13th Essex Hammers

2009-05-05T06:04:00.002-07:00

28th, 29th, 30th November, 1916

Company training etc

Draft of 47 Other Ranks arrived

Casualties on Battle of the Ancre

Lt (T-Capt) E M CHARRINGTON Killed
Captain C G CARSON Died of Wounds
Captain J M ROUND Missing
Captain W W BUSBY Missing
Lieut H B WILCOCK Missing
2/Lieut G M GEMMELL Missing
2/Lieut C C N MARSHALL Missing
2/Lieut B W FINN Missing
2/Lieut J G FULKES Missing
2/Lieut F G ENGLISH Missing

Wounded

Lieut G SIMPSON
2/Lieut C L B LYNE
2/Lieut D J DREW

Other Ranks

Killed 6
Died Of Wounds 6
Wounded 133
Missing 165

2009-05-05T06:04:00.001-07:00

27th November, 1916 - 7.50am

The Battalion moved to new billets at GAPENNES a distance of about 5 miles arriving about 1pm

Draft of 57 Other Ranks arrived

2009-05-05T06:03:00.002-07:00

25th November, 1916 - 10am

The Battalion moved to new billets at LE TITRE, a distance of about 4 miles arriving about 11.30am.

Draft of 147 Other Ranks arrived.

2009-05-05T06:03:00.001-07:00

24th November, 1916 - 9am

The Battalion moved to new billets at MARCHEVILLE, a distance of about 10 miles arriving about 2pm.

2009-05-05T06:02:00.001-07:00

23rd November, 1916 - 10.40am

The Battalion moved to new billets at COULONVILLERS, a distance of about 10 miles, arriving about 3.40pm.

2009-05-05T06:01:00.002-07:00

21st November, 1916 - 10am, Doullens

The Battalion moved to new billets at BERNAVILLE, a distance of about 10 miles arriving about 3pm.

2009-05-05T06:01:00.001-07:00

19th November, 1916 - 9.30am, Vauchelles-Les-Authie

The Battalion moved to new billets at DOULLENS, a distance of about 10 miles arriving about 2pm.

2009-05-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

16th November, 1916

- 2am
The Battalion was relieved by the 1st DORSET Regt and took over billets at MAILLEY MAILLET

- 11am
The Battalion proceeded to VAUCHELLES-LES-AUTHIE by Motor Lorries.

2009-05-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

15th November, 1916

At 10.30am I asked for artillery barrage to be brought on the 2nd + 3rd GERMAN LINES at a point 100 yards NORTH of the QUADRILATERAL and later asked for the barrage to close as the ESSEX, KINGS + ROYAL FUSILIERS were in the CHORD.

At 11am I sent 2/Lt PATERSON to find Capt JAMESON and report on the progress made and he reported that Capt JAMESON had bombed his way into the QUADRILATERAL in conjunction with the ROYAL FUSILIERS under a Major ADAMS and was working NORTHWARDS successfully. I then sent my last party under 2/Lieut PATERSON to report to Major ADAMS for disposal.

I then ordered my party who were holding the new trench to go forward and reinforce Capt JAMESON + I again conferred with Col BARKER regarding his and my own dispositions.

At 3pm I sent out to major ADAMS to get the disposition of the whole force in QUADRILATERAL.

A sketch showing the dispositions was sent to Brigade HQ's.

at 3.15pm I was informed that the battalion would be relieved.

During the afternoon of the 15th inst an officer of the 24th ROYAL FUSILIERS came with a party of 50 men + I sent him to report to Major ADAMS as reinforcements.

At 6.10pm I was ordered to arrange relief with Colonel BARKER + I went to confer with him. The remainder of the Battalion was relieved by a company of the 1st Bn DORSET Regt in the RIGHT SUBSECTION at 2.30am on the morning of the 16th inst + I handed over with dispositions as follows:- one platoon in MINOR, one platoon in WOLF, one platoon in TOP of EGG, + one platoon in EGG with a post + Lewis Gun at junction of MINOR and FRONT LINE, a post + Lewis Gun at junction of BORDEN + FRONT LINE and post + Lewis Gun at junction of
EGG and FRONT LINE.

Report by 2/Lt A C HONE

On the morning of the 16th inst I was in charge of 1 platoon of C Coy forming the right half of the 4th WAVE.

At 5.51am we commenced to move forward to the German line. The lines moved forward with very little opposition with the exception of a few of the enemy who bombed us from the left.
We pushed forward over the 2nd + 3rd German lines + arrived at the GREEN LINE a few minutes after our own artillery barrage had lifted.

I found myself with two Lewis Gun teams + 40 men of the Essex Regt + 2/Lt PATERSON (signalling officer) also 1 Lewis Gun team and a few men of the 1st KINGS Regt with an officer of the 2nd SOUTH STAFFS Regt.

On looking round my position I found that the left flank was exposed owing to the remainder of the waves not reaching objective. I immediately placed 2 Lewis Guns on this flank + commenced consolidating the position. A small party of the enemy attempted to bomb us but were dispersed by Lewis Gun fire.

I next visited the THIRD LINE + found that the junctions of LAGER ALLEY was a weak point so I placed my third Lewis Gun + a post at this point.

I placed myself under the 24th ROYAL FUSILIERS

Later I received instructions to place myself under major ADAMS of the 22nd ROYAL FUSILIERS.

Report forwarded to Brigade HQ's by the Commanding Officer

(1) German bombing post S of QUADRILATERAL + Machine Gun in SE Corner of QUADRILATERAL.

On the morning of the 15th inst, the position was as follows:-
a new communication trench from our lines had been dug from EGG STREET to a point S of the SE corner of the QUADRILATERAL.

Between this point + the SE corner of the QUADRILATERAL the Germans had established a bombing post in their front line.

The 22nd ROYAL FUSILIERS had formed a post in the old German front line about 30yds South of its junction with the communication trench

The 13th ESSEX established a post in the communication about 25yards from its junction with the old German line. (the attached rough sketch marks the position clearer). Later on the same morning the Germans perhaps thinking themselves threatened by TANKS, withdrew northwards and apparently took with them the Machine Guns previously at SE Corner of QUADRILATERAL. We then advanced into the QUADRILATERAL.

(2) Prisoners
2/Lt HONE took 70 or 80 prisoners who were handed over to the 24th ROYAL FUSILIERS and sent down to WHITE CITY. One wounded prisoner was found in a dug out in the QUADRILATERAL.

Report sent to OC 1st KINGS Regt on 18/11/16
On 15th November I was in command of operations against the QUADRILATERAL and portion of the enemy line South of it. At this time only the Southern portion of the QUADRILATERAL was held by our troops. Capt JAMESON with 50 men of the 1st KINGS Regt was sent to reinforce the troops under my command and I instructed him to proceed by the new communications trench that had been dug from our lines to the QUADRILATERAL,
to get into touch with the 22nd ROYAL FUSILIERS, to bomb up the trenches still held by the enemy and establish a strong point in the Northern part of the QUADRILATERAL.

This was a task of considerable difficulty which was successfully accomplished. Later this position of the line was very heavily shelled by the enemy. Capt JAMESON therefore, with great skill, withdrew his men slightly South + established bombing + strong points about the centre of the QUADRILATERAL in such a way that the enemy was prevented from obtaining a foothold in any part of the QUADRILATERAL. This position he held in spite of very heavy shelling and machine Gun fire until relieved next morning.

During the period under review, the ground was in a very bad condition owing to the constant rain previous to the attack. The trenches were in places waist deep in mud or water and in all trenches the thick mud was at least knee deep.

In "No mans land", progress was greatly hampered owing to the shell holes + barbed wire

Beyond the German first line was a perfect quagmire due to the heavy shelling from our guns.

On the day of the attack (Nov 13th ) there was a thick mist + this continued in modification until the afternoon of the 15th inst. On the morning of the 16th inst a thick frost prevailed.

On the morning of the 11th inst when the battalion took over the sector preparatory to the attack until relieved on 16th inst, the spirit of the officers + men was excellent and on making the attack on the 13th inst, everybody was quite cheerful + confident.

2009-05-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

14th November, 1916

At 9am on the 14th inst I sent 2/Lieut PATERSON back to the GREEN LINE to report on dispositions etc. He returned the following information:-

2/Lt HONE was still holding on the GREEN LINE with the party of ESSEX and KINGS at the junction of GREEN and LAGER. He (2/Lt PATERSON) told 2/Lt HONE to place himself under the orders of the 24th ROYAL FUSILIERS

During the morning of the 14th inst, I went to Brigade HQ and was informed that two Battalions of the 99th Brigade were attacking the QUADRILATERAL from the SOUTHERN flank with the assistance of two tanks and that was to watch events and take advantage of any movement made by the enemy. This was to be done in conjunction with the 22nd ROYAL FUSILIERS.

I interviewed Colonel BARKER regarding his and my own dispositions and told off two parties, one of 30 men under 2/Lt SHERMAN which included 4 bombers and other under 2/Lieut PATERSON of 25 men and one platoon of the KINGS regt under Capt JAMESON.
These parties were to stand in readiness for eventualities.

The Quadrilateral

2009-05-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Day of the Attack

13th November, 1916

At 2.30am each man received a cup of hot cocoa.

At 3.00am the WAVES moved into position in open country.

At 4.15am all WAVES and clearing up parties were in position.

Orders were given that they should be in position by 4am but on account of the waves not being in touch with the battalion on my LEFT, everyone had to be moved

The men lay quiet till the barrage commenced at 5.45am. Then the whole of the waves moved forward followed by the 1st KINGS.

Immediately the barrage lifted, they assaulted the FIRST LINE. After that I lost touch with them and got no information back.

At 8am I sent 2nd Lieut LOWINGS + 2nd Lieut SHERMAN with two men each to gather what information they could. They reported that the RIGHT could not be seen but that on the LEFT the men were about the GERMAN FRONT LINE WIRE and that a party of about 50 men were lined up behind a small bank, 100 yards in front of our wire and were under heavy machine gun + rifle fire, and it was impossible for them to advance. I gave orders for this party to consolidate the position they held and to await instructions.

Reference my X2 of the 13th, a second officers patrol was sent out and brought back the same report as the first. I had previously given orders that if it was possible, the machine guns in the QUADRILATERAL should be rushed, but on the officers report on the condition of the ground I decided it was an impossibility. I came to this decision at about 8.45am. Up to this time I had received no information from my front whatever.

At 3pm 2nd Lieut PATERSON (Signalling Officer) who had gone to find accommodation for the new HQ's returned from the GREEN LINE (the objective) and reported as follows:- He and 2nd Lieut HONE of this Regiment with a party of ESSEX and KINGS numbering about 50 had gone through the GREEN LINE with the OXFORD and BUCKS and 22nd ROYAL FUSILIERS.

They found no British troops on their left and on making reconnaissance they found a party of GERMANS and they immediately made a blockade and strong point with 3 Lewis Guns.
2nd Lieut PATERSON was subsequently interviewed by the Brigadier General Commanding 6th Infantry Brigade.

At 4.30pm I was informed that the 22nd ROYAL FUSILIERS were coming up to form a defensive flank facing NORTH, SOUTH of the QUADRILATERAL and asking me to give them every assistance. I decided to run out a trench from BUSTER to the small sap in GERMAN FRONT LINE, 200 yards SOUTH of the QUADRILATERAL. This was reconnoitred.

During the reconnaissance it was found that CAT TUNNEL could be used with great advantage and I asked permission from the Brigade to allow me to use it. Consent was given (later the same night the RE officer in charge informed me that this tunnel could not be used by us without express instructions from the Division.)

About 6pm I was informed that the construction of the trench was handed over to OC 22nd ROYAL FUSILIERS who decided to nullify my proposed scheme and cut it from EGG STREET to the QUADRILATERAL. This was started by the RE and 10 DCLI and a certain amount of progress was made. (The next night the RE Officer who came up to continue the work came and saw me and said that owing to the state of the ground to continue the trench in that direction was useless and I decided that it should be turned half right to join up with the two craters about S of the QUADRILATERAL. This was done and the trench completed.

At 9am I received intimation that OC 1st KINGS took over command of the RIGHT SUBSECTION.

2009-05-05T05:39:00.002-07:00

12th & 13th November, 1916 - Regan Sector

Dispositions Continued

B Coy from left of A Coy to 100 yards NORTH MINOR trench and Front line.

C Coy from junctions of BUSTER and CHATAM along CHATHAM line to BORDEN AVENUE exclusive.

D Coy from BORDEN AVENUE along CHATAM WOLF + MINOR

Disposition prior to the assault.

No's 1+ 2 platoons of A Coy and no's 5 + 6 platoons of B coy formed the 1st WAVE. These were to be followed by No's 3 + 4 platoons of A Coy + No's 7 + 8 platoons of B Coy immediately in rear of No's 1, 2, 5 + 6 platoons.

No's 3, 4, 7 + 8 platoons were to form the 'clearing up parties' of the 1st and 2nd German lines

These two lines were to advance at 3 paces interval between each man; the "clearing up parties keeping as near as possible to the 1st WAVE

Two Lewis Guns were detailed by OC Lewis Guns to go with each company, ie A + B Coys;
these particular Lewis Guns were to be with the clearing up parties, one behind each platoon of the 1st WAVE, the other ones being immediately on the flank, ie the right of No 1 platoon
and left of No 6 platoon. The whole of these guns were to go with the 1st WAVE into the GREEN LINE

The 2nd WAVE consisted of 1 platoon of C Coy on the Right and 1 platoon of D Coy on the left. Immediately in the rear of these 2 platoons would be the "clearing up party" for the 3rd German line, - 1 platoon of C Coy on the right and 1 platoon of D Coy on the left.

Two Lewis Guns were detailed by OC Lewis Guns to follow on im immediate rear and centre of
"clearing up party" for the 3rd German Line.

The 3rd WAVE consisted of 1 platoon of C Coy + 1 platoon of D Coy.

Two Lewis Guns were detailed by OC Lewis Guns to proceed on the right + left flanks of either platoons

The 4th WAVE consisted of 1 platoon of C Coy adn 1 platoon of D Coy.

Two Lewis Guns were detailed by OC Lewis Guns to follow on in immediate rear and centre of either platoon.

Intervals were to be kept between each man forming the 2nd, 3rd + 4th WAVES.

The Saping Platoon, Police + Pioneers were to remain with HQ's under the command of an Officer.

Platoons earmarked for Special Work

OC A Coy 1 platoon + Lewis Gun to form a Defensive Right Flank

OC B Coy 1 platoon + Lewis Gun to form a defensive Left Flank

These were to be placed in position immediately the objective was taken.

OC D Coy No 15 platoon was detailed to form working party under RE's to construct a strong point at a point selected by OC D Coy + RE Officer. K35b(?) was suggested

OC A + B Coys were detailed to earmark 4 parties each consisting of 3 bombers + 2 bayonet men
to block communication trenches leading from the GREEN LINE and right and left of the objective in the event of the Battalion on the RIGHT and LEFT not having reached that point.

Clearing Up parties
No's 3 + 7 platoons were to be the "clearing up parties for the 1st German line

No's 4 + 8 platoons were to be the "clearing up parties for the 2nd German line

No's 10 + 13 platoons were to be the "clearing up parties for the 3rd German line

Officers ion charge of "clearing up parties" were detailed to detail 3 men in each party to remain
in the trench to act as relay runners as soon as they are satisfied that all is clear. The remainder of the men under the officer were to make their way to the objective + join their companies.

Carrying parties were to be mixed up with the waves.

Carried per company

Each company was detailed to carry the following:-

15 men with shovels, 5 men with picks.
10 men with sandbags containing 10 bombs
5 men with sandbags containing 10 Mills Rifle grenades
35 flares to be distributed between 1st, 2nd, 3rd + 4th Waves
(not clearing up parties)

Annunition + Rations

Each man was issued with the following:-

1. 0 rounds SAA

2 bombs
2 very lights
2 sandbags
1 iron ration
1 extra days ration
1 cheese ration
1 chocolate ration

Tools for clearing up parties
5 men per platoon were detailed to carry shovels + 5 men to carry sandbags with 10 bombs.

Special
2 parties of 5 men each were detailed to hold themselves in readiness
to carry "bangalore torpedoes". These aprties were to follow on behind the 2nd WAVE.
If the 1st WAVE was hung up by wire these parties were to be called up in addition to the small parties told off to bomb the German line in the vicinity of the obstacle whilst the men with wire cutters + wire breakers try to force their way through, if a gap could be made with wire cutters and wire breakers, the torpedo was not to be placed in position as the use of the torpedo would not only be difficult but would also cause a certain amount of delay. Also troops would have to move away from the vicinity of the obstacle to allow of its being used.

Communication

3 signallers were detailed from each Company by OC Signals to carry discs and shutters and one telephone.

OC Signals was detailed to follow up behind the 4th WAVE with sufficient signallers to keep up communications with HQ's.

As soon as it was possible he was to select spots in the 2nd + 3rd German Lines suitable for Battalion HQ's and AID posts. Telephone lines were to be laid as he moved forward so that he could tap in at any time. In addition to this line being laid a roll of wire netting 2 feet wide was to be used

Battalion Dump
The Sapping Platoon was detailed to transfer stores from the old battalion HQ's to the new HQ's imeediately they are selected in the German line.

Re-Organisation
As soon as possible after the objective has been taken Companies were to re-organise and Company Dumps formed of the bombs, very lights re carried by the men.

One large dump to be formed with the stores dropped by the 1st KINGS Regt as they passed through the GREEN LINE. These were to be sent up to the YELLOW LINE as soon as it was taken.

Barrages
All ranks were warned that it was most important for WAVES to follow up our barrage as closely
as possible. They were also instructed that, in the event of the enemy putting up a barrage, they were to rush it and not to hesitate as the least hestitation would cause a larger number of casualties. They were instructed to keep the old proverb in mind - "He who hesitates is lost"

Objective - The QUADRILATERAL and 4 lines of German trenches SOUTH of same.

The following report was sent by the Commanding Officer Lieut Col W H CARTER, DSDO, MC, to HQ's 6th Infantry Brigade after the attack

Previous to the attack

On the night of the 12th, I sent for the Company Commanders who were in command of the 1st Wave and told them that I thought it was impossible to take the QUADRILATERAL with a frontal attack, and gave orders that it should be taken from the flanks.

Both the officers disagreed with this and on account of the points they raised (especially (1) "that it was almost impossible to get the men into line again and that the direction would be lost. (2) That once the force as divided they would come under enfilade fire from the NORTH and SOUTH of the QUADRILATERAL).

I decided to let my orders for the attack stand as before, although I was still in doubt as to whether I had done right. This consultation took place in the presence of the Adjutant, who heard everything that was said.

2009-05-05T05:39:00.001-07:00

12th November, 1916 - Brigade Front, Regan Sector

On the night 12th +13th the dispositions of the Battalion in the assembly trenches was as follows

A Coy from junctions of BUSTER and Front line to junction BORDEN AVENUE and the Front line. BORDEN AVENUE inclusive

2009-05-05T05:38:00.003-07:00

11th November, 1916 - 10.30am

Battalion relieved the 1st Kings Regiment in trenches in the Brigade Front preparatory to the attack.

2009-05-05T05:38:00.001-07:00

8th - 10th November, 1916 - Mailly Maillet

Battalion engaged in preparing the trenches for the proposed attack.

2009-05-05T05:37:00.001-07:00

7th November, 1916 - 10am

Battalion moved to new billets in MAILLY MAILLET Village

2009-05-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

1st - 6th November, 1916 - Bertrancourt

Battalion engaged in working parties in preparing the trenches for the proposed attack.

2009-04-16T16:27:00.001-07:00

29th/30th/31st October, 1916

Battalion supplied working parties

2009-04-16T16:26:00.003-07:00

28th October, 1916

Battalion relieved by t he 2nd South Staffs Regt and took over hutments vacated by them at BERTRANCOURT

2009-04-16T16:26:00.001-07:00

27th/28th October, 1916

Heavy shelling on both sides at intervals

2009-04-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

26th October, 1916 - 3pm

Battalion relieved 1st Kings Regt on the Brigade front. Heavy bombardment of German lines by our artillery. Slight retaliation by enemy.

Casualties

2/Lt S W Hunt killed
17197 Sgt H J Morrison killed

4 Other Ranks wounded

2009-04-16T16:24:00.002-07:00

22nd/23rd/24th/25th October, 1916

Working parties supplied by the Battalion

2009-04-16T16:24:00.001-07:00

21st October, 1916 - 9am

Battalion moved to MAILLY WOOD EAST and took over hutments vacated by 22nd Bn Royal Fusiliers.

2009-04-16T16:23:00.004-07:00

19th - 20th October, 1916

Working parties supplied by Battalion

2009-04-16T16:23:00.003-07:00

18th October, 1916

Battalion moved to new billets at BERTRANCOURT

2009-04-16T16:23:00.001-07:00

8th - 17th October, 1916

Battalion engaged in practising Divisional attack on trenches.

2009-04-16T16:22:00.003-07:00

7th October, 1916 - 4.15pm

Battalion moved over to billets at PUCHEVILLERS, a distance of about 8 miles.

2009-04-16T16:22:00.001-07:00

4th/5th/6th October, 1916

Battalion found various Working Parties

2009-04-16T16:21:00.001-07:00

3rd October, 1916 - 3pm

Battalion relieved by the 6th Bn Gordon Highlanders and took over billets at BERTRANCOURT

2009-04-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

2nd October, 1916

heavy shelling by enemy Trench mortars + Minenwerfer. New kicking off trench constituted in No Mans Land

Adieu, Papillon

2009-04-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

1st October, 1916 - 10.30am, Bois du Warnimount

Battalion relieved the 16th Bn Sherwood Foresters in the RIGHT subsection SAILLY AU BOIS section.

En route to the above trenches Lieut-Colonel PR Papillon, DSO, the Commanding Officer returned to the Transport lines - sick

Major W H Carter DSO MC, 2nd South Staffordshire Regiment, attached to the 17th Middlesex Regt, took over the command of the Battalion + assumed the rank of Lieut Colonel.

2009-04-16T16:17:00.003-07:00

20th to 30th September, 1916

Battalion training including co-operation with aircraft, assault on trenches etc

2009-04-16T16:17:00.001-07:00

19th September,1916 - 10am

Battalion relieved by the 16th Rifle Brigade and took over tentage + hut accommodation at BOIS-DU-WARNIMOUNT.

2009-04-16T16:16:00.001-07:00

18th September, 1916 - 9pm

Heavy shelling by enemy Minenwerfers. Our artillery retaliated which proved effective.
Mine sprung by enemy on front of RIGHT Brigade.

2009-04-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

19th Sepetember, 1916 - 3.30pm, Courcelles

Battalion relieved by 2nd South Staffs Regt in the LEFT subsection SERRE section.

2009-04-12T09:16:00.002-07:00

14th/15th/16th September, 1916

Working parties found by Battalion

15th September 1916
Lieut Col P R Papillon awarded the DSO
Capt J D Paterson awarded the MC
17391 Cpl N W Bellinger awarded the DCM

2nd Div RO 221

14th September, 1916

The following were awarded the Military Medal

17736 Sgt C Burleigh
17155 Sgt T W White
17391 Cpl N W Bellinger
18108 Pte F H Plato
17192 Pte J M Smith

Authy - London Gazette 14/9/16

2009-04-12T09:16:00.001-07:00

13th September, 1916

Battalion relieved by the 2nd South Staffs Regt + took over billets vacated by them at COURCELLES

2009-04-12T09:15:00.002-07:00

12th September, 1916

Normal. Slight shelling at intervals

2009-04-12T09:15:00.001-07:00

11th September, 1916 - 1.30am

Mine sprung by enemy.

2/Lieut P G Fountain rejoins the Battalion and takes over the duties of acting adjutant.

Heavy shelling by both sides at intervals

casualties wounded
23651 L/Cpl E J Steward
21686 Pte A Price
17240 Pte J Clark

2009-04-12T09:14:00.004-07:00

10th Sepetember, 1916

Shelling on both sides at intervals.

Casualties
17170 Pte A Davis wounded, at duty

2009-04-12T09:14:00.003-07:00

9th September, 1916 - 5.30pm, Courcelles

Battalion relieved 2nd South Staffs Regt in left subsection SERRE section

Dispositions

C Coy Right Front
D Coy Left
A Coy Right Support
B Coy Left Support

2009-04-12T09:14:00.001-07:00

6th/7th/8th September, 1916

Battalion in support + engaged in working parties

2009-04-12T09:13:00.003-07:00

5th September, 1916 - 5pm

Battalion relieved by 2nd South Staffs Regt and took over billets at COURCELLES

Lieut Col P R Papillon returned from leave and resumed the Command of the Battalion.

2009-04-12T09:13:00.001-07:00

4th September, 1916

Enemy patrol of 1 NCO + about 8 men came to our lines apparently with the view of ascertaining the extent of the damage done by their bombardment on the previous day. The party was seen and bombed, the NCO being killed, one man also killed and another taken prisoner. The patrol belonged to the 16th Jaeger Rifles.

Casualties Killed

885 L/Cpl A Miller
807 Pte H Evans
18477 Cpl F O Hunt
26946 Pte J W Lee

Wounded
21780 Pte W G Bailey
23673 Pte C R Draper (at duty)
2368 Pte A E Bennett
18677 Pte G Moore
27887 Pte W Myhall
2119 Pte F Barham

2009-04-12T09:12:00.002-07:00

3rd September, 1916 - Left subsection

Heavy bombardment on our front line trenches by enemy Minenwerfers

Casualties Killed

17155 Pte W Wake

Wounded
18378 Pte F Branton
17664 Pte J Brosnan

2009-04-12T09:12:00.001-07:00

1st September, 1916 - 8pm - Courcelles

Battalion relieved 2nd South Staffs Regiment in the LEFT subsection SERRE Section

Dispositions
A Coy Right Front
B Coy Left do
C Coy Right Support
D Coy Left do

2009-04-12T09:11:00.005-07:00

31st August, 1916

Battalion billeted in COURCELLES

2009-04-12T09:11:00.003-07:00

30th August, 1916

18260 Pte C E Beck commended in 2nd Div Routine Order for gallantry in stopping a pair of runaway mules in limber

2009-04-12T09:11:00.001-07:00

29th August, 1916 - Courcelles

Information recieved that the following had been awarded the MILITARY MEDAL for gallantry during operations on July 28th/31st and Aug 8/9th

17692 Sgt Cotton P
18147 Sgt Todd F W
18061 L/Cpl Songhurst C
18647 Pte Roscoe H
18094 Pte James F A
17117 Pte Sampson W
17228 Pte Smith W H J

Authy - 2nd Div Routine Order 202 of 29/8/16

2009-04-12T09:10:00.003-07:00

28th August, 1916 - 6.30pm Left Sub section

Battalion relieved by 2nd SOUTH STAFFS Regt and took over billets vacated by them in COURCELLES

Lieut Colonel P R PAPILLON proceeds to England on special leave

Capt S E COLLIER took over Command of the Battalion with Capt J M ROUND in Second in Command

2009-04-12T09:10:00.001-07:00

25th/26th/27th August 1916

Heavy shelling at intervals

Casualties
1 OR killed
1 OR Died of Wounds
7 OR Wounded

2009-04-12T09:09:00.003-07:00

24th August, 1916 - 4.30pm

Battalion relieved 2nd South Staffs Regt in LEFT subsection SERRE section

2009-04-12T09:09:00.001-07:00

22nd August, 1916 - 6.30pm Right Subsection

Battalion relieved by 17th Middlesex Regt and took over billets vacated by them at COURCELLES

2009-04-12T09:08:00.003-07:00

19th August, 1916 - 10.30am BOIS-DU-WARNIMONT

Battalion marched to COURCELLES where a halt was made for dinner after which we proceeded to relieve that 1st Bn IRISH GUARDS in the RIGHT Subsection

Casualties
3 Other Ranks wounded

2009-04-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

18th August 1916 - 9.50am Bernaville

Battalion marched to BOIS-DU-WARNIMONT, a distance of about 18 miles, and took over tents and huts. En route the Battalion passed the GHQ of the Commander In Chief at BEAUQUESNE

2009-04-12T09:07:00.003-07:00

17th August, 1916 - 2.35pm Vignacourt

Battalion marched to BERNAVILLE a distance of about 10 miles arriving about 7pm

2009-04-12T09:07:00.001-07:00

16th August, 1916 - 2.20pm La Chaussee

Battalion marched to VIGNACOURT a distance of about 7 miles and occupied billets there.

2009-04-12T09:06:00.004-07:00

14th & 15th August 1916

Battalion billeted in LA CHAUSSEE

2009-04-12T09:06:00.003-07:00

13th August 1916 - 2.50pm MEAULTE

Battalion marched to MERICOURT L'ABBE Stn and first company entrained at 8pm for SALEUX arriving at this station about 12.30am

From SALEUX the Battalion was conveyed by Motor Buses to LA CHAUSSEE, the last company arriving here at 5.30am 14/8/16

2009-04-12T09:06:00.001-07:00

12th August 1916 2-5pm

Battalion marched to MEAULTE a distance of about 4 miles and took over billets.

2009-04-12T09:05:00.003-07:00

10th August 1916 - 11am

Battalion moved to HAPPY VALLEY

2009-04-12T09:05:00.001-07:00

9th August 1916 - 6.30pm

Battalion returned to trenches at MINE ALLEY A.8.a

2009-04-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

8th August 1916 8.30pm + 9th August 1916

Orders were recieved to move up to the trenches at TRONES WOOD + make the attack which had failed earlier in the day. The Battalion got into position at 3.30am on the night of 8th/9th, leaving no time for reconnaisance or thorough explanation to officers, NCO's+ Men of the attack which was to take place at 4.10am

There were four objectives : viz

(I) German front line from Deep Dugouts (inclusive) to BROMPTON ROAD (exclusive)

(II) GUILLEMONT STATION

(III) Line of HIGH HOLBORN to MACHINE GUN HOUSE (exclusive)

(IV) southern portion of Z....Z Trench from BROMPTON ROAD (exclusive) including forks
running due south and south east of Railway lines to S24 B98 inclusive.

At 4.10am C Coy moved up under artillery barrage to within 40 or 50 yards of the 1st objective.
When the barrage lifted they rushed on to attack but found that the enemy wire had not been cut and in attempting to get through were mown down by machine gun fire.

D Coy followed at an interval of 10 minutes and again attacked this position with a like result.
Orders were given to the two remaining companies to Stand fast and assist in getting in the wounded.

The matter was then referred to Brigade Headquarters and instructions were sent through not to continue the attack.

Casualties

2nd Lieut G H T ROSS MISSING
2nd Lieut P R PAGE MISSING
2nd Lieut E O JOHNSON Wounded (at duty)

13 Other Ranks Killed
60 do Wounded
13 do Missing
1 do Died Of Wounds

2009-04-12T09:02:00.001-07:00

7th August 1916 - Trenches, Mine Alley

Continous shelling by our own artillery and heavy shelling by enemy on our trenches lasting from 10pm until about 1am. No casualties.

2009-04-12T09:01:00.004-07:00

6th August, 1916 - 6.30pm Waterlot Farm Section

Battalion relievd by 17th Middlesex Regt and took over trenches vacated by the 1st Kings Regt in MINE ALLEY (A.8.a)

2009-04-12T09:01:00.003-07:00

5th August 1916 - 5pm

Battalion relieved 17th Royal Fusiliers in front line in WATERLOT FARM Section at 5pm.
Heavy shelling on both sides during the night. One casualty - wounded.

2009-04-12T09:01:00.001-07:00

3rd August/4th August, 1916

In reserve trenches. Shelling on both sides which increased towards midnight

2009-04-12T09:00:00.003-07:00

2nd August 1916

In reserve trenches. Shelling by enemy at intervals and heavy fire by our own artillery during the night.

2009-04-12T09:00:00.001-07:00

1st August 1916 - Breslau Support Trenches

Continous shelling by enemy on MINE ALLEY during afternoon.
Enemy shell exploded above transport of the 99th Machine Gun Coy which was going toward MONTAUBAN, killing several men and wounding others. Battalion moved to new trenches some distance back.

2009-04-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

July 31st, 1916 - Delville Wood

Artillery activity continued throughout the day on both sides.

6.30pm Battalion relieved by 1st kings Regt and took over reserve trenches

Casualties wounded

Captain C G Carson
Lieut F T Folkard

Casualties during tour in Delville Wood
Other Ranks

Killed 39
Wounded 138
Shell Shock 20
Missing 17
Wounded - at duty 7

Total 221

2009-04-12T08:57:00.001-07:00

30th July, 1916

- afternoon
A party of enemy snipers were discovered and a party of about 40 men drove them out.

- night
Enemy made an attack which was repulsed. Intense artillery activity on both sides
continously during the day and night

Casualties wounded

Lieut Col P R Papillon (at duty)
Major A P Churchill
2/Lieut a/adjt C L B Lyne (at duty)
Captain J M Round (at duty)
Lieut L C Holthusen

2009-04-12T08:56:00.001-07:00

29th July, 1916 - Delville Wood

Intense artillery activity on both sides.

Minenwerfer activity by the enemy

The Devil's Wood

2009-04-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

28th July, 1916 - 6am

Battalion took over trenches vacated by the 17th Middlesex Regt at BRESLAU SUPPORT

28th July, 1916 - 6.30pm Breslau Support

Battalion went into action in DELVILLE WOOD

B + D Coys who were supporting the 2nd S Staffs Regt were attacked by the enemy who was repulsed.

Intense artillery activity during the whole of the night

2nd Lieut R G NORMAN and 2nd LIEUT H P DAVIES wounded.

2009-04-12T08:54:00.002-07:00

25th July, 1916 - 9am, Bois de Tailes

Battalion relieved the 8th Batt Kings Own Lancaster Regt in reserve trenches at a.7.a. (The Triangle)

2009-04-12T08:54:00.001-07:00

23rd July, 1916 - 12.50pm WELCOME WOOD

Battlion marched to BOIS DE TAILES and was billeted in tents

2009-04-12T08:53:00.002-07:00

20th July, 1916 - 7am BEUGIN

Battalion marched to BRYAS STATION a distance of about 7 miles arriving at 10.45am. From thence the Battalion - including Transport) entrained and travelled to LONGEAU Station arriving at 5.30pm. At this station all packs were stacked and the battalion marched to WELCOME WOOD,
VAUX SUR SOMME - a distance of about 12 miles arriving at about 12 midnight (billeted in huts)

Battalion transferred to XIIIth Corps, 4th Army with the 2nd Division

2009-04-12T08:53:00.001-07:00

18th July, 1916 - 10.30am GOUY-SERVINS

Battalion marched to BEUGIN a distance of about 7 miles arriving at 2.30pm

2009-04-12T08:52:00.001-07:00

Night 16th/17th July - 10.30pm Northern Subsection CARENCY

Battalion relieved by 22nd london Regt and took over billets vacated by the 22nd Royal Fusiliers at GOUYS-SERVINS

2009-04-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

15th July, 1916

Shelling on both sides at intervals

Casualties Killed
21232 Pte R Lee

Wounded
17665 Sgt E J F Hawtin (at duty)
18167 L/Sgt C H Piddington (at duty)

2009-04-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

13th/14th July 1916 - 8pm ESTREE CAUCHE

Battalion relieved 2nd Ox & Bucks LI in NORTHERN SUB SECTION CARENCY

Dispositions
A Coy Right
B Coy PICQUETS
C COY CENTRE
D COY QUARRIES

Enemy trench mortar activity about 2am

14th July

Shelling at intervals on both sides and enemy trench mortar activity

Casualties Killed
18545 Pte G T Franker

Wounded
17713 Pte E A Lamb
18140 Sgt F S Dabbs (at duty)

2009-04-12T08:49:00.002-07:00

11th July 1916 - ESTREE CAUCHIE

Raiding party marched to CAMBLAIN L'ABEE and were inspected by general C C MUNRO the army commander.

The following letter was recieved from First Army (No OAD 34) a/ 2/7/16

"The numerous successful raids carried out along our front during the last few days have undoubtedly been of considerable assistance to the main operations, besides having added appreciably to the enemy's casualties.

The Commander In Chief desires that his appreciation of the good work done may be conveyed to all who have planned and carried out the raids"

(sd) L E Kiggell Lieut General
Chief of General Staff

The following were awarded the MILITARY CROSS for gallentry on the night of 1st/2nd July 1916.

Capt A G HAYWARD
LIEUT W W BUSBY
LIEUT F R KEEBLE
3/3049 CSM (a/RSM) G E CATTERMOLE
(Authy :- AMS 1st Army a/ 11/7/16)

2009-04-12T08:49:00.001-07:00

10th July, 1916

The following NCO + men were awarded the MILITARY MEDAL by the IV Corps Commander
for "Gallentry on the night of 1st/2nd July 1916

18352 L/Sgt C W D Browning
18202 Pte A Therin
17951 Pte E W Wilding
17994 Pte G L Brown
18059 Pte J W Miller
18018 Pte E H Simonds

Auth - IV Corps No I 436 a/ 8/7/16

2009-04-12T08:48:00.001-07:00

5th July, 1916

Battalion marched to ESTREE CAUCHIE and took over billets vacated by the 23rd Royal Fusiliers.

The following wire was recieved from the G.O.C., 1st Army :-

"The G.O.C. First Army wishes to congratulate all who took part in the raid carried out on night of 1st/2nd July at about S 15 C 4 1/2 2"

2009-04-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

3rd July, 1916

Slight shelling on both sides at intervals.

Battalion was relieved by the 1st kings Regt and took over billets at CAMBLAIN L'ABBE.
Relief complete about 3am

2009-04-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

July 1st/2nd, 1916 - Southern Subsection BERTHONVAL

A raid was carried out on the enemys strong point at the junction of VINCENT STREET and the German front line.

The raiding party consisted of :-

CAPT. A G HAYWARD
LIEUT W W BUSBY
LIEUT F R KEEBLE

and 100 NCO's + Men including No 3/3049 a/RSM G E CATTERMOLE

The whole party crawled out in the dead ground between the two lines to within 60 or 70 yards of the objective and they were in position there by 12.30am at Zero Hour

12.39am an intense fire of artillery, trench mortars and stokes Guns was opened, the artillery and trench mortars forming a box barrage round the objective also firing on suspected emplacements, Minenwerfer positions and communications trenches in rear. These continued to fire on the same points throughout the raid.

The Stokes Guns opened rapid fire on the objective for one minute and the instant the minute was up a dash was made for enemys trenches and the whole party succeeded in getting in, suffering only one casualty.

The strong point was found to be free of Germans, some ten or a dozen of whom had already been killed by the fire from the Stokes guns, a fierce fight ensued, a party on the left was told off to deal with the sap in VINCENT STREET found it unoccupied, nor were they any more successful with the supposed machine gun emplacement to the North of it, which was found to be a mineshaft. A few Germans however, were seen by the party and five of them who took refuge in a dug out were also killed.

The right centre party found more Germans in their part of the trench. They killed five of them and ran seven to ground in a shallow dug out, six of whom they killed and one made prisoner.

The back [?] of the garrison attempted to withdraw down a communications trench leading
eastward. These were heavily bombed by the right party and twenty wer killed and a number
wounded.

The raiding party withdrew after being about a quarter of an hour in the enemys trenches
and came under rather heavy shrapnel fire on the way back.

The casualties among the raiding party were as follows

Officers Wounded
Capt A G HAYWARD
LIEUT F R KEEBLE

Other Ranks Killed
17524 Pte E W Clark
17608 Pte A Newton
18595 Pte W May
18057 Pte G H Moss
17591 Pte E H Turner

Wounded
17167 Pte Free C T
18280 Pte Peek J
17659 L/Cpl Keen G W
17349 Pte Argent F (subsequently died of wounds)
18861 Pte Hartigan R T
17269 Pte Cox G
18669 Pte Desmond H
17147 Pte Simmonds G
17206 Pte Griffiths G A
18807 Pte Edmunds C E
17313 Pte Hill R A W
17697 Pte Clarke G H
18157 Cpl Williams F A (subsequently died of wounds)
21577 Pte Carter C G
21768 Pte Loney T J
17965 Pte Wilson W R
18277 Pte Page F W
17941 Pte Jacks R J
18448 Pte Luck W
17953 Cpl Rowe R
17293 Pte Tomlin CH
17202 Cpl Hunt B J
17512 Pte Sarker A
17626 Pte Minahane T (subsequently died of wounds)
17719 Cpl Gretton A
17645 Pte Mantle B
17522 L/C Cockin J
17703 Pte Cooper J
17515 Pte Myers L
17534 Pte Allen J C B
17518 Pte Head W R
17751 Pte Keen W
17962 Pte Varley J A
18113 L/Cpl Prickett A V
17955 Pte Higdon C
18264 Pte Pelham H
17906 Pte waring A W
17454 Pte Cochrane J H
17579 Sgt Acres A V (at duty)

Missing
18816 L/Cpl A E Bolton
17700 Pte J Berney
18034 Pte A Hockley

19265 Pte F Sage was also killed by shellfire during the night 1/2nd July

2009-03-24T14:58:00.000-07:00

Fri., Jun 30, 1916

Whilst at bombing practise at the CHATEAU DE LA HAIE an accident occurred owing to the premature bursting of a bomb causing the following casualties

Killed
18832 Pte A C Giles

Wounded
17661 Pte A B Ellis (died 1/7/16)
18844 Pte RP Pogson
18351 Cpl JJ McKarkell
17420 Pte E Barker

Shelling on front at intervals

Casualties
Killed
21662 Pte G W Jacks

Wounded
14136 Pte A W Stanton
18015 L/Cpl C E Pears (remained at duty)

2009-03-24T14:57:00.002-07:00

Thu., Jun 29, 1916

Slight shelling at intervals

2009-03-24T14:57:00.001-07:00

Wed., Jun 28, 1916

Shelling at intervals on both sides

18541 Pte H J Chace wounded

2009-03-24T14:56:00.001-07:00

Tue., Jun 27, 1916 8pm

Battalion relieved 1st Kings Regt in SOUTHERN subsection BERTHONVAL + 17th Middlesex took over the Support Area.

18358 a/CS Mjr F D Bartley slightly wounded remained at duty

2009-03-24T14:55:00.004-07:00

Mon., Jun 26, 1916

Casualties
17610 Pte J Ward - wounded (died 26/6/16)
18825 Pte A Pluck slightly wounded

2009-03-24T14:55:00.003-07:00

Sun., Jun 25, 1916

A further party consisting of 25 Other Ranks + A/RSM G E Cattermole proceeded to the CHATEAU DE LA HAIE to undergo special training

2009-03-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

Sat., Jun 24, 1916

2009-03-24T14:54:00.003-07:00

Fri., Jun 23, 1916

Enemy observation balloon seen to be brought down by our aircraft

2009-03-24T14:54:00.001-07:00

Thu., Jun 22, 1916

Heavy shelling at intervals on both sides. Artillery engaged in wire cutting

17745 L/Cpl E Probyn
21561 Pte E J Godfrey
wounded

10.45pm
Battalion relieved by 1st Kings Regt + took over the Support Area as follows -

Battalion HQs CABARET ROUGE
A Coy ALHAMBRA + COLISEUM
B Coy CABARET ROUGE
C Coy BAJOLLE LINE
D Coy CABARET ROUGE

2009-03-24T14:53:00.004-07:00

Wed., Jun 21, 1916

2009-03-24T14:53:00.003-07:00

Tue., Jun 20, 1916

A party of 62 Other Ranks (raiding) under Capt A G HAYWARD, Lieut F R KEEBLE + Lieut W W BUSBY proceeded to the CHATEAU DE LA HAIE for training

19324 Pte E P Hill wounded

2009-03-24T14:53:00.001-07:00

Mon., Jun 19, 1916

2009-03-24T14:52:00.002-07:00

Sun., Jun 18, 1916 6pm

Battalion relieved the 2nd HLI in the SOUTHERN subsection BERTHONVAL

2009-03-24T14:52:00.001-07:00

Tue., Jun 13, 1916

Wed., Jun 14, 1916

Thu., Jun 15, 1916

Fri., Jun 16, 1916

Sat., Jun 17, 1916

2009-03-24T14:51:00.004-07:00

Mon., Jun 12, 1916

Capt + Adjt F J Trimble admitted to hospital. 2nd Lieut C H B Lyne took over the duties of Acting Adjutant.