1st Battalion Rifle Brigade- Les Boeufs?

[mrsspen]

I am researching my great grandfather who died on 18th Oct 1916. I had no knowledge of anything more and with help from rootschat I've worked out that he was in the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade/4th division. I cannot find any service records just his medal card and war grave details.

As recommended on rootschat, I've downloaded a copy of the war diaries and for a novice like me its practically illegible. As he died on the 18th Oct, it lists numerous officer casualties the place is listed as LesBoeuf.

There is a similar topic open on this board relating to the same area bt a different regiment, can I assume that it would be a similiar story to that? I'm finding it all confusing as I've only ever been told he died in "the somme" but that seems quite a generic desciption when you start to drill down and look closer. I'm finding it a bit confusing as to what actually happened on the 18th and the diary lists lots of training prior to that date and then a big description in the days following which involves lots of casualties. I cant get a sense of the bigger picture, just the different trench names etc.

When using google searches etc, it shows that the battalion was at Le Transloy 1-18th October. Was Les Boeuf part of this battle? Im really confused how it all relates to each other and I am so ashamed that my WW1 knowledge is so dire. Can anyone help me?

If it helps my relative is William Charles Bampton S/20407.

Thank you

[ander11]

Hello Mrsspen, and Welcome to the great war forum. I have found this information for you.

Here is details from CWGC &SDGW

http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=772338

and from SDGW

Rifle Brigade ( The Prince Consort's Own), 1st Battalion, Private Bampton, william charles S/20407.

Born - Strand,Middlesex. Enlisted - Fulham, Residence - Fulham, Middlesex.

Killed in Action on 18/10/1916 in France & Flanders

The 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade was attached to th 4th Division, if you read through these links you will find information that will help you

http://www.1914-1918.net/rb.htm

http://www.1914-1918.net/4div.htm

I hope you find this useful

Best reguards

Ian

[jay dubaya]

Welcome to the forum mrsspen,

Westlake's 'Battalions on the Somme' notes the following for the 1st RB

In action east of Lesboeufs on northern slopes of Morval Spur towards Le Transloy (17/10) and (18/10). Casualties - 261.

I don't have a copy of the actual war diary for the battalion so cannot help at this point with an exact location and trench names etc (if you have a copy of the war diary and are happy to share the content I will glady help with this).I have attatched a map showing the area in which the battalion was in action on the day that William was killed in action.

I would recomend editing your thread title to include 'Rifle Brigade' as there are several RB experts on the forum who I'm sure will pick up on this thread and offer more help than I can,

cheers, Jon

[mrsspen]

Thank you everso much for such great responses already. Firstly what is SDGW? Im sorry if its really obvious but I'm so new to most of this.

I will have a proper look through all the stuff listed tomorrow eve as I'm working tonight. I am more than happy to share the war diary information, whats the best way? To attach the page as a file?

[jay dubaya]

SDGW - Soldiers that Died in the Great War (a HMSO publication compiled and published in 1921 and now available as a searchable database)

The only problem with attatching files on the forum is taht they are limited to 100kb or less which doesn't give great resolution, if you click on my username above my avatar you'll find a 'hotmail' address that you can use for email.

Jon

[mrsspen]

Jon

thank you so much for offering to help. I cannot view your profile/email. I assume as i havent posted enough yet to qualify. Looking at the map you have published on here then I recognise Hazy/Foggy etc as trenches described in the war diary but it really is double dutch to me to be honest. If it is permitted to post my email address on the board I'm happy to do that if it means you can respond to have a look at the diary for me?

mrsspen

[jay dubaya]

mrspen,

probably best not to post an email address on a open forum, I have sent you my email address in a personal message as an alternative,

Jon