The Bedfordshire Regiment in The Great War

The 2nd Battalion in France 1916

 

War Diary for January 1916

1 Jan 1916 - Ribeaucourt Billets RIBEAUCOURT. The Battalion played the 17th Kings Liverpool Regt at Football and lost 2 - 0. In the last minute of the game 2/LT.A.GROVER met with an unfortunate accident breaking his leg in two places.

2 Jan 1916 Billets RIBEAUCOURT

3 Jan 1916 Billets RIBEAUCOURT

4 Jan 1916 Capt R.O.WYNNE proceeded on leave.

5 Jan 1916 Billets RIBEAUCOURT

6 Jan 1916 Billets RIBEAUCOURT 2/Lieut.R.J.SAUNDERS admitted to Hospital Sick.

7 Jan 1916 - Naours Billets RIBEAUCOURT. The Battalion left at 9.15 am for NAOURS en-route for the Trenches arriving at NAOURS at 1.15 PM.

8 Jan 1916 - Pont-Noyelles The Battalion left NAOURS at 9.15 am for PONT-NOYELLES arriving at 2 P.M. On this date the 30th Division were attached to the 10th Corps and the Battalion came under the Command of the 90th Infy Brigade. Capt LF BEAL proceeded on leave.

9 Jan 1916 - Chipilly and Etinehem The Battalion left PONT-NOYELLES at 9.15 am for CHIPILLY and ETINEHEM, arriving Arkansas CHIPILLY at 2 P.M. where "A" and "C" Coys billeted. H.Q. & B & D Coys moved on to ETINEHEM arriving at 2.50 PM.

10 Jan 1916 Billets at CHIPILLY and ETINEHEM. NCO's & Men were given permission to visit the 1st Battalion which was at BRAY.

11 Jan 1916 - Suzanne Billets at CHIPILLY and ETINEHEM. The Battalion left at 5.PM for SUZANNE arriving at 7.15 PM.

12 Jan 1916 - trenches near Maricourt Billets SUZANNE. 2/Lieut L K LAWRENCE appointed Battalion Intelligence Officer. The Battalion left SUZANNE at 5 P.M. to relieve the 2/Royal Scots Fusiliers in the trenches Sector A.2. relief completed by 9 P.M. Disposition of Battalion B. Co. Front Line LEFT C. Co. Front Line RIGHT. D.Co. Support A.Co. Reserve. The Trenches are Situated S.E. of MARICOURT. The Battalion held the line from A.29.a.7.2. to A.23.a.5.2. (Ref. MARICOURT 1/10000 62CN.W.I.). The 19th Bn. MANCHESTER Regt being on our left Flank and the 17th Bn MANCHESTER Regt on our Right Flank.

13 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. 2 Other Ranks Wounded. 2Lieut F.A.SLOAN proceeded on leave. 25 Other Ranks of Battalion joined from 3rd Entrenching Battalion. ENEMY Artillery very active

14 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Heavy shelling by Enemy with Light and Heavy Guns. 1 Other Rank Killed 4 Other Ranks Wounded 1 Other Rank died from MENINGITIS. Sick Wastage 5 Other Ranks

15 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT Enemy Artillery again active. 1 Other Rank Killed. 2 Other Ranks Wounded. A.Co moved from Reserve to Front Line "D" Co from Support to Front Line "C" to Support "B" Co to Reserve.

16 Jan 1916 - Suzanne Trenches MARICOURT. 2 Other Ranks Wounded. Enemy Artillery again active. The Battalion were relieved by 2/R.S.F. and returned to billets in SUZANNE - Relief completed by 7.40 PM.

17 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. Enemy put 6 Shells into the Village. 2Lieut W RUSSEL-SMITH admitted to Hospital sick.

18 Jan 1916 Lieut and Adjutant J.W. HURRELL rejoined the Battalion from England.

19 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE.

20 Jan 1916 - front line near MARICOURT Relieved 2 Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers in trenches by MARICOURT, taking up the same position as on the 12th Jan 16 in A.2. Subsector. The 17th Bn Manchester Regt. on our left. Relief completed 7 p.m. Very quiet. 1 O.R. Wounded.

21 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Enemy shell Bn. H.Q. with 77m.m. guns, about 40 rounds being fired. Our communication trenches also shelled. 2Lieut Oldfield proceeded on leave. Casualties NIL. Sick Wastage 2 O.R.

22 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Enemy fired a few 77m.m. shells & rifle grenades, otherwise quiet. Casualties 1.O.R. killed 2 wounded.

23 Jan 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Very quiet. 1 man wounded.

24 Jan 1916 - Suzanne Bn. relieved by 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers. Relief completed 8 p.m. Returned into billets in SUZANNE. Major Onslow joined the Bn. from England.

25 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. Most of the Bn. employed on working parties in the trenches. Major C.C. Onslow C.M.G. took over command of the Bn. from Major H.S.Poyntz. Lieut R.E.Oakley proceeded on leave.

26 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. Working Parties in trenches. Helmet Test by 30th Div.

27 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE

28 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. About 9 a.m. Enemy commenced shelling our billets with H.E. Shrapnel and lachrymatory shells, this bombardment lasted systematically throughout the day. The effect of this bombardment on the Bn. was one man wounded. Relief of 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers suspended. Order received at 12.55 p.m. Considerable enemy activity during this day in the neighbourhood of FRISE MAP. REF. VAUX 1/10000 G.18.d. and high ground S. of that village. During this night Germans took FRISE and advanced their line about 800 yards on a front of 500 yards. Capt P.C. Cavan and 2Lieut L.K.Lawrence admitted to hospital sick. Shelling ceased about 4.40 p.m. Sick wastage for the week NIL

29 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. The enemy continue to shell SUZANNE heavily commencing about 4 a.m. Heavy bombardment of French position on high ground just South of FRISE, which was not followed by an infantry attack. Lieut-Col C.C. Onslow C.M.G. receives orders to take over command of the 1st Bn. Bedford Regt. At 1 p.m. orders received to send one Machine GUN to assist the French in the neighbourhood of ECLUSIER (VAUX G.22.a.) 6 p.m. received orders to send another gun to ROYAL DRAGOONS - VAUX G.6.a.b. 8.35 pm received orders to send two platoons to battle dug-outs in VAUX WOOD. Lieut W.White and two platoons A.Coy. 10.30 p.m. A Coy, 1st Bn.Norfolk Regiment arrive from BRAY and attached to the Bn. Casualties 9 O.R. wounded.

30 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. Lieut-Col C.C. Onslow C.M.G. left at 6.30 a.m. to command 1st Bn. Bedf. R. Enemy continue to shell SUZANNE but not so violently. Practically ceases at 10 a.m. Major H.S. Poyntz assumes command of the battalion. Lieut H.A. Deacon proceeds on leave. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded.

31 Jan 1916 Billets SUZANNE. At 5.30 p.m. two platoons of "A" Coy under Lieut WHITE move from BATTLE DUG-OUTS to VAUX WOOD. SUZANNE was not shelled on this day. Total Casualties in the regiment during shelling of SUZANNE 12 O.R. wounded a remarkably small number considering the very bad fortifications found in this village.

 

War Diary for February 1916

1 Feb 1916 - Suzanne and trenches near Maricourt 2 Platoons A. Co. from VAUX WOOD returned to Billets at 5.30 PM At 5.30 P.M. other two platoons A.Co left SUZANNE for Battle Dug-Outs. At 5.30 P.M. B Co. under Capt E.S.M. Poyntz relieved 1 Company 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers in A.2 Subsector. 2 Lieut H.A.Deacon and 26 O.R. transferred to 21st Bde M.G. Co. and struck off strength.

2 Feb 1916 - trenches near Maricourt Relieved 2nd R.S.F. in A2 Subsector Right Front 'C' Co Left Front 'B' Co. Support 'D' Co. Reserve "A" Co. Day quiet. Practically no artillery fire. Capt. J.W.H.T. Douglas takes over duties of 2nd in Command. Lieut W.White to command 'A' Co. Casualties NIL.

3 Feb 1916 A quiet day. Casualties nil.

4 Feb 1916 Artillery active. 'A' and 'D' Coys to front line. 'C' in support, 'B' Co reserve. 1.O.R. Killed and 2 O.R. wounded. 2/Lieut L.K.Lawrence returned from Hospital.

5 Feb 1916 A quiet day. Artillery quiet. 1.O.R. wounded. Sick wastage 9.)

6 Feb 1916 Casualties NIL.

7 Feb 1916 - Maricourt Defences Relieved by Royal Scots Fusiliers in A2 at 7.40 p.m. After relief the Battalion took over MARICOURT DEFENCES from the 17th BN Kings Liverpool R. Relief completed at 10 pm. 2Lieut H.A.Chamen and 2Lieut G.Anstee join the Battalion. The former posted to B.Coy the latter to 'A' Co. A quiet day. Companies work hard in very wet trenches.

8 Feb 1916 A quiet day. 24 men proceed to A2 at 7pm for sapping. Connecting 14 and 15 Sap heads.

9 Feb 1916 A quiet day. Companies employed in improving trenches.

10 Feb 1916 Between 6 and 7.15 pm Enemy's Artillery active especially in the neighbourhood of BN.H.Q. 2 O.R. wounded. 2 Lieut R.F.C.Ballard proceeds on short leave.

11 Feb 1916 - front line near Maricourt 1.O.R. wounded. relieved at 7pm by 1/7 Black Watch. After relief BN. relieved R.S.F. in A2 subsector. Relief complete about 12 midnight.

12 Feb 1916 Very quiet day. 1.O.R. wounded. Sick wastage 1.O.R. 2Lieut H.A.Chamen to 3rd Entrenching Bn. French attack on our right, take 100 prisoners.

13 Feb 1916 Nothing to report. Companies engaged improving trenches. Dispositions: - Right Front 'C' Coy. Left B.Coy. Support 'D' Coy. Reserve 'A'Coy.

14 Feb 1916 Dispositions - Right Front D Coy Left A Coy. Support B Coy Reserve "C" Coy. About 12 midnight message received from Bde that a German captured by the French stated "That the German 12th Div, would attack our front the following morning protected by a Gas attack".

15 Feb 1916 No sign of any attack, in fact, an exceptionally quiet day. Lieut R.B.Gibson proceeds on leave. Casualties NIL

16 Feb 1916 - Suzanne A quiet day. relieved by 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers at 7 p.m. After relief Battalion moves into SUZANNE. C Company remain behind in 'U' Work MARICOURT DEFENCES. 2 Lieut R.T.OLDFIELD appointed 89th Bde Grenade Officer. 2 Lieut B.NEWTON appointed BN. Grenade Officer

17 Feb 1916 Billets SUZANNE 'B' Coy relieve 'C' Coy in 'U' WORKS. Very quiet.

18 Feb 1916 Billets SUZANNE

19 Feb 1916 During this tour in SUZANNE moist of the BN is occupied on different working parties. Sick wastage 8 O.R. 2Lieut E.G.Hankinson proceeds on leave.

20 Feb 1916 - front line near Maricourt Relieved 20th BN. Kings Liverpool R. in the new A" Subsector. The old A2 Subsector being renumbered Z2 with exception of 18 TRENCH. Z2 is now two Subsections south of the present A2. Relief completed 9.50 pm. Trenches in new Subsector found in very much better condition than the old Subsector. position of BN H.Q. Ref.MARICOURT TRENCH MAP 1/10000 62.c.NW1 - A.22.a.1.6. British trenches extend from A.16.b.8.6. to A.16.a.2.7. This being front of A.2.Subsector.

21 Feb 1916 Capt E.S.M. Poyntz and Capt H. Cressingham proceed on leave. Dispositions - Front line A.B.C. Coys from left to right. D Coy. in Reserve at BN H.Q. Right of 21st Gap between 32 and 33 trenches connected up. About 70 yards of trench constructed. Lieut J.T. Coe takes over command of B Co. 24 hours very quiet.

22 Feb 1916 Heavy snowstorm and very cold. No Artillery fire. At dusk (about 5pm) Germans attack 7th Division in D1 and D2 Subsectors on our left. The attack was preceded by an intense bombardment lasting about half an hour. Heavy rifle and Machine Gun fire prevented any of the enemy gaining a footing in our Trenches. Those of the enemy who left their own trenches sis not return. The night was very quiet.

23 Feb 1916 Lieut.Col.Poyntz proceeds on leave. Still snowing and very cold. 2Lieut.E.E.A.Collisson Killed. Capt.J.W.H.T.Douglas takes over command of the Battalion. Very quiet.

24 Feb 1916 - Etinehem Lieut.W.White proceeds on leave. 2Lieut.F.A.Sloan takes over command of A.Coy. Very quiet. Still snowing and frost. relieved by 20th BN K.L.R. at 7 p.m. After relief the Battalion marches by platoons into Billets at ETINEHEM. the last platoon arriving at 12.50 am. 25th. 'D' Coy are ordered to remain under O.C. MARICOURT DEFENCES. Dispositions 2 platoons 'U' WORKS. 2 platoons Hd Qrs.

25 Feb 1916 Snow falls throughout the day. The BN is ordered to parade at 2 p.m. for work under RE's. Parade cancelled at 1.50 pm on account of weather.

26 Feb 1916 - trenches near Maricourt On account of severe weather reliefs will now be every 48 hours. Lieut R.B.Gibson on return from leave takes over command of 'A' Coy. At 6pm the battalion leaves billets to relieve 20th K.L.R. in A2. relief commences 8 P.M. Completed 10.10pm. Weather still very severe. 1.O.R. wounded.

27 Feb 1916 1O.R. wounded. Artillery active about 2 miles South. The French warn us they will fire on German Communications and that we may expect retaliation. Enemy fires about 100 77m.m. and 30 5.9 shells into MARICOURT. Many falling near BN.H.Q. 1 O.R. Died of wounds. After 6.30pm rest of night very quiet. Very wet.

28 Feb 1916 A very quiet day. After wet and thaw trenches in terrible condition. 1.O.R. wounded.

29 Feb 1916 - Maricourt Defences A quiet 24 hours. New work on trenches hopeless. On account of wet and mud trenches fall in in many places. At 7pm 20th K.L.R. commence relieving us. Relief complete 9.35pm. After relief Battalion takes over MARICOURT DEFENCES. 'D' Coy. holding 'U' WORKS. DEFENCES taken over completely by 10.40 pm

 

War Diary for March 1916

1 Mar 1916 - Maricourt Defences Very quiet day and night. Casualties NIL. From this date 'A'1 and 'A'2 Subsectors are renamed 'Z'1 and 'Z'2.

2 Mar 1916 - front line trenches near Maricourt At 6.30 pm the battalion relieved the 20th Kings Liverpool Regt in 'Z'2. relief completed at 8 P.M. Dispositions: - Front line from left to right A.B.C. Companies. 'D' on completion of relief in 'U' works come into Reserve at Hd. Qrs. Casualties NIL.

3 Mar 1916 D. Coy relieve 'A' Coy in left group. 'A' Coy in Reserve.

4 Mar 1916 Snow fell about 3am. Very cold. Communication Trenches frozen over. At 9.10 p.m. 90th Brigade report S.O.S. from KNOWLES POINT, nothing appeared to happen. 9-10.30pm Enemy fire 4.2 howitzers into N.E. corner of MARICOURT WOOD. Our howitzers retaliated. Sick wastage 18.O.R.

5 Mar 1916 - Etinehem and U Works The Battalion (less 'A' Coy to 'U' Works) relieved at 7.15 p.m. by the 20th Kings Liverpool Regt. Relief complete about 10.15pm. After relief the Battalion marched by platoons into Billets in ETINEHEM arriving 1.55am 6/3/16. Casualties NIL.

6 Mar 1916 Snow in early morning. Companies free from working parties. 2Lieut G.F.Reid admitted to Hospital Sick.

7 Mar 1916 Battalion on fatigue under R.E.

8 Mar 1916 - front line near Maricourt Battalion left at 5.15 pm to relieve the 20th BN. Kings Liverpool Regt. in 'Z'2 Subsector. Relief competed by 9.45 pm. Dispositions B.C & D Coys front line 'A' Coy from 'U' works to reserve at Battalion H.Q. There was slight Artillery activity during relief and more sniping than usual. Casualties 2.O.R. Wounded.

9 Mar 1916 A very quiet day. Casualties 1.O.R. Wounded. There was a very heavy fall of snow during the night of 9/10th.

10 Mar 1916 Trenches. A quiet day. Casualties 1.O.R. wounded.

11 Mar 1916 2Lieut R.F.C.BALLARD admitted to Hospital Sick. A draft of 20 O.R. joined the Battalion from BASE. Enemy Artillery was very active between 9-11pm mostly directed about A.P.1 where 1 O.R. was Killed and 3 Wounded. Sick wastage for week ending 11th 13.O.R.

12 Mar 1916 - Maricourt Defences A quiet day. The Battalion was relieved by the 20th BN Kings Liverpool Regt. Relief completed by 10 p.m. Battalion then withdrew to MARICOURT DEFENCES where positions were taken up by 10.40 pm. Dispositions - A Coy PERRONNE [sic] ROAD - MOUND KEEP (exclusive) 1 Platoon in Reserve at BN.H.Q. ;'B' Coy MOUND KEEP (inclusive) - CENTRE AVENUE. 'D' Coy CENTRE AVENUE - WEST KEEP (inclusive). 'C' Coy In Reserve at BN.H.Q.

13 Mar 1916 A quiet day. casualties 1.O.R. wounded. A draft of 40 O.R. joined from 3rd Entrenching Battn.

14 Mar 1916 At 9.50 pm Enemy heavily shelled MARICOURT 2.O.R. Killed and 1 wounded.

15 Mar 1916 - Bray-sur-Somme and Froissy Relieved by 8th BN. NORFOLK Regt. Relief completed by 10.15pm. The Battalion then withdrew to Billets as under. C & D and H.Q. - BRAY 'A' & 'B' at FROISSY. Casualties NIL.

16 Mar 1916 Battalion as Rest.

17 Mar 1916 - Corbie The Battn left at 9 a.m. for CORBIE arriving about 1-pm. BN billeted here for one night.

18 Mar 1916 - la Houssoye Battn left CORBIE at 10 am for billets at LA HOUSSOYE arriving at 11.50 am. BN. billeted AMIENS-ALBERT Road just under the E in LA HOUSSOYE. REF. MAP AMIENS Sheet 17 1/100,000. Sick wastage for week ending 18/3/16. 2 O.R.

19 Mar 1916 Voluntary Church Parade. Battn. Bathing at CORBIE.

20 Mar 1916 Battn at Training and Classes of Instruction.

21 Mar 1916 BN. at Training etc. Capt.J.W.H.T.Douglas & 2 Lieut.A.M.B.Gaze proceeded on leave.

22 Mar 1916 BN at Training etc.

23 Mar 1916 BN at Training etc. One O.R. accidentally wounded whilst on Bayonet Assault Course. 2 Lieut L.A.L. FINK 2/Bedf.R. & 2Lieut L.H.FOX 4/Bedf.R. joined the BN and posted to C & A Coys respectively. A Football match between Officers & Sergeants took place resulting in the Officers winning by 4 goals to 3. Snow fell heavily throughout the night of 23/24th.

24 Mar 1916 2/Lieut H.C.Phillips 3/Bedf.R. joined BN and posted to 'D' Coy.

25 Mar 1916 BN at training etc. Lieut C.G.TYLER 2/Bedf.R. joined Battn & posted to 'A' Co. Sick wastage for week ending 25 1.O.R. In the afternoon a Football Match took place between the Battn and 17th Battn Kings Liverpool Rgt ending in a win for the Battn 1-0.

26 Mar 1916 2/Lieut.L.DOLMAN (Cadet late R.A.M.C.) joined Battn and posted to 'D' Coy. Lieut. W. White proceeded to 4th Army School FLEXICOURT for a course of Instruction and Lieut C.G.TYLER took over command of 'A' Coy.

27 Mar 1916 BN at Training etc. Lieut. W. WHITE admitted to Hospital Sick. 2Lieut A.H.O.Riddell & 2 Lieut L.H.Walker proceeded on leave.

28 Mar 1916 A demonstration with GAS was held showing the effectiveness of the SMOKE HELMET. Capt R.O. WYNNE admitted to Hospital Sick. Lieut & Adjutant J.W.HURRELL admitted to Hospital Sick. Lieut R.B.GIBSON took over command of 'C' Coy. 2Lieut F.A. SLOAN took over the duties of Acting Adjutant. PRESENTATION General R.L.CURTIES (late Commanding Officer of the 2nd BN Bedfordshire Rgt) forwarded to the Commanding Officer the Sum of 5 to be awarded to the Non-commissioned Officer or man who, in the opinion of all Ranks, has performed the most gallant Offensive Act during the war, without receiving any recognition. The Battalion has decided that this sum should be presented to No.9878 Corporal G. Freshwater 'C' Company, for the following act of gallantry. At 2.30 pm on march 28th 1916, Brigadier General C.B STANLEY D.S.O. Commanding 89th Infantry Brigade presented the sum of 5 to No 9878 Corporal G.Freshwater 'C' Company 2/BN Bedfordshire Rgt for the following act of gallantry. "At NEUVE CHAPELLE on the 12th March 1915, Capt C.C.FOSS V.C., D.S.O. called for Volunteers to capture a trench which the enemy had taken. Corporal Freshwater (then a Private) at once volunteered and called on others to follow his example and accompany Capt FOSS. The party consisting of one Officer and 6 Bombers recaptured the lost trench and took 54 German prisoners. Corporal Freshwater showed exceptional courage and was the second man to enter the German trench". On arrival of the G.O.C. the Battn presented arms and formed three sides of a square. The G.O.C. addressed the Battn as follows. Officers, N.C.O's and Men of the 2nd BN. Bedfordshire Regt. Colonel POYNTZ has done me the honour of asking me to present the sum of 5 to Corporal Freshwater and addressed him as follows: - “Corporal Freshwater if affords me the greatest pleasure to present to you the sum of 5, you have been chosen by your comrades as having performed the most gallant act during the war, without receiving any award or recognition and I am assured you thoroughly deserve it. It must afford you the greatest pleasure to know that you have been unanimously chosen by your comrades to receive this award as a brave man.” G.O.C. shakes hands and congratulates Corporal Freshwater. After this ceremony the G.O.C. made the following address to the Battn. “Some 3 1/2 months ago I had the pleasure of welcoming you into my Brigade and I felt that I should be proud of you. I find that I have had just cause to be so, and anything I required doing in the Trenches I received immediate response from the 2nd BN Bedfordshire Regt. Officers and Men carried out all duties with vigour and exactitude and I feel that I can rely on you under every circumstance. You have always shown a willingness which affords me the greatest pleasure - Colonel POYNTZ I congratulate you on your fine battalion.”

29 Mar 1916 - Grovetown Camp The Battn left at 10am for GROVETOWN CAMP arriving at 4.P.M. GROVETOWN CAMP is situated in L.8.d. Ref.Map FRANCE Sheet 62D 1/40,000.

30 Mar 1916 1/2 Battn at Training 1/2 Battn employed in working parties under R.E.

31 Mar 1916 Whole of Battalion employed on Working Parties under R.E's.
 

War Diary for April 1916

1 Apr 1916 - Grovetown Camp Battalion under Canvas at "GROVETOWN CAMP", BRAY. Reference Map ALBERT (combined sheet 1/40000 L.8.). Battalion employed on Working Parties under Royal Engineers.

2 Apr 1916 GROVETWON CAMP - Church Parade. In the afternoon the Battalion played the 8th Bn. Royal Sussex Regiment at Football, winning by 3 Goals to 1 following [sic] by a Concert in the Sussex Lines at 6 p.m. 2nd Lieutenants B.NEWTON and A.YOUNG proceeded on leave.

3 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Working Parties under R.E. Lt.Colonel H.S.POYNTZ takes over Temporary Command of 89th Infantry Brigade during the absence of the Brig: General F.C.STANLEY, D.S.O. Captain J.W.H.T. DOUGLAS takes over temporary command of the Battalion.

4 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion employed on Working Parties under R.E. Sergeants of the Battalion played the Sergeants of the 8th Bn.Royal Sussex Regiment at Football winning by 2 goals to NIL. Extracts from List of Appointments No.75 dated 26.3.16:

“No.6246 C.Q.M.Sgt. E.C.PLEDGER to be Second Lieutenant and posted to 16th Bn.Lancashire Fusiliers.”

5 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

6 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. Lt.Colonel H.S.POYNTZ resumes command of Battalion. The Battalion played the 11th Bn.South Lancashire Regiment at Football winning by 3 Goals to NIL.

7 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Captain L.F.BEAL and Captain W.SHARPE proceeded on Leave. Lieutenant J.W.HURRELL rejoined Battalion from Hospital. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

8 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. A Draft of 20 Other Ranks joined from BASE. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. SICK WASTAGE for week ending 8th April, 1916, 2 O.R. 2nd Lieutenant E.C.PLEDGER left to join 16th Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers.

9 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP - Church Parade. Lt.Colonel H.S.POYNTZ proceeded to 4th Army School at FLEXICOURT. Captain J.W.H.T. DOUGLAS took over command of Battalion. the Battalion played the 8th Bn.Royal Sussex Regiment at Football and lost by one goal to Nil, afterwards pulling them at Tug-of-War which we won.

10 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

11 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. The Battalion played the 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt at Football losing by 3 goals to Nil.

12 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

13 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. A Boxing Tournament was held between the 2nd and 7th Battalions, the 2nd Bn. winning 3 Fights and the 7th Battalion winning 2 Fights.

14 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

15 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. 1 O.R. accidentally wounded. SICK WASTAGE for week ending 15.4.16, 1 O.R.

16 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP - Church Parade. Lt.Colonel H.S.POYNTZ rejoined from 4th Army School and resumed command of Battalion. The following Football Matches were played: - Officers 1 goal v Officers Servants 5 Goals. N. C. O's NIL v Privates 1 Goal.

17 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

18 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

19 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. 2nd Lieutenant B.NEWTON proceeded to take over command of 89/2 TRENCH MORTAR BATTERY.

20 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E.

21 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. Approval given for Captain J.W.H.T.DOUGLAS to be Temporary Major.

22 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. SICK WASTAGE for week ending 22.4.16 NIL. Result of INTER-COMPANY FOOTBALL LEAGUE. "A" Company Winners. "B" Company "Runners Up".

23 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP - Church Parade. Captain E.S.M.POYNTZ proceeded to 4th Army School FLEXICOURT. 2nd Lieutenant F.A.SLOAN took over command of "C" Company. Lieutenant R.B.GIBSON took over command of "B" Company. The Battalion played the 8th Bn.Royal Sussex Regt at Football losing by 2 Goals to 1.

24 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. 25 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Lieutenant J.J. COE and 2nd Lieutenant L.K.LAWRENCE proceeded to leave. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. Lieutenant R.B.GIBSON admitted to Hospital, Sick. 2nd Lieutenant L.H.WALKER took over Command of "B" Company. The Battalion played the 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment at Football winning by 4 Goals to NIL.

26 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. INTER-COMPANY TUG-OF-WAR (Heats). Headquarters beat Transport "A" Company beat "C" Company. "B" Company beat "D" Company.

27 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP Battalion on Working Parties under R.E. INTER-COMPANY TUG-OF-WAR. "A" Company beat Headquarters. "B" Company - BYE. FINAL: - "A" Company beat "B" Company. In the evening Preliminary Rounds of 89th Infantry Brigade Boxing Tournament took place.

28 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. The following Sports took place in the Afternoon and Evening. INTER-PLATOON RELAY RACE. No.15 Platoon were the winning Platoon and "B" Company the Winning Company. INTER-REGIMENTAL TUG-OF-WAR. 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt beat 17th Bn Kings Liverpool Regt. 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt beat 19th Bn Kings Liverpool Regt. FINAL 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt beat 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt. the finals of the 89th Infantry Brigade Boxing Tournament then took place with results as follows: - 9 Stone and Under won by Pte.Leray, 2.Bedf.R. 10 Stone and Under won by Pte.Pilkington 2.Bedf.R. 11 Stone & Under won by Sgt.Baker (19th Bn.K.L.R.) Heavies won by Sgt.Baker, 2.Bedf.R. At the conclusion of Sports the Prizes were presented by Brigadier General F.C.STANLEY, D.S.O.

29 Apr 1916 GROVETOWN CAMP. The Battalion again pulled the 8th Bn.Royal Sussex Regiment at TUG-OF-WAR and beat them. SICK WASTAGE for week ending 29.4.16, 2 O.R. At 8.30 p.m. the Battalion left Camp to relieve the 10th Bn.ESSEX Regiment in the Trenches at MARICOURT Z.2. Sub-sector, taking over the same trenches as when the Battalion was in the Line before, with the following Dispositions. "C" Company Right Front 1 Platoon Support. "B" Company Centre 1 Platoon Support "D" Company Left Front 1 Platoon Support. "A" Company in reserve at CHATEAU KEEP under command of Officer Commanding MARICOURT Defences. The 11th Bn.Royal Fusiliers being on our left in A.1, and the 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment on our right in Z.1. It was exceptionally quiet during the whole of the relief which was completed by 12.25 a.m. 30.4.16. Casualties NIL.

30 Apr 1916 Lieutenant J.W.HURRELL and 2nd Lieutenant F.A.SLOAN proceeded on Leave. At 5.20 p.m. Enemy opened up a short bombardment lasting 10 minutes. At 7.30 p.m. the Enemy opened up a heavy bombardment on A.2 on our left; at 7.35 p.m. S.O.S. received from A.2 and orders were given to "STAND TO". At 8.30 p.m. all was quiet again. Casualties NIL.

 

War Diary for May 1916

1 May 1916 - trenches near Maricourt A quiet day. At 9 p.m. Enemy opened up heavy bombardment in A/2 Subsector. 9.5 p.m. the "S.O.S" sent up at CARNOY. Casualties NIL.

2 May 1916 A quiet day. Lieut.W.WHITE rejoined from hospital. 2nd Lieutenant W.E. BOULTON joined from Cadet School and posted to "B" Company. Casualties Nil.

3 May 1916 A quiet day. Lieutenant W.WHITE took over command of "C" Company from 2nd Lieutenant A.M.B. GAZE. Casualties NIL.

4 May 1916 The night 3/4th was exceptionally quiet. At 9.15 a.m. one of our aeroplanes attacked and brought down an enemy aeroplane, which fell in the enemies lines behind Y.2. Our plane dived almost to the ground in doing so, but managed to get back to our own lines although flying at only 300 feet above the German trenches. Casualties Nil. 1 O.R. accidentally wounded at 4th Army School.

5 May 1915 - Etinehem At 1.55 a.m. Enemy opened a heavy bombardment on our Right in the direction of FRISE and KNOWLES POINT. Battalion stood to. The bombardment increased in intensity at 2.15 a.m. Nothing happened the front of Z.2 subsector and things quietened down at 3 a.m. Battalion stood down at 3.50 a.m. The rest of the day very quiet. At 3.55 p.m. a shock of a mine explosion was felt at Battalion Headquarters. The battalion relieved by the 20th Kings Liverpool Regiment and marched into Billets in ETINEHEM arriving at 3.45 a.m. on the 6th May. Casualties Nil.

6 May 1916 Lieutenant R.B.GIBSON rejoined from hospital and took over command of "B" Company from 2nd Lieutenant L.H.WALKER. Sick Wastage 3 Other Ranks.

7 May 1916 Church Parade. 8

May 1916 Companies engaged in Training.

9 May 1916 Companies at Training.

10 May 1916 Companies training. 2nd Lieutenant G.A.ANSTEE proceeded on leave. 2nd Lieutenant B.NEWTON seconded to 89/2 Trench Mortar Battery

11 May 1916 - front line trenches near Maricourt Companies at Training. In the afternoon Battalion held "AQUATIC SPORTS". Battalion relieved 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment in Z.2. Relief complete 11 p.m. A quiet night. Lieutenant J.W.HURRELL rejoined from leave and resumed duties of Adjutant. Casualties Nil.

12 May 1916 1 a.m. Enemy opened up a very heavy bombardment on Y.1 on our right. This bombardment slackened about 2 a.m. Quiet by 2.45 a.m. Enemy raided Y.2. Casualties Nil. Draft of 30 O.R. joined from Base. Sick Wastage 3 O.R. Casualties Nil.

13 May 1916 Enemy artillery active on front line and village during the evening with H.E. and shrapnel. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed. 2 O.R. wounded.

14 May 1916 Quiet day. Lt.Colonel H.S.POYNTZ proceeds on leave. Major J.W.H.T. DOUGLAS takes over command of the battn. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed. 7 O.R. Wounded.

15 May 1916 A quiet day. Captain WYNNE returns from Hospital. 2nd Lieutenants HOBBS, OAKLEY and OLDFIELD proceed on Leave. Casualties Nil.

16 May 1916 A quiet day. Casualties Nil.

17 May 1916 - Maricourt Defences A quiet day. Enemy snipers active. Casualties Nil.

18 May 1916 A quiet day. 2nd Lieut. L.H.WALKER proceeds to Grenade School. Captain H.A.W.PEARCE joins from ENGLAND. Casualties Nil.

19 May 1916 A quiet day. Captain R.O.WYNNE and 2nd Lieutenant BOULTON proceed on leave. Casualties Nil.

20 May 1916 A quiet day. Casualties Nil. Sick Wastage 2 O.R.

21 May 1916 Our heavy guns bombarded German trenches from 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Practically no retaliation. Capt.E.S.M.POYNTZ rejoins from 4th Army School. casualties Nil.

22 May 1916 2nd Lieutenant PLUMMER, F.E., joined from ENGLAND. Casualties Nil.

23 May 1916 - front line trenches near Maricourt Relieved by 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regiment. Battalion takes over Z.1. Subsector. Casualties Nil.

24 May 1916 Very quiet. Casualties Nil.

25 May 1916 Lt.Colonel H.S.POYNTZ rejoined from leave and resumes command of the Battalion. At 11 a.m. this day, the battalion comes under command of its of Brigade, the 21st. Casualties Nil.

26 May 1916 A quiet day. 2nd Lieut.HANKINSON and Lieutenant R.B.GIBSON proceed on Leave. Lieutenant N.V.DABELL, 2nd Lieutenant A.L.GORDON and 50 Other Ranks from Base. 87 Other Ranks from 1st Entrenching Battalion. Captain E.S.M.POYNTZ assumes duties of 2nd in Command. Casualties 1 Other Rank wounded.

27 May 1916 Relieved by 19th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment at 2 a.m. Relief complete 3.45 a.m. 28/5/16. Battalion withdrew to MARICOURT village. 2nd Lieutenant D.P.CROSS and 2nd Lieutenant H.G.FYSON joined from 4th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment. Casualties Nil. Sick Wastage 2 O.R.

28 May 1916 - Maricourt Defences Battalion work all night on new trenches in front of our 1st line system. In conjunction with the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment about 1,200 yards of trenches constructed, wired and communication with our own front trenches established in the one night. The regiment congratulated by the G.O.C. 30th Division and the Brigadier 21st Inf.Brigade. Although 500 men working in front of our own trenches no casualties occurred. On completion the Battalion withdrew to MARICOURT DEFENCES.

29 May 1916 Casualties Nil.

30 May 1916 The Battalion relieved by the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment. Battalion withdrew as follows: - Headquarters, "B" and "C" Companies to BRAY. "A" and "B" Companies to Camp in BILLON WOOD. Arrived Bray, 1.30 a.m. 31.5.16. casualties Nil. 31 May 1916 - Bois des Celestins The Battalion left at 8 p.m. for camp in BOIS LES CELESTINS arriving about 11 p.m. CASUALTIES NIL.

 

War Diary for June 1916

1 Jun 1916 - Corbie Battalion in Camp at BOIS LES CELESTINS. Captain E.S.M.Poyntz and Captain H.Cressingham proceeded on leave. The Battalion left Camp at 4.10 p.m. for billets at CORBIE arriving at 7.30 p.m.

2 Jun 1916 - St-Sauveur Billets CORBIE. the Battalion left CORBIE at 4 p.m. for billets at St.SAUVEUR arriving about 11 p.m. SAIN SAUVEUR is about 5 miles N.E. of AMIENS. Reference Map AMIENS, Sheet 12. 3 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Sick Wastage for week ending 3rd June 7 O.R.

4 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. A Draft of 6 Other Ranks joined from Base. 2nd Lieut.H.A.CHAMEN rejoined the Bn. from 3rd Entrenching Battalion and posted to "B" Company. The Battalion commenced training with the whole of the 89th Brigade, in practising "The Attack" over a replica of the Trenches the Brigade held in MARICOURT Sector.

5 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training.

6 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training. Lieut W.WHITE and Lieut.H.C.PHILLIPS proceeded on leave.

7 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training.

8 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training.

9 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieut.A.H.O.RIDDELL (3/Queens) attached to Bn admitted to Hospital sick. Lieut. J.C.HOUSTON, R.A.M.C., attached to Battalion during the absence on leave of Captain T.E.AMYOTT, R.A.M.C. from 10th to 16.6.16.

10 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training. Sick wastage for week ending 10th 2 Other Ranks.

11 Jun 1916 Billets St.SAUVEUR. Battalion at Training. 2nd Lieut.L.DOLMAN proceeded on leave.

12 Jun 1916 - Bray-sur-Somme Billets St.SAUVEUR. the Battalion left billets at 10.40 a.m. for AILLY-SUR-SOMME. Entrained at AILLY for HEILLY en route to BRAY. Arrived at HEILLY at 3.5 p.m. detrained and left for Billets at BRAY 3.30 p.m., arriving at BRAY at 7.30 p.m. Capt.E.S.M.POYNTZ & Capt.H.CRESSINGHAM rejoined from leave.

13 Jun 1916 - Bray-sur-Somme and front line near Maricourt Billets BRAY. "C" and "D" Coys proceeded to MARICOURT (Z.1) at 8.30 p.m. and commenced digging new trench from MARICOURT AVENUE to N.W. Fire trench, during this, the enemy opened up a heavy bombardment and attacked the French who were holding trenches on our Right. It turned out to be a small raid. 2nd Lieutenant H.J.BRICKNELL (Commissioned from Ranks from Sergeant) joined the Battalion from 5th Lancers and posted to "C" Company. 2nd Lieutenant J.B.PRIMROSE-WELLS, 4th Bn. Bedfordshire Regt joined the Bn. from base and posted to "D" Coy.

14 Jun 1916 Billets BRAY. "A" and "B" Companies proceeded to MARICOURT Trenches at 8.30 p.m. and continued work on NEW Trench. At 4 p.m. a warning order was received that the Battn would proceed to MARICOURT Trenches on the 16th and take over Z.1 Subsector. At 11 p.m. the Daylight Saving Bill was adopted by B.E.F.

15 Jun 1916 At 8.30 p.m. "D" Company proceeded to MARICOURT Trenches and completed NEW Trench. Captain W.SHARPE admitted to Hospital Sick.

16 Jun 1916 - front line near Maricourt At 8.30 p.m. the Battalion left BRAY for Trenches (Z.1 Subsector) to relieve the 16th Bn.Manchester Regt, 90th Brigade. The relief was completed by 1.15 a.m. on 17th. Battalion held the line from A/16.b.2.0. (Right Flank) to A/9.d.3.5 (Left Flank) with the French (8th Company, 156th Regiment) on our RIGHT and the 2nd Bn.Royal Scots Fusiliers on our LEFT. Reference Trench Map MAUREPAS, 1/20,000. DISPOSITIONS: - LEFT "A" Coy. RIGHT "D" Coy. SUPPORT "B" Coy. RESERVE "C" Coy. Very quiet during relief. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded and remaining at duty. Battalion Headquarters vicinity of CHATEAU.

17 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. A very quiet day and night. During the day our Artillery registered on MONTAUBAN - BRIQUETERIE - GERMAN WOOD. During the night the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment relieved the 2nd Bn.Royal Scots Fusiliers on our Right. Casualties NIL. Sick wastage for week ending 17th June 4 O.R. Capt.T.E.AMYOTT, Lieut W.WHITE & Lieut.H.C.PHILLIPS rejoined from leave.

18 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. A quiet Day and Night. 2nd Lt. T.J.PEMBERTON, 4th Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment and a Draft of 50 Other Ranks joined from BASE. 2nd Lieut.PEMBERTON posted to "C" Coy. A party of 2 Officers 2 Lieuts G.A.ANSTEE and D.P.CROSS and 50 Other Ranks left Trenches for BRAY to practice for a Raid. Casualties NIL.

19 Jun 1916. A very quiet day and night. Raiding Party practising at BRAY. 2nd Lieut. D.D.WARREN, 4th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt joined from base and posted to "C" Company. Lieut.HOUSTON, R.A.M.C. ceased to be attached to the Battalion. Casualties - 1 O.R. Self-inflicted wound. No.17796 Pte.F.Chambers.

20 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. At 6.15 p.m. Enemy heavily shelled the vicinity of the CHATEAU lasting about 10 minutes wounding 2 O.R. In the evening Lt.Colonel H.S.POYNTZ and Lieut.J.W.HURRELL proceeded to BRAY to supervise Raiding party. News received that No.9078 Cpl.W.EADE, D.C.M., had been accidentally killed and No.9521 L/C.Tyrrell W, accidentally wounded by a Bomb explosion at BRAY in the morning. Casualties: - 3 O.R. wounded. A quiet night. No.10002 Cpl.F.JOHNSON wounded himself in the left foot self-inflicted when proceeding to Trenches. This N.C.O. joined with Draft on 18th.

21 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. Eemy shelled MARICOURT intermittently during the Day. A quiet night. C.O. and Adjutant returned from BRAY. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed.

22 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. Considerable Aerial Activity. the CHATEAU and LEXDON Street shelled heavily from 9 to 10.30 p.m. A quiet night. Casualties NIL.

23 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. Registering by our Guns. Enemy shelled MARICOURT at intervals in retaliation. Commanding Officer and Adjutant proceeded to BRAY. A very quiet night. Casualties NIL.

24 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. We bombarded Enemys Front and Support Line and Strong Points all Day, very little retaliation. At 10 p.m. we opened up a very heavy bombardment lasting till 11.30 p.m. Commanding Officer and Adjutant returned from BRAY with Raiding party. Casualties NIL. Sick Wastage for week ending 24th 7 Other Ranks.

25 Jun 1916 Trenches Z.1. Bombardment continued all day. At 4 p.m. our Aircraft brought down in flames immediately to our front 3 Enemy Observation balloons. At 11.15 p.m. a party of 2 Officers and 49 O.R. (see Appendix "A") carried out a raid on the Enemy's lines opposite our subsector from A/10.c.30.70 to A/10.c.55/60. Reference Trench Map MARICOURT 1/10000 62.c.N.W.1 Edition 2.c. It was quite a success. All the Party returning to our lines safely, capturing one prisoner (wounded). Very little retaliation on part of the enemy. Our Casualties were: - 6 O.R. wounded. 1 O.R. Shell Blindness. 1 O.R. accidentally wounded by Barbed Wire. Other Casualties during the day: - 1 O.R. Killed, 2 O.R. Wounded.

26 Jun 1916 - support trenches near Maricourt Trenches Z.1. The following message was received. “To ROOT. Hearty congratulations on your success of last night due to careful and thorough preparation. I am very pleased. Please thank Officers and men of MINNIE Expeditionary Force. From Major General SHEA”. The Code Words referred to above came into force on 19th June. for telephonic communication, owing to enemy tapping our Wires. 30th Division Code Word TREE. 89th Brigade Code Word ROOT. 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt Code Word MINNIE 17th Bn.Kings Liverpool R. Code Word ANNIE 19th Bn.Kings Liverpool R. Code Word EMILIE 20th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt Code Word MARY. Bombardment continued all Day. Enemy heavily shelled MACHINE GUN WOOD and continued all day. Enemy probably brought up more Guns as this was the heaviest retaliation we had since our bombardment. At 10 p.m. the 17th and 20th Bns Kings Liverpool Regiment commenced relieving the Battalion in the front line, on completion of relief the disposition of the Battalion was as follows. "A" & "B" Companies in GROVE AVENUE East of CENTRE AVENUE. "C" & "D" Companies in GROVE END ROAD West of CENTRE AVENUE. Battalion Hd.Qrs remained at the CHATEAU. Casualties: - 10 Other Ranks wounded.

27 Jun 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Heavy bombardment of hostile Trenches continued all day. Enemy retaliation was very heavy. During the morning 2 Companies were withdrawn to the CHATEAU and DONES REDOUBT to thin out the Liverpools, the 17th Bn. & 20th having had about 120 casualties during the night and early morning. At 2.25 p.m. sounds of a Mine Explosion was heard in the enemy line. At 5 p.m. the following Officers proceeded to Transport as a Reserve of Officers for the coming offensive.

Major J.W.H.T.DOUGLAS.

Captain E.S.M.POYNTZ.

Lieut N.V.DABELL.

Lieut H.C.PHILLIPS.

Lieut.H.A.CHAMEN.

Lieut W.WHITE.

Lieut H.G.FYSON.

2nd Lieut. A.L.GORDON.

2nd Lieut.F.E.PLUMMER.

2nd Lieut. J.B.PRIMROSE-WELLS.

2nd Lieut.T.J.PEMBERTON.

2nd Lieut.D.D.WARREN.

2nd Lieutenant T.J.G.REYNOLDS, 4th Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment joined and remained with reserve of Officers at Transport in BRAY. 2nd Lieutenant F.HAGUE (commissioned from Ranks) joined the Battalion from Bedfordshire Yeomanry and remained at Transport with reserve of officers. Casualties 1 O.R. Killed. x7 O.R. Wounded. x includes Sgt.Robinson wounded and C.S.M. P.Chandler Severely Wounded.

28 Jun 1916 Trenches MARICOURT. Bombardment continued all day. About 5 p.m. Orders received that the Attack was postponed for 48 hours (probably on a/c of the weather which had been very wet for the previous two days). News received that C.S.M.Chandler had died of wounds. At 8 pm the Battalion relieved the 17th and 20th Kings Liverpool Regts in Z.1 Subsector. 2nd Lieut.L.H.WALKER and 2 N.C.O's and eight men carried out a very successful reconnaissance of the enemy lines during the night. Patrol penetrated into enemy support line and returned with very useful information. 2/Lt.L.K WALKER returned with the whole patrol intact. 2/Lt. L.A.FINK and 2 N.C.Os and ten men also reconnoitered enemy front line trenches. Unfortunately Corporal Thurgood and six men lost touch and did not return. Casualties 5 O.R. wounded. 1 O.R. Shell Shock.

29 Jun 1916 2.1 Subsector. Zero Hour 7.30 a.m. 30th June postponed apparently on account of bad weather. Bomnardment continues. 2nd Lieutenant E.G.HANKINSON wounded and Sergeant Laycock killed when visiting Lewis Gunners in front line trenches. Corporal Thurgood and Privates Sutton, Palmer, Humbles and Gray return after 24 hours in the German Lines. Casualties: - 1 O.R. Killed, 2 O.R. Wounded, 2 O.R. missing.

30 Jun 1916 Z.1. Subsector. Bombardment continues. Battalion busy preparing for the morrow. Notified that attack would be launched at 7.30 a.m. on the 1st July.

Casualties from 16th to 30th June,

2nd Lieutenant E.G.HANKINSON Wounded

KILLED 6 Other Ranks.

KILLED Accidentally 1 Other Rank

DIED OF WOUNDS 2 Other Ranks

MISSING 2 Other ranks

WOUNDED 35 Other Ranks

WOUNDED Accidentally 3 Other Ranks

WOUNDED Self-inflicted 3 Other Ranks

SHELL SHOCK 9 Other Ranks

WOUNDED - At Duty 5 Other Ranks

SICK 5 Other Ranks Total: 1 Officer 71 Other Ranks

 

Appendix A RAIDING PARTY

2/Lieutenant G.A.ANSTEE.

2/Lieutenant D.P.CROSS.

No 9212 Sergt Nicholls.H. "D" Company

No 9931 Sergt Compton P. "A" Company

No 9909 L/Sgt Smith L. "B" Company.

No 9759 L/Sgt Simons S. "C" Company

No 3/7234 A/Cpl Cannon E. "A" Company

No 10016 A/Cpl Howard A. "B" Company

No 9757 L/Cpl Thorogood A. "C" Company

No 9578 L/Cpl Mason A. "D" Company

No 9891 L/Cpl Mee A. "B" Company

No 9818 L/Cpl Seagrave H. "A" Company

No 10731 L/Cpl Clark C. "D" Company

No 9387 L/Cpl Boyce F. "A" Company

No 18817 L/Cpl Fynn D. "A" Company

No 18550 L/Cpl Dawson F. "A" Company

No 18639 Pte Bristow W. "C" Company

No 4/4964 Pte Bennett J. "C" Company

No 19270 Pte Barker W. "B" Company

No 20995 Pte Bean A. "A" Company

No 13082 Pte Cleaver W. "D" Company

No 17572 Pte Church W. "B" Company

No 18600 Pte Cleeve J. "D" Company

No 9646 Pte Cann F. "D" Company

No 20973 Pte Dawson W.A. "C" Company

No 10060 Pte Fairweather C. "D" Company

No 9178 Pte Fynn L. "C" Company

No 6584 Pte Gurdler A. "A" Company

No 9726 Pte Gilbey A. "D" Company

No 18180 Pte Gray H. "C" Company

No 17590 Pte Hands T. "C" Company

No 21156 Pte Henry J. "A" Company

No 9700 Pte Hoval J. "B" Company

No 17754 Pte Hall C. "B" Company

No 7198 Pte Higgins H. "B" Company

No 17738 Pte Jarman H. "B" Company

No 21168 Pte Kidd J. "A" Company

No 9022 Pte Milliard A, "B" Company

No 6542 Pte Marrables J. "C" Company

No 4/7476 Pte Osborne P. "D" Company

No 4/6813 Pte Osborne E. "A" Company

No 3/7372 Pte Poole G. "C" Company

No 6655 Pte Reed H. "B" Company

No 14429 Pte Staughton E. "D" Company

No 10226 Pte Senior F. "D" Company

No 17923 Pte Sinfield A. "D" Company

No 13050 Pte Sams A. "D" Company

No 10797 Pte Stratton F. "A" Company

No 21090 Pte Sharp E. "C" Company

No 7017 Pte Wood B "C" Company

No 3/7644 Pte Waldock D. "C" Company

No 21050 Pte Walker A. "A" Company

 

War Diary for July 1916

1 Jul 1916 - support trenches near Maricourt During the night of June 30th the Bn. which was in support formed up in the trenches of Z.1. Subsector as shown in Operation Order No.76. The early morning of July 1st was hazy and from our positions we could not see the German positions. At 7.30 a.m. (ZERO Hour) the general advance commenced, led by the 17th and 20th Bns Kings Liverpool Regt, the 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment being in support and the 19th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment in Reserve. The Bombardment has been so successful that very little resistance from Rifle Fire took place, but most of the casualties were sustained from Shell Fire. The Headquarters of the Battalion were in the Chateau dug-outs during the preliminary advance. By 8 a.m. the German 1st Line Trenches were taken (including FAVIERE and SILESIA fire trenches) the leading Battalions pushing on to CASEMENT TRENCH - ALT ALLEY - GLATZ ALLEY. B and C Companies commanded by Captain H.A.W.PEARSE and Captain R.O.WYNNE respectively followed 100 yards in rear of the attacking Battalions and established themselves in FAVIERE SUPPORT and SILESIA SUPPORT trenches whilst the Artillery bombarded DUBLIN TRENCH. A & D Coys commanded by Captain C.G.TYLER and Captain L.F.BEAL respectively, advanced and occupied FAVIERE SUPPORT - SILESIA SUPPORT and B & C Coys