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1916
1st January: Battalion paraded under Company arrangements. Inspection of kit and equipment; Route Marches and squad drill.
2nd January: Battalion at Church parades of various denominations. Officers Conference with reference to demarcation to billet areas and Brigade Orders. Battalion in Battle Line as Reserve Unit.
3rd January: Battalion training resumed, all parades being placed under Company arrangements. Specialist sections being placed under training of Officers concerned:
Grenadiers - Lt Hayes
Signallers - 2nd/Lt Bull
Machine-Guns - Lt Harris
Snipers - 2nd/Lt Nicolaus
Munition workers called for owing to serious shortage.
4th January: Battalion inspected by Commanding Officer for re-adjustment of equipment and kit. Other parades under Company arrangements: Arms Drill, Squad Drill, Musketry and lectures.
5th January: Battalion inspected by Commanding Officer. Battalion Company state ordered excluding T.M.B and Sapping Platoon section.
6th January: Battalion inspected by Commanding Officer. Parades under Company and Specialist arrangements. The following Officer and 4 NCO's commenced a course of bombing at 2nd Division Grenade School at FOUQUEREUIL:
2nd/Lt Humphrey A Company.
7th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements. Practice for “ATTACK” in Trench Warfare in the open. All ranks trained in movement with Gas Helmet on 2 Company Commanders, 2 Subalterns, 4 Sergeant and 4 Corporals of the Battalion; exchanged with a like number from the 1st K.R.R.C. until the 11th January for interchange of ideas, regimental customs, methods etc of organisation and training. A draft of 6 NCO's and 33 Ordinary ranks was received from Base. (30th Reserve Battalion Royal Fusiliers: draft) and allocated to Companies as follows:
A Company - 2 NCO's and 9 men.
B Company - 1 NCO and 10 men
C Company - 2 NCO's and 8 men
D Company - 1 NCO and 6 men.
8th January: Battalion baths in GONNEHEM. Other parades under Company arrangements with special attention to Gas Helmet practice. Specialized sections paraded for instruction 9am to 1 pm.
9th January: Battalion paraded for Divine Service under various denominations.
10th January: Battalion paraded for training under Specialised arrangements; 2nd Lt Hayward and 2 NCO's to attend the 3rd Class at the 2nd Division Officers School at BETHUNE.
11th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements, Specialized sections trained under their responsible Officers. Officers commence 1st leave (quarterly), Commanding Officer, 2nd in Command, Adjutant and Company Commanders 10 days. Other Officers 8 days. An extra day for Scotland and Ireland.
12th January: Battalion paraded for a Brigade Route March of eleven miles via BETHUNE – CHOQUE – GONNEHEM. Capt Hillcoat transferred from “C” Company to “D” Company. Major de Bourbel parades on leave until the 21st January.
13th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements, practice with Gas Helmets. Specialized sections under instruction. Lt Hine proceeded on leave until 21st January 1915.
14th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements. Specialized sections under instruction. No parades after 12.45.
15th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements. Specialized sections under instruction. Battalion at Baths in GONNEHEM.
16th January: Battalion paraded for Divine Service under various denominations.
17th January: Battalion paraded for under Company arrangements. Specialized Sections under instruction. Special practice with Gas Helmets. Col. Viscount Maitland proceeded on leave until 26th January. Major Richey D.S.O assumes command of the Battalion.
18th January: Battalion paraded under Company arrangements until 12.45 pm. The afternoon was devoted to cleaning billets and preparing for a move. A billeting party under 2nd Lt Williams left for LE TOURET at 8.30 am.
Wednesday 19th January
Left rest camp at Busnettes for Le Touret which is for Festubert. Arrived 1.40 pm very tired after long march.
BWD: Battalion paraded to march to LE TOURET via BETHUNE – ESSARS relieving 6th QUEEN'S at 8.40 am. 99th Infantry Brigade take over Section “C” (FESTUBERT) from 37th Brigade. Battalion at LE TOURET in Billets. Lt Cooper and 4 ordinary ranks attend Grenade School at FOUQUEREUIL for instruction.
Thursday 20th January
Visited ruined church at La Couture. Graveyard absolutely wrecked. Have had terrible doses of toothache. Wrote letters to L Garvie and W Balfour.
BWD: Battalion paraded at billets under Company arrangements. “A” Company transfers billets to LE HAMEL. Kit and equipment inspection by Major Richey D.S.O.
Friday 21st January
Walked again to church with Burningham. Wrote Will. Sent package containing empty Chocolate Box home.
BWD: Battalion paraded under Company arrangements. Working party at No 1 & 2 KEEPS TURNING FORK EAST.
Saturday 22nd January
Busy forenoon packing kit. Left Le Touret for Festubert trenches. Arrived 7.30 pm.
BWD: 4.30 pm, Battalion relieves the 1st ROYAL BERKS in Sub-section C2 FESTUBERT. Relief complete by 7.30 pm. via RUE DE L'EPINETTE, DANGER CORNER, RUE CAILLOUX and QUINQUE RUE.
“B” Company in Reserve in OLD BRITISH LINE with 1 platoon C and D Companies.
“A” Company in Support in RICHMOND TRENCH.
“C” Company in Front Line COVER TRENCH & ISLANDS 17 TO 26 Right Flank.
“B” Company in Front Line ORCHARD TRENCH & ISLANDS 27 to 38 Left Right at Rue Cailloux. The Front Line and Support Line garrisons had to take their positions over the “top” and could not be visited in daylight.
Sunday 23rd January
Very fine day. Rather busy on station. General Official Command - open ground and no one can move in the daytime. All very quiet. Shortage of water supply.
BWD: Battalion in trenches.
Monday 24th Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th January
In trenches – wrote two postcards home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches. Successful Bombardment on the 25th.
Thursday 27th January
In billets at Bethune for 8 days. Good billet and well earned for all. Bath. Wrote home.
BWD: Battalion in Trenches. At 6 pm after Order for relief was given STAND TO was ordered in anticipation of an attack (Kaiser's Birthday) a bombardment of enemies billets and support being made at 10 pm. Relief delayed. Relief by 24th Battalion Royal Fusiliers: 33rd Division at 11 pm. Relief completed by 12.30 am 28 January 1916.
Friday 28th January
Inspection of kit and equipment in forenoon. Nothing to report in afternoon.
BWD: Battalion marched from Trenches by Companies via GORRE – LEQUENSNOY to billets in Tobacco Factory BETHUNE arrived 4 am. Battalion paraded under Company arrangements. Kit Inspection, Billet Inspection by General Kellett. “B” Company to GORRE GROUP DEFENCES repair work. Col. Viscount Maitland assumed command of the Battalion on his return from leave.
Saturday 29th January
Fairly slack in forenoon and went out in the afternoon for strolling. In evening with Burningham went to hear Royal Artillery Band but just before performance started we had to leave to “Stand To”. Germans are showing great activity along the whole front.
BWD: Battalion paraded under Company arrangements, special attention being given to practice with Gas Helmets. Saluting Drill, Arm Drill, and Musketry instruction. “C” Company GORRE DEFENCE repair work. Lt Fenton on leave until 6th February. Col. Viscount Maitland relinquished command of the Battalion.
Sunday 30th January
On telephones all day. Scarcely any messages at all. Off duty at 5pm so after tea walked round time with Burmingham.
BWD: Battalion paraded under Divine Service under various denominations. C of E parade attended by 1st Corps Commander.
“B” Company with a details of 90 men from “C” Company paraded to undertake Guard and Control Posts duty at CHOQUES and BETHUNE.
Monday 31st January
Buzzer practice forenoon. After tea went to hear the Royal Artillery Band which was very good. Scotch selections were played and altogether we spent a most enjoyable evening.
BWD: Lt. Col. H.A. Vernon (1st K.R.R.C.) assumed command of the Battalion. Battalion paraded under Company arrangements. No parade to be held after 12.45 pm. The Commanding Officer met Officers of the Battalion and inspected all N.C.O.'s at 2.30 p.m.
Lt Cooper appointed Machine Gun Officer (acting vice Lt Lewis wounded).
Major Richey D.S.O proceeded on leave until 10th February. Lt Roberts proceeded on leave until 7th February. 2nd Lt Nicolaus to be Lieutenant (dated 16th November 1915).
The Battalion was on “DUTY” and “A” Company was held on “short notice” to move for 24 hours ending reveille 1st February.
Tuesday 1st February
Orderly. During forenoon buzzer practice. Also repaired puncture in cycle. After tea went with Martin to Divisional Cinema. Performance not so bad and of course appreciated as being first since leave in August.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements. Inspection of “A” Company by Commanding Officer.
Wednesday 2nd February
Slack during day. Went to municipal Theatre at night with Burmingham. Very good. Sergeant Bamkin sustained injury to arm and he went to Hospital.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 3rd February
On signal station. Left for LE QUESNOY, suburbs of BEUVRY at 2.30pm. Arrived 3.30 pm. Quartered in loft of stable. Not so bad.
BWD: Battalion moved to LES QUESNOY.
Friday 4th February
Came off duty at 9 am. No parade in forenoon. At 2.30 set up model stations representing the trench stations at FESTUBERT which we had occupied on previous spell. Letter from Mais.
BWD: BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Saturday 5th February
Flag drill in morning. At 11 am I was sent to BETHUNE to draw stores. Went to Divisional
Signal School and then returned to billet at 1.45 pm. Letter from Florrie. Saw German aeroplane.
BWD: BWD: Parades under Company arrangements. DCM awarded to 3592 Private Harold Kirk for conspicuous bravery in the field on 26th January 1916.
Sunday 6th February
Church parade for Church of England. Divisional General inspected men over 40. Went for walk with Fogerty and en route saw armoured train.
BWD: Divine Services.
Monday 7th February
At 10 am cycled with Battalion to HQ trenches at GIVENCHY. The Battalion came in the afternoon. All quiet.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st Royal Berks in sub-section B3 GIVENCHY.
Tuesday 8th February
Out on lines – occasional shelling. Morris wounded.
BWD: Battalion held sub-sector B3 line.
Wednesday 9th February
Germans blew a mine which went up in their own front line trenches. No casualties in our own lines.
BWD: Battalion sub-sector B3 line.
Thursday 10th February
We had rather heavy casualties chiefly rifle grenades. Narrow escape while out on line with Burningham. Shrapnel and High Explosives. Got back safely.
BWD: Battalion held sub-sector B3 line.
Friday 11th February
In afternoon we exploded a mine and inflicted heavy casualties on Huns, our bombers worked hard and well. Relieved by Berkshire's and went to village line in Givenchy.
BWD: Battalion moved out of trenches into village line GIVENCHY.
Saturday 12th February
Stations in working order. All quiet.
BWD: Battalion held village line GIVENCHY.
Sunday 13th February
Went to Herts Redoubt and pulled some violets to send home.
BWD: Battalion held village line GIVENCHY.
Monday 14th February
Plenty work on HQ station. Went to LE QUESNOY for bath. Heavy shelling today.
BWD: Battalion held village line GIVENCHY.
Tuesday 15th February
Back to former trenches for second spell.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st Royal Berks in B3 sub-section GIVENCHY.
Wednesday 16th February
Ordinary day – quiet with artillery spurts.
BWD: Battalion held sub-section GIVENCHY.
Thursday 17th February
Relieved by Welsh Division. Came out at 9.30 and walked back to HQ.
BWD: Battalion moved to LE QUESNOY, being relieved in the trenches by the 16th Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Friday 18th February
Rested all day in billets. Prepared for moving next day.
BWD: Battalion at LE QUESNOY. Parades under Company arrangements.
Saturday 19th February
Marched via BUTHUNE and VILLERS to ST. HILAIRE CORRES 13 miles.
BWD: Battalion moved to ST HILAIRE.
Sunday 20th February to Saturday 26th February
Uneventful week in barn billet.
BWD: Divine Service Parades. (from 21st to 26th the diary states) Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 27th February
Rumours of move. This did not materialise until afternoon. We had already packed up. Left St Hilaire and marched to LILLIERS where we entrained to NOEUX-LES-MINES. Marched to BARLIN arrived at 3 am. All packed into one room of a civilian house.
BWD: Battalion moved to BARLIN. March route to LILLIERS. Train route LILLERS – NOEUX -LES-MINES. March route to BARLIN.
Monday 28th February
Looked around village. Full of French hospitals untouched by shell-fire. Left for SAINS-ENT-GOHELLE at 9pm on bikes. Arrived 11.50 . Good billet in first floor of house. Hadden had fit and is bad.
BWD: Battalion moved to PETIT SAINS relieving 22nd Royal Fusiliers.
Tuesday 29th February
Cycled to Barlin for signal stores. Sains practically untouched by shell-fire. Fairly big village. Left at 5.30 pm for trenches based near village of AIX-NOULETTES. Relieved French 77th Infantry Regiment . Front Line trenches 25 yards apart. No rifle fire. Terribly exhausted with march up to HQ. When there had to go out again to Aix as there is no room in dugout. Aix, a ruined and constantly shelled village at end of communication trench which is 2 miles long.
BWD: Battalion took over SOUCHEZ NORTH section of trenches from the French 77th Infantry Brigade.
Wednesday 1st March
In AIX till 4 pm set out in daylight for HQ. HQ trench Effuile, this section is south of LOOS and North of SOUCHEZ both of which are quite visible. Innumerable dead French and Germans lying about.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH line.
Thursday 2nd March
Busy at phone. Nothing to report.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH line.
Friday 3rd March
Report by wire that trenches lost lately at Ypres have been regained. Division on our left captured many prisoners in their capture of CHORD.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH line.
Saturday 4th March
Busy in forenoon. Water very scarce so made tea from snow of which there is plenty available.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH line.
Sunday 5th March
Early morning bombardment by Hun. Shrapnel and H.E. Left trenches at 12 midnight. Relieved by 1st Kings Rifle Regiment. Total Casualties 3 killed and 8 wounded. Parcel from home.
BWD: Battalion moved to BOUVIGNY being relieved in trenches by 1st K R R C.
Monday 6th March
Arrived about 3.30 am at BOUVIGNY-BOYELLES. Parcel from Mrs Munro.
BWD: Battalion in billets, Parades under Company arrangements.
Tuesday 7th March
On telephone station at 12 noon . Heavy fall of snow at night. Paid 5 Francs. Cleared off overdue letters. Cash 3 Francs from home.
BWD: Battalion in billets, Parades under Company arrangements.
Wednesday 8th March
Relieved at telephone station at 12 noon. Bought postcards and present for Bella.
BWD: Battalion in billets, Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 9th March
Preparing to move. Moved up to LORETTE trenches (same as before) and relieved Kings Rifle Regiment at 10.30 pm.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R in SOUCHEZ NORTH section. “A, B & C” Companies in the firing line, “D” Company in reserve.
Friday 10th March
Busy on HQ. Enemy at work with trench-mortars. We reply with aerial torpedoes which are very ineffective.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Saturday 11th March
Nothing extra-ordinary happening. Beautiful day. Cold towards night. Letter from home.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Sunday 12th March
Heavy artillery fire. Hun fire silenced by our batteries.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Monday 13th March [ Joseph's 20th birthday but no mention is made of this in his diary]
On lines in forenoon. Watched enemy shelling our main road leading to the trenches with their 6” guns. Very accurate fire. Relieved by KRR at 10 pm. Armed in billets near Aix at 12.15. Parcels from home and WS J.
BWD: Battalion moved out of trenches being relieved by 1st Kings Rifle Regiment and proceeded to billets at NOULETTE.
Tuesday 14th March
A very fine day ideal weather. On telephone from 12 to 3pm. Walked through wood near huts. Wrote home and WSJ.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Wednesday 15th March
Another good day. Slightly cold wind blowing. Wrote to WSJ and sent off many postcards. Writing in the gloaming.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Thursday 16th March
Set out with Steggall to cycle to Hersin. Beautiful day and nice run. Arrived at 11.40 am and after finding QM stores we got out what we wanted and proceeded to enjoy ourselves. A gramophone was there so we put on some “ragtime's” and after an hour in the store we went out to find lunch. We had omelettes in a café. Very good. Then at 3.15 we started back okay at 4.15 pm. Enemy shells quite close and in front of us en route. No signallers mail tonight as the postbag had dropped off on the way. Transferred to “A” Company.
BWD: Casualties: 1827 Pte W MacKenzie, 1345 Pte W F Suttie – wounded. [this entry is scored out – both died of their wounds the next day]
Friday 17th March
Left Huts for trenches arriving early. 2 wet evening. On phone during night.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R in SOUCHEZ NORTH section. Firing line “A” Company (right), “D” Company (left), “C” Company (solfanero), Reserve Line “B” Company. Battalion on left 17th Royal Fusiliers, Battalion on right, 1st Royal Berks.
Saturday 18th March
Slept in forenoon as we are well staffed. Received message re leave starting on 21st.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Sunday 19th March
Went around all Company's with Mr Bull. Saw town of LENS through sentry's glasses. Town has been very heavily shelled in past bombardments. Saw Bosch through telescope quite plainly. Watched rifle grenades being fired. Letter from home. Won bet of 5 Francs from Sergeant Bradfield re leave.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section. 11th West Yorks relieved 17th Royal Fusiliers.
Monday 20th March
Have been on duty overnight so spent most of day inside trying to sleep. In afternoon went to Dump for water. Heavy shelling while out.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Tuesday 21st March
Came off duty and went round line with Mr Bull. Nothing unusual happened. Packed up kit and left in advance with Gordon. Joined the transport at Aix-Noulette and got to new billets at SAINS at 9 pm. Remainder of HQ signallers arrived later. New arrangements now that Company station men billet with their Corps.
BWD: Battalion relieved by 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment and proceeded to billets in PETITE SAINS.
Wednesday 22nd March
Slack day as Battalion is resting. Divisional orderly.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Thursday 23rd March
At HQ 23rd Divisional as our battalion is out of touch with with Brigade. Very little to do. Relieved at 6 pm.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Friday 24th March
Slack day. Lamp parade at evening. Snowing.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Saturday 25th March
Drew a new tunic and boots from store. Went on duty again as Divisional orderly at 6 pm. Raining.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Sunday 26th March
At HQ Division all day. Rain and sunshine alternately. Relieved and 6 pm. Parcel from Aunt Mary and home.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Monday 27th March
Slack afternoon. Toothache in afternoon and at night.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Tuesday 28th March
Paraded at 10.30 am and marched to HERSIN where we entrained for HOUDAIN and from here we marched 2 and a half kilometres to LA COMTE which is a small typical country village. Billeted in a small well strawed barn. Busy during afternoon and at 6 pm went on duty at signal station. Burningham has gone on leave.
BWD: Battalion moved to LA COMTE. March route PT SAINS to HERSIN. Train route HERSIN to HOUDAIN, march route HOUDAIN to LA COMTE.
Wednesday 29th March
Laying Company lines during forenoon. Afternoon quiet. Am living the simple life on farm (eggs and milk!).
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 30th March
In charge of the signal station until 6 pm. Nothing very much happened. Lamps at night.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Friday 31st March
Paraded for short march out in loose order. At 10 paraded for helio and flag drill. Dismissed at 12.30. In a room listened to Divisional Band which played at our HQ. Beautiful day.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
1st January: Battalion paraded under Company arrangements. Inspection of kit and equipment; Route Marches and squad drill.
2nd January: Battalion at Church parades of various denominations. Officers Conference with reference to demarcation to billet areas and Brigade Orders. Battalion in Battle Line as Reserve Unit.
3rd January: Battalion training resumed, all parades being placed under Company arrangements. Specialist sections being placed under training of Officers concerned:
Grenadiers - Lt Hayes
Signallers - 2nd/Lt Bull
Machine-Guns - Lt Harris
Snipers - 2nd/Lt Nicolaus
Munition workers called for owing to serious shortage.
4th January: Battalion inspected by Commanding Officer for re-adjustment of equipment and kit. Other parades under Company arrangements: Arms Drill, Squad Drill, Musketry and lectures.
5th January: Battalion inspected by Commanding Officer. Battalion Company state ordered excluding T.M.B and Sapping Platoon section.
6th January: Battalion inspected by Commanding Officer. Parades under Company and Specialist arrangements. The following Officer and 4 NCO's commenced a course of bombing at 2nd Division Grenade School at FOUQUEREUIL:
2nd/Lt Humphrey A Company.
7th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements. Practice for “ATTACK” in Trench Warfare in the open. All ranks trained in movement with Gas Helmet on 2 Company Commanders, 2 Subalterns, 4 Sergeant and 4 Corporals of the Battalion; exchanged with a like number from the 1st K.R.R.C. until the 11th January for interchange of ideas, regimental customs, methods etc of organisation and training. A draft of 6 NCO's and 33 Ordinary ranks was received from Base. (30th Reserve Battalion Royal Fusiliers: draft) and allocated to Companies as follows:
A Company - 2 NCO's and 9 men.
B Company - 1 NCO and 10 men
C Company - 2 NCO's and 8 men
D Company - 1 NCO and 6 men.
8th January: Battalion baths in GONNEHEM. Other parades under Company arrangements with special attention to Gas Helmet practice. Specialized sections paraded for instruction 9am to 1 pm.
9th January: Battalion paraded for Divine Service under various denominations.
10th January: Battalion paraded for training under Specialised arrangements; 2nd Lt Hayward and 2 NCO's to attend the 3rd Class at the 2nd Division Officers School at BETHUNE.
11th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements, Specialized sections trained under their responsible Officers. Officers commence 1st leave (quarterly), Commanding Officer, 2nd in Command, Adjutant and Company Commanders 10 days. Other Officers 8 days. An extra day for Scotland and Ireland.
12th January: Battalion paraded for a Brigade Route March of eleven miles via BETHUNE – CHOQUE – GONNEHEM. Capt Hillcoat transferred from “C” Company to “D” Company. Major de Bourbel parades on leave until the 21st January.
13th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements, practice with Gas Helmets. Specialized sections under instruction. Lt Hine proceeded on leave until 21st January 1915.
14th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements. Specialized sections under instruction. No parades after 12.45.
15th January: Battalion paraded for training under Company arrangements. Specialized sections under instruction. Battalion at Baths in GONNEHEM.
16th January: Battalion paraded for Divine Service under various denominations.
17th January: Battalion paraded for under Company arrangements. Specialized Sections under instruction. Special practice with Gas Helmets. Col. Viscount Maitland proceeded on leave until 26th January. Major Richey D.S.O assumes command of the Battalion.
18th January: Battalion paraded under Company arrangements until 12.45 pm. The afternoon was devoted to cleaning billets and preparing for a move. A billeting party under 2nd Lt Williams left for LE TOURET at 8.30 am.
Wednesday 19th January
Left rest camp at Busnettes for Le Touret which is for Festubert. Arrived 1.40 pm very tired after long march.
BWD: Battalion paraded to march to LE TOURET via BETHUNE – ESSARS relieving 6th QUEEN'S at 8.40 am. 99th Infantry Brigade take over Section “C” (FESTUBERT) from 37th Brigade. Battalion at LE TOURET in Billets. Lt Cooper and 4 ordinary ranks attend Grenade School at FOUQUEREUIL for instruction.
Thursday 20th January
Visited ruined church at La Couture. Graveyard absolutely wrecked. Have had terrible doses of toothache. Wrote letters to L Garvie and W Balfour.
BWD: Battalion paraded at billets under Company arrangements. “A” Company transfers billets to LE HAMEL. Kit and equipment inspection by Major Richey D.S.O.
Friday 21st January
Walked again to church with Burningham. Wrote Will. Sent package containing empty Chocolate Box home.
BWD: Battalion paraded under Company arrangements. Working party at No 1 & 2 KEEPS TURNING FORK EAST.
Saturday 22nd January
Busy forenoon packing kit. Left Le Touret for Festubert trenches. Arrived 7.30 pm.
BWD: 4.30 pm, Battalion relieves the 1st ROYAL BERKS in Sub-section C2 FESTUBERT. Relief complete by 7.30 pm. via RUE DE L'EPINETTE, DANGER CORNER, RUE CAILLOUX and QUINQUE RUE.
“B” Company in Reserve in OLD BRITISH LINE with 1 platoon C and D Companies.
“A” Company in Support in RICHMOND TRENCH.
“C” Company in Front Line COVER TRENCH & ISLANDS 17 TO 26 Right Flank.
“B” Company in Front Line ORCHARD TRENCH & ISLANDS 27 to 38 Left Right at Rue Cailloux. The Front Line and Support Line garrisons had to take their positions over the “top” and could not be visited in daylight.
Sunday 23rd January
Very fine day. Rather busy on station. General Official Command - open ground and no one can move in the daytime. All very quiet. Shortage of water supply.
BWD: Battalion in trenches.
Monday 24th Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th January
In trenches – wrote two postcards home.
BWD: Battalion in trenches. Successful Bombardment on the 25th.
Thursday 27th January
In billets at Bethune for 8 days. Good billet and well earned for all. Bath. Wrote home.
BWD: Battalion in Trenches. At 6 pm after Order for relief was given STAND TO was ordered in anticipation of an attack (Kaiser's Birthday) a bombardment of enemies billets and support being made at 10 pm. Relief delayed. Relief by 24th Battalion Royal Fusiliers: 33rd Division at 11 pm. Relief completed by 12.30 am 28 January 1916.
Friday 28th January
Inspection of kit and equipment in forenoon. Nothing to report in afternoon.
BWD: Battalion marched from Trenches by Companies via GORRE – LEQUENSNOY to billets in Tobacco Factory BETHUNE arrived 4 am. Battalion paraded under Company arrangements. Kit Inspection, Billet Inspection by General Kellett. “B” Company to GORRE GROUP DEFENCES repair work. Col. Viscount Maitland assumed command of the Battalion on his return from leave.
Saturday 29th January
Fairly slack in forenoon and went out in the afternoon for strolling. In evening with Burningham went to hear Royal Artillery Band but just before performance started we had to leave to “Stand To”. Germans are showing great activity along the whole front.
BWD: Battalion paraded under Company arrangements, special attention being given to practice with Gas Helmets. Saluting Drill, Arm Drill, and Musketry instruction. “C” Company GORRE DEFENCE repair work. Lt Fenton on leave until 6th February. Col. Viscount Maitland relinquished command of the Battalion.
Sunday 30th January
On telephones all day. Scarcely any messages at all. Off duty at 5pm so after tea walked round time with Burmingham.
BWD: Battalion paraded under Divine Service under various denominations. C of E parade attended by 1st Corps Commander.
“B” Company with a details of 90 men from “C” Company paraded to undertake Guard and Control Posts duty at CHOQUES and BETHUNE.
Monday 31st January
Buzzer practice forenoon. After tea went to hear the Royal Artillery Band which was very good. Scotch selections were played and altogether we spent a most enjoyable evening.
BWD: Lt. Col. H.A. Vernon (1st K.R.R.C.) assumed command of the Battalion. Battalion paraded under Company arrangements. No parade to be held after 12.45 pm. The Commanding Officer met Officers of the Battalion and inspected all N.C.O.'s at 2.30 p.m.
Lt Cooper appointed Machine Gun Officer (acting vice Lt Lewis wounded).
Major Richey D.S.O proceeded on leave until 10th February. Lt Roberts proceeded on leave until 7th February. 2nd Lt Nicolaus to be Lieutenant (dated 16th November 1915).
The Battalion was on “DUTY” and “A” Company was held on “short notice” to move for 24 hours ending reveille 1st February.
Tuesday 1st February
Orderly. During forenoon buzzer practice. Also repaired puncture in cycle. After tea went with Martin to Divisional Cinema. Performance not so bad and of course appreciated as being first since leave in August.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements. Inspection of “A” Company by Commanding Officer.
Wednesday 2nd February
Slack during day. Went to municipal Theatre at night with Burmingham. Very good. Sergeant Bamkin sustained injury to arm and he went to Hospital.
BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 3rd February
On signal station. Left for LE QUESNOY, suburbs of BEUVRY at 2.30pm. Arrived 3.30 pm. Quartered in loft of stable. Not so bad.
BWD: Battalion moved to LES QUESNOY.
Friday 4th February
Came off duty at 9 am. No parade in forenoon. At 2.30 set up model stations representing the trench stations at FESTUBERT which we had occupied on previous spell. Letter from Mais.
BWD: BWD: Parades under Company arrangements.
Saturday 5th February
Flag drill in morning. At 11 am I was sent to BETHUNE to draw stores. Went to Divisional
Signal School and then returned to billet at 1.45 pm. Letter from Florrie. Saw German aeroplane.
BWD: BWD: Parades under Company arrangements. DCM awarded to 3592 Private Harold Kirk for conspicuous bravery in the field on 26th January 1916.
Sunday 6th February
Church parade for Church of England. Divisional General inspected men over 40. Went for walk with Fogerty and en route saw armoured train.
BWD: Divine Services.
Monday 7th February
At 10 am cycled with Battalion to HQ trenches at GIVENCHY. The Battalion came in the afternoon. All quiet.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st Royal Berks in sub-section B3 GIVENCHY.
Tuesday 8th February
Out on lines – occasional shelling. Morris wounded.
BWD: Battalion held sub-sector B3 line.
Wednesday 9th February
Germans blew a mine which went up in their own front line trenches. No casualties in our own lines.
BWD: Battalion sub-sector B3 line.
Thursday 10th February
We had rather heavy casualties chiefly rifle grenades. Narrow escape while out on line with Burningham. Shrapnel and High Explosives. Got back safely.
BWD: Battalion held sub-sector B3 line.
Friday 11th February
In afternoon we exploded a mine and inflicted heavy casualties on Huns, our bombers worked hard and well. Relieved by Berkshire's and went to village line in Givenchy.
BWD: Battalion moved out of trenches into village line GIVENCHY.
Saturday 12th February
Stations in working order. All quiet.
BWD: Battalion held village line GIVENCHY.
Sunday 13th February
Went to Herts Redoubt and pulled some violets to send home.
BWD: Battalion held village line GIVENCHY.
Monday 14th February
Plenty work on HQ station. Went to LE QUESNOY for bath. Heavy shelling today.
BWD: Battalion held village line GIVENCHY.
Tuesday 15th February
Back to former trenches for second spell.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st Royal Berks in B3 sub-section GIVENCHY.
Wednesday 16th February
Ordinary day – quiet with artillery spurts.
BWD: Battalion held sub-section GIVENCHY.
Thursday 17th February
Relieved by Welsh Division. Came out at 9.30 and walked back to HQ.
BWD: Battalion moved to LE QUESNOY, being relieved in the trenches by the 16th Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Friday 18th February
Rested all day in billets. Prepared for moving next day.
BWD: Battalion at LE QUESNOY. Parades under Company arrangements.
Saturday 19th February
Marched via BUTHUNE and VILLERS to ST. HILAIRE CORRES 13 miles.
BWD: Battalion moved to ST HILAIRE.
Sunday 20th February to Saturday 26th February
Uneventful week in barn billet.
BWD: Divine Service Parades. (from 21st to 26th the diary states) Parades under Company arrangements.
Sunday 27th February
Rumours of move. This did not materialise until afternoon. We had already packed up. Left St Hilaire and marched to LILLIERS where we entrained to NOEUX-LES-MINES. Marched to BARLIN arrived at 3 am. All packed into one room of a civilian house.
BWD: Battalion moved to BARLIN. March route to LILLIERS. Train route LILLERS – NOEUX -LES-MINES. March route to BARLIN.
Monday 28th February
Looked around village. Full of French hospitals untouched by shell-fire. Left for SAINS-ENT-GOHELLE at 9pm on bikes. Arrived 11.50 . Good billet in first floor of house. Hadden had fit and is bad.
BWD: Battalion moved to PETIT SAINS relieving 22nd Royal Fusiliers.
Tuesday 29th February
Cycled to Barlin for signal stores. Sains practically untouched by shell-fire. Fairly big village. Left at 5.30 pm for trenches based near village of AIX-NOULETTES. Relieved French 77th Infantry Regiment . Front Line trenches 25 yards apart. No rifle fire. Terribly exhausted with march up to HQ. When there had to go out again to Aix as there is no room in dugout. Aix, a ruined and constantly shelled village at end of communication trench which is 2 miles long.
BWD: Battalion took over SOUCHEZ NORTH section of trenches from the French 77th Infantry Brigade.
Wednesday 1st March
In AIX till 4 pm set out in daylight for HQ. HQ trench Effuile, this section is south of LOOS and North of SOUCHEZ both of which are quite visible. Innumerable dead French and Germans lying about.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH line.
Thursday 2nd March
Busy at phone. Nothing to report.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH line.
Friday 3rd March
Report by wire that trenches lost lately at Ypres have been regained. Division on our left captured many prisoners in their capture of CHORD.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH line.
Saturday 4th March
Busy in forenoon. Water very scarce so made tea from snow of which there is plenty available.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH line.
Sunday 5th March
Early morning bombardment by Hun. Shrapnel and H.E. Left trenches at 12 midnight. Relieved by 1st Kings Rifle Regiment. Total Casualties 3 killed and 8 wounded. Parcel from home.
BWD: Battalion moved to BOUVIGNY being relieved in trenches by 1st K R R C.
Monday 6th March
Arrived about 3.30 am at BOUVIGNY-BOYELLES. Parcel from Mrs Munro.
BWD: Battalion in billets, Parades under Company arrangements.
Tuesday 7th March
On telephone station at 12 noon . Heavy fall of snow at night. Paid 5 Francs. Cleared off overdue letters. Cash 3 Francs from home.
BWD: Battalion in billets, Parades under Company arrangements.
Wednesday 8th March
Relieved at telephone station at 12 noon. Bought postcards and present for Bella.
BWD: Battalion in billets, Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 9th March
Preparing to move. Moved up to LORETTE trenches (same as before) and relieved Kings Rifle Regiment at 10.30 pm.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R in SOUCHEZ NORTH section. “A, B & C” Companies in the firing line, “D” Company in reserve.
Friday 10th March
Busy on HQ. Enemy at work with trench-mortars. We reply with aerial torpedoes which are very ineffective.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Saturday 11th March
Nothing extra-ordinary happening. Beautiful day. Cold towards night. Letter from home.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Sunday 12th March
Heavy artillery fire. Hun fire silenced by our batteries.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Monday 13th March [ Joseph's 20th birthday but no mention is made of this in his diary]
On lines in forenoon. Watched enemy shelling our main road leading to the trenches with their 6” guns. Very accurate fire. Relieved by KRR at 10 pm. Armed in billets near Aix at 12.15. Parcels from home and WS J.
BWD: Battalion moved out of trenches being relieved by 1st Kings Rifle Regiment and proceeded to billets at NOULETTE.
Tuesday 14th March
A very fine day ideal weather. On telephone from 12 to 3pm. Walked through wood near huts. Wrote home and WSJ.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Wednesday 15th March
Another good day. Slightly cold wind blowing. Wrote to WSJ and sent off many postcards. Writing in the gloaming.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Thursday 16th March
Set out with Steggall to cycle to Hersin. Beautiful day and nice run. Arrived at 11.40 am and after finding QM stores we got out what we wanted and proceeded to enjoy ourselves. A gramophone was there so we put on some “ragtime's” and after an hour in the store we went out to find lunch. We had omelettes in a café. Very good. Then at 3.15 we started back okay at 4.15 pm. Enemy shells quite close and in front of us en route. No signallers mail tonight as the postbag had dropped off on the way. Transferred to “A” Company.
BWD: Casualties: 1827 Pte W MacKenzie, 1345 Pte W F Suttie – wounded. [this entry is scored out – both died of their wounds the next day]
Friday 17th March
Left Huts for trenches arriving early. 2 wet evening. On phone during night.
BWD: Battalion relieved 1st K R R in SOUCHEZ NORTH section. Firing line “A” Company (right), “D” Company (left), “C” Company (solfanero), Reserve Line “B” Company. Battalion on left 17th Royal Fusiliers, Battalion on right, 1st Royal Berks.
Saturday 18th March
Slept in forenoon as we are well staffed. Received message re leave starting on 21st.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Sunday 19th March
Went around all Company's with Mr Bull. Saw town of LENS through sentry's glasses. Town has been very heavily shelled in past bombardments. Saw Bosch through telescope quite plainly. Watched rifle grenades being fired. Letter from home. Won bet of 5 Francs from Sergeant Bradfield re leave.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section. 11th West Yorks relieved 17th Royal Fusiliers.
Monday 20th March
Have been on duty overnight so spent most of day inside trying to sleep. In afternoon went to Dump for water. Heavy shelling while out.
BWD: Battalion held SOUCHEZ NORTH section.
Tuesday 21st March
Came off duty and went round line with Mr Bull. Nothing unusual happened. Packed up kit and left in advance with Gordon. Joined the transport at Aix-Noulette and got to new billets at SAINS at 9 pm. Remainder of HQ signallers arrived later. New arrangements now that Company station men billet with their Corps.
BWD: Battalion relieved by 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment and proceeded to billets in PETITE SAINS.
Wednesday 22nd March
Slack day as Battalion is resting. Divisional orderly.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Thursday 23rd March
At HQ 23rd Divisional as our battalion is out of touch with with Brigade. Very little to do. Relieved at 6 pm.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Friday 24th March
Slack day. Lamp parade at evening. Snowing.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Saturday 25th March
Drew a new tunic and boots from store. Went on duty again as Divisional orderly at 6 pm. Raining.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Sunday 26th March
At HQ Division all day. Rain and sunshine alternately. Relieved and 6 pm. Parcel from Aunt Mary and home.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Monday 27th March
Slack afternoon. Toothache in afternoon and at night.
BWD: Battalion in billets, carrying parties furnished.
Tuesday 28th March
Paraded at 10.30 am and marched to HERSIN where we entrained for HOUDAIN and from here we marched 2 and a half kilometres to LA COMTE which is a small typical country village. Billeted in a small well strawed barn. Busy during afternoon and at 6 pm went on duty at signal station. Burningham has gone on leave.
BWD: Battalion moved to LA COMTE. March route PT SAINS to HERSIN. Train route HERSIN to HOUDAIN, march route HOUDAIN to LA COMTE.
Wednesday 29th March
Laying Company lines during forenoon. Afternoon quiet. Am living the simple life on farm (eggs and milk!).
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Thursday 30th March
In charge of the signal station until 6 pm. Nothing very much happened. Lamps at night.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.
Friday 31st March
Paraded for short march out in loose order. At 10 paraded for helio and flag drill. Dismissed at 12.30. In a room listened to Divisional Band which played at our HQ. Beautiful day.
BWD: Battalion in billets (Divisional Rest). Parades under Company arrangements.