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 B^N OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LT. INFANTRY Volume XXVII From 1^st July 1917 to 31^st July 1917
			2^nd 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	1^st July		Nothing of importance occurred during day. Coy Commanders of the 13^th KINGS LIVERPOOL inspected front lines preparatory to taking over.
DEMICOURT	2^nd July		Battalion preparing for relief by 13^th KINGS LIVERPOOL. 48^th Div. being relieved by 3^rd Div. Relief of B^n^. takes place & we march to FREMICOURT last company arriving at 4.30 Aug 3^rd we are occupying huts reserved for 5^th Army 1officer per coy & N.C.O. per post left behind to instruct for 24 hours.
BIHUCOURT	3^rd July		Peaceful day in camp, huts got very hot towards midday. B^n^. 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.
	4^th July		Companies do 2 hours light training men walk on grass in bare feet to harden them. Concert in the evening by KENNEDY & Co
	5^th July		CO & Adjutant proceed by car to a Divisional conference at HANNES CAMP. B^n^. 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. B^n^. 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 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
BAILLEULMONT	6^th July		Scheme of training commences. B^n^. does 2 hours only today. Rest of time spent in enjoying themselves. MAJOR PICKFORD goes to 1/6^th GLOUSTERS as 2^nd in command.
	7^th 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 1/1^st BUCKS arrives to take over 2^nd in command.
	8^th 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.
	9^th July		“Bde stunt”, B^n^. 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. B^n^. got back at 7.15 P.M.
	10^th July		More training. TheVARLETS gave a concert in Recreation hut at 6 P.M.
	11^th July		The usual training was carried out. A cinema show was arranged for the evening.
	12^th July		Company training. 2^nd/Lt GIBSON, 2^nd/Lt SWATRIDGE, 2^nd/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.
			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
	13^th July		B^n^. training. The weather during our stay here has been excellent. CAPT HALL returns from course & goes back to 1/1 BUCKS.
	14^th July		Platoon training. B^n^. staff ride over to HANNES CAMP to Div. Conference. MAJOR LLOYD BAKER arrives to take over 2^nd in command.
	15^th July		More peaceful than last Sunday. Service at GOMMECOURT in the Recreation hut. Lt MACLEAN, 2^rd/Lt WHITE goes to Div H.Q. to view plans & sketches for the forthcoming operations.
	16^th July		Companies on the usual training. C.O.’s conference at Bde H.Q. Weather not quite so good today.
	17^th July		Bde scheme, B^n^. 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. 2^nd /Lt BENSON 1/1 BUCKS B^n^. joins from England.
	18^th July		Men were given an easy day. 3 hours training, rest of the day spent as they wished.
	19^th July		B^n^. training. Orders for the move arrived, we leave here on 22^nd inst for the YPRES sector.
	20^th 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, 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
	21^st July	Night of	B^n^. moves at 12.30 A.M. Treasure hunt for N.C.O. in the afternoon, to practice them in compass bearings. B^n^. 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	22^nd 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.
	23^rd 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.
	24^th 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.
	25^th July		Company training as before. In the evening we played the 6^th Oxf & Bucks billeted near WATOU at football - & lost 2-1
	26^th July		B^n^. 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.
			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
HOUTERQUE	27^th 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.
	28^th July		Route marching in shirt sleeves. No 3 Platoon inspected by the Brigadier in fighting order, passed out very satisfactorily. 2^nd Lt MACKAY rejoins from hospital.
	29^th July		Sunday a day of piece & quietness except for the enormous amount of traffic through the village. Parade & Church service washed out literally.
	30^th July		B^n^. preparing for move to camp vacated by 8^th 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. 31^st inst, accommodation for men good, officers fair. Situation of camp very bad, no drainage system & approach appalling.
	31^st 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 1^st to 5^th Sht 5Y@ 1/40,000 from 6^th to 21^st Sht 57 Ed 2 Belgium From 21^st to 31^st 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 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 29
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information		Remarks and References to Appendices
			WAR DIARY OF THE ¼ B^N 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 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
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 48^th 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
			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 STEENBEEK KITCHENERS WOOD	Aug 5^th	7.30 P.M	Early part of day quiet. Preparations to move into line for relief of 39^th 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 6^th Battalion CAMBRIDGESHIRE REG, and 5^thB^n 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 6^th	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. B^n H.Q. in CANOE TRENCH at C10d6.5. 1/4^th 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 7^th	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 1/4^th 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.
			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

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 1/6^th B^n 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 9^th

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 11^th

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 12^th

Sunday, as expected day of rest. Parade & Church service with 1/4^th B^n. 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 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

13^th 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.

14^th 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

15^th 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 or 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

16^th 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 1/1^st Bucks B^n; on left, 11^th B^n 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 or INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY (Erase heading not required)

Army Form C. 2118

Place

Date

Hour

Summary of Events and Information

Remarks and References to Appendices

16^th 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 1/7^th Bn WORCESTERSHIRE REGT. In reserve attacked MON DU HIBOU but failed to capture it.

17^th 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 16^th 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 1/7^th WORCESTERS.

DAMBRE CAMP

18^th 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.

19^th Aug

A clear bright Sunday. Joint Church service with 1/4^th 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

20^th 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.

21^st Aug

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

22^nd 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.

23^rd 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.

24^th 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.

25^th Aug

Our task for another attack on 27^th 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	26^th 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 15^th 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	27^th 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 – 1/7^th and 1/8^th 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 1/1^st Bucks B^n^. 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 9^th B^n^. WEST YORKSHIRE REGT. On left; latter with 1/4^th B^n^. 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	28^th 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 2/7^th B^n^. 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	29^th 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	30^th 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 1/6^th B^n^. ROYAL HIGHLANDERS and sharing camp with 1/1^st BUCKS B^n^.. 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.
	31^st Aug		Companies at disposal of company commanders for clothing and kit inspections. 2/Lt. A. BENNETT from 1^st B^n^. LEICESTERSHIRE REGT joins. Another draft:- 42 O.R.
			J. N BARTLETT Lt-Col Commanding 1/4^th 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.
2^nd 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.
2^nd 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