France

Sept 14 1916

My Dear Nell,

A few lines to let you know I am quite alright & in the “Pink”. I received your letter from Southend but was not at all surprised.  It reminded me of a certain “Card” I received about 3 yrs ago.  Do you remember it?

Must thank you & others for the “lighter” you sent. It is a jolly handy thing and *** when matches are scarce.

We have once again been shifted nearer to the line & expect to go up there very shortly. It will be different to see the place we were at before.  That was rather quiet but this is “hotter”.  We shall be going into some serious work so don’t be surprised at any news you receive of me, although I hope to come through alright.  I have not told Mother this so don’t show her.

I have not heard anything of Albert yet although his Batt was quite near to where we are now. Let me know if anything is heard of him.

Pleased you sent congratulations to Annie for me. It rather surprised me at first.  Hope she has a very happy married life.

Well Dear must shut off now. Remember me to your Mother & Father & others.

Good-bye & God Bless you.

Your loving

Alf

P.S. Don’t be surprised if you don’t have any letters from me for a few days as we shan’t be able to write until we come out again & we don’t know when that will be.

With *** Envelope to

Miss N. Pilgrim,

161 Abbey Rd

Barking

S.X.

England.

Stamped Field Post Office T.41. 15 Sp 16 Noted “illegible”

Letter to Rev. R.M. Laporte Payne 10 September 1916

10.9.16

Dear Mr. Payne,

I feel I must not forget you in my correspondence home by tomorrow’s mail as I know you are specially interested in the land I am now in.

I left England on May 6^th this year after just upon a months year’s training in Canterbury Barracks under the 3^rd & 6^th Dragoon Guards & after calling at Gibraltar, Malta & Salonica for a days or two arrived in due course at Alexandria.  I was specially interested in St. Paul’s Bay at Malta where we anchored off St. Paul’s for about ½ hr.  Salonica you can also feel sure was likewise of equal interest particularly as I read Acts 17 on a Sunday whilst in Harbour & in full view of the City.  After a weeks stay in the environments of Alex during which time I spent one Sunday at Alex & attended St. Mark’s Church (named after the harbinger of the Gospel to Alex) our draft – a very small one – travelled all night to Suez & later joined our Regt then on the Canal banks.  We were at several places on the Canal in the Sinai Peninsula & I must say we were glad to get away from it because of the heat etc though unfortunately our removal took place just when we thought we should have seen action in the recent fights just close to where we were.  The temperature varied from 120^o – 130^o in the shade.  The hot winds were cruel.  One thing we had to be very grateful for & that was the Canal.  I soon became a Swimmer.

After a day or two stay at Alex once again we embarked for the W Front & have come to the scene of the recent fighting – a very lonely out of the way spot – & have the Senussi to contend with.

We have become quite used to the climate by now which is very much better here & also accustomed to mountaineering because the desert off here lays in very high ground with deep ravines & gulleys running down to the sea. For an account of the fighting that took place here I would refer you to 2 articles in the Aug 1916 number of the London Magazine.  I am glad to say I have stood the climate splendidly.  On the Canal it was trying to everyone – I know at one place – though the temp was the same as the place we had just left – everybody was constantly perspiring even at quite late an hour & when not engaged in work.  It was at this part of Canal that Ismalia crossed what was part of the Red Sea.  I have only had to report sick once & that was the other day when I caught a chill.  It is very cold here at night.  There is quite a lot I should like to say about things and have but fear lest they would not pass the Censor.

You will be interested to know & pleased too when I inform you that my parents have had a short note from my younger brother (Don) to the effect that he has been recommended for the Military Medal for rescuing his Officer under shell fire on July 1^st.  My brother has always been a chap to keep things to himself & the letters received from him at home have been generally short & I feel quite sure that this great reward for his gallantry in a thing unsought for by him.  I am hoping for further news by tomorrow’s Mail boat.

I shall welcome a letter from you when have time as I know you must be very busy just now. I hope & pray the N. Mission will be a success & that the people will rally round the Clergy & do their most important part.

My address is – Trooper C. N. Homersham 2684 Canterbury Troop 3^rd Squadron, 1/1 Royal East Kent Yeo^ry 3^rd Dismounted Brigade Egyptian Exp^y Force.

My kindest regards to you all

Yours v sincerely

Clarence Homersham

COPY

Report on operations taken part in by 6^th Battn Ox & Bucks Light Infantry Sept 3/6. 1916.

The Battalion was attached to the 59^th Brigade for the above operations, in accordance with 59^th Brigade operation orders left the Craters at 11 p.m. Sept. 2^nd and moved into position of assembly in ARROW and SHERWOOD trenches.

The Battalion advanced from these trenches at noon Sept. 3^rd.

”B” Coy from ARROW trench was in the centre and from the position of the starting points was somewhat in advance of “A” and “C” companies which were on the left and right of “B” company respectively. “D” Company followed in rear of “B”.  The Battalion was ordered to follow the 10^th and 11^th R.B. to the first sunken road (see map attached) open through them to the 2^nd sunken road, then to halt to consolidate till 1 p.m.

“A”, “B” and “C” Coys. lost all their officers except one and three of their Company Sgt. Majors before reaching the 2^nd Sunken Rd. “D” Coy. also lost its Captain at the 1^st Sunken Rd.

”B” Coy. in the centre found the Rifle Bde. clearing dug-outs and appeared to have stopped at the first to help and then pushed on to the 2^nd Sunken Rd. “A”, “C” and “D” Coys. passed right on.  “A” Coy. appeared to have overrun the 2^nd Sunken Rd. and got on to the near objective at the edge of the Orchard about 150 yards, probably due to the fact that their Officers had gone and the Sunken Rd is difficult to locate in places owing to damage by shells.

At 1 p.m. the advance was continued. As a matter of fact men were going forward about 4 minutes too early, but the barrage ruled the pace.  I do not think many casualties were incurred by our barrage.  There was but little resistance after this.  By the time that the Eastern side of the village was reached Units were much mixed, 10^th & 11^th R.B. some of K.R.R.C., Somerset L.I. and my own Battalion.  Units were reorganised here as far as possible.  The 7^th Somerset L.I. at my request kept back a portion in the position, when the advance was continued up to the WEDGE WOOD – GINCHY Rd. to look after the right flank, as the number of Germans were visible working down the open street of LEUZE WOOD and our contact with the 5^th Division did not appear complete.  At 2 p.m. the whole line went forward up to the WEDGEWOOD – GINCHY Rd. and reached it with very little opposition, but a number of prisoners were taken from dug-outs on the road.

The consolidation of the position at once began, but there was a shortage of tools.

I had previously sent a message to that effect by aeroplane, it would be interesting to hear if it ever arrived. The message was sent to the aeroplane by a lamp and the aeroplane acknowledged.  It was evident that the 5^th Division had not been able to advance up to the Spur S.W. of LEUZE WOOD, and that the spur and the wood were still in the hands of the Germans.  I therefore decided not to move forward from the road to the final objective ordered that was with the right on the S.W. corner of the wood.

1^st D.C.L.I. of 5^th Division were now in touch with my right, and the 8^th Royal Munster Fusiliers on the left near the Cross Roads.

There were then on the WEDGE WOOD – GINCHY Rd. portions of the following battalions – 10^th and 11^th R.B., 11^th K.R.R.C., 6^th Ox & Bks.

The 7^th Somerset L.I. were digging trenches in support close behind.

An officer patrol went through the Quarry and up to the S.W. edge of LEUZE WOOD and found no one there.

During the night 3^rd and 4^th Sept., patrols were working in the valley below us but could not work up the ridge owing to our artillery fire.  The enemy made no attacks during the night on our front.  Nearly all the losses incurred were from shell and M.G. fire before reaching the 2^nd Sunken Rd, and more especially before reaching 1^st Sunken Road.  During the clearing of dug-outs at the final position, one case occurred of a “P” bomb being thrown in at one door of a dug-out smoke came out at the other without dislodging the Germans who however came out when the Mills’ bombs were thrown in.  8 Company Officers out of 11 and 72 N.C.O.s were casualties, mostly early in the advance so that I think much credit is due to the men and the few Company leaders left for obtaining the right objective.

During September 4^th, consolidation was continued and was not interfered with except by a few shrapnel shells.

During the afternoon the 5^th Division were up the Spur East of us to LEUZE WOOD.  About 7 p.m. Battle patrols were established by 7^th Som. L.I. from S.W. corner of LEUZE WOOD – GUILLEMONT – COMBLES RD.

The night was very wet, about 5 a.m.5^th Sept. the line was relieved by 49^th Brigade and the Battalion withdrew to SHERWOOD TRENCH where it remained until the afternoon of the 6^th September.  When relieved by the 6^th K.S.L.I. the Battalion returned to the Craters.

I attach a list of those I recommend for Reward in connection with the operations.

(Sd) E.D. WHITE. Lt.-Col.

Commanding 6^th Ox & Bucks L.I.

9-9-16.

AVON HOLM

VICTORIA ROAD

MACCLESFIELD

8^th Sept 1916

Dear Ted & Mary

Sarah tells me that Gladys has not yet heard if she has got the scholarship.  Now I have been thinking if she is not successful and would like to go to the Manchester University & complete her BSc I should be pleased to help her to the extent of paying her fees up to £20= per year for the next three years.  Let me know what you think about this

Kind regards

Yours sincerely

Tom.

With cover to E. Hammond, 9 Countess Street, Stockport postmarked Macclesfield 7.45 pm 8 SP 16.

REPORT ON COMMUNICATIONS OF 20^TH DIVISION DURING THE OPERATIONS.

September 3^rd and 4^th 1916.

1 Division to Brigades.

Two telephone wires ran to each Brigade in the line. In each case the forward part of the line lay in an open narrow cable trench.  The lines were not all completed until the day before the operations so that they could not become too weak for speaking owing to numerous breaks and joints.  The lines held throughout the operations save for a line to the Reserve Brigade which was put out of action for nearly an hour by the blowing up of a bomb store close to the line.  Lateral communication was provided by wire and held throughout.

In addition both Brigades had wireless stations by them and the Corps wireless station was at Divisional H.Qrs. These stations were used for occasional messages such as requests for motor ambulances to be sent forward.  Visual signalling was also arranged.  A main visual post on the high ground between MINDEN POST and MARICOURT received direct from the Right Brigade and Reserve Brigade and through two transmitting stations from the Left Brigade.  The Visual transmitting stations were placed at test stations along the wires and runner posts were established there also.  In the case of one section of the main line being broken two alternative ways of securing communication in that section still held.  The runner posts were provided by mounted men from the Corps Cavalry Regiment for the forward portion and motor cyclists for the backward portion.  Roads forward of the West end of MONTAUBAN were impassable for motor cycles.

2. Forward of Brigades.

Each Brigade relied mainly on one forward line laid just before the operations in trenches along the route of the runner posts, the Left Brigade to WATERLOT FARM and the Right Brigade to ARROW HEAD COPSE. The lines were divided into sectors at the runner posts and linesmen were stationed at these posts with cable to replace whole sections of the line with fresh cable when necessary.  The line to the Left was only broken once, the line on the right was broken several times in the neighbourhood of the SUNKEN ROAD E. of TRONES WOOD but it was never out of action for more than about 10 minutes at a time.  Lines were prepared beforehand and taken forward with the attacking troops but these lines did not last long being very soon cut by the enemy’s fire.  Information came back to WATERLOT FARM and ARROW HEAD COPSE almost entirely by runners.

Further information from the firemost troops did however come back by pigeons – several valuable messages about dispositions being sent back from the troops in the GINCHY – WEDGE WOOD road – and by aeroplane observations. Not many actual messages were signalled from the ground to the aeroplanes but a few were sent and received including a request for ammunition and a statement that troops at a certain point were being held up by machine gun fire.  Flares were used successfully.

To sum up the methods successfully employed, they were:-

1. Forward of the original front line, pigeons and signals to aeroplanes.
2. In rear of the old front line accessible telephone wires with relay posts for runners and linesmen along the route of the wires.7^th Sept. 1916(sd) F.J.M. STRATTON, Major R.E.
3. O.C. 20^th Divisional Signal Coy.

Wivenhoe Pk Camp

Colchester

5 9 16

Dear F & M

Many thanks for birthday wishes I am sorry I have not written sooner but I was inoculated the other day and am in bed at present. I am feeling quite fit. Glad you had a good time in London. I am expecting a letter from you today. Any more news about the scholarship. Things are very quiet here.

Will write a long letter next week as I am rather tired at present

Fondest love George

SECRET

Copy No …..

4^th September 1916

20^th DIVISION OPERATION ORDER NO 98.

1. H.Qrs and two Battalions of the 49^th Inf. Bde will relieve the 59^th Inf. Bde and attached units tonight.
2. Arrangements for this relief will be made between Brigade Commanders.

Officers of these two battalions will make themselves acquainted with the trenches beforehand.

The 59^th Inf. Bde will collect and hand over all trench stores, maps and dumps to the incoming units.

1. On relief being effected the 59^th Infantry Bde will concentrate at CARNOY.

The H.Qrs of 59^th Bde will be in camp near CARNOY.

The H.Qrs of 49^th Bde will be at BRIQUETERIE.

On relief units of the 61^st Bde attached to the 59^th Bde will move to CRATERS. On arrival there the latter units will come under the command of the Brigadier General 59^th Bde.

1. The Field Company and Pioneers attached to the 59^th Bde will not be relieved until the morning of the 5^th September. They will then be relieved, under orders of the C.R.E. the Field Company returning to its Bde. Group, the Pioneer Coy returning to its Battalion.
2. Medical Units attached to the 59^th Bde will not be relieved at present.

1. The 49^th Bde. on taking over will detail a permanent garrison for GUILLEMONT South but inclusive of MOUNT STREET, which is a defensive locality and should be strongly held.

O.C. 96^th Field Coy will advise and assist. Arrangements made and garrison detailed should be reported as soon as completed.

1. In view of the complexity of the situation G.O.C. 59^th Bde will issue strict orders that no troops are to leave their posts until relieved by troops of 49^th Bde.
2. Completion of relief will be notified by wiring the word “FLARES” and time to this H.Qrs.

1. Until relief is completed command of the Right Bde. Sector will be vested in G.O.C. 59^th Brigade.

1. Acknowledge

(sd) C.A.MILWARD, Major for

Lieut. Colonel,

General Staff, 20^th Division.

Issued at 4 p.m.

Distribution overleaf.

Copies to:-

No. 1. XIV Corps (G),

2. XIV Corps (Q),
3. 5^th Division.
4. 7^th Division.
5. 16^th Division.
6. 47^th Brigade.
7. 48^th Brigade.
8. 59^th Brigade.
9. 60^th Brigade.
10. 61^st Brigade.
11. C.R.A. 24^th Divn.
12. C.R.A. 6^th Divn.
13. C.R.E.
14. A.D.M.S.
15. A.P.M.
16. 11^th Durham L.I.
17. Adv. “Q”.
18. A.A. & Q.M.G.
19. XIV Corps H.A.
20. 9^th Squadron R.F.C.

21/24. Retained.

25. Signal Coy.
26. 49^th Brigade.

SECRET                                                                                                Copy No …….

4^th September, 1916

20^TH DIVISION OPERATION ORDER NO 97

Ref – Trench Map LONGUEVAL Sheet,

57 c S.W. – 1/10,000.

GINCHY – GUILLEMONT Map 1/5,000.

1. The 7^th Division have consolidated parties in several houses in GINCHY and are fighting their way from house to house.

2. At 6.30 p.m. the barrage which will start 200 yards E. of the GINCHY – WEDGE WOOD ROAD, will again become intensive and creep forward at the rate of 50 yards a minute. Under cover of this the 5^th, 20^th and 7^th Divisions will push strong patrols, with Lewis guns, forward to the line S.W. corner of LEUZE WOOD – T.20.a.6.5. The patrols from 20^th Division will be found from 59^th and 60^th Brigades.

On reaching this line the patrols will establish themselves thereon and will at once be supported. The ground then seized will be consolidated.   Special parties should be told off to bomb up the trench from T.20.c.2.6. to T.20.b.7.3. and to secure the QUARRIES at T.20.d.2.1.

The Heavy Artillery will arrange to bombard all these objectives.

3. The 9^th Squadron R.F.C. will detail 2 contact aeroplanes to be in the air from 3.15 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. and one after that hour until dark.

4. Flares will be lit on reaching the objectives and at 6.45p.m.

5. The boundaries between Divisions and brigades will be as stated in paras. 5 and 6 of Operation Order No 90 (Revised copy).

6. Strong points will be constructed at the following points:-

Right Brigade – QUARRY T.20.d.2.1.

Road T.20.d.2.5.

Left Brigade – Trench junction T.20.a.6.5.

7. To assist in the construction of these points and the consolidation of the line, 2 sections 84^th Field Coy R.E. will be placed at the disposal of 59^th Bde. and remaining 2 sections of the same coy at the disposal of the 60^th Inf. Bde. A working party of 100 infantry will be provided to assist the R.E. allotted to each brigade. these two parties will be provided under arrangements made by C.R.E.

8. C. 20^th Signal Coy. will synchronise watches at 4.30 p.m.

9. ACKNOWLEDGE

(sd) R.H. JAMES Lt. Col

for Lieut Colonel

General Staff 20^th Division

Issued at 3 p.m.

Distribution overleaf.

Copies to:-

No. 1. XIV Corps (G),

2. XIV Corps (Q),
3. 5^th Division.
4. 7^th Division.
5. 16^th Division.
6. 47^th Brigade.
7. 48^th Brigade.
8. 59^th Brigade.
9. 60^th Brigade.
10. 61^st Brigade.
11. C.R.A. 24^th Division.
12. C.R.A. 6^th Division.
13. C.R.E.
14. A.D.M.S.
15. A.P.M.
16. 11^th Durham L.I.
17. Adv. “Q”.
18. A.A. & Q.M.G.
19. XIV Corps H.A.
20. 9^th Squadron R.F.C.

21/24. Retained.

25. 20^th Signal Coy.

SECRET

Copy No ……

4^th September 1916

20^TH DIVISION OPERATION ORDER NO 95.

1. The XIV Corps will renew the attack today.

• At 3.10 p.m. the 5^th Division will attack the line B.2.d.4.8. – WEDGE WOOD and the trench from T.26.c.4.5. to T.26.a.8.5½.

• The French Corps will simultaneously attack the trench from ACK HANGER WOOD to B.2.d.4.8.

• The 7^th Division will simultaneously clear up the situation in GINCHY.

1. Subsequently, the exact hour being notified later, the 5th and 20^th Divisions will capture the line LEUZE WOOD – T.20.a.6.5., the dividing line between Divisions being the N.W. corner of LEUZE WOOD (T.26.b.8.8 ½.)

1. The 48^th Brigade will detail two Battalions for this attack and will assemble in GUILLEMONT and the SUNKEN ROAD T.25.a. before 4 p.m.       Dividing line between battalions the road GUILLEMONT – COMBLES inclusive to the right battalion.

1. On gaining the position the troops will entrench themselves.

1. The C.R.A. 24^th Division will arrange for a creeping barrage between the GINCHY – WEDGE WOOD ROAD (T.20.a.1.5. – T.26.a.1.5.) and the objective.

(sd) R.H. JAMES Lt. Colonel,

General Staff, 20^th Division

Issued to Signals at 8.30 a.m.

Copies to

1. XIV Corps (G), 13. C.R.E.
2. XIV Corps (Q), 14. 11^th Durham L.I.
3. 5^th Division. 15. A.D.M.S.
4. 7^th Division. 16. 20^th Signals.
5. 16^th Division. 17. A.P.M.
6. 47^th Brigade. 18. A.A. & Q.M.G.
7. 48^th Brigade. 19. Adv. “Q”.
8. 59^th Brigade. 20. 9^th Squadron R.F.C.
9. 60^th Brigade. 21/25. Retained.
10. 61^st Brigade.
11. C.R.A. 24^th Division.
12. C.R.A. 6^th Division.

Copy No …24.

4^th September 1916.

20^TH DIVISION OPERATION ORDER NO 96.

1. In continuation of G.893, 4^th September the 48^th Inf Bde will relieve the 47^th and 60^th Brigades tonight, and will take over all trench stores, maps and dumps provided for these Brigades. Arrangements for this relief will be made between Brigadiers.       Officers of the 48^th Brigade should make them selves acquainted with the trenches beforehand.

On relief being effected the 47^th Bde will concentrate at CARNOY, the 60^th Brigade at TRONES and NEW GUARDS TRENCHES and units of 61^st Brigade attached to 47^th Brigade will move to CRATERS. On arrival there of the latter units will come under the command of Brigadier 61^st Inf. Bde.

1. Headquarters of 61^st Brigade will be at CARNOY, Red House.

Headquarters of 47^th Brigade will be at CARNOY & BRICK ALLEY.

Headquarters of 60^th Brigade will be at BERNAFAY WOOD.

Headquarters of 48^th Brigade will be at DUMMY TRENCH.

1. The Field Coys. R.E. and Pioneers attached to the 47^th Brigade will not be relieved until the morning of the 5^th Sept. They will then return under orders of the C.R.E. to CARNOY, the Field Company rejoining its Brigade Group there.

1. Medical units attached to the 47^th and 60^th Brigades will be relieved under instructions which will be issued by the A.D.M.S.

1. The 48^th Brigade on taking over will detail a permanent garrison for GUILLEMONT North of MOUNT STREET which is organised as a defensive locality and stronghold. O.C. 83^rd Field Coy will advise and assist.       Arrangements made and garrison detailed should be reported as soon as completed.

1. In view of the complexity of the situation G.Os. C. 47^th and 60^th Infantry Brigades will issue strict orders that no troops are to leave their posts until relieved by troops of 48^th Brigade.

1. Completion of relief will be notified by wiring the word ”Flares” and time to this Headquarters.

(sd) R.H. JAMES Lt. Col.,

for Lieut. Colonel,

General Staff 20^th Division.

Issued at 1.30 p.m.

Copies to:-

Distribution overleaf.

Less 6^th Bn. Oxf & Bucks L.I.

Copies to:-

No. 1. XIV Corps (G),

2. XIV Corps (Q),
3. 5^th Division.
4. 7^th Division.
5. 16^th Division.
6. 47^th Brigade.
7. 48^th Brigade.
8. 59^th Brigade.
9. 60^th Brigade.
10. 61^st Brigade.
11. C.R.A. 24^th Division.
12. C.R.E.
13. A.D.M.S.
14. C.R.A. 6^th Division.
15. A.P.M.
16. 11^th Durham L.I.
17. Adv. “Q”.
18. XIV Corps H.A.
19. 9^th Squadron R.F.C.
20. A.A. & Q.M.G.

21/24. Retained.

25. 20^th Signals.