9th Battalion Royal Fusiliers War diary/Regt History

[wulsten]

Does anyone have any information relating to whereabouts actions from the war diary or Regimental History around the date of the 2nd March 1916, researching a local memorial chap Sidney Bebbington who SDGW lists as being killed in action on this day any help appreciated.

[connaughtranger]

Hi

The 9/RF were at Hohenzollern Redoubt on 2nd March 1916. The objective was the Chord at the junction of Big Willie and Little Willie. 4 mines were exploded on the front of the 9th Battalion, and 3 mines in front of the 8th Battalion on the left at 5.45pm. The mines failed to damage the trench seriously and the supporting TM's began 30 mins too soon and the artillery 15 mins early. Immediately after the explosions 50 men of B Co under Capt the Hon R E Philipps and 50 men of A Co of the 8th Battalion under Capt A K K Mason managed to dash across and seize part of the trench. 20 men of th 9th Battalion were buried by one of the mine explosions which caved in part of the assembly trench. The 9th gained their objectives but had to contend with a number of bombing attacks. C Co in support then rushed Craters 1, 2 and A and the crater in the Triangle. Sgt Cronin, in the heat of the fight lost direction and bombed down the SE face of the Triangle into Big Willie, throwing grenades into crowded dug-outs, until eventually held up. The Triangle was consolidated. No casualty figures are given but 7 awards were made for bravery in this action.

It's quite a detailed account which is unusual for the history

[Stebie9173]

The 12th Divisions history records 1 officer and 14 other ranks killed, 4 officers and 141 other ranks wounded.

Steve.

[wulsten]

Thanks for the replies, i presumed he may have died due to random shell fire etc, so the info has certainly added to Pte Bebbington story and his remeberance, many thanks again Geoff