22nd Bn London Regiment

[Bob Chandler]

Would anyone be able to let me know where the Bn were, on/around 9th October 1916, what local action they were engaged in? I am presuming it was somewhere in the Warlencourt area but would be grateful for anything more specific.

[stiletto_33853]

Hi Charles,

1/22nd London Regiment

High Wood (2/10), Switch Line (3/10), Starfish Line (4/10), front line Eaucourt l'Abbaye sector (8/10). Attack on Snag Trench at Night - forward posts established on Eaucourt l'Abbaye - Warlencourt Road. Relieved and to Mametz Wood (10/10), Lavieville (11/10). Entrained at Allbert for Ypres sector (14/10).

Andy

[stiletto_33853]

From the 47th London Division History:

Our relief by the 9th Division was impending, and it was hoped tp improve the position on our left before we handed over. With this object the 142nd Brigade made another attempt on October 8th to seize Diagonal Trench, and, if successful, were to assault the Butte. At 9pm the 21st and 22nd Battalions made the attack, after one minutes intense bombardment. The 21st Battalion advanced to within 200 yards of Diagonal Trench without a casualty. Then, all at once, the full force of machine guns was turned on them with terrible effect. It seemed that the short bombardment had warned the enemy to be ready just in time.

On the left, three companies of the 22nd entered Diagonal Trench without great opposition. But it was found to be a position untenable by day, and our success was limited to the establishment of several strong points, some 100 yards short of the objective. Only in this, their last operation, did battalions of the 142nd Brigade attack under command of their own brigadier, General Lewis.

On October 9th the 26th (South African) Brigade relieved the 140th and 142nd Brigades in the line.

Andy

[Bob Chandler]

Many thanks for your help.