18 I B Depot

[tstewa]

Does anybody have any information on the 18th I B Depot?

Where was it located in October 1917?

Thankyou

[sotonmate]

tstewa

18 Infantry Brigade was part of 6 Division here:

http://www.1914-1918.net/6div.htm

The Division was in the area of Arras in Oct 1917,but where the Depot was is the question ! I imagine that it was in the rear as it had to provide reinforcements etc to the constituent parts of the Brigade,it may have been as far back as the coast (Etaples etc ?),or even the UK.

Do you have more of a story which might help trigger more reaction here ?

Sotonmate

[tstewa]

My Great Grandfather was transferred from 8th Black Watch to the 1/4th Gordon Highlanders from the 18 I.B.Depot.

[Steven Broomfield]

Not sure the "IB" refers to Infantry Brigade: neither of the battalions mentioned were in the 6th Division, or the 18th Brigade (b BW were 9th Division, and the 1/4 Gordons in the 51st). I suspect it means "Infantry Base" Depot.

Doesn't really get us any further forward, but I assume it's a holding centre for blokes returning to France (or arriving for the first time, of course) awaiting distribution as and where required.

[charlesmessenger]

It is No 18 Infantry Base Depot and was probably at Etaples, where the majority of IDBs were located. If you key in IBD in the Forum Search Engine you will learn about their role.

Charles M

[SteveE]

My Great Grandfather was transferred from 8th Black Watch to the 1/4th Gordon Highlanders from the 18 I.B.Depot.

As Steven and Charles have already said 18 I.B.Depot is 18th Infantry Base Depot and it was at Etaples.

Your October 1917 timescale for your Great Grandfather's transfer from 8th Black Watch to the 1/4th Gordon Highlanders at 18 I.B.Depot may mean that this post in another thread may be of interest.....http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...t&p=1225080

Regards

Steve

[tstewa]

Thanks for the help guys