7th London Regiment at Loos 1915

[herbie4798]

Im reearching a soldier who served with the 7th Londons, Later commisioned into the 1st Londons. He was Gassed and wounded in the Knee on the 25/9/15, First day of the battle of Loos. Could anyone tell with me what the Battalion were tasked with that day. Any help greatly appreciated.

James

[Guest]

Hi James. Hopefully this book will be of interest to you. The 47th (London) Division

Mike

[squirrel]

From The History of the 47th London Division by Alan H maude:

The 7th battalion advanced on the double crassier, the west end of which, with the trench running just under it, was their first objective. Their second objective was some 400 years of the German second line north of its junction with the crassier. The 6th battalion attacked on their immediate left the first and second German lines. The 8th battalion was in close support, and the 15th battalion in brigade reserve.Both the 6th and 7th battalions reached the first line without many casualties; but it was strongly held, and the garrison seemed to have been frightened rather than incapacitated by our gas, which had mostly drifted across the 141st brigade front. The wire in front of the second line was a more serious obstacle, and both battalions had heavy casualties here; later in the day the 8th battalion was sent forward to reinforce them. A counter attack came early against the 7th. The enemy tried to work round the end of the crassier and eject them from the frontline, but Captain Casson's A Company succesfully met every attaempt, and, with the help of the 8th battalion grenadiers, established a firm position on the crassier.

The whole of the 140th brigade objectives were captured by 8 a.m., together with some 300 prisoners and three machine guns.

[herbie4798]

Mike, Squirrel,

Many thanks for your replies. Much appreciated. May have to get a copy of that book. The Soldier im researching, Edwin Theobald Collens later DOW serving with the 1st Londons as a 2.LT on 3.9.18. Also got a case of Trench Foot shortly after. Was very interested when I saw he was also Wounded and Gassed on the 1st Day of Loos. Thanks again.

James