General Enquiry

[Corporal Chris]

Help please! Have posted to a member who appears to be fountain of knowledge of one of my men's battalions. Have tried a number of times but keeps being bounced back to me because his in file is full. Is it just a question of being patient or is there a send and forget facility that I have missed?

Thanks,

Sharpshooter

[Stebie9173]

Hi, My name is Conscience. Guilty Conscience. I'll try and clear my Inbox tonight!!!

Steve.

[Corporal Chris]

Hi, My name is Conscience. Guilty Conscience. I'll try and clear my Inbox tonight!!!

Steve.

Thanks, Steve. Not sure how you knew my posting was for you but still learning how to use the forum!

Regards,

Sharpshooter

[Stebie9173]

I'm free!

Steve.

[Myrtle]

Thanks, Steve. Not sure how you knew my posting was for you but still learning how to use the forum!

Regards,

Sharpshooter

Steve is known as the "fountain of knowledge"; that's how he knew

[Stebie9173]

You missed out a "useless" there Myrtle. I'll leave you to figure out where!!

Steve.

[Stebie9173]

This man?

49212 Pte. Jimmy James Ernest Hall

Died of wounds, 6th Battlion Northamptonshire Regiment, 25/09/1918.

Son of Mr W Hall of Little Green, Earl Soham. Buried at Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension.

Born at Earl Soham, Suffolk.

Enlisted at Ipswich.

Likely to have been wounded in the attacks at Ronssoy (Battle of Epehy) around 18th September 1918 and the next few days.

Bizarrely he was about 4 men away from the number series I'm having a look at at the moment!

At the moment, I think he was called up into the 4th (Reserve) Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment, aged about 18-and-a-half on 2-11-1917 and went to France soon thereafter - possibly on 6-4-1918, joining the 6th Bn. via "L" Infantry Base Depot on the 16-4-1918 (I believe "L" I.B.D. changed it's designation from No. 17 Infantry Base Depot in early 1918) on arrival in France. Possibility that he was in "A" Coy.

EDIT: He was originally numbered 47611 on enlistment, but it seems he and a dozen or more men were given duplicate numbers, with the error being corrected a couple of months later at the end of December 1917, when they were allocated new numbers.

From the few men of the 6-4-1918 draft I have looked through the don't seem a particularly lucky set of young lads (all just about 19 when they went to France), with a variety of severe woundings and deaths of most of them.

Steve.

[Myrtle]

You missed out a "useless" there Myrtle. I'll leave you to figure out where!!

Steve.

Steve

I didn't realise that your surname's "Useless"

Myrtle

[Corporal Chris]

This man?

49212 Pte. Jimmy James Ernest Hall

Died of wounds, 6th Battlion Northamptonshire Regiment, 25/09/1918.

Son of Mr W Hall of Little Green, Earl Soham. Buried at Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension.

Born at Earl Soham, Suffolk.

Enlisted at Ipswich.

Likely to have been wounded in the attacks at Ronssoy (Battle of Epehy) around 18th September 1918 and the next few days.

Bizarrely he was about 4 men away from the number series I'm having a look at at the moment!

At the moment, I think he was called up into the 4th (Reserve) Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment, aged about 18-and-a-half on 2-11-1917 and went to France soon thereafter - possibly on 6-4-1918, joining the 6th Bn. via "L" Infantry Base Depot on the 16-4-1918 (I believe "L" I.B.D. changed it's designation from No. 17 Infantry Base Depot in early 1918) on arrival in France. Possibility that he was in "A" Coy.

EDIT: He was originally numbered 47611 on enlistment, but it seems he and a dozen or more men were given duplicate numbers, with the error being corrected a couple of months later at the end of December 1917, when they were allocated new numbers.

From the few men of the 6-4-1918 draft I have looked through the don't seem a particularly lucky set of young lads (all just about 19 when they went to France), with a variety of severe woundings and deaths of most of them.

Steve.

Steve,

Many thanks for all this info. From your research it would appear that not only was his draft particularly unlucky but he is one of 4 brothers on the Earl Soham memorial!

Regards,

Sharpshooter

[Steven Broomfield]

Steve

I didn't realise that your surname's "Useless"

Myrtle

Nah. That's the football team he supports

[Guest KevinEndon]

Steve is the fountain of knowledge where as the other Steve is the fountain of youth. Yeah right.

[Stebie9173]

We're not the one with the nickname - the "U"'s......

I see that there were 9 Hill brothers as of 1901, all of serving age, of course.

I'll try and post some details of the September 1918 actions later - I didn't have time last night.

Steve.

[Corporal Chris]

We're not the one with the nickname - the "U"'s......

I see that their were 9 Hill brothers as of 1901, all of serving age, of course.

I'll try and post some details of the September 1918 actions later - I didn't have time last night.

Steve.

Steve,

One thing I have not done yet is check out the census records. Thanks again.

Chris. (Sharpshooter)

[Stebie9173]

The month of September 1918 from the Battalion History:

On the 1st of September, the Battalion was still holding the line just North of Combles Station, but at 1.0 a.m. B and D Companies took up a line of outposts to the rear of their positions. A Company then took over D Company's line and withdrew their own outposts. Two Platoons were then withdrawn from C Company and attached to D Company.

At 3.0 a.m. A Company withdrew to Chalk Pit in the South-East outskirts of Combles, and at 5.30 a.m. the 55th Brigade attacked through the 54th. A and B Companies then took up a defensive position in a trench running from Pregicourt to Priez Farm, while D Company withdrew to Chalk Pit, and C Company to the bank South of Combles. On the 2nd still in the same positions, the Battalion rested and refitted. The next day the 3rd the Battalion were under orders to move up, but at 6.30 p.m. this order was cancelled.

During the 4th the Battalion moved to huts and bivouacs near the crossroads immediately East of Guillemont. The 5th was spent in training and reorganisation, and on the 6th the Battalion bathed at Combles. Training under Company arrangements took up the 7th and on the 8th the Battalion attended Church Parade. On this Parade, a congratulatory message from the Corps Commander was read to all ranks on Parade. The Battalion training was considerably interfered with on the 9th owing to inclement weather, heavy rain falling for most of the day. On the next day the 10th there was a presentation of medal ribbons by the Corps Commander, Private Ellerway being the only recipient. At this parade, the Battalion was represented by Six Officers, and One Hundred and Sixty Other Ranks. The weather having cleared somewhat on the 11th, Battalion training continued without hindrance.

On the 12th training was continued in the morning, but in the afternoon the Battalion enjoyed some very good baths at Montauban. On the 13th all Officers attended a demonstration of Tank manoeuvres while on the 14th it was back to normal as far as the Battalion was concerned, with a continuation of training. Next day the 15th in conjunction with Tanks and the rest of the 54th Brigade, the Battalion carried out Practice Attack at Longueval and Delville Wood, At 10.0 a.m. on the 16th the Battalion moved forward and having embussed at Leuze wood, debussed at Moislains, and marched to Epinette Wood, where they bivouaced for the night.

It had been a terrifically hot day, and this was followed that night by an exceptionally heavy thunderstorm. The Battalion rested all day on the 17th but movement of any kind was not allowed. At 6,0 p.m. they moved up to the line and took up a position in the Railway Cutting, West of St Emile. On the 18th the Battalion, in conjunction with the rest of the Brigade and the 7th Royal West Kent Regiment, attacked on a line running East and West, and North and South of Ronnsoy. It was raining heavily at the time, and this, plus a dense mist of cordite smoke made it very difficult to maintain direction. B and C Companies, attacked in the front line, with A Company in support, and D Company in reserve.

The Battalion lost heavily in Officers, but not so much in Other Ranks. The tracking Companies got off to a good start, being in position some eight minutes before the East and West Barrage lifted. The advance continued, until held up by murderous machine gun fire at the North-West part of the South-East line. A Tank eventually came round the North point of the village and started down the main street in a South-Easterly direction. Meanwhile, one of the Companies had worked their way by sectional rushes and occupied an enemy trench. The other two Companies attacked through Quid Post, and eventually took up a line through Quid Copse to Ridge Reserve Trench. Two Platoons of the reserve Companies then worked their way from the North-West corner of Ronnsoy Wood, to the high ground West of Quid Post, eventually taking a line up to Knoll Post, where they got in touch with the 12th Division.

The greatest difficulty in these operations was that of maintenance of direction owing to the very heavy rain and a great deal of smoke, men could not be seen at a greater distance than 30 yards. To make matters worse, there was also some deep and very awkward trenches to cross. Owing to these hazards, the troops going East experienced considerable delay, until they struck Ronnsoy Wood where they were fortunate enough to strike a drive running East and West through the Wood.

Most of the Royal Fusiliers proceeded us at the Eastern end of this Drive, and we also met A Company of the Bedfords, who were working round the Southern end of the Wood. In point of fact, all units that we came across up to the Western edge of the Drive, were experiencing the greatest difficulty in maintaining direction. When the East and West Barrage started, the Barrage line was a good one, in spite of the fact that the Barrage was not exactly dense, but the enemy machine gun fire operating against us was pretty deadly, and appeared to be fired from shrapnel-proof covers.

After we had established our line Ridge Reserve South to Quid Copse, Battalion Headquarters was established in Ronnsoy Wood, and Patrols were sent out to the Royal Fusiliers, Bedfords and Royal West Kents, with maps and times. During the night 18th/l9th we made several attempts to capture May Copse, but these were unsuccessful. At 5.0 a.m. however, the Battalion approached it from two directions and occupied it with out resistance. Our whole line was then advanced to May Copse, and the corner of Enfer Wood, to Ridge Reserve Trench, meanwhile still maintaining touch with the 11th Royal Fusiliers on our right, and the 9th Royal Fusiliers on our left. At 11.0 a.m. the 53rd Brigade continued the advance by passing through our lines.

Their Barrage, which should have fallen on the Eastern edge of Enfer Wood, by some mishap fell on the northern edge, and as a result the Sixth suffered three casualties. Next day the 20th at 4.0 a.m. the Battalion was withdrawn to the West edge of Ronnsoy Wood, but Battalion Headquarters remained in the Wood. As the day progressed, the Battalion was reorganised into two Companies, A and B Companies together under Captain Frost, and C and D Companies, under Captain Westwood. All Officers then went forward to reconnoitre the ground with a view to launching a further possible attack.

Agreement seems to have been reached on this point, for on the 21st the Battalion was in position on the forming up line two hours before Zero. A large belt of wire East of this line was patrolled, and the gaps which had been put by the 7th Buffs were kept open. The attack was carried out over a one Company frontage of some 225 yards, and when the Barrage opened, the leading Company followed much too closely and as a result, suffered several casualties from our own guns. Once this was realised the Company divided, and about sixty men utilising the Barrage correctly met with great success, for crossing the Duncan-Doleful Post line, they arrived at the yellow line and finally finished up around Island Traverse.

In this trench system, we captured One German Officer, and Twenty Other Ranks, and these were sent down under escort. At this point in the proceedings, we noticed that the Knoll and the trench system South-East of the Wood, was strongly held by the enemy, and this information was passed on to the Royal West Kents on our left. Both during the whole of our advance, and upon arrival at the yellow line, we were troubled greatly by enfilading machine gun fire from right. From observations carried out from our positions, it was noticed that the Tanks were now out of action, and that the 53rd Brigade were now unable to advance against the Knoll, and had been compelled to withdraw to a line further west.

We were now in an extremely difficult position, having both flanks in the air, and the enemy making an encircling movement. This left us little choice, and we accordingly withdrew to the Holland Post, sunken road line. At 10.30 p.m. that night, orders were received to push forward and capture and consolidate Doleful Post. A storming party consisting of two Platoons (24 Other Ranks) each, both under the command of an Officer, and one Officer in charge of the whole party, were ordered to carry out this operation. After a short reconnaissance, two Lewis Guns were brought forward, and placed in a position, which enabled them to cover the North and South flanks of the Post. The remainder of the party crawled forward, and owing to the short reconnaissance, were able to choose the ground covered and get within a few yards of the enemy trench without discovery.

At a given signal, they jumped into the trench, and taking the enemy completely by surprise, captured 48 prisoners, plus two heavy and one light machine guns. These guns were immediately placed in position to resist any possible counter attack, and were manned by teams who had received previous instruction. A Patrol was then sent out to reconnoitre the ground around the Post, and found a number of shell holes that were garrisoned, resulting in some twenty of the enemy being killed. Our casualties amounted to three men being wounded. At 11.55 p.m. the Post had been captured, and consolidation was proceeded with immediately.

On completion of this task, the ground to the North-East and West was patrolled, and the enemy was discovered to be holding a line of Posts down the Sunken Road. About mid-day on the 22nd the enemy was observed massing and moving towards our Post in two's and threes, through the various communication trenches, and along ground that was favourable to them, this was communicated to the Brigade at once. Every man in the Post, feeling that an attack was now imminent, began collecting rifles and ammunition that were laying around, just in case, so to speak. The captured Lewis Guns and enemy Machine Guns were so placed that they were quite |ready to deal with any attack.

At 3.45 p.m. an S.O.S. went up on our right, and we saw the enemy advancing in large numbers. This advance by the Germans was kept up to within 150 yards of our Post, but was halted by a withering fire from our rifles and Machine Guns. Our Barrage, also opening at this time, proved the last straw, for the enemy retired suffering many casualties. At 6.0 p.m. during a further attack by the enemy, which was repulsed, we captured thirty nine prisoners. Some time later

that night, the Battalion was relieved by the 7th Queen's Regiment, and took up quarters in the Quarry, North—West of St Emile.

Next day the 23rd, the Battalion spent in cleaning and reorganising. On the 24th at 3.45 p.m. they moved back and occupied Huts and Bivouacs in Nurlu. The whole day of the 25th was spent in cleaning up and bathing. The 26th was a rather special day, for it was the occasion of a special address by the G.O.C. of 18th Division, General Lee, in which he congratulated the troops on their splendid achievements, and informed them they had been selected to stay in the Fourth Army to take part in the final breaking of the Hindenburg Line. The main attack would be carried out by the American Division, and other Divisions to the South, while the 18th Division would attack on the left with the Americans, having the following objects in view:

1. To protect the American Division by gaining observation over Vendhuille and the Canal.

2. To 'mop up' Vendhuille as soon as American progress allowed, and to prepare a passage for other Divisions to pass through.

The 27th as far as the Sixth was concerned, was preparation day for this operation, and at 3.45 a.m. on the 20th the Battalion moved up and occupied the area West of Epehy, where upon arrival the rest of the day was spent resting, At 7.0 p.m. that night, the Battalion moved to the assembly positions prior to it's attack on the Hindenburg Line, these positions being - the valley near Enfer Wood, East of Ronnsoy Wood. At 4.0 a.m. on the 29th all Companies took up positions on the forming up line between Lempire Post and Tomboys Farm, facing North-East. At 5.30 a.m. the Battalion advanced, behind the Americans, A and D Companies in the front line, with B Company in support, and C Company in reserve. Owing to a dense smoke Barrage, our Companies got mixed up with the Americans. The objective of the Sixth was Macquincourt Trench, and this was taken, but owing to lack of support on our right, A Company fell back and formed a defensive flank. At 10.0 a.m. five of the eight Officers who were with the two Companies had become casualties, including B and D Company Commanders, therefore two Companies only were organised.

These were, A and B Companies together, and C and D Companies likewise. At this point, a number of American stragglers came along and were attached to our two Companies. On account of the dense smoke and mist, the troops had not mopped up as thoroughly as they might, and the enemy was found to be holding Posts behind us on both flanks. On account of the heavy machine Gun fire coming from both these directions, A Company being the forward Company, was forced to abandon position and withdraw to Tombois Support. Orders were received from the Brigade at 1.0 p.m. on the 30th to push on to Canal Bank. A Company went forward in an effort to comply with this request, but were heavily fired on from the right flank by hostile machine Guns. In spite of this however, a Post was established, and the remainder of the Company formed a defensive flank in Hidden Trench, and Vendhuile Trench, C Company being in Jaeger Trench. At 7.30 p.m. further orders were received from Brigade Headquarters, to the effect that the Battalion would be relieved by the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment, this order being later cancelled.

Steve.

[Stebie9173]

1901 Census:

Village is Earl Soham...

Steve.

[Corporal Chris]

The month of September 1918 from the Battalion History:

On the 1st of September, the Battalion was still holding the line just North of Combles Station, but at 1.0 a.m. B and D Companies took up a line of outposts to the rear of their positions. A Company then took over D Company's line and withdrew their own outposts. Two Platoons were then withdrawn from C Company and attached to D Company.

At 3.0 a.m. A Company withdrew to Chalk Pit in the South-East outskirts of Combles, and at 5.30 a.m. the 55th Brigade attacked through the 54th. A and B Companies then took up a defensive position in a trench running from Pregicourt to Priez Farm, while D Company withdrew to Chalk Pit, and C Company to the bank South of Combles. On the 2nd still in the same positions, the Battalion rested and refitted. The next day the 3rd the Battalion were under orders to move up, but at 6.30 p.m. this order was cancelled.

During the 4th the Battalion moved to huts and bivouacs near the crossroads immediately East of Guillemont. The 5th was spent in training and reorganisation, and on the 6th the Battalion bathed at Combles. Training under Company arrangements took up the 7th and on the 8th the Battalion attended Church Parade. On this Parade, a congratulatory message from the Corps Commander was read to all ranks on Parade. The Battalion training was considerably interfered with on the 9th owing to inclement weather, heavy rain falling for most of the day. On the next day the 10th there was a presentation of medal ribbons by the Corps Commander, Private Ellerway being the only recipient. At this parade, the Battalion was represented by Six Officers, and One Hundred and Sixty Other Ranks. The weather having cleared somewhat on the 11th, Battalion training continued without hindrance.

On the 12th training was continued in the morning, but in the afternoon the Battalion enjoyed some very good baths at Montauban. On the 13th all Officers attended a demonstration of Tank manoeuvres while on the 14th it was back to normal as far as the Battalion was concerned, with a continuation of training. Next day the 15th in conjunction with Tanks and the rest of the 54th Brigade, the Battalion carried out Practice Attack at Longueval and Delville Wood, At 10.0 a.m. on the 16th the Battalion moved forward and having embussed at Leuze wood, debussed at Moislains, and marched to Epinette Wood, where they bivouaced for the night.

It had been a terrifically hot day, and this was followed that night by an exceptionally heavy thunderstorm. The Battalion rested all day on the 17th but movement of any kind was not allowed. At 6,0 p.m. they moved up to the line and took up a position in the Railway Cutting, West of St Emile. On the 18th the Battalion, in conjunction with the rest of the Brigade and the 7th Royal West Kent Regiment, attacked on a line running East and West, and North and South of Ronnsoy. It was raining heavily at the time, and this, plus a dense mist of cordite smoke made it very difficult to maintain direction. B and C Companies, attacked in the front line, with A Company in support, and D Company in reserve.

The Battalion lost heavily in Officers, but not so much in Other Ranks. The tracking Companies got off to a good start, being in position some eight minutes before the East and West Barrage lifted. The advance continued, until held up by murderous machine gun fire at the North-West part of the South-East line. A Tank eventually came round the North point of the village and started down the main street in a South-Easterly direction. Meanwhile, one of the Companies had worked their way by sectional rushes and occupied an enemy trench. The other two Companies attacked through Quid Post, and eventually took up a line through Quid Copse to Ridge Reserve Trench. Two Platoons of the reserve Companies then worked their way from the North-West corner of Ronnsoy Wood, to the high ground West of Quid Post, eventually taking a line up to Knoll Post, where they got in touch with the 12th Division.

The greatest difficulty in these operations was that of maintenance of direction owing to the very heavy rain and a great deal of smoke, men could not be seen at a greater distance than 30 yards. To make matters worse, there was also some deep and very awkward trenches to cross. Owing to these hazards, the troops going East experienced considerable delay, until they struck Ronnsoy Wood where they were fortunate enough to strike a drive running East and West through the Wood.

Most of the Royal Fusiliers proceeded us at the Eastern end of this Drive, and we also met A Company of the Bedfords, who were working round the Southern end of the Wood. In point of fact, all units that we came across up to the Western edge of the Drive, were experiencing the greatest difficulty in maintaining direction. When the East and West Barrage started, the Barrage line was a good one, in spite of the fact that the Barrage was not exactly dense, but the enemy machine gun fire operating against us was pretty deadly, and appeared to be fired from shrapnel-proof covers.

After we had established our line Ridge Reserve South to Quid Copse, Battalion Headquarters was established in Ronnsoy Wood, and Patrols were sent out to the Royal Fusiliers, Bedfords and Royal West Kents, with maps and times. During the night 18th/l9th we made several attempts to capture May Copse, but these were unsuccessful. At 5.0 a.m. however, the Battalion approached it from two directions and occupied it with out resistance. Our whole line was then advanced to May Copse, and the corner of Enfer Wood, to Ridge Reserve Trench, meanwhile still maintaining touch with the 11th Royal Fusiliers on our right, and the 9th Royal Fusiliers on our left. At 11.0 a.m. the 53rd Brigade continued the advance by passing through our lines.

Their Barrage, which should have fallen on the Eastern edge of Enfer Wood, by some mishap fell on the northern edge, and as a result the Sixth suffered three casualties. Next day the 20th at 4.0 a.m. the Battalion was withdrawn to the West edge of Ronnsoy Wood, but Battalion Headquarters remained in the Wood. As the day progressed, the Battalion was reorganised into two Companies, A and B Companies together under Captain Frost, and C and D Companies, under Captain Westwood. All Officers then went forward to reconnoitre the ground with a view to launching a further possible attack.

Agreement seems to have been reached on this point, for on the 21st the Battalion was in position on the forming up line two hours before Zero. A large belt of wire East of this line was patrolled, and the gaps which had been put by the 7th Buffs were kept open. The attack was carried out over a one Company frontage of some 225 yards, and when the Barrage opened, the leading Company followed much too closely and as a result, suffered several casualties from our own guns. Once this was realised the Company divided, and about sixty men utilising the Barrage correctly met with great success, for crossing the Duncan-Doleful Post line, they arrived at the yellow line and finally finished up around Island Traverse.

In this trench system, we captured One German Officer, and Twenty Other Ranks, and these were sent down under escort. At this point in the proceedings, we noticed that the Knoll and the trench system South-East of the Wood, was strongly held by the enemy, and this information was passed on to the Royal West Kents on our left. Both during the whole of our advance, and upon arrival at the yellow line, we were troubled greatly by enfilading machine gun fire from right. From observations carried out from our positions, it was noticed that the Tanks were now out of action, and that the 53rd Brigade were now unable to advance against the Knoll, and had been compelled to withdraw to a line further west.

We were now in an extremely difficult position, having both flanks in the air, and the enemy making an encircling movement. This left us little choice, and we accordingly withdrew to the Holland Post, sunken road line. At 10.30 p.m. that night, orders were received to push forward and capture and consolidate Doleful Post. A storming party consisting of two Platoons (24 Other Ranks) each, both under the command of an Officer, and one Officer in charge of the whole party, were ordered to carry out this operation. After a short reconnaissance, two Lewis Guns were brought forward, and placed in a position, which enabled them to cover the North and South flanks of the Post. The remainder of the party crawled forward, and owing to the short reconnaissance, were able to choose the ground covered and get within a few yards of the enemy trench without discovery.

At a given signal, they jumped into the trench, and taking the enemy completely by surprise, captured 48 prisoners, plus two heavy and one light machine guns. These guns were immediately placed in position to resist any possible counter attack, and were manned by teams who had received previous instruction. A Patrol was then sent out to reconnoitre the ground around the Post, and found a number of shell holes that were garrisoned, resulting in some twenty of the enemy being killed. Our casualties amounted to three men being wounded. At 11.55 p.m. the Post had been captured, and consolidation was proceeded with immediately.

On completion of this task, the ground to the North-East and West was patrolled, and the enemy was discovered to be holding a line of Posts down the Sunken Road. About mid-day on the 22nd the enemy was observed massing and moving towards our Post in two's and threes, through the various communication trenches, and along ground that was favourable to them, this was communicated to the Brigade at once. Every man in the Post, feeling that an attack was now imminent, began collecting rifles and ammunition that were laying around, just in case, so to speak. The captured Lewis Guns and enemy Machine Guns were so placed that they were quite |ready to deal with any attack.

At 3.45 p.m. an S.O.S. went up on our right, and we saw the enemy advancing in large numbers. This advance by the Germans was kept up to within 150 yards of our Post, but was halted by a withering fire from our rifles and Machine Guns. Our Barrage, also opening at this time, proved the last straw, for the enemy retired suffering many casualties. At 6.0 p.m. during a further attack by the enemy, which was repulsed, we captured thirty nine prisoners. Some time later

that night, the Battalion was relieved by the 7th Queen's Regiment, and took up quarters in the Quarry, North—West of St Emile.

Next day the 23rd, the Battalion spent in cleaning and reorganising. On the 24th at 3.45 p.m. they moved back and occupied Huts and Bivouacs in Nurlu. The whole day of the 25th was spent in cleaning up and bathing. The 26th was a rather special day, for it was the occasion of a special address by the G.O.C. of 18th Division, General Lee, in which he congratulated the troops on their splendid achievements, and informed them they had been selected to stay in the Fourth Army to take part in the final breaking of the Hindenburg Line. The main attack would be carried out by the American Division, and other Divisions to the South, while the 18th Division would attack on the left with the Americans, having the following objects in view:

1. To protect the American Division by gaining observation over Vendhuille and the Canal.

2. To 'mop up' Vendhuille as soon as American progress allowed, and to prepare a passage for other Divisions to pass through.

The 27th as far as the Sixth was concerned, was preparation day for this operation, and at 3.45 a.m. on the 20th the Battalion moved up and occupied the area West of Epehy, where upon arrival the rest of the day was spent resting, At 7.0 p.m. that night, the Battalion moved to the assembly positions prior to it's attack on the Hindenburg Line, these positions being - the valley near Enfer Wood, East of Ronnsoy Wood. At 4.0 a.m. on the 29th all Companies took up positions on the forming up line between Lempire Post and Tomboys Farm, facing North-East. At 5.30 a.m. the Battalion advanced, behind the Americans, A and D Companies in the front line, with B Company in support, and C Company in reserve. Owing to a dense smoke Barrage, our Companies got mixed up with the Americans. The objective of the Sixth was Macquincourt Trench, and this was taken, but owing to lack of support on our right, A Company fell back and formed a defensive flank. At 10.0 a.m. five of the eight Officers who were with the two Companies had become casualties, including B and D Company Commanders, therefore two Companies only were organised.

These were, A and B Companies together, and C and D Companies likewise. At this point, a number of American stragglers came along and were attached to our two Companies. On account of the dense smoke and mist, the troops had not mopped up as thoroughly as they might, and the enemy was found to be holding Posts behind us on both flanks. On account of the heavy machine Gun fire coming from both these directions, A Company being the forward Company, was forced to abandon position and withdraw to Tombois Support. Orders were received from the Brigade at 1.0 p.m. on the 30th to push on to Canal Bank. A Company went forward in an effort to comply with this request, but were heavily fired on from the right flank by hostile machine Guns. In spite of this however, a Post was established, and the remainder of the Company formed a defensive flank in Hidden Trench, and Vendhuile Trench, C Company being in Jaeger Trench. At 7.30 p.m. further orders were received from Brigade Headquarters, to the effect that the Battalion would be relieved by the 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment, this order being later cancelled.

Steve.

Steve,

Many thanks for all this info. and the census return. It appears that 3 of my Hall's are brothers. The 3 youngest brothers never made it home. The 2 youngest dying within a month of each other. This really brings it home to you!

Regards,

Chris.