THE FINAL ADVANCE
III. _The 1/4th Battalion in the Battles of Cambrai and The Sambre,
1918_
The changes which the Battalion found at Boiry-Becquerelle in the
few days which had elapsed since its last rest there were truly
astonishing. The rapidity of the advance had released Boiry from risk
of bombardment by all except long range guns, and the necessity for
the supply services to keep pace with the fighting troops in their
progress eastward had already resulted in a complete metamorphosis
of the Boyelles-Boiry area. Already Boyelles Station was a hive of
industry, and trains were daily entering it from Arras with supplies.
In Boiry-Becquerelle itself, which had been in German hands till the
23rd August, the 1/4th Londons were able to enjoy the luxury of baths
and clean clothing on the 2nd September.
The few days' rest obtained here were passed pleasantly amid fine
weather in refitting and reorganisation; and the Battalion was
fortunately able on the 4th September to commemorate the fourth
anniversary of its departure from England. Companies were now commanded
as follows: A by Capt. H. N. Williams, M.C.; B by Capt. L. L. Watts,
M.M.; C by Capt. C. L. Henstridge, M.C.; and D by Capt. T. B. Cooper,
M.C., M.M.
About this time the Battalion Transport, which had been stationed at
Boisleux St Marc, was divided into two echelons, of which A was the
fighting and B the supply portion. These two echelons were respectively
commanded by Lieut. G. V. Lawrie, M.C., and Lieut. G. E. Stanbridge.
Although as a rule the two portions moved together, they were each
self-contained and ready to operate separately in case of a sudden and
rapid advance.
In the meantime the remainder of the XVII Corps was busily chasing
the enemy through Quéant, Pronville and down the Arras-Cambrai Road
to a point between Villers-lez-Cagnicourt and Buissy. After a warning
order to the 56th Division to move forward again into the Corps area
of battle, arrangements were suddenly changed--as on numerous other
occasions--and on the 5th September the Division was transferred to the
XXII Corps (Godley) of the First Army, with orders to relieve the 1st
Division in the line.
East of Vis-en-Artois and south of Douai is a stretch of country well
watered by numerous streams, and intersected by many ponds and marshes.
At Eterpigny the Cojeul and Sensée Rivers join, and thus augmented the
Sensée expands at Etaing into what is practically a chain of lakes.
Augmented by the Trinquis River and connected by it to the Scarpe, the
Sensée flows eastward past Lécluse, Palluel and Aubigny-au-Bac. At
Palluel it receives on its right, or south, bank the equally marshy
streams of the Agache and the Hirondelle and is intersected by the
northern extremity of the Canal du Nord, which here links up with the
Canal de la Sensée. This last-named Canal runs southward from Douai to
Arleux and then turning eastward down the river valley joins the Canal
de l'Escaut. The whole area thus constitutes a thoroughly complicated
system of waterways and marshes which form barriers of very great
natural strength to an advance.
The Sensée marshes from Etaing to Palluel had formed the left flank of
the Canadian Corps advance in its break through the Drocourt-Quéant
line during the Battle of the Scarpe, and now formed a natural
defensive flank, facing northwards, to our advanced positions on
the Canal du Nord. In this area the 56th Division relieved the 1st
Division. On the evening of the 7th September, after a a halt of one
night at Vis-en-Artois, the 1/4th Londons took over the positions of
the 2nd Royal Sussex on a front from Eterpigny Wood to a point east of
Etaing. The line was continued to Lécluse by the Kensingtons and thence
by the 169th Brigade.
The Battalion was now in country which hitherto had been in German
hands for the whole of the War, and the devastated area was left
behind. Villages were still standing and houses furnished. Indeed,
the civilians had still been in occupation of them during the battle
but had now been moved to the rear by the French Mission. Trenches in
the ordinary sense were here non-existent and the front was held by
a series of outposts along the line of the Sensée with sentry posts
dug in small pits behind the cover of trees and bushes. D, B, and C
Companies were in line, with A and Headquarters on the hill above
Etaing.
Life in this sector was comparatively uneventful. The defences were
improved and a great deal of useful patrolling work carried out in
the endeavour to locate fords or other means of crossing the swamps
in front. For his excellent reconnaissances and reports Sergt. Heyes,
M.M., received commendation.
The previous occupants of the line had evidently been cautious in the
use of their transport in forward areas, for rations and stores were
dumped each night at a cross-road about 2000 yards in rear of the line;
a course involving the nightly labours of some 70 men for carrying
duties. The 1/4th Londons altered this and had limbers at night up to
the front line without any mishap, thus saving an immense amount of
fatigue and trouble to everyone.
After reorganising the outpost line to a strength of two companies
the Battalion handed over its positions on the evening of the 12th
September to the 1st Londons (167th Brigade), and concentrating at St
Rohart Factory on the Arras-Cambrai Road were 'bussed back to Feuchy
where they occupied shelters in Battery Valley, an area which a month
previously they had held as a front line!
In this area a good deal of useful training with rifle and Lewis gun
was put in, and a friendly boxing tournament with the London Scottish
one evening afforded a pleasant relaxation. The Battalion was here
joined by a large draft of officers, including Lieuts. A. Bath and T.
R. Fletcher, and 2/Lieuts. Bradley, R. D. Bushell, J. Coley, P. W.
Green and S. P. Ferdinando; and 2/Lieut. S. W. Neville (7th Londons)
attached.
Lieut. E. P. M. Mosely's diary for this period affords an excellent
illustration of the care taken to maintain the discipline of the
Battalion at a high standard by the application of "peace-time" methods
whenever the situation allowed:
... This sound principle was the means of preventing officers
and men from degenerating into the "Ole Bill" type--a type which
probably existed nowhere except in caricature. At Feuchy the
Battalion was resting. The enemy had been swept back and had
left just a desolate landscape, a smashed railway bridge and a
collection of shell holes. The accommodation for officers and
men consisted of holes in the ground roofed with tarpaulins and
cuttings in the embankment which carried what was left of the
railway line.
Notwithstanding the entire lack of civilised comforts, at 7.30 in
the evenings, standing on the battered arch of the bridge which
once carried the line over Spider Corner, a Battalion bugler would
sound "Dress for Mess." Officers would then scurry into their
holes and half an hour later emerge in slacks, well-groomed, and
enter the mess, a white-washed elephant shelter, and partake of a
five-course dinner with all customary mess etiquette.
On the 19th September the 168th Brigade returned to the line. The Corps
boundaries were being now rearranged and the 56th Division was being
side-stepped to its right, a change which was effected by handing over
a portion of its left to the 4th Division and extending its right over
the front hitherto held by the 3rd Canadian Division. The additional
frontage on the right was allotted to the 168th Brigade, which, after
the relief, held a sector east of Ecourt St Quentin, with the London
Scottish on the right and the 1/4th Londons on the left. The Brigade's
left flank was secured by the 167th Brigade, which, facing north-east,
held the area from Ecourt St Quentin to Lécluse.
The 1/4th Londons' sector consisted of a line of outposts some 500
yards west of the Canal du Nord, of which both banks were held in
force by the Germans, from the Sauchy-Cauchy Road on the right, as far
as Mill Copse (inclusive to the enemy), where the line bent back and
facing north-east lay astride the Hirondelle River, the village of
Ecourt St Quentin being inclusive to us. This line of outposts was held
by two companies with Headquarters in a cottage east of Osvillers Lake,
while two companies were in support in front of Rumaucourt.
The Battalion was unfortunate on the night of the relief in losing
2/Lieut. A. Cartmell, wounded, while 2/Lieut. S. W. Neville was killed
early the following morning.
Like the Etaing area, this sector was marshy and intersected in all
directions by dykes and streams. On the opposite bank of the Canal, the
right flank around Sauchy-Cauchy was equally swampy; but opposite the
centre and left the whole of our area was well under observation from a
considerable hill on which stood Oisy-le-Verger--looking like a second
Monchy--and the Bois de Quesnoy.
In this sector the artillery on both sides was continually active,
though on the enemy's part activity was chiefly confined to
counter-battery work. The Battalion was especially active at night in
conducting reconnaissances of the ground in front, and some useful
information was obtained. Very little was seen of the enemy's infantry,
though on two nights he succeeded by stealth in stealing the garrison
of one of our advanced posts, his second attempt being rendered
successful by the artifice of approaching the post in the guise of
deserters.
We must now turn for a moment to the general situation and must briefly
consider once more the results achieved by the Battles of Bapaume and
of the Scarpe in order to appreciate the further development of the
offensive.
In commenting on the achievements of the British Armies in the Battle
of Bapaume Sir Douglas Haig in his despatches draws attention to the
steady deterioration of the enemy's morale and the increasing lack of
organisation in his defence:
The urgent needs of the moment, the wide extent of front attacked
and consequent uncertainty as to where the next blow would fall,
and the extent of his losses, had forced the enemy to throw in
his reserves piecemeal as they arrived on the battle front. On
many occasions in the course of the fighting elements of the same
German division had been identified on widely separated parts of
the battle front.
In such circumstances a sudden and successful blow, of weight
sufficient to break through the northern hinge of the defences
on which he was to fall back, might produce results of great
importance.
This anticipation of the Commander-in-Chief was amply fulfilled by the
rapid retreat of the enemy towards the Hindenburg line during the first
week of September after the close of the Battle of the Scarpe.
After hard fighting at Havrincourt and Epéhy during the third week of
September the enemy was definitely within his Hindenburg defences as
far north as Havrincourt, north of which he had been pushed beyond them
to the line of the Canal du Nord. On the 12th September the Americans
drove the enemy out of the St Mihiel salient, and it was decided in
discussion between Sir Douglas Haig and Marshal Foch that as soon as
possible four vigorous and simultaneous attacks should be launched: by
the Americans in the direction of Mézières; by the French in Argonne
with the same general objectives; by the British in the direction of
Maubeuge; and by Belgian and Allied Forces in Flanders towards Ghent.
By these attacks, says Sir Douglas Haig, it was expected that the
important German forces opposite the French and Americans would be
pressed back upon the difficult country of the Ardennes while the
British thrust at their main communications.
The long continued blows delivered by the British Armies, although
enormously successful, had placed a great strain on the troops, and
their losses, though small in proportion to the enemy's and to the
results achieved, were in the aggregate considerable. The Hindenburg
positions were known to be strongly defended, and an unsuccessful
attack on them would have a serious political effect and inevitably
revive the declining German morale. An important crisis in the War
had been reached and it was essential that the success of the British
in this new attack should be decisive. After weighing the various
considerations involved Sir Douglas Haig states:
... I was convinced that the British attack was the essential
part of the general scheme and that the moment was favourable.
Accordingly I decided to proceed with the attack....
The battle, which opened on the British front on the 27th September
(Battle of Cambrai, 1918), culminated on the 5th October in the capture
of all the Hindenburg trenches and of such isolated trench systems as
lay in rear of it.
The part of the 56th Division in this great battle was the crossing
of the Canal du Nord. This strong natural obstacle was considered to
be too stubbornly held to yield to frontal attack on a wide area; and
the general plan was therefore for the Canadian Corps to cross it on a
narrow front north of Mœuvres and then spreading out fanwise to extend
the gains north and south on the east bank.
The 1st Canadian Division, on the left of the Canadian Corps and
adjoining the right of the 56th Division, was to cross the Canal south
of the Arras-Cambrai Road and carry the line forward to Haynecourt.
After this the 56th Division, astride the Canal on a front as far east
as Sauchicourt Farm, with the 11th Division on its right, would attack
northwards towards Oisy-le-Verger and the Sensée River at Palluel.
The 56th Division attack was entrusted east of the Canal to the 169th
Brigade and west of it to the Kensingtons of the 168th Brigade. The
London Scottish and 1/4th Londons in line had thus the peculiar
experience of the attack actually crossing their front from right to
left.
At 5.30 a.m. on the 27th September the crash of the barrage announced
the opening of the Canadian Corps attack. The enemy's retaliation
was slight and had practically ceased by 6 a.m. The 1/4th Londons'
area was occupied by eight brigades of field guns engaged in firing
a flank barrage to the main attack until 2.48 p.m., when they were
to switch on a creeping barrage for the attack northwards along the
Canal. Additional flank protection was furnished by six companies of
machine-guns also in our area. In view of this heavy barrage and the
possibility of severe retaliation the 1/4th Londons' outpost line
was thinned out to two platoons in charge of Lieut. T. R. Fletcher,
the remainder of the front companies being withdrawn to the support
position.
The Canadian attack went well, but very stiff opposition was
encountered in Marquion, so that the 56th Division attack from the Blue
line had to be postponed from 2.48 p.m. to 3.28 p.m. Excellent work was
done by the 512th and 513th Field Companies, R.E. (56th Division), in
bridging the Canal at Marquion.
During the morning the 1/4th Londons' front seemed to be clear, and
an officer's patrol under 2/Lieut. O. C. Hudson was sent forward to
reconnoitre the enemy positions along the Agache River, which were
found to be unoccupied.
At 3.28 p.m. the Kensingtons commenced their attack and progressed
without difficulty as far as their first objective, the east and west
road through Sauchy-Cauchy. North of this, however, they were met with
stubborn resistance from machine-guns in Mill Copse and the marshes
east of the Canal. Owing to the restricted avenues of advance through
the marsh--there were only two possible routes to Mill Copse--the
Kensingtons' attack was checked at about 6.30 p.m. some 500 yards south
of the Copse. Excellent information was brought to Headquarters by
2/Lieut. A. M. Bullock as to the situation not only of the Kensingtons
but also of the 169th Brigade east of the Canal.
About 5.50 p.m. C and D Companies began to re-establish the almost
vacated outpost line, and later in the evening D Company was ordered to
endeavour to assist the Kensingtons by pushing through to the Agache
River and if possible by working round the Copse. By shortly after 11
p.m. reports were received that D Company had established four posts in
touch with the Kensingtons. Mill Copse, however, was still in the enemy
hands.
On the right of the Canal the 169th Brigade was also held up by
stubborn machine-guns, and it was not till 8 a.m. the following morning
that they were fully in possession of their final objective.
In view of the check on both banks the reserve company of the
Kensingtons was ordered to clear up the situation as soon as the moon
rose, and at 2 a.m. this company advanced astride the Canal as far as
Mill Copse, which it found unoccupied. The Kensingtons then organised
in depth, having reached their final objective at the surprisingly
small cost of nine other ranks wounded.
The prosecution of the advance was ordered for the 28th September, and
the 1/4th Londons were detailed to carry the 168th Brigade line forward
on the west bank of the Canal towards Palluel, while on the east the
169th Brigade was to advance to the Sensée River.
During the night Battalion Headquarters was persistently shelled from
its left rear by guns across the Sensée, with mustard gas.
At 9.30 a.m. D Company, with one platoon of A Company attached, began
the advance northward to Palluel in the narrow gut of land between the
Canal and the marshes and ponds of the Hirondelle River. Lieut.-Col.
Marchment, 2/Lieut. Bullock, Sergts. Randall and Heyes and a few
signallers followed in the attack, communication with Headquarters
being maintained by a running wire all the way. Very little opposition
was met with, and Capt. Cooper, with Lieut. Fletcher and 2/Lieut.
Millstead, was soon established on the bridges at Palluel, where touch
was gained with C Company and with patrols of the 8th Middlesex (167th
Brigade) which occupied the village and advanced beyond it towards
Arleux.
The whole 168th Brigade front being now confined to this narrow tongue
of land its area was handed over to the 167th Brigade, and the 1/4th
Londons withdrew to reserve positions at Rumaucourt. This move was
completed by 9.15 p.m. on the 28th September.
This successful operation had been effected at very slight loss, the
total casualties of the Division having been only 341 all ranks, while
the 1/4th London losses for the whole of September were the happily
small total of 30 other ranks in addition to the two officers already
mentioned.
During these two days' fighting the 11th Division on the right had
also met with considerable success, and on the evening of the 30th
September the 168th Brigade was ordered back to the line to take
over the positions gained by the left Brigade (the 34th) of the 11th
Division. The advanced positions, which extended from the sharp bend
in the Sensée Canal south of Brunemont on the left to a point opposite
Aubencheul-au-Bac on the right, were occupied by the London Scottish
and the Kensingtons.
The 1/4th Londons, who marched from Rumaucourt at 9 p.m. on the 30th
September, relieved the 2nd Manchester in the support area, on the high
ground south of Oisy-le-Verger and east of Sauchy-Lestrée.
The dispositions in this area were far from good, all the companies
being rather mixed up in the railway cutting near the Bois des
Puits; and on the following day Lieut.-Col. Marchment effected a
redistribution of the Battalion, moving C and D Companies to Cemetery
Wood and B Company to Battalion Headquarters near the Aubencheul Road,
while A Company remained at the Bois des Puits. For five days the
Battalion was busily employed in nightly working parties, digging a
line of support posts across the ridge south of Oisy-le-Verger as far
east as the old German dump at the cross-roads towards Epinoy. This
dump proved to be a rather popular spot for it was found to be amply
supplied with large bottles of Seltzer water. Probably a good number of
these was taken on unofficial charge of the Battalion.
On the evening of the 5th October the 1/4th Londons took over the
right subsection from the London Scottish, on the slope of the hill
overlooking Aubencheul and the railway triangle. Hostile activity was
slight on the 6th October, and from observation it seemed that the
enemy was holding Aubencheul very lightly; in the afternoon orders
were received to test the situation with patrols and if possible
to penetrate the village and occupy the Canal bank north of it.
Considerable fires observed during the morning in Aubigny-au-Bac
contributed to the supposition that the vacation by the enemy of
Aubencheul, if not already accomplished, was at least imminent.
B Company (Lieut. H. F. Dade) was detailed for the work, and at 7 p.m.
No. 7 Platoon, with Lieut. A. M. Bullock, Intelligence Officer, and 4
Headquarters scouts attached, left advanced Battalion Headquarters to
try to enter the village and reach the railway bridge over the Canal.
The other platoons stood in readiness to move forward if required. By
10.15 p.m. information was received that the platoon was in the village
without having met with any of the enemy, and accordingly Nos. 5 and
8 Platoons were at once ordered to move forward to form posts at the
railway crossing and the Aubigny-au-Bac Road bridge and to find touch
with the 11th Division on the right. These operations were successfully
accomplished, though the enemy gave evidence of his occupation of the
north end of the bridges.
By 4 a.m. on the 7th October the occupation of the village was complete
with two platoons which were in touch with the 2nd Yorkshires (4th
Division) on the right, one platoon in the railway cutting south of the
village and one still in the old outpost line. No casualties had been
sustained.
The following day the 1/4th Londons took over the whole Brigade front,
C Company (Capt. C. L. Henstridge, M.C.) on the right, A Company (Capt.
L. L. Watts, M.M.) in the centre and D Company (Lieut. T. R. Fletcher)
on the left. B Company (Lieut. H. F. Dade) was withdrawn to support.
The outposts consisted of a line of sentry posts on the Canal with a
line of resistance about 400 yards in rear. A reserve line was occupied
on the spurs overlooking the Canal north and east of Oisy-le-Verger.
Company Headquarters were located in captured German battery positions,
and D Company became the possessors of a complete battery of 8-inch
German howitzers which had been taken on the 27th September.
* * * * *
[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF CAMBRAI, 1918. THE CANAL DU NORD]
The first phase of the great British offensive may now be said to have
been brought to a conclusion. In the nine days' fighting between the
27th September and the 5th October, the First, Third and Fourth Armies
had shattered the enemy's last prepared lines of defence. The line
of the Canal du Nord had been crossed and left far behind, and the
whole of the main Hindenburg defences were in our hands. "The effect
of the victory," writes Sir Douglas Haig in his despatches, "on the
subsequent course of the campaign was decisive." The threat to the
enemy's communications was now direct and instant, for nothing but the
natural obstacles of a wooded and well-watered countryside lay between
our Armies and Maubeuge.
In this fighting 30 British and 2 American infantry divisions and 1
British cavalry division had met and defeated 39 German divisions at a
loss to the enemy of 36,000 prisoners and 380 guns!
The effect of the advance of our Armies on this front now rendered
the enemy's positions in the Lys area precarious. Already on the 28th
September the Second Army, attacking on a wide front about Ypres, had
carried forward our positions in one day a greater distance than had
been gained in the whole of the dreary struggles for Passchendaele
in 1917. By the 1st October Messines had again been liberated and
our troops were approaching Gheluve and Werwicq. On the 2nd October
the enemy initiated a general withdrawal on the front from Lens to
Armentières.
We have now to follow the course of the second phase of the British
advance--the final phase of the War. In this great operation the Fourth
and Third Armies and the right of the First Army advanced with their
left flank on the Canal from Cambrai to Mons and their right flank
covered by our French Allies.
* * * * *
The first stage of this series of battles opened on the 8th October
with a vast drive by the Third and Fourth Armies in the direction of
Le Cateau. The success of the operation was complete, but we are only
concerned with the point that it involved the fall of Cambrai on the
9th October.
This continued advance of the British in the south exposed in
increasing measure the flank of the enemy north of the Sensée, and
great developments were therefore to be expected shortly in the XXII
Corps area. Already the enemy was reported to be withdrawing from his
positions in the corner between the Canal de la Sensée and the Canal
de l'Escaut, which had been crossed by the Canadians as far north as
Ramillies; and to relieve the 11th Division to pursue this movement
the 168th Brigade extended its right with the Kensingtons as far as
Fressies, which village was to be occupied immediately after the
completion of the relief. This was on the 9th October.
The possibility of an early German retirement north of the Sensée also
called for great vigilance, and the 1/4th Londons were ordered to probe
the situation towards Brunemont and Aubigny-au-Bac, while units of the
167th Brigade were feeling towards Arleux.
The only way to cross the Canal, short of swimming or using a boat,
was to use the ruined iron bridges at Aubencheul and Abbaye-du-Verger
Farm, and accordingly small patrols, covered by parties on the south
bank, began to cross the bridges at about 5 p.m. on the 9th October.
Results were soon obtained. At Aubencheul the enemy was alert and the
patrol was driven back. At the Farm crossing A Company obtained more
success. A post of the enemy about 12 strong was discovered on the
Brunemont Road north of the Canal, and these, after firing a few shots,
fled, though one of them was captured by Sergt. R. C. Clammer, D.C.M.,
M.M., after which the patrol returned. The prisoner was from the 103rd
I Regiment, and was a destitute wretch, wearing cap, jacket, trousers
and boots--and nothing else. Unfortunately, Capt. Watts was killed by a
stray bullet while returning to his company headquarters.
The same evening the 1/4th Londons were relieved by the 8th Middlesex
(167th Brigade) and withdrew to Brigade support in shelters west of
Epinoy. At the same time the Kensingtons and London Scottish effected
the extension to the right of the Divisional line above referred to.
Early on the morning of the 11th October the Kensingtons launched a
completely successful attack on Fressies and advanced the Brigade
line to the Canal at a loss to themselves of only 10 casualties. In
the meantime the advance of the VIII Corps north of the Sensée River
had driven the enemy from Vitry-en-Artois and was now being directed
towards Douai. To assist in this development the 56th Division
artillery was ordered to keep under fire the crossings over the
northern arm of the Sensée Canal, while the infantry made persistent
endeavours to establish themselves beyond the Canal de la Sensée with
a view to exerting pressure on the retiring enemy's left flank. On
the 12th the 167th Brigade completed the clearance of Arleux which
had been initiated by the Canadians, and occupied the Canal triangle
south-east of the village. The following day the 169th Brigade occupied
Aubigny-au-Bac after a sharp fight, but a vigorous counter-attack
later threw them back to the Canal bank. In this fighting magnificent
devotion was displayed by the Royal Engineers in bridging the Canal
under heavy fire.
By the 16th October the 4th Canadian Division had taken over the
Divisional line and the 56th Division withdrew into Army reserve.
The 1/4th Londons were relieved in the Brigade support area by the
1/2nd Londons on the 11th October and passed into Divisional reserve at
Rumaucourt, where several days of very welcome rest were obtained.
Both Rumaucourt and Ecourt-St Quentin were still comparatively unharmed
and partly furnished. Everywhere were signs of the German occupation.
The chief anxiety of the enemy occupants seems to have been fear of
British aeroplanes, for every cellar had its capacity plainly written
on the door, while large warning bells or "Flieger Alarum" were fixed
in all prominent places. In Ecourt-St Quentin were three German field
hospitals which afforded unmistakable evidence that the enemy was
hard up for bandages, for in place of these he seemed to have used
old curtains and paper. An abundant quantity of old civilian clothing
was also found here, and rumour has it that the doctor was seen one
day sporting an excellent top hat. B Company lived in one of these
hospitals and had an excellent time with a grand piano. These good
Bosche institutions afforded an opportunity of bathing, of which
advantage was taken by the whole Battalion.
During the foregoing spell of active work the Battalion transport had
been located near Wancourt. "One day in October," writes Lieut.-Col.
Marchment, "a deputation of Company Q.M.-Sergts. appeared at Orders
with a request that they might take it in turns to come up with
the rations, A and C one night, B and D the next. To this I gladly
consented when, looking at the map, I found that they were walking and
riding some twenty-six miles a night!"
On the afternoon of the 14th October the Battalion marched to
Marquion--till the 27th September in German hands--to entrain for a
rest at Arras. The train was due out at 3 p.m., but as things turned
out there was no occasion for hurry, since owing to a smash at Boisleux
the train did not reach Marquion till 11 p.m. A weary but happy
Battalion entrained, confidently expecting to wake up in Arras, but the
advent of morning brought no change of scene. The train had not moved
an inch! However, in due course the line was cleared and the train
gaily rattled over the battlefields of Quéant, Croisilles and Boyelles,
and reached Arras by 11.30 a.m. on the 15th. The 1/4th Londons were
quartered in comfortable billets in the Rue d'Amiens.
The rest in Arras, with which charming little city the Battalion had
been so frequently associated, was probably the most enjoyable that
fell to its lot in the whole War. To start with, everyone was in the
highest spirits born of the knowledge of their own recent successes in
action and of their confidence for the battles to come. Food was good
and plentiful. The civilians were returning and shops were beginning to
open once again.
Here the Battalion experienced the first visible effects of what the
liberation of France meant to the French. Refugees from the liberated
villages towards Cambrai were being sent back for safety to Arras,
where they were housed in the Schramm Barracks till the French Mission
was able to arrange to settle them in other parts of France. Streams of
homeless women and children drifted through the streets, clinging to a
few treasured objects of their personal belongings, and our men stood
at the street corners deeply impressed by such heartrending scenes.
Shamefacedly, as if fearful of disclosing the depth of their emotion to
their comrades, the men would beg the refugees to be allowed to carry
their parcels for them. Three men of one company took complete charge
of a distressed family and piloted them to a house where they settled
the poor folks, lit a fire for them, bought eggs with their own money,
scrounged some bully beef, and then fled to avoid the thanks of their
grateful charges.
The average Cockney is not in the habit of wearing his heart on his
sleeve. Rather does he conceal his emotion beneath the cloak of
"grousing," but scenes of desolation such as these--far more affecting
than the sight of a ruined countryside--brought out all the wonderful
chivalry which has endeared the simple British soldier to the hearts of
the French. "It was only in censoring letters home," writes an officer,
"that one realised how deeply touched our men were by the sufferings
of the civilians." Of all these saddening sights probably the most
dreadful was at the Hôpital St Jean, where little mites of French
children were dying of gas poisoning, and old people lying demented
by the horrors through which they had passed. To alleviate these
sufferings everything possible was done, and our own R.A.M.C. orderlies
worked side by side with the French Sisters of Mercy.
One afternoon the Commanding Officer gave permission for the drums to
play to the refugees. The performance concluded with the Marseillaise,
the glorious strains of which, not heard for four long years, so
overcame the audience that in the intensity of their emotion old men,
women and children fell upon the drummers and kissed them--much to the
embarrassment of those good-natured fellows.
Some excellent training meanwhile was being obtained on the racecourse
at Dainville, and several rifle competitions were introduced to add to
the keenness of the men. The Battalion was largely reclothed and much
done to improve its excellent parade discipline. On the 21st October
a Guard of Honour was provided, consisting of 100 all ranks under
Capt. H. N. Williams, M.C., for President Poincaré, who was visiting
Arras--"the finest Guard the Division ever turned out," as Faulkner
described it. The identity of this distinguished visitor remained for a
long time shrouded in mystery, and curiosity reached fever-pitch. The
Mess decided that the only way to deal with the problem was to have a
sweepstake, in which the names of the Prince of Wales, M. Clemenceau,
General Smuts, Marshal Foch and the Lord Nozoo (representing The Field)
were included. Captain Williams' return was awaited with breathless
anxiety, but, alas, in the dark he had failed to solve the mystery. The
Mess paid out on M. Clemenceau--he being apparently the nearest to the
distinguished visitor who actually arrived.
During this rest at Arras the Battalion was joined by Capts. H.
W. Spiers and D. S. Boorman, M.C. (to command B and C Companies
respectively), and by Lieuts. E. G. Dew and H. D. Rees, the latter
being appointed Assistant-Adjutant. Regimental Sergt.-Major Jacques,
who was returning to England in training for Quartermaster, was
replaced by Sergt.-Major Wilson, who had been wounded at Ypres in 1917.
The strength of the Battalion was now 38 officers and 721 other ranks.
* * * * *
The latter half of October had seen most rapid and important changes
on the British battle front, to which we must refer briefly. The
success of the attack towards Le Cateau in the early days of the month
had been complete and had driven the enemy back to the line of the
Selle River. This enabled G.H.Q. to initiate the second stage of this
last phase of the War, which was to force the enemy from the Selle
River back to the general line Sambre Canal--western edge of Forêt de
Mormal--Valenciennes. The occupation of this line would enable the
British Armies to launch their final attack on Maubeuge.
The Battle of the Selle was opened by the Fourth Army on the 17th
October, the fight gradually involving the Third and First Armies in
succession. By the 20th October the enemy had been driven across the
Sambre as far north as Catillon, Le Cateau was occupied, and the Selle
River left two miles behind our advanced positions. The main attack
developed on the 23rd October, and by the end of the following day
the enemy was driven on to the western edge of the Forêt de Mormal,
the outskirts of Le Quesnoy had been reached, and the lateral railway
connecting Le Quesnoy with Valenciennes had been crossed on a front
of about four miles. This latter portion of the success was on the
front of the XXII and Canadian Corps of the First Army. The Selle
River Battle resulted in the capture of 20,000 prisoners and 475 guns,
and in the defeat of 31 German divisions by 25 British and 2 American
divisions.
On other parts of the front successes had been equally striking. Laon
had fallen to the French on the 13th October. In Belgium, Menin,
Thorout and Ostend had been occupied in rapid succession, and by the
20th October the Allied line rested on the Dutch frontier. This advance
in the extreme north had the effect of turning the defences of Lille,
which was encircled and occupied on the 18th October, after which a
steady advance brought our troops to the line of the Scheldt north of
Valenciennes to Avelghem.
The critical condition of the Germans is summed up by Sir Douglas Haig
in his despatches:--
By this time the rapid succession of heavy blows dealt by the
British forces had had a cumulative effect, both moral and material
upon the German Armies.... His reserves of men were exhausted....
The capitulation of Turkey and Bulgaria and the imminent collapse
of Austria--consequent upon Allied successes which the desperate
position of her own armies in the western front had rendered
her powerless to prevent--had made Germany's military situation
impossible. If her armies were now to be allowed to withdraw
undisturbed to shorter lines the struggle might still be protracted
over the winter. The British Armies, however, were now in a
position to prevent this by a direct attack upon a vital centre
which should anticipate the enemy withdrawal and force an immediate
conclusion.
A necessary preliminary to the final attack was the capture of
Valenciennes itself, and this was accomplished on the 1st November.
The XXII Corps, advancing on a front of six miles to the south of
the city, crossed the Rhonelle River, and occupied the high ground
overlooking the valley of the Aunelle River, while the Canadians
entered Valenciennes and pushed on to the east of it.
* * * * *
On the 31st October the 56th Division rejoined the XXII Corps in the
battle area, and the battalions of the 168th Brigade embussed from
Arras to Douchy (two miles south of Denain). For a couple of days the
1/4th Londons remained here in very fair billets, receiving a most
hearty welcome from the inhabitants, who had been for four years under
the heel of the enemy.
At 8 a.m. on the 2nd November the Battalion marched about five miles
forward to the staging area at Maing, which it reached at about 11.30
a.m., and that evening advanced again at short notice and relieved the
4th K.O.Y.L.I. (49th Division) in advanced positions facing Saultain,
the relief being completed by 2 a.m. on the 3rd November. The advance
was led by D Company, which came under heavy shell fire when passing
through Famars, and lost 4 men killed and 14 wounded.
The 168th Brigade section which was the left of the Divisional front,
the 169th being on the right, was held with the Kensingtons and 1/4th
Londons in the line. D Company occupied small sections of trenches in
the front line some 500 yards west of the Château de Saultain, while A,
B and C Companies were held back in a sunken road south-east of Aulnoy.
Lieut.-Col. Marchment was now in command of the 168th Brigade, General
Loch having gone to hospital, and the Battalion was temporarily under
Major R. B. Marshall, with Captain T. B. Cooper, M.C., M.M., acting as
second in command. Battalion Headquarters opened in Aulnoy.
[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF THE SAMBRE, 1918]
About the time of the relief it became apparent that the enemy had
retired again opposite the Canadians on our left and was about to do so
on our own front. At 10.35 a.m. a wire was received in the Battalion
stating that the Canadians had entered Estreux, and ordering the
Battalion to push strongly supported patrols through Saultain as far as
the Ferme du Moulin. D Company moved forward at 11.15 a.m., supported
by A Company, and entered Saultain which was found to be unoccupied
except for four men of the 109th Infantry Regiment who were taken
prisoners. By two o'clock the Ferme du Moulin was occupied with very
little opposition and Battalion Headquarters advanced to the Château de
Saultain. On the right the Kensingtons had also pressed forward towards
the cemetery of Curgies, and touch was obtained with them and with the
4th Canadian Division on the left. This advance--over 2000 yards--was
consolidated by the 1/4th Londons, while two squadrons of Australian
Light Horse and a company of New Zealand cyclists endeavoured to
push forward during the evening to secure the crossings of the River
Aunelle. Their attempt, however, was checked about 1000 yards in
front of the infantry by enemy machine-gun fire, and in this position
the progress for the day was concluded, the Kensingtons occupying
with the cavalry and cyclists the advanced line, which extended in a
north-westerly direction from the cross-roads at Le Talandier. That
night the 1/4th Londons' position was held with D and A Companies in
front and B and C Companies in support.
The immediate resumption of the advance being ordered by XXII Corps,
arrangements were made by 56th Division with the adjoining divisions
to pursue the attack at 6 a.m. the following morning, 4th November,
each division operating independently. Orders for this advance did not
reach the 1/4th Londons, who were detailed for the attack on the 168th
Brigade front, till 1 a.m., and there was thus no more than enough
time to assemble the companies close in rear of the line held by the
Kensingtons. For reconnaissance there was no time at all. The attack
was delivered on a two-company front by B Company on the right and A
Company on the left, each moving in square formation of platoons with
a screen of scouts and cavalry patrols in front. C and D Companies
followed in diamond formation at a distance of about 200 yards. The
objective was given as the high ground across the River Aunelle about
500 yards east of Sebourquiaux.
The morning dawned mistily, but in this case the mist was not
altogether a disadvantage. The whole of this countryside was a swelling
waste of stubble fields with practically no landmarks, but fortunately
a line of telegraph poles going due east which was visible through the
mist enabled the leading companies to keep their direction well--a
great stroke of luck, as the advance lay up hill and down dale over
this barren land for some 2000 yards before the crest of the Aunelle
Valley was reached, and the objective was for a long time out of sight.
The mist thus served to conceal the advance from the enemy till the
leading companies breasted the hill overlooking Sebourquiaux itself,
and started descending the slope to the village.
The Aunelle River is hereabouts spanned by three bridges, one at
Sebourg, one at Sebourquiaux, and one at Le Pissot, north of the latter
village. These had already been secured by the cavalry patrols who
had, however, been unable to make progress across the river. As the
leading companies began to drop down the hill towards the village the
mist partly cleared, and the German machine-gunners opened a heavy
fire. The leading companies at once dashed down the hill into the
cover of the scattered houses and streets which form the outskirts of
Sebourquiaux on the west bank of the river; but here they seemed to
have fallen into a trap for the enemy at once dropped a barrage of
considerable intensity, shells of all calibres falling thick and fast.
Forward progress was impossible, and B Company on the right therefore
promptly worked round the right flank, crossing the river at Sebourg,
and then, turning northward toward Sebourquiaux, cleared the village of
the enemy machine-gunners. In the meantime A Company had been heavily
machine-gunned from the direction of Rombies, which continued to resist
the Canadian attack, and touch with the Canadians was lost.
B Company having cleared the way through the village, A Company was
able to cross the river, and together the two companies attempted
to force their way up the slope to the east of Sebourquiaux. The
machine-gun fire was too intense, and the companies had to fall back
to a line on the eastern outskirts of the village, where, joined by C
Company (in support), they began to consolidate their position. Touch
was obtained with the Queen's Westminsters of the 169th Brigade who had
cleared Sebourg on the right, but no connection could be obtained with
the Canadians who were still held up before Rombies on the left, and
A Company therefore threw a defensive flank astride the Aunelle River
facing northwards. The Battalion was now organised on the line which
had been gained, all companies having platoons on the forward positions
and finding their own supports. All day the village of Sebourquiaux
remained under heavy German shell fire, but at about 5.30 p.m. the
intensity of the enemy's fire increased and the work of destruction was
completed, hardly a house being left standing. A variegated display of
Véry lights which accompanied this barrage led to the expectation that
the enemy was organising a counter-attack, but no infantry movement on
the part of the Germans materialised.
The stiffness of the enemy resistance this day made it abundantly clear
that further progress could be made only by means of an organised
attack in co-operation with the divisions on either flank, and
arrangements for a further advance were promptly made.
That night the 1/4th Londons were relieved by the London Scottish
and withdrew in Brigade reserve to the high ground east of Estreux,
Headquarters remaining at the Ferme du Moulin. This relief was
completed at 3 a.m. on the 5th November, and at 5.30 a.m. the attack
was pursued by the London Scottish, with the Kensingtons in support and
the 1/4th Londons in reserve. By 6 a.m. the crest east of Sebourquiaux
had been gained and the enemy was retiring in the direction of Angre.
On the 169th Brigade front the enemy resistance was not severe, and by
7.30 a.m. the London Rifle Brigade had captured Angreau. The Canadians
had also occupied Rombies, but on the ridge between this village and
Angre the Germans continued to hold out in great force and to bring
very heavy machine-gun fire to bear on the left flank of the 168th
Brigade.
At 8 a.m. the 1/4th Londons were ordered forward, and by 11 a.m. the
companies, A, B, C and D in line from right to left, were in position
in the old German trenches east of Sebourquiaux, with Battalion
Headquarters in a farmhouse in the village. In this position the
Battalion was practically on the frontier of France and Belgium.
The advance was resumed by the London Scottish under a barrage at 4.15
p.m., and the line was advanced to within about 500 yards of Angre.
The enemy machine-gun fire again precluded the possibility of further
advance, and eventually a line was consolidated facing north-east in
touch with the 169th Brigade on the right and the Canadians on the left.
On the 6th November the attack was pursued by the London Scottish on
the right and the Kensingtons on the left, the 1/4th Londons again
being in support. Fierce fighting took place, particularly on the left
flank where the Kensingtons crossed the Grande Honnelle River, were
thrown back, and crossed it again. At the end of the day the leading
battalions were in possession of Angre, on the east bank of the Grand
Honnelle. The 1/4th Londons moved forward slightly from their positions
of the previous day but did not come into action.
The whole of these days were extremely wet, and not a man in the
Battalion had a scrap of dry clothing. Trenches were embryonic, and
shelters almost entirely lacking--of dugouts there were, of course,
none.
Shortly after midnight "Drake" Battalion of the 63rd (Royal Naval)
Division relieved the Battalion--the remainder of the Brigade also
being relieved--and it withdrew to tolerable billets in Sebourg. The
march to Sebourg was only about two miles, but every road was choked
with double and even treble lines of transport of all descriptions
waiting to follow up the advance. It had been waiting motionless since
the previous afternoon and did not get on the move again till 4 a.m.
the next morning. In these circumstances the march to Sebourg occupied
about four hours--a most unpleasant journey in which desultory shelling
by the enemy alternated with heated arguments with despairing transport
officers. Dawn, however, found the Battalion enjoying a good breakfast,
and drying its clothes, all its troubles forgotten, and every one
filled with justifiable satisfaction at the good work that had been
done.
This, the last fight of the 1/4th Londons, produced nine prisoners
and cost in casualties: 2/Lieut. A. M. Bullock, killed; 2/Lieut. G.
H. Sylvester, died of wounds; 2/Lieut. H. W. Taylor, wounded; and in
N.C.O.'s and men, 11 killed, 55 wounded and 1 missing.
From now onwards the 56th Division was fighting on a one-brigade
front, with the 167th leading, and the 1/4th Londons were engaged
in following up the advance by stages so as to be within supporting
distance of the leading troops. Nowhere was the enemy's opposition
more than trifling, and the advance proceeded rapidly, though under
conditions of some discomfort and difficulty. The line of the
Division's advance lay almost due east, roughly parallel to the
marshes about the Canal de Condé which connects the Canal de l'Escaut
with Mons, and the whole countryside is cut up by innumerable small
streams discharging northwards into the marsh area. The banks of these
streams are everywhere steep, and bridges had been systematically
destroyed by the retiring enemy who had also blown craters at almost
every road junction. It was an ideal country for a determined enemy to
fight a rearguard action, but the Germans' powers of resistance were
broken, and beyond the delays caused to the progress of our troops
by the wholesale destruction, opposition was negligible. The extreme
rapidity of the advance indeed made it almost impossible for the supply
services to keep pace, and the damage to the roads prevented lorries
from proceeding beyond the Grande Honnelle River till the necessary
repairs could be completed. The weather, moreover, had broken, and for
three days rain fell incessantly. But these discomforts were slight in
comparison with the enormous wave of enthusiasm which passed over all
the troops who had the good fortune to take part in this extraordinary
victory.
On the 7th November the line of the Bavai-Hensies Road was crossed,
and the following day the leading troops had reached the line Petit
Moronfait-Rinchon-Ferlibray. The 9th November saw the Mons-Maubeuge
Road crossed, and on the 10th the 1st Londons, who were leading,
captured Harveng, and after slight opposition pushed forward to
Harmignies.
The 1/4th Londons following up the advance moved on the 8th to Autreppe
and the following day to Blaugies. The band was now with the Battalion
and played on the march. This gave rise to most remarkable patriotic
demonstrations on the part of the liberated villagers who everywhere
greeted the Battalion with cries of "Vive l'Angleterre!" and showered
flowers on the troops, while crowds of children marched beside the band
cheering. The plight of these poor people was deplorable. The Germans
in their retirement had taken with them practically all food supplies
and utensils of every description. Scarcely the bare necessities of
life remained. All live stock had also been driven before them by the
retreating hordes of the enemy, but when the Battalion reached Blaugies
the presence of live stock in the village showed the ever-increasing
confusion and speed of the enemy's retirement. At this time the
Division was feeding some 16,000 civilians, on an allowance of one iron
ration to four people.
On the morning of the 10th November the 1/4th Londons continued
their almost triumphal progress to La Dessoue, but there being no
accommodation here, found billets in Sars-la-Bruyère, where an
overwhelming welcome was accorded them. In this village Sir Horace
Smith-Dorrien (II Corps) had had his Headquarters on the 23rd August
1914.
The Brigade Ammunition Column at this time was in charge of Lieut.
E. P. M. Mosely, whose diary illustrates the extraordinary spirit of
humour which carried the men through this period of hard work and
exposure. The Column reached Famars thoroughly tired out one wet
night at about midnight, and halted in rear of the advancing troops.
The civilians had been evacuated and the men rapidly made themselves
comfortable in some of the cottages. One of the transport drivers,
according to the immemorial custom of transport drivers, quickly began
to forage round, and attired himself in a top hat, white scarf and
frock coat, in which remarkable garb he put his head round the door and
said: "I've come for the rent!" This, after a hard night's work, shows
a spirit which takes a lot of damping.
It was in this advance also that the Column arrived in a battered
village late at night, thoroughly worn out and drenched to the skin.
The place was muddy, shell torn and desolate, and its exact whereabouts
on the map far from certain. The men began to picket their horses
and spread tarpaulins over their heaped-up stores, and afterwards
disconsolately to search for odd bits of timber in the endeavour to
construct some sort of shelter. The O.C. Column produced from a waggon
an antique arm-chair, which had somehow attached itself to the Column
at an earlier stage of the advance, and in this very much improvised
headquarters took up his station in the mud, when suddenly--the post
arrived! The Army Postal Service had throughout been so efficient as
to become almost a matter of course--but in this effort it surely
surpassed itself!
On the night of the 10th November the 56th Division was relieved by
the 63rd Division by whom the advance was to be pursued; but early
the following morning the news of the Armistice was received and the
troops stood fast. The record of this grand culmination of the years of
bloodshed is contained in the Battalion Official War Diary as follows:
Sars-la-Bruyère. 08.30. Bde. Memo. B.M. 971 received
11.11.1918. hostilities would cease at 1100.
The news had an unexpected
effect on the troops: everybody
appeared to be too dazed to
make any demonstration. Men
were much less cheerful than
they had been for some days.
11.00. Hostilities ceased.
Transport Personnel and
Nucleus rejoined Battn.
The vast Forêt de Mormal had been passed, Mons and Maubeuge had fallen,
and the German Army was divided into two parts, one on each side of the
natural barrier of the Ardennes.
In his Despatches Sir Douglas Haig sums up the situation on the morning
of the 11th November 1918 thus:
In the fighting since November 1st, our troops had broken the
enemy's resistance beyond hope of recovery, and had forced on him
a disorderly retreat along the whole front of the British Armies.
Thereafter the enemy was capable neither of accepting nor refusing
battle.... The strategic plan of the Allies had been realised with
a completeness rarely seen in war. When the Armistice was signed
by the enemy his defensive powers had already been definitely
destroyed. A continuance of hostilities could only have meant
disaster to the German Armies and the armed invasion of Germany.
A remarkable incident related by Lieut. Mosely occurred at
Sars-la-Bruyère the day following the Armistice.
The Mess Corporal proceeded to Mons to see if any green vegetables
could be procured. Returning from his mission through the streets
of Mons he saw a soldier untidily dressed and without puttees, but
wearing on his jacket the red circles which were the distinguishing
mark of the 1/4th Londons. Said the Corporal, "What are you doing
here?" "Looking for my Battalion," replied the man. The Corporal
demanded to know why the man had wandered so far from billets and
what he meant by being so untidily turned out. To his surprise
the soldier informed him that he had come from Germany. A few
more words and the Corporal realised that this was one of our own
men who had walked out of a German prison when the Armistice was
declared. Whipping up the wanderer into the Mess cart, he brought
him home, washed him and gave him a big meal. The poor fellow was
almost hysterical at being amongst his own once more. He was a man
of B Company who had been captured on the 28th March 1918, at Oppy.
"We gave him a strong dose of rum," writes Mosely, "and wrapped him
in warm blankets. By the next morning he had quite recovered, and
was asking for his pay!"
Thus ended the four years' war service of the 1/4th Londons, who at
the end of the campaign were within two miles of Malplaquet, where
Marlborough's great victory had been won two hundred years earlier.
It had the proud distinction of having finished its active service
within five miles of Mons, where the first British shot had been fired
in August 1914. Of the 1016 officers and men who had left England on
the 4th September 1914, only about 30 other ranks remained with the
Battalion which had done such glorious service on so many hard-fought
fields.
As a tribute to the many unrewarded acts of heroism of which there
have been so many examples during the War, a letter, relating to the
circumstances attending the death of No. 280872 Pte. S. Greenfield of
D Company on the 23rd August 1918, is preserved among the Battalion
records. This letter was sent by the Medical Officer, 178th Brigade,
R.F.A., who found Greenfield's body, to his relatives, from whom it was
received by the Commanding Officer. The following is an extract from
this letter, which is dated 24th August 1918:
... On searching the battlefield (Boyelles) I discovered the
body of your son Private S. Greenfield, No. 280872. He had died
fighting, killed outright by a machine-gun. I found him lying on a
German machine-gun which I have no doubt he intended to capture.
As no more dead were there and no other signs of a fight about the
machine-gun nest, I expect he rushed the machine-gunners himself. I
may remark the machine-gunners are dead also.
One of the survivors of the original Battalion was Flossie, a small,
brown Pomeranian dog. Flossie had served on the railway line in August
1914, had accompanied the Battalion to Malta and been successfully
smuggled into France in January 1915. Throughout the War she had
journeyed everywhere with the Battalion, and finally came home with
the Cadre in 1919. Her principal claim to distinction appears to be
that she succeeded in bringing a litter of puppies into a noisy and
muddy world in most of the leading towns and villages of Flanders.
Throughout she maintained a calm demeanour, and when her maternal
cares necessitated transport she rode with her young family in a basket
perched on one of the cookers.
On the 15th November a party of the Battalion, under Capt. H. N.
Williams, M.C., took part in the triumphal march through Mons, where
the troops were received with a tumultuous welcome.
There is little further to be said. The XXII Corps was excluded from
the Army of the Rhine and the Battalion remained in the Mons area,
training and indulging in educational experiments, while parties
visited the battlefields of Mons and Waterloo. Until the ravages of
demobilisation reduced the numbers too severely, the evenings were
enlightened by some of the Quartermaster's excellent orchestral
concerts, and by boxing tournaments in which the Battalion did
exceedingly well, Private Miller of the 1/4th Londons becoming XXII
Corps Feather-weight Champion.
On the 27th November the Battalion moved to billets in
Villers-sire-Nicole, near Maubeuge, and on the 6th March 1919 to Givry
and on the 18th March to Cuesmes (both near Mons), in all of which
places the routine of training and education was continued. Early in
the New Year the arrangements for demobilisation were put into active
operation, and rapidly the strength of the Battalion dwindled.
Among the first to leave was the padre, Rev. S. F. Leighton Green,
M.C., who had served continuously with the Battalion since December
1916. The padre left on the 13th February 1919, and his departure
was felt most keenly by every officer and man in the Battalion. His
constant selfless devotion to duty and his kindly personality had
made him a true friend to one and all, and the example of his simple
life and magnificent courage in action had been a real inspiration to
all--and that included the whole Battalion--who had been brought into
personal contact with him.
The break-up of the Battalion was the saddest thing which ever happened
to it. After so many months and years of good and bad times, and of
life in circumstances of such intimacy as can be attained only on
active service, the joy of departure for home was severely tempered by
the deepest emotion at leaving the comradeship of regimental life, and
few said good-bye to the Battalion without genuine sorrow.
By the beginning of May the Battalion was reduced to Cadre strength,
about 50 all ranks, Lieut.-Col. Marchment, D.S.O., M.C., remaining in
command, with Major T. B. Cooper, M.C., M.M., second in command.
On the 14th May 1919 the Cadre left Cuesmes, entraining at Jemappes for
Antwerp. After a few days in the embarkation camp it was played down
to the quay by the pipes of the Liverpool Scottish and embarked for
Tilbury, where it entrained for Newhaven. On the 21st May the Cadre
returned to London by train and was received at London Bridge Station
by the Lord Mayor (the Rt. Hon. Sir Horace Marshall, now Lord Marshall
of Chipstead, P.C., K.C.V.O., Hon. Colonel of the Regiment), who also
took the salute as the Cadre passed the Mansion House _en route_ for
Headquarters in Hoxton.
The Cadre was received at Headquarters by Lieut.-Col. H. Dade, V.D.,
Major G. H. M. Vine, T.D., and other officers of the Regiment, and
by the Mayor of Shoreditch (Councillor W. Girling), after which its
dispersal speedily followed.
Three weeks later the last remnants of the 1/4th Londons were scattered
to their homes, and the part played by the Regiment in the Great War
was at an end.
APPENDIX I
MALTA
The Dependency of Malta consists of a chain of islands, Gozo, Comino
and Malta, stretching from north-west to south-east, about 60 miles
from Sicily and about 180 from Africa. Malta itself is about 17½ miles
long and 8¼ broad, and, owing to its magnificent natural harbours, it
has been the coveted possession of the strongest nations on the sea for
the time being, ever since the dawn of maritime trade. These anchorages
are nearly all on the east coast of the island, and include--besides
the famous harbours of Valetta (the Grand Harbour on the south of the
city and the Marsamuscetto Harbour on the north)--the bays of Melleha,
St Paul's and Marsa Scirocco.
The population of Malta in 1907 was 206,690, and this phenomenal
congestion renders it largely dependent on imported foodstuffs. The
area under cultivation is comparatively small, and the fields are
composed of terraces by which the soil with enormous labour has been
walled up along the contours of the hills to prevent it from being
washed away. Viewed from the sea, therefore, the top of one wall
appearing above the next produces the barren effect to which reference
has been made in Chapter II; but the aspect of the land from the top
of the hills in winter and early spring is a beautiful contrast of a
profusion of greenness. The principal grain crops are maize, wheat and
barley. Vines are also cultivated though the fruit is sold as grapes
far more profitably than converted into wine. The chief industry is the
production of Maltese lace, which employs some 5000 women and children.
The principal resources of the island are derived from the fact of
its being an important military station and the Headquarters of the
Mediterranean fleet, the prolonged absence of which always produces
distress.
The Maltese language is Phœnician in origin, the popular idea that it
is composed largely of Arabic being erroneous. Until recent years the
language of the courts was Italian, in spite of the fact that this
language is unknown to 86 per cent, of the population.
Malta has had a most chequered history from the earliest times when
the Mediterranean was the centre of all civilisation and commerce. The
Phœnicians occupied the islands at a very early date, being followed
in the 6th century B.C. by the Carthaginians, and later by the Romans,
who regarded the Maltese not as conquered enemies but as allies.
On the final division of the Roman Dominions in A.D. 395, Malta was
assigned to the Empire of Constantinople, and during the next 500 years
suffered three Arab invasions, though these left little mark upon the
people either by language or by inter-marriage. In 1090 the Counts of
Normandy captured the island and finally expelled the Arabs, retaining
possession until 1265, when it passed into the hands of the Aragonese,
Kings of Sicily.
It was in 1530 that the most interesting period of Maltese history
commenced, for in that year the islands were granted by the Emperor
Charles V to the Knights of St John, who had been expelled from
Rhodes by the Turks; and some thirty years later the Knights of the
Order and the Christian Maltese combined under de Valette, the Grand
Master, whose name survives in the town of Valetta, in resisting the
last effort of the Mohammedan power to gain the ascendancy in the
Mediterranean. The Siege of Malta, which was most gallantly resisted by
the Knights, proved successful, and they remained, although _de jure_
owing allegiance to Sicily, _de facto_ masters of Malta, until they
were finally expelled in 1798 by the French under Napoleon, who used
the island as a base for his disastrous expedition to Egypt in that
year.
The staunch allegiance of the Maltese to the Church of Rome soon
brought them into conflict with the French, whose plundering of the
churches provoked a revolution in which the Maltese invoked the aid
of Nelson. The Treaty of Amiens, 1802, provided for the return of the
island to the Knights of Malta, but the Maltese, realising that this
would entail a revival of French influence, protested vigorously, with
the result that in 1814 the Treaty of Paris finally secured Malta to
the British Empire. Since this date the story of Malta has on the whole
been one of advancement in every direction.
The chief towns of the island are Valetta, the seat of government, and
Citta Vecchia (otherwise known as Notabile or Medina), the ancient
capital and stronghold; other places of importance being Musta,
Birchircara and Attard--all of which will be well remembered by all
ranks of the Regiment.
The head of the Government and Commander-in-Chief and Governor-General
was in 1914 General Sir Leslie Rundle, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O.,
D.S.O.
The garrison consisted of three battalions of British Infantry, two
companies of Fortress Engineers, together with detachments of Royal
Garrison Artillery, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Army Service Corps,
and in addition two battalions of Malta Militia (Infantry), and the
Malta Artillery.
APPENDIX II
HONOURS AND DECORATIONS
NOTE.--This Honours List has been compiled from official sources, and
is believed to be accurate, but, owing to the manner in which honours
were announced in the _London Gazette_, its completeness cannot be
guaranteed.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
Capt. W. G. Clark _London Gazette_ 3. 7.15
2/Lieut. W. II. Webster " 12. 3.17
2/Lieut. (A/Capt.) G. E. A. Leake " 26. 7.17
2/Lieut. F. W. Walker. " 19.11.17
Lieut. (A/Capt.) A. M. Duthie " 4. 2.18
Lieut. (A/Capt.) C. J. Graham, M.C. " 11. 1.19
MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MILITARY DIVISION)
_Companion_--
Lieut.-Col. (Hon. Col.) Vickers _London Gazette_ 3. 6.19
Dunfee, V.D.
_Officers_--
Major L. T. Burnett " "
Hon. Lieut. and Q.M. W. J. Gragg. " "
Major S. Elliott " "
Major W. Moore " "
Major (A/Lieut.-Col.) H. P. L. Cart " 1. 1.20
de Lafontaine
MILITARY CROSS
2/Lieut. A. R. Moore. _London Gazette_ 23. 6.15
2/Lieut. J. R. Pyper. " 14. 1.16
2/Lieut. (Temp. Lieut.) G. L. Goodes " 3. 6.16
2/Lieut. S. J. Barkworth, M.M. " 14.11.16
2/Lieut. E. McD. McCormick " "
Rev. R. Palmer (C.F.) " "
Lieut. (A/Capt.) W. J. Boutall " 1. 1.17
2/Lieut. O. D. Garratt. " 4. 6.17
2/Lieut. D. S. Boorman " 25. 8.17
2/Lieut. (A/Capt.) S. Davis. " 27.10.17
Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) C. J. Graham " 1. 1.18
2/Lieut. E. L. Mills " 4. 2.18
2/Lieut. (A/Capt.) C. A. Clarke " 23. 4.18
Lieut. (A/Capt.) T. B. Cooper, M.M. " 22. 6.18
Lieut. (A/Capt.) A. M. Duthie, " "
D.S.O.
Lieut. (A/Capt.) S. G. Askham " 26. 7.18
Lieut. H. S. Daw " "
2/Lieut. W. Rosen " "
2/Lieut. G. C. Ewing " 16. 9.18
Lieut. (A/Capt.) A. G. Croll " 7.11.18
Rev. S. F. Leighton Green (C. F.). " 11. 1.19
2/Lieut. C. L. Henstridge " "
Lieut. (A/Capt.) G. H. Hetley " "
2/Lieut. A. Holloway. " "
2/Lieut. V. C. Prince. " "
2/Lieut. A. H. Millstead " 2. 4.19
BAR TO MILITARY CROSS
2/Lieut. (Temp. Capt.) G. L. _London Gazette_ 14.11.16
Goodes, M.C.
Lieut. (A/Capt.) C. J. Graham, M.C. " 26. 7.18
Lieut. (A/Capt.) J. R. Pyper, M.C. " 8. 3.19
Lieut. (A/Capt.) T. B. Cooper, M.C., " 2. 4.19
M.M.
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
2170 L/Cpl. G. L. Colomb _London Gazette_ 5. 8.15
217 L/Sergt. A. C. Ehren " "
1153 Cpl. W. J. Knowles " 14. 1.16
487 C.S.M. E. H. Risley " "
1054 C.S.M. R. Davis " 22. 9.16
4354 Pte. J. O'Brien " 14.11.16
3351 Pte. H. S. Payne " "
2163 Sergt. T. Clark " 1. 1.17
281267 Sergt. E. P. G. Brand " 25. 8.17
281477 Pte. F. Anthony " 19.11.17
282450 L/Cpl. F. Austin " "
282051 Pte. W. H. Bolton " "
295070 Pte. H. C. Bull " "
282496 Pte. J. Taylor " "
282444 Sergt. B. A. Watson " "
281972 L/Cpl. E. S. Brown. " 4. 3.18
280032 Sergt. G. Norris " "
282706 Pte. C. H. W. Roberts " "
280937 L/Cpl. T. H. Sankey " "
7261 R.S.M. J. O'Brien " 17. 4.18
283138 Cpl. B. Vaughan " 3. 6.18
281613 Cpl. C. E. Freeman " 26. 6.18
280019 C.S.M. T. Lock, M.M. " 3. 9.18
281718 Cpl. A. Martin " "
280079 Sergt. H. W. Moss " "
282171 L/Cpl. (A/Sergt.) H. F. Watson " 30.10.18
280605 Sergt. R. C. Clammer " 1. 1.19
MILITARY MEDAL
2144 Cpl. C. T. Coates _London Gazette_ 1. 9.16
3261 Pte. H. E. Hyde " "
3130 L/Cpl. H. Whitehead " "
1174 Cpl. J. Castle " 11.11.16
1899 Pte. C. F. Collins " "
2161 Pte. A. E. Colvin " "
2202 C.Q.M.-Sgt. R. Forbes " "
1854 Sergt. H. C. Gearle " "
4786 Sergt. R. Hebberd " "
2827 Pte. F. Hedger " "
2272 Sergt. C. James " "
1893 Pte. W. Lawrence " "
280019 Sergt. T. Lock " "
534 Sergt. H. H. Merrell " "
3586 L/Cpl. A. J. Moger " "
2216 L/Cpl. A. Sergeant " "
3579 L/Cpl. L. R. Webb " "
3662 Pte. W. Buckingham " 9.12.16
3113 Sergt. R. R. L. Hyde " 21.12.16
2105 Sergt. H. J. Cott " 19. 2.17
280102 Sergt. A. E. Gardiner " 17. 4.17
280308 Sergt. W. A. King " 11. 5.17
281020 Pte. C. H. Thomas " "
281204 Cpl. G. L. Rossington " 1. 6.17
283725 Pte. J. G. Turner " 18. 6.17
283371 Pte. J. Grierson " 18. 7.17
281242 Cpl. A. W. Lintott " "
282189 Sergt. H. S. Monk " "
282490 Pte. P. J. Olinski " "
282493 Pte. A. J. Selby " "
282152 Pte. C. W. Spence. " "
282344 L/Cpl. F. C. Spencer " "
283708 Pte. A. Thurkettle. " "
283836 L/Cpl. G. Coates " 21. 8.17
280930 Pte. W. Pratt " 18.10.17
283691 Pte. A. Robinson " "
283530 Pte. C. S. Ruel " "
280894 L/Cpl. H. G. Smith " "
281270 Pte. A. G. Trayler " "
283660 Cpl. W. H. V. Wilkins " "
282537 Pte. J. P. Brooke " 12.12.17
283818 Cpl. W. A. Cooper " "
283025 Pte. J. W. Ling " 12.12.17
295261 Pte. A. Westcott " "
295248 Sergt. H. O. Wilderspin " "
295152 Sergt. F. W. Yandle " "
281390 L/Cpl. E. J. Bewsey " 17.12.17
282246 Pte. J. T. Ball " 4. 2.18
283082 Pte. A. Cohen " 23. 2.18
280301 Cpl. J. W. Johnson " "
283148 Pte. F. G. Senyard " "
280728 Pte. G. Tyrell " "
280714 Cpl. H. W. Wallder " "
280465 Sergt. F. Arklay " 13. 3.18
283813 Pte. B. M. J. Barnett " "
298008 Cpl. T. J. Court " "
282021 Pte. H. Evans " "
280154 Sergt. G. J. Grant " "
280472 Sergt. A. E. Haynes " "
281734 L/Cpl. T. Hodgkins " "
282737 Pte. W. J. Hutchin " "
295177 Pte. J. Pritchard " "
283652 Pte. R. Southern " "
295223 Pte. J. Wickens " "
283808 Pte. W. A. Willmott " "
280389 Pte. W. A. G. Battershall " 12. 6.18
282916 Cpl. A. G. Beale " "
280840 Pte. S. G. Coates " "
283154 L/Cpl. A. J. Deadman " "
281965 Sergt. C. J. Gibbs " "
280967 Cpl. G. Heyes " "
283623 L/Cpl. C. L. Husk " "
283643 Cpl. A. J. Parker " "
295122 Pte. J. R. Phillips " "
281174 Sergt. H. V. Randall " "
283193 Pte. P. C. Swinchatt " "
280292 Sergt. F. G. Udall " "
295096 Pte. R. H. Bryan " 27. 6.18
281472 Sergt. J. A. Kingston " "
281130 L/Cpl. R. H. Pryor " "
282607 Pte. F. A. Stewart " "
281319 Pte. A. J. Zeeck " "
283184 L/Cpl. F. F. Salter " 16. 7.18
283323 Pte. T. J. Sanders " "
283570 Pte. J. W. Abbott " 6. 8.18
280922 Cpl. D. E. Davis " "
282263 L/Cpl. G. Humphrey " 29. 8.18
295508 Pte. J. Nisbett " "
280695 Sergt. T. Peters " "
295475 Pte. M. Lemon " 11.12.18
298089 Pte. A. S. Adams " 24. 1.19
282029 Pte. A. C. Barnes " "
282323 Pte J. Eccles " 24. 1.19
280534 Cpl. W. Frost " "
283617 Pte. J. R. Greenwood " "
281822 L/Cpl. W. H. Hart " "
282198 Cpl. S. T. E. Norton " "
283803 Pte. W. W. Boulstridge " 11. 2.19
283288 Sergt. F. A. Dove " "
281741 Cpl. F. Nash " "
282915 Sergt. F. C. Nickless " "
295615 Sergt. J. T. Norris " "
281043 Sergt. W. C. Bird " 14. 5.19
280605 Sergt. R. C. Clammer, D.C.M. " "
280212 L/Cpl. P. McGregor " "
280617 Sergt. (A/C.S.M.) W. Honig " 23. 7.19
BAR TO MILITARY MEDAL
283530 Pte. C. S. Ruel, M.M.. _London Gazette_ 13. 3.18
282737 L/Cpl. W. J. Hutchin, M.M. " 12. 6.18
280292 Sergt. F. G. Udall, M.M. " 24. 1.19
280489}
2272}C.S.M. C. James, M.M. " 20. 8.19
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
280846 Pte. J. W. Atkins _London Gazette_ 17. 9.17
280665 Pte. H. Bunker " 2.11.17
280505 Sergt. W. Bean " 17. 6.18
282237 Sergt. G. F. V. Bunyan " "
280914 L/Sergt. S. A. Edwards " "
280471 Cpl. L. C. Hawkins " "
280435 Sergt. H. Hurst " "
280555 R.Q.M.-Sergt. L. T. Davies " 18. 1.19
280128 C.S.M. A. D. McLaren " "
281464 C.Q.M.-Sergt. P. C. Peters " "
280646 L/Cpl. H. T. Giles " 3. 6.19
280420 Sergt. G. A. Richardson " "
MENTION IN DESPATCHES
2/Lieut. A. R. Moore. _London Gazette_ 22. 6.15
Major (Temp. Lieut.-Col.) L. T. " 1. 1.16
Burnett
Capt. (A/Major) W. G. Clark, D.S.O. " "
2/Lieut. (A/Capt.) J. R. Pyper " 14. 1.16
Lieut.-Col. (Hon. Col.) Vickers " 13. 7.16
Dunfee, V.D.
280154}
1151}Sergt. G. J. Grant " 4. 1.17
4798 R.S.M. M. Harris " "
2/Lieut. H. Jones " "
280128 C.Q.M.-Sergt. A. D. McLaren " "
280171 Pte. H. V. Neal " 4. 1.17
280505 Sergt. W. Bean " 25. 5.17
280307 R.Q.M.-Sergt. W. Henley " "
Lieut. (A/Capt.) L. G. Rix " "
2/Lieut. W. H. Webster " "
Lieut. (A/Capt.) C. A. Clarke " 24.12.17
Lieut. (A/Capt.) T. B. Cooper, M.M. " "
Hon. Lieut. and Q.M. W. J. Cragg " "
Capt. (A/Major) W. A. Nunneley " "
2/Lieut. R. E. Stavert " "
280639 Sergt. A. Taylor " "
2/Lieut. F. W. Walker, D.S.O. " "
Major V. H. Seyd " 16. 1.18
Lieut. (A/Capt.) S. J. Barkworth, " 25. 5.18
M.C., M.M.
Lieut. C. W. Denning, M.M. " "
Lieut. (A/Capt.) A. M. Duthie, D.S.O. " "
281174 Sergt. H. V. Randall " "
283264 Pte. G. E. Wright " 20.12.18
Lieut. L. R. Chapman " 30.12.18
Lieut. H. W. Dennis " "
Lieut. (A/Capt.) C. J. Graham, M.C. " "
Major (A/Lieut.-Col.) H. P. L. Cart " 10. 7.19
de Lafontaine
The names of the following were brought to the notice of the Secretary
of State for War for services rendered in connection with the War (not
gazetted):--
Lieut.-Col. (Hon. Col.) Vickers Dunfee, V.D. 24.12.17
280126 Cpl. W. Noquet 9. 8.18
Major L. T. Burnett 13. 8.18
281197 Cpl. E. Brown {13. 8.18
{15. 3.19
Lieut. (A/Capt.) F. A. Coffin 13. 8.18
FOREIGN DECORATIONS
_Médaille Militaire_ (_France_)--
280336 Sergt. D. Fulford _London Gazette_ 24. 2.16
_Croix de Guerre_ (_Belgium_)--
280802 C.S.M. F. W. Amos " 12. 7.18
281426 Sergt. A. V. Loveless " "
282692 Sergt. J. R. Tibbott " "
280713 Pte. C. W. Budgen " "
295089 Cpl. W. Govan " "
The following decorations were awarded to Officers, non-Commissioned
Officers, and Men of other regiments for services rendered while
attached to and serving with the 4th London Regiment:--
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
Major (Temp. Lieut.-Col.) W. R. H. _London Gazette_ 18. 7.17
Dann (Bedfordshire Regiment)
Major F. A. Phillips (Montgomery " 22. 6.18
Yeomanry)
Major A. Grover, M.C. (Bedfordshire " 26. 7.18
Regiment)
Major (A/Lieut.-Col.) A. F. Marchment, " 26. 7.18
M.C. (1st London Regiment)
BAR TO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
Major (A/Lieut.-Col.) W. R. H. _London Gazette_ 26. 7.18
Dann, D.S.O., (Bedfordshire
Regiment)
MILITARY CROSS
2/Lieut. H. E. Jackman (21st _London Gazette_ 26. 9.17
London Regiment)
Lieut. E. H. R. Altounyan (R.A.M.C.) " 1. 1.18
2/Lieut. C. W. Rowlands (1st London " 4. 2.18
Regiment)
Capt. (A/Major) A. Grover (Bedfordshire " 18. 3.18
Regiment)
Lieut. G. V. Lawrie (6th Scottish " 3. 6.18
Rifles)
Lieut. (A/Capt.) H. N. Williams (4th " 22. 6.18
Royal Welsh Fusiliers)
Lieut. (A/Captain) W. C. Morton " 16. 9.18
(1st London Regiment)
G/95036 C.S.M. T. Cooke, D.C.M., " 7.11.18
M.M. (K.O.Y.L.I.)
Lieut. C. E. Dunaway (Medical " --.--.18
Officer, U.S. Army)
Lieut. (A/Capt.) E. V. Grimsdell " 11. 1.19
(K.O.Y.L.I.)
Lieut. (A/Capt.) H. F. Dade (3rd " 2. 4.19
London Regiment)
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
G/95066 C.S.M. A. Bonser _London Gazette_ 22.10.17
G/95036 C.S.M. T. Cooke, M.M. " "
781426 L/Cpl. F. Goatcher " 3. 9.18
G/76294 Pte. E. Clark " 5.12.18
BAR TO DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
G/95066 C.S.M. A. Bonser, D.C.M. _London Gazette_ 5.12.18
SECOND BAR TO DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
G/95066 C.S.M. A. Bonser, D.C.M. _London Gazette_ 18. 2.19
MILITARY MEDAL
G/68176 Pte. J. F. Blair _London Gazette_ 27. 6.18
202684 Pte. A. E. Churchyard " "
225485 Sergt. C. A. Cowland " "
251439 Pte. W. A. Pasterful " "
G/76227 L/Cpl. F. Harding " 6. 8.18
G/68259 Pte. L. Petrie " 29. 8.18
G/76275 Pte. G. A. Allen " 24. 1.19
G/80610 Pte. G. H. Andrews " "
252254 L/Cpl. J. T. Couchman " "
G/95108 Sergt. J. Fanshaw " "
225682 Pte. J. T. Freshwater " "
228610 Pte J. C. Goree " "
G/75396 L/Cpl. G. J. Grant " "
G/95115 Pte. E. Stott " "
G/84057 Sergt. R. L. Addison " 11. 2.19
G/95177 L/Cpl. W. Bradley " "
251265 Pte. A. E. Dickerson " "
G/76243 Pte. H. H. Mills " "
250439 Cpl. C. Robbins " "
G/80608 Pte. W. Ryan " "
G/71053 Pte. J. Anderson " 13. 3.19
233640 Cpl. G. F. Coleman " "
204593 Pte. A. E. Pullen " "
G/90091 Pte. J. Upperton " "
253803 Pte. T. H. A. Brown " 14. 5.19
G/68177 Pte. W. Bunce " "
G/95143 Pte. H. Atkinson " "
MENTION IN DESPATCHES
Capt. and Adjt. G. B. Scott _London Gazette_ 1. 1.16
(Leinster Regiment)
Lieut. G. V. Lawric (6th Scottish Rifles) " 18.12.17
Major (A/Lieut.-Col.) A. F. Marchment, " 30.12.18
D.S.O., M.C. (1st London Regiment)
204527 Sergt. S. W. Childs " "
APPENDIX III
THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE 4th LONDON REGIMENT IN 1920
After the return to England of the Cadres early in 1919, the
Territorial Force remained in abeyance for the remainder of the year,
and beyond the formation of an Old Comrades' Association, under the
Presidency of Lieut.-Col. Harry Dade, V.D., nothing could be done in
the 4th Londons to maintain _esprit de corps_ at the high standard
which it had reached during the War.
When orders were issued early in 1920 for the reconstruction of the
auxiliary forces under the title of the Territorial Army, the effect of
eight months' inactivity became painfully apparent, and the 4th London
Regiment, which was revived in February 1920, experienced, in common
with most other units, great difficulty in recruiting, owing to the
rapidly cooling enthusiasm of the greater number of its former members.
By great good fortune a large number of old officers returned to the
Colours, and command was given to Lieut.-Col. L. T. Burnett, O.B.E.,
T.D., while Major H. J. Duncan-Teape, T.D., was appointed Second in
Command, and Captain W. A. Trasenster, M.C., The Royal Fusiliers,
Adjutant. The Company Commanders and Headquarters Officers were:--
Major R. N. Arthur D Company.
Major W. Moore, O.B.E. A Company.
Major H. P. L. Cart de Lafontaine, O.B.E. C Company.
Major S. Elliott, O.B.E. B Company.
Captain F. C. Grimwade Assistant Adjutant.
Lieut. H. B. A. Balls Lewis Gun Officer.
2/Lieut. E. P. Higgs Signalling Officer.
Lieut. C. F. Warren Transport Officer.
Lieut. E. S. Tomsett Quartermaster.
A capable Permanent Staff was supplied from the Royal Fusiliers,
Regtl. Sergt.-Major W. Hunt becoming the senior Warrant Officer, while
ex-Regtl. Sergt.-Major M. Harris enlisted, and was appointed Regtl.
Q.M.-Sergt.
The following old Warrant Officers and N.C.O.'s enlisted, and were
posted as stated:--
Coy. Sergt.-Major W. H. Edwards }
Coy. Q.M.-Sergt. J. C. Hibberd } to A Company.
Regtl. Q.M.-Sergt. W. Henley }
Coy. Sergt.-Major G. L. Matthews } to B Company.
Coy. Q.M.-Sergt. B. A. Watson, D.C.M. }
Coy. Sergt.-Major A. Mennie }
Coy. Q.M.-Sergt. E. J. T. Nash } to C Company.
Coy. Sergt.-Major J. Lewis }
Coy. Q.M.-Sergt. F. McLaren } to D Company.
With this excellent stiffening the Battalion soon began to make
progress, and rapidly took--and held--the lead in numbers in the 1st
London Brigade.
The first Annual Training was held at Shoreham-by-Sea, the time being
devoted principally to musketry and recreational training. For the
first time in the Battalion's history, the winter following was marked
by the continuance without a break of the drill season; and throughout
the winter of 1920-21 attendances at the weekly drills at Headquarters
reached an unusually high percentage of the strength. The Battalion
appeared to be well on its feet, and making steady progress towards
efficiency, when, in April 1921, the Coal Strike completely dashed all
hopes of a successful summer training season. The Territorial Army
was temporarily in abeyance, and for three months its headquarters
were handed over to the Defence Force, to which was entrusted the
maintenance of peaceful conditions throughout the country.
A Defence Force Unit was raised at the 4th Londons' Headquarters, and
joined by some of the members of the Battalion, command of it being
taken by Major R. N. Arthur, with the acting rank of Lieut.-Col. The
disbandment of the Defence Force was fortunately effected in time to
enable the Annual Training to be held at Shorncliffe in August, but
the serious delay already caused to the individual training of the men
rendered it less valuable than had been hoped; and a far too great
proportion of the training hours had to be spent on the range, in the
Musketry Practices, which should have been completed early in the year.
During the spring of 1921 the Battalion suffered a severe loss in the
death, after a prolonged and painful illness, of the Quartermaster,
Lieut. E. S. Tomsett, to whose invaluable services reference has been
made in the preceding pages. After Lieut. Tomsett's death, Regtl.
Q.M.-Sergt. M. Harris was gazetted Lieut. and Quartermaster.
The beginnings of the 4th London Regiment in the revived Territorial
Army have been small, but every step has been made secure by careful
organisation, and by applying the experience of Territorial soldiering
in peace and war; and there is every reason to suppose that the laurels
gained by the Regiment in the Campaigns in which it has taken part will
remain untarnished, and that its glorious traditions will be jealously
guarded as long as the Regiment remains in existence.
INDEX
_Appendices II and III are not indexed._
Abbécourt, 379, 381
Abbeville, 20, 175, 238
Acason, 2/Lieut., 249
Achi Baba, 91 _et seq._
Achicourt, 255-237, 271, 272
Achiet-le-Grand, 249, 289
Adinfer, 241-245
Agache River, 479, 485
Agnez lez Duisans, 411
Agny, 253, 256
Ailette River, 382, 383
Alexandria, 89 _et seq._
Allen, G. A., 477
Allen, L. A., 127
Allenby, Gen. Sir Edmund, 133, 149, 150, 156
Altounyan, E. H. R., 314, 315, 323
Amblèny, 383
Ambrines, 134
Amigny-Rouy, 365, 375, 380
Ancre River, 140, 177, 180, 239, 240, 252, 325, 420, 430, 431
Anderson, J., 242
Andignicourt, 383
Andrews, G. H., 477
Angel, A. J., 292, 315
Angle Wood Valley, 195 _et seq._
Angre, 499, 500
Angreau, 499
Anthony, F., 314, 315
Appilly, 365
Archer, L. W., 174, 193, 270, 304
Arklay, F., 340, 344
Arleux, 397, 398, 486, 490, 491
Arleux-en-Gohelle, 347
Armfield, A. R., 421
Arques, 305, 325
Arthur, R. N., 6, 17, 100, 104, 135, 149
Askham, S. G., 238, 276, 317, 369, 372, 375, 378, 381, 382, 385, 388,
389, 391
Athey, F. G., 352, 399
Attenborrow, H. W., 414
Atterbury, L. J. R., 201, 214
Aubencheul-au-Bac, 487, 488, 490
Aubers Ridge, 26, 58 _et seq._, 219, 220
Aubigny-au-Bac, 479 _et seq._
Aulnoy, 496
Aunelle River, 496-499
Austin, F., 314, 315
Autreppe, 502
Autreville, 365
Ayub Khan, 65
Backhouse, J. L., 327, 413, 469
Badham, C., 53
Baharia Oasis, 108-110
Bahr Yusef, 110
Bailleul, 347, 349, 354, 393, 397, 403, 404, 407
Bailleulmont, 239, 244
Bailleulval, 242
Baizieux, 423, 424
Ballance, L. E., 223, 228, 335, 414
Balls, H. B. A., 66, 148, 175, 215
Baluchis, 129th, 23, 34, 39, 46, 52, 54, 65
Bancourt, 290
Bapaume, 177, 194, 211, 239, 240, 290 _et seq._, 428 _et seq._, 482
Barisis, 359, 364, 375, 380
Barkas, G. de G., 423, 436, 440
Barker, Sergt., 342
Barkworth, S. J., 174, 194, 200, 216, 335, 337, 341, 349, 411, 417
Barnes, A. C., 477
Barnes, F., 270, 327, 330
Barnett, B. M. J., 344
Barter, Major-Gen. C. St L., 73
Bartleet, H. B., 443, 458, 459
Barton, Pte., 350
Bassett, L. J., 238
Basseux, 242
Bath, A., 201, 327, 328, 392, 480
Battershall, W. A. G., 408
Bayencourt, 143 _et seq._, 264
Bayliffe, Lt.-Col., 382
Bazentin-le-Grand, 177, 178
Bazentin-le-Petit, 177, 178
Beal, H. G., 81
Beaucamp, 290, 291, 292
Beaudricourt, 251, 253
Beaufort, 137, 141
Beaulencourt, 305, 325, 344
Beaumetz-les-Loges, 249, 253, 344
Beaumont-Hamel, 140, 239, 240
Beaurains, 253, 254, 258
Beautor, 369, 370
Bedfords, 7th, 298, 300, 301
Beeby, H. D., 223, 269, 336
Behencourt, 423, 425
Bell, T. J., 236, 238, 242, 282, 283, 287
Bellacourt, 241
Bellebrune, 321
Bench, Sergt., 75
Bendelow, Pte., 335
Beni Mazar, 107, 110-112
Beni Salama, 108
Beni Suef, 108
Bennet, E. J., 117
Berles-au-Bois, 244, 462
Bernafay Wood, 182, 209
Bernagousse Quarries, 366
Berneville, 270, 271, 415, 417, 461
Besme, 381, 382
Béthune, 24, 81, 85
Beugny, 331, 344
Bhopals, 9th, 23, 39, 46, 49, 52, 54, 59, 69
Bidgood, F., 423, 456, 459
Bienvillers-au-Bois, 243
Bihucourt, 279
Billon Farm, 192, 193
Billon Wood, 447
Birdwood, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Wm., 101, 280
Bishop, G. F., 113
Bixschoote, 40
Blackdown, 357, 425-427
Blackhurst, S., 414
Black Watch, 344, 456
Blair, W., 322, 374, 382
Blairville, 241, 462, 466, 467
Blaugies, 502
Blendecques, 21, 22, 47
Blérancourt, 383
Blight, Pte., 136
Blows, C. S. G., 103, 121, 149, 153, 193
Blunn, A. G., 137, 164
Board, C. H., 353, 394, 395
Bocking, J. W., 385, 391
Boesinghe, 42, 295
Boiry-Becquerelle, 245, 247, 462 _et seq._, 478
Boiry-St Martin, 247, 249
Boiry-St Rictrude, 246
Bois de Quesnoy, 482
Bois des Bœufs, 412
Bois des Puits, 487
Bois du Biez, 26 _et seq._, 59, 67, 225
Boisleux-au-Mont, 246
Boisleux-St Marc, 467, 478
Bold, A. L. D., 421, 440
Bolton, W. H., 311, 314, 315
Bonser, A., 450, 451
Boorman, D. S., 238, 242, 283, 284, 289, 315, 318, 320, 494
Borders, 5th, 272
Botterill, G. P., 3, 6, 27, 35, 36, 48
Botterill, W. R., 16, 149, 153
Bottomley, E. W., 7, 22, 238, 244, 275, 281, 285, 287
Bouchavesnes, 453, 454
Bouleaux Wood, 195 _et seq._
Boulstridge, W. W., 477
Boutall, W. J., 66, 151, 153, 180, 194, 207, 216, 403, 417
Bout Deville, 223, 234
Bouzincourt, 420
Boves, 385, 391
Bowater, Sir Vansittart, 14
Bowater, V. S., 16, 223, 257, 272
Boyelles, 246, 247, 462 _et seq._, 478, 492, 505
Bradford, F. R. C., 90, 100, 149, 165
Bradley, 2/Lieut., 223, 231, 480
Bradley, H. M., 421
Brandram, C., 449, 455
Bray-sur-Somme, 180, 431 _et seq._
Bretencourt, 244
Brielen, 307, 321, 323
Brissenden, C. C., 423, 424, 432, 435, 436, 438, 439
Brodie, C. J., 174, 187, 193
Bronfay Farm, 446, 447, 449, 453
Brown, E. S., 344
Brown, N. A., 323
Brown, W. F., 369, 384
Brunemont, 487, 490
Buckingham, W., 162, 163, 216
Buckland, E. D., 327
Bucquoy, 143, 144, 160, 241, 294, 460
Buire-sur-Ancre, 423
Buissy, 479
Bull, H. C., 314, 315
Bullecourt, 273 _et seq._, 331, 447, 467 _et seq._
Bullock, A. M., 414, 485, 486, 488, 501
Bundle, H. N., 292, 315
Bunker, H., 329
Burd, F. B., 292, 315
Burford, F. R. R., 174, 189
Burnell-Nugent, Brig.-Gen. F. H., 132
Burnett, L. T., 6, 28, 35, 48-50, 53, 56, 66, 71, 72, 81, 84, 137, 356
Burton, P. H., 238, 276
Bury St Edmunds, 117
Bushell, R. D., 480
Butler, Lieut.-Gen. Sir R. H. K., 364, 367, 383, 384
Byng, Gen. Lord, 260, 359, 460
Cachy, 387-391, 419-424
Cairns, J., 322, 384
Cairo, 107, 108, 112
Calnan, W. H., 174, 199
Calonne-sur-Lys, 27, 30
Cambridgeshire Regt., 1st, 425
Campbell, H., 257, 261, 298, 299, 303, 304
Campion, Pte., 448
Campkin, R. E., 353, 396, 398, 407
Caparn, R. K., 127, 238, 242, 249
Carlisle, F. A., 292, 309
Carnoy, 192, 448
Carpenter, A. B., 453
Cart de Lafontaine, H. P. L., 6, 20, 34, 36, 65, 66
Cartmell, A., 482
Casey, Capt., 16, 17, 22
Castle, J., 216
Caudwell, T., 251, 267
Cavalry Farm, 266-270
Celestin Wood, 438, 439
Chamberlain, R. W., 223, 252, 322, 384
Chapman, J. W., 174, 197
Chapman, L. R., 16, 81, 159, 165
Chart, Lieut.-Col., 382
Chauny, 369, 374, 378-380
Chennels, C.S.M., 20, 55
Chérisy, 264
Cheshires, 5th, 134 _et seq._, 343
Chignell, A. W., 417, 466
Chipilly, 430-441
Cholmondely, H. C., 116
Citerne, 85, 132, 136, 217, 218
Clammer, R. C., 490
Clark, E., 476
Clark, T., 216
Clark, W. G., 6, 20, 47, 51, 53, 57, 66, 72, 81, 84, 137, 138
Clarke, C. A., 249, 291, 318, 320, 369, 372, 375, 384
Cléry-sur-Somme, 453
Clifford, C. C. H., 292, 317, 384
Clifford, W. H., 214
Coates, A. D., 24, 49, 53, 55
Coates, L. C., 16, 88, 94
Coates, S. G., 408, 468
Coates, L/Corpl., 289
Coffin, F. A., 24, 54, 55, 120, 130
Cohen, A., 465
Coigneux, 264
Cojeul River, 247, 253 _et seq._, 462, 467, 479
Coke, Brig.-Gen., E. S. D'Ewes, 133
Coleman, T., 223
Coley, J., 480
Collins, C. F., 216
Colomb, G. L., 57
Colvin, A. E., 216
Combles, 177 _et seq._
Condé, Canal de, 501
Condren, 369 _et seq._
Connaught Rangers, 23, 34, 36-39, 46-49, 52, 54, 60, 68, 69
Contay, 421
Cook, A. S., 292, 316
Cooke, D. C., 61, 120, 292, 323
Cooke, T., 447, 448
Cookson, P. S., 116
Coombe, Capt., 130
Coombes, H. V., 270, 400, 407
Cooper, Brig.-Gen. E. J., 117
Cooper, T. B., 174, 189, 190, 205, 349, 398, 403, 407, 408, 411, 478,
486, 496, 507
Corbie, 180, 431
Corkoran, Brig.-Gen. Charles, 448
Cornelius-Wheeler, Capt., 4
Cornell, Pte., 350
Cornwall, C.S.M., 20
Cotton, E. N., 238, 275, 281-283, 287, 289
Cotton, R. D., 423, 424
Couchman, J. T., 477
Coulemby, 321
Courcelette, 194 _et seq._
Courcelles, 289, 290
Court, T. J., 344
Cowland, C.S.M., 450
Cragg, C. W., 81, 238
Crane, S. H. E., 360
Crawford, D. F., 367, 369, 384
Creighton, A. B., 327, 335
Creil, 19
Cremarest, 321
Croisilles, 246, 247, 253, 467-471, 492
Croix Barbée, 37, 38, 72, 229, 232
Croll, A. G., 127, 238, 242, 289, 291, 424, 425, 432, 434-436, 438-440
Crosbie, McC., 442, 446, 447, 451, 452
Crozat Canal, 369-377, 477
Cuesmes, 506, 507
Cuffe, Pte., 350
Cumner, C. W., 366, 391
Curgies, 497
Curlu, 140, 451
Curtis, 2/Lieut., 382
Cuthbert, Brig.-Gen. G., 73, 85
Cuthbertson, E. M., 323, 384
Dade, H., 122
Dade, H. F., 352, 400, 401, 488
Dainville, 414-418, 493
Dakhla Oasis, 108
Dallas, Major-Gen. A. G., 107, 108, 111
Dann, W. R. H., 237, 238, 243, 279, 280, 288, 315, 370, 371, 373, 374,
378, 379, 381, 382, 421
Darrington, C. P., 88, 99
Davey, W. H., 174, 193
Davies, S. N., 16, 104
Davies, W. A., 443, 456
Davis, A. G., 223, 304
Davis, G. H., 137, 159, 165, 185, 193
Davis, R., 165, 216
Davis, S., 100, 104, 121, 149, 289, 311, 313-315
Daw, H. S., 238
Deacon, Major, 48
Deadman, A. J., 408
Demicourt, 326
Demuin, 387
Denain, 496
Denier, 272, 292
Denning, C. W., 174, 272, 407
Dennis, H. W., 16, 90, 113, 119
de Pury, C. R. P., 81, 138
Dernancourt, 437
Derviche-Jones, Lieut.-Col., 379
Dessart Wood, 291, 292
Dettingen Barracks, 357
Devonshire Regt., 112, 119, 128
Dew, E. G., 127, 223, 304, 494
Dickebusch, 297, 299
Dickerson, A. E., 477
Dickens, Major, 189
Dickins, L. A., 16, 103
Dickins, R. C., 16, 101, 113, 315, 318, 320
Dodds, A. W., 315, 320
Dogras, 41st, 31-33
Doignies, 333, 334
Domart, 137, 425
Dommiers, 383
Donaldson, V. C., 75, 134, 165
Douai, 252, 347, 414, 479, 491
Douchy, 496
Doullens, 137, 150, 234, 248
Dove, F. A., 477
Dow, H., 128
Drocourt, 265, 395, 475, 477, 479
Drouvin, 81
Dudgeon, Major-Gen. F. A., 296, 297, 342, 348, 353, 414
Dudley, Sergt.-Major, 24
Duke of Wellington's Regt., 234
Dunaway, C. E., 323, 391, 424
Duncan-Teape, H. J. T., 3, 6, 20, 47, 51, 121, 123, 128, 142, 145,
153, 211, 214, 215, 217, 427
Dunfee, Vickers, 14, 16, 17, 100, 110, 112, 113, 115, 129, 130, 427
Dunfee, Mrs, 103
Durlacher, H. W., 360, 384
Duthie, A. M., 238, 242, 249, 327, 338-341, 344, 407, 408
Eastoe, W. H., 327
East Surrey Regt., 366
Eccles, J., 477
Ecourt-St Quentin, 481, 482, 491
Ecurie, 348, 351
Edwards, V. W., 6, 17, 89
Edwards, W. H., 20
Egerton, Brig.-Gen. R. G., 23, 32
Ehren, A. C., 53, 57
Elders, J. F., 251, 330
Eldred, Mr, 123
Elliott, J., 81
Elliott, L. B. J., 304
Elliott, S., 6, 11, 84, 146, 147
Elsom, C.S.M., 20
Elverdinghe, 323
English, C. F., 174, 193
English, H. E., 238, 317
Entrenching Battalions, 378 _et seq._
Epéhy, 290, 451, 457, 459, 483
Eperlecques, 296, 304
Epinoy, 487, 490
Ervillers, 249
Escaut, Canal de l', 290, 332, 379, 490, 495, 501
Estaires, 26, 71, 218, 413
Estreux, 497, 499
Etaing, 479, 480, 482
Etaples, 19-21
Eterpigny, 479
Evans, H., 344
Evans, W. B., 360
Ewing, G. C., 323, 389, 390, 454, 458
Fabien, R. L., 128
Fairman, Pte., 350
Falfemont Farm, 178, 201
Famars, 496, 502
Fanhangel, F. C., 66, 164
Fanshawe, Major-Gen. H. D., 237, 290
Farafra Oasis, 108
Farfan, L., 128
Fargniers, 366-373
Faulkner, Lieut., 350, 417, 494
Fauquissart, 218, 219, 221
Fayoum, 108
Ferdinando, S. P., 238, 249, 480
Fergusson, Corpl., 190
Festubert, 26, 60, 61, 73, 347
Feuchy, 253, 266, 480, 481
Fisher, G. W., 392
Flers, 178, 194 _et seq._, 203, 209
Fletcher, T. R., 201, 213, 214, 480, 485, 486, 488
Foch, Marshal, 41, 410, 429, 483
Foden, F. J., 174, 193
Folly Farm, 120, 122
Fonquevillers, 170-174
Fontaine-lez-Croisilles, 253, 264, 274, 280, 467, 468
Forbes, R., 216
Ford, A. S., 66, 165, 270, 304
Fortel, 238
Fosse, 64, 229, 233
Fovant, 122, 128, 355
Francis, C. B., 366, 384
Franks, A., 327, 335
Frégicourt, 178, 206, 211
Frémicourt, 326 _et seq._
French, F.M. Earl, 24, 25, 41, 58, 59, 79, 128, 347
Frevent, 137, 141, 238
Freyberg, Brig.-Gen. B. C., 249, 290, 293, 314
Fricourt, 140, 166, 177, 445
Frières Wood, 377, 378
Frohen-le-Grand, 248
Frost, W., 477
Froy, W. A., 223
Fry, Major-Gen. W., 2, 6, 15
Fulford, D., 48, 57, 350
Fullalove, J. S., 119, 130
Gallipoli, 87 _et seq._, 120
Gant, H. H., 449, 455
Gardiner, A. E., 230, 231
Gardner, E. G., 315
Garner, E. H., 475
Garratt, O. D., 174, 183, 188, 189, 194, 216, 218, 224, 265, 329, 392
Gaskin, C., 66, 71
Gathergood, J. S. B., 61, 117
Gaudiempré, 241
Gauld, K. W., 423, 424
Gavrelle, 347, 349
Gearle, H. C., 216
Geering, S. C., 323, 391
Gentelles, 385, 386
George, J. W., 420, 421, 440
Gery, R. V., 7, 66
Ghain Tuffieha, 9, 11, 17, 87, 89
Gibbs, C. C., 315, 454, 458
Gibbs, C. J., 408
Gifford, W. R., 201, 211, 213
Giles, E., 7, 53, 55, 66, 146, 152, 153
Giles, M. F., 443
Gilson, G., 443, 455
Ginchy, 178 _et seq._
Girling, W., 507
Girling, W. N. M., 421, 440
Givenchy, 23, 477
Givenchy-le-Noble, 134
Givry, 506
Glencorse Wood, 295 _et seq._
Gloucesters, 4th, 182
Glover, R. E., 443, 455
Godewaersvelde, 43
Godman, S. H., 123, 128, 355
Gommecourt, 129, 139 _et seq._, 240, 264
Gonnelieu, 331
Gooch, Sergt., 342
Goodale, C. C. W., 443, 448
Goodes, G. L., 66, 80
Gough, Gen. Sir H., 24, 249, 273, 279, 295, 359, 360, 366, 385
Gouy-en-Artois, 264
Gouzeaucourt, 290, 292, 359
Graddon, J. C., 173, 174, 193
Graham, C. J., 236, 238, 250
Grand Rullecourt, 418, 461
Grande Honnelle River, 500, 501
Grant, G. J., 344, 477
Gray, S. A., 270, 328
Green, P. W., 480
Green, Rev. S. F. Leighton, 223, 263, 341, 403, 506
Greenfield, S., 505
Greenwood, J. R., 477
Grenas, 142, 150, 248
Grenay, 82
Gressaire Wood, 430 _et seq._
Grey, R., 449, 452
Grierson, J., 279
Griffiths, F. J., 322, 382, 419, 454, 455
Grimsdell, E. V., 385, 388, 419, 447, 451, 452
Grimsdell, R. E., 174, 204, 205, 207
Grimston, Sergt., 350
Grimwade, F. C., 6, 11, 20, 47, 51, 53, 55, 120, 127, 130, 218, 252
Grosville, 241
Grover, A., 243, 310, 311, 315, 317, 379-384, 421, 431, 433, 440
Guémappe, 264, 265, 267
Gueudecourt, 178, 209
Guignemicourt, 422, 442
Guillemont, 177 _et seq._, 452
Gurkha Rifles, 22, 24, 49
Guyencourt, 459
Haig, F.M. Earl, 24, 74, 139, 141, 263, 448, 482-484, 489, 495, 504
Haillicourt, 84, 85
Haine, A. A. N., 61, 116, 118
Haisnes, 77
Hallencourt, 85, 136, 217
Hall, W. C. B., 443
Hallett, H. W., 238, 249
Halloy, 142 _et seq._
Hamel, 140, 428
Hamelincourt, 246, 462
Ham-en-Artois, 22, 27
Hamilton, Gen. Sir Ian, 16, 91, 92, 96
Hamilton, W. H., 14, 49, 116, 117, 119, 129
Hampshire Regiment, 129
Hanebeek, 302, 306, 310, 313
Hangard, 385, 387, 388, 390
Hanks, A. E., 350
Hannay, H. T., 270, 304, 350, 407
Hardecourt, 451
Hardy, L/Corpl., 236
Harmignies, 502
Harper, A. L., 223, 231
Harper, Lieut., 162, 163
Harris, M., 24, 50, 207, 215, 330
Hart, W. H., 477
Harveng, 502
Haut Avesnes, 411
Havard, Capt., 262, 270
Havrincourt, 290, 332, 483
Haycraft, L. C., 127, 201, 213, 214
Hayes, E. C., 251
Hayes, G., 408
Hayes, Sergt., 329, 353
Haynecourt, 484
Haynes, A. E., 344
Hayward, W. G., 16, 17, 88, 119, 120
Hazebrouck, 409
Hearnshaw, H., 449
Heaver, C. H. T., 174, 193
Hebberd, R., 216
Hébuterne, 140 _et seq._, 180, 217, 264, 272
Hedger, F., 100, 216
Heilly, 442
Helfaut, 21
Helles, Cape, 90 _et seq._
Helot, River, 379, 380
Hem Wood, 454, 456
Hendecourt, 274, 276, 466 _et seq._
Heninel, 253, 260-262, 274, 281
Henin-sur-Cojeul, 246, 247, 259, 467, 468
Henstridge, C. L., 414, 476, 478, 488
Hénu, 142, 148
Hermies, 26, 331
Herring, R. L., 7, 20, 194
Hetley, G. H., 127, 249, 289, 310, 318, 321, 385, 388, 419, 433, 447,
448, 450-452, 458
Hettler, B. H. C., 385, 388, 389, 391
Hewlett, H. A. T., 238, 281, 289, 311, 313, 315, 417, 463, 466
Heyes, Sergt., 480, 486
Hicklenton, H. G., 88, 149, 159, 165
Higgs, E. R, 280, 322, 435
Hirondelle River, 275, 479, 481, 486
Hodgkins, T., 344
Hohenzollern Redoubt, 76, 77, 80
Holloway, A., 414, 475, 476
Hook, W. G., 352, 475
Home, Gen. Lord, 156, 218, 346
Horsfield, J., 421, 440
Houlder, Capt., 184
Houlle, 296, 305
Housden, Pte., 95
Housden, Sergt., 329
Houthulst, 316, 322
Houvin-Houvigneuil, 461
Howden, E. R., 322
Howell, Brig.-Gen., 355
Hudson, O. C., 401, 485
Hull, Major-Gen. Sir C. P. A., 42, 132, 145, 149, 150, 175, 197, 252,
271, 296, 414, 461, 463
Hulluch, 67, 76, 77, 81, 213
Humbercamp, 239, 242, 462
Humphrey, G., 513
Humphrey, W. P., 414, 417
Hunt, F. F., 36, 66
Hunt, G. G., 238, 249
Hunt, R. C., 127
Hurd, A., 22, 48, 165
Hurdcott, 122-124, 128, 129, 355, 356
Hurst, Brig.-Gen., 238
Hurst, H., 403
Husk, C. L., 408
Hutchin, W. J., 344, 408
Hutchins, F. H., 223, 268
Hyde, H. E., 162, 216
Hyde, R. R. L., 216
Illies, 26
Imbros, 93, 99, 104, 105
Ingham, Sergt.-Dr., 350
Inniskilling Fusiliers, 184
Inverness Copse, 295 _et seq._
Ipswich, 117-119, 236
Irvine, H., 443, 448
Ivergny, 251
Izel-les-Hameau, 292, 306
Jackman, H. E., 270, 301, 304
Jackson, R. J., 4, 6, 11
Jackson, Lieut.-Col., 335
Jacques, R.S.M., 330, 494
James, C., 213, 216
Jehu, S. H., 322, 323
Jemappes, 507
Johnson, F. B., 322
Johnson, J. W., 335, 344
Johnson, Sergt., 468
Johnstone, R., 66
Jones, F. J., 315, 320
Jones, H., 66, 75, 223, 272
Jones, L. W. N., 223, 263
Keary, Major-Gen. H. D'U., 22, 72
Keen, R. N., 16, 104, 106, 201, 211, 214
Keerselare, 307
Kelly, R. C., 11
Kereves, Dere, 94, 101
King, H. J., 443, 452
King's Liverpools, 4th, 22, 71
K.O.S.B., 47, 101
K.O.Y.L.I., 241, 350, 386, 443, 496
K.R.R.C., 302
Kingwell, A., 122
Kitchener, Earl, 6, 13, 120
Klein Zillebeeke, 294
Knight, A. C., 194, 272, 307, 315
Krithia, 92, 94
La Bassée, 23 _et seq._, 67, 68, 71, 76, 99
La Bassée Canal, 58, 66, 67, 75
La Brique, 44-46, 50, 56
La Cauchie, 239
La Dessoue, 502
La Fère, 359 _et seq._, 425, 477
La Gorgue, 69, 224, 228
La Houssoye, 422, 431
La Quinque Rue, 60
Labourse, 78
Lacon, Sir Hugh, 426
Lacouture, 30, 32
Lagnicourt, 273, 326-329, 346
Laies, Rivière des, 29, 220
Lambley, J. E. W., 16, 113
Lancashire Fus., 323
Lancers, 15th, 22
Langemarck, 40, 46, 52, 297, 306 _et seq._
Langton, H. G., 317, 320
Lattre St Quentin, 418
Laviéville, 423
Laventie, 218-221, 413
Lawrence, H. P., 449, 452, 455
Lawrence, W., 216
Lawrie, G. V., 174, 216, 353, 416, 417, 478
Le Bas de Viry, 374
Le Cauroy, 137, 234, 272
Le Philosophe, 78
L'Epinette, 64
Le Pissot, 498
Le Plessiel, 176-180, 419
Le Quesnoy, 495
Le Sars, 194
Le Sart, 223
Le Souich, 234, 239, 251
Le Talandier, 497
Le Transloy, 239, 325
Le Transloy Ridges, 208 _et seq._
Leach, H. G. A., 421, 440
Leake, G. E. A., 238, 275, 276, 279
Lear, Pte., 162
Lebucquière, 333
Lécluse, 477, 479
Legge, R. F., 4
Lekkerbotebeek, 317, 318, 322
Lelyveld, H., 443, 448
Lens, 76, 82, 260, 489
Leonard, D. J., 24, 53, 54, 66, 71
Lesbœufs, 178 _et seq._, 325
Les Brebis, 81
Les Huit Maisons, 37, 233
Lester, G. E., 249, 320, 322, 355, 369, 372-374, 384
Lestrem, 30
Leuze Wood, 181 _et seq._
Lewis, C. E., 174, 193
Lewis, G. G., 352, 392, 396, 469
Liéramont, 456, 458, 459
Ligny-le-Grand, 58
Lille, 58, 495
Lillers, 72-77
Limpenny, S. W. J., 116
Lincolns, 5th, 170
Ling, J. W., 315
Ling, Pipe-Major, 236
Lintott, A. W., 342
Lizerne, 41
Loch, Brig.-Gen. G. G., 149, 394, 397, 496
Lock, A. H., 122
Lock, T., 216, 408
Logeast Wood, 289, 290
Long, A. L., 7, 146, 153, 182
Long, H. C., 238, 279
Longpré, 218
Longueau, 385
Longueval, 178
Loos, 67, 73, 75, 81-83
Lorden, H. M., 24, 66, 223, 257, 269, 346, 403, 407
Louverval, 334
Lovell, E. G., 16
Lucan, Brig.-Gen. Earl of, 4, 13, 89
Luce, River, 385
Lucy, A. B., 7
Ludendorff, Gen., 362, 363, 407, 441
Lynch, P., 122
Lyons, S. E., 66
McCormick, E. M'D., 174, 189, 191, 207, 216
McDonald, J., 128, 292, 316
McDowell, R., 238, 286, 287
McGlashan, Capt., 130
McKittrick, E. S., 443, 452
Maghaga, 111
Magnicourt-sur-Canche, 351-353, 461
Main, G. H., 423
Maing, 496
Maitland, A. E., 253, 261
Malard Wood, 430-438
Maloney, Capt., 270, 333, 405, 407, 414
Malplaquet, 505
Malta, 6, 8 _et seq._, 86 _et seq._, 112, 115, 121, 505, 508, 509
Maltzhorn Farm, 182, 184, 191, 449, 451
Manchester Regiment, 22, 48, 62, 263, 487
Manicamp, 381-383
Manning, D. A. S., 456, 458
Mansel-Howe, C. I., 423, 439, 440
Marchment, A. F., 299, 303, 343, 344, 346, 394, 398, 399, 401,
403-405, 408, 461-466, 468, 486, 487, 492, 496, 507
Maricourt, 182, 446 _et seq._
Marlière Caves, 268
Maroc, 82, 84, 85
Maroc, South, 82, 83
Marœuil, 349-351, 353
Marqueffles Farm, 418
Marquion, 485, 492
Marrières Wood, 452, 453, 456
Marsh, F. S., 292
Marshall, Lord, 507
Marshall, R. B., 414, 496
Mason, C. R., 414
Mather, A., 427
Matthews, G. L., 394, 395
Mattison, O. H., 316
Maubeuge, 483 _et seq._
Maunder, Pte., 95
Mauquissart, 64, 67, 224-227
Maurepas, 177, 451, 452
Mawby, T. H., 353, 417
Maxwell, Gen. Sir J. G., 107, 108
Maynard, T. R. A., 443
Mears, S. F. G., 323, 391
Meerut, 129
Melleha, 9, 10, 12, 508
Mendl, R. H. J., 360
Menges, G. J. L., 360
Menin, 294 _et seq._, 495
Mercatel, 253, 460
Mercer, Brig.-Gen. David, 90
Méricourt-l'Abbé, 431, 444
Merrell, H. H., 216
Merville, 36, 43, 71, 218, 223, 228, 234, 413
Messines, 263, 294, 307, 489
Meteren, 57, 428
Methuen, F.M. Lord, 86
Michell, R., 292, 320.
Middlemiss, 2/Lieut., 313
Middleton, J. T., 174, 193
Millar, W. T., 385
Mill Copse, 481, 485, 486
Miller, H. E., 119, 124
Miller, J. D., 414
Miller, Lieut.-Col., 436, 438, 439
Mills, E. L., 327, 336, 341, 344, 413
Mills, H. H., 477
Millstead, A. H., 414, 486
Milne, F., 119
Minear, S., 251
Minia, 108-111
Miraumont, 240
Mirvaux, 420, 421, 433
Mœuvres, 331 _et seq._, 484
Moger, A. J., 216
Moislains, 455, 456
Mole Post, 231
Molliens au Bois, 420, 422
Monchy-au-Bois, 241-245, 248
Monchy Breton, 350, 351
Monchy-le-Preux, 265, 393, 394, 467, 477
Moncrieff, Lieut.-Gen. G. H., 15
Mondicourt, 150, 151
Monk, E. W., 81, 194
Monk, S. G., 61
Monkman, E. A., 238, 287
Monro, Gen. Sir C. C., 96, 101
Mons, 5, 489 _et seq._
Mont St Eloy, 408, 410
Mont St Quentin, 453, 455
Montague, Pte., 350
Montenescourt, 271
Moody, T., 7, 165
Moore, A. R., 7, 33, 146, 152, 159, 162, 164
Moore, G. H., 16, 34, 38, 90
Moore, H., 130
Moore, W., 6, 20, 47, 119, 136-138, 152, 163, 165
Moreuil, 385, 429
Morlancourt, 430, 444, 445
Mormal, Forêt de, 494, 495, 504
Morris, H., 16, 95
Morris, H. O., 350, 400, 401, 407
Morris, S. T., 423, 440
Morris, 2/Lieut., 405
Morrison, J. D., 423
Mortleman, C. F., 174, 193
Morton, W. C., 360, 388-390, 419
Morval, 178 _et seq._, 240, 325
Mory, 280
Mosely, E. P. M., 36, 270, 417, 480, 502, 504
Mouchin, 81
Muddell, A. R., 238, 423, 452
Mudros, 90 _et seq._
Murray, Gen. Sir A., 111
Murray, Lieut.-Col., 66
Nag Hamadi, 110
Nash, F., 477
Naylor, J. R., 317, 320
Neame, R. E., 200
Neuf Berquin, 218
Neuve Chapelle, 26 _et seq._, 58 _et seq._, 120, 218 _et seq._, 413, 477
Neuville-Borjonval, 291
Neuville-Vitasse, 253 _et seq._, 411, 412
Neuvireuil, 347
Neville, S. W., 480, 482
New Barnet, 14, 15, 115 _et seq._
Newman, W. H. G., 322
Nickless, F. C., 477
Nœux-les-Mines, 77, 81
Nonne Boschen, 297, 302
Nord, Canal du, 331, 332, 454, 477 _et seq._
Nordausques, 316
Noreuil, 275, 276, 278
Norris, G., 340, 344
Norris, J. T., 477
Norrish, F. E., 322
North Staffords, 243
Noureuil, 376, 378
Noye River, 359
Noyelles-les-Vermelles, 78
Noyon, 369, 380, 382, 422
Nunneley, W. A., 237, 238, 243, 249, 292, 317
Nunns, N., 270, 304
Nurlu, 456
Oakely, Sergt., 328
O'Brien, J., 216, 511
O'Brien, Rev., 238
Oise, 369-382
Oise Canal, 363-371, 429, 430
Oisy-le-Verger, 482-488
Oldrey, V. R., 174, 183, 193, 281, 472, 475
Olinski, P. J., 279
Omignon, River, 359, 367
Oppy, 346 _et seq._, 392 _et seq._, 414, 416, 419, 504
Ormiston, N. A., 174, 193
Osborne, W. E., 173, 174, 185, 193
Osvillers Lake, 482
Ouderdom, 44, 56, 57, 303, 304
Owen, T. G., 423
Oxfordshire Hussars, 369
Page, H. F., 213
Palluel, 479, 484, 486
Palmer, L. A., 443
Palmer, Rev. R., 136, 165, 216, 223
Palmer, Pte., 405
Paradis, 36-38, 57, 59
Paris, Major-Gen. A., 90, 106
Parker, A. J., 408
Parker, W. H., 238, 275, 281, 285, 287
Parkhouse, H., 14, 16, 90
Parr, J. F. F., 7, 12, 17, 86, 88
Parslow, W. H., 360, 424, 432, 434-436, 440
Pas, 141, 150
Passchendaele, 40, 294, 316 _et seq._, 489
Paterson, F. J., 443, 459
Paterson, J. R. K., 224
Pathans, 40th, 22
Payne, H. S., 216
Payne, P. J., 323, 391
Pearson, J., 119
Peizières, 457-459
Pentelow, H., 223
Pernois, 425
Péronne, 177, 194, 211, 363, 385, 444, 453-456, 477
Perrin, Pte., 350
Peryer, J. R., 322
Peselhoek, 320
Peters, Pte., 288, 289
Petit Houvin, 296
Petrie, E., 327, 339, 342
Petrie, L., 390
Phillips, F. A., 333, 398, 401, 402, 404, 405, 408, 414
Phillips, J. R., 408
Phillips, Sergt., 54
Pierremande, 366, 374
Pietre, 29-31, 37, 38
Pike, C. S., 292, 309
Pilckem, 322
Pitman, G. R., 353, 400
Platts, H. C., 421
Plumbley, Sergt., 136, 406
Plumer, F.M. Lord, 24, 55, 294
Poelcapelle, 40, 306 _et seq._, 359
Polygon Wood, 298, 302
Pommier, 244, 245, 248, 249
Pont du Hem, 64, 224, 226
Pont Logy, 72
Pont Noyelles, 424, 442
Pont Remy, 85
Poperinghe, 306, 307, 320
Port, W. G., 270
Potizje, 45
Potter, A. F., 414, 475
Potter, C., 201, 281, 316
Potton, A., 119, 174, 193
Powell, J., 354
Pratt, E. C., 238, 249, 278
Price, J. W., 100, 121, 149, 154, 174, 193, 414, 469, 472
Prince, V. C., 323, 389, 446-448, 454, 455
Pronville, 329, 479
Proven, 321, 323
Puisieux-au-Mont, 240, 241, 384
Punjabis, 27th, 71
Punjabis, 89th, 66, 69
Pyne, P., 218, 223, 263
Pyper, J. R., 7, 54, 81, 82, 137
Pys, 240
Quéant, 265, 273-277, 326-329, 395, 472-479, 492
Quennell, W., 174, 189, 228
Quessy, 369, 370, 372-374
Quierzy, 365, 381
Ramillies, 490
Ramsey, W. D., 360
Rancourt, 178, 453-455
Randall, H. V. R., 328, 408, 486
Ransart, 239, 241, 245, 246
Ratcliffe, E. A., 327, 392
Rawlinson, Gen. Lord, 24, 74, 79, 156, 429
Read, F. C. J., 16, 101, 174, 193
Reed, A., 119
Rees, H. D., 223, 269, 300, 494
Reid, C. J., 251, 267
Reigersburg, 307, 308
Reninghelst, 44, 57, 305
Rhonelle, River, 496
Ribecourt, 332
Ribemont, 290, 423, 425, 442
Richards, C. S., 327, 407
Richards, R. J., 317, 320
Richards, W., 174, 193
Richardson, Lieut.-Col., 282, 283, 285, 370, 371
Richardson, C. E. V., 218, 229
Richardson, S. A. G., 201, 213, 214
Richardson, S. J., 315
Richebourg L'Avoué, 26, 29, 219
Richebourg St Vaast, 29 _et seq._
Ridley, J., 414
Riencourt, 274-276, 472
Riez Bailleul, 59 _et seq._, 224, 226, 413
Rifles, 57th, 23, 34, 39, 46, 52, 54, 60, 68, 69
Riley, Sergt., 284
Ringrose, L/Corpl., 236
Risley, E. H., 66, 128
Rix, L. G., 56, 174, 215, 218, 231
Robbins, C., 477
Roberts, C. H. W., 320
Roclincourt, 346 _et seq._, 393
Rogers, F. E., 455
Rombies, 498, 499
Ronnssoy Wood, 457
Ronville Caves, 411-414
Rosenbloom, Pte., 236
Rossington, G. L., 405
Rouge Croix, 61, 224, 226
Rouges Bancs, 58, 219
Roughton, W., 414
Rowlands, C. W., 327, 339-341, 344, 463, 466
Royal Fusiliers, 24, 88, 98, 118, 128, 132, 133, 330
Royal Marines, 90
Royal Munster Fusiliers, 85, 471
Royal Scots, 292, 461
Royal Warwickshire Regt., 218, 219
Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 73
Royce, P. F., 443, 458, 459
Ruel, C. S., 344
Rumaucourt, 486, 487, 491
Rundle, Gen. Sir Leslie, 86, 509
Russell, C. P., 201
Ryan, W., 477
Sailly-au-Bois, 150, 172-175
Sailly Labourse, 80
Sailly Laurette 430-432
Sailly-le-Sec, 180
Sailly Saillisel, 177, 194
St Amand, 142, 166 _et seq._
St Aubin, 349, 416
St Firmin, 369-371
St Gobain, Forêt de, 359 _et seq._
St Jans-ter-biezen, 320
St Jean, 45, 56
St Julien, 42, 45, 46, 295, 304, 306, 309-311, 318
St Leger, 246-249, 281, 467
St Martin-sur-Cojeul, 247, 253
St Omer, 20-24, 296, 307, 316, 321
St Paul's Bay, 9, 88, 508
St Pierre Vaast, 194, 455
St Pol, 350, 393
St Quentin, 242, 359 _et seq._, 444, 460
St Quentin Canal, 364 _et seq._
St Riquier, 175-180, 419
St Rohart Factory, 265, 467, 480
St Sauveur, 416, 418
St Vaast, 37
St Vaast-en-Chaussée, 215-218
Salisbury, 122, 123
Salter, F. F., 513
Sambre, River, 478 _et seq._
Sampson, C. A., 322
Sanctuary Wood, 299, 302
Sankey, T. H., 344
Sapignies, 290
Saqula, 110-112
Sari Bair Mountain, 91, 93
Sars-la-Bruyère, 502-504
Sassoon, Sir Philip, 15, 120
Sauchicourt Farm, 484
Sauchy-Cauchy, 481-485
Sauchy-Lestrée, 487
Saultain, 496, 497
Saulty, 292
Saunders, C. R., 6, 20, 47, 51, 53, 55
Savill, Lieut.-Col., 469, 470
Savy, Col., 54
Scarpe, River, 240, 252 _et seq._, 325, 394, 406, 443, 460 _et seq._,
479 _et seq._
Scheldt Canal, _v._ Escaut, 290
Schuler Farm, 312, 313
Scinde Rifles, 59th, 22
Scott, G. B., 6, 66
Seabury, E. R., 292, 315
Sebourg, 498-501
Sebourquiaux, 498-500
Sedd-el-Bahr, 94
Selby, A. J., 279
Sellars, A. J., 408
Selle River, 494, 495
Selmun, 9, 10, 12, 14
Sensée, River, 260, 262, 467 _et seq._
Senussi, 107-109
Senyard, F. G., 344
Sergeant, A., 216
Serre, 140, 240, 460
Servais, 381
Seyd, V. H., 16, 100, 104, 110, 111
Seys, S. A., 249, 275, 289, 311, 388, 424
Shand, W., 327
Sharp, A. G., 66, 174, 182
Shelton, Sergt.-Major, 231
Sheppard, L. H., 322, 389, 391
Sherwood, Corpl., 283
Sherwood Foresters, 166
Shoreham-by-Sea, 356, 427
Siddall, T., 201, 263
Sidi Bishr, 112
Sidi Gaber, 112
Siege Camp, 317, 318, 320
Sievwright, A. J. N., 421
Sikhs, 15th, 22, 49
Sikhs, 34th, 22
Sikhs, 47th, 22
Simencourt, 264, 271, 344, 346
Simmonds, R. S. B., 327, 342, 411, 463, 466
Simpson, A. H., 16, 88
Simpson, Pte., 405
Sinceny, 365, 386
Slater, H., 423, 440
Slattery, J., 443
Smalley, P. F., 174, 270
Smith, L/Corpl., 236
Smith, Major-Gen. D., 296
Smith, Pte., 350
Snell, H. A., 317, 320
Snow, Lieut.-Gen. D'Oyly, 141, 169, 255, 331
Souastre, 141 _et seq._
South Staffords, 166, 244, 288
Sparks, H. C., 163
Sparrow, Hanbury, 358, 426
Spence, C. W., 279
Spencer, F. C., 279
Spencer, J. T., 443
Speyer, C. A., 201, 211, 304
Spicer, E. E., 116, 238, 243, 327, 349, 398, 400, 407
Spiers, H. W., 201, 214, 223, 257, 300, 304, 494
Spooner, Pte., 350
Spring, D. G., 315, 317
Springfield, 310, 312
Spurr, C. C., 66
Staden, 317
Stanbridge, G. E., 137, 174, 231, 257, 300, 350, 417, 478
Stanham, H. G., 14, 16, 111, 149, 153, 159, 162, 163, 193
Stark, W. A., 16, 149, 154, 289, 311, 313, 315
Stedman, P. B. K., 6, 53, 55
Stedman, S. H., 116, 238, 317
Steenvoorde, 296, 297
Stevens, Pte., 350
Stevens, W., 122
Stevens, W. H., 16
Stevens, W. H. S., 113
Stevenson, E. A., 287
Stevenson, R. T., 414, 475
Stickney, F., 238, 276
Stickney, W. J., 238
Still, L. A., 443
Stillwell, E. H., 4, 14, 36, 56, 115
Stoaling, T., 238, 279
Stone, Pte., 350
Stotter, S. P., 223, 231, 252
Strazeele, 43
Strickland, Brig.-Gen. E. P., 22
Stuckey, E. L., 327, 336, 337, 349
Suffolks, 4th, 22, 61, 71, 369 _et seq._, 432
Sus-St Leger, 239
Sutcliffe, Major, 437
Sutton Veny, 236, 237
Swinchatt, P. C., 408
Sykes, J. T., 7, 36, 152, 159, 165, 194
Sylvester, G. H., 417, 501
Tadpole Copse, 332 _et seq._
Tadworth, 116, 117, 119
Tailles Wood, 445, 446
Taylor, C. M., 174, 212, 214
Taylor, F. S. C., 327, 466
Taylor, H. W., 501
Taylor, J., 288
Taylor, Sergt., 328
Telegraph Hill, 253 _et seq._, 413, 416
Tergnier, 366, 374-377
Thélus, 393, 397
Thézy-Glimont, 359
Thomas, N. L., 16, 88, 100, 121
Till, W. J., 443
Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, 253, 270, 412 _et seq._, 461
Tincques, 351, 418
Tollworthy, F. G., 383, 421, 442, 453, 455
Tomsett, E. S., 7, 81, 138, 174, 175
Torquay, 355
Tortille River, 454, 455
Towse, W. N., 16, 113
Towy Post, 398, 403, 406
Tracas Farm, 319
Travécy, 364, 369, 371
Trescault, 290
Trinidad Contingent, Second, 128
Trinquis, River, 479
Trones Wood, 182 _et seq._
Trotman, Brig.-Gen. C. N., 90
Tucker, A. W., 443
Turner, J. G., 259, 260
Tyrell, G., 344
Udall, F. G., 188, 402, 408, 477
Urquhart, Lieut.-Col., 436
Valenciennes, 494-496
Valetta, 9 _et seq._, 86-89, 508, 509
Vauchelles, 137
Vaulx-Vraucourt, 275
Vaux-sur-Somme, 180, 433, 449, 451
Vermelles, 76-81
Vernon, H. W., 16, 149, 153, 173, 185, 193
Vernon, W. H., 15, 119, 122, 201, 211, 214
Verquin, 81
Vickery, Pte., 242
Vieille Chapelle, 29, 32, 33
Vieux Berquin, 43
Ville-sur-Ancre, 208, 214
Villequier-Aumont, 377-379
Villers-Bretonneux, 365, 384 _et seq._
Villers Cotterets, 383, 385
Villers-lez-Cagnicourt, 479
Villers Plouich, 290
Villers-sire-Nicole, 506
Vimy Ridge, 247, 252, 254, 260, 294, 347, 394-397
Vine, G. H. M., 4, 6, 20, 34, 36, 66, 128-130, 356
Vines, W. F., 292, 315
Viry-Noureuil, 366 _et seq._
Vis-en-Artois, 479
Vitry-en-Artois, 491
Vitz Villeroy, 248
Vlamertinghe, 56, 306, 315-317
Volckeringhove, 306
Voskule, J. A., 414
Vouel, 374-378
Wailly, 248
Wakefield, Sir Chas., 150
Walker, F. W., 106, 292, 312, 314, 315, 317, 388, 423, 433, 440
Walker, T. I., 7, 11, 54, 55
Walker, Brig.-Gen. W. R., 22
Wallace, Major-Gen. Sir A., 90, 107
Wallder, H. W., 344
Walmisley, S. E. H., 66, 81, 137
Wancourt, 253 _et seq._, 393, 467, 492
Wardan, 107
Wardle, L. F., 366, 374, 384
Warloy, 420
Warlus, 270
Warminster, 236
Warren, L/Corpl., 242
Warren, W. D., 307, 312, 315
Watson, B. A., 312-315
Watts, L. L., 478, 488, 490
Weathersbee, H. W., 7, 20, 66
Webb, L. R., 216
Webb, T. Montgomerie, 130, 358
Webster, J. R., 16, 94, 112, 152, 153, 185, 193
Webster, W. H., 154, 221, 227, 231
Wedge Wood, 178 _et seq._
Weekes, L/Corpl., 350
Wellby, E. V., 14, 116, 117
Welsh Regiment, 427
Westcott, A., 315
Westerman, Pte., 350
Westhoek, 295, 296
Westoutre, 44, 57
Westroosebeek, 317, 320
West Yorkshire Regiment, 353
Wheatley, J. H. L., 280, 282, 283, 287
Wheatley, L. L., 113, 138, 148, 161, 162, 180, 206, 211, 214, 217
Whitehead, H., 162, 163, 216
Whitworth, Corpl., 283
Wickens, J., 344
Wieltje, 45, 46
Wilde, E. T., Rodney, 122, 128
Wilderspin, H. O., 315
Wildman, C. J. C., 360
Wilkinson, Corpl., 236
Willcocks, Gen. Sir J., 22, 24, 60
Willerval, 347, 393, 397
Williams, F. G., 322, 375, 384
Williams, Col., 123
Williams, H. J. M., 66, 119, 223, 322, 369, 384
Williams, H. N., 223, 269, 300, 349, 398, 401, 407, 408, 411, 463,
469, 472, 478, 494, 506
Williams, N. W., 88, 149, 153, 174
Williams, S. M., 249, 287
Willmott, W. A., 344
Wilson, E. D., 116, 118
Wilson, Sergt.-Major, 494
Wise, F. S., 414, 417
Wood, A. E., 116, 117
Wood, Col. Evelyn, 150
Wood, J. C., 443, 448
Woodington, A., 360, 384
Woodyeat, E., 414
Wreford, L. W., 223, 270, 272, 304
Wright, Capt., 382, 458
Wytschaete Ridge, 294
Yeoman, B. F. L., 88, 149, 159, 165
York and Lanc. Regiment, 347
Yorkshires, 2nd, 488
Yoxall, T., 417, 466
Yser Canal and River, 40, 41, 229, 295, 307 _et seq._
Ytres, 290
Zelobes, 27
Zillebeeke, 294, 295
Zonnebeeke, 40, 42, 297
Zouafques, 316, 317
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES
Added missing page number to Scheldt Canal index listing on p. 540.
Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical
errors.
Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.
Enclosed italics font in _underscores_.