The Buffs 6th batt East Kent

[kenripper]

I've lifted this directly from the http://http://www.kentfalle...ts/SNARGATE.pdf biography of Bert Swift and after a second read explains much of what went on that day. Thanks go to 'Dave' for authoring this.

In an attempt to add additional information at these brief commemorations, for the relatives of those who died serving in the regiment during the Great War, the transcriber has resorted to the use of various data sources, and as regards to the events of Saturday 18 March 1916 involving the 6th (Service) Battalion, the relevant pages contained in ‘The History of the 12th (Eastern) Division in the Great War 1914-1918,’ which was edited by Major-General Sir Arthur B. Scott, K.C.B., D.S.O., and compiled by P. Middleton Brumwell M.C., C.F. In addition to describing the fate of some of the 6th (Service) Battalion personnel, reference is also made regarding the loss of the divisional canteen when recording the days events in the book, which has been added here verbatim: -

“On the 18th of March, at 5 p.m., the Germans opened up a violent bombardment on the craters, blew some mines and attacked. Vermelles was heavily shelled, and in two hours some 2,000 shells fell in its vicinity. One, unfortunately, hit the divisional canteen, and biscuits, chocolate, cake and cigarettes went sky high. A barrage was placed on our communications as far back as Annequin and Noyelles, a large number of lachrymose shell being used. The minenwerfers did much damage to the craters and front line defences. All communication wires were cut, and initiative passed to the lower commanders and frequently to non-commisioned officers. On the right of the line, held by the 6th Buffs, the garrisons of Nos. 1 and 2 and “A”craters were all killed or buried, and confusion rendered worse by the fact that West Face and the top end of Saville Row, Saps 9 and 9a, had been filled in by the debris from the explosions. The Germans seized the craters, and our counter-attack was delayed until these saps were cleared. Eventually three companies of the 6th Royal West Kent delivered a counter-attack and regained the near lips of these craters. The 7th East Surrey were holding the left of the line, and here “C” crater was blown up, and the Germans rushed “B” and No.4, and for some time held Sap 12 and Russian Sap, penetrating to Sticky Trench. Company-Sergt-Major Palmer and three others appear to have been all that were left of the garrison of “C” crater after the explosion. They continued bombing and firing until driven back to “B,” and thence to No.4, and finally out of that. A very gallant counter-attack by a party of the 7th East Surrey, led by Captain Scott, bombed the enemy out of No.4, and established posts overlooking “B,” somewhat restoring the position in this sector. Meanwhile blocks had been established in Sap 12 and Russian Sap, and by 9.25 p.m. these positions had been consolidated. No.3 crater had been held throughout the attack. At 3.15 a.m. on the 19th inst, some of the 6th Queen’s, under captain Cannon, regained the near lips of “B” and “C” craters, but had to withdraw from the latter at daylight.”

[vividvanuatu]

Warm good evening from Vanuatu

I wonder if you can help me please,I am trying to track down any information on my grand father who severed in the "Buffs" .

We have reason to believe that he may have been on the Somme ,also at some stage he was gassed while serving with the Buffs in France and finally was wounded at Arras.

His name was Thomas William Young and lived in Lewisham Kent but was born in Richmond Surrey.

Alas living on a small island in the Pacific makes researching such things a little difficult.

Huge thank you from here if any one can help.