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Actions of Miraumont - 17th - 18th February 1917


Guest Jason Muxworthy

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Guest Jason Muxworthy

Does anyone know what units may from 2nd Division were involved in this action and what exactly the action entailed.

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According to O.H. the 99th Brigade of 2nd Div were involved in the attack. It was essentially a preparatory attack to aid 3rd Army. The main feature was the capture of Hill 130 S.E. of Miraumont The ground was frozen so the troops formed up pre-dawn in front of the trenches. For various reasons the barrage got away from the troops. A prisoner or deserter had given information so the German artillery opened up before the attack got underway. There is quite a lengthy report in the OH half a dozen pages. The furthest advance in the whole action was 1000 yards. Hill 130 was not taken. 2nd Div casualties were, 49 Officers 969 O.R.s

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There were two separate attacks by 2nd Division on 17th February 1917.

The overall objective of the planned attack was to capture Hill 130 and advance the line to put pressure on the German salient at Serre, with a more strategic element of drawing Reserves away from the French offensive actions promised for the Spring.

99th Brigade were part of the main attack entrusted with the capture of Hill 130 between the East Miraumont Road and the West Miraumont Road. To their west 54th Brigade of 18th Division attacked the gulley known as Boom Ravine. The Brigade attacked a front of 500 yards. The three objectives of 99 Brigade were:

1. Grandcourt Trench

2. South Miraumont Trench

3. The main road beyond Hill 130 between Petit Miraumont and Grandcourt.

The attacking battalions were the 23rd Royal Fusiliers and the 1st KRRC. Half of 22nd RF provided close support as moppers up. The 1st Royal Berkshires and the rest of 22nd RF were used as carrying parties.

Lance-Sergeant Frederick Palmer of the 22nd Royal Fusiliers won his VC at this action.

6th Brigade, specifically the 2nd South Staffords carried out a subsidiary attack against a German salient south of Pys and just north of Regina trench known as The Nose and two further trenches - Desire Support Trench and Guard Trench. This was carried out in order to secure the right flank of the main attack near Boom Ravine.

I would recommend the Battleground Europe series book, "Boom Ravine" by Trevor Pidgeon, ISBN 0-85052-612-4 for a good narrative on all the elements of the battle.

Steve.

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