South Staffordshire Regt War Diaries

[Roy Evans]

I have a man who was in the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire regiment. In the 1911 census he was to found listed amongst the serving men.

His name was Arthur GOLLICKER (no. 8777) and he is listed on CWGC site as having been killed on 7th November 1914. I think this was during 1st Ypres.

I'm wondering whether this ordinary Private rates a mention in the diaries and would like to get some idea of what his unit would have been up to when he died.

TIA

Mike Fry - Johannesburg

Mike,

Annoyingly my copy of the war diary is missing the pages covering 24th October to 8th November. I've posted below the entries for the early part of October 1914. Doug Lewis may be along in due course and may well scan his copy (assuming he has it). Failing that, I expect to be visiting the Regimental museum soon - post your request again in five or six weeks and I should have the info.

Roy

October 1914

1st The Division was inspected by General Capper in complete Service order, with the animals and transport Majors complete and ready for Service in every particular. Though most Regiments in the Division had been in England 7 to 10 days longer than the Regiment, the South Staffordshire Regiment was the first complete and ready in every particular for Service, and was congratulated by the Brigadier and Brigade Major for this good work.

4th The Division was again inspected by Major General Capper, the Divisional Commander and whilst on parade the orders were received for the 7th Division to embark that day at Southampton.

We left Lyndhurst Camp at 10 p.m. by half Battalions, the right half under Colonel Ovens and the Left under Major Buckle, and marched into Southampton, which was reached at 3 a.m. and embarked.

5th At 7 a.m. on board the ‘Lake Michigan’ it was very cold and miserable. Captain White, the Quartermaster and 4 Company Quartermaster Sergeants went on in advance by the 1st Transport as a billeting party for the Battalion on arrival in Belgium.

The Regiment, 29 Officers and 1113 other ranks marched from Lyndhurst to Southampton as before detailed.

We reached Dover on the night of the 5th and stayed there for one day, and left under sealed orders for an unknown port (i.e. either France or Belgium, nobody knowing where we were going to disembark).

7th At daybreak on the morning of the 7th we reached and disembarked mid-day. We were the last Battalion to reach there. After getting our horses, wagons, etc. unloaded, we left Zeebrugge at about 2 p.m. By train to Bruges and disentrained and marched to Oost Camp, where we had received orders to billet for the night, and where every arrangement had been made re food and comfort for the men by the advanced billeting party. The whole of the Brigade were at this town. As soon as the Battalion arrived there it was found that special orders had just been issued for the South Staffordshires to march to Lophem, 3 miles from Oost Camp, and there billeted. Most of the Battalion were either in Outpost or in reserve. This was the first attempt that the Regiment had of their abilities in trench work, and the use of the pick and shovel, and anyone who had ever been on service with the Staffords only knows too well how they shine in this or any other laborious work of this nature, (‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies on Outpost).

8th We stood to arms at 3 a.m. which is the usual procedure on active service – all troops to stand to Arms at daybreak, and it was a fearfully cold morning. The Headquarters of the Battalion were billeted at the Chateau with the Mayor of Lopem. The Colonel, Major Buckle and Adjutant visited all Companies at 3 a.m.

We marched from Lopam to the canal outside Ostend. ‘C’ and ‘D’ companies were on Outpost and we had instructions for the Outpost line to look out for, and to expect, trouble from the enemy. The Belgian outpost line joined ‘D’ Company under Captain Vallentin. It would be well to say that the march was most trying over 26 miles and a very bad road (a Belgian chausee). Many of the Battn. Got and suffered from sore feet from this trying march which they did not get rid of until they got to Ypres, and then had to go on outpost duty for the night.

It was on this march that we met the Belgian soldiers who had been relieved from Antwerp by the Naval Brigade. They undoubtedly presented a pitiable sight and plainly showed the trials and hardships they had undergone. We all felt sorry and many words of praise and feeling were expressed by all ranks.

9th We marched to Ostend, to the Main Square and remained there for about 3 hours, when we entrained for Ghent and arrived there at 3.30 p.m. and marched to the outskirts of the town and halted in the garden of a big private house where we remained with the 2nd Queen’s. We all thought that the Regiment was going to Antwerp and stopped at Ghent. In the evening we heard quite plainly the sound of Artillery and rifle fire. We understood that it was one of the Brigades of the 7th Division in action (21st Brigade I think). ‘B’ Coy. Under Captain Dunlop was on the outpost guarding the house that we remained in. Bread and German sausage way tram by the Staff officer, Captain Barker, and issued by the Quartermaster to the men, who had been without rations for the day.

It rained in torrents the whole time and everything was most miserable.

At 11 p.m. the Colonel called the Officers together and with his usual few words explained the orders he had received which were as follows:-

The South Staffords were to be in position by 4 a.m. on the near side of the bridge. Crossing the canal at Swynaerde at 4 a.m. the Belgians were to cross the Bridge and fight a rear guard action and the Warwicks and the Queen’s were to do an attack on the left.

This bridge undoubtedly was most important as it was the main road to Ghent. The royal Welch were to go out and take up position in reserve towards Melle.

11th About 7 a.m. on the 11th October a couple of guns fired, which we looked upon as usual greetings on service to one another. It was a great sight to see the men putting the houses just near the bridge in a state of defence. In one Company the Officer in Command told me he experienced great difficulty in getting the men to start this work of destruction. In knocking houses to pieces and breaking windows, making loop-holes and dismantling the houses generally; meanwhile the owners of the houses were making coffee and giving it to the troops. It was the first time that the whole of the Battalion except C Company were in trenches, which they had admirably made. They were all so very good that it was hard to differentiate as to the best Company. These trenches excited the admiration of the Belgian soldiers who were co-operating about the district. A Belgian Officer who occupied these trenches with his Company said that although heavy shelling by the Germans after the bridge had been destroyed they suffered practically little or no casualties, which says a great deal for the good work the men had done. Two platoons of C Company took up positions, one under Lieut. Evans at Hutsepot, and the other at Maelte under Captain Green and 2nd Lt. Burke. During the evening of the 10th heavy firing was heard in front; the Regiment stood to Arms and remained for some time and the firing died down about 3 a.m. It was afterwards discovered that the French Marines were firing on the Warwick Regiment; there were no casualties, fortunately, through this error. Sunday, Occasional rifle firing. Shortly after mid-day C. Coy. rejoined the Regt. and the whole Battalion under Colonel Ovens, less A Coy under Major Welchman and Captain de Trafford, advanced about 3 miles over the Bridge of the Canal to a spot just South of Haywyk; here we joined the Royal Warwicks. It was now discovered that the enemy, which had fallen back the day previous, were now concentrating their forces, amounting approximately to about 30,000 to our immediate front. It was then decided by the G.O. commanding the Division for the Warwicks and Queens Regt to entrench their position to the South East of the village of Haywyk, and to remain there until dark and then withdraw back to Ghent. The idea was that the Division should fall back and take up another position East of the Lys Canal. On the high ground at Hansbeke the South Staffords were ordered to withdraw to Sayneards and hold their previous position at all costs until about 9 p.m. after which the G.O.C. would send instructions regarding the blowing up of the bridge, which had previously been prepared by the Royal Engineers for demolition (it was a very long iron girder bridge).

The Battalion left at 9.30 p.m. and the bridge was blown up by the Royal Engineers at 10 p.m., the nearest section to the Ghent side being blown up. The explosion shattered the windows of the houses at least 5oo yards from the bridge and the noise was heard, I am informed, at or near Ghent. The inhabitants became very alarmed and proceeded with their goods and chattels to Ghent as soon as we left Saynearde. The Regiment marched via Ghent, where we remained about one hour, The Transport of thr Division having left very hurriedly along the Hansbeke road, and the troops followed, Battalions being closed right up to one another. The troops marched all night to Hansbeke, a distance of 16 miles. The Battalion occupied the post of honour as rear guard to French, Belgian and British troops.

It would be well to point out that Officers and men had been without rest for at least two or three days, being constantly at work and outpost and without food for 20 hours, so that this march was most trying, the men falling asleep at every halt, even at temporary checks. It could be described as practically a night march. Everybody was so done up and beat to the world. All Regiments of the 22nd Brigade will never forget this most trying march of 16 miles. The Brigade halted at Overbroek at 6.30 a.m. in a very thick mist and fearfully cold. The Battalion halted and had breakfast, and every man was asleep in a very short time. About 11.30 a.m. orders were received to march at 1 p.m.

It was now presumed that the idea of defending Hansbeke had been abandoned. The march was resumed at 1 p.m. and continued throughout the day via Bellem, Aeltre, and Ruywselede to Thielt. This was also a most trying march, as the Officers and men, as you will have read above, had only 3 or 4 hours rest, the distance covered being 32 miles in 24 hours. The men were so tired and done that they wanted no food but slept whenever they could. The whole Battalion slept in a college, the officers having a large dormitory at the top of the building – the first beds for some weeks. At 6 a.m. the next morning heavy firing was heard in the streets of Thielt and everyone thought the Germans had got into the town, but no, the French Marines (6,000 of them who were in the town) were firing at a German aeroplane and brought it down, much to the joy of all the troops.

We heard on arrival at Thielt of the capture of Antwerp by the Germans, and remained in our billets there until 12 noon, where every Officer, N.C.O. and man had a good rest, a splendid meal, and of all luxuries, a thorough good wash.

Hitherto the march had appeared something aimless and rather in the nature of a flight, but it now appeared that the 7th Division had done good work in assisting the Naval Brigade, i.e. 4,000 men to escape from Antwerp after destroying Store, Ammunition, bridges, and other munitions of war. This march from Ghent to Thielt was 36 miles which was executed in 23 ½ hours.

13th The Division left Thielt at 11 a.m. and marched in a drizzling rain to Bevering, which was reached very late at night. ‘A’ company under Welchman and ‘C’ Company under Major Loder-Symonds were on Outpost, the remainder of the Battalion billeted in the small village. There was no food for the Battalion and Major Buckle, the 2nd in Command, was up all night commandeering bread, cheese, ham, sausage, coffee, sugar, oats and hay for the Battalion, which was issued at a very early hour before the men left the village – the Companies on Outpost receiving their share on rejoining the Battalion at 3 a.m.

This march to Bevering was a very heavy march, 24 miles and a very heavy road, which delayed the column considerably, the men having to assist in pulling the wagons out of the heavy mud, which was no easy task.

14th We left Bevering at 5 a.m. and marching through a large town, Roulers. Half the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the Queen’s were so exhausted that they were taken by train to Ypres. The Warwicks and South Staffords marched to Ypres, about 17 miles. During the march very heavy firing was heard coming from the direction of Armentieres where the British were at this time engaged. We arrived in Ypres and got into very comfortable billets, thanks to our billeting party under Captain White who did us splendidly in every way. No Battalion, I am quite certain were ever better served than we – billets and good food.

We met in Ypres, on arrival at 4 p.m. the French troops for the first time, 87th Division. The 7th Division were located as follows in the most important town of Ypres:-

The Headquarters of the 7th Division in the town. 20th Brigade occupied the position about Zillebeke. 21st and 22nd Brigades billeted in the town for the night and left for the S.W. outskirts of Ypres at 8 a.m. where we remained until 2.30 p.m. and then moved out on the Zonnebeke road until 8 p.m. when we again returned to Ypres and billeted in the main street for the night.

15th / 16th The Colonel had a meeting of Officers at 2 a.m. in the Battn. Headquarters and explained the situation and what he had orders to do, and how he proposed to carry out this purpose, detailing the various Officers and their Companies for their various duties. The instructions were as follows: - The French were occupying a position from St. Julien to Langemark to Bixsehoete and our Cavalry were allotted an area from Zandvoorde to Bedelaere to Zonnebeke, to entrench and prepare a strong position. Information had then been received that one German Division was at Menen which Sir Henry Rawlinson was ordered to attack in conjunction with the 87th French Division.

The 22nd Brigade were distributed as follows:- The Royal Warwicks were on Outpost on the Zonnebeke road about 1 mile E. of Ypres. The Royal Welch, who moved forward in front, had orders to get in touch with the enemy, which were supposed to be near Zonnebeke.

The Staffords were in support of the Welch Fusiliers, and the Queen’s were on the Fusilier’s Right. We had to move at 3 a.m.; there was a very heavy mist this morning and we advanced straight up the road, no opposition being met with and only a few Germans were seen by the Advance Battalion. We remained there until about 10.30 a.m. when we moved up to our position at Zonnebeke where we entrenched ourselves. ‘A’ Company occupied the front of the line near the School which was the Battalion’s Headquarters, ‘B’ and ‘C’ companies in reserve behind ‘D’ Company. This night there was a continuous rifle fire the whole night. The Wiltshire Regiment who were on our right were the cause of the fusillade and by some unforeseen error, Captain Major of ‘C’ Coy. Wiltshire Regiment was shot dead by his own men.

17th Nothing of any importance occurred this day except good work in improving the trenches and generally tidying up. The Brigadier General made a careful inspection of the trenches of the 22nd Brigade.

18th The Battalion had to act as left flank guard to the 21st Brigade and march forward to Molenhoek and entrenched for the night. In the meantime the G.O.C. Fourth Army Corps had received orders to seize the crossing of the Lys at Menin where there was supposed to be one German Division. We had no fighting. ‘D’ Company, under Captain Vallentin, pushed forward to Strooboonhoek and did not come into contact with any of the enemy. Three armoured motor cars which were under Officers and men of the Royal Navy and Marines passed through Dadizule and came in touch with a Company of German Infantry in the direction of Kleyhoek, losing two men, killed. ‘D’ Coy rejoined the Battalion as reserve that night.

19th The Division came up to carry out the attack in the direction of Menin. The 22nd Brigade were ordered to attack Kleyhoek where an aeroplane had located German trenches.

The Bedford Regiment, who attacked a position near a windmill S.W. of Gheluvelt lost Lieut. Bell, killed and 6 men killed and 4 wounded. The Officer had only recently joined the Battalion on having been commissioned from Corporal in the 2nd Battalion of our Regt. The Battalion were in Brigade Reserve. The plan of operations were as follows:-

The Queen’s Regt were to advance on Kleyhoek with their right resting on the Menin – Roulers road. The royal Welch Fusiliers on their right. The royal Warwicks were supporting the firing line and the Staffords were in Brigade Reserve. The move of the Brigade was very early, at

4 a.m. the Staffords halting at Strooboonhoek for a couple of hours. We then marched through Dadizule and halted in a field on the other side of the village. We remained there for about 1 ½ hours. We then received orders to reinforce the Brigade, the Battalion moved forward wit ‘A’ & ‘B’ on the right and ‘C’ & ‘D’ Coys on the left until we reached the windmill hill, which had been previously occupied by the Germans who had been turned out by the Royal Welch Fusiliers. The Battn then came under a very heavy shell fire (shrapnel) both from the front and the flanks. On the front line of the Battalion reaching the crest of the hill an order was passed down from the right to retire. The retirement was carried out by Companies, with the exception of 30 men of ‘C’ Coy under Major Loder-Symonds, who received no authentic order and continued to advance to a wood which had also been taken by our Battalion and the Welch Fusiliers, and remained about a quarter of an hour whilst Lt. Evans went and ascertained from a Captain of the Royal Welch Fusiliers what the orders were, and he told Mr Evans that they had just received orders for them to retire. This officer was killed this day. A pair of German wire-cutters were picked up by one of our officers in the wood and were found of the utmost value. This party of 30 men then retired still under heavy shell fire, and eventually rejoined the Queen’s Regt outside Dadizul, who were fighting a rear-guard action.

The Battalion entrenched in front of Strooiboonhoek and covered the retirement of the transport of the 7th Division. Our casualties were only 6 wounded this day.

At about 4.30 p.m. what was thought to be a friendly aeroplane flew over our lines and as it went over the crossroads in Strooiboonhoek, dropped a bomb, which fell near the General Staff of the 22nd Brigade. Our General Lawford had a very narrow escape.

It is interesting to note that during the attack in the morning Major Loder-Symonds, who was with the 30 men, left as stated before, advanced at first in the reputed manner, in short rushes across 400 yards of ploughed land. He soon got tired of this, owing to heavy accoutrements, rucksack, etc. and then went to the other extreme. He slung his rifle and walked slowly on without deigning to notice any shells, etc. which burst around his feet. He went about like this till we reached the enemy’s position, which had by then been evacuated, and a look of intense boredom was on his face the whole time. Having covered the entrenchment of the 7th Division from Strooiboonhoek the Battalion retired to a temporary position at Molenhoek, we occupying our old trenches there for about 2 hours.

We then fell back to Zonnebeke and again took up the defensive positions the Regt. had previously held, and commenced to improve the positions.

That night the Colonel, Bonner, Green and Evans slept on the floor of a deserted inn. One of the party thought he should get back to the trenches. He only got as far as Evans’ bed, who soon transferred him to Burke’s whose kit he had thrown into the middle of the room. Shortly after this his attention was attracted by snoring, which he decided must be stopped at once; he thereupon proceeded to violently kick the accused and ended up by pulling his leg and waking him. Before the accused was properly awakened the somnambulist got back into bed. The Colonel on waking up had pulled his Balaclava helmet down around his neck, and then he got up and accused each in turn of stealing the helmet. After the beds and persons of all the Officers concerned had been searched, it was decided to abandon the search in view of the very heavy firing which had gone on the whole of the time. The Officers then left the inn and went into the trenches, and on getting out-side the Colonel found the Balaclava helmet around his neck. All Officers were then exonerated and the incident was closed, amidst salvos from the Artillery of both sides.

20th The enemy commenced a vigorous bombardment and attacked the whole day with their Artillery and Infantry. £ men of ‘B’ Company were killed this day who were scouting in the wood in front of the trenches. It was the day that the Germans got to within 500 yards of our trenches. The firing continued the whole night through, the enemy made one or two slight attacks during the night, possibly with the object of reconnoitring our position, so that the Battalion had actually been in action for 3 days and were beginning to be tired.

21st At daylight this day the enemy attacked in tremendous numbers accompanied by a furious onslaught of artillery, which continued the whole day until 4 p.m. Some excellent rifle shooting practise was afforded the Regiment on the left, as we could see the Germans quite plainly from 300 to 500 yards, and we must have accounted for several hundred Germans alone.

The shells were continually falling 10 yards this and the other side of our trenches; they had never got the proper range, which was a good thing for us. We also had to contend with the fire of a Machine Gun which we could not locate, and snipers in a farm house to our right front. Dr Wheeler and Arnold were killed by snipers and Lieut. Evans was wounded.

At 4 p.m. the Queen’s and Welch Fusiliers on our left went back leaving our left flank exposed and the German Infantry got around our flank in the darkness, it was a very dark night. However we remained there under shell and Sergeant Bytheway and his men are to be congratulated on this very good work performed: they gave the Germans a thorough good doing this day.

The Welch Fusiliers lost 9 Officers killed and 14 Officers wounded this day, and two-thirds of their men.

22nd At 4 a.m. this day the Battalion had orders to retire, the other Regiments having moved without orders and left us there alone. The whole Battalion retired across country, where Colonel Ovens was complimented by the Brigadier General on getting the Battalion safely back.

We were now without and ammunition carts or pack animals and all the Officer’s chargers had been killed at Zonnebeke. This was a very fearful time; the men had nothing to eat and had not slept for three nights, and they presented a very pitiable appearance, both officers and men. Most of the men had lost their great-coats and equipment and other comforts, and felt anything but pleased with the Germans.

The Regiment took up a position with the remainder of the Brigade on a long line in a much enclosed country called Valdhoek. The Brigade was a bit mixed up, Companies of one Corps were entrenched with other Corps etc. Nothing further occurred this day except occasional sniping. We received the news, which was most encouraging and cheerful; to say the 1st and 2nd Divisions were coming up to reinforce us, which help was badly needed. ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies were shelled at long range and they had occasional rifle shots, and spent most of the day improving the trenches. This night things were rather quiet and not much rifle fire.

23rd There was little or nothing doing this day. The troops remained very quiet and everybody thought things were quite peaceful.

It was this day that Captain Dunlop and part of ‘B’ Company with 2nd Lieuts. Archer-Shee and Bartlett went up to reinforce the Wiltshire Regiment which were giving way. These men were under a very heavy fire, shrapnel; our men got into the Wiltshire trenches and remained there for the day

[Roy Evans]

I am interested in early Aisne battles when I gather 2nd Bn South Staffs were in and out of the line near Soupir c.18th Sept - 3rd Oct 1914 .. when in the line, at a place that came to be known as 'Rifle Point', and wondering if there is any mention of a detached gun (or indeed artillery FOOs) in the line with them, perhaps from 71st Bty (36th Bde RFA) .. I believe there was/were by 4th? October when 1/KRRC had relieved them ... thanks for any info on artillery at that time ..

david

David,

The war diary for September & early October 1914.

Roy

September 1914 AMBLENY

1st Marched to VILLARS COTTERETS where we halted for one hour for dinners at 12 Noon. On resuming the March, a report was received that the 4th Guards Brigade (Rear Guard) had been heavily attacked and suffered loss. On receipt of the message the 6th Infty. Brigade, were ordered back to support this Brigade (4th Guards Brigade) with the 34th Brigade R.F.A.

The Battalion were on the right in a wood & at about 4 p.m. came under heavy Artillery fire from the Germans, the firing lasting over an hour. Losses 1 killed, 24 wounded, about 6 p.m. the Battalion marched with the remainder of Brigade to THURY-EN-VALOIS, and reached there about 10 p.m. and bivouacked.

THURY-EN-VALOIS

2nd 3 30 a.m. The Battalion marched to TRILBARDOV reaching it at 8 30 p.m.

TRILBARDOV

3rd 2 30 a.m. The Battalion marched to BILBARTEAUX-LES-VANNES which was reached at 3 30 p.m. and remained there until 12 noon on 4th. September, a rest well earned and appreciated after the very hard marching previously.

BILBARTEAUX-LES-VANNES

4th 12 noon. Marched and bivouacked near the Village of VOISINS on the main road to COULOMMIERS which was reached at 8 30 p.m.

VOISINS

5th 2 30 a.m. The Battalion marched to CHAUMES which was reached at 11 15 a.m. and bivouacked there for the night.

CHAUMES

6th 8 a.m. The Battalion left CHAUMES and arrived at about 9 30 a.m. at CHAUCUISSON left at 6 p.m. arriving at CHATEAU-DELA FONTENELLE about 8 p.m. and bivouacked for the night. Ref Map PROUINS Sheet 66

7th The Battalion advanced with the Brigade & marched via TORVIN-LA-BOISSIERE-CHARLY Map MEAUX Sheet 49 to a point just south of ST SIMEON arriving about

8 30 p.m. The Brigade still formed the General Reserve.

ST SIMEON

8th 6 30 a.m. The Battalion in Brigade advanced at 6 30 a.m. via REBAIS-LATRETOIRE-BOITRON to LA-NOUE arriving at 9 45 p.m. still in Reserve.

LA-NOUE

9th Battalion in Brigade who formed Advance Guard to 2nd Division advanced via CHARLY-SUR-MARNE-VILLIERS-DOMPTIN to COUPRU, arriving about 6 p.m. “A” Coy & “C” Coy found the Out-posts to the Brigade one man was shot through the wrist today, the weather previous to today had been extremely hot, but had now changed, raining a little, and much cooler. The fitness of the men was very good.

10th 4 a.m. The Brigade advanced at 4 a.m. with the intention of marching to NOROY and OUREQ (Ref map 33 SOISSONS) on arrival at a point just south of HAUTEVESSES, we surprised a German column at about 8.45 a.m. and the Brigade attacked them, the fight lasted two & a half hours. The Battalion were on the left with only two Coys in action. The Germans surrendered & about 450 prisoners taken – 2 officers Capt. R. Duckworth & Lieut E.R. Birch were wounded, 1 man killed and 5 wounded. At about 5 p.m. the Brigade advanced about 2 miles to CHEVILLION where they bivouacked for the night.

CHEVILLION

11th 5.50 a.m. The Battalion moved at the head of the main body of the 2nd Division via SOMMERLANS-LATTILLY-BRENY-OULCHY-LEC-CHATEAU-COGNY to WALLEE where we billeted for the night arriving about 5 p.m.

WALLEE

12th 5 a.m. The Battalion in Brigade left& marched via BEUGNEAX-ARCY-ST.RESTIT-EUR-BRANGES-QUINCY-BRAINE to MONTHUSSART FARM where we arrived at 8 p.m. and billeted for the night.

MONTHUSSART FARM

13th The Battalion in Brigade advanced & after having a halt of about 8 hours on the way, arrived at VEILLY-ARCY at about 6 p.m. where they billeted for the night.

VEILLY-ARCY

14th 5 a.m. The Battalion in Brigade advanced, with the object of reaching COLLGIS, on arrival at MOUSSY, the Germans were found to have taken up a very strong position to the north. The Battalion kept in MOUSSY as reserve to the Brigade.

MOUSSY

15th The Battalion in reserve at MOUSSY. The enemy gives fire, very heavy and the Battalion suffered a few casualties including 2 officers viz; Lieut C.T. Rutherford & 2/Lt G.T.MILLAR both wounded.

16th The Battalion in reserve at 1.15 p.m. the Battalion was sent to SOUPIR to act as reserve to 4th Guards Brigade. 2 men were killed and 7 injured on the way. At 6.30 p.m. they were sent back again to MOUSSY to their original place in reserve to 6th Infantry Brigade.

2 men were wounded on the return march, Cr-Sgt C.S.M. ARMSTRONG & Pte Cooper.

17th The Battalion in reserve at MOUSSY.

18th 2 a.m. The Battalion received orders to go at once to SOUPIR in support to 4th Guards Brigade & remain there.

SOUPIR

19th 1 p.m. At SOUPIR, position heavily attacked about 1 p.m. till dark, the Battalion held in readiness to support but were not required.

20th Still at SOUPIR. For the last week or so the weather has been good, very heavy rain at times but the fitness of the men is excellent, the supplies have been received regularly every day. At 2 p.m. C & D Coys under Major Routledge were ordered to take-over the trenches occupied by the 1st Kings Royal Rifles in the entrenched position at SOUPIR, the other two Companies with Battn. Hd.Qrs were ordered to CHAVONNE to support the right of the Wiltshire Regt (7th Brigade) who had been driven back and at 7 p.m. when the Wiltshire Regt had rejoined their original position these two Companies returned to SOUPIR where they remained in reserve to the two Companies in the trenches.

Casualties 1 killed 7 wounded.

21st C & D Companies in the trenches were relieved by A & B Companies at 4.30 p.m. and were attacked that night. 2nd Lieut A.A.E. Gyde & 1 man were wounded.

22nd At 1.30 a.m. C & D Companies & Battn. Hd.Qrs. marched to BOURG where they went into billets and were joined by A & B Companies about 12 Noon, the trenches having been taken over from these Companies by the 17th Bgde. The 6th Brigade are now in Reserve, the other three Battalions being billeted at CRUILLY.

BOURG

23rd Battalion remained in billets at BOURG.

24th Battalion remained in billets at BOURG.

25th The Battalion received orders to move to SOUPIR to support the 17th Brigade. SOUPIR was reached about 5 p.m. & Battalion went up to the trenches to support Rifle Brigade where they remained.

SOUPIR

26th B & C Companies remained in the trenches, and A & D Companies retired to SOUPIR, where they billeted for the remainder of the day. Lieut W.O.W. Ball RAMC was killed in action this day.

27th 4 a.m. A & D Companies advanced to a position about 1 mile N of SOUPIR in the wood to be nearer to support the other two Companies B & C still in the trenches.

28th Companies in the same positions in the trenches.

29th Companies in the same positions.

30th Companies in the same positions.

October 1914

1st 6 p.m. A & D Companies moved up from their positions to the trenches, the whole Battalion now occupying the trenches with 2 Companies 1st K.R.R. Corps in support taking the old positions of B & C Coys.

2nd Battalion in same position as yesterday.

3rd Battalion in same position as yesterday.

4th Battalion relieved in the trenches by 1st K.R.R.C. B & C Companies remaining in support, A & D Companies returned to the wood 1 mile N of SOUPIR.

5th Battalion in same position as yesterday.

6th 6 p.m. B & C Coys were withdrawn from support of 1st K.R.R.C. in trenches, then the whole Battalion marched to MOUSSY to relieve 1st Kings Liverpool Regt. A & D Companies occupied the trenches W of the BEAULINE Spur. B & C Companies were billeted in MOUSSY in support.

MOUSSY

7th Battalion in same position.

8th At 10 p.m. the Companies interchanged, the two reserve companies going up to the trenches and A & D going into billets at MOUSSY.

9th Battalion in same position.

10th At 10 p.m. the Companies interchanged, the two reserve companies going up to the trenches

11th Companies in same position.

12th At 10 p.m. the Companies interchanged.

13th Companies in the same position. The section on our left which was occupied by 1st Royal Berkshire Regt. Was taken over by the 6th Battn, 267th French Regt. At 12 Midnight.

14th Companies interchanged.

15th 11.30 p.m. The Battalion was relieved by the 148th French Regt. C Coy & ½ of B left at 11.45 p.m. for FISMES. Ref. Map RHEIMS

16th After the French had taken over from the Companies in the trenches A, D and ½ B Companies, which was about 4.30 a.m., these Companies with Battn. Head Qrs. Marched to FISMES, arriving at 9 a.m. The Battalion entrained at 12 noon & left at 3.30 p.m. Destination unknown.

ENTRAINED

17TH The train passed through AMIENS, BOULOGNE at 5 p.m. CALAIS arrived at STRAZELLE at 12 mid-night 17/18th October 1914 & marched to Billets – HAZEBROUCK arriving at 4.15 18th Ref. Map St. Omer

[battiscombe]

many thanks for that Aisne information

david

[Doug Lewis]

Roy

I have already posted the 8th Btn War Diary for Paul last week here http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=150257

Regards Doug.

[Doug Lewis]

Hi Roy

Off the top of my head isn't this the period (24th October to 8th November) when there was no diary kept as the Btn had been virtually wiped out. I will have a look at my copy tomorrow.

Regards Doug.

[Roy Evans]

Hi Roy

Off the top of my head isn't this the period (24th October to 8th November) when there was no diary kept as the Btn had been virtually wiped out. I will have a look at my copy tomorrow.

Regards Doug.

Cheers Doug, I suspect you are right.

Roy

[ryan77]

Roy

I have already posted the 8th Btn War Diary for Paul last week here http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=150257

Regards Doug.

Thanks Doug / Roy for all theinformation

sorry for the confusion i'll stick to one question at a time in future

I am also looking for info on 2 men from the 2nd Btn - William Myatt 7883 died 18/5/1915 and John George Gibbons 6732 died 13/10/1915

any details would again be greatly appreciated

Regards Paul

[Roy Evans]

Thanks Doug / Roy for all theinformation

sorry for the confusion i'll stick to one question at a time in future

I am also looking for info on 2 men from the 2nd Btn - William Myatt 7883 died 18/5/1915 and John George Gibbons 6732 died 13/10/1915

any details would again be greatly appreciated

Regards Paul

Paul,

May

1915

1st The Battalion was relieved in the CUINCHY trenches by 1/K.R.R.

Marched to BETHUNE and billeted in the Orphanage.

BETHUNE

2nd Battalion in billets in BETHUNE. Inspection of kit & etc.

3rd Battalion in billets in BETHUNE

4th Battalion exercise at 1.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. A terrific thunderstorm burst at about 5.30 p.m. At 1.30 a.m. a working party of 100 men under 2/Lieut. PHIPPS marched to RUE DE L’EPINETTE returning at 12 noon.

5th Battalion training 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

6th Brigade exercise 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

7th Orders were received about 7 p.m. that the Brigade would leave BETHUNE at about 2 a.m. on the 8th. These orders were cancelled shortly afterwards.

8th Conference at 6th Infantry Brigade Headquarters at 2 p.m. attended by Commanding Officers, senior majors, adjutants and Company Commanders.

Brigadier – General FANSHAW explained the method of advance to be adopted in the Brigade which now consisted of six regiments, the 5th & 7th Kings Liverpool Regiments (Territorial Force) in addition to the four regular regiments which originally constituted the 6th Infantry Brigade.

About 8.30 p.m. orders were received the Brigade would march at about 2 a.m. on 9th inst.

9th The Battalion left BETHUNE at 2 a.m. and went into billets at LES FACONS arriving there at about 3.45 a.m.

Attack by 1st army at 5.40 a.m. after preliminary bombardment, the 2nd Division (less 4th Guards Brigade) being in Corps reserve. At 5.30 p.m. the Battalion marched via LE TOURET to RICHEBOURG ST VAAST arriving about 7.15 p.m. The attack of 1st Division resulted in no gain of ground and 1st Division was relieved by 2nd Division, the Battalion being in Brigade Reserve,

RICHEBOURG ST VAAST

10th Battalion left RICHEBOURG about 11.30 p.m. and went into bivouac at about 2.30 a.m., behind the right of line held by Indian corps.

The house occupied by Battalion Headquarters was shelled about 3.30 p.m.

2/Lieut. A. de HAMEL and 8 men wounded.

1st Royal Berkshire Regt. and 1/K.R.R. in trenches preparatory to an attack which was afterwards postponed.

11th At 6.30 a.m. the Battalion marched via LACOUTURE to LA TOURET and billeted there, the 6th Brigade being concentrated. The 7th Division which had marched down from the north during the night, was billeted along the RUE DE BOIS between BETHUNE and LE TOURET. The 1st Battalion (22nd Brigade) being billeted at ESSARS, about 2 miles south-west of LE TOURET.

LE TOURET

12th The Battalion remained in billets at LE TOURET.

A practise night advance in conjunction with 1st & 5th Kings Regiments was carried out at 9 p.m.

13th The Battalion in billets in LE TOURET. Celebration of Holy Communion by Revd BROOKS. Left at 5 p.m. for LACOUTURE where Battalion went into billets.

LACOUTURE

14th Battalion in billets at LACOUTURE.

15th In billets at LACOUTURE. The Battalion left for the RUE DU BOIS at 8.30 p.m. in order of Companies ‘D’, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and on arrival moved up in succession into D, C, B, A, lines as the 60th‘s supports vacated them. At 11.30 p.m. the attack was launched on the German trenches, under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, by the 7th Liverpools, 1st Royal Berks, and 60th Rifles which succeeded in driving the enemy from their two front lines of trenches in which they established themselves.

RICHEBOURG L’AVOUE

16th At 1 a.m. on the 16th ‘D’ Company under command of Capt. F.H. GUNNER, D.S.O. moved forward in support of the 60th rifles who had called for reinforcements and occupied the first line of German trenches between R.6 and R.2. when Capt. K.J. MAPLES was killed by a fragment of a shell; the other three Companies remained in ‘A’ & ‘B’ lines under very heavy shell fire throughout the day. 4 Captains, G. de C. GLOVER, H.S. BLOCKLEY, H.H. SABBEN, and F.J. KINNAIRED and Lieut. S. A.P. PRIOR, V.J. HALLAM and C.E.W. CHARRINGTON being wounded. At 8 p.m. orders were received to relieve 60th Rifles during the night.

17th At 1 a.m. ‘A’ & ‘B’ and ½ ‘C’ Companies advanced to relieve the 60th Rifles from R.7 R.5 R.6, the other half of ‘C’ Coy. which had been employed in carrying rations, water and bombs to the front, rejoined prior to the attack.

LE FME. COUR D’AVOINE supported on their left by the 5th Brigade, whose objective was the FME. DU BOIS. And on the right by the 1st Kings, in order of Companies ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘C’, ‘B’.

The right Battalion of the 5th Brigade failed to gain their objective, leaving our left flank, which had advanced to the stream running at right angles to the line R.3 and R.4 in the air. ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies suffered heavy casualties from enfilade fire from rifles and machine-guns, a platoon of ‘D’ Company had pushed as far forward as D.8 with advanced scouts up to the dyke north of FME. COUR D’AVOINE. It was at this period of the attack Lieut. Colonel P.C.L. ROUTLEDGE whilst gallantly leading the men forward was killed, while Lieuts. W. HALL and R.E. HODGSON were wounded, Capt. And Adjt. R.W. MORGAN being wounded at the same time.

A second attempt was made in the afternoon with ‘B’ Company leading, with ‘C’ Company which was hung up on the line R.3 R.4 where they held on until receiving orders to fall back on the line R.5 R.3 and the breastworks occupied by them and 2 platoons of the 5th King’s Liverpools N.W. of R.4 at about 7 p.m.

Only 130 of the Battalion which had gone in on the 15th nearly 1000 strong, could be mustered that night.

The Battalion under very heavy shell fire occupied this line all night and the following day, linked up with the SIRHIND Brigade on the left, and 5th Liverpools on our right and in rear.

18th & 19th The SIRHIND Brigade arriving after daybreak 17th / 18th were unable to relieve with the exception of the H.L.I. The Battalion consequently held onto line R.5 – R.3 instead of R.1 – R.2 as ordered. The Battalion was eventually relieved by the 4th and 7th Liverpools at about 1.30 a.m. 19th inst. And moved into Divisional Reserve at RICHEBOURG ST.VAAST, the 6th Brigade being relieved in the evening by the 152nd Brigade 51st Division (Territorial Force).

The Battalion marched to BETHUNE at 4 p.m. arriving at MONTMORENCY BARRACKS at 7 p.m. where they billeted for the night.

[Roy Evans]

Thanks Doug / Roy for all theinformation

sorry for the confusion i'll stick to one question at a time in future

I am also looking for info on 2 men from the 2nd Btn - William Myatt 7883 died 18/5/1915 and John George Gibbons 6732 died 13/10/1915

any details would again be greatly appreciated

Regards Paul

and....

October

1915

BETHUNE - VERMELLES

1st 6 p.m. In compliance with orders received from 6th Brigade, the Battalion left BETHUNE at 6 p.m. to march to VERMELLES. Passing through BEUVRY we were held up for nearly an hour by a block of troops and traffic moving in all directions.

9 p.m. We eventually arrived at VERMELLES at 9 p.m. and went into Brigade Reserve taking over reserve trenches from 1st Yorks and Lancaster Regt. The day was fine but very cold.

VERMELLES – BETHUNE

2nd to 3rd Battalion in same position. The day was bright and sunny and favourable for observation by aircraft. A German aeroplane flew over VERMELLES during the morning but was driven off by our aeroplanes.

7 p.m. At 7 p.m. the Battalion found a fatigue party of 300 men for digging in front line. Heavy gun and rifle fire went on throughout the night and considerable bombing also took place.

4.30 a.m. The fatigue party eventually returned at 4.30 a.m. Casualties 2 men wounded.

10.30 a.m. The 6th Brigade was relieved by 1st Guards Brigade. Battalion marched at 10.30 a.m. to BETHUNE where we arrived about 1 p.m. and, after some delay, went into billets at Ecole JEANNE D’ARC.

5 p.m. About 5 p.m. a draft of 150 other ranks arrived. The space available was very restricted and the men, consequently, very closely crowded together.

WEEKLY SICK STATE. Week ending 3.10.15

Reporting – 41

Attending – 30

To Hospital - 8

BETHUNE

4th 9 a.m. There was a heavy rainstorm at about 9 a.m. At 10.30 a.m. the Commanding Officer was sent for to Brigade Headquarters.

11 a.m. About 11 a.m. a further draft of 47 other ranks arrived.

On this day Capt. J.L. DENT D.S.C. again left us to take up duties as Staff Captain to 6th Brigade.

2/Lieut. S. CALDWELL joined this day.

5th Battalion at rest in billets

6th On this day 1/Lieuts. W.R.G. BENSON, J.H. POWELL and T.P. PEED arrived. 2/Lieut. A.P. PRIOR rejoined the Battalion.

In the afternoon Brigadier General A.C. DALY G.O.C. 6th Infy. Brigade visited the Battalion.

7th A draft of 54 NCOs. and men arrived about 3 p.m.

8th 5.30 p.m. About 5.30 p.m. orders were received from 6th Brigade that Regiments were to march to BEUVRY and take up a position of readiness there. On arrival at BEUVRY the Battalion bivouacked in an open space West of the village with the other Regiments of the Brigade.

Information was received that the enemy were making an attack near VERMELLES. The gun fire which had been very heavy all afternoon gradually died away, and the Battalion returned to billets in BETHUNE about 12 midnight. We afterwards heard that this attack had failed with very heavy enemy losses.

BETHUNE

9th Battalion at rest in billets.

10th WEEK ENDING 10.10.15.

WEEKLY SICK STATE.

Reporting – 116

Attending – 63

To Hospital - 20

11th 2/Lieuts. J. WEST and S. HOLLAND-SMITH joined. Battalion still in billets in BETHUNE.

12th Throughout the whole of the rest period training was carried out daily in the vicinity of BETHUNE, particular attention being paid to the training of grenadiers and the blocking of trenches against bombing attack under a system worked out by Brevet Lieut. Col. MOSS, Commanding the Battalion. At the request of G.O.C. 6th Brigade this system was submitted to him, and by his order adopted throughout the whole of 6th Brigade.

13th 5 p.m. About 5 p.m. the area immediately surrounding our billets at the Eastern end of BETHUNE received five heavy shells, one of which burst in the road just in front of Battalion billets, almost entirely wrecking two houses and breaking the glass of all the windows in the billets themselves. The men were immediately sent away from the billets by platoons to different parts of the town, returning about 6.30 p.m. when all was quiet. Our casualties were 3 killed and 9 wounded and 2 missing.

These shells, which were afterwards identified as having been fired by an 11 inch Krupp mortar, fell at regular intervals of 5 minutes.

About midnight orders were received for the Battalion to leave BETHUNE next day.

[ryan77]

thanks for the quick response Roy

I am researching 8 men altogether all from willenhall / wednesfield (2 who are brothers with possibly a third brother) so all this information is great I am in the process of putting everything I have together so I might be back soon with some more queries

Thanks again

Paul

[Roy Evans]

thanks for the quick response Roy

I am researching 8 men altogether all from willenhall / wednesfield (2 who are brothers with possibly a third brother) so all this information is great I am in the process of putting everything I have together so I might be back soon with some more queries

Thanks again

Paul

Paul,

Any help Doug or myself can give.........

I'm setting up a website 'The South Staffordshire Regiment in the Great War' which should go live in September and will include a 'Biography' section. If you would like me to include any of your men let me know.

If you are local to your area of research, have you thought of coming to a meeting of the South Staffs Pals, held on the 1st Tuesday of every month?

Roy

[mikefry]

Doug Lewis, on 11 August 2010 - 12:14 AM, said:

Hi Roy

Off the top of my head isn't this the period (24th October to 8th November) when there was no diary kept as the Btn had been virtually wiped out. I will have a look at my copy tomorrow.

Regards Doug.

Cheers Doug, I suspect you are right.

Roy

Thanks guys for the information about my Arthur GOLLICKER. His date of death certainly falls into that period. Is there any other place where I might be able to find out what went on during the missing period?

[shootdown1]

<!--quoteo(post=1379208:date=Mar 21 2010, 08:39 PM:name=shootdown1)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shootdown1 @ Mar 21 2010, 08:39 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1379208"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Hi Roy,

Would you have the entries for the 9th,10th and 11th April 1918 in the 4th South Stafford's war diary ;also the same dates for the 7th Brigade ?

Anthony<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Hi Anthony, I'll check it out this evening.

Roy

Roy,

Do the 4Th S/stafford war diaries include casualty and reinforcement figures from the 22 March to the 1st April.;are there any casualty figures in the 12Th to 15Th war diary entries?

[Doug Lewis]

I have just looked through my copy of the 4th Btn war diary, it does not record casualty or reinforcement figures for that period.

Regards Doug.

[shootdown1]

Thank you for your help.

[Wardog]

Hello. I've been asked to see if there is any information on Albert Edward Darby, who looks to have died of wounds while with 1st/5th South Staffs. 17-8-1917. I've found a works memorial on the web. Any info. on him of his Battalion would be of interest. Thanks, Paul.

[Roy Evans]

Hello. I've been asked to see if there is any information on Albert Edward Darby, who looks to have died of wounds while with 1st/5th South Staffs. 17-8-1917. I've found a works memorial on the web. Any info. on him of his Battalion would be of interest. Thanks, Paul.

I'll post info later this evening if no one else does.

Roy

[Roy Evans]

The diary records that he was wounded on 16th August, this is the entry for that day: -

HULLUCH SECTOR RIGHT BN. SUB-SECTOR

During the whole day the weather was fine, during attempted counter-attacks on the Canadians, our trenches were subjected to shelling but our losses were slight.

6.30 a.m. onwards; Although they had been working yesterday evening and without doubt throughout the night, yet this morning the enemy’s ambulances were observed moving backwards and forwards carrying away their wounded who fell in yesterday’s fighting. Many walking wounded could be seen limping back. Our artillery did not interfere with this work.

11 a.m. An aeroplane, nationality unknown, fell in flames near Wingles.

Roy

[Wardog]

Thank you very much Roy. So he looks to have been wounded during the shelling. Is he mentioned by name? Regards, Paul.

[Roy Evans]

Paul,

There is an appendix to the diary which records the names of casualties for each day. This is how I was able to say that he was wounded on the 16th.

Roy

[Wardog]

Cheers Roy. Regards, Paul.

[nawbus]

Hi Roy,

I wonder if you have anything in the War Diaries about Private Colin Jackson. He was number 42435 in 2nd Btn Soth Staffordshire Regiment and he died on 5th October 1918.

thanks in advance

Nick

[Roy Evans]

Hi Roy,

I wonder if you have anything in the War Diaries about Private Colin Jackson. He was number 42435 in 2nd Btn Soth Staffordshire Regiment and he died on 5th October 1918.

thanks in advance

Nick

Nick, I'll take a look this evening.

Roy

[Roy Evans]

Nick. As promised;

October 1918

NOYELLES

1st Battalion in Support. A & B Coys. 400 yds N. of CANAL DE ST. QUENTIN,

C & D Coys in RAILWAY EMBANKMENT just W. of CANAL.

Reorganisation & refitting. Weather fine.

2nd As above. Cleaning up & improving positions. Weather fine.

3rd Battn. Relieves 1st H.L.I. on night of 3rd / 4th A & B Coys. In front line, C & D Coys in close support.

Battn. Headquarters are at Mt. SUR LOEUVRE. Front line consists of series of posts running N. to S.

G. 3. a. 4. 9. to G. 10. A. 1. 9. Where a combined post with 1st KINGS REGT. Was established.

2nd Lt. E.T. CHIPMAN wounded.

Weather fine.

SOUTH OF CAMBRAI

4th Front line. A & B Coys established posts forward of existing line.

Only slight shelling by enemy.

Patrols by Coy Officers.

Weather fine.

5th Front line. Improvement of positions.

Increased shelling by enemy.

Patrols out during the night.

Weather remains fine.

[nawbus]

Thanks for that Roy. Very good of you!

Nick