Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

or

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

Vol 28

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

 

 

Confidential

 

WAR DIARY

 

Of

 

¼ BN OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LT. INFANTRY

 

Volume XXVII

 

From 1st July 1917 to 31st July 1917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd August 1917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P. 28

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 


 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

or

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

OUTPOST LINE

N.E. of

1st July

 

Nothing of importance occurred during day.  Coy Commanders of the 13th KINGS LIVERPOOL inspected front lines preparatory to taking over.

 

DEMICOURT

2nd July

 

Battalion preparing for relief by 13th KINGS LIVERPOOL.  48th Div. being relieved by 3rd Div.  Relief of Bn. takes place & we march to FREMICOURT last company arriving at 4.30 Aug 3rd we are occupying huts reserved for 5th Army 1officer per coy & N.C.O. per post left behind to instruct for 24 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIHUCOURT

3rd July

 

Peaceful day in camp, huts got very hot towards midday.  Bn. moving to BIHUCOURT at 4.30 P.M, order of march A, B, HQ, C, D.  Men march very badly (due to long period in line) 30 men fell out.  A very short march only 6 miles.  Arrive at BIHUCOURT 7.15 P.M.  Officers in tents, men in tents and bivouacs, rather crowded.  Officers & N.C.O. left behind again.

 

 

 

4th July

 

Companies do 2 hours light training men walk on grass in bare feet to harden them.  Concert in the evening by KENNEDY & Co

 

 

 

5th July

 

CO & Adjutant proceed by car to a Divisional conference at HANNES CAMP.  Bn. moved to BAILLEULMONT at 6.30 P.M. order of march B, HQ, C, D, A.  MAJOR PICKFORD in command, distance 13 miles.  Men march splendidly only one casualty.  Every body pleased to see some traces of civilisation again.  Great enthusiasm aroused by the sight of a estaminet.  Bn. arrive at destination at 10.15 P.M.  All ranks comfortably housed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

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Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

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Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

BAILLEULMONT

6th July

 

Scheme of training commences. Bn. does 2 hours only today.  Rest of time spent in enjoying themselves.  MAJOR PICKFORD goes to 1/6th GLOUSTERS as 2nd in command.

 

 

 

7th July

 

Training commences in real earnest. 6 hours per day starting 7.00A.M.  Training as in SS143 with special stunts arranged by Div.  CAPT HALL 1/1st BUCKS arrives to take over 2nd in command.

 

 

 

8th July

 

This day being a Sunday should have been peaceful but between Bde Conferences & company commander’s conferences, most people were employed.  Services were held at GOMMECOURT for C of E & Nonconformists in the Recreation hut. BAILLEULMONT morning & evening.  CAPT. HALL goes to XVIII Corps school on 4 days course.

 

 

 

9th July

 

“Bde stunt”, Bn. parade at 4.45 A.M. & march to BIENVILLERS AU BOIS, had breakfast.  Start operations at 8.0 A.M.  Scheme finished about 4.0 P.M.  Bn. got back at 7.15 P.M.

 

 

 

10th July

 

More training.  TheVARLETS gave a concert in Recreation hut at 6 P.M.

 

 

 

11th July

 

The usual training was carried out.  A cinema show was arranged for the evening.

 

 

 

12th July

 

Company training.  2nd/Lt GIBSON, 2nd/Lt SWATRIDGE, 2nd/Lt SALMON reported from England.  The Brigadier lectured to all officers of the Brigade in recreation hut BAILLEULVAL on the prospective operations.  Revolver practice was also carried out.  In the evening another cinema show was given.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

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WAR DIARY

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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

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Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

13th July

 

Bn. training.  The weather during our stay here has been excellent.  CAPT HALL returns from course & goes back to 1/1 BUCKS.

 

 

 

14th July

 

Platoon training.  Bn. staff ride over to HANNES CAMP to Div. Conference.  MAJOR LLOYD BAKER arrives to take over 2nd in command.

 

 

 

15th July

 

More peaceful than last Sunday.  Service at GOMMECOURT in the Recreation hut. Lt MACLEAN, 2rd/Lt WHITE goes to Div H.Q. to view plans & sketches for the forthcoming operations.

 

 

 

16th July

 

Companies on the usual training.  C.O.’s conference at Bde H.Q.  Weather not quite so good today.

 

 

 

17th July

 

Bde scheme, Bn. parade at 4.45 A.M. & march to HANNES CAMP, have breakfast & commence operations at 9.0 A.M.  Weather very dull but rain held off.  Operations ceased about 4.30 P.M. men had tea & marched home arriving at 10.15 P.M.  The men appear to be in splendid physical condition.  Even after such a long days work they were a cheery as schoolboys & sang songs the whole of the way back.  2nd /Lt BENSON 1/1 BUCKS Bn. joins from England.

 

 

 

18th July

 

Men were given an easy day.  3 hours training, rest of the day spent as they wished.

 

 

 

19th July

 

Bn. training.  Orders for the move arrived, we leave here on 22nd inst for the YPRES sector.

 

 

 

20th July

 

Platoon training from 7.0 A.M. to 12.30 noon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

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Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

21st July

 

Night

of

Bn. moves at 12.30 A.M.  Treasure hunt for  N.C.O. in the afternoon, to practice them in compass bearings.   Bn. moved off at 12.30 A.M. en-route for MONOICOURT (entraining station).  We arrived strictly to time at 4.20 A.M.  Formed up in a field and had breakfast.

 

 

HOUTERQUE

 

22nd July

21-22

Everything worked very smoothly & we were all entrained by about 7.15, the train leaving at 7.35 A.M. just 2 minutes behind scheduled time.  The journey was uneventful & comparatively speedy, we were held up for about ¾ of an hour outside HAZEBROUCK where the congestion of traffic appeared to be very considerable.  We detrained at GODEWAERSVELDT at about 3.0 P.M, & before moving off we had tea, paraded again & moved to HOUTKERQUE at 6.0 P.M.  the route was very dusty but not to long & we arrived at 9.0 P.M.  men in tents, most of the officers in billets, accommodation for men not quite as good as at BAILLEUMONT.

 

 

 

23rd July

 

No training.  Companies at disposal of Coy Commanders for inspection etc.  The country around about is very pretty & the village has one feature common to most.  French villages – every second house appears to be an estaminet.

 

 

 

24th July

 

Training for companies, including Bde route march of not less than 2 hours duration.  Brigade inspected during route march by Corps General, MAJOR GENERAL MAISE commanding XVIII Corps.

 

 

 

25th July

 

Company training as before.  In the evening we played the 6th Oxf & Bucks billeted near WATOU at football - & lost 2-1

 

 

 

26th July

 

Bn. training.  Brigadier orders that men’s hair must be cut short, inspected us at 6.0 P.M saw one man & walked of in disgust, great strafe, will inspect us again.

 

 

 

 

 

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Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

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Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

HOUTERQUE

27th July

 

Still training & hair cutting, barbers collapsing through overwork, curly locks go by the board & the camp resembles a P of W cage.  Inspected again by Brigadier, this time great satisfaction.

 

 

 

28th July

 

Route marching in shirt sleeves.  No 3 Platoon inspected by the Brigadier in fighting order, passed out very satisfactorily.  2nd Lt MACKAY rejoins from hospital.

 

 

 

29th July

 

Sunday a day of piece & quietness except for the enormous amount of traffic through the village. Parade & Church service washed out literally.

 

 

 

30th July

 

Bn. preparing for move to camp vacated by 8th WARWICKS.  We leave at 11.30 P.M. tonight.  Move to camp in L. 3. central, ¾ mile W of ST JAN TER BIEZEN.  Order of march D, A, B, C Coys arriving at 1.30 A.M. 31st inst, accommodation for men good, officers fair.  Situation of camp very bad, no drainage system & approach appalling. 

 

 

 

31st July

 

Light training for companies.  The PUSH started this morning, very good news all objectives taken.  Showery day developing into steady rain during night.

 

 

 

 

 

                                            France                                           France

Map Ref from 1st to 5th  Sht 5Y@ 1/40,000  from 6th to 21st  Sht 57 Ed 2

 

                            Belgium

From 21st to 31st   Sht 2Y

                                                                                                          R Stephens  Lt Col

                                                                                                          Commanding

¼ Oxf & Bucks Lt Infantry

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

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And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

Vol 29

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

 

 

 

WAR DIARY

 

OF  THE

 

¼ BN OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LT. INFANTRY

 

(145 INF. BDE – 48 DIV)

 

AUGUST 1917

 

XXVII

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P. 29

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

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WAR DIARY

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Army Form C. 2118

 

Place

 

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Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

CAMP Y

ST JAN  TER BIEZEN

Aug 1st

 

A dull wet day.  Companies at disposal of company commanders.  Gas drill, musketry, Lewis gun classes and lectures. O? & C companies visit miniature of enemy area on corps front only to find it being removed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aug 2nd

 

 

 

 

Weather continued wet.  Indoors training as yesterday.  Details of organisation for action carried on.  Conveying party of 36 O.R. to bring in wounded from the battlefield sent up at 6 A.M. under LT. J.C.B. GAMLEN to dressing station on canal bank at C25.d.  News of the battle, indicate that operations are held up by rain.

 

 

 

BELGIUM

28 N.W.

EDN 6A.

 

Aug 3rd

 

9.30 A.M

Further training under company arrangements.  Weather slightly improved.

Senior officers and company commanders attend lectures in POPERINGHE by LT.GEN IVOR MAXSE, Corps commander, and others on task of 48th Div.  Orders for a move forward by brigade.

 

 

 

 

 

DAMBRE

CAMP

Aug 4th

 

Brigade moved to DAMBRE CAMP, B27d 1.3, the battalion starting at 11.30 A.M.  Order of march: H.Q. details, A, B, C, D.  Route: to POPERINGHE , POPERINGHE – YPRES Rd, plank road H8.b35.95 – H3d2.3 N of VLAMERTINGHE  and along ELVERDINGHE Rd, arrived 3.30 P.M.  Found tents newly pitched and camp unimproved.  Resting balance of day.  A sunny day with occasional showers.

 

 

Do

 

 

 

 

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WAR DIARY

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Army Form C. 2118

 

Place

 

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Remarks and References to Appendices

DAMBRE CAMP

 

STEENBEEK

KITCHENERS

WOOD

Aug 5th

7.30 P.M

Early part of day quiet. Preparations to move into line for relief of 39th Div.  Battalion moved of at 7.30 P.M.  Order:  H.Q, A, B, C, D; platoons at 5 minutes interval.  Route: VLAMERTINGHE, plank road to I.1b.1.4, SALVATION CORNER, road to left to Bridge 2A, trench board track to KITCHENERS WOOD.  Took over front line along STEENBEEK, C11b8.2 to C11b1.10 from 6th Battalion CAMBRIDGESHIRE REG, and 5th Bn ROYAL HIGHLANDERS.

[Ref: PILCKEM:1:10,000 EDN.1].  Several casualties sustained going in.  Killed: 2/Lt. R.H WHITE MC & REGTL SGT. MAJOR. R. LANE.  The latter had been with battalion since coming out.  Wounded: LT. W.H. ENOCH, adjutant.

 

BELGIUM

28 NW.

EDN.6A

 

PILCKEM

1:10,000

EDN.1.

 

Aug 6th

1 A.M.

 

 

 

 

11. A.M.

Relief  reported completed at 1a.m.  Dispositions: A & B left and right front companies, respectively; C & D in support.  Former holding 2 Platoons at ADAMS FARM & 2  in CANOE TRENCH.  Latter similarly distributed in THE BUND, a large concrete structure near ALBERTA FARM, & CANOPUS TRENCHES.  Bn H.Q. in CANOE TRENCH at C10d6.5. 1/4th ROYAL BERKS in reserve in CANADIAN, CALF & CALIBAN TRENCHES.  Battalion area shelled continuously during day, causing many casualties.  2/LT J. E BOYLE assumes adjutants duties.  Clear bright day

 

 

 

Aug 7th

3 – 5 P.M.

9 P.M

Front support Platoons at ADAMS FARM heavily shelled, also H.Q.  Front line seriously bombarded from 9 – 10 PM, left company suffering most our, artillery retaliate effectively.  Relieved by 1/4th ROYAL BERKS.  Battalion goes into reserve in their position.  Day casualties among officers:  Killed, 2/LT. H. E GIBSON; wounded, LT- COL. RUPERT STEPHENS commanding officer & 2/LT J.A.S. MACLEAN.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WAR DIARY

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Army Form C. 2118

 

Place

 

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Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

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O.G.1

 

DAMBRE

CAMP

 

 

 

Aug 8th

4.30 A.M.

 

 

7 P.M.

Relief complete shortly before daybreak.  Foggy morning, bright and sunny later until 6 P.M.  Our trenches shelled with H.E several times during day, B & D companies suffering casualties.  Relieved in early evening by 1/6th Bn GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGT.  Return to DAMBRE CAMP in heavy rainstorm.  Hot meal and rum for men.

Casualties for 3 days: Killed 2/LT. R.H. WHITE M.C, 2/LT H.E. GIBSON, O.R. 18: Wounded LT.COL. R. STEPHENS, LT. W.H.E. ENOCH, 2/LT. J.A.S. MACLEAN, O.R. 58: Missing O.R. 4

 

 

 

Aug 9th

 

LT.COL A.J.N. BARTLETT returned to command the battalion.  Orders received for attack by 145 INF. BDE on divisional front.  A quiet day.

 

 

 

Aug 10th

 

Light training by companies.  Conference of company commanders on attack scheme.  Miniature of enemy area to be captured by division visited in afternoon by officers and N.C.O. s, i/c platoons at divisional headquarters A30C.  Bright warm day.

 

BELGIUM

28 N.W

EDN.6A.

 

Aug 11th

 

Light company training continued.  Officers meeting at brigade headquarters to receive general instructions.  Detail of order issued.  Attack practice course S. of  DAMBRE CAMP prepared.  Battalion practice on it at 3 P.M.  Rain at night.

 

 

 

Aug 12th

 

Sunday, as expected day of rest.  Parade & Church service with 1/4th Bn. ROYAL BERKSHIRE REGT.  C.R.A. explains artillery barrage for attack at 2.30 P.M. to officers of  brigade.  Men to act as guides leave at 9 P.M. to reconnoitre a new route through KITCHENERS WOOD to REGINA CROSS and assembly positions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

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Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

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Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

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Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

DAMBRE CAMP

13th Aug

8.00 AM

Battalion parades at 8 A.M. for attack practice by brigade.  Return to camp at 1 P.M. after some weary hours.  Useful lessons learnt.  Afternoon quiet for the men, but “pow – wows” for officers.  Administrative orders for attack issued.  A few H. V. shells fell near camp in evening and night.

 

POELCAPELLE

1:10,000

EDN.1.

 

14th Aug

 

Rehearsal by Brigade of attack practice.  More details included.  Weather warm and sultry with rain at conclusion.  Time 9 A.M. to 12.30 P.M.  Brigade conference for company commanders at 2.30 P.M.  More shells fall near in afternoon.  One of our own observation balloons, east of camp, brought down in flames by one E.A.  Final operation preparations.  Rain again at night.

 

 

 

 

 

ALBERTA FARM

15th Aug

 

10.15 P.M.

Move to REIGERSBURG CAMP – H6a – at 10.30 A.M.  Order of March: C, D, HQ, A, B companies.  Rested until 10.15 P.M.  Air fight in afternoon above us, one of our aeroplanes falling in the camp.  At 10.15 P.M. moved off, in same order, by trench board track to CANAL d’ YSER, crossing at BRIDGE 3.  Companies proceeded by similar track – INFANTRY ROUTE 4, marked Δ – to ADMIRALS ROAD at C15d 4.2 (PILKEM 1:10,000, EDN1) whence two right companies turned to right along road, then by trench board track to ALBERTA FARM.  Left companies continued N.E., across country, passing through KITCHENERS WOOD.  Battalion headquarters went to ALBERTA FARM.

 

BELGIUM 28 N.W.

1:20,000

EDN. 6A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

STEENBEEK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MON DU HIBOU

16th Aug

4.00 A.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.45 A.M.

At 4 A.M. all companies reported in position on assembly and direction tapes, laid W. of STEENBEEK, in accordance with brigade orders.  Dispositions: C company on right and D on left forming two leading waves; behind them A and B companies respectively forming third and fourth waves.  Each wave in two lines.  On right flank 1/1st Bucks Bn; on left, 11th Bn MANCHESTER REGT of INF. BDE 34.  Four objectives assigned: first, strong point W. of ST JULIEN – LANGEMARCK road; second, LANGEMARCK – WINNIPEG road between C6 d2.1 and C6 c4.9; third, LANGEMARCK trench system between C6 d94 and C6 b9.8; fourth, outpost line from latter point to HUBNER FARM.  Two tanks to cooperate in attacking strong points.  Wet ground resulted in non-appearance of latter.

 

The attack started promptly at 4.45 A.M. our men advancing behind a strong artillery barrage.  Little opposition, beyond slight rifle fire on assembly positions, until first wave had advanced 200 yards E of STEENBEEK when it came under effective machine gun fire from MON DU HIBOU and right flank.  Reinforced by rear waves advance continued until stopped about 100 yards S of a line through MON DU HIBOU and TRIANGLE FARM by deadly machine gun and rifle fire.  Protected by strong concrete shelters the enemy maintained their fire while our own barrage passed over them.  Most of the twelve company officers became casualties in attempts to get forward.  We settled down to hold the ground gained on a line C5 d9.1 to C12 a4.9.  Attack on right and immediate left equally held up; farther left it progressed somewhat.  The enemy barrage fell after the attacking waves crossed STEENBEEK.  It was directed with particular severity against ALBERTA FARM, cutting of communications for several hours.

 

POELCAPELLE

1:10,000

EDN.1

For all subsequent

references

unless otherwise indicated

 

 

 

Day bright and clear

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

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INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

16th Aug

 

 

 

7.30 P.M.

Pack animals with consolidating supplies arrived early but failure of advance left R.E. parties at a standstill.

 

At 7.30 P.M. a company of 1/7th Bn WORCESTERSHIRE REGT. In reserve attacked MON DU HIBOU but failed to capture it.

 

 

 

17th Aug

2.30 A.M.

Another company of same battalion repeated attack at 2.30 A.M., gained a temporary footing, were bombed out but dug in close in front.  We remained as of 16th holding a line of shell holes.  Fresh losses from enemy sniping.  Shelling was light E. of STEENBEEK but heavy at times on the stream, W. of it and on ALBERTA FARM and tracks to it.  Orders for relief by 1/7th WORCESTERS.

 

 

 

 

DAMBRE CAMP

18th Aug

 

Relieving battalion in position shortly after midnight.  Many of men late in getting out.  Assembled at REIGERSBURG CAMP.  Moved on at sunrise to DAMBRE CAMP.  Men rested.  Casualties checked.  They were: killed, 5 officers – 2/Lt A. S. WOTHERSPOON, 2/Lt H. H. JEFFERSON, 2/Lt F. E. JONES, M.C., 2/Lt C. H. BOWMAN, 2/Lt A. F. SALMON. – O.R. 60; missing O.R 4; wounded officers – 5, 2/Lt A. E. CREW, 2/Lt J. H. EARLY, 2/Lt E. C. H. WINCER, 2/Lt D. E. COCHRANE, 2/Lt JOHN SWATRIDGE; O.R. 100.  All company commanders had been early casualties.

 

Already referred to.

BELGIUM

28 N.W.

EDN. 6A.

 

19th Aug

 

A clear bright Sunday.  Joint Church service with 1/4th ROYAL BERKS.  At close MAJOR GENERAL SIR ROBERT FANSHAWE, who attended with BRIG.-GENERAL DONALD WATTS, addressed the two battalions expressing his confidence in us “for stubbornly holding on” when unable to advance.

Our second line battalion comes into Camp nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

or

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

DAMBRE CAMP

20th Aug

 

Inspection of equipment.  Baths for proportion of men.  Training by companies.  Lt J. C. B. GAMLEN becomes adjutant.  2/Lt J. E. B. BOYLE takes command of “A” company.

 

 

 

21st Aug

 

General “refresher” training by companies.  Search party of 4 O.R. under 2/Lt J. E. MACKAY visit battlefield of 16th inst, and establish death of several missing.  More men get baths.

 

 

 

22nd Aug

 

Three officers and 3 N.C.O.’s go with a brigade party by motor bus to witness demonstration attack on strong machine gun emplacement, given on training ground near GUEMY, 12 miles W. of ST OMAR.  Refresher training as before.

 

HAZEBROUCK

5. A.

1:10,000

EDN.2.

 

23rd Aug

 

Company training and practice attack as at demonstration.  Conferences of officers in preparation for probable operations.  Hostile aircraft drop bombs near camp.  2/Lt F. W. CAUDWELL joins.

 

 

 

24th Aug

 

5 – 8 A.M.

Training by companies continue.  Officers new to the ground reconnoitre approach to MON DU HIBOU and examine ground of probable next operations.  In afternoon more officer’s conferences.

 

 

 

25th Aug

 

Our task for another attack on 27th inst notified.  Orders in full.  Conferences and preparations.  Light training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

or

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

CANAL d’YSER

26th Aug

 

3.30 P.M.

Church service 10.30 A.M.  Move at 3.30 P.M. to dugout billets in canal bank (EAST) between BRIDGES 2B and 4 – C19c.  Route: BATH ROAD to REIGERSBURG CAMP, trench board track as on 15th inst.  Order of march: H.Q., A, B, C, D companies.  Very comfortable.  Heavy rain at night.

 

BELGIUM

28 N.W.

1:10,000

EDN. 6A

THE TRIANGLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27th Aug

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.55 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.00 P.M.

 

 

 

6.00 P.M.

Final preparations in morning.  Moved at 1.55 P.M. – Zero hour – from canal bank by INFANTRY ROUTE 4, in accordance with ORDER NO 245 of 145 INF. BDE., by which the battalion should come into support to the attacking battalions – 1/7th and 1/8th WORCESTERS – of 144 INF. BDE. Between Zero plus 3 and Zero plus 4 hours, occupying their assembly positions in the TRIANGLE – C6c – and remain out of fighting until they had obtained objective, E of LANGEMARCK line.  Then to advance through to take up line through FLORA COTTAGE and HUBNER FARM to STROPPE FARM..  Reached assembly area soon after 4 P.M. with very few casualties although having to pass through a hostile barrage scattered over 700 to 800 yards.

 

At 5 P.M. each company reported in position or digging in.  Dispositions: right front A company; centre, “B”; left, “C”; support, “D” company; battalion headquarters in concrete blockhouse N.E. of MON DU HIBOU.

 

About 6 P.M. the 1/1st Bucks Bn. came into support also behind and close to our front companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

POELCAPELLE

1:10,000

EDN. 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

or

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

5.00 P.M.

Attacking battalions reported on our arrival, that advance was held up by SPRINGFIELD in right flank battalion’s area.  Captured at 6.30 P.M. with cooperation of a “tank”.  Concrete buildings in vicinity of VACOUVER holding centre.  We established liaison at dusk with WARWICHSHIRE REGT. on right and 9th Bn. WEST YORKSHIRE REGT. On left; latter with 1/4th Bn. ROYAL BERKS on right

 

After a bright morning afternoon was dull and showery.  Misty rain fell from 5 P.M. to dusk.  Night chilly with rising wind.  Ground very heavy.

 

 

 

 

VANCOUVER

28th Aug

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.15 P.M.

Relieved both battalions of WORCESTERSHIRE REGT. soon after midnight, in their advanced positions.  Failed to find until end of day a few isolated groups but then took over from them.  A patrol of 40 O.R. under 2/Lt W. S. TETLY left centre company at about midnight to reconnoitre blockhouse.  He reported it further E than shown on map.  Our line faced nearly due E, running from C12 b40.15 to cross road at C6 d15.1, and in a slight westerly curve to C6 d0.8.

Morning dull with strong chilly wind.  Enemy artillery quiet except for sporadic shelling of E. side of TRIANGLE.

 

At 10.15 P.M, relief by three companies of 2/7th Bn. LONDON REGT. began.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 

 

 

Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence

Summaries are contained in F. S. Regs, Part II,

And the Staff Manual respectively.  Title pages

Will be prepared in manuscript.

WAR DIARY

or

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

(Erase heading not required)

 

Army Form C. 2118

 

 

 

Place

 

Date

 

Hour

 

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

 

 

 

 

 

DAMBRE CAMP

29th Aug

 

4.50 A.M.

All companies relieved and going out by 2 A.M. but relief not reported complete until 4.50 A.M.  as battalion headquarters was held up at MON DU HIBOU by some artillery fire, which broke communications, and a pre-dawn barrage along STEENBEEK.

 

Assembled at REIGSBURG CAMP for hot meal and rest. At 10.45 A.M. marched by BATH ROAD to DAMBRE CAMP.  Rested balance of day.  Casualties: killed 9 O.R.; wounded 19 O.R.; missing 2 O.R.  Only 2 officers per company had gone in.

 

 

 

 

 

BELGIUM

28 N.W.

EDN. 6A.

ROAD CAMP

ST JANS TER BIEZEN

30th Aug

 

Move at 6.05 A.M. to ROAD CAMP, F.25c (BELGIUM 27 N.E. 1:20,000) near ST JANS TER BIEZEN, taking over from 1/6th Bn. ROYAL HIGHLANDERS and sharing camp with 1/1st BUCKS Bn..  Route switch road N of VLAMERTINGHE, YPRES – POPERINGHE road, switch road N of POPERINGHE and POPERINGHE – WATOU road.  Order: H.Q., A, B, C, D companies at 200 yards interval

 

Accommodation: NISSEN BOW huts, overflow in a dozen tents.  Excellent parade and football ground.  2/Lt HAROLD BARRETT joins and 2/Lt VIVIAN GARLICK rejoins.  Large reinforcement – 159 O.R.

 

27 N.E

EDN. 2.

 

31st Aug

 

Companies at disposal of company commanders for clothing and kit inspections.  2/Lt. A. BENNETT from 1st Bn. LEICESTERSHIRE REGT joins.  Another draft:- 42 O.R.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. J. N BARTLETT Lt-Col

                                                                                      Commanding

1/4th Oxford & Bucks Lt. Infantry

 

 

 

 

 

 

A5834    Wt. W4973/M687   750,000   8/16   D. D. & L Ltd.   Forms/C.2118/13

 


Commonwealth War Graves Commission Details

 

Rank

Christian name

Surname

No

Date

Age

 

Cemetery

Plot

Next Of Kin

Private

Edwin James

MACCABEE

203317

31-Jul-17

35

 

NEW IRISH FARM CEMETERY

Top of Form

III. E. 18.

Son of Edwin Maccabee, of Newbury, Berks; husband of Minnie Maccabee, of The Wharf, Lower Heyford, Banbury

Private

Percy Sydney

PIDWELL

203323

31-Jul-17

22

 

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

Son of Percival Pidwell, of 14, Camden Villas, Sevenoaks, Kent.

Private

William

ELKERTON

203045

5-Aug-17

25

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

Son of John and Sarah Elkerton of Adderbury West, Banbury, Oxon

Regimental Serjeant Major

William Richard

LANE

200024

5-Aug-17

38

Killed in action

TRACK "X" CEMETERY

E. 37.

Husband of Mildred Eleanor Lane, of Knaves Knoll Cottage, Charlbury, Oxon.

Lance Corporal

F. B. W

REYNOLDS

8094

5-Aug-17

 

Killed in action

TRACK "X" CEMETERY

E. 50.

 

2nd Lt.

Richard. Henry.

WHITE

 

5-Aug-17

20

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 54.

 

Private

Charles Carey

WITHERS

202429

6-Aug-17

38

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

 

Corporal

Percival Bryan

BANNARD

200490

7-Aug-17

21

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

Son of Frederick Pain Bannard and Florence N. A. Bannard, of 4, Grosvenor Rd., Banbury, Oxon.

2nd Lt.

Herbert Edwin

GIBSON

 

7-Aug-17

 

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

 

Private

Athelson Thomas

JACKSON

266132

7-Aug-17

26

Killed in action

ARTILLERY WOOD CEMETERY

IV. E. 11.

Son of Mrs. Jackson, of 6, Bow Brickhill, Bletchley, Bucks.

Private

Francis John

JACOBS

201602

7-Aug-17

19

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jacobs, of 26, High St., New Headington, Oxon.

Private

L. P.

REYNOLDS

201605

7-Aug-17

20

Killed in action

ARTILLERY WOOD CEMETERY

V. B. 8.

Son of George and Emily Reynolds, of 8, Western Rd., Oxford. Native of York.

Private

Edward

WATSON

203603

7-Aug-17

23

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

Son of Rosetta Jane Watson, of 369, Hamilton Rd., London, Ontario, Canada, and the late Robert Watson. One of three brothers who fell.

Private

Charles Carey

WITHERS

202429

7-Aug-17

38

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of the late Carl and Elizabeth Annie Withers.

Corporal

Albert Sidney

CHRISTIAN

200804

8-Aug-17

21

Died of wounds

DUHALLOW A.D.S. CEMETERY

I. A. 16.

Son of Jesse and Emma Christian, of Midland Counties Home, Leamington Spa, Born Henley-on-Thames.

Private

Ernest Joseph

FOWLER

200439

8-Aug-17

20

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

Son of Job and Emma Fowler, of 54, The Crofts, Witney, Oxon

Private

Christopher

GREEN

201746

8-Aug-17

36

Died of wounds

DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

II. F. 15.

Husband of Ada B. Green of 10, Black Horse Lane, Woodstock Rd., Summertown, Oxford.

 

Enock

HARPER

201875

8-Aug-17

 

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

London

Lance Corporal

Roland Charles

JACKMAN

202396

8-Aug-17

20

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

 

Private

Robert

RICHARDSON

32559

8-Aug-17

22

Killed in action

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Panel 37 and 39.

Son of Robert and Elizabeth Richardson, of Dixon's Loke. Old Catton. Norwich.

Corporal

R. E. W.

SAMMONS

201845

8-Aug-17

 

Killed in action

TRACK "X" CEMETERY

E. 45.

 

Private

H.

TOWNSEND

202404

8-Aug-17

 

Died of wounds

NEW IRISH FARM CEMETERY

IV. A. 12.

 

Lance Serjeant

H

BUTT

200513

9-Aug-17

28

Died of wounds

DOZINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

III. D. 4.

Son of Mrs. E. Butt, of 24, High St., St. Clement's, Oxford.

Private

W. L.

PIDDOCK

28420

9-Aug-17

19

Died of wounds

MENDINGHEM MILITARY CEMETERY

IV. B. 21.

Son of John F. and Ellen Piddock, of 16, Twyning Rd., City Rd., Edgbaston, Birmingham

Private

George Bolton

OATES

203390

13-Aug-17

23

 

BRANDHOEK NEW MILITARY CEMETERY

VI. F. 9.

Son of John Oates, of 9, Niagara Rd., Henley-on-Thames, Oxon.

Private

William Joseph

BIRCH

202173

15-Aug-17

28

 

ETAPLES MILITARY CEMETERY

XXII. P. 19.

Husband of L. M. Birch, of Yew Tree Cottages, Farnham Common, Bucks.

Lance Corporal

Frank James

ADAMS

200529

16-Aug-17

24

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Ann Emily Barnes (formerly Adams), of 10, St. John's Rd., Oxford, and the late Frank Adams.

Lance Corporal

William

ALLEN

200348

16-Aug-17

19

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of William and Rose Allen, of 63, Park St., Thame, Oxon.

Private

Joseph

ASPLEY

10046

16-Aug-17

23

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Mrs. Clara Jane Aspley, of 3, Granby Rd., Stockingford, Nuneaton.

Lance Corporal

Alfred Frank

BENFIELD

11588

16-Aug-17

21

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Philip and Mary Jane Benfield, of Langford, Lechlade, Glos.

Lance Corporal

Sidney John

BIRD

22969

16-Aug-17

24

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of John William and Eleanor Bird, of Radnage, High Wycombe; husband of Hilda May Hunt (formerly Bird), of 153, Nelson Rd., Hornsey, London.

Second Lieutenant

Claude Herbert

BOWMAN

-

16-Aug-17

20

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Mr. L. G. Bowman (Headmaster of the Jews' Free School, London.) and Mrs. Bowman, of 39, Ashbourne Avenue, Golders Green, London. Scholar of Exeter College, Oxford.

Serjeant

Gilbert Humphries

BURDEN

200627

16-Aug-17

 

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Mrs. F. C. Nash, of 141, Howard St., Iffley Rd., Oxford.

Lance Corporal

W J

COMPTON

200981

16-Aug-17

27

Killed in action

POELCAPELLE BRITISH CEMETERY

L. D. 3.

Son of the late Leonard and Selina Compton.

Private

G. A. E.

CRIPPS

202619

16-Aug-17

 

 

CEMENT HOUSE CEMETERY

IV. F. 2.

Husband of Annie Amelia Cripps.

Lance Corporal

Percival James

GLIDDON

202499

16-Aug-17

20

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Henry and Helen Gliddon, of 11, Bodmin St., Holsworthy, Devon.

Private

William George

HATHAWAY

202345

16-Aug-17

34

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Mrs. Eliza Hathaway, of 4, Oxford Rd., Wendlebury, Bicester, Oxon.

Lance Corporal

Sidney George

HIEATT

200183

16-Aug-17

22

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Ransom and Elizabeth Ann Hieatt, of 248, Cowley Rd., Oxford.

Private

Christopher

HOLLOWAY

201432

16-Aug-17

19

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of William and Annie Holloway, of 2, Gas St., Oxford.

Private

John Henry

HOWKINS

203303

16-Aug-17

30

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of the late Mr. T. and Mrs. H. M. Howkins, of 24, Kingston Rd., Oxford; husband of Millicent Edith Carter (formerly Howkins), of 78, Southmoor Rd., Oxford.

Corporal

John Thomas

HUBBARD

29243

16-Aug-17

38

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Husband of Ethel A. Hubbard, of 52, Fingal St., East Greenwich, London.

Private

William Ernest

HUNT

13998

16-Aug-17

29

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Robert and Harriett Hunt, of 4, Brooks Row, Leafield, Witney, Oxon.

Private

Frederick Arthur

JANES

202740

16-Aug-17

19

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of William and Emily Janes, of Spurgrove, Frieth, Henley-on-Thames.

Private

Ernest Charles

JELFS

200778

16-Aug-17

33

Died of wounds

BIRR CROSS ROADS CEMETERY

I. AA. 15.

Son of William Clarke Jelfs and Mary Jelfs, of 48, West Bur, Banbury, Oxon.

Private

Jack Archer

KEENE

200330

16-Aug-17

19

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Frank and Sarah Keene, of 29, St. George's Terrace, Grovelands Rd., Reading

Corporal

Leonard

KING

200173

16-Aug-17

24

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of Sarah Ann King, of 115, Merton St., Grimsbury, Banbury, Oxon, and the late Tom King.

Private

Albert John

KIRBY

202248

16-Aug-17

39

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of James and Emma E. Kirby, of Manor House, Oakley, Thame, Oxon.

Private

Charles William

LARKINS

203896

16-Aug-17

35

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Husband of Alice Larkins, of 29, Brockhurst Rd., Chesham, Bucks.

Private

Jesse

LOUCH

202367

16-Aug-17

31

Killed in action

TYNE COT MEMORIAL

Panel 96 to 98.

Son of William and Ellen Louch, of Church Lane, Old Headington, Oxford.

Private

Ernest

LYFORD