The Bedfordshire Regiment in the Great War
1917 War Diary appendices
[Note that all remarks in squared brackets are my own additions and not part of the original text]
January 1917
No. 73. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 4th January 1917
1. The Battalion will be relieved by 2nd Y.&L. tomorrow, 5th instant, at after 1.0 p.m. On relief the battalion will move into Brigade Support. Companies will move by platoons and occupy areas already stated in B.D.0.11.
2. C.S.Majors or one N.C.O. per company will report at 1st The Buffs Headquarters at 8.30 a.m. tomorrow, 5th instant. They will take over all trench stores in their respective areas, and make a note of sentries to be furnished.
3. A list of all trench stores etc.to be handed over will be rendered to the Orderly Room by 9.0 a.m. tomorrow, 5th Instant. Companies should retain receipts from relieving companies.
4. List of stores taken over in Support Line will be rendered to Orderly Room by 9.0 a.m. 6th instant.
5. Completion of relief in trenches will be immediately reported to Battalion headquarters by phoning the word "ASH"
6. During relief in trenches where work is going on, care must be taken not to destroy or remove sandbag blacks which have been made to collect water for pumping purposes.
7. Petrol tins and food containers must be stored at Cook House by 1.0 p.m.
8. Care must be taken that all tunnels, dugouts, etc., are cleaned before handing over, also ammunition.
9. No men must move down QUARRY ALLEY till the last men of the 2nd Y&L have come up.
10. BARTS ALLEY, via Battalion Headquarters should be used by all units moving down to LANCASHIRE TRENCH or VERMELLES.
11. Battalion Headquarters will move after relief to G.3.c.6.4. Companies will report there by phone on completion of second relief by the word "OAK"
12. Companies will be prepared to find working parties on morning of 6th if necessary.
(sd) J. Ash [John Luscombe ASH] Lieut. and a/Adjy (sic) 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 76. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 16th January 1917
1. The Battalion will relieve 2nd Y.&L. in the left sub sector HOHENZOLLERN tomorrow, 17th instant B Company will relieve right front company C Company will relieve left front company A Company will relieve right support company D Company will relieve left support company
2. R.S.M. for Headquarters, Signallers under Sgt. Gillow [17150 Charles Frederick GILLOW] and C.S.Majors to take over trench stores, will parade outside Battalion Orderly Room at 8.30 a.m. Lewis Gun detachments will proceed with their respective companies; they will store their carts under a guard to be detailed by R.S.M. where they were previously.
3. The leading platoon of B Company will enter QUARRY ALLEY at 10.0 a.m. at intervals between platoons of 300 yards The leading platoon of C Company will pass the CROSSROADS NOYELLES (L.11.c.9.1.) at 8.45 a.m. The leading platoon of A Company will pass the CROSSROADS at 9.20 a.m. Company Commanders will allow 300 yards interval between platoons
4. A & C Company Commanders will arrange to send forward 1 N.C.O. and man per platoon to draw Gum boots for their respective platoons. These N.C.O.'s and men must ascertain numbers and sizes required beforehand.
5. Sgt. Draper [Sergeant Cook 3/7915 Alfred William DRAPER] will arrange for sufficient number of camp kettles for companies. Two cooks will go into Support Line where all cooking is done.
6. Blankets will be rolled up tightly in tens and tied for the Transport. They must be stacked at Divisional Recreation Hut at 7.30 a.m. B Company will have their blankets stacked under a guard at CLARK KEEP by 8.30 a.m. The Transport Officer will arranged (sic) to collect these. One limber per Company and Headquarters will convey Mess Baskets and Officers' Valises to Quartermasters' Stores at 9.0 a.m.
7. A and C Companies will draw Gum Boots at the Gum Boot Store VERMELLES. Men must be warned to take the greatest care of their puttees, and ankle boots, and see that none are lost either in mud or water
8. List of Trench Stores taken over to be rendered to Bn. HQ by 4.0 p.m. 17th inst.
9. Company Commanders will ensure that huts and dugouts are left scrupulously clean.
10. Company Commanders will wire HQ "BETHUNE" when relief is complete.
11. Company Commanders to send in to Bn. HQ disposition of Companies with sketches by 8.0 p.m. 17th inst.
12. The Transport Officer will arrange for a limber to be at Battalion Headquarters by 9.0 a.m. to convey HQ Stores and Orderly Room boxes to CLARK'S KEEP.
13. All water bottles to be filler before morning.
14. Watches (except "B" Company) to be synchronised at 8 a.m.
(sd) J. Ash [John Luscombe ASH] Lieut. and a/Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 77. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 18th January 1917
1. (a) The following parties from C Company under Lieutenant W.J. Holbrook [William James HOLBROOK, MC] will move down QUARRY ALLEY at 9.30 a.m. 60 men to be trained as bombers 10 men to be trained in use of torpedoes 10 men to be trained in use of mobile charges An interval of 300 yards will be maintained between each party of 20. The party will proceed to Divisional Grenade School at CHATEAU LE CHARMEUX. A billeting party of 1 N.C.O. and 2 men will proceed to CHATEAU LE CHARNEUX, starting at 8.0 a.m. (b) O.C. C Company will also detail 1 Sgt., 1 Cpl. and 18 Other Ranks to report to Battalion Headquarters at 9.30 a.m. to proceed to VERQUIN for instruction on 'P' Bombs. Gum boots to be handed in at Gum Boot Store. The Transport Officer will arrange for 1 G.S. Wagons to be at CLARK'S KEEP by 10.0 a.m. to convey:- (i) Packs of men proceeding to CHATEAU LE CHARMEUX (ii) Packs of men proceeding to VERQUIN These wagons will collect two blankets per man from Quartermaster's Store
2. O.C. A Company will detail 1 N.C.O. and 24 men to relieve post now occupied by C Company in QUARRY ALLEY at 8.30 a.m.
3. O.C. B Company will detail 25 men to report to O.C. C Company at 10.0 a.m.
4. O.C. D Company will detail 20 combers to report to O.C. C Company by 10.30 a.m.
5. O.C.'s A, B & D Companies will select good and reliable men for these reliefs
6. A Company will relieve D Company as counter attach company in left half reserve trench tomorrow, 19th instant, at noon. Relief to be completed by 12.30 p.m.
7. Men proceeding to schools to take unconsumed portion of day's ration with them.
(sd) J. Ash [John Luscombe ASH] Lieut. and a/Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 78. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 24th January 1917
1. The battalion will relieve the 2nd Y.&L. Regt. In the left subsector of the Brigade Front tomorrow, 26th instant.
2. Companies will take up their positions as under:- A Company 3 Platoons Right Front Sector, 1 Platoon in Support D Company 3 Platoons Left Front Sector, 1 Platoon in Support B Company Counter Attack Company Left Support Sector Each Company will supply their own ration parties
3. A Company will leave the KEEP at 1.0 p.m. D Company will cross BARTS ALLEY at 1.15 p.m. The 2 Platoons of B Company in LANCASHIRE TRENCH will enter QUARRY ALLEY at 1.45 p.m. and the 3 Platoons in RAILWAY RESERVE TRENCH will move off at 1.45 p.m.
4. The R.S.M. (for Hd. Qrs.) and C.S.Majors will report at Y. & L. Hd. Qrs. At 10.30 a.m. tomorrow to take over all trench stores in their respective areas.
5. A list of all trench stores etc. to be handed over will be rendered to the Orderly Room by 9.0 a.m. tomorrow. Companies will obtain and retain receipts from relieving companies.
6. Lists of stores taken over from 2nd Y. & L. will be rendered to Orderly Room b 9.0 a.m. 26th instant.
7. Completion of relief in trenches will be immediately reported to Bn. Hd. Qrs. by 'phoning the words "KNOW NOTHING ABOUT SGT. HOME"
8. Care must be taken that all dug-outs, etc. are left scrupulously clean
9. Gum Boots will be worn where necessary
10. Dispositions of Companies will be rendered to Orderly Room by 8.0 p.m., 25th instant
11. B Company will take over Bombing Post in QUARRY ALLEY also as far as junction of QUARRY ALLEY (East) and RAILWAY RESERVE.
12. C Company will furnish a Lewis Gun Team quite complete for A Company
(sd) J. Ash [John Luscombe ASH] Lieut. and a/Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 80. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 28th January 1917
1. The Battalion will be relieved by 2nd Y. & L. tomorrow, 29th instant. Companies will be relieved as follows:- A Company by [blank] Company, 2nd Y. & L. D Company by [blank] Company, 2nd Y. & L. B Company by [blank] Company, 2nd Y. & L. The relief should be complete by 1.0 p.m.
2. B & D Companies after relief will proceed into huts at NOYELLES. An interval of at least 300 yards must be maintained between platoons. A Company will move into LANCASHIRE TRENCH and relieve one company of 1st The Buffs. An N.C.O. must be sent to take over, to be there at 11.0 a.m. B and D Companies will move down QUARRY ALLEY A Company will move down LEFT BOYAU, and BARTS ALLEY A Company will supply 1 N.C.O. and 4 men to form guard at CLARK'S KEEP, also two men to relieve 1st The Buffs guard and should proceed before the company is relieved. D Company will supply the following caretakers:- NOYELLES KEEP N. 2 men L.11.b.7.2 BULLY KEEP 2 men L.6.c.5.7 SAILLY KEEP 2 men L.3.d.7.9. CHATEAU DE PRES N. 2 men F.27.d.1.9. CHATEAU DE PRES CENTRAL 2 men F27.d.5.4.
3. Company Commanders will ensure that these men receive their rations.
4. C.S.Majors and R.S.M. (for H.Q.) will be prepared to hand over all trench stores etc. These should be collected together where possible, to facilitate handing over.
5. A copy of the lists of all trench stores, etc. to be handed over will be rendered to the Orderly Room by 10.30 a.m., tomorrow A Company will render the list if stores (if any) taken over from 1st The Buffs by 9.0 a.m. 30th instant.
6. Lamps used in tunnels belong to Battalion. Company Commanders will be held responsible that these are brought down by their respective Companies.
7. Latrines, dugouts, etc., must be left scrupulously clean. This order has been somewhat neglected lately.
8. Gum Boots will be carried and handed in at Gum Boot Store VERMELLES with the exception of A Company who will retain them.
9. The Quartermaster will see that blankets at the rate of 1 per man are sent up to LANCASHIRE TRENCH for A Company.
10. The Mess Cart will be at CLARK'S KEEP at 11.0 a.m. to convey Officers' spare kits, mess blankets, etc.
11. Completion of relief in trenches will be immediately reported to Battalion H.Q. by 'phoning 'O.K.' Company Commanders on arrival at billets will report to Orderly Room when their respective companies are in.
12. A Company will find the following working party tomorrow; Party No.7 1 N.C.O. and 12 men, time 10.15 a.m. unloading at CLARK'S KEEP
13. Salvage to be brought down and landed in at CLARK'S KEEP and list of same forwarded to Orderly Room by 10.30 a.m. 30th instant.
14. C Company Lewis Gunners attached to A Company will rejoin their company at NOYELLES on relief
15. Those men of A Company at NOYELLES or at SAILLY LA BOURSE who are not specially employed will rejoin their company in LANCASHIRE TRENCH by 10.30 p.m. 29th instant.
16. The Quartermaster and C.Q.M.Sergeants will take over from 1st The Buffs at NOYELLES.
(sd) J. Ash [John Luscombe ASH] Lieut. and a/Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Bedfordshire Regt. Field State January 31st 1917
Killed 1 Missing 2 Wounded 7
Sick to Hospital 88*
Sick from Hospital 52
Evacuated from FA 47
Strength of A Coy 12 Officers 273 Other Ranks
Strength of B Coy 5 Officers 290 Other Ranks
Strength of C Coy 7 Officers 268 Other Ranks
Strength of D Coy 5 Officers 275 Other Ranks
Total 29 Officers 1106 Other Ranks
* The majority of the sick are men recently out from England
February 1917
No. 81. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 1st February 1917
1. The Battalion will relieve 2nd Y. & L. in the left sub-sector HOHENZOLLERN tomorrow, 2nd instant. B Company will relieve centre front company C Company will relieve left front company A Company will relieve right front company D Company will relieve support company
2. R.S.M. for Hd.Qrs., Signallers under Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY], and C.S. Majors to take over trench stores, will parade outside Orderly Room and 8.30 a.m. Lewis Gun Detachments will proceed with their companies and stores their carts near CLARK'S KEEP under Regimental police
3. The leading platoon of B Company will pass the starting point (NOYELLES CROSS ROADS) at 9.0 a.m. The leading platoon of C Company at 9.30 a.m. The leading platoon of D Company at 10.30 a.m. The leading platoon of A Company will enter QUARRY ALLEY at 10.0 a.m. An interval of 300 yards will be maintained between platoons
4. Company Commanders of B, C & D Companies will arrange for 1 N.C.O. and man of each platoon to proceed ahead and draw Gumboots. They should be in possession of a list of sizes required before leaving. Gumboots will be carried, not worn.
5. Sgt. Draper [Sergeant Cook 3/7915 Alfred William DRAPER] will arrange for sufficient number of camp kettles to be taken, Two cooks per company will go into the support line where all cooking is done.
6. Blankets will be rolled and tied tightly in tens and stacked outside Divisional Recreation Hut at 8.0 a.m. A Company will stack their blankets under a guard at CLARK'S KEEP by 8.30 a.m. The Transport Officer will arrange for the collection of these.
7. One limber per company and one for Battalion Headquarters will convey mess baskets and officers' valises to Qr. Mr. Stores at 9.0 a.m. One limber will be at Battalion Hd. Qrs. At 9.0 a.m. to convey H.Q. Stores and Orderly Room boxes to CLARK'S KEEP.
8. All waterbottles will be filled today
9. List of Trench Stores taken over will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 4.0 p.m.
10. Completion of relief will be reported by wiring the word "BEEF"
11. Dispositions with rough sketches will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 8.0 a.m.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
[No.82] SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders [Comment; Order number torn from top corner of page but would have been No.82]
by Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 5th February 1917
1. The battalion will be relieved by the 2nd York & Lancaster Regt. Tomorrow, 6th inst., after 1.0 p.m. On relief, companies will move by platoons into Brigade Support and occupy the following areas. A Coy. RAILWAY RESERVE LINES in relief of A Coy. 1/Buffs B Coy. JUNCTION KEEP in relief of D Coy. 1/Buffs C Coy. CENTRAL KEEP in relief of B Coy. 1/Buffs D Coy. RESERVE LINE in relief of C Coy. 1/Buffs
2. The R.S.M. for Hd.Qrs., and Company Sergeant Majors with 2 men per company, will report at Bn. And Coy. Hd,Qrs 1st The Buffs., at 9.0 a.m. tomorrow, 6th instant, to take over trench stores in area to be occupied and obtain information regarding sentries furnished. A list of Stores taken over in Support Line to be rendered to Orderly Room by 6.0 p.m., 6th inst.
3. Lists of stores to be handed over on relief in trenches will be rendered to O.Room by 9.0 a.m. tomorrow, 6th inst. Receipts should be obtained from the relieving unit and retained.
4. All petrol cans, food containers and camp kettles must be rendered to the Cookhouse by 1.0 p.m. tomorrow.
5. Company Commanders will ensure that all trenches, dugouts, etc., are handed over clean and that all refuse is disposed of.
6. Completion of relief in the line will be notified to Bn. H.Q. at once by wiring the word "KANDY"
7. Arrival in positions in Support Line will be notified to Bn. H.Qrs. by wiring the word "GALLE"
8. Posts furnished by A Coy. which cannot be relieved by daylight, will be relieved at dusk. The relief of these posts will be reported to Bn. H.Qrs.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.84 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 9th February 1917
1. The battalion will relieve the 2nd York & Lancs. Regt. in the Left Sub Sector of 16th I.B. Sector, tomorrow, Saturday, 10th February 1917.
2. Companies will relieve in the following order as under:- D Coy. Centre Front Coy. in relief of C Coy, 2nd Y & L C Coy. Left Front Coy. in relief of A Coy, 2nd Y & L B Coy. Right Front Coy. in relief of B Coy, 2nd Y & L A Coy. Reserve Coy. in relief of D Coy, 2nd Y & L D and A Companies will commence relief at 1.30 p.m., C Company at 2.0 p.m. and B Company at 2.30 p.m., all moving by platoons
3. The R.S.M. and Coy.Sgt.Majors with 2 men each will take over trench stores at Bn. and Coy. Hd.Qrs. 2nd Y.&L. at 12.30 p.m. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to O.Room by 5.0 p.m. 10th inst.
4. A list of stores being handed over in present areas will be rendered to O.Room by 9.0 a.m. 10th inst. Receipts for all stores handed should be taken
5. During this tour in the line Capt. A.W.Elliott [Arthur Winterbottom ELLIOTT, MC & Bar] will command D Company and Lieut. R.A. Airth [Rennie Alexander AIRTH] will command A Coy.
6. Company Commanders will each detail 8 men to live near the Cookhouse. These men will carry up hot food and water to their companies and carry rations to Cookhouse each night. O.C. A Company will in addition furnish 1 N.C.O. and 16 men daily to push up trucks from MANSION HOUSE DUMP. The time this party should report to Bn. H.Q. will be wired daily.
7. Dispositions of Companies with rough sketch will be rendered by 6.0 p.m., 10th inst.
8. Completion of relief will be notified immediately by wiring the word "TANGLIN"
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 85. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 18th February 1917
1. The Battalion will be relieved in the line by 9th Leicester Regiment after 1.0 p.m. on 15th February 1917. Companies will be relieved as follows:- A Company by B Company, 9th Leicester Regt. B Company by D Company, 9th Leicester Regt. C Company by C Company, 9th Leicester Regt. D Company by A Company, 9th Leicester Regt.
2. On relief companies will move to BEUVRY by platoons, Route:- VERMELLES, NOYELLES, SAILLY, BEUVRY. An interval of 200 yards will be maintained between platoons until SAILLY is passed. Company Commanders will instruct officers and N.C.O.'s in charge of platoons to march closed up and not to allow straggling. The battalion will move on to ECLIEME (about 3 miles N.W. of CHOQUES) on 16th instant
3. All trench stores, excepting Primus Stoves, will be handed over, and receipts obtained. Lists of stores being handed over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 9.0 a.m., 15th instant. Petrol cans and hot food containers will be returned to Sgt. Draper [Sergeant Cook 3/7915 Alfred William DRAPER] at cookhouses by 1.0 p.m.
4. All maps of a larger scale than 1/10,000, sketches and air photos will be handed over. 5. N.C.O.'s and men attached 170th Tunnelling Coy. have moved to CLARK'S KEEP. They will join their own companies as they pass through on relief. 6. Company Commanders will ensure that all latrines, dugouts, etc., are left thoroughly clean
7. Completion of relief will be notified at once to Battalion headquarters by wiring the word "SUGAR". Company Commanders will also report when their company is present at BEUVRY
8. The Transport Officer will arrange for the following transport to be at MANSION HOUSE DUMP at 2.0 p.m. H.Q. Stores - 1 Limber and Mess Cart Lewis Guns - 1 Limber and Mess Cart Coy. Stores - 1 Limber and Mess Cart Transport Personnel, etc., will remain in present billets until 16th instant, when they will join the battalion marching from BEUVRY
9. Billeting Party as under will report to Town Major at Town Major's Office, BEUVRY, at 12 noon, 15th instant. 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] for H.Q. C.Q.M.Sgts. of each Company These N.C.O.'s will hand slips to 2nd Lieut. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] at BEUVRY, shewing (sic.) total officers and other ranks to be billeted.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment?
No. 86. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 15th February 1917
1. The battalion will continue the march to ECLEME tomorrow, 16th instant. Route :- BETHUNE, CHOCQUES, ROAD JUNCTION L'ECLEME.
2. Order of march:- H.Q. Party under R.S.M., "D", "C", "B" & "A" Company. Head of battalion will pass CROSS ROADS, BEUVRY at 11.30 a.m.
3. All packs will be stacked by companies outside the Orderly Room near the CROSS ROADS, BEUVRY by 8.30 a.m. O.C. A Company will detail 2 N.C.O.'s to supervise the loading of packs at 9.0 a.m. into lorries, each company furnishing 2 men for the work, who at ECLEME. Once N.C.O. will remain at ECLEME with the men to guard the packs, whilst the other returns [section crossed out in favour of] to BEUVRY for the remainder of the packs and then the third time to call at the Q.M. Stores at SAILLY.
4. The following billeting party under 2nd Lieut. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] will parade outside the Orderly Room with bicycles at 7.45 a.m. Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] for H.Q., C.Q.M.Sgts. of each company. These N.C.O.'s will hand slips shewing [sic] officers and other ranks to be billeted, to 2nd Lieut. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC]. Staff Captain will meet them at CHURCH, ROBECQ (P.29.b.2.3.) at 9.45 a.m.
5. Company Commanders will ensure that all billets are left thoroughly clean before parading.
6. As the start is late all ranks should must be shaved and washed
7. The Mess Cart will collect mess baskets commencing at Battalion Headquarters at 10.0 a.m. The Maltese Cart will be at Regimental Aid Post at 10.30 a.m. One limber will be at CROSS ROADS, BEUVRY at 10.30 a.m. for Lewis Guns and ammunition for which carts have been withdrawn.
8. The Transport Office will arrange for all transport to be ready to move off in rear of A Company from the starting point in the following order:- Limbers, Travelling Kitchens, Water Carts, Maltese Cart, Mess Cart, G.S. Wagons.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.87 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 23rd February 1917 Ref. Sheet 36A S.E. 1/20,000
1. The following scheme will be carried out by the 16th Infantry Brigade on 24th February 1917. The whole Army is attacking the enemy's position between ST. VENANT and BETHUNE. 16th Infantry Brigade objective lies between the following boundaries, exclusive. On the Right - CROSS ROADS W.7.b.8.8. to ROAD JUCNTION W.7.c.4.7. On the Left - ROAD JUNCTION P.36.b.1.2. to bend in road V.5.d.1.3. The N. Division will send out a Contact Aeroplane to find positions of Infantry.
2. The battalion will represent the capture of the second objective and will establish themselves on the road through BELLERIVE, between road junctions W.7.c.4.7 and CROSS ROADS V.5.b.5.9. by 10.45 a.m.
3. Each company will be given 25 flares. These will be lighted at intervals of five minutes commencing at 10.45 a.m. One flare only will be lit on each occasion opposite the centre of each platoon. When contact aeroplane approaches N.C.O.'s and men will be instructed to wave their arms and rifles.
4. The battalion will be formed up in column of route facing east in the following order:- C, B, D, A Companies at 8.45 a.m. Head of the column to be at ROAD JUNCTION V.9.b.9.9. Dress - fighting order.
5. Watches will be synchronised at 8.30 a.m., 24th instant.
6. Front allotted to battalion is approximately 2,000 yards. Each company will therefore occupy about 500 yards. Company fronts from left or right will be as follows:- C Company - Battn. Left boundary to V.6.c.5.6 B Company - C Company's right to V.6.d.2.2. D Company - B Company's right to V.12.b.8.5. A Company - D Company's right to Battn. right boundary. The battalion will move on to the position from the right flank.
7. Battalion Headquarters will be in the vicinity of V.6.d.1.1. approx. in rear of the centre of the position. Company Commanders, as soon as they reach their positions, will despatch a runner to locate Battalion Headquarters.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.88 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 25th February 1917
1. The scheme for practice with Contact Aeroplanes issued in Battalion Operation Order No.87, dated 23rd February 1917, will be repeated tomorrow, Monday 26th instant.
2. The Battalion will again represent the capture of the second objective and occupy the same front on the road running through BELLERIVE. Companies will take up the same positions as in 24th instant.
3. Flares only will be lit when called for by the aeroplane either by KLAXON Horn or Very Lights, between 10.45 a.m. and 11.45 a.m. Men will be instructed to wave their arms and rifles when flares are lighted.
4. The battalion will be formed up in column of route facing east in the following order:- C, B, D, A Companies at 8.50 a.m. Head of column to be at ROAD JUNCTION V.9.b.9.9. Dress - Fighting order, without steel helmets.
5. Watches to be synchronised at 8.30 a.m., 28th instant
6. The Transport Officer will arrange for 1 limber to collect Lewis Guns of A & D Companies and 1 limber for guns of B & C Companies at 8.0 a.m. Four magazines per gun will be taken
7. Battalion Headquarters will be at V.12.b.5.7., where all messages will be sent. Messages will be sent by signal as far as practicable, to afford training for the Signallers.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Bedfordshire Regt Field State February 28th 1917
Killed 9 Wounded 18
Sick to Hospital 97
Sick from Hospital 67
Evacuated from F.A. 49
A Coy Strength 14 Officers 260 Other Ranks
B Coy Strength 6 Officers 265 Other Ranks
C Coy Strength 8 Officers 268 Other Ranks
D Coy Strength 6 Officers 274 Other Ranks
Total 34 Officers 1067 Other Ranks
March 1917
No.91 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 1st March 1917
1. The battalion will relieve the 8th East Lancashire Regiment in Support at MAROC tomorrow, 2nd March 1917.
2. Companies will move by platoons with at least 200 yards interval, via LES BREBIS and GRENAY. At GRENAY CHURCH guides will meet platoons. The first platoons will arrive there at 9.30 p.m. Order of march:- A, D, B, C Companies. Company Commanders will detail a reliable N.C.O. guide from each platoon to reconnoitre the route to GRENAY CHURCH tomorrow morning. They will parade under Lieut. W.J. Holbrook [William James HOLBROOK, MC] outside the Orderly Room at 9.0 a.m.
3. The R.S.M. for Headquarters and C.S. Majors with one man per company, will proceed to the area to be occupied by their companies and take over all trench stores, etc., during daylight tomorrow afternoon. A list of all stores, etc., taken over will be rendered to Headquarters by 9.0 a.m., 3rd instant.
4. O.C. A Company will take over TRAVERSE and ST. JAMES' KEEP garrisoning each with one platoon
5. All blankets will be rolled and tied tightly in tens and handed in to Quartermaster Stores at 11.0 a.m. tomorrow, 2nd instant.
6. The transport officer will supply one limber per company to convey rations for 3rd instant, Lewis Guns and mess baskets. These limbers will be loaded before dark tomorrow. Also one limber and mess cart for Headquarters at 6.30 p.m.
7. Attention is drawn to the position in which box respirators will be worn when proceeding to the trenches.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.92 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 2nd March 1917
1. The battalion will furnish a garrison for the LOOS DEFENCES in relief of 3 companies of 9th North Staffordshire Regiment on 3rd March 1917. B, C & D Companies are detailed for this. A Company will remain at MAROC, with a platoon in each of TRAVERSE and ST. JAMES' KEEPS.
2. Company Commanders of B, C & D Companies will reconnoitre route and defences during daylight, 3rd March. All trench stores, maps, etc., will be taken over before dark and a list rendered to Orderly Room by 9.0 a.m., 4th March.
3. Allotment of defences and time relief commences will be notified later.
4. Completion of relief to be reported immediately, using "B.A.B." code.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 93. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 7th March 1917. Ref. Sheet 36c N.W. LOOS Ref. Sheet 36c N.W. LENS
1. The battalion will relieve the 1st The Buffs in the 16th Brigade left subsection (LOOS, LEFT) on 8th March 1917, as follows:- A Company will relieve A Company 1st The Buffs (right front) B Company will relieve B Company 1st The Buffs (centre front) C Company will relieve D Company 1st The Buffs (support) D Company will relieve C Company 1st The Buffs (left front) O.C. C Company will attach 1 Lewis Gun and team to each of B and D Companies for this tour in the trenches.
2. Companies will move by platoons at 6.30 p.m. following the routes reconnoitred by platoon guides today 200 yds. Between platoons. Headquarters party under Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] will move at 6.30 p.m.
3. The R.S.M. for Headquarters and C.S. Majors with one man per company will take over ammunition, trench stores, etc., in areas to be occupied by their companies, at 4.0 p.m., 8th instant. A list of stores taken over, by trenches, will be rendered to Orderly Room by 9.0 a.m., 9th instant.
4. Battalion Southern Boundary. BOYAU 31, HAYMARKET down to PICCADILLY (inclusive to Brigade right subsection). Battalion Northern Boundary. H.31.c.2.0. - GORDON ALLEY - SCOTS ALLEY - BOSS WAY - ENGLISH ALLEY from junction with BOSS WAY to G35.b.80.85 (all inclusive to battalion).
5. On relief, 1st The Buffs will occupy LOOS DEFENCES, with one company at MAROC, as follows: A Company 1st The Buffs will take over C Company's KEEPS B Company 1st The Buffs will take over A Company's KEEPS and MAROC platoon C Company 1st The Buffs will take over D Company's KEEPS D Company 1st The Buffs will take over B Company's KEEPS N.C.O.'s of this unit will take over trench stores during afternoon, 8th instant. Receipts will be taken for all stores handed over and copies rendered to Orderly Room by 9.0 a.m., 9th instant.
6. Company Commanders will render to Orderly Room by 10.0 a.m. 9th instant, complete dispositions of their companies with sketch map attached.
7. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by "B.A.B." code.
8. The attention of Company Commanders is called to list of reports issued this day, punctuality and correct compilation being essential.
9. Sufficient copies of S.S.534 "Defensive measures against Gas Attacks" has been issued to companies for each platoon. Special attention should be paid to Appendix V.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment)
No. 94. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 13th March 1917
1. The battalion will be relieved in the line by 1st The Buffs on 14th March 1917 as follows: A Company will be relieved by A Company 1st The Buffs B Company will be relieved by D Company 1st The Buffs C Company will be relieved by B Company 1st The Buffs D Company will be relieved by C Company 1st The Buffs Relief will commence at 7.0 p.m.
2. On relief Battalion Headquarters, A, B & D Companies will move to billets at LES BREBIS. C Company to MAROC, and will move furnish carrying and working parties. Parties will not march in larger bodies than platoons, and will maintain at least 200 yards interval
3. The Quartermaster and C.Q.M.Sgts. of A, B & D Companies will report to the Town Major, LES BREBIS, on the morning of the 14th instant and take over billets. One officer of C Company and the C.Q.M.Sgt. will take over billets, ammunition, stores, etc. from the company 2nd York and Lancaster Regt. now at MAROC, at 2.0 p.m. 14th instant. A list of stores, etc. taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 15th instant.
4. Lewis Guns, when relieved, camp kettles, sniperscopes, mess baskets, etc., will be sent to ration dump after dark on 14th instant. The Transport Officer will arrange for 5 limbers to be there a 9.0 p.m., 1 for each company and 1 for Battalion Headquarters. The boxes for carrying Lewis Guns, 4 per company, will be brought up in company limbers. The Lewis Guns of C Company temporarily attached the A, B & D Companies will be loaded in C Company's limber, when relieved.
5. All stores, ammunition, etc. will be handed over, receipts obtained and retained. Lists of stores being handed over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 14th instant.
6. Completion of relief will be immediately reported by B.A.B. Code
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 95. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 20th March 1917
1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st The Buffs in the LEFT SUB-SECTION, LOOS, on 20th March 1917. Companies will be distributed as follows: A Company - Right Front Company B Company - Support Company C Company - Centre Front Company D Company - Left Front Company
2. The R.S.M. for Bn. H.Q., C.S.Majors and one man of A, B and D Companies will parade outside the Orderly Room at 2.0 p.m., 20th instant. They will proceed to the areas to be occupied by companies and take over all trench stores, ammunition, etc. The C.S.Major of C Company and one man will join this party at MAROC.
3. Company Commanders of A & D Companies will detail 1 N.C.O. and 2 men from each platoon to be at the Gumboot Store, MAROC, at 5.0 p.m., 20th instant. These N.C.O.'s will be furnished with a slip shewing [sic] sizes of boots required by their platoon. They will draw gumboots and have them ready for issue at a suitable spot near the stores on arrival of their platoon.
4. The Transport Officer will arrange for one limber to be at Bn. H.Q. and one at each Coy. H.Q. of A, B & D Companies at 5.30 p.m. to convey Lewis Gus, rations, mess baskets, etc., to the line. One limber will be at C Company H.Q. MAROC, at 4.30 p.m. for the same purpose. One limber will be provided at 5.30 p.m. to carry up cooking pots of A, B & D Companies. Sgt. Draper [Sergeant Cook 3/7915 Alfred William DRAPER] will supervise the loading of this limber. C Company will arrange to carry up their cooking post.
5. O.C. B Company will send one Lewis Gun and team to each of A, C & D Companies. These guns will be loaded on the company's limber to whom they are attached. The Lewis Gun for C Company will be loaded on return of C Company's limber from MAROC. Lewis Gun teams will move with limbers varying their guns to the ration dump, LOOS, off load, and join their companies.
6. Companies will move by platoons with at least 200 yards interval passing the Railway Crossing east of LES BREBIS in the following order:- A Company - 1st platoon 6.30 p.m. D Company - 1st platoon 6.45 p.m. B Company - 1st platoon 7.0 p.m. C Company - 1st platoon 7.0 p.m. (from MAROC)
7. A list of trench stores, ammunition, etc., taken over will be rendered to Bn. H.Q. by noon, 21st instant.
8. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Bn. H.Q. by the "B.A.B." code.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
O.C. all Companies
1. Reference Battalion Operation Orders No.95, owing to sickness [comment; a measles outbreak] in C Company, B Company will take over the centre section of the line, and C Company will be in Support. Company Commanders of B & C Companies will at once despatch a N.C.O. and man to the trenches to inform C.S.Majors of this alteration to enable them to take over stores in changed ares [sic; area]. O.C. C Company will now send one Lewis Gun and team to B and D Companies, and one Lewis Gun and team to A Company.
2. Reference memo regarding ration and R.E. carrying parties, for B Company read C Company and for C Company read B Company
20.3.1917
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 96. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 25th March 1917
1. The following readjustment of the line will take place in the night 26/27th March 1917. 16th Infantry Brigade will extend its front to the North up to CAMERON ALLEY inclusive, and will be relieved on the DOUBLE CRASSIER by the 72nd Infantry Brigade
2. On completion of relief the boundaries of LEFT SUBSECTION will run as follows:- LEFT BOUNDARY - H.31.c.53.12 - CAMERON ALLEY (inclusive) to junction with SCOTS ALLEY, thence by SCOTS ALLEY to present boundary. RIGHT BOUNDARY - M.5.d.90.68 (BOYAU 32) - SOUTH STREET to HAYMARKET, thence as at present
3. The battalion will be relieved by 1st The Buffs on 26th March 1917, within the above boundaries. 1st The Buffs will take over the extension to the north from unit now in occupation. The platoon of A Company in occupation of line which will belong to right sub-section, will be relieved by 2nd Y. & L.
4. On relief, companies will move by platoons into the Support Line as follows:- A Company - LOOS DEFENCES - A&E KEEPS B Company - LOOS DEFENCES - B KEEPS D Company - LOOS DEFENCES - C&D KEEPS C Company - 1 platoon SOUTH STREET 1 platoon TRAVERS KEEP 1 platoon ST. JAMES' KEEP
5. The R.S.M. for Battalion Headquarters, C.S.Majors and 1 man per company, will take over trench stores, etc., in the new areas at 5.0 p.m., 26th instant.
6. Company Commanders of A & C Companies will arrange platoon guides to reconnoitre the way during daylight, 26th instant.
7. Lists of trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc., being handed over will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 12 noon, 26th instant. O.C. A Company will render separate lists of stores being handed over to the 1st The Buffs and 2nd Y. & L.
8. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters, using "B.A.B." code.
9. Company Commanders will ensure that movement in the open is restricted whenever hostile aeroplanes are in the vicinity of LOOS DEFENCES.
10. Company Commanders will report to Battalion Headquarters, using the "B.A.B." code when they have reached their new positions.
11. Whilst in Support, companies in LOOS DEFENCES will be prepared to supply 100 men each for work on the defences daily. C Company will be required to supply 75 men daily
12. The Lewis Gun and team attached to B Company from C Company will rejoin their own company on relief. The Lewis Guns on loan to A & D Companies will be sent back to C Company on the morning of the 27th instant
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 97. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Henry Scott [Lord Henry Francis Montague Douglas Scott], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 31st March 1917
1. The battalion will relieve the 1st The Buffs in the LEFT SUB-SECTION on 1st April 1917, companies being distributed as follows:- A Company relieve B Company, 1st The Buffs (right front company) B Company relieve C Company, 1st The Buffs (support company) C Company relieve A Company, 1st The Buffs (centre front company) D Company relieve D Company, 1st The Buffs (left front company) O.C. B Company will attach one platoon and two Lewis Guns and teams to A Company for garrisoning front line from LOOS CRASSIER to left of A Company
2. The R.S.M. for Battalion Headquarters and C.S.Majors and one man per company, will take over trench stores, ammunition, grenades etc., in the new areas at 5.0 p.m. 1st prox. A list of all stores take over will be rendered to the Orderly Room by 2.0 p.m. 2nd prox.
3. O.C. B Company will furnish carrying parties for ration and R.E. material for A Company and their own. C & D Companies will furnish their own.
4. Companies will move by platoons, at 8 p.m. with at least 200 yards interval.
5. Company Commanders will render to Battalion Headquarters by 10.0 a.m. 2nd prox., a disposition report with sketch map attached.
6. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by "B.A.B." code.
7. Reference Clock Code issues to companies this day. The initial letter on completion of relief will be "D". The code should invariably be kept with the "B.A.B." code and handed over whenever the command of a company changes.
8. The officer in command of the platoon of B Company attached to A Company will report completion of relief to O.C. A Company.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Bedfordshire Regt. Field State March 1917
Killed 10 Wounded 20
Sick to Hospital 107 mainly due to outbreak of measles
Sick from Hospital 49
Evacuated from F.A. 70
Strength of A Coy 13 Officers 239 Other Ranks
Strength of B Coy 8 Officers 248 Other Ranks
Strength of C Coy 6 Officers 240 Other Ranks
Strength of D Coy 6 Officers 251 Other Ranks
Total 33 Officers 978 Other Ranks
April 1917
No. 98. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Ampthill [Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 6th April 1917
1. The Battalion will be relieved in the line by 1st The Buffs on night 7/8th April 1917. Companies will be relieved as follows:- "A" Company relieved by "B" Company, 1st The Buffs. "B" Company relieved by "A" Company, 1st The Buffs. "C" Company relieved by "D" Company, 1st The Buffs. "D" Company relieved by "C" Company, 1st The Buffs. Relief will commence about 8.0pm.
2. On relief, Battalion Headquarters, "A", "C" and "D" Companies will move to billets in LES BREBIS. "B" Company to MAROC, and will furnish small working parties daily. Companies will move by platoons with an interval of at least 200 yards.
3. The C.Q.M.Sgt of "B" Company will take over billets and stores from the company of the 2nd Y.& L. now at MAROC at 2.0pm 7th instant. R.Q.M. Sgt Wise [3/7873 Sidney George WISE] and C.Q.M Sgts of "A", "C" and "D" Companies will report to the Town Major, LES BREBIS, on the morning of the 7th instant, and take over the billets. Afterwards they will distribute blankets, and move the travelling kitchens into suitable positions.
4. Lewis guns, when relieved, camp kettles, mess baskets, etc., will be sent down to the ration dump after dark on 7th instant. "C" and "D" Companies to ration dump near Support Battalion Headquarters. "A" and "B" Companies to ration dump near Battalion Headquarters. The Transport Officer will arrange for 5 limbers to be in LOOS at 10.40pm, one each for "C" and "D" Companies near Support Battalion Headquarters, and one each for Battalion Headquarters, "A" and "B" Companies at Battalion Headquarters. The boxes for carrying Lewis Guns, 4 per company, will be brought up in the company limbers.
5. The platoon and two Lewis Gun teams of "B" Company attached to "A" Company will rejoin their own company on relief.
6. All stores, ammunition, grenades, etc. will be handed over, receipts obtained ad retained. Lists of stores being handed over will be rendered to Orderly Rooms by 12 noon, 7th instant.
7. Headquarters party, "A", "C" and "D" Companies will hand in Gumboots at the Gumboot Store, MAROC. Receipts should be taken for number of boots handed in. "B" Company will retain their gumboots, which should only be worn by men proceeding on working parties.
8. Completion of relief will be reported immediately to Battalion Headquarters by "B.A.B." Code.
9. From completion of relief Clock Face Code "Initial Letter" will be "N".
10. Company Commanders will report to Battalion Headquarters when their companies reach billets. "B" Company by telephone, using "B.A.B." Code, the remainder by runner.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Messages and Signals
[Dated 7 April 2017] (By Hand)
to BA11 from Sender Number BAA 208 date 7th day (Jun 1917)
"Ref. BN 00 No 98. As limber for your Lewis Guns, Mess booked, rc. , will be at your ration dump at 10.40pm instead of Bn H.Q. aaa
This will be most convenient for you aaa"
Signed (Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC]
No. 99. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Ampthill GCSI, GCIE [Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 10th April 1917 Ref. Map - Sheet
1. The Battalion (less "B" Company" will carry out a scheme for practise with Contact Aeroplanes in conjunction with No2 Squadron R.F.C, on the 11th or 19th April 1917.
2. Companies will parade 100 strong. Dress - Fighting Order. The Transport Officer will furnish a limber for each company to carry Lewis guns and magazines.
3. FIRST PHASE Front line to be occupied will be in square L. 26.b., probably on road running from N.E to S.W, through this square. "A" Company will take up position on the left, "C" Company in the centre, and "D" Company on the right, facing North-west, towards NOEUX-LES-MINES. Battalion Headquarters will be established at L.27.c.20.80. Aeroplane will come over and acknowledge ground signals from Battalion Headquarters and will then fire a WHITE Very Light, or send a succession of A's on Klaxon Horn, as a signal for ground flares to be lighted. SECOND PHASE The front line will advance and Battalion Headquarters will be re-established at L.26.b.40.70. Brigade sends message to Battalion, and also asks aeroplane new position of front line. Aeroplane repeats message to Battalion, locates new front line, and reports situation to Brigade Headquarters.
4. Companies will move by platoons, with 200 yards interval, to position of deployment, and also when returning to billets after completion of scheme.
5. Definite instructions as to time to march off from billets, issuing of ground flares, whether flares are to be used or not in SECOND PHASE, and actual line to be held in FIRST PHASE, will be issued later. Approximately 6 hours notice will be given.
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Addendum to Bn Op Order No [comment; appears to be an incomplete draft - unsigned]
1. Scheme will take place on -----th inst. Coys will march off by platoon in order: "A" Coy "C" Coy "D" Coy.
2. Flares will be used to signal to the aeroplanes in both phases of the scheme. They will be placed in groups of 3 in a rough triangle about 1 yard apart, with an interval of 16 paces between groups.
3. Route - MAZINGARBE to Road JCT about 400 yd west of MAZINGARBE (L.22.d.20.90). Take left fork and continue till about 500 yds west of railway where definite position will be allocated to each coy.
4. Limber should be at Coy HQrs at ------, ------- inst.
8 Copies
No. 100. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Ampthill GCSI, GCIE [Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 12th April 1917
1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st The Buffs in the LEFT SUBSECTION LOOS, on the night 13/14th April 1917, Companies will be distributed as follows:- "A" Company - Support Company. "B" Company - Right Front Company. "C" Company - Left Front Company. "D" Company - Centre Front Company. O.C "A" Company will attaché 1 platoon (consisting of 1 officer, 28 rifles, and 2 Lewis guns and teams) to "B" Company. This platoon will be under the command of "B" Company whilst in the line, and hold from left of "B" Company to the LOOS CRASSIER.
2. The R.S.M for Battalion Headquarters, C.S.Majors and one man of "A", "C" and "D" Companies will parade outside the Orderly Room at 3.0pm, 13th instant. They will proceed to the areas to be occupied by companies and take over all trench stores, ammunition, etc. The C.S. Major and one man of "B" Company will join this party at MAROC.
3. Company Commanders of "A", "C" and "D" Companies will detail 1 N.C.O. and 5 men per platoon to be at Gumboot Store, MAROC, at 6 p.m 13st instant. These parties will be furnished with a slip showing sizes of gumboots required for their platoon. They will draw gumboots and have them ready for issue under cover of the houses at the North-west corner of MAROC, care being taken to select separate places for each company to prevent crowding. Sgt Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur GOODY] will arrange for gumboots to be drawn for H.Q party and ready for issue near the same spot.
4. The Transport Officer, will arrange for a limber to be at Battalion Headquarters, and one each at Company Headquarters of "A", "C" and "D" Companies at 7.0pm. 13th instant, to convey Lewis Guns, rations, mess baskets, etc. to the line. One limber will be at "B" Company Headquarters at 8.30pm for the same purpose. This limber will proceed direct to the LENS-BETHUNE ROAD. One limber will be provided at 7.0pm to carry up cooking pots of "A", "C" and "D" Companies. Sgt Draper [Sergeant Cook 3/7915 Alfred William DRAPER] will supervise the loading. "B" Company will arrange to carry up their cooking pots.
5. Companies will move by platoons with at least 200 yards interval, passing the railway crossing east of LES BREBIS in the following order:- "C" Company 1st platoon, 7.45pm "D" Company 1st platoon, 8.00pm "A" Company 1st platoon, 8.15pm "B" Company 1st platoon, 8.30pm (from MAROC) Route for companies at LES BREBIS. Through slag heaps and along post tracks to GRENAY - VERMELLES LINE, from thence via North-west corner of MAROC to communication trench, or MAROC - LOOS ROAD, if enemy is not shelling it.
6. A list of trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc taken over will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 10.0am, 14th instant.
7. During this tour, "C" and "D" Companies will furnish their own carrying parties for R E Material and rations from supporting platoons. "A" Company will furnish their ownr and parties for "B" Company.
8. Company Commanders will render a disposition report with sketch map attached to Battalion Headquarters by 10.0am 14th instant.
9. Completion of relief will be reported immediately to Battalion Headquarters, using "B.A.B." Code.
[Comment; appears to be missing the final page, no signature]
No. 106. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Ampthill GCSI, GCIE [Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 21st April 1917 Ref. Map LOOS, 36c.N.W.3, 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st Leicestershire Regiment in the Right Subsection, ST. ELIE SECTOR, on night 21/22nd April 1917.
2. Companies will be distributed as follows:- "A" Coy. - Support Coy. relieving "A" Coy. 1st Leicestershire Regt. "B" Coy. - Right Front Coy. relieving "C" Coy. 1st Leicestershire Regt. "C" Coy. - Centre Front Coy. relieving "D" Coy. 1st Leicestershire Regt. "D" Coy. - Left Front Coy. relieving "B" Coy. 1st Leicestershire Regt.
3. The R.S.M for Headquarters and C.S Majors and one man per company, will parade outside the Orderly Room at 5.30pm and proceed to the line and take over all trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc. A list of stores, etc. taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon 22nd instant.
4. Companies will march off in the following order with at least 900 yards interval between platoons :- "D" Company, 1st platoon at 8.15pm "C" Company, 1st platoon at 8.30pm "B" Company, 1st platoon at 8.45pm "A" Company, 1st platoon at 9.0 pm Headquarters party 9.10pm.
5. Cooking is done for the front line in A" Company's line. Four men per company will be detailed to remain near cookhouse and carry up hot food and water for their company.
6. Rations and R E Materials are brought up nightly to QUARRY DUMP by light railway. Companies will arrange for a small party to draw rations and distribute them from here. Rations actually arrive about 10.0pm.
7. Each company will detail 1 L/Cpl. and three men tonight to accompany trucks from railhead near FOSSE 3 to ration dump. They will report to Sgt Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] at 9.0pm at tramway railhead.
8. Gas Alert will be in force from 8.0pm today until further orders.
9. Disposition reports with sketch maps attached will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 12 noon, 22nd instant.
10. Completion of relief will be reported immediately to Battalion Headquarters by "B.A.B." Code Copy No 1 - Office " 2 - "A" Coy. " 3 - "B" Coy. " 4 - "C" Coy. " 5 - "D" Coy. " 6 - T.O " 7 - Q.M " 8 - R.S.M
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 107. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Ampthill GCSI, GCIE [Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 26th April 1917
1. The battalion will be relieved by the 2nd Y and L Regt. on night 26/27th April 1917, commencing about 8.45pm. Relief will be carried out as follows:- "A" Coy. will be relieved by "B" Coy. 2nd Y. and L. "B" Coy. will be relieved by "A" Coy. 2nd Y and L. "C" Coy will be relieved by "D" Coy. 2nd Y and L. "D" Coy will be relieved by "C" Coy. 2nd Y and L.
2. On relief Companies will move by platoons and occupy the same positions in the RESERVE LINE evacuated by the companies of 2nd Y&L. that relieve them.
3. Each Company will send 1 Officer, C.S.M and 5 men to reconnoitre route to new position and take over trench stores, etc. The Officer and 4 of the men will return at once to their Coys. And act as guides on relief to platoons. The C.S.M and 1 man will remain in charge of new area and stores. Should there be any doubt as to new position to be occupied Coy. Commanders will send their reconnoitring parties to Bn. H.Q. of 2nd Y & L at G.17.b.80.20 in 10th AVENUE at bottom of HAY ALLEY, where guides will be provided.
4. All trench stores, ammunition, grenades, air photos, and petrol cans will be handed over. A list of these will be sent to Bn. H.Q. by 6.0pm.
5. Battalion Rations are brought to MANSION HOUSE DUMP, VERMELLES, off-loaded on to trucks which are pushed up to near Bn. H.Q. and carried from thence by hand. Each Company will detail 1 N.C.O and 4 men nightly to report to Bn. H.Q. at midnight for pushing up trucks. The Reserve Battalion are not issued with trucks until front line battalions have used and returned them.
6. Completion of relief will be reported to Bn. H.Q. by B.A.B. Code immediately. Arrival in new position will also be reported to Bn. H.Q. by runner.
7. Positions to be taken up in the Reserve Line by Companies are approximately as follows: - "A" Coy. - GORDON ALLEY to CHAPEL ALLEY. "B" Coy. - JCT CHAPEL ALLEY & O.B.1 to DEVON LANE. "C" Coy. - 10th AVENUE near LONE TREE REDOUET. "D" Coy. - DEVON LANE to HOLLY LANE. Bn. H.Q. in 10th Avenue at bottom of HAY ALLEY.
8. There is a well in O.B.4 near CHAPEL ALLEY and one at GORDON PUMP in communication trench between GORDON and HULLUCH ALLEY.
9. The A.C.C.Coy, under Capt Hamilton will remain in their present position and come under command of 2nd Y.& L. on completion of relief. Issued at 2.30pm Copy No 1 - Office " 2 - "A" Coy. " 3 - "B" Coy. " 4 - "C" Coy. " 5 - "D" " 6 - Capt. Hamilton A.C.C " 7 - R.S.M
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
O.C. All Company 26.4.1917
The Reserve Line is the Main line of defence and, with considerable portions of the front line unoccupied, it is necessary to make careful arrangements for its protection against any hostile raid which may penetrate our front line.
The Battalion in Brigade Reserve will provide this protection with three Companies; each company will be kept concentrated within its portion as far as dugout accommodation and tactical requirements will permit. Each platoon should find a double sentry by night, where two platoons are occupying the same dug-out one double sentry will be sufficient.
The portions of the line which a hostile raiding party might reach unobserved are from SEVENTH AVENUE o the HULLUCH ROAD, and from HULLUCH ALLEY to the extreme left; our wire in front of these portions will be patrolled.
The Reserve Line being the main Line of defence and being an extended one, two localities have been selected which in the case of a serious attack the efforts of the Brigade will be concentrated in holding, viz: -
The quadrilateral enclosed by HAY ALLEY - Reserve Line - DEVON LINE - portion of O.G.1 - 10th AVENUE, WINGS WAY is retrenchment to DEVON LANE.
The locality enclosed by FOSSE WAY - Reserve Line - O.B.2 - HULLUCH ALLEY - O.B.4. This will be known as the STANSFIELD ROAD defended locality, it will be prepared for all round defence as soon as possible.
The fourth company of the Bde, Reserve Battalion will be accommodated in 9TH and 10TH AVENUE and, in case of serious attack, will assist in the defence of the Quadrillateral. This company is not, except in case of urgent necessity, to be moved from the Quadrilateral.
In the case of serious attack the company of the Battn. in Bde. Reserve responsible for the protection of the left of the Reserve Line, will be concentrated in the STANDFIED Road defended locality. 26.4.1917
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No. 108. SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Colonel Lord Ampthill GCSI, GCIE [Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 30th April 1917
1. The Battalion will relieve the 2/8th Manchester Regiment in the Centre Subsection on night 30th April/1st May 1917. Distribution as follows:- "A" Company will relieve "C" Company, 2/8th Manchester Regiment. "B" Company will relieve "B" Company, 2/8th Manchester Regiment. "C" Company will relieve "D" Company, 2/8th Manchester Regiment. "D" Company will relieve "A" Company, 2/8th Manchester Regiment. Companies will move by platoons with 2 minutes interval in the following order: - "A" Company } 1st platoons at 8.45pm "B" Company } ditto. "C" Company } 1st platoons at 9.0pm "D" Company } ditto.
2. The R.S.M. for Battalion Headquarters, and C.S.MAJors and one man per company, will take over all trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc. in the new sector at 6.0pm. A list of all trench stores, etc. taken over will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 12 noon 1st May.
3. Company Commanders and 4 platoons guides will reconnoitre route ad new area to be occupied this afternoon, vide B.D.O. 450 issued at 2.20pm to-day. A list of trench stores, ammunition, etc. being handed over in present area will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 6.0pm to-day, vide telephone message B.D.O 109 issued at 2.45p.m to-day.
4. Disposition reports giving in detail full trench strength with rough sketch map attached will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 10.0am 1st May 1917.
5. Completion of relief to be reported immediately to Battalion Headquarters, using "B.A.B." Code.
Copy No 1 - Office, ditto 2 - "A" Coy., ditto 3 - "B" Coy., ditto 4 - "C" Coy., ditto 5 - "D" Coy., ditto" 6 - T.O, ditto 7 - Q.M, ditto 8 - R.S.M
(sd. Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment. Issued to Companies at 4.0pm.
8th Bedfordshire Regt Field State April 1917
Killed 2 Off 50 O.R.
Wounded 6 Off 218 O.R.
Missing 8 O.R.
Sick to Hospital 129
Sick from Hospital 36
A Company Strength 14 Off 180 O.R
B Company Strength 6 Off 158 O.R
C Company Strength 5 Off 163 O.R
D Company Strength 7 Off 155 O.R
Total 32 Off 656 O.R
A draft of 100 at Div. Training Coy. not posted to Coys
May 1917
No.109 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Lieut. Colonel Lord Ampthill, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E. [Lord Arthur Oliver Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 2nd May 1917
1. On the night 2/3rd May the 16th Infantry Brigade sector will be altered as follows:- Two battalions in Front Line, one at MAZINGARBE and one at FOUQUIERE. Right Boundary (between 16th I.B. and 18th I.B.) - Front Line at H.25.b.13.54. - BOYAU 63 - POSEN ALLEY to Junction with RESERVE TRENCH G.30.b.32.92 (both inclusive to 16th I.B.) thence to Junction CHALK PIT ALLEY and NINTH AVENUE to NORTHERN UP at G.27.b.95.50 - CHARING CROSS STATION - PUITS No.7 - JUCNTION of LONDON ROAD and GRENAY VERMELLES LINE. Left Boundary (between 16th I.B. and 71st I.B.) Vermelles - Hulluch Road from Front Line to RESERVE TRENCH (inclusive to 71st I.B.) - WINGS WAY from RESERVE TRENCH to NINTH AVENUE (inclusive to 71st I.B.) - LE RUTOIRE ALLEY to point where it crosses road at G.16.a.12.30 (inclusive to 16th I.B.) - along road to G.21.a.40.40 and thence to level crossing at G.20.a.30.30 Brigade Headquarters will be established at MAZINGARBE (next to BREWERY) at 10.0 a.m. on 3rd May.
2. A, B & D Companies will be relieved on night 2/3rd May by 9th Suffolk Regt., who will start from PHILOSOPHE CROSS ROADS at 8.30 p.m. On relief these companies will be accommodated in the Reserve Line from WINGS WAY to VENDIN ALLEY as follows:- A Company - VENDIN ALLEY (exclusive) to HAY LANE (inclusive) B Company - HOLLY LANE (exclusive) to HAY ALLEY (inclusive) D Company - HAY ALLEY (exclusive) to WINGS WAY (inclusive) C Company will remain in present position and will be responsible for front line from HULLUCH ROAD (exclusive) to BOYAU 72 A (inclusive). B & D Companies are responsible for the defence of that [portion of the QUADRILATERAL which is on the battalion area. Battalion Headquarters will move to NINTH ANENUE at JUNCTION of HAY ALLEY on completion of relief
3. Railhead for rations from tonight will be at MANSION HOUSE DUMP. Battalion Ration Dump will be as present, JUNCTION O.G.1 and DEVON LANE, from which company ration parties will take over rations, etc. D Company will furnish nightly a party to carry rations and material for C Company. Tonight C Company will send a guide to D Company to shew [sic] route to ration carrying party.
4 (a). Companies will arrange to take over all stores in new positions before dark, and render lists to Battalion H.Q. by 12 noon tomorrow, 3rd instant. (b) All trench stores, S.A.A., grenades, maps, etc. will be handed over, receipts taken and retained by Company Commanders. A list of all stores being handed over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 6.0 p.m. today.
5. Companies in Support will ensure that the wire in front of RESERVE TRENCH is frequently patrolled during the hours of darkness.
6. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to battalion Headquarters using "B.A.B." code.
7. Copy of Brigade relief table is attached for your information.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
O.C. Company. Amendment to Battalion Operation Order No.109 13.4.1917
1. Times of first platoons to start should read:- C Company 7.45 p.m. D Company - 8.0 p.m. A Company - 8.15 p.m. B Company - 8.30 p.m. (from MAROC)
2. A limber will call for officers' valises of A and D Companies at 5.30 p.m. and one for Battalion Headquarters and C Company at the same time, to convey them to Q.M.Store
3. Each company will detail 1 N.C.O. and 1 man to accompany the limber proceeding to the line with Lewis Guns, mess baskets, etc. These N.C.O.'s should instruct the drivers to the nearest dump to the company area in the line, and NOT to drop everything at Battalion Headquarters.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.110 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Lieut. Colonel Lord Ampthill, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E. [Lord Arthur Oliver Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 7th May 1917
1. The battalion will be relieved by 1st The Buffs tonight (night 7/8th May 1917). First platoon of The Buffs will leave MAZINGARBE at 8.45 p.m.
2. On relief companies will march back by platoons with at least 200 yard intervals to MAZINGARBE, where the Battalion will be in Brigade Reserve
3. Whilst in Brigade Reserve two companies will be ready to turn out at half an hour's notice in battle order and the remaining two at one hour's notice. From time relief is complete to 6.0 a.m. 9th instant, companies will be ready to turn our as under:- A and D Companies - (a) at half an hour's notice B & C Companies - (b) at one hour's notice For 24 hours commencing at 6.0 a.m.:- 9th instant - B and C Companies (a) 9th instant - A and D Companies (b) 10th instant - A and D Companies (a) 10th instant - B and C Companies (b) 11th instant - B and C Companies (a) 11th instant - A and D Companies (b)
4. All trench stores, ammunition, grenades, maps, etc., will be handed over, receipts taken and retained. A list of above to be handed over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 6.0 p.m. today
5. Mess baskets, etc., will be sent down to HAY DUMP by 9.30 p.m. tonight. These will be sent to KINGSBRIDGE DUMP near FOSSE 3 on trucks, and from thence to MAZINGARBE on a limber
6. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters using "B.A.B." code
7. Company Commanders will notify Battalion Headquarters as soon as their companies have reached MAZINGARBE.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Addenda to Operation Order No.110 Dated 7th May 1917
1. Companies will be relieved as follows:- A Company by A Company 1st The Buffs B Company by B Company 1st The Buffs C Company by D Company 1st The Buffs D Company by C Company 1st The Buffs Each Company will furnish platoon guides (4) to be at POSEN STATION (junction of VENDIN ALLEY and TENTH AVENUE) at 10.0 p.m. Guides should be furnished with a slip of paper showing company of the 1st The Buffs they are to meet there
2. On relief companies will move by the following route:- B, C & D Companies - HAY ALLEY - TENTH AVENUE - to where railroad crosses it - follow railroad to VICTORIA STATION on LENS-BETHUNE ROAD - PHILOSOPHE - MAZINGARBE. A Company - VENDIN ALLEY to TENTH AVENUE then as above.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.111 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Lieut. Colonel Lord Ampthill, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E. [Lord Arthur Oliver Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 10th May 1917
1. The Battalion will relieve 1st The Buffs in the left subsection of the Brigade Front on night 11/12th May 1917.
2. Companies will take over dispositions as followed:- A Company Right Support in relief of A Company 1st The Buffs B Company Front Line in relief of D Company 1st The Buffs C Company Centre Support in relief of B Company 1st The Buffs D Company Left Support in relief of C Company 1st The Buffs
3. The R.S.M. for Headquarters and C.S.Majors and one man per company will parade outside the Orderly Room at 5.0 p.m. 11th instant. They will proceed to positions to be occupied by their companies and take over all trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 12th instant.
4. Companies will march off by platoons with at least 200 yards interval, passing the Divisional Canteen in the following order and times:- B Company - 1st platoon at 8.45 a.m. D Company - 1st platoon at 8.55 a.m. A Company - 1st platoon at 9.05 a.m. C Company - 1st platoon at 9.15 a.m. H.Q. Party under Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] at 9.25 p.m. Route - CROSS ROADS, PHILOSOPHE, BETHUNE-LENS ROAD to where rail leaves road - alongside of rail to TENTH AVENUE - HAY ALLEY. A Company will move up VENDIN ALLEY instead of HAY ALLEY.
5. The Transport Officer will supply 3 limbers at 5.30 p.m. to collect officers valises of Headquarters and companies, and convey then to the Quartermaster Store at SAILLY. At 8.0 p.m. the Transport Officer will furnish one limber for H.Q. and one for each company. Company limbers will be loaded with mess baskets, Lewis Guns, rations not issued to the men and cooking utensils. With the exception of Lewis guns, all limbers will be off loaded on to trucks at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and pushed up to HAY DUMP. Lewis guns will be taken on in limbers to the point where the railroad leaves the BETHUNE - LENS ROAD. Lewis gun teams will accompany their guns and join their platoons as they pass this point. 2nd Lieut. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the off loading of Lewis guns and ensure that teams and guns join up as companies pass this point.
6. All blankets will be rolled up tightly in tens and handed in to the Quartermaster at 11.0 a.m. 11th instant. The Quartermaster will arrange with the Transport Officer for the transport of these to the stores.
7. During the ensuing tour in the trenches companies will furnish their own ration and material carrying parties nightly from HAY DUMP excepting B Company. The party for this company will be furnished by D Company
8. On night 11th instant, each company will furnish a party of 1 N.C.O. and 4 men to off load limbers on to trucks at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP at 9.0 p.m. and proceed with them to HAY DUMP. The Transport Officer will supply 3 mules for drawing trucks.
9. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by "B.A.B." code.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.113 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Lieut. Colonel Lord Ampthill, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E. [Lord Arthur Oliver Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 18th May 1917
1. The Battalion will relieve 2/York and Lancaster Regt. in the right subsection of the Brigade Front on night 19/20th May 1917. 2. Companies will take over dispositions as followed:- A Company Centre Right Company in relief of D Company 2/Y.&L. B Company Right Front Company in relief of A Company 2/Y.&L. C Company Support Company in relief of B Company 2/Y.&L. D Company Left Front Company in relief of C Company 2/Y.&L.
2. The R.S.M. for Headquarters and C.S.Majors and one man per company will parade outside the Orderly Room at 5.0 p.m. 19th instant. They will proceed to above positions and take over all trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 20th instant.
3. Companies will march off by platoons with at least 200 yards distance, passing the Divisional Canteen in the undermentioned order and times:- A Company - 1st platoon at 8.45 a.m. B Company - 1st platoon at 8.55 a.m. D Company - 1st platoon at 9.05 a.m. C Company - 1st platoon at 9.15 a.m. H.Q. Party under Sgt. Vivian [16005 William H. VIVIAN] at 9.25 p.m. Route - PHILOSOPHE CROSS ROADS, BETHUNE-LENS ROAD to VICTORIA STATION; alongside railroad to TENTH AVENUE. A and D Companies to position via VENDIN ALLEY, B and C Companies via POSEN ALLEY, H.Q. Party via PONT STREET.
4. The Transport Officer will supply 3 limbers at 5.30 p.m. to collect valises of Headquarters and companies. At 8.0 p.m. the Transport Officer will furnish one limber for Battalion Headquarters and one for each company. These limbers will be loaded with mess baskets, Lewis Guns, rations not issued to the men and taken to KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and off loaded onto trucks which will be drawn by mules to VENDIN DUMP. Each Company will detail 1 N.C.O. and 4 men for off loading limbers at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and proceed with the trucks to VENDIN DUMP. The Transport Officer will supply 3 mules for drawing the trucks.
5. All blankets will be rolled up tightly in tens and handed in to the Quartermaster at 11.0 a.m. 19th instant. The Quartermaster will arrange with the Transport Officer for the transport of these to the stores.
6. During the ensuing tour in the line companies will furnish their own ration and material carrying parties from VENDIN DUMP
7. Company Commanders will render a sketch map and full details of their dispositions to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 20th instant.
8. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by "B.A.B." code.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.114 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 22nd May 1917
1. The battalion will be relieved on night 23/24th May 1917, by 2/. & L. and move back into Brigade Support in billets at MAZINGARBE.
2. On relief companies will march back by platoons with at least 200 yard intervals via TENTH AVENUE; track alongside light railway to LENS-BETHUNE ROAD; PHILOSOPHE. A & D Companies will reach TENTH AVENUE by VENDIN ALLEY and B & C Companies by POSEN ALLEY.
3. Whilst in Brigade Support two companies will be ready to turn out at half an hour's notice in battle order and the remaining two at one hour's notice. From time relief is complete to 6.0 a.m. 25th instant, companies are detailed as follows:- A and D Companies - (a) at half an hour's notice B & C Companies - (b) at one hour's notice For 24 hours commencing at 6.0 a.m.:- 9th instant - B and C Companies (a) 25th instant - A and D Companies (b) 25th instant - A and D Companies (a) 26th instant - B and C Companies (b) 27th instant - B and C Companies (a) 27th instant - A and D Companies (b)
4. All trench stores, ammunition, grenades, maps, etc., will be handed over, receipts taken and retained. A list of above to be handed over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 6.0 p.m. 23rd instant
5. Mess baskets, etc., will be sent down to the junction of POSEN ALLEY with TENTH AVENUE by 9.30 p.m. 23rd instant, where they will be loaded on trucks. Limbers will meet the trucks at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP, and convey the stores to MAZINGARBE. On relief Lewis guns will be loaded on a truck at the above dump. A limber will await truck at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and convey guns to billets. 2nd Lieut. H.C. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the loading of Lewis Guns.
6. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters using "B.A.B." code
7. Company Commanders will report to Orderly Room at MAZINGARBE as soon as their companies have reached billets.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Messages and Signals
Received from BB101, by Brewer Dated 26.5.17
Three lorries will report at NORTHERN HUTS BRASSERIE, MAZINGARBE at 2 p.m. tomorrow 27th inst. To remove kits to FOUQUIERES aaa
No.115 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 26th May 1917
1. The Battalion will march to FOUQUIERES on night 27/28th May 1917 and will then be in Divisional Reserve. Route - MAZINGARBE CHURCH, NOUEX-LES-MINES, CITE de VERQUIN, VERQUIN, FOUQIERES
2. Companies will pass MAZINGARBE CHURCH as follows:- Headquarter Party at 8.0 p.m. A Company at 8.5 p.m. B Company at 8.10 p.m. C Company at 8.15 p.m. D Company at 8.20 p.m. The Battalion will halt at 10 minutes to the clock hour and resume the march punctually at the clock hour, but no company will halt in NOUEX-LES-MINES. It will either pass through or stop just short of the main traffic if due to halt and march off again after 10 minutes. Watches will be synchronised at 6.0 p.m. 27th instant.
3. The Transport will move independently from SAILLY LABOURSE via BEUVRY - SOUTH OF BETHUNE to FOUQUIERES under the Transport Officer at 8.0 p.m. The following horses and vehicles only will stay with the Battalion at FOUQUIERES, the remainder returning to SAILLY. Animals. All riding horses, less cart horse, Maltese Cart horse, 1pr. Mules for Water Cart Vehicles. Mess Cart 1, Maltese Cart 1, Water Carts 2, Travelling Kitchens 4, Lewis Gun limbers 2, Limbers conveying S.A.A. and bombs for practice and signalling gear 1
4. An advance billeting party as follows, under 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] will parade outside the Orderly Room with bicycles at 9.0 a.m., 27th instant; Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] for Headquarters party, Company Q.M. Sergeants. Each will possess a slip shewing [sic] number of Officers and Other Ranks requiring billets. The Transport Officer will arrange for a representative to meet 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] at 2.0 p.m. at FOUQUIERES to take over Transport Liens and billets. 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] will report to Town Major at ANNEZIN for allotment of billets in FOUQUIERES. Billeting party will meet Battalion at road junction at E.16.d.90.15 at 10.30 p.m.
5. All Lewis Guns will be packed in the boxes ready for loading near the Orderly Room at 6.0 p.m. The Transport Officer will arrange for 2 limbers to be there at that hour, and 2nd Lieut. H.C. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the loading. Officers valises will be ready for loading at 6.0 p.m. One G.S. Wagon will call at Battalion Headquarters and A Company, and one at B, C & D Companies, at that hour. One servant from Headquarters and one from each company will accompany these wagons. Orderly Room, Tailors, Shoemakers and Pioneers boxes will be loaded on the G.S. Wagons detailed for Hd. Qrs. and A Company.
[Comment; ends here, presume missing a page]
No.116 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH, Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 30th May 1917 Ref. Map Sheet 36B N.E.
1. The battalion will carry out a Contact Aeroplane Scheme in conjunction with No.2 Squadron R.F.C. on Friday next, 1st June.
2. 1st Phase. The Battalion will hold the line represented by road running east and west of cross roads at K.8.a.80.75. for a distance of 500 yards on either side, facing south. A & B Companies on the right, C & D Companies on the left, of the cross roads. 2nd Phase. The Battalion will throw out posts on its left in the direction of HOUCHIN and hold road running from N.E. to S.W. through K.8.b&c. C & D Companies furnishing 2 posts each, about 100 yards apart, from cross roads K.8.a.95.10 to K.8.b.80.70. B Company will furnish one post on road at K.8.d.40.80 and A Company one on road at K.7.d.20.40.
3. The Battalion Headquarters will be established at CROSS ROADS at K.2.b.55.15. The Signalling Officer will draw an extra signalling panel and figures from O.C. "C" Flight, No.2 Squadron, R.F.C. on afternoon 31st instant, to enable him to furnish signalling stations, one on each flank of Battalion Headquarters. These stations will be on or near the road running east and west through, and about 500 yards distant from, Battalion Headquarters.
4. During the 1st Phase flares will be lit, on the signal being received from the aeroplane and not before, in groups of 3 in front of the centre of each platoon in the form of a triangle with 3 paces between flares. In the 2nd Phase each post will light a group of flares laid out in the same manner when called for by the aeroplane. Attention of Company Commanders is called to "Instructions for Contact Patrol Work by Aeroplanes" dated December 1916, para. 5
5. Company Commanders will reconnoitre tomorrow the positions to be occupied
6. Care should be taken that when flares are lighted there is no danger to crops. If necessary they may be placed on the road.
7. Companies will be in position for 1st Phase by 9.45 a.m., 1st June, marching out independently. Positions for 2nd Phase may be occupied at the same time providing necessary precautions are taken to ensure that flares are not lit during the 1st Phase, i.e. when the 'plane calls first for flares to be lighted, which will be about 10.0 a.m.
8. Watches will be synchronised at 8.0 a.m., 1st June.
9. Companies will draw flares from the Quartermaster as under:- A Company 15, B Company 15, C Company 18, D Company 18.
10. Dress - Battle Order, without Steel Helmets and box respirators
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Bedfordshire Regt Field State May 1917
Killed 7 O.R.
Wounded 2 Off. 37 O.R.
Sick to Hospital 77
Sick from Hospital 47
Strength of A Coy 13 Officers 189 O.Ranks
Strength of B Coy 4 Officers 187 O.Ranks
Strength of C Coy 5 Officers 192 O.Ranks
Strength of D Coy 7 Officers 171 O.Ranks
Total 29 Officers 739 O.Ranks
June 1917
No.117 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 3rd June 1917 Ref. Map Sheet 36B N.E.
1. The Battalion will march to MAZINGARBE on the afternoon of 3rd June 1917 and will then be in Brigade Support. Route - Battalion Headquarters; VERQUIN; NOUEX-LES-MINES; MAZINGARBE. Head of companies will pass Battalion Headquarters as follows:- Headquarter Party at 5.30 p.m. B Company at 5.35 p.m. C Company at 5.40 p.m. D Company at 5.45 p.m. A Company at 5.50 p.m.
2. The Battalion will halt at 10 minutes to the clock hour and resume the march punctually at the clock hour. No company will halt in NOUEX-LES-MINES but will pass through or stop short of it if due to halt, and resume the march 10 minutes later. Watches will be synchronised at 2.0 p.m., 3rd instant.
3. The Transport will move independently via South of BETHUNE; BEUVRY; MAZINGARBE, under the Transport Officer as soon as all vehicles are loaded.
4. An advanced billeting party as follows, under 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC], will parade outside Battalion Headquarters with bicycles at 3.0 p.m., 3rd instant. Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] for Battalion Headquarters Party Coy Q.M. Sergeants Each will possess a slip shewing [sic] number of officers and Other Ranks to be billeted. 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] will take over billets from 2/York and Lancs. Regt. Billeting party will meet the battalion at the road junction near Divisional Canteen, MAZINGARBE, at 7.30 p.m.
5. Lewis guns will be packed in the boxes and loaded on the limbers at Battalion Headquarters at 11.30 a.m., 3rd instant. 2nd Lieut. H.C. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the loading. Officer valises will be ready for loading at 2.0 p.m. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Haines [Sergeant 7826 Walter HAINES] will be loaded with H.Q. valises and boxes of shops and Orderly Room and valises of A Company at above hour. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will collect valises of B, C & D Companies at above hour. One servant from Headquarters and from each company will accompany these wagons.
6. All blankets will be rolled and tied tightly in tens and stacked outside the Quartermaster Store at 1.30 p.m. All packs will be stacked at the same place and time. Three lorries will be provided to convey these to MAZINGARBE and each company will detail 2 men to travel on the lorries and guard the stores until arrival of the battalion. Each company will detail a party to load the lorries at 2.0 p.m. L/Cpl Lane will collect mess baskets with the Mess Cart, commencing at C Company at 4.30 p.m. The Mess Cart will then move in rear of Headquarter Party. Company Messes will only retain necessary articles to load on Mess Cart. All other mess kit should be loaded on the G.S. Wagon for valises.
7. Company Commanders will inspect all billets and ensure they are being left scrupulously clean and that no articles of equipment, food, ammunition, etc., are left behind. A certificate to this effect will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters at the end of the march.
8. Cpl. Walsh [Corporal 13901 Lawrence WALSH] and 2 sanitary men per company will remain behind to burn all rubbish in the incinerator and ensure that latrines are left empty and in a sanitary condition. This party will march under the orders of Cpl. Walsh [Corporal 13901 Lawrence WALSH] as soon as their work is completed.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.118 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 3rd June 1917
1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st K.S.L.I. in the Left Sub-section of the Brigade front on night 4/5th June 1917. Companies will be distributed as follows:- A Coy - Right Support Coy. B Coy - Centre Support Coy. C Coy - Left Support Coy. D Coy -Front Support Coy.
2. Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] for H.Qrs, and Coy. Sgt. Majors and 1 man per company will parade outside the Orderly Room at 5.30 p.m., 4th inst., proceed to above positions and take over all trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to the Orderly Room by 12 noon, 5th inst.
3. Companies will march by platoons with at least 200 yards distance passing the Divisional Canteen in the following order and times:- D Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.10 p.m. A Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.20 p.m. B Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.30 p.m. C Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.40 p.m. H.Qrs Party under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] at 9.50 p.m. Route - PHILISOPHE CROSS ROADS, BETHUNE-LENS ROAD to VICTORIA STATION, track on side of Light Railway to TENTH AVENUE, HAY ALLEY. A Company will move via VENDIN ALLEY instead of HAY ALLEY.
4. The T.O. will supply 3 limbers at 5.30 p.m. to collect Officers valises and convey them to the Q.M. Stores at SAILLY LABOURSE. At 8.0 p.m. the T.O. will furnish 1 limber for Bn. H.Qrs and 1 for each company. These will be loaded with Mess Baskets, Lewis Guns and rations not issued to the men, taken to KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and off loaded on to Trucks which will be drawn by Mules to HAY DUMP. The T.O. will supply 3 mules for drawing the trucks.
5. Watches will be synchronised at 6.0 p.m.
6. All blankets will be rolled and tied tightly in tens an handed in to the Quartermaster at 12 noon, 4th inst. The Q.M. will arrange for the Transport of these to the Stores.
7. During the ensuing tour the line companies will furnish their own carrying parties nightly from HAY DUMP, except D Coy. The party or this company will be furnished by C Coy.
8. Company Commanders will render a sketch map and full details of their dispositions and strength to O.Room by 12 noon, 5th inst.
9. Completion of relief will be reported immediately to Bn. H.Qrs, using "B.A.B." code.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Messages and Signals To O.C. Bde. Pioneer Coy.
[Dated 10 June 1917]
Re Sgt. Beaumont [33377 Robert James BEAUMONT]
This N.C.O. has been severely reprimanded and returned to duty. Please send him back as soon as possible.
From 8th Bedfords (sd.) A. McK Fleming, Lt. and Adjt. [Lieutenant Alan McKinsty FLEMING, MC]
Messages and Signals
[Dated 10th June 1917]
Senders Name BDO170 To BA38 From BC43
Ref my BDO 102 of 5th this covering party will be at D Coy HQ by 10 p.m. in future
No.118 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 11th June 1917
1. The Battalion will be relieved on night 12th / 13th June 1917 by 2/Y. & L. and move back into Brigade Support in billets in MAZINGARBE.
2. On relief companies will march back by platoons with at least 200 yards interval, via TENTH AVENUE, track alongside light railway to LENS-BETHUNE ROAD, PHILOSOPHE. A Company will reach TENTH AVENUE by VENDIN ALLEY, B, C & D Companies by HAY ALLEY.
3. Whilst in Brigade Support two companies will be ready to turn out at half an hour's notice in battle order, the remaining two companies at one hour's notice. From time relief is complete to 6.0 a.m. 14th instant, companies are detailed as follows:- B and C Companies - (a) at ½ hour's notice A and D Companies - (b) at 1 hour's notice From 24 hours commencing at 6.0 a.m. 14th instant - A and D Companies (a) 14th instant - B and C Companies (b) 15th instant - B and C Companies (a) 15th instant - A and D Companies (b) 16th instant - A and D Companies (a) 16th instant - B and C Companies (b)
4. All trench stores, ammunition, grenades, maps, etc. will be handed over, receipts taken and retained. A list of above to be rendered to Orderly Room by 6.0 p.m., 12th instant.
5. Mess baskets, etc. will be sent down to the HAY DUMP by 10.0 p.m., 12th instant, where they will be loaded on trucks. Limbers will meet trucks at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and convey stores to MAZINGARBE. On relief, Lewis Guns of B, C and D Companies will be loaded onto a truck at the above dump and A Company's guns at VENDIN DUMP. A limber will await these trucks at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and convey to billets. 2nd Lieut. H.C. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the loading of Lewis Guns
6. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by wiring the word "CRUMP"
7. Company Commanders will report to Orderly Room at MAZINGARBE as soon as their companies have reached billets.
(sd.) A McK Fleming [Lieutenant Alan McKinsty FLEMING, MC] Lieut. and A/Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.119 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 16th June 1917
1. The battalion will relieve 1/K.S.L.I. in the right sub-section of Brigade front on night 16/17th June 1917. Companies will take over dispositions as follows:- A Company - Centre front. B Company - Right front. C Company - Left front. D Company - Support Company.
2. The R.S.M. for Headquarters, and C.S.Majors and 1 man per company will parade outside the Orderly Room at 6.0 p.m. 16th instant, and proceed to the above positions and take over trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc. Sgt. Rumbell [Sergeant 16398 Reginald RUMBELL] will accompany the R.S.M. and take over all Battalion Bomb Stores. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 17th instant.
3. Companies will march by platoons with at least 200 yards distance passing the Divisional Canteen in the under mentioned order and times:- C Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.30 p.m. A Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.40 p.m. B Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.50 p.m. D Coy. 1st Platoon at 10.0 p.m. H.Qrs Party under Sgt. Gillow [Sergeant 17150 Charles Frederick GILLOW] at 10.10 p.m. A and C Companies will reach their positions via VENDIN ALLEY, B and D Companies via POSEN ALLEY, H.Q. Party via PONT STREET.
4. The Transport Officer will supply 3 limbers at 6.0 p.m. to collect valises of Headquarters and Companies. At 8.30 p.m. the Transport Officer will furnish 1 limber for Bn. H.Qrs and 1 for each company. These limbers will be loaded with Mess Baskets, Lewis Guns and rations not issued to the men, taken to KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and off loaded on to Trucks which will be drawn by Mules to VENDIN DUMP. Sgt. Birch [Sergeant 14159 Arthur Charles BIRCH] will supervise the loading and unloading of Lewis Guns, and report to Battalion Headquarters when the dump is clear. Each company will detail 1 N.C.O. and 4 men for off-loading limbers at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and proceed with the trucks to VENDIN DUMP. The Transport Officer will supply 3 mules for drawing the trucks.
5. During the ensuing tour in the line companies will furnish their own carrying parties nightly for materials and ration from HAY DUMP
6. Company Commanders will render a disposition report to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 17th instant
7. Completion of relief by wiring the word "PARIS"
8. The initial letter for the clock face code will be "Z" from midnight 16/17th June 1917
9. Company Commanders will render to Orderly Room by 5.0 p.m. this evening a trench strength return
(sd.) A McK Fleming [Lieutenant Alan McKinsty FLEMING, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
O.C. Company + T.O. 16.6.17
Transport to the equivalent of 2 G.S. Wagons will come to MAZINGARBE by 2.0 p.m. this afternoon in order to take men's packs back to Quartermaster Store, where they will be kept until the Battalion again comes out of the line. Men will take their waterproof sheets and small kits in their haversacks. Company Commanders will ensure that all packs are clearly marked before they go to the Stores.
(sd.) A McK Fleming [Lieutenant Alan McKinsty FLEMING, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.120 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 17th June 1917
Ref map LOOS 36.c.NW.3. 1/10,000
1. The 16th Infantry Brigade will extend its front southwards on the night 18/19th June 1917, relieving 18th Infantry Brigade as far south as RAILWAY ALLEY (trench which joins front line at H.25.c.56.15) exclusive.
2. The redistribution of 8th Bedfordshire Regiment's front will take place as follows on night 18/19th June 1917.
3. (a) C Company will be relieved by a company of 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, who will take over front and support lines southwards to ESSEX LANE inclusive. Relief to start as soon as it is dark. (b) On relief C Company will move south and take over front and support liens from RAILWAY ALLEY exclusive to BOYAU 58 inclusive. (c) O.C. C Company will send round an N.C.O. to take over trench stores etc. during the afternoon of 18th instant.
4. (a) B Company will extend to the right and take over front and support lines from BOYAU 58 exclusive to BOYAU 65 inclusive, relieving 1 platoon of 1st West Yorkshire Regiment. (b) A Company will extend to the right and take over front and support lines from BOYAU 65 exclusive to BOYAU 70 exclusive, relieving 1 platoon of B Company. Relief to start as soon as it is dark enough.
5. (a) D Company will move south and take over RESERVE LINE from RAILWAY ALLEY exclusive to HUGO LANE inclusive. Movement to be completed by 5.0 p.m., 18th instant and company to move by half platoons. (b) As soon as it is dark enough, 1 platoon of D Company will move up by HUGO LANE and take over posts held by 1st West Yorkshire Regiment at the junction of Support Line and BOYAU 55. A second platoon of D Company will move up by the same route and take over posts at the junction of Front Line and BOYAU 53, and at the junction of Support Line and BOYAU 64. This relief must be completed by 11.0 p.m. These platoons will be relieved by C Company as soon as C Company gets round and will then return to the RESERVE LINE. (c) If C Company can get round to their new positions by 11.0 p.m. para.
5(b) will be cancelled, but 1st West Yorkshire Regiment must be relieved by 11.0 p.m.
6. Company Commanders will reconnoitre these new positions before tomorrow night with an N.C.O. from each platoon, thus obviating the necessity of guides.
7. Revised list of trench stores in new company fronts to be rendered to Orderly Room by 2.0 p.m. 19th instant.
8. Battalion Signal Officer will arrange for telephone communication from Battalion Headquarters to the new company sectors to be taken over by C and D Companies.
9. New disposition reports to be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 12 noon, 19th instant.
10. Completion of all reliefs to be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by wiring the sentence "Z3 received".
(sd.) A McK Fleming [Lieutenant Alan McKinsty FLEMING, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
1st W.Yorkshires Dispositions
[Comment; hand written note which appears to be an un-named Bedfordshire Officers' personal notes from meeting his West Yorkshire counterpart during the reconnaissance; information collated below]
1 Coy Loos defences, 1 Coy Reserve Line between POSEN ALLEY and RLY [RAILWAY] ALLEY to be relieved by 8th Bedfordshires by 5 p.m. in small parties.
Left Front Coy - "A": BOYAU 61 & 62 (between) - 1 LG section, a Bombing section. Support in Trench behind (this ½ platoon goes up to front line in day time) - 1 R.G. Section, 1 Rifle Section [comment; 4 units above grouped as "1 platoon"]. This platoon to be relieved as soon as dark by Rt. Coy 8th Bedfords side stepping. 56 BOYAU - 1 LG section, a Bombing section. Support Post at [BOYAU] 55 - 1 R.G. Section, 1 Rifle Section [comment; 4 units above grouped as "1 platoon"]. Remaining 2 Lewis Guns in Reserve Line
Right Front Coy - our "C" Front of BOYAU 53 - 1 LG section, a Bombing section. Foot of 54 [BOYAU 54] by night (move to foot of 53 by day) - 1 R.G. Section, 1 Rifle Section [comment; 4 units above grouped as "1 platoon"]. Extra; 1 L.G. Section extra might easily be done without. Holds 51 BOYAU and close support with 1 platoon & 1 extra L.G. Section BOYAU 56 & Support, BOYAU 53 & Support to be relieved by two platoons from Reserve Company at 11 p.m. who are to be in our bit of Reserve Line by 5 p.m.
Representatives to take over flares by day
Battalion Operation Orders No. 121
by Major R. Le Huquet [Major Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 25th June 1917
1. The Battalion will be relieved on night 25/26th June 1917 by 2nd York and Lancaster regiment.
2. On relief Battalion Headquarters and "B" and "C" Companies will move back into Brigade Support at MAZINGARBE. [Comment; point 3 crossed through, replaced with this, from a separate sheet] 3. Relief will be carried out as follows:-
(a) B Company, 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment (now between HOLLY LANE and VENDIN ALLEY) will change position with D Company, 8th Bedfordshire Regiment (now between POSEN ALLEY and RAILWAY ALLEY). First platoons to be in new positions before the second platoon move out, and so on. This relief to be carried out in daylight and to be completed by 10.0 p.m. On completion of relief D Company will come under command of O.C. 1st The Buffs, to whom he will report his arrival in position.
(b) "D" Company 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment (MAZINGARBE), leaving at 9.30 p.m., will relieve "A" Company Bedfordshire Regiment. On relief, "A" Company 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve "C" Company, 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment (now between VENDIN ALLEY and POSEN ALLEY). On relief, "C" Company 2nd York and Lancaster regiment will relieve "C" Company 8th Bedfordshire Regiment (Right Front Company).
(c) "A" Company, 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment (MAZINGARBE) will relieve "B" Company "B" Company, 8th Bedfordshire Regiment (Centre Front Company). On completion of relief, "A" Company, 8th Bedfordshire Regiment, will come under the command of O.C. 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment.
3(a) Company Commanders of "A" and "D" Companies will reconnoitre new positions and arrange for trench stores to be taken over during daylight.
3(b) In the event of "C" Company not having passed the last screen before daylight arrived, the Company Commander will ensure that parties do not move across the LE RUTOIRE PLAIN stronger than half platoons.
4. "B" and "C" Companies will march back by platoons, with at least 200 yards distance, via POSEN ALLEY, track alongside railway to LENS-BETHUNE Road, PHILOSOPHE.
5. Whilst in Brigade Support, "B" and "C" Companies will be ready to turn out in "battle order" at one hour's notice.
6. All trench stores, S.A.A., grenades, maps, etc., will be handed over, receipts taken, and retained.
7. Mess baskets, etc., of "B" and "C" Companies will be sent down to the ration dump by 10.0 p.m., 25th instant, where they will be loaded in a truck at the dump. Limbers will meet trucks at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and convey stores to MAZINGARBE. On relief, Lewis guns of "B" and "C" Companies will be loaded on a truck at the dump. A limber will await this truck at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP. 2nd Lieut. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the loading of Lewis guns.
8. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by wiring the word "TRUMP".
9. Company Commanders of "B" and "C" Companies will report by runner to the Orderly Room at MAZINGARBE as soon as their companies have reached billets.
10. The code letter for the Clock-face Code will be "H" from midnight, 25th instant.
Issued to companies at 4.30 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
No.122 SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders
by Major H.R. McCullagh [Herbert Rochfort McCULLAGH], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 28th June 1917
1. The Battalion, less A and D Companies, will march to FOUQUIERES on night 28/29th June 1917, and will then be in Divisional Reserve. Route - NOUEX-LES-MINES; CITE DE VERQUIN; VERQUIN; FOUQUIERES.
2. Companies will pass C Company's Officers' billet as follows:- Headquarter Party at 8.0 p.m. B Company at 8.5 p.m. C Company at 8.10 p.m. The Battalion will halt at 10 minutes to the clock hour and resume march punctually at the clock hour. No company will halt in NOUEX-LES-MINES but will either pass through or stop just short of the main traffic if due to halt, and march off again after 10 minutes. Watches will be synchronised at 6.0 p.m. 28th instant.
3. The Transport will move independently from SAILLY LABOURSE, via BEUVRY - south of BETHUNE to FOUQUIERES, under the Transport Officer at 8.0 p.m. The following only will stay with the Battalion at FOUQUIERES, the remainder returning to SAILLY LABOURSE:- Animals. All riding horses, Mess Cart Horses, Maltese Cat horses, 2 prs. Mules for Water Carts. Vehicles. Mess Cart 1, Maltese Cart 1, Water Carts 2, Travelling Kitchens 4, Lewis Gun Limbers 2, Limber to convey S.A.A. and bombs for practice, and signalling gear 1. A and D Companies will move on 30th instant.
4. An advance billeting party as follows, under 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] will parade outside the Orderly Room with bicycles at 2.0 p.m., 28th instant; Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] for Headquarters party, Company Q.M. Sergeants of B and C Companies. Each will possess a slip shewing [sic] number of Officers and Other Ranks requiring billets. 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] will report to Town Major at ANNEZIN for allotment of billets in FOUQUIERES. Billeting party will meet Battalion at road junction at E.15.d.90.15 at 10.0 p.m.
5. All Lewis Guns will be packed in the boxes ready for loading near the Orderly Room at 6.0 p.m. The Transport Officer will arrange for 2 limbers to be there at that hour, and 2nd Lieut. H.C. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the loading. Officers valises will be ready for loading at 6.0 p.m. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will call at Battalion Headquarters and B & C Companies, at that hour. Orderly Room and Pioneers' boxes will be loaded on the wagon and 1 servant from Headquarters and each company will march with it. Quartermaster Stores, Shoemakers' and Tailor's boxes will be loaded on a G.S. Wagons at the Transport Lines.
6. All packs will be stacked bear the road ready for loading at 3.30 p.m. Two lorries, bringing in kits of 1/K.S.L.I., will be loaded and sent on to SAILLY LABOURSE where packs of A and D Companies will be loaded. Each Company will provide a loading party and detail two men to travel on the lorries, who will unload and guard the stores at FOUQUIERES until arrival of the battalion. L/Cpl Welch will collect Mess Baskets of Headquarters, B and C Companies at 7.0 p.m. and rejoin the Transport convoy at SAILLY LABOURSE.
7. Company Commanders will inspect all huts and ensure they are left thoroughly clean before their companies parade. A certificate to this effect will be rendered to Orderly Room by 7.45 p.m. 28th instant.
8. On night 29/30th June 1917, A and D Companies will be relieved by two companies, 1/The Buffs. On relief these companies will march to MAZINGARBE. Should relief not be complete in sufficient time to allow companies to pass the last screen before daylight, Company Commanders will ensure that LE RUTOIRE PLAIN is crossed by parties not exceeding 10 strong. The Transport Officer will arrange for a limber to convey Mess Baskets and Lewis guns of A and D Companies from KINGSBRIDGE DUMP.
9. At 5.0 p.m. 30th June 1917, A and D Companies will march with 5 minutes distance between companies to FOUQUIERES. Route - same as followed by Battalion. The Transport Officer will arrange for transport required by these companies. Coy Q.M. Sgts. Of A and D Companies will precede their companies and take over billets at FOUQUIERES.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Messages and Signals To Adjutant 8/Bedfordshire Rgt. Day of month 27
I regret to have to report that an armour piercing shell blew in one of my dugouts near POSEN ALLEY. At the time it was full of men. One entrance was blocked & gas formed from the explosion causing the occupants to become unconscious. A rescue party started and all but 4 were got out. These were examined by the M.O. 2nd Y&L and were dead. All the rescue party however are suffering from gas and had to go to the Aid Post. Hardly any man could go down the dugout more than once and so a large number of men are at the dressing station. I have not got the number of casualties yet but at least 5 are killed. The men were splendid with the rescue work although they knew the danger of the gas there were no lack of volunteers.
2/Lt Pratt [Second Lieutenant Arthur PRATT] got badly gassed but is feeling better now. I should like to mention especially
Sgt. Reynolds [probably Sergeant 17454 Charles Howard REYNOLDS, DCM, MM] who stopped in the dugout digging out the buried men until he became unconscious. He has gone to hospital seriously affected.
Cpl. Buckingham [possibly 33776 William BUCKINGHAM] who made three trips down the dugout and helped to bring a man up each time.
Also Pte. Cutts [27517 George CUTTS, or 39688 George CUTTS] who made three journeys down.
These men knew the danger of the gas overcoming them suddenly and yet went down until they were so bad that they could not work. I cannot get the list of casualties until the RE miners bring up an oxygen set and get up the dead.
[comment; signature unreadable] Capt. O.C. A Coy.
8th Bedfordshire Regt. Field State June 1917
Killed 22 O.R.
Wounded 5 Off. 53 O.R.
Missing 12 O.R.
Sick to Hospital 69
Sick from Hospital 47
Strength of A Company 13 Officers 185 Other Ranks
Strength of B Company 4 Officers 199 Other Ranks
Strength of C Company 3 Officers 180 Other Ranks
Strength of D Company 6 Officers 204 Other Ranks
Total 26 Officers 768 Other Ranks
July 1917
Battalion Operation Orders No. 123
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 6th July 1917
1. The Battalion will march to MAZINGARBE on the 6th July 1917 and will then be in Brigade Reserve. Route - Battalion Headquarters; VERQUIN; NOUEX-LES-MINES; MAZINGARBE. Head of companies will pass Battalion Headquarters as follows:- Headquarter Party at 5.30 p.m. C Company at 5.35 p.m. D Company at 5.40 p.m. A Company at 5.45 p.m. B Company at 6.0 p.m.
2. The Battalion will halt at 10 minutes to the clock hour and resume the march punctually at the clock hour. Companies will not halt in NOUEX-LES-MINES but will stop short of it or pass through if due so halt, and resume the march 10 minutes later. Watches will be synchronised at 2.0 p.m. 6th instant.
3. The transport will move independently under the orders of the Transport Officer as soon as all vehicles are loaded, via VERQUIN, VERQUIGNEUL, LABOURSE. The Mess Cart under L/Cpl Welch will move in rear of C Company.
4. An advance billeting party as follows, under 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC], will parade outside Battalion Headquarters at 3.0 p.m. and march to MAZINGARBE Sgt. Goody [Sergeant 8470 Arthur J. GOODY] for Headquarter Party C.Q.M. Sgts of each Company 2nd Lieut. W.J. Campion [Walter John CAMPION, MC] will take over huts and billets from 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment and arrange for representatives to meet their companies on the road at the western end of the hutment camp at 7.30 p.m.
5. Lewis guns packed in their boxes will be loaded on limbers at Battalion Headquarters at 2.0 p.m. 6th instant. 2nd Lieut. H.C. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the loading. Officer valises will be ready for loading at 2.0 p.m. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Haines [Sergeant 7826 Walter HAINES] will be loaded with valises of Headquarters and C Company, and boxes of workshops and Orderly Room at above hour. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will collect valises of B, C and D Companies at above hour. One servant from Headquarters and from each company will accompany these wagons.
6. All packs will be stacked near the Quartermaster Store at 3.0 p.m. Two lorries bringing in packs of 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment between 3.30 p.m. and 4.0 p.m. will be loaded, and each company will detail 2 men to travel on the lorries and guard the packs until arrival of the battalion. Each company will detail a loading party to be ready when the lorries arrive.
7. L/Cpl Welch will collect Mess baskets with the Mess cart commencing with A Company at 4.30 p.m. Company messes will only retain necessary articles for loading on Mess cart. Articles that can be dispensed with should be loaded on the G.S. Wagon for valises.
8. Company Commanders will inspect their billets to ensure that they are being left thoroughly clean and that no articles of equipment, food, S.A.A., etc. are left behind. A certificate to this effect will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 5.30 p.m.
9. Cpl. Walsh and 2 sanitary men per company will remain behind to put all rubbish the incinerator, empty all latrines and leave them in a sanitary condition. These men will march under the orders of Cpl. Walsh.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 124
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 6th July 1917
Ref map LOOS 1/10,000
1. The battalion will relieve 1/K.S.L.I. in the left sub-section HULLUCH SECTOR on night 7/8th July 1917. Companies will take over dispositions as follows:- A Company will relieve C Company, 1/K.S.L.I. (Left front Company) B Company will relieve A Company, 1/K.S.L.I. (Left support Company) C Company will relieve B Company, 1/K.S.L.I. (Right support Company) D Company will relieve D Company, 1/K.S.L.I. (Right front Company)
2. The R.S.M. for Battalion Headquarters, and C.S.Majors and 1 man per company will parade outside the Orderly Room at 5.30 p.m. 7th instant, proceed to the above positions and take over trench stores, S.A.A., grenades, maps, etc. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 8th instant. O.C. A and D Companies will each detail an officer and 4 platoon guides to proceed with above party to reconnoitre their company positions and arrange for guides to meet platoons at junction of HAY ALLEY and TENTH AVENUE
3. Companies will march by platoons with at least 200 yards distance passing the Divisional Canteen in the following order and times:- D Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.15 p.m. A Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.25 p.m. C Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.35 p.m. B Coy. 1st Platoon at 9.45 p.m. H.Qrs Party under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] at 9.55 p.m. Route - PHILOSOPHE CROSS ROADS; BETHUNE-LENS ROAD; to VICTORIA STATION; Track alongside light railway to TENTH AVENUE; HAY ALLEY. C Company will take VENDIN ALLEY instead of HAY ALLEY.
4. The Transport Officer will furnish limbers, or a G.S. Wagon, at 5.30 p.m. to collect valises and convey them to Quartermaster Store at SAILLY LABOURSE. At 8.0 p.m. the Transport Officer will furnish 1 limber for Battalion Headquarters and 1 per company. These will be loaded with Mess Baskets, Lewis Guns and rations not issued to the men, taken to KINGSBRIDGE DUMP and off loaded on to Trucks which will be drawn by Mules to HAY DUMP. C Company stores will be taken to VENDIN DUMP. The Transport Officer will supply 3 mules for drawing the trucks
5. Watches will be synchronised at 6.0 p.m. 7th instant
6. During the ensuing tour in the line B and C Companies will furnish ration and material carrying parties nightly for A and D Companies respectively.
7. Company Commanders will render to Orderly Room by 6.0 p.m., 8th instant a sketch map giving full details of their dispositions and strength
8. The code letter for the clock face code will be "B" from midnight 8th July 1917
9. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by wiring the word "FOOTBOARD"
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 125
By Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 11th July 1917
Ref map LOOS 1/10,000
1. On night 12/13th July 1917, two fighting patrols of 12 Other Ranks each will enter the German front line between H.13.c.62.00 and H.13.c.60.60 and one patrol of some strength will attack the enemy detached post in SAP 45. The object of the patrols will be to rush sentry posts and secure prisoners for identification. (a) A Company's patrol will leave our trenches at BOYAU 72A and pass through gap in enemy wire at H.13.c.55.60. It will then quickly move southwards along German Front Line to its junction with HENDON ALLEY, and return by same route to our trenches, but if identification is obtained before reaching this junction the patrol will return at once. (b) C Company's patrol will leave our trenches at BOYAU 72 and pass through gap in enemy wire at H.13.c.55.10, moving north of SAP 45. It will then turn northwards along German front line to its junction with sap at H.13.c.57.34., and return by same route to out trenches. Should identification be secured before reaching the junction with sap, the patrol will return at once. (c) D Company's patrol will leave our trenches at BOYAU 71 and follow route already reconnoitred which will bring them between the detached post and German front line. Rush the post and bring back at once any prisoner or material captured.
2. Dress for raiders - Rifles fitted with wirecutters, bayonets, 1 bandolier of S.A.A., 2 bombs and P.H. Helmet.
3. Patrols will be outside our wire at ZERO minus 5. At ZERO HOUR when the artillery barrage will lift, patrols will rapidly carry out schemes as detailed in '1'. At ZERO plus 15 all patrols will be back in our trenches.
4. ARTILLERY. At ZERO minus 2 intense barrage on enemy front and support lines from H.13.c.62.62 to HICKS ALLEY. At ZERO HOUR this barrage will lift on to enemy's third line and remain there until ZERO plus 7, when fire will cease. At ZERO plus 7 Heavy artillery will open on enemy trench mortar emplacements.
MACHINE GUNS. At ZERO mins 2 to ZERO machine guns as under will open rapid fire. From ZERO to ZERO plus 15 slow fire will be maintained. Two guns 16th Machine Gun Coy. at BOYAU 77 will fire along east of the craters on to HEMLOCK and HENDON ALLEYS. Five guns 16th Machine Gun Coy. and six guns 192nd Machine Gun Coy. will keep down enemy fire from opposite BOYAU 70 to CROSS ROADS at H.19.a.88.18. The guns on the right firing obliquely on to HERRING and HENDON ALLEYS.
HEAVY TRENCH MORTARS. Heavy Trench Mortar "JOHN" will fire on enemy Trench Mortar "GOOSE".
MEDIUM TRENCH MORTARS. Medium Trench Mortars will keep down fire of enemy mortars east of craters from ZERO minus 2 to ZERO plus 7.
LIGHT TRENCH MORTARS. Light Trench Mortars as under will fire rapid fire from ZERO minus 2 to ZERO HOUR and slow fire from ZERO to ZERO plus 15. (a) 1 on M.G. emplacement at H.13.c.60.68 (b) 1 on M.G. emplacement at H.13.c.60.00 (c) 1 on trench junction at H.13.c.68.78 (d) 1 on triangle trench at H.13.c.76.20 (a) and (b) will lift on to targets of (c) and (d) respectively at ZERO HOUR.
5. A searchlight will throw a ray of light from ZERO plus 10 to ZERO plus 40 as a guide to patrols returning
6. ZERO HOUR will be at 11.30 p.m.
7. Company Commanders will ensure that all marks if identification such as letters, papers, identity discs, etc. are left behind by patrols at Company Headquarters. A nominal roll of patrols will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by 6.0 p.m. 12th instant.
8. Wounded men will be brought to the Regimental Aid Post via HAY ALLEY and TENTH AVENUE
9. Prisoners will be sent direct to Battalion Headquarters under escort. Dead Germans should be searched for documents which are usually carried in the runic tail pocket. Shoulder straps and identity discs if possible should also be obtained.
10. A short report will be rendered to Battalion Headquarters by company commanders concerned immediately after return of patrols giving the following information:- (1) Length of time patrols were in enemy trenches (2) Number of prisoners (3) Our Casualties (4) Booty captured (5) Casualties inflicted on enemy and damage done A fuller report should be rendered later.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 126
By Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 15th July 1917
Ref map LOOS 1/10,000, Sheet 36 b.N.E and 36.b.S.E.
1. The 9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment, 71st Infantry Brigade, are carrying out a raid against the enemy's trenches between G.12.d.65.85 and G.12.d.31.97, on 16th July 1917. (a) The raid will take place between 2.45 a.m. and 3.15 a.m., but there will be no specific ZERO HOUR and no previous artillery bombardment. Artillery fire will open on a succession of RED 1 ½" Very Lights being fired from SAP No.2, CELLAR CRATER (G.12.d.38.76). This signal will be repeated from DUDLEY ROAD. (b) No.4 Special Company, R.E. will form a smoke barrage around the portion of the enemy's trenches raised.
2. The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will create a smoke cloud, between BOYAU 72 and 73, on seeing the RED 1 ½" Very Lights mentioned in para 1(a).
3. 2nd Lieut. H.C. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will arrange direct with O.C. A and D Companies for necessary men required to put up the smoke barrage. He will also have the smoke bombs fused and placed as near as possible to the throwing position selected during daylight today.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 127
By Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 15th July 1917
1. The Battalion will be relieved in the line and moved back into Brigade Support in billets in MAZINGARBE as follows:- Night 16/17th July 1917 Battalion Headquarters and "A" and "D" Companies will be relived by 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, "B" and "C" Companies remaining in their present positions. Night 18/19th July 1917. "B" and "C" Companies will be relieved by 2 companies, 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment.
2. On relief, companies will march back by platoons with a least 200 yards distance, via TENTH AVENUE, track alongside light railway to LENS-BETHUNE Road, PHILOSOPHE.
3. Whilst in Brigade Support, two companies will be ready to turn out at half an hour's notice in battle order, the remaining two at one hour's notice. These will be detailed daily in routine orders.
4. All trench stores, ammunition, grenades, maps, etc., will be handed over, receipt taken and retained, A list of above to be rendered to Orderly Room by 6.0 p.m. 16th instant.
5. Mess baskets, etc., will be sent down to the HAY DUMP by 10.0 p.m., 16th instant, where they will be loaded in trucks. Limbers will meet trucks at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP at 11.30 p.m. and convey stores to MAZINGARBE. On relief, Lewis guns will be loaded on a truck at the above dump. A limber will meet this trick at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP at 2 a.m., 17th instant, and convey guns to billets. 2nd Lieut. Moxon [Hugh Cecil MOXON] will supervise the loading of Lewis guns on 16th instant. O.C. "B" and "C" Companies will arrange for loading of mess baskets and Lewis guns on trucks on 18th instant. The Transport Officer will supply a limber to meet these trucks at KINGSBRIDGE DUMP at 2 a.m. 19th instant.
6. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by wiring the word "KOKO".
7. Company Commanders will report to Orderly Room at MAZINGARBE as soon as their companies have reached billets.
8. Code letter for Clock Face Code will be "P" from midnight 15th July 1917.
Issued to companies at 12.0 noon
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 128
By Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 18th July 1917
Ref. Map - LOOS 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will relieve the 1/K.S.L.I. in the right sub-section of the Brigade Front on night 19/20th July 1917. Companies will take over dispositions as follows:- "A" Company - Right Front Company "B" Company - Left Support Company (Already in position) "C" Company - Right Support Company (Already in position) "D" Company - Left Front Company
2. The R.S.M. for Headquarters, and C.S. Majors and 1 man of "A" and "D" Companies will parade outside the Orderly Room at 6.0 p.m., 19th instant, and proceed in advance and take over all trench stores, maps, S.A.A., grenades, etc. Stores should be taken over carefully as it is probable they will have to be handed over by the Battalion shortly to a strange unit. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 20th instant.
3. Companies will march by platoons, with at least 200 yards distance, passing the Divisional Canteen in the following order and times:- "D" Company - 1st platoon at 9.30 p.m. "A" Company - 1st platoon at 9.40 p.m. H.Q. Party under Sgt. Gillow [Sergeant 17150 Charles Frederick GILLOW] at 9.50 p.m. Route - PHILOSOPHE; LENS-BETHUNE ROAD to VICTORIA STATION and thence via track alongside light railway to TENTH AVENUE.
4. Company Commanders of "A" and "D" Companies will each send an officer and 4 platoon guides to reconnoitre dispositions. Guides will meet their platoons at the opening through the screen nearest to TENTH AVENUE. The above party will march off under the senior officer, passing the Divisional Canteen at 7.30 p.m., 19th instant.
5. The Transport Officer will furnish two limbers at 6.0 p.m. to collect valises of Headquarters and companies. At 8.30 p.m. the Transport Officer will supply 1 limber for Headquarters and 1 for each company ("A" and "D"). These limbers will be loaded with mess baskets, Lewis guns and rations not issued to the men, taken to KNIGHTSBRIDGE DUMP, off loaded on to trucks and drawn to VENDIN DUMP by mules. Each company will detail 1 N.C.O. and 4 men for off loading limbers and to proceed with trucks. The Transport Officer will supply necessary mules for trucks.
6. During the ensuing tour in the line, "B" and "C" Companies will furnish ration carrying parties for "A" and "D" Companies, respectively.
7. All Company Commanders will render a sketch map of dispositions and a list shewing [sic] strength of posts, etc., by 2 noon, 20th instant.
8. Completion of relief will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters by wiring the word "KIWI"
9. Company Commanders of "A" and "D" Companies will ensure that all huts are left thoroughly clean before their first platoon moves off. Issued to companies at 5.0 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 129
By Major J.R. Robertson [Major James Robert ROBERTSON, DSO], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 20th July 1917
Ref. Map - Sheet 36 b., 1/40,000
1. The 16th Infantry Brigade will be relieved in the HULLUCH SECTION by the 138th Infantry Brigade, commencing 21st July 1917.
2. On relief the Battalion will move back to BAILLEUL-AUX-CORNAILLES. Troops in trenches will be conveyed there by lorries, the remainder such as Quartermaster's Staff, N.C.O.'s and men at transport, etc., will proceed by route march with the 1st Line Transport and Baggage Wagons, under command of Major R. le Huquet [Major Reginald le HUQUET].
3. Details for the relief in the trenches, which will probably take place on night 22/23rd July, will be issued later.
4. The 1st Line Transport and Baggage Wagons loaded, and all N.C.O.'s and men proceeding with them, will march off at 9.0 a.m. 22nd inst., from LABOURSE. Route - NOUEX-LES-MINES; HOUDAIN; BEUGIN; LA COMPTE; MAGNICOURT-EN-COMPTE; BAILLEUL-AUX-CORNAILLES. At the CROSS ROADS east of RUITZ at K.20.c.10.20. the Drums will join the convoy.
5. C.Q.M. Sgts. will have the strength of their companies requiring billets, Officers and Other Ranks sperate. The Officers and Other Ranks present with the Divisional Training Company should be included as they will re-join the Battalion on arrival at BAILLEUL-AIX-CORNAILLES. The Brigade Pioneer Company for the present will be treated as a separate unit, and billets at BAJUS.
Issued to companies at 5.0 p.m
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Bedfordshire Regts Field State
Killed 2 Off 4 O.R
Wounded 1 Off 27 O.R
Missing 4 O.R
Sick to Hospital 44
Sick from Hospital 49
Strength of A Company 16 Officers 184 Other Ranks
Strength of B Company 6 Officers 191 Other Ranks
Strength of C Company 5 Officers 187 Other Ranks
Strength of D Company 6 Officers 186 Other Ranks
Total 33 Officers 748 Other Ranks
August 1917
O.B./215
First Army No.1433 (G.) I Corps No. 875 (G.) 6th Divn. No.G.G./3 (129)
First Army
Recent gas shell bombardments have emphasised the importance of troops being thoroughly trained in wearing the box respirator for long periods. Unless men are accustomed to carry on their ordinary work, and to moving in the dark whilst wearing the Box Respirator, casualties may be caused by the removal of the mask to secure better vision, A comparison of the losses in neighbouring units proves that casualties of this nature can be avoided by effective training.
Experiments with the Small Box Respirator have shown that breathing through the Container for long periods reduces its efficiency much less than was anticipated, In consequence the time during which the small box respirator may be breathed through for drill purposes will be increased to 1 hour weekly, to allow of more thorough training being carried out.
It is important that the time during which the Respirator is worn during gas shell bombardments and for drill and practice should be entered on the record when advising as to the need for replacing the container.
(Sgd) A.SOLLY-FLOOD [Major-General Arthur SOLLY-FLOOD, CB, CMG, DSO, Director General of Training for the B.E.F.], B.G.G.S. for Lieutenant-General, C.G.S. Adv. G.H.Q. 2nd August 1917
Battalion Operation Orders No. 131
By Captain A.G. Saunders [Captain Alistair Grant SAUNDERS], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 22nd August 1917
Ref. Sheet 36 B. 1/40,000
1. The Battalion will move to MAISNILLES-RUITZ tomorrow, 23rd inst., by march route. Route - HOUVELIN, HOUDAIN, FORK ROADS J.33d.80.50., MAISNIL-LES-RUITZ. The march will be continued on the 24th inst.
2. The Battalion will be formed in column of route facing north at 9.25 a.m., in the following order:- H.Q. Party under 2nd Lt. W.G. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] "B" Company "A" Company Drums "C" Company "D" Company Transport. Head of column will be opposite Bn H.Q. Mess.
3. All officers kits will be ready for loading punctually at 8.30 a.m. as the G.S. Wagons have to come back for a second load from MAISNIL. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Haines [Sergeant 7826 Walter HAINES] will collect valises of Bn. H.Q. and "A" and "B" Companies, at this hour and one G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will collect valises of "C" and "D" Companies, Orderly Room, Shoemakers, Tailors and Pioneer boxes at the same time, To prevent overloading of the Mess Cart, any Mess Kit not required at 8.30 a.m. will be placed on the G.S. Wagon. One servant from Bn. H.Q. and each company will accompany the G.S. Wagons.
4. The Mess cart under L/Cpl Welch will collect Mess Baskets commencing at "D" Coy. at 9.0 a.m. Company Commanders will ensure they are ready at this hour.
5. Lewis Gun and Bomb Limbers will be loaded tonight under supervision of 2nd Lt. W.G. Oakley [William George OAKLEY].
6. No extra transport has been allotted for conveyance of extra Stores or men's packs.
7. All ranks are warned that it is not permissible for anyone except the Driver to ride on a wagon without orders, or to place arms or equipment, other than the Driver's, on a loaded wagon.
8. An Advance Party under 2nd Lt. F.S. Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER], as follows, will parade outside Bn. H.Q., with bicycles, at 8.0 a.m., expect a N.C.O. from the transport who will be mounted. Sgt. Rawlings for Bn. H.Q. Coy. Q.M. Sgts. A Transport N.C.O. Representatives of Coys. etc., will hand to 2nd Lt. Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] a slip shewing [sic] number of officers and Other Ranks, horses, etc., requiring accommodation. 2nd Lt. F.S. Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] will report to Town Major, MAISNIL-LES-RUITZ on arrival for allotment of accommodation.
9. One Sanitary man per company will remain behind to ensure all rubbish is burned and latrines left in a sanitary condition. Cpl. Walsh [Corporal 13901 Lawrence WALSH] will be in charge of these men, who will report to him at the Q.M. Store on completion of work. This party will then march under the orders of the quartermaster.
10. Company Commanders will ensure that all billets and ground in the vicinity are left clean before their companies parade. A report to this effect will be made to the Adjutant on parade.
Issued to Coys. at 7.0 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 132
by Captain A.G. Saunders [Captain Alistair Grant SAUNDERS], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 23rd August 1917
Ref. Sheet 36 B. 1/40,000
1. The Battalion will move to NOUEX-LES-MINES tomorrow, 24th inst., by march route and remain there will the evening of the 26th inst. ROUTE - ROAD JUNCTION K.32.d.50.90., ROAD JUNCTION K.27.c.90.20., NOUEX-LES-MINES. A distance of 200 yards will be maintained between companies, etc.
2. The battalion will be formed yup in column of route facing North-East at 10.15 a.m. in the following order:- H.Q. Party under 2nd Lt. W.G. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] "A" Company Drums "C" Company "D" Company "B" Company Transport. Head of column will be at road junction K.31.d.60.60., just west of CITE LIAUTEY.
3. All officers kits will be ready for loading punctually at 9.0 a.m. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Haines [Sergeant 7826 Walter HAINES] will collect valises of Bn. H.Q. and "A" and "B" Companies, commencing at Bn. H.Q. at this hour. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will collect valises of "C" and "D" Companies, Orderly Room, Shoemakers, Tailors and Pioneer boxes at the same time. All Mess Kit that can be spared will also be loaded on the G.S. Wagons. One servant from Bn. H.Q. and each Coy. will accompany the G.S. Wagons.
4. The Mess cart under L/Cpl Welch will collect Mess Baskets commencing at "D" Coy. at 9.15 a.m.
5. An Advance Party under 2nd Lt. F.S. Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER], as follows, will parade outside Bn. H.Q., with bicycles, at 8.30 a.m., expect N.C.O. from the transport who will be mounted. Sgt. Rawlings for Bn. H.Q. Coy. Q.M. Sgts. A Transport N.C.O. Representatives of Coys. etc., will be in possession of slips shewing [sic] number of officers, other ranks, horses, etc., requiring accommodation. 2nd Lt. F.S. Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] will report to Town Major, NOUEX-LES-MINES on arrival for allotment of accommodation.
6. One Sanitary man per company will remain behind to ensure all rubbish is burned and latrines filled in and left in a sanitary condition. Cpl. Walsh [Corporal 13901 Lawrence WALSH] will be in charge of these men, who will report to him at the Bn H.Q. on completion of work. This party will then march under the orders of the Quartermaster.
7. Company Commanders will ensure that all billets are left thoroughly clean before their companies parade. A report to this effect will be made to the Adjutant on parade.
Issued to Coys. at 9.15 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 133
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 26th August 1917
Ref. Sheet 36 b. 1/40,000
1. The 16th Infantry Brigade will relieve the 4th and 5th C.M.R. in the line on night 26/27th August 1917. Dispositions - 1/The Buffs right subsection 1/KSLI left subsection 2/York and Lancaster Brigade Support 8/Bedfordshire Regiment Brigade Reserve, ready to move at one hour's notice
2. The Battalion will march to MAZINGARBE this evening, via road running just south of Fosse No.3 de NOUEX in the following order:- Hd. Qr. Party under R.S.M. at 7.30 p.m. "C" Company 1st Platoon at 7.40 p.m. "D" Company 1st Platoon at 7.50 p.m. "B" Company 1st Platoon at 8.0 p.m. "A" Company 1st Platoon at 8.10 p.m. A distance of 200 yards will be maintained between platoons. First platoons of companies and Hd. Qr. Party will pass the MONUMENT, NOUEX-LES-MINES, at the time stated above. Transport will move today to lines at L.28.a.70.30. on the PETIT SAINS - MAZINGARBE ROAD. The Quartermaster will move his stores to MAZINGARBE on a lorry as 2.0 p.m. today.
3. All officers kits will be ready for loading at 6.0 p.m. today. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Haines [Sergeant 7826 Walter HAINES] will collect valises of Battalion headquarters, "A" and "D" Companies commencing at Bn. H.Q. at this hour. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will collect valises of "B" and "C" Companies, Orderly Room, Shoemakers, Tailors and Pioneer boxes at the same time. Mess Kit not required should also be loaded on these wagons. One servant from Headquarters and each Coy. will accompany the G.S. Wagon.
4. The Mess cart under L/Cpl Welch will collect Mess Baskets commencing at "C" Coy. at 6.30 p.m.
5. An Advance Party, as follows, under 2nd Lt. W.G. Oakley [William George OAKLEY], will parade outside Bn. H.Q., at 5.30 p.m., with bicycles. Sgt. Rawlings for Bn. H.Q. Coy. Q.M. Sgts. They will proceed to MAZINGARBE to take over billets.
6. One Sanitary man per company will remain behind to ensure all rubbish is burned and latrines are left in a sanitary condition. They will report to Cpl. Walsh [Corporal 13901 Lawrence WALSH] at the Bn H.Q. on completion of work. This party will then march under him to MAZINGARBE.
7. Company Commanders will ensure that all billets are left thoroughly clean before their company parades and a report to this effect will sent in to the Adjutant before marching off. Issued to Coys. at 11.30 a.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 134
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 29.8.1917
Ref. Sheet 36 C.N.W.3. 1/10,000
1. After the readjustments of the Brigade Sector on night 29/30th August 1917, battalions will be distributed as follows:- Right Front (1/The Buffs) 3 companies front line from HURRAH ALLEY to H.26.c.15.70 1 company Old German 3rd Line in close support Left Front (1/K.S.L.I.) 3 companies front line from H.26.c.15.70 to BOYAU 67. 1 company Reserve Trench (CHALK PIT ALLEY to POSEN ALLEY) Support (2/York and Lancaster) 1 company Old German Front Line and Support Line between HURRAH ALLEY and HULL ALLEY 1 company Old British front Line between BOYAU 46 and 54 2 companies RESERVE TRENCH from ENGLISH ALLEY to CHALK PIT ALLEY Reserve (8th Bedfordshire Regiment) 2 companies VILLAGE LINE, NINTH and TENTH AVENUE from RAILWAY ALLEY to PONT STREET (exclusive of NORTHERN SAP REDOUBT) 1 company GUN TRENCH 1 company MAZINGARBE
2. The Battalion in completion of relief tonight will be distributed as follows:- Battalion headquarters - CURZON STREET "A" Company - VILLAGE LINE "B" Company - MAZINGARBE "C" Company - GUN TRENCH "D" Company - NINTH and TENTH AVENUES
3. The R.S.M. for Battalion headquarters, and C.S. Majors and 1 man per company (less "B" Company) will parade outside the Orderly Room at 5.30 p.m. They will proceed to company areas and take over all trench stores, ammunition, grenades, etc. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 30th instant, by "A", "C" and "B" companies.
4. The Battalion (less "B" Company) will march off by platoons with at least 200 yards distance in the following order, passing MAZINGARBE CHURCH at the undermentioned times:- Battalion H.Q. under 2nd Lt. F.S. Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] at 8.20 p.m. "B" Company 1st Platoon at 8.30 p.m. "D" Company 1st Platoon at 8.45 p.m.
5. The Transport Officer will furnish transport to collect officers' valises (less "B" Company) at 6.0 p.m. and convey them to the Quartermaster Stores.
6. The Transport Officer will furnish 1 limber for Battalion Headquarters and 1 each for "C" & "D" Companies at 7.30 p.m. These will be loaded with mess baskets, Lewis guns and rations not issued to the men. "C" Company's limber will proceed with the company to the dump selected by the company commander, who will furnish a guide for this purpose. The limbers for Battalion headquarters and "D" Company will proceed to KINGSBRIDGE DUMP where stores will be off loaded on to trucks. The Transport Officer will supply 2 mules to draw trucks and O.C. "D" Company, 1 N.C.O. and 4 men to offload and accompany trucks up the line to POSEN DUMP.
7. Detailed dispositions will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 30th instant, by company commanders of "A", "C" and "D" Companies.
8. Completion of relief will be at once reported to Battalion headquarters by wiring "Nothing to report" or by Orderly.
9. Company Commanders of "C" and "D" Companies will ensure that huts and billets being vacated are clean before their companies parade.
10. Company Commanders of "A", "C" and "D" Companies respectively will render a statement shewing [sic] number of N.C.O.'s and men available for work by 12 noon, 30th instant.
Issued to Coys. at 4.30 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 135
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 30th August 1917
Ref. Sheet 36 C.N.W.3. 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will relieve 1/The Buffs in the right subsection on night 31st August / 1st September 1917. Companies will relieve as follows:- "A" Company - Right Front in relief of "A" Company, 1/The Buffs "B" Company - Support in relief of "C" Company, 1/The Buffs "C" Company - Left Front in relief of "B" Company, 1/The Buffs "D" Company - Centre Front in relief of "D" Company, 1/The Buffs
2. Company areas will be as follows:- "A" Company - HURRAH ALLEY (exclusive) to HUMBUG ALLEY (inclusive) "B" Company - German Old 3rd Line between HURRAH and HULL ALLEY "C" Company - HULL ALLEY (exclusive) to H.26.c.15.70. "D" Company - HUMBUG ALLEY (exclusive) to HULL ALLEY (inclusive) Battalion headquarters will be in MEATH TRENCH
3. Companies will move by platoons in relief as under:- "C" Company 1st Platoon at 8.15 p.m. "A" Company 1st Platoon at 8.25 p.m. "D" Company 1st Platoon at 8.35 p.m. "B" Company 1st Platoon at 8.0 p.m. (From MAZINGARBE)
4. During this tour in the line "Stand to arms" will be as follows:- Morning at 4.30 a.m. Evening at 7.30 p.m.
5. O.C. "B" Company will arrange direct with Transport Officer for 1 limber to convey rations, Lewis guns and S.A.A. to Fork Road at G.29.d.75.45. This limber will move with his first platoon.
6. Rations are brought up on pack mules to our old front line near BOYAU 51. Companies will supply their own carrying parties nightly. Tomorrow night parties will be sent back to dump as soon as possible after relief completed. Water can be obtained from a well in old German front line and two tanks in TOSH ALLEY.
7. The R.S.M. for Battalion headquarters, and C.S. Majors and 2 men per company will take over all trench stores, grenades, etc., during daylight tomorrow evening. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 1st Sept.
8. All trench stores in present areas will be handed over, receipts taken, and retained.
9. Completion of relief will be at once notified to Battalion H.Q. by wiring "Your 31st received". 10. During hours of darkness, unless covering parties are established for wiring parties, our front must be frequently patrolled.
Issued to Coys. at 9.30 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Btn. Bedfordshire Regiment Field State 1-9-17
KILLED NIL
WOUNDED NIL
MISSING NIL
TO HOSPITAL 45
FROM HOSPITAL 22
STRENGTH OF A COMPANY 17 OFFICERS 211 O.RANKS
STRENGTH OF B COMPANY 7 OFFICERS 216 O.RANKS
STRENGTH OF C COMPANY 8 OFFICERS 218 O.RANKS
STRENGTH OF D COMPANY 8 OFFICERS 211 O.RANKS
TOTAL 40 OFFICERS 856 O.RANKS
September 1917
Battalion Operation Orders No. 135
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 4th September 1917
Ref. Sheet 36c N.W. 1/10,000 1. The Battalion will be relieved in the line by 1/The Buffs on the right subsection on night 5/ 6th September 1917 as follows:- "A" Company by "C" Company, 1/The Buffs "B" Company by "A" Company, 1/The Buffs "C" Company by "B" Company, 1/The Buffs "D" Company by "D" Company, 1/The Buffs
2. On relief the battalion will move into Brigade Support and will be situated as under:- Battalion headquarters - TOSH ALLEY (G.36.a.80.75) "A" Company - Old German Front Line (relieving "C" Company, 1/The Buffs) "B" Company - LOOS TRENCH between ENGLISH and CHALK PIT ALLEY (relieving "A" Company, 1/The Buffs) "C" Company - LOOS TRENCH between ENGLISH and SCOT'S ALLEY (relieving "D" Company, 1/The Buffs) "D" Company - Old British Front Line (relieving "B" Company, 1/The Buffs) Companies will move by platoons and report their arrival in position to Battalion Headquarters by runner.
3. Company Commanders will arrange for support positions to be reconnoitred during morning of the 5th instant, and allot accommodation, note dispositions, etc.
4. The R.S.M. for Battalion Headquarters and C.S. Majors and 1 man per company will take over all trench stores in new areas at 6.0 p.m. A list of these will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 6th instant. A list of trench stores, maps, grenades, S.A.A., etc., being handed over in the line will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 5th instant. Stores should be collected in a central spot to facilitate handing over. Petrol tins will NOT be handed over, but take out by companies.
5. Whilst in support, "A" and "D" Company's rations will be brought up to BOYAU 51 by pack mules, The remainder to CRUCIFIX DUMP by limber, and by truck to near Battalion Headquarters. Companies concerned will arrange for a small party to meet the limbers each night and push up trucks,
6. Completion of relief in the line will be at once notified to Battalion Headquarters by wiring "Your 59 received".
Issued to Coys. at 9.30 p.m. (
sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 136
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 7th September 1917
1. On night 8/9th September 1917, "B" Company will move back to MAZINGARBE for training purposes, rejoining the Battalion on night 11/12th September 1917.
2. All trench stores, grenades, S.A.A., maps, etc., will be handed over to O.C. "C" Company on afternoon of 8th instant. Petrol cans will be taken out by "B" Company and brought in again when returning.
3. "B" Company will move back by platoons, with at least 200 yards distance, first platoon moving off at 8.0 p.m., keeping to RAILWAY ALLEY until they reach its junction with VILAGE LINE.
4. The Quartermaster will arrange for billets.
5. The Transport Officer will arrange for 1 limber to be at CRUCIFIX DUMP at 8.15 p.m., 8th instant, for Lewis guns, petrol tins, etc. Boxes for Lewis guns will be brought up by this limber.
6. O.C. "B" Company will report at Battalion Headquarters when his company has cleared TOSH ALLEY.
Issued to companies at 7.30 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 138
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 10th September 1917
Ref. Map - LOOS 1/10,000
1. The battalion, less "B" Company, will relieve three companies 1/The Buffs, in the right sub section on night 10/11th September 1917. Companies will relieve as follows:- "A" Company - Right Front Company in relief of "C" Company, 1/The Buffs "C" Company - Left Front Company in relief of "B" Company, 1/The Buffs "D" Company - Centre Front Company in relief of "D" Company, 1/The Buffs
2. Companies will move by platoons in relief as under;- "A" Company - 1st Platoons at 8.0 p.m. "C" Company - 1st Platoons at 8.10 p.m. "D" Company - 1st Platoons at 8.20 p.m.
3. During this tour in the line "Stand To" will be as follows:- Morning at 5.40 a.m. Evening at 7.30 p.m.
4. Arrangements for ration carrying will be made as for last tour. Company Commanders will ensure that all waterbottles and petrol tins are taken into the line tonight filled.
5. The R.S.M. for Battalion Headquarters, and C.S. Majors and 2 men per company will take over all trench stores during daylight this evening. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 11th instant.
6. All trench stores in present area will be handed over, receipts take and retained. Tools, pumps, etc., should be collected in a central spot for handing over. A list of stores being handed over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 3.0 p.m. today.
7. Detailed dispositions, with rough sketch map attached, will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 11th September 1917.
8. The attention of company commanders is drawn to list of returns rendered when in the trenches. These must be rendered correctly and punctually. The Divisional Commanders remarks recently should be noted for action.
9. Completion of relief will be at once notified to Battalion Headquarters by wiring "Your 109 received".
Issued to companies at 11.45 a.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 139
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 11th September 1917
Ref. Map - LOOS 1/10,000 1. "B" Company will relieve "C" Company on the left on night 12/13th September 1917. On relief, "C" Company will move back into support in relief of "A" Company, 1/The Buffs.
2. O.C. "C" Company will arrange to reconnoitre positions to be taken over from "A" Company, 1/The Buffs during 12th instant, and take over trench stores during daylight. List of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 13th instant.
3. "B" Company will march off by platoons from MAZINGARBE with at least 200 yards distance, 1st platoon leaving at 7.45 p.m.
4. The Transport Officer will supply 1 limber to convey Lewis guns, petrol cans, etc., of "B" Company up to dump. Time limber is required will be arranged for by O.C. "B" Company direct.
5. O.C. "B" Company will ensure that all petrol cans and water-bottles are filled before leaving MAZINGARBE, and that billets are left thoroughly clean.
6. Completion of relief will be at once reported to Battalion Headquarters by wiring "Your 119 received".
Issued to companies at 8.15 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 140
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 12th September 1917
Ref. Map - LOOS 1/10,000
1. A raid will be carried out by "B Company, 8th Bedfordshire Regiment, at ZERO HOUR on the night 13/14th September 1917, with the objective of obtaining identifications which are urgently required.
2. Area to be raided will be from Trench Junction at H.26.c.80.68 inclusive - H.26.c.45.70. Bombing Blocks will be established at about H.26.c.80.68 and H.26.c.85.55.
3. The German wire at about H.26.c.60.50 will be cut with 2 Bangalore Torpedoes. 2nd Lt. Webb [Ernest Charles WEBB] and 12 O.R. will carry out this operation. Torpedoes to be placed in position by ZERO - 1 hour. A covering party will remain out watching the German wire at this point till ZERO - 20. The torpedoes will be fired from out Front Line trench at ZERO - 1 ½.
4. Artillery will cooperate in accordance with attached Table "B".
5. Stokes Mortars will cooperate as follows:- From ZERO -1 to ZERO plus 45, 2 Stokes Trench Mortars on H.26.c.18.90 in HOBART TRENCH.
6. The 16th M.G. Coy. will cooperate from ZERO -1 to ZERO plus 45, with 12 guns, six firing on each flank.
7. The Raiding Party will be organised as under, and the following objectives assigned:-
"A" Party
No.1 Squad. 1 N.C.O. and 7 men. To enter German Trench at H.26.c.42.70 and bomb down to H.26.c.63.31.
No.1A Squad. 1 N.C.O. and 4 men. To enter German Trench at H.26.c.42.70 and work down HORSE ALLEY towards our Front Line,
No.2 Squad. 1 Officer (2nd Lt. Whitbourn [Walter WHITBOURN, MC]), 1 N.C.O. and 11 men. To enter German Trench at H.26.c.42.70., and will follow No.1 Squad, mop up, and hold this trench. Two Mobile Charges and 6 "P" Bombs will be carried by this squad for the purposes of clearing any dugouts.
No.3 Squad. 1 N.C.O. and 2 men with Lewis Gun. To establish a post at H.26.c.42.70., and particularly watch left flank.
"B" Party
No.4 Squad. 1 N.C.O. and 8 men to enter trench at H.26.c.90.55 and work down trench and establish Block at H.26.c.80.68. Three mats for crossing wire will be carried by this squad.
No.5 Squad. 2 N.C.O.'s and 10 men, with one Lewis Gun to enter trench at H.26.c.90.55., and establish Block at point where Railway crosses German Trench.
No.6 Squad. 1 N.C.O. and 8 men to enter trench at H.26.c.63.51 and work down trench and establish block at H.26.c.65.70. Three mats will be carried to assist with crossing wire.
No.7 Squad. 1 Officer (2nd Lt. Everett [Percy William EVERETT, DCM]) 1 N.C.O. and 19 men to enter trench at H.26.c.63.51., and will mop up and clear this trench as far as H.26.c.80.68. Four Mobile Charges and 10 "P" Bombs will be carried by this Squad for the purpose of dealing with any dugouts.
No.8 Squad. 1 N.C.O. and 4 men to enter at H.26.c.63.51. To remain in this vicinity and keep touch with "A" Party.
Reserves
O.C. "B" Company will arrange to hold a reserve of 1 Officer and 20 O.R. O.C. Raiding Party will establish his Headquarters in Company Headquarters at H.26.c.27.23., where reports, prisoners, booty, etc., will be sent. The 112th Battery R.F.A. will supply an Artillery Liaison Officer to be with O.C. Raid, and will report by 11.0 p.m.
8. Battalion Headquarters will be in MEATH TRENCH. Communication by means of Power Buzzer and Amplifier will be established between Raiding Party HdQrs., and Battalion Hd.Qrs., and only messages in accordance with attached code will be sent.
9. The signal to withdraw will be given at ZERO plus 30 by means of a searchlight which will be in position at about G.35.c.40.00., and will throw a ray from ZERO plus 30 to ZERO plus 60. At ZERO plus 30 white Very Lights, in groups of three, will be fired from our Front Line Trench between HULL ALLEY and H.26.c.10.70. 10. The Medical Officer will arrange for an Advanced Dressing Station in HUGO TRENCH at about H.26.c.40.00. Walking cases will evacuate by HUMBUG ALLEY and CHALK PIT ALLEY to Regimental Aid Post at G.30.d.45.90.
11. The Raiding Party to be outside own wire by ZERO -10.
12. Watches will be synchronised under Brigade arrangements.
13. ZERO Hour will be at 1.10 a.m.
14. Acknowledge.
Issued to companies at [blank]
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
[Untitled; referred to in Operation Orders 140. point 8]
The following Code will be used between Raiding Party Headquarters and Battalion Headquarters, and between Battalion Headquarters and Brigade Headquarters.
Torpedo laid. "LOBSTER"
Torpedo fired. "CRAB"
Raiding Party entered Enemy Lines. "SHRIMP"
Raiding Party returned to own lines. "OYSTER"
Casualties Killed. "SPADE"
Wounded. "HEART"
Missing. "CLUB"
Enemy Prisoners. "DIAMOND
INSTRUCTIONS
Dress.
White Arm Bands to be worn by all ranks. All ranks will carry 2 bombs, one in each pocket. Box Respirators and Steel Helmets, with all identification marks removed, will be worn. Identity Discs, papers, letters, etc., are on no account to be taken. Rifle Bombers to carry 12 No.23 Rifle Grenades (Mills) Bombers to carry 12 Bombs. Carriers to each carry a bucket containing 20 Bombs. Dead Germans to be searched for identification. Documents are usually carried in tail pocket of tunic.
Ammunition.
50 rounds will be carried by all ranks.
[Excerpt from 6th Division War Diary 13/14th September 1917]
A raiding party from B Coy 8th Bedfordshire Regt. attempted to enter the enemy trenches in BOIS HUGO at H26c. Two Bangalore Torpedoes were successfully exploded cutting their wire, but the enemy were fully alert and manning his trenches in strength. After heavy fighting the raiders withdrew. Our casualties OR 2 killed and 7 wounded.
Battalion Operation Orders No. 141
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 14th September 1917
Ref. Map - LOOS 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will be relieved in the line on night 15/16th September 1918 by the 9th Norfolk Regiment. Companies will be relieved as under:- "A" Company by "B" Company, 9th Norfolk Regiment "B" Company by "A" Company, 9th Norfolk Regiment "C" Company by "C" Company, 9th Norfolk Regiment "D" Company by "D" Company, 9th Norfolk Regiment The relieving unit will march in the following order :- "B", "A", "D" and "C" Company.
2. Each company will furnish 5 guides, 1 per platoon and 1 per Company Headquarters. They should all know thoroughly the route from CRUCIFIX DUMP to their on line in darkness. If necessary, the route should be reconnoitred tonight. These guides will parade at Battalion Headquarters at 8.0 p.m., 15th instant.
3. On relief, companies will march back to billets in LES BREBIS by platoons, with at least 200 yards distance, via MAROC - GRENAY ROAD. The Quartermaster with C.Q.M.Sergts., will arrange to take over billets in LES BREBIS and meet companies at the level crossing at the eastern entrance of the town. Cookers will be moved into position on afternoon 15th instant, and tea ready for companies on arrival.
4. All trench stores, S.A.A., grenades, maps, etc. will be handed over, receipts taken and retained. Tools will be collected in a central spot to facilitate checking. Petrol cans will be handed over in the line, but Primus Stoves will NOT be handed over. A list of stores, maps, etc., will be rendered to Orderly Toom by 4.0 p.m., 15th instant.
5. Dump for Lewis Guns, stores, etc., on night 15th instant, will be on the MAROC ROAD, about 200 yards S.W. of Cross Roads at G.35.b.25.80. The Transport Officer will arrange for 2 limbers to be at this dump at 9.30 p.m. for Headquarter and Company mess baskets and stores. Companies will arrange for their baskets to be there at above hour. Also for 2 limbers to be there at 11.0 p.m. for Lewis guns and magazines. Boxes for all Lewis guns will be brought up in these limbers. 2nd Lieut. W.G. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] will supervise the loading of the Lewis guns.
6. Completion of relief will be reported at once to Battalion Headquarters by wiring "Your 150 received".
7. The Battalion will be prepared to move to NOUEX-LES-MINES after dinner on 16th instant. Orders for move will be issued later. Issued to companies at 7.30 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 142
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 15th September 1917
Ref. Sheet 36 B. -1/40,000
1. The Battalion will march to NOEUX-LES-MINES on 16th September 1917, and probably remain there in Divisional Reserve until about 25th instant. Route - MAZINGARBE CROSS ROADS at L.22.d.85.60. - Road running immediately south of FOSSE No.3 de NOUEX-LES-Mines.
2. The march will be carried out by platoons, maintaining a distance of at least 200 yads, in the following order and times for passing the starting point at CROSS ROADS L.29.a.45.85. Battalion Headquarter Party under 2Lt. W.G. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] at 2.15 p.m. "D" Company 1st Platoon at 2.30 p.m. "A" Company 1st Platoon at 2.45 p.m. "B" Company 1st Platoon at 3.0 p.m. "C" Company 1st Platoon at 3.15 p.m.
3. All Officers kits will be ready for loading at 1.30 p.m. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Haines [Sergeant 7826 Walter HAINES] will collect valises of Battalion headquarters and "A" and "B" Companies, commencing at Battalion headquarters at above hour. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will collect valises of "C" and "D" Companies, Orderly Room, Shoemakers, Tailors and Pioneers Boxes at the same time. Any mess kit not in use will also be loaded on the G.S. Wagons. One servant from Headquarters and each company will accompany the G.S. Wagons.
4. The Mess Cart under L/Cpl Welch will collect mess baskets, commencing at Battalion Headquarters at 1.45 p.m.
5. All transport, expect G.S. Wagons and mess cart, which will move to NOUEX-LES-MINES direct, will march under orders of the Transport Officer. No more than four vehicles will move together, and a distance of at least 200 yards will be maintained between each section of transport.
6. An advance party under Major A.G. Saunders [Captain Alistair Grant SAUNDERS] as follows, will parade outside Battalion Headquarters at 11.0 a.m., 16th instant, with bicycles, except N.C.O. for Transport, who will be mounted. Sgt. Rawlings for Battalion Headquarters. Company Q.M. Sergeants. A transport N.C.O. Representatives of companies, etc., will be in possession of slips shewing [sic] number of Officers, Other Ranks, horses, etc., requiring accommodation. Major A.G. Saunders [Captain Alistair Grant SAUNDERS] will report to the Town Major, NOUEX-LES-MINES, on arrival, for accommodation, and arrange for representatives to meet their companies near the Obelisk.
7. One sanitary man per company will remain behind to ensure all rubbish is burned, and latrines are left in a sanitary condition. Cpl Walsh [Corporal 13901 Lawrence WALSH] will be in charge of these men, who will report to him at Battalion Headquarters on completion of work and march under his orders.
8. Company Commanders will ensure that billets are left thoroughly clean before their companies parade. A certificate to this effect will be rendered to the Adjutant on reaching NOUEX-LES-MINES.
Issued to companies at 2.0 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 143
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 21st September 1917
Reference Sheet 36 B.N.E., 1/20,000. LENS 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will move into Brigade Support in CITE ST. PIERRE on night 22/23rd September 1917, and will occupy dispositions as under:- Battalion Headquarters - at M.12.b.45.60 "C" Company - Cellars running N.W. and S.W. from cross roads at M.12.b.80.70. "A", "B" and "C" Coys. - Cellars in M.11.b and M.12.a. Advanced Party under 2nd Lieut. Webb [Ernest Charles WEBB ] will allot accommodation and arrange for guides to meet companies at M.10.c.10.40. on FOSSE 11 ROAD.
2. Water Tanks are situated as follows :- M.12.a.87.55 M.12.a.10.02 M.11.d.30.53 Battalion Headquarters and each company will be issued with 20 petrol cans tomorrow, 22nd instant. These will be taken up filled on company limbers.
3. The ration dump will be on the road at M.12.a.80.56. Each company will furnish its own ration carrying party.
4. Companies will march by platoons with at least 200 yards distance via route reconnoitred today by Company Commanders, passing cross roads at L.19.a.25.75 in the following order and times :- Battalion H.Q. Party under 2nd Lieut. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] at 5.0 p.m. "C" Company, 1st Platoon at 5.5 p.m. "A" Company, 1st Platoon at 5.15 p.m. "B" Company, 1st Platoon at 5.25 p.m. "D" Company, 1st Platoon at 5.35 p.m. The battalion will halt in the open ground in L.34.d., moving off again in the same order later.
5. The Transport Officer will move all line gear and stores kept at transport to transport lines allotted to him at LES BREBIS during morning, 22nd instant. Sufficient transport will be furnished by the Transport Officer to collect officers' valises and convey them to Quartermaster Store at 2.0 p.m. The Transport Officer will supply one limber for Battalion Headquarters and each company at 4.15 p.m. to convey Lewis guns, petrol cans and mess baskets to the line. These limbers will move 200 yards in rear of "D" Company's last platoon.
6. A list of trench stores, S.A.A., grenades, etc., taken over or found in the areas occupied by companies will be rendered to Orderly Room by 4.0 p.m., 23rd instant.
7. "S.O.S." Signal for subsection taken over by 16th Infantry Brigade is a succession of GREEN rockets or Very Lights.
8. Company Commanders will report by runner as soon as their companies are in cellars. Company runners will be instructed to take a Battalion runner back with them to show route to Company Headquarters.
Issued to companies at 9.15 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET
O.C. 1/The Buffs, 8/Bedfords, 1/K.S.L.I., 2/Y.&L., 16th M.G. Company
The 16th Infantry Brigade is in Divisional Reserve. In the event of an enemy attack, the Brigade will move as follows :-
21/22nd SEPTR. B.G.C., 16th Infantry Brigade will move to Divisional Headquarters, BRAQUEMONT, by car. 1/K.S.L.I., 8/BEDFORDS, 16/M.G.Coy. Will "Stand To" and report to B.G.C., 16th Infantry Brigade at Divisional H.Q. for orders. 2/Y.&L. Move by Lorry from HOUCHIN to Div. H.Q., BRAQUEMONT. 25 Lorries will report to cross Roads K.15.d.3.6.
22/23rd SEPTR. Until Battalions move forward to relieve 1st Canadian Inf. Brigade - 16/M.G.Coy. Report to D.M.G.O., 6th Divn. H.Q.
23rd SEPTR. 2/Y.&L. plus 3 Battalions 71st Infantry Brigade will relieve in the front line under orders of Lt.Col A.St.J.Blunt, DSO [Allan St. John Blunt].
(sd) R. B. Leslie Captain, [R.B. LESLIE, MC] Brigade Major, 16th Infantry Brigade. 21/9/17
O.C. Coys., 2Lt Webb & R.S.M.
1. The Battalion will move into Brigade Support on night 22/33rd instant, in vicinity of CITE ST. PIERRE, reference map LENS 1/10,000.
2. Company Commanders, one other officer and 2 N.C.O.'s per company will reconnoitre route to this area tomorrow, 21st instant. This party will parade outside Battalion Headquarters at 10.0 a.m. Haversack rations will be carried.
3. 2nd Lieut. Webb [Ernest Charles WEBB], 2 N.C.O.'s per company, and Sergt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] and 1 policeman for Battalion Headquarters, will parade outside Battalion Headquarters at 2.0 p.m., 21st instant. They will be in possession of rations for 22nd instant. 2nd Lieut. Webb [Ernest Charles WEBB ] will report at Battalion Headquarters at 11.0 a.m. with his LENS map, 1/10,000, and mark up areas to be occupied and receive instructions. This party will take over accommodation for their companies and arrange to meet them on FOSSE 11 ROAD, just West of the cross roads near the Water Tower in M.10.c., at 8.30 p.m., 22nd instant.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 20.9.1917
Battalion Operation Orders No. 144
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 29th September 1917
Ref. Map - LENS 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will relieve the 1/K.S.L.I. in the right subsection on night 30th Sept./1st October, 1917.
2. Companies will take over dispositions as follows :- "B" Company - Front Line. "C" Company - Support. "A" Company - Second Support. "D" Company - Reserve. Companies will move in relief by platoons with an interval of 2 minutes in the following order and times :- "B" Company - 1st Platoon at 7.20 p.m. "C" Company - 1st Platoon at 7.30 p.m. "A" Company - 1st Platoon at 7.40 p.m. "D" Company - 1st Platoon at 7.50 p.m. Hd.Qrs under 2/Lt. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] 8.0 p.m.
3. The R.S.M. and C.S. Majors will take over trench stores, S.A.A., grenades, etc., during daylight tomorrow evening. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 1st October. Trench Stores in present sector will be handed over, receipts taken and retained. A list of stores being handed over will be sent to Orderly Room by 12 noon tomorrow, 30th instant.
4. A rough sketch giving detailed dispositions will be rendered to Orderly Room by 11.0 a.m., 1st October.
5. Whilst in the line, water will be sent up each night with rations. Tomorrow night tins now in possession will be sent back by ration limbers. Company Commanders will ensure a full complement of tins is sent back each night, otherwise there will be a shortage the following night.
6. All companies, expect "B" Company, will furnish their own ration and material carrying parties. "D" Company will furnish an additional carrying party for "B" Company.
7. The Battalion will "Stand To Arms" during the present tour as follows :- Morning - 5.0 a.m. Evening - 6.45 p.m.
8. Completion of relief will be at once notified to Battalion Headquarters by wiring "Your 309 received".
Issued at 8.15 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
8th Bedfordshire Regt. Field State C.338
Killed 5 O.R.
Wounded 3 Off. 44 O.R.
Hospital To 25
Hospital From 24
Strength of A Coy. 21 Officers 210 Other Ranks
Strength of B Coy. 8 Officers 206 Other Ranks
Strength of C Coy. 7 Officers 217 Other Ranks
Strength of D Coy. 8 Officers 210 Other Ranks
Total 44 Officers 843 Other Ranks
October 1917
N.C.O.'s and men serving on regular engagement
[comment; undated, hand written]
5275 Private Hack G. [George HACK] A Company. Date of enlistment 18.2.1895 terms of service 7 + 5 years
6825 Sergeant Reynolds W. [C.S.M. William REYNOLDS] D Company. Date of enlistment 1.10.1912. Terms of service Re for four years Sec. D.
7468 Temporary R.S.M. Armstrong S.C. [Samuel ARMSTRONG, DCM] A Company. Date of enlistment 23.2.1903. Terms of service 21 years with colours Re 8.5.12
7770 Sergeant Spindler W.J. [William J. SPINDLER] B Company. Date of enlistment 19.10.1903. Terms of service 12 years with colours.
7826 Sergeant Haines W. [Walter HAINES] A Company. Date of enlistment 13.11.1903. Terms of service 21 years with colours. Re 3.10.16
8180 CQMS Coles W. [Walter COLES] C Company. Date of enlistment 2.11.1904. Terms of service 12 years with colours. Re 22.12.14
8470 Sergeant Goody A. [Arthur J. GOODY] B Company. Date of enlistment 22.3.1906. Terms of service 9 + 3 years
10985 Private Leeke J. [James LEEKE] C Company. Date of enlistment 9.11.15. Terms of service 7 + 5 years
33184 Private Dicks W.B. [William B. DICKS] B Company. Date of enlistment 18.9.11. Terms of service 12 years
33191 Private Fifield D. [David FIFIELD] B Company. Date of enlistment 6.8.15. Terms of service 7 + 5 years
33277 Acting Sergeant Barron A.H. [Alfred H. BARRON] C Company. Date of enlistment 23.1.06. Terms of service 9 + 3 years. Re 5.8.14
35977 Private Prior H.G. [formerly 8234 H.G. PRIOR] A company. Date of enlistment 8.4 05. Terms of service 9 + 3 years
Battalion Operation Orders No. 145
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 2nd October 1917
Reference Map LENS 1/10,000
1. The following insert company reliefs will be carried out to enable each company to become familiar with the front line:- Night 2/3rd October 1917 "A" Company will relieve "B" Company, "B" Company occupying former's dispositions. Night 4/5th October 1917 "C" Company will release "A" Company, "A" Company occupying the former's positions. Night 5/6 October 1917 "D" Company will relieve "C" Company, "C" Company occupying the former's positions.
2. Company Commanders concerned will arrange to reconnoitre their new positions during daylight on day of relief, take over all Trench stores, S.A.A., grenades, maps, etc., and take over any work to be continued and detail of carrying parties, etc.
3. No movement will be made before dark. Completion of relief will be at once wired to Battalion Headquarters as follows :- Night 2/3rd - "your 210 received". Night 4/5th - "your 410 received". Night 5/6th - "your 510 received".
Issued at 4.0 p.m.
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Messages and Signals.
To Adjt. - 8th Bedfords [comment; hand written] Senders number B95. Day of Month 2.
Herewith 3 Germans, who, as far as I can gather, are already escaped prisoners of war trying to get back to their own lines. They were caught messing about behind COMMOTION TRENCH by L/C Frost [comment; name unclear] A.McK. Fleming [Alan McKinsty FLEMING], Capt. & O.C. B Coy.
SECRET O.O. 145/1
O.C. Company, Transport Officer, Quartermaster, R.S.M.
Reference Operation Orders No. 145, please note that the intercompany relief arranged for night 5/6th October 1917, will not take place
(sd.) Stevens [Lieutenant Herbert Frank STEVENS, MC] Lieut. and Adjutant 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 4.10.1917
Battalion Operation Orders No. 146
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 5th October 1917
Reference Map LOOS 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will be relieved in the line one night 5/6th October 1917, by 1/The Buffs, and will move into Brigade Support, Battalion Headquarters being at M.11.d.95.45.
2. Each Company will detail one officer and four N.C.O.'s to report to Battalion Headquarters at 12.30 p.m. 5th instant, who will act as billeting party. They will rejoin their companies and act as platoon guides on relief.
3. The positions companies will take up on as follows: and ash "D" Company - COUNTER TRENCH immediately N.W. of Battalion Hd.Qrs. at N.7.b.6.1. "A" Company - in sellers from M.12.c.4.9. to M.12.a.7.2. "C" Company - in sellers from M.12.d.80.95 to M.12.b.75.05. "B" Company - in sellers from M.12.c.45.90 to M.12.a.65.05.
4. All Trench Stores, maps, aeroplane photos, S.A.A., grenades, etc., will be handed over and receipts obtained. A list of same will be rendered to Orderly Room by midday, 5th instant.
5. Dispositions of companies will be forwarded to Battalion H.Q. by 2.0 p.m., 6th instant.
6. Completion of relief will be reported at once to Battalion H.Q. by wiring "your 610 received".
Issued to companies at 3.0 a.m.
(sd.) A. Hawkes [Second Lieutenant Albert HAWKES, MC] 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
O.C. Company, R.S.M.
Ration carrying parties will be sent by all companies to the Battalion Dump tonight. One of the N.C.O.'s who reconnoitred the new positions today should be with each party so as to guide them to the new positions. Separate water carrying passes will not be sent until companies have reached their new positions, but Ration carrying parties can be used for this purpose after they have completed their Ration carrying. "D" Company party should be back as early as possible so as to leave trench clear for relieving and relieved troops.
(sd.) A. Hawkes [Second Lieutenant Albert HAWKES, MC] 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 5.10.1917
Battalion Operation Orders No. 147
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 8th October 1917
Ref. Map LENS 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will relieve the 1/K.S.L.I. in the right subsection on nights 9/10th October 1917.
2. Companies will take over dispositions as follows :- "D" Company - Left Front Line relieving "B" Company 1/K.S.L.I. "B" Company - Right Front Line relieving "C" Company 1/K.S.L.I. "C" Company - Left Rear Support relieving "A" Company 1/K.S.L.I. "A" Company - Right Close Support (COWDRAY) relieving "D" Company 1/K.S.L.I.
3. The battalion will move up that's the following times:- "D" Company - 6.0 p.m. with 2 minutes interval between platoons. "B" Company - 6.10 p.m. with 2 minutes interval between platoons. "A" Company - 6.20 p.m. with 2 minutes interval between platoons. "C" Company - 6.30 p.m. with 2 minutes interval between platoons.
4. A sketch giving detailed dispositions will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 10th October.
5. The R.S.M. and C.S.M.'s will take over all Trench Stores, S.A.A., grenades, etc., during daylight tomorrow. A list of stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon 10th October.
6. A list of Trench Stores, etc., to be handed over will be rendered to order the room by 12 noon today.
7. "C" Company will find a permanent maintenance party of 1 N.C.O. and 10 men for work on COW TRENCH in front of Battalion Headquarters. The duty of the above party will be to keep duckboards clear and in position, and to clear out any falls of earth or blocks which may have been caused by shellfire.
8. Companies will detail ration parties to remain behind for purposes of drawing rations. 20 water cans full will be taken up by companies with the exception of "D" Company, whose water will be brought up with rations. All other nights while in the line water will be sent up for all companies.
9. The Battalion will stand to arms during the present tour as follows:- Morning 5.30 a.m. Evening - 5.15 p.m.
10. The portion of 6th Divisional Front from N.13.b.6.0. to JUNCTION of CANTEEN ALLEY with Front Line will now be known as EMILE SECTION and will be subdivided into EMILE RIGHT and EMILE LEFT. Subsections to correspond with Battalion frontages. In reporting 'S.O.S.' and Gas calls, the following will be used:- S.O.S. EMILY Right or Left GAS EMILY Right or Left.
11. Completion of relief will at once be reported to Battalion Headquarters by wiring "your 910 received". Issued to companies at 10.15 p.m. 8/10/17
(sd.) A. Hawkes [Second Lieutenant Albert HAWKES, MC] 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
REPORT ON BOMBARDMENT
About.10 P.M. 9/10/17, enemy opened up with L.T.M. on new part of COWLEY TRENCH and used R.G. on CHICORY. Immediately heavy shelling was heard away on the right, after which a heavy bombardment opened on the left, both with a great display of lights.
Suddenly, enemy, at 7.45 p.m., placed heavy barrage on our sector. He had three barrage lines, (1) sap heads, (2) CHICORY, (3) COMMOTION and CONDUCTOR. The barrages were a mixture of T.M., L.T.M., and darts. The (3) barrage had a good sprinkling of H.T.M., a few of which were also mixed in with the CHICORY barrage.
As soon as the barrage closed down on the front, the left and centre platoons got out into "No Mans Land" but found barrage on the 'Tape' line which had a large proportion of L.T.M. air bursts more dangerous than the trench fire, so again occupied CHICORY. The enemy was apparently destroying the trench by sections, and this enabled 2/Lieut. Balls [Bertie Henry BALLS] (No.2 Platoon), and Sgt. Moulder [Sergeant 19435 George F. MOULDER, MM] (No.3 Platoon), by controlled movement laterally, to keep down the casualties and still have the usual number of sentries with their 'heads up'.
On the right (No.1 Platoon) the enemy was not destroying the trench by sections, but had the whole trench under fire as once. Whole stretches of trenches were levelled. The bulk of the casualties occurred here. 2/Lieut. Hughes [William HUGHES, MC], although all his platoon except 4 were either wounded or buried at one period, kept the Lewis gun manned, and tested the gun by firing a few rounds at intervals.
About 9.50 p.m. the enemy began firing in bursts and then gradually the strafe died away.
NOTE. No S.O.S. was sent up by us. In the preliminary light bombardments I called for artillery retaliation. As soon as the pucka show started my wires were cut, and no flares, rockets and Very lights other than the white for observation were used. Green Very lights went up on our left in the early stages. The enemy also used green lights.
(Sd) A.W. Elliot, Capt. [Arthur Winterbottom ELLIOTT, MC & Bar] O.C. "A" Company 5/10/1917
[comment; hand written notes added] H.Q. 16th I.B. The above report from O.C. Front Line Coy is forwarded for your information.
R. Le Huquet, Lt-Col. [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], 5/10/17
All Coys Reference O.O. No.147
Item No.9 please note that the stand to arms during present time will be:- Morning 4.30 a.m. Evening 5.15 p.m.
O.O. 147/1. Ref. O.O. 147
[comment; hand written, unsigned]
A Coy. will detail 1 Lewis Gun Team with L.G., magazines and other parts to be attached to B Coy. for the remaining tour in the front line.
A Coy. will loan 1 Lewis Gun with spare parts (but not magazines) to B Coy., to replace gun at front away for instruction purposes. No team will be sent with the gun from A Coy.
A Coy. will man A.A.L.G. at N.3.b.35.90. from dawn to dusk.
C Coy. will detail 2 Lewis Gun Teams with L.G., spare parts and magazines complete for duty with D Coy. whilst in the front line.
C Coy. will man A.A.L.G. at M.12.d.95.75. from dawn to dusk, team to be accommodated in buildings near to the post at B.H.Q.
A & C Coy gunners detailed for duty with B & D Cots will report to their companies in their present billets at 5.45 p.m. today. These men will draw ration from their own Coys.
Battalion Operation Orders No. 148
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 12th October 1917
Ref. Map LENS 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will be relieved in the line on night 13/14th October 1917 by 1/The Buffs, and will move into Brigade Reserve, Battalion Headquarters being at M.11.c.60.10.
2. Each company well detail 1 officer and 4 N.C.O.'s to report to Battalion Headquarters at 10.30 a.m., 13th inst., who will act as billeting party. They will rejoin their companies and act as Platoon guides on relief. 2/Lieut. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] will reconnoitre Battalion Headquarters.
3. The companies will take over the following billets from 1/The Buffs:- "B" Company will take over billets from "D" Company. "D" Company will take over billets from "C" Company. "A" Company will take over billets from "A" Company. "C" Company will take over billets from "B" Company.
4. All Trench stores, maps, aeroplane photos, S.A.A., grenades, etc., will be handed over, and receipts obtained. A list of same will be rendered to Orderly Room by midday 13th instant. A senior N.C.O. from each company will take over Trench stores in reserve billets, and will parade at Battalion Headquarters in full marching order at 4 p.m.
5. 18 Lewis gun tins per company (except "B" Company who will hand over 16 tins) will be handed over as Trench stores and receipts obtained. Empty petrol tins will be taken out on relief.
6. The spoils party of 12 Other Ranks at present found by "C" Company, will be handed over to 1/The Buffs.
7. 3 guides per company will report to Battalion Headquarters at 4.30 p.m. for the purpose of guiding the incoming unit.
8. Dispositions will be forwarded to Battalion Headquarters by 12 noon, 14th instant.
9. List of Trench stores taken over will be rendered to Orderly Room by 12 noon, 14th instant.
10. Completion of relief will be reported at once to the Battalion Headquarters by wiring "your 1210 received".
Issued to companies at 10.15 p.m.
(sd.) A. Hawkes [Second Lieutenant Albert HAWKES, MC] 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Battalion Operation Orders No. 149
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 17th October 1917
Ref. Map LENS 1/10,000
1. The Battalion will be relieved on the night 17/18th October 1917 by 1st Bn. Leicestershire Regiment, and will be withdrawn to divisional reserve at HOUCHIN.
2. Lorries will be provided to convey the Battalion to HOUCHIN. Rendezvous - GRENAY CHURCH (M.1.b.20.00.). Lorries will not be available until 12 midnight. Companies will move by platoons to GRENAY CHURCH after relief.
3. 20 empty petrol tins at least per company and Battalion Headquarters will be handed over with remainder of trench stores, and receipts obtained from incoming unit.
4. The Transport Officer will arrange for Lewis gun limbers together with one for Headquarter boxes and mess baskets to be at Battalion Headquarters at 10.0 p.m. tonight, 17th instant.
5. Details regarding accommodation for companies in lorries will be issued later.
6. Completion of relief will be at once reported to Battalion Headquarters by wiring "Your 710 received".
7. Companies will report by Orderly to Headquarters when their companies are all in their new billets.
8. 2nd Lieut. Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC & Bar] will act as Bus Transport Officer, and will be at GRENAY CHURCH at 11.15 P.M.
9. The party now at the transport lines consisting of three officers and 45 other ranks will report to 2nd Lieut. Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC & Bar] at GRENAY CHURCH at 11.45 p.m.
10. ACKNOWLEDGE.
Issued to companies at 11.45 a.m.
(sd.) A. Hawkes [Second Lieutenant Albert HAWKES, MC] 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET.O.C. Company, R.S.M.
Reference Operation Orders No. 149 of today, please note that all parties will be made up to 1 Officer and 25 Other Ranks who will report to 2nd Lieut. Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC & Bar] on arrival at GRENAY CHURCH. Officers in charge of parties will see that men do not struggle.
(sd) Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC & Bar] for 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt., 8th Bedfordshire Regiment. 17.10.1917.
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 150
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 19th October 1917
HAZEBROUCK - Sheet 5A 1/100,000
1. The Battalion will move today, 19th October 1917, by Bus to LAIRES - parade at 1.15 p.m.
2. Companies will be made up into parties of 1 Officer and 25 Other Ranks, and Buses will be allotted by 2nd Lieut. Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC & Bar]. Rendezvous HOUCHIN CHURCH.
3. The men will carry full marching order, including 1 blanket. Steel helmets will be strapped on back of packs.
4. Orders have previously been issued regarding Officer valises and mess baskets.
Issued at [blank]
(sd.) A. Hawkes [Second Lieutenant Albert HAWKES, MC] 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 151
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 28th October 1917
Ref. Sheet 36 1/40,000
1. The battalion will move to area BRYAS - ST. POL, by the following march route. FIEFS - TANGRY - VALHUON (probable length of march 13 miles.)
2. The Battalion will be formed up in column of route facing S.E. at the junction of LAIRES - PREDIFIN and LAIRES - LIVOSSART ROADS (Ref. HAZEBROUCK 5 A, 1/100,000) at 6.0 a.m. in the following order - Headquarters under 2nd Lieut. Haywood [Charles HAYWOOD] "D" Coy. "C" Coy. Drums. "A" Coy. "B" Coy. Cookers, Water Carts and Officers' Mess Cart. The remainder of the transport will be Brigaded.
3. Breakfast will be at 5.0 a.m. All Officers valises will be ready for loading at 5:30 a.m. Valises of Companies will be stacked outside Coy. H.Qrs., and of Bn. H.Qrs., outside of C.O.'s billet. One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will collect valises of Bn. H.Qrs., Orderly Room, Shoemaker's and Tailors and Pioneers boxes, and "A" Coys valises, commencing at 5.30 a.m. One G.S. Wagon under Cpl. Harden will collect valises of "B", "C" and "D" Coys., commencing at "D" Coy at 5.30 a.m. All Mess Kit that can be spared will also be loaded on the G.S. Wagons, but one servant from Bn. H.Qrs and each company will accompany the G.S. Wagon. The Mess cart under will collect Mess Baskets commencing at "D" Coy. at 5.30 a.m.
4. An Advance Party under 2/Lt Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] of [sic] the 4 Company S.Majors will parade outside Bn. H.Qrs. at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow morning and will report to Brigade H.Qrs. at FLECHIN 6:45 a.m. punctually. Representatives of Coys. will be in possession of slips shewing [sic] numbers of Officers and Other Ranks requiring accommodation, and 2/Lt Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] will be in possession of the number of Officers and O.R., and horses requiring accommodation for H.Qrs. This party will proceed by bus from FLECHIN.
5. Blankets will be tied up tightly in tens and labelled by Coys. They will be stacked outside Coy. H.Qrs. by 5:30 a.m. ready for loading onto the lorry allotted to the Bn.
6. One sanitary man per Coy. will remain behind to ensure rubbish being burned and latrines left in a sanitary condition. Cpl. Walsh [Corporal 13901 Lawrence WALSH] will be in charge of these men who will report to him at the Q.M. Stores on completion of work. This party will then report to Sgt. Draper [Sergeant Cook 3/7915 Alfred William DRAPER] and march under his orders in rear of the Battalion.
7. Company Commanders will ensure that all billets and ground in the vicinity are left clean before Coys. parade. A report to this effect will be made to the Adjt. on parade.
8. The R.S.M. will detail Cpl. Bullard [16418 Reginald BULLARD] and one policeman too march in rear of the Bn. who will stay in rear with the first casualty and bring all casualties along as soon as possible.
Issued to Coys. at 10.30 p.m.
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 152
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 29th October 1917
Ref. Sheet 36 1/40,000
1. The Battalion will move to LE SOUICH and BREVILLERS by the following march route:- FOUFFLIN RICAMETZ - TERNAS - BUNEVILLE - HOUVIGNEUL - ETREE WAMIN - BEAUDRICOURT - IVERGNY LE SOUICH (length of march 13 miles)
2. The battalion will be formed up in column of route facing east at Road junction T.21.c.60.10. at 8:15 AM in the following order:- Headquarters under 2/Lieut. Haywood [Charles HAYWOOD] "C" Company. "A" Company. Drums. "B" Company. "D" Company. Transport.
3. Breakfast will be at 6:30 a.m. All Officers' valises will be ready for loading at 7:00 a.m. Valises will be stacked outside Battalion H.Q., Company H.Q., and Quartermaster store.
4. One G.S. Wagon under Cpl. Harden will collect the valises of Battalion H.Q. and "B" and "C" Companies, and Orderly Room boxes, commencing at "B" Company at 7:00 AM One G.S. Wagon under Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will collect valises of "A" and "D" Companies, Shoemakers, Tailors and Pioneers boxes, commencing at "A" Company at 7:0 a.m. All Mess Kit that can be spared will also be loaded on the G.S. Wagons, but one servant from Battalion H.Q. and each Company will accompany the G.S. Wagons. The Mess Cart under L/Cpl Welch will collect Mess Baskets, commencing at "A" Company at 7:15 a.m.
5. An Advance Party, under 2/Lieut. Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN], of C.Q.M. Sgts. and Sgt. Rawlings, will parade outside Battalion H.Q. at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow morning, and will do the billeting for the Battalion at LE SOUICH and BREVILLERS. 2/Lieut. Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] will report to the Town Major or MAIRE as the case may be. This party will proceed by bicycle.
6. Blankets will be tied up tightly in bundles of 10 and labelled by companies. They will be stacked outside Company H.Q. by 7:00 a.m.. Each Company will detail one light duty man to take charge of the blankets and proceed with the lorry.
7. Company Commanders will ensure that all billets, latrines and ground in the vicinity are left clean before Companies parade. A report to this effect will be made to the Adjutant on parade.
8. The R.S.M. will detail Cpl. Bullard [16418 Reginald BULLARD] and one policeman to march in rear of the Battalion and bring along all casualties as soon as possible.
9. Arrival in billets in new area will be immediately reported to Battalion Headquarters.
Issued to Coys. at 10.30 p.m.
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] 2/Lieut. & a/Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
8th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regt Field State 31st Oct. 1917
Killed 6 O.R.
Wounded 16 O.R.
To Hospital 63
From Hospital 52
A Company Strength 22 Officers 189 Other Ranks
B Company Strength 8 Officers 206 Other Ranks
C Company Strength 8 Officers 216 Other Ranks
D Company Strength 7 Officers 208 Other Ranks
Total 45 Officers 819 Other Ranks
November 1917
Extracts from 16th Infantry Brigade war diary
[comment; The first four sections come from 16th Infantry Brigade war diary, Divisional Football Competition, No.6 Platoon Football Team. National Archives Reference WO 95/1607]
C.604. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment Football Team - No.6 Platoon
Goal - 15723 Cpl. Hills, F.C. [Frederick Charles HILLS]
Backs - 16772 Pte. Warner, A. [Arthur WARNER] 19940 Pte. Payne, E. [Ernest PAYNE]
Half Backs - 18278 Pte. Dickens, C. [Charles Alfred DICKENS] 23677 Pte Lees, A. [Albert LEES] 40551 Pte Osborne, F.
Forwards - 15511 Pte. Brownsill, W . [William BROWNSELL] 2/Lieut. W. Whitbourn [Walter WHITBOURN, MC] 17327 Pte. Cox, L.J. [Leonard James COX] 19723 Pte. Watson, W.G . [Thomas William John WATSON, killed 28/8/1918, 4th Bn.] 33184 Pte. Dicks, W.T.E. [William Benjamin DICKS]
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 8/11/17.
C.604 8th Bedfordshire Regiment Lewis Gun Team - "C" Company
13144 L/Sgt. Withey, J. [Joseph WITHEY]
17194 L/Cpl. Burnell, R.N. [Reginald Natt BURNELL]
12431 L/Cpl. Hulatt, F. [Frederick HULATT]
40140 Pte. Page, B. [Bertie PAGE]
22061 Pte. Langston, F.J.
22918 Pte. Kilby, F. [Frederick KILBY]
29212 Pte. Manning, A.F. [Albert Frederick MANNING]
18566 Pte. Morris, E.H. [Edward Henry MORRIS]
18563 Pte. Hayward, C.W. [Charles William HAYWARD]
33279 Pte. Spurling, A. [Alfred SPURLING]
19896 Pte. Hart, C.A. [Charles Arthur HART, MM]
20322 Pte. Rawlings, S. [Sydney James RAWLINGS]
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 8/11/17.
Divisional Runners Competition
The undernamed have been selected to represent the 16th Brigade headquarters in the above Competition.
No. 7661 Pte. G. Banton 1/K.S.L.I.
No. 8787 Pte. W. Church 1/K.S.L.I.
No. 17159 Pte. C. Handscombe Chris HANDSCOMBE] 8/Bedford Regt.
No. 7860 Pte. J. Moat 1/The Buffs
No. 9752 Pte. G. Pridmore 2/York & Lancaster Regt.
No. 8935 Pte. A. Roberts 1/the Buffs
C.608 8th Bedfordshire Regiment Battalion Runners Team
15626 Pte. Fyson, J. [John FYSON, MM]
15722 Pte. Mills, H.J. [Henry John MILLS, MM]
33182 Pte. Clark, H . [Harry CLARK]
15850 Pte. Smith A.G. [Arthur George SMITH, MM]
16109 Pte. Humphrey, H. [Horace HUMPHREY, MM, MSM]
19550 Pte. Youles, H. [Herbert YOULES]
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 8/11/17.
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 153
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 13th November 1917
Ref. Map LENS 11 1/100,000
1. The Battalion Transport, including all riding horses, will move with 16th Infantry Brigade Transport Group under the orders of the Brigade Transport Officer, to the AMPLIER, ORVILLE and CAUMESNIL area on the night of 13/14th November, 1917.
2. Route via LUCHEUX - HALLOY and AMPLIER. Order of march :- Brigade Headquarters. 2/York and Lancaster Regiment. 1/King's Shropshire Light Infantry. 1/The Buffs. 8/Bedfordshire Regiment. 16th Machine Gun Company. 16th Field Ambulance. Starting point - FORK ROADS 400 yards south of 'L' in LUCHEUX.
3. Moves will not begin before 4:0 p.m. A distance of 200 yards will be maintained between units. Clock hour halts will be observed.
4. Russians will be drawn on the 14th instant from BELLE EGLISE railhead. All Supply Officers and supply details will be left behind.
5. An N.C.O. will proceed to the church ORVILLE as advanced billeting party, and will report to a representative from Division there at 2:0 p.m. 13th instant.
6. All Officers will have their valises and all spare kit packed and dumped outside Battalion Headquarters and Company Headquarters by 2:30 p.m. ready for loading.
7. Quartermaster stores, Orderly Room, shoemakers and Tailors boxes and Aid Post stores will be ready for loading by 2:30 p.m.
8. Lewis guns will be packed on the limbers by 2:30 p.m.
9. The Mess Cart, Maltese Cart and Cookers will proceed with the Transport, but Camp Kettles will be kept for cooking purposes.
10. Sgt. Haines [Sergeant 7826 Walter HAINES] will be in charge of Stores, etc., and L/Cpl. Stockwell [15508 Frank James STOCKWELL] in charge of the valises. Cpl. Welch will collect mess tins in the mess cart.
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 154
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 14th November 1917
1. The Battalion will move by rail tomorrow, 15th November 1917.
2. The Battalion will parade ready to move off at 11:30 a.m., in full marching order, along the road from the CHURCH to "D" Company's Headquarters Mess facing West in the following order :- Drums. Headquarters. "A" Company. "B" Company. "C" Company. "D" Company. The head of the column will be opposite "D" Company's Headquarters. Headquarters will parade under 2/Lieut. E.A. Maddison [Edward Alexander MADDISON].
3. Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10, tied tightly, labelled and dumped outside the Orderly Room by 9:00 a.m. Camp Kettles will be cleaned, packed properly, and dumped outside the Orderly Room by 9:00 a.m.
4. 2/Lieut. Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] and 1 N.C.O. from "A" Company will report to the Brigade Major at BOUQUEMAISON STATION at 11:45 a.m.
5. The unconsumed portion of rations for the 15th instant, and rations for the 16th instant will be carried by the men.
6. 2/Lieut. Dolman [Leonard DOLMAN] will obtain from the Orderly Room a list showing the numbers of Officers and Other Ranks of Headquarters and each Company to be entrained. Issued at [blank]
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 155
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 16th November 1917
1. The Battalion will move to camp in BOIS DESSART by march route via NURLES and FINS (Ref. LENS 11 1/100,000).
2. The Battalion will parade in full marching order ready to move off at 7:10 p.m. along the road running due South of the present camp, facing West, in the following order :- Headquarters. "B" Company. "C" Company. "D" Company. "A" Company. Transport. The head of the column will be at the IRON BRIDGE.
3. Intervals of 100 yards between Companies will be maintained, throughout the march.
4. The head of the Transport will be at the CHURCH and will follow on 200 yards in rear of the last Company.
5. One guide each will meet Headquarters, Companies and Transport at level crossing V.12.c.70.20. (Ref. Sheet 57 c. 1/40,000) and take them to their respective camps.
6. Arrival in camp will be immediately reported to Headquarters.
7. Attention is drawn to the orders re lights and movement, which will be strictly observed in the new area.
8. Blankets and all stores to the outside the Quartermaster Store ready for loading by 4:00 PM.
Issued at [blank]
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 156
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 17th November 1917 Ref. Sheet 57 c 1/40,000
1. The Battalion will move into the trenches at FIFTEENTH RAVINE (R.19.a.) in Brigade Support, and will relieve the 12th Bn. K.R.R. Route via LINCOLN AVENUE.
2. The Battalion will parade by platoons in full marching order (box respirators at the alert) in the following order :- Headquarters (under 2/Lieut. E.A. Maddison [Edward Alexander MADDISON]). "B" Company. "C" Company. "D" Company. "A" Company. Headquarters will move off at 7:00 p.m. An interval of 100 yards will be maintained between platoons.
3. Guides will be at Battalion Headquarters at 6:00 p.m., one per platoon, and two for Headquarters. Battalion Headquarters will relieve "C" Company, 12th K.R.R. "B" Company will relieve "C" Company, 12th K.R.R. "C" Company will relieve "C" Company, 12th K.R.R. "A" Company will take up the intermediate line. "D" Company at CHARING CROSS will relieve "A" Company, 12th K.R.R.
4. The Transport Officer will arrange for Lewis Gun limbers to follow Companies as they reach the main road at W.2.c.9.2. the Maltese Cart will follow Headquarters, and will carry Aid Post stores, Orderly Room kit, etc.
5. Four dixie's per company, and two for Headquarters, will be carried to the trenches. These will be drawn from the cookers.
6. The cookers and water carts will return to the Transport Lines at FINS.
7. Blankets, valises, and men's spare kits will be ready for loading outside Company Headquarters by 4:30 p.m. The Transport Officer will arrange to collect these by 6:00 p.m. and store them at the Quartermaster Store.
8. Completion of relief will be reported at once to Battalion H.Q.
9. Disposition reports of Companies will be sent to Battalion H.Q. by 9:00 a.m., 18th.
Issued at [blank]
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET Copy No.8 Battalion Operation Orders No. 157
by Lieut. Colonel R. le Huguet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET] Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 16th November 1917.
Ref. Maps = MARCOING 57 c N.E.4. GONNELIEU 57 c S.E.9.
1. INTRODUCTION (a) The 16th Infantry Brigade is to participate in an attack at a date and at an hour (ZERO to be notified later). (b) The 16th Infantry Brigade with "B" Battalion Tanks co-operating will attack in 3 waves. 1st Wave - 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment on Right, and 8th Bedfordshire Regiment on Left. 2nd Wave consisting of one company 1/The Buffs on Right, and one company 1/K.S.L.I. on Left, will pass through the 1st Wave and capture the Blue Line The 3rd Wave - 1/The Buffs (less one company on Right) and 1/K.S.L.I. (less one company on Left) will capture the Brown Line. (c) The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will be in Front Line of attack. The 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment will be on the right, and the 71st Infantry Brigade on the Left. (d) The enemy at present on the front to be attacked belong to the 90th R.I.R. and 27th R.I.R., both of the 54th Division.
2. OBJECTIVES (a) The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment, with which No. 6 Company (9,11, and 12 Sections) "B" Battalion Tank Corps will co-operate, will attack and capture the Hindenburg Front Line System, including the enemy's Outpost Line, between the Battalion Right Boundary and the Brigade Left Boudary. (b) BATTALION BOUNDARY The Battalion Boundary will be as follows: - RIGHT BOUNDARY - R.7.d.26.80. - R.7.b.63.34 - R.1.d.60.80. - R.9.a.35.60 - L.38.c.60.30. LEFT BOUNDARY - R.7.c.30.78. - R.7.a.38.33. - R.1.c.70.70. - L.31.d.12.25. - L.31.d.88.63.
3. ASSEMBLY POSITION (a) The assembly place for 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will be close in rear of PLOUICH SUPPORT. Ground will be marked out and allotted under Brigade arrangements, and the Battalion will be in position 2 hours before ZERO. (b) On night previous to attack, two platoons of "D" Company will be on outpost duty in No Man's Land to prevent hostile patrols discovering assembly. (c) The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will attack on a two company frontage. DISPOSITIONS "B" Company on the Right "C" Company on the Left "A" Company, less 1 platoon and 1 section, in Support (two platoons less 1 section in rear of "C" Company, one platoon in rear of "B" Company). B Company will follow No.12 Section Tanks. "D" Company, less 1 platoon, in Reserve. "C" Company will follow No.11 Section Tanks. No.9 Section Tanks, followed by 1 platoon of "A" Company and Subsection Trench Mortars, will move along the Battalion Left Boundary. On arrival in Hindenburg Line, this platoon will clean up and get into touch with "C" Company, and will then come under the command of O.C. "C" Company. One platoon of "D" Company will be detailed to keep touch with 71st Infantry Brigade on our Left. Touch will be obtained with the 71st Infantry Brigade at the following points: - (1) R.7.a.40.38. (2) R.1.c.70.70 (3) L.31.d.10.27. (4) L.31.d.30.54. One Section of "A" Company under an officer will be detailed to keep touch with 8/York and Lancaster Regiment. "A" Company will follow "B" and "C" Companies at 200 yards distance. "D" Company will follow "A" Company at 250 yards distance. As soon as the Tanks pass through the German Outpost Line (PLUSH TRENCH), the two platoons of "D" Company on outpost will rush PLUSH TRENCH through the gaps made in the wire by the Tanks, and will clear up. They will then reform, and follow in rear of the Battalion under 2/Lieut. E.Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC].
4. INTER-COMPANY BOUNDARIES The Inter-Company Boundaries will be as follows: - R.7.b.18.70. - R.1.d.40.18. - R.1.b.70.63. - R.1.b.65.97 - L.31.d.90.30.
5. The primary duty of No. 10 Section of No. 6 Company Tanks will be to assist the 1/K.S.L.I. in establishing themselves in the Blue Line, but will assist the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment by fire as opportunity offers.
6. TIMES FOR ADVANCE The First Wave of Tanks will commence their advance 10 minutes before ZERO.
7. ARTILLERY The action of the Artillery will consist in placing a shrapnel and heavy howitzer barrage on each objective prior to its assault, in firing smoke screens and barrages on the front and flanks of the advance of the Tanks, neutralising hostile batteries, etc. The barrage will commence with a salvo of smoke on the first objective. Times and places of barrage will be as follows: - From ZERO to ZERO plus 3 - R.7.b.80.90. - R.1.c.70.70. From ZERO plus 3 to 15 - R.8.c.05.65. - R.1.a.90.40. From ZERO plus 15 to 24 - R.2.a.20.35. - R.1.a.90.90. From ZERO plus 24 to 30 - R.3.a.30.65. - L.31.d.10.35. From ZERO plus 30 to 45 - L.30.c.65.35. - L.31.d.45.75. From ZERO plus 45 to 70 - L.38.d.10.90. - L.31.b.65.15.
8. The Tanks and troops for assault on Second Objective (Brown Line) will not pass the Blue Line until 2 hours, 30 minutes after ZERO.
9. CONSOLIDATION The objective when gained will be immediately consolidated. The 1st Defensive Line will be the Hindenburg Line which will consist of consolidated Platoon Posts in depth. No post must be nearer than 20 yards from any existing road, so as not to impede future traffic. In consolidation the following steps will be taken: - (1) Post Sentries. each sentry to have a periscope. (2) Make fire steps. Every man to have a position from which he can fire. (3) Lewis Guns to be placed in position. Rifles and Lewis Guns will then be cleaned; oil and flannelette must be carried for this purpose. (4) Company Commanders see that they have dumps of S.A.A. and bombs, and that men are acquainted with position of same. (5) Every Company and Platoon Commander must have a chosen Head-quarters. (6) Rockets and stands for "S.O.S." will be kept ready. (7) Communication Trenches leading to enemy's lines must be blocked.
10. COMMUNICATION. Gaps in wire will be marked with the discs dropped by Tanks and will be improved. These discs are about 10 inches to a foot in diameter, painted white on one side and khaki on the other, fastened on a short stick. These will be stuck in the ground, white side towards our line.
11. REORGANISATION Company and Platoon Commanders will reorganise their units as soon as the objective is gained, and Company Commanders will keep one platoon to meet any hostile counter-attack on their particular front.
12. DUMP A Forward Dump is being established in VILLERS PLUICH [sic] at R.13.a.7.3.
13. Men to carry on them the scale of fighting equipment issued to Companies on separate sheet.
14. Regimental Aid Post will be established at about R.13.a.60.60.
15. Battalion Headquarters will be established at R.7.d.10.65. and will be in this position until after capture of 1st Objective, when it will move forward to about L.31.d.45.05.
16. Water Point will be at R.13.a.9.9.
17. Compass bearing to objective from present front line trench is 19 degree bearing. (magnetic variation 12 degrees therefore compass bearing without error of compass would read 31 degrees)
18. ACKNOWLEDGE.
SECRET Addenda to Battalion Operation Orders No.157
by Lieut. Colonel R. le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET] Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 19th November 1917.
1. CONSOLIDATION & REORGANISATION. Objective when gained will be immediately consolidated. Posts of a Lewis Gun and 3 men will be pushed forward. "A" Company will garrison new front line, "B" Company in close support on right, "C" Company in close support on Left. "D" Company will be withdrawn and will establish itself on a line about R.1.b.80.65. and dig in. This will be held as Battalion Reserve. Bridges or steps must be constructed over captured trenches to assist the advance of other troops moving through. Companies occupying captured trenches will detail parties to improve existing gaps and make fresh ones where necessary through the wire to allow passage of pack animals. All loose wire must be cleared and a clear gap left. These gaps must not be on roads, as all roads will be required for other troops, and only cross-country tracks for infantry will be available.
2. "A" Company, which is in Support, will be responsible for clearing up any area between lines of trenches containing hostile machine guns or posts in isolated positions.
3. Souvenir hunting is strictly forbidden.
4. In case any Tank breaks down, the filled Lewis Gun drums and any other ammunition should be removed from the Tank and regarded as an extra reserve.
5. Each Tank will carry 1 box S.A.A. which will be dumped on gaining the objective.
6. TIME OF ADVANCE No. 6 Company Tanks, followed by their infantry at the prescribed distances, will move off from the assembly position at 10 minutes before ZERO.
7. SIGNALLERS Communication with Battalion Headquarters will be opened by Company Signallers by Visual (Lucas Lamp or discs) as soon as possible, until wires can be laid forward.
8. Runner Posts are being established by Brigade Headquarters on HIGHLAND ROAD.
9. A contact aeroplane will fly daring operations. Flares will be lit when called for - if no flares are available, attention will be attributed by any means available.
10. Prisoners will be sent to Battalion Headquarters. Escorts not to exceed 10% of total number of prisoners, and they should be chosen as far as possible from slightly wounded men.
11. Outpost platoons of "D" Company covering the whole Battalion front will be in position by 2.30 p.m. Information to be sent to Battalion Headquarters when in position.
12. Battalion Headquarters will open at R.7.d.10.85. at 6.0 p.m.
13. STRETCHER BEARERS Six will be attached to each Company, and two per Company will be attached to Battalion Headquarters.
14. The Battalion of the 71st Infantry Brigade on our Left will be the 9th Suffolks.
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 158
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 19th November 1917
Ref. Secret Sketch Map showing waiting and assembly area for Infantry.
1. The battalion will March to preliminary assembly position allotted to this battalion tonight 19th November, 1917, as follows :- A. "A" and "D" Companies (less two platoons of D Company) under Captain A.W. Elliott [Arthur Winterbottom ELLIOTT, MC & Bar] to pass R.13.a.00.80 at 7:30 p.m. Movement to be by platoons at 50 yards distance, and to be clear of that point by 7:40 p.m. ROUTE - cross country along LINCOLN AVENUE to R.13.a.00.80. - up lane to tape - follow tape to place of assembly. B. "B" and "C" Companies will proceed by GOUZEAUCOURT - VILLERS PLUICH - BEAUCAMP ROAD by platoons at 50 yards interval. First platoon of "B" Company will pass R.13.a.00.80. at 7:42 p.m. Rear platoon of "C" Company must be clear of this point by 8:00 p.m. "B" Company to be formed up facing north with their last section of fours 20 yards north of FIFTEENTH RAVINE on the VILLERS PLUICH ROAD. The head of "C" Company will be 20 yards South of FIFTEENTH RAVINE on same road. The first platoon of "B" Company will move off at 7:00 p.m C. The two platoons of "D" Company who are to act as outposts will move off at 4:30 p.m. They will be in position by 6:30 p.m.
2. One officer per unit (company or platoon) following Tank Section will report at Brigade Headquarters (R.13.a.00.80.) as soon as they are in that assembly positions in order to guide Tank Section Commanders to their waiting positions. The Tank Section Commanders will then guide the infantry to their positions immediately in rear of tanks. When companies are assembled behind their Tanks, a report will be sent to Battalion Headquarters at R.7.d.10.85. A combined report will suffice for 2/Lieut. Hawkes's [Albert HAWKES, MC] platoon, 2/Lieut. J.Dunn's [Thomas DUNN] platoon, and Trench Mortar Section.
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
Messages and Signals.
To O.C. Coys Senders number BE63. Day of month 21
The Batt. Will move forward to the old German frontline of the HINDENBURG SUPPORT system now occupied by the 1/K.S.L.I. Boundaries :- Left RIBECOURT RD. Right - FORK AVE. Coys will move immediately by platoon as under :- A Coy. 7.55 a.m. C Coy. 7.55 a.m. B Coy. 8 a.m. D Coy. 8 a.m. Waterproofs will be worn aaa Coys may move over the top in a suitable formation aaa
From DROVE. Time 7.45 a.m.
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt.
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 159
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 22nd November 1917
1. The 16th Infantry Brigade will consolidate its present position.
2. The main line of defence will be as follows :- "B" Company will hold the line from L.10.b.30.48. to L.4.c.78.65. "D" Company will hold the line from L.10.b.30.48. to L.10.c.65.72. "A" Company in Support will hold CANTAING SUPPORT from L.10.c.65.72. to L.4.c.0.0. "C" Company in Reserve from L.10.c.20.70. to L.9.b.70.70.
3. Connection must be maintained with 51st Division on our left, and 2/Y&L on our right.
4. The Divisional boundary runs L.14. central through L.9. central and L.4. central.
5. 1/The Buffs are holding NOYELLES has an advanced line.
6. Positions will be wired at once. The northwest edge of the wood must be wired tonight.
7. The dividing line between "A" Company and 2/Y&L will be junction of roads at L.10.b.30.48. which is inclusive to "A" Company.
8.O.C. "A" Company will arrange to send forward patrols tonight to ascertain where abouts of enemy.
9. Report to be sent to Battalion Headquarters when new positions are in occupation, and map reference of Company to be stated.
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 159/a
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 23/11/17
Ref. CTS 213
1. The frontline held from L.10.b.30.48. to L.4.c.78.65. Will now be held by two companies with "A" Coy. in support and "B" Coy. forming a defensive flank from L.10.b.30.48 to L.10.c.65.72.
2. "C" Coy. will vacate its present position at L.10.c.20.70. and will take over half the front line now held by "B" Coy.
3. The boundaries of "B" and "C" Coys. will now be :- "B" Coy on right will hold from L.10.b.30.48. to L.4.d.20.20. "C" Coy on right will hold from L.4.d.20.20. to L.4.c.78.65.
4. Alteration in Coy. Hqrs. will be notified by map reference.
[comment; appears incomplete, no further pages. Next pages in diary reads as follows]
4. "C" Coy will be responsible for keeping touch with the Battalion on their left.
5. The two frontline Coys. will push out posts in front and form an observation line over the valley
6. Relief to take place forthwith.
7. Acknowledge.
Issued at 5.15 p.m.
[comment; unsigned but appears to be Lieutenant-Colonel le Huquet's handwriting]
Appendix "D" Statement of casualties for 20th, 21st and 22nd Nov. 1917
[comment; from 16th Infantry Brigade war diary]
8/Bedfords Officers Killed 2, Wounded 2, Missing 0. Total 4.
Other Ranks Killed 10, Wounded 34, Missing 5. Total 49.
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 160
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 26th November 1917
Ref. Sheet 57 c N.E. 1/20,000
1. RELIEF. The Battalion will be relieved in the line on the night 26/27th November 1917, by the 9th Norfolk Regiment as follows :- "A" Company will be relieved by "D" Company, 9th Norfolks. "B" Company will be relieved by "C" Company, 9th Norfolks. "C" Company will be relieved by "B" Company, 9th Norfolks. "D" Company will be relieved by "A" Company, 9th Norfolks. and on relief will be withdrawn to Divisional Reserve in HINDENBURG SUPPORT LINE from L.20.d.00.40. to L.19.b.70.40.
2. GUIDES. One guide per platoon will be detailed to report to 2/Lieut. Hughes [William HUGHES, MC] at Battalion Headquarters at 4:45 p.m. 2/Lieut Hughes [William HUGHES, MC] will then march the party to L.21.c.3.5. where they will meet the relieving Battalion at 5:15 p.m. Guides will have slips of paper showing the Company they are to guide.
3. On completion of relief Companies will march individually to the new area by platoons, an interval of 100 yards being strictly observed between platoons. Route to be used will be by Road L.21.c.3.5. - PREMY CHAPEL.
4. An advance party will rendezvous at Headquarters at 1:00 p.m. and will report to Headquarters 2/Sherwood Foresters, L.20.d.1.2. at 2:00 p.m. as under :- Headquarters - 2/Lieut. E.A. Maddison [Edward Alexander MADDISON] & Sgt, Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN]. Each company - One Officer and one N.C.O. These parties will meet their respective Companies at L.20.d.1.2. and guide then [sic] to their trench areas.
5. The Transport Officer will arrange for one limber per company and one limber for Headquarters to be at Battalion Headquarters at 6:30 p.m. to collect Lewis Guns, Signalling gear, Aid Post stores, dixie's, etc. One man per Company and one for H.Q. will be detailed to accompany the limbers. Cpl Walsh [Corporal 13901 Lawrence WALSH] will supervise the loading of stores. The Transport Officer will also arrange for the horses to withdraw the water cart.
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt.
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 160
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 27th November 1917
Ref. Sheet 57 c N.E. 1/20,000
1. The Battalion will be ready to move by 4:30 p.m. to the area between L.31.d.2.5. and L.32.a.4.6. in the following order :- Headquarters. "D" Company. "A" Company. "B" Company. "C" Company. Headquarters will pass the starting point L.25.b.60.55. at 4:30 p.m. An interval of 100 yards will be maintained between platoons.
2. The Transport Officer will supply one limber per Company and one for Headquarters for Lewis Guns, dixie's, signalling gear, etc., at 4:15 p.m. at L.25.b.60.55. Stores will be dumped near L.32.a.00.25. The watercart will also be taken up to L.32.a.00.25.
3. Advance parties will be met at crossroads L.32.a.00.25.
4. On completion of move, Companies will send a report to Battalion Headquarters.
(sd.) Lapper [Frank Stanley LAPPER] Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
[Untitled, dated 30.11.1917]
O.C. 1/Buffs. 8/Bedfords. 1/K.S.L.I. 2/Y.&L. 16/M.G.Coy. 16 T.M.Bty.
1. The enemy is putting in a strong attack on the right of the 29th Division.
2. The brigade will move to the vicinity of DEAD MAN'S CORNER Q.23.c.7.2. Forthwith, in the following order - 1/Buffs. 8/Bedfords. 16/M.G.Coy. 1/K.S.L.I. 2/Y.&L. 16/T.M.Bty.
3. Battalions will move in artillery formation.
4. H.Q. his moving forthwith to Headquarters 29th Divn., Q.36.d.1.5.
5. The Brigadier is proceeding to DEAD MAN'S CORNER Q.23.c.7.2. and C.O.'s will meet him there.
6. ACKNOWLEDGE.
(sd) R. B. Leslie Captain, Brigade Major, 16th Infantry Brigade. 30/11/17.
December 1917
To O.C. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 3/12
14th D.L.I. are across Canal on line L.23.d.10.30. to L.23.d.70.70. and one company of your Battalion is on their left from L.23.d.70.70. to L.23.a.80.00 AAA
Get in touch with R.E. at old Bde. H.Q. at L.22.d.40.40. and as soon as bridges are ready for demolition, inform 14th D.L.I. and all troops across Canal and order them to join you on this Bank AAA
As soon as this is done report all clear to R.E. and order them to blow up bridges
From 16th Infantry Brigade 8.10 p.m. (Sd) J.Horlington, Captain
To 8th Bedfords B.M. 188 3/12
Send one company as soon as possible to reinforce 14th D.L.I. who have been heavily attacked but have driven off the enemy AAA
Company should proceed by small parties across railway ridge and barge bridge in L.23.d. and will report to O.C. 14th D.L.I. aaa Send officer on in advance to report to his H.Q. AAA
From 16th I.B. (Sd) R.B.Leslie, Captain
To O.C. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment B.M. 160 3/12
The 1/K.S.L.I. have withdrawn from TALMAS LOCK AAA
Take steps at once to man this lock and prevent enemy crossing at this point AAA
71st I.B. have been informed they may also send a party there AAA
Ensure patrols hold crossings from RAILWAY BRIDGE inclusive to TALMAS LOCK
From 16th Infantry Brigade. 8.55 p.m. (Sd) J.Horlington, Capt.
To O.C. All Coys. 3.12 OPERATION ORDERS (Ref. Map - Sheet 57 c N.E.)
8th Bedfords Regt. have been ordered to take up a line from the Railway Bridge over the Canal inclusive at L.23.c.50.90. to the Lock at L.17.d.65.70 AAA
The Y.& L. will be on our right and touch to be gained with 71st Bde. on our left about L.17.a.25.25. AAA
B Coy will withdraw from the East side of the CANAL and take up a position on West Side of Canal L.25.c.50.95 AAA
D Coy will take up a position on West of Canal covering lock at L.23.b.10.80 and will also establish a post where road crosses canal at L.23.a.40.85 AAA
C Coy will take up a position on West of Canal covering the Lock at L.17.d.70.70. and will be responsible for Chateau Talmas and touch will be gained by 71st I.B. at L.17.a.85.15 AAA
A Coy when withdrawn from the Canal will be in reserve and will take up a position West of ESCAUT RIVER in L.17.c. from about l.17.c.15.40 to about L.17.c.60.65. AAA
Companies will defend their posts in depth and frequent patrolling will be done between posts AAA
Position of Bn. H.Q. will be in Sunken Road at about L.15.b.85.20. AAA
Control post will be posted here as guides to guide runners etc. aaa
Companies will report when in position aaa
D Coy will be responsible for the Bridge in L.23.c.50.95. until relieved by B Coy. AAA
Rations will be dumped at Cross Roads L.22.a.95.25. and coys will arrange to draw these after they are in their new positions.
(Sd) J.McCormack 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 12.50 a.m.
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 220
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 10th December 1917
1. The 16th Infantry Brigade Group, composed as under will move by bus today, 11th December 1917, to COURCELLES - LE COMPTE (15 miles N.W. of BAPAUME). 1st/The Buffs. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment.
2. Transport will be Brigaded under the B.T.O. and will refill at present refilling point (V.3.c.3.8.) at 10:0 a.m. and will then move by the following route to COURCELLES - LE COMPTE - ETRICOURT - MANANCOURT - ROCQUIGNY - thence by main BAPAUME ROAD.
3. Arrangements for embussing. Busses will be drawn up at head of column at a point on road 500 yards South of Mill on FINS - NURLU ROAD. Battalion will move from SOREL by CROSS ROADS at Mill on FINS - NURLU ROAD. The Battalion will move off by Companies in the following order :- Headquarters. "A" Company. "B" Company. "C" Company. "D" Company. (Ref. Map VALENCIENNES QW) Headquarters to be ready to move off at 8:50 a.m. The 8th Bedford Regt. will move off in rear of 2nd York and Lancaster Regt.
4. O.C. "A" Company will detail one officer to report to Battalion H.Q. at 7:15 a.m. and get embussing strength. This officer will then report to Brigade Major at Bde. H.Qrs. at 8:0 a.m. with the strength named and find out the number of buses allotted to the Bn.
5. The Section, Div. Sniping Coy. will move with Bn. and be attached to "D" Coy.
6. Advanced Billeting Parties will report to Staff Captain at Bde. H.Qrs. at SOREL LE GRAND at 6:15 a.m. 2nd Lieut. E.A. Maddison [Edward Alexander MADDISON] and 1 N.C.O. per Coy. will report to Bn. H.Qrs. at 5:45 a.m.
7. Lorries for transport of surplus kit will report to Town Major's Office SOREL at 8.0 a.m., and are allotted as under to each Bn. 1 and a quarter Lorries. The Quartermaster will arrange for guide to meet this Lorry at above stated time.
8. Officers mess kits, valises, etc., will be packed up, stacked ready to be collected by 7:0 a.m., to be dumped at Bn. and Coy. H.Qrs. the T.O. will arrange for collecting same, commencing at Bn. H.Qrs.
9. Companies will render to O.Room.6.0 a.m. embussing strength of their Coys. Bn. H.Qrs. will be shown separate.
10. Acknowledge.
Issued at 3.15 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET
Orders by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 12th December 1917
1. The Battalion will "Stand To" at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow, 13th December 1917, in fighting order.
2. 2/Lieut. W.G. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] will report to Brigade Headquarters at above mentioned hour.
3. A hostile attack is expected at 6:30 a.m. on 3rd Divisional Front. In the event of this taking place, the Battalion will move to MORY.
4. Packs, blankets, etc., will be left under a guard, to be furnished by companies.
5. S.A.A. Carts, Watercarts, Maltese Cart will accompany the Battalion. The Transport Officer will arrange for these to be ready to accompany the Battalion if it moves.
6. Acknowledge.
Issued at 10.0 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SPECIAL ORDER
By Major General T.O. Marden, C.M.G. [Sir Thomas Owen MARDEN, KBE, CB, CMG] Commanding 6th Division.
The following letter received from the Corps Commander III Corps is published for the information of all ranks :-
"The Corps Commander wishes to thank all ranks of the 6th Division for the endurance shown under difficult circumstances, and to congratulate the Division on its fighting qualities. The dash displayed by the troops on the 30th November, and the subsequent stubborn resistance to attack were of a high order, and equalled the reputation which the division acquired in the first year of the war. The Corps Commander is especially gratified to testify this to a Division that he has been connected with for so many years."
(sd) N. Savage, Lieut-Colonel, A.A.& Q.M.G., 6th Division 15th December 1917
SECRET WARNING ORDER
O.C. Company, Transport Officer, Quartermaster, R.S.M.
1. On December 17th, 1917, the Battalion will move from COURCELLES LE COMTE to MORY, at about 9.0 a.m.
2. The Battalion will relieve a Battalion of the 9th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Division, and will be in Divisional Reserve, under orders of the G.O.C., 3rd Division.
3. Details of relief will be issued later.
Issued at 11.25 a.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 16.12.1917.
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 221
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 16.12.1917
Ref. Map LENS 11 1/100,000
1. The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will proceed by route march tomorrow, 17th inst., to Camp 600 yards N. of "Y" in MORY.
2. The Battalion will parade on the ABLAINZEVELLE-COURCELLES ROAD facing East in the following order :- Headquarters "A" Coy. "B" Coy. "C" Coy. "D" Coy. Transport.
3. Headquarters will pass the Starting Point, LEVEL CROSSING on COURCELLES - ERVILLERS Rd about 700 yards East of COURCELLES at 9.30 a.m. A distance of 200 yards will be maintained between Companies and will be kept throughout.
4. Route will be COURCELLES - GOMIECOURT - ERVILLERS - MORY. If dry weather, track from Starting Point direct to ERVILLERS will be used. Transport which will start with Battalion must move via GOMIECOURT.
5. Blankets will be rolled in bundles of 10, securely tied, labelled and ready for loading by 7.30 a.m., at Quartermaster's Stores. Lewis Guns Will be loaded by 8.0 a.m. Officers valises, Mess Baskets, Orderly Room boxes, etc., will be dumped at the Quartermaster's Stores, ready for loading by 8.15 a.m. One Officers Servant and one Lewis Gunner per Company will accompany the wagons to look after same. Sergt. Haines [Sergeant 7826 Walter HAINES] will be in charge of the G.S. Wagon conveying Officer's valises, and Sergt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] will be in charge of the wagon conveying Orderly Room boxes, etc.
6. Billeting arrangements will be notified later. The usual Party will be held in readiness to move off at short notice.
7. Companies will report at once to the Orderly Room when they are in billets.
8. In case of enemy attack on 3rd Division front, the Battalion will occupy a position in the Second Line from C.14.c.30.60. to where the line cuts the BEUGNATRE - ECOUST Road exclusive (ref. Map HENDECOURT SPECIAL SHEET).
9. Orders regarding reconnoitring of position will be notified later. Watches will be synchronised at 8.0 a.m. tomorrow.
10. When in the Divisional Reserve area, companies will arrange to have Lewis Gun mounted for anti-aircraft defence.
11. Acknowledge.
Issued at 8.30 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY
The Divisional Commander in reviewing the operations between 20th November and 4th December, wishes to express his appreciation of the following: -
(1) The good work of one company 9th Suffolk Regiment in pushing forward and holding bridges at MARCOING on 20th November.
(2) The initiative shown by 2nd West Yorks in charging and capturing an enemy battery on 20th November.
(3) The dash shown by 2nd Durham Light Infantry in capturing a German battery on the same date.
(4) The initiative and spirit of 14th Durham Light Infantry in supporting the attack by Cavalry and Tanks on CANTAING on 21st November.
(5) The good fight put up by 2nd York and Lancasters on the night of the 30th November/1st December in their attack on the QUENTIN RIDGE.
(6) The gallant behaviour of the Transport of the 2nd West Yorks and 2nd Durham Light Infantry on the 30th November, when they prevented the enemy reaching a part of GOUZEAUCOURT.
(7) The splendid fight of the 14th Durham Light Infantry on 3rd December when without wire or any protection they repulsed three attacks on part of their front and counter-attacked three times, regaining a portion of the line which had been broken through. When finally borne down by superior numbers they retired, reorganised, and advanced again.
(8) The steady behaviour of two companies 8th Bedfordshire Regiment on 3rd December, who advanced through a barrage and reinforced and helped to hold the line across the Canal at MARCOING.
(9) The gallant conduct of 16th Machine Gun Company on 3rd December especially that of No. 2 Section under Lieutenant Battershill, M.C. These are worthy of the best traditions of the 6th Division and of the British Army, and the Divisional Commander heartily congratulates the officers and men who were responsible for these achievements.
(Sd) W.H.St. John, Major, General Staff. 18th December, 1917.
SECRET WARNING ORDER
O.C. Company, Transport Officer, Quartermaster, R.S.M.
1. The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will probably relieve a Battalion on the 18th Infantry Brigade in the Right Section of the line tomorrow night, 18/19th December 1917.
2. In such case the Battalion will relieve the Left Battalion at present in the line.
3. One Officer and one Orderly per Company will report at Battalion Headquarters at 8:45 a.m. tomorrow, 18th inst. with a view to reconnoitring and making necessary arrangements for the relief.
4. Guides will be at 18th Infantry Brigade Headquarters to conduct Officers round. 18th Infantry Brigade Headquarters are in the SUNKEN ROAD C.9.d.70.50. (Ref. Map HENDECOURT SPECIAL SHEET 1/20,000).
5. The best route is across country in small parties of not more than three.
Acknowledge.
Issued to Coys. at 6.13 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
WARNING ORDER
18th December 1917.
1. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve a Battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade in the Right Sector on the night 19/20th December or 20/21st December 1917.
2. The Battalion will relieve the Left Battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade.
3. Operation Orders will be issued later.
4. Acknowledge.
Issued at 7.0 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 222
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 19.12.1917
Ref. Sheet 57C N.W.
1. The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve the Left Battalion (2nd Durham Light Infantry) of the 18th Infantry Brigade in the Right Sector, on the night 20/21st December 1917.
2. One Company Guide from relieved Battalion we will meet the relieving Companies at the SUGAR FACTORY, B.24.d.70.65., at 4.0 P.M. Platoon guides will meet relieving Platoons on arrival at Brigade Headquarters in the SUNKEN ROAD C.9.d.90.45.
3. The Battalion will move off by Companies at 200 yards distance as far as Brigade Headquarters, thence by Platoons. Order of march will be as follows :- Headquarters "A" Company. "B" Company. "C" Company. "D" Company. Headquarters will move off at 3.15. p.m.
4. Trench Stores, Maps, etc., will be taken over and a receipt given. A copy of the list of stores taken over will be forwarded to Battalion Headquarters by 8.0 a.m. 21st inst.
5. Lewis Guns, Officers Mess stores and Trench Kits will be taken by Transport to Battalion Headquarters in RAILWAY RESERVE, C.4.b.90.50. O.C. Companies will detail one Lewis Gunner and one Servant Company to march with limbers. Two water carts and petrol tins will be taken up the first night. One water cart will be emptied and taken back. One water cart will be brought up full each night whilst the Battalion is in the line.
6. Route for Transport will be MORY - SUGAR FACTORY - VRACOURT - Road through C.21.a. - NOREUIL - to Battalion Headquarters as far forward as RAILWAY RESERVE.
7. Completion of relief will be sent to Battalion Headquarters by runner, using the code "RUM RATION CANCELLED". "Stand To in the morning will be 6.15 a.m., and the evening at 4.15 p.m.
8. All Company Stores, Blankets, Orderly Room boxes, etc., will be ready for loading up at 1.0 p.m., to be sent back to Transport lines.
9. Acknowledge
Issued at 6.35 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET. Battalion Operation Orders No. 223
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 21st December 1917
1. The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will be relieved by the 7/K.S.L.I., 8th Infantry Brigade, in the line on the night 22/23rd December 1917.
2. The relieving Battalion will pass the SUGAR FACTORY at 3.0 p.m. Orders regarding guides will be arranged between companies concerned. Officers of relieving Battalion will be at our Battalion Headquarters at 11.0 a.m. tomorrow, 22nd December, 1917.
3. The Battalion relief will be carried out by TANK AVENUE and on relief, Companies will march to the hutments at MORY, which they previously occupied.
4. Completion of relief will be notified to Battalion Headquarters by runner, using code word "Oxo received".
5. All Trench Stores, maps, photos, etc., will be handed over, and a receipt obtained. Inventories of stores, etc., to reach Battalion H.Q. by 12 noon tomorrow.
6. C.Q.M. Sgts. will take over billets at MORY on afternoon of 22nd instant, and will arrange for guides to meet Companies at CROSS ROADS B.22.a.00.20. (Ref. Sheet 57.c.)
7. Lewis Gun limbers will be at Battalion Headquarters, RAILWAY RESERVE, about 6.0 p.m. All Lewis Guns, Company Mess Stores, and Officers Trench Kits will be sent there for loading up. Lewis guns not to be sent down until after relief of Company is complete. One limber for Headquarter Stores will also be sent up.
8. On the morning of 23rd December 1917 Sgt. Gillow [17150 Charles Frederick GILLOW] for Headquarters, and C.Q.M. Sgts. of Companies will proceed to COURCELLES-LE-COMTE, and take over the camp previously occupied by the Battalion.
9. On 23rd December 1917, on relief by the 9th Infantry Brigade the Battalion will proceed to billets at COURCELLES-LE-COMTE. Time of relief by 9th Infantry Brigade will be notified later. Transport will accompany the Battalion from MORY to COURCELLES.
10. On arrival in billets at MORY, O.C. Companies will report to Battalion Headquarters that they are present in billets, and all rifles have been unloaded. Report as to condition of billets when taken over will also be rendered.
11. Acknowledge.
Issued at 11.35 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET Operation Orders No. 224
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 22nd December 1917
1. On the morning of the 23rd December 1917, the 8th Bedfordshire regiment will be relieved by a battalion of the 9th infantry brigade.
2. The battalion will be ready to vacate the present billets by 8.0 a.m., and on relief will proceed to billets formerly occupied by the battalion at COURCELLES-LE-COMTE. O.C. Companies will render a report to Orderly Room by 9.45 a.m. that their Company billets are ready for handing over in a clean condition.
3. An advance party of Sgt. Gillow [17150 Charles Frederick GILLOW] and C.Q.M. Sgts. of each Company will parade at Orderly Room at 8.30 a.m. and proceed under 2/Lieut. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] to take over the billets previously occupied by the Battalion at COURCELLES-LE-COMTE.
4. Officers valises, Mess Stores, Company Blankets, Orderly Room boxes, etc., will be stacked on track near Battalion Headquarter mess by 8.45 a.m. Two servants per Company, Company Storemen, and one Servant from Battalion Headquarters will remain with these stores until loaded, and will proceed with wagon to COURCELLES-LE-COMTE.
5. Order of march of Companies after relief will be Headquarters, "D", "C", "B", "A". A distance of 200 yards will be kept between Companies. Route will be MORY- ERVILLERS - GOMIECOURT - COURCELLES-LE-COMTE. Transport will move in rear of the last Company.
6. O.C. Companies will report their arrival in billets, and also render a report as to the condition of the billets when taken over.
7. Acknowledge.
Issued at 11.15 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET Operation Orders No. 225
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 25th December 1917
1. The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will move by route march to billets at BERLES-AU-BOIS.
2. The Battalion will parade ready to move off at 10.30 a.m. Order of march, Headquarters, "C", "A", "B" Company. Transport will move in rear of Battalion.
3. Route will be AYETTE - ADINFER - RANSART - BERLES-AU-BOIS. (Ref. Map LENS 11).
4. Advanced billeting parties consisting of Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN], C.Q.M. Sgts. and one man from Transport will parade at Orderly Room at 9.0 a.m. and proceed under 2/Lieut. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] to BERLES-AU-BOIS. They will report to Town Major on arrival.
5. Officers valises, Mess Stores, blankets, Orderly Room boxes, etc., will be stacked at the Quartermaster Stores by 9.45 a.m. Blankets should be securely tied in bundles of 10 and labelled. One servant from Headquarters and one per Company should be left with these stores to help load them on return of lorries.
6. O.C. Companies will render a report to Orderly Room that all billets are left in a clean condition. On arrival in new billets a report will also be rendered as to the condition of the billets taken over.
7. Acknowledge.
Issued at 6.45 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET Operation Orders No. 225
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 25th December 1917
1. Officer's valises, Mess Stores, Blankets, Orderly Room boxes, etc., will be outside the Q.M. Stores ready for loading at 8.45 a.m. instead of 9.45 a.m.
2. O.C. Companies will detail one man to accompany C.Q.M. Sgts. as extra billeting party.
3. O.C. "D" Company will detail one Platoon to march in rear of Transport. This platoon will be used if any difficulty arises with the Transport through bad state of ground.
4. Lewis Guns will be loaded by 8.30 a.m. under the supervision of the Lewis Gun Sergeant.
5. Acknowledge
Issued at 7.45 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET Addenda to Operation Orders No. 226
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 27th December 1917
1. The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will move by march route to COURCELLES-LE-COMTE today.
2. The Battalion will parade ready to move off at 2.15 pp.m. Order of March - Headquarters - "A", "B", "D", "C" Companies. Transport will move in rear of Battalion. Route will be RENSART - ADINFAR - AYETTE - COURCELLES-LE-COMTE. (Ref. Map LENS 11). Starting point - FORKED ROAD near Bath House.
3. Advance billeting party, consisting of Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] and C.Q.M. Sgts. under 2/Lieut. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] will parade at 1.30 p.m. and proceed by bicycle to take over billeting accommodation. They will report to Staff Captain, 16th Infantry Brigade on arrival.
4. Officers valises and mess stores will be collected at Company H.Q. at 1.00 p.m. by supply wagon and will be taken straight to COURCELLES-LE-COMTE. Blankets, Orderly Room boxes, etc., will be stacked at Quartermaster Stores buy at 1.30 p.m. One man from H.Q. and one per Company should be left with these stores to load on lorries.
5. O.C. "C" Company will detail one platoon to march in rear of Transport. This platoon will be used if any difficulty arises with the Transport owing to bad state of ground.
6. O.C. Companies will render a certificate that all billets are left in a clean condition.
7. Acknowledge.
Issued at 12.35 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET Battalion Operation Orders No. 227
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 31st December 1917
1. The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will be relieved by the 1st Leicestershire Regiment on 1st January 1918.
2. On relief, the Battalion will form up on the COURCELLES-LE-COMTE - AYETTE ROAD, opposite No.1 Camp, in the following order :- Headquarters, "B", "D", "C", "A" Companies, Transport, and will proceed by march route at intervals of 100 yards between Companies to BAILLEULMENT. Companies will be ready to vacate their present billets by 11.20 a.m. Route :- AYETTE - DOUCHY-LES-AYETTE - ADINFAR - RANSART - BELLACOURT - BASSEUX - BAILLEUVAL - BAILLEULMENT.
3. Advance billeting party consisting of Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] and one Orderly for Headquarters, C.Q.M. Sgts., and one man per Company, and one man from Transport, will be ready to proceed under 2/Lieut. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] to take over knew billets. Time of departure will be notified later.
4. Officers valises, mess stores, orderly room boxes, blankets, etc., will be ready for loading up by 10.15 a.m. One servant per company and one for Headquarters will be left behind to look after mess stores.
5. O.C. "B" Company will detail one platoon to march with the Transport. This platoon will assist in the event of breakdown. O.C. "B" Company will detail one Officer and 2 N.C.O.'s to march in rear of the Battalion to collect all stragglers and march them to the new billets. The Officer detailed should report to Battalion H.Q. at 10.0 a.m. tomorrow for instructions.
6. O.C. Companies will render a report to Orderly Room that all billets and tents are handed over in a clean condition. On arrival in new billets, a report will also be rendered as to condition of billets taken over.
7. Dinners tomorrow for the Battalion will be at 11.15 a.m..
8. Acknowledge.
Issued at 6.10 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET Addenda to Battalion Operation Orders No. 227
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 31st December 1917
1. Advanced Billeting Party consisting of Sgt. Vivian [Sergeant 16005 William H. VIVIAN] for Headquarters, and C.Q.M. Sgts. from each Company, well report at Battalion Headquarters at 7.45 a.m. tomorrow, and proceed under 2/Lieut. Oakley [William George OAKLEY] and report at Headquarters, 9th Suffolk Regiment at 10.0 a.m. They will obtain bicycles from Battalion Headquarters.
2. Blankets of headquarters, "C" and "D" Companies will be rolled up and ready for loading by 8.3 a.m. Blankets of "A" and "B" Companies will be rolled up and stacked at Company Headquarters and will be looked after by 1 N.C.O. and 1 man per Company until return of lorry.
3. Officer's valises, Mess Stores, and Orderly Room boxes will be collected by supply wagons at Battalion and Company Headquarters, starting with Battalion Headquarters at 10.15 a.m.
4. 2/Lieut Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC & Bar] and 1 N.C.O. per Company will remain behind to handover billets to incoming companies. 2/Lieut Kinkead [Edward KINKEAD, MC & Bar] will report at Orderly Room at 10.0 a.m. tomorrow to receive certification which he will get signed by the relieving Battalion before leaving camp.
Issued at 10.35 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET Addenda to Battalion Operation Orders No. 227
by Lieut. Colonel R. Le Huquet [Lieutenant Colonel Reginald le HUQUET], Commanding 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 31st December 1917
1. Companies will mow move off as soon as relieved by the incoming Company. Companies will keep at least 100 yards distance from ay unit marching in the same direction.
Issued at 9.5 p.m.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment
SECRET WARNING ORDER
The 8th Bedfordshire Regiment will move from COURCELLES-LE-COMTE to BAILLEUALVAL or BAILLEULMONT area on 1st January 1918, on relief by a Battalion of the 71st Infantry Brigade. Details of relief will be issued later.
Acknowledge.
(sd.) J.McCormack [James McCORMACK] 2/Lieut. & Adjt. 8th Bedfordshire Regiment 30.12.1917.
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