EXTRACTS FROM WAR DIARY.
1915
July 4— Parkhouse Camp Received orders to embark for France.
July 8— do. Advance party embarked on s.s. Inventor for Havre via Southampton.
Battalion embarked at 11.50 p.m. on s.s. Arundel for Boulogne via Folkestone.
July 9— Boulogne Disembarked and proceeded to rest camp. Marched to Pont des Briques.
July 10— Houlle Joined by advance party and proceeded to Watten by train. 9.45 a.m. Billets at Houlle.
July 12— do. Inspected by Field Marshal Sir John French.
July 15— Hazelbrouck Marched at 6.30 a.m. to Hazelbrouck, arrived 4.30 p.m. 19 miles.
July 16— Gonnehem Marched at 8 p.m. to Gonnehem via St. Venant and Busnes, arriving at 3.30 p.m.
July 17— do. Marched at 8 p.m. to Houchin, via Chocques, Le Perlecques, and Vaudricourt, arriving 12.15 a.m. (18/7/15).
July 18— Houchin Marched at 9 p.m. to Les Brebis via Mazingarbe, arrived 12 midnight less sick and details. Reported to C.R.E. Indian Cavalry Division.
July 19— Les Brebis Found work party (300 from A and D Coys.).
July 20— do. Found work parties from A, B, C and D Coys.
July 22— do. First casualty 14176 Pte. V. A. Telfer (wounded).
July 24— Houchin Marched at 9 p.m. from Les Brebis.
July 28— do. A and B Coys. proceeded to trenches for two days' tour under 142 Brigade.
July 30— do. A and B Coys. relieved by C and D Coys.
Aug. 2— Sector W. I. A and B Coys. and H.Q. joined C and D Coys. in Sector W.I., relieving 142 Brigade on the extreme right of the British lines: A Coy. right and B Coy. left, C support and D reserve. Battalion H.Q. South Maroc.
Aug. 6— South Maroc Battalion relieved by 8th Seaforths. Found working parties 400 strong.
Aug. 10— Mazingarbe Relieved by 8th K.O.S.B.'s 46 Brigade. A and B machine guns left in Keeps. Found work parties.
Aug. 18— Sector X2 Relieved by 7th R.S.F. and we relieved 6th Camerons in Sector X2.
Aug. 26— Mazingarbe Relieved in trenches by 10th Gordons taking over area C from 9th Black Watch.
Aug. 30— Noeux les Mines Relieved 11th A. and S. H. in billets. Finding working parties (300).
Sept. 7— Trenches Marched at 5 p.m. to Mazingarbe. Relieved 7th R.S.F., taking over trenches in Sector X1 from Sap 18 to 8C exclusive.
Sept. 10— do. Casualties in Sap 18—5 killed 2 wounded.
Sept. 12— Verquin Relieved by 13th Royal Scots. Marched to billets at Verquin.
Sept. 18— do. Our pipers played our 4th Battalion through Verquin.
Sept. 19— do. Pipe Band played retreat in Square at Bethune. First pipers to do so; loudly cheered by crowd.
Sept. 21— do. 8 p.m. moved to Vermelles-Grenay branch line of trenches. Bombardment of enemy's trenches began that morning.
Sept. 25— Grenay Vermeilles Line Moved off at 4.45 a.m. to the attack. Marched to Quality Street; entered trench southern up. Head of Battalion turned down trench 21 and joined 9th Black Watch. Gas turned on at 5.50 a.m. for 40 minutes. Assault delivered at 6.30 a.m. by 9th Black Watch with the Lens Road on right, and the 8th Seaforths on the left. The 7th Camerons followed in support, the 10th Gordons being in reserve. Lieut.-Col. Sandilands, D.S.O. commanded on Hill 70 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., when relieved by Lieut.-Col. Maclean, Royal Scots. At 8 p.m. G.O.C 46 Brigade arrived in Loos. It was decided that 45 Brigade should hold Hill 70 and that what was left of the Camerons should withdraw. At 11 p.m. Lieut.-Col. Sandilands with 6 officers and 75 men marched back through Loos to La Philosophe. The losses for the day were:—4 officers killed; 6 officers wounded; 4 officers missing; 64 men killed; 253 wounded; 217 missing; total, 14 officers, 534 men.
Sept. 26— Loos Battle Ordered to hold first line of old British trench. Met large numbers of men of the 21st Division retiring from Loos. At 1 p.m. ordered to hold support line of old German trench. The 7th Camerons dug themselves in on reverse of parapet owing to gas rendering the trench untenable.
Sept. 27— Mazingarbe Ordered to withdraw to Mazingarbe at 1.30 a.m.
Sept. 28— Houchin At 9.30 a.m. marched to billets at Houchin.
Oct. 3— Lillers Marched to Lillers. Billets.
Oct. 12— Noeux les Mines Left Lillers, entrained 5.30 p.m. for Noeux les Mines.
Oct. 26— Trenches Right Sec. Left Noeux les Mines at 12.40 p.m. for trenches. Took over line from 6th Camerons.
Oct. 29— do. O.G. Line Relieved by 8th Seaforths, going back into old German trenches.
Nov. 2— do. Right Sec. Relieved 8th Seaforths in front line.
Nov. 3— do. do. 11 men killed and 19 wounded (B Coy). Trench infiladed by heavy guns from Hulluch direction. Trench considerably damaged.
Nov. 4— do. O.G. Line 1 man killed and 3 wounded. Relieved by 8th Seaforths: occupied old German trench.
Nov. 5— do. do. Found work parties (burying dead).
Nov. 7— Noeux les Mines Relieved by 8th K.O.S.B.'s and marched to Noeux les Mines billets.
Nov. 13— Sector D.I. Relieved 13th Royal Scots in support B Coy. O.B. Support line A and B Coys. billets Vermeilles, D Coy. Philosophe.
Nov. 16— do. Relieved 8th Seaforths in front line, D Coy. left, A Coy. right, C Coy. support, B Coy. reserve.
Nov. 19— Noyelles Relieved by 8th Seaforths, went into reserve.
Nov. 22— Trenches Relieved 8th Seaforths in trenches. C Coy. left, B Coy. right, A Coy. support, D Coy. reserve.
Nov. 24— Noeux les Mines Relieved by 13th Royal Scots. Marched to billets.
Nov. 26— Sailly la Bourse Marched to billets.
Dec. 1— Sector C1 Relieved 1st A. and S. H. in trenches in front line, Devon Lane to Goeben Alley. A Coy. right, B Coy. left, C Coy. support, D Coy. reserve.
Dec. 4— Noyelles Brigade Reserve relieved by 8th Seaforths.
Dec. 7— Trenches Relieved 8th Seaforths in trenches O.G.1 and O.B.5. D Coy. right, C Coy. left, B support, A Coy. reserve.
Dec. 11— Philosophe Relieved by 8th Seaforths. B, C and D Coy. billets in Philosophe. A Coy. O.B.5.
Dec. 14— Allouagne 141st Brigade relieved 44th, Battalion relieved by 19th County of London Battalion. Marched to Noeux les Mines, entraining for Lillers, thence marching to Allouagne.
1916
Jan. 5— Allouagne Divisional exercise. Left Allouagne at 8 a.m., via Burbure, Ecquedecque, Lieres, Auchy, arriving Rely at 3.45 p.m.
Jan. 6— Rely Battalion marching from 7.30 a.m., via Cumem Bomy to Coyecque, returning Rely at 6 p.m.
Jan. 7— Allouagne Left Rely at 1 a.m., arriving at Allouagne at 12.15 p.m., via Billery, Hurionville and Burbure.
Jan. 14— Trenches Loos Left Allouagne 8.15 a.m. for Loos. Marched to Lillers, entrained to Noeux les Mines, marched to Loos via Philosophe. Relieved 2nd K.R.R. H.Q. in the Trait de l'Union, A Coy. Gun Alley and Reserve Trench, B and D Coys. Gun Alley and C Coy. Lens Road Redoubt, 65 Metre Point and Northern Sap Redoubt.
Jan. 15— Trenches Loos Hill 70
to Section 14B. At 6 p.m. A, B and D Coys., less 2 platoons, took over firing line between Boyau des Anglais and Loos-Laurent Road. B Coy. relieved 8th Seaforths on left. D Coy. (2 platoons) in centre and A Coy. on right relieved the 15th London Regiment. H.Q. in cellars in Loos with 2 platoons of D Coy. C Coy. moved from Redoubt in 10th Avenue to Gun Alley.
Jan. 16— do. do. Two platoons of C Coy. relieved two platoons of the 8th Seaforths. A Coy. 6th Royal Irish attached for instruction.
Jan. 17— do. do. B Coy. to Gun Alley; front line held by two companies only; the two platoons of D Coy. (in cellars) now proceeding to firing line.
Jan. 18— do. do. C Coy. relieved A Coy.
Jan. 20— do. do. B Coy. relieved D Coy.
Jan. 23— do. do. Battalion relieved by 8th Seaforths going into reserve 10th Avenue. H.Q. Pont Street. Battalion area from Vendin Alley to Chalk Pit Alley. B Coy. on left, then C, D less one platoon, A Coy. less 2 platoons. One platoon of D Coy. in Northern Sap Redoubt. One platoon A 65 Metre Point Redoubt and one Lens Road Redoubt.
Jan. 26— Philosophe Relieved by 4th Suffolks. Proceeded to Philosophe.
Jan. 27— Noeux les Mines Left Philosophe at 9.15 a.m. Billets taken over from 8th K.O.S.B.
Jan. 29— do. do. Finding large working party of 659 men. Stood to from 5.30 to 9 p.m. Reserve M.G. moved to Mazingarbe.
Feb. 1— Hulluch Section Marched from Noeux les Mines at 2.30 p.m. and relieved 11th A. and S. H. (of 45th Infantry Brigade) in left sub section Hulluch.
Feb. 4— Philosophe Relieved in evening by 10th Gordons and moved into Brigade reserve at Philosophe.
Feb. 7— Hulluch Section Relieved 10th Gordons in left sub section. B and C Coys. front line, A support, D reserve.
Feb. 10— do. do. Relieved by 10th Gordons and relieved 9th Black Watch in 10th Avenue as Bde. support.
Feb. 13— Noeux les Mines Relieved by 8th K.O.S.B.'s of 46th Brigade; marched to Noeux les Mines.
Feb. 16— do. do. Finding working parties, 10 officers 500 men.
Feb. 19— 14 B. 15 Section Relieved 6th Camerons in left sub section of 14 B. 15 Section from Vendin Alley to Possen Alley. A and D Coys. firing line, C support, B reserve.
Feb. 25— do. do. Relieved by 9th Black Watch, moved into Brigade support 10th Avenue, A Coy. in Gun trench.
Feb. 26— 14 B. 15 Section One officer and 59 men proceeded to form part of permanent working party on right sub section.
Feb. 28— do. do. Relieved 8th Seaforths in right sub section. A and B Coys. firing line, C support, D reserve.
Mar. 2— Mazingarbe Relieved by 12th H.L.I., marched to billets at Mazingarbe. Found working party of 150 men.
Mar. 8— Hulluch Section Relieved 7th R.S.F. in left sub section of Hulluch Section, leaving Mazingarbe at 8.30 a.m. C and D Coys. firing line, B Coy. support, A Coy. reserve.
Mar. 11— do. do. A Coy. changed with D.
Mar. 12— do. do. C Coys. line blown in, in 11 places.
Mar. 13— do. do. Support line blown in, in 4 places.
Mar. 14— Philosophe Relieved by 3 Coys. 10th Gordons and 1 Coy. Inniskilling Fusiliers. Proceeded into Brigade reserve. In billets. Day working parties of 205 men supplied.
Mar. 17— Hulluch Section Battalion (less D Coy.) relieved 8th Inniskilling Fusiliers, going into Brigade support in 10th Avenue. D Coy. in reserve line centre sub-section under O.C. commanding 8th Seaforths. All available men on working parties, salving.
Mar. 20— Noeux les Mines Relieved by 12th H.L.I. Marched to Noeux les Mines.
Mar. 22— do. do. Night working parties of 6 officers and 300 men supplied.
Mar. 23— do. do. B Coy. proceeded to La Buissiere to do duty at 1st Corps H.Q.
Mar. 25— Allouagne Railed to Lillers and marched to Allouagne. Transport moved by road.
Mar. 28— do. Ceremonial parade at Lillers at 3 p.m. G.O.C. 1st Army distributed medals. Brigade marched past in column of route.
April 1— Allouagne Innoculation.
April 7— Fervin Palfart Divisional exercise. Battalion left 7 a.m., billeted 2 p.m. Marched via Lozinghem, Auchel, Cauchy-a-la-Tour, Perfay Bellory, Auchy-au-Bois to Fervin Palfart.
April 8— do. do. Marched to Enquin les Mines via Flechin and Cuhen, entraining to Fervin.
April 9— Allouagne Marched back to billets.
April 10— do. Smoke demonstration at Burbure.
April 10— do. Lieut.-Col. J. W. Sandilands, C.M.G., D.S.O., relinquished command of Battalion on appointment to 104th Brigade.
April 21— do. G.O.C. (15th Division) inspected Companies.
April 25— Annequin 12 noon A, C and D Coys. left Allouagne, marched to Lillers, entraining for Noeux les Mines. Marched from Noeux les Mines to reserve billets at Annequin. B Coy. rejoined Battalion.
April 26— Trench, Left Sub-
Section Quarry Sector Relieved 7th Royal Sussex Regiment in Quarry Sector, front from Southern junction Swinbourne Loup and Brookwood Trench to Rifleman's Alley. A Coy. left, D Coy. centre, B Coy. right finding their own supports, C Coy. reserve O.G.1. H.Q. in O.G.1 at Pt. G11.d.3.9.
April 27— do. do. Shelling and Chlorine Gas. R.E. exploded mine right leg of Hairpin; bombers co-operated; casualties, killed 6, wounded and shell shock 18.
April 28— do. do. Shelling and bombardment by enemy.
April 30— Noyelles and Vermelles Relieved by 10th Gordons. Battalion in Brigade Reserve. A and C Coys. billets Vermeilles. H.Q. and B and D Coys. in billets Noyelles.
May 4— Left Sub-Section
Quarry Section Relieved 10th Gordons in Left Sub-Section Quarry Section. Disposition: A. Coy. left, C Coy. centre, B Coy. right finding their own supports, D Coy. reserve in O.G.1. Battalion H.Q. in O.G.1 at Pt. G.11.d.3.9. front southern junction of Swinbourne Loup and Brookwood Trench to Rifleman's Alley. At 5 p.m. enemy shelled O.G.1. At 7 p.m. R.E.'s exploded 3 mines at the Hairpin, our bombers advanced and occupied the lip of the crater. Enemy bombarded front lines until midnight. Casualties, 4 O.R. killed, 28 wounded.
May 5— do. do. Bombardment during afternoon. 1 O.R. killed, 3 wounded.
May 6— do. do. Bombardment continued.
May 8— do. do. From 5 to 5.45 a.m. Trench mortar batteries bombarded far lip of left Hairpin crater, but were unsuccessful in destroying it. At 10.30 a.m. relieved by the 10th Gordons and moved into Brigade support. Disposition: C Coy. O.B.1, left of Fosse Way, B Coy., O.B.1, right of Fosse Way, D Coy. O.B.4 and O.B.5., A Coy. Curley Crescent. H.Q. junction of Fosse Way and Curley Crescent. Found working parties for 180th Tunnelling Coy. R.E., 253rd Tunnelling Coy. R.E., and 73rd Field Coy. R.E.
May 9/10— do. do. Found above working parties for Tunnelling Coys. R.E.
May 11— Labourse Relieved by the 7th Battalion K.O.S.B.'s proceeding to billets Labourse, arriving at 1.45 p.m. Received orders to stand to (4.30 p.m.).
May 12— do. Battalion standing to until 2.45 p.m., when order to stand down was received.
May 13— do. Working party of 4 officers and 200 O.R. proceeded to trenches. Major C. H. Marsh, D.S.O., assumed command of the Battalion.
May 14— do. Two Coys. ordered to proceed at once to the trenches under orders. 46th Brigade. The other two Coys. and H.Q. to proceed to Noyelles under order 46th Brigade, C and D occupying Lancashire trench. H.Q. and A and B Coys. billets at Noyelles. At 6 p.m. orders from 46th Brigade that A Coy. occupy part of Villiage line. B Coy. occupy billets in Vermeilles, H.Q. in Lancashire trench. Orders executed by 7.30 p.m.
May 15— Noyelles 9 a.m. orders from 46th Brigade for A and B Coys. and H.Q. to return to billets in Noyelles.
May 17— do. A and B Coys. relieved C and D Coys. Lancashire trench.
May 19— Left Sub-Section Hohenzollern Section Battalion relieved 11th A. and S. H. Disposition: C Coy. right, D centre, A Coy. left finding their own supports, with B Coy. in reserve. Front from Boyau 109 (exclusive) to Mud Alley G.4.a.8.8. (inclusive). Four men wounded.
May 20— do. do. Our saphead at G.4.a. 8½. 8½. blown in by enemy. Seven O.R. wounded.
May 21— do. do. 12.45 p.m. enemy sprung mine between craters 3 and 4, filling up our saps and connecting trench. The damage was repaired. A severe bombing fight took place. Casualties: one officer killed. O.R., 5 killed 19 wounded. Enemy driven back.
May 22— do. do. Our engineers sprang mine in centre sub-section in front of junction of Poker Street and the fire trench.
May 23— do. do. At 7.30 a.m. enemy completely surprised us by springing another mine at point G.4.d. 6½. 5½. Saps 9. 9A Argyle Sap Hogsback and part of Northampton trench filled with debris; relief postponed until we cleared trenches, etc. Relieved by 8th Seaforths, moving into Brigade support. Disposition: A Coy.—1 platoon in Junction Keep, 3 platoons in Lancashire Trench; B Coy.—1 platoon in Central Keep, 3 platoons in Railway Reserve Trench. C and D Coys. in Lancashire Trench. H.Q. at point G. 3.c. 8.2. Casualties: O.R. 3 killed, 46 wounded.
May 24/26— do. do. Every available man employed in working parties.
May 27— Right Sub-Section Hohenzollern Section Battalion relieved 9th Black Watch. Disposition: B Coy. right, A Coy. centre, D Coy. left finding their own supports, C Coy. reserve. Front extended from the junction of Sackville Street and Hulluch Alley on left to junction of Quarry Bay and Brookwood Trench on right. 9 p.m. our artillery dispersed enemy working party opposite Rabbit's Hole.
May 28— do. do. Two intelligence reports stated enemy intended to attack and to use gas. Killed O.R. 1, wounded 4.
May 29— do. do. Similar reports received from air reconnaissance. Abnormal transport movement near Haines and 5000 enemy seen moving in the open. Artillery activity by our left and right groups. O.R. wounded 3.
May 30— do. do. Enemy trench knocked in by our artillery. Enemy shelled Hulluch Alley and rifle grenaded Rabbit's Hole. Heavy trench mortar bomb fell on our mine shaft heads in front line, inflicting several casualties. Enemy showed two yellow flags with red St. Andrews Crosses over parapet at the Kink.
May 31— do. do. Heavy shelling by both sides. O.R., 1 killed, 9 wounded.
June 4— Bethune Relieved by 7/8th K.O.S.B.'s. A Coy. proceeded to Gosnay. The remainder of the Battalion were billeted at Bethune in the Tobacco Factory. O.R. 1 wounded.
June 10— do. In billets. A Coy. rejoined Battalion.
June 12— Brigade Support Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. in Brigade support, Hulluch Sector. Disposition: A Coy. Curley Crescent, B Coy. 2 platoons O.B.1, 2 platoons O.B.5., C Coy. Tenth Avenue between Hay Alley and Hulluch Road. D Coy., 2 platoons Lone Tree Redoubt. H.Q. at Junction of Curley Crescent and Fosse Way. Four platoons K.O.R. Lancaster Regiment attached for instruction. O.R. 2 wounded.
June 16— Right Sub-Section Hulluch Section Relieved 8th Seaforths. Disposition: C Coy., left, two platoons. B centre, D Coy. right finding their own supports. A Coy. and 2 platoons of B in reserve trench between Wings Way and Vendin Alley. O.R. 2 killed, 20 wounded.
June 22— do. do. Disposition changed to: B Coy. left, 2 platoons of East Surrey Regiment in centre, A Coy. on the right finding their own support. Half Coy. 13th East Surrey Regiment and C and D Coys. in reserve trench. Surreys in for instruction. O.R. 2 killed, 19 wounded.
June 26— do. do. Coy. of East Surrey Regiment left trenches.
June 28— Bethune After discharge of gas four patrols of 39 men attempted to raid enemy's trenches. 3 patrols held up owing to uncut wire. Fourth patrol bombed the German front line and returned, leaving one man killed. Battalion was relieved by 10th/11th Scottish Rifles. In billets. A and C Coys. Orphanage, Bethune, B and D Coys. in Verquinal. H.Q. Bethune. Casualties: killed 9, wounded 19.
July 6— Left Sub-Section Hohenzollern Section Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. Disposition: D Coy. left, C Coy. centre, A Coy. right finding their own supports, B Coy. reserve.
July 7— do. do. Enemy shelled junction of Mud Alley and Sticky Trench, and Northampton Trench, doing considerable damage. O.R. 3 wounded.
July 8— do. do. Mud Alley and Quarry shelled with H.E. Four enemy seen in crater wearing khaki caps our pattern. O.R. 3 wounded.
July 9— do. do. More shelling on both sides. Enemy exploded mine. O.R. 4 wounded.
July 10— do. do. Relieved by 8th Seaforths. Battalion in support. O.R. 4 wounded.
July 12/13— do. Found working parties. Officer 1, O.R. 2 wounded.
July 14— Right Sub-Section Relieved 9th Black Watch. Disposition: B Coy. left, D Coy. centre, C Coy. right finding their own supports, A Coy. reserve. O.R. 1 wounded.
July 15— do. do. At 7.40 a.m. enemy exploded small mine near Sap 98 A. No damage done. O.R. 2 wounded.
July 16— do. do. From 1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. our artillery bombarded enemy's wire and trenches. From 9 to 9.30 enemy retaliated on Crown and Border trenches, doing considerable damage. Casualties: 4 killed, 11 wounded. At 4 a.m. enemy exploded mine near the right crater of the Hairpin. R.E.'s exploded 2 mines in the same vicinity. These explosions filled in our trenches.
July 17— Right Sub-Section Hohenzollern Section At 9 p.m. enemy started heavy bombardment on our front, and under cover of this raided our trenches in the vicinity of Alexander Sap, capturing one officer and 12 O.R. Casualties: killed 3, wounded 5.
July 18— do. do. At 6 p.m. R.E.'s exploded 2 mines at junction of Rifleman's Alley and Alexander Trench, destroying Border Redoubt and Alexander Sap. Two craters were formed, the left the larger. Our bombers occupied the far lip of the left crater, and tried to hold the right crater, which was found to be untenable owing to rifle grenades and aerial darts. A bombing post was constructed, and the work of consolidating craters carried out. Casualties: One officer and 6 men killed; 4 officers and 32 men wounded; 1 crushed; 1 shell shock.
July 19— do. do. The enemy sprang a mine in existing craters at Hairpin; 2 killed, 4 wounded.
July 20— do. do. Intermittent shelling by enemy; 5 wounded.
July 22— Houchin Relieved by 2nd Royal Berkshire Regiment and proceeded to billets at Houchin. O.R. 1 wounded.
July 23— Dieval Left Houchin and proceeded via Bruay to billets at Dieval.
July 26— Gouy-en-Ternois Left Dieval and marched via La Trieuloye and Averdoingt to billets Gouy-en-Ternois.
July 27— Occoches Marched from Gouy-en-Ternois via Honval, Rebreuve and Canteleux to billets at Occoches.
July 28— Autheux Marched from Occoches to billets at Autheux.
July 30— do. Draft of 25 O.R. arrived from base.
July 31— Naours Marched from Autheux via Fienvilliers and Candas to billets at Naours.
Aug. 4— Mirvaux Marched at 4.45 a.m. via Talmas and Septenville to Mirvaux.
Aug. 5— La Houssoye Marched to La Houssoye via Behencourt. Billets and bivouac. Bathing in river L'Hallue.
Aug. 8— Albert E.7.b. Instructions issued 4th platoon in each Coy. to be pioneer platoon, 1 2 and 4 platoons to be full strength of fighting unit of 10's. 3 platoons to be weak platoons.
Aug. 11— do. Found working parties of 400 O.R.
Aug. 12— E.5.b.7.6. Replaced 9th Black Watch in bivouac at E.5.b.7.6. Bde. in Division reserve.
Aug. 14— X.22.a (Peakwood) Brigade in "C" area.
Aug. 15— do. Found working parties making Highland trench.
Aug. 16— "B" area (the Cutting) Relieved the 9th Black Watch "B" area Brigade support. Disposition: H.Q. The Cutting, C (less 1 platoon) and D Coy., Gourlay Trench; 1 platoon C Coy. and 1 Lewis gun, Villa Keep; A Coy. Contalmaison; B Coy. Cutting Contalmaison X17.A. Received orders from Brigade to attack next morning.
Aug. 17— "A" area (Front Line) Attacked Switch Elbow. Relieved by 8th Seaforths during the night and early morning. Casualties: killed 4 officers, died of wounds 1, wounded 9; O.R., 40 killed, 4 died of wounds, 9 missing believed killed, missing 7, missing believed wounded 7, wounded 160.
Aug. 18— "C" area In Brigade reserve—reorganising.
Aug. 19— "C" area Found working parties. O.R. killed 2, wounded 3.
Aug. 20— "B" area Replaced 8/10th Gordons in Brigade support. Heavy gas shelling by enemy.
Aug. 21— "B" area Found working parties. Casualties 6 wounded.
Aug. 22— "A" area Relieved 8/10th Gordons front line. Disposition: A Coy.—2 platoons Gourlay trench, 2 platoons Lancashire trench; B Coy. Gourlay trench; C Coy.—Cameron trench, between Gordon Alley and Gloucester Alley with supports in Highland trench; D Coy.—Cameron trench between Gordon Alley and Munster Alley, with supports in Butterworth trench. H.Q. in Gourlay trench. Commenced construction of 6 strong points in front of front line during the night. Casualties:—killed 4, died of wounds 1, wounded 7.
Aug. 23— do. 5 of strong points completed and occupied. O.R. 3 killed, 3 wounded.
Aug. 24— Scotts Redoubt In Brigade reserve. Relieved by 9th Black Watch replacing 8/10th Gordons in Scotts Redoubt. Found working parties.
Aug. 26— "C" area Replaced 8/10th Gordons in "C" Battalion area 4.30 a.m.; in new position by 6.30 a.m. C and D Coys.; A and B Coys. 7 a.m. Disposition: C and D Coys. Contalmaison; A and B Coys. X22.b. Found working parties.
Aug. 28— "B" area In Brigade support. Replaced 8/10th Gordons A Coy. and B (less one platoon) Gourlay trench (one platoon B Coy. keep Contalmaison), C Coy. Contalmaison and D Coy. Cutting. Wiring party Highland trench. O.R. 1 killed, 1 wounded.
Aug. 29— "B" area Party completes wiring Highland trench. O.R. 1 wounded.
Aug. 30— Bivouac O.B.1 Trench Brigade moved into Divisional Reserve. Relieved by 24th Northumberland Fusiliers and occupied bivouac at O.B.1 trench X.26.d. O.R. 2 wounded.
Sept. 5— Front Line Right Brigade Area Battalion relieved 12th H.L.I. and 10th Scottish Rifles in front line. Right Brigade. Support. B Coy. left front Swansea trench, D Coy. 1 platoon Intermediate trench, 1 platoon Quarry, 2 platoons Mill Street; A Coy. Right front Bethel Sap, Clarkes trench and strong point; C Coy. support Argyle Alley Chester Street. H.Q. in the Quarry.
Sept. 6— do. Killed 2, wounded 4.
Sept. 7— O.G.1 between
S.7.c.2.1 and S.14.a.5.6 Battalion moved into position O.G.1 from S.7.c.2.1. to S.14.a.3.6. (behind Bazentin-le-Petit-Wood), being relieved by 8th Seaforths. Disposition: from left to right D, B, C, (less 1 platoon) and A Coys. 1 platoon C Coy. and 4 Lewis guns relieved the garrison of the keep held by D Coy. 8th Seaforths at about Point S.7.b.4.8. Casualties—killed 1, wounded 10.
Sept. 10— "B" area Relieved by "B" Battalion 149th Infantry Brigade and "B" Battalion 159th Infantry Brigade, and moved into "B" area. A and C Coys., Cutting, B and D Pearl Alley, H.Q. Peakewood. Casualties—wounded 6.
Sept. 11— Front Line
Sanderson Trench Relieved the 8/10th Gordons in the front line. Disposition: A Coy., 2 platoons Sanderson trench, 2 platoons Egg trench and 6th Avenue, C Coy., 2 platoons front line to Pioneer trench, 2 platoons near Villa wood, B Coy. Koyli trench. Casualties: Officers 1 wounded; O.R. killed 3, wounded 14.
Sept. 13— Bivouac E.7 Central Relieved by 6/7th R.S.F. and proceeded via Contalmaison, Scotts Redoubt, Becourt Wood, Albert, Albert-Amiens Road to bivouacs at E.7 Central.
Sept. 14— Shelter Birch and Round-Woods Battalion moved into Brigade reserve at Shelter-Wood, Birch-Wood, Round-Wood.
Sept. 18— Koyli Trench Brigade support. Disposition: D Coy. Ham trench, A Coy. Egg trench, C Coy. Post trench and part of Sanderson trench, B Coy. Tangle trench. H.Q. junction of Koyli trench and Welch trench.
Sept. 19— Bivouac E.5.b. and Lavieville Battalion relieved by 8th Yorks 23rd Division on night of 18th, and morning of 19th rested in Bivouac (E.5.b.), afterwards proceeding to camp at Lavieville.
Sept. 20— Franvillers In billets.
Sept. 22— do. In billets.
Oct. 6— Becourt-Wood Brigade sports cancelled and Brigade moved up to Becourt-Wood and bivouaced; men's lines in cemetery and officers on other side of road.
Oct. 8— Crescent Alley Battalion line. A Coy. O.G.1 B Coy. Starfish trench, C, D Coys. (less one platoon) Prue trench, H.Q. one platoon D Coy. Crescent Alley. Casualties:—Officers, 1 wounded; O.R.'s, killed 2, wounded 27.
Oct. 11— Front Line Relieved 9/10th Gordons night of 10/11th in front line. Disposition D Coy. on left of Le Sars-Bapaume Road, B Coy. on right of Le Sars-Bapaume Road. C Coy. Cutting in M.16.c. A Coy. 2 platoons Tangle M.22.a. 2 platoons in O.G.2. H.Q. at M.22.a.2.1. Casualties:—Officers, wounded 2; O.R.'s, killed 5, wounded 22, shell shock 5.
Oct. 13— Crescent Alley Relieved by 8th Seaforths. A Coy. Crescent Alley, B and D Coys. Prue trench Coy., O.G.1 H.Q. Crescent Alley. Casualties:—Officers, wounded 1, O.R., killed 10, wounded 17, shell shock 6.
Oct. 14— Contalmaison Cutting Relieved by 12th H.L.I. proceeding into reserve area.
Oct. 19— Right Section
Front Area "C" area, relieved the 9th Black Watch. Starfish trench. A, C, B Coys. 2 platoons, D Coy. Tangle trench, 2 platoons D, Tyne trench H.Q. M33.D.4.4.
Oct. 21— "A" area Front Line Relieved 8/10th Gordons front line. Disposition: A, C Coys. front line, B Coy. Sunken Road, Tangle, D Coy. O.G.2. Battalion carried in two day's rations.
Oct. 23— "B" area Relieved by the 9th Black Watch moved into "B" area in support, A, C Coys. Prue trench, B Coy. Crescent Alley, D Coy. O.G.1, H.Q. Crescent Alley.
Oct. 24— Contalmaison Cutting In reserve. Battalion relieved by 12th H.L.I. Casualties: killed 3, wounded 5, shell shock 8.
Oct. 27— "C" Area Starfish Line Battalion relieved 10th Scottish Rifles. A and C Coy. Starfish, D Coy. Tyne, Tangle, H.Q. Martin Alley. Casualties: 4 wounded.
Oct. 30— Front Line Battalion relieved 10th Scottish Rifles in "A" area. B and D front line, A Coy. Sunken Road, C Coy. O.G.1, H.Q. 26th Avenue.
Oct. 31— "D" Area, Reserve Relieved by 8/10th Gordons. B and D Coys. Swansea trench, A Coy. O.G.1, C Coy. Gourlay trench, H.Q. Bazentin-le-Petit. Casualties: killed 4, wounded 8, shell shock 3.
Nov. 2— Becourt Hill Battalion was relieved and moved into Camp.
Nov. 5— Bresle In Camp.
Nov. 10— do. Inspected by G.O.C.-in-C., who expressed himself as greatly pleased with appearance of Battalion, and thanks them for work done.
Nov. 20— do. Brigade was inspected by Lieut.-General Sir W. P. Putteney, K.C.B., D.S.O., Commanding 3rd Corps.
Nov. 21— do. Brigade Sports.
Nov. 26— do. In Camp. Inspection by G.O.C. 15th Division.
Dec. 1— Albert Proceeded via Lavieville and Millencourt to billets. Whole Battalion on working parties.
Dec. 7— Camp X23. Central To camp via La Boiselle and Contalmaison. Found working parties. Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. about X23. Central.
Dec. 16— Shelter-Wood Scotts Redoubt North In camp. Transport at C Hapes Spur. Relieved 8th Worcester's at Shelter-Wood Scots Redoubt North.
Dec. 17— do. Found working parties.
Dec. 19— Acid Drop South Battalion relieved 6th Camerons.
Dec. 21— Front Line 26th Avenue Relieved 8/10th Gordons, Right Sub-Section C Coy. Scotland trench, Warlincourt and Gilbert Alleys, A Coy. O.G.1. B Coy. and H.Q. 26th Avenue, D Coy. Martinpuich. Officers missing 1, wounded 1, O.R. wounded 4.
Dec. 23— do. C relieved D, D relieved B, B relieved A, A relieved C.
Dec. 25— Acid Drop Camp South Relieved by 8th Seaforths and proceeded by platoons to Acid Drop camp south, 100 yds. interval.
Dec. 26— Shelter Wood South Relieved by 10th Scottish Rifles. Finding working parties.
Dec. 31— Front Right Sector Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. B Coy. right front, C Coy. left front, A Coy. support Sunken Road, D Coy. reserve Flers line. Q.M. Stores Pioneer Camp.
1917.
Jan. 2— do. A and D Coys. relieved C and B Coys. respectively.
Jan. 4— Support Area Relieved by 4th Seaforths. A Coy. moved to Prue trench, C Coy. to Starfish, D Coy. to Seven Elms, B Coy. to Starfish, H.Q. Seven Elms.
Jan. 5— do. Dug new communication trench near Spur trench.
Jan. 7— Pioneer Camp Relieved by 8/10th Gordons.
Jan. 8— Scots Redoubt North Relieved 10th Scottish Rifles less B Coy. forming Brigade working party at R.36.c.
Jan. 12— Villa Camp Copse Moved to Villa Camp.
Jan. 14— Acid Drop In reserve, relieved by 8/10th Gordons.
Jan. 16— Front Line Relieved 9th Black Watch: Right Section left Sector A Coy. on right, C on left, B in support, 3 platoons in O.G.1., one platoon Destremont Farm, D Coy. in reserve 26th avenue.
Jan. 18— do. B and D Coys. relieved C and A Coys. respectively.
Jan. 20— Scots Redoubt North Relieved by 12th H.L.I. Killed 1, O.R. wounded 1 officer, 4 O.R.
Jan. 24— Front Right Sector Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. in left sub-sector, C Coy. left, A Coy. right, B support, Sunken Road, D Coy. Flers line.
Jan. 26— do. D and B Coys. relieved A and C Coys. respectively.
Jan. 28— Support Line Relieved by 8th Seaforths, A Coy. Prue trench, C Martinpuich, B Starfish, B Coy. and H.Q. Seven Elms.
Jan. 30— Pioneer Camp Relieved by 9th Black Watch.
Feb. 1— Becourt Camp Relieved by 18th Australian Battalion. The 5th Australian Brigade.
Feb. 4— Contay In billets training.
Feb. 14— Beauval Moved to Beauval route Herressart, Le val de Maison Vert, Grand Fare.
Feb. 15— Gazaincourt Moved here at 11 a.m.
Feb. 16— Bouque-maison Moved here at 8 a.m.
Feb. 17— Croisette Moved here less two Coys. to Framecourt at 7.45 a.m.
Feb. 18— Moncheaux Moved here at 9.15 a.m. via Framecourt, Houvin Station, Buneville.
Feb. 22— do. Working party of 16 officers, 544 other ranks sent to Milly.
Feb. 24— Maisieres Moved here less working party.
Mar. 2— do. Working party rejoined Battalion.
Mar. 6— do. The 44th Brigade inspected by Commander-in-Chief at Ambrine.
Mar. 11— Arras The 44th Brigade relieved the 45th Brigade. Battalion in reserve. 1.3. Sector. Route:—Penin, Tilloy, Hermaville, St. Pol-Arras Road. A Coy. relieved 8/10th Gordons as permanent Garrison of the Cemetery Defences. Men in Arras only allowed out between 5.45 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. Transport and Q.M. Stores at Duisans.
Mar. 15— Front Line Battalion relieved 8/10th Gordons in right sub-sector of 1.3. sector. Disposition: D Coy. Front Line, C Coy. 2 Platoons support trench, 1 platoon reserve trench, 1 platoon in billets near H.Q., B Coy. billets 78.79. Grand Place. Casualties: Killed, 9 O.R., wounded 16 O.R., died of wounds 50 O.R.
Mar. 16— do. Cleaning trenches. B Coy. relieved D Coy. in front line.
Mar. 18— Arras, Front Line (1). D Coy. raided the enemy's trenches between points G.21.d. 5½.4.-2½.3.-0½.5.-3.5½. Zero hour 2.50 a.m. (2). The 9th and 12th Division co-operated at zero hour by similar raids on their divisional fronts. Casualties were: 18 O.R. wounded.
Mar. 19— do. Battalion relieved in right sub-sector 1.3. section by the 12th H.L.I.
Mar. 20— Harbarcq Moved to Harbarcq at 7.15 p.m. Reserve. Casualties: Killed, 1 O.R., missing believed killed 1 O.R., wounded 1 officer, 35 O.R., died of wounds 2 O.R.
Mar. 26— Arras In support. Relieved 9th Black Watch and were attached to the 46th Brigade Infantry.
do. Found working parties. Casualties: 4 O.R. wounded. Transport at Duisans.
Mar. 31— Front Line Front Line. The 44th Brigade relieved on the right sub-sector of the 1.3 sector. Battalion relieved the 12th H.L.I. A Coy. front line. D Coy. 3 platoons support line, 1 platoon reserve line. C Coy. in cemetery defences. B Coy. in Billets.
April 3— Arras, Grand Place Reserve. Relieved by the 8/10th Gordons and moved into billets in cellar Grand Place. 2 O.R. wounded.
April 8— Arras Battle In support. At 11.30 p.m. Battalion moved out of cellars in the Grand-Place, via the sewer and communication trenches to assembly trench in front of the Cemetery. H.Q. in cellars in Rue-de-Douai.
April 9— do. Battalion reported in support position ready for attack. At 5.30 a.m. (zero hour) under intense barrage assaulting battalions (8/10th Gordons on right and 9th Black Watch on left), supported by 7th Camerons, attacked the first system of enemy trenches. The Black Line gained. Battalion occupied O.G.1. and O.G.2.
At 7.50 a.m. attack on the second objective began. The 9th Black Watch on the left held up by the Railway Triangle, so also were the 8/10th Gordons. With the assistance of a tank the 9th Black Watch captured the Rail-Triangle (Blue Line).
At 3 p.m. received orders to relieve the 9th Black Watch on the left. Reorganised in Hermes trench.
April 10— Front Line B and D Coys. moved forward, 2 platoons into Hecq trench and 2 platoons into Helle trench. A and B Coys. moved to Cable trench.
At 1 p.m. Battalion ordered to proceed to the east side of Feuchy to support the 45th Infantry Brigade. Move completed by 4 p.m. Relieved by 6th Camerons, Battalion proceeding to trenches previously occupied.
April 11— do. At 3 a.m. received orders to occupy part of the Brown Line. A Coy. right front. C Coy. left front. B Coy. right support. D left support. Move completed by 4 a.m. Received orders to take objective line running through I 22.23.24. At 11 a.m. coys. moved from their position in artillery formation to the attack, moving half right for Orange Hill. Battalion then occupied a system of trenches about H.29 Central. Orders received that at 2.50 p.m. a barrage was commencing in Loue-Copse, and that at 3 p.m. the Brigade was to attack. Despite heavy fire Battalion succeeded in reaching a position running between Lone Copse and Monchy.
At 7.30 p.m. orders received from Brigade that Battalion was to be relieved by a Battalion of the 50th Brigade. The greater portion of the Brigade reached Monchy. The men of the Battalion in and around Monchy ordered to place themselves under the the command of the C.O. Essex Yeomanry, then in charge of the defences of Monchy.
April 12— do. At 3.30 a.m. O.C.'s Coys. ordered to link up with the 8/10th Gordons and to form a line about 100 yards in front of the Sunken Road. This movement completed relieved by a company of the Worcester Regiment. Battalion moved back to Helle trench, arriving there about 5.30 a.m., where it remained till 3 p.m., when it moved back into billets at Arras. 23 officers and 521 men proceeded to attack, 11 officers and 346 men returned. Therefore the total casualties were 12 officers and 175 men.
April 14— Arras In reserve. 4 O.R. killed, 2 officers and 21 O.R. wounded, 1 O.R. missing. Died of wounds 1 O.R. Casualties during the operations during 9/12th April, killed 5 officers, 19 O.R. Wounded, 7 officers and 128 O.R. Missing 24 O.R.
April 22— Front Line Battalion relieved 8/10th Gordons, taking over the Left Sub-Section, leaving the Grand Place billets at 6.30 p.m. Route via St. Saveur, Tilloy, N.15.d.7.9. N.16. C.1.8. N.10.d.5.1 and thence by trolley line to front line. Disposition: A Coy. on right. D Coy. on left. C Coy. in support about N.11.a.2.6. B Coy. in reserve, and H.Q. about N.11.a.5.2. O.R. killed 3, wounded 1.
April 23— do. The 15th Division attacked the enemy, their objective being the Blue Line Bridge at O.14 Central to O.8 Central to small wood in O.8.B.1.2.
At zero hour 4.45 a.m., under an intense barrage, the Battalion attacked the front line trench. At Bullet trench we captured about 40 prisoners and a machine gun at N.18.b.9.8. Finding ourselves out of touch, we dug ourselves in. At 5.45 a.m. the centre of the Battalion moved up, fortifying a post about the sunken Road (N.18.b.9.5.)
At 10.30 a.m. the trench up to the Cambrai Road was cleared. At mid-day, under a new barrage, we were enabled to push forward, forming a new post about N.13.a.2.6, probably part of Hammer trench. At 6 p.m. the 46th Brigade advanced through us, enabling our Lewis Guns to do good work as the Germans retired from the trenches.
April 24— Arras Front Line At 2 a.m. after reorganisation the Battalion moved back to behind the Brown line, N.15.b. Central, the 44th Brigade becoming supports.
April 25— do. Battalion relieved the 10th Scottish Rifles in front line from Cambrai Road to about 300 yards south, the Coys. from left to right being C, D, B and A Coys.
April 26— do. At 10.30 a.m. the 44th Brigade advanced to the attack, one objective being Cavalry Farm and the German trenches to the east of it. The advance was made in 2 waves, A and B in first wave, and C and D Coys. in second wave, 20 yards between waves. The advance reached the farm without much difficulty, where they found the trench very strongly held, and at the same time a machine gun opened fire on the left, coming from the trenches which the 46th Brigade had failed to capture. The Battalion was forced to withdraw, leaving a strong point on the German line and another small post to the east of the farm. The remainder withdrew to our original position.
April 27— do. About 2 a.m. orders were received to try and reorganise the attack. This idea was given up when it was learnt that the 46th Brigade on our left had failed to attain their objective. Officers and patrols were sent out to try and establish posts to link up with the Black Watch, who had advanced and made posts. This endeavour failed. At 10.30 p.m. the Battalion was relieved by the Seaforths moving into support in the O.B. trenches and Shovel trench.
April 28— do. Support line. The Battalion was relieved from the support line by the A Coy. of the 3rd London Regiment at 9.30 p.m. Casualties:—13 officers and 570 men went into action; 6 officers and 191 men returned; the total casualties being 7 officers and 369 men, of these 64 n.c.o.'s and men were killed.
April 29— Simincourt In rest. Battalion moved from Arras to Simincourt at 2.45 p.m., via Rue St. Aubert, L.29.d. Danville, L.34.c. Bernville.
April 30— do. In rest cleaning up, etc.
May 1 to 7— do. In rest. Training under Coy. arrangements. Casualties in operations 23rd to 28th April. Killed, 4 officers and 78 O.R. Wounded, 249 O.R. Missing 42 O.R. Died of wounds, 3 O.R.
May 8— Grand Rullecourt In rest. Battalion moved to billets in Grand Rullecourt at 8.20 a.m.
May 21— Vacqueril le Boucq The 15th Division was transferred to the XIX. Corps. Battalion moved to Vacqueril at 5.45 a.m.
May 22— St. Georges Moved to St. Georges at 7.30 a.m. via Conchy and Wail. Battalion training.
June 21— Croix Moved at 3.15 a.m. to Croix with 1 Coy. at Siracourt. Route: Willeman, Oeuf, Siracourt.
June 22— Pernes Moved to Pernes at 3.15 a.m. St. Pol-Pernes Road.
June 23— Bourecq Moved to Bourecq. C and D Coy. with A and B Coys. at Ecquedeque at 9.20 a.m.
June 24— do. Major General H. F. Thullier, C. B., C.M.G., assumed command of the 15th Division (17/6/17).
June 26— Steenbecque Moved to Steenbecque at 7 a.m.
June 26— St. Sylvestre Cappel Moved to billeting area, S.E. of St. Sylvestre Cappel at 4.20 a.m.
June 27— Vlamertinghe Moved into 9th Army area camp about 2 miles S.W. of Vlamertinghe at 3.15 a.m.
July 1— Vlamertinghe
Eerie Camp In reserve.
July 2— East of Ypres-
Menin Road Battalion moved into Brigade support as follows:—C Coy. Half Moon trench. D and B Coys. in the Ecole. A Coy. in the Convent. H.Q. in the Menin Road (19.d.05.45). Battalion went into line 600 strong with 1 Coy. Commander and 3 officers per Coy.
July 3/4— do. In support. Finding working parties. O.R. killed 2, wounded 8.
July 5— Front Line
Dragoon Farm Battalion relieved the 9th Black Watch in the left sub-section right sector. Disposition: C Coy. in front line (left). B Coy. in front line (right). A Coy. in St. James' trench. D Coy. Millcotts (1 platoon). Potiize defences (1 platoon), Potiize Road (2 platoons). H.Q. at Dragoon Farm. Finding working parties. Casualties: Wounded, 2 officers and 8 O.R.
July 8— do. Front line. Patrols. A patrol of 1 officer and 10 O.R. proceeded at night across No Man's Land to the Stables. No enemy encountered. Casualties: Killed 7 O.R., wounded 11 O.R.
July 9— Vlamertinghe In reserve. Battalion relieved by 13th Royal Scots. Relief platoons proceeded independently to Eerie Camp. Casualties: O.R. 1 killed and 2 wounded.
July 10— Rubrouck Training Area Battalion marched to Popperinghe, trained to Arneke, marched to Le Cloche. Transport by road.
July 17— Winnezelle Billeting Area In rest. Battalion moved by route march to Winnezelle area, under orders of 46th Infantry Brigade at 7.30 a.m. Route: Esquelbecq, Wormhoudt, to billets half a mile north of L in Lodgehoek.
July 18— Toronto Camp Brandhoek In reserve. Battalion moved at 12.30 a.m. to Toronto Camp by route march via Winezeele, Droglanet, Watou, Popperinghe.
July 21— Camp at H.16.a.5.8. In support. Battalion moved into support camp at H.16.a.5.8., relieving 8th Seaforths. O.R. 1 killed.
July 23— Front Line Railway. Dugout at Southlane Front line. Battalion relieved 8th Seaforths in the right sub-section I Sector. Disposition: A Coy. in right front. D Coy. in left. B Coy. in support (Half Moon). C Coy. in reserve (Ecole). H.Q. at Dugout under Railway at South Lane. Strength of Battalion going into trenches: 15 officers, 342 O.R.'s.
July 24— do. A raid on enemy's trenches by one officer and 12 O.R. captured 1 prisoner and a machine gun. The party had one man slightly wounded. Casualties: Wounded in action (2 gassed), 8 O.R., missing 1 O.R.
July 25— do. No Man's Land was patrolled. Casualties: Wounded (1 gassed) 11 O.R., killed 10 O.R.
July 28— do. A raid was carried out upon the enemy's front line trenches by D Coy. and 3 platoons from A Coy. at 7 p.m. under an intense barrage. Simultaneous with this raid another party of 1 officer and 14 O.R. proceeded from the right of our line in search of suspected M/G. This party bombed Culvert and Dugout (where the suspected machine gun was). Both parties returned about 7.30 p.m., having inflicted many casualties and taken prisoner 1 officer and 39 O.R. with 1 machine gun. Our casualties were slight, being: Killed 1 O.R., missing 2 O.R., wounded 1 officer and 6 O.R.
July 29— H.16.d.5.8. At 9 p.m. the Battalion was relieved by the 8/10th Gordons and returned to camp at H.16.d.5.8. Casualties: Killed 2 O.R., missing 2 O.R., wounded 2 officers and 17 O.R., died of wounds 1 officer.
July 30— do. In reserve. Battalion marched to position of assembly of attack, being 20 officers and 588 men strong. The Battalion was in reserve to the 44th Infantry Brigade. Disposition: A Coy. 2 platoons "A.R.A." Dump, 30 men "A.R.B." Dump (Thatch Barn), 30 men Half Moon trench, B Coy. St. James trench, C Coy. in Half Moon trench Right of West Lane, D Coy. Hedge trench south of West Lane. H.Q. I.10.d.5.5. (South Lane). Route to trenches via "F" Track.
July 31— I.10.d.5.15. Brigade reserve. Zero hour 3.50 a.m. Shortly after zero hour Thatch Barn dump (A.R.B.) was blown up, inflicting considerable casualties to one platoon. This necessitated platoon detailed for A.R.A. Dump carrying forward to A.R.C. Dump. Heavy casualties among carrying parties. At 10 a.m. Battalion less A Coy. moved forward into German front system and came under heavy shell fire. At 1 p.m. H.Q. went forward to German reserve line. At 2 p.m. one platoon went forward to construct a strong point on Black Line under R.E. officer, but owing to heavy shelling it had to retire. One Coy. went forward into Blue Line, constructing and occupying 5 strong points.
Aug. 1— German Reserve Line At 5 a.m. the Battalion moved forward as Battalions in support. Disposition: 2 Coys. in trench immediately behind North Station Buildings, 1 Coy. in strong point in Blue Line. The enemy counter-attacked the right front of the Brigade, but they were driven back, 4 men being taken prisoner and many killed. We occupied the original front line. Relieved 8/10th Gordons in front line.
Aug. 3— Camp H.16. Battalion was relieved by two Coys. of the Munster Regiment and went back into camp. Casualties during operations: Officers, 6 killed, 1 died of wounds. O.R.'s 12 killed, 205 wounded, 23 missing believed killed. 17 missing believed wounded, 23 missing unknown, 5 died of wounds. Total: 7 officers, 285 O.R.'s.
Aug. 4— Winnezelle The 44th Brigade moved to Winnezelle No. L 2 area by bus and billeted in tents.
Aug. 8— do. Battalion was inspected by G.O.C. 15th Division at 9.30 a.m.
Aug. 17— Brandhoek Camp In camp. Moved to Brandhoek area No. L.3; route: Watou, St. Janister, Biezen Switch Road. March off 12.15 p.m.
Aug. 19— do. Battalion proceeded to training area, 17, 18, 23 and 24. Practising attack. At 5.30 p.m. Battalion moved to Bivouac Camp, H.17.A.1.9.
Aug. 20— Bivouac Camp The 15th Division was ordered to continue the offensive on "2" day. At 6.30 p.m. the Battalion moved to relieve the 8th Battalion Worcester Regiment at Pommern Redoubt on the night of the 20/21st. After completion of relief disposition of Battalion was as follows: 2 platoons "A" Coy. and 2 platoons "B" Coy. in Pommern Redoubt; 2 platoons "A" Coy. and 2 platoons "B" Coy., and "C" and "D" Coys. in shell holes in neighbourhood of C.30.a. and C.29.b. H.Q. in Pommern Redoubt.
Aug. 21/22— Pommern Castle At zero hour 4.45 a.m. on the 22nd, disposition of Battalion was: A Coy. on right front; B Coy. left front; C Coy. right and support; D Coy. left and support. The attack was launched and the Battalion advanced to a line about 200 west of Hill 35, where it was held up owing to heavy fire. Further advance was impossible. On the night of the 22nd/23rd August, Battalion was relieved by the 9th Black Watch.
Aug. 23— Rupprecht Farm After relief Battalion proceeded to Rupprecht Farm.
Aug. 23/24— Eerie Camp Battalion relieved by 8/10th Gordons and proceeded to Eerie Camp, reaching it about 6 a.m.
Aug. 25— do. Casualties 20th to 24th August: Killed 4 officers, 30 O.R.; wounded 5 officers, 132 O.R.
Aug. 30— No. 2 Area Watou Battalion moved to Watou No. 2 training area at 2.30 p.m.
Sept. 1— do. The 44th Infantry Brigade marched to and entrained at 8 a.m. at Caestre, and detrained at Arras at 9 p.m., marching back from Arras to billets at Montenescourt, arriving about 1 a.m. (2/9/17).
Sept. — Montennescourt In rest. Company training.
Sept. 7— Blanchy Park Battalion moved at 3.45 p.m. Route: L.2.C.2.4. St. Pol, Arras Road, St. Nickolas, and relieved the 10/11th H.L.I., 46th Brigade at Blanchy Park (G.24.b.3.6.). In reserve. Training.
Sept. 14— Left Sector Trenches Battalion relieved the 11th A. and S.H. 45th Brigade on the left sector of the Division, right sector Brigade front, finding isolated post J.25.b.10.25. C Coy. front line and scabbard support. D Coy., 2 platoons left front, 1 platoon scabbard support and 1 platoon Welford trench. B and A Coys. right and left reserves in Lancer Avenue. H.Q. in Johnstone Avenue about H.30.d.1.4.
Sept. 18— do. B and A relieved C and D respectively. Casualties: O.R., 4 killed, 6 wounded.
Sept. 23— Middlesex Camp Battalion relieved on the night 22nd/23rd by the 8th Seaforths and proceeded to Middlesex Camp at G.17d.80.95 near Arras. Battalion was in Brigade reserve. Company training and working parties.
Oct. 1— Barossa Camp Battalion was relieved by the 10th Scottish Rifles, 46th Brigade, and moved into Barossa Camp at 2 p.m. Company training and working parties.
Oct. 2/9— Monchy Trenches Battalion relieved 13th Royal Scots, right Sector, Monchy. Disposition: D Coy. on right front, C Coy. on left front, B Coy. in support and A Coy. in reserve.
Oct. 13— do. A Coy. relieved C Coy., B Coy. D Coy. C Coy. moved on relief into Happy Valley. D Coy. moved into support in Musket Reserve and Curb Switch.
Oct. 14— do. In conjunction with a raid by the Division on our right, Battalion sent out two patrols each consisting of one officer and 4 O.R. Of No. 1 patrol only one man returned. No. 2 patrol was seen to enter enemy trench but never returned. Killed 1 officer, missing 1 officer and 7 O.R.
Oct. 17— Rifle Camp Relieved by 8th Seaforths and proceeding to Rifle Camp. Casualties: 4 O.R. killed, 6 wounded.
Oct. 21— do. Battalion relieved 8/10th Gordons in support. B and A Coys. Johnstone Avenue, C and D Companies Rifle Camp.
Oct. 25— Arras Battalion (less A Coy.) relieved by 12th H.L.I. 46th Brigade. A Coy. relieved by B Coy. 10th Scottish Rifles. Battalion proceeded to Oil Works, Arras.
Nov. 2— Front Line The 44th Infantry Brigade relieved the 45th Infantry Brigade, left sector Divisional front. Battalion relieved one Company of 6/7th R.S.F. and three Companies of 11th A. and S.H. Disposition: D Coy. right front, C Coy. left front, B Coy. support, A Coy. reserve.
Nov. 7— do. B and A Coys. relieved C and D Coys.
Nov. 10— Rifle Camp Battalion relieved by 8th Seaforths and proceeded to Rifle Camp. O.R. 2 wounded. In Brigade reserve.
Nov. 14— Stirling Camp Relieved the 8/10th Gordons as support Battalion. A Coy. in Railway Cutting. C Coy. in Embankment at Brigade H.Q. B Coy. in Lancer Lane finding K.L.M. posts. D Coy. in Stirling Camp.
Nov. 18— Oil Works Battalion in support to 44th Brigade. Relieved by 12th H.L.I. and proceeded to Oil Factory, Place St. Croix, Arras.
Nov. 26— Wilderness Camp Relieved 6/7th R.S.F. at Wilderness Camp in reserve.
Nov. 28— Oil Works Relieved by 1st Battalion Lancashire Regiment and proceeded to Oil Works at Arras.
Dec. 1— Trenches Battalion relieved 13th Royal Scots in the left Div. Sect., front line. Disposition: A Coy. on right front, C Coy. on left front, D Coy. in reserve. H.Q. in Candix reserve (H.12.d.75.13).
Dec. 8— In the Trenches Inter Coy. Relief C Coy., relieved A Coy., and D Coy. B Coy.
Dec. 13— do. Relieved by 8/10th Gordons, Battalion becoming support Battalion H.Q. at H.11.c.7.9.
Dec. 17— Ecole, Arras The 46th Inf. Bde. relieved the 44th Inf. Bde. Battalion was relieved by the 10th Scottish Rifles and proceeded to the Ecole des Jeunes Filles at Arras. Companies occupied the Moat Range for rifle practice and Butte-de-Tir.
Dec. 23— Pudding Trench Battalion relieved the 11th A. and S.H. in Brigade Reserve in and about Corps Line. H.Q. in Pudding trench (H.16.C.7.5.).
Dec. 27— Trenches Relieved the 8th Seaforths. B Coy. on right front, C Coy. in centre, D Coy. on left front, A Coy. in support at Welford Reserve.
1918.
Jan. 2— Ecole, Arras The 44th Inf. Bde. was relieved by the 2nd Guards Bde. Battalion was relieved by the 3rd Grenadiers and proceeded into billets at Ecole des Jeunes Filles at Arras,
Feb. 5— Trenches Relieved 1st Duke of Wellingtons and part of 2nd Battalion Essex Regiment. Front line.
Feb. 8— Bois des Boeufs Camp Re-adjustment of Brigade Front on night of 8/9th Feb. A Coy. relieved by D Coy. 8th Seaforths; B Coy. relieved by C Coy., 11th A. and S. H. C Coy. relieved by 1 platoon 13th Royal Scots; D Coy. relieved by 2 platoons 11th A and S. H., B and C Coys. 8th Seaforths. On relief, Battalion became reserve Battalion in Bois de Boeufs Camp.
Feb. 11— Trenches Battalion in support relieving 8/10th Gordons. Disposition: D Coy. 3 pn. Fosse Farm, 1 pn. Brown Line. C Coy. B.C.D. and E. Strong Points. B Coy. and H.Q Fosse Caves. A Coy. Brown line.
Feb. 17— Front Line Relieved 8/10th Gordons. A Coy. 3 pn. Fork Reserve, 1 Pn. Saddle support, C.H.Q. Pick Caves. B Coy. 3 Pn. Spade Reserve. 1 Pn. Hoe trench, C.H.Q. Spade. C Coy. 3 Pn. left front line, 1 Pn. support, C.H.Q. Saddle support, D Coy. 3 Pn. right front, 1 Pn. support, C.H.Q. Saddle support.
Feb. 20— Front Line Inter Coy. relief. A Coy. relieved C Coy., B Coy. relieved D Coy.
Feb. 23— do. 1 officer and 28 O.R. raided the enemy's trenches at 3.30 a.m. There were no Germans in the trenches, although 4 were found in a saphead. 1 was killed and 3 made prisoners. Our casualties, nil.
Feb. 23/24— Bois des Boeufs Relieved by 8th Seaforths and became reserve Battalion. O.R. 2 wounded.
March 1— do. Battalion relieved the 8/10th Gordons, becoming support Battalion in Les Fosse Farm. A Coy. B.C.D. and E. strong points. B Coy. 3 Pn. Fosse Farm, 1 Pn. Brown Line. C and D Coys. Brown Line.
Mar. 7— Front Line Relieved in support by the 8th Seaforths, and on relief relieved the 8/10th Gordons in the front area. Disposition: A Coy. in left support, B Coy. in right support, C Coy. left front, D Coy. right front.
Mar. 10— do. Inter Coy. relief. A and B Coys. relieved C and D Coys. O.R. 17 wounded.
Mar. 13— Reserve Line Relieved 8th Seaforths, becoming reserve Battalion.
Mar. 19— In Support Relieved 8/10th Gordons in support Battalion. A Coy. N.12.c. B Coy. 2 pn. N.12.c., 2 pn. North of Fosse Cave. C Coy. strong points B.C.D. and E. D Coy. 3 pn. Apple and Pear trench, 1 pn. Gordon Avenue. H.Q. Les Fosses Farm.
Mar. 22/23— do. Battalion ordered to withdraw to the Army Line in N.7.a. and b.
Mar. 23— do. Battalion moved forward to support the 8th Seaforths with their right on N.8.c.8.0, and their left on the Brown Line. This line was held with 2 Coys. in front and 2 Coys. in support. H.Q. at Shamrock Corner.
Mar. 25— Front Line Relieved by 8/10th Gordons. Moved forward and relieved 8th Seaforths in the front line. Disposition: A Coy. left front, D Coy. left support, B Coy. right support, C Coy. right front, H.Q. in N.9.C.8.5.
Mar. 27— do. Inter Coy. relief. D Coy. relieved A Coy., B Coy. relieved C Coy.
Mar. 28— do. About 3 a.m. the enemy started a heavy bombardment. About 7 a.m. enemy infantry attacked and gained a footing in the forward trench and commenced to work round our left in considerable numbers. To avoid being cut off D and B Coys. retired to rear of Brown Line, here holding the enemy attack until 1 p.m. About 3 p.m. the line was withdrawn to the Army Line in front of Tilloy. About midnight Battalion withdrawn from action and proceeded via Arras, Dainville to Wanquetin.
Mar. 28— Wanquetin Casualties sustained during battle: Officers—Killed, 4; wounded 3; missing 4; wounded and missing 4; wounded (believed P. of W.) 1. Other Ranks—Killed 1; wounded 72; wounded (believed P. of W.) 22; wounded and missing 28; missing (believed killed) 6; missing (believed P. of W.) 28; missing 213. Total—16 officers; 372 other ranks.
Mar. 30— Arras Battalion proceeded to Arras and were billetted in Petite Place.
Mar. 31— do. 44th Infantry Brigade relieved 45th Infantry Brigade in the line near Tilloy. Battalion being in reserve. Formed into 2 double Coys.
April 1— Army Line One Coy. of the 9th Gordons was attached to the Battalion, which occupied the old trenches in rear of the intermediate Army line with H.Q. at 9.35.D.15.90.
April 4— Arras Relieved by 13th Royal Scots and proceeded to billets in Petite Place, Arras.
April 9— In the Trenches Relieved 13th Royal Scots in reserve. B and D Coys. occupied the tunnel and A and B Coys. the large dug-out at 19.5.6.3.7.
April 13— Arras Battalion was relieved by the 6th Camerons 45th Brigade, and proceeded to Petite Place, Arras, where work parties were found. O.R.'s, 7 wounded.
April 18— In the Trenches Relieved the 8/10th Gordons at 9 a.m.
April 20— do. Battalion relieved the 6th Camerons in support. Disposition: A Coy. in London Avenue and Inverness Terrace (H.25.d.). B Coy. in Blangy Front and support lines between Pelves Lane and Cambrai Road inclusive. C Coy. 2 platoons in Tilloy Reserve (H.31.b.), 1 platoon St. Patrick's Road (H.31.a. central) 1 platoon with Coy. H.Q. at Devil's Wood. D Coy. in Blancy Front. H.Q. Imperial Cave.
April 23/24— Berneville The 44th Infantry Brigade was relieved by the 167th Brigade. Battalion was relieved by the 8th Middlesex Regiment and proceeded to Berneville via Dainville and Warlus.
April 24— do. In camp.
April 25— Auchel Battalion moved by bus to Camblain Chatelain and Auchel at 7.20 a.m., reaching Auchel about 1 p.m. Transport by road independently.
May 4— Y Huts, Etrun The 44th Brigade moved to the XVII. Corps area 8.30 a.m. Marched to Calonne-Ricourt, entrained to Acq, march to Etrun.
May 6— do. Brigade moved to support area. Disposition of Battalion: H.Q. Portsmouth Camp G.3.b.9.2. B and C Coys. in Colinwood Camp G.3.b.6.6. D Coy. Cinema Hut G.3.b.8.3. A Coy. Trafalgar Camp G.3.d.7.4.
May 10/11— In the Trenches Relieved 10th Scottish Rifles in Right Sector, Left Sub Section H.Q. at H.16.d.1.8.
May 13/14— do. Battalion took over area held by 6th Camerons as far north as H.17.b.35.60. Disposition: A Coy. from H.17.d.0.8. to H.17.c.35.60 (3 platoons), 1 platoon in Cam. Avenue from H.17.c.10.70. B Coy. as at present. Coy. H.Q. H.16.d.5.2. C Coy. in front line from H.17.d.10.60 to H.23.a.30.90 (3 platoons). 1 platoon in a cellar at H.17.c.45.35. D Coy. in Pudding Trench (as far north as H.16.c.79.60).
May 14/15— do. Inter Coy. relief. D Coy. relieved A Coy.
May 17— In Support Area Relieved by 8/10th Gordons. Took over accommodation in Stirling Camp. A and C Coys. with H.Q. at Stirling Camp. B Coy. in Cam. Valley. D Coy. in cellars, and old gun pits Athies. O.R., 3 wounded.
May 20— do. 2 Camerons escaped from German Internment Camp and came through British lines.
May 24— Roclincourt Relieved by 13th Royal Scots going into Divisional reserve at Roclincourt Area. B and C Coy. Collingwood Camp. A Coy. Trafalgar Camp. B Coy. Cinema Hut. H.Q. Portsmouth Camp.
June 1/2— In the Trenches Relieved the 10th Scottish Rifles in left front line. Officers, 3 wounded: O.R.'s, 16 wounded, 4 killed.
June 6/7— Arras Relieved by 4/5th Black Watch. Battalion withdrew to Petite Place, Arras. H.Q. at Rue des Trois Visages.
June 10— do. The 7th Camerons were amalgamated with the 6th Camerons, Lieut.-Col. N. Macleod, D.S.O., to command the new Battalion. 21 officers and 383 O.R.'s were absorbed in the 6th Camerons. 9 officers and 466 O.R.'s were transferred to the Base M (S) Depot.
June 10— Lens Mardeuil Formed into a Cadre Battalion for the purpose of training American Battalions. Establishment: 10 officers and 60 O.R.'s. Designation: 7th Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders Training Staff 118th Infantry Brigade. 39th Division B.E.F.
Entrained at Mardeuil at 10 a.m. and proceeded to Barlin for Audruicq Hazelbrouck.
June 11— Hazelbrouck Arrived Hazelbrouck at 6 p.m. (Ardruicq at 4 p.m.) Billeted there for night.
June 12— Calais Left Nortkerque-Hazelbrouck at 9 a.m. and marched to Rodelinghem, Calais, arriving 11 a.m.
June 17— do. Left Rodelinghem for camp at Calais 13.3F.86.75, arriving at 11 a.m. Affiliated to 3rd Battalion 119th Regiment A.E.F. Started training.
June 21— do. Lieut.-Col. F. Anderson, M.C., late C.O. of the 6th Camerons, joined as C.O. of this Staff.
June 22— do. Training Americans.
July 1— do. General Pershing inspects 119th Regiment at training.
July 2— do. American Division leaves area. Moved camp to a field in Veuse Village.
July 26— Listergaux Left Listergaux at 3.30 p.m. for VII. Corps Reinforcement Camp Watten by march, arriving about 7 p.m.
July 29— Watten Received orders to receive 823 O.R. arriving Watten 30/7/28.
July 30— Arneke Left Watten at 12.30 p.m., arriving Arneke about 4 p.m. In billets about 8.30 p.m. Battalion made up of Black Watch, Seaforths and Gordons. Dropped 350 O.R. at Cassell to join A. and S. H. Our Battalion are reinforcements for 51st Division to be called XIX. Corps Reinforcement.
July 31— do. Left Arneke and marched via Cassel to a staging camp in St. Eloy Area, Hazelbrouck. Map 3 H. 30.85.
Aug. 1— do. A and D Coys. left camp at 1 p.m. and marched to L.33.C. area where they billetted. H.Q., B and C Coys. marched to 28 A.24.c.6.6, arriving at 10 p.m.
Aug. 2— St. Eloy Area Moved back to old Chinese camp at Sheet 28.G.14.A.05.70.
Aug. 3— do. Found working parties.
Aug. 6— do. 310 O.R.'s conducted by officers left for 51st Division.
Aug. 7— do. 248 O.R. conducted by 6 officers left for 51st Division. Remainder of reinforcements entrained at Remy Siding for La Cloche, reaching there at 8.30 p.m.
Aug. 8— La Cloche Cleaning up.
Aug. 10— do. 7 officers and 71 O.R. leave for 51st Division, only 7th Camerons now left.
Aug. 13— do. Leave La Cloche and march to Esquebecq, entraining there at 8.30 a.m. for Audruicq. Embus at Audruicq for Listergaux, arriving about midday. Received orders that the 7th Camerons are to break up and proceed to the 6th Battalion. Lieut.-Col. F. Anderson to command 8th Seaforths.
Aug. 14— Listergaux Marched from Listergaux to Audruicq and entrain at 11.30 a.m. for 15th Division via Etaples.
Jamieson & Munro, Ltd., Printers.
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"THE 7th CAMERONS ON HILL 70."
The frontispiece to this volume is a reproduction of a painting by the distinguished War Artist, Joseph Gray. It was commissioned by Evan M. Barron, Esq., Inverness, as a Memorial to the Battalion of which his brother, Major James Barron, was second-in-command when he fell at the Battle of Loos, on 25th September, 1915. The incident depicted by the artist is thus described by Mr. John Buchan in Nelson's History of the War:—
"Lieutenant-Colonel Sandilands of the 7th Camerons arrived on the Hill. Being the Senior Officer present, he took command and planted the headquarters' flag of his Battalion on the top. It was his business to recall the van of the advance, now lost in the fog and smoke of the eastern slopes, and to entrench himself on the summit. The Redoubt was now out of our hands, and the line taken ran just under the crest on the west, and was continued north of Loos by the 46th Brigade. To retire the van was no light task. Two officers, whose names deserve to be remembered, Major Crichton of the 10th Gordons, and Major Barron of the 7th Camerons, volunteered for the desperate mission. They fell in the task, but the order reached the stragglers, and they began to fight their way back. In the midst of encircling fire it was a forlorn hope, and few returned to the British lines on the Hill. All down the slopes towards Lens lay the tartans, Gordon and Black Watch, Seaforth and Cameron, like the drift left on the shore when the tide has ebbed."
Reproductions of the picture, measuring 25 inches by 12 inches, are on sale as follows:—Signed Artist's Proofs, £3 3s.; Ordinary Prints, £1 1s.; but purchasers of this volume may obtain
Signed Artist's Proofs for £2 2s.,
on filling in name and address at foot of this page, and sending it, along with a remittance, to
Messrs. Robert Carruthers & Sons,
"Courier" Office, Inverness.
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