1^st Royal Marine Battalion (aka 1st Bn. RMLI)

War Diaries: May 1916 to Jan. 1919

(Transcribed from original documents held at the PRO, Ref: WO/95/3110)

1RM MAY 1916

MUDROS

14^th The Bn. embarked on board HMT ARAGON during the forenoon. Strength 25 Off. (including Surgeon & Chaplain) & 1021 ORs. Ten ORs of 1^st Line transport left with Div. Train for care of Off. Chargers. The transport sailed midnight 14^th /15^th May. During voyage very fine weather. No attack by submarines, nor were any subs. sighted.

MARSEILLE & LONGPRE

19^th Arrived Marseille 6.30am. Bn. left ARAGON at 2pm & entrained. Destination PONT REMY. Train left MARSEILLE at 4pm (2/Lt. E. Cohen was discharged to Hosp. on arrival of transport).

20^th En route. Nothing of special interest to mention. PONT REMY 21^st Arrived PONT REMY at 5.15pm & proceeded to LONGPRE when Bn. was billeted. Arriving 8pm.

22^nd to 31^st Re-equipping & Coy. training. On the 26^th inst. Lt. Col. EJ Stroud reassumed command of the Bn. until the 31^st inst. when Mjr. FJW Cartwright took over command, on the former to Act. Brig. of 3^rd Bde. vice Brig. Gen. CN Trotman took over.

31^st Received orders to entrain on 1^st June for BARLIN.

1RM JUNE 1916

1^st Left LONGPRE 11am for PONT REMY arriving there 1pm. Entrained & left for BARLIN 3.47pm. Arrived BARLIN 9.30pm thence by route march to HERSIN arriving 12.15am 2^nd inst.

HERSIN

2^nd Having put up in temporary billets for night of 1^st/2^nd, Coys. were allotted to billets on 2^nd .

3^rd The Bn. together with 1/ANSON Bn. were inspected by GOC 1^st Army at MAISNIL.

4^th Training. A & C Coys. put through the Gas Chamber & under orders to proceed to trenches for training.

5^th A & C Coys. proceeded to trenches at 8am. A Coy attached to E. Lancs Regt. & C Coy to Sherwood Foresters of the 24^th Inf. Bde. of 23^rd Div. Casualties A Coy. CH17/S Pte. A.E. Drew wounded by shell & died in Adv. Dressing Station. B & D Coys on night working parties.

6^th Bn. HQ, B & D Coys. put through Gas Chamber. 3 Off., 1 WO & 52 ORs rejoined Bn. from leave to England.

7^th D Coy. training. B Coy. on working parties. Casualties. C Coy. Ply655/S Pte. B. Bottomley & Ply789/S Pte. B. Pulman wounded.

8^th B & D Coys. proceeded to trenches at 8am. B Coy. attached to Sherwood Foresters & D Coy to E. Lancs Regt. A & C Coys from trenches to HERSIN. OC Bn. & Adjt. to trenches, remaining till the evening. Casualties. D Coy Ply16898 Pte. A. Camp (suffering from shell shock).

9^th A & C Coys, baths & training.

10^th A & C Coys training. OC Bn. & Adjt. proceeded to trenches at 4.30pm. OC remaining for the night. Adjt. returning during the night.

11^th Bn. HQ, A & C Coys. to trenches for further instruction, B & D Coys. still remaining on, i.e. whole Bn. in trenches for instruction dispersed as follows:- A & D Coys. attached to Worcester Regt., B & C Coys. attached to N'Hamptonshire Regt., D & C in front line, A & B in support line. Bn. HQ attached to Bn. HQ N'Hamton. Regt. Casualties. D Coy: Ch 861/S Pte. A. Blackburn, Ch819/S Pte. A. Hooker, Po904/S Pte. J. Hyslop wounded.

12^th Adjt. to HERSIN from trenches (& Bn. HQ) A & B Coys. from trenches to BOIS de la HAIE.

13^th C & D Coys. from trenches to BOIS de la HAIE. (Relieved in trenches by 2 Coys. 2/RM). Bn. HQ from HERSIN to BOIS de la HAIE. The Bn. then on the 13^th inst. relieved the HOWE Bn. who were previously encamped in the wood, & are under the orders of the OC 4/RWF for work on the completion of the BAJOLLE & MAISTRE lines of defence. The 1^st Line Transport & QM Dept. were billeted at HOUDAIN.

BOIS de la HAIE

14^th to 17^th Coys. employed under orders of OC 4/RWF on above mentioned works.

18^th Inspection of clothing & equipment. Divine service.

19^th Working under the orders of OC 4/RWF as for 13/6/16.

20^th As for 19th. 7 Off. & 388 ORs under command of Capt. VD Loxley, proceeded to FREVILLERS pm this day for training.

21^st The remainder of Bn. left at BOIS de la HAIE working under the orders of OC 4/RWF ; others training at FREVILLERS. Move. QM Dept. & 1^st Line Transport, from HOUDAIN to FREVILLERS pm this day. Move. 3^rd Bde. HQ from FREVILLERS to FRESNICOURT pm this day. Move. 3^rd TM Bty. from BATJUS to HERMIN, 3^rd Bde. Bomb School from LA COMTE to CUVIGNY this day.

22^nd & 23^rd 7 Off. & 388 ORs training at FREVILLERS, remainder of Bn. working under orders of OC 4/RWF.

24^th As for 23^rd. 1 Officer & 23 ORs rejoined Bn this day, from Bombing instruction.

25^th Relieved by the 14^th Worcester (Pioneer) in BOIS de la HAIE & joined remainder of Bn. at FREVILLERS pm this day & went into billets.

FREVILLERS

26^th The whole Bn. commenced a strenuous course of training. Lt. GHM Grover & Lt. HL Frossard to England.

27^th to 30^th Bn. training.

1RM JULY 1916

1^st & 2^nd Bn. training by Coys.

3^rd Bn. training by Coys. Courses of instruction under Bn. Instructors in wiring, Bombing, Lewis Guns, PT, Bayonet Fighting, Sniping & Scouting. The Corps Commander visited here & inspected some of the billets. Capt. AK Evans joined the 1^st Bde. for training in "Staff Work".

4^th to 6^th Training as above.

7^th The whole Bn. (including 1^st Line Transport) proceeded by route march to BOIS d' OL HAIN (Ref. map France 36B Edition 6) Carried out an Outpost scheme, returning to billets at 7.30pm 3^rd Bde. RND now 1^st Inf. Bde. RND commencing this day.

8^th Bn. training as on 3/7/16.

9^th Divine Service & inspection of equipment & kit. Disinfection of all Bn. blankets & clothing.

10^th & 11^th Bn. training as on 3/7/16.

12^th Preparing to move. OC Coys. & Lewis Gun Teams with Guns & ammo proceeded to HERSIN pm this day.

FOSSE 10

13^th Bn. vacated billets at FREVILLERS at 8am & marched via HERMIN, FRESNICOURT & HERSIN to FOSSE 10, arriving there at 12.30pm. The marching was good, averaging 3 ½ mph. The whole Bn. was billeted by 1.30pm. less Transport & QM Dept., who were billeted at BARLIN. The following Officers joined the Bn. pm yesterday: Lt. J. Neville Lion ; 2^nd Lts. J.E. Cornish, SJH Prynne, TC Callendar, CGH Collis, Archibald Pipe, CW Martin, HER Upham, Cecil Rugg, FW Goldie, EGC Coulson.

Front Line Trenches ANGRES II

14^th Vacated billets at 1pm & proceeded to FRONT LINE TRENCHES, ANGRES II Sub Section, relieved the 24^th LONDON Regt. Temp. Mjr. VD LOXLEY wounded in leg (slight). Lt. WCA Elliot went out to patrol NO MAN'S LAND at about 10.15pm & has not returned

15^th Quiet during day. Temp. Mjr. VD LOXLEY to Hosp. One of the patrol who went out with Lt. WCA ELLIOTT returned to our lines & reported that they were fired on by enemy MGs & that Lt. Elliott was wounded. Patrols went out from 10pm (15^th) to 1.30am (16^th) searching for the missing patrol, but without success.

16^th Brig. Gen. RES PRENTICE assumed command of the 1st Bde. RND this day vice Col. EJ STROUD RMLI. The 141^st Inf. Bde. carried out a raid on apex of enemy salient at M.32.d.0.3. 1^st Naval Bde. demonstrated opposite salient M.26.C. Arty. laid barrage round point of attack, across salient in M.26.C & E. of BULLY CRATERS. Enemy Arty. reply feeble. Col. EJ STROUD assumed command of 1^st RM this day.

17^th In trenches, quiet.

18^th One of the missing patrol returned to our lines & reported that Lt. WCA ELLIOTT died on the night of 15^th-16^th inst. from wounds received on the night of the 14^th-15^th inst. No further trace of Lt. ELLIOTT can be found & he has been reported "Missing, believed killed". Quiet.

19^th A quiet 24 hours.

In trenches Support.

20^th Relieved by 2^nd RM Bn. Relief completed smoothly by 4pm. Bn. moved into support. 1 Coy. in CAP DE POINT ,1 Coy. in MECHANICS TRENCH 2 Coys. & Bn. HQ at BULLY GRENAY. Name of Div. changed from RND to the 63^rd (RN) Div. Name of Bde. from 1^st Bde. RND to 188^th Bde.

21^st & 22^nd Bn. went through Bde. Baths, general clean up.

23^rd Divine Service. Inspection of equipment etc.

24^th Ordinary fatigue work, working parties etc.

ANGRES II Front Line.

25^th Ordinary support duties up to 1pm. Bn. left billets at 1pm. & proceeded to relieve 2^nd RM Bn. in FIRING LINE ANGRES II Sub-Section. Relief carried out smoothly by 4pm.

26^th In front line trenches wiring in front of whole sector. No Casualties, a quiet day. 1RM 1916

27^th In front line trenches. Ordinary trench routine. Very quiet day.

28^th In front line trenches. Ordinary trench routine. A little enemy Arty. activity. One casualty (slightly wounded).

29^th In front line trenches up to 3pm. Relieved by 2^nd RM Bn. Relief completed by 4pm. One casualty (slightly wounded).

In Support

Moved into billets at BULLY GRENAY (2 Coys.) 1 Coy. at MECHANICS & 1 Coy. at CAP DE PONT & CORN DIAX.

30^th General support duties, inspections, Divine Service, Baths & general clean up. No casualties.

31^st As for yesterday. Lt. J. Neville Lion & 2^nd Lt. JE Cornish proceeded to join MTM School (1^st Army) pm this day.

1RM AUGUST 1916

1^st Bn. in reserve ANGRES II Sub Section. A & B Coys. in FOSSE 10, C & D Coys. in BULLY GRENAY.

BULLY GRENAY & FOSSE 10

2/Lt. HER Upham & 10 ORs to Bde. Bomb School for a course of instruction. QM Stores & 1^st Line Transport at BARLIN. HQ at FOSSE 10.

2^nd am Bn. distributed as for 1/8/16 (in Reserve). Bn. moved into FRONT LINE TRENCHES, relieving 2^nd RM Bn. in ANGRES II Sub section. pm Relief completed by 4pm. Casualties: One OR (wounded).

Front Line Trenches ANGRES II

3^rd Ordinary FRONT LINE routine. Notification of death of 962/S Pte. A.J. Wilson, wounded yesterday (2/8/16).An explosion occurred in a Dugout in which was stowed about 100 rounds of Stokes Gun Ammo. The Dugout was completely wrecked & 1 Cpl. & 4 Ptes. of the 188 TM Bty. were killed. No knowledge as to how explosion occurred. Capt. AK Evans RMLI appointed GSO3 63^rd (RN) Div. & is struck off strength of Bn. Lt. FC Watkins rejoined Bn. from Bde. Bomb School. The provisional promotion of Temp. 2ndLt. NB Walker to Temp. Capt. is cancelled. 2^nd Lt. SJH Prynne to Hosp.

4^th Ordinary FRONT LINE routine. Temp. Capt. LF Nourse rejoined Bn. from Divl. Gas School. Quiet. Casualties: 1 Pte. killed by rifle grenade.

5^th No change in the situation. Constant patrolling during hours of darkness. No enemy encountered. 2^nd Lt. BA Sims & 3 ORs wounded & evacuated to Hosp.

BULLY GRENAY & FOSSE 10

6^th Bn. relieved by 2/RM Bn. relief completed by 12 noon. Moved into reserve. HQ , C & D to FOSSE 10, A & B to BULLY GRENAY, taking over billets vacated by 2/RM. 2^nd Lt. CRH Collis to Bde. Bomb School together with 10 ORs for course of instruction. 2^nd Lt. HER Upham & 10 ORs rejoined Bn. from Bomb School.

7^th Bn. in reserve. Baths, working parties etc.

8^th Bn. in reserve. Working parties. 10 ORs detached to 188 MG Coy, HQ this day.

9^th In reserve. Lt. & (T) Capt. MC Browne DSC rejoined Bn. from 1st Army School, also 1 OR.

FRONT LINE ANGRES II

10^th Bn. vacated billets at BULLY GRENAY & FOSSE 10 & moved into FRONT LINE, relieving 2/RM Bn. Relief completed smoothly by 11.30am. Enemy Arty. active about 3.15pm to 3.55pm. 2 ORs accidentally wounded by premature explosion of a Rifle Grenade.

11^th A very quiet day. 6 Officers of the HAC were shown over the Sub-Section. Col. EJ Stroud RMLI met with an accident, & badly sprained his ankle. Was sent down to FA at 9.35pm. Mjr. FW Cartwright RMLI therefore assumed command of the Bn. A good deal of ariel activity on both sides, between 6pm & 8pm.

12^th Quiet 24 hours. Ordinary trench routine. 2^nd Lt. CRH Collis & 10 ORs rejoined Bn. from course of instruction at Bde. Bomb School. 2 ORs proceeded to LE TOUQUET for a course of instruction in Lewis Guns.

13^th A fair amount of Arty. activity on both sides. A Court of Enquiry was held to investigate & report the circumstances under which the following were accidentally wounded. Ch 18660 Pte. DAA Phillips & Ply(S) Pte. T. Welsh. President Lt. & (T) Capt. WA Pinkerton RMLI. Members (T) 2^nd Lt. Wm. Hodding RM & (T) 2^nd Lt. R. West RM . The finding of the Court was:- That the above named Ptes. were wounded by the premature explosion of a Newton Pippin Rifle Grenade. (T) 2^nd Lt. FW Goldie & 10 ORs to Bde. Bomb School for a course of instruction.

14^th Bn. relieved in FRONT LINE by 2/RM. Relief completed by 12 noon. Moved into Bde. reserve taking over billets from 2/RM.

FOSSE 10 & BULLY GRENAY

HQ, A & B Coys. & Lewis Guns at FOSSE 10, C & D Coys. at BULLY GRENAY. QM Stores & 1^st Line Transport at BARLIN.

15^th In Bde. reserve as above. 16 ORs detached to 255 Tunnelling Coy. at Pt. SAINS. 25 ORs rejoined Bn. from 255 Tunnelling Coy. No.12444 L/Cpl. Pincombe 10th Hussars attached to Bn. for duty & report with a view to his obtaining a commission in HM Forces.

16^th In reserve as above.

17^th Bn. moved into Bde. support, relieving Howe Bn. HQ, C & D Coys. & Lewis Guns at BULLY, A Coy. in CORON D'AIX & CAP DE PONT, B Coy. MECHANICS. The Lewis Guns relieved L.Guns 2/RM in FRONT LINE at 3pm.

FRONT LINE

18^th Bn. moved from support to FRONT LINE, relieving the 2/RM. Relief completed by 12 noon. D Coy. Right, C Coy Left in FIRING Line, B Coy. in MOROCCO NORTH, A Coy. ½ in GUMBOOT, ½ in MOROCCO SOUTH. Very quiet. 2^nd Lts. HE Bennie & EL Platts joined Bn. from 63^rd (RN) Div. Infantry Base Depot. Capt. CH Bell, South Lancashire Regt. attached to Bn. No casualties.

19^th Quiet. Lt AC Donne RM & 1 OR proceeded to Lewis Gun School PERNES for a course of instruction. GOC 63rd (RN) Div. visited Sub- Section. Temp. Lt. RHP West to 63^rd (RN) Div. Infantry Base Depot for PB duty. No casualties.

20^th Quiet during daylight. At 10.27pm enemy rifle & MG fire became very brisk. At 10.30pm our Arty. opened up a bombardment on enemy salient opposite our line (M.26), at the same time enemy position opposite ANGRES I & ANGRES II Sub-Section were attacked with Gas. Enemy replied with heavy Arty. fire, TMs & Rifle Grenades. Very little damage done to our trenches. Our patrols went out at about 11.45pm, & found enemy very alert. They were unable to enter enemy trenches. 2^nd Lt. C Rugg to Divl. Gas School for a course of instruction. 2^nd Lt. FW Goldie & 10 ORs rejoined Bn. from Bomb School. D Coy. 7^th Bn. Royal Fus. attached to this Bn. for instruction in FRONT LINE trenches.

21^st Quiet. Lewis Guns relieved by Lewis Guns 2/RM Bn. On relief moved to billets in BULLY GRENAY.

Bde. Support.

22^nd Bn. relieved in FRONT LINE ANGRES II by 2^nd RM Bn. On relief moved into Bde. support. HQ, C & D Coys. at BULLY GRENAY, A Coy CORON D'AIX & CAP DE PONT, B Coy. in MECHANICS. 1 casualty (wounded).

23^rd & 24^th Usual working parties. Cleaning up, baths. 2nd Lt. C Rugg rejoined Bn. from Div. Gas School.

25^th As for 24^th. Capt. CH Bell S. Lancs. Regt. left Bn. for 188 Bde. HQ

FRONT LINE

26^th Bn. moved from support into Front Line ANGRES II, relieving 2/RM. Relief completed by 11.30am. Our Arty. fired about 100 rounds into enemy wire. Our TMs were also busy cutting enemy wire. Enemy retaliation very feeble.

27^th Usual front line routine. Fairly quiet. Our TMs bombarded enemy wire for 1 hour. Enemy retaliated by firing about 20 Minnies & a few RGs. Casualties: 3 ORs wounded.

28^th Our 18prs. & TMs kept very busy cutting enemy wire opposite this sub-section. Enemy retaliated with a few 4.2 & Minnies. Casualties: 2 ORs wounded.

29^th Our 18prs & TMs were active cutting wire (enemy) opposite this sub-section. Enemy made a feeble reply. A test "Gas Helmet alarm" was carried out. Lewis Guns relieved by Lewis Guns 2/RM.

Bde. Support.

30^th Bn. was relieved in FRONT LINE by 2/RM Bn. Relief was completed by 11.30am. On relief Bn. moved into Bde. Support. HQ, A & B Coys. & Lewis Guns to BULLY GRENAY, C Coy. to MECHANICS Trench, D Coy to CORON D'AIX & CAP DE PONT.

31^st Usual working parties. Cleaning up & Baths. Lt AC Donne rejoined Bn. from Lewis Guns course at PERNES.

1RM SEPTEMBER 1916

1^st Bn. in Bde. support. HQ, A & B Coys & Lewis Guns at BULLY GRENAY, C Coy. at MECHANICS trench, D Coy CORON D'AIX & CAP DE PONT. QM Stores & 1^st Line transport at BARLIN. No casualties.

BULLY GRENAY

2^nd In Bde. support as above. No casualties.

Front Line ANGRES II Sub-section

3^rd Bn. relieved 2/RM in front line trenches. C Coy. 4^th BEDFORD Regt. were attached to this unit. No Casualties.

4^th Very quiet in this sub-section. No casualties.

5^th Usual trench routine. C Coy 4^th BEDFORDs rejoined their unit. No casualties.

6^th Enemy Arty a little more active than usual, but very little damage done. No casualties. Bn. was relieved in front line by 2/RM Bn.

FOSSE 10 & BULLY GRENAY.

7^th Relief completed by 9.30am. On relief Bn. moved into Bde. reserve. HQ, C & D Coys & Lewis Guns at FOSSE 10, A & B Coys at BULLY GRENAY. Capt. & Temp. Mjr. VD LOXLEY, Temp Lt. E COHEN, Temp. Lt. TW PEARS & Temp. Lt. CS DESPREY rejoined from Base, ETAPLES. 10 casualties: 7 killed & 3 slightly wounded (all ORs).

8^th & 9^th Bde. reserve. No casualties.

10^th Bde. reserve. Mjr FJW CARTWRIGHT promoted to Lt.Col. Temp. 12/8/16. No casualties.

Front Line ANGRES II

11^th Bn. relieved 2/RM Bn. in front line. Relief completed by 10.30am. T/2^nd Lt. DA PIPE transferred to 190^th Bde. No casualties.

12^th Our Arty. bombarded THOMPSONS CRATER. Results very satisfactory. No casualties.

13^th Ordinary FL routine. T/ Lt. AC DONNE to CLARQUES for a course of instruction in TMs. No casualties.

14^th Very quiet. Usual FL routine. No casualties.

FOSSE 10 & BULLY GRENAY

15^th Bn. relieved in front line by 2/RM. Relief completed by 11am. On relief Bn. moved into Bde. reserve. HQ, A & B Coys. & Lewis Guns at FOSSE 10, C & D Coys at BULLY GRENAY. No casualties.

16^th, 17^th & 18^th Bde. Reserve. No casualties.

HERSIN

19^th Bn. vacated billets at FOSSE 10 & BULLY GRENAY, & moved into billets at HERSIN. Move completed by 12 noon. T/Lt. & T/Capt. JM POUND, T/2^nd Lt. SJH PRYNNE & T/2^nd Lt. TO CALLENDER rejoined Bn. Capt. POUND from Bde. Bomb School, 2^nd Lts. PRYNNE & CALLENDER from "Dugout Party" respectively.

HERSIN & DIEVAL

20^th Bn. moved by "route march" from HERSIN to DIEVAL. Time of departure 8.30am, time of arrival 1.30pm. The Corps Commander inspected the Bn. as it marched by at about 11.25am.

DIEVAL

21^st Inspection of clothing, equipment etc.

22^nd Bn. training. The Corps commander presented medals to NCOs, POs & men of the 63^rd Div. The following T/2/Lts. promoted to T/Lts. on the date specified against their names: JM POUND 3/7/16 ; NB WALKER 19/7/16 ; GH SULLIVAN 23/7/16 ; WM HODDING 12/8/16 ; BA SIMS 21/8/16 ; TW PEARS 30/8/16 ; PETER DEWAR 30/8/16 ; JE CORNISH 19/7/16 ; CS DESPREZ 20/7/16 ; SJH PRYNNE 28/7/16; TO CALLENDER 12/8/16 ; RONALD WEST 21/8/16 ; JW RICHARDS 30/8/16 ; Lt. (Temp) AG KYLE proceeded on 10 days leave to England.

23^rd & 24^th Bn. training.

25^th Bn. training.Surgeon (temp) FB EYKYN proceeded on 10 days leave to England. T/Lt. TO CALLENDER to Gas School for course of instruction.

26^th Bn. training.

27^th Bde. training. Lt. & T/Capt. LF NOURSE proceeded on 10 days leave to ENGLAND.

28^th Bde. training

29^th Divl. training. The Rev. CE WHITEHEAD joined this unit for duty. T/ 2/Lt. HE BENNIE to Hosp. (sprained ankle)

30^th The Bn. took part in a Divl route march.

1RM OCTOBER 1916

1^st Medical Inspection & Divine Service.

2^nd Coy. training on Bde. training area ; Mjr. H. OZANNE & Capt. CLE MUNTZ joined the Bn. this day.

3^rd Coy. training. Lt LG KYLE rejoined from leave this day.

4^th Bn. moved by route march to LIGNY St. FLOCHEL leaving at 8am. A halt was made at MARQUAY for 7 hrs. Bn. entrained at LIGNY St. FLOCHEL arriving at ACHEUX about 6am where it detrained & moved by route march to MAILLY-MAILLET where it went under canvas in MAILLY WOOD.

MAILLY MAILLET

5^th & 6^th Coy. training.

7^th Coy training. Surgeon EYKYN returned from leave this day.

8^th Bn. left MAILLY WOOD & marched to VARENNES where it went into billets. The HAC relieved 1/RM at MAILLY WOOD.

VARENNES

9^th Coy. training. A party of 6 Officers & 100 ORs under command of Mjr. OZANNE attended instruction in communicating with aircraft. The Bn. Signal Staff also attended. In afternoon Bn. left billets & marched to FORCEVILLE & where it went into billets. Capt. LF NOURSE rejoined from leave this day. Lt CS DESPREZ was attached to POW Camp VARENNES.

FORCEVILLE

10^th Coy. training. Lt Col. CARTWRIGHT, Capt. MUNTZ, Mjr. LOXLEY, Lt. WALKER, CAPT BROWNE & Capt. NOURSE visited the trench system E. of COLINCHAMPS.

11^th Coy. training. 1 casualty in working party (OR)

12^th Coy. training.Mjr. OZANNE, Capts. POUNDS, CLARKE, PINKERTON & HOARE visited trench system E. of COLINCHAMPS.

13^th Coy. training. 1/RM provided funeral guard of 200 ORs at funeral of Capt. (T/Mjr) EP SKETCHLEY RMLI at Military Cemetery FORCEVILLE, under command of Mjr. H. OZANNE.

14^th Coy. training. Lt. Col. CARTWRIGHT, Capts. MUNTZ, PINKERTON, BROWNE, Lts. RICHARDS & COULSON visited trench system near COLINCHAMPS.

15^th Divine Service at FORCEVILLE. Bn. had hot bath at ACHEUX.

16^th Coy. training.

17^th Coy. training.Bn. vacated billets & moved by route march to HEDAUVILLE arriving 2pm where it went into camp HEDAUVILLE under canvas. (tents & shelters).

18^th Coy. training.

19^th Coy. training. Lt. COl. CARTWRIGHT, Capts. MUNTZ, CLARKE, PINKERTON, HOARE & BROWNE, Mjr. LOXLEY & Lt. RICHARDS reconnoitred trench system near Hamel on the banks of river ANCRE.

20^th Bn. moved by route march to ENGELBELMER where it went into billets. Transport remained with QM Stores at HEDAUVILLE.

ENGELBELMER

21^st In billets preparing for move to take over section of the line tomorrow. Lt. DA PIPE rejoined Bn. from the 7^th R. Fus. 190^th Bde. this day.

22^nd Vacated billets & relieved the HOWE Bn. in the line in the HAMEL left sector. Relief started at 6am & was completed by 9.40am. During the night we had several casualties. Lt. TW PEARS wounded in the arm, 1 OR killed & 1 OR wounded.

Front Line HAMEL LEFT.

23^rd Trench routine. A great deal of work going on clearing up trenches & repairing them as they were constantly being blown in by enemy Arty. & Minnenwerfers. Patrols went out & examined GERMAN WIRE. No casualties.

24^th Trench routine. Working parties at night digging new trench in advance of front line.

25^th Relieved in the Line by HOWE Bn. Relief complete at 1.30pm. Bn. returned to billets in ENGELBELMER.

ENGELBELMER.

26^th In Billets.

27^th Vacated billets & relieved HOWE Bn. in the Line HAMEL left sector. Relief complete 3.10pm. Section very quiet.

Front Line HAMEL L.

28^th Trench routine. Some shelling with 5.9". The total equipment & rifles of 5 men was completely destroyed by shell bursting in a dug out. Capt. MUNTZ was confirmed as ADJUTANT 1/RM in DRO 27/10/16.

29^th Order for 188^th Bde. to be relieved in the line by 190^th Bde. Ordinary trench routine, working parties cleaning up trenches & completing new trench. 5 ORs casualties wounded during night 29^th/30^th.

30^th Relieved by 4^th BEDFORDSHIRE Regt. in the line & returned to billets in ENGELBELMER arriving 3.30pm. Relief complete by 2pm. Casualty 1 OR (shell shock).

ENGELBELMER

31^st Vacated billets & proceeded by route march to VARENNES leaving at 9.45am & arriving at 11.48am The Bn. went into camp in huts.

VARENNES

1RM NOVEMBER 1916

1^st In huts - very muddy - working parties, cleaning camp & road.

2^nd Large working parties on road. Bn. bathed at ACHEUX

3^rd Large working parties on road. Very wet - ground & roads very muddy.

4^th Large working parties on road. Medical Inspection - under orders to move to PUCHVILLERS.

5^th Left VARENNES & moved to PUCHVILLERS arrived 11.45am. Transport rejoined Bn. from HEDAUVILLE.

PUCHVILLERS

6^th Orders rec'd at 12 noon to move at 1.45pm to HEDAUVILLE, where we arrived at 5.25pm in huts.

7^th Orders rec'd to relieve 10^th Bn. Dublin Fusiliers in HAMEL sector, where we marched in rain. Relief complete 2.15pm. "W" (3 days previous to attack on German trench system).

LINE

8^th Returned to ENGELBELMER relieved at 3pm. Killed 1 OR In billets.

ENGELBELMER

9^th Vacated billets at 11.45am & marched to VARENNES - in huts. T/Capt. PINKERTON to Hosp. 2/Lieut. COULSON t o Hosp.

VARENNES

10^th Moved at 1pm & took over left HAMEL sector from NELSON Bn, being 'W' day.

LINE

11^th Usual trench routine. "X" day for operations, which we are busy preparing for.

12^th Moved up to Battle positions at 2.30pm. "Y" day. Lt. WALKER rejoined Bn. from Hosp. Casualties. Capt. Clarke wounded & about 30 OR killed & wounded.

[Battle of the Ancre]

13^th Bn. was the left of the 188th Inf. Bde. which attacked German trench system. It was in touch on left with 1/7 Gordon Highlanders. Following officers took part: Lt. Col. FJW CARTWRIGHT, Mjr VD LOXLEY killed, Capt CLE MUNTZ, wounded, Capt. H. HOARE killed, Capt. MC BROWNE DSC killed, Capt. GH Sulivan killed, Capt. JM POUND missing, Lt. FJ HANSON killed, Lt. AG KYLE wounded, Lt. C. WATKINS wounded, Lt. AC DONNE wounded, LT. E. COHEN wounded, Lt. N.B. WALKER wounded, LT. HB VAN PRAAGH, Lt. WM HODDING wounded, Lt. P. DEWAR wounded, 2/Lt. F. GOLDIE wounded, 2/Lt. E.L. PLATTS wounded, 2/Lt. CW MARTIN killed, Lt. JW RICHARDS missing, 2/Lt. HER UPHAM missing, Surgn. FB EYKYN - wounded. The attack commenced on the opening of our barrage at 5.45am when the Bn. advanced in 4 waves- one platoon of each coy in a wave. There was a very thick mist. Every Company Commander was killed before crossing German Front Line. Enemy trenches were practically obliterated by our arty. NO MAN'S LAND & ground between various German lines, as far as slope down to STATION Road was pitted with shell holes, deep & very muddy. Ground crossed by this Bn. was particularly muddy which made advance difficult. Within a minute of our barrage starting, enemy replied with arty. barrage on support lines & No Mans land, where they also opened a heavy MG fire. It is estimated that at least 50% of casualties occurred between No Mans Land & German 1^st Line. Between 2^nd & 3^rd Line, ground was swept with MG fire. Here also were heavy casualties. Isolated parties of this Bn. followed the barrage as far as YELLOW LINE & got in touch with HAC on right. They were not however sufficiently strong to close gap between HAC & Bn. on left. Remnant of this Bn held dotted BLUE LINE during night 13/14^th, in partially constructed trench W. of STATION Rd. Touch was maintained during night with 4th Gordon Highlanders on left.

14^th 6am Bn. advanced & dug in to E. of STATION Road. During course of day various small scattered parties rejoined. Capt. LF NOURSE & 80 reinforcements joined Bn. about 8pm. Position shelled intermittently thro' day & night.

15^th Still being shelled. Bn. was withdrawn at 2pm marched to HEDAUVILLE by 6.30pm. Moved from there to PUCHVILLERS by lorries about 11.30pm. Bn. advanced 490 strong & returned 138 strong having had 47 men killed, 210 wounded & 85 missing. Of the 22 officers who took part only 2 returned - 6 being killed, 11 wounded & 3 missing.

PUCHVILLERS

16^th Resting & cleaning. Clear fine day.

17^th Vacated billets & marched to GEZAINCOURT. Capt MUNTZ DOW. Viewed by Divl. Genl.

GEZAINCOURT

18^th Vacated billets & marched to BERNAVILLE.

BERNAVILLE

19^th Resting & cleaning. 40 reinforcements joined Bn. Very wet.

20^th Weather finer. Addressed & viewed Divl. Gen. Mjr. Gen. SHUTE CB. Surgeon BLACKWELL RN joined Bn.

21^st Vacated billets & marched to CRAMONT. Billeting accommodation very limited. Fine.

CRAMONT

22^nd Vacated billets & marched to FROYELLES.

FROYELLE

23^rd Vacated billets & marched to LE TITRE.

LE TITRE

24^th Vacated billets & marched to our destination MORLAY. Ground very low & marshy raining heavily. 3 Coys. billeted at PONTHOILE. HQ & other Coy. MORLAY

MORLAY

25^th Still raining slightly, very cold. 225 reinforcements arrived at night.

26^th Fine & frosty. Bn. started training. Hours 9 to 12am & 2 to 3pm.

27^th to 30^th Fine & frosty. Bn. training continued. Hours altered from 9 to 12.30, afternoons being devoted to sports.

1RM DECEMBER 1916

1^st Coy. training. Digging Bde. practice trenches.

2^nd Coy. training. Wet day.

3^rd Divine Service & muster of kits.

4^th Coy. training. 2^nd Lts. DA PIPE 10/11/16 & C RUGG promoted Lt. 25/11/16. Long list of NCOs promoted to complete establishment.

5^th Lt. Col. CARTWRIGHT on leave. Mjr. OZANNE assumed command of Bn. Coy. training.

6^th Bn. route march. Capt. PINKERTON to leave.

7^th Coy training. 53 ORs joined Bn. from base.

8^th Bn training, wet & cold.

9^th Coy. training.

10^th Divine Service. Lt. DONNE to leave.

11^th 2 Subaltern Officers & 151 ORs joined Bn. from Base.

12^th Coy & Bn. training.

13^th Bn. moved by route march from MORLAY to VRON in to billets.

VRON

14^th Bn. training. Bn. wins bombing competition & Cross-Country run. 1 Capt. & 11 Subaltern Officers joined Bn. from Base (England).

15^th Bn. training. Improvement of billets commenced. Bathing arrangements commenced.

16^th Bn. training. Surgeon BLACKWELL & LT. H, VAN PRAAGH to leave. Sports in afternoon.

17^th Divine Service. Lt. COl. CARTWRIGHT from leave. 3 ORs form Base. Sports in afternoon.

18^th Bn. training. Assessment of character commenced. Digging trenches at VERCOURT.

19^th Bn. training. Lt. PEARSON to 5^th Army School. Sports in afternoon.

20^th Bn. route march. Sports in afternoon.

21^st Bn. training. Visit by Army Commander. Sports in afternoon.

22^nd Bn. training. Lt. DONNE & Rev. WHITEHEAD from leave. sports in afternoon.

23^rd Bn. training.

24^th Divine Service. Following awards of Military Medal in connection with operations N. of ANCRE. Ch 8382 A/Sgt. HESELTON ; Ch 438(S) Pte. WYATT ; Ch 18107 A/Sgt. GANNON ; Ply 1046(S) Pte. J. SMITH; Po 17487 Pte. H. GODFREY ; Ch 17669 Pte. E. GILL.

25^th Divine Service. Sports, football etc. in afternoon.

26^th Bn. training. Sports, football etc. in afternoon.

27^th Bn. training. Practice attack on Bde. trenches VERCOURT.

28^th Bn. training. Lt. H. VAN PRAAGH from leave.

29^th & 30^th Bn. training.

31^st Divine Service.

1RM JANUARY 1917

1^st Bn. carried out attack practice in trenches E. of VERCOURT.

2^nd Half Officers of Bn. attended a Field Engineering Course at RUE in forenoon. In afternoon all Officers attended a meeting presided over by the Corps. Commander at NOUVION. 2/Lt. LEE proceeded to ARRY for LTM Course. Coy. training. Mjr. FBW WELLESLEY, West Riding Regt. joined Bn.

3^rd 2/Lt. BALCOMBE reported for Bayonet Fighting Course at Bde. HQ VRON. Coy. training.

4^th 8am to 1.30pm Bde. Attack practice carried out in trenches E. of VERCOURT.

5^th Bn. training. Half Officers of Bn. attended a Field Engineering Course at RUE.

6^th Coy. training. All Officers attended a demonstration by Special Platoon in trenches E. of VERCOURT.

7^th Divine Service.

8^th 2/Lt. SAVAGE proceeded on Gas Course. Half Officers of Bn. attended a Field Engineering Course at RUE. Coy. training.

9^th Half Officers of Bn. attended a Field Eng. Course at RUE. Remainder attended a lecture on Aeroplane photos in the afternoon. Bn. training.

10^th Bn. employed filling in all practice trenches.

11^th Transport inspected by Divl. Commander.

12^th Bn. cleaning up billets, returning stores etc. 2/Lt. FIELDING proceeded to L.G. Course at LE TOUQUET.

13^th Bn. vacated billets at VRON & moved by route march to SAILLY BRAY via VRON, BERNAY & NOUVION.

SAILLY BRAY

14^th Bn. vacated billets at SAILLY BRAY & moved by route march to DOMVAST via LE TITRE, & crossroads W. of D. in DOMVAST.

DOMVAST

15^th Bn. vacated billets at DOMVAST & moved by route march to BOIS BERQUES via BRAILLY, AGENVILLE, road junction just west of P in PROUVILLE, BERNAVILLE.

BOIS BERQUES

16^th Bn. rested. Lts. J.E. CORNISH & H.W.R. HALL joined Bn.

17^th Bn. vacated billets at BOIS BERQUES & moved by route march to BEAUQUESNE via road junction N. end of OUTRE BOIS on the N. side of river AUTHIE, recrossing river at HEM BRELET, & main road immediately E. of DOULENS CITADEL - LE BON AIR - HULEUX - TERRA MESNIL.

BEAUQUESNE

18^th 2 Platoons Nos. 6 & 8, Lt. ROBINSON (in command) & 2/Lt. O'KELL, attached to the 2^nd RMs for Special duty. Remainder of Bn. billeted. 2/Lt. FIELDING to Hospital.

19^th Bn. billeted.

20^th Bn. vacated billets at BEAUQUESNE & moved by Bus to ENGLEBELMER via ARQUEVES, LEALVILLERS, VARENNES, HEDAUVILLE.

ENGLEBELMER

21^st to 24^th 21^st - Lt. R. WEST returned from leave. 22^nd - Lt. R. WEST proceeded to Div. School NOUVION for course of instruction. Lt. CHAMPNESS joined Bn. Various large working parties. CO & Adjt. visited the sector to be taken over on 23^rd. One Officer & one NCO per Coy. moved into the line on 24^th & remained.

25^th & 26^th 1^st RMs relieved the 2^nd RMs in the line in the ST. PIERRE DIVION Sector. 1^st line D Coy. - CANAL & FERDAN Trench. 2^nd line A Coy. - HANSA Trench. 3^rd line (Reserve) - B & C Coys - in tunnel. Relief completed 7pm. Casualties Ch 878S Pte. C. BURTON wounded.

27^th Casualties - Ch976S Pte. J. STOREY & Ch 967S Pte. A. YOUNGER - killed. Ch 61S H. MORLEY Ch 12429 R. ADAMS wounded. Internal relief carried out - C Coy relieved D Coy in CANAL & FERDAN line. B Coy will relieve A Coy in HANSA line.

28^th Casualty - Ply 728S Pte. R. RICHARDS wounded. Lt. N. LYON proceeded for course to 5^th Army School DOMAT-EN-PONTHIEU.

29^th Internal relief carried out. A Coy relieved C Coy in CANAL & FERDAN line. D Coy relieved B Coy in HANSA line. Patrols located hostile posts in Battery Valley.

30^th Casualty - A Coy Ch 1510 Pte. W. PYE wounded.

31^st 2^nd RMs relieved the 1^st RMs. 1^st RM billeted as follows:- HQ , C Coy (less 1 platoon) & D Coy billeted ENGLEBELMER. 1 Platoon C Coy billeted with 1^st Field Ambulance, N. end of AVELUY WOOD. A Coy & B Coy in dugouts in THIEPVAL WOOD.

1RM FEBRUARY 1917

ENGLEBELMER

1^st 1st RM billeted as follows:- HQ , C Coy (less 1 platoon) & D Coy billeted ENGLEBELMER. 1 Platoon billeted with 1^st Field Ambulance, N. end of AVELUY WOOD. A Coy & B Coy in dugouts in THIEPVAL WOOD.

2^nd & 3^rd N. of AVELUY WOOD. Working parties found by the Bns.

4^th Divine Service. Capt. BURTON proceeded on leave to ENGLAND.

5^th Labour Coy formed. 1 Platoon furnished by 1^st RM consisting of Lt. CORNISH (2^nd in command of Coy) & 26 NCOs & men. Lt. HALL proceeded on Gas Course.

6^th Lt. HALL proceeded on Gas Course to FORCEVILLE. Working parties & Coys at training.

7^th Coy Training.

8^th Bn HQ, C & D Coys vacated billets at ENGLEBELMER. B & C Coys relieved 2^nd RM in front & support lines, Eastern end of GRANDCOURT.

9^th A Coy relieved Coy of 2^nd RMs occupying OGI, CANAL & FERDAN. D Coy relieved Coy of 2^nd RMs occupying HANSA. Lt. HALL returned from Gas Course. B & C Coys relieved by 12^th Middlesex (2 Coys) in GRANDCOURT, marching to huts in MARTINSART.

10^th Bn. HQ, A & D Coys vacated CHALK PALACE, FERDAN & HANSA & moved by route march to huts in MARTINSART.

11^th CO visited new line N. of ANCRE. Bn. employed large, working parties.

12^th Bn. found large working parties. 1 Officer per Coy proceeded to new line N. of ANCRE.

13^th Bn. found large working parties. Casualties - 4 wounded.

14^th The 1^st RMs relieved the 10^th Royal Dublin Fusiliers in the RIVER TRENCH SECTOR, N. of GRANDCOURT. B & D Coys HQ in PUSIEUX TRENCH. Bn. HQ PUSIEUX ROAD. Capt. NOURSE to 2^nd FA (Influenza). Casualties - 2 killed - 1 Officer 2/Lt. LEE & 9 ORs wounded.

15^th Relief completed 3am. Casualties 6 killed - 3 missing - 9 wounded.

16^th Bn. HQ moved forward to PUSIEUX Trench. Bn. lined up for attack at 10pm. Objective SUNKEN ROAD - L32C91 to RCa26 including 2 strong points, that on the right being known as the PIMPLE. Posts had to be established 50 yards beyond the Road. HOWE Bn. to attack on our right - 2^nd RM Bn. held ARTILLERY ALLEY & protected left flank. ANSON Bn. held position R2d75 - R3c37 - R3c63. The following Officers were with the Bn. in the attack: Lt. Col. FJW CARTWRIGHT DSO, Mjr. H. OZANNE (wounded), Mjr. FHB WELLESLEY, West Riding Regt. (wounded), Capt. EJ HUSKISSON, Capt. J. PEARSON, Lt. HWR HALL, Lt. AC DONNE, (wounded), Lt. LW ROBINSON (killed), 2/Lt. AA O'KELL (killed), 2/Lt. F. SAVAGE (killed), 2/Lt. E. SANDERSON (wounded), 2/Lt. CR BURTON (killed), 2/Lt. C.L. RUGG (severely wounded), Lt. EG COULSON (killed), 2/Lt. WC GUDLESTONE (wounded), Lt. HC BROWN (killed), Surgeon UNTHANK RN.

[Battle of Miraumont]

17^th Advance commenced at 5.45am on barrage opening. Our dispositions were, from right to left D,B,C,A Coys were extended at 2 paces interval, & in two waves at 20 paces distance. The lines were subjected to heavy bombardment by 77mm at about 5am necessitating a call for retaliation by our artillery. Reports were received at 6.40am to effect that the Bn. had gained their objective; & that the PIMPLE had been captured.

18^th 102 Prisoners were taken, 1 77mm gun & 2 MGs were captured. The enemy counter attacked on 3 occasions. On 1 occasion taking advantage of thick mist, he counter attacked,, without artillery preparation, 2 Bns. strong, on 1& ½ mile frontage. SOS message was sent, the artillery replying with great promptitude, causing many casualties. The Bn. on the left, turned & fled, & was almost immediately followed by the right Bn. The line from Bn. HQ to front line had only just been repaired when SOS was asked for. Total casualties suffered by the Bn. in the attack, capture & consolidation of the objective - SUNKEN ROAD - Officers - 7 killed, 6 wounded. ORs - 57 killed, 193 wounded, 27 missing.

19^th 1^st RM Bn. relieved in the line during the night of the 18^th/19^th Feb. by 2^nd RM Bn. Relief completed 7am. Coys moving independently to old German 2^nd & 3^rd lines - Q18a30 -1500 yards SSE of BEAUMONT HAMEL. Mjr. OZANNE to FA.

20^th Capt. PEARSON, Lt. CHAMPNESS, 2/Lt. HALL evacuated to FA.

ENGLEBELMER

21^st 1^st RMs relieved by the 10^th Bn. Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Relief completed 3pm. Bn. moved by route march to ENGLEBELMER via HAMEL - MESNIL - MARTINSART. The Bn. was met in MARTINSART by the DEAL RMLI Band & played into billets.

22^nd Bn. reorganising. Following Officers joined the Bn. Lt. PLATTS, 2/Lts. ASR PERRY, O.A. ROBERTS, LG EVANS, CCG ROE, BG EVANSON, JV ATKINSON, J. FIELDING, JW THOMAS, FS MARSH, L. LEES, & 94 ORs. Mjr. OZANNE rejoined from 45^th CCS.

23^rd Bn. found working parties. 2/Lts. WE LLEWELYN & H.A. CARRUTHERS joined the Bn. & 12 ORs.

24^th & 25^th Bn. reorganising & small working parties found.

26^th As for the 25^th. 2/Lt. KENNY & burial party sent up to SUNKEN ROAD - 2/Lts ROBINSON & O'KELL & 11 ORs buried.

27^th 2/Lt. FIELDING & burial party sent up to SUNKEN ROAD - 21 NCOs & men buried.

28^th Bn. vacated billets at ENGLEBELMER & moved by route march to BRUCE HUTS (W.16.a.3.2) 500 yards W. of AVELUY WOOD.

1RM MARCH 1917

1^st Large working parties found for Road repairing & Saw Mills AVELUY WOOD. Signallers, Lewis Gunners, Bombers, Snipers & Band to instruction.

Bruce Huts AVELUY

2^nd T/Capt. PEARSON from Div. Rest Station. T/Lt. CHAMPNESS from CCS. Drills & working parties as for 1/3/17.

3^rd 2/Lt. H.T. HOLMES from Base Depot. 26 ORs joined Bn. from Base Depot. Drills & working parties as above.

4^th Working parties as above.

5^th Mjr. H. OZANNE to leave. Drills & working parties as above.

6^th Drills & W.P. as above.

7^th T/Lt. John PEARSON promoted T/Capt. to date 27/2/17. T/Capt. A. NOURSE to England sick. Struck off strength 25/2/17. Drills & W.P. as above.

8^th & 9^th Drills & W.P. as above.

10^th 13 ORs joined from Bn. from Base Depot. Drills & W.P. as above.

11^th Mjr. H. OZANNE awarded DSO. T/Capt. J. PEARSON awarded Military Cross. 12 ORs awarded Military Medal. W.P. as above.

12^th & 13^th Drills & working parties as above.

14^th T/Lt. DWR HALL to England sick. Struck off strength 2/3/17. 18 ORs joined Bn. from Base Depot. Drills & W.P. as above.

15^th T/Lt. RE CHAMPNESS to 1^st FA. Drills & W.P. as above.

16^th Drills & W.P. as above.

17^th Mjr. H. OZANNE from leave. Drills & W.P. as above.

18^th T/Lt. J.E. CORNISH from Labour Coy. T/Lt. RE. CHAMPNESS transferred from 1^st FA to 49^th CCS. 2/Lt. HA CARRUTHERS from 2^nd FA.

19th Lt. Col. F.J.W. CARTWRIGHT DSO to leave. Mjr. H. OZANNE DSO assumed command of Bn. 12 ORs joined Bn. from Base Depot. Bn. left BRUCE HUTS 8.50am & proceeded by Route March to HERRISART.

HERRISART

20^th Bn. left HERRISART 8.15am & proceeded by Route March to GEZAINCOURT.

GEZAINCOURT

21^st Bn. left GEZAINCOURT 10.7 am & proceeded by Route March to BOURET-SUR-CANACHE.

BOURET CROISETTE

22^nd Bn. left BOURET at 10.10am & proceeded by Route March to CROISETTE. 16 ORs joined Bn. from Base Depot - [possibly entry for 23^rd]

24^th Bn. left CROISETTE at 8.50am & proceeded by Route March to SAINS-LES-PERNES.

SAINS-LES-PERNES

25^th Bn. left SAINS-LES-PERNES at 8.20am & proceeded by Route March to ECQUEDECQUES.

ECQUEDEQUES

26^th Bn. left ECQUEDEQUES at 9.30am & proceeded by Route March to CALONNE-SUR-LYS. 2/Lt. N.I. LYON to leave.

CALONNE-SUR-LYS

27^th Bn. left CALONNE at 9.15am & proceeded by Route March to HESDIGNEUL.

HESDIGNEUL

28^th 8 ORs joined Bn. from Base Depot.

29^th Bn. left HESDIGNEUL & proceeded by Route March to LABOURSE. Lt. Col. CARTWRIGHT DSO from leave. Capt. E.G HUSKISSON to 2^nd FA.

LABOURSE

30^th Bn. training commenced. Bn. at 6 hours notice to move into the line. 33 ORs joined from Base Depot. Capt. E.J. HUSKISSON from 2^nd FA to No.7 Gen. Hosp.

31^st Inf. training continued. 2/Lt. BG EVANSON to 1^st FA.

1RM APRIL 1917

1^st Coy. training carried out. Capt. AEH READ RAMC taken on Bn. strength vice Surgeon UNTHANK to England.

2^nd to 4^th Infantry training continued.

5^th Infantry training continued. Orders received to relieve a Bn. of the 17^th Infantry Bde. in the line. Advanced parties of 1 Officer & 1 NCO per Coy .sent up. Capt. EJ HUSKISSON rejoined Bn. from No.7 Gen. Hosp.

6^th Bn. cleaning of billets, & making preparations for moving into the line. Bn. came under the orders of GOC 24^th Div. at 6pm.

7^th Bn. vacated billets at LABOURSE & moved into the line relieving the 12^th Bn. Royal Fusiliers in the ANGRES II Sector. D,B & A Coys in the front line, C Coy in support. Bn. HQ in MECHANICS trench. 8th Buffs held the line on our right, East Surreys on our left. Platoon guides met Platoons at BULLY GRENAY at 3pm, relief completed 8pm. Lt. HB Van PRAAGH rejoined Bn. from Base details & was attached to Bde. HQ 188^th Inf. Bde. Lt. LION rejoined the Bn. from leave. 41 ORs moved to ROBECQ.

ANGRES II Sector

8^th 5 Privates wounded.

9^th Ch/1020S Pte. T. GRAYSON killed, 4 ORs wounded. Capt. V.H.S. JONES & Capt. GOLDSMITH joined Bn. Lt. McB WOOD & 22 ORs joined.

10^th Capt. JONES & GOLDSMITH reported to HQ in MECHANICS. Capt. JONES appointed to command D Coy & Capt. GOLDSMITH to command C Coy. Lt. WOODS posted to A Coy.

11^th 4 ORs wounded. Enemy shelling of Communication Trenches fairly heavy, a large number of gas shell being fired into vicinity of MECHANICS.

12^th Ch1474.S. Pte. C. HEATH killed, 3 ORs wounded. Enemy bombarded front line trenches very heavily during the night, causing a large amount of damage to the trenches. Lt. C. WEST to Hospital. Orders received that the ANSON Bn. would relieve the 1^st Bn. RMLI. 1 Officer & 1 NCO per Coy, advanced party, ANSON Bn. arrived to take over the line. Lt. McB WOOD sent back to LABOURSE with orders to return to England next day.

13^th 2 Privates wounded. Orders received that the 1^st Bn. RMLI would be relieved by the 3^rd Bn. Rifle Bde. Officers of this Bn. reported at HQ 1.45pm & moved into the line. The Officers of ANSON Bn. being withdrawn. Relief to commence 8pm. At 3pm orders were received to send out a Battle Patrol into Enemy trenches near BULLY Craters, to ascertain if he had vacated them. At 4pm orders were received that 3 Patrols had to move out, on the right, centre, & left. The right Patrol moved up the enemy communication trenches to ANGRES, entering the Quarry on the Northern edge of the town, - large dugouts had been made in this Quarry. The Patrol then searched the BOIS de ROLLENCOURT, & entered ROLLENCOURT village. The right Patrol was commanded by Lt. KENNY. The left Patrol under 2/Lt. F.S. MARSH left our front line at PICK AXE Corner & entered German trench immediately opposite ; moved along communicating trenches to the CITE DES CORNAILLES & to the Southern edge of LIEVIN, returning via RED MILL. All these places were found clear of the enemy. At 9pm Posts had been established at M 21 c 25.85 (left post), M 21 c 60 15 (right post), M 21 c 10.00 (support post). The German 1^st line forming the Reserve line. At 9.30pm the relief by 3^rd Rifle Bde. commenced & was completed at 2.45am.

14^th Casualties, 2 ORs wounded. Coys marched back to billets as follows:- HQ & D Coy to BULLY GRENAY, A Coy to LES BREBIS, B & C Coys to FOSSE X. Bn. vacated billets at 2.30pm & marched to BOUVIGNY BOYEFFLES. Ch 1475 S Pte. C HEATH buried BULLY GRENAY cemetery.

15^th Bn. vacated billets at BOUVIGNY BOYEFFLES & marched to MAROEUIL.

MAROEUIL

16^th Bn. cleaning arms & equipment.

17^th Bn. employed cleaning & repairing roads.

18^th Bn. employed cleaning & repairing roads. Lt. VAN PRAAGH rejoined Bn. from Bde. HQ. Co & 4 Coy Officers proceeded to view front line system at BAILLEUIL.

19^th Bn. employed cleaning & repairing roads. Mjr. OZANNE, Capt. HUSKISSON & 4 Coy. Officers proceeded to view front line system.

20^th Bn. employed cleaning & repairing roads.

21^st Bn. cleaning & repairing roads. Lt. VAN PRAAGH assumed duties of Adjt. vice Capt. E.J. HUSKISSON to command B Coy.

22^nd Bn. vacated billets & moved to trenches in Bde. Reserve.

Line

23^rd Trenches - large carrying party to GAVRELLE. 2 ORs wounded, 5 killed. 2/Lt. PERRY wounded.

24^th Improving reserve trenches. 1 OR wounded.

25^th Moved to (Line) - trenches left sector of GAVRELLE. 2/Lt. LEES wounded. 2/Lt. THOMAS gassed.

26^th Front Line - 2 ORs killed, 1 missing, 8 wounded. CO attended Conference at Bde. HQ - 1 Coy moved to take over line of Bn. on left.

27^th Front Line - Bn. have been ordered to attack OPPY-MERICOURT Line, 2 ORs killed, 2 wounded, Bn. moved to take up Battle positions at 10pm.

[Battle of Gavrelle Windmill]

28^th Bn. attacked on sector left of GAVRELLE -OPPY Line at 4.25am & gained objective but was driven out by counter attacks. Following officer casualties - Lt. Col. CARTWRIGHT DSO, Capt. GOLDSMITH, Capt. JONES, Capt. PEARSON MC, 2/Lt. ATKINSON, 2/Lt. EVANS, 2/Lt. ROBERTS, 2/Lt. KENNY, 2/Lt. MARSH missing. Lt. LION, Lt. PLATTS, 2/Lt. ROE, LLEWELYN & HOLMES missing.

29^th Bn. relieved in line.

30^th Bn. moved to billets in ECOIVRES - resting.

ECOIVRES

1RM MAY 1917

1^st Bn. moved from ECOIVRES to FREVILLERS in billets.

FREVILLERS

2^nd Resting & cleaning up generally. Lt. CORNISH & 7 ORs from Base - 101 ORs from 13^th Corps D.T. Depot. Surgeon R.G. MORGAN joined from FA.

3^rd Training programme being carried out in accordance with programme ???? Bde.

4^th As for the 3^rd above. 18 ORs from Base.

5^th to 7^th As for 3/5/17.

8^th Bn. moved by route march to 'X' Hutments ECOIVRES.

ECOIVRES

9^th Bn. moved by route march tocamp in A.28.a.6.6. ECURIE to enable Bn. to work in trenches.

ECURIE

10^th Working in GREEN LINE does not commence till tomorrow - day devoted to cleaning & specialist instruction.

11^th Specialist training & firing of new Lewis Gun etc. carried out, work not yet commenced. 10 ORs from Base.

12^th Moved camp across road to A.28.b.8.5. - digging in GREEN LINE commenced. 7 ORs from Base.

13^th GREEN LINE trench continued.

14^th GREEN LINE trench continued & wiring commenced.

15^th GREEN LINE trench continued & wiring finished.

16^th Lts. D. BUNYAN & & LIGERTWOOD & 16 ORs joined Bn.

17^th Lt BUNYAN to command A Coy. Lt. LIGERTWOOD transferred to 2^nd Bn. RMLI.

18^th Bn. reformed into 2 Coys, each of 4 Platoons - to be called X & Y Coys - A & B forming X Coy - C & D forming Y Coy. CO went up to GAVRELLE sector to view line. 2 junior Officers & 1 man per platoon went up to take over line & sleep there on the night 18/19 & to conduct Bn. in.

LINE

19^th Bn. took over GAVRELLE - Northern sector CLOSE SUPPORT TRENCHES. Trenches in very bad state. N. of ARRAS - GAVRELLE Road secretly mine ???? ????? of shell holes.

20^th Few dugouts - men mostly live in holes undercut in parapet. 2 ORs wounded. 3 ORs killed - 12 wounded.

21^st 1 killed, 4 wounded. Rev. WHITEHEAD to UK leave - wet day.

22^nd No casualties quiet day.

23^rd 2 ORs wounded, 1 OR missing - Pte. BARNES was seen by R. Sergt. Major carrying rations slightly wounded - afterwards reported missing since when he has not been heard of.

24^th 2 ORs killed, 4 wounded - Trenches have been deepened where necessary.

25^th 4 ORs wounded. Quiet day with occasional shells.

26^th 1 wounded. Nothing unusual to report.

27^th 4 wounded. Lt. GT GALLIFORD cross posted from 2^nd Bn. RMLI joined this Bn. for duty & posted to X Coy. 2/Lt. J. MIDDLETON to UK leave. 50 ORs under subalterns for work in WINDMILL MAZE.

28^th 6 wounded - quiet otherwise - 60 ORs under subalterns on ??????? work on WINDMILL MAZE - CORPS & Divisional General viewing line. Representatives of 2^nd RMLI came up to look round line.

29^th No casualties & very quiet. Bn. being relieved tonight by 2^nd Bn. RMLI. 2/Lt. EVANSON rejoined Bn. from Base.

30^th 12.40am Bn. relieved & occupy SUPPORT TRENCHES - no casualties.

31^st Digging Communication trench to SUPPORT Line, 270 yds dug - no casualties.

1RM JUNE 1917

RESERVE TRENCHES

1^st Usual trench routine - digging communication trench from RED LINE, 2 ORs wounded.

2^nd Usual trench routine. 1 OR wounded, 28 ORs from Base Depot.

GAVRELLE

3^rd Usual trench routine. 1 OR wounded. 9 ORs buried, effects forwarded to respective Bns.

4^th Usual trench routine. 2 ORs killed, 5 wounded.

5^th Usual trench routine. 1 Coy working on FOXEY TRENCH remainder on CT.

6^th Usual trench routine. 1 Coy working on FOXEY TRENCH no casualties.

7^th Usual trench routine. 1 Coy working on FOXEY TRENCH. 3 officers from Base Depot - RA MCBRYDE, DM SMITH & JDM SMITH.

8^th Usual trench routine. No working party. Officers OR from relieving Bn. up viewing line & taking over.

9^th Relieved by 18^th West Yorks Regt. march to ROCLINCOURT, in bivouacs.

ROCLINCOURT

10^th Vacated camp & marched to MAROIEUL in billets - clean & roomy.

MAROIEUL

11^th First day devoted to cleaning etc. Lts. WEST & LOWDELL from BASE Depot.

12^th Training commenced. Bn. parades on training area at 6am - works till 10am & rests during hot part of day - then parades again. 4.30pm - 5.30pm specialist instruction & firing.

13^th Training continued.

14^th Training continued.Morning hours of parade altered to 7am & continuing to 10.30am.

15^th Training continued.2/Lt. H.A. BASS & 34 ORs from Base.

16^th Training continued.

17^th Church Parade in morning - no training.

18^th & 19^th Routine as previously stated.

20^th Inspection by Admiral LORD BERESFORD at 2pm - No Coy parades in afternoon.

21^st Usual routine. Bn. preparing to move.

22^nd Bn. moved to ROCLINCOURT (MARONBLANCHE) by route march at 7am in bivouacs & dugouts in old GERMAN LINE.

23^rd Work commenced on railway, far side of ARRAS - BAILLEUL Road from 4-10am. 1 & ½ hours specialist instruction in afternoon.

24^th Working as above - Church parade at 11am. Mjr. FLETCHER joined Bn. from Base.

25^th to 27^th Work on railway continued - specialist instruction in evening.

28^th Bn. moved from ROCLINCOURT to BRAY - in billets & huts, arriving about 7.45pm. Good accommodation. 16 ORs from Base.

29^th Bn. training recommenced 7am - 10.30am - specialist instruction in afternoon. 2/Lt. CARRUTHERS to 13^th CORPS SCHOOL - PERNES duty as M.I.

30^th Same routine - 9 ORs from Base. Lt. CORNISH proceed to Base - 2 months term as Instructor.

BRAY

1RM JULY 1917

1^st Bn. training carried on during first two days, suspended today. Bn. attended Divine Service in recreation hut near BRAY ; service conducted by Chaplain to 2^nd RMLI. Lt. Col. H. OZANNE DSO commanding 1^st RMLI attended conference at 188^th Inf. Bde. HQ.

2^nd Bn. training from 8am to 10am. Bn. moved from BRAY to ROCLINCOURT, leaving BRAY at 1.30pm, marching via MAROEUIL & overland track thence to ROCLINCOURT & arriving at ROCLINCOURT at 5pm. Bn. in huts in WAKEFIELD CAMP in B.28.c W. of ROCLINCOURT.

ROCLINCOURT

3^rd Bn. moved from WAKEFIELD CAMP this evening & relieved 11^th Bn. E. Yorks. in the line - right Sub-sector (GAVRELLE). Relief was quiet, but difficult on account of bad condition of trenches. Bn. occupied front line from right of WINDMILL at C.19.c.7.3. to junction of CAIRO ALLEY & CADORNA TRENCH at C.19.c.4.9. Front line held by three Coys with 1 Coy in immediate support. Bn. HQ in MARINE TRENCH.

IN THE LINE

4^th Normal trench routine carried out during the day, & usual carrying-parties by night. This evening Bn. front was extended southwards to junction of THAMES ALLEY & CHICO TRENCH at C.25.a.5.8.

5^th This morning Coy holding left of Bn. front made preparations for rushing & capturing enemy Strong-point in CRUMPET TRENCH at C.19.d.00.75., but attempt had to be abandoned on account of enemy activity. During day organised Sniping with good results was carried out on above Strong-point, where was continual hostile movement. Casualties:- 1 OR killed & 1 OR wounded. 1 OR accidently killed in front-line trench.

6^th Mjr-Gen. LAURIE CB, DSO, GOC 63^rd (RN) Div. made a tour of the Bn. front today. Normal trench routine observed.

7^th This morning 4 ORs wounded & 1 OR killed, by enemy TM fire on Coy holding centre of Bn. front. This evening Bn. was relieved by 2^nd RMLI & moved into support in NAVAL & MARINE Trenches, with Bn. HQ in NAVAL TRENCH. Relief was quiet, but weather rainy.

8^th Part of day spent by Bn. in draining & clearing of mud caused by previous night's rain, & in improving shelters in NAVAL & MARINE trenches.

9^th At 3am 6 ORs were wounded together. Bn. working on trenches occupied from 8am to 12.30pm. Mjr. Gen. LAURIE CB, DSO, GOC 63^rd (RN) Div. & Brig. Gen. HUTCHINSON, CMG, DSO, GOC 188^th Inf. Bde. made a tour of the Bns. lines today.

10^th Bn. continued work as for previous two days on NAVAL & MARINE trenches. 52 reinforcements from 63^rd (RN) Inf. Base Depot. 1 NCO to Lewis Gun course at LE TOUQUET. 2 ORs to Signal Course at ORVILLE.

11^th During forenoon improvement & cleaning of support line as on previous day. Tonight Bn. relieved 2^nd RMLI in right Sub-sector (GAVRELLE); relief was easy & quiet. Bn. extended in front line from a point in CHICO TRENCH at C.25.a.5.8. on the right to junction of CAIRO ALLEY & CADORNA TRENCH at C.19.c.4.9. The front line held by 3 Coys - D,B & C Coys from right to left with 1 Coy in immediate support & Bn. HQ in MARINE TRENCH. 1 OR in C Coy accidently wounded.

12^th Normal trench routine observed during day. Tonight digging was commenced to correct the extreme right of WINDMILL TRENCH with left of CHICO by a trench running in front of the WINDMILL. Casualties: 1 OR wounded. Lt. LOWDELL rejoined Bn. from Hospital.

13^th Mjr. Gen. LAURIE CB, DSO GOC 63^rd (RN) Div. & Brig. Gen. HUTCHISON, CMG, DSO, GOC 188^th Inf. Bde. made a tour of Bns. lines today. Lt. Col. H. OZANNE, DSO, to Hospital ; Mjr. E.K. FLETCHER to command Bn. Casualties: 1 Sgt. & 1 OR killed ; 1 OR wounded.

14^th 2/Lt. B.G. EVANSON proceeded to 1^st Army School. 2/Lt. EDWARDS & Lt. SS EASTERBROOK to PERNES - former to Corps Lewis Gun School, latter to Corps Inf. Course. 7 ORs reinforcements from 63^rd (RN) Inf. Base Depot. 2 NCOs to Corps Inf. Course at PERNES. 2 ORs to Corps Bombing School ; 2 ORs to Corps Lewis Gun School - both at PERNES. Bn. relieved in the line by 2^nd RMLI ; relief was difficult on account of bad weather & enemy retaliation after raid on his trenches SE of GAVRELLE. Casualties: 2 ORs killed & 1 OR wounded. Bn. to support line.

15^th 2/Lt. R.M. SNIDER & 17 ORs reinforcements joined Bn. today from 63^rd (RN) Inf. Base Depot. Considerable part of day spent by Bn. in NAVAL & MARINE Trenches in clearing up blocks caused by enemy shell-fire on previous evening & in repairing shelters blown in. Casualties: 2 ORs wounded.

16^th Bn. engaged working in support as on previous day. Casualties: 1 OR wounded.

17^th Bn. relieved 2^nd RMLI in the line this evening & was relieved in support by the ANSON Bn. RND, the 2^nd RMLI going into reserve at MAISON BLANCHE. The relief was lengthy but quiet. Bn. front extended from a point in CHICO TRENCH at C.25.a.5.8 northwards to junction of CAIRO ALLEY & CADORNA TRENCH at C.19.c.4.9 , the line being held by D, A & C Coys from right to left, with 1 Coy in immediate support & Bn. HQ in MARINE TRENCH. Mjr. E.J. HUSKISSON MC, from B Coy to Bn. HQ as 2^nd in command. 2/Lt. J.W. THOMAS DCM MM to command B Coy. temporarily.

18^th 2/Lt. JONES to Lewis Gun Course at GHQ School at LE TOQUET. Lt. LOWDELL to ROCLINCOURT. Mjr. HUSKISSON MC from Bn. HQ to command A Coy vice Capt. JT GALLIFORD to ROCLINCOURT. During night work was begun on a new trench running in front of the WINDMILL from a point in CECIL TRENCH N.E. of the WINDMILL to northern end of CHICO. Enemy activity marked on this point & fire very heavy.

19^th Reinforcements (8 ORs) from XIII Corps DTD joined Bn. today. The light Draught Horse which had its back broken had to be shot this morning. Normal trench routine observed during the day ; usual working & carrying parties by night. Heavy enemy barrage on CHICO TRENCH & CHICO SUPPORT from 11.10am to 12.30pm. 4 ORs wounded (1 afterwards returning to duty) during this barrage.

20^th Capt. JT GALLIFORD from ROCLINCOURT to command A Coy ; Mjr. HUSKISSON MC to Bn. HQ as 2^nd in command.At 3am this morning the HOWE Bn. on our right made a successful raid on the enemy trenches & enemy opened a very heavy barrage on our support & communication trenches, inflicting several casualties. Total casualties reported for day - 5 ORs killed, 1 Sgt. & 15 ORs wounded (1 afterwards died of wounds & 2 were returned to duty). 2/Lt. R.F. ORFEUR joined Bn. today from 63^rd (RN) Inf. Base Depot.

21^st Lt. LOWDELL rejoined Bn. today from ROCLINCOURT. Casualties - 2 ORs wounded. This morning new trench traced out on 18/7/17 was dug all the way through to an average depth of 2'6" . Mjr. Gen. LAURIE CB DSO, GOC 63^rd (RN) Div. visited Bn. HQ today & expressed great satisfaction at the work done by the Bn. in digging new front line mentioned above.

22^nd 9 ORs joined Bn. from 63^rd (RN) Inf. Base Depot. Lt. LOWDELL to Hospital. Casualties:- 1 OR wounded. Enemy aeroplane was brought down after aerial fight on our front ; machine fell burning & crashed to earth.

23^rd Normal trench routine carried out. On night 23/24-7-17 Bn. was relieved by 2^nd RMLI & proceeded to reserve at MAISON BLANCHE.

MAISON BLANCHE

24^th Bn. accommodated at MAISON BLANCHE in tents, bivouacs & dugouts. Day spent in general cleaning up & Coy. reorganisation. Lt. Col. H. OZANNE DSO rejoined Bn. from Hospital.

25^th Mjr. E.J. HUSKISSON MC to command B Coy. Lts. K.E. CHAMPNESS & D.A. PIPE, & 2/Lts. E.C. BENNETT, P.G. CRACKNELL, C.L.C. McKEAND, C.E. MENNELL, B.C. PIPPETT & W.C. WILLIAMSON rejoined Bn. today from 63^rd (RN) Inf. Base Depot. Platoons to 1 hours parade under platoon commanders at 9am ; specialist instruction from 11am to 12 noon.

26^th Routine as for 25/7/17. 2/Lt. JONES rejoined Bn. from Lewis Gun Course at GHQ School at LE TOQUET. 150 men & 5 Officers detailed this evening to carry Gas cylinders to near GAVRELLE. No casualties during operations.

27^th Routine as for 26/7/17.

28^th Routine as for 27/7/17. Lt. Col. H. OZANNE DSO & Capt. & QM T.H. BURTON to leave. Mjr. E.J. HUSKISSON to Bn. HQ as 2^nd in command ; Lt. D.A. PIPE to command B Coy. 1 Officer & 60 ORs detailed to work on RED LINE tonight.

29^th Church Parade at 11am cancelled owing to heavy rain. Capt. J.T. GALLIFORD & 2/Lt. P.G. CRACKNELL to leave today. 9 ORs reinforcements joined Bn. from XIII Corps DTD.

30^th Bn. was relieved in reserve by the NELSON Bn. RND & proceeded by route march to BEVERLEY CAMP near ROCLINCOURT. Bn. accommodated there in tents. Orders received that Bn., while in BEVERLEY CAMP, will act as reserve Bn. for 190^th Inf. Bde. holding left sub-sector of the front.

ROCLINCOURT

31^st 5 ORs sent today to 1^st Army Rest Camp. 5 ORs sent to XIII Corps School PERNES, 2 for instruction in Lewis Gun, 2 for instruction BEVERLEY CAMP in bombs & 1 for instruction in Stokes Trench Mortars. Bn. to training from 8am to 10.30am & from 3pm to 4.30pm.

1RM AUGUST 1917

1^st Bn. training suspended on account of rain. Coys instructed in small box respirators at St. Catherine. Lecture at (G 4 G.11) Divn. theatre