from 17 central trench to GRANDCOURT trench, gun pits about R 12c 2.0. and ravine in E.MIRAUMONT ROAD in R 12 up to junction with GRANDCOURT trench also W MIRAUMONT ROAD and short trench starting at R 11d 20.15. The 8 sections with the 3rd and 4th waves will support the elading sections up to GRANDCOURT trench and then clear any dugouts in it, clearing up new trench on R 17B on the way. The Company is to reform in GRANDCOURT trench, consolidate and hang on to it. 5. LEWIS GUNS During the advance Lewis Guns must take every opportunity of covering the advance on defended positions. They are to be used boldly. A Lewis Gun must be detailed for each strong point before the attack. 6. 54TH MACHINE GUN COMPANY One Section will be attached to the 7th Bedfords. One gun to railway bridge at R 5a.5.5. and one gun to strong point at R 5d 0.8. 7. TRENCH MORTAR BATTERY One Mortar will be attached to the Battalion to proceed down COURCELETTE TRENCH and assist if necessary at any point where attack is held up, eventually proceeding to railway embankment at R 5a 55. prepared to cover attack on bridge. 8. STRONG POINTS In addition to the strong points referred to in para.3 the Battalion will establish strongpoints along the E.MIRAUMONT ROAD at R.5d.6.3. R.5.d.08. R.5.a.8.0. R.5.d.6.7. and R.5.a.6.4. All strong points to be wired with concertina wire. 9. ARTILLERY BARRAGE a. Commencing from Zero hour there will be fixed barrages on the following lines. 1. The new trench from R.18.a.0.1. to R.16.c.0.6. 2. GRANDCOURT TRENCH. 3. MIRAUMONT TRENCH. 4. railway Embankment. The Field Artillery shrapnel barrage will be supplemented by 60 pounder shrapnel on the lines 2, 3 & 4 above. there will also be a rolling barrage which, up to the first objective will move at the rate of 50 yards a minute, and from the first objective onwards at 25 yards a minute. The fixed barrage will be joined by the rolling barrages and the two will then lift simultaneously. b. The rolling barrage will open on the line approximately 200 yards north of REGINA TRENCH and remain steady till plus 4. It will then roll forward at the rate of 50 yards in one minute on to the first objective - GRANDCOURT TRENCH. It will lift from GRANDCOURT TRENCH to form a defensive barrage approximately 200 yards to the North, and to let the Infantry into that trench at plus 28. At plus one hour 28 minutes the advance to the second objective will commence. the defensive barrage will intensify its fire at plus one hour 28 minutes on its defensive lines and remain steady till plus one hour 32 minutes to enable the Infantry to leave GRANDCOURT TRENCH and to get up under the barrage preparatory to following it. At plus one hour 52 minutes the barrage will lift from MIRAUMONT TRENCH and roll on towards the second objective. From the moment the Infantry enter MIRAUMONT TRENCH and continuing during their advance to the second objective, a defensive barrage will be established on the right flank of the 54th Infantry Brigade. This barrage will be approximately on a line through L.35.d. - R.6.a. in the neighbourhood of which it will be joined by the Canadian defensive barrage. This right flank defensive barrage will remain on and join the defensive box barrage which will be finally placed round MIRAUMONT after the capture of the third objective. At plus 2 hours 8 minutes, the barrage will commence to lift off the second objective by rolling up from the West end (the embankment at R.4.d.05.05) to R.5.a.4.6, which it is timed to reach at plus 2 hours 24 minutes, when it will lift off the whole of the remainder of the objectives to form a defensive barrage along the whole front of the Division approximately 200 yards north of the railway embankment. At plus 3 hours 24 minutes, the defensive barrage will intensify its fire on its defensive lines and remain steady till 3 plus28 minutes to enable the Infantry to leave the second objective and to get up under the barrage preparatory to following it. The barrage will then roll on and finally establish a box barrage round the village of MIRAUMONT. In order that the time for the first advance from the first and second objectives after the hours halt may be quite clear to the Infantry, there will be a complete cessation of 18 pounder fire for the five minutes immediately previous to the moment at which the further advance is to take place. The reopening of the heavy shrapnel barrage at the end of this five minutes will be the signal for the advance. FROM THE ABOVE IT WILL BE SEEN THAT IT BEHOVES THE INFANTRY TO FOCUS THEIR ATTENTION ON THAT PORTION OF THE BARRAGE IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF THEM AND CONFORM TO ITS MOVEMENTS. A STEADY AND ORDERLY ADVANCE MUST BE MAINTAINED THE OPENING OF THE BARRAGE AT ZERO AND ITS INTENSIVE REOPENING AFTER EACH HOUR HALT ON THE FIRST AND SECOND OBJECTIVES WILL BE THE SIGNAL TO ADVANCE. IT MUST BE IMPRESSED ON ALL COMMANDERS DOWN TO THOSE OF SECTIONS THAT THE ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEXT ADVANCE MUST BE COMPLETED WELL BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF THE HOURS HALT AND THAT TROOPS MUST GET AS CLOSE TO THE BARRAGE AS POSSIBLE BEFORE IT COMMENCES TO MOVE FORWARD. IF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MOVEMENT [?] FOR THE FORWARD MOVEMENT IS MISSED IT WILL BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE UNDERTAKING. c. In addition to the shrapnel barrage the Divisional howitzers and Corps heavy Artillery will, from zero onwards, keep under fire all points and localities forward of the rolling barrage, in which the presence of the enemy is suspected. 10. TOOLS 50% of the 3rd and 4th platoons of each company will carry large tools, one pick to three shovels. 11. GRENADES & BOMBS ETC. Every man will carry 150 rds S.A.A. (Specialist 50 rds) and two grenades, these grenades to be kept as a Company reserve and are not intended to be thrown by the men carrying them. Grenade Sections will carry ten grenades per man and in addition each man will carry one and the section Commander ten No.23 Rifle grenades. 12. COMMUNICATIONS All communication possible will be maintained by the Signal Section in accordance with instructions issued direct to O.C. Signals by Brigade signalling Officer. Communication between Companies and battalion headquarters will be kept up by runners. The Bde. runners will wear a red armband. 13. ROLE OF COMPANIES "C" Company will be on the right, its objective being the GRANDCOURT TRENCH, its right flank to keep in touch with the 11th Canadian Brigade, moving along the E.MIRAUMONT ROAD it will reform in the GRANDCOURT TRENCH and act as support to "B" Company in the attack on PETIT MIRAUMONT, halting in South MIRAUMONT TRENCH and consolidating there. A party to be detailed to destroy the telephone exchange at R.5d.2.8. The Signalling Officer will detail two Signallers to accompany this party it will also form strong points at R.5d.63. and R.5d.67 "D" Company will be on the left of "C" Company its right in touch with the left of "C" Company and its left in touch with the 11th Royal Fusiliers. The W.Miraumont Road (inclusive) being the left flank, its objective being the GRANDCOURT TRENCH. It will reform in GRANDCOURT TRENCH and act as a support to "A" Company in the attack on PETIT MIRAUMONT it will take up a position in support of "A" Company about R.5d.68. "B" Company will follow "C" Company halting at a convenient distance from the GRANDCOURT TRENCH until Barrage time when it will pass through "C" Company, over GRANDCOURT TRENCH and continue the attack on PETIT MIRAUMONT. It will tell off dug out clearing parties to clear any dugouts encountered. After taking SOUTH MIRAUMONT TRENCH it will take up a defensive flank from R.5d.63. exclusive to R.5a.8.P. forming strong points at R.5a.8.0 R.5b.25.10 and at R.5d.0.9. These points must be held at all costs. In the attack the right flank will move by the E.MIRAUMONT ROAD and keep touch with the 11th Canadian Bde. "A" Company will follow up "D" Company in Support halting at a convenient distance from the GRANDCOURT TRENCH until barrage time, when it will pass through "D" Company over GRANDCOURT TRENCH and continue the attack on PETIT MIRAUMONT. It will tell off Dug Out clearing parties to clear any Dugouts encountered and will press resolutely on through PETIT MIRAUMONT and take up defensive line from R.5a.8.0. (exclusive) along the PETIT MIRAUMONT ROAD to the River Ancre and endeavour to secure the RIVER BRIDGE at R.5a.4.6. forming strong points at R.5a.46 R.5.a.55 and R.5.a.6.4. It will keep in touch with "B" Company on its right and the 11th Royal Fusiliers on its left. the W.MIRAUMONT ROAD (inclusive) being its left flank. 14. FORMATION All Companies will move in four waves at the usual distances. 15. In order to keep our attacking troops clear of hostile artillery fire directed from the map and at the same time to adapt new defences to the lie of the ground, troops will, when consolidating positions gained, avoid, so far as possible, old trenches. 16. FLARES Every man, of all four Companies will carry one aeroplane flare. the leading line of Infantry will light Red flares at the following times: - Zero plus one hour. Zero plus three hours. Zero plus five hours. and at any other time on demand being made by contact aeroplanes sounding Klaxon horns or dropping white VERY lights. (sgd) G.P.Mills, Lt.Col. Commanding.