KLR war diary 12th Oct 1916 - not much reported, but they had lost 12 men

[davidbohl]

I've got 12 casualties on this day but the 18/KLR war diary seems to gloss over it. I'd like to write a paragraph about their day, so is it fair to say that it was from sporadic fire, unlucky etc and it was just normal fayre for trench warfare around Oct 1916 at Flers ? There is a mention of gas the next day.

thanks

Dave 

 

From National Archives

 

[PRC]

According to the transcript of the 2nd Bedfords War Diary they were involved in a Corps attack on the 12th October 1916, with the 17th Kings on their left. The 2nd Bedfords gained some ground and the War Diary states they were the only unit that did and large numbers of casualties were incurred by the attacking force. http://www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/2ndbn/2ndbtn1916diary.html

As the War Diary for the 18th Kings has them close to the front on the 12th it may be that carrying parties were sent forward or that small groups were pushed forward at the Platoon level to bolster the remaining forces holding the front line. Depending how close Flers Support and Grove Alley were to the Front Line they may also have been subject to a German barrage to cut-off the attacking troops and deny them re-inforcement and supplies.

The 7th Norfolks were also involved in the attack on the 12th October 1916 as part of 12th (Eastern) Division. Their War Diary includes this trench map.

Image courtesy The National Archive.

Cheers,
Peter

[davidbohl]

9 hours ago, PRC said:

Their War Diary includes this trench map.

Thanks Peter, the happenings are easier to understand when you can refer to the map.

The later attack on the 17th Oct failed and the C/O of the 18/KLR writes in the diary many pages of in depth reasoning why the objective was not achieved. He cites the troops being overworked beforehand, no sleep, sodden wet and equipment caked in mud. Poor souls.