1st Lincolnshire Regt

[Will O'Brien]

Can anyone tell me what the 1st Lincs were up to on the 1st November 1914. From the unit section on the website I have already gleaned that they took part in the Battle of Messines which is dated 12th October - 2nd November 1914, however, if anyone has some more specific info, I'd be very grateful.

Will

[Chris]

Hi Will.

The 1st Lincs were on 1st Nov ordered to retake the village of Wytschaete along with the 1st Northumberland Fusiliers. The lincs deployed on the right of the Kemmel - Wytschaete road and advanced in two lines. They reached a railway cutting to the south-west side of the village, but here they were heavily engaged by machine gunfire, taking many casulties. The Lincs then fell back about 100 yards. around dawn a second attempt was made to charge the railway cutting, but had to take cover in a fold in the ground. Daylight revealed their position to the Germans, and the lincs were forced to dash for cover to their rear in the direction of Kemmel.

Hope this is of use Will. Casulties were listed as 5 officers killed, 3 wounded. 293 other ranks killed, wounded or missing. Captain Blackwood was awrded a DSO, L/Cpl Fitch, Pte Saunders and Pte Birch all recieved DCM for their actions on 1st Nov.

[Will O'Brien]

Chris

That was absolutely great - many thanks for the info. It gives me a far better idea of what happened that day.

Will