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Sunday 1st October 1916
On Divisional HQ operating telephone in COUIN with Beaven. Sergeant on leave.
BWD: Battalion in billets, Reinforcement 1 Officer.
Monday 2nd October to Tuesday 3rd October
Still with Divisional HQ. Left on night of 3rd for trenches. Arrived BASIN WOOD via COURCELLES and COLINCAMPS.
BWD 2nd October: Battalion moved to Rear Trenches in vicinity of BASIN WOOD.
BWD 3rd October: Battalion relieved 14th Sussex in REDAN SERRE SECTOR; Reinforcements 3 Other Ranks.
Wednesday 4th October
Moved into White City sector. Fairly quiet except for minnies.
BWD: Battalion in Trenches, REDAN SERRE SECTOR.
Thursday 5th October
On lines with Mr Bull.
BWD: Battalion in Trenches, REDAN SERRE SECTOR.
Friday 6th October
Relieved by Highland Light Infantry, marched back to huts outside MAILLY.
BWD: Battalion relieved by 2nd Highland Light Infantry and proceeded to Billets in MAILLY- MAILLET WOODS.
[That was the last entry in his diary. It ended as his Battalion prepares for the Battle of Beaumont Hamel on 13th November 1916. Excerpts from the Battalion's War Diary will now describe the period from between 6th October and 30th November 1916]
Saturday 7th October
Battalion in billets in Mailly-Maillet.
Sunday 8th October
Battalion marched to Raincheval and occupied billets there.
Monday 9th October and Tuesday 10th October
Battalion paraded under Company arrangements in Raincheval.
Wednesday 11th October
Battalion took part in Divisional practice.
Thursday 12th October
Battalion took part in Brigade practice.
Friday 13th October
Battalion took part in Divisional practice.
Saturday 14th October
Battalion paraded under Company's arrangements.
Sunday 15th October
Divine Service parades
Monday 16th October
Battalion relieved 7th Royal Fusiliers in Maily-Maillet
Tuesday 17th October
Battalion moved to Redan-Serre sector and relieved 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
Wednesday 18th October to Friday 20th October
Battalion in trenches in Redan Serre sector.
Friday 20th October
Battalion relieved by 1st Kings Royal Rifles and proceeded to billets at Mailly Maillet. Reinforcements 7 Ordinary ranks.
Saturday 21st October
In billets at Mailly-Maillet reinforcements of 2 Ordinary ranks.
Sunday 22nd October
Battalion moved to Billets at Acheux Wood
Monday 23rd October to Sunday 29th October
Battalion in Billets at Acheux Wood providing fatigue parties. Reinforcements 3 Ordinary ranks.
Monday 30th October
Battalion relieved 2nd Highland Light Infantry in REDAN right sub-section.
Tuesday 31st October to Wednesday 1st November
Battalion in REDAN right sub-section.
Thursday 2nd November
Battalion relieved by 1st KRRC and proceeded to Billets at MAILLY-MAILLET.
Friday 3rd November to Sunday 5th November
Battalion in Billets at MAILLY-MAILLET providing working and carrying parties.
Sunday 5th November
Battalion relieved 1st KRRC in REDAN right sub-section.
Monday 6th November
Battalion in REDAN right sub-section.
Tuesday 7th November
Battalion relieved by 24th Battalion Royal Fusiliers and proceeded to billets at BERTRANCOURT.
Wednesday 8th November to Sunday 12th November
Battalion in billets providing working and carrying parties. Reinforcements 40 Ordinary ranks arrived on the 10th November.
Monday 13th November
Battalion left BERNTRACOURT at 2.10 am and proceeded to ELLIS SQUARE, FORT HOYSTEAD and VIEW TRENCH (Redan right sub-section) A & C Companies sent at 10.10 am to G.O.C 5th Brigade at WHITE CITY. These companies proceeded later to old German Front Line and at 5 pm 'C' Company were ordered up to reinforce 2nd HLI in “Green Line”. B & D Companies at 7pm drew large quantities of S.A.A .and bombs and carried them to German 2nd Line. During these times these Companies were under the command of the G.O.C 5th Infantry Brigade. At 7pm Battalion's HQ was moved to WHITE CITY.
Tuesday 14th November
1st KRRC at 3.30 am also established HQ at WHITE CITY at 6 am Battalion moved forward in support of 1st KRRC and 1st Royal Berks. “A” and “C” Companies proceeded to CRATER LANE and later to WAGON ROAD (on right) “B” and “D” Companies (on left) took up position in LAGER ALLEY between the Oxon and Bucks L.I. and the 1st Royal Berks.
Wednesday 15th November
At 1am Battalion HQ moved from White City to HQ of 1st KRRC in German Front Line (almost Q5A3.5). Companies still in support of 1st KRRC and 1st Royal Berks.
Thursday 16th November
At 1am Battalion HQ moved back to ELLIS SQUARE.
Friday 17th November
Battalion moved to billets at MAILLY-MAILLET.
Saturday 18th November
Battalion moved to billets at SARTON.
Sunday 19th November
Battalion marched to billets at GEZAINCOURT.
Tuesday 21th November to Wednesday 22nd November
Battalion in billets at GEZAINCOURT and moved to CANDAS. Lt Col H A Vernon D.S.O. Having assumed command of 99th Infantry Brigade.
Thursday 23rd November
Battalion marched to billets at DOMQIEUR.
Friday 24th November
Battalion moved to billets at GARPENNES.
Saturday 25th November
Battalion marched to billets at MELLANCOURT.
Sunday 26th November
Battalion moved to billets in MELLANCOURT. Reinforcements 80 Ordinary ranks.
Monday 27th November
Battalion marched to billets at ONEUX.
Tuesday 28th November to 30th November
Battalion moved to billets in ONEUX. Reinforcement 1 Ordinary rank.
[Appendices attached:-
Report on Operations 12th - 16th November;]
INDEX
No. 1. REPORT ON OPERATION
No. 2. MOVEMENT & ACTIONS OF “A” & “C” Coys.
No. 3. MOVEMENT & ACTIONS OF “B” & “D” Coys.
No. 4. DIARY & DETAILS OF MOVEMENTS
No. 5 MAJOR WINTER'S REPORT
Number 1 Report on Operation from 12th to 16th November 1916.
Having left Billets in BERTRANCOURT on the night of the 13th November [early morning], my Battalion was in position in ELLIS SQUARE VIEW TRENCH and FORT HOYSTEAD at 5.40 am on the 13th. At 10.10 am 2 Companies (“A” & “C”) were ordered up and placed under the orders of G.O.C. 5th Brigade.
At 10.20 am the other 2 Companies were attached to the Divisional Reserve under the Command of Col. BARNETT BARKER.
At 1 pm I met the G.O.C. 99th Brigade at WHITE CITY (by order). I returned to my Headquarters at 6pm with order that the two companies in Divisional Reserve (“B” & “D”) would be attached to G.O.C. 5th Brigade until ZERO minus 2 [hours] when they would be formed up to support the left of the attack which was to delivered by BERKS (left) & 1st K.R.R.C. (right) at 6 am 14th November “A” & “C” Coys who had been moved up into GREEN Line were to support the line of the attack.
I issued orders which were to come into force at ZERO – 2 hours “A” & “C” Coys under Capt. HUMPHREY then in GREEN Line would remain there and get into touch with the 1st K.R.R when the latter passed through them. (This was successfully carried out and “A” & “C” were in touch with the 1st K.R.R during the whole operation eventually holding the line of the SUNKEN ROAD with them). “B” & “D” Companies would form form up in CHATHAM from EGG STREET to SIXTH AVENUE. “B” Company on the left “D” Company on the right. At ZERO (at which hour the Royal Berks were to leave the GREEN line) these teo companies would advance from our O.B.L. and occupy position in German 2nd line.
Machine Guns. I gave orders for one Machine Gun to be attached to Capt. HUMFREY and go over with him. The team went over but arrived without its gun. One Gun was attached to “D” Company and started over with it but dropped into a shell hole in No Mans Land and was not seen again. The remaining two Guns at my disposal (under their Officers) were placed by me under the orders of Capt. LEWIS for the protection of the left flank. A separate report has been forwarded about the action of Machine Guns.
Lewis Guns. Two went over with each Company and the remaining two were given to Capt. LEWIS for the protection of the left flank.
“B” & “D” Companies had a somewhat difficult and fatiguing duty at 7 p.m. 13th November, they drew as much ammunition and as many bombs as they were able to carry from the Quarry Dump in SIXTH AVENUE to the 2nd German Line. They did not return to OBL till 3.30 am 14th November and then had to go to their assembly positions. A certain number of men lost their way and the O.C. Companies had very little time to collect their Companies. I may point out in my AL5AC of 14th. I stated that if these Companies did the carrying above mentioned I could not ensure their being in position to advance at ZERO.
I consider the two Company Commanders (Captains LEWIS & RATTRAY) deserve the greatest credit for the way they got their men into position. Despite their efforts there were certain number of men who could not be collected in time. At 7 p.m. I established my Headquarters in WHITE CITY with an Advance HQ under Major WINTER in CHATHAM in immediate touch with “B” & “D” Companies.
After the advance of “B” & “D” I found it impossible to keep touch with these Companies. 5 attempts to lay cable lines but they could not be maintained as they were continually cut by shells. Orderlies suffered rather severely from snipers near the E end of CAT TUNNEL and it was some hours before I could get a message back.
At ZERO (6 am 14th) I ceased to have an active command and from then till 2.30 am 16th. I remained in WHITE CITY collecting reports through 5th Brigade and from stragglers wounded and other messages from the front line. I transmitted them to G.O.C 99th Brigade and did my best to master and inform him of the situation.
At 2 p.m. 14th November the position of the left of our Brigade was so obscure and the position of my 2 Companies still unknown, I therefore sent Major WINTER my 2nd in Command to make a reconnaissance and endeavour to locate the position of both detachments of my Battalion and find out the situation on the left. I attach a very excellent report which Major WINTER gave me as the result of the reconnaissance under great difficulties and from which he returned much fatigued from his great exertions in the heavy mud.
At 2.30 am 15th November I went over to the German Front Line at Q.5.A.3.5 and established my Headquarters with 1st K.R.R. From then on, every effort was made to get into touch my two left Companies. The trenches were appalling and the barrage very heavy but at about 4.30 pm Capt. LEWIS succeeded in getting through to me and he and Capt. HUMFREY were both back to me when at 9 p.m. I received orders to move my Battalion back to ELLIS SQUARE etc. “A” & “C” Companies moved by BEAUMONT HAMEL. “B” & “D” over the top and via SIXTH AVENUE. I reported relief complete at 2.15 am 16th. I reported to G.O.C. 99th Brigade on morning of 16th and told him the disposition on our front front as far as I knew them. I asserted then and I still assert that at any rate up to them time my Battalion left German Lines we did not occupy the junction of MUNICH TRENCH and LAGER ALLEY and from all reports I had received our line to the North of the SUNKEN ROAD bent in a N.W. Direction and struck LAGER ALLEY either at K35 D.5.5 1/2 or K35 D 1.66.
Communication.
Six telephone lines were laid from O.B.L. to the Front Line German Trench but none survived owing to the Boshe barrage. On the morning of the 15th LIEUT BULL laid a line to my Companies in the SUNKEN ROAD. This was done whilst the enemy was putting over a very heavy barrage.
I beg to deal with “A” & “C” and “B” & “D” Companies separately.
MOVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES of “A” & “C” Companies
These two companies reported to 5th Brigade Headquarters in WHITE CITY at 11.30 am on the 13th November. There, Orders were received for both companies to report to O.C.17th Royal Fusiliers. This was done and a position taken up in old German Front Line and carrying parties were furnished to carry from there to our front line.
At 5 pm “C” Company were ordered up to reinforce 2nd Highland Light Infantry in GREEN LINE, the company taking up position in a strong point about 100 yards in front of GREEN LINE.
At 10.0 am one platoon of “A” Company was sent up as a support to a bombing post near CAT TUNNEL in which 70 Germans were reported to be.
On both Companies coming again under orders of the 99th Infantry Brigade, in order to support the attack to be delivered by the 1st K.R.R.C the platoon at CAT TUNNEL was withdrawn (with permission of 5th Brigade) and both Companies, were formed up in the rear of the GREEN LINE and behind the 1st K.R.R.C. At 6 am of the 14th the 1st K.R.R.C moved forward to the attack and “A” & “C” Companies, 23rd Royal Fusiliers moved forward and occupied GREEN LINE, “A” Company on right and “C” Company on left.
At 9 am, on orders being received from 99th Infantry Bridge for the two Companies to move forward to the support 1st K.R.R.C both Companies left the GREEN LINE and moving forward joined the 1st K.R.R.C who were then in CRATER LANE.
At 12.50 pm, on information being received (via Capt. HOWELL of 17th Royal Fusiliers) that it had been learned from prisoners that the Germans intended bombarding CRATER LANE at 1 pm, the 1st K.R.R.C and 2 Companies 23rd Royal Fusiliers moved into WAGON ROAD. The position in WAGON ROAD was held until orders were received for relief when the two Companies, 23rhd Royal Fusiliers moved back via BEAUMONT HAMEL and WHITE CITY to ELLIS SQUARE arriving there at 1.15 am on the 16th.
MOVEMENTS AND ACTIONS OF “B” & “D” Companies
At 7 pm on the 13th both Companies drew a large quantity of S.A.A. And bombs from QUARRY DUMP in SIXTH AVENUE carrying them to CLIVE and MINDEN STREETS in accordance with orders. The companies then reported to Major TURNER 17th Royal Fusiliers. Orders were received for the bombs and ammunition to be carried to the German 2nd Line. This was done, the carrying parties not getting back to CLIVE and MINDEN trenches till close on 4 am on the 14th. The Companies then coming again under the Command of the 99th Infantry Brigade had to at once move to CHATHAM trench to take up position in order to support the attack of the 1st Royal Berks which was to be delivered at 6pm. CHATHAM TRENCH was not reached till 5.15 am on which the Companies at once got into position - “B” Company on the left and “D” Company on the Right. At 6 am both Companies advanced towards the German lines suffering heavy casualties crossing No Man's Land and again in crossing the ground between the 1st German Line and 2nd Line. A position was taken up in the 2nd German Line which was held till Orders were received by the Companies to move to the support of the 1st Royal Berks who were by reports received supposed to be in MUNICH TRENCH. Owing to casualties to Orderlies the message to advance to the support of the 1st Royal Berks was not received by “B” & “D” Companies till 3 pm. The Companies at once moved forward but owing to the state of the ground and the position of the 1st Royal Berks being very difficult to locate, the Companies, did not join the 1st Royal Berks till about 8.20 pm; they then in accordance with orders received from 1st Royal Berks took up position in LAGER ALLEY between the OX & BUCKS and 1st Royal Berks. This position was held until orders for the relief were received when both Companies moved back to ELLIS SQUARE which was reached at 2.10 am on the 15th.
During the advance 2 Officers and 2 N.C.O's and about 15 men became detached from “D” Company. These attached themselves to the 22nd Royal Fusiliers and were used by the O.C of that Battalion in helping to form the defensive flank established by him moving out with that Battalion on it's relief.
Sunday 1st October 1916
On Divisional HQ operating telephone in COUIN with Beaven. Sergeant on leave.
BWD: Battalion in billets, Reinforcement 1 Officer.
Monday 2nd October to Tuesday 3rd October
Still with Divisional HQ. Left on night of 3rd for trenches. Arrived BASIN WOOD via COURCELLES and COLINCAMPS.
BWD 2nd October: Battalion moved to Rear Trenches in vicinity of BASIN WOOD.
BWD 3rd October: Battalion relieved 14th Sussex in REDAN SERRE SECTOR; Reinforcements 3 Other Ranks.
Wednesday 4th October
Moved into White City sector. Fairly quiet except for minnies.
BWD: Battalion in Trenches, REDAN SERRE SECTOR.
Thursday 5th October
On lines with Mr Bull.
BWD: Battalion in Trenches, REDAN SERRE SECTOR.
Friday 6th October
Relieved by Highland Light Infantry, marched back to huts outside MAILLY.
BWD: Battalion relieved by 2nd Highland Light Infantry and proceeded to Billets in MAILLY- MAILLET WOODS.
[That was the last entry in his diary. It ended as his Battalion prepares for the Battle of Beaumont Hamel on 13th November 1916. Excerpts from the Battalion's War Diary will now describe the period from between 6th October and 30th November 1916]
Saturday 7th October
Battalion in billets in Mailly-Maillet.
Sunday 8th October
Battalion marched to Raincheval and occupied billets there.
Monday 9th October and Tuesday 10th October
Battalion paraded under Company arrangements in Raincheval.
Wednesday 11th October
Battalion took part in Divisional practice.
Thursday 12th October
Battalion took part in Brigade practice.
Friday 13th October
Battalion took part in Divisional practice.
Saturday 14th October
Battalion paraded under Company's arrangements.
Sunday 15th October
Divine Service parades
Monday 16th October
Battalion relieved 7th Royal Fusiliers in Maily-Maillet
Tuesday 17th October
Battalion moved to Redan-Serre sector and relieved 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
Wednesday 18th October to Friday 20th October
Battalion in trenches in Redan Serre sector.
Friday 20th October
Battalion relieved by 1st Kings Royal Rifles and proceeded to billets at Mailly Maillet. Reinforcements 7 Ordinary ranks.
Saturday 21st October
In billets at Mailly-Maillet reinforcements of 2 Ordinary ranks.
Sunday 22nd October
Battalion moved to Billets at Acheux Wood
Monday 23rd October to Sunday 29th October
Battalion in Billets at Acheux Wood providing fatigue parties. Reinforcements 3 Ordinary ranks.
Monday 30th October
Battalion relieved 2nd Highland Light Infantry in REDAN right sub-section.
Tuesday 31st October to Wednesday 1st November
Battalion in REDAN right sub-section.
Thursday 2nd November
Battalion relieved by 1st KRRC and proceeded to Billets at MAILLY-MAILLET.
Friday 3rd November to Sunday 5th November
Battalion in Billets at MAILLY-MAILLET providing working and carrying parties.
Sunday 5th November
Battalion relieved 1st KRRC in REDAN right sub-section.
Monday 6th November
Battalion in REDAN right sub-section.
Tuesday 7th November
Battalion relieved by 24th Battalion Royal Fusiliers and proceeded to billets at BERTRANCOURT.
Wednesday 8th November to Sunday 12th November
Battalion in billets providing working and carrying parties. Reinforcements 40 Ordinary ranks arrived on the 10th November.
Monday 13th November
Battalion left BERNTRACOURT at 2.10 am and proceeded to ELLIS SQUARE, FORT HOYSTEAD and VIEW TRENCH (Redan right sub-section) A & C Companies sent at 10.10 am to G.O.C 5th Brigade at WHITE CITY. These companies proceeded later to old German Front Line and at 5 pm 'C' Company were ordered up to reinforce 2nd HLI in “Green Line”. B & D Companies at 7pm drew large quantities of S.A.A .and bombs and carried them to German 2nd Line. During these times these Companies were under the command of the G.O.C 5th Infantry Brigade. At 7pm Battalion's HQ was moved to WHITE CITY.
Tuesday 14th November
1st KRRC at 3.30 am also established HQ at WHITE CITY at 6 am Battalion moved forward in support of 1st KRRC and 1st Royal Berks. “A” and “C” Companies proceeded to CRATER LANE and later to WAGON ROAD (on right) “B” and “D” Companies (on left) took up position in LAGER ALLEY between the Oxon and Bucks L.I. and the 1st Royal Berks.
Wednesday 15th November
At 1am Battalion HQ moved from White City to HQ of 1st KRRC in German Front Line (almost Q5A3.5). Companies still in support of 1st KRRC and 1st Royal Berks.
Thursday 16th November
At 1am Battalion HQ moved back to ELLIS SQUARE.
Friday 17th November
Battalion moved to billets at MAILLY-MAILLET.
Saturday 18th November
Battalion moved to billets at SARTON.
Sunday 19th November
Battalion marched to billets at GEZAINCOURT.
Tuesday 21th November to Wednesday 22nd November
Battalion in billets at GEZAINCOURT and moved to CANDAS. Lt Col H A Vernon D.S.O. Having assumed command of 99th Infantry Brigade.
Thursday 23rd November
Battalion marched to billets at DOMQIEUR.
Friday 24th November
Battalion moved to billets at GARPENNES.
Saturday 25th November
Battalion marched to billets at MELLANCOURT.
Sunday 26th November
Battalion moved to billets in MELLANCOURT. Reinforcements 80 Ordinary ranks.
Monday 27th November
Battalion marched to billets at ONEUX.
Tuesday 28th November to 30th November
Battalion moved to billets in ONEUX. Reinforcement 1 Ordinary rank.
[Appendices attached:-
Report on Operations 12th - 16th November;]
INDEX
No. 1. REPORT ON OPERATION
No. 2. MOVEMENT & ACTIONS OF “A” & “C” Coys.
No. 3. MOVEMENT & ACTIONS OF “B” & “D” Coys.
No. 4. DIARY & DETAILS OF MOVEMENTS
No. 5 MAJOR WINTER'S REPORT
Number 1 Report on Operation from 12th to 16th November 1916.
Having left Billets in BERTRANCOURT on the night of the 13th November [early morning], my Battalion was in position in ELLIS SQUARE VIEW TRENCH and FORT HOYSTEAD at 5.40 am on the 13th. At 10.10 am 2 Companies (“A” & “C”) were ordered up and placed under the orders of G.O.C. 5th Brigade.
At 10.20 am the other 2 Companies were attached to the Divisional Reserve under the Command of Col. BARNETT BARKER.
At 1 pm I met the G.O.C. 99th Brigade at WHITE CITY (by order). I returned to my Headquarters at 6pm with order that the two companies in Divisional Reserve (“B” & “D”) would be attached to G.O.C. 5th Brigade until ZERO minus 2 [hours] when they would be formed up to support the left of the attack which was to delivered by BERKS (left) & 1st K.R.R.C. (right) at 6 am 14th November “A” & “C” Coys who had been moved up into GREEN Line were to support the line of the attack.
I issued orders which were to come into force at ZERO – 2 hours “A” & “C” Coys under Capt. HUMPHREY then in GREEN Line would remain there and get into touch with the 1st K.R.R when the latter passed through them. (This was successfully carried out and “A” & “C” were in touch with the 1st K.R.R during the whole operation eventually holding the line of the SUNKEN ROAD with them). “B” & “D” Companies would form form up in CHATHAM from EGG STREET to SIXTH AVENUE. “B” Company on the left “D” Company on the right. At ZERO (at which hour the Royal Berks were to leave the GREEN line) these teo companies would advance from our O.B.L. and occupy position in German 2nd line.
Machine Guns. I gave orders for one Machine Gun to be attached to Capt. HUMFREY and go over with him. The team went over but arrived without its gun. One Gun was attached to “D” Company and started over with it but dropped into a shell hole in No Mans Land and was not seen again. The remaining two Guns at my disposal (under their Officers) were placed by me under the orders of Capt. LEWIS for the protection of the left flank. A separate report has been forwarded about the action of Machine Guns.
Lewis Guns. Two went over with each Company and the remaining two were given to Capt. LEWIS for the protection of the left flank.
“B” & “D” Companies had a somewhat difficult and fatiguing duty at 7 p.m. 13th November, they drew as much ammunition and as many bombs as they were able to carry from the Quarry Dump in SIXTH AVENUE to the 2nd German Line. They did not return to OBL till 3.30 am 14th November and then had to go to their assembly positions. A certain number of men lost their way and the O.C. Companies had very little time to collect their Companies. I may point out in my AL5AC of 14th. I stated that if these Companies did the carrying above mentioned I could not ensure their being in position to advance at ZERO.
I consider the two Company Commanders (Captains LEWIS & RATTRAY) deserve the greatest credit for the way they got their men into position. Despite their efforts there were certain number of men who could not be collected in time. At 7 p.m. I established my Headquarters in WHITE CITY with an Advance HQ under Major WINTER in CHATHAM in immediate touch with “B” & “D” Companies.
After the advance of “B” & “D” I found it impossible to keep touch with these Companies. 5 attempts to lay cable lines but they could not be maintained as they were continually cut by shells. Orderlies suffered rather severely from snipers near the E end of CAT TUNNEL and it was some hours before I could get a message back.
At ZERO (6 am 14th) I ceased to have an active command and from then till 2.30 am 16th. I remained in WHITE CITY collecting reports through 5th Brigade and from stragglers wounded and other messages from the front line. I transmitted them to G.O.C 99th Brigade and did my best to master and inform him of the situation.
At 2 p.m. 14th November the position of the left of our Brigade was so obscure and the position of my 2 Companies still unknown, I therefore sent Major WINTER my 2nd in Command to make a reconnaissance and endeavour to locate the position of both detachments of my Battalion and find out the situation on the left. I attach a very excellent report which Major WINTER gave me as the result of the reconnaissance under great difficulties and from which he returned much fatigued from his great exertions in the heavy mud.
At 2.30 am 15th November I went over to the German Front Line at Q.5.A.3.5 and established my Headquarters with 1st K.R.R. From then on, every effort was made to get into touch my two left Companies. The trenches were appalling and the barrage very heavy but at about 4.30 pm Capt. LEWIS succeeded in getting through to me and he and Capt. HUMFREY were both back to me when at 9 p.m. I received orders to move my Battalion back to ELLIS SQUARE etc. “A” & “C” Companies moved by BEAUMONT HAMEL. “B” & “D” over the top and via SIXTH AVENUE. I reported relief complete at 2.15 am 16th. I reported to G.O.C. 99th Brigade on morning of 16th and told him the disposition on our front front as far as I knew them. I asserted then and I still assert that at any rate up to them time my Battalion left German Lines we did not occupy the junction of MUNICH TRENCH and LAGER ALLEY and from all reports I had received our line to the North of the SUNKEN ROAD bent in a N.W. Direction and struck LAGER ALLEY either at K35 D.5.5 1/2 or K35 D 1.66.
Communication.
Six telephone lines were laid from O.B.L. to the Front Line German Trench but none survived owing to the Boshe barrage. On the morning of the 15th LIEUT BULL laid a line to my Companies in the SUNKEN ROAD. This was done whilst the enemy was putting over a very heavy barrage.
I beg to deal with “A” & “C” and “B” & “D” Companies separately.
MOVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES of “A” & “C” Companies
These two companies reported to 5th Brigade Headquarters in WHITE CITY at 11.30 am on the 13th November. There, Orders were received for both companies to report to O.C.17th Royal Fusiliers. This was done and a position taken up in old German Front Line and carrying parties were furnished to carry from there to our front line.
At 5 pm “C” Company were ordered up to reinforce 2nd Highland Light Infantry in GREEN LINE, the company taking up position in a strong point about 100 yards in front of GREEN LINE.
At 10.0 am one platoon of “A” Company was sent up as a support to a bombing post near CAT TUNNEL in which 70 Germans were reported to be.
On both Companies coming again under orders of the 99th Infantry Brigade, in order to support the attack to be delivered by the 1st K.R.R.C the platoon at CAT TUNNEL was withdrawn (with permission of 5th Brigade) and both Companies, were formed up in the rear of the GREEN LINE and behind the 1st K.R.R.C. At 6 am of the 14th the 1st K.R.R.C moved forward to the attack and “A” & “C” Companies, 23rd Royal Fusiliers moved forward and occupied GREEN LINE, “A” Company on right and “C” Company on left.
At 9 am, on orders being received from 99th Infantry Bridge for the two Companies to move forward to the support 1st K.R.R.C both Companies left the GREEN LINE and moving forward joined the 1st K.R.R.C who were then in CRATER LANE.
At 12.50 pm, on information being received (via Capt. HOWELL of 17th Royal Fusiliers) that it had been learned from prisoners that the Germans intended bombarding CRATER LANE at 1 pm, the 1st K.R.R.C and 2 Companies 23rd Royal Fusiliers moved into WAGON ROAD. The position in WAGON ROAD was held until orders were received for relief when the two Companies, 23rhd Royal Fusiliers moved back via BEAUMONT HAMEL and WHITE CITY to ELLIS SQUARE arriving there at 1.15 am on the 16th.
MOVEMENTS AND ACTIONS OF “B” & “D” Companies
At 7 pm on the 13th both Companies drew a large quantity of S.A.A. And bombs from QUARRY DUMP in SIXTH AVENUE carrying them to CLIVE and MINDEN STREETS in accordance with orders. The companies then reported to Major TURNER 17th Royal Fusiliers. Orders were received for the bombs and ammunition to be carried to the German 2nd Line. This was done, the carrying parties not getting back to CLIVE and MINDEN trenches till close on 4 am on the 14th. The Companies then coming again under the Command of the 99th Infantry Brigade had to at once move to CHATHAM trench to take up position in order to support the attack of the 1st Royal Berks which was to be delivered at 6pm. CHATHAM TRENCH was not reached till 5.15 am on which the Companies at once got into position - “B” Company on the left and “D” Company on the Right. At 6 am both Companies advanced towards the German lines suffering heavy casualties crossing No Man's Land and again in crossing the ground between the 1st German Line and 2nd Line. A position was taken up in the 2nd German Line which was held till Orders were received by the Companies to move to the support of the 1st Royal Berks who were by reports received supposed to be in MUNICH TRENCH. Owing to casualties to Orderlies the message to advance to the support of the 1st Royal Berks was not received by “B” & “D” Companies till 3 pm. The Companies at once moved forward but owing to the state of the ground and the position of the 1st Royal Berks being very difficult to locate, the Companies, did not join the 1st Royal Berks till about 8.20 pm; they then in accordance with orders received from 1st Royal Berks took up position in LAGER ALLEY between the OX & BUCKS and 1st Royal Berks. This position was held until orders for the relief were received when both Companies moved back to ELLIS SQUARE which was reached at 2.10 am on the 15th.
During the advance 2 Officers and 2 N.C.O's and about 15 men became detached from “D” Company. These attached themselves to the 22nd Royal Fusiliers and were used by the O.C of that Battalion in helping to form the defensive flank established by him moving out with that Battalion on it's relief.