Essex Regiment - Somme action?

[snailybailey]

Can any helpful member tell me if the Essex Regiment (and the 13th Bttn in particular) were involved in action on the first day of the Somme? If so, where abouts were they? I've looked on the 'Long Long Trail' but may have misinterpreted the info.

Any info would be appreciated

[Bob Coulson]

13th Essex came from the Lens sector on July 23rd so not involved on the first day.

Bob.

[Max Poilu]

Hi,

The 13th Essex in particular had not reached the Somme on the 1st July, however, they had a very eventful day a little further to the north. Have a look at this:

13/Essex Regt - Somme area., MM - Delville Wood.

More on Essex on the Somme here:

13th Essex (West Ham) regiment, Actions in the Somme 1916?

[shaymen]

The diaries for the 13th are now available online from the NA.

Send us a copy if you decide to download any

Glyn

The 9th Essex occupied the line opposite Ovillers on the 2nd

[owen4256]

The Gentleman's Military Interest Club has a comprehensive account of the 13th Essex on July 1st 1916.

http://gmic.co.uk/lofiversion/index.php/t202.html

Well worth a read

Owen

[Max Poilu]

Owen,

Many thanks indeed for that link, overjoyed to see more information. As you will see from the topics I linked in the post above I have a certain family interest in Pte George Leopold Brown who was involved in the 1st July raid.