Appendix A
SUBSEQUENT SERVICES OF THE 311TH BRIGADE
I should like to have been able to bring the records of the 311th Brigade within the scope of this work, but the difficulties have proved too great, and I must content myself with giving a brief digest of its services after leaving the 62nd Division, for which I am indebted to the kindness of Lieut.-Colonel A. Gadie.
The brigade was first attached to the 34th Division, and took part in the battle of Arras on Easter Monday, 1917; after this it occupied positions in the Arras sector, opposite Gavrelle and Oppy.
In May it marched to Ploeg Street Wood, and fought in the battle of Messines, in support of the Anzacs. The battery positions in this battle were in some cases within 850 yards of the Boche front line.
In June, 1917, the brigade enjoyed a rest at Bailleul, and then returned to its old positions at Messines, near Warneton.
In October, 1917, it pulled out and went to the Ypres salient, where it took part in the strenuous fighting at Passchendale.
December, 1917. St. Quentin sector.
February, 1918. In action at Jeancourt until the big German offensive began. The brigade then retired steadily to the Somme, taking up as many as five separate positions in one day. At St. Christ's bridge it held on to its positions for two days, and then only retired on being outflanked by the enemy. The batteries remained in action on this occasion, firing over open sights, until the infantry had retired behind the guns. Positions were finally taken up about 8 miles east of Amiens.
May, 1918. To the Arras sector. When the final great advance was in preparation, the brigade moved into seven different positions in ten days, in order to cover the withdrawal of the Canadians, who were being sent south. It finished up by occupying positions on the top of the Vimy ridge.