GrenPen Posted 16 November , 2018 Share Posted 16 November , 2018 I made some transcriptions of this when I was researching a family member a long time ago. In a lot of instances, they switched with 10th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. Their adjutant was often recording map references. Based on this diary, I was thus able to obtain trench map coordinates of where 10th NF & 12 WYR had been holding the line. 1916 4th Nov Louvencourt 9th Inf Bde took over a portion of the line. BN in Bde reserve and went into billets at Courcelles. 2/Lt Penny reconnoitred enemy's wire. The day was again very dull and wet rendering observation difficult. 2/Lt Calton to hospital. 2/Lt Groves put i/c of Bn Bombers. 5th Nov Courcelles 830pm 4 officers and 100 other ranks employed on NORTHERN AVENUE and CENTRAL AVENUE. 3.45pm 17 other ranks joined from 33rd Infantry Base depot. 2nd Lt Middleton reconnoitred enemy's line . Wet & cold. 6th Nov Courcelles 830pm 4 officers and 100 other ranks employed on NORTHERN AVENUE and CENTRAL AVENUE. 50 other rankswork under OC 56th Coy RE. CO reconnoitred line accompanied by Lt Menntys?. Zepps reported in vicinity. Very heavy rain fell during the night. 7th Nov Courcelles 130pm Proceeded to trenches (SERRE) and relieved 13/Kings Liverpool Regt, relief completed by 5.15pm. 1 other rank wounded. The enemy's artillery and our own were very active. The trenches were in a very bad condition both from enemy's artillery fire and teh constant rain. 8th Nov trenches Still in trenches. Hostile and our artillery displayed great activity. Day was very wet. 1 O.R. wounded. 9th Nov trenches Still in Serre section. Great artillery activity by both sides. Carrying parties badly caught by Enemy's T.M. Fire. The day was very dry and cold. 1 O.R. killed, 3 O.R. wounded 10th Nov trenches Still in Serre section. Hostile artillery was very active. 1145pm Hostile artillery shelled the Bde area very heavily with guns of all calibres and T.M.s until 2.30am No infantry action occurred on our front but the enemy made a raid on the trench immediately to our right. Slight rain V. Cold. 1 O.R. wounded 2 O.R. wounded at duty. 11th Nov trenches Serre section. Hostile artillery very active in reply to our bombardments. Slight rain very cold. 9 O.R. joined from base. 12th Nov trenches 2.15pm Relieved by 76th Bde. 2 Coys of Suffolks and 2 Coys of Royal Welch Fusiliers relieved us. On relief marched back to Courcelles. Dry and misty, observation difficult. 13th Nov Courcelles 5.45pm 3rd Division attack enemys trenches in vicinity of Serre. Attack failed. Attack was carried out by 8th and 76th Bde with 9th Bde in Divisional Reserve. 13th Nov Courcelles 4.30 March with bivouac N of Colincamps and await orders. 13th Nov Colincamps 1.30 pm Orders to move in vicinity of Euston Dump, a very unhealthy spot. 2.50 pm Verbal instruction received by C.O.- conveyed by Lt Meautys? - to report to 8th Bde HQ. CO proceeds to 8th Bde HQ 6.30 Instructions received to march back to bivouac N of Colincamps. The day was very misty. Casualties nil. 14th Nov Colincamps March to Louvencourt which was reached by 9.45pm and went into billets. 15th Nov Louvencourt 1130am 2 officers and 100 other ranks employed under RE at Beaussart 530pm CO's conference by Brigadier 6.15pm Marched to Bus and went into billets at 730pm. The day was very cold. 2/Lts Penny and Hall to Field Ambulance 16th Nov Bus Still in billets. 7 O R joined from Base. 17th Nov Bus Still in billets at Bus 18th Nov Bus Still in billets. Heavy rain followed by frost. 19th Nov Bus 3pm Marched to trenches and took over portion of our old line from Royal Welch Fusiliers and King's Own Royal Lancaster Reg't in Serre section. relief completed by 3am 20th Trenches Still in Serre sector. Intermittent shelling. Rain. 21st Trenches Still in the line 445pm Enemy commenced a very heavy bombardment of our section. We retaliated and firing died down about 5.50pm 5 O.R. accidentally wounded. 23-26 Courcelles In billets. Furnishing permament working parties on C.T.s and carrying parties and wiring parties by night. No casualties. On the 24th 5 O.R. joined from the base. 27th Nov Courcelles Marched to Vauchelles and went into billets 28-29 Nov Vauchelles Remained in Vauchelles and carried out training. 30th Nov Vauchelles Marched to Louvencourt and went into billets. 1st Dec Louvencourt Bn engaged in road repairing and training. Weather fine. 2nd Dec Louvencourt Bn engaged in road repairing and training. Weather fine. 3rd Dec Louvencourt Bn engaged in road repairing and training. Weather dry but frosty. 4th Dec Louvencourt Bn engaged in road repairing and training. Weather fine. 5th Dec Louvencourt 11am Marched from Louvencourt to Bus (2 miles) 5pm Commenced relief in trenches (Serre, left sub-sector) of 8th Kings Own Lancaster Regiment 11pm relief completed. Weather showery very cold. 6th Dec Trenches Intermittant shelling by both sides. 5 O.R. wounded. Weather dry but cold. trenches in a very muddy condition. 7th Dec Trenches Intermittant shelling by both sides. Enemy Shelled Observation Wood heavily. 1 O.R. killed 4 O.R. wounded 12 O.R. joined for duty. Weather cold with rain. 8th Dec Trenches Comparatively quet day. Enemy very inactive. 1 O.R. wounded. Weather cold with rain. 9th Dec Trenche 12MN - relieved by 4th Royal Fusiliers. On relief marched to Courcelles and went into Bde reserve. Weather cold and heavy rain. 10th Dec Courcelles In Bde Reserve. Two parties of 25 O.R. each employed by day on Northern and Central Avenue. Large working parties furnished by night carrying and wiring. Slight rain. 11th Dec Courcelles Same as 10th Inst. 12 O.R. posted for duty. Weather cold with frost. 12th Dec Courcelles Same as 10th Inst. Heavy rain. 13th Dec Courcelles 11am Relieved by 8th King's Own Lancaster Regt. Marched to Louvencourt and went into billets. Weather dry. 14th Dec Louvencourt Furnished 402 O.R. for working parties. Slight rain. 15th Dec Louvencourt Furnished 284 O.R. for working parties. Rain. Bde and Bn training classes. 16th Dec Louvencourt Same as the 15th. 8 O.R. reported for duty. Slight frost. 17th Dec Louvencourt Furnished 257 O.R. for working parties. Bde and Bn classes. Slight rain. 18th Dec Louvencourt Furnished 144 O.R. for working parties. Bde and Bn classes. Slight rain. 19th Dec Louvencourt Same as 18th. 6 O.R. posted for duty. Frost and snow. Training classes. 20th Dec Louvencourt Working parties 2 Officers 205 O.R. Bde and Bn training classes of instruction. Brig Gen Potter inspected billets. Lewis Gunners, Scouts and Signallers marched to Courcelles. Capt Shaw to hospital 2/Lt Penny took over command of D Coy. Major Thomson to 9th Bde Training School Terramesnil as Commandant. Fine, but frosty. 21st Dec Louvencourt 12 noon Relief of 8th K.O.R.L.Reg commenced Left Sector Serre. Relief completed at 4.30am Rain 22nd Dec Trenches Pte Ellis captured Boche prisoner. Intermittent shelling by both sides. 3 O.R. killed 3 O.R. wounded. Rain 23nd Dec Trenches Our artillery carried out a series of organised bombardments of enemy's trenches to which enemy retaliated. Inter battalion relief. Rain. 24th Dec Trenches Atrillery on both sides very active especially heavy during the night. Rain. 25th Dec Trenches Fairly quiet day with intermittent artillery fire by both sides. 4.15pm Relief commenced by 13/Kings completed by 4am. 3 officers 30 O.R. left with 13/Kings for wiring duties. 2 O.R. slightly wounded. Rain. On relief marched to Courcelles and went into billets in Bde reserve. 26th Dec Trenches In Bde resere. Furnished various working parties. Rain 27th Dec Courcelles In Bde reserve. Furnished various working parties. Weather fine. C and part of "C" Coy still in trenches 28th Dec Courcelles In Bde reserve. "B" & "D" Coy marched to Louwencourt. Frost. 36 O.R. relieved in Papin Trench 29th Dec Courcelles Furnished 1 off 215 O.R. for working parties. 12 noon Marched from Courcelles to Louwencourt being relieved by 8th K.O.R.L. Regt. Heavy rain during night. 30th Dec Louwencourt Furnished 2 off 329 O.R. for working parties. 2nd Lt Booth and 12 O.R. reported for duty. Dry weather. 31st Dec Louwencourt Working parties same as 30th. 18 O.R. proceeded to join Heavy Machine Gun Corps. Col Smythe took over temporary command of 9th Inf Bde, Capt Dunbar temporary command of Bn. Fine and mild weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrenPen Posted 16 November , 2018 Author Share Posted 16 November , 2018 Wyrall's history of the West Yorkshire Regiment makes particular reference to heavy casualties suffered during a German counterattack made 12-14 December 1917. The 12th Battalion were located north of Noreuil, and to the east of Bullecourt, map reference 51B_SW4. 1917 20-21 Mar Arras Battalion in billets and in Brigade Reserve. Provided large working parties. Weather dry & cold. Casualties one other rank killed, one other rank wounded, one other rank wounded while at duty. On 21st one other rank wounded. 22 Mar Arras 3am Battalion relieved 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers in trenches (I1 sector). Relief completed by 7am. Weather fine. Casualties three other ranks killed, three other ranks wounded. Intermittent shelling by both sides during the day. 1st Bn R S Fusiliers raided enemy's trenches south of Cambrai road. 23 Mar trenches Battalion still holding I1sector. Enemy artillery fairly active, our artillery very active. Casualties three other ranks wounded. Showery weather. 24 Mar trenches Battalion still at I1 sector. Intermittent shelling by hostile artillery; our artillery very active. Casualties two other ranks wounded, one other ranks wounded at duty. Weather fine at intervals. 25th Mar trenches Still in I1 sector. Intermittent shelling by both sides. Casualties three other ranks killed, two other ranks wounded, four other ranks wounded at duty. Weather showery. 26th Mar trenches Battalion relieved in I1 sector by 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers. Relieve completed by 12 noon, on which battalion was placed in Brigade reserve and billeted in Arras. Nineteen other ranks reinforcements. Raining. 04th Apr Wanquetin 655pm Battalion marched into Warlus-Dainville to Arras and was quartered in cellar that had been allotted as billets during the preliminary bombardment of enemy's positions. The march was accompanied without incident. the enemy's artillery made very feeble reply despite the fact that his positions were being very heavily bombarded by our artillery. The weather was dry and the light given by the moon greatly facilitated the march. 2nd Lieut A H Darnborough reported for duty. 05-7 Apr Arras Battalion still in cellar. Small parties were sent up each night to improve the assembly trenches, cut wire etc, otherwise nothing of note occurred. In reply to our bombardment the enemy occasionally shelled Arras, principally in the vicinity of the station. The weather during this period was cold and accompanied by occasional showers of rain. Major E L Thomson rejoined from the Senior Officers Course, Aldershot. 08 Apr 2210 Battalion marched via CRINCRON SEWER - GODLEYS AVENUE - EXIT No5 AUCKLAND CAVE - CIRCULAR TRENCHE - OLD ICELAND STREET - ICELAND STREET to the assembly trenches situated between Iceland and Twenty Street which were reached about 1.30am. The battalion was in its allocated position by 2am. this phase was achieved without mishap or arousing the suspicions of the enemy. The enemy's positions were being most heavily bombarded but the hostile reply was very feeble. The night was a most excellent one for this operation. Order of march: Bn Hd Qrs No.5 assembly trench: 2 platoons of C Coy: 2 platoons of B Coy (who were to form the first wave) No.6 assembly trench: 2 platoons of D Coy: 2 platoons of A Coy (first line of moppers-up)No.7 assembly trench: 2 platoons of C Coy: 2 platoons of B Coy (2nd wave) No.8 assembly trench: 2 platoons of D Coy: 2 platoons of A Coy (second line of moppers-up). Bn Hd Qrs were situated in the old German Front line at G36. Strength 720 all ranks. 2nd Lt R B Wooler reported for duty. 9th Apr trenches in front of Tilloy 530am 76th Inf Bde attack and capture 1st system of Germantrenches from G36C.9.1. to H31a44 7am 9th Inf bde attack German second system of trenches from NOISY REDOUBT N1a.3.0. to H32c.1.7 with 3 battalions in line - 13th Bn Kings Liverpool Regt on the left, 12 th West Yorks in the centre, and 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers on the right. 1st Northumberland Fusiliers were in support of the 13th Kings & 12th West Yorks, while the 2nd Suffolks supported the 4th Royal |Fusiliers. The battalion left its assembly trenches in columns of section in single file, (in order of march), and maintained this formation until it became necessary, owing to enemy fire, to extend. the artillery preparations had been most excellent, the enemy's trenches beingalmost entirely obliterated, and the wire well cut. Prisoners captured stated that they had been confined to their dug-outs for four days prior to our attack. The battalion advanced close to the creeping barrage with precision up to the village of Tilloy without meeting serious opposition and passing through the village to the eastern side came to their first halt, which was caused by the 13th king's Liverpool Regt. being held up on the left by some of the enemy, who put up a determined resistance. Lweis gunners & Bombers were picked up and this temporary check was speedily overcome when the Battalion continued the advance to its objective, which was reached about 8.30 am and consolidated without interference from the enemy. 9th Apr Tilloy Battalion Hd Qrs were established in Hastings Trench and later moved into Tilloy. The enemy's barrage was very weak and speaks volumes for our counter-battery work. Casualties were caused by hostile artillery whilst waiting in the assembly trenches preparatory to the advance. During the early hours of the morning rain began to fall but prior to zero it cleared up and remained fine until the afternoon when it again became slightly showery. The following materiel was captured by the battalion in its area. This materiel was collected in dumps on the Tilloy-Wancourt road: Hastings Lane 1x M Gun Bois-de-Boeofs 1x M Gun Tilloy 1x M Gun and 2 broken TMs Tilloy Wood 2 new TMs complete with 41 boxes of ammunition 15 boxes of bombs and other miscellaneous articles Casualties:- Killed Capt W G Skeet & 2nd Lt G F Parkin Wounded Capt Griffith, Capt Norris, Lieut Meats, 2nd Lieut Penney, 2nd Lt Yates, 2nd Lt North Other Ranks Killed 19, wounded 119 Reinforcements:- Capt J H Getty reported for duty 10th Apr Tilloy 3am Consolidation of line being continued. 10 Apr Tilloy 3am Consolidation of line being continued. A Company engaged in carrying S.A.A. to 8th Bde for attack on Brown Line. Very cold, snow & hail shower accompanied with intermittent rain. 11 Apr Tilloy Battalion ordered to assemnle at N.3.a [south of Cambria Road]to be in a position by 430am. the weather was extremely cold accompanied by snowstorms and the battalion spent a mosty trying and miserable time in this location without shelter of any description. 9am Lt Grovesand Lt Meautys recconoitred the Brown Line which the Battalion wa ordered to occupy that night. 6pmCO & Brigadier reconnoitred the line which Battalion was to take over from the 8th KRL Regt 10 R W Fus (76th Bde) 10pm Battalion marched to trenches in relief of above units, which was completed about 2 am C and B Companies occupied the front line immediately south of Cambria-Arras Road, East of LEs Fosses Farm. A and D Companies in the Brown Line, and Bn Hd Qrs at point 52. Weather dry but very cold. 2nd Lt Downs admitted to hospital. 12 Apr Trenches near Monchy Battalion still situated as on the 11th occupied in consolidating the line and clearing up the situation. Casualties: 1 other rank kiled, 4 wounded. Weather: intermittent rain. 13 Apr Trenches 1030am As on the 12th CO attended at the Bde Hd Qrs when it was arranged to attck Guemappe. 12 West Yorks & 1 Bn Northumberland Fusiliers were to form the leading line with the 4th Royal Fusiliers and 13th Kings (Liverpool) Regiment in suport. 6pm This attack was launched at this hour, A & D Coys left the Brown Line 629pm C & B Coys advanced to the attack, C on teh left and B on the right. The formation being the same as on the 9th inst. The enemy met this attack with very heavy MG and rifle fire and put up a very heavy barrage, which however was late and onsequently did no damage. Every endeavour was made to push on but the Enemy's line was too strong. After dark instructions to withdraw to the sunker road and original front line & consolidate were received. This was well carried out. Casualties: Officers - 2nd Lt Bellis, 2nd Lt North and Lt Beall wounded. Other Ranks:- Killed 12, wounded 85, missing 12. Rain fell during the day. During the night and early morning the enemy persistently bombarded with gas shells. Lieut D H Meautys wounded. 14 Apr Trenches 2am Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Bn South Wales Borderers of the 29th Division and on completion of relief - about 530am - the battalion marched to Arras and went to billets. 2nd Lt A J ** to duty from hospital 14-20 Apr Arras Battalion in billets. During this period the following reinforcements joined from Base: 17th 256 O ranks 18th 15 O Ranks 19th 2nd Lt Bradley 21st Apr Arras Battalion marched to Duisans - 5 miles - being corps reserve for operations on 23rd. Weather dry. 22 Apr Duisans Stil in billets. Church parades. 7 O R joined. 2nd Lt Saddler reported for duty and Lt Wooler returned off leave. Weather dry. 23 Apr Duisans 250pm Battalion marched back to Arras [in Divisional reserve] and went into billets on arrival. Weather dry. 26 Apr Arras The following officers reported for duty from base: 2nd Lt C L Lottinga 2nd Lt C Walbank 2nd Lt S Chadderton 2nd Lt P L Smith 2nd Lt L Ward 2nd Lt C H Monks 2nd Lt A Holden 2nd Lt M Firth 28 Apr Arras 2nd Lt C Sanders rejoined from 3rd Army School. 30 Apr Arras The GOC 9th Inf Bde presented Miltary Medals to the following NCOs & men. 18/1438 Sgt A Wheatley 12970 Sgt J McLorimer 17375 L/C W Mc Bride 1170 Sgt Hanson 19098 L/C R Snaith 40717 Pte J Squire 41746 Pte L Spivey 28753 Pte J R Wheatley 20/244 Sgt J Mitchell 15252 Pte R Watson 01 May Arras Battalion still in Brigae Reserve. Hostile artillery shelled Arras in the vicinity of the station intermittently throughout the day. On this date orders were received that teh 9th Bde would attack Bois-du-Sart on Z Day. 930pm Marched to trenches near Tilloy, move completed by 1am. Weather dry and warm 02 May trenches near Tilloy During the day Company & Platoon Commanders reconnoitred the route to the assembly position. 9pm The battalion marched forward (by companies) to its position of assembly in Shrapnel trench and west of that trench which is situated east of Monchy. A & D Coys were to occupy Shrapnel Trench from left to right, whilst B & C Coys had to dig cover for themselves or man shell-holes in rear of this trench. Durung the march the enemy put down a very heavy barrage of gas shells - mixed with shells of different calibre - on Monchy and on tracks leading up to the trenches. This caused casualties disorganised and delayed the assembly. 03 May Trenches By Zero hour the Brigade was formed up in the trenches east of Monchy as follows: Front line: 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers (Right) 13th Bn Kings Liverpool Regt (Left) In Support: 12 Bn West Yorkshire Regt (Right) 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers (Left) Distribution of battalion:- A & D Coys formed the leading two waves, followerd by B & C Coys in two waves. the distance between waves being 75 yards and between lines 50 yards. the battalion was orered to move at 200 yards distance in rear of 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers. 345 am At zero hour (3.45am) it was pitch dark and there was a very thick mist which lasted far into the morning. The attack commenced punctually at zero hour, but owing to the darkness, mist strong concentration of hostile MGs, prompt heavy hostile barrage and alertness of the enemy, the attack made very little progress and soon became more or less disorganised and me had to take shelter in shell-holes. Casualties: - Killed - Capt J H Getty, 2nd Lt H Booth, 2nd Lt P L Smith and 24 Other Ranks Wounded:- 2nd Lt E G Groves, 2nd Lt A Holden, Lt W J Charsley, 2nd Lt E Bradley, Lt C Sanders, and 109 other ranks Missing:- 2nd Lt R B Wooler and 26 Other Ranks Missing believed killed:- 3 Other Ranks. Admitted to Hospital suffering from gas poisoning: 4 Other Ranks The weather was very hot and the cause of much discomfiture to the garrison of the trenches. 04-05 May Trenches E of Monchy Battalion held position taken up on right 3/4 May. On the night 4/5th the line was reorganised and Battalion ordered to occupy line from O2 Central to O2b16 distributed in depth supports in Dale & Shrapnel trenches, the communication trenches were also deepened. During this period the enemy's MGs & snipers showed fresh activity, while hostile artillery was active on supports and near areas. Weather - hot & dry. casualties on May 4th Wounded:- 2nd Lt C Walbank, 2nd Lt M Firth, 18 Other Ranks Casualties on May 5th Wounded:- 2nd Lt Cadderton and 10 Other Ranks. 06 May Trenches E of Monchy Battalion still in line. On the night 6/7 May the 9th Inf Bde extended its sector southward and relieved the 8th Inf Bde relief being completed by 2am. Enemy's snipers were active and also his artillery which shelled rear areas. Weather hot & dry. casualties:- 2 Other Ranks wounded. 7-10 May Trenches E of Monchy Battalion in line. During this period the usual sniping & artillery activity were displayed by the enemy. On the night of 10/11 May 1st Bn Gordon Highlanders relieved the Battalion, relief being completed by 3am. On completion Battalion went into trenches about 800 yards north of Tilloy. Weather warm & dry. Casualties on 7th May Capt H S Sugars RAMC (Regt MO) and 5 Other Ranks wounded. Capt S McNaughton RAMC reported for duty as Regt MO. On 8th May 4 Other Ranks wounded. Capt A A Adams 2ld Lt R Baldwin and 2nd Lt J C Barker reported for duty on the 8th inst. On the 9th 1 Other Rank wounded. On the 10th 10 Other Ranks wounded. On the 11th 1 Other Rank killed. 2nd Lt P R Hall reported for duty on the 11th Inst. 11-14 May Trenches near Tilloy In trenches near Tilloy.Battalion engaged in re-fitting and salvage work. Casualties:- 2 Other Ranks killed, 18 wounded (accidentally). Weather hot & dry. 15 May 5 to 8 am Marched to Simencourt arriving there at about 9.30am and going into billets. Weather dry and hot. Rev A J Huxtable reported for duty. 16-17 May Simencourt Battalion in billets engaged in training. Rev H J Chaytor to base. Weather dry & hot. 18 May Simencourt 8am Battalion marched to Manin where it arrived about 11am and went into billets. Weather dry. 19-30 May Manin Battalion in rest area engaged in training. Weather dry. During this period the following reinforcements joined. On the 20th 2nd Lt W S SMith, 2nd Lt G J Peck and 14 Other Ranks; on the 22nd 6 Other Ranks joined; on the 25th Capt P M Amy reported for duty; on the 26th RSM A P Hull and 9 Other Ranks joined; 2nd Lt M Daysh reported for duty 31 May Manin 845 Battalion marched to Habarcq where it arrived at 11am and went into billets. CO and company Commanders reconnoitred the forward area. Capt H McIntyre RAMC reported for duty (Regt MO). 01 June Habarcq 1230pm Moved to Arras by bus, arriving at 230pm and went intobillets. transport proceeded by road. Weather hot & dry. 02 June Arras Stayed in billets during the day 8.30pm Companies marched independantly to the Brown Line where the battalion relieved the 13th Kings in Brigade reserve. Weather hot & dry. 2 Lt H J Davis & 9 other ranks reported for duty Casualties: 1 OR killed & 1 OR wounded. 03 June Brown Line 8.30pm Battalion furnished large working parties & carrying parties (6 officers 300 OR). Hostile artillery shelled the vicinity of Brown Line intermittently during the day. 2nd Lt G Houghton & 2nd Lt G A Yates reported for duty. 2nd Lt L E Ward from hospital. Casualties: nil. Weather very hot. 04 June Brown Line 9pm Furnished large working parties & carrying parties (6 officers 300 OR). Hostile artillery active during the day. Between the hour of 9pm & 10pm the enemy shelled Battn Hd Qrs very heavily with 8 inch shells & also the vicinity of Brown Line occupied by teh companies. Casualties: 1 OR wounded & 3 OR wounded at duty. Weather very hot. 05 June Brown Line 8.40pm Great air activity. Enemy place brought down in flames W of Brown Line. Casualties: nil. Weather hot & dry. Lt Col R G Smythe proceeded on leave to England. Major E L Thomson asumes command of Battn. 9.30pm 5 Officers and 210 OR employed on carrying duties & working parties. 06 June Brown Line 10pm Relieved the 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers - Bde Support - in Lancer Lane. [1 NF improving Finger trench & elbow trench at this time] Companies marched independantly. Enemy put up a very heavy barrage just as the Coys got on the move, which delayed the relief considerably. Throughouth the night the enemy displayed great revousness and continued intermittent shelling. Casualties: 2 killed, 6 wounded. Weather hot & dry. 07 June Support trenches Battalion in Bde support Lancer Line and K, L, M & H strongpoints, engaged in improvement of trench and strongpoints. Very quiet day. Casualties: nil. Weather hot & dry. 08 June Support trenches Vicinity of Bn Hd Qrs and M Strongpoint was heavily shelled for one hour by hostile artillery. Battn engaged on improvement of trenches and strongpoints. Casualties: nil. Weather dry. 09 June Support trenches 6am Lancer Lane again shelled for an hour. At 12 noon the enemy repeated the dose. [1st NF are In Brown Line on the Fevchy-Fevchy Chapel road, 1000 yards north of the Cambrai road 10pm Battalion relieved the 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers in the front line. Left battalion sector relief completed by 12 midnight. B & C Coys were in the front line, D Coy in support and A Coy in reserve. Hostile artillery was very quiet during the night. casualties: 1 OR wounded. Weather very warm & dry. 10 June Front Line trenches Battn occupied in improvement of trenches, wiring and construction of fire-steps. Very quiet; our artillery was active but the enemy's reply was very feeble. Casualties: nil. Weather hot & dry 11 June Front Line trenches Same as the 10th. Hostile artillery reply was a little heavier than the pervious day. During the night it rained very heavily and the trenches became like a quagmire. Casualties: 1 OR wounded. 12 June Front Line trenches Same as previous day. Commanding officer and Company Commander of 1st Northumberland fusiliers reconnoitred the line with a view of relieving on the 12th. Trenches in a very bad state from previous day's rain. Casualties: nil. Very quiet day. [Party from 1st NF employed on Lone Lane on 10th, and Lone trench on 11th] 13 June Front Line trenches Same as previous day. 10pm Battn relieved by the 1st Northumberland Fusilisers, relief completed by 1am when Battn went into Bde reserve in the Brown Line. No casualties. Warm & dry weather. [1st NF has its reserve at Happy Valley, and its bn HQ at Bayonet trench] 14-15 June Brown Line Furnished large working & carrying parties. No casualties. Weather dry & hot. 16 June Brown Line 4pm Hostile artillery shelled the Battn area for about 1/2 hour. No casualties. 9.45pm Battn relievd by 1st Bn R F in the left battn sector, relief completed by 1145 pm.2nd Lt G J Peck to hospital. Weather hot & sultry. D & A Coys in front line. C Coy in support. B Coy in reserve. 17 June Front Line trenches Hostile artillery very active. During the bombardment he employed a large number of gas shells. No casualties. Weather very dry. Lt Col R C Smythe returned from leave. 18 June Front Line trenches Usual artillery activity during the day which became quiet in the evening. 9.45pm Battn relieved by the 9th Bn Essex regt relief completed by 1am. Battn marched independantly by Coys toArras going into billets on arrival. All in by 4 am 19th Weather very sultry. Casualties: 1 officer (2nd Lt Daysh accidentally wounded) 2 OR wounded. 19 June Arras Battalion remained in billets. 2nd Lt A Dixon to hospital. 20 June Arras Marched to Gouy-en-Artois going into billets on arrival at 8am. Weather showery & sultry. 2nd Lt Lotinga to hospital. Lt Col R G Smythe assumed duties of Brigade Commander vice Brigadier Gen H B Potter on leave. 21 June Gouy-en-Artois Battalion remained in billets engaged in reorganisation. Capt N Parrington, 2nd Lt AO Whitamore, 2nd Lt A G Cowham, 2nd Lt J Moulson, 2nd Lt R J W Walton, 2ndLt L Howes & 217 Other Ranks joined. Weather showery & sultry. 22 June Gouy-en-Artois 10.30am Battalion marched to Barly via Fosseux going into billets on arrival at 12 noon. Heavy rain. Remainder of day engaged in reorganisation. Lieut & Qtr Mr A W Craven reported for duty. 23 June Barly Commenced firing practices on two ranges; good firing, new draft fired well. 12noon The whole of the draft was inspected by teh Brigade Commander (Lt Col R C Smythe) at Battn Hd Qrs. 2nd Lt J S Hollingworth proceeded to 9th T.M.B. for duty 24-29 June Barly Battalion engaged in training. On the 26th musketry competitions were held. On the 27th 20 oteh ranks joined from base. 30 June Barly 8.15am Battalion marched to Gouy-en-Artois, and embarked at 9am for Achiet-le-Petit, going into tents and bivouacs on arrival at 2pm. Heavy rain all day. 01 July Achiet-Le-Petit Battalion remained in camp. Weather fair. 2 Lt S Atkinson reported for duty. 02 July Achiet-Le-Petit Battalion marched to Velu via Bapaume-Fremicourt-Lebucquiere going into tents & bivouacs on arrival at 10.30 pm. Weather fine. Capt N. Parrington proceeded on leave. 03 July Velu Battalion in Brigade reserve, engaged in training. Weather fine & hot. 04-07 July Velu Battalion in Brigade reserve engaged in training. On the 4th 2 Lt G F Peck & 2Lt A Dixon rejoined from hospital. On the 4th 2 Lt C W North, 2 Lt E J Watts & 9 Other Ranks reported fro duty from base. On the 5th Lt Col R G Smythe rejoined Battn from 9th Inf Bde & took over command from Major E L Thomson. 2 Lt A Dixon, 2 Lt E J Lawrence & 2 Lt G J Peck to hospital. Capt A Cooper MC returned from leave. Football match with Australian battery (Rugby). Weather fine. On the 6th O.C. Coys & Platoon Commanders reconnoitred line held by 1st N Fs. Weather fine. On the 7th Battn sports were held. Weather fine, heavy rain during night. 08 July Velu 9pm Battalion marched to front line posts to relieve 1st Bn Northumberland Fusiliers, C & B Coys in the front line from left to right as above, D Coy near forward Coy & A Coy in Battn reserve. [1st NF deployed on the left astride the Hermies-Craincourt road, their right on the Canal du Nord] Quiet sector generally. Heavy rain during the day. 2 Lt A Taylor rejoined from GHQ L Gun Course. 09-13 JUly Trenches Very quiet with the exception of a few rifle grenades. Hostiel artillery very quiet. Each day 220 men were employed covering, carrying & working in addition to 2 Coys holding the line. On the 11th casualties: 1 O.R killed, 1 O.R. wounded. 2 Lt C A Monks rejoined from VI Corps Inf School of Instruction. 2Lt P R Hall proceeded to IV Corps R + B School of Ins. On the 13th 1 O.R. wounded 2 Lt G Yates to hospital 14 July Trenches 10pm Relief of front line commenced by 1st N Fs On completion of relief the BAttn relieved the 13th Kings in support. Relief complete by 2am. Weather warm & dry during the day, very heavy rain during the night. 2 Lt A V Sadler & 2 Lt C W North to IV Corps Inf School of Ins. 15-17 July Trenches Battalion in support. Very quiet. Coys employed in improving trenches etc. 100 O.R. employed on carrying duties. Weather during this period warm & dry. On the 15th Capt N Parrington returned from leave. On the 16th 2 Lt E A Taylor proceeded on leave. 18 July Trenches Re-adjustment of Divisional front. D & A Coys with Battn Hd Qrs to detail camp Velu. C Coy relieved A Coy. 100 O>R> employed on carrying duties. Weather warm & dry during day. Heavy rain at night. 19 July Trenches B & C Coys in support. A + D Coys & Battn Hd Qrs in Divisional Reserve. Working parties as 18th. 2 Lt E J Watts to hospital. Heavy rain early morning, warm & dull during day. 20 July Trenches Battn relieved 1st N F in the line A & D Coys in front lien from left to right, C Coy near reserve Coy. B Coy rear reserve Coy. Relief complete by 1am. Weather warm & dry. 21 July Trenches As July 20. Very quiet day. 180 O.R. employed on carrying, working & covering parties. 1 OR wounded. Weather warm & dry. 2 Lt Cowham to IV Corps L Gun School. [1st RF company at Demicourt switch] 22 July Trenches Very quiet day.180 O.R. employed on carrying, working & covering parties. Weather warm & dry. 23 July Trenches Very quiet day. Working & carrying parties as 22nd. 1 O.R. wounded. Visit of III Army Commander, IV Corps Commander, III Divisional Commander & Brigadier 9th Bde. Weather warm & dry. 24 July Trenches Very quiet day. Working & carrying parties as 23rd. Capt A A Adams to III Army Rest Camp. Weather warm & dry. 25 July Trenches Working & carrying parties as 24th. Occasional shelling round Battn Hd Qrs. 1 OR wounded. Weather warm, slight shower. 26 July Trenches Battalion relieved in front line by 1st N F & returned to camp at Velu in Divisional Reserve. [1st NF shelled on 29th at R3 & R4, 30th R3 & R6 were shelled] Relief complete by 1210am Capt A Croker MC proceeded to IV Corps School for suty as Assistant Instructor. Weather warm & dry. 1 officer & 50 OR of D Coy engaged on garrison duty in catacombs Hermies. 27 July Velu Battalion in Divisional Reserve. 13 Officers & 490 OR employed on working and carrying parties. Weather warm & dry. Lt & Qr Mr A W Craven proceeded on leave. 2 officers attached to artillery for 48 hours instruction. 28 July Velu 10 officers & 400 O.R. employed on working parties. Very hot weather. 2 Lt E A Taylor returned from leave. 29 July Velu 7 officers & 200 O.R. employed on working parties, remainder engaged in training. 50 OR of A Coy relieved 50 OR of D Coy in catacombs Hermies. Heavy rain. 3 officers attached to artillery for 48 hours instruction. 30 July Velu 7 officers & 200 O.R. employed on working parties, remainder engaged in training. Weather fine. 31 July Velu No working parties provided. Battalion engaged in training. Weather fine during day, heavy rain at night. 01 Aug Velu Battalion in Divisional Reserve 9pm Batalion relieved 1st N F in rightsub-section. B Coy right front, C Coy left front, A Coy forward reserve, D Coy rear reserve. Relief completed by 1.45am. Slight rain. 02 Aug Trenches Very quiet day. 180 OR engaged on working & carrying parties. Heavy rain. 03 Aug Trenches Very quiet day. Working & carrying parties as August 2nd. Heavy rain. Capt B Parrington proceeded to G.H.Q. Lewis Gun School for course. 04 Aug Trenches 930pm Battalion relieved in Right sub-section by 6th Bn K.O.S.B. Relief completed by 1210am. Marched to rest camp at Fremicourt. Weather showery. 05 Aug Fremicourt Battalion engaged in cleaning equipment etc. Capt A. A. Adams rejoined from III Army Rest Camp 2 Lt A N Darnbrough to III Army Rest Camp. 06 Aug Fremicourt 10am Battalion & Transport inspected by IV Corps Commander. 2 Lt A G Cowham rejoined from IV Corps L G School. 14 OR reported for duty from base. Weather fine. 07 Aug Fremicourt 1opm Battalion relieved 2/5 KOYLI in line in left sub-sector Queant Section B Coy right front, C Coy left front, D Coy right support, A Coy left support. Relief completed by 1230am. Weather fine. 08 Aug Trenches Quiet day. Heavy rain in afternoon which made work difficult. 140 OR enaged on carrying & working parties. Lt & Qr Mr A. W. Craven returned from leave. 2 Lt R Leach reported for duty from base. 6 O.R. reported for duty from base. Heavy storms in evening. 09 Aug Trenches Battalion employed repairing & draining trenches, caused by heavy rain on previous day. Carrying & working parties as Aug 8th 2 Lt P S Wakefield proceeded on leave. Weather showery. 10 Aug Trenches 1010pm Battalion relieved in front line by 1st N F. [1st NF Bn HQ in sunken road just infront of Lagnicour village. Posts B9-b16 occupied by 2x Coys] On completion of relief the Battalion relieved 13th Kings Regt in support. B & D Coys right support, A & C Coys on the left. Relief completed by 2.30 am. Capt E. M. Price proceeded to IIIArmy Infantry School for Course. Weather fine. 11 Aug Support trenches Battaions employed in cleaning & improving line. Capt P M Amy to hospital. 11 officers & 400 OR employed on working & carrying parties. Showery weather. 12-15 Aug Support Line Battalion engaged on working & carrying parties. On the 12th 2 Lt C Robinson proceeded on leave. On the 13th 2 Lt W S SMith proceeded to GHQ L Gun School for course. On the 14th 2 Lt Houghton proceeded to 32 Squadron RFC for Course of Identification of Aircraft. Capt R Parrington rejoined from HQ L Gun course. On the 15th, 2 Lt P R Hall rejoined from IV Corps. Rifle & Bayonet School. 16 Aug Support Line 9pm Battalion relieved 1st N F in left sub-sector. Lagnicourt section. D Coy right front, A Coy left front, B Coy right support, C Coy left support. Relief completed by 1140pm. Weather fine. 17 Aug Trenches 80 OR from Intermediate Line engaged carrying material to Front Posts. Quiet day. Weather fine. 18-20 Aug Trenches Carrying parties as 17th,18th. Lt G W North & 2 LT A V Saddler rejoined from IV Corps School. 2 Lt J W Rycroft reported for duty from base. On the 19th 2 Lt G Houghton rejoined from Identification of Aircraft Course. Enemy artillery active. On the 20th 2 Lt A H Darnbrough rejoined from III Army Rest Camp. 1 OR wounded 4 OR reported for duty from base. Quiet day. 21 Aug Trenches 930pm BAttalion relieved in front line by 1st NF, 12 WestYorks going into Brigade Reserve. A & C Coys on left, B & D Coys on right. Relief completed by 1115 pm. 80 OR emplyed on working & carrying parties. 2 Lt C Lowther, 2 Lt H Knight & 2 Lt S E Bloomfield reported for duty from base. 1 OR wounded. Weather fine. 22 Aug Support line Quiet day. 6 officers & 420 O.R. engaged on working & carrying parties. Weather fine. 23 Aug Support line Quiet day. 10 officers & 420 O.R. engaged on working & carrying parties. 2 Lt P S Wakefield returned from leave. 2Lt A Dixon rejoined from hospital. Capt R Parrington admitted to hospital. 1 OR wounded. Weather fine. 24 Aug Support line Quiet day. 3 officers & 405 O.R. engaged on working & carrying parties. Weather fine. 25 Aug Support line Quiet day. 5 officers & 410 O.R. engaged on working & carrying parties. 2 Lt C Robinson ret'd from leave. 2 Lt A Dixon proceeded on leave. Weather fine. 26 Aug Support Line Intermittent shelling round Battn HQ during night of 26-27th. 7 officers & 415 O.R. engaged on working & carrying parties. 2 Lt A J Davis & 2 Lt L Howes to IV Corps Infantry School for Course. Major E L Thomson proceeded on leave. Weather showery. 27 Aug Support line 5 officers & 200 O.R. engaged on working & carrying parties. Quiet day. 1 OR killed. 6 OR reported for duty from base. Heavy rain. 28 Aug Support line Battalion relieved 1st N F in line of Lagnicourt Left sub-sector. B Coy in right front. CCoy left front. D Coy Right Support A Coy left support. Relief completed 1025pm Weather dull & rainy. 1 OR wounded (later died of wounds). 29 Aug Trenches Capt P.M.Amy returned from hospital. Quiet day. Dull & showery. 150 O.R. engaged in carrying parties to front line. 30 Aug Trenches Quiet day. Weather showery. 150 O.R. engaged in carrying parties to front line. 30 Aug Trenches Quiet day. Weather fine with occasional showers. 2 Lieut A H Darnbrough roceeded on leave. 2 Lt R S Clapham reported for duty from base. 2 Lt W S Smith rejoined from G.H.Q. Lewis Gun School. 2 Lt E O WHitamore to War Office for interview re Indian Army Commission. 150 OR carrying to front line. 01 Sep Trenches 9pm Battalion relieved by 1st Northumberland Fusiliers and marched to camp at Fremicourt - relief completed by 1145pm. Weather fine. Casualties nil. 02 Sep Fremicourt Battalion in Divisional Reserve. Engaged in cleaning up etc. Weather fine. 03 Sep Fremicourt Battalion marched to Beaulencourt, going into huts on arrival at 1040pm. Weather fine and dry. 04 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion employed in constructing rifle ranges etc preparatory to training. Weather warm & dry. 05 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather warm & dry. 2 Lt W S SMith proceeded to RFC on probation. 06 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather warm with heavy rain towards evening. Lieut R Baldwin proceeded on leave to England. 07 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather warm & dry. 08 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather warm & dry. 09 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather warm & dry. Capt J D Barret admitted to hospital (sick) 10 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather fine. 2 Lt A Dixon returned from leave 11 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather fine. 2 Lt A V Sadler proceeded on leave to England. 12 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather warm & dry. 2 Lt E A Taylor to 32nd Squadron RFC for course in Identification of Aircraft. leave to England. 13 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather fine. 2 Lt A H Darnbrough returned from leave. 14 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training. Weather warm & dry.2 Lt A Dixon proceeded for duty with APM 3rd Division. Major E L Thomson returned from leave. Capt N Parrington rejoined from hospital. 2 lt C A Monks proceeded on leave to England. 15 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion engaged in training (Brigade field-day). Weather fine. 2 Lt S Moulson proceeded to 3rd Div Depor for duty. 16 Sep Beaulencourt Battalion training during morning. Brigade church parade in afternoon. Service taken by Deputy Chaplain General. 2 Lt E A Taylor rejoined from Course 32nd Squadron RFC. Weather warm & dry. 17 Sep Beaulencourt A, B & C Coys & transport marched to Miraumont via Bapaume - Achiet-le-Grand and Achiet-le-Petit. Capt E M Persse rejoined from Course at III Army Infantry School. RSM C L Freeman & 1 OR reported for duty from base. Weather warm & dry. 18 Sep Watou area A, B & C Coys & transport enrained at Miraumont for HOPOUTRE and marched to Watou area going into tents on arrival at 530pm 230pm D Coy marched to Miraumont & entrained for Watou area joining the Battalion in camp at 6.30 am 19th. Weather showery. 19 Sep Watou area Battaliojn marched to St Lawrence Camp (Brandhoek area) arriving 5pm and being billeted in huts. 9th Inf Bde placed under orders of 9th Division as Reserve fro attack on Sep 20th, and battalion placed under short notice to go into action. Capt E M Persse proceeded on leave to England. Weather fine & warm. 20 Sept St Lawrence Camp (Brandhoek) Battalion fitting out with addition S.A.A. [small arms ammunition?], picks, shovels etc for assault. Weather fine. 21 Sept St Lawrence Camp (Brandhoek) Battalion training and fitting out. Weather fine. 2 Lt Baldwin rejoined from leave. 22 Sept St Lawrence Camp (Brandhoek) 3pm Commanding Officer & officers proceeded by lorry from Brigade HQ to recconoitre line east of Ypres and facing Zonnebeke. 630pm Battalion proceeded to camp at Ypresw South arriving 830pm & going into tents. Weather fine. 23 Sept Ypres South 7pm Battalion proceeded to front line (Zonnebeke) & relieved Camerons & Seaforths. Relief completed 230am. 2 Lt G Shaw proceeded to Signal Depot Dunstable (England) for Course of Instruction. Weather fine - misty at night. 24 Sept Line 6am Heavy enemy barrage placed on support line in which quantity of gas shell was used. Artillery duel all day. Weather fine. 2 Lt C W North & 2 Lt A H Darnbrough admitted hospital (sick). 2 Lt P R Hall wounded in action. Lt M S Munro (R.A.M.C.) wounded in action. 25 Sept Line Artillery duel all day. Hostile bombardment at various times. 2 Lt C Lowther wounded in action. Weather fine. 26 Sept 230am Relieved by two battalions 8th Inf Bde who got into their assembly positions. battalion moved back to Grey Ruin area, occupying shell holes, and was placed under orders G.O.C. 8TH Inf Bde. 11am Orders received to move forward to positions near our original line in support of attack of 8th Inf Bde. 530pm Orders receivedthat 8th Inf Bde was to push forwards & capture final objective at 6.30pm and that 12W.Y. was to be in close support. Companies were advised at once to prepare for action and move up - which they did. 630pm Heavy enemy barrage placed on supporting battalions. (Our attacking battalions moved forward but apparently as they were not supported on the flanks they halted and a few groups appeared to move back to jumping off place. Two coys of 12 W Yorks still moved forward & reinforced the front line, the remaining two making their way to the original British line and assuming battle formation there. Enemy counter attacked near Hill 40 but was repulsed. The day closed with 12 W Yorks strongly reinforcing the front line and efforts were made to get connection on either side of supporting Coys) During the attack Battalion H.Q. moved to & occupied shell holes on the ridge top about 600 yards behind front line. 2 Lt R F W Walton killed in action. Capt N Parrington, Capt P M Amy & 2Lt R S Clapham wounded in action (died of wounds 28.9.17) 2 Lt T C Barber, 2 Lt A G Cowham Weather fine, misty at night. 27 Sep Line Reorganisation of Coys begun. 6pm Germans reported massing on Hill 40 640pm Intesne enemy barrage opened on supporting lines 645pm Enemy counter attacked NW of Hill 40. Our barrage opened quickly in response to S.O.S. and the attack was repulsed. Heavy enemy shelling of back area until 840pm Lieut P S Wakefield, A D Young wounded in action 2 Lt A V Sadler rejoined from leave 2 Lt L Howes admitted hospital (sick) Weather fine. 28 Sept Line 3am Orders received to reorganise Battalion at once with view to a relief. Coys reorganises as follows: A & B Forward Support, C &D Rear support 615pm Mutual bombardment for 1 1/4 hours. Enemy S.O.S. sent up frequently. 8pm 4/RFs & 13/Kings relieved units of 8 Bde in left & right front line respectively. 2 R/Scots go into 9th Bde Reserve with HQ at Burry Farm. Weather fine. 29 Sept Line 130am Enemy fired number of gas shells. Respirators worn fro one hour. Artillery duel throughout day. Weather fine. 2 Lt C A Monks rejoined from leave, 2 Lt A J Davis rejoined from IV Corps Infantry School. 30 Sept Line 8pm Battalions in front line commenced to be relieved by units of 9th Australian Brigade. Faairly quiet during day except for counter battery work. Weather fine.Total casualties during operations 24th to 30th inclusive: Killed and died of wounds: 2 Officers, 29 OR Wounded: 9 Officers, 176 OR Missing: 10 OR Oct - Noreuil Nov - Bullecourt In Bde Reserve. Furnished various working parties. Rain 1-8 Dec Support Line Battalion in Brigade Support in Lagnicourt Section. On teh 3rd Lieut Col R C SMythe proceeded on leave to England. 2 Lt B C Nichols and 2 Lt V Warwick reported for duty. On the 4th 1 OR wounded. On teh 6th 2 Lt Sadler proceeded to GHQ L Gun School for Course. Lt C Archer to hospital Capt R H J Smith Lt E K G Pironet, Lt J Vose, 2 Lt A M Dalley and 2 Lt J P Dyson reported for duty. 2 OR wounded. On the 7th 1 OR wounded. On the 8th 2 Lt G Houghton returned from leave. 2 Lt S E Bloomfield & 2 Lt H Knight proceeded to III Army Musketry School for courses. 9 Dec Support Line Battalion relieved in Lignicourt Section by 4th South Staffs Regt. On ompletion of relief (at 8.20pm) battalion marched to camp at Mory going into huts on arrival at 10.30pm 10 Dec Mory Battalion engaged in bathing, cleaning equipment etc. Capt A A Adams returned off leave. 11 Dec Mory 3pm Battalions relieved 7th KSLI in left sub section Noreuil, relief completed by 1120pm. Left Coy C & 2 platoons B Coy, centre (APEX) A coy, Right D Coy & 2 platoons B Coy in Horseshoe Redoubt. 2 Lt C Morris & 2 Lt C S Turner to VI Corps Infantry School for Course. 12 Dec trenches 635am An intense hostile bombardment commenced at dawn, the APEX being heavily trench mortared. The enemy attacked in considerable force and was beaten off. Twenty minutes later he again attacked and succeeded in gaining a footing in the APEX and London & Pudsey support trenches. A & D Coys suffered heavily, losing 70% of their effectives. Bombing fights and hand-to-hand fighting in progress all day & night. 13 Dec trenches Fighting all day. Enemy commenced a well organised Bombing attack at 3.43pm - 2 minutes before the "zero" of our bombing attack. Stubborn resistance offered by remnants of D Coy 13/14 Dec Trenches Midnight C Coy and remnants of A, B & D Coys replaced in line by 4th Royal Fusiliers. Coys withdrawn to Brigade Support in Railway Reserve. Total casualties for period 12/14 dec Lieut J Voss - Killed 2 Lt S H North, 2 Lt B C Nichols & 2 Lt W Barnet - wounded Capt R H J Smith, 2 Lt R Leach, 2 Lt C A Monks, 2 Lt J H English, Lt E K G Peronet & Lt W O Newall - missing Lt A J Davis - wounded - missing Total 177 OR casualties, of which 15 killed 56 wounded (3 since died of wounds) 106 missing 14 Dec trenches Heavy hostile shelling. 2 Lt S Moulson returned off leave 15-16 Dec trenches Battalion still in line employed on working & carrying parties. Heavy hostile sheling. 17 Dec trenches 3am Remainder of battalion moved into support line Noreuil, men tired out and exhausted. 1 OR killed. 2 Lt A V Saddler rejoined from GHQ LG [Lewis Gun] School. 2pm Battalion relieved & marched to Courcelles going into huts on arrival at 740pm. 18 Dec Courcelles Battalion in Divisional Reserve engaged in cleaning equipment etc. 19-22 Dec Courcelles Battalion engaged in training, reorganisation etc. On the 20th 2 Lt M Daysh reported for duty. On the 22nd Lt E R Hepper, Lt J Thurford, Lt A B Westcott & Lt H White reported for duty. 2nd Lt C W North proceeded on leave. 23 Dec Courcelles 7.50am Battalion marched to camp at Mory, going into huts on arrival at 10am. 3.45pm Whole battalion engaged on working parties in Railway Reserve. 79 OR reported for duty. 24 Dec Mory Battalion engaged on working parties in Railway Reserve. 22 OR reported for duty. 25 Dec Mory No working parties provided, Battalion resting in billets 26 Dec Mory Battalion engaged on working parties in line. 2 OR wounded 27 Dec Mory 1155am Battalion marched to Boisieux-St-Marc, going into huts on arrival at 2.50pm 28-31 Dec Boisieux-St-Marc Battalion engaged in training and reorganisation. On the 28th 2 Lt V Warwick proceeded to III Army Infantry School for Course. On the 30th 2 Lt S E Bloomfield & 2 Lt H Knight MC rejoined from III Army Musketry School. Capt H E Lawton reported for duty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David_Blanchard Posted 13 November , 2019 Share Posted 13 November , 2019 My great uncle Pte John William Hugill was killed 9 April 1917 serving in this battalion buried at Tilloy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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