Wivenhoe Park Camp

Colchester

29.8.16

Dear F & M

I was awfully sorry I was unable to come to see you in town but I had applied for leave and had intended seeing you at home.  As it was I did not receive your letter until Friday morning when I heard my leave had been granted.  I only had the weekend.  You can imagine how disappointed I was but I expect it will not be long before I can have leave again, say with an extra day & then I can get home.

I have a very hard time at Bisley but think I am amply rewarded as I got a distinguished report which of course is the highest possible.

The is nothing fresh to relate things are just the same here.  Fred seems to be getting along OK.  I am going to write to him soon.  Oh! I went to Southport when I knew you were not at home.  I did think of calling to see Uncle Tom but can go some other time.  I am sending you a copy of the Stand Easy, don’t lose it – Look at “C” Cy notes.  I will send it monthly.  Give my love to them all at 212.

Fondest love George

SECRET.                                                                                              Copy No……

27^th August 1916.

 

REVISED COPY – FOR REFERENCE ONLY.

 

20^TH DIVISION OPERATION ORDER NO 90.

 

Reference –

Trench Map, LONGUEVAL Sheet 57c, S.W. – 1/10,000

GINCHY-GUILLEMONT Map 1/5,000

 

 

Attack             1. The Fourth Army in conjunction with the French is renewing the attack on September 3^rd at an hour ZERO to be named later.

 

Corps objective. 2. The XIV Corps is to clear GUILLEMONT and establish itself on the line FALFEMONT Farm – WEDGE WOOD – GINCHY Road up to T.20.a.1.5.

This attack will be carried out by the 20^th Division on the left and the 5^th Division on the right.

 

5^th Division Objective 3.  The 5^th Division will attack FALFEMONT FARM and the trenches to the South of it up to point 48 at 9.0 a.m.

 

Objective, 20^th Division. 4.  The 20^th Division will capture GUILLEMONT, clear it and then establish itself on the WEDGEWOOD-GINCHY Road from T.26.a.1.7. on the right to T.20.a.1.5. on the left.  Finally it will establish itself on a line – N.W. corner of LEUZE WOOD T.26.b.8.8½. (exclusive) – T.20.a.6.5. where touch will be established with the 5^th and 7^th Divisions respectively.

 

Boundaries between divisions. 5. The dividing line between the 20^th and 5^th Divisions will be:-

S.30.d.5.8 ½. – T.25.a.3½.2. – Strong Point T.25.b.1.5. (inclusive to 20^th Division) T.26.a.1.7. – N.W. corner LEUZE WOOD T.26.b.8.8 ½.

The dividing line between the 20^th and 7^th Divisions will be:-

S.24.b.8½. – T.19.b.2.6. – T.20.a.1.5. – 6.5.

 

Boundaries between Brigades. 6. The 59^th Infantry Brigade and 1 Battalion 60^th Infantry Brigade will attack on the right and the 47^th Infantry Brigade on the left.

The dividing line between the 59^th and 47^th Infantry Brigades will be:-

S.24.d.7.1 ½. – Road junction T.20.d.2 ½.5½. – GUILLEMONT – COMBLES Road to T.20.d.2½.5½. (latter point inclusive to right Brigade).

 

Brigades’ objectives. 7. The objectives allotted to the Brigades are as follows and shewn on the attached map marked ”A” –

• 59^th Infantry Brigade.

1^st Objective – German trenches in Sunken Road from T.25.a.3 ½.3. to T.25.a.2.7½. thence North to MOUNT STREET.

 

2^nd objective. – Trench junction T.25.b.1.4½. (incl) thence SOUTH STREET as far as MOUNT STREET.

 

3^rd objective. – WEDGE WOOD – GINCHY Road from T.26.a.1.7.to cross roads T.20.c.1½.4 ½. (incl) touch being established with 5^th Division and the right and 47^th Infantry Brigade on the left.

 

4^th objective. – N.W. corner LEUZE WOOD (exclusive), T.26.b.8.8 ½. – GUILLEMONT – COMBLES Road – T.20.d.2½.5½. (incl).

 

• 47^th Infantry Brigade.

1^st objective – MOUNT STREET at T.19.c.2.2. – Eastern end of QUARRIES – thence German trench to T.19.c.2½.9. – thence BROMPTON Road to T.19.a.8.2. – T.19.a.9.1.

 

2^nd objective – NORTH STREET – T.19.a.9.1. – GINCHY Road, including buildings South of road T.19.c.9.9., – to T.19.b.2.6. where touch will be established with the 7^th Divn.

 

3^rd objective – WEDGE WOOD – GINCHY ROAD from cross roads T.20.c.1½.4 ½. (excl) to T.20.a.1.5., where touch will be established with 7^th Division.

 

4^th objective – T.20.d.2½.5½. (excl) – T.20.a.6.5.

 

• The advance from the first to the second objective will commence at 0 plus 50.

The advance from the second to the third objective will commence at 0 plus 2 hours.

The advance from the third to the fourth objective will commence at 0 plus 2 hours 45 minutes.

Consolidation of gains.

• On gaining each objective they will be consolidated and strong points will be established at the following points:-

Right Brigade.

On 2^nd objective – T.25.b.1.5.

T.25.b.1.9.

On 3^rd objective –   T.20.c.1 ½.4½. and CEMETERY, T.19.d.7.3.

On 4^th objective – QUARRY T.20.d.2.1.

Road T.20.d.2.5.

Left Brigade

On 1^st objective – QUARRIES.

T.19.a.5½.½.

T.19.a.9.1. to 8.2.

On 2^nd objective – T.19.c.9.4.

On 3^rd objective – T.20.a.1.2.

On 4^th objective – Trench junction T.20.a.6.5.

Reserve at disposal of Brigades (e) Immediately the objectives are reached Bdes will push forward patrols to establish under cover of these patrols a line in touch with Divs on the Right and Left as near as possible to the German positions.

 

(f) For the capture of the 3^rd objective 2 bns of the 61^st Inf Bde in reserve will be available to be placed at the disposal of 59^th and 47^th Bdes if required (para 11) but these Bdes will make their preparations for capturing the 3^rd objective without having to call on the reserve.

 

(g) It may be necessary to employ the two rear battalions of the Divisional Reserve for the final objective, but this will depend on whether the 59^th and 47^th Brigades have used the two Reserve Battalions from the Divisional Reserve to gain the 3^rd objective.

 

Bombardment 8. (a) The attack will be preceded by a bombardment by heavy artillery, commencing at 8 a.m. on morning of September 2^nd.

(b) During this bombardment certain trenches may have to be cleared from time to time and arrangements for this will be made between XIV Corps H. A. and 20^th Division.

Barrages          (c) Fifty per cent of the Field Artillery guns in the division will be employed for stationary barrages and 50 per cent for rolling barrages.

Details of the stationary barrages are shewn on the attached map marked “B”.

(d) At Zero an intense Field Artillery barrage will open on the first objective.  This barrage will lift as shewn on the attached map marked ”B”.  At the same hour a creeping barrage will be opened one hundred yards in front of the infantry and will advance at the rate of fifty yards per minute in front of the infantry until the objective is reached.  When this barrage has passed 200 yards beyond the objective it will become stationary.

Whenever the creeping barrage reaches the stationary barrage, the stationary barrage will lift on to the next barrage line, i.e. the next colour in front of it on the map.

An intensive rate will be continued for fifteen minutes when fire will drop to two rounds a minute per gun.

The barrage on BROMPTON ROAD, objective of Left Battalion, Left Brigade, will lift at ZERO 4 in stead of ZERO 3.  the remainder of the barrage will lift at ZERO 3 as ordered.

 

(e)At the hour of Zero, all heavy howitzers will lift from GUILLEMONT.

 

Six inch howitzers will continue on the objectives in GUILLEMONT, east of GREEN STREET, HILL STREET and the German trench line from T.25.a.8.7½. to WEDGE WOOD.

(f) At Zero plus 50 the Field Artillery barrage will again become intensive and the infantry will advance to their 2^nd objective, and the same procedure as ordered in para. (d) will again be followed.

An intensive rate will be continued for fifteen minutes, when fire will drop to two rounds a minute per gun.

 

(g) The heavy howitzers and six inch howitzers will, after zero plus 50, not fire on any parts of the third objective except the CEMETERY, and WEDGE WOOD – GUILLEMONT Road, between T.26.a.1.1. and T.20.a.1.5.

 

(h) At zero plus two hours the Field Artillery barrage will again become intensive and the infantry will advance to the third objective.

 

• The barrage on WEDGE WOOD – GINCHY Road in front of 20^th Division will lift at 2 hours 15 minutes and not at 2 hours 25 minutes as shewn on Map ”B”.

 

An intense rate of fire will be maintained for 25 minutes.

 

(j) To enable the 4^th attack to be made the barrage will again become intensive at Zero plus 2 hours 45 minutes.  The creeping barrage will advance at the rate of 50 yards per minute until it has passed 200 yards beyond its final objective.

 

(k) Detailed orders for the action of the Field Artillery will be issued by the C.R.A. 24^th Division (attached to 20^th Division).

 

The movements of the Infantry will conform to the rolling barrages, it being essential that they get up close under the barrage and move along under it.

 

Pusher mine etc. 9  A “pusher” mine under the strong point at S.30.b.7.1. will be exploded at 0 – 10 seconds and the Flammenwerfer will open fire at the same hour if in position.  The front trench will be cleared for 20 yards on either side of SCOTTISH LANE.

 

R.E. and Pioneers 10. The 96^th Field Coy. R.E. and one Coy. Pioneers are placed at the disposal of the G.O.C. 59^th Infantry Brigade and 83^rd Field Coy. and 1 Coy. of Pioneers at the disposal of G.O.C. 47^th Infantry Brigade.

These troops will be used mainly for the construction of strong points and for connecting back the various objectives with communication trenches.

 

Machine Guns 11. Brigadiers will select positions for their machine guns to cover the advance with either direct or indirect fire.

The 61^st Machine Gun Company will also co-operate in the attack by bringing direct and indirect machine gun fire on to the enemy’s approaches to the objectives.

 

Divl Reserve. 12. The Divl. Reserve will consist of:-

61^st Inf. Bde. – Headquarters S.28.b.6.7.

60^th Bde. (less one Battn) – H.Qrs. The Craters.

11^th Durham L.I. (Pioneers) less 2 Coys.) Trenches W. edge of

84^th Field Coy R.E.                      )BERNAFAY WOOD

)S.28.b.4.0.

 

At Zero the G.O.C. 61^st Inf. Brigade will send 2 Bns. forward to occupy trenches vacated by 59^th and 47^th Infantry Brigades near the front line.  The two Bns. will be prepared to carry out the attack on the 3^rd objective from the 2^nd objective at 0 2 hours, for which purpose one bn would be placed at disposal of G.O.C. 59^th and G.O.C. 47^th Inf. Bdes. Respectively.

 

The G.O.C. 61^st Inf. Brigade will keep in close touch with the 59^th and 47^th Infantry Brigades and will be prepared to act on his own initiative failing communication with Divisional Headquarters.

 

Note.  ADD.  Within the boundaries of GUILLEMONT Village creeping barrages will advance at the rate of 100 yards per 4 minutes.

 

(a) The 60^th Inf. Bde. will not move forward from the CRATERS until ordered to do so by Divisional Headquarters.

 

(b) This Brigade will keep the closest touch with the 61^st Inf. Bde. and will be prepared to occupy the trenches vacated by the 61^st Inf. Bde. as the latter moves forward from its first battle position.

 

(c) The 60^th Inf. Bde. will not be used except to resist a counter attack on the final objective or to meet any sudden emergency.

 

(d) The Brigadier, O.Cs. Battns. and Signalling Officers must reconnoitre all the approaches to GUILLEMONT and the several objectives.

 

(e) G.Os.C. 60^th and 61^st Inf. Bdes. will detail liaison officers who will move with Brigade H.Qrs.

 

(f) Visual signalling must be established between the two Brigades.

 

Aeroplane Co-operation. 13.  The 9^th Squadron R.F.C. will have two contact aeroplanes in the air from ZERO until three and a half hours after ZERO; after that one contact aeroplane until dark on September 3^rd.

On the 4^th September they will detail one contact aeroplane from 5.30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

 

Flares will be lit as follows:-

(a) On attaining each objective.

(b) At 7 p.m. September 3^rd.

(c) At 6 a.m. September 4^th.

 

The contact aeroplanes may be recognised by their markings of two long blue streamers, one attached to the end of each plane, and two transverse black bands on the plane, one near each end of the coloured circles.

 

YELLOW flares will be used, as it is believed the Germans may use RED to mislead us.

 

Tools for assaulting parties. 14.  At least 40 per cent of the attacking Coys. will carry picks and shovels in the proportion of one pick to one shovel.

Men assaulting will not carry more than 120 rounds of ammunition.

 

Prisoners.  15.  All prisoners will be sent to the Divisional Collecting Station at CRATER POST (A.8.a.8.3.) where they will be searched under arrangements of the A.P.M. 20^th Divn.

From where they will be marched to the Advanced Corps Cage (F.23.d.0.4.) for preliminary examination.

 

Medical. 16.  Separate detailed instructions have been issued with regard to medical arrangements.

Bearer Posts.

Left Brigade – BERNAFAY WOOD – S.22.d.9.1.

Right Brigade – BRIQUETERIE, A.4.b.5.3.

 

Adv. Dressing Station – CARNOY A.13.d.3.8.

Walking Cases. Through MONTAUBAN or BRIQUETERIE to A.D.S.

 

Reports. 17.  Reports as to position and progress will be sent every ½ hour after ZERO unless runners and pigeons are the only means of communication, in which case information will be sent as often as possible.  In any case important information will be sent at once.

Negative reports are required.

 

Distinguishing Badges. 18.  Runners will wear distinguishing badges on their shoulder straps as follows:-

20^th Division – BLUE.

47^th Inf. Bde. – GREEN.

Orders will be issued to all control sentries to pass through priority all men wearing these badges.

 

Time.               19.  Watches will be synchronised at 6.0 p.m., on 2^nd September and 6.0 a.m. and 9.0 a.m. on September 3^rd.

D.H.Qrs.         20.  On the capture of the final objective, 20^th Divl, H.Qrs will move forward to the BRIQUETERIE.

21. Acknowledge.

 

(sd) C.A. MILWARD, Major, for Lieut.Colonel,

General Staff, 20^th Division.

 

 

Issued at

 

Copies to

1 XIV Corps (G),

2 XIV Corps (Q),

3 5^th Division,

4 7^th Division

5 16^th Division,

6 C.R.A. 24^th Division,

7 C.R.A. 6^th Division,

8 C.R.E.

9 59^th Inf. Brigade,

10 60^th Inf. Brigade,

11 61^st Inf Bde.

12 11^th Durham L.I.,

13 A.D.M.S.

14 A.A. & Q.M.G.

15 A.P.M.

16 XIV Corps H.A.

17 20^th Signal Coy.

18 9^th Squadron R.F.C.

19/22 Retained.

47^th Infantry Brigade.

Alfred George Richardson’s Diary 25 August 1916

 

 

Receipts                                  Issues

A         AX                              A       AX

Friday 25^th August 1916:                    440                                         440      117

100         11                             100        44

 

A is 18-pdr Shrapnel shell and AX is 18-pdr High Explosive shell.

 

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