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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

2nd Bn Suffolk Reg


philg

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Does anyone happen to have the diaries for this battalion for August and Sep 1918. Kew has got 1914 and 15 online, but not anything after that. So here's hoping.......

cheers

Phil

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Phil,

I'm afraid I don't have the War Diaries for that period, but I do have a copy of the Regimental History ("History of the Suffolk Regiment 1914-1927").

Would there be anything in there that would be of use to you?

Regards

Mark

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Hi Mark,

it would be useful to know if any details are given about their movements in August and Sep 1918, 30th August in particular. All I know is that they were involved in a battle to re-take the village of Ecoust St. Mein.

thanks a lot

Phil

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Hi Phil,

I copied this out a month or so ago for someone else so it should save Mark the trouble:

"At dawn on August 30 the battalion, under Lt Col Stubbs, attacked, the four company commanders being A/Capt G H Wainwright, 2/Lts H H Hammonds, and C Hills, MC, and Capt W J Nagle, MC. It appears that the village of Ecoust was taken easily, but that the battalion, unable to maintain itself in its advanced position, was compelled at the end of about six hours to fall back on the line of the Ecoust trench. In this action great gallentry was displayed by CSM J H Jones, MM, and Pte H H Roberts, who held on to their ground for five hours after the battalion had withdrawn. This warrant officer and man were awarded the DCM and MM respectively. Pte Roberts, who had previously distinguished himself by stalking a machine-gun post and putting a bullet through the gun, was afterwards badly wounded at Flesquieres. The casualties, amounting to over 200, included the following - Killed: Lt K G Passman. DoW: Capt G H Wainwright and 2/Lt Hills, MC. Wounded and Missing (prisoner): 2/Lt H H Hammonds, MC. Wounded: Lt C Coley; 2/Lts A J Courtney, L Fricker, S E Leighton, T Mealand and A Tomkins. 2/Lt Hills had been given a commission in the previous May for gallantry in the field with the 11th Battalion.

At nightfall on August 31st the battalion was resting in Mory Switch Trench."

I hope it's useful.

Cheers,

Taff

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Hi Phil

The 2nd Bn Suffolks were fighting along side the 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers through a long period of the war. Places mentioned in the 4th Bn R/Fusiliers Diary August 1918 are Chocques, Lozinghem, Raimbert, Hannescamps,Achiet Le Grand all near Arras. There is a mention on the 7th October 1918 as being in support of the 4th Bn Royal Fusiliers and the the Northumberland Fusiliers at a place called Masnieres.

I have a copy of the 4th BN Royal Fusiliers Diary and it mentions the Suffolks throughout, if you need any more info please ask.

Regards

Andy

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