WAR DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 1917

4 Feb 1917 - Forceville 9 p.m. Bn. proceed by route march to FORCEVILLE. 189 Inf.Bde. relieved 190th Inf.Bde. on North bank of ANCRE. HAWKE Bn. R.N.D. relieve 4 Bedf.R. 2 companies in old German 3rd line Q.18.a. 2 Companies in RAVINE Q.12.d.

5 Feb 1917 - Englebelmer 3 p.m. Bn. proceed by route march to ENGLEBELMER moving into billets vacated by 7/Royal Fusiliers.

6 Feb 1917 - trenches near Beaumont-Hamel 11 a.m. Bn. sent up as reserve troops to 189 Inf.Bde. and occupied old German 1st & 2nd lines with 7 Royal Fusiliers in 3rd line. Q.18.a. 10 p.m. 2 Companies advanced to trench E of BOIS A HOLLANDIE holding line from R.8.a.8.7. to R.2.c.0.10. 1 Company on shell slits PUISIEUX ROAD. 1 Company SUVLA TRENCH R.7.a&b. all in support to 189 Inf.Bde. in action.

7 Feb 1917 6 p.m. 4th Bedf.R. take over left front Subsector and relieve NELSON Bn. R.N.D. Frontage R.1.a.7.3. to R.2.a.9.7. Bn. on our right 10 R.Dublin Fusrs. with 1st H.A.C. on extreme right. Bn. on our left 15 H.L.I. 7 Royal Fusiliers in Support.

11 Feb 1917 4 Bedf.R. ordered to push forward their line of posts on the E side of the PUISIEUX ROAD from a line R.2.a.9.6. - R.1.b.6.4. to an advanced position R.2.a.9.6. - R.1.b.7.9. Two companies to attack and lined up on tape running from R.2.a.5.3. - R.1.b.7.4. with 1 Company in Support holding trench R.2.c.3.9. - R.1.b.6.2. Company carrying party ready for consolidation. Zero hour 9 pm. Barrage on enemy front system of posts about R.1.b.5.7. - R.2.a.1.9. - R.1.a.4.8. for 5 min.lifting gradually until 9.30 p.m. 9.5 p.m. At 9.5 p.m. the line advanced. The left Company was temporally [sic] held up by enemy wire ad heavy M.G.fire about R.2.a.2.8. and the Company in Support was then pushed forward.

12 Feb 1917 3 a.m. Objective gained, line straightened out and posts consolidated.

15-16 Feb 1917 - Mackenzie Huts, Martinsart 188th Inf.Bde. relieved 190th Inf.Bde. on North bank of ANCRE. 1st R.M.L.I. relieved 4/Bedf.R. on left sub-sector (BEAUCOURT Sector). Frontage R.1.b.4.7. - R.2.a.9.6. The Bn. proceeded to MACKENZIE HUTS MARTINSART.

6-16 Feb 1917 Casualties Killed 68. Wounded 90. Missing 3. Missing believed Killed 45.

Officers killed Lieut.L.T.DESPICHT, MC. Adjt. 2.Lieut.G.McKIRDY. 2.Lieut.V.B.SHOTT.

Officers wounded 2.Lieut.W.B.STIMSON. 2.Lt.H. SMART. 2.Lt.R.S.THOMAS. 2.Lt.A.W.THOMAS. 2.Lt.D.H.BERRY.

21 Feb 1917 - front line north of Ancre Bn. proceed by Route march to Front line. 190th Inf.Bde. relieves 188 Inf.Bde. on N. bank of ANCRE R.9. R.3. & R.2. 4th Bedf.R. relieves DRAKE Bn. R.N.D. in the Right front Sub Sector. Frontage R.9.b.4.5. - R.3.a.4.2. Bn.on our left.7/R.Fusiliers. 1st H.A.C. in Support. 10 R.Dublin Fus.in Reserve.

24 Feb 1917 - Sunken Road 4.30 pm. 4th Bedf.R. ordered to advance line of posts to line of SUNKEN ROAD R.4.a.5.1. - R.3.b.5.7. 6 p.m. Three strong patrols each under an officer sent forward. I via MIRAUMONT-BEAUCOURT Road. II via MIRAUMONT ALLEY turning right along trench at R.3.c.6.8. III via MIRAUMONT ALLEY direct to SUNKEN ROAD. 9 p.m. All patrols reached their respective objectives without opposition, touch was gained between them and communication established with 7 R.Fusiliers on left. 10 p.m. A further reconnaissance made in direction of Trench system R.4.a.& b. North of Road and subsequently occupied. 12 m.n. Patrol sent into MIRAUMONT and reported town evacuated by hostile troops. Dispositions 3 Companies in front line R.4.b.2.2. - R.3.b.3.8. 1 Company in QUARRY R.4.a.

25 Feb 1917 9 a.m. 3 Companies occupy HINDENBURG TRENCH to junction with road R.4.b.2.2. in support of remainder 190 Inf.Bde. holding line N. of MIRAUMONT.

26-27 Feb 1917 2 p.m. 62nd Div. relieve 63rd R.N. Division. 4 Bedf.R. relieved by 7 Royal Fusiliers and occupy ANCRE TRENCH R.D.8. 9 p.m. Bn. proceeded to Huts in MARTINSART WOOD being relieved by 2/6 W.Yorkshire Regt.

21-26 Feb 1917 Casualties Killed 1. Wounded 10.

WAR DIARY FOR MARCH 1917
1-19 Mar 1917 - Martinsart Battalion billetted in huts in MARTINSART WOOD and employed on road making and unloading fatigues in connection with the rapid advance in the MIRAUMONT district. Specialists training commenced and carried on when possible.
8 Mar 1917 Capt. G P NUNNELEY M.C. and 2nd LIEUT E C FREEAR [sic] joined from the base Capt. G P NUNNELEY M.C becomes 2nd in command vica Capt. S D MILLS who takes over command of C Coy.
12 Mar 1917 2/LT MORRISH joined from base
17 Mar 1917 2/LT DEAN 2/LT KNAPP joined from base
20 Mar 1917 - Val de Maison Battalion marched to VAL DE MAISON
21 Mar 1917 - Beauval Battalion marched to BEAUVAL
22 Mar 1917 - Bouquemaison Battalion marched to BOUQUE MAISON [sic]
23 Mar 1917 - Framecourt Battalion marched to FRAMECOURT 2/LTS THOMAS, LEWIS, MOGRIDGE & MARSHALL joined from the base.
25 Mar 1917 - Pernes Battalion marched to PERNES
26 Mar 1917 - Febvin-Palfart Battalion marched to FEBVIN-PALFART
27 Mar 1917 - Manqueville Battalion marched to MANQUEVILLE
28-31 Mar 1917 Battalion resting and training in billets. Specialists classes started. Rifle range and bombing grounds constructed.
28 Mar 1917 2/LT. BLOODWORTH joined from base.
30 Mar 1917 2/Lt SCOTT joined from base.

WAR DIARY FOR APRIL 1917
1-7 Apr 1917 - Manqueville Battalion in rest billets - Training.
4 Apr 1917 Major J.H. Baird, M.C. joined from senior officers course in England.
8 Apr 1917 - Maisnil-les-Ruitz Battalion marched to MAISNIL LE RUITZ [sic].
9-10 Apr 1917 Battalion standing by to move.
11 Apr 1917 - Hermin Battalion moved to HERMIN
12-13 Apr 1917 Battalion standing by to move.
14 Apr 1917 - front line near Gavrelle Battalion moved to ARRAS by motor busses and took over line from 23rd N.F.
15 Apr 1917 Reconnaissance of GAVRELLE in conjunction with 10/R.D.F.
Casualties Killed 2/Lts FREAR & MARSHALL WOUNDED left [Lieut?] WRAY 2/LTS. ROMAIN & MOGRIDGE. 55 O.Rs
16-21 Apr 1917 - support line near Arras Battalion relieved by 17/R.F.
22 Apr 1917 - front line facing Gavrelle Battalion moved to front line and occupied assembly trenches in front of GAVRELLE 189th Brigade on our right 17/R.F. on our left. Objective of Battalion - right boundary main road through GAVRELLE to the far side of the village. Left boundary GAVRELLE-OPPY system of trenches 200 yards North of GAVRELLE.
23 Apr 1917 Attacked at 4.45 A.M. captured village & reached objective. Shelled very heavily during the day and counter-attacked in the afternoon. Casualties - Killed 2/LT MULLIGAN 2/LT MUIR Wounded Capt BERRY 2/Lts PRIMROSE-WELLS, BRIDGES, LEWIS, Thomas, HUNT, KNAPP. O.Rs. 260. CAPT MILLS 2/LT Worth BRODIE, FISHWICK, MORRISH.
24 Apr 1917 - St.Catherine's Battalion relieved by 2/R.Ms. at midnight and marched down to St.Catherines.
25-27 Apr 1917 Battalion resting at St.Catherine's.
28 Apr 1917 - Oppy Line Battalion received sudden orders to move up to front line under orders of G.O.C. 188th Brigade. Battalion sent to assembly trenches to attack OPPY trench system from Rly. on right to 500 yards North of Rly. on left.
29 Apr 1917 Battalion attacked at dawn & captured objective, was counter attacked and driven out and recaptured trench and consolidated it about 11.0 A.M.
Trench heavily shelled by Bosches all day. Battalion relieved at night by H.A.C. who in turn were relieved by a unit of the 37th Division Casualties Wounded 2/LT. BLOODWORTH 2/LT DEAN.
30 Apr 1917 - Roclincourt Battalion moved to tents near ROCLINCOURT.

WAR DIARY FOR MAY 1917
1-9 May 1917 - Roclincourt [Ref Map 51 B N W] Battalion under canvas near ROCLINCOURT employed on road fatigues.
9 May 1917 - Mont-Saint-Eloi Battalion moves by route march to MONT S.ELOY [sic] & is billeted in huts 2nd Lt.E.ELLIS joins from R.F.C.
10 May 1917 2nd Lieut A.E.TEE joins battalion from 1st Beds Regt
13 May 1917 2nd Lt T.R.G.COOK joins battalion from base
10-19 May 1917 Battalion training at MONT S ELOY [sic].
20 May 1917 - support line near Arras Battalion marches to support line & relieves 11th E.LANCS Rgt. A.B.C Coys in dug-outs in railway cutting B 21 c 7 4 - B 27 a 3 2 D Coy in forward trench B 15 d 3 7 - 3 2 Front line battalions. Right 1st H.A.C. Left 10th R.D.F. In Reserve 7th R.F. 2nd Lts SHARPE, SPICER, TIMBERLAKE, FYNN, KRUGER, GATE, join from base.
22 May 1917 2 Lt CHAPMAN joins from base.
21-24 May 1917 A.B. & C.Coys doing night digging parties, digging support trench B.24 d 2.3 - C 19.c.3.1 Off Casualties 24th 2nd Lieut.SHARPE wounded.
25-26 May 1917 night - front line left of Gavrelle Battalion relieves 1st H.A.C. in front line from B.24 b 2.4 & 5.4 - C 19.c.7.4 Battalion on Right ANSON Batt on Left 7th R.F. Support 1st H.A.C. Reserve: - 10th R.D.F.
26 May 1917 2 Lts WEBB & BECK join battalion from base. 27th Off Casualties 2 Lt CHAPMAN wounded.
28 May 1917 Lt & Q.M. BARRY rejoins from sick leave in England
28-29 May 1917 night Battalion takes over 3 posts from ANSON battalion, on right of line. Right boundary of front line now C 19.c 8 3.
26-31 May 1917 - Railway Trench and Windmill near Gavrelle Battalion employed constructing RAILWAY TRENCH (B.24 d), deepening trench around Batt H Q (B.30.a 8 9) & linking up posts around WINDMILL (C 19 c 7 4)
31 May 1917 2nd Lt. GEE joins battalion from base
Casualties during May - 2 off 29 O.R. Reinforcements during May - 14 off 292 O.R.

WAR DIARY FOR JUNE 1917
1 Jun 1917 - Aubrey Camp, Roclincourt Batt relieved in GAVRELLE LINE by HOOD BATT (189th Inf Bde) and marched back to AUBREY Camp near ROCKLINCOURT [sic]. G.4.a.2.8. (51 B.N.W.).
2-3 Jun 1917 Batt resting AUBREY CAMP.
4 Jun 1917 Batt. started training at AUBREY CAMP.
5 Jun 1917 Lt.Col. J.S.COLLINGS-WELLS D.S.O. took over T/Command of 190th Inf.Bde vice Brigadier General H.W.E.FINCH.
6 Jun 1917 2 Lt A.S.LOCKHART joined batt from base. Major G.P.NUNNELEY M.C. took over T/command of Batt in absence of Lt.Col.J.S.COLLINGS-WELLS.
7 Jun 1917 2 Lt.P.F.WATTS rejoined from D.H.Q. (staff course) & took over command of C.Company from 2nd Lt H.H.THEOBALD.
8 Jun 1917 190th Bde Horse Show. Batt took 5 firsts, & one second out of seven events.
10 Jun 1917 - G.5.b.8.9. Lt.Col.J.S.COLLINGS-WELLS left for BOULOGNE to attend 1st ARMY CONFERENCE. Lt Col COLLINGS-WELLS represented 63rd (R.N.) DIV. at this conference. Batt moved from AUBREY CAMP (huts) to shelters & dugouts at G.5.b.8.9. (51 B.N.W.).
11-13 Jun 1917 Batt employed digging RED LINE (nightly) B.16.b.6.1. - B.23.a.7.4.
14 Jun 1917 Batt employed digging TYNE ALLEY communication trench. 14-16 Jun 1917 Batt continued work on TYNE ALLEY. 2nd Lt.C.R.EDWARDS 1st HEREFORD REGT joined from base.
17 Jun 1917 Lt.A.V.NICHOLSON and 2 Lt.W.DOCKRILL joined from base. Batt worked on TYNE ALLEY. 2nd Lt H.H.THEOBALD wounded in the thigh by bullet on working party. Div Horse Show. Batt 1st [sic] first & 1 second.
21 Jun 1917 CAPT.P.I.WATKIN M.C. RAMC relieved by Lt.O'NEILL RAMC. CAPT WATKIN left for No 10 Stationary Hospital St.OMAR [sic] 21-25 Jun 1917 Work on TYNE ALLEY continued.
26 Jun 1917 - Mont-Saint-Eloi Batt moved to MONT ST ELOY (huts)
27-30 Jun 1917 Batt training.

WAR DIARY FOR JULY 1917
1 Jul 1917 - Mont-Saint-Eloi Bn. sports.
2 Jul 1917 Bn. training.
3 Jul 1917 - Aubrey Camp Bn. moved from MONT ST ELOY [sic] (huts)to AUBREY CAMP (huts). 2nd Lt. W.S.DAVIES rejoined from 190th Bde. H.Q.
4-night 5 Jul 1917 - south of Oppy Wood Bn. attached 189th Bde. and relieved 12th EAST YORKS REGT. in front line S of OPPY WOOD.
5 Jul 1917 2nd Lieut. W.S.BECK struck off strength on joining T.M.
8 Jul 1917 2nd Lieut. W. Dockrill proceeded to Lewis Gun Camp, LE TOUQUET. The Rev.H.G.SOUTH C.F. relieved the Rev.Dr.DAVIS as Chaplain to Hq.Bn.
10 Jul 1917 - Railway Cutting Bn. relieved in front line by 7th ROYAL FUSILIERS and moved into RAILWAY CUTTING at B.21.c.
11-15 Jul 1917 Work on MARINE, VISCOUNT and TOMMY TRENCHES and OUSE and BLUE ALLEYS.
14 Jul 1917 2nd Lieuts. R.S.WELLS and W.C.H.W. HAMMOND joined from Base. 2nd Lt. W.S.DAVIS A/Staff Captain 190th Bde. 2nd Lt.T.GEE joined XIII Corps School.
16 Jul 1917 - Beverley Camp Bn. relieved in RLY. CUTTING by HAWKE Bn. and marched to BEVERLEY CAMP. Capt. A.C.CROSKELL and 2nd Lt. T.R.G.COOKE rejoined from Hospital. 2nd Lts. C.H.WAREING and A.L.GORDON joined from Base.
17-21 Jul 1917 Bn. resting in BEVERLEY CAMP.
22 Jul 1917 - front line south of Oppy Wood Bn. relieved HOOD Bn. in Front Line. 2nd Lt. W.C.H.W.HAMMOND admitted to C.C.S.
22-30 Jul 1917 Bn. in FRONT LINE S. of OPPY WOOD.
23 Jul 1917 2nd Lt.W.J.DAVIS proceeded on leave.
26 Jul 1917 Lieut. R. TIMBERLAKE killed by machine gun bullet on ration party.
30 Jul 1917 - Red Line Bn. relieved by 7th R.FUSILIERS in FRONT LINE and relieved them in RED LINE. 2nd Lt. R.D.WEBB rejoined from BOMBING COURSE.
31 Jul 1917 2nd Lt. E. ELLIS proceeded to 1st Army Rest Camp and 2nd Lt. C.R. EDWARDS to Lewis Gun Course, PERNES. Casualties 1 Off. 35 O.R. Reinforcements 4 Off. 94 O.R.

WAR DIARY FOR AUGUST 1917
1 Aug 1917 - Bradford Trench, Red Line Work on BRADFORD TRENCH continued. 2/Lts.F.A.GIRLING and W.D.F.SMITH, joined the Bn.
2 Aug 1917 2/Lt. MOYSE joined the Bn.
1-7 Aug 1917 Work on BRADFORD TRENCH.
7 Aug 1917 - Beverley Camp 1 casualty occurred. Bn. was relieved by DRAKE BN.188th Inf.Bde. and moved to BEVERLEY CAMP.
8 Aug 1917 - St-Aubin Relieved by 7th ROYAL FUSILIERS. Bn. marched to St. AUBIN.
9 Aug 1917 Training 3 hours daily. Bn. to have as much rest as possible during period out of the line. Major G.P.NUNNELEY M.C. granted leave.
10 Aug 1917 Training as for 9th.
11 Aug 1917 2/Lt. MACKLIN joined the Bn.
12 Aug 1917 Bn. Rifle Meeting was held. Capt.F.T.SPICER M.C. won the Colonel's Prize.
13 Aug 1917 Training as for 9th.
14 Aug 1917 Brigade Rifle Meeting took place. CAPT.F.T.SPICER, M.C. won the G.O.C. 190th Inf.Bde. Prize. 2/Lt.K.V.R.GOLD joined the Bn. 2/Lt's L.C.T.GATE & F.T.SPICER appointed Acting Captain.
15 Aug 1917 2/Lt. DAVIS, A/Staff Capt. 190th Inf.Bde.
16 Aug 1917 - Railway Cutting B.21.c. Bn. moved to RAILWAY CUTTING (B.21.c.) and relieved HAWKE Bn. 189th Inf.Bde. Draft of 34 O.Rs. joined from 17th I.B.D. CAPT.SCOTT & 2/Lt.THOMPSON granted leave to England.
17 Aug 1917 Lt.& Adjt.J.H.BLACKWELL appointed A/CAPT. Work on EARL TRENCH commenced by Bn.
18 Aug 1917 2/Lt. DOCKRILL admitted to C.C.S. from FIELD AMB.
19 Aug 1917 2/Lt. GLOSSOP joined Bn. 3 O.Rs. rejoined from 17th I.B.D. 1 O.R. from C.C.S. Improvements to dugouts in RY. CUTTING carried out. Work on EARL TRENCH continued.
20 Aug 1917 Two casualties. (O.Rs)
22 Aug 1917 Two killed, one wounded (11) Major G.P.NUNNELEY assumed command of Bn. in absence of Lt.Col.J.S.COLLINGS-WELLS D.S.O., granted leave to ENGLAND.
23 Aug 1917 CAPT.R.J. BARRY granted leave to ENGLAND.
24 Aug 1917 - front line south of Oppy Wood Bn. relieved 1st ARTISTS RIFLES in Front line S. of OPPY WOOD.
25 Aug 1917 6 O.R's rejoined from 17th I.B.D. Work on EARL, MARINE, RAILWAY TRENCHES.
26 Aug 1917 3 killed and 3 wounded (O.R's.)
27 Aug 1917 1 killed and 3 wounded (O.R's.)
28 Aug 1917 Work continued by Batt. in Front Line.
29 Aug 1917 2/Lt. J.R.G. COOKE granted leave to ENGLAND.
30 Aug 1917 Bn. in Front line. Draft of 4 O.R's from 17th I.B.D.
31 Aug 1917 Bn. anxiously waiting relief. Received word that on relief, Bn. proceeds to St.AUBIN again.

WAR DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 1917
1 Sep 1917 - front line south of Oppy Wood No casualties.
2 Sep 1917 - Saint-Aubin No casualties. Battn. relieved by HAWKE Battn. at 6 p.m. and entrained in the CUTTING for St. AUBIN arriving there about midnight. Lieut. Col. COLLINGS-WELLS D.S.O. returned from leave.
3 Sep 1917 Battn. Training.
4 Sep 1917 Battn. Training Sports, Cricket and Football in the evening. 5 Sep 1917 Capt. & Adj. J.H.BLACKWELL and 2nd Lt. E.ELLIS granted leave to England.
7 Sep 1917 Battn. practiced [sic] Trench to Trench attack. 2nd Lt.F.J.IVEY joined.
9 Sep 1917 2nd Lt. F.H.SHAW 2nd Lt. L.HAMBLING and 2nd Lt. F. HUNT joined. Capt. L.G.PLUMBLY to 1st Army Rest Camp.
10 Sep 1917 Battn. relieved 2 Coys (NELSON and HOOD Bns) in RED LINE. 2nd Lt. F. HUNT to C.C.S. injury.
11 Sep 1917 3 O.R. rejoined from 17th I.B.D.
12 Sep 1917 Liet.Col. COLLINGS-WELLS D.S.O. assumes temp. command of 190th Inf.Bde. Major G.P.NUNNELEY M.C. assumes command of the Battn.
14 Sep 1917 - front line south of Oppy Wood Relieved 1st Artists Rifles in FRONT LINE. 2nd Lieuts N.C.H.W.HAMMOND and W.DOCKRILL struck off strength on evacuation to England.
15 Sep 1917 2nd Lieuts C.KEITH-JOHNSTON M.C. and G.C.CATT joined.
16 Sep 1917 2nd Lieut. A.L.GORDON wounded. 1 O.R. Killed 5 O.R's wounded.
17 Sep 1917 2 O.R's. joined from XIII Corps M & R.Camp.
19 Sep 1917 Capt. L.C.T.GATE proceeded on leave to England.
20 Sep 1917 Lieut.Col.J.S.COLLINGS-WELLS D.S.O. returned from Brigade H.Q.
22 Sep 1917 Relieved by 7th R.FUSILIERS in FRONT LINE and took over from them in RED LINE.
24 Sep 1917 - Ourton Relieved by 21st LONDON Regt. 47th Div. entrained in Cutting for ECOIVRES proceeded thence by Motor Bus arriving about 6 p.m.
25 Sep 1917 Training started.
26 Sep 1917 2nd Lt. A.E.TEE and draft of 126 O.R. joined from XIII Corps M & R Camp.
27 Sep 1917 2nd Lieut. A.L.GORDON returned from hospital. Met the 190th M.G.C. at football won 2 - 1.
28 Sep 1917 2nd Lieuts G.THEED. J.W.TACCHI. G.W.CHILDS. C. BORNET. L.A.W.VINCENT G.M.RADWELL and W.I.BROUGHTON joined. Played 223rd M.G.C. at football won 4 - 3.
29 Sep 1917 2nd Lt.W.D.F.SMITH proceeded to 1st Army School. Played 7th R.F. at football, lost 1 - 2.
30 Sep 1917 BRIGADE Church Parade at la COMTE. Inspection by G.O.C.

WAR DIARY FOR OCTOBER 1917.

1 Oct. Major G.P. NUNNELLY, M.C. and 2 Lt A.L. GORDON to C.C.S.

2 Oct. Left ORTON at 11pm and marched to LIGNY St. FLOCHEL where Btn entrained for north.

3 Oct. Arrived CASSELL 12.30pm and marched to ZERMEELE. Coys much scattered. Transferred from VIII to XVIII Corps

4 Oct. Training

5 Oct. Major F.W.F. LATHOM joined

7 Oct. Marched to HOUTKERQUE, arrived 3pm. Very wet. Coys scattered

8 Oct. Training. A draft of 6 Signallers joined

9-20 Oct. Coy and Battn. training for pill box attack. Weather wet.

21 Oct. 15 Officers and 20 other ranks to XVIII reinforcement camp. 2nd Lt T.R.G COOKE struck off strength upon transfer to RFC

22-25 Oct. Final preparations for active operations

26 Oct. Embus at 11.30am and proceed to DANBURY CAMP, POTTENHOOK. Arrive 3pm. Under canvas. Very wet night.

27 Oct. Brigade march to CANAL BANK, about 1 mile N. of YPRES. Battn. billeted in dug outs on [unreadable, but probably 'side of bank']

28 Oct. Battn. marched from CANAL BANK to an [?] trench near CHEDDAR VILLA.

29 Oct. Battn. marched at 4.30pm to the front line about 1½ miles S.E. of POELCAPPELLE and took up position for attack at dawn on a front of about 600 yards.

30 Oct. Battn. attacked at 5.50am 7RF on left, Artists Rifles on right, Canadian Corps on right of Artists. Canadians reached [unreadable] objectives but our attack was held up by very heavy and boggy ground surrounding the PADDEBEEK and a total advance of about 150-200 yards only was made.

CASUALTIES -

Officers Killed; Capt. L.C.T. [Leslie Charles Thomas] GATE, 2Lt A.E. TEE.

Wounded; Capt. J. SCOTT, Lt C.H. WAREING, Lt K.V.R. GOLD, 2Lt E.A. GLOSSOP, 2Lt ? BORNETT, 2Lt NEW, 2Lt RADWELL.

OR Killed 52, wounded 180, missing 23.

Battn relieved by NELSON Battn. at 7pm and marched out to IRISH FARM. Lt-Colonel COLLINGS-WELLS D.S.O., Capt. & Adjt. J.H. BLACKWELL, 2Lt ELLIS, 2Lt R.C. FYNN, Capt. F.T. SPICER MC, 2Lt J.W. TACCHI, Capt ?.F. WATTS came out with the battalion.

WAR DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 1917
1 Nov 1917 - Poperinge Batt. entrained at Irish Farm 1.30 p.m. arrived Poperinghe 5 p.m. moved to good billets near Square.
2 Nov 1917 2nd Lt.F.C.H.THOMPSON struck off strength on transfer to I.A.Reserve of Officers. Capt.F.T.SPICER M.C. to command B.Coy vice Capt.J.SCOTT wounded.
5 Nov 1917 - Tunnelling Camp, Sint-Jan-Ter-Biezen Batt. marched to Tunnelling Camp. Capt. H.O'NEILL R.A.M.C. admitted to F.A.
7 Nov 1917 2nd Lt.G.C.CATT struck off strength on evacuation to England sick.
9 Nov 1917 Lt.H.R.SINCLAIR, R.A.M.C. reported for temp. duty.
11 Nov 1917 - Winnezeele Batt. marched to Winnezeel [sic]. details from Reinforcement Camp rejoined.
12 Nov 1917 - Arneke Batt. marched to Arneke.
13 Nov 1917 - Eringhem Batt. marched to Eringhem.
14 Nov 1917 2nd Lt. W.B.STIMSON. 2nd Lt.L.HUMPHREYS. 2nd Lt.A.HAYES. 2nd Lt.P.SHOTT. 2nd Lt.A.V.CLARK and 165 O.R. joined.
15 Nov 1917 Lt.J.B.PRIMROSE-WELLS and 3 O.R. joined.
16 Nov 1917 Major F.W.F.LATHOM assumed command of the Batt. in the absence of Lt.Col.COLLINGS-WELLS D.S.O. on leave.
19 Nov 1917 MILITARY MEDALS have been awarded the following for gallantry in action [comment; possibly for 30^th – 31^st October actions]–

12282 Sgt.SCRUBY, N.C.

22008 Sgt.TURNER A.J.,

8179 Cpl.MASON, J.

30292 Pte RUGGLES, G.

23499 Pte.HOLDOM, G. A.

40629 Pte. COOPER, C.
20 Nov 1917 20 O.R. joined.
23 Nov 1917 9 O.R. joined.
25 Nov 1917 5 Sergts. joined. Lt.R.S.E.WELLS struck off strength.
28 Nov 1917 - Houtkerque Batt. marched to Houtkerque.
30 Nov 1917 Training.

WAR DIARY FOR DECEMBER 1917
1 Dec 1917 - Houtkerque Training.
2 Dec 1917 Training. Lt A/Capt P.F.WATTS awarded the Military Cross for gallantry & devotion to duty in action.
3 Dec 1917 Training. Lt A/Capt.J.H.E.SANDFORD struck off strength on resuming his medical studies
4 Dec 1917 Training. 16 O.R. joined
6 Dec 1917 - Godewaersvelde March to GODEWAERSYELDE [sic]
9 Dec 1917 - Rocquigny Entrained at 3 a.m. arrived at MIRAUMONT at noon. Marched to ROCQUIGNY arrived in camp 7.30 p.m.
10 Dec 1917 5 O.R. rejoined.
13 Dec 1917 - Etricourt-Manancourt Marched to ETRICOURT. (under canvas)
15 Dec 1917 - Metz-en-Couture Marched to METZ.
16 Dec 1917 - Highland Ridge, Villers-Plouich 42 O.R. joined Batt. relieved [sic] the 10th R.I.R. in the support trenches on HIGHLAND RIDGE near VILLERS PLOUICH
19 Dec 1917 - front line near Villers-Plouich Batt relieved HOOD batt. in front line. Lieut.Col. Collings Wells D.S.O. resumed command of Batt.
22 Dec 1917 Batt releived [sic] 7th R.Fus in front line. Lieut H.M.E.GUDGEON Taken on strength of Batt.
27 Dec 1917 - Havrincourt Batt releived [sic] by 7th R.Fus and marched to camp in HAVRINCOURT WOOD Total casualties during tour O.R. 3 killed and 10 wounded. Major F.W.F.LATHOM assumed temp command of 7th R.Fus.
29 Dec 1917 The following were mentioned in Dispatches of Nov.7th/17 –

BLACKWELL Sec Lt (Actg Captn)

J.B.COLLINGS-WELLS Capt (Actg.Lt.Col) J.J. D.S.O.,

PEARCE, No 13972 Sgt.F.C.;

MARKS, No 4/6663 Sgt.W.G.
30 Dec 1917 - trenches near Villers-Plouich Batt moved up to line at one hours notice owing to Enemy attack on Div. front.
31 Dec 1917 Major G.P.Nunnelley M.C. rejoined from England. Batt moved to front line. 2nd Lt A.V.CLARKE wounded. Lt C.KEITH-JOHNSON and 2nd Lt. W.D.SMITH gassed, O.R. 5 Killed, 9 wounded, 8 gassed.

War Diary Appendices

April 1917

APPENDIX I
MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATIONS.
"Following wire has been sent by the Commander in Chief Sir Douglas Haig, to 1st Army begins aaa
My congratulations to you and the troops engaged on the good work done yesterday especially in the capture of GAVRELLE ends aaa"
Headquarters, 190th Infantry Brigade. 29th April, 1917.
”I wish to express to the Officers, N.C.Os. and men of the Brigade my high appreciation of the work they have carried out during the last tour of duty in the trenches. In spite of the very heavy casualties units have sustained, objectives have not only been gained but held, thus enabling the Brigade to retain the high reputation which it already holds. I trust C.Os. will acquaint all ranks of the above, and that the past fourteen days may serve as a fresh incentive to the training of the men of the Brigade.”
(Sd.) W.H.E. Finch Brigadier General, Commanding 190th Infantry Brigade

May 1917

Appendix 1 to War Diary, Volume X.
The undermentioned were mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's Despatch, dated the 9th April 1917.
The late LIEUT. B. L. S. FRERE Killed in action Novmr.13th 1916
2nd LIEUT. L. G. PLUMBLY.
No.5914 REGTL.SGT.MAJOR W. T. THEOBALD.
No.7873 COY.SGT.MJOR. F.MART. Believed Killed in action 29/4/17

The undermentioned were awarded the MILITARY MEDAL in connection with the operations at GAVRELLE
22491 Pte F. Foster.
23478 Pte L. Chappell Wounded 23/4/17
31157 Pte F. Davonport Wounded 23/4/17
The late No.19845 Pte Wiles E. died of wounds

June 1917

APPENDIX 1.
HONOURS AND AWARDS:
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER.
CAPTAIN (A/Lt.Col.) J.S.COLLINGS-WELLS.
THE MILITARY CROSS:
CAPTAIN S.D.MILLS.
T/CAPTAIN P.J.WATKIN, R.A.M.C. attached 4th Bn Bedfordshire Regt.
THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL.
No. 8338 Sgt. Jefferies R.
No. 12930 Pte Beasley R.
THE MILITARY MEDAL.
No. 4/7086 Sgt. Harris J.
No. 23554 Pte (L/CPL) Wilson F.

[Comment; the Following Messages are between Captain Spicer of B Company and other Officers - they were found mixed up with the 1st Battalion War Diary. See also entries for January 1918]

H.Q. about R.2.b.8.0. For O.C. A & B
1. A & B Coys & H.Q. will proceed at once to the Counter Attack Area & occupy trenches in R.2.a.& c.
2. C & D Coys will occupy trench running north & south through R.2.central & R.2.c.central.
3. A Coy will occupy trench from R.3.a.25.50 - R.3.c.6.8.
4. B Coy will occupy trench from R.3.c.6.8 - R.3.c.90.50.
J.H.Blackwell Capt & Adjt

O.C. COY NOBLE in trench L330-R8
Move your company to fill up gap from R.4.a.6.5 - R.4.a.5.0. They will have to consolidate a position there - there is no trench yet. Report at HQ R.4.a.3.3.
M.B.Hewitt Lieut.A.Adjt.
NOISY
for L.Col.comdg. at H.Q. R.4.a.3.3. Artists
30.12.17. 5.45

To OC B Coy
Posts have been working out for some time now and are still progressing. Can I come and see you about this
A.V.Clark 2Lt.
Rewired 1 p.m. About

To Lt.Clark
Come in with Runner. Will send for Hayes & Childs later, after you have had some food

F.T.Spicer Capt. OC B Coy 30-12-17

From O.C. B Coy. NOBLE To Major F.W.F.Lathom.

Repeat to L.Col.J.S.Collings Wells D.S.O.
I have established communication from HOODS at R.4.c.55.60 (Sunken Road) along Sunken road to About R.4.a.80.45. where I am in touch with 1st ARTISTS. Am consolidating as rapidly as possible, everything is quiet at present. My HQrs will be located at R.4.a.65.60. Please have my rations forwarded here.
30-12-17 8.30.pm
F.T.Spicer Capt

O C B COY NOBLE

The Hawke Bn is relieving the HOOD Bn tonight & should be starting this by now. The HAWKE will put one platoon into CAMOUFLAGE ROAD on your right to relieve RF's and the HAWKE will relieve all your posts in CABLE TRENCH except the one nearest your end which you will continue to hold. I note what you say about the remainder of the Artists Rifles.
J.S.Collings-Wells Lt.Col.
NOBLE

From O.C. B COY NOBLE
T O.C. NOAH
My Coy frontage now is from R.4.c.65.60 to R.4.a.90.80.
30-12-17 8.57 p.m.
F.T.Spicer O.C. B Coy NOBLE

From O.C. NOAH To O.C. B Coy NOBLE
Hope soon to send some of my men so as to shorten your line.
Will inform you but shall put them in Camouflage road from the HOOD end.
F.W.F.Lathom Major
9.15 p.m. 30.12.17

From O.C.B.Coy NOBLE To O.C. NOAH
Am in touch with HOODS. along cable trench at R.4.d.15.85. Have established posts along Cable Trench as ordered.
Am sending down for SAA & Bombs.
Have you any Very lights?
F.T.Spicer Capt
31-12-17 1.26 a.m.
O.C.B Coy. NOBLE

From OC [unreadable] Coy NOBLE To O.C. B. Coy. NOBLE [sic?]
Can you please inform me what time rations will be up. It is essential that I should have them before daylight, after dawn it will be difficult for me to get to all my positions.
C.O. informed me that you would cover for me
F.T.Spicer Capt O.C. B.Coy NOBLE

From O C B Coy. To 2/Lt A.V.Clark
Try and get posts along Cable Trench again as soon as possible, & inform me. Try & keep your positions don't withdraw until you get orders.
F.T.Spicer Capt
31-12-17 8.20 am
OC B Coy.

URGENT From OC B Coy.NOBLE To 2/Lt Clarke.
Reoccupy posts along Cable Trench at once HOODS are again retaking their posts along EAGLE AVENUE. Find a Runner & inform me when you have occupied these posts. This must be done. If HOODS are pressed send Bombing Section to help them.
9.5 am 31-12-17
F.T.Spicer Capt. OC B Coy NOBLE

To O.C.B.Coy
Have established LG post about 60 yds from road up Cable Trench also Bombing post about 40 yds from road. Cannot get any further at present
9.12 am Rewired.
A.V.Clark 2Lt.

From O.C.B.Coy To Adj.NOBLE
A small party of the 1st A.R.s between me & Plumbly have not yet been relieved yet. Plumbly says that he has not sufficient men to relieve them. I cannot thin my line any more, but as soon as my posts along Cable Trench (189 Bde) are relieved I can put them in when the A.R.s. are at present. I have been to see Plumbly and arranged this.
31-12-17 10.16 a.m.
F.T.Spicer Capt OC B Coy.

To OC B Coy.
Posts just got out and retired to road on their own with report of enemy massing for attack on the right of our posts.
A.V.Clark 2Lt
Rewired 10.20 am

From OC B Coy To 2/Lt Clark
Ref: your message just received. these posts must again be occupied. These posts should not retire when they see enemy massing, they are sent there to repulse these attacks therefore they must be reoccupied at once. You must also watch your R flank & give HOODS assistance. Camouflafe road must be held at all costs
F.T.Spicer Capt

From O.C. B Coy NOBLE To OC NOAH
Posts are now trying to get back along Cable Trench. 2/Lt Clark reports that the Boche are getting in strength in EAGLE AVENUE about R.[4?]d.40.85.
10.21 am 31-12-17
F.T.Spicer capt OC B Coy NOBLE

From O C B Coy. NOBLE To Adj NOBLE
Received your message re Reports. At present I am sending reports to O.C. NOAH but if possible will also forward them on to you. At present we are engaged with the Boch up EAGLE AVENUE, where he is trying to push on. He was seen massing there at 10.20 am. This has been reported to OC NOAH who is asking for Artillery Support.
11.13 am 31-12-17
F.T.Spicer Capt.

From O.C. B.Coy NOBLE. To 2/Lt Webb
Send one Bombing Section down Sunken road to help HOODS in EAGLE AVENUE.
12 noon 31-12-17
F.T.Spicer Capt OC B Coy NOBLE

From OC B Coy. NOBLE To O.C. NOAH
Have put one Bombing Section to assist HOODS along EAGLE AVENUE. Have also order [sic] posts to reoccupy Cable Trench as soon as posts are all along Cut Trench will inform you
12.15 p.m. 31-12-17
F.T.Spicer Capt OC B Coy NOB

From O C B Coy NOBLE. To 2/Lt Clark
Continue to push out along Cu[t] trench with all Haste and info[rm] me when this is completed. It is very urgent, as I am wait[ing] to report this to Bn.H.Qrs. I have ordered Webb to send one Bombing Section to assist the HOODS along EAGLE AVENUE. Will inform you when to com[e] and see me, not at present but make sure & see the pos[ts] along Cable Trench, this is t[o] assist the HOODS
12.30 pm 31-12-17
F.T.Spicer Capt OC B Coy.

From O.C.B Coy. NOBLE. To O C NOAH
HOODS have been driven back a little way along EAGLE AVENUE. My most forward post in CABLE TRENCH has had to withdraw slightly owing to the HOODS being driven down EAGLE AVENUE. Have given orders to reoccupy these posts, at once.
Situation Enemy heavily shelled my positions from 7.30 am to 8.20 am. S.O.S.was fired on my Right. German Aeroplane flew low over my front at 8.15 a.m.
8.30 a.m. Enemy appears to be bombing down EAGLE AVENUE. My positions in SUNKEN ROAD are intact.
F.T.Spicer Capt.

From OC B Coy. NOBLE To Adj. NOBLE
2/Lt A.V.Clark is badly wounded along Cable Trench R.4.a.8. Have taken steps to have him brought in
2.15 pm
F.T.Spicer Capt
Received M.C.

From OC B Coy NOBLE To OC NOAH
Posts are now along Cabl[e] Trench. 2/Lt A.V.Clark is badly woun[ded] along Cable Trench.
31-12-17 2.45 pm
F.T.Spicer Ca[pt] O.C. B Coy NOBL[E]

From O C B Coy NOBLE To 2Lt Webb
Please send for Bombing Section that was sent to HOO[DS] This Afternoon. HOODS Have now been reinforce[d] by one Platoon of A Co[y]
31-12-17 3.20 pm
F.T.Spicer C[apt] OC B Coy NOBLE
A Coy will relieved [sic] ARTIS[TS R] on your Left at Dusk. FTS

From O.C. B.Coy. To Adj. NOBLE
Could you let me have some V[ery] lights. Also some picks. I have sufficient shovels. Capt Plumbly also can do with some Very lights.
31-12-17 6.20 pm
F.T.Spicer Capt O C B Coy

From OC B Coy To Adj NOBLE Inteligence [sic] Report
ARTILLERY - (Hostile) At 7.30 am enemy opened heavy barrage on Sunken road (R.4.b.0.9 to R.4.a.8.a.) this lasted until 8.25 am. SOS was fired by Batt on Right HOODS. Also at two minute intervals at 8 & 11 pm enemy artillery [unreadable]. Our Artillery was very active during the morning. M.G. Hostile M.G. were active. One M.G. located about R.5.a.1.3.
SIGNALS - From 4.15 to 5.30 p.m. enemy fired pairs of red lights
AEROPLANE - At 8.15 a.m. an E.A. flew low along camouflage road, again at 4 pm, this time the E.A. was n[ot] so low.
MOVEMENT - About 10.15 am much movement was seen in EAGLE AVENUE about R.4.b.8.2. where trench crosses road.

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