H.E. WITTY

18^th SIEGE BATTERY R.G.A.

1. Section

 

24^th August 1916.  Thursday.  On telephone and night duty.  Nothing to report.  Weather fine and windy.  Letters N.T. and home.  Also books from home.  ANS.  Heard a good address at Y.M.C.A. on ”Faith”.

THE WOMEN’S LEGION

 

President                                                                                                The Marchioness of Londonderry

 

 

Motto:- ORA ET LABORA

(Pray and work)

 

72, Upper Berkeley Street

London W.

Motor Transport Section

Commandant:-

Miss Christobel Ellis

Telephone Paddingdon 688

 

22.8.16

 

Dear Madam,

 

I am duly in receipt of your letter of enquiry regarding the work of the Motor Section of the Women’s Legion.

We have secured a number of posts for our members as drivers of both private and commercial cars, and in addition to this we have a Register of drivers for War Office work only.

It is impossible for me to give you particulars of employment, as in each case the work varies, and without knowing what your qualifications are, I should be unable to recommend you for any of the posts available.

At present we have a waiting list, and we shall be glad to place the name of any really experienced driver under the age of 38 on this list for War Office work.

I beg to enclose an enrolment form and circular.

Faithfully yours

 

Christobel Ellis

Commandant

19 .8. 16

Dear F & M

Just a line to say I am still merry and bright.  I have quite a lot of correspondence to answer & really don’t know when I shall be able to reply to some of it as postal facilities are rather rigid at present and a Field Post Card answers the same purpose.  I think I told you I received a parcel from you some days ago it was just the thing.  So you have been having quite a number of visitors lately I learn.  Glad to hear my dawg can swim anyway.  I think after that news he stands a chance of another years life if Lloyd Geo & Co don’t do it on us too much.  Sorry to hear Gladys didn’t quite manage it but never mind Kid I think we shall be able to manage it between us.  Hope you have a good time with Willie.  Just received some cigs from him yesterday so I am quite a factory today puffing up.  Everything is nice & quiet here just the sort of place to recuperate on the borders on a small village which possesses a brewery.  A few of us had our phizoggs taken the other day.  Three out of the 4 are our old brigade operators.  Don’t take the bhoy in the middle for a German prisoner has he’s one of our allies.

This is all this time so Cheerho

Burgy

 

Cover Field Post Office D.2. Au 19 16. Passed Field Censor 1053 Hexagonal cachet

 

France

Wed Aug 16 1916

 

My Dear Nell,

A few more lines to let you know I am in the “Pink”.

You seem fond of the vets.  I hope he gave you something good.  (Not for yourself of course).  I expect Nigger has eaten some food that didn’t agree with her or perhaps she’s been poisoned.

I suppose your mother is having a fine time with you while you have your have your cousins there.  Just as wild as ever I expect.

Have not received Bert’s second letter yet.  Might receive it later on.  I should think he is rather upset about his chum.  Next sentence censored out.  I am sorry to hear it.

We leave here (trenches) tomorrow morning for a few weeks.  I don’t say we shall have much rest as we have a good bit more training to do before we go into proper action.  We shall be about 8 or 9 miles behind the line during that time.  Have not been able to find your cousin.  There are no deleted Middlesex attached to us or the other Fusilier Batts with us.  He may be with another Brigade in the Division.  All the fellows can’t make out his address & we have given it up.

Well Dear I must close as I must pack up for the morning.

With fondest love & kisses

From

Your loving

Alf

 

With Envelope to

Miss N. Pilgrim,

161 Abbey Rd

Barking

S.X.

England.

Stamped Field Post Office ??? 17 Au 16.  Noted “Plugstreet Left here Aug 17”

Censor 2276 Signed W.H. Piper

 

 

Somewhere in France

Monday

My dear brother Sid,

At last I find time to write you a few lines after all this time.

I am sorry I have not written before, but you can quite understand, with all the moving we have it is not very convenient for letter writing at times.

Anyway I am writing to you at last, better late than never.

I had a letter from Dad yesterday he said the works was turning out something at last. (About time) he also mentioned that Bettany had got the sack.  When you write to me you might just say what it was for that’s if you know.  I am glad you are able to keep where you are.  & I sincerely hope that you will continue to do so. (also Ted)

I hope you have plenty of work in hand for we have sufficient.  So you are still at the same lodgings I don’t suppose you could better them much not in Crayford.

Yes I expect Crayford as got to be quite a big place since I left, what with the new cinema &c.

Do you ever go to Barnard’s at Dartford I should like to go at a place like that myself.

Mother said you had all been home the other Sunday I was the only one missing never mind, I am hoping that one day my place will again be filled.

I am happy to say I am feeling fit and well.  Hoping you are the same also Dad & Ted.

I wrote to Ted last week to ask him to send me out some stuff for I might mention we get a bit of company at times.  Well that is no fault of ours for cannot help it for pick them up from somewhere.

I don’t think I have any more to say for this time.

My address is 6185 1^st Kensington Battn. A Company, B.E.F. France.  I hope you will be able to read this but it is the best I can do under the circumstances so I will conclude

With love from your affect brother Walter

P.S. Kindest remembrances to Dad & Ted

Hoping to hear from you soon.

 

In “On Active Service” envelope to Mr. F. Springett, 29 Bath Road Dartford Kent. With F.P.O. 147 mark dated 15 Au 16.  Censor mark 2070

 

The Somme 16

1^st Aug 1916

Dear Will

Just a line to say I am A1 here.  Hope you will excuse me for not dropping you a line early.  We have done so much knocking about that I hadn’t much inclination to write but now I find letters accumulate.  So just take this opportunity before going on parade.  I suppose you’ve read all the news and noticed the part played by the S Africans & Highlanders which was no small part.  I met several **** men while in the battle line.  Sorry to say Harold Kemp was killed in the early stages of the offensive.  Our artillery was simply wonderful & it’s ** to the efficiency of the same what makes possible for the line to move forward.  I don’t think there’s much more to say about it as we have plenty of men to do that for us now.  There was a good article in the Times of July 25^th worth reading.  I am now in rest doing fatigues but having a good time in between.  The weather is ideal here could just do with a week with you but still it may soon be over now as we have got top weight on them now.  So bye bye for present OM

Gussie

 

Original letter very heavily worn.

 

Field Service Post Card D.2. Au 5 16.  To E. Hammond, 9, Countess St. Stockport.  I am quite well.  I have received your parcel lately.  Letter follows at first opportunity Fred 5.8.16

War Diary of 8^th Divisional Artillery July 1916

 

 

HENENCOURT

• At 6.25 a.m. the Bombardment for the 4^th Army Operation commenced all along the line. The Right and Left Groups covering the whole 8 Dn front.  The Centre Group under Col. WILSON 86^th Bde R.F.A standing fast owing to have been dug in well forward to support the further advance and unable to clear the crest at front line range.  The attack was launched at 7.30 a.m.  The Right and Left Bdes found in difficulty in closing but centre Bde was hung up by OVILLERS.  Little progress was made during the day.  The 70^th Bde on left reached the third support line but had to withdraw later.  The Right and Centre being hung up by OVILLERS.  By evening the Division was back in its old front line the attack having failed.  The Batteries fired throughout the day mostly at a fairly rapid rate.  A good deal of trouble with Buffers and Springs. The Trench Mortars took an Active part in the Bombardment.  Also the Heavy Trench Mortars.

Casualties to Artillery practically nil.  1 Howitzer 57^th Battery blown up caused by premature.

 

• Night firing as appropriate and occasional rounds in front line.

During the day the 8^th Division less the Artillery and R.E. were relieved by the 12^th Division the relief being complete by midnight.  There was no infantry action during the day.  The Batteries kept up a continuous fire at a slow rate throughout the day.  At 10 p.m. 12^th Division Operation Order was issued for an attack on OVILLERS to be launched at 3.15 a.m. preceded one hour’s bombardment by all natures.  The 57^th Battery had one howitzer blown up by a premature.  18 Pdr Batteries experienced considerable Buffer trouble, elongation cylinders being the chief trouble.  Casualties LT WENHAM wounded while acting as Liaison Officer to Battle H.Q.

 

HENENCOURT

• Night firing was continued on approaches up to 2-15 a.m. at which hour the Hows bombardment of OVILLERS started. The Div Artillery bombarding the whole front trench area especially the portion W of OVILLERS while the Heavy Artillery bombarded the village.

2 Trench Mortars firing on the front Line. At 3.15 a.m. fire was lifted off the front line and the attack launched by two Bdes.  Both attacks were partially successful, the right gaining the front line, the left the front two lines.  It was found to be impossible to hold the ground gained owing to the machine gun fire from the THIEPVAL SALIENT and from the outskirts of LA BOISELLE.

By 9.30 a.m. all our Infantry men were back in our old front line. Failure of the attack was due to well placed flank Machine Guns which had not been knocked out.  At 9.30 Batteries were put in to put a Barrage around OVILLERS in order to prevent movement in or out.  One Howitzer D/86 Battery received a direct hit fired by a 5.9 How which came in through the firing aperture.  The Howitzer was knocked out and three men killed and two wounded. – One section per Battery, excepting 5 Battery relieved during the night by one section per Battery 12 Divn.  Artillery.

Sections marching to wagon lines – HENENCOURT WOOD and BRESLE.

Operation Order No 12 marked APPENDIX OO/12 attached.

APPENDIX OO/12 and OO/13.

 

• Night firing continued from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. No infantry action during the day was made by our infantry (12^th Division). Guns continued firing on roads and approaches during the day.  The 55^th Battery and 33^rd Battery were used to assist the infantry (19^th Div) bombing in LA BOISSELLE.  These two batteries on several occasions doing very useful work.

At 9 p.m. Batteries resumed night firing.

During the night the whole of the Divisional Artillery was relieved by the 12^th Dn Artillery reliefs being completed  by 2.15 a.m.

Brigades marched to BEHENCOURT and FRECHENCOURT.

Operation Order No. 14 marked Appendix OO/14 attached.

APPENDIX OO/14.

HENENCOURT

• Heavy firing by German Batteries on THIEPVAL followed by counter attack on trenches held by 32^nd Batteries continued night firing on roads and approaches and Right flank Barrage at LA BOISELLE.

During the night Batteries were relieved by Batteries of 12 Dn Arty and withdrawn to BEHENCOURT and FRENCHCOURT.   Relief being completed in the line by 2.15 a.m.

R.A. H.Q. handed over responsibility to 12 Div Arty at 10 a.m. 5 July and proceeded to CAVILLON.

The Dn Artillery marched from BEHENCOURT and FRECHENCOURT at 12 Noon for Billets S of SOMME.

5^th Bde and 35^th Bde Billeted at LES MEAGES.

45^th Bde MOULIENS VIDAMES.

D.A.C. at CROUY.

Arriving during the evening from 7 to 9 p.m.

Orders received same night that Dn Arty will entrain to PERNES Area.

Operation Order No. 15 dated 5 July marked OO/15 attached.

Weather Rain at night. Day fine.

APPENDIX OO/15.

 

CAVILLON

• Div R.A. H.Q. at CAVILLON. Brigades at LE MEAGES, MOULIENS-VIDAMES. A.C. at CROUY.

Orders sent out to entrain at LONGUEAU and SALEUX starting at 5.30 A.M. 7^th.

Weather fine though cloudy.  Warm.

 

BRUAY

• Brigades entrained at LONGEAU and SALEUX starting at 5.30 a.m. and continuing throughout the day. Destination BRUAY Area (1^st Corps Area LOOS Sector).

Brigades Detrained at PERNES-CAMBLAIN, DIEVAL, BRYAS and marched to Billets as under

 

5^th Bde R.H.A. – LAPUGNOY.

33^rd Bde R.F.A. – MARLES-LES-MINES.

46^th Bde R.F.A. – LABEUVIERE.

Div. Amn. Column. – AUCHEL.

Div Artillery H.Q. – BRUAY

Weather Heavy rain all morning, clear in afternoon.

 

BRUAY

• In Rest. The Division placed in Army reserve from now onwards. No restrictions as to number of hours notice to move.

Weather fine Warm.

 

 

MARLES LES MINES

• In Army Reserve. Divisional Artillery H.Q. moved to MARLES-LES-MINES.

Officers of 5^th and 33^rd Brigades visited Left Sector 1^st Corps Area (VERMELLES).

Weather fine Strong Wind.

 

Ditto   10-7-16   Reserve Area.

Brigade Commanders, B, C or Captains of 5^th & 33rd Bdes visited Left Sector of 1^st Corps Front (VERMELLES).

Weather fine Windy.

 

Ditto   11-7-16   Reserve Area.

Second party of officers visited Left Division Area.  G.O.C. inspected 5^th Bde. R.H.A.

Weather fine.  Mounted parade.  Medals ribbons were presented to 8 N.C.O’s & men.

 

Ditto   12-7-16   Reserve Area.

The M.G. R.A. 1^st Army inspected 45^th Bde R.F.A. in their lines.

Weather fine.

 

Ditto   13-7-16   Reserve Area.

Inspection by G.O.C. 8 Division.  Dismounted Parades.

Orders received that Artillery of 8 Division will be transferred from 1^st Corps to XI Corps as early as possible under arrangements to be made direct between Corps.

Weather fine.

 

ESTAIRES                                                          Ref 1/80,000 ST OMER, LILLE and ARRAS and FRANCE and BELGIUM 1/40,000.

 

• At 1.30 a.m. orders received for 8 D.A. to join XI Corps at LACORGUE arriving at that place at 12 Noon. – Brigade Commanders, Battery Commanders and 1 Subaltern per Battery went on in advance to report to H.Q. 61^stA. for orders. – Remainder of Artillery moved at 7.30 a.m. by route march to FOSSE (R.21.central) where they were met by guides who conducted batteries to Wagon Lines in LESTREM vicinity.

Positions for Batteries were selected in the RUE BACQUEROT between cross roads M.17.d. and RED HOUSE             (M.6.d.).   Positions are derelict positions and require rebuilding – order of occupation 33^rd Bde on right, 5^th Bde       Centre, 45^th Bde on Left – H.Q.s of Brigades in LAVENTIE.

Operation Order No. 16 marked Appendix OO/16 attached.                                                                           APPENDIX OO/16.

 

Order for move of Wagon Lines marked A1/3 attached.

Div Artillery H.Q. established in the Square ESTAIRES.

Weather fine.                                                                                                                                           APPENDIX A1/3.

 

ESTAIRES

• Brigades preparing positions and getting up Ammunition.

H.Q. 33^rd Bde moved to RUE de PARADIS.  H.Q. 45^th Bde to ROUGE de BOUT

Weather fine.

ESTAIRES

• Brigades in Action in RUE BACQUEROT. All Batteries started wire cutting front line wire between FAQUISSART and SUGAR LOAF. Moving to the preparations being **** it was impossible to provide head cover for Gun Pits.  The 32^nd & 36^th Batteries were somewhat heavily shelled by the hostile guns and suffered considerably T/Captain POWELL being killed and Captain ARCHER HOUBLON wounded (at Duty).

Casualties were           5 Bde R.H.A.              1 Killed.  2 Wounded

33        R.F.A.            1 Officer Killed

1 Officer Wounded (Duty)

5 O.R. Killed

21 Wounded

45 Bde R.F.A.                        Wounded O.R. 2

D.A.C.                        Wounded O.R.s 2

Weather fine slight drizzle in evening.

 

ESTAIRES

• The night was Quiet. 32^nd and 36^th Batteries moved from positions in RUE BACQUEROT to LAFLINQUE.

No action by our Artillery during the Day.

The Trench Mortar Officer and X, Y, Z/Trench Mortar Batteries rejoined the Div Artillery from ALBERT.  The           personnel of these three Batteries is to be used in the event of offensive action on this front.  All three Batteries spent          day in preparing Positions.

Weather fine though heavy clouds about all day.  Barometer 29.98.

ESTAIRES

• The Enemy fired a certain number of rounds during the night at 32^nd and 36^th Batteries wounding 6 men of 32^nd Battery.

Batteries resumed wire cutting between hours 10 a.m. to 12 Noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

32^nd & 36^th Batteries had to stop firing owing being heavily shelled.

’O’ Battery R.H.A. did not wire cut its position being too exposed.

Casualties during day             CAPT M.H.D. PARSONS ‘O’ Bty   Killed.

MAJOR A.O. BOYD ‘O’ Bty Wounded.

CAPT ARCHER HOUBLON 32 Bty Wounded

Other Ranks 2 Killed 4 Wounded

Weather fine.

 

ESTAIRES

• Night firing on approaches and cut wire. Zero hour for operations 11 a.m. Preliminary bombardment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at which hour the Assault was launched.  Batteries lifting from the front line and forming barrage in rear of hostile support line.

Casualties during day.                        Killed – 2 O.R.s

Wounded – 2 O.R.s

Shell Shock – 2 O.R.s

Weather fine.

 

ESTAIRES

• Batteries remained in Battle Positions. Operations broken off.

Orders received at 1.30 a.m. for 8 Dn Artillery to rejoin 8 Division marching on 21^st.

Weather fine.

Ditto

• Batteries remained in action all day but did not fire. During afternoon Batteries were withdrawn to Wagon Lines the withdrawal being carried out by single Guns. – At 7.30 p.m. the D.A.C. march to Billets at FOUQUEREIL.

The 33^rd Bde plus ‘O’ Bty R.H.A. and D/5 Bty. Hows 5 Bde R.H.A. march at 9.45 p.m. to Billets at BETHUNE –                          BEUVRY road.  At 10.15 p.m. 45 Bde plus ’Z’ Bty marched to Billets at LE QUESNOY – H.Q. Div Arty remained at                             ESTAIRES.

ESTAIRES

• Orders received for 8 Div Artillery to relieve the 8 Div Artillery Group in the QUINCHY Sector, and LEFT Group 15^th Div Artillery on nights of 22^nd/23^rd and 23^rd/24^th July – Operation Order No. 17 dated 21^st July 1916 issued. Marked APPENDIX OO/17 attached.

APPENDIX OO/17.

Instructions re relief of 8 Div Artillery Group and 15^th D.A.      LEFT Group marked APPENDIX A1/6 attached.

APPENDIX A1/6.

Operation Order No. 18 dated 21^st July 1916 March Table and detail of Relief marked APPENDIX OO/18 attached.

APPENDIX OO/18.

Weather fine.

ESTAIRES

• Q. R.A. at ESTAIRES. RIGHT Group Billets BETHUNE – BEUVRY Road. LEFT Group Billets LE QUESNOY.  D.A.C. Billets FOUQUEREIL.

At 4 a.m. 7 18 Pdr guns from 33^rd Bde sent up to action to replace 7 guns of 8 Dn Artillery Group sent to workshops.

Reliefs carried out in accordance with Operation Order No. 18 above.

Guns and Howitzers 16^th and 40^th Division Artillery forming part of 8 Div Artillery Group exchanged with 8 Div Artillery being 10 18 Pdr Guns and 8 4.5 Hows.

At 6 p.m. 8 D.A.C. relieved 15^th D.A.C. at VERQUIGNEUL.

Weather fine.

CHATEAU DES PRES

• Divisional Artillery H.Q. moved from ESTAIRES to SAILLY-LABOURSE opening at 12 Noon.

During the Day the relief of Batteries of 16^th and 40^th Divisions was carried out in Personnel only.  Guns having been       exchanged.  Reliefs completed by 4 p.m.

Relief of 15^th D.A. Batteries carried out at 9.30 p.m. and completed by 11 p.m.  Guns of 15^th D.A. being withdrawn and 8 D.A. guns put in.  This includes the whole of the right group and two Batteries 18 Pdr in Left Group.

SAILLY-        Group and Battery Commanders took over on completion of reliefs.

LABOURSE  H.Q. R.A. assumed responsibility for Artillery Defence of Line on completion of reliefs (11-15 p.m.)

During the Day five mines were blown.  3 by us and 2 by the Enemy.

Hostile Artillery activity was slight during the 24 hours.  Our advanced sections registered.  Weather fine though      cloudy.

• A Quiet Day. Our Batteries continued registration and checking lines taken over. This provoked a certain amount of hostile fire which was mostly directed against the trenches in the HOHENZOLLERN Sector.  A few rounds from 5.9 How and 77 mm were fired into ANNEQUIN.  Shelling ceased on our retaliating.

Weather fine though cloudy.

 

 

CHATEAU DES PRES

• The night was Quiet. Hostile Artillery very inactive. He used his Trench Mortars a little on the HOHENZOLLERN sector.  MAISON ROUGE and KINGSCLERE O.P. were shelled by 4.2 Hows considerable damage being done on the former.  Our guns retaliated on his O.P.s with successful results.  Registration and checking lines of fire taken over was continued at intervals during the day.

Weather fine though cloudy.  Rain expected.

 

SAILLY-LABOURSE

27-7-16            The night was Quiet.  During the day the enemy appeared to register a few points on our front probably in reply to our registration of various points.  No shelling of any importance took place.

Weather fine though dull with heavy cloud.

28-7-16            The night was Quiet.  During the day intermittent firing on both the CUINCHY and HOHENZOLLERN Sector to which we retaliated on his ‘Tender Spots’ and Support Line – KINGSCLERE O.P. was shelled but no damage done.  His Trench Mortars from the BRICK STACKS and LITTLE WILLIE TRENCH were fairly active.

At 11.0 p.m. the enemy fired both heavy & Medium Trench Mortars and 77 mm on Left Battalion HOHENZOLLERN Sector.  We replied vigorously.

Weather fine bright sunshine all day.  Misty in the Early morning.

 

29-7-16            The hostile Artillery of all natures including Trench Mortars were more active than on previous days.  Particular                      attention being paid to VALLEY OF DEATH, KINGSCLERE O.P. and CUINCHY CHURCH.  He also appeared to be CHATEAU       carefully registering our front line system opposite HOHERNZOLLERN.  Our Artillery retaliated on all occasions on DES PRES      his front line system and suspected O.P.s.  at 6.45 p.m. our 6” Hows engaged a Trench Mortar Emplacement in the                                     BRICK STACKS – At 9.0 p.m. his Artillery opened a lively fire on our trenches in the HOHENZOLLERN Sector SAILLY-         which increased in intensity till 11.30 p.m. when he raided our trenches in this Sector.  Between 11.30 p.m. and LABOURSE          2.30 a.m. he attempted three more raids with varying success.

Each attempt being preceded by an intense bombardment by all natures to which our Artillery replied with heavy                              Barrage fire.

Weather fine.

 

30-7-16            The night was Quiet.  Greatly reduced hostile Artillery activity during the Day.  A few rounds from 4.2” Hows and 77 mm being fired at odd points on our front Line system.  Our batteries fired at ’Tender Spots’ and continued a policy of continual annoyance.  Our Medium Trench Mortars fired about 80 rounds into the hostile front line wire and parapet doing Considerable Damage.

Weather fine.  Misty up to 9 a.m. rest of Day bright sunshine.

 

• The night was Quiet.

The Enemy was very quiet during this period with his Artillery only firing some 15 rounds of 10.5 cm in the

CHATEAU     HOHENZOLLERN Sector.  His Trench Mortars were however fairly active along the whole front – our Batteries who DES PRES            had not finished their registration carried on with it during this period.  In addition several points on the hostile trenches SAILLY-      were subjected to bursts of fire in conjunction with our Trench Mortars.

LABOURSE  Weather fine.  Very warm.

 

 

Report on Casualties to Personnel for month ending 31^st July marked APPENDIX A/16is attached.                                APPENDIX A/16

Appendices OO/12, OO/13, OO/14, OO/15, OO/16, A1/3, A1/6, OO/17, OO/18, N/1 are attached.

 

C.R. Gover Major

for        

B.G.R.A. 8 Division

2^nd Aug 1916

War Diary of Headquarters 31^st Divisional Artillery from JUNE 1^st 1916 – To JUNE 30^th 1916

 

VOLUME VI

 

1^st June 1916                                                                           31^st Div Artillery                                                         Ref Map 57 D N.E.

H.Q. BUS LES ARTOIS                               G.O.C. R.A. Brig Gen E.P. Lambert C.B., R.A.                   Infantry

Bde Major Capt H.O. Hutchison R.A.                       Right Sector

Right Group                                        Right Group                            A/170 Q.13.b.10.60                            93^rd Inf Bde

H.Q. MAILLY-MAILLET                Lt. Col C.B. Simonds R.F.A. C/170  Q.2.c.50.25.                             Brig Gen Ingles

Cmdg 170^th Bde                     D/171(How) Q.7.b.30.80.                   (1 Battalion in the line)

H.Q. COLINCAMPS

 

Left Group                                          Left Group                                C/165     K.27.a.13.13.                     Centre & left sectors

H.Q. COLINCAMPS                         Lt. Col W.S.D. Craven R.F.A. C/171     K.27.c.05.95.                      93^rd Inf Bde

Cmdg 169^th Bde.                      B/169      K.32.a.90.35.                     (2 Battalions in line)

C/169       K.32.b.15.15                     94^th Bde less 1 Batt training

H/169       K.31.c.70.00.                    92^nd Bde less 1 Batt in Div reserve,

D/170 (How) Q.2.b.10.25                   1 Batt 92^nd & 1 Batt 93^rd in Bde reserve.

 

A/171             K.27.a.05.70.          Attached to 48^th Div.

D/169 (How) K.27.c.20.10.         Cover whole Div Front.  (Under tactical control of Col. Hon. H.W. Addington R.F.A. Cmdg 171^st Bde)

 

 

In Reserve:-

 

1^st June 1916

• 165 Bde R.F.A. (less C Battery) Lt ColG. Henderson R.F.A.
• 171 Bde Hdqtrs (and B/171 battery) Col Hon. H.W. Addington R.F.A.

 

Guns in Action   32 18pdrs, (4 18 pdrs lent to 48^th Div)

12, 4.5 Hows

”In Reserve”      14 18 pdrs

3, 4.5 Hows

In Shop (for repairs) 2 18 pdrs

1 4.5 How

On LEFT FLANK         =          48^th Division.

On Right FLANK         =          29^th Division

 

1^st June

Right Group Enemy was active with 5.9’s firing 90 rounds into Q.2.d. between 6 & 8 a.m.

Otherwise a quiet day.  A/170 fired at a battery in PENDANT COPSE with observation by Kite balloon.

Left Group   Enemy fired about 120 rounds into K.21.a. between 7.30 & 9 a.m.  He was also active with 77 mm.

2^nd June

Right Group Normal day.  Snipers post located at Q.5.a20.80., also probably T.M. emplacement at K.35.b.0.5.

Left Group     Normal day.  Enemy shelled COURCELLES – COLINCAMPS road

3^rd June

Right Group & Left Group Normal; enemy artillery quiet during the day, & up to 12 midnight, when the bombardment of the raid started.

Appendix I Raid scheme 48^th D.A. orders & raid map (with “Original” copy of Diary)

Orders etc re the raid attached.

The artillery bombardment in conjunction with the 2 Trench mortars was accurate & effective, & the timing was punctual throughout. It was interesting to note that the enemy did not start retaliation to our bombardment till 12.20, their heavies did not open till 12.35.  Even then our trenches opposite the point of entry did not suffer very much, as most of the German fire was directed on our trenches opposite T.S. of the QUADRLATERAL.

The infantry were delayed in getting to their places and there was some delay in getting their Bangalore Torpedo into position – One of our own guns was afterwards reported by the raiding party to have been falling short on their left & caused some casualties. After the Bangalore torpedo was exploded, there was still some wire left uncut near the German parapet.  While cutting this wire some casualties were incurred, but an entry was made into the first line and 3 Germans are known to have been killed.  By this time the Officer in charge of the raiding party considered it time to withdraw & ordered the return to our own lines.  No prisoners were taken.

It was never discovered which gun was shooting short & it is quite possible that it was German fire & not our own.

The German artillery fire in reply was directed chiefly on the right & left of the front of entry and the heaviest retaliation was opposite the Quadrilateral where our casualties were somewhat heavy owing to lack of sufficient cover.

June 4^th

Right Group  Hostile Artillery was much quieter than of late opposite both groups.  Transport was fairly active on PUISIEUX road between 5.30 & 7 p.m.

Left Group   Normal day.

June 5th

Right Group Normal day.

Left Group   Normal day.                     See Appendix V (with original Diary)

June 6^th

Right Group & Left Group Normal day.  Enemy artillery rather quieter.

June 7^th

Right Group Normal day.  Camouflage observed at Q.6.a.5.1. A 77 mm battery is suspected.  Work continues on K.35.a.40.00.

Left Group Snipers posts located at K.30.c.15.67, K.35.c.40.70, K.35.c.30.40.

June 8^th

Right Group  Enemy fired about 90 5.9 shell at C/170, having previously ranged on it some hours before.  One man was wounded, one gun damaged.

Hostile battery was located at R.1.d.7.9 & engaged by 60 pdrs.

Ranging for instruction of Infantry Officers continues. Batteries starting dumping ammunition at the guns today for the forthcoming offensive.

Left Group Train movements observed rather above normal.

June 9th

Right Group Enemy artillery slightly more active.  Machine gun was located at K.29.b.4.0.

Left Group  Normal day.

June 10^th

Right Group  Enemy artillery active with 77 mm & 4.2 cm.  Strong parties were working on the trenches in the QUADRILATERAL all night, probably repairing damage done by our 2” Trench mortars, who fired 20 rounds with good effect in the afternoon.  C/170, A/170, D/171 cooperated during this shoot with a large number of rounds.

Left Group Fired over 200 rounds in retaliation for hostile shelling, which was active on our front line in the morning in K.29.b.

June 11^th

Right Group  Enemy artillery very quiet

Left Group

June 12^th

Right Group & Left Group  Enemy artillery again below normal.  Weather, rainy & bad for observation.

June 13^th

Right Group & Left Group  Slight enemy artillery activity confined to 77mm.  Large working party observed in afternoon at K.31.c.7.4.  Weather wet & misty.

June 14^th

Both Groups  – Normal day – transports observed by Left Group slightly above normal.

June 15^th

Both Groups – report Camouflage in Munich Trench at K36.a.71.82., this has been moved along the trench day by day; it is thought it may be a forward position.

 

June 16^th       On night of 15/16 June 2 guns 134^th Battery 4^th Div relieved 2 guns C/170.  On night 16/17 remaining guns 134^th battery relieved remaining guns C/170.  When this relief was completed C/170 were in their new positions at K.27.c.64.40 & A/170 also withdrew & moved into their new position at K.27.c.64.07.

At 6 p.m. on 16^th the Left Group covered the front from North point of JOHN COPSE to K.35.a.4.7., covering both battalions in the line.  The left group was reinforced by D/171.

The batteries, therefore, till the 24^th June, were grouped as follows.

Left Group. Lt. Col. W.S.D. Craven.                                                   H.Q. K.25c.23.28.

Cmdg 169 Bde R.F.A.

 

C/165              K.27.a.16.14.

C/171              K.27.c.05.95.

B/169              K.32.a.91.35.

C/169              K.32.b.20.15.

A/169             K.31.c.71.00.

D/170              Q2.b.10.25.

D/171              Q.7.b.30.80.

 

16^th – 23^rd June                                 Reinforcing batteries.

B/165              K.15.d.09.17.                                      During this week these batteries were

A/165              K.21.a.00.80.                                      gradually moved into their new positions

A/171              K.27.a.07.48.                                      by night.  They registered with a few rounds,

D/169              K.27.c.20.10.                                      but did not take part in the defence of the

A/170              K.27.c.64.07.                                      line, as it was not considered desirable to

B/170              K.27.c.22.68.                                      disclose their positions more than was

C/170              K.27.c.64.40.                                      absolutely necessary.

D/165              K.32.d.40.70.

B/171              K.32.c.83.73.

16^th June

Right Group  Handed over tactical control to 4^th Div Art & O.C. Left Group, 6.30 p.m. this evening.  A trench mortar at Q.5.a.35.45was silenced by our Artillery fire.

Left Group Transport heard during the night seemed much greater than usual.

The IV Division are now on our Right with the 29^th Division on their right.

June 17^th

Left Group B/169 was shelled with 5.9’s between 6.30 & 7 p.m., causing 7 casualties, 4 killed & 3wounded.  No damage to emplacements.  Enemy aeroplanes were active over our lines.

How. Group. (D171) Normal day.

 

June 18^th

Both Groups  Enemy artillery very quiet.  Hostile aeroplanes again active.

June 19^th

Both Groups  Hostile artillery shewed greater activity today, especially with 4.2’s & 5.9’s.  Left Group fired over 200 rounds in group retaliations.

June 20^th

Both Groups Normal day.  Preliminary bombardment (wire cutting) to general attack, which should have started at 6 a.m. this morning, was postponed to the 24^th.

June 21^st

Both Groups  Hostile Artillery slightly more active.  Left Group fired over 150 rounds in retaliation.

June 22^nd 23^rd

Both Groups  Nothing of interest to report.

 

June 24^th       For the grouping of the Divisional Artillery during the bombardment & attack see attached Appendix.    Appendix III

For reports from 24^th June onwards see attached appendix IV.  (pp 24&25).                                                                                                              Appendix IV

Appendix V

Two inch Trench Mortars

T.M.O. Cap^t Horner 18^th W. Yorks

Batteries

X31     Lieut Binns                                                     S31 was formed from the Div Arty by officers & men who Y31           Capt Kirk                                                        had one week’s course.  2^nd Lt Axten was given command Z31            Lieut Alexander                                     of this battery.

 

V 31 Heavy T.M. Battery (Cap^t Haney R.F.A.) arrived from the Trench Mortar School on June 4^th without guns.  Two mortar positions & ammunition dumps were built, pending the arrival of their guns which, however, were not eventually forthcoming.

Z 23 (Lieut George) with mortars complete was attached to 31 Div Arty from 23^rd Div Arty & arrived on June 18^th.

Capt Horner T.M.O. was relieved by 2^nd Lieut Bates R.F.A. on June 8^th.  2^nd Lt Bates was given the local rank of captain while employed as T.M.O.   Captain Kirk, on going sick, was relieved in his command by 2^nd Lieut Dann R.F.A. on the 2^nd June.

Throughout June the personnel of the Trench Mortars assisted by 53 Pioneers (later increased to 100) prepared 18 T.M. positions & ammunition dumps to hold 6000 rounds of ammunition in the trenches.

Dumps of 1000 rounds each were situated in SACKVILLE St., OBSERVATION WOOD & MATTHEW COPSE.  Component parts for dump in OBSERVATION WOOD were stacked in a specially made dug-out off EXCEMA & behind HITTITE.  The remainder of the ammunition was stored in deep dug-outs between each pair of mortar positions.

The transport of 2” T.M. ammunition to the trenches was a heavy task. Lorries carried them to COLINCAMPS & thence by G.S. wagons to EUSTON DUMP – thence by hand to the various positions in the trenches.

The weather was wet & the trenches muddy & very heavy to walk through, & it was almost impossible to get the men carrying bombs to do more than one journey by night.

By the evening of          all the mortars were in position & the ammunition at the various dumps.  The Pioneers had to work day & night shifts during the last 10 days & the ammunition required actually 9000 men to carry it from first to last, including the replenishment of gun pits during the bombardment.

Monthly Return of Casualties to Personnel – Headquarters ****

————————————————————————————

 

Month ending 31^st July 1916

 

 

Nature of Casualty                  Officers                                               Other Ranks                            Remarks

 

Admitted

to Hospital.                             –                                                                       1                                            

 

Killed.                                     –                                                                       –

 

Wounded.                               –                                                                       –

 

Injured.                                   –                                                                       –

 

Missing.                                   –                                                                       –

 

Absentees.                               –                                                                       –

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly Return of Casualties to Personnel – 45^th Brigade R.F.A.  Month ending 31^st July 1916

 

 

Nature of Casualty                  Officers                                               Other Ranks                            Remarks

 

Admitted

to Hospital.                             1                                                                      12^{x                                         x} Does not include 5^o wounded

 

Killed.                                     –                                                                       3

 

Injured.                                   –                                                                       –

 

Wounded.                               1                                                                      5^{o                                 o} Includes 2 wounded “at duty”

 

Missing.                                   –                                                                       3

 

Absentees.                               –                                                                       –