Balkan Theatre of War

[ClareLomas]

Would be grateful if someone could shed light on what constituted the Balkan theatre of war. Researching about 18062 Pte Arthur Henry Hazell (Norfolk Regt). His MIC states entry into the Balkan theatre as 15/10/15. I am wondering where the Norfolks were sent to and how long they were there. His gravestone in Honingham Churchyard actually says he was poisoned by gas in France and died 1919.

[michaeldr]

Until 31st December 1915, “Balkan” included Gallipoli: see http://www.1914-1918.net/grandad/theatres.htm

This next page of the Long, Long Trail http://www.1914-1918.net/norfolks.htm will help with the battalions of the Norfolks who went to Gallipoli

[Johno7439]

Calamity - Which Battalion of the Norfolks did Arthur serve in? I had a quick look at the CWGC site and his casualty cert says the 1st Battalion, however this throws up a number of problems. The 1st Battalion was part of 15th infantry Brigade, 5th Division, and the Battalion served in France between August 1914 and Sept 1917, when it was sent to the Italian Front. They returned to France in April 1918 and remained there until the end of hostilities. The dates and movements clearly do not match up.

I think the two following battalions are the one's you should concentrate most on: 1/4th Battalion TF and 1/5th Battalion TF, both went to Gallipoli with the 54th (East Anglian) Division. The division spent it's entire war service abroad. Both battalions were in the same Infantry Brigade - 163rd. The following is a broad outline of the Division's movements. (Perhaps if you were to post your query in units and formations, a Norfolk's expert may have more in depth info for you.)

The division served firstly at Gallipoli, then in Egypt, and lastly in Palestine and Syria. At Gallipoli it took part, as part of IX Corps, in the Landings at Suvla, between 10 - 15 August. It's stay at Gallipoli didn't last long as by the 8th of December, the Division was on Mudros. On the 13th of December, the Division began to embark for Egypt. By the 19th, the Division had concentrated at Sidi Bashir, and moved from there to Cairo. The Division took over No. 1 (Southern) Section, Suez Canal Defences.

In 1917, the Division took part in the Invasion of Palestine, taking part in the following actions: First Battle of Gaza (26 & 27th March), Second Battle of Gaza (17 - 19th April), Third Battle of Gaza (27th Oct - 7th Nov), Capture of Gaza (1 - 7th Nov), and the Battle of Jaffa (21st&22nd Dec). During 1918 it took part in the Fight at Ras el'Ain (12 March), Berukin (9&10th April). During the FInal offensive, and as a subsequent action of the Battles of Megiddo it took fought in the Battle of Sharon (19- 23rd Sept)

Arthur must have been transferred back to the 1st Battalion at some point. I have no idea in which battles or actions in which Gas was used, again if you posted a question, there is bound to be some expert who will be able to guide you. Get those dates, and by working back you could pin-point when he transferred to France.

Hope this is helps a little

Ewan

[centurion]

On October 15th 1915 , the 6th Dublins in Salonika received a reinforcing draft of eight officers and 389 other ranks from the 2nd Norfolk Regiment. This ties in with the date entered theatre