1/4th Kings Own Royal lancs

[Guest]

I had a gt. Uncle who was in the 4th Kings own Royal lancs. He joined in 1915 aged 16.

I beleive this was a terotorial regement. But does anyone know what they were doing in 1915 and 1916? Or where they were?

He later joined the South Wales Borderers so maybe they were in Wales somewhere.

Can anyone help?

Thanks.

[jay dubaya]

welcome to the forum mje

the 1/4th Bn. was indeed a TF unit which sailed from Folkstone to Bologne in May 1915. Have you downloaded a copy of your Great Uncles MIC from the National Archives?

The following is taken from Westlake's 'Battalions on the Somme 1916'

1/4th Battalion (T.F.). 164th Brigade, 55th (West Lancashire) Division:

Arrived Berneuil from Sombrin (22/7). Entrained at Candas for Mericourt (25/7) and from there marched to Meaulte. To Happy Valley (26/7), positions between Trones Wood and Guillemont (30/7). 'B' Company attacked advanced German strong-point 8.30 p.m. (2/8) - forced to retire due to severe shelling. Renewed attack later more successful. Withdrew to reserve line - Dublin and Casement Trenches. To bivouacs south of Carnoy and west of Bronfay Farm (4/8). To trenches near Arrow Head Copse (7/8). Attack on Guillemont 3.45 a.m. (8/8) - assault driven back by bombs and machine gun fire. Casualties - 271. Relieved and to bivouacs south-west of Carnoy (9/8). War Diary notes observation balloon broke away towards enemy lines - occupant parachuted. To Mericourt (14/8). Entrained for Abbeville (19/8) and from there marched to Limercourt. Entrained at Pont-Remy for Mericourt- l'Abbe (30/8) and from there marched to bivouacs near Dernancourt. To positions near Albert on Amiens Road (31/8), east of Becordel-Becourt (6/9), Montauban (7/9), Montauban Alley (8/9), reserve line Crucifix Alley (9/9) - 1 company attached to 1/8th King's Liverpool in support. Moved forward to Delville Wood (10/9). Attack on Hop Alley and Ale Alley 5.20 a.m. (11/9) - withdrew after strong machine gun and rifle fire. Relieved and to Becourt (12/9), Ribemont (13/9). One officer and 120 other ranks sent to guard German prisoners in Corps cage at Mametz (15/9). To Buire (16/9), Becourt (17/9), York Trench (18/9) - moving to Mametz at midnight. Working parties around Longueval. To trenches in front of Delville Wood (Green Trench, King's Walk) (24/9). Moved forward to trenches east of Flers (26/9). In support of 1/8th King's Liverpool for attack on Gird Lines (27/9) - took over captured positions (28/9). Relieved and via Mametz to Dernancourt (29/9). Entrained for Longpre (1/10) and from there marched to Bouchon. Entrained at Longpre for Poperinghe (2/10).

cheers, Jon

[Northern Soul]

What was his name?

Andy.

[connaughtranger]

Hi

Quick summary of moves to fill in the year 1915 and the first half of 1916:

Fromelles (6/5/15), Locon (20/5/15), Richebourg L'Avoue (25/5/15), Duck's Bill (15/6/15), Pacaut (16/6/15), Laventie (26/6/15),

Bouzincourt (28/7/15), Aveluy/Authuille (4/8/15), Martinsart (28/8/15), Henencourt (21/9/15), Aveluy (26/9/15), Henencourt (7/11/15), Authuille (16/11/15)

Joined 55th Division Jan 1916 Longpre (7/1/16), Candas (31/1/16), Blamont Trenches, Bretencourt, Arras (26/2/16)

To mid June 1916 Blamont Trenches alternating with billets in Monchiet, Bretencourt and Simoncourt. Trenches at Agny (16/6/16), Barly (12/7/16) and back to Blamont Trenches (16/7/16)

[Northern Soul]

You can actually buy the War Diary of the 1st/4th Battalion:

War Diary

or the potted history:

1st/4th History

Can't get much more comprehensive than that !

Best wishes.

Andy.