GIVENCHY.
[Sidenote: _February, 1918_]
Time was passing, the enemy unconquered, and our pleasant stay in
Reclinghem came to an end. Companies engaged in preparations for the
Battalion move towards the Line. At 8.15 a.m. on the 7th February we
proceeded by march route via Beaumetz-les-Aire, Laires, Febvin, Palfart
to Ligny-les-Aires, where billets were reached at 12.30 p.m. Rain
fell in torrents during this march. At 10 a.m. the following morning
the march was resumed, and proceeding via St. Hilaire and Lillers, we
halted in billets for the night at Busnettes. The Battalion was joined
en route by 6 Officers and 194 other ranks of the 7th Bn. The King’s
Own, who had been posted to us on the disbandment of that Battalion. On
the 9th, at 9 a.m., we proceeded by march route via Chocques, Annezin,
Béthune, Vaudricourt and Drouvin to Houchin, where Camp was reached at
1 p.m. We spent four days in Houchin, where training was resumed while
the Commanding Officer, accompanied by the Intelligence Officer and
Company Commanders, proceeded to reconnoitre the line, preparatory to
the 164th Infantry Brigade taking over La Bassée Canal Sector.
On the 14th February the Battalion paraded, and moved up by Companies
at 100 yards interval, to take over position in the Line, as Support
Battalion to the Right Sector, and relieved the 6th Lancashire
Fusiliers, 42nd Division. On the 20th we relieved the 4th Loyals in the
left front Sub-Sector, and spent the time in repairing and improving
the trenches. Trench life at this period was comparatively uneventful,
quiet periods alternating with intermittent shelling on both sides,
while patrols scoured No Man’s Land nightly. Pte. Pepper accounted
for one of an enemy patrol, who was identified as belonging to “205
R.I.R.,” which useful item of information was duly conveyed to Brigade
Headquarters. On the 2nd March the Battalion was relieved by the 5th
Lancashire Fusiliers and moved back to Support in the Village Line. On
the 5th March we were relieved by portions of the 6th North Staffs,
and the 5th South Staffs. Regiment, and moved back by motor lorry to
Hingette, where the Battalion was now in Divisional Reserve.
[Sidenote: _March, 1918_]
The time was occupied in cleaning up, bathing parades to Béthune, and
training under Company arrangements. “Summer” time was adopted at 11
p.m. on the 9th, the clock being put forward an hour. This period
was anything but restful; there was much tension in the air, and the
Battalion was under “Stand To” orders in readiness to move to the
forward area in case of the expected enemy attack. At 6.10 a.m. on the
11th March, the Battalion received orders to move to the Concentration
Area near Gorre, and moved off in fighting order within half an hour of
receiving the order. The Battalion, with the remainder of the Brigade,
remained in the Concentration Area until 12 noon, when orders were
received to move back to Hignette, the orders as to standing-to still
remaining in force. A party of Officers and men reconnoitred the ground
behind the Portuguese Division on the left, in anticipation of a call
to move to the support of that Division. Reveille was now at 4.30 a.m.
daily. On the 12th the order to move to the Concentration Area, near
Gorre, was received at 6.10 a.m., and within ten minutes the Battalion
had moved off. At 10 a.m. we moved back, Headquarters and 2 Companies
going into billets at Essars, and 2 Companies to Choqvaux. This state
of acute preparation continued, and further reconnoitring of the
defences in rear of the Portuguese Division on our left took place.
This was a precautionary measure, in the event of orders being received
to form a defensive flank if the enemy penetrated the front of that
Division.
At 7 a.m. on the 17th, the Battalion moved off by Companies to
relieve the 5th King’s Liverpool Regt. in the line at Givenchy. The
dispositions were as follows: “C” Company left front; “D” Company
right front; “A” Company in support in Tunnels; “B” Company in reserve,
occupying Givenchy Keep, Mairie Redoubt, and Moat Farm Redoubt.
Battalion Headquarters were at South Moor Villas in Hitchen Road.
The day was very clear, and nine enemy observation balloons were up,
consequently much of our movement was observed, and the whole system
was shelled intermittently during the day. Quiet periods alternated
with heavy shelling by the enemy, gas shells being largely used, and
these mostly of the mustard gas variety. Wolfe Road, King’s Road and
Windy Corner, in the communication area, in addition to the above
mentioned posts, all received these unwelcome attentions. At midnight
on the 24th March our Artillery opened a heavy barrage of all calibres,
including trench mortars, machine guns, rifle grenades and thermite,
on the enemy trenches, and a successful raid was carried out by the
5th King’s Liverpool Regt. on our left, and nine prisoners were taken.
Enemy retaliation was practically nil. On examination, these prisoners
stated that an attack was imminent. In view of this statement the 5th
Lancashire Fusiliers were ordered up to the Village Line to strengthen
the defences, one Company being attached to our Battalion. Additional
Machine Guns were also brought into the Sector, but no attack developed
for the time being. On the 27th our snipers had a very successful day,
accounting for six of the enemy, including an Officer.
The night was remarkably quiet, and we were relieved by the 5th
Lancashire Fusiliers, moving into Brigade Reserve in Gorre. “C” Company
occupied the Tuning Fork Line, immediately North of La Bassée Canal.
“D” Company took over the Village Line with two Platoons at Pont Fixe,
and two Platoons at Windy Corner. Battalion Headquarters and “A” and
“B” Companies being in Brigade Reserve in Gorre. The Companies engaged
in cleaning up and refitting, also visiting the Divisional Baths at
Beuvry. After over a week’s perfect weather rain began to fall. At
11.15 a.m. on the 31st March, Church Parade was held at the Château
Gorre.
[Sidenote: _April, 1918_]
On the 1st April, Companies moved up independently, via the northern
bank of La Bassée Canal to Pont Fixe, to relieve the 4th Loyals in the
right sector of the Brigade Front on La Bassée Canal. The relief was
completed at 11.15 p.m. without incident, the weather being fine, and
the night quiet. Dispositions were: Right Front “A” Company; Centre
“B” Company; Left Front “C” Company; with “D” Company in support in
Givenchy Keeps. Battalion Headquarters were in the Village Line. On the
night of the 4th April our Patrols entered the enemy front line and
communication trenches without any opposition. Good work on this patrol
was done by Second-Lieuts. Raeside, Lyon and Holmes. These patrols
again entered the enemy lines on the nights of the 5th and 6th. They
penetrated as far as the support line, and found the system unoccupied
from the Canal to a point N.E. of Warlingham Crater. A raid which
should have been undertaken by the 4th Loyals was cancelled, owing to
information gained by our Patrols. The 8th was a very quiet day. Not a
shell fell on the Brigade front. “D” Company in the Keeps relieved “C”
Company on the left front.
On the morning of the 9th April there was a heavy fog. The enemy opened
a bombardment with gas shells, and a few 4.2’s and 5.9’s, behind
our front line. Gradually gas shelling decreased, and the volume of
heavier shells increased, the front line receiving some attention.
The following brief summary of events, altogether inadequate to the
occasion, must unhappily suffice to give some indication of the
historic stand now made by the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, against
what was to be the last main despairing effort of a formidable enemy to
overwhelm his opponent:--
_7.30 a.m._--Our front line was destroyed by Minenwerfers, and
shelling was very heavy on Oxford Terrace and Bayswater.
_8.5 a.m._--Battalion Headquarters was very heavily shelled, and
caused serious casualties to Headquarters, Runners and Pioneers.
_9.30 a.m._--An “S.O.S.” was received by Runner from Canal North,
despatched at 9.15 by Captain Ellwood. This was transmitted by power
buzzer, and also by Runner, to the forward guns, and to Brigade.
_10.30 a.m._--Bayswater from Cheyne Walk to 100 yards north were
held by us. 5th Lancashire Fusiliers from Support reached the Village
Line. One Platoon of “C” Company, 5th Lancashire Fusiliers reinforced
main line of resistance. “D” Company, 5th Lancashire Fusiliers formed a
defensive flank at Windy Corner, where the enemy had broken through the
Portuguese Division on our left as anticipated. The enemy was prevented
from penetrating west of Pont Pike--Windy Corner.
_10.50 a.m._--“A” Company were back at Spoil Bank, and re-took
Company Headquarters and Cheyne Walk to beyond Bayswater. Bayswater was
cleared by bombing, and Death or Glory Sap was still holding out.
_10.55 a.m._--Mairie Redoubt was still intact, and Gunner Siding
N. held, the enemy being bombed out of Gunner Siding S. towards Orchard
Road. We were in touch with the 4th Loyals on our left.
_11.20 a.m._--No sign of enemy at Mairie Redoubt. Our right
Company was in touch with 5th Lancashire Fusiliers in Bayswater, who
bombed up Orchard Road.
_12.5 p.m._--Enemy holding top of Orchard Road and firing machine
guns across Spoil Bank.
_12.15 p.m._--We took 14 prisoners in Death or Glory Sap.
_12.55 p.m._--Enemy still in Orchard Keep.
_3 p.m._--Enemy in Company Headquarters, in Oxford Terrace, Gunner
Trench cleared by Captain Evans and Captain Overton.
_3.20 p.m._--Company Headquarters in Oxford Terrace re-taken, and
enemy cleared from Bayswater and Oxford Terrace.
_3.35 p.m._--Enemy cleared from Orchard Keep.
_4 p.m._--Enemy cleared from Cheyne Walk, Bayswater and Spoil
Bank. Oxford and Cambridge Terrace reported all clear. Reorganization
of Keeps in progress.
_4.50 p.m._--Arrival of 2 Officers and 50 other ranks, details of
other Units, as reinforcements.
_4.55 p.m._--Situation on Battalion front: “A” Company in
occupation of Bayswater and Death or Glory Sap. “B” Company in
occupation of Bayswater (with 17 other ranks). “C” Company in
occupation of Oxford Terrace (with one attached Platoon of 5th
Lancashire Fusiliers), Mairie Redoubt, Gunner Siding and Orchard Keep.
“D” Company in occupation of Cambridge Terrace to Wolfe Road. Enemy in
occupation of Warlingham Crater and Lower Finchley Road.
_5 p.m._--One Company of 5th South Lancashire Regiment (Captain
Hill) arrives, and is divided between “A” and “C” Companies.
_7.20 p.m._--Mairie Redoubt, Orchard Keep, and Gunner Siding
normally held by us.
_April 10th, 12.30 a.m._--Our original line now held intact. A
Patrol of the right front Company reports no enemy movement in No
Man’s Land or enemy front line trenches. The night was quiet, with no
Artillery fire, and little machine gun fire.
_9.40 a.m._--Enemy Aeroplane No. 18 dropped a bomb on Bayswater,
wounding 14 of “A” Company. Our low-flying planes fired into enemy
trenches. During the afternoon the enemy shelled Windy Corner--Pont
Fixe very heavily with 4·2, 5·9, and 8-in. (or 11-in.) shells.
Observation of movement behind the enemy lines leads to expectation of
another hostile attack. We opened a harassing Artillery and Machine Gun
fire on the enemy front line, which continued until 9 p.m. and then
slackened.
_11th April._--Patrols out during the night of 10th/11th April
reported no hostile occupation of No Man’s Land, and no sound of
movement of troops. There was no enemy activity during the night,
beyond occasional long bursts of machine gun fire from Embankment
Redoubt and from North East. The afternoon was quiet, but there was a
violent bombardment of Le Plantin in the evening.
_11.10 p.m._--Relief of “D” Company in the left Sector, by
“C” Coy. in the Keeps, was reported complete, but this relief was
considerably delayed by shell fire.
_12th April, 9.30 a.m._--The Brigade Major visited Battalion
Headquarters and issued verbal orders for the relief of the Battalion
in the Line, by the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers from the Village Line.
Operation Orders were issued, and reconnaissances of dispositions were
carried out at once.
_1 p.m._--Relief commenced and was successfully carried out by
small parties.
_6.35 p.m._--Relief completed. Dispositions now in the Village
Line were: Pont Fixe, “A” Company (with “D” Company, 5th South
Lancashire Regiment). Fanshawe Castle, “D” and “B” Companies. Windy
Corner, “C” Company. Battalion Headquarters remained unchanged.
_13th April._--The enemy bombarded the Village Line during the
day, and the work of wiring the northern flank between Windy Corner and
Lone Farm commenced.
_14th April, 4.45 p.m._--The Windy Corner defences were taken over
from “C” Company, by a Company of the 5th South Lancashire Regiment.
Information was received of the forthcoming relief of the Brigade by
the 1st Brigade.
_15th April._--Preparations for relief by the 1st Camerons.
_16th April, 11 a.m._--Lewis Gun Teams of the 1st Camerons arrived
at Westminster Bridge, and were conducted by guides to Companies.
_10 p.m._--Relieving Companies met at Westminster Bridge.
_11.15 p.m._--Relief completed without incident. Enemy Artillery
was quiet during the relief. Companies proceeded independently to
a point on the Beuvry--Béthune Road, where buses were waiting to
convey them to their destination. During this operation a dozen 5·9
shells fell in the vicinity, but had no effect beyond accelerating
the departure of the convoy. The Company of the 5th South Lancashire
Regiment left us here, and proceeded to Burbure.
One episode in this outstanding engagement may be commented on. Orchard
Keep--a key position--was occupied by 2nd Lieut. J. H. Collin and
sixteen Non-Commissioned Officers and men, who held the post until
overwhelmed by successive attacks by the Germans. The whole of this
party were reported killed, but Lance-Corporal J. Pollitt was wounded
and taken prisoner. Badly wounded as he was, this N.C.O. killed his
escort, and fought his way back alone to our lines. The defence of
Orchard Keep made such an impression on the Higher Command that 2nd
Lieut. J. H. Collin was awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross (see
Appendix). It therefore seems reasonable to assume that Lance-Corpl.
Pollitt, as the only survivor of this very gallant band, was an
unlucky victim of the fortune of war, in that he received no official
recognition of his valuable services on this and other occasions. It
is interesting too, that Lance-Corpl. Pollitt was associated with the
events which led to the grant of the two Victoria Crosses previously
earned by the Battalion.
The Battalion arrived in billets in Marles-les-Mines at 4 a.m. on the
17th. These billets were comfortable and much appreciated. The usual
daily parades followed, and these included bathing parades to Auchel,
and visits to the 55th Divisional Theatre at the same village. On the
21st April at 10 a.m., the Battalion paraded and marched, accompanied
by the Band, to the Aerodrome near Auchel, where an inspection of
the Brigade by the Divisional Commander was held. It was anticipated
that the French Premier would be present at this parade, but for some
reason of State, this anticipation was not realised. At 6.30 a.m. on
the 23rd, the Battalion proceeded by bus to Vaudricourt, in the Houchin
area, prior to taking over trenches again. Here, as the weather was
delightfully sunny, the day was spent agreeably in the woods. In the
evening two Companies moved off by the light railway, to relieve the
1st Battalion The Loyals in the Givenchy Sector, while two Companies
and Battalion Headquarters moved up by bus. Headquarters sustained
10 casualties through Artillery fire, when alighting near Annequin.
Dispositions were as follows: Right Sector, La Bassée Canal; on the
right, “A” Company; centre, “B” Company; left, “C” Company, with “D”
Company in support. The Transport moved to the Château Drouvin.
Two of our fighting patrols, which went out just after dark on the
25th, to occupy the junction of Orchard Road and front line, to the
junction of Finchley Road and front line, met the enemy in force,
became heavily engaged, and were driven back. Second-Lieuts. Sykes and
Whitmore were wounded. A barrage was put down to enable a third party
to rush this line. The barrage came down in No Man’s Land, behind
the objective, and our men could not advance against hostile machine
gun fire. Several casualties were sustained. The enemy were holding
our old front line in strength. At 4 a.m. on the 26th April, covered
by Artillery fire, two platoons of “A” and “D” Companies rushed the
enemy position, and heavy hand-to-hand fighting ensued. Our party was
forced to withdraw. At 2.20 p.m., under cover of Artillery fire and
Machine Gun barrage, two Platoons of “C” and “D” Companies attempted,
in conjunction with 5th Lancashire Fusiliers to retake the crater saps
on our left. The barrage did not come down on “K” and “J” Saps, and
the Lancashire Fusiliers were unable to reach their objectives. The
4th King’s Own reached their objectives after fierce fighting, during
which 40 German prisoners were taken. Parties of “C” Company, under
Second-Lieut. Hunter, on the left, quickly cleared Berkeley Street,
“E” Sap, and front line. Parties of “D” Company, under Second-Lieut.
Stewart, on the right, rushed from Coventry Sap and took “A” Sap, also
obtaining touch with “C” Company. Second-Lieut. Hunter was killed
after these objectives were reached. Touch was established with the 5th
Lancashire Fusiliers but the latter were driven from their positions
by strong enemy counter-attacks. Our own posts became surrounded on
three sides, and we were forced to give ground. After bitter fighting
we accomplished a successful withdrawal to our former lines, after
inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Congratulations were received
from Corps, Division, and Brigade Commanders on the fine fighting
qualities displayed.
[Sidenote: _April–May, 1918_]
On the 28th April we were relieved by the 4th Loyals, and went into
support in the Village Line, Battalion Headquarters being in Fanshawe
Castle; “B” and “D” Companies in Canal Bank; “A” Company in Pont Fixe,
and “C” Company, Windy Corner. The 7th King’s Liverpool Regt. relieved
us on the night of the 1st May, and we went into Brigade Reserve in
Verquigneul, where re-clothing, refitting and bathing was carried out.
Reinforcements joined us and Companies were reorganized. The Divisional
Commander inspected and interviewed parties of “C” and “D” Companies
who took part in the recent attack on the Crater Saps. Platoon and
Company training were also carried out. On the 8th May preparations
were made for going up into the line. 2 Officers and 135 other ranks
proceeded by march route to Allouagne, to Corps Reinforcement Depot, as
“B” Team. At 7.30 p.m. the march to the trenches by platoons commenced.
We relieved the 5th King’s Liverpool Regt. in the Givenchy Right
Sector, Left Sub-Sector. The relief was completed at 1.40 a.m. on the
9th without incident. Dispositions were as follows: left front, “A”
Company; centre, “D” Company; right front, “B” Company; “C” Company in
support in the Keeps. There was much enemy activity during this tour of
duty in the trenches, especially by his Artillery, and also in the air.
On the 14th May a low flying aeroplane was engaged by our machine guns,
and shortly afterwards the enemy’s artillery, searching from Pont Fixe
to Windy Corner, succeeded in blowing up an ammunition store at the
latter post.
[Sidenote: _May–August, 1918_]
Such was the general position at this time. Outwardly, the course of
events, for the next three or four months, followed the same routine.
Life alternated between the trenches at Givenchy, and Reserve at
Drouvin Camp. It is earnestly hoped that a cursory glance at the period
under review, will not convey the impression that nothing worthy
of note was happening. Far from it; but a closer analysis would be
a repetition of what has already been presented to the reader. The
Battalion underwent its usual hazardous tour of duty in the trenches,
and close proximity to the enemy could never be uneventful. It will be
recalled that during the strong attack by the Germans on April 9th, we
were compelled to retire slightly from our old front line, and this had
since been occupied by the enemy. This line was accordingly re-occupied
by our troops, and a great quantity of salvage was found and brought
down.
The spirit which now prevailed amongst our troops was restrained
optimism. This feeling had an intangible quality, gossamer in texture,
more tacit than expressed, but everywhere radiating good cheer, and
hope for the near future. The power of the enemy’s attack appeared to
have been definitely broken, while the time was approaching when our
own irresistible advance was to reach a triumphant conclusion.
On the 21st August, at Vaudricourt, we listened to a lecture by
Brigadier-General G. I. Stockwell, telling us about, and explaining a
secret attack on the Craters, to be carried out by the 5th Lancashire
Fusiliers and ourselves, and Officers and N.C.O.s studied a model of
the Craters. The following day this lecture was repeated to the men
by Company Commanders. Preparations for the coming attack were made,
and great keenness was shewn. On the 23rd August we moved up the line
to assembly positions, with Headquarters in the Givenchy Tunnel. The
Battalion was very busy making final arrangements.
[Sidenote: _August, 1918_]
At 2.20 a.m. on the morning of the 24th August, all Companies were in
assembly positions. Despite a very slight harassing fire no casualties
were sustained. Wire cutting had previously been carried out by advance
parties. The enemy was very quiet, sent up few lights, and showed no
signs of anticipating an attack. Supporting Companies received hot
breakfasts, and the assembling troops had sandwiches and chocolate. No
noise was made in getting up food. Snipers crept out to position on
spoil heaps, from which they kept down enemy observation prior to the
attack, and kept down enemy fire during the attack, by firing on such
targets as exposed themselves.
At 6 a.m. visibility became very poor, a slight rain falling. Our own
Stokes Mortars fired intermittently on the crater areas up to the
time when the rockets were fired at zero hour. One of our aeroplanes
flew low over the craters, drawing only a very slight machine gun
fire. On the firing of the rockets at 7.20 a.m., the assaulting troops
immediately advanced under splendid leadership. Two and a half minutes
elapsed before the enemy fired his first rifle shot. There was no
artillery fire at all. The enemy was completely taken by surprise, and
was found mostly in dugouts. Not a single enemy machine gun was in
action on the Battalion front. At 7.24 a.m. an S.O.S. rocket, bursting
into two red lights, was fired from well behind the enemy’s lines.
Meanwhile, mopping up parties had followed closely behind the front
line of sections, but found the enemy to be in small strength. These
were effectively dealt with, some being killed and some being taken
prisoner. A few tried to run away but were heavily fired on.
At 7.30 a.m. our own protective barrage fell beyond the crater
area, this being answered three minutes later by a poor counter
barrage directed chiefly on Gunner Siding. At 7.35 a.m. Companies
had reached their objectives on the far lip of the craters, and
telephone communication was established between them and Battalion
Headquarters. At 7.43 a.m. consolidation was immediately proceeded
with. Up to this time casualties were practically nil. Patrols were
sent out to deal with Trench Mortar emplacements, and one was reported
destroyed by mobile charge by the Left Company. Our own barrage, which
was very heavy, seems to have dropped some shells short, inflicting
casualties, two men being killed and 8 wounded in the Left Company, and
approximately the same number in the Right Company.
Enemy retaliation dwindled down to very slight proportions between
8.30 and 10.30 a.m. He did not appear to know on what points to fire.
At 8.34 a.m. a message was received from the snipers that a party
of nearly forty of the enemy were seen at the far end of Duck Bill
extension. These were fired on and soon disappeared. Shortly afterwards
news was received from the Australian Tunnellers to the effect that
there were no mines in dugouts, and that all shelters were badly
smashed, a pill-box in Red Dragon Crater alone being untouched. Parties
of the enemy in small numbers were seen running to the rear, and were
dealt with by Lewis Gunners and Snipers, those escaping getting right
into our barrage. At 9.20 a.m. consolidation was reported to be making
good progress, while communication trenches were being rapidly dug by
Pioneers, from Wolfe Road to Berkeley Street.
At 9.40 a.m. an S.O.S. rocket was sent up from the area of the left
Battalion. Enemy Artillery was not firing at all at the time. Five
minutes later the S.O.S. was cancelled.
Shortly afterwards the enemy fired on the crater area for the first
time, on Warlinghem. Owing to our own Artillery fire some patrols had
difficulty in reaching Trench Mortar emplacements, and these were now
sent out again. The Right Company reported reaching an emplacement, but
found the Mortar gone, though plenty of very heavy ammunition, and a
range finder were lying near. The Left Company reported the destruction
of another emplacement.
Between 11 and 11.15 a.m. enemy Artillery became much more active, blue
cross shells falling on Givenchy, and the gas drifting over our area.
This had cleared by 11.45 a.m. From this time onwards, much heavier
enemy barrages were put down on the crater area. Tea and sandwiches
were got up to the front line troops about 12.30 p.m., and about an
hour later, a hot meat meal. Considerable difficulty was experienced in
getting rations over the broken ground to the crater area, and the work
done by the Transport and Quarter-Master’s Department was commendable.
Perhaps a smile may be permitted here. This devoted personnel, its duty
well and truly done, assembled for departure from the inhospitable
region of the craters, which the Hun was now freely shelling. One
member of the party was missing, and he the Company Quarter-Master
Sergeant. Impatience grew as the minutes passed, and when well nigh
insupportable, he appeared, to meet the indignant queries of his
comrades, he silenced criticism with the explanation “Well, I couldn’t
find t’ dixie lid”!
Our casualties during these operations amounted to 30, viz.: 7 killed
and 23 wounded. On the 25th and 26th August the new line was organized.
Difficulty was experienced by our Patrols in getting into touch with
the enemy, and it was not until the second day that his posts were
found. Our Snipers did excellent work, getting three confirmed hits,
and continually harassing the enemy in his broken communication
trenches. On the 27th we were relieved by the 5th King’s Liverpool
Regt. without incident, and went into billets at Drovbin Camp, arriving
shortly after 9 p.m.
[Sidenote: _Aug.–Sept., 1918_]
News of a German retirement on the front of the 15th Division, reached
Battalion Headquarters astride La Bassée Canal, at 10 a.m. on the 2nd
October. In consequence of this information, daylight patrols were sent
out by “A” and “B” Companies, these Companies holding the right half of
the Brigade Outpost Line. The advanced Platoons of “B” Company, under
Lieut. Peers, were, on this morning, occupying Canteleux Trench, from
its junction with Canteleux Alley S., to Towpath Alley, with forward
posts in shell holes. “A” Company, to the south of the Canal, had taken
over, the previous evening, the dispositions of three Companies of the
4th Loyals, who had captured the Distillery, viz., a line of posts 200
yards East of the Distillery Line, with supporting and counter-attack
platoons in rear. The two counter-attack platoons were attached from
“D” Company.
[Sidenote: _October, 1918_]
Progress was first made by “B” Company, one of whose patrols had
entered La Bassée Line before mid-day. By 1.30 p.m. the western
outskirts of La Bassée were reached, and at 2 p.m. patrols were pushing
North up the front and support trenches of La Bassée line, to gain
touch with the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers who were advancing towards La
Bassée from the direction of Canteleux and Violaines. Opposite their
front, however, the enemy seemed to hold his line normally, until
mid-day, and even later.
Shortly after 1 o’clock, Lieut. Rudall (“A” Company) had entered
without opposition, La Bassée line S. of the Canal, and was pushing S.
down the trench to gain touch with patrols which were working their way
along Vert Alley. At 2.30 we were in occupation of La Bassée line, from
the Canal to Vert Alley, and had gained touch with the 16th Division.
Instructions were then received from the Brigadier-General Commanding
164th Infantry Brigade to hold La Bassée Line with two Platoons, and
push into Le Faubourg to Canal Basin and Crassiers. Meantime patrols
of “B” Company had pushed through La Bassée, and reached at 4.30
p.m., a point 800 yards East of it. Major R. Gardner, M.C., under
whose command this advance guard was operating, then left Battalion
Headquarters at Spoil Bank, and at 5 p.m. established Headquarters of
the Right Advance Guard at the Distillery. He was accompanied by Lieut.
Tucker (Intelligence Officer), and by a few Signallers and Runners.
Communications with Spoil Bank were at first maintained by telephone,
via one of the other Company Headquarters. On the establishment of
Battalion Headquarters at Canteleux at 7 p.m., communications became
very precarious, as the wire over the Canal became “dissed” by the
blowing up of a barge. A “loop set,” however, was fixed up at the
Distillery, with which efforts were made to get into touch with a
similar instalment in Red Dragon Crater. Telephone communication,
however, with the Company Headquarters already referred to, was
maintained.
Patrols had by 5 o’clock, reached Crassiers, and located the enemy.
Patrols elsewhere were also pushing on, in touch with the 16th
Division. Two Platoons from “B” Company then crossed the Canal, and
were disposed in La Bassée Line, which was temporarily held as the
main line of resistance. By 8 p.m. outposts were established along
an advanced line, and Vanguard Headquarters were in La Bassée, in a
concrete cellar. From a reconnaissance of the Canal it was observed
that the bridges had been totally destroyed. It was, however, just
possible to scramble over near the remains of the old railway
bridge. There was no sign of any footbridge along the Canal. Road
reconnaissance showed that the main Annequin--La Bassée road was fit
for horse and motor traffic as far as Le Faubourg. Roads towards Canal
Basin from Le Faubourg were also good for horse traffic; that running
south towards Cité de Douvrin was not so good.
The only opposition to our Patrols came from a machine gun. This,
however, ceased before dusk, and a party of 20 of the enemy were
seen marching thence towards Salomé in full marching order. Before
midnight a post was established in the Old Brewery on the Salomé Road,
and another south of the Canal. Detachments of Machine Gunners (55th
Division Machine Gun Battalion, 4 Guns; 16th Division Machine Gun
Battalion, 2 Guns), Stokes Mortars, Lewis Gunners, and Investigation
Parties had all reported at Advanced Guard Headquarters at the
Distillery by 8 p.m. About midnight two patrols were sent out to push
forward into Salomé, one along the N. and the other along the S. side
of the Canal, and establish a post in Salomé, in touch with each other.
These posts were established by 2 a.m. on the 3rd October. A patrol
also went down the road to gain touch with the Division on the right.
Salomé was found deserted--the enemy had completely disappeared--and
touch was gained with a patrol of the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers in
Salomé. At 7 a.m. the line of resistance of the Advance Guard was
moved forward to a general line, with forward posts and two supporting
platoons. A patrol reached the Canal angle, and further patrols were
sent to reconnoitre Berclau. Billy Berclau was found to have been
reached by the 16th Division, and touch was established with their left
post. At 10.55 a.m. Billy Berclau was lightly shelled by the enemy,
and at the same time Machine Gun and Anti-Aircraft Artillery fire was
observed from Berclau. Advance Guard Headquarters was established
near the Canal Basin, whither the “loop set” from the Distillery was
removed. This was picked up by the “loop set” of the forward Brigade,
and communication with our Brigade was thus obtained. In other
directions visual signalling was resorted to.
Four machine guns were disposed in the main line of resistance, 2 were
maintained in reserve at Headquarters. One Stokes Mortar was also
conveyed by mule to the Vanguard Headquarters. A forward dump of 57
boxes of small arm ammunition was established in rear of the main line
of resistance. Cooking was done in La Bassée, and the men supplied with
hot food during the day. Cross-country communications from La Bassée to
the outpost line of resistance was easy, the tracks being undamaged.
At 1 p.m. a post was reported established in Berclau, but later an
enemy rearguard was located in another part of the village. Fighting
took place, and our post was compelled to withdraw. The N. and N.E.
outskirts of Berclau were found strongly held by machine guns and
snipers. We established a Lewis Gun Post which commanded Berclau.
At 4.45 p.m. orders were received from Brigade to arrange for the 16th
Division to take over the dispositions of the Right Advance Guard,
owing to a change of boundaries. The southern boundary of our Brigade
was fixed on the line of the Canal--Canal Angle--Canal Tee. The Advance
Guard, and all attached troops were to move to assembly positions in
Salomé, N. of the Canal, and await the remainder of the 4th King’s
Own, which was coming up from La Bassée, to relieve the 5th Lancashire
Fusiliers in the Brigade Outpost line, on the night of the 3rd/4th
October, and to continue the advance on the morning of the 4th. At 7.30
p.m. Advance Guard Headquarters closed and crossed the Canal. Major R.
Gardner, M.C., the Commander, reported at Battalion Headquarters in
Salomé at 9 p.m. The outpost platoons and attached troops crossed the
Canal, and spent the night in billets in Salomé. The whole Battalion,
under the command of Lieut.-Colonel G. B. Balfour, D.S.O., now acted as
Advance Guard to the Brigade.
On the morning of the 4th October, patrols pushed forward at dawn from
Hantay, and drove the enemy back to the Canal. A good deal of patrol
fighting took place. “D” Company attacked and took Prevore Farm. The
enemy held the western bank of the Canal and bridgeheads with machine
guns. The 18-pr. Battery attached to the Advance Guard, shelled the
bridgeheads and the Laundry. On the 5th October, patrols continued to
drive the enemy back, but could not get across the Haute Deule Canal,
which he was holding strongly. The enemy flooded the area in front
of the Canal, and caused our patrols and posts to withdraw a short
distance. The Battalion was relieved during the night by the 6th King’s
Liverpools and marched back to Divisional Reserve in the vicinity of
Pont Fixe and Givenchy, with Battalion Headquarters at Barge House.
Here we rested, bathed and refitted. The weather was wet, and there
were no working parties. Companies were not very comfortable in
dugouts, and on the 7th the Battalion moved back to billets in Beuvry.
Here training in Advance Guards was carried out, and kits and stores
were again reduced to the lowest minimum, so as to conform to the
transport available.
On the 11th October one Officer per Company reconnoitred the left
Brigade front (166th Brigade), with a view to taking over the following
day. A demonstration in rapid pontoon bridging was given in the
afternoon. This followed a lecture in the morning by the Divisional
Educational Officer on the scheme for education _on the cessation of
hostilities_. This encouraged impressions not to be ignored, and
if the general spirit of the troops was exuberant, it was based on
solid foundation and not mere flimsy excuse. Much remained to be done,
however, and on the 12th October the Battalion left Beuvry in trains at
8.30 a.m. to relieve the 10th Liverpool Scottish in the forward area.
There were two collisions on the way but no one was hurt. We detrained
at Cambrin, and marched to the neighbourhood of Marquillies, where
Battalion Headquarters were established. “A” Company in Marquillies;
“B” Company in Sainghin; “C” Company in Le Willy, and “D” Company in
the Sugar Factory. Relief was completed at 5 p.m. without any special
incident.
On the following day posts were dug and wired all round. There was a
good deal of shelling but no casualties were sustained. On the 14th,
Battalion Headquarters moved to a house near the Sugar Factory. Two
Companies were in the main line of resistance, and two in support. We
supplied one working party, and Officers reconnoitred the forward area.
On the 17th the Battalion left Sainghin, moving off at 9 a.m., and
marched by Companies through Wavrin to Lattre. There was some delay in
crossing the Canal at Seclin, owing to the bridges being blown up. We
then moved on to Ancoisne, where a mid-day meal was served. Here we
met the first released civilians, and our reception was most cordial.
About 2 p.m. the Battalion moved on to Houplines, and were still under
orders to advance. At 6.30 p.m. we arrived at Templemars, remaining
there for the night. Our reception here was even more cordial than
before. Battalion Headquarters were established at the Mayor’s house.
At 6 a.m. on the 18th, the Battalion moved off to pass through the
5th Lancashire Fusiliers. “C” and “D” were Outpost Companies, with
“A” and “B” Companies in support. The patrols pushed on and entered
Peronne. The enemy were holding the bank of the river La Marque in
considerable strength, and there was a good deal of shelling, the fort
at Sainghin, and Peronne, being the chief targets. Bas Sainghin caused
“D” Company a good deal of trouble, and it was not until the afternoon
that it was cleared. A heavy mist hung over the area of operations,
and greatly assisted us in moving forward. The night was very light,
with a brilliant moon. By means of a ladder, “D” Company patrol was
able to cross La Marque, and enter Bouvines. At 10.30 p.m. we put down
a machine gun barrage, also our 18-pr. Batteries fired on woods where
the enemy were located. This seems to have forced the enemy to retire
before he intended, and he finally left the village at 11.15 p.m. Our
reception by the villagers was most cordial.
On the 19th October, the whole Outpost Line pushed out, and by the
early morning our line was established on the railway line east of
Bouvines, and patrols had entered Cysoing. The 4th Loyals now passed
through us, and our Battalion concentrated in Bouvines for a rest.
During the early morning “B” Company had captured 23 prisoners and
3 machine guns. Headquarters were established in a Château, and
everyone was very comfortable. The villagers were overjoyed at their
deliverance, and did all they could to make the troops comfortable. The
bridge across the river had been blown up, and the villagers helped the
Royal Engineers to build a new one, which was completed by 11.30 a.m.
The Battalion left Bouvines at 8.30 a.m. on the 20th to take over
the role of “B” Battalion. We passed through Cysoing at 10 a.m.
and marched to Creplain, where we halted. The Battalion then moved
on again to the area around the Ferme du Baron, north of Froidmont,
where we again halted and awaited orders. The next move was to a field
about 800 yards north of Esplechin, where we formed up into Artillery
formation. “D” Company was sent to support the left flank of the 5th
Lancashire Fusiliers, and one Platoon to obtain touch with the 74th
Division on our left. At 6 p.m. Battalion Headquarters moved to a farm
in Esplechin, and “A” and “B” Companies moved to support the right
flank of the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers. The remaining three Platoons of
“C” Company moved to the left, and joined “D” Company, thus the whole
Battalion was now in the Support Line. Battalion Headquarters moved
to the Asylum in Froidmont, and were cordially greeted by the jovial
Brothers of Charity.
On the 21st October, the Battalion passed through the 5th Lancashire
Fusiliers, but found progress well contested by the enemy. Severe
patrol fighting took place. The high ground on the road from Froidmont
to Tournai was captured by “B” Company at 3.15 p.m., but was re-taken
by the enemy at 10 p.m. On the right, considerable opposition was met
with in Ere, and a machine gun was located, firing from the Church. The
Church itself was mined. The enemy were finally pushed beyond Ere, and
we took up a line about 500 yards beyond the village. Ere was heavily
shelled during the day and night. At 7 p.m. Headquarters moved to the
Château near Ere, and an advanced Headquarters was established in
Ere. The enemy appeared to be making a stand on the north side of the
river Scheldt. The shelling was severe, and all the sunken roads were
marked down for harassing fire. During the morning of the 22nd, the 5th
Loyals took over our line, and the Battalion took over a battle line in
support. “D” Company had some casualties when coming out of the Outpost
Line. The Battalion rested during the day. “A” Company were gassed
rather heavily at 6 p.m., but suffered no casualties.
On the 23rd October the Battalion was holding the Battle Line, the men
being as far as possible in farm houses, within easy reach of posts
to be manned in case of S.O.S. At 4.45 p.m., in conjunction with the
14th Black Watch (late Fife and Forfar Yeomanry), one platoon of “D”
Company attacked a sunken road, but without success. Enemy machine gun
fire was very intense, and the men could only advance to within 100
yards of the trench, when the Officer and 5 men were wounded. The men
were collected together by the Platoon Sergeant, and formed posts on
the eastern edge of a wood, about 150 yards from the objective. The
remainder of the Battalion were making posts. On the 24th Companies
were engaged in digging V-shaped trenches, about 40 yards long, and
these were inspected by the Commanding Officer during the morning. This
work was carried out until 2 a.m. on the 25th, when 15 such trenches
had been completed. Battalion Headquarters were moved to the farm house
Du Baron during the afternoon, and Companies were billeted in farms in
the vicinity.
During the morning of the 25th October, “D” Company (Reserve Company)
carried on with the construction of the trenches. The Battalion was
relieved in the main line of resistance about 5 p.m. by the 4th Loyals,
and, on relief, moved forward and relieved the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers
in the Outpost Line. Battalion Headquarters were established in the
Tannery. “B” and “C” Companies held the front line, with “A” and “D”
Companies in support. Second-Lieut. A. Rigg was here wounded in the
leg by a machine gun bullet. The Battalion and the 4th Loyals now
became attached to the 165th Infantry Brigade. On the 26th October
the Battalion had the misfortune to lose the further services of the
Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel G. B. Balfour, D.S.O., who, along
with Lieut. H. Tucker, went to hospital, sick. Colonel Balfour had the
distinguished honour of serving with the Battalion throughout the War,
from the time when he mobilised as a Lieutenant in August, 1914. The
Command of the Battalion devolved upon Major R. Gardner, M.C., who was
promoted Acting Lieut.-Colonel, and who himself had proceeded to France
with the Battalion and had rendered most valuable service.
Ere Church and vicinity were continually harassed during the day with
gas shells and whizbangs. An aeroplane, belonging to “C” Flight, was
shot down, but was salvaged intact from No Man’s Land by “A” Company.
During the morning another of our aeroplanes was forced to land, with a
bullet through the tank, near Pic-au-Vent, the pilot and observer being
uninjured. On the whole, the Battalion had a quiet day.
At 5.30 a.m. on the 27th the Royal Air Force took away in a lorry the
first aeroplane we salvaged the previous day. During the morning there
was a slight gas shelling of Pic-au-Vent, Croix-de-Pierre, and Ere
Church, but the Battalion had a quiet day in the Line. On the 29th an
enemy aeroplane was brought down on the right of the Battalion front.
The observer was seen to descend by means of a parachute, and was taken
prisoner by the 10th Liverpool Scottish on the right. The Battalion
had a quiet day in the Line, and was relieved at 7.30 p.m. by the 6th
King’s Liverpool Regt. On relief, the Battalion proceeded to billets in
Bourchelles. Here the opportunity was taken of cleaning up, paying the
men, and bathing at Cysoing. Succeeding days were devoted to training
in open warfare, and Colonel Gardner addressed the Battalion on the
parade ground. Capt. A. E. Morton, M.C., Lieuts. H. Lauder and Steeple,
and Second-Lieut. I. G. Anderson rejoined the Battalion here, whilst
by way of recreation, a dance was given in the village school, with
the Battalion Band in attendance, and which proved very popular. There
were also some fine Cinema shows given in the same building from time
to time. The weather was not too kind at this time, rain being rather
persistent.
[Sidenote: _November, 1918_]
On the 8th November, the Battalion received orders to be prepared
to move at short notice, and everything was prepared in readiness
for this, the remainder of the day being devoted to training in
billets, the day being very wet. At 1 a.m. on the 9th we received
orders to move to Esplechin, and at 9.50 a.m. the Battalion proceeded
to that village by march route, arriving at 11.30 a.m., and now
came under the orders of the 166th Infantry Brigade. On the 10th
November, at 5.30 a.m., we received orders to move forward towards
Leuze, and proceeded by march route at 6.45 a.m. The route taken was
via Froidmont--Ere--Pontrieu--Vaulx--Les Tournai, along the main
Tournai--Ath Road to Leuze, where the Battalion arrived at 7 p.m.
Progress on the march was considerably delayed, owing to the main road
being blown up by mines in many places. We found good billets in Leuze,
and were very comfortable for the night, the inhabitants giving the
Battalion a most cordial reception. We received orders from the 166th
Infantry Brigade to move forward next morning at 11 a.m.
At 10.45 a.m. on the 11th November, the Battalion formed up in mass
on the Square at Leuze, preparatory to moving forward. A few minutes
before 11 o’clock the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel R. Gardner,
M.C., read out on parade, a telegram, received from the 166th Infantry
Brigade, stating that an Armistice had been signed by Germany, and
that hostilities would cease at 11 a.m. A Squadron of the 1st Royal
Dragoons, being then in Leuze, on their way forward, also formed up in
the Square, and at 11 o’clock sounded the Cavalry “Cease Fire.” The
Battalion then gave a Royal Salute, and the Band played the National
Anthems of England, Belgium, and France. We then moved forward, amid
great cheering from the civilian population, and proceeded along the
main road to Ligne, where a halt was made, and the Battalion had lunch.
Orders were received here from the 164th Infantry Brigade to proceed to
Villers St. Amand, where we duly arrived about 2.45 p.m. Billets were
obtained, and the Battalion rested here for the night, coming again
under the orders of the 164th Infantry Brigade.