2nd/5th Gloucestershire Regiment December 1917

[Dbaulch]

Hello,

I'm trying to find out what was going on when a 2nd cousin of mine Frank Baulch was killed on 9th Dec 1917. DOB 1884. Reg# 19417. He was serving with the 2nd/5th Gloucesters as far as I know. He is burried in Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt, France, Grave VII A. 4.

From the Long long trial site I have this...

2/5th Battalion

Formed at Gloucester in September 1914 as a home service ("second line") unit.

January 1915 : came under command of 2nd South Midland Brigade, 2nd South Midland Division, at Northampton. Moved to Chelmsford in April 1915 and on to Park House Camp (Tidworth) in February 1916.

Landed in France on 23 May 1916.

August 1915 : formation became 184th Brigade, 61st (2nd South Midland) Division.

If anyone has access to the war diaries or has any ideas please let me know, it would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

Dav

[spof]

I don't have the diaries for 1917 but from the battalion history:

On December 5th the Battalion moved to Villers Plouich, and on the 7th into the line near Corner Work. The former place was a shamble and was soaked with phosgene gas, necessitating the constant wearing of gas masks. Trophies, left by retiring troops, wer picked up galore and the messes replenished themselves to their heart's content. Relief came on December 10th and a move was made into huts in Havrincourt Wood.

AS he is buried in a cemetery used by CCSes, he was probably wounded in the day to day life in the trenches.

[Dbaulch]

Thanks! thats great info. Much appreciated. Will be visiting Frank in September. Nice to know some detail from the time.

Out of interest does anyone have any info on Corner Work, where it was and what it was?

[Dbaulch]

I've found this reference to Corner Work and the Gloucesters in the diary of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (The 2/4th Battalion)

Cambrai, 3rd December 1917

Monday 3rd December, 1917, France, Trenches R8 West of Railway VILLERS-PLOUICH Area.

Battn moved into trenches of old British line.

Battn placed under orders of 183 BDE for use as storming or counter attack troops.

Trenches severely shelled.

Enemy attacks in great force taking place all round.

2/5 GLOSTERS ordered to counter attack.

At 1pm dispositions were altered and “C” Coy sent to take up a position facing enemy on E. “D” Coy moved to help “C”.

Battn ordered to occupy CORNER WORK.