13th Gloucestershire (Forest of Dean Pioneers)

[Guest Mike Towers]

Hi

The battalion was reduced to a cadre in May 1918 after the battles in March - April. There are suggestions that a sizeable number were captured around this time. Can anyone shed any light on this theory?

Thanks

Mike

[Glosters]

From 22 March the battalion was employed as infantry (rather than pioneers) and fought retirement actions through to the end of the month. Monthly figures included 109 missing.

April was spent withdrawing to St. Omer, where the battalion was ordered to send 450 men to the 13th Sussex Regt, to form No. 2 Composite Battalion. The remaining men formed the cadre and were to instruct American troops.

26th April No. 2 Composite Bn was attacked and suffered heavy losses. Monthly casualty figures include 211 missing.

(Ref. 13th Bn War Diary)

Steve

[Guest Mike Towers]

Thanks Steve, that's very interesting. Does the War Diary mention any incidents in March - April when men from this battalion were taken prisoner?

Cheers

Mike

From 22 March the battalion was employed as infantry (rather than pioneers) and fought retirement actions through to the end of the month. Monthly figures included 109 missing.

April was spent withdrawing to St. Omer, where the battalion was ordered to send 450 men to the 13th Sussex Regt, to form No. 2 Composite Battalion. The remaining men formed the cadre and were to instruct American troops.

26th April No. 2 Composite Bn was attacked and suffered heavy losses. Monthly casualty figures include 211 missing.

(Ref. 13th Bn War Diary)

Steve