The Bedfordshire Regiment in The Great War

The 8th Battalion in France, 1915
 
 

WAR DIARY FOR AUGUST 1915

21 Aug 1915 - Blackdown Ordered to Mobilize.

22 Aug 1915 "Train loads for New Army Division ["] recd. Secret

23 Aug 1915 - Chobham Common "Despatch of New Armies" Recd. Secret. 19 Rank & File transferred from 9th Suffolk Regt. Officers' Mess Cart recd. Establishment of Vehicles complete. Battalion carrying out Trench Warfare on CHOBHAM COMMON.

24 Aug 1915 - Blackdown Battalion returned to Barracks.

25 Aug 1915 -----------------

26 Aug 1915 -----------------

27 Aug 1915 1 Heavy draft horse recd to complete Establishment. Orders for Entrainment recd.

28 Aug 1915 Order of Embarkation recd. Secret. Transport & details (O.C. Major G. LOGAN HOME) entrained at 11 PM.

 

WAR DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 1915

10 Sep 1915 - Merville

17 Sep 1915 Alarm for concentration recd. 9.30 pm. Bn. moved off 11 pm to concentrate at Bde HdQrs at 12 midnight.

18 Sep 1915 Divisional Manoeuvres proceeded & Bn. returned 1.45 pm.

19 Sep 1915 -----------------

20 Sep 1915 C.O. went to Trenches

21 Sep 1915 Marched from MERVILLE 3.20 PM.

22 Sep 1915 - Radinghem Arrived RADINGHEM 2.30 AM. 21 miles. Bivouacked. Marched 5.30 P.M.

23 Sep 1915 - La Miquellerie Arrived MOLINGHEM 3.0 AM. 18 miles. Billets. Marched LA MIQUELLERIE 5.30 P.M. arriving 7 pm. 4 1/2 miles.

24 Sep 1915 Marched from LA MIQUELLERIE 8 pm.

25 Sep 1915 - Larutoire Arrived BETHUNE 1.30 AM. 10 miles. Billeted in Girls' College. Stand to ordered 8 AM. Moved off 1 pm. Halted with Brigade near Fosse No 9 de BETHUNE [comment; 300 yards west of Annequin, Ref 36BNE2 Aubers], in reserve. Moved at 6.30 to LARUTOIRE. Brigade advanced in support on 72nd Bde for attack on HULLUCH. 9th Suffolks & 11 Essex in front line, 8th Bedfords & 9th Norfolks in Support, which was reported held by British but not verified. Hulloch [sic] being found to be occupied by enemy.

26 Sep 1915 - Vermelles 3 A.M. Bn. ordered to occupy front line of British Trenches. 6 A.M. Bn. ordered to support Norfolks in attack on Quarries at G.6.c.5.2. from the South. Our position at that time being G.16.d.4.3. ref. 36c 1/40,000. The morning was thick & misty. The Bn. advanced in artillery formation as far as the HULLOCH [sic] - VERMELLES Road, being 4 hours behind the Norfolks. We came on trenches occupied by the Cameron Highlanders & they knew nothing of the whereabouts of the Norfolks. Patrols were sent out who failed to get in touch with the Norfolks - The Bn. being subject to severe rifle & shell fire & gas bombs after 3 hours as no news could be obtained of the Norfolks, the C.O. decided to reoccupy the front line British trenches, as the Highland Regt. stated there was no room in the captured enemy trenches. On returning to the 1st Line British trenches the Bn. became somewhat separated owing to portions of the trench being occupied by other units. The Bn. was relieved by the Coldstream Guards about 6 pm & returned to VERMELLES for the night where they bivouaced. Casualties Killed O.R. 2 wounded 2nd Lt.A.G.Hodges O.R. 23. Gassed Col.E.S.C.Kennedy O.R. 2.

27 Sep 1917 7 A.M. Moved to L.10 B [comment; Sheet 36B] where the Cookers & supplies were met. 10 AM. Moved 200 yds N.E. into Coys in line at 40 yds distance. 6 pm moved again to L.5.c. where we bivouaced.

28 Sep 1917 - Ham-en-Artois 12.30 P.M. Moved to L.9.A. where bivouaces were erected, but ordered to move at 6.33 pm to railway station at NOEUX LES MINES where the Bn. entrained for BERGUETTE. From there we marched to HAM-EN-ARTOIS where the Bn. was billeted 2.15 AM. A very wet evening & night.

29 Sep 1917 - Norrent Fontes 2.30 P.M. Marched to NORRENT FORTES [sic] 4 1/2 miles & took over billets from 12th Royal Fusiliers.

30 Sep 1915 The day spent cleaning Equipment. washing etc.
 

WAR DIARY FOR OCTOBER 1915

1 Oct 1915 - Norrent Fontes In billets at NORRENT FORTES [sic]. Regl Transport except cookers & 1 water-cart proceeded North. Billeting party sent to Bde HdQrs 12 noon.

2 Oct 1915 - Watou Marched to BERGUETTE station (4 miles) where the Bn. entrained for GODEWAERSVELDE at 9.5 A.M. arriving at 10.30 A.M. Received orders to march to WATOU xx (7 miles) where billeting officer met us. The Bn. was taken to 2 farms, about 2 miles N.E. & were partly billeted (part bivouacing) for the night.

3 Oct 1915 One farm being required for artillery, the whole Bn. was accommodated at the more Southerly farm, 80 tents being drawn & all troops being either billeted or under canvas. Divine service was held at 12 noon.

4 Oct 1915 Bn. inspected by Maj.Gen. J.E.Capper C.B. Comdg 24th Div.

5 Oct 1915 - Vlamertinge 12 noon Marched to pt. H.8.c.7.2. S.W. of VLAMERTINGHE, 9 miles. 220 men accommodated by R.E. 160 men by 2nd Royal Scots. Remainder in barn & tents. A very wet day.

 6 Oct 1915 - trenches and Vlamertinge A & D Coys. proceeded to Trenches to be attd. to 1st Gordons & 2nd Royal Scots. C Coy attd. for training to 4th Middlesex. "B" Coy to 2nd Suffolks. Lt. S.N.Kennedy & 55 O.R. proceeded to ABEELE for control duty in the forbidden area.

7 Oct 1915 Lt. G. Brewster & Lt. C.J.Williams took working party of 100 O.R. to L.13.a.8.4. 2nd Lt. McMichael & 2 N.C.Os proceeded to parade school at M.10.A.5.8. 2nd Lieut. M.A.STEWARD reported his arrival & was taken on strength & posted to B. Coy.

8 Oct 1915 Draft of 115 O.R. arrived. Lt. G. BORWICK, 2nd Lt. C.S. SHIPPEY and 2nd Lt. A.C. CROSKELL reported their arrival & were taken on the strength of the Bn. and posted to C. A. & D. Coys respectively. Casualties in trenches on 7th inst. Wounded O.R.3.

9 Oct 1915 Hd.Qrs. A & B. & C. Coys. proceeded to trenches & relieved A. & D. Coys. who returned to billets. Casualties - Wounded O.R.1.

10 Oct 1915 Hd.Qrs. B. & C. Coys returned to billets. Casualties, Wounded O.R.1.

11 Oct 1915 Hd. Qrs. A. & D. Coys marched at 12.15 to farms on WATOU- PROVEN road. B. & C. Coys followed at 3. p.m.

12 Oct 1915 In billets. 1 N.C.O. and 7 men of 2nd Leicester Regt. attached for bombing instruction.

13 Oct 1915 In billets. Casualties - Wounded 1 O.R. (accidentally). Sick & removed to Hospital Lieut. & Qr.Mr. F.C. WOOTTEN.

14 Oct 1915 - Camp B 3.15 p.m. Marched to Camp B. in woods at A.30.

15 Oct 1915 In Camp. Adjt. Bombing Officer, M.G. Officer & Pioneer Officer visited trenches held by 1st Buffs.

16 Oct 1915 2 Coys. bathed at POPERINGHE. B & C. Coys. inspected by Corps Commander Gen. Sir H.C.O. Plumer, K.C.B.

[Comment; The period 17 October to 30 October are missing from The National Archives]

 

 

WAR DIARY FOR NOVEMBER 1915

1 Nov 1915 – trenches. Wet weather. Pumping and draining trenches, many trenches falling in. GARDEN ST full of water. O.C. 2nd Sherwood foresters came to see trenches preparatory to taking over.

2 Nov 1915 – trenches. Trenches very wet and muddy. 2/ Sherwood foresters commenced relieving at 6.30pm. Owing to broken telephone wires relief not completed till 11pm, communication with Coys in front line being very difficult. Marched by platoon to H.11 to dugouts. 1 Coy 1 platoon canal bank., 1 platoon LA BRIQUE, 1 Coy MACHINE GUN FARM, 1 Coy 2 platoons dugouts. Ref. Map Belgium and France B series, sheet 28 1/40,000.

3 Nov 1915 - H.11 Found working parties for trenches.

4 Nov 1915 – Drill and physical training in the morning. Found working parties for trenches.

5 Nov 1915 – ditto

6 Nov 1915 – Heavy shelling of H.11 by Germans commencing at 4am. Lasted about 3 hours. Working parties for trenches.

7 Nov 1915 – 2nd Lieut WYETH to hospital with rheumatism. Capt [unreadable] to 17th F.Amb [unreadable] on sprained ankle. Detained. Relieved 9th Norfolks in trenches (left Btn) centre sector. Trenches very muddy and in bad condition. No. 19788 Pte Pearson gunshot wound during relief.

8 Nov 1915 - trenches Pumping & cleaning trenches. Lieut G.BREWSTER slightly wounded in the temple at duty No.3/8766 Pte.E.Tingey killed by rifle bullet. Patrol reports enemy front line trench in part of B.14 not held by enemy

9 Nov 1915 Pumping, draining & cleaning trenches No.19608 Pte.A.E.TOMS wounded by bullet No.16755 Pte.A.C.Reed wounded by bullet No.19922 Pte.F.UNDERWOOD wounded rifle bullet. LA.BRIQUE dump was heavily shelled during the evening whilst rations were being dumped, all rations were got up to the trenches there were no casualties. Very wet day

10 Nov 1915 Trenches very wet & muddy work done pumping water out & repairing trenches where they had fallen in dump at LA BRIQUE dump heavily shelled during the morning.

11 Nov 1915 Trenches still very wet & muddy 2nd Lieut.Glenfield M.G.Officer 9th Norfolks killed by shell in front line trenches whilst handing over to our M.G. Officer Raining most of the day.

12 Nov 1915 - Camp A Following message received from 71st I.B. "Division wires that certain information has been received showing that there is a possibility that the Germans may attack today. Information is unreliable but you are hereby warned and close touch should be kept on your flanks and with the neighbouring Brigades especially with the 49th Division". The 49th Division was on our left & close touch was maintained with the West Yorkshire Regt. who was on the Right of 49th Div. Trenches very full of water it rained heavily during the day, the enemy sent up rockets during the afternoon. Relieved by the 2nd Sherwood Foresters relief being completed at 11.30 pm. Marched to Camp A. Wood A.30 on relief.

13 Nov 1915 - Poperinge Camp very wet & muddy still raining moved at 3pm to billets in POPERINGHE in Divisional Reserve under orders to move at 2 hours notice.

14 Nov 1915 Divine Service at 11 am in Cinema.

15 Nov 1916 6th Div. Baths allotted to the Bn.

16 Nov 1915 Coy. Training in billets cold day hard frost.

17 Nov 1915 Very wet day Platoon training in billets.

18 Nov 1915 - Camp C near Poperinge Transferred to 16th I.B. received orders to move to Camp C W. of POPERINGHE Sheet 27 L 3 d 4.4. moved at 3 pm camp very muddy. Rest Camp of 14th Div.

19 Nov 1915 10 am Brig.Gen.C.L.Nicholson inspected camp, working parties daubing huts, hard frost.

20 Nov 1915 9.30 am Hostile Aeroplane dropped bombs on camp no damage done. 10 am Brig.Gen.C.L.Nicholson inspected Bn. in marching order. Commenced issue of webbing equipment in place of leather pattern 1915

21 Nov 1915 Camp very muddy

22 Nov 1915 Frost camp drier

23 Nov 1915 Officers from 1/K.S.L.I. York & Lancaster & 2/Buffs attached

24 Nov 1915 Genl. Ross 6th Div. inspected camp

25 Nov 1915 6th Div Baths allotted to Bn.

26 Nov 1915 Inspection of Camp by Gen. J.Kerr K.C.B. VI Corps Commander

27 Nov 1915 - Poperinge Moved from Camp to billets in POPERINGHE

28 Nov 1915 Billets in POPERINGHE hard frost

29 Nov 1915 Div. Baths allotted from 9 am - 12 noon

30 Nov 1915 Billets in POPERINGHE

WAR DIARY FOR DECEMBER 1915

1 Dec 1915 - Poperinge In Billets town shelled in the afternoon took Bn out of the town along ABEELE RD.

2 Dec 1915 Coy. Training

3 Dec 1915 Bde. Route March inspected during march by Gen.Plumer 2nd Army Commander

4 Dec 1915 Brig.Gen.Nicholson inspected billets. Very high wind blew down wall in transport lines burying nine horses three killed

5 Dec 1915 Service held in the "Fancies Hall"

6 Dec 1915 Found Working Parties in YPRES for 42nd Bde also on trenches

7 Dec 1915 Found Working Parties very wet

 8 Dec 1915 - Watou Left POPERINGHE for Billets near WATOU BN.H.Q. in WATOU Coys billetted [sic] in farms near very scattered billets.

9 Dec 1915 Bde. Practice concentration very wet Bde. Inspected by Gen.Ross

10 Dec 1915 Bde.Gen Nicholson inspected billets.

11 Dec 1915 Coy training

12 Dec 1915 Colder some sleet & rain

13 Dec 1915 Route march in the morning. Inspection of M.Gunners by Brigadier in the afternoon

14 Dec 1915 Cold & frosty preparing for move to Camp C Wood A.30 sheet 28.

15 Dec 1915 - Camp C Moved at 2pm [comment; 2/Lt Rupert Harold GRETTON killed]

16 Dec 1915 - trenches at Forward Cottage Relieved 7th K.R.R. in FORWARD COTTAGE line of trenches

17 Dec 1915 Trenches very wet heavily shelled.

18 Dec 1915 Improving wire in front of the trenches & support trenches

19 Dec 1915 5.30am Gas attack opened rapid fire the Germans did not come over the parapet very heavy shelling gas cleared at 7.30 pm. Telephone wires cut between coys. B.Coy. in FORWARD COTTAGE trench relieved by 1 Coy 2/York & Lancaster. Heavy shelling all day, also gas shells. [Comment; 2/Lt Charles James WILLIAMS died of wounds and Lt Edmund Wallis BECK died from wounds recieved today on the 9th January 1916]]

20 Dec 1915 Intense shelling support trenches demolished & relieved in the evening by 2/Buffs

21 Dec 1915 - Camp C Raining heavily 6th Div Baths allotted

22 Dec 1915 Brigadier Gen. Nicholson inspected battalion & complimented them on their behaviour

23 Dec 1915 Coy. training

24 Dec 1915 - Forward Cottage trenches 11 am Prepared for move to trenches 11 pm Relieved 1/BUFFS in FORWARD COTTAGE trenches raining trenches very wet & muddy BN. H.Q. Canal Bank during day, with advance H.Q. in 5.13B at night Little or no shelling during relief. 2/SHERWOOD FORESTERS on our Right 2/YORK & LANCASTER our left. Distribution 3 Coys. trenches 1 Canal Bank

25 Dec 1915 Xmas day. Quiet day, a little shelling Enemy Aeroplanes active

26 Dec 1915 Raining heavily relieved coy. in FORWARD COTTAGE by coy on CANAL BANK. Roads shelled one transport driver hit

27 Dec 1915 Quiet day very little shelling.

28 Dec 1915 Fairly quiet day YPRES and canal bank shelled Enemy aeroplanes active.

29 Dec 1915 - Poperinge FORWARD COTTAGE & B.14 heavily shelled, got intense retaliation from Bde. Relieved by 1st Buffs 2 coys remaining on Canal Bank H.Q. & two coys to Billets in POPENIGHE [sic] relief completed 11.35pm.

30 Dec 1915 Town shelled about 2pm & again about 4pm

31 Dec 1915 Town Shelled at 11.30 am till 12.30pm 22 shells 6th Div Allotted

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