2nd Bn KOSB July 1916

[maccmedalman]

Please can anybody help me with the movements of the 2nd Battalion KOSB in July 1916? I am particularly interested in the action that 10437 CSM William George Downs won the MC. According to his LG entry it was at Longueval - possibly around the 22nd July?

Thanks

Richard

[ceebee]

Richard

Here is the extract from Ray Westlake's book British Battalions on the Somme for the 2nd KOSB in July 1916:

Moved from Arras area (13/7) - passing through Heuzecourt and Herissart before reaching Franvillers (16/7). To Meaulte (17/7). Took over trenches between Bazentin-le-Grand and Longueval (19/7). "A" and "D" Companies attacked enemy position in front of Wood Lane (20/7) - objective taken and held until relieved at night by 14th Warwickshire. Attack on Wood Lane (22/7) - Machine gun fire from High Wood caused high casualties - just 1 platoon reached objective. Relieved by 1st Norfolk and to Pommiers Redoubt (23/7). To trenches at Longueval and Delville Wood (29/7). Attacked north west of Delville Wood 6.12pm (30/7). Relieved and to Pommiers Redoubt 91/8).

Hope this assists

Cheers

Chris

[Robert Dunlop]

2/KOSB were part of 5th Division. They were involved in the attack on Wood Lane, a German trench running from High Wood to the sunken lane that entered Longueval. They jumped off a 0130 hours, 23 July. The attack was unsuccessful - like so many of the attempts to take Delville and High Woods.

Robert

[maccmedalman]

Thanks very much chaps - that's made things much clearer.

Regards

Richard