1916 War Diary

NOTES: All remarks in squared brackets are my own additions, amendments or comments and are not part of the original document

I have adjusted all names to show in bold and capital letters, to make them easier to pick out. This is not how they appear in the original document.

WAR DIARY FOR JANUARY 1916

1 Jan 1916 - Poperinge Hd.QRs. "A" & "D" Coys in billets B & C Coys Canal Bank wet day

2 Jan 1916 Raining 6th Div. Baths allotted

3 Jan 1916 - Vlamertinge Moved by train at 4.30pm to VLAMERTINGHE to relieve 1/Buffs in FORWARD COTTAGE line of trenches reief complete at 9.30pm trenches very muddy & wet

4 Jan 1916 - Forward Cottage trenches Raining & blowing very hard

5 Jan 1916 S.14 heavily shelled asked for intense retaliation which was satisfactory

6 Jan 1916 Usual shelling ground & trenches very muddy

7 Jan 1916 Raining

8 Jan 1916 - Poperinge and Camp B Relieved by 2nd York & Lancaster Regt. relief complete at 9.30pm raining train to POPERINGHE A&D Coys Camp B Wood A.30. H.Q. & 'B' & 'C' Coys in Billets POPERINGHE train arrived 1 am

9 Jan 1916 In Billets parades under Coy Commanders

10 Jan 1916 In billets

11 Jan 1916 In billets

12 Jan 1916 In billets

13 Jan 1916 - Camp C In billets. Moved to Camp C, Wood A30. in afternoon.

14 Jan 1916 - wood at A.30 Battalion in rest in wood A.30. Major H.C.Jackson, [Henry Cholmondeley JACKSON] Bedfordshire Regt. from G.S.O.II Fourth Corps assumed command.

15 Jan 1916 Battalion in rest.

16 Jan 1916 Battalion in rest.

17 Jan 1916 Battalion in rest.

18 Jan 1916 - Burgomaster Farm and Canal Bank Battalion moved at 4.30 pm from wood A.30 - Headquarters and two companies to BURGOMASTER FARM - remainder to Canal Bank. Transport remaining in POPERINGHE.

19 Jan 1916 Headquarters and A-D companies at BURGOMASTER FARM C&B companies on CANAL BANK. Whole Battalion employed from 5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. on work on front & x lines & carrying parties

20 Jan 1916 As on 19th. Four men wounded.

21 Jan 1916 As on 20th.

22 Jan 1916 As on 20th.

23 Jan 1916 - Wilsons Farm, la Brique, Tower's Post and Canal Bank Relieved 1st Shropshire Light Infantry in trenches B.13, B.14 & B.15 without incident. Distribution of Battalion as follows A Coy WILSONS FARM, LA BRIQUE defences, and X.9, B Company B.15, Tower's Post and LA BRIQUE, C Coy, B.14 and S.14, D Coy. B.13 & S.13, Headquarters 16th I.B. Headquarters on CANAL BANK. No casualties.

24 Jan 1916 In trenches as above. A quiet day.

25 Jan 1916 In trenches as above. A quiet day.

26 Jan 1916 In trenches as above. A quiet day.

27 Jan 1916 A party of 32 men under Captain Pares [William Thomas PARES, MC], Lieutenant Kennedy [Stanley Nugent Sherrard KENNEDY] & 2 Lieutenants Weston [Harry Charles WSETON] and [unreadable] occupied the eight Canadian dug-outs opposite B.14 from 5.30 pm on 27.1.16 to 5.15 AM on 28.1.16. One patrol of Germans was seen and fired at, but without result.

28 Jan 1916 - Poperinge and Wood at A.30 Relieved in trenches B.13, B.14 & B.15 by 2nd York & Lancaster Regt. Headquarters, A & D coys to billets in POPERINGHE. B & C coys to Wood A.30.

29 Jan 1916 Relieved in trenches B.13, B.14 & B.15 by 2nd York & Lancaster Regt. Headquarters, A & D coys to billets in POPERINGHE. B & C coys to Wood A.30.

30 Jan 1916 Headquarters and two companies resting in POPERINGHE, and two companies in Wood A.30. A copy of letter received from G.b.r. 16th I.B. with reference to the occupation of the Canadian dug-outs on 27th instant is attached.

31 Jan 1916 As on 30.

The following appendices are attached (1) Sketch map of trenches held during the month [crossed out and not present] (2) Copy of Field State (3) List of Casualties during the month (4) Sick during the month (5) Nominal Roll of officers serving

WAR DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 1916

1 Feb 1916 - Poperinge and Word Avenue Resting in POPERINGHE (Headquarters & two companies) two companies in Word Ave.

2 Feb 1916 - C Camp Moved to C Camp Wood A30 in rest

3 Feb 1916 Moved to C Camp Wood A30 in rest

4 Feb 1916 Moved to C Camp Wood A30 in rest

5 Feb 1916 Moved to C Camp Wood A30 in rest. 6th Corps departed. 6th Division came under 14th Corps at 12 noon.

6 Feb 1916 Moved to C Camp Wood A30 in rest

7 Feb 1916 - Burgomaster Farm and Canal Line Moved to BURGOMASTER FARM (Headquarters, B & C Coys.) - Canal Bank (A & D Coys) 1 platoon B coy LA BRIQUE POST 1 PLATOON C Coy FRASCATI & WILSONS FARM

8 Feb 1916 Dispositions as on Feb. 7th. Whole Battalion employed between 6 & 10 P.M. working on communication trenches.

9 Feb 1916 As on Feb. 8th.

10 Feb 1916 As on Feb. 9th

11 Feb 1916 - Canal Bank and environs Relieved 1st K.S.L.I in the line. Dispositions. Bn: Headquarters Canal Bank. A Company B.15, FORWARD COTTAGE, TOWERS and MACGREGORS POSTS. B company X.8 & X.9. C Coy B.14 & C.14 D company B.13 & S.13.b.

12 Feb 1916 In the line, dispositions as on Feb. 11th. Considerable enemy bombardment throughout the afternoon on front of 6th & 14th Divisions. At 4.15 P.M. a mixture of smoke and gas was liberated from enemy trenches along whole front of 8th Bedfordshire Regt. The wind was a fair degree west of North, and blew the smoke down the enemys trenches. Considerable Artillery activity throughout the night.

13 Feb 1916 In the line dispositions as on Feb. 12th.

14 Feb 1916 In the line dispositions as on Feb. 12th. Quiet day on our front. Bombardment to the South (St.ELOI) heard throughout the day and night.

15 Feb 1916 In the line dispositions as on Feb. 12th. Captain Simeons and 2 Lieut.Mitchell killed

16 Feb 1916 - Poperinge and Camp at Wood at A.30 In the line - dispositions as on Feb. 12th. At 6 P.M. relieved in the line by the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment. H.Q, C & B companies to POPERINGHE, A & D companies to Camp Wood A.30.

17 Feb 1916 Headquarters B & C. companies in rest at POPERINGHE A & D companies in rest at wood A.30

18 Feb 1916 as above.

19 Feb 1916 as above.

20 Feb 1916 as above.

21 Feb 1916 as above.

22 Feb 1916 as above.

23 Feb 1916 as above.

24 Feb 1916 - Ieper Moved to YPRES in relief of 13th Middlesex Regt. 73rd Brigade. H.Q and B & D companies in cellars in YPRES, A & C companies in dry switch.

25 Feb 1916 Dispositions as above. 200 men working at night on support line. Headquarters 16th I.B. arrived in YPRES and took over command of the line.

26 Feb 1916 As for 25th

27 Feb 1916 As for 25th

28 Feb 1916 As for 25th

29 Feb 1916 - front line near Ieper Relieved KSLI in Right Section 16 IB Sector -I 12 b.0.1 to I 12.C.4.4. Reference Sheet 28. B Coy H.13, 14 & 15. 2 platoon, F11 & F6 2 platoons. D Coy H16, 17 & 19 3 platoon, S18 1 platoon A, 2 platoon X.1.A, 2 platoon MENIN CELLARS, C Coy & H.Qr ECOLE de BEIN FAISANCE [sic].

WAR DIARY FOR MARCH 1916

1 Mar 1916 - trenches near Ieper In trenches right section 16 IB sector. - Bn HQrs and C Coy Ecole de Bienfaisance, A Coy 2 platoons MENIN CELLARS, 2 platoons X.1.A., B Coy H13-H15, F6, F11, D Coy H16, 17 & 19 & S18. Killed O.R. 1, wounded O.R. 2

2 Mar 1916 As above. Killed O.R. 1. wounded O.R. 1

3 Mar 1916 As above

4 Mar 1916 As above Wounded O.R. 2

5 Mar 1916 - Camp D, Wood A.30 Relieved from trenches at 10.45 pm by 1/K.S.L.I. trained to G.6.d, billeted in Camp D. Wood A.30. Wounded O.R. 2

6 Mar 1916 Resting in Brigade reserve, Wood A30.

7 Mar 1916 Resting in Brigade reserve, Wood A30.

8 Mar 1916 Resting in Brigade reserve, Wood A30

9 Mar 1916 Resting in Brigade reserve, Wood A30.

10 Mar 1916 - trenches near Ieper resting in Brigade reserve, Wood A30. At night moved into line in relief of 1/K.S.L.I. Coys distributed as follows: - Bn.H.Q. Ecole de Bienfaisance; A Coy H16, 17, 19, & S18; B Coy, 2 platoons Convent, YPRES, 2 platoon X.1.A., C Coy, H13-H15, F6, F.11., D Coy, Ecole de Bienfaisance.

11 Mar 1916 In trenches as above. Killed 1 O.R. - wounded 1 O.R.

12 Mar 1916 In trenches as above. Killed 2 OR - Wounded 1 Offr (Lt.S.N.S.Kennedy) [Stanley Nugent Sherrard KENNEDY] & 7 O.R.

13 Mar 1916 In trenches as above. Killed 1 O.R. - Wounded 4 O.R.

14 Mar 1916 In trenches as above.

15 Mar 1916 In trenches as above. Killed 3 O.R. - Wounded 9 O.R.

16 Mar 1916 - Poperinge In trenches as above. Relieved by 4th Grenadier Guards in line at 10 p.m. Trained to POPERINGHE accommodated in 16 IB Billets. Killed 1 O.R.

17 Mar 1916 Entrained at night for Calais

18 Mar 1916 - Camp C, Beaumaris Camp, Calais Arrived at 2.30 am and marched to BEAUMARIS CAMP, CALAIS, where battalion was accommodated in Camp C (under Canvas).

19 Mar 1916 Brigade open-air church service attended by Gen. Sir Herbert Plumer, Comdg 2nd Army.

20 Mar 1916 Training on sands in drill, marching &c, without arms

21 Mar 1916 Training on sands in drill, marching &c, with arms

22 Mar 1916 Route march with training in march discipline

23 Mar 1916 Training in musketry extended order drill

24 Mar 1915 Training in musketry extended order drill

25 Mar 1916 Brigade mounted Sports and preparation for march.

26 Mar 1916 - Zutkerque Marched to ZUTKERQUE (Map ref. HAZEBROUCK 5.a. 1/100000) accommodated in billets

27 Mar 1916 - Bollezeele Marched to BOLLEZEELE (Map ref. HAZEBROUCK 5.a. 1/100000) accommodated in billets.

28 Mar 1916 - Wormhout Marched to WORMHOUDT [sic] (Map ref. Sheet 27, 1/40000) accommodated in billets

29 Mar 1916 Resting and straightening up of billets which were inspected by G.O.C 16th I.B.

30 Mar 1916 Musketry on 30yds range and drill. Corps Commander visited billets during forenoon

31 Mar 1916 All Coys attended Divl. Grenade School for training with live grenades.

WAR DIARY FOR APRIL 1916

1 Apr 1916 - Wormhout Coys. training in vicinity of billets, Afternoon officers trained in handling of Lewis gun detachment and afterwards map setting and reading from CASSEL HILL.

2 Apr 1916 Brigade open air service - Divl.Comdr.present.

3 Apr 1916 All officers selected N.C.O.s training in physical drill and new bayonet fighting. - Evening - officer resolve & Lewis Gun practice on range

4 Apr 1916 Training in vicinity of billets. Officers & 50 NCO & men per coy to LEDRINGHEM in afternoon to visit 1/LONDON R.E. Coy revetments showing different methods used.

5 Apr 1916 All coys practice on short Range.

6 Apr 1916 - Camp N, Poperinge Marched to Camp "N" west of POPERINGHE (F.27.a.5.7. - Reference Sheet 27)

7 Apr 1916 Coys training on rifle range and grenade throwing - Officers reconnoitring and report on position of defence.

8 Apr 1916 Brigade concentration march to position reconnoitred previous day.

9 Apr 1916 Open air service with 1/K.S.L.I. under Bde. Chaplain

10 Apr 1916 Training on rifle range 10. - Working party on railway construction

11 Apr 1916 Training on rifle range 10. - Working party on railway construction

12 Apr 1916 Training on rifle range 10. - Working party at night sinking signal cable near St JEAN

13 Apr 1916 Training on rifle range 10. - Working party at night sinking signal cable near St JEAN

14 Apr 1916 Training on rifle range 10.

15 Apr 1916 - Ijser Canal Bank near Ieper Relieved in Camp "N" by 14th Durham Light Infantry. Entrained at 8pm POPERINGHE and detrain at ASYLUM YPRES and relieved 11th K.R.R. on YSER CANAL BANK between bridges No.2 and 4.

16 Apr 1916 - trenches around Willows near Ieper Relieved 10th Rifle Brigade in left section 16IB Sector. Hd.Qrs & C Coy LA BELLE ALLIANCE A Coy S.18.a., B17, B16 and S16b. B Coy 2 platoon Willows, 2 platoon Willow Walk, D Coy 2 platoon Willows 2 platoon D20 D21.

17 Apr 1916 In trenches as above - Wounded Lt.Col.H.C.Jackson [Henry Cholmondeley JACKSON] & 1 O.R.

18 Apr 1916 In trenches as above - Killed 1 O.R.

19 Apr 1916 In trenches as above - Wounded 2 O.R.

20 Apr 1916 - Ijser Canal Bank In trenches as above - *Killed - Capt Quilter, 2Lt Cartwright, 2Lt.McMichael. Wounded 2Lt Vipond, 2Lt Player, 2Lt Charles [William Eugene CHARLES]. Missing 2Lt Squier. O.Ranks - Killed 32, Missing believed Killed 97, Wounded 65 Relieved by 2/York and Lancaster Regt. - Battalion moved back in support in dugouts on YSER CANAL - *On night 19/20 Apl. after 2 hours heavy bombardment Germans attacked and gained a footing in trenches D20, WILLOW WALK and S18a - D21, B17a and B16 still held by battalion and line VICARS LANE - CLIFFORD TOWER - GANTHORPE ROAD strengthened and reinforced.

21 Apr 1916 In dugouts YSER CANAL BANK. Trenches retaken & consolidated by 1/K.S.L.I.

22 Apr 1916 In dugouts A Coy moved into trenches B17a, B16, and S.16.b.

23 Apr 1916 - Camp D, Wood A.30, Vicars Lane and Willows In dugouts A Coy relieved by 2/Y&L and sent back to Camp D., Wood A.30, - B, C, & D Coy relieved 2/Y&L in trenches VICARS LANE and WILLOWS.

24 Apr 1916 - Camp D, Wood A.30 Relieved from line by 1/The Buffs, and whole battalion moved back to Camp D., Wood A30.

25 Apr 1916 Spent quiet day resting and cleaning up of clothing and equipment

26 Apr 1916 Refitting of clo. & equipt, baths, physical training and drill.

27 Apr 1916 In Camp 'D', Wood A30. - Drill and training - visited by G.O.C. 2nd Army.

28 Apr 1916 In Camp 'D', Wood A30. - Drill and training - visited by Commander in Chief.

29 Apr 1916 - Ijser Canal Bank In Camp 'D', Wood A30 - Drill and training - relieved 1/K.S.L.I. on YSER CANAL after dark.

30 Apr 1916 On Canal Bank - 400 working party on front line at night & carrying rations & material.

WAR DIARY FOR MAY 1916

1 May 1916 - Yser Canal Bank On Canal Bank YSER CANAL - 400 O.R. carrying material and working on front line defences at night.

2 May 1916 On Canal Bank YSER CANAL - 400 O.R. carrying material and working on front line defences at night.

3 May 1916 - trenches around Willows and La Belle Alliance A Coy took over Willows, B17 and B17a - B Coy to LA BELLE ALLIANCE - Working party of 180 on front line found by C & D Coys.

4 May 1916 C & D working parties at night (170 men)

5 May 1916 C & D working parties at night (170 men) HdQrs 16 I.B. to rest. Bn.H.Q. moved into 16 I.B. H.Q. and Lt.Col.W.R.H.Dann [William Roland Harros DANN] commanding brigade sector.

6 May 1916 C & D working parties at night.

7 May 1916 C Coy relieved A Coy in Willows, B17 & B17a. A Coy relieved B Coy in LA BELLE ALLIANCE.

8 May 1916 C & D in line as above. A & B working on line at night.

9 May 1916 2 Officers & 50 rifles B Coy to Clifford Tower - C & D in line as above. A Coy working in line at night.

10 May 1916 C, D & 50 of B Coy in line - A & remainder of B working on line at night.

11 May 1916 - Camp E, Wood A.30 Relieved by 1/K.S.L.I. and 1/The Buffs as sector is divided into two battalion front. Moved back to Wood A.30 (Camp E).

12 May 1916 Resting and inspection of equip. & clothing & refitting.

13 May 1916 Camp E, Wood A30. - Drill and training by Coys. - Reinforcements 1 off and 122 O.R. joined today.

14 May 1916 Camp E, Wood A30. Church parade. Lt Col W.R.H.Dann [William Roland Harros DANN] presented cards received from the Divl. Commdr acknowledging acts of gallantry and devotion to duty on 19.4.16 by the following. C.Q.M.S. Croxford, [16375 Frank CROXFORD, MM] L Sgt Russell, [16260 Frederick G RUSSELL, MM] Pte. W.Johnson, [13868 William JOHNSON, MM] Pte H.Enticknap, [17476 Douglas ENTICKNAP] Pte.A.Symonds, [sic 17463 Albert SIMONS, DCM] Pte. S.Brown, Pte P.West [19748 Percy F WEST, MM]

15 May 1916 Camp E, Wood A30. C & D Coy draining & reclaiming shelter trenches in wood A & B having been inoculated are resting. Reinforcements 31 O.R. joined today.

16 May 1916 Camp E, Wood A30. A & D draining & reclaiming shelter trenches in wood. B & C drill & training.

17 May 1916 - trenches around Willows, Vicars Lane, Dawson City, Butts, Headingley Lane and Canal Bank Camp E, Wood A30. At night relieved 1/KSLI in left sector 16 I.B. sector. A Coy D21 platoon, Willows 1 platoon Vicars Lane 1 platoon. - B Coy 2 platoons D22, 1 Platoon Dawson City and Butts 7, 8, 9. 1 Platoon Headingley Lane - C Coy 2 platoons E23, 2 platoons Headingley Lane and Butts 10 & 11. - Bn H.Q. and D Coy Canal Bank. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.

18 May 1916 In trenches as above. Following awarded decorations for gallantry on night 19/20 Apl, 1916. 2Lt.A.McK.Fleming [Alan McKinsty FLEMING, MC] Military Cross - 17463 Pte A.Symonds, [sic Albert SIMONS, DCM] Distinguished Conduct Medal, - 19748 Pte P.West, [Percy F WEST, MM] Military Medal. Casualties 1 OR wounded.

19 May 1916 In trenches as above. Casualties Lt.Col.W.R.H.Dann [William Roland Harros DANN] wounded, 2 O.R. killed and 1 O.R. wounded

20 May 1916 In trenches as above. casualties 2 O.R. wounded.

21 May 1916 In trenches as above.

22 May 1916 In trenches as above. Casualties 1 O.R. killed, 1 officer & 4 O.R. wounded.

23 May 1916 - Chateau Trois Tours and East Canal Bank In trenches as above. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded. At night Batt. relieved in left section, 16 I.B. sector by 1st K.S.L.I. Hdqrs. and A & B Coys to CHATEAU TROIS TOURS, and C & D Coys to East Canal Bank. 24 May 1916 Resting and inspection of equipment & clothing. A Coy received second dose of inoculation. Reinforcements 7 officers & 34 O.R arrived today.

25 May 1916 B Coy working on sandbagging Dugouts. Working Parties found at night, 310 O.R. casualties 1 O.R.

26 May 1916 A Coy working on sandbagging Dugouts. 'B' Coy received second dose of inoculation. Working parties found at night 300 O.R.

27 May 1916 A Coy working on sandbagging Dugouts. Working Parties 300 O.R.

28 May 1916 As above. Working Parties 400 O.R. at night.

29 May 1916 - trenches around Willows, Vicars Lane, Dawson City, Butts, Headingley Lane and Canal Bank At night relieved 1st K.S.L.I. in left section 16 I.B. Sector. "A" Coy West Canal Bank. - "B" Coy Hqrs and 1 Platoon in Headingley Lane, 1 Plat. in Dawson City, Butts 7, 8 & 9, 2 Plats. in D22. - "C" Coy. Hdqrs. & 2 Plats. Headingley Lane & Butts 10 & 11., 2 Plats. E23. - "D" Coy. Hdqrs & 1 Plat. in Willows, 1 Plat. Vicars Lane, 2 Plats. D21. - Batt. Hqrs. on East Canal Bank. Casualties - 2nd Lt. H.L.M.Thomas [Honoratus Leigh Murron THOMAS] - wounded.

30 May 1916 In trenches as above. Casualties 2 O.R. Killed 1 O.R. wounded.

31 May 1916 In trenches as above. casualties 3 O.R wounded.

WAR DIARY FOR JUNE 1916

1 Jun 1916 - trenches around Willows, Vicars Lane, Dawson City, Butts, Headingley Lane and Canal Bank In trenches as for 31st May, 16. - Enemy quiet. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.

2 Jun 1916 In trenches as for 31st May, 16. - Enemy quiet and non-aggressive. Divl artillery & Corps H. Artillery concentrated on enemy trenches near MORTELDSE with good results. Casualties - 1 OR wounded. Colonel Lord Henry Scott joined & took over command of battalion

3 Jun 1916 In trenches as for 31st May, 16. - Enemy quiet. Casualties 1 OR killed.

4 Jun 1916 - Camp E, Wood A30 In trenches as for 31st May, 16. - Enemy quiet. casualties 1 OR wounded. At night battn. was relieved by 1/K.S.L.I. and moved back to Camp E, Wood A30.

5 Jun 1916 Resting in Camp E. - Cleaning and inspection of kit, equipt. & arms.

6 Jun 1916 Resting in Camp E. Inspn. of Coy in marching order by C.O. & drill. Ordered to stand by ready to move up by Division at 3.30 p.m. All preparations made, but stand down ordered at 9.45 p.m.

7 Jun 1916 Resting in Camp E. Drill, and baths. Improvement of shelter trenches.

8 Jun 1916 Resting in Camp E. Training & improvement of shelter trenches. "Gas Alert" ordered in the evening

9 Jun 1916 Resting in Camp E. Training & improvement of shelter trenches.

10 Jun 1916 Resting in Camp E. Training & improvement of shelter trenches.

11 Jun 1916 - trenches near Ieper around Dawson's City, Butts, Headingley Lane, Willows, Vicar's Lane and Canal Bank Resting in Camp E. Moved into the line at night in relief of 1/K.S.L.I. - Bn.H.Q. & B Coy Canal Bank. - A Coy, D 22, Dawson's City & Butts 8 & 9 - C Coy E23, Headingley Lane, Butts 10 & 11, D Coy, D21, Willows and Vicar's Lane.

12 Jun 1916 In trenches as above. Casualties nil - Continuous artillery bombardment on Canadian Corps front, between HOOGE and HILL 60, preparatory to counterattack to regain lost ground. Objective was gained and about 100 prisoners.

13 Jun 1916 In trenches as above. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded - Enemy non-aggressive, except for shelling of our Canal Bank area in the afternoon. Very wet all day which impeded work on trenches at night.

14 Jun 1916 In trenches as above. Casualties, nil - Enemy quiet, a few shells on Canal Bank area. Weather dull & poor for observation.

15 Jun 1916 - La Belle Alliance and trenches In trenches as above. Casualties 1 O.R. killed & 2 O.R. wounded. - 'B' Coy relieved by Coy. 1/Irish Guards & returned to Camp, Wood A30. Bn. H.Q. moved to LA BELLE ALLIANCE. Enemy did very little shelling, but machine guns active at night.

16 Jun 1916 -Ijser Canal Bank and trenches In trenches as above. Casualties nil. A & C Coys relieved by 1/Irish Guards and moved back to YSER Canal Bank. Enemy aircraft active & slight increase in shelling. Quite an intensive bombardment on our right.

17 Jun 1916 - X Camp, Wood A30 and trenches In trenches as above. Casualties, nil. H.Q. & A & C Coys relieved by 1/Welsh Guards & moved back to Camp X, Wood A30. D Coy remaining in the line under command of O.C. 2/Y&L.

18 Jun 1916 - Camp O, Wood A30 In Camp 'O', Wood A30 which we took over from 9th Norfolks. Bathing & Cleaning of Kit & equipt. The following were mentioned in despatches dated 30th Apl. 1916. Capt R.M.Quilter, 2/Lt A.McK.Fleming, [Alan McKinsty FLEMING, MC] C.S.M. Ashby [10301 Edward Ernest ASHBY, MC] L/C Jones, [15946 Alfred Victor JONES, MM] L/C Trill, [16944 F.J. TRILL, MM] Pte Watts. [16081 Albert G. or 3/8246 Ernest WATTS]

19 Jun 1916 In camp 'O', Wood A30. Bn. furnished working party 350 O.R. for work at night laying cable under Corps signals

20 Jun 1916 In Camp 'O', Wood A30. Bn furnished working party 500 O.R. for work at night laying cable under Corps signals

21 Jun 1916 - Houtkerque In Camp 'O', Wood A30. Marched via POPERINGHE, - WATOU to HOOTKERQUE [sic] and billeted in farm for the night. 2/Y&L Rgt and 16 I.B. Trench Mortar By. & M.Gun Coy marched also.

22 Jun 1916 - Worhout-Cassel Road Marched to WORMHOUDT [sic] via HERZEELE with 2/Y.&L. Rgt - M.Gun Coy & Trench Mortar By. had proceeded to same place in advance. The day was hot & roads dusty. The men felt it as we had recently had quite cold weather for the season. Battalion billeted on WORMHOUDT-CASSEL ROAD.

23 Jun 1916 Coys training in drill, musketry, bayonet fighting, &c. C.O. inspected all companies in Field Service Marching Order.

24 Jun 1916 Coys training in drill, musketry, bayonet fighting &c. Battalion allotted baths. 50 men (indifferent shots) each of C. & D. Coy fired grouping practices on rifle range. Major W.Allason [Walter ALLASON] joined the battalion.

25 Jun 1916 Brigade open air church service in Gymnasium Field. Divl. Band in attendance. Draft of 57 other ranks joined from the Base in the evening.

26 Jun 1916 Coys at training - Battn inspected by Brigadier-General C.L.Nicholson, C.M.G. during forenoon.

27 Jun 1916 Coys training - A & B musketry on rifle range during morning C & D. Bathing. Afternoon Drill & bayonet fighting.

28 Jun 1916 Coys at training. Billets inspected by G.O.C. 16 I.B. (Bde.Gen.C.L.NICHOLSON, C.M.G.). Colonel Lord Henry Scott took over command of 16 IB whilst Brigadier proceeds on leave. Maj.W.ALLASON [Walter ALLASON] took over command of battalion.

29 Jun 1916 Coys at training - Battalion Sports held in the afternoon. Good weather prevailed and an enjoyable time spent.

30 Jun 1916 Battalion route march in "marching order" during morning. Coys training in afternoon, C & D Bombers practicing with live bombs.

WAR DIARY FOR JULY 1916

1 Jul 1916 - Wormhout Coys at training - Musketry, Drill, Use of Go. H Carts

2 Jul 1916 Battalion open air Church service during morning.

3 Jul 1916 Coys at training. Musketry, Drill, Lectures & Outpost duties. Battalion bathed.

4 Jul 1916 Coys at training. Musketry, Drill, Bn. ROUTE MARCH in marching order during forenoon.

5 Jul 1916 Coys at training. Drill & Outpost Duties.

6 Jul 1916 Coys at training. Musketry & Drill. Divl. Gymkhana in afternoon at Esquelbecq

7 Jul 1916 Bn. Outpost Scheme on line HERZEELE - OUDEZEELE in defence of WORHOUDT [sic]. Very wet, but good practice was afforded for junior officers & N.C.O.s in selection of position for picquets, &c, on strange ground. Lecture on notes taken during scheme to all officers by Major W.Allason [Walter ALLASON] in the evening

8 Jul 1916 Coys training - C & D Coy re-inoculated. Col.Lord Henry Scott rejoined and assumed command of the battalion.

9 Jul 1916 Battalion open air church service.

10 Jul 1916 Coys training - extended order drill, bayonet fighting & bombing. C & D. bathing during afternoon.

11 Jul 1916 Coys training. Battalion inspected by Corps Commander (Lt.Gen.F.R. The Earl of Cavan C.B. M.V.O.) in Field Service Marching Order.

12 Jul 1916 Coys training. Battalion inspected by the Army Commander (General Sir Herbert C.O. Plumer, G.C.M.G., K.C.B.) in Field Service Marching Order. the battalion marched past in column of route.

13 Jul 1916 Bn. route march in Field Service Marching Order during the morning. Afternoons coys training. Major W Allason [Walter ALLASON] departed to take over command of a battalion in the Reserve Army.

14 Jul 1916 Coys training. Tactical scheme by platoon commanders & senior N.C.O.s.

15 Jul 1916 Bde. marched to camps west of Poperinghe via HERZEELE, HOUTKERQUE, WATOU and St.Jan ter BIEZEN. The battalion marched off at 7 55am - arrived in Camp at 12.20 pm. Distance about 11 1/2 miles

16 Jul 1916 - Poperinge Voluntary service for CofE in Church Army hut.

17 Jul 1916 - Ieper CQMS Duxford [sic 16375 Frank CROXFORD, MM] Sgt Flack [15929 Leonard FLACK, MM] Sgt Love [16150 Godfrey James LORD, MM & Bar] Sgt Stimson, Cpl Robinson [19963 George W ROBINSON, MM] , Pte.Parker [16015 Harry PARKER, MM] & Pte Johnson [13868 William JOHNSON, MM] received cards of appreciation from G.O.C. 6th Division for acts of gallantry & devotion to duty. At night moved to YPRES in relief of 1/KSLI in the cellars. Battn is held in Bde. Reserve.

18 Jul 1918 Battn. in reserve. Working parties 200 strong furnished at night working on X. Line. Hostile artillery fired a certain amount of shell into the town during afternoon, mainly shrapnel.

19 Jul 1916 Battn in Bde. Reserve in YPRES. Furnished working parties 400 strong at night for Support & X Line.

20 Jul 1916 In Bde. Reserve. Furnished working parties at night 400 strong.

21 Jul 1916 In Bde. Reserve. Furnished working parties at night 400 strong.

22 Jul 1916 In Bde. Reserve. Furnished working parties at night 400 strong.

23 Jul 1916 In Bde. Reserve. Furnished working parties on support lines 400 strong.

24 Jul 1916 Battn. in Bde. Reserve. 25th Col Lord Henry Scott assumed command of 16 IB Major Lathom [F. LATHOM, DSO] Leicester Regt Commander Batt.

25 Jul 1916 - Potijze Wood Battn. in Bde. Reserve Relieved 1/K.S.L.I. in left section 16 IB Sector. Bn. H.Q. POTIJZE WOOD - A Coy A4, A5 and S.5 - B Coy, A1 and A3 Crater No6 - C Coy, X.Line - D Coy POTIJZE DEFENCES Relief carried out without a hitch. Enemy non-aggressive and very quiet.

26 Jul 1916 Battn in trenches as above - Day very quiet except for slight hostile shelling - Casualties 1 O.R. killed by sniper.

27 Jul 1916 Battn in trenches as above. Day misty - enemy quiet except for snipers. Casualties 1 O.R. killed & 1 wounded. Col Lord Henry Scott resumed Command.

28 Jul 1916 Battn in trenches as above. Day bright. Aircraft very active. Considerable amount of artillery fire. Enemy worried our front & support lines with field guns. Our artillery replied and breached enemy parapet in several places - Casualties 2 O.R. killed, 3 O.R. wounded. Major Lathom [F. LATHOM, DSO] returned to 11th Leicesters

29 Jul 1916 Battn in trenches as above, Day quiet though clear & good for observation. No casualties.

30 Jul 1916 - Poperinge Day abnormally quiet and though clear very little hostile aircraft up. Relieved at night by 2/Hampshire Rgt, 29th Division, and moved to billets in POPERINGHE.

31 Jul 1916 In billets. Coys overhauling Kit & equipt. Commdg officer held an officer's Conference on on [sic] arrangements for move and new methods in the attack and holding of trenches.

WAR DIARY FOR AUGUST 1916

1 Aug 1916 - Poperinge Battalion in billets. Route marches by companies.

2 Aug 1916 Battalion in billets. Training in extended order. Battalion entrained in the evening for AMPLIERS [sic] (near DOULLENS) Sheet 11 (LENS).

3 Aug 1916 - Amplier Arrived at 4.20 am. Battalion accommodated in hutments. Feet inspection and companies paraded in fighting order.

4 Aug 1916 - Puchevillers Physical training and drill by companies. - Lt E.R.W.DRAISEY [Edwin Roland Watts DRAISEY] lectured to all officers and N.C.O.s on lessons learned and method used in the attack by 4th Division. - Brigade marched to PUCHEVILLERS via ORVILLE-SARTON-MARIEUX. One Sgt & Cpl and 18 men sent to ACHEUX to joined [sic] company guarding German prisoners.

5 Aug 1916 Coys training in the attack.

6 Aug 1916 Battn held open-air Church Service

7 Aug 1916 - Acheux-en-Amienois Marched at 4.54 am to ACHEUX via RAINCHEVAL - ARCQUEVES[sic] - LOUVENCOURT. Arrived at 8.30 am. Battalion accommodated in hutment camps.

8 Aug 1916 Companies Bayonet fighting and practising the attack of trenches.

9 Aug 1916 Companies Bayonet fighting and practising the attack of trenches. Battalion during afternoon practised the attack on several lines of trenches.

10 Aug 1916 - Englebelmer Marched from camp at ACHEUX and accommodated in bivouacs in P.17.d.central

11 Aug 1916 Coys bayonet fighting & training in the attack.

12 Aug 1916 Coys bayonet fighting & training in the attack. During afternoon moved to camp of tents & huts in P.18.d. relieving 2/York & Lancaster Regt in Supports. Working Parties (350 strong) at night Casualties 1 O.R. Killed wounded 28

13 Aug 1916 Battalion bombers training in trench clearing and long distance throwing. Working parties at night 350 strong working on support lines and communication trenches.

14 Aug 1916 Battalion training in extended order. Bombers training in use of dummy Mills grenade for conveying messages over untenable ground. LT.HAGUE [Ernest Alfred HAGUE]& LT GIBSON [John Seear GIBSON] left to join 7th Battalion.

15 Aug 1916 - Auchonvillers Battalion moved into trenches opposite BEAUMONT HAMEL in relief of the 3rd Grenadier Guards. C & D Coy in front line. A Coy in close support, B Coy in 3rd line where Bn. H.Q. is situated.

16 Aug 1916 In trenches as above. Enemy quiet and very little movement seen by day. Heavy Trench Mortars used by enemy against our front line. Artillery and Stokes Mortar retaliation silenced him. Casualties - 2 O.R. wounded.

17 Aug 1916 In trenches as above. Enemy slightly more aggressive with Shrapnel and heavy trench mortars. Casualties 2 O.R. killed, 6 O.R. wounded.

18 Aug 1916 In trenches as above. Enemy more or less quiet. A dummy raid in afternoon was made to worry the enemy. He retaliated slightly damaging our trenches in places. Casualties 1 OR killed, 1 O.R. wounded.

19 Aug 1916 In trenches as above. Enemy very busy on his lines especially near crater, much less aggressive at night.

20 Aug 1916 - Beausart In trenches as above. Quiet day. Relieved in afternoon by 1/The Buffs. Battalion billetted in BEAUSART.

21 Aug 1916 Battalion furnished working party under Corps Signals, strength 10 officers & 500 O.R. - worked from 8 a.m. to 4 pm. Casualties 1 O.R. killed, 1 O.R. wounded.

22 Aug 1916 Battalion furnished working parties under Corps Signals - strength 6 offrs & 300 men - from 8 am to 6 pm. Casualties - 2 O.R. killed, 1 O.R. missing, 2 O.R. wounded.

23 Aug 1916 Battalion furnished working party under Corps Signal - strength 6 officers & 300 men from 1 am to 7 a.m.

24 Aug 1916 Battalion furnished working parties 6 offs & 198 men. Remainder Bayonet fighting, extended order drill, & attacking trenches from trenches.

25 Aug 1916 Battalion furnished working parties 8 officers & 450 men under Corps Signals & making up reserve stores of munitions & rations in support lines opposite THIEPVAL. Casualties - 8 O.R. wounded.

26 Aug 1916 Furnished working parties 6 officers & 500 men under Corps Signals. 2/LT. C.E.MASLIN [Charles Edward MASLIN] joined R.F.C. on probation as an observer.

27 Aug 1916 Wet day. No church parade services. C.O. held officer conference in forenoon.

28 Aug 1916 - Amplier Bde. moved by march route to AMPLIER via AUTHIE-THIEVRES-ORVILLES[sic]. Battalion moved off at 7.19 am and arrived in camp at 11.20 am. Wet day making roads heavy for marching.

29 Aug 1916 - Naours Marched from AMPLIER via TERRAMESNIL - BEAUQUESNE to NAOURS, where battalion went into billets.

30 Aug 1916 Training held up owing to continuous downpour of rain. Battaion completed its first year on Active Service.

31 Aug 1916 Training in Artillery formation, extended order drill, platoon waves mixing & reorganising for fresh advance.

WAR DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 1916

1 Sep 1916 - Naours In billets. Coys training in the attack and practising on the Rifle Range

2 Sep 1916 In billets. Coys training in the attack and practising on the Rifle Range Battalion practice at communication with aeroplanes in the field and marking position held by flares and flashing of periscopes.

3 Sep 1916 In billets. Open-air church service. Battn bathed and issued with clean underclothing.

4 Sep 1916 In billets. Route marching by Companies.

5 Sep 1916 In billets. Brigade exercise in the attack and formation of a defensive flank.

6 Sep 1916 - Villers-Bocage In billets. Marched to VILLERS BOCASE [sic] in the forenoon. Battalion inspected by C.O. in trench fighting order.

7 Sep 1916 - Corbie In billets. Marched to CORBIE via RAINNEVILLE - CORVONETTE [sic] - QUERREUX[sic].

8 Sep 1916 - Bois des Tailles In billets. Marched to BOIS DES TAILLES via MORLANDCOURT [sic]. Battalion in Camp on edge of wood.

9 Sep 1916 In billets. Battalion training in the attack on trenches, moving closely under the artillery barrage.

10 Sep 1916 In billets. Battalion training in the attack in open warfare - moving over the open in extended lines, thickening the front line under cover of Stokes Mortar barrage, and then pressing home the assault.

11 Sep 1916 - Germans Wood, Maricourt In billets. Marched to MARICOURT. Completed issue of fighting stores and bivouacked for night just east of GERMANS WOOD [Ref Maricourt Map]

12 Sep 1916 - Leuze Wood trenches Battalion rested during day and moved into trenches N.E. of LEUZE WOOD [Ref Longueval C21] in relief of 8th Middlesex Regiment.

13 Sep 1916 - trenches near Guillemont Capt. Steyne [Pierre STEYNE, DSO] with B Coy co-operated with 18th Brigade in an attack at 6 a.m. on QUADRILATERAL [ Ref Longueval T.15.c] . Attack unsuccessful although B Coy bombed their way about 100 yds along German trench causing considerable casualties to the enemy. The attack was repeated at 6 p.m. with two platoons of C Coy. assisting the 18th. Brigade in the frontal attack. Enemy driven in from his advanced posts but QUADRILATERAL not taken.

14 Sep 1916 Battalion in trenches making all preparations for part in 4th Army offensive on 15th September.

15 Sep 1916 [Comment: The Battles of the Somme 1916 - the Battle of Flers-Courcelette] Battalion ordered to take QUADRILATERAL assisted by the Heavy Section of the M.G. Corps with "TANKS" advance about 500 yds NE abd dig in. Battn was in a position for attack about 4.30 a.m. ZERO hour 6.20 a.m. Three wavs were supplied by D, D [sic] and A Coys under Capt Hatch [Robert Bernard Lawson HATCH, MC], 2/Lt Hodges [Archibald Gordon HODGES] and Lt Draisey [Edwin Roland Watts DRAISEY] respectively to attack the QUADRILATERAL, which was on our left flank, whilst B Coy co-operated by bombing down trench leading to it. At 6.0 a.m. heavy artillery opened slow barrage on Line MORVAL - LES BOEUFS. At ZERO hour (6.20 a.m.) intense artillery barrage opened and unluckily was cut short where our 3 companies were drawn up for the attack in shell holes. This mistake caused many casualties. Our attacking companies pushed forward and though supported by 1/The Buffs and later re-enforced by the 2/York & Lancaster Regt failed to take the position. "TANKS" did not arrive to assist and the position was not heavily shelled previous to the attack. Brigade ordered original trenches to be held and await orders. As battalion had suffered very severely in casualties, 6 Officers killed and 7 wounded we were relieved by 2/Y & L at 6.0.p.m. and put in brigade reserve in trenches S.E. of GUILLEMONT.

16 Sep 1916 - Maltz Horn farm, Guillemont Battalion furnished carrying parties for rations & material to front line after moving back to MALTZ HORN FARM.

17 Sep 1916 Battalion furnished carrying parties from B'de H.Q. to front line.

18 Sep 1916 Battalion moved forward to trenches S.E. of GUILLEMONT at 4.0 a.m. Brigade attacked QUADRILATERAL after it had been heavily shelled. 1/K.S.L.I. attacked supported by 2/Y.&.L. and 1/The Buffs. Our Battalion being in reserve. Position taken and a line consolidated about 500 yards east of it. Battn relieved at night by 2/Devon and moved back to the BRIQUETERIE north of MARICOURT where they bivouacked.

19 Sep 1916 - Morlancourt Battalion moved back with Brigade to MORLANCOURT and billeted.

20 Sep 1916 Cleaning up of Clothing, Equip. and Arms and re-organisation of Battn.

21 Sep 1916 - N.E. corner of Guillemont battalion marched to GUILLEMONT and dug themselves in at the N.E. corner just south of the railway and were in support to 1/The Buffs in front line.

22 Sep 1916 Furnished working parties at night digging assembly trenches.

23 Sep 1916 Furnished working parties at night digging assembly trenches.

24 Sep 1916 Furnished working parties building advance Brigade H.Q.

25 Sep 1916 [Comment: The Battles of the Somme 1916 - The Battle of Morval] - trenches between Morval and Lesboeufs Battalion in reserve to 16IB in attack on German lines between MORVAL and LES BOEUFF[sic]. Attack commenced at 12.35.p.m. and battalion moved up to original front line when second objective had been taken about 2.35 p.m. Casualties from enemy barrage very slight. Attack proved successful and many prisoners were taken. At night Battalion furnished carrying parties to front line battalion with ammunition and water. C Platoon were detached to 1/London Coy R.E. as working party in captured trenches, C Coy suffered very heavily from enemy shell fire.

26 Sep 1916 - trenches between Trones Wood and Bernafay Wood Quiet day spent in same trenches. Brigade relieved at night and battalion moved back to the old trenches between TRONES and BERNAFAY WOODS.

27 Sep 1916 Cleaning up of trenches and building cover against the wet. Draft of 70 posted to the Coys.

28 Sep 1916 Party of 1 Officer and 75 men detailed to clear battlefield - remainder collecting salvage in the vicinity of our trenches.

29 Sep 1916 Party of 1 Officer and 75 men clearing battlefield - remainder collecting salvage in BERNAFAY WOOD and valley near trenches.

30 Sep 1916 - Meaulte Battalion moved back to MEAULTE via MAMETZ and billeted. "Copied from a very indistinct War Diary" "Original returned to O.C. 8/Bedf at his request"