War Diaries West Yorkshire Regiment

[dougscarratt@tiscali.co.uk]

Hi All

Anyone got war diaries for 11th Batt West Yorkshire Regiment

Trying for information on Private John Edmund Tate No 24542, died 18th July 1916.

Best Regards Doug

[imd6662]

Diaries for all battalions of 69 Infantry Brigade including 11 W/Yorks can be downloaded from NA at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...p;resultcount=1

11 Bn was out of the line in billets on 18 July but had been in action at the Battle of Albert, specifically in attacks from Socts Redoubt on the 4th and 5th and the caputure of Contalmaison on the 10th.

Since Abbeville was a headquarters location, and home to at least two hospitals, I guess it's likely your man was wounded in one of the above actions and died subsequently.

[kevin]

3rd into Bécourt Wood.

On July 4th, we did our first attack and were successful in capturing the trench systems of Horse Shoe Trench and Scott’s Redoubt, after heavy fighting which lasted over the 5th. In the evening we were relieved and moved back to Bécourt Wood for 4 hours.

Only July 7th, during the pouring rain, the battalion was roused early and moved into Bécourt Wood, where we remained in reserve all day. In the evening we moved to Fricourt Wood until the afternoon of the 8th, when we returned to Albert for a day’s rest.

On July 10th we moved up again into the trenches and took part in the big attack on Contalmaison, hanging on till relieved next day. Heavy casualties were sustained.

After relief, we marched back to Molliens-au-Bois, staying one night in Albert and spent the next days reorganising after heavy casualties.

On the 16th we marched to Millencourt, and moved forward to Bivouacs in Sausage Valley, in front of Bécourt Wood, two days later.

Doug hope it helps in some way.

Regards Kevin

[CROONAERT]

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[dougscarratt@tiscali.co.uk]

Thanks Imd6662 Kevin & Croonaert

Sorry to be so slow to reply

Best Regards Doug