Help with War Diary August 1917

[draperju]

Has anyone got access to thw War Diary of the 6th (Service) Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment for the August 1917

I am particulary interested in the period 9th to 16th August which covers the death of Private George Smith on the 14th August

Hope to hear from someone

Best wishes

Draperju

[clarkefamily51]

From War Diary 6th Yorkshire Regt

13 Aug 1917

4am Outpost withdrawn to west of STEENBEEK to allow heavy artillery to shell enemy's posts. These posts were re-occupied at 'stand-to' in the evening.

14 Aug 1917

At 3am outposts withdrawn to back of STEENBEEK and formed up preparatory to an advance. A Coy attacking on the right with 2 1/2 Platoons and 1 1/2 Platoons in support to occupy the old line of posts. 2 Platoons of B Coy immediately in rear to occupy a prepared position on the west bank of the STEENBEEK. C Coy on the left with 2 1/2 Platoons and 1 Platoon in support to occupy old line of posts.

At 4am the barrage came down and the advance commenced.

C Coy gained their objective on the left. A Coy held up on the right by hostile MG fire from dugouts untouched by bombardment. Enemy delivered several small attacks during the day on A Coy which were easily repelled by rifle fire. Intense shelling all day by enemy. At night Battalion relieved by 5th Dorset Regt who took up position on the west bank of the STEENBEEK our posts being withdrawn through them.

Casualties - 2nd Lt C S M Wheldon & 2nd Lt W F Jelley wounded. OR 20 killed. 60 Wounded 26 Missing.

15th - Relief completed at 4.30am. Battn moved into dugouts on East bank of canal. March from E bank of canal at 7.45 to hutments A30 Antial (I think).

16th - Day spent cleaning up.

17th - Battn moved up to MURAT CAMP.

Regards

Richard

[draperju]

From War Diary 6th Yorkshire Regt

13 Aug 1917

4am Outpost withdrawn to west of STEENBEEK to allow heavy artillery to shell enemy's posts. These posts were re-occupied at 'stand-to' in the evening.

14 Aug 1917

At 3am outposts withdrawn to back of STEENBEEK and formed up preparatory to an advance. A Coy attacking on the right with 2 1/2 Platoons and 1 1/2 Platoons in support to occupy the old line of posts. 2 Platoons of B Coy immediately in rear to occupy a prepared position on the west bank of the STEENBEEK. C Coy on the left with 2 1/2 Platoons and 1 Platoon in support to occupy old line of posts.

At 4am the barrage came down and the advance commenced.

C Coy gained their objective on the left. A Coy held up on the right by hostile MG fire from dugouts untouched by bombardment. Enemy delivered several small attacks during the day on A Coy which were easily repelled by rifle fire. Intense shelling all day by enemy. At night Battalion relieved by 5th Dorset Regt who took up position on the west bank of the STEENBEEK our posts being withdrawn through them.

Casualties - 2nd Lt C S M Wheldon & 2nd Lt W F Jelley wounded. OR 20 killed. 60 Wounded 26 Missing.

15th - Relief completed at 4.30am. Battn moved into dugouts on East bank of canal. March from E bank of canal at 7.45 to hutments A30 Antial (I think).

16th - Day spent cleaning up.

17th - Battn moved up to MURAT CAMP.

Regards

Richard

[ Thank you very much for your prompt reply

Just what the doctor ordered

George Smith was with 'A' Company who appeared to have the rough end of the stick in this attack

Best wishes and thanks once again

Draperju]

[clarkefamily51]

I'm always surprised at the number who list as missing. Most I guess died in shellfire, but I suppose some must get split from battn and either find their way back eventually or be captured.

Regards

Richard