1/16th Bn London Reg

[shaymen]

Good evening everyone - this forum is certainly not boring.

Anyhow heres another Boring query.

Could any kind soul tell me what the 1/16th Bn Londons Queens Westminster Rifles were up to on or before the 14th August 1917.

Have checked the LLT and searched previous posts without any definitive answers.

Many Thanks

Glyn

[Ron]

On August 4th they received orders to move with the Division back into the Wizernes area for training and organisation. They remained there until the 17th August when the Division was transferred to XI Corps Fifth Army and moved into the II Corps area preparatory to going back into line between the Westhoek-Zonnebeke road and the Ypres-Roulers railway.

Ron

[shaymen]

Thanks Ron

Interesting as I am researching a chap who was KIA on 14th August 1917 it seems a bit odd that his division were in a training area.

Anyone any thoughts

Glyn

[bmac]

I'm sorry to disagree but the information is not correct. In July the QWR were resting near Sus St Leger. On 24th July they left and moved to La Commune near St Omer via Wizernes. On August 4th, Lt Col Shoolbred, CO since 1911, left and command passed to Maj P M Glasier. On 6th August, the QWR marched to Watten Station and went by train to Abeele and on foot to Wippenhoek where they stayed until 11th August, being subject to several air attacks. They left on 11th August by train to Ouderdom and marched to Chateau Segard.

On the 12th they moved to Yeomanry Post near Sanctuary Wood arrving at 1700 hrs. At 2000 hrs they moved into the front line west of Glencorse Wood. On the 13th, the 169th Infantry Brigade attempted to push the line forward 100 yards towards the wood. Six posts were to be established, three each by the QWR and the Queen Victoria's Rifles. The advance was due at 2100 hrs but A Company were held up heavy artillery fire whilst B Company succeded in establishing one post. The position was heavily shelled throughout the night. The night was notable for the actions of Sgt E Yarnold MC who went forward to an isolated position with orders for them to withdraw. Under heavy MG fire he succeeded but, on the way back, 5 of the 8 men were wounded. Yarnold then called for volunteers and went out to bring in the wounded.

In the evening of the 14th, the 1/QWR were relieved by the 1/2nd Londons and moved back to trenches at Half-way House. 24 other ranks had been killed and 51 wounded.

Source: The War History of the First Battalion, Queen's Westminster Rifles.

[shaymen]

Bill - Thanks very much

That certainly seems to make more sense

Much appreciated

Glyn