The 8th Battalion in France, 1917

WAR DIARY FOR JANUARY 1917

1 Jan 1917 - Hohenzollern Left Sector Battalion relieved 2nd York & Lancaster Regt in HOHENZOLLERN LEFT SECTOR. Relief was complete by 4 PM no casualties. Trenches in very bad state no working parties required other than improving our trenches.

2 Jan 1917 Situation quiet with exception of a few inclusive[?] trench mortars casualties nil.

3 Jan 1917 Situation quiet one casualty (slightly wounded in carrying rations to front Coy) Patrolling work done by front Coys but nothing important observed

4 Jan 1917 Situation quiet casualties nil. RSM awarded DCM in New Years Honours and CO Capts Steyn, Pares & 2 Lt Smith mentioned in despatches

5 Jan 1917 - support trenches Relieved by 2nd York & Lancaster Regt. & went into support line trenches in fine conditions casualties nil

6 Jan 1917 Baths allotted to Battalion at VERMELLES also had to supply about 200 men for working parties. New draft of 1 off & 174 OR arrived a very good lot of men

7 Jan 1917 Working parties supplied . Casualties nil a further draft of 98 OR arrived very good but mostly specialists. CO inspected draft of 174 O R

8 Jan 1917 Working parties supplied casualties nil CO inspected draft of 98 O R

9 Jan 1917 - Hohenzollern Left Sector Moved up the line again & relieved 2nd York Lancaster trenches still in a bad state but showed sign of slight improvement Casualties nil

10 Jan 1917 Supplied 30 men to R.E's to make new dug outs in support line enemy fire about 200 light trench mortars over our front line casualties nil he received good retaliation from our artillery otherwise enemy quiet

11 Jan 1917 Companies all working on improvement of trenches situation quiet our artillery slightly active casualties nil.

12 Jan 1917 Weather bad, but very little sickness in spite of condition of trenches situation quiet

13 Jan 1917 - Noyelles-les-Vermelles and Lancashire Trench Battalion relieved by 2nd York Lancs Regt & proceeded to huts in NOYELLES for short rest. Weather very bad. 1 Coy remained in LANCASHIRE TRENCH

14 Jan 1917 Baths allotted to Battalion. 30 men per Coy attended Church Parade. 2 new drafts were allocated & joined their respective Coys

15 Jan 1917 Companies trained at 10.30 pm Battalion ordered to stand to and sent 1 Coy up to support an attack & as expected this did not take place & Coy returned next day.

16 Jan 1917 Companies continued training 75 men under 2Lt Batt proceeded to Divisional training school for further training also the Battalion started an 8 day course at transport for purpose of training Lewis Gunners

17 Jan 1917 - Hohenzollern Left Sector Battalion moved up line again & relieved 2nd York & Lancasters weather very bad heavy snow fall relieve [sic] completed by 12.50 PM enemy quiet casualties nil

18 Jan 1917 Enemy quiet. At 3 pm our trench mortars carried out a shoot on enemy's front & support line no retaliation casualties nil

19 Jan 1917 Enemy quiet our artillery carried out a shoot opposite our front. Good results were observed. Casualties nil. We sent out patrols at night. Casualties nil.

20 Jan 1917 Enemy quiet our artillery fairly active cutting wire etc. At 11 pm 2Lt MATTEY & Sgt HUNTER went out on patrol & did not return. It is feared they were taken prisoner. At 3 A M LT FLEMING with an NCO went out to look for them, but could find no sign

21 Jan 1917 The battalion was relieved by 2nd Y&L. It proceeded to Support Lines. Enemy quiet our artillery & T M's fairly active still wire cutting also our heavies fired a number of rounds behind enemies lines. Working parties were supplied by battalion. Casualties nil. C Company went back to huts NOYELLES in order to train for projected raid under Capt G D BREWSTER Eighty of these men were sent to DIVISIONAL GRENADE SCHOOL for instruction

22 Jan 1917 Working parties supplied by battalion also baths for men. Casualties nil

23 Jan 1917 Working parties supplied by battalion also baths for men. Casualties nil

24 Jan 1917 Our artillery again active as before our trenches selected for prospective raid. Working parties supplied. Casualties nil

25 Jan 1917 - Hohenzollern Left Sector Battalion moved into line again relieving 2nd Y&L enemy quiet. Patrols sent out . Our snipers active & claimed at least two hits. casualties nil. Successful raid carried out by Brigade on our left. Enemy retaliated slightly on us, but no damage done

26 Jan 1917 Enemy quiet. Our artillery again fairly active. Casualties nil. Another small raid by left Brigade at 11 pm. Enemy hardly retaliated.

27 Jan 1917 Our Artillery active also TM cutting wire [unreadable] our left front in preparation for prospective raid by Battalion. Casualties nil

28 Jan 1917 Artillery & TM completed cutting wire also shelled enemies support lines. Sgt Jarvis of D Coy accidentally wounded by Pte Fall [?] who discharged his rifle whilst cleaning. C Coy at 11 pm moved from NOYELLES to LEFT FRONT SECTOR preparatory to raid enemies trenches at 3.30 AM 29th inst. No casualties

29 Jan 1917 - Noyelles-les-Vermelles and Lancashire Trench A raid was made on enemy trenches called LITTLE WILLIE & HINDENBURG Trench. The guns started at 3.30 am. Raiders 150 man party from C Coy under Capt Brewster started at 3.37 under cover of our artillery barrage. Enemy's front line was quickly taken but as the raid was limited to 35 mins the raiders did not have time to enter 2nd Line. 2 prisoners were taken (very important identifications) several Germans killed also six dug outs were bombed with mobile charges. Casualties 1 officer very slightly wounded. 1 OR killed 1 severely wounded 3 lightly wounded.. Enemy put up very poor resistance. Battalion returned to reserve billets later in the forenoon 1 Coy to Lancashire Trench.

30 Jan 1917 Routine work in billets.

31 Jan 1917 Routine work in billets.

8th Bedfordshire Regt. Field State January 31st 1917

Killed 1 Missing 2 Wounded 7 Sick to Hospital 88* Sick from Hospital 52 Evacuated from FA 47

Strength of A Coy 12 Officers 273 Other Ranks

Strength of B Coy 5 Officers 290 Other Ranks

Strength of C Coy 7 Officers 268 Other Ranks

Strength of D Coy 5 Officers 275 Other Ranks

Total 29 Officers 1106 Other Ranks

* The majority of the sick are men recently out from England

WAR DIARY FOR FEBRUARY 1917

1 Feb 1917 - Noyelles-les-Vermelles Battn in hutment camp in Brigade Reserve. Training and inspection of arms.

2 Feb 1917 - opposite Hohenzollern Redoubt Battn. relieved 2/York & Lancaster Regt in left subsector of 16 I.B. front opposite HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT. A, B, & C Coys in front line & saps. D Coy in Support.

3 Feb 1917 Battn in line as above. Enemy snipers and machine guns very active. Casualties 1 O.R. killed, 2 O.R. wounded. Our snipers claim 3 hits.

4 Feb 1917 Battn in line as above. Enemy less aggressive except for trench mortars Casualties 1 O.R. killed.

5 Feb 1917 Battn in line as above. Our retaliation with 4.5 howitzers appears to have caused hostile TMs to stop. Casualties 1 O.R. killed 7 OR wounded.

6 Feb 1917 - Railway Reserve, Junction Keep, Central Keep, Reserve Line Battn relieved by 2/York & Lancs. Moved into Bde. Support - A Coy Railway Reserve B Coy Junction Keep, C Coy Central Keep, D Coy Reserve Line.

7 Feb 1917 Furnished working parties during day & night for front line system.

8 Feb 1917 Furnished working parties during day & night for front line system.

9 Feb 1917 Furnished working parties during day & night for front line system.

10 Feb 1917 - Hohenzollern Left Subsector Bn. relived 2/York & Lancs Regt in left subsector HOHENZOLLERN. B, C & D Coy in front line & saps. A Coy in support

11 Feb 1917 Bn in line as above - Enemy snipers active. Casualties 2/Lt Batt wounded. 3 O.R. killed, 4 OR wounded.

12 Feb 1917 Battn in line. Hostile T.Mortars active, snipers less so. Our snipers claim 2 hits

13 Feb 1917 Battn in line. Enemy quiet though nervous. Our snipers claim 2 hits. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded

14 Feb 1917 Battn in line. Enemy activity normal

15 Feb 1917 - Beuvry Battalion relieved by 9th Leicester Regt & marched to billets in BEUVRY.

16 Feb 1917 - l'Ecleme Marched to L'ECLEME near LILLERS.

17 Feb 1917 Cleaning up of equipment, clothing and billets

18 Feb 1917 Open air church service

19 Feb 1917 Coys training during forenoon. Inter platoon football & cross country running in the afternoon. A & D inspected by C.O.

20 Feb 1917 Coys training during morning. Inter platoon football & cross country running in the afternoon. B & C inspected by C.O.

21 Feb 1917 Coys training during forenoon. Inter platoon football & cross country running in the afternoon. Transport inspected by C.O.

22 Feb 1917 Coys training during forenoon. Inter platoon football & cross country running in the afternoon

23 Feb 1917 Coy training - recreational afternoon. Inter platoon competition.

24 Feb 1917 Coy training - recreational afternoon. Inter platoon competition. Bn scheme with Contact Aeroplane

25 Feb 1917 Open air church service

26 Feb 1917 Battn Scheme with Contact Aeroplane.

27 Feb 1917 Coys training. Afternoon - Bde Cross Country Race.

28 Feb 1917 - Bethune Marched to Bethune & billeted

8th Bedfordshire Regt Field State February 28th 1917

Killed 9 Wounded 18 Sick to Hospital 97 Sick from Hospital 67 Evacuated from F.A. 49

A Coy Strength 14 Officers 260 Other Ranks

B Coy Strength 6 Officers 265 Other Ranks

C Coy Strength 8 Officers 268 Other Ranks

D Coy Strength 6 Officers 274 Other Ranks

Total 34 Officers 1067 Other Ranks

WAR DIARY FOR MARCH 1917

1 Mar 1917 - Mazingarbe Marched to MAZINGARBE, via NEOUX-LES-MINES[sic] and billeted

2 Mar 1917 - Maroc Moved into support at MAROC near LOOS and relieved 8/East Lancashire Regt.

3 Mar 1917 - Loos-en-Gohelle and Travers Keep and St.James' Keep, Maroc B, C, & D Coys & Bn. H.Q. relieved 9/North Staffordshire Rgt in LOOS DEFENCES. A Coy remaining MAROC with a platoon in each of TRAVERS and ST.JAMES'S KEEPS.

4 Mar 1917 As above. Working parties at night, repair of keeps by day.

5 Mar 1917 As above. Working parties at night, repair of keeps by day. Casualties 2 O.R. Killed 2 OR wounded.

6 Mar 1917 As above. Working parties at night, repair of keeps by day.

7 Mar 1917 As above. Working parties at night, repair of keeps by day.

8 Mar 1917 Relieved 1/The Buffs in left subsector of LOOS SECTION. Enemy activity normal during night. A. B & D Coy in front line, C Coy in Support.

9 Mar 1916 In trenches as above. Enemy heavy trench mortars & aerial darts active. Casualties 2 O.R. killed - 3 O.R. wounded.

10 Mar 1916 In trenches as above. Enemy trench mortars aggressive doing much damage to our front trenches. Casualties 4 O.R. wounded.

11 Mar 1916 In trenches as above. Combined shoot by our heavy & field artillery on locality enemy has active from.

12 Mar 1916 In trenches as above. Heavy mortars & aerial darts again aggressive, night quiet. Relief suspected. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.

13 Mar 1917 In trenches as above. Heavy mortars very active about noon. Machine guns active at night.

14 Mar 1917 - les Brebis and Maroc In trenches as above. Relieved at night by 1/the Buffs and move back to billets at LES BREBIS, one Coy (C) at MAROC.

15 Mar 1917 Cleaning of kit, equipt,& arms, followed by inspection to enable unserviceable articles to be replaced.

16 Mar 1917 In billets. Inspection by Bde Armourer Sgt of all arms. Coys. training in close order drill and rifle exercises.

17 Mar 1917 In billets. Coy practicing by platoon new formation for attack laid down in S.S.144

18 Mar 1917 In billets. Battalion Church service in Church Army Hut.

19 Mar 1917 In billets. Coys practicing attack (S.S.144) using Lewis Gun fire and dummy rifle grenades Battalion Concert in evening.

20 Mar 1917 - Loos-en-Gohelle left subsection Relieved 1/The Buffs in left subsection LOOS at night. A, B and D front line, C Coy in support.

21 Mar 1917 In trenches - Enemy activity normal - snipers active. Heavy mortars less frequent. Casualties 1 O.R. killed (C.S.M.Smith)

22 Mar 1917 In trenches. Enemy activity normal. Casualties 3 O.R. wounded.

23 Mar 1917 In trenches. Enemy active with aerial darts. Our Heavies & field guns had an hours shoot at enemy lines.

24 Mar 1917 In trenches. Casualties 1 O.R. killed, 1 O.R. wounded. Enemy quiet except for trench mortars & few light field gun shells.

25 Mar 1917 In trenches. Enemy activity normal. Machine guns active at night. Aerial darts by day. Casualties 2 O.R. killed 3 wounded.

26 Mar 1917 - Loos-en-Gohelle support trenches, St.James' and Travers Keeps In trenches. Enemy activity normal. His trench mortar active during afternoon. Relieved at night by 1/The Buffs and moved back to Bde. Support in LOOS DEFENCES, 1 Coy in ST JAMES'S & TRAVERS KEEPS.

27 Mar 1917 In support. 300 men working on defences - 75 men on Bde. work 28 Mar 1917 In support. 300 men working on defences - 75 men on Bde. work

29 Mar 1917 In support. 300 men working on defences - 75 men on Bde. work

30 Mar 1917 In support. 300 men working on defences - 75 men on Bde. work. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded.

31 Mar 1917 In support. 300 men working on defences - 75 men on Bde. work

8th Bedfordshire Regt. Field State March 1917

Killed 10 Wounded 20 Sick to Hospital 107 mainly due to outbreak of measles Sick from Hospital 49 Evacuated from F.A. 70

Strength of A Coy 13 Officers 239 Other Ranks

Strength of B Coy 8 Officers 248 Other Ranks

Strength of C Coy 6 Officers 240 Other Ranks

Strength of D Coy 6 Officers 251 Other Ranks

Total 33 Officers 978 Other Ranks

WAR DIARY FOR APRIL 1917

1 Apr 1917 - Loos-en-Gohelle left subsection Relieved 1/The Buffs in LOOS left subsection at night. A, C & D Coys front line, B Coy in support.

2 Apr 1917 In trenches. Enemy activity normal. Considerable number of hostile aircraft present whole day and observation balloons up. Casualties 1 O.R. killed.

3 Apr 1917 In trenches. Enemy activity normal. Intense bombardment of our front line for 10 min. about 10.0 p.m., but nothing followed. Machine guns move active afterwards during night. Lt. Col. Lord Ampthill joined the battalion. Casualties 1 O.R. killed & 13 O.R. wounded.

4 Apr 1917 In trenches. Colonel Lord Henry Scott left to proceed to G.H.Q. Lt.Col.Lord Ampthill assumed command of the battalion. Enemy active with aerial darts especially at night. Casualties 1 Officer wounded (2LT CLARK), 1 O.R. killed 3 O.R. wounded

5 Apr 1917 In trenches. Enemy activity normal, machine guns active at night. Enemy used gas shells. Casualties 2 O.R. killed, 3 O.R. wounded.

6 Apr 1917 In trenches. Enemy field guns more active. Machine guns quieter at night. Casualties 1 O.R. killed.

7 Apr 1917 - les Brebis and Maroc In trenches. Enemy activity normal, slight shelling of back areas after dark. Relieved at night by 1/The Buffs. H.Q. A.C.& D.Coys to LES BREBIS B Coy to MAROC.

8 Apr 1917 In billets. Cleaning & inspection of arms, equipt & clothing. H.Q. & Coy Commanders reconnoitring best route to support 18th & 71st Infy Bdes, also our own brigade.

9 Apr 1917 In billets. Coys. at drill & rifle exercises. Comdg officer's conference of Coy Commanders.

10 Apr 1917 In billets. Coys training in the attack as laid down In SS143. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded.

11 Apr 1917 In billets. Coys close order drill and rifle exercises. Too wet for attack practice.

12 Apr 1917 In billets. Coys close order drill and rifle exercises. Too wet for attack practice.

13 Apr 1917 In billets. Coys practising new formations for attack (S.S.143). Enemy reported retiring from trenches near DOUBLE CRASSIER. battn ordered to move to reserve line.

14 Apr 1917 - trenches between Vermelles and Grenay In trenches between VERMELLES - GRENAY in Bde Reserve.

15 Apr 1917 In trenches between VERMELLES - GRENAY in Bde Reserve. At noon orders issued for battn to attack in conjunction with 1/The Buffs. Battn moved up to south of LOOS under heavy hostile barrage and finally occupied position in prolongation south of LOOS CRASSIER. C & A Coy firing line, B & D in Support. Casualties 28 O.R. wounded.

16 Apr 1917 - After artillery bombardment C & A Coy bombed their way to first objective & consolidated. Bn on our left failed to reach this and retired on former position. Both C & A Coys flank were in the air, but despite this and enemy bombing attacks they maintained all ground gained. Casualties 2 OR killed & 17 wounded.

17 Apr 1917 At 5 a.m. after artillery bombardment forward movement continued by bombing down trenches. A Coy was held up by strong point in front of brigade on right. C Coy again took their objectives, captured 27 prisoners and a machine gun with trench mounting. Capt.G.D.Brewster & 2Lt.W.T.Lyons doing splendid work. Remainder of day enemy bombarded newly won ground and back areas with heavy howitzers, but despite casualties and difficulties met with in getting up supplies the ground taken towards Hill 70 was held. In this attack the 1/K.S.L.I. were on our left and also gained their objective. The battalion was congratulated for their good work by the Brigadier and G.O.C. 6th Division Casualties 3 O.R. killed & 17 wounded.

18 Apr 1917 At 5.0 am an attack from three points was made by D Coy on the strong point mentioned above which threatened our right flank (During the night B had relieved C in the front line and D Coy had relieved A Coy). This failed through the devastating fire poured on to them from concrete emplacements by hostile machine guns. B Coy bombed down to their right to connect with D Coy but as strong point was not taken this was not effected. Hostile artillery active the whole day and at periods became intense. Three more prisoners taken during the day. Casualties Lt J.C.ASH wounded. 7 OR killed & 33 wounded.

19 Apr 1917 - Maroc All ground previously gained was held despite many bombing attacks by the enemy and a very heavy hostile barrage. At night battalion was relieved by 14th Durham Light Infantry. Relief was not completed until 6.30 am, 20 inst. Battalion moved back to MAROC. Casualties Capt J.E.BLACK, RAMC & 2/Lt TAYLOR killed. 2/Lt Balls, Betts, Hendric & Wright wounded 17 O.R. killed & 91 wounded.

20 Apr 1917 - Philosophe Battn marched to PHILOSOPHE and placed under orders of 71st Bde. Men had baths and change of underclothing. Casualties 3 killed & 7 wounded (O.R.)

21 Apr 1917 - Cite St-Elie Sector Battn cleaning up and resting. At night moved up in relief of 1/Leicestershire Regt in right subsection of ST. ELIE SECTOR. Night quiet. Enemy used gas shells on back areas. Casualties 1 O.R. killed & 1 wounded.

22 Apr 1917 In trenches as above. Enemy quiet on our front. Heavy artillery whole day on our right near LOOS. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded

23 Apr 1917 In trenches as above. Enemy quiet though much movement observed in his back areas. Casualties 6 O.R. wounded.

24 Apr 1917 In trenches as above. Enemy active with his artillery, shelled our reserve & village lines almost continuously the whole day. His aircraft also much in evidence Casualties 1 O.R. killed and 3 O.R. wounded.

25 Apr 1917 In trenches as above. Enemy again active with artillery. Shelled reserve support & front lines with 5.9 & 4.2 howitzers from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm. At 11.0pm a hostile patrol slipped through a large gap on our front immediately after the place had been patrolled. They bombed one of our posts causing several casualties and took away one man as a prisoner. Casualties 1 O.R. killed, 6 wounded, and 1 prisoner of war.

26 Apr 1917 - Cite St-Elie reserve line In trenches as above. Enemy artillery less active than on previous two days. relieved at night by 2/York & Lancaster Regt and moved back to Brigade Reserve in Reserve Line.

27 Apr 1917 In Reserve trenches. Quiet day except for slight occasional shelling. Draft of 6 O.R. joined.

28 Apr 1917 In Reserve trenches. Enemy shelled back areas during day & at times portion of our trenches. Draft of 100 O.R. joined, but kept back for further training at Divl Training Coy.

29 Apr 1917 In Reserve trenches. Quiet day, 3 small working parties furnished for T.M. Batteries. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.

30 Apr 1917 - St.Elie Centre Subsection In Reserve trenches. Day quiet. Relieved 2/8th Manchester Regt in Centre Subsection at night.

8th Bedfordshire Regt Field State April 1917

Killed 2 Off 50 O.R. Wounded 6 Off 218 O.R. Missing 8 O.R. Sick to Hospital 129 Sick from Hospital 36

A Company Strength 14 Off 180 O.R

B Company Strength 6 Off 158 O.R

C Company Strength 5 Off 163 O.R

D Company Strength 7 Off 155 O.R

Total 32 Off 656 O.R A draft of 100 at Div. Training Coy. not posted to Coys

WAR DIARY FOR MAY 1917

1 May 1917 - trenches opposite Cite St-Elie In trenches opposite ST.ELIE astride HULLUCH - VERMELLES ROAD - A, B & C Coy in front line, D Coy in support. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded. Enemy machine guns active at night. Hostile artillery shelled portion of our line during the day.

2 May 1917 In trenches as above. Enemy artillery non active. Casualties 3 OR Killed, 5 OR wounded

3 May 1917 - trenches in Hulluch Left Subsection In trenches as above. Day quiet & uneventful. At night relieved by 9/Suffolk Regt and then moved to left subsection HULLUCH SECTOR. Bn. N. boundary HULLUCH ROAD, S. boundary 7A2 BOYAU and down VENDIN ALLEY. C Coy in front line at HULLUCH TUNNELS; A, B & D Coys in close support in RESERVE TRENCH. Casualties 1 OR wounded.

4 May 1917 In trenches as for 3rd. Hostile machine gun activity at night. Artillery mainly aggressive on back areas and batteries during day. At midnight we fired gas shells into enemy lines from projectors. These were fired simultaneously by electric current, followed after 20 minutes interval by shrapnel and H.E. barrage. Casualties 2 OR wounded

5 May 1917 In trenches as for 3rd. Much movement observed in enemy back areas presumed to be a relief. Enemy aggression normal. At midnight enemy patrol about 15 strong entered our lines between 75 & 76 BOYAU. He was immediately bombed out by four men of C Coy. Enemy left 2 dead behind which were brought in. We suffered no casualties during this affray. Identification was normal (72nd R.I.R.) Casualties nil

6 May 1917 In trenches as for 3rd. Considerable aircraft activity on both sides both by day and night. An enemy machine shot down by our 'planes at 6.30 pm. Enemy machine guns active at night. Back areas shelled during day with occasional bursts on our trenches. Casualties 2/Lt. TW Symes & 3 OR wounded.

7 May 1917 In trenches as for 3rd. Quiet day except for occasional hostile shelling. Aircraft on both sides active. The superior flying abilities of our new triplanes observed in an air fight about 6.30 pm. Relief at night by 1/The Buffs. Relief complete at 1.20 am, 8th inst. Battalion marched back to MAZINGARBE and billeted. Casualties nil.

8 May 1917 - Mazingarbe In billets. Men resting. Draft of 6 O.R. (sick & wounded rejoined) from Base.

9 May 1917 In billets. Coys inspection of clothing, arms & equipment. Draft of 18 O.R. arrived sick and wounded from Base.

10 May 1917 In billets. Coys at drill, bayonet fighting and physical training - 53 O.R. joined battn. from Divisional Training Coy. mainly composed of men transferred from A.S.C. and A.P.C.

11 May 1917 - trenches in Hulluch Left Subsection In billets. Coys at drill & bayonet fighting. Leather Jerkins & Woollen Vests withdrawn from the men & returned to A.D.D. At night moved up in relief of 1/The Buffs in left subsection of HULLUCH SECTOR. B Coy front line, A, C & D Coys in support.

12 May 1917 In trenches as for 11th. Enemy non aggressive during day except for trench mortars. At night machine guns active. Casualties 1 OR. wounded.

13 May 1917 In trenches as for 11th. Enemy quiet. Hostile shelling chiefly on back areas. Aircraft active whole day. During night a patrol under 2/Lt H.T. KENT was caught by our own fire. Casualties 2Lt. H.T.KENT wounded 1 OR killed, 9 OR wounded.

14 May 1917 In trenches as for 11th. Enemy extremely quiet. At night gas was released from the Brigade front and gas bombs fired from projectors followed by a barrage on communications by our artillery and machine guns. Enemy's reply was feeble. Casualties nil.

15 May 1917 - Mazingarbe In billets as for 11th. Enemy quiet except for trench mortars which were speedily silenced. Casualties 1 OR. wounded. relieved at night by 1/K.S.L.I. and moved back to MAZINGARBE in Brigade Support.

16 May 1917 In billets. Cleaning up and inspection of kit and equipt.

17 May 1917 In billets. Baths and changes of clothing and inspection of rifles, Lewis Guns & revolvers

18 May 1917 In billets. Coys training in drill, bayonet fighting and physical exercise.

19 May 1917 - trenches opposite Hulluch In billets. Coys training in drill, bayonet fighting and physical exercise. Lieut Colonel Lord Ampthill G.C.S.I. G.C.I.E. left the battalion and proceeded to G.H.Q. for employment under the Director of Labour. At night battalion moved up in relief of 2/York & Lancaster Regt opposite HULLUCH - A,B, & D Coy in first line. C Coy in support. Major H.R.McCullagh commanding battalion.

20 May 1917 In trenches as above. Enemy quiet except for aerial activity. Casualties 4 O.R. wounded.

21 May 1917 In trenches as above. Enemy mortars and aerial darts were active. At night a combined machine gun shoot carried out on Bde. front. Enemy retaliation feeble. Casualties 1 O.R. killed, 9 OR wounded.

22 May 1917 In trenches as above. Dull day and enemy movement above ground increased. 1/Leicestershire Regt made a raid with one Coy. at 12 noon using smoke barrage. Barrages, both artillery & smoke appeared good. Casualties nil.

23 May 1917 - Mazingarbe In trenches as above. Weather warm & clear. Very little enemy movement observed. Hostile shelling increased probably due to our annoying him by cutting wire opposite HULLUCH. Relieved at night by 2/York & Lancaster Regiment & moved back. Bde Support at MAZINGARBE.

24 May 1917 In billets. Coys cleaning up and inspection of kits.

25 May 1917 In billets. Coys training during day and furnished small working parties at night.

26 May 1917 In billets. Coys at baths & training. Small working parties at night.

27 May 1917 - Fouquieres-les-Bethune In billets. Church service near Brewery. Battalion marched off at 8.0pm to FOUQUIERES for training and became Divisional Reserve.

28 May 1917 In billets. Coys at drill, bayonet fighting, and physical training.

29 May 1917 In billets. Coys at drill, bayonet fighting, and physical training. Also musketry and live bomb practice

30 May 1917 In billets. Coys at drill, bayonet fighting, and physical training. Major Jones attached as Second in Command from 2/Durham Light Infantry.

31 May 1917 In billets. Coys training. Musketry on short ranges & live bomb practice.

8th Bedfordshire Regt Field State May 1917

Killed 7 O.R. Wounded 2 Off. 37 O.R. Sick to Hospital 77 Sick from Hospital 47

Strength of A Coy 13 Officers 189 O.Ranks

Strength of B Coy 4 Officers 187 O.Ranks

Strength of C Coy 5 Officers 192 O.Ranks

Strength of D Coy 7 Officers 171 O.Ranks

Total 29 Officers 739 O.Ranks

WAR DIARY FOR JUNE 1917

1 Jun 1917 - Fouquieres-les-Bethune In billets. Battalion carried out a Contact Aeroplane scheme in conjunction with 'C' Flight No.2 Squadron R.F.C. Observer plotted position of lighted flares on sketch map, both original position and advanced parts and messages were sent successfully by signalling panel to the aeroplane. In the evening Major-General Comdg 6th Division lectured officers & NCOs on work done and to be done.

2 Jun 1917 In billets. Coys Route Marching during the forenoon. Afternoon spent on long range firing application & Rapid practice.

3 Jun 1917 - Mazingarbe In billets. Open air church service. Marched to MAZINGARBE in the evening and came into Brigade Support.

4 Jun 1917 - G.17.b.80.10 (Ref Map 36c.XI.W) In billets. Coys cleaning up and resting during the day. Relieved 1/K.S.L.I. in left subsection 16 I.B. sector. Quiet relief - no casualties. D Coy in front line, A, B & C Coys in RESERVE TR.

5 Jun 1917 Trenches. Quiet day and no unusual occurrences. Coys working on own trenches.

6 Jun 1917 Trenches. Wire cutting opposite our front by 4.5" Hows. and T.M.s at 5.0 pm. Enemy retaliation negligible.

7 Jun 1917 12.15 am Trenches. Dummy Raid by ST.ELIE group Artillery on our left in conjunction with a Raid by 18 I.B. on our right; certain amount of enemy retaliation on our lines. 2/Lt J.D.Northcroft & 1 OR slightly wounded. Quiet day; heavy thunder storm about 5.0 pm.

8 Jun 1917 Trenches. Artillery Bombardment, assisted by M.T.M.s & Stokes of enemy front line at 12 noon. In order to assist operations undertaken by 46th Div. on our right, enemy line in front of us was bombarded by artillery & T.M's from 8.30-9.15 pm. At 8.30 also we loosed a Smoke screen between Cardiff Sap and the Craters lasting about 35 minutes. Enemy retaliation fairly heavy. No casualties. Patrol of 1 off. & 6 O.R. from A Coy attempted to enter enemy line near Cardiff Sap between 10.30 & 11.30pm, but were seen, so had to retire.

9 Jun 1917 Trenches. Brig. on our left projected gas at 2.0 am. Enemy retaliation on us practically nil. Smoke barrage shot[?] on enemy front line by left brigade from 9.45 - 9.55 pm.

10 Jun 1917 Quiet day, with nothing unusual.

11 Jun 1917 12.30 am Trenches. Shoot & smoke barrage on enemy front & support line in conjunction with raid by 71st I.Brigade on right. Enemy retaliated on our front and support line. Quiet day otherwise: Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.

12 Jun 1917 Trenches. Spasmodic shelling of RESERVE line during the early morning. Bombardment of enemys front & support line with Stokes & T.M. at 6.0 am in conjunction with a raid by the 18th I.B. on our right. Quiet day. Relieved by 2 Y&L Regt. during night 12/13 & proceeded to MAZINGARBE where Battn came into Bde Support. Very late relief - complete 3.25 am. Casualties 2 OR wounded.

13 Jun 1917 - Mazingarbe In billets. Companies bathing. 2 Working parties one of 1 NCO & 12 men & one of 2 NCOs & 25 men found for pumping trenches. Draft of 23 O.R. arrived from the Base.

14 Jun 1917 In billets. Companies cleaning up & inspections. Same Working Parties as yesterday.

15 Jun 1917 In billets. Coys parading under Coy Commanders. Working Party of 4 officers & 200 O.R. found at night for clearing Support Line in 16 I.B. Sector. Capt.Body and 1 O.R. wounded. Major R.le Huquet took over command of the Battalion.

16 Jun 1917 Hulluch trenches Billets. Companies resting & packing up during the day. Relieved 1/K.S.L.I. in Right Sector 16 I.B. front C, A & 'B' Coys in front line, D Coy in support. Casualties 2 OR wounded.

17 Jun 1917 Trenches. Quiet day with nothing unusual. 2Lt[?] T.P.Jones joined the Batt. from the base. Casualties 2 O.R. killed, 2 O.R. wounded.

18 Jun 1917 Trenches. Quiet day. Battalion sidestepped one Coy. front to the right, "C" Coy relieving a Coy. of 1st W.Yorks Regt. and becoming right front Coy. "D" Coy. relieved a Coy of same Regt in Reserve Line. "A" Coy 1/K.S.L.I. relieved our D Coy & came under the command of our C.O. Casualties - 1 O.R. killed, 2 O.R. wounded.

19 Jun 1917 Trenches. relief complete 1.50 am. Quiet day. Casualties - nil.

20 Jun 1917 Trenches. Enemy activity normal. Hostile artillery activity in afternoon and machine gun & rifle fire at night. Our attempt to lay & fire Bangalore torpedoes under enemy wire failed owing to alertness of enemy and entanglement of leads. Casualties nil.

21 Jun 1917 Trenches. Enemy activity normal. At 3.0 am, 22nd inst enemy opened up with concentrated intense mortar fire on B & C Coys front. At 3.10 am 'S.O.S.' signal was observed to go up from our front line which was repeated at Bn. H.Q. and sent through our Bde. by telephone to the artillery. A small party of 1 offr & 15 Germans managed to enter our front line between two of our posts under cover of smoke & darkness. They surprised and believed to have captured nine of our men. Also a patrol of 1 NCO & 2 men who were in No man's land when the bombardment commenced are missing. Enemy only managed to enter our front line for a few minutes although he kept his intense barrage on till 3.45 am.

22 Jun 1917 In trenches. Enemy made much use of his trench mortars on right coy. His aircraft active but none crossed our line. Casualties 5 O.R. killed, 7 O.R. wounded, 12 O.R. missing. 2/Lt H.J.Weller wounded.

23 Jun 1917 In trenches. Enemy much less aggressive. Much movement observed in his back areas. Casualties 1 O.R. killed, 7 O.R. wounded.

24 Jun 1917 In trenches. Enemy quiet. At 9.0 pm 1/The Buffs on our left raided the enemy trenches remaining in their line for 2 1/2 hrs. The battalion cooperated by putting up a smoke barrage and exposing dummy figures representing troops leaving our trenches, which drew the enemy's fire. The Bdes on our right & left (18th & 147th) also assisted with a smoke barrage. 15 prisoners & 2 serial dart machines were captured many dugouts blown in & enemy killed. Casualties 2 O.R. killed, 2 O.R. wounded.

25 Jun 1917 - reserve trenches and Mazingarbe In trenches. Enemy quiet except for occasional burst of artillery fire on our dumps & trenches. Our artillery frequently retaliated during the night on enemy dumps. Battalion relieved at 3.10 am, 26th inst by 2/York & Lancaster Regt A & D Coys moved into Reserve Trench. Bn. H.Q. & B & C Coys to MAZINGARBE. Casualties 2 O.R. killed, 8 O.R. wounded.

26 Jun 1917 In billets. Relief of battalion completed at 2.50 am. A & D Coys remained in the line under command of O.C. 2/York & Lancaster Rgt and O.C. 1/The Buffs respectively. B & C Coys cleaning up equipt & clothing & overhauling casualties - 2/Lt F.J.Smith & 7 O.R. wounded.

27 Jun 1917 In billets. Coys drilling & training. Furnished small working parties at night. Casualties 2Lt.H.N.F.Forge wounded.

28 Jun 1917 - Fouquieres-les-Bethune In billets. Coys training. At 8.opm Bn. H.Q. & B and C Coys relieved by 1/K.S.L.I. and marched to FOUQUIERES. Rained in torrents the whole way & in several places roads knee deep in water. Casualties 9 O.R. killed, 7 O.R. wounded.

29 Jun 1917 In billets. Drying of men's clothing. Drill & bayonet fighting afterwards. A & D Coys relieved in the line by 1/K.S.L.I. and marched to MAZINGARBE.

30 Jun 1917 In billets. B & C Coys on training ground working on short ranges & assault courses. A & D Coy marched to FOUQUIERES at 5.0 pm.

8th Bedfordshire Regt. Field State June 1917

Killed 22 O.R. Wounded 5 Off. 53 O.R. Missing 12 O.R. Sick to Hospital 69 Sick from Hospital 47

Strength of A Company 13 Officers 185 Other Ranks Strength of B Company 4 Officers 199 Other Ranks Strength of C Company 3 Officers 180 Other Ranks Strength of D Company 6 Officers 204 Other Ranks

Total 26 Officers 768 Other Ranks

WAR DIARY FOR JULY 1917

1 Jul 1917 - Fouquieres-les-Bethune In billets. Church parade in Church Army Hut. A & D Coys baths.

2 Jul 1917 In billets. A & D Coys training on ranges and rifles, Lewis Guns & bombs. B & C Coys Disinfection of S.D.Clothing & Inspection of Arms by Bde Armr. Sgt. in morning & bayonet fighting & drill during afternoon. battalion concert at night

3 Jul 1917 In billets. B & C carried out A & D coys programme for previous day & vice versa.

4 Jul 1917 In billets. Rained hard the whole day. Coys training in billets and lectures.

5 Jul 1917 In billets. Battalion Contact Aeroplane Scheme with No.2 Squadron, R.F.C. - Scheme very successful. Aeroplane plotted position of flares accurately & received our messages sent by ground panel & lamp. Afternoon - Battalion Sports, Very enjoyable afternoon following [sic] by variety concert given by Divisional "Fancies".

6 Jul 1917 - Mazingarbe In billets. Coys training under Coy Commanders. Marched to MAZINGARBE in the evening and relieved 2/York Lancaster Rgt.

7 Jul 1917 - trenches in Hulluch Left Subsection In billets. Coys at training during forenoon. Working parties in afternoon & packing up. At night 1/K.S.L.I. in left subsection of Bde front opposite HULLUCH. 'A' & 'D' Coys front line, 'B' & 'C' in support. relief complete 1.5 am, 8th inst.

8 Jul 1917 In trenches. Enemy activity normal during day. At midnight short heavy hostile bombardment on Bde front on our right. At 1.0 am, 9th inst, we released gas from cylinders and fired projectors into HULLUCH and PUITS 14 BIS. - Practically no retaliation by enemy. He used varied coloured lights for his alarms. Casualties nil.

9 Jul 1917 In trenches. Enemy quiet both day & night. Our patrols had No Mans Land to themselves. Casualties - Capt P.Steyn D.S.O. wounded. 7 O.R. wounded.

10 Jul 1917 In trenches. Enemy quiet all day. machine Guns & snipers active at night. No patrols met in No Man's Land. Casualties - nil.

11 Jul 1917 In trenches. Enemy aircraft activity increased. Enemy put down barrage for one minute on two occasions on our front & support line at night. Probably testing sight lines of new batteries. casualties 1 O.R. killed 3 O.R. wounded.

12 Jul 1917 In trenches. Quiet day except for aircraft activity. At night at 11.30pm 3 fighting patrols of 12 O.R. crossed NO MANS LAND under cover of artillery, mortar and machine Gun barrage. Two to enter German front line and one to cut out enemy post in an advanced sap. A, C, & D Coy furnished these patrols. A Coy's patrol got into the German front line, killed several Germans, brought one back, and destroyed entrance to 2 Dugouts. C Coys patrol failed to get in owing to opposition of 3 hostile M. Guns. D Coy's patrol rushed the sap but found it unoccupied. Enemy apparently clearing when our barrage opened. Casualties 6 O.R. wounded, 4 O.R. missing.

13 Jul 1917 In trenches. Quiet day, much rain visibility poor. Casualties nil.

14 Jul 1917 In trenches. Enemy aircraft active working in patrols of six to ten machines. Very little movement observed by day, but enemy heard by patrols to be busy working on his front line. Casualties nil.

15 Jul 1917 In trenches. Enemy non-aggressive. Much rain at intervals making our trenches difficult in many places. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.

16 Jul 1917 - Mazingarbe and Reserve Trench In trenches. Except for occasional shelling on back areas the day was quiet. At night enemy harassed our roads & tracks with intermittent bursts of shells. H.Q. & A & D Coys relieved by 2/York & Lancaster Regt and moved back to billets in MAZINGARBE

17 Jul 1917 In billets. Cleaning up, kit & equipment inspection and baths. B & C Coys remained in RESERVE TRENCH under command of O.C. 2/York & Lancaster Rgt.

18 Jul 1917 In billets. Drill & bayonet fighting for A & D Coys. B & C in trenches as for 17th inst.

19 Jul 1917 - trenches opposite Hulluch In billets. Drill & training. B & C Coys moved to right subsector in RESERVE TRENCH in relief of 2 Coys, 1/Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. H.Qrs & A & D Coys moved up & relieved H.Q. & 2 Coys 1/K.S.L.I. at night. Casualties Lt. B.H.B. Lethbridge & 2/Lt. H.C.Moxon died of wounds, 2 O.R. wounded.

20 Jul 1917 In trenches. Day quiet except or [sic] much aircraft activity. Night raid on our left by 2/York & Lancaster did not produce any identification. Enemy retaliation for our barrage much heavier than on previous raids of late. Casualties 1 OR killed & 6 O.R. wounded.

21 Jul 1917 In trenches. Day misty & quiet, aircraft active towards evening. Casualties 1 OR killed.

22 Jul 1917 - Mazingarbe In trenches. Hostile artillery non active also aircraft due to good visibility. Relieved at night by 5/Lincolnshire Regt. Marched back to MAZINGARBE

23 Jul 1917 - Bailleul-aux-Cornailles Enbused at 3.30 am at MAZINGARBE. Reached BAILLEUL-AUX-CORNAILLES at 7.30 a.m. and went into billets.

24 Jul 1917 In billets. Cleaning and improvement of billets. Inspection of kit, equipment, and arms.

25 Jul 1917 In billets. D Coy commenced musketry - A, B, & C Coy at Drill, bayonet fighting & open warfare training. Battalion drill half an hour. Specialists training & lectures during afternoon.

26 Jul 1917 In billets. D Coy musketry - A, B, C, Coy practising artillery formation & extension on Brigade Training Area during morning. Afternoon Specialist training.

27 Jul 1917 In billets. D Coy musketry, remainder training near billets

28 Jul 1917 In billets. D Coy musketry on long range. A Coy commenced preliminary musketry training. B & C training near billets.

29 Jul 1917 In billets. D Coy musketry on long range. Remainder Church Parade which was cancelled owing to rain

30 Jul 1917 In billets. D Coy musketry, only half day owing to rain, which upset training of remainder

31 Jul 1917 In billets. D Coy. musketry on long range. A Coy preliminary musketry training, remainder training near billets.

8th Bedfordshire Regts Field State

Killed 2 Off 4 O.R Wounded 1 Off 27 O.R Missing 4 O.R Sick to Hospital 44 Sick from Hospital 49

Strength of A Company 16 Officers 184 Other Ranks

Strength of B Company 6 Officers 191 Other Ranks

Strength of C Company 5 Officers 187 Other Ranks

Strength of D Company 6 Officers 186 Other Ranks

Total 33 Officers 748 Other Ranks

WAR DIARY FOR AUGUST 1917

1 Aug 1917 - Bailleul-les-Cornailles In billets. Rained hard whole day. Musketry & route march abandoned.

2 Aug 1917 In billets. Rain again interfered with training. Battalion sports and concert arranged to commemorate BLENHEIM DAY were postponed. Officers dined altogether having as guests Brig. General W.L.Osborne D.S.O. & his Bde Major Capt R.B. Leslie M.C.

3 Aug 1917 In billets. A Coy musketry, remainder training in open warfare.

4 Aug 1917 In billets. A Coy musketry. Much rain interrupted with continuous training.

5 Aug 1917 In billets. Church parade (open air service). Battalion sports held during afternoon. Fine day and very successful meeting.

6 Aug 1917 In billets. Lt. Col Robertson left battalion to command 1/4th Leicestershire Rgt. Major R. le Huquet assumed command. B Coy musketry remainder training. Presentation of medal ribbons by Corps Commander to whole Brigade recipients

7 Aug 1917 In billets. B Coy musketry remainder drill & open warfare training

8 Aug 1917 In billets. B Coy musketry remainder drill & open warfare training. Heats for Bde Sports decided during afternoon. Tug-of-war ream of Officers and of other Ranks both qualified.

9 Aug 1917 In billets. B Coy musketry. Remainder drill and practising formations laid down for Open Warfare in S.S. 143 & S.S. 135.

10 Aug 1917 In billets. C Coy musketry. Remainder continued training as above. Bde. Sports held in afternoon. Both Officers' and Other Ranks' Team Tug-of-War won the finals & qualified for Divisional Competition.

11 Aug 1917 In billets. C Coy musketry. Remainder route marching & practicing advance & rear guards.

12 Aug 1917 In billets. Church Parade and Baths.

13 Aug 1917 In billets. C Coy musketry. Remainder practising Artillery Formation.

14 Aug 1917 In billets. C Coy musketry. Remainder training. Divisional Gymkhana in afternoon. Both Officers and Other Ranks Team for Tug-of-War won their finals pulls. Teams were coached by R.S.M. C.E.Armstrong.

15 Aug 1917 In billets. C Coy completed musketry. Remainder continued training in Artillery formation and extensions.

16 Aug 1917 In billets. Coys training in Artillery formation & deploying into attack formation.

17 Aug 1917 In billets. Coys training in mopping up of villages &c.

18 Aug 1917 In billets. Divisional Rifle Meeting. Men not attending continued training.

19 Aug 1917 In billets. Divisional Rifle Meeting continued. Church Parade service during forenoon. Reinforcements 7 O.Ranks arrived

20 Aug 1917 In billets. Coys training in open warfare. A Coy on assault course during afternoon. Reinforcements 100 O.Ranks arrived.

21 Aug 1917 In billets. Coys training in open warfare. B Coy on assault course during afternoon.

22 Aug 1917 In billets. Coys training at open warfare. C Coy on assault course during afternoon.

23 Aug 1917 - Maisnil-les-Ruitz In billets. Battalion marched to MAISNIL-LES-RUITZ & billeted

24 Aug 1917 - Noeux-les-Mines In billets. Marched to NEOUX-LES-MINES [sic] & billeted

25 Aug 1917 In billets. Coys at drill & practising rapid wiring drill. Concert in the evening in Y.M.C A Hut.

26 Aug 1917 - Mazingarbe In billets. Church service in morning. Marched to MAZINGARBE & came in to Bde Reserve in the evening.

27 Aug 1917 In billets. Coys at drill & training.

28 Aug 1917 In billets. battalion had baths, training & drill

29 Aug 1917 - Village Line and Mazingarbe In billets. Three Coys moved up at night into Village Line. B Coy remaining at MAZINGARBE.

30 Aug 1917 In trenches. Furnished working parties to assist in consolidation of Bde Front near Loos (Hill 70).

31 Aug 1917 - northern slope of Hill 70 In trenches. Relieved 1/The Buffs in right sub-setion east of PUITS 14 BIS northern slope of Hill 70.

8th Btn. Bedfordshire Regiment Field State 1-9-17

KILLED NIL WOUNDED NIL MISSING NIL TO HOSPITAL 45 FROM HOSPITAL 22

STRENGTH OF A COMPANY 17 OFFICERS 211 O.RANKS

STRENGTH OF B COMPANY 7 OFFICERS 216 O.RANKS

STRENGTH OF C COMPANY 8 OFFICERS 218 O.RANKS

STRENGTH OF D COMPANY 8 OFFICERS 211 O.RANKS

TOTAL 40 OFFICERS 856 O.RANKS

WAR DIARY FOR SEPTEMBER 1917

1 Sep 1917 - trenches at Hill 70, Loos-en-Gohelle In trenches on HILL 70. Relief was complete by 11.40 pm, 31st Aug. Day quiet & fine drying up trenches considerably and assisting in consolidation. Casualties nil.

2 Sep 1917 In trenches on HILL 70. Day fine, much aerial activity on both sides especially towards evening. Except for an occasional burst on CHALK PIT WOOD hostile artillery did not trouble our line, but carried out considerable counter-battery work and dropped very heavy shells into LOOS. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded.

3 Sep 1917 In trenches on HILL 70. Fine day. Aircraft active. At 1.0 am Capt G.D.Brewster & 2Lt T.A. Jones whilst in No Man's Land with a patrol were unfortunately wounded by a HUN bomb. Valuable information obtained. Artillery more active during day. Between 12 midnight & 2.0 am night 3/4 Sept. he used intense barrages but did not leave his trenches. Casualties 2 officers wounded (as above).

4 Sep 1917 In trenches on HILL 70. Day quiet. Hostile artillery less active. Usual machine gun activity at night. Casualties 1 O.R. wounded.

5 Sep 1917 - Support trenches In trenches on HILL 70. At 12 midnight 4/5 Sept. Enemy put down an intense gas shell barrage in vicinity of LOOS CRASSIER. Bombardment practically continuous until 2.0 am. Battalion suffered no casualties owing to direction of wind. No infantry attack followed. Relieved at night by 1st The Buffs. Relief complete at 9.55 pm. Casualties 2 O.R. wounded.

6 Sep 1917 In trenches. In Bde Support. Furnished working & carrying parties at night. Casualties 5 O.R. wounded.

7 Sep 1917 In trenches. In Bde Support. Furnished working & carrying parties at night. Casualties nil.

8 Sep 1917 In trenches. In Bde Support. Furnished working & carrying parties at night. Casualties. Casualties nil.

9 Sep 1917 In trenches. B Coy under Capt Fleming to MAZINGARBE to train for raid. Casualties 3 O.R. wounded.

10 Sep 1917 - right subsector left of Hill 70 In trenches. B Coy under Capt Fleming to MAZINGARBE to train for raid. At night battalion, less 'B' Coy, relieved 3 Coys, 1/The Buffs, in right subsector on left of HILL 70.

11 Sep 1917 In trenches. Day moderately quiet. At night hostile artillery active on dumps & cross country routes. Our machine guns & artillery also used harassing fire. Casualties 3 O.R. wounded.

12 Sep 1917 In trenches. Day quiet, aircraft active. At night B Coy rejoined & took up position in trenches opposite enemy line to be raided on night 13/14th Sept. Usual night firing. Casualties 3 O.R. killed, 6 O.R. wounded.

13 Sep 1917 In trenches. Day dull & quiet. ZERO HOUR for raid 1.10 am, 14th inst. At 11.40 pm 13th inst, 2Lt Webb reported Bangalore Torpedoes in position under enemy wire & connected up to explode by leads. At 1.0 am raiding party (2 officers & 85 O.Ranks) formed up outside our wire. At 1.8 1/2 a.m. torpedoes successfully fired. At 1.9 am our artillery, machine guns & mortar barrage opened intense fire until ZERO. Raiding Party advanced under cover of barrage. Wire was found to have been cut but enemy alert and standing to arms shoulder to shoulder. Several attempts were made by us to force our way into enemy trench, but only a few got in. Hastily erected blocks & obstacles has been made which had not previously been noted by our reconnoitring patrols, causing confusion. The enemy's closely packed trench was heavily bombed by our raiders causing them considerable casualties. All bombs having been used the raiders withdrew to our trench at ZERO plus 30 being guided by a vertical beam from a searchlight in rear. Our casualties were light. 2 O.R. killed and 10 O.R. wounded. No one missing & all killed & wounded brought in. the night was pitch dark and the enemy found in much greater strength than expected, so although we did not obtain an identification our brush with the enemy was not altogether a failure. Enemy position raided is trench running through BOIS HUGO from H.26.c.42.72 to H.26.c.65.55. (Ref Map - LOOS, 1/10,000). Enemy's barrage chiefly mortars and 77 m.m. guns. Had he used his rifles instead of relying wholely on bombs for defence our casualties would have been much increased.

14 Sep 1917 In trenches. Day quiet, hostile aircraft activity increased. Night quiet exceot for usual machine gun fire. Casualties 2 O.R. killed 11 OR wounded.

15 Sep 1917 - les Brebis In trenches. Day, slight shelling on HUMBUG ALLEY & HULL ALLEY. Relieved at night by 9th Norfolks and moved back to billets in LES BREBIS. Casualties 4 O.R. wounded.