The Bedfordshire Regiment in The Great War

The 7th Battalion in France, 1916
 
 

February 1916

 

54th Brigade Operation Order No.13. Reference Map FRANCE Sheet 62.D 1/40,000 29 February 1916

1. 18th Division has been transferred to 13th Corps 53rd Brigade will take over present billets of 54th Brigade

2. 54th Brigade will move to CORBIE

3. a. 12th Middx now at CORBIE 3. b. 11th R.Fus. and 54th M/Gun Company will move to CORBIE tomorrow at 2 p.m. marching via BONNAY. 3. c. 1 Section 80th Field Coy. R.E., 7th Bedfords and 84th T.M.Battery will move to CORBIE tomorrow at 2 p.m. marching via LA NEUVILLE. 3. d. Orders for move of 6th Northants will be issued tomorrow

4. Billeting parties will report to Town Major at 10 a.m. tomorrow at CORBIE

5. Units will leave representatives to hand over billets to incoming units of 53rd Brigade.

6. Time of arrival of units at Corbie will be notified to Brigade Headquarters.

7. Additional transport will report to units as under: - 8 lorries Hd.Qrs. 11th R.Fus. 12 noon 8 lorries Hd.Qrs. 7th Bedfords 12 noon Brigade Headquarters at LA HOUSSOYE will close at 2 p.m. tomorrow and will reopen at CORBIE at the same hour.

 

 

March 1916

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.1 by Major G.P. Mills, Commanding 7th (s) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 4th March 1916.

1. INTENTION. The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. will relieve the Regiment in A.2. Sector Trenches on 6th March, 1916 The distribution of the Battalion on taking over will be as follows: - Right Sub.Sec. A Coy. Centre Sub.Sec. B Coy. Left Sub.Sec. D Coy. C Coy. in Bn. Reserve at CARNOY. The line will be held by 3 platoons of each company in the fire trench, and 1 platoon of each company in support.

2. RATIONS. Supporting platoon of each company will be responsible for the drawing and carrying up of rations for their respective companies, from CARNOY. All cooking is done at CARNOY. Hot meals can only be taken up at night time. Water is brought to CARNOY in watercarts and each company must send down 12 men every night after dark with 12 empty petrol tins to bring up 12 tins of water. It is essential that as many empty tins as possible be taken down as full tins will only be issued in exchange for empty ones.

3. BILLETS. Billeting accommodation is bad, so kits should be reduced to a minimum.

4. RELIEFS. The Battalion will probably be relieved by the 6th Battn. Northants Regts. every 5 or 6 days. rest billets are at BRONFAY Farm.

5. VICKERS M.G. Coy. 1 Section of the Vickers M.G. 

Coy. will be lent to the Battalion by the 54th Brigade Machine Gun Coy.

6. EXTENT OF LINE. The Battalion frontage consists of trenches 45 to 54 inclusive. Right Sub.Sec. 45-48 inclusive. Centre Sub.Sec. 49-50 inclusive, Left Sub.Sec. 51-54 inclusive.

7. FROSTBITE. The usual precautions are to be taken for the prevention of Frostbite and Trench Feet. As there is a shortage of Gum Boots rigid supervision is essential as regards the changing to socks, etc.

8. ROUTE OF RELIEF. The Battn. will relieve via CARNOY AVENUE, LA GUERRE WOOD, and BERWICK AVENUE. O.C.Companies, O.C.Snipers, M.G.Officer and Battn.Bombing Officer will proceed to the trenches by 9a.m. on morning   of 6th inst., to take over their respective sectors, &c. Trench stores Lists to be forwarded to Battn. Headquarters by 12 noon Monday, or earlier if possible. (signed) P.R.Meautys, Capt. & Adjutant 7th Bn, Bedf. R. Issued at 12 noon 4.3.16 by Trench Runner Copy No.1 File 2 54th Brigade 3 War Diary 4 War Diary 5 O.C. "A" Coy. 6 O.C. "B" Coy. 7 O.C. "C" Coy. 8 O.C. "D" Coy. 9 Transport Officer & Qr.Mr. 10 Battn.Bombing Officer 11 Battn.Sniping Officer 12 6th Northants 13 Machine Gun Officer 14 Regtl.Sergt.Major 15 Spare

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.2. by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 4th March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. will move from CORBIE to BRAY (L.9.C) on 5th march, 1916 via the CORBIE-BRAY Road. Billeting party, consisting of Billeting Officer, Interpreter, 4 Coy. M.Sgts. and 3 Regimental police will report to the Town Major BRAY at 2 p.m. on 5th Inst.

2. PARADE. The Battalion will parade in full marching order outside Battalion Headquarters, facing east, at 3.30p.m. tomorrow. Hd.Qr. Company, B Coy., C Coy., Drums, D Coy., A Coy., M.G.Detachment, Transport. An advance party - 1 platoon of A Company will parade at Battn. Headquarters at 1.30 p.m. tomorrow. On arrival of the Battalion at BRAY the Battalion will come under the command of G.O.C. 21st.Bde. and will remain under his command until the G.O.C. 54th Brigade assumes command of "A" Sector. All Trench Stores will be taken over from 21st Brigade. Qr.Mr.Stores and Transport will be in BRAY. Brigade Headquarters will move to BRAY on 7th March, 1916. Company Commanders are eminded that billets are to be left scrupulously clean. Kits to be kept as low as possible.

(signed) P.R.Meautys Captain & Adjutant. 7th Bn.Bedf.Regt.

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.3 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt.10th March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire. Regt. will be relieved by 6th Bn.Northants Regt. in Sector A.2. on Saturday, 11th inst. The relief will take place after dark.

2. Information. The leading company of the 6th Northants will leave BRONFAY at 6.30 pm Guides will be provided by companies as laid down in 3rd.Army Trench Standing Orders, and will be at Bronfay Farm by6.15 p.m. Northants Companies will leave BRONFAY FARM at ½ hours intervals.

3. Order of Relief. Companies of Bedfords will be relieved in the following order: - Centre Coy., R.Coy., Left Coy., Reserve Company & Hd.Qr.Coy.

4. Trench Stores. As much as possible, private and public, should be handed over, to avoid overloading the transport. Steel helmets, being battn. property will be taken out of the trenches by the men. Duplicate Trench Store Lists will be forwarded to Orderly Room by 3 p.m. 11th.

5. Billeting party. The Billeting Officer, Provost Sergeant, and 1 representative per platoonwill rendezvous at Bn.H.Qrs. at 11 a.m. tomorrow in order to proceed to BRAY to take over billets. These representatives must meet their respective platoons at the level Crossing L.15 b.5.9. when they come out of trenches, and must guide them straight to their billets.

6. Taking over party. Company Commanders, the Battn.Bombing Officer, battn.Sniping Officer and the Regimental Sergeant Major of 6th Northants will arrive in A.2. on morning of 11th inst. to take over trench stores.

7. Guards. The following guards will be supplied by "B" Company and will be taken over at 1 p.m. tomorrow. (1) 1 N.C.O. & 3 men, Guard level Crossing (This guard mounts at 5.30 p.m.) (2) 1 N.C.O. & 5 men Cappy Road Guard Town Guard (3) 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Rue CAPPY well & pump (4) 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Crucific corner of BRAY-CORBIE and RAY-ETINEHEM RD. (5) 1 N.C.O. & 5 men Brigade Headquarters All the above guards, except No.1 mount at 9 a.m. daily. No.1 mounts at 5.30 p.m. daily

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.4 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 14th March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn.Bedf.Regt. will relieve the 6th Battalion Northants. Regt. in Sector A.2.Trenches, tomorrow, 15th instant. The relief will take place after dark. Time of departure from BRAY will be notified later.

2. Trench Stores. Company Commanders, the Bn. Bombing and Bn. Sniping Officer and the Regimental Sergeant major will proceed to the trenches on the morning of the 15th inst. To take over Trench Stores. Duplicate copies of Trench Store Lists will be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as possible handing over stores is completed.

3. Transport. The Bedford Transport will bring back the kit and stores of the Northants from A.2. Kit and stores should be kept down to a minimum.

4. Distribution of Companies. D Company will take over the Left Sector A Company will take over the Right Sector, B Company will take over the Centre Sector. C Company will be the Company in Reserve. 5. Personnel to be left in BRAY. The following men will be left in BRAY, under the supervision of the Quartermaster.

5 Drummers, and 1 N.C.O. in charge. 1/2 the pioneer Section. Shoemakers & Tailors. The Armourer Sergeant will proceed to the trenches with the Headquarter Company.

6. Steel Helmets. Until the Battalion is fully equipped with Steel Helmets the Company which is in reserve will hand over their steel helmets to the Centre Sector Company.

7. Spare Kit. All spare kit not being taken to the trenches will be handed over to the Quartermaster before 4 p.m. and must be stacked in the places selected for the respective companies.

8. Kit for Trenches. All stores and kits which are for the Trenches must be ready for loading on the limbers by 5 p.m. at latest. The Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading up of Headquarters Stores & Kit. He will also march Headquarter Company to the trenches

(signed) P.R.MEAUTYS Capt. & Adjutant. 7th Bn.Bedf.Regt. Note. The usual precautions regarding the intervals between platoons and the strength of parties proceeding to the trenches must be observed.

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.5 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 18th March 1916 SECRET

1. Intention. The 7th Battn,Bedfordshire Regt. Will be relieved by the 6th Bn.Northants Regt. In Sector A.2 Trenches tomorrow, 19th instant. The relief will take place after dark. The time of relief will be notified later.

2. Information.The leading Coy. Of the Nortants will leave BRAY at - p.m. Northants Coys. Will leave BRONFAY FARM at intervals of 1/4 hour.

3. Order of Relief. Companies of the Bedfords will be relieved in the following order: - Left Sub Sector, Centre Sub. Sector, Right Sub.Sector, Reserve Coy. & Bn.H.Q.Coy.

4. Trench Stores. In addition to the usual trench stores, the following Battalion property will be handed over, under the separate heading of "BATTALION TRENCH STORES" Trench Stretchers 8 1 1/2" Very Guns 4 (All Bedfords) Periscopes All Signalling lamps, visual 4 (All Bedfords) Stands for same 4 (all Bedfords) Telescopes 2 (all Bedfords) Stands for same 2 (all Bedfords) Discs 12 (all Bedfords) 12 way Commutator 1 (Northants) Magazines 324 (216 N'Hants & 108 Bedfords) Tripods - 4 (2 Bedfords, 2 N'Hants) Panniers 16 (All Northants) Boilers, complete 8 per company = total 32 Camp Kettles - 2 per company = total 8 Camp Kettles - 10 Bn.H.Qrs Fryers 4 per company = total 16 Special attention must be paid to the handing over of Battn. Property on this occasion in order to avoid any possibility of confusion or doubt arising later on. Steel Helmets will not be handed over, but taken out of the trenches by the men. The DUPLICATE Trench Store List (1 copy only is required) will be forwarded to Orderly Room by 3 p.m. 19th inst. TAKING OVER PARTY. Company Commanders, Bn.Bombing Officer, Battn.Sniping Officer and the Regimental Sergeant Major 6th N'Hants will arrive in A.2. on the morning of the 19th to take over Trench Stores.

5. Transport. Transport of the 6th Northants will take to BRONFAY FARM the kits etc. of the 7th Bedfords. The Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading of the kits, etc. and will march H.Q.Coy. to BRONFAY FARM.

6. Distribution of Companies. Battn.H.Qrs. and "C" Company will take over BRONFAY FARM; A, B & D Companies will take over BILLON WOOD. 1 Officer per Coy., Coy.Q.M.Sgts., and 1 N.C.O. per platoon, with 1 Pioneer from Bn.H.Q. will parade after dinner tomorrow to take over their respective company dugouts.

7. Details. Police & Stretcher Bearers at present with their companies will remain with their companies. Company Quartermaster Sergeants and Storemen at present in BRAY will rejoin their companies tomorrow night. The Drummers at present in trenches will proceed under an N.C.O. to BRONFAY FARM by 10am tomorrow, 19th inst., to unload Bn. transport on arrival of limbers, and take charge of baggage until Battalion Headquarters arrives. They will report to Bn.H.Qrs. at 9.30am for orders

(signed) E.W.Benson, Lieut. A/Adjutant, 7th Bn.Bedford Regt.

 

SUPPLEMEMTARY OPERATION ORDERS No.5A. by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 19th March 1916 SECRET

1. Information. The leading company of 6th Northants will not leave BRAY Level Crossing until 7.30 p.m. tonight.

2. Order of Relief. Centre: Left: Right: Reserve Coy. & Bn.H.Q.

3. Machine Guns & Signallers will relieve independently

4. Taking over party. Will not arrive in trenches before 3.00 p.m.

5. Completion of Reliefs will be reported as usual to Orderly Room.

6. Route. Companies in the front line will relieve via BERWICK AVENUE and then by road. Parties must be not more than 25 men and at intervals of not less than 300 yards.

(signed) E.W.BENSON, Lieut. A/Adjutant, 7th Bn.Bedf.R.

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.6  by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 22nd March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th  Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. Will relieve the 6th Bn. Northants Regt in Sector A.2. Trenches tomorrow 23rd inst. On completion of relief, 6th Northants will take over BRONFAY FARM and BILLON WOOD.

2. Order of Relief. Centre: Left: Right: Reserve Co & Bn.H.Qrs. Distribution of Coys. - A Coy Right, D Coy. Left, C Coy. Reserve, B Coy. Centre sector.

3. Route to be Taken. Centre Coy. Via SHEFFIELD AVENUE. Right Coy. Via SHEFFIELD AVENUE. Left Coy. Via CARNOY AVENUE. Reserve Co. & Bn.H.Qrs. via CARNOY AVENUE. Relief will commence from BILLON WOOD at 6.30 p.m. in above order, at intervals of 1/4 hour.

4. Machine Gunners & Signallers will relieve independently.

5. Trench Stores. The Bn. Bombing and Bn. Sniping Officers, the Regtl. Sergeant Major and the Company Sergeant Majors will proceed to the trenches at 2 p.m. tomorrow for the purpose of taking over Trench Stores. The duplicate list, signed by both parties, will be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as possible after handing over is completed.

6. Transport.The Bedford Transport will bring back the kit and stores of the 6th Northants from A.2. Sector.

7. Kit, etc. All Kit Blankets and Stores (Brooms & brushes especially) to be returned to BRAY must be dumped by Companies in BRONFAY FARM yard by 9.30 a.m.

tomorrow at latest. All kit for transport to trenches will be stacked ready for loading on transport at 5.00 p.m. in BRONFAY FARM and BILLON WOOD. Kit in BILLON WOOD is to be stacked at road end of wood.

8. Interval. Companies will proceed to the trenches in parties of not more than a platoon at a time, and at intervals of 300 yards.

9. Guards."C" Company will take over the following guards in A.2. Sector at 5.30 p.m. 23rd. inst. 1 N.C.O.& 4 men CARNOY KEEP Guard 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Guard over MANCHESTER Reserve water. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men BRICK AVENUE Guard.

10. Taking over. All items in trench store list under headings "GRENADES" and "WEST GUNS" will be taken over by the Btn. Bombing Officer. Those under heading "LEWIS GUN" by the Bn.M.G. Officer, those under heading of "COOKING UTENSILS" by the Master Cook, those under the heading of "SIGNAL EQUIPMENT" by the Signal Sergeant.

11. Details. Shoemakers and Tailors will return to BRAY tomorrow, at 10 a.m. Bicycles will be returned to Q.M. in BRAY by 3 p.m. SPECIAL ORDERS BILLON WOOD AND BRONFAY FARM HANDING OVER. Handing over will be carried out in the same manner as is done in the trenches. Triplicate copies Wilden be made, one copy being sent to Hd.Qrs., one handed to incoming unit, and 1 copy retained. All three lists will be signed by both parties. Sergeant TEW will hand over at both places. MAPS. Maps of BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM Defences will be handed over on signature to incoming battalion. GUARDS. The three existing Guards will be taken over by the 6th Northants at 5.30 p.m.

(signed) E.W.BENSON, Lieut. A/Adjutant, 7th Bn.Bedf.R.

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.7 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 26th March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. Will be relieved by the 6th Northamptonshire Regiment in Sector A.2. trenches tomorrow, 27th inst. On completion of relief the 7th Bedfords will occupy the billets vacated by the 12th Middx. Regt. In BRAY.

2. Order of relief. Companies will be relieved in the following order: - Centre Company. Right Company. Left Company. Reserve Company. The first company of the 6th Northants will leave BRONFAY FARM at 6.00 p.m.

3. Machine Gunners & Signallers will relieve independently.

4. Trench Stores. The Bn. Bombing and Bn. Sniping Officers, the Regimental Sergeant Major and the 4 Coy.C.S.M.'s of the 6th Nortants will arrive in the trenches to take over Trench Stores, at 2 p.m. Three Trench Store Lists are issued herewith. One will be retained by the Officer or N.C.O. who hands over, one will be handed to the Officer or N.C.O. of the 6th Northants who takes over, and the third will be submitted to the Adjutant, not later than 5 p.m. tomorrow.

5. Transport. The Northants Transport will take back to BRAY the kit and stores of the 7th Bedfords from A.2. Sector. Kit etc. will be dumped at CARNOY end of BRICK ALLEY by 9 p.m. The Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading of kit, etc. and will march the Hd.Qr.Company to BRAY.

6. Billeting party. The Billeting Officer, Pioneer Sergt. And 1 representative per platoon will rendezvous at Bn.H.Qrs. at 11 a.m. tomorrow in order to proceed to BRAY to take over Billets. These representatives must meet their respective platoons at the level crossing L.15 B.5.0 when they come out of trenches, and must guide them straight to their billets.

7. Steel Helmets. Steel Helmets will be taken out of the trenches by the men.

8. Mining Fatigues. The 6.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m. Mining Fatigues tomorrow night will be found by the 6th Northants.

9. Guards. The following Guards will be found by "B" Company and will be taken over at 1 p.m. tomorrow. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Guard at level crossing (this Guard mounts at 5.30 p.m.) 1 N.C.O. & 5 men Cappy Road Guard. Town Guard. 2 N.C.O.'s and 6 men Rue Cappy well & pump, & Bde.Hd.Qrs. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Crucifix corner of BRAY-CORBIE and BRAY-ETINEHEM Road. 2 N.C.O.'s and 6 men Divisional Reserve Rations at FROISY LOCK

(signed) E.W.BENSON, Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf.R.

April 1916

 

SUPPLEMENTARY OPERATION ORDERS No.8 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 2nd April 1916

1. The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. will relieve 6th Bn.Northants Regt. in A.2. Sector Trenches today, 2nd inst. The relieving and outcoming Battalions will use CARNOY Avenue or the open ground on either side of this trench. Companies will march at 5 minutes interval; the leading company of 7th Bedfords will not pass level crossingL.15 B.5.9. before 7.15 p.m. On completion of relief 6th Northants Regt. will move to BRAY. 2. Transport will pass Level crossing L.15 B.5.9. at the following times: - A.2.....................8.00 p.m. A.1.....................8.20 p.m. BRONFAY.........8.40 p.m. R.E. Transport...9.00 p.m. and return in reverse order. (signed) E.W.BENSON, Lieut. A/Adjutant. 7th Bn.Bedf. Regt. A.2.

 

OPERATION ORDERS [comment; No.9] by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 7th April 1916 SECRET

1. Intention The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. will be relieved by the 6th Bn.Northants Regt. in Sector A.2. tomorrow,8th inst., when the Bedfords will take over the billets vacated bythe 12th Middx. Regt. in BRONFAY FARM and BILLON WOOD.

2. Order of Relief Companies will relieve in the following order: - Centre - Right - Left - Reserve Coy, & Bn.Hd.Qrs. Coy. The first company of the 6th Northants will pass the level crossing L.15 b.5.9. at 6.30 p.m. Centre Coy. will go out by MONTAUBAN AVENUE, BOIS CAFTET, and back road to BRONFAY FARM. Right Coy. will go out via QUEEN STREET, BERWICK AVENUE, and SHEFFIELD AVENUE to BILLON WOOD. Left Coy. will go out by LOTHIAN STREET, MONTAUBAN AVENUE, BOIS CAFTET, PERONNE AVENUE, and SHEFFIELD AVENUE to BILLON WOOD. Reserve Coy. will go out via PERONNE AVENUE and SHEFFIELD AVENUE to BILLON WOOD. Hd.Qrs. Coy. will go out by transport Road.

3. Machine Gunners & Signallers will be relieved independently.

4. Trench Stores The Battalion Bombing Officer, Bn. Sniping Officer, the Regimental Sergeant Major and the 4 Company Sergeant Majors of 6th Northants will arrive in the trenches at 2 p.m. tomorrow to take over trench stores. Signed copy of trench store lists to be sent to Adjutant by 5.30 p.m.

5. Transport The 6th Northants Transport will take back to BRONFAY & BILLON WOOD the kit etc. of 7th Bedfords from A.2. Sector. All stores, kit, etc. will be dumped in the usual dumping ground by BRICK ALLEY. The Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading up of Hd.Qr. Stores, and will march Hd.Qr. Party to BRONFAY FARM.

6. Billeting Party 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler, 1 Cook per company (including Hd.Qr.Coy.), 1 M.G. Noncommissioned Officer will rendezvous at Bn.Hd.Qrs. A.2. Sector for instructions at 2 p.m. 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler will take over Trench Stores at BILLON WOOD & BRONFAY FARM.

7. Guards The reserve Company will arrange to take over the following Guards in BILLON WOOD at 5.30 p.m. tomorrow night. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men SHEFFIELD AVENUE 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Water Guard 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Ammunition Guard 1 N.C.O. & 6 men Battn.Hd.Qrs. Guard. 2 N.C.Os & 6 men 2 Posts in CARNOY AVENUE

(signed) E.W.BENSON, Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf.Regt.

     

SUPPLEMENTARY OPERATION ORDERS No.9 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 8th April 1916 SECRET

The 6th Northants Regt. Will relieve 7th Bedford Regt. In A.2 Sector today, 8th inst. The relieving and outcoming battalions will use CARNOY AVENUE or the open ground on either side of this trench. Companies will march at 5 minutes interval; the leading Company of 6th Northants Regt. Will not pass LEVEL CROSSING L.15.b.5.9. before 6.45 p.m. The last Company will be clear of this point by 7.15 p.m. 12th Middx. Regt. Will relieve 11th R.Fusiliers in A.1. Sector today, 8th inst. The relieving and outcoming Battalions will use SHEFFIELD AVENUE or the open ground on either side of this trench.

(signed) E.W.Benson, Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf.R.

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.10 by Lieut. Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt 14th April 1916 SECRET

1. Intention The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. will relieve 6th Bn.Northants Regt. in Sector A.2. today, 14th inst. On relief, the 6th Northants will take over billets vacated by 7th Bedfords in BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM.

2. Order of relief Companies will relieve in the following order, the first Coy. starting at 9 p.m., and following at intervals of 5 minutes. Centre: via SHEFFIELD AVENUE, BERWICK AVENUE Right: via SHEFFIELD AVENUE, BERWICK AVENUE, QUEEN STREET Left: via SHEFFIELD AVENUE, BERWICK AVENUE, LEEDS AVENUE and LOTHIAN STREET Reserve: via CARNOY AVENUE, PERONNE AVENUE & BOIS CAFTET Hd.Qrs.: via CARNOY AVENUE, PERONNE AVENUE & LA GUERRE WOOD

3. Machine Gunners & Signallers Machine Gunners (2 per gun) and Signallers (1 Sergt. and 2 Signallers per station) will relieve independently, starting at 10 a.m. Sergt.G.LeBrun will take over M.G. instead of Lt.G.Fleming Brown

4. Trench Stores The Battalion Bombing Officer, Bn.Sniping Officer, R.S.M. and 4 Coy.Sergt.Majors will proceed to the trenches at 9 a.m. today for the purpose of taking over Trench Stores. 6th Northants will provide the Trench Store Lists; signed copy of these lists will be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as possible after taking over is completed. The 6th Northants will send an Officer to take over Trench Stores in BILLON WOOD & BRONFAY FARM. He will arrive at BILLON WOOD about 12 noon.

5. Kits etc. for trenches All stores, kit, etc. for the trenches must be ready stacked in Coy. Dumps by 12 noon at latest, under a guard of 4 men per company. These men will personally supervise the loading of the transport and will accompany same to the trenches in the evening.

6. Kits for BRAY All blankets, kit, etc. not being taken to the trenches will be stacked in a separate dump, by companies, by 12 noon and left under guard of the Tailors and Bootmakers. The transport, after unloading the 6th Northants' baggage will load up this kit, and, accompanied by the Tailors and Bootmakers, will proceed to Qr.Mr. Stores, BRAY.

7. Water Tanks Water Tanks in BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM will be left as full as possible.

8. Meals The Cooks of both regiments will leave boiling water ready for making tea for the incoming Battalion. One cook and 2 men per coy. and Hd.Qr. Coy. will proceed to the trenches at 1 p.m. carrying coy. and Hd.Qr. tea rations, to take over the usual cooking utensils. The Master Cook will sign the Bn. trench Store list for this department.

9. Unloading party Companies and Hd.Qrs. will leave 4 representatives with each Coy. and Hd.Qr. dump, who will be responsible that all their baggage is loaded on the transport, unloaded at CARNOY, and guarded until delivered to their respective companies and Hd.Qrs. in the trenches.

10. Transport The Bedfords transport will bring back to BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM the kit and stores of the 6th Northants.

11. Guards "C" Company will take over the following guards in A.2. Sector at 1.30 p.m.today. 1 N.C.O. and 4 men CARNOY KEEP 1 N.C.O. and 3 men BRICK ALLEY 1 N.C.O. and 6 men PERONNE AVENUE Guards, with one sentry at night at BOIS CAFTET. Guards in BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM will be taken over by 6th Northants at 1.30 p.m. today.

12. Mining Fatigue "C" Company will find the 12.30 midday mining fatigue of 9 men today. These men will proceed to the trenches fully equipped and will dump their packs in their billets in BOIS CAFTET with 2 men to remain in charge of them until the Coy. arrives. the 6.30 p.m. (night of 14/15th inst.) fatigue will be found by 6th Northants.

13. Billeting Billets will be left scrupulously clean and tidy, and will be inspected by an Officer prior to departure.

(signed) E.W.BENSON, Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf. Regt.

 

OPERATION ORDERS No.11 by Lieut. Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 19th April 1916 SECRET

1. Intention The 6th Northants will relieve the 7th Bedfords in A.2. Sector tomorrow, 20th inst. On completion of relief the 7th Bedfords will take over the billets vacated by the 12th Middx. Regt. in BRAY.

2. Order of relief Centre : Left : Right : Reserve & Hd.Qrs. The leading company of the Northants will commence relief from BRONFAY FARM & BILLON WOOD at 4.30 p.m., the remaining companies following at intervals of 10 minutes. The 7th Bedfords will go out by CARNOY AVENUE only, and the leading company will not pass BRONFAY FARM before 7.15 p.m.

3. Machine Gunners & Signallers: will be relieved independently.

4. Trench Stores. The Bn.Bombing Officer, Bn.Sniping Officer, R.S.M. and the 4 Coy.S.Ms. of the Northants will arrive in trenches by 3 p.m. to take over Trench Stores. Signed lists must be handed to the Adjutant by 5.30 p.m. at latest.

5. Transport. the Northants' Transport will take back to BRAY the kit and stores of the 7th Bedfords from A.2. Sector. Kits etc. must be dumped at Coy. and Hd.Qrs. Dumps by 5 p.m.

6. Unloading and loading party Each company and Hd.Qr. Coy. will leave 2 representatives with each of their respective dumps, who will be responsible that all their baggage is loaded on the transport and unloaded at the various billets in BRAY. These men will accompany the transport to BRAY.

7. Billeting party. The Billeting Officer, Pioneer Sergt., and 1 Representative per platoon will rendezvous at Bn.Hd.Qrs. at 3 p.m. tomorrow to proceed to BRAY to take over billets. These representatives must meet their respective platoons at the level crossing L.15.b.5.9. when they come out of trenches and guide them straight to their billets.

8. Guards The following guards will be found by "B" Coy. tomorrow, 20th inst. 2 N.C.Os. and 6 men FROISSY Lock Guard 1 N.C.O. and 3 men Level Crossing Guard 1 N.C.O., 3 men & 1 Buglar Town Hall Guard 1 N.C.O. and 3 men Crucifix Guard 1 N.C.O., 9 men & 1 Buglar Rue Cappy Well & Pump, Bde.Hd.Qrs. and Road Guard. These N.C.Os and men must arrive in BRAY in time to take over the above guards at 1.30 p.m.

9. Meals The Cooks of each regiment will leave boiling water ready for making tea for the incoming Battalion. One cook per company and Hd.Qrs. Coy. will proceed after 5 p.m. to take over usual cooking utensils.

(signed) E.W.BENSON, Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf. Regt.

OPERATION ORDERS No.12 by Lieut. Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 25th April 1916 SECRET

1. Intention The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve the 6th Bn.Northants Regiment in Sector A2. trenches tomorrow, 26th inst., and will hold the line till 2nd May, 1916, inclusive.

2. Order of Relief Companies will relieve in the following order. Centre Coy....."B" Coy. Right Coy......."A" Coy. Left Coy........."D" Coy. Reserve Coy.."C" Coy.

3. Machine Gunners (2 men per gun) and Signallers (1 Sergt, and 2 Signallers per station) will relieve independently.

4. Trench Stores. The Battn. Bombing Officer, Bn. Sniping Officer, Regtl. Sergeant Major and 4 Coy.S.Ms. will proceed to the trenches at 8.30 a.m. tomorrow morning to take over Trench Stores. Signed copy of lists will be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as possible after handing over is completed. 6th Northants will provide the Trench Store Lists.

5. Kits, etc. All blankets, spare kit, etc. not being taken to the Trenches will be handed over to the Qr.Mr. before 6.30 a.m. and must be stacked in the places selected for the respective companies. All kits, stores, etc. for the trenches must be ready for loading on the limbers by 5 p.m. at latest. the Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading of Hd.Qrs. Stores and Kit. Each company will detail two men to remain behind to look after their company's dumps. They will load up the limbers in the evening and accompany same to the trenches; on arrival at the trenches they will unload the limbers. C Company will detail 6 men to look after Hd.Qrs. dump, load on the wagons, and accompany the Hd.Qr. limbers to the trenches. On arrival in trenches these 6 men will unload Hd.Qr. limbers.

6 Transport. The Bedford Transport will bring back to BRAY the kit and stores of the 6th Northants.

7 Cooks. The Master Cook, two cooks per company, and 1 cook from Bn.Hq.Qrs. will proceed to the trenches at 7 p.m. tonight, 25th inst. for the purpose of taking over cookhouses, and for preparing dinners and teas for the companies on arrival in the trenches. The Company & Hd.Qr. Cooks remaining behind for the night of 25/26th inst. will bring all cooking utensils that will be required in the trenches to the Qr.Mr. Stores by 7 a.m. 26th inst.

8. Breakfast will be served at 6.15 a.m. tomorrow, 26th inst.

9. Route. The Route which companies are to take will be notified later. 10. Time of departure. The first company will march away from their billets at 7 a.m. Other companies will follow at hour intervals, with ¼ hour intervals between each platoon 11. Specialists. Specialists will move off from BRAY at 6.30 a.m. tomorrow

(signed) J.H.Bridcutt, Captain Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt.

 

SECRET Copy No.4 54th Infantry Brigade Operation order No.15 30th April 1916 Reference Map AMIENS 1/100,000. Sheet 69d.N.E. (2nd Edition) 1/20,000 TRENCH MAPS 1/10,000

1. The 21st Infantry Brigade will relieve the 54th Infantry Brigade in "A" Sector on the nights 3/4th and 4/5th May.

2. reliefs and moves will take place in accordance with the attached March Table.

3. All details of reliefs will be arranged direct between O.'s C. concerned.

4. All trench stores, reserve ammunition, grenades and Box Respirators will be handed over to relieving units in accordance with instructions already issued. Receipts will be obtained for all stores handed over, a complete list being forwarded to this office the day after relief.

5. All plans, sketches and photographs will be handed over to relieving units. Trench Maps scale 1/10,000 will be retained by units.

6. Guides will be provided at BRONFAY FARM by battalions who are being relieved, on the following scale: - 1 for Battalion Hd.Qrs. 1 for each Company Hd.Qrs. 1 for each Platoon.

7. Completion of all reliefs and moves will be reported to 54th and 21st Brigade Hd.Qrs.

8. The G.O.C., 21st Infantry Brigade, will take over command of "A" Sector at 12 noon on May 4th. 54th Brigade Hd.Qrs. will close at BRAY at that hour and reopen at CORBIE at 2 p.m.

9. ACKNOWLEDGE.

l(sgd) E.G.Miles Captain, Bde. Major, 54th Inf. Bde.

 

SECRET Copy No.4

March Table issued with 54th Infantry Brigade Operation Order No.15 Date Unit - From - To - Route - Remarks May1st 6th Northants Regt. - Bray - La Houssoye - Morlancourt-Mericourt - March by Platoons at 5 min. intervals as far as Bois des TAILLES 18th Manchester Regt. - Corbie - Bray - Becomes 54th Brigade Reserve May 2nd 6th Northants Regt. - La Houssoye - Frechencourt & Querrieux - Takes over Railway Fatigue same morning 2nd Wilts Regt. - Corbie - Bray & Froissy - Main Road - Not to be E. of Bois des Tailles before 7 p.m. May 3rd 2nd Wilts Regt. - Bray & Froissy - A.1. Sub sector - Bray-Bronfay Road - Leading platoon not to pass Level Crossing L.15.b.5.9. before 7.30 p.m. 11th R.Fusiliers - A.1. Sub sector - Bois Celestine - Bray-Etinehem - to be arranged between O's C concerned  X.30.T.M.Battery - Sailly Laurette - Trenches - to be arranged between O's C concerned Y.18.T.M.Battery - Trenches - Sailly Laurette - By lorry from Bray - to be arranged between O's C concerned 19th Manchester Regt. - Corbie - Grovetown Camp - Main Road - By Platoons across country E. of Bois des Tailles 18th K.Liverpool Regt. - Bonnay & Bray - Corbie-Bray Road - Not to be E. of Bois des tailles before 7 p.m. May 4th 2nd Yorkshire Regt. - Corbie - Bray - Main Road - Not to be E. of Bois des Tailles before 7 p.m. 19th Manchester Regt - Grovetown Camp - Bronfay - Bray-Bronfay Road - Leading Platoon not to pass Level Crossing L.15.b.5.9. before 8.30 p.m. 12th Middlesex Regt. - Bronfay - Etinehem Camp - Bray-Bronfay Road 18th K.Liverpool Regt. - Bray - A.2. Subsector - Bray-Bronfay Road - Leading Platoon not to pass Level Crossing L.15.b.5.9. before 7.30 p.m. & last Platoon to be clear of same point by 8.10 p.m. 7th Bedford Regt. - A.2. Subsector - Bray & Froissy - Bray-Bronfay Road 21 M.Gun Coy. - Sailly Laurette - Trenches 54th M.G. Coy - Tranches - Sailly Laurette - to be arranged between O's C concerned. Transport entering BRAY over the Hill to be at proper intervals. 21/1 T.M.Battery - Sailly Laurette - Trenches - to be arranged between O's C concerned. Transport entering BRAY over the Hill to be at proper intervals 54/ & 54/2 T.M.Battys - Bray - Sailly Laurette - By motor Lorry - to be arranged between O's C concerned. Transport entering BRAY over the Hill to be at proper intervals 21st Brigade H.Q. - Corbie - Bray - Takes over A Sector 12 Noon 54th Brigade H.Q. - Bray - Corbie Y.18.T.M.Battery - Sailly Laurette - New Area - Corbie-Daours-Amiens - moves into area of 18th Div.Artillery May 5th 54th Brigade H.Q. - Corbie - Oissy 54th M.Gun Coy. - Sailly Laurette - Corbie 54/1 & 54/2 T.M.Batterys - Sailly Laurette - Corbie May 6th 12th Middlesex Regt. (less 1 Company) - Etinehem Camp - Bray 54th M.Gun Coy. - Corbie - Oissy - Daours-Amiens 54/1 & 54/2 T.M.Battys - Corbie - Oissy - Daours-Amiens
 

May 1916

BATTALION AFTER ORDERS by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 30th April, 1916 COMPLIMENTARY ORDER.

At the request of the General Officer Commanding 54th Infantry Brigade, the Commanding Officer has great pleasure in notifying to all ranks the Communique published in the "Times" of April 29th 1916 which referred to the recent raid. "Last night the Bedfordshire Regiment carried out a very successful raid near CARNOY. The raiding party rushed the trenches and after fierce hand to hand fighting drove the remaining Germans into their dugouts and bombed them there. Our casualties - eight wounded, all brought in. German loss considerable." The General officer Commanding 54th Infantry Brigade is of opinion that in publishing the name of the Regiment in the newspaper, which up to now has scarcely ever been done, a high honour has been conferred on the Battalion. The British Communique has also been published in all French papers.

(signed) J.H.Bridcutt, Captain Adjutant 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

l l

 

Operation Orders No.13

by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 2nd. May 1916.

1. Intention The Battalion will be relieved by the 18th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt. In A.2.Sector Trenches on the evening of the 4th May, 1916. On completion of relief 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. Will occupy billets as follows: - A & B Companies:- - - -FROISSY C & D Companies: - - - BRAY Battalion Headquarters and Transport will be at BRAY. 2. Order of Relief.: - Centre : Left : Right : Reserve & BN Hd.Qrs. The leading company of the relieving Battalion will commence the relief by passing (first platoon) the level crossing L.15.b.5.9. at 7.30 p.m.. the last platoon to be clear of this point by 8.10 p.m. After being relieved companies will proceed to their billets via BRAY - BRONFAY Road. 3. Lewis Gunners & Signallers. Will be relieved independently, but relief must not commence before 2 p.m. 4. Trench Stores. The following representatives of the relieving Battalion will arrive in the trenches to take over Trench Stores at 10 a.m. Officers Commanding Coys. With Coy.Sgt.Majors. Battalion Bombing Officer. Battalion Lewis Gun Officer. Battalion Sniping Officer. Regimental Sergeant Major. Three Trench Store Lists are issued herewith. All three lists will be signed by the Officer handing over and by the Officer taking over. One list will be submitted to the Adjutant by 2 p.m. on 4th inst. Or as soon as possible after handing over is completed. One list will be handed to the Officer taking over and the third will be retained by the officer handing over. 5. Transport. The 18th Kings Liverpool Transport will take back to BRAY and FROISSY the kits and stores of the 7th Bedfords from Bn.Hd.Qrs. A.2.Sector on the night of the 4th inst. All kits and stores will be stacked at the Dump, Bn.Hd.Qrs. A.2. by 6 p.m. on night of relief. 6. Loading & Unloading Parties. Each company will detail two representatives to take charge of their company baggage and kits when stacked. These representatives will be responsible that their company's kits etc. are loaded on the Transport of the 18th Kings Liverpools, and off loaded at each Company's billets. They will travel with the vehicles carrying their company's kits and see nothing is lost. 7. Meals. All meals, including tea on the day of relief, will be served in A.2. Company Qr.Mr.Sgts. and one cook per company will proceed to billets on the day of relief in time to prepare hot tea etc. for their companies on arrival in billets. 8. Billeting The Battalion Billeting Officer, (Captain L.H.Keep) the Pioneer Sergeant and one representative per platoon will rendezvous at Battalion Headquarters at 2.2. at 8.30 a.m. on the morning of 4th inst. To proceed to BRAY for the purpose of taking over billets. These representatives will meet their respective platoons on their return to billets at night after being relieved as follows: - A & B Coys at a point 600 yards South of LA NEUVILLE, viz. About half way between LA NEUVILLE & FROISSY. C & D Coys at the level crossing L.15.b.5.9. Each guide must know the exact Billets his platoon is to occupy. 9. Guides for relieving unit. 1 guide per platoon from the Centre, Left and Right Companies will report to the Adjutant at Battn.Hd.Qrs. by 8.30 p.m. and will be able to conduct each platoon to its place in the front line.

(signed) J.H.Bridcutt, Captain, Adjutant 7th (S) Battn. Bedfordshire Regt.

 

SECRET CORRIGENDA to 54th INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER 30 Apr 1916 NO.15 Copy No.4 54th Bde. BM. 885 2:5:1916

The following amendments will be made: - para.8, substitute: - The G.O.C. 21st Infantry Brigade, will take over command of "A" Sector at 12 noon on May 4th. 54th Infantry Brigade Headquarters will close at BRAY at 12 noon on May 4th and re-open at that hour at OISSY (11 miles W of AMIENS). MARCH TABLE. May 3rd delete Y.18.T.M.Battery from trenches to SAILLY LAURETTE. May 3rd 19th Manchester Regt. from CORBIE to BRAY and FROISSY. May 4th 19th Manchester Regt. from BRAY & FROISSY to BRONFAY. May 4th 54th Bde. H.Q. from BRAY to OISSY. May 4th delete Y.18.T.M.Battery from SAILLY LAURETTE to NEW AREA. May 5th delete 54th Bde. H.Q. from CORBIE to OISSY NOTE: - Y.18.T.M.Battery will remain in the trenches for work under C.R.A., 18th Division. ACKNOWLEDGE

(sgd) E.G.Miles, Captain, Brigade Major, 54th Inf. Bde.

 

SECRET Corrigenda No.2 to 54th Infantry Brigade Operation Order No.15 - 30th April 1916

The following amendment will be made to the March Table: - Date - Unit - From - To - Route - Remarks May 4th - 19th Manchester - Bray & Froissy - Bronfay - Billon Valley to Billon Wood & Bronfay Farm - To relieve 12th Middlesex Regt.by Platoons at 10 minute intervals commencing at 7 a.m. (separate instructions are being issued to the units concerned) 12th Middlesex - Bronfay - Grovetown Camp - Will be relieved by 19th Manchester Regt. in morning 3 Companies will report on road at junction of squares F.27 & L.3. at 8 a.m. for work on Dernancourt Railway. Remainder of Battalion moves to Grovetown camp on completion of relief.

 

SECRET 54th Bde. 7th Bedford Regt. B.M. 911 12th Middlesex 3:5:1916 18th K.Liverpool Regt. 19th Manchester Regt. 2nd Wiltshire Regt. ) For information 21st Inf. Bde. ) Reference 21st Brigade Operation Order No.124 dated 25.4.16 and 54th Brigade Operation order No.15 dated 30.4.16

(1) 19th Manchester Regt. on arrival in Bray on the evening of May 2nd will become Battalion in Brigade Reserve to 54th Infantry Brigade. (2) In case of attack the Battalion in Brigade reserve moves as follows: - Hd. Qrs. & 1 Coy.....to BRONFAY FARM 3 Companies...........to BILLON WOOD Defences (3) 19th Manchester Regt. (BRAY and FROISSY) will relieve 12th Middlesex Regt. in the BRONFAY-BILLON area on the morning of 3rd May. Route: - BRAY - LEVEL CROSSING L.16.a.11 - cross roads L.6.c.37 - thence across country to BILLON WOOD, via L.6.c.37 and valley South of BILLON WOOD. (The Coy. for BRONFAY FARM will proceed along the open ground 200 yards E. of the BRAY-BRONFAY ROAD). (4) COMPANIES WILL MARCH BY PLATOONS AT 10 MINUTES INTERVALS. (5) The leading platoon 19th Manchester Regt. will pass the LEVEL CROSSING at L.16.a.11 at 7 a.m. An Officer should reconnoitre the route in advance of the leading platoon. (6) 3 Companies 12th Middlesex Regt. will report at 8 a.m. on BRAY-CITADEL ROAD at junction of squares F.27.d and L.3.b (sheet 62.d) for work on the DERNANCOURT Railway. On completion of the day's work these 3 Coys. will move to billets in GROVETOWN CAMP. Hd.Qrs. and 1 Coy. 12th Middlesex will move by platoons at 10 minutes intervals to GROVETOWN CAMP as soon as the relief is completed.  (This Company will be employed on pitching tents, which are being transferred from ETINEHEM CAMP by 7th Queens Regt. to-morrow 4th instant. Route; - see para. (3). (7) 18th K. Liverpool Regt. (BRAY) will relieve 7th Bedford Regiment in A.2 Subsector on the night 4/5th May under arrangements to be direct between O's C. concerned. (8) The leading platoon of 18th K. Liverpool Regt. will not pass LEVEL CROSSING at L.15.b.5.9 before 7.30 p.m. Route: - BRAY-BRONFAY and CARNOY or SHEFFIELD AVENUE or open ground. (9) Lewis Gun detachments may be relieved by day. (10) On completion of relief 7th Bedford Regt. will move to BRAY & FROISSY. (11) Completion of all reliefs and moves will be reported to 21st & 54th Brigade Hd. Qrs. by wire. (12) Transport will pass LEVEL CROSSING at L.15.b.5.9 at the following times:- Transport for A.2 Subsector...........8.15 p.m. Transport for A.1 Subsector...........8.35 p.m. Transport for BRONFAY................8.55 p.m. R.E.Transport................................9.15 p.m. Royal Sussex Pioneer Transport....9.35 p.m. 91st Brigade Transport..................9.55 p.m. (sgd) E.G.Miles Captain, Brigade Major 54th Inf. Bde. A/2/BRAY

 

 

June 1916

3-6-16. OPERATION ORDERS No.14 By Major G.P.Mills Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 3rd. June, 1916

1. Intention B & D Companies are to proceed to CORBIE tomorrow and take over fatigues from 1 company of 6th Northants and 1 platoon of 12th Middx. Regiment.

2.Order of March