2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment

[draperju]

Can anyone help with an extract from the Battalion Diary for the 2nd Lincolnshires between the 21st and 23rd August 1918? Is there any reference to Lieutant Walton attached from Northumberland Fusiliers?

Draperju

[Doug Lewis]

draperju

The History of the Lincolnshire Regiment Records:

The losses of the 2nd Battalion from the 20th of August to the 29th/30th of August are given as Lieutenant G.P. Walton and twenty one other ranks killed,...

Regards Doug

[draperju]

Doug

Thank you for your reply.

I will cotact you by e-mail to see if you can help me further.

Best wishes

Draperju

[Lincolnsreg]

Diary extract for 21st to 22nd - no entry for 23rd:

"21st August 1918

12.15 a.m.

Enemy opened an intense gas bombardment of the area occupied by the 2 support companies, “A” and “D” Companies, and the communications leading to the front line. This lasted until 2.15 a.m. and considerably interfered with these 2 companies, while they were preparing to move forward. Several severe gas casualties were sustained, but the remainder of the men, although all were suffering from the effects of the gas shelling, remained at duty.

2 a.m.

Battalion Headquarters and “A” and “D” Companies moved forward to positions in assembly ready for assault. Battn H.Q. moved to LUMINOUS AVENUE, Q.12.b.4.7. “A” Company formed up on a line running North East from LUMINOUS AVENUE with their right at Q.12.b.8.6.

“D” Company formed up on a line running South West from LUMINOUS AVENUE in prolongation of “A” Company. Both companies were on a frontage of 100 yards with 2 platoons in leading wave and 2 platoons in second wave, 25 yards between platoons. Each platoon had 2 sections in front with L.G. Section on flank immediately behind. A bombing party of “C” Coy formed up in LUMINOUS AVENUE between “A” and “D” Companies.

The morning was ideal for the forming up, as a thick mist hid all movement, and the smoke barrage arranged was consequently cancelled. The enemy post at Q.12.b.9.4. apparently heard the men forming up and opened fire, but orders were given for a Trench Mortar to fire a few rounds at the post and no further hindrance was caused.

5.35 a.m.

The companies completed their forming up by 5.35 a.m.

5.45 a.m

Zero hour for the attack on BEAUCOURT was 5.45 a.m., at which hour 12 Stokes Guns opened a barrage at enemy post at Q.12.b.9.4. and selected targets behind. This fire was well directed and kept the enemy from firing back as well driving him into his deep dugouts. The Stokes Mortar barrage lifted as the troops advanced, finally stopping at 5.53 a.m. At 5.45 a.m. a hurricane bombardment of light calibre guns was put down for 8 minutes on to BEAUCOURT ruins.

At zero hour exactly, “A” and “D” Companies, under cover of this bombardment moved forward to the assault, The bombing party of “C” Company under 2/Lieut R. Sharpe rushed the enemy post at Q.12.b.9.4., capturing 8 prisoners and a machine gun. This allowed “A” and “D” Companies to move forward without a check. So eager were the men that they were able to keep close up to the fast moving barrage.

“A” Company advanced, keeping LUMINOUS AVENUE on their right, and met little opposition until reaching RAILWAY Road where a machine gun on the left flank proved troublesome; a Lewis Gun Section was sent out to that flank and the enemy retired. “A” Company then moved forward to the railway, which was then consolidated.

“D” Company advanced, keeping LUMINOUS AVENUE on their left. The leading wave dashed ahead and reached RAILWAY Road with but little opposition; the 2 platoons following behind encountered the enemy coming out of the numerous deep dugouts. These were bombed and many taken prisoner. A party of the enemy were seen on the right flank in RAILWAY Road, and these, after being fired on by Lewis Guns, surrendered. The left leading platoon of “D” Company lost direction on getting to RAILWAY Road and proceeded to Cross-roads in BEAUCOURT at Q.7.d.3.8. This platoon, as it turned out, was most useful in guarding the left flank.

There was a short delay in the ruins of BEAUCOURT, while dugouts and small parties of the enemy were cleared up, and the 2 platoons then continued the advance to the railway. I then ordered “A” Company to consolidate the line of railway and “D” Company to form a support line along RAILWAY Road, paying attention in each case to the left flank.

The total number of prisoners captured by the 2 companies was 3 officers and 90 other ranks, who belonged to 68th R.I. Regiment, 16 R. Division.

10 a.m.

By this time the mist cleared and considerable trouble was caused from machine gun fire from LOGGING SUPPORT, South of River ANCRE, and throughout the afternoon the position was heavily shelled.

At 3.30 p.m. 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers pushed patrols across to the South side of the River ANCRE, but made but little progress owing to machine gun from THIEPVAL Ridge.

At 8.45 p.m. “D” Company were able to get in touch with 1st East Yorks at R.8.a.45.35.

At 3 a.m. on August 22nd “A” and “D” Companies were relieved by 1 Company, Northumberland Fusiliers (12/13th), and marched to ACHEUX. This was necessary owing to the large number of men who had been gassed.

2 p.m.

The 2 companies holding the outpost line, “B” and “C” Companies, were ordered to assemble and move forward to the line reached by the 1st Lincolnshire Regiment in their advance. “C” Company moved forward on the right and “B” Company on the left, both companies moving in artillery formation. On reaching the valley in R.1.b. and d., the 2 companies passed through the 1st Lincolnshire Regiment and advanced to the sunk road in R.3.c.

3.30 p.m.

Position in sunk road consolidated. The position was enfiladed by direct machine gun, rifle and trench mortar fire form GRANDCOURT, and owing to 42nd Division on our left not yet being upin line considerable trouble was caused by parties of the enemy working round and on the left flank of “B” Company. Lieut G.P. Walton killed.

8 p.m.

One platoon, D Company, 12.13th Northumberland Fusiliers, came up on the left flank of “B” Company.

22nd August 1918

Ravine, R.1.d.6.8. 1 a.m.

Battalion H.Q. moved to R.1.d.6.8. and at 5 a.m. front line came under command of Lieu Col. E.P. Lloyd, D.S.O.

Troops in front line – 1 company, 1st Lincolnshire Regt on right from R.3.c.5.1. – R.3.c.5.3., “C” and “B” Companies, 2nd Lincolnshire Rgt R3.c.5.3. – R.3.c.4.5. in centre, and a platoon of “D” Company, 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers, on left. Remainder of “D” company, 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers, at R.2.d.5.8. 1st Lincolnshire Regt hold a line about 400 yards in rear.

5 a.m.

Enemy attacked platoon of “D” Coy, 12/13th Northumbld Fus. on left flank and they were compelled to withdraw. No. 8 platoon, “B” Company, was sent to forma defensive flank on the left, and was able to form a defensive flank there, and thus prevented the enemy from completely working round the left flank. At the same time the enemy worked up the ANCRE Valley on the right flank in small parties, but were dispersed by Lewis Gun fire.

1.30 p.m.

Remaining 3 platoons, “D” Coy, 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers, together with a detachment of North Irish Horse under Lieut E.A. Atkinson with 3 Lewis Guns were sent forward to clear up situation and protect left flank of “B” Company. These gained touch with 42nd Division and considerably eased the situation there.

7.30 p.m.

Under a light barrage of Trench Mortars the enemy attacked our front. He came up the ANCRE Valley and then extended Northwards when 300 yards away. A few got within 30 yards of our position in the sunk road and those not killed dispersed. Over fifty dead were counted next day on the front. During the attack troops on the right flank were driven in but the right platoon of “C” Company were able to restore the situation.

The attack also developed on the front of “B” Company, but the steady fire of our men completely repulsed the enemy.

11 p.m.

“D” Company, 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers, and detachments of North Irish Horse withdrawn."

[draperju]

Diary extract for 21st to 22nd - no entry for 23rd:

"21st August 1918

12.15 a.m.

Enemy opened an intense gas bombardment of the area occupied by the 2 support companies, “A” and “D” Companies, and the communications leading to the front line. This lasted until 2.15 a.m. and considerably interfered with these 2 companies, while they were preparing to move forward. Several severe gas casualties were sustained, but the remainder of the men, although all were suffering from the effects of the gas shelling, remained at duty.

2 a.m.

Battalion Headquarters and “A” and “D” Companies moved forward to positions in assembly ready for assault. Battn H.Q. moved to LUMINOUS AVENUE, Q.12.b.4.7. “A” Company formed up on a line running North East from LUMINOUS AVENUE with their right at Q.12.b.8.6.

“D” Company formed up on a line running South West from LUMINOUS AVENUE in prolongation of “A” Company. Both companies were on a frontage of 100 yards with 2 platoons in leading wave and 2 platoons in second wave, 25 yards between platoons. Each platoon had 2 sections in front with L.G. Section on flank immediately behind. A bombing party of “C” Coy formed up in LUMINOUS AVENUE between “A” and “D” Companies.

The morning was ideal for the forming up, as a thick mist hid all movement, and the smoke barrage arranged was consequently cancelled. The enemy post at Q.12.b.9.4. apparently heard the men forming up and opened fire, but orders were given for a Trench Mortar to fire a few rounds at the post and no further hindrance was caused.

5.35 a.m.

The companies completed their forming up by 5.35 a.m.

5.45 a.m

Zero hour for the attack on BEAUCOURT was 5.45 a.m., at which hour 12 Stokes Guns opened a barrage at enemy post at Q.12.b.9.4. and selected targets behind. This fire was well directed and kept the enemy from firing back as well driving him into his deep dugouts. The Stokes Mortar barrage lifted as the troops advanced, finally stopping at 5.53 a.m. At 5.45 a.m. a hurricane bombardment of light calibre guns was put down for 8 minutes on to BEAUCOURT ruins.

At zero hour exactly, “A” and “D” Companies, under cover of this bombardment moved forward to the assault, The bombing party of “C” Company under 2/Lieut R. Sharpe rushed the enemy post at Q.12.b.9.4., capturing 8 prisoners and a machine gun. This allowed “A” and “D” Companies to move forward without a check. So eager were the men that they were able to keep close up to the fast moving barrage.

“A” Company advanced, keeping LUMINOUS AVENUE on their right, and met little opposition until reaching RAILWAY Road where a machine gun on the left flank proved troublesome; a Lewis Gun Section was sent out to that flank and the enemy retired. “A” Company then moved forward to the railway, which was then consolidated.

“D” Company advanced, keeping LUMINOUS AVENUE on their left. The leading wave dashed ahead and reached RAILWAY Road with but little opposition; the 2 platoons following behind encountered the enemy coming out of the numerous deep dugouts. These were bombed and many taken prisoner. A party of the enemy were seen on the right flank in RAILWAY Road, and these, after being fired on by Lewis Guns, surrendered. The left leading platoon of “D” Company lost direction on getting to RAILWAY Road and proceeded to Cross-roads in BEAUCOURT at Q.7.d.3.8. This platoon, as it turned out, was most useful in guarding the left flank.

There was a short delay in the ruins of BEAUCOURT, while dugouts and small parties of the enemy were cleared up, and the 2 platoons then continued the advance to the railway. I then ordered “A” Company to consolidate the line of railway and “D” Company to form a support line along RAILWAY Road, paying attention in each case to the left flank.

The total number of prisoners captured by the 2 companies was 3 officers and 90 other ranks, who belonged to 68th R.I. Regiment, 16 R. Division.

10 a.m.

By this time the mist cleared and considerable trouble was caused from machine gun fire from LOGGING SUPPORT, South of River ANCRE, and throughout the afternoon the position was heavily shelled.

At 3.30 p.m. 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers pushed patrols across to the South side of the River ANCRE, but made but little progress owing to machine gun from THIEPVAL Ridge.

At 8.45 p.m. “D” Company were able to get in touch with 1st East Yorks at R.8.a.45.35.

At 3 a.m. on August 22nd “A” and “D” Companies were relieved by 1 Company, Northumberland Fusiliers (12/13th), and marched to ACHEUX. This was necessary owing to the large number of men who had been gassed.

2 p.m.

The 2 companies holding the outpost line, “B” and “C” Companies, were ordered to assemble and move forward to the line reached by the 1st Lincolnshire Regiment in their advance. “C” Company moved forward on the right and “B” Company on the left, both companies moving in artillery formation. On reaching the valley in R.1.b. and d., the 2 companies passed through the 1st Lincolnshire Regiment and advanced to the sunk road in R.3.c.

3.30 p.m.

Position in sunk road consolidated. The position was enfiladed by direct machine gun, rifle and trench mortar fire form GRANDCOURT, and owing to 42nd Division on our left not yet being upin line considerable trouble was caused by parties of the enemy working round and on the left flank of “B” Company. Lieut G.P. Walton killed.

8 p.m.

One platoon, D Company, 12.13th Northumberland Fusiliers, came up on the left flank of “B” Company.

22nd August 1918

Ravine, R.1.d.6.8. 1 a.m.

Battalion H.Q. moved to R.1.d.6.8. and at 5 a.m. front line came under command of Lieu Col. E.P. Lloyd, D.S.O.

Troops in front line – 1 company, 1st Lincolnshire Regt on right from R.3.c.5.1. – R.3.c.5.3., “C” and “B” Companies, 2nd Lincolnshire Rgt R3.c.5.3. – R.3.c.4.5. in centre, and a platoon of “D” Company, 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers, on left. Remainder of “D” company, 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers, at R.2.d.5.8. 1st Lincolnshire Regt hold a line about 400 yards in rear.

5 a.m.

Enemy attacked platoon of “D” Coy, 12/13th Northumbld Fus. on left flank and they were compelled to withdraw. No. 8 platoon, “B” Company, was sent to forma defensive flank on the left, and was able to form a defensive flank there, and thus prevented the enemy from completely working round the left flank. At the same time the enemy worked up the ANCRE Valley on the right flank in small parties, but were dispersed by Lewis Gun fire.

1.30 p.m.

Remaining 3 platoons, “D” Coy, 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers, together with a detachment of North Irish Horse under Lieut E.A. Atkinson with 3 Lewis Guns were sent forward to clear up situation and protect left flank of “B” Company. These gained touch with 42nd Division and considerably eased the situation there.

7.30 p.m.

Under a light barrage of Trench Mortars the enemy attacked our front. He came up the ANCRE Valley and then extended Northwards when 300 yards away. A few got within 30 yards of our position in the sunk road and those not killed dispersed. Over fifty dead were counted next day on the front. During the attack troops on the right flank were driven in but the right platoon of “C” Company were able to restore the situation.

The attack also developed on the front of “B” Company, but the steady fire of our men completely repulsed the enemy.

11 p.m.

“D” Company, 12/13th Northumberland Fusiliers, and detachments of North Irish Horse withdrawn."

Thank you very much for your help

Best wishes Draperju