War Diary word decode Please - Link to Festubert Trench map circa Aug 1916

[Blue Dragoon]

This is an extract from the 15th Bn West York (PWO) Wd for 20 Aug 1916.  What is the first thing the enemy left behind?  Dont think it's 'hatchets' or 'halberts'

Any educated guesses appreciated.

I've tried to find a Festubert Trench Map circa 20 Aug 1916 without success.  Any pointers appreciated

Many thanks as ever

20^th Aug         Throughout the day the enemy shelled our front line system with guns of heavy calibre and TMs (Trench Mortars). The breastworks were breached in one or two places, one island destroyed by gaps made in the wire. This bombardment commence at 07.30 and continued with varying violence throughout the day.

8pm                Enemy blew a mine in the GIVENCHY Sector on our immediate right.

8.15pm           Enemy commenced an intense bombardment of our trenches, lifting at 8.45 and forming intense barrage on the OBL. At 9.10 the enemy barrage dropped again to the front line. Hostile fire ceased before 9.30. Our artillery retaliation was effective and continued until 9.50pm. When barrage lifted enemy attempted to raid our trenches but failed to get in – He was driven back leaving ????? , wire cutters, bridges for getting over obstacles, 2 land mines and large quantity of bombs.  Patrols in front of our wire were however unable to find any dead or wounded Germans.  Our total casualties throughout the whole day were only: Officers - 1 killed (2^nd Lt Appelbee T) 2 wounded (2^nd Lts Lawrence and Cantrell) and OR (Other Rank) 6 killed and 17 wounded.

 

[kenf48]

I read it as ‘hatchet’ I.e. they left tools behind

As for maps no doubt you could find it on Trench Mapper but in the meantime this is at Mcmasters Richebourg 

http://digitalarchive.mcmaster.ca/islandora/object/macrepo%3A4333/-/collection

Square S 25

[Blue Dragoon]

24 minutes ago, kenf48 said:

I read it as ‘hatchet’ I.e. they left tools behind

As for maps no doubt you could find it on Trench Mapper but in the meantime this is at Mcmasters Richebourg 

http://digitalarchive.mcmaster.ca/islandora/object/macrepo%3A4333/-/collection

Square S 25

many thanks for the clarification and pointer, very grateful

 

[WhiteStarLine]

That's a good map Ken has quoted.  The maps TrenchMapper has for August 1916 are:

1:10,000 36 SW 3 Richebourg 1916 German Trenches corrected to 8-8-1916
1:10,000 36 SW 3 Richebourg 1916 German Trenches corrected to 8-8-1916, British Trenches corrected to 9-9-1916
1:20,000 36 SW  Fromelles, Neuve Chapelle 1916 Trenches corrected to 31/8/1916
1:20,000 36 SW  Fromelles, Neuve Chapelle 1916 Trenches corrected to 31/8/1916
 

[Blue Dragoon]

On 15/11/2023 at 22:43, WhiteStarLine said:

The maps TrenchMapper has for August 1916 are:

cheers white star, very grateful as ever

Edited 20 November , 2023 by Blue Dragoon