10 Lancashire Fusiliers

[2li]

Dear all

I am after information which may be located in the regimental history of the 10 Lancashire Fusiliers on the days leading up to the death of Sgt. Frank Cartwright 24783, kia 25 August 1918, can any one tell me what was going on the 24-25- August 1918 was there any major action in which the 10 Lancashire's took part, any help with a page or two from the regimental history or war diary will be gratfully appriciated

cheers Phil

[MAW]

Acting Sgt. Harold John Colley of the 10th Lancashire Fusiliers was awarded the Victoria Cross for an action on 24th August 1918 (for rallying his men and preventing the enemy breaking through the line). The battalion was involved in an attack up Thiepval Ridge.

A useful reference book:

Men of 18 in 1918 by Frederick James Hodges, published 1988.

The author served with this battalion in 1918.

Mark

[Blackblue]

They were in reserve near Acheux on the 23rd and moved forward on the morning of the 24th to follow up the retiring Germans. They were in depth to the 10th West Yorks as they moved towards Courcelette in the afternoon, but the leading companies found themselves alongside due to confusion amongst other units and encountered strong opposition. During the evening they occupied a line running north south about a mile south of the village. At 1.30am on the 25th they received orders to advance at 4.00am with Martinpuich the initial objective, but to 'mop up' Courcelette in the process. The 10th Bn advanced to the north and the 12th Manchesters to the south of Courcelete and were to link on the far side. Courcelette was strongly defended by the Germans and the advancing troops encountered heavy shelling, but cleared the village. It could not be occupied due to very heavy shelling but a foothold was established in trenches to the north. The advance continued and in the late afternoon and about 1/2 a mile east of Martinpuich a German counter attacked force of around 3 companies was encountered. Nearby trenches were occupied and the German's were repelled although heavy casualties were suffered. Colley won his VC at this time. Consolidation continued and about 1.00am on the 26th the 9th Dukes passed through the 10th Bn to continue the advance towards Flers with 10th in depth.

Paraphrased from the LF History.

Rgds

Tim D

[2li]

Tim

cheers very much for your input regards to my request for regi history for the 10 Lancashire Fusiliers

very good of you to supply me with a account of the days events leading up to the 25-26 August

thanks again and happy Christmas

PHIL

Also Mark a big thank you for the link to the book will try to locate a copy.