‘July 1st. Battalion received orders about 8 a.m. to move to assembly-trenches in Thiepval Wood, and all had arrived there by noon. There was a good deal of shelling of the assembly-trenches while we were getting into them, and a good many casualties were caused, especially among the Lewis gun teams.’
The 1/5th York and Lancasters state:
‘June 30th. 11 p.m. Battalion clear of Warloy on road to assembly-trenches.
‘July 1st. 3-45 a.m. Whole Battalion in assembly-trenches, Aveluy Wood.
—— 6-20 a.m. Intense bombardment commenced, and lasted for one hour.’
The 1/6th West Yorkshires write:
‘June 30th. Battalion marched to assembly-trenches in Aveluy Wood.
‘July 1st. 6-30 a.m. Heavy bombardment by our artillery of enemy trenches. Battalion moved across the River Ancre and took up a position in Thiepval Wood.’
The 1/4th West Ridings’ record runs:
‘Battalion moved from Senlis at 11-7 p.m. (30-6-16), marching to assembly-trenches in Aveluy Wood, arriving about 2 a.m. (1-7-16) under heavy shell-fire.’