7th bedfords

[shark]

when the 7th bedfords freed achiet-le-grand in 1917 the royal fusliers were on their left the middlsex were on their right with the 13th essex (close to the five ways star where christopher cox gained his vc). does anybody knows the objectives and the mouvments of these units between 15th and 21st march 1917?especialy the middlesex which i have found any information so far

philippe.dr@tiscali.fr

http://shark62.chez.tiscali.fr

regards

philippe

france

[steve fuller]

Hi again Phillipe

The 7th Beds diary entries are below in case you dont thave them, and have looked a week before and after the dates, but no mention of the Middx Im afraid..

"12-3-17 8 AM Orders received from Brigade to occupy Loupart Line and push forward beyond, making final objective the sunken road on the face of Hill 130 and to consolidate the hill."

Although no mention is made of the Middx, maybe it will help with the geography a little?

"15-3-17 8 AM - 12 Noon C Company ordered to attack the Bihucourt line. A Company to act as immediate support. C Company attacked the Bihucourt line, on opening of the attack a very heavy machine gun fire developed from ACHIET le PETIT and the BIHUCOURT trench heavy shelling also took place. The advance under such conditions became impossible and C company dug in about 200 yards down the hill. A company did not advance. 1 PM - 5 PM The position was held without change. 6 PM Under cover of darkness C Company was withdrawn. A Company held the original line on the sunken road. B Company were in support. D & C companies in reserve 12 mid night This order was maintained throughout the day.

16-3-17 6 PM - 12 MIDNIGHT B Company took over the front line from A Company.

17-3-17 5 AM All companies were warned to be prepared to advance at dawn. Active patrolling took place. 8 AM C Company was ordered to advance in four open waves their objectives being the BIHUCOURT line and finally ACHIET le GRAND and the high ridge beyond. D Company was ordered to support C Company. B Company was ordered to make a flank along the railway line as far as ACHIET le GRAND. A Company was to be in reserve. The operation was carried out with the greatest skill and urgency some machine gun fire was experienced at the commencement. Heavy artillery fire was experienced in entering ACHIET le GRAND from which we suffered casualties. 10 AM BIHUCOURT line was occupied. 2 PM ACHIET le GRAND was occupied. 3 PM We had occupied positions round the northern and eastern sides of ACHIET le GRAND and held a strong flank position along the railway on the western side. Positions were consolidated. 6 PM Rations were delivered to companies. Battalion H.Q. were established on southern edge of Achiet le Grand.

18-3-17 3 AM Brigade ordered posts to be put out 1000 yards in advance to cover the forming up of an advance guard. 5 AM Posts complete. 9 AM Advance guard of Yorkshire dragoons 6th Northamptonshire Regt and one battery of field guns passed through BIHUCOURT. 10 AM Battalion remained in Achiet le Grand.

19-3-17 1 AM Moved up to ERVILLERS. 6 PM B Company found out posts on roads round Ervillers. 8 PM D Company sent covering party of two platoons with artillery about two miles out towards St.LÉGER.

20-3-17 3 AM A B and D Companies made up two complete companies under Cap D.S.H.Keep to support 6th Northants in an attack on Croisilles. 3 PM The 54 Brigade was relieved by the 7th Division. 4 PM The Battalion having been relieved by the 7th Division moved back to the LOUPART LINE.

21-3-17 10 AM The Battalion moved back to MARLBORO' Huts."

Not excactly what ou are looking for but hope it helps?

Cheers

Steve