2nd Manchester

[WASMAN]

Trying to find out the movements of The 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment on 6th June 1918, researching a chap from wigan who was killed on that day,

many thanks

Wayne.

[katesdad]

Wayne

Accoring to references I've had from the Regimental Historian:

15th aPRIL on front line relieving 37th Div at GOMMECOURT-HEBUTERNE.

May 7th, relieved by 57th Div, returned to PAS district until the beginning of June.

On 7 June took over sector from New Zealand Div between HEUBTERNE and AUCHONVILLERS (very severe epidemic of influenza during June). -- this entry may be of interest.

July 2nd New Zealanders took over HEBUTERNE sector offensive operations in July confined to harassing the enemy.

Night of 12th-13th relieved by 127th Brigade.

Best regards

Larry

[harribobs]

Trying to find out the movements of The 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment on 6th June 1918, researching a chap from wigan who was killed on that day,

many thanks

Wayne.

wayne

to add a little more colour to the larry's post ( from the history of the manchester regiment, wylly)

" Barly provided a resting place for the battalion until the 12th May, when a move to the neighbourhood of Blairville; here the enemy was more than usually active, and on the very day after arrival cpn Medworth was killed and by the end of may 8 men had been killed and 2nd lt sprowall and 29 men wounded. On the 18th may lt col G McM Robertson, N Staffs, assumed command of the battalion

The month of jume was again one of considerable activity in the frontline with heavy fatigues of all kinds when the troops, by a pleasant fiction,were considered to be 'at rest'. The casualties continued amongst the ranks, and the depleted condition of the senior commisioned ranks of the 2nd battalion may be to some extent be gauged from the announcement which appears in the batt diary under the date of the 1st june: Lieutenant J N Marshall MC Irish Guards, joined today and took over the duties of second in command!!

Behind the line wiring was carried on and working parties were constantly provided, while at the front raids and counter raids took place almost nightly. the strain was great and the casualties in killed, wounded, missing, and gassed increased daily, while seldom does the battalion diary record the arrival of replacements to replace wastage"

sorry for the delay in posting this, i missed the original post