57th Brigade, 19th (Western) Division at Grandcourt 18 November 1916

[Ancre1917]

Does anyone have a map showing the advance of the battalions of the 57th Brigade on Grandcourt on 18 November 1916? I'm particularly interested in the 8th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and how they came to be cut off behind the Germans. Thanks in advance.

Richard

[John Milner]

Richard

The immediate objective of the 19th Division was to secure the Grandcourt Line which runs south from the western edge of the village. The first Winter snow had fallen during the night 17/18 November and at 0610, the snow having turned to driving sleet, the 57th Brigade, led by two companies of the 8th North Staffs advanced, heads bowed and disappeared from sight. There was no news from the Staffords for some time but the Battalion had

entered the enemy trenches west of Stump Road where, counter attacked in force, many were taken prisoner including the CO Lt Col CL Anderson. Later in the day small parties managed to withdraw and some 70 men filtered

back down Battery Valley.

Source: 148 Days on the Somme by Barry Cuttell.

Send me a PM with your e-mail address for a map.

Regards

John

[Ancre1917]

John

Thanks for sending me this new information.

I've sent you a pm with my email address.

Richard