Essex Regiment

[andy saunders]

Are there any Essex Regiment specialists out there?

I am trying to find any photos of 2nd Bn Essex Regiment during the July 1918 period. My specific interest lies with "D" Coy.

This is in relation to my research for the forthcoming book I am putting to gether with Norman Franks on "Mannock VC" due to be published by Grub Street during July 2008.

Any photograps or leads to unit histories, diaries etc that may cover events of 26 July 1918 would be welcome.

Andy Saunders

[J T Gray]

Andy,

Assuming you haven't already tried, try here: pompadour@chelmsford.gov.uk

That is the email for the Regimental Museum - the curator is Ian Hook, and he's a good bloke.

Adrian

(sorry - my interest is the 11th, so not a lot of help to you)

[andy saunders]

Andy,

Assuming you haven't already tried, try here: pompadour@chelmsford.gov.uk

That is the email for the Regimental Museum - the curator is Ian Hook, and he's a good bloke.

Adrian

(sorry - my interest is the 11th, so not a lot of help to you)

Thanks very much, Adrian! Andy

[GrandsonMichael]

Hi Andy,

Extract from the War Diary of the 2nd Battalion the Essex Regiment.

Tue., Jul 23, 1918

LEFT SUB-SECTOR FRONT LINE, FRANCE

Situation quiet. Inter-Company relief as follows:-

“A” Coy relieved “B” Coy in FRONT LINE.

“C” ,, ,, “D” ,, ,, SUPPORT.

“D “Coy LEFT RESERVE.

“B” Coy RIGHT RESERVE.

Casualties:- Lieut. N.S. DAVIES, Lieut. J. BUTLER and Lieut. R.T. FOX joined the Battalion for duty.

Wed., Jul 24, 1918

LEFT SUB-SECTOR FRONT LINE, FRANCE

Activity of enemy increased during the early hours of the morning, and continued at intervals during the day.

Casualties:- 4 Other Ranks to F.A.

Thu., Jul 25, 1918

LEFT SUB-SECTOR FRONT LINE, FRANCE

Situation very quiet during the day. “A” Company raided enemy trenches and shell holes from Q.27.a.45.73. to Q.21.c.3.2. No enemy were found in trench, and we suffered no casualties. Enemy artillery retaliation not heavy.

Casualties:- 2nd Lieut. G.H. PRIDMORE to 21st Battn. WEST YORKS REGIMENT.

1 Other Rank killed. 2 Other Ranks wounded. 2 Other Ranks reinforcements.

Fri., Jul 26, 1918

LEFT SUB-SECTOR FRONT LINE, FRANCE

Situation unchanged.

Casualties:- 3 Other Ranks reinforcements. 2 Other Ranks to F.A. 5 Other Ranks wounded. 1 Other Rank to Base for reporting. 1 Other Rank to England for commission.

Sat, Jul 27, 1918

LEFT SUB-SECTOR FRONT LINE, FRANCE

Situation still unchanged.

The Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Battn. SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS. and moved as follows:-

Two Companies (“A” and “B”) to CANAL BANK DEFENCES. “C” and “D” Companies and Battalion Headquarters to billets in BUSNETTES.

Casualties:- 2 Other Ranks reinforcements. 1 Other Rank to F.A.

Sun, Jul 28, 1918

BUSNETTES, FRANCE

“C” and “D” Companies and Battalion Headquarters spent the day in cleaning up, and general repairs to clothing and boots, etc.

Casualties:- 3 Other Ranks reinforcements. 1 Other Rank killed. 2 Other Ranks to F.A.

Mon., Jul 29, 1918

BUSNETTES, FRANCE

“C” and “D” Companies carried out firing practice on BUSNETTES Rifle Range during morning and skeleton manning of Battle positions in afternoon.

Casualties:- 5 Other Ranks wounded (accidentally). 2 Other Ranks reinforcements , 2 Other Ranks to F.A.

Tue., Jul 30, 1918

BUSNETTES, FRANCE

“C” and “D” Coys and Battn Hdqrs witnessed tracer demonstration and carried out firing practice on ALLOUAGNE Range..

Casualties:- Lieut. A. SLOANE joined Battalion for duty, 6 O.Rs reinforcements, 4 O.Rs to F.A.

July 26th 1918 isn’t even mentioned in The War 1914-1919, Volume 2, 2nd Bn. The Essex Regiment by J.W. Burrows. That’s all I can dig up I’m afraid.

Cheers,

Michael