Carrying Parties?

[rhimsl]

I know it is somewhat self explanatory, but my question is what exactly where there duties (during an offensive), how were they chosen, what was the usual number of the parties and what type of things did the carry up etc...

Thanks in advance to all that reply. I really appreciate the help!

Cheers,

Robert

[Bob Coulson]

Briefly if a brigade was in the line they would have a couple of battalions in the firing line with the others in reserve.

Carrying parties would normally be furnished by the battalions in reserve and anything from wire and duckboards to water and rations would be taken up for the men in the line.

A quote from the war diary of the 2nd Yorkshires from Feb 1915 says,

"Furnished a party of 200 men for carrying duties"

Bob.