19 Battalion Durham Light Infantry

[draperju]

Does anyone have a copy of the I9th Battalion DLI for August 1917. I have a copy of Durham Forces in the Field and I am aware of John Sheen's book. However I need if possible to get some more information. Best wishes Draperju

[EDWARD1]

Found this in my notes, which I believe to be a transcript from the WD. Hope it helps.

1st Aug: into Birdcage Sector S.E. Epehy

5th Aug: into Front Line left subsector for 6 days

11th Aug: relieved by 111 Corps Cyclist Btn, W Coy stayed in support, moved back to Villers Faucon

19th Aug: relieved 18th H L I in Gillemont Farm

24th Aug: relieved by 18th HLI returned to billets in Lempire [W Coy left in support at Cat Post]

19:30 Durhams went over the top

returned to Lempire

Sept Holding front line at Gillemont Farm

Eddie

[Tyneside Chinaman]

Hi

The war diary is very sparce and you will find no further info than what is in the book, indeed in the book some of the casualties are mentioned by name which they are not in the war diary.

6 - August Bn in Birdcage Sector front line situation normal

7 August Bn in Birdcage Sector front line situation normal

8 August Bn in Birdcage Sector front line situation normal

9 August Bn in Birdcage Sector front line situation normal

10 August Bn in Birdcage Sector front line situation normal

11 August relieved by III Corps Cyclist Bn W Coy remains in reserve to Cyclists

12 August Bn in camp at Villers Faucon rest & Cleaning up.

13 August Bn in camp at Villers Faucon rest & Cleaning up.

14 August Bn in camp at Villers Faucon rest & Cleaning up.

15 August Bn in camp at Villers Faucon rest & Cleaning up.

16 August Bn in camp at Villers Faucon rest & Cleaning up.

17 August Bn in camp at Villers Faucon rest & Cleaning up.

18 August Bn in camp at Villers Faucon rest & Cleaning up.

19 August moved to front line relieved 18/HLI in Gillemont Farm

20 Bn in Front Line fairly quiet except retaliation often called for .

21 Bn in Front Line fairly quiet except retaliation often called for .

22 Bn in Front Line fairly quiet except retaliation often called for .

23 Bn in Front Line fairly quiet except retaliation often called for .

24 August relieved by 18/HLI to cellars in Lempire W Coy remained at Cat Post

25 August 18/HLI driven out by enemy 19/DLI counter attacked and re-took the position. remained in position.(list of eqpt captured 1 heavy MG 2 Lewis guns and 3 stokes guns presumably captured from 18/HLI and the 106LTMB.

26 August relieved by 17/R Scots and returned to LEMPIRE

27 Brigade reserve working and wiring parties

28 Brigade reserve working and wiring parties

29 Brigade reserve working and wiring parties

30 relieved 17/R Scots in Gillemont Farm

31 Bn in front line situation normal

During the counter attack on 25th Corporal Fred Ramsden from Bolton may have won the MM leading his platoon onto the objective after the officer and sergeant were killed. I have the citation but so far have not been able to confirm it.

There is an appendix listing Officers joining the Bn, Officer casualties and drafts of ORs from the base and a long operation order for 241 MG Coy to support 18/HLI attack on 17 August.

regards

JOHN

[draperju]

Thank you John and Eddie for you help with this matter Best wishes Draperju