DESIRE TRENCH
Throughout the closing operations against Regina Trench our Battalions
had been forced to pluck every hard success from the teeth of a new foe
who had come suddenly to the support of the German defence. This foe
was the mud, the hated Somme mud, deep, slithering, tenacious as glue,
foul with all the filth left behind by the enemy as he gave back yard
by yard. For the weather had turned against us. The rains of the
rainiest autumn which had scourged their high plateaus for many a year
were a timely reinforcement to the hard-pressed enemy. When it came to
the attack upon Desire Trench, on November 17th-18th, the disastrous
alliance of mud and rain-drench had reached such a pitch of obstruction
that the capture of this line was reluctantly recognised as marking the
limit of our possible advance, for the time, upon this sector. The
light railways, spread over the vast, red, undulating expanses of naked
mud, between the engulfing and omnipresent pits of slime, were being
constantly scattered and put out of service by the German shells from
north and east--from beyond the Ancre and from the hidden batteries in
Lupart Wood; and they were utterly incapable of keeping up the
ammunition supply for our valiant advanced batteries of 18-pounders.
Our heavies, the great 9.2 howitzers lurking in and around the tossed
ruins of Pozières and behind Courcelette, were well supplied, thanks to
the indefatigable labours of the road-making companies along the great
and crowded artery of the Bapaume Road. But the 18-pounders, in their
shallow gun-pits far out across the shell-swept stretches of the mud,
had to be fed by pack-mules, carrying shells in panniers slung across
the back. Such a method of transport was torturingly slow, and
perilous to the last degree, but it was the only one capable of coping
with the situation. Under the numbing strain the spirit and humour of
our men remained irrepressible, as instanced in the following retort to
a sentry's challenge. Under the chill downpour of the unrelenting
rain, through the blind night, a soldier, just returned from four days'
duty in the front trenches, came stumbling in along the Bapaume Road
toward the billets of Albert. Shrapnel helmet, overcoat, pack,
everything but his precious rifle, was covered thick with that chalky
mud which sticketh closer than a brother, and he waded heavily through
the mire of the tormented roadway. He reached a dripping sentry.
"Halt! Who goes there?" came the challenge, as the labouring figure
lurched up in the gloom. "Submarine U13," grunted the traveller.
"Pass, Submarine U13," responded the sentry cheerfully; and the moving
shape of mud rolled on toward the shattered billets brooded over by the
falling Virgin and Child.
Under such conditions, but in such unshakable temper, the men of the
4th Canadian Division moved to the taking of the position known as
Desire Support Trench, on which for days they had been casting covetous
eyes. Our objective lay across our whole Divisional front, from about
Farmer's Road on the right to some 600 yards west of the West Miraumont
Road on the left. At this point our left flank made connection with
the 18th Division, which was to attack, simultaneously with our
advance, the western sector of Desire Trench, and other trenches which
were protecting the approaches to Grandcourt Village. The right of our
attack--a frontage of only five or six hundred yards, but one offering
extreme difficulties--was confided to the 10th Brigade, under
Brigadier-General W. St. P. Hughes. The left, and main, sector,
beginning at the Pys Road, was committed to the 11th Brigade, under
Brigadier-General V. W. Odlum, who had two Battalions from the 12th
Brigade, the 38th and the 78th, attached to his command. There were
thus three Battalions engaged upon the right sector, and five upon the
left. The 10th Brigade, with its restricted frontage and limited
objective, attacked with two companies of the 50th Battalion (Calgary
Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel E. G. Mason) and one company and one
platoon of the 46th (South Saskatchewan Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel H.
J. Dawson) in the assaulting waves, with one company of the 44th
(Winnipeg, Lieutenant-Colonel E. K. Wayland) in support. General Odlum
made his attack with four Battalions, each represented by two companies
in the assaulting wave, and one Battalion, behind his centre, in
support. The attacking Battalions, from right to left, were as
follows:--The 75th (Mississaugas Battalion, of Toronto,
Lieutenant-Colonel S. G. Beckett), 54th (Kootenay Regiment,
Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. H. Kemball), 87th (Canadian Grenadier Guards,
Montreal, Lieutenant-Colonel R. W. Frost), and 38th of the 12th Brigade
(Ottawa, Lieutenant-Colonel C. M. Edwards); while the Battalion
supporting was the 78th (Manitoba, Lieutenant-Colonel J. Kirkcaldie),
also of the 12th Brigade. The artillery supporting the operation
consisted of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery
(commanded respectively by Brigadier-General H. C. Thacker, C.M.G.,
Brigadier-General E. W. B. Morrison, and Lieutenant-Colonel J. H.
Mitchell), the Yukon Motor Machine-Gun Battery (Captain H. F. Murling),
and also by the 11th Divisional Artillery and the 2nd Corps Heavy
Artillery.
The barrage work of the artillery was admirably co-ordinated, and
effectually cleared the way for that success which so abundantly
rewarded the operation as a whole in spite of failure on the extreme
right. While a concentrated standing barrage was flaming and crashing
along the whole line of the enemy trench, at the hour for launching the
attack (6.10 a.m.) a creeping barrage was put up along a line 200 yards
in front of our own parapets. This line of roaring death rolled onward
at the rate of 50 yards per minute, with the first wave of our assault
following close behind it--so close, in their eagerness, that a
sergeant swore he might have lighted his pipe at it. Presently this
barrage merged into the standing barrage along the German trench. At
fourteen minutes after the launching of the attack the combined barrage
lifted from the doomed trench and rolled inexorably onward for another
250 yards, where it rested as a barrier against counter-attacks. The
trench was seized, all opposition being swiftly overwhelmed, and our
men rushed on behind the barrage to a distance of 150 yards beyond the
captured line. Here they hurriedly dug themselves in, knowing that the
Germans would begin to shell Desire itself as soon as it should be
reported that we had captured it. In order that the enemy might not
discover our ruse in time to thwart it, a dense smoke-screen was flung
out by a special company of the Royal Engineers in front of the line
where our men were furiously digging. The positions thus gained, about
150 yards beyond Desire, were consolidated and held; and they stood to
mark the limit of Canada's advance on the Somme.
So much, in brief, for the battle of Desire Trench. Viewed as a whole,
it was a rounded and clean-cut success, and earned warm commendation
for General Watson and his hard-fighting 4th Division. To get an idea
of the fluctuations of the struggle, it is necessary to take the
operations of the 10th and 11th Brigades separately.
The task assigned to the 10th Brigade, as already stated, was an attack
on a very narrow but extremely exposed and strongly defended objective.
The whole line of this objective lay open to concentrated artillery
fire from the enemy's rear, and was murderously cross-raked by the fire
from a number of machine-gun nests. It proved, in the event, difficult
to carry and impossible to hold. But this comparative failure,
happily, did not vitiate the success of the main operation, which lay
along the left front.
The 50th Battalion, occupying the Brigade left, made its advance
successfully to a depth of some 300 yards, and gained its objective
with small loss. This objective was a line running east from the Pys
Road. Here, however, it got involved in our own smoke barrage, lost
its direction (and consequently its touch with the troops on its left),
swerved to the right, and left an open gap of about 200 yards between
the two Brigades. Then the German guns from Lupart Wood in front
opened an annihilating fire upon it, machine-guns swept it from both
sides, and it was forced back with a loss of 12 officers and 200 other
ranks--over half its total strength in the attack.
Meanwhile, the 46th Battalion, on the right, was faring no better. The
attack was made by one company and one platoon, in two waves, on a
front of 100 yards. There was a distance of 40 yards between the
waves. The first wave, keeping a fair line in spite of the
shell-holes, escaped the German barrage, and got to within 70 yards of
the enemy's parapets with small loss. Here, however, it was met by
massed rifle fire full in the face--for our own barrage at this point
was playing behind instead of upon the German trench, and the trench
was occupied in full force. At the same time a torrent of machine-gun
fire opened up on the left. The wave was broken. The survivors took
refuge in shell-holes, where they had to lie all day under a ceaseless
storm of shell and bullets, till darkness enabled them to crawl back to
our lines. The second wave fared even worse. It was caught by the
enemy's barrage as it was coming over the parapet. Torn and
diminished, it nevertheless rushed on, in the face of intolerable
punishment, till it was a line no longer. Its remnants made their way
into a sap and crept back into Regina. Later in the day, however, the
Brigade was able to thrust forward again for a short distance on the
left, toward the Pys Road, and so to contain the position which it had
failed to capture. Thus contained the position ceased to be of service
to the enemy or any serious menace to our new line on the left; and day
or two afterwards it was simply pounded out of existence by a "combined
shoot" of all our heavy guns.
In the main attack, all along the line westward from Pys Road, things
went well from the start. By 7.30 reports came back from the 75th,
54th, and 38th Battalions that all were in their objectives and busy
consolidating their gains. The only mystery was in regard to the 87th,
which though apparently successful, had disappeared. While this matter
was in doubt the Germans launched a counter-attack from Coulée Trench
against the 54th Battalion. They advanced with a great show of
resolution several hundred yards, then suddenly, to our astonishment,
flung down their bombs and rifles, threw up their hands, and rushed
into our line as eager prisoners. About 8.50 came news that the 38th
Battalion, not content with having captured its objective, had pushed
on and gained a section of Grandcourt Trench, where it was establishing
itself successfully. Then about 9 o'clock the mystery of the 87th was
solved. This Battalion also, feeling that it had not had enough had
gone on to try conclusions with Grandcourt Trench, and made good its
footing there.
These fine adventures of the 38th and 87th, however, were doomed to
prove fruitless of result. The operation of the Canadians against
Desire Trench was, as we have seen, part of a wider movement, extending
far to the left, before Grandcourt Village. The 18th Division, on our
immediate left, though worn with long fighting and far below strength,
had made good upon its right, where it joined our lines, but had been
held up by insurmountable obstacles near Grandcourt. For this reason
the Higher Command decided that it would be inadvisable to attempt to
hold such an advanced position as the 38th and 87th had taken in
Grandcourt Trench. In the course of the day, therefore, came orders
that all advanced units were to come back to their original first
objectives and consolidate there. The line of Desire Trench, thus
gained and secured, was an admirable one, strong for defence, and
advantageous to attack from when next the occasion should offer itself.
And on this line the 4th Division rested until, at the end of the
month, they were relieved and moved back to Doullens. The casualties
of the Division in this fine action amounted to 75 officers and 1,276
other ranks. The prisoners taken numbered 625, of whom 17 were
officers. The Division received warm congratulations from the
Commanders of the Corps and the Army upon the success of this its
concluding operation in the blood-drenched battlefields of the Somme.
From these fields the Canadian Forces, the four Divisions henceforth
united into an Army Corps in all respects complete within itself, were
removed to the north of Arras, to take into their competent keeping
that vital area lying under the menace of Vimy Ridge and the
impregnable outposts of Lens.
Welded now by sacrifice, endurance, prudent and brilliant leaderships,
and glorious achievements against the mightiest military Power in the
world's history, into a fighting force of incomparable effectiveness,
it was no less than their due that the most tremendous tasks should be
set to these fiery and indomitable fighters of the North. To the
Canadian Battalions the impregnable and the invincible had come to mean
a challenge which they welcomed joyously. They knew that the utmost of
which men were capable was now confidently expected of them. How
gloriously they were to justify that high expectation, on the dreadful
Ridge of Vimy, amid the bloody slag-heaps of Lens, and along the
fire-swept crest of Passchendaele, remains to be told succeeding
volumes of their story.
APPENDIX
CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX.
SEPTEMBER 1ST-NOVEMBER 28TH, 1917.
_The Canadian Corps on the Somme._
_September 1st._
1st Canadian Division arrives at the Somme, with headquarters at
Rubempré. 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade takes over right section of
line south-west of Courcelette, under orders of the 4th Australian
Division.
_September 2nd._
2nd Infantry Brigade moves to Brickfields under orders of the 4th
Australian Division.
_September 3rd._
3rd Infantry Brigade is instructed to establish a line on the left
section from a point on the Mouquet Road to north of Mouquet Farm to
the north-west and round the farm to the south. Command of the
Canadian Corps area in the Ypres salient passes to the G.O.C. 1st Anzac
Corps, and command of the line north-east of Albert is assumed by the
G.O.C. Canadian Corps.
Canadians very busy patrolling, reconnoitring, and locating enemy lines.
_September 4th._
1st Canadian Division relieves 4th Australian Division at Tara Hill.
The stubborn fighting round Mouquet Farm commences and our men repulse
an attack west of Mouquet. Patrols from the 13th Battalion enter
enemy's line and block communication trenches.
_September 5th._
1st Divisional Artillery relieves the 2nd Australian Divisional
Artillery. 3rd and 1st Brigades in front line with reserves in Quarry
and Tom's Cut, Centre Way and Union Trench. A very heavy hostile
artillery fire hampers our communications, and scores a direct hit on
3rd Brigade Headquarters. The G.O.C. orders Mouquet Farm to be taken.
_September 6th._
The enemy shell the left sector heavily, later extending an intense
bombardment over the whole front line and area. A large party of
Germans advancing from the direction of Courcelette is dispersed by our
artillery.
_September 7th._
Preparations for operation on the 9th. Our patrols very busy. Enemy
shell Mouquet Farm sectors heavily, obliterating Kay Trench, and our
artillery retaliates on Zollern Redoubt. The Royal Flying Corps
reports enemy communications full of troops and our guns open heavily
upon the Courcelette communication trenches. 2nd Division arrives at
the Somme.
_September 8th._
2nd Brigade relieves 3rd Brigade. Early in the morning while relief is
in progress the enemy attack Mouquet Road and drive our men back.
Later in the day a strong attack is defeated by our bombers and
machine-gun fire. The fighting round Mouquet continues in the
evening--the Germans repulsed.
EXTRACT FROM RESERVE ARMY S.G. 21/0/35 Sept. 8/16.--Object of Canadian
Corps operations is to advance our line in co-operation with III Corps
until we can obtain direct observation from as many points as possible
over German third line running Flers--Le Sars--Pys.
_September 9th._
At 4.45 p.m. the 2nd Battalion attacks successfully south-west of
Courcelette from vicinity of Windmill to Munster Alley, gaining
objectives and capturing two machine-guns and some eighty prisoners.
The enemy's counter-attacks repulsed and the captured area consolidated.
_September 10th._
Enemy massing troops and bombarding our line heavily. Our artillery
barrage along the Pozières-Bapaume Road effectively breaks up hostile
formation against 1st Brigade. On the left sector the 2nd Brigade
drives back several German raids, repulsing a strong and determined
attack from Mouquet Farm. 3rd Canadian Division arrived at the Somme.
_September 11th._
2nd Division relieves 1st Division in right sector. Early in the
morning the 4th Brigade defeats an attempt to rush our posts
established in front of the line captured on the 9th. Pozières
bombarded with gas shells.
_September 12th._
Canadian Corps takes over new area--the Ovillers-Courcelette Road and
the ground south of it to Moy Avenue.
An intense hostile bombardment causes many casualties amongst our
working parties. On the Mouquet sectors the 2nd Brigade is relieved by
the 8th Brigade, 3rd Division, including the 2nd Canadian Mounted
Rifles, who repulse another strong attack from Mouquet Farm in the
evening.
_September 13th._
Our artillery preparing the way for the attack. The Germans appear to
be very nervous and many deserters come into our lines at night. The
4th, 6th, and 8th Brigade, 2nd and 3rd Division, holding the front line.
Orders issued for attack on the 15th. The Canadian Corps Cavalry
anticipating work. The enemy advance in numbers against the sector
held by the 1st and 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles, but the heavy
artillery effectively breaks up the attack.
_September 14th._
Artillery active, but little infantry work. The 2nd Division to attack
Courcelette and the 3rd Division Fabeck Graben. It was hoped that the
cavalry might penetrate the German lines east of Courcelette and
disable communications and guns round Pys and Grandcourt, but after
much reconnaissance and patrol work the country was found impracticable
for mounted men.
_September 15th._
General offensive at 6.20 a.m. by six battalions of the 2nd and 3rd
Divisions. The whole objective secured by 10 a.m., and the attack
continues successfully in the afternoon, resulting in a line being
established from the point of the original salient east of Mouquet via
Fabeck Trench to west end of Courcelette then around north and east
side of village down to Gunpit Trench to the north-west corner of
Martinpuich. The tanks, in action for the first time, help to secure a
brilliant success.
The Commander-in-Chief congratulates the Canadians.
_September 16th._
Consolidation of occupied areas. The 4th Brigade in position along
Gunpit Trench with the 5th Brigade on its left, and the 8th Brigade
along the Mouquet Farm sectors. Orders issued to the 2nd Division to
push forward and establish posts in advance trenches north-north-east
of Courcelette. The 3rd Division to be prepared to capture the line of
the Zollern Graben to Festen Zollern--and Mouquet Farm. The Germans
massing troops and hostile barrages damage our communications. In the
evening the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles surround Mouquet Farm. At 5
p.m. the Royal Canadian Rifles and the 42nd Battalion attack the
Zollern Graben Trench but are driven back.
The 46th British Infantry Brigade takes over the Gunpit Trench line to
the Bapaume Road, relieving the 4th Brigade.
_September 17th._
Our men repulse several counter-attacks. Early in the morning the 34th
British Infantry Brigade relieves the 8th Brigade, taking over the
Mouquet Farm sector. In the afternoon the 5th Brigade attacks east of
Courcelette, at the same time sending a bombing raid up Sunken Road.
Small successful offensives help to clear up our positions, though the
hostile artillery fire tries our men severely. The 5th Brigade holding
frontage from Bapaume Road to Courcelette Cemetery, to Main Street to
Sunken Road to Cross Roads north-west of village.
EXTRACT FROM RESERVE ARMY S.G.21/0/45.--"Canadian Corps will establish
posts on all the high ground north and north-west of Courcelette and
gain observation over the Ancre Valley and especially over the enemy
trenches in R23 and 22, trenches round Courcelette Road, north of
Hessian Trench, Grandcourt Road and vicinity."
_September 18th._
2nd Division is relieved by 1st Division. Our men establishing bombing
and machine-gun posts north of Courcelette under a heavy artillery
fire. Hostile bombing parties driven back.
_September 19th._
At 9.30 p.m. the enemy attack north-east of Courcelette and gain a
footing in our trenches. A counter-attack organised by the 4th
Battalion and the line recaptured, though a few advanced posts remain
in possession of the enemy.
_September 20th._
At 4 a.m. a further attack along this whole frontage is made by the
enemy, but is repulsed by machine-gun fire and bombs. Later, the 58th
and 43rd Battalions, 3rd Division attack the Zollern Graben Line and
after severe fighting succeed in entering the trench. Fighting
stubbornly, our men repulse four counter-attacks, until at last, after
an intense bombardment, the Germans come on in great numbers under
cover of a smoke barrage and force the Canadians back to their starting
point.
_September 21st._
Our barrages check a very heavy enemy fire on Sunken Road and the right
front line, though a German battery succeeds in blowing up the
ammunition dump at La Boiselle.
1st and 9th Brigades holding front line.
_September 22nd._
In the evening an attack made by the 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade against
the maze of German trenches immediately east of Courcelette. This
objective secured and some prisoners taken. Patrols from the 9th
Brigade establish posts in High Trench West. The Canadians holding a
line from a point near Mouquet Road in the Fabeck Graben Trench to
north-west Courcelette, to north Courcelette, round the Quarry and east
of the village towards Martinpuich.
_September 23rd._
1st and 2nd Brigades in front line. The Canadian Corps anxious to push
forward towards Le Sars line and 1st Division is instructed to work up
the trench north of Bapaume Road to join with the British 23rd Division
attacking north of Martinpuich. (M.26).
_September 24th._
1st Brigade holding Bapaume Road to north-east Courcelette. 2nd and
3rd Brigades round Quarry, north of Courcelette to Fabeck Graben.
(R.28.c.3.6.) Continued severe bombardment of our lines. A strong
enemy patrol attacks our new post on the Bapaume Road, but is repulsed,
though another attack gains him footing in our advanced posts near the
Cemetery.
_September 25th._
1st and 2nd Divisions in front line preparing for offensive. Canadian
Corps to co-operate with II. Corps in capture of ridge running
north-west of Courcelette to the Schwaben Redoubt. The 2nd Division
objective a new German trench north of Courcelette--the 1st Division to
take the Kenora and Regina Trenches by way of the Zollern and Hessian
lines. Later the 1st Division objective is shortened and changed to a
point on the West Miraumont Road.
_September 26th._
At 12.35 p.m. the 1st and 2nd Divisions attack and, after heavy
fighting, partially occupy the Zollern, Hessian, and Kenora Trenches.
On the right the 29th and 31st Battalions are held up in their
operations north of Courcelette, but after several determined attacks
succeed in gaining their objective. The enemy resist stubbornly, and
during the night bombard Courcelette and the whole front line. The
left of the 2nd Brigade is badly hampered in its operations by
machine-gun fire from Mouquet Farm and Stuff Redoubt. Representations
made to the 11th British Division on the left, who, at 6.30 p.m.,
report the official clearing up to the Farm.
_September 27th._
In the morning the 2nd Brigade attacked the Hessian Trench and drove
the Germans back towards Regina Trench, only to lose the greater part
of their gain in a strong hostile counter-attack about 1 p.m. A fresh
attack was made in the afternoon and the whole regained and held. At
6.30 p.m. it was reported that the Germans had withdrawn from their
line between the Bapaume Road and the Courcelette Trench, and our
patrols were busy establishing posts in the North and South Practice
Trenches, along the Dyke Road, and towards Regina Trench between the
east and west Miraumont Roads.
On the left hostile reinforcements had arrived and driven the 14th
Battalion from Kenora Trench to a line of defence some 200 yards
south-west.
_September 28th._
Cavalry reconnaissances find enemy in Destremont Farm and in strength
in the Le Sars line. 4th Brigade pushing forward north of Courcelette,
and bombing parties fighting their way towards Regina. On the left the
1st Division repulses a determined attack against our Hessian Trench
and our posts about Kenora Trench. Our line in process of construction
from Bapaume Road to Dyke Road to East Miraumont Road to a point 150
yards up Courcelette Trench and south to Kenora Trench, to Hessian as
far as the Courcelette Road. The enemy massing troops, and an intense
bombardment by our artillery silences many batteries and breaks up
hostile formations. 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th Brigades in front line.
September 29th.
At 5.15 a.m. a further strong attack upon Hessian Trench repulsed by
our men, and about noon the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, in
co-operation with the British Brigade on the Canadian left, attack and
capture the German communication from Hessian Trench to Courcelette
Road. A strong post established. Very heavy hostile artillery fire
and incessant fighting for small gains. 2nd Division instructed to
occupy and consolidate a line from Destremont Farm and North and South
Practice Trenches.
_September 30th._
4th, 5th, and 8th Brigades in front line. Enemy working hard building
defences. 8th Brigade takes over 5th Brigade lines to Twenty-three
Road, and preparations are made for new offensive.
EXTRACT FROM RESERVE ARMY S.G. 66/8. 30/9/16.--"The operations of the
Reserve Army will comprise two simultaneous attacks.
"(_a_) A southern attack by the Canadian Corps to capture Irles. The
right of this attack will rest on the Bois Loupart (inclusive). The
left of the attack will, in the early stages, be held back on the high
ground overlooking Miraumont.
"(_b_) A western attack by the V. and XIII. Corps...."
_October 1st._
4th, 5th, and 8th Brigades, 2nd and 3rd Divisions in front line. At
3.20 p.m. the Canadians attack a line from Destremont Farm to the
junction of the Courcelette and Regina Trenches, thence the line of the
Regina Trench through Twenty-three Road to the Courcelette Road and
south to the Hessian Trench.
Our troops penetrate into this objective in certain localities, but
unable to maintain themselves. The 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles on the
left succeed in bombing down Regina Trench nearly as far as the West
Miraumont Road, but a heavily-reinforced counter-attack drives them
back to Hessian Trench about 6 p.m. However, our troops succeed in
establishing a new line from the Courcelette Trench across the Pys
Road, thence running north and north-east of the Practice Trenches and
across the Dyke Road to a junction with the British Division on the
Canadian right. Kenora Trench held to a few yards from Regina and
posts established forward in Courcelette Trench.
_October 2nd._
Royal Flying Corps reports that the enemy is very strong along Regina
Trench on the west of the East Miraumont Road. Special reconnaissance
ordered of Regina Trench from the East Miraumont Road to the Le Sars
line. Our troops very busy establishing the new line and Regina Trench
is shelled heavily by our artillery. A new line ordered to be
established from which to attack Regina Trench between Courcelette
Trench and Below Trench.
_October 3rd._
5th Brigade relieved by the 6th. Our advanced post in Kenora close to
Regina Trench is abandoned temporarily in order to allow the artillery
a free hand. A night reconnaissance of Regina Trench produced little
result owing to the intense darkness. Reserve Army decides to postpone
operations planned for Oct. 5th as more time is required for artillery
preparation. Work is actively continued on the new line in front of
Regina Trench in spite of the heavy rain.
_October 4th._
Zollern Trench and the front areas heavily shelled by the hostile
artillery. The Royal Canadian Rifles occupy Kendall Trench and
establish posts within a few yards of the enemy. 3rd Division assumes
command of 2nd Division lines.
_October 5th._
4th Canadian Division arrives at the Somme. Canadian artillery
bombards Regina Trench heavily. Our men busy digging new jumping-off
trenches in preparation for a new offensive, and patrols and aeroplanes
reconnoitring.
_October 6th._
9th Brigade relieved by 7th Brigade. 3rd Division sends out patrols
along Regina Trench examining wire.
Reconnaissance made of Destremont line, 1st Division assumes command of
the Destremont Farm front. The enemy bombarding Courcelette and Maple
Leaf Road.
_October 7th._
3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery arrives at the Somme and relieves the
Lahore Artillery.
1st and 3rd Divisions in front line. Artillery active on both
sides--and our troops completing preparations for the attack. Patrols
work along Twenty-three Road from the junction on Regina and Kenora
Trenches and report enemy's wire in fairly good condition.
_October 8th._
At 4.50 a.m. the 1st and 3rd Divisions attack the German positions from
Dyke Road around the Quadrilateral (the intersection of Gallwitz Trench
and support, and Below Trench and support), thence along Regina Trench
to the Kenora communication between the Grandcourt and Twenty-three
Roads. The two right battalions reach their objectives and on the left
the 7th and 9th Brigades gained a footing in the German lines.
However, it is found impossible to hold the positions against the
vigorous counter-attacks of the enemy, and after stubborn fighting the
Canadians are forced back to their jumping-off trenches.
_October 9th._
The 1st Division constructs a new trench south of the Quadrilateral
from Dyke Road to Below Trench, at which point junction is made with
the British Brigade on the right. The enemy shell the whole front area
with shrapnel and high explosive.
_October 10th._
8th Brigade patrols busy along the line of Regina Trench. Hostile
bombardment of Dyke Road and North Practice Trenches, but our troops
actively continue the construction and consolidation of the new lines.
Patrols report the strong condition of the enemy wire. 2nd Division
leaves the Somme.
_October 11th._
Very heavy hostile bombardment of the 8th Brigade front and support
trenches from Twenty-three Road to north of the North Practice
Trenches, causing severe damage to the trenches and somewhat heavy
casualties. Near the East Miraumont Road the Germans attempt an attack
from Regina Trench, but the barrage of the 2nd Divisional Artillery
prevents them from leaving their own parapet. Parties of Germans
driven by our artillery fire from Regina Trench are caught on the Pys
and East Miraumont Road by our 18-pounders and engaged with excellent
effect. Later on our artillery disperses another large party near the
Grandcourt Road.
The G.O.C. 4th Division assumes command of 3rd Division lines, with the
8th Brigade remaining under orders of the 4th Division.
_October 12th._
Our new trench south of the Quadrilateral between Dyke Road and Below
Trench suffers a heavy bombardment. Our artillery active in wire
cutting and a deliberate shelling of the enemy defences. Gas and
lachrymatory shells thrown into Courcelette and Pozières.
_October 13th._
Little infantry activity, though patrols are busy preparing for the
proposed offensive. The enemy bombard Martinpuich, and our front and
support areas, with heavy retaliation by our artillery.
_October 14th._
4th Divisional sector shelled heavily, with the enemy throwing gas
shells into the 8th Brigade lines. Left Brigade trenches damaged and
communications cut by an intense barrage during the afternoon.
Canadian Corps decides to postpone the planned attack.
_October 15th._
53rd British Infantry Brigade relieves 8th Brigade on the left of the
line. Our heavy artillery directs an intense fire upon Regina,
Courcelette, Below, and Gallwitz Trenches, doing a great deal of damage
to the hostile defences and causing many casualties. The village of
Pys bombarded also, and many enemy observation posts demolished. A
large party of Germans observed near Achiet Trench and broken up by our
artillery fire. Patrols from the 10th and 11th Brigades examine wire
in front of Regina Trench in spite of the heavy bombardment.
_October 16th._
Very satisfactory damage to the enemy's barbed wire reported by the 4th
Division patrols. A quiet day for the infantry, but our artillery
silences several hostile batteries and causes many casualties in a body
of infantry observed north of Irles. Regina, Coulée, and Courcelette
Trenches bombarded and machine-gun emplacements successfully located
and destroyed.
_October 17th._
10th Brigade, 4th Division, takes over 2nd Brigade, 1st Division,
lines. 4th Canadian Division comes under command of II. Corps and
receives instructions for the preliminary operations. The 11th Brigade
to capture and consolidate Regina Trench from Courcelette Trench to a
point just before the junction with the Pys Road, then easterly to the
sapheads built by the 10th Brigade. Strong blocks to be pushed out
along the East Miraumont Road and the German trenches running parallel
to it. The 10th Brigade to push forward its saps towards Regina and
co-operate with the 11th Brigade with machine-gun fire. The artillery
active on both sides, the enemy shelling the 10th Brigade front rather
heavily.
_October 18th._
The arrangements for the offensive on the 19th practically completed.
The 11th Brigade moves up to its advanced headquarters in the North
Practice Trenches, and has a great deal of trouble establishing
satisfactory communications. Artillery not very busy, though our guns
keep the enemy from repairing his damaged defences.
_October 19th._
A steady rain, making movement almost impossible over the heavy ground.
The 2nd Army decides to postpone the attack for twenty-four hours. The
10th and 11th Brigades working hard driving saps towards Regina Trench
and establishing jumping-off positions. The 11th Brigade lines shelled
heavily and continuously, despite the retaliation of the Canadian
artillery.
_October 20th._
Operations postponed for a further twenty-four hours, and the artillery
takes advantage of the delay to complete the demolition of the enemy's
wire. A quiet day for the infantry, but the trenches are full of water
and in very bad condition, necessitating ceaseless work. The 3rd
Canadian Division leaves the Somme area.
_October 21st._
Attack made about noon by the 11th Brigade, excellent machine-gun work
materially aiding a most successful offensive. The whole objective
gained, and by 2 p.m. our men are busy consolidating the captured area.
Enemy massing near the Coulée Trench dispersed by our artillery fire.
Further information received that the Germans are concentrating near
the Chalk pits east of the Quadrilateral, and artillery and machine-gun
barrages redoubled and a counter-attack prevented.
The 1st Canadian Division leaves the Somme area.
_October 22nd._
No attempt made by the enemy to counter-attack during the night, beyond
a few bombing raids which were easily repulsed. The 10th Brigade to
complete the capture of Regina Trench. The state of the front lines is
very bad and our men work under the most trying conditions. The enemy
shell the captured areas heavily.
_October 23rd._
Preparations for the Big Push in process of completion. The 10th
Brigade is instructed to extend its right to the Chalk Pit south of
Warlencourt, and the preliminary attack arranged for the 24th. 11th
Brigade to co-operate by pushing up the block in Regina Trench
eastwards. Dyke Road heavily shelled.
_October 24th._
The 10th Brigade reports that the 44th Battalion, instructed to capture
the remainder of Regina, is very much exhausted by the severe
conditions, and the minor operation is postponed for twenty-four hours.
11th Brigade patrols push their block in Regina another 120 yards
eastwards.
_October 25th._
At 7 a.m. the 44th Battalion attack the portion of Regina Trench
remaining in German hands--between the Quadrilateral and the 11th
Brigade block east of the Pys Road--but meeting with very heavy
enfilading machine-gun fire from the Quadrilateral the men are quite
unable to reach their objective. The 11th Brigade have bombed
eastwards from the block in Regina but as the 44th Battalion do not
arrive the Germans are enabled to concentrate a strong bombing
counter-attack and drive our men back to their original post. The
Corps decides to make this portion of the Regina Trench part of the
objective in the later operation.
_October 26th._
The 12th Brigade relieves the 10th and 11th Brigades in the line.
Hostile artillery active south of the Albert- Bapaume Road. German
troops observed in large numbers in the Grandcourt Trench and our heavy
guns concentrate on this point.
_October 27th._
Operations postponed once more. The Germans endeavouring to complete
new defensive works between the Regina and Grandcourt Trenches, but
making little headway, owing to our continued artillery and machine-gun
fire.
_October 28th._
Enemy shelling vigorously in the area south of the Albert-Bapaume Road.
The 78th Battalion sends out patrols to locate new enemy lines. The
roads are very bad, and great difficulty is experienced in transporting
the ammunition to the guns.
_October 29th._
The bad weather prevents operations, but our artillery and machine-gun
barrages effectually prevent the Germans from working on their new
defences.
_October 30th._
Gale blowing and artillery work hampered. Operations postponed until
November 5th. Heavy rain renders the condition of the front trenches
indescribable, and frequent reliefs have to be made.
_October 31st._
Weather improves, and the artillery fire becomes general. The enemy
shell Albert, while our guns are busy wire-cutting and destroying
German defences. Satisfactory reports received on the state of the
wire in front of Coulée and Below Trenches.
_November 1st._
Bad weather continues to hamper our artillery work, though the enemy
shell our support lines and communication trenches. The 10th Brigade
sends out patrols to intercept and cut up hostile working parties. The
roads are very bad, and operations are postponed until Nov. 7th.
_November 2nd._
Patrol penetrates north between Pys and Miraumont Road for some 500
yards. Weather clears and aircraft and artillery correspondingly busy.
Enemy working parties dispersed and their defensive work prevented.
_November 3rd._
12th Brigade relieved by 10th and 11th Brigades. Fair observation, and
artillery active on both sides. Observation patrol reaches a point
north of the Destremont Road and reports that the German wire in front
of Gallwitz Trench is not a formidable obstacle.
_November 4th._
Hostile aerial activity, and much movement of troops and transport
observed in the German lines along the Irles-Miraumont Road. 10th and
11th Brigade patrols work up East Miraumont Road and to the east, some
of our men reaching Gallwitz Trench. German wire appears to be badly
damaged by our artillery fire. Enemy hard at work improving his
defences.
_November 5th._
British and Australians attacking the Butte de Warlencourt on the
Canadian right and the enemy place a barrage on the 10th Brigade lines.
Patrol report that the Germans have thrown out new wire in front of
their new trench north of the Quadrilateral, running east from Below
Trench--but that there appear to be no obstacles to our advance on a
line from Practice Road to a point 200 yards east of Farmer Road.
_November 6th._
The 10th Brigade establishes two posts close to Regina in the vicinity
of the Pys and Miraumont Roads. Some heavy shelling on both sides. At
10.45 p.m. it is reported that enemy aircraft have blown up an
ammunition dump near Meaulte. A scouting party from the Right Brigade
work down Farmer Road to Dyke Road, patrolling as far as Aqueduct Road
and locating some machine-gun emplacements. Other patrols work
westward along the whole front. The Germans have thrown out a quantity
of new wire.
_November 7th._
Heavy bombardment of our line west of Dyke Road while our artillery
retaliates on Coulée and Below Trenches. German wire appears very
thick and strong along the Below Trench between the Quadrilateral and
the Coulée Trench. Enemy busy building new machine-gun emplacements on
Grundy Road, and placing wire.
_November 8th._
Courcelette shelled heavily during the afternoon. Patrols report a new
trench connecting Desire Trench with East Miraumont Road. Arrangements
made for attack by 10th and 11th Brigades as soon as weather permitted
two days' preliminary bombardment.
_November 9th._
It is proposed to capture and consolidate Regina Trench from the 11th
Brigade block east of the Pys Road, to Farmer Road and to establish
strong blocks at the junctions and beyond, north of Regina Trench. A
fine day, and a most successful shoot was carried out upon Regina
Trench.
_November 10th._
The heavy artillery bombardment of Regina continued and preparations
made for the attack. Hostile aircraft attack dumps and depots behind
our lines.
_November 11th._
At midnight 10th-11th, the 10th and 11th Brigades attack and capture
the German portion of Regina Trench to Farmer Road. All objectives
gained, though the 102nd Battalion, in the northern attack, unable to
maintain a post as far north of Regina as had been hoped. A very
successful attack--the positions consolidated by 3 a.m. and later
several counter-attacks beaten off. The 12th Brigade relieve the 10th
and 11th Brigades in the new line.
_November 12th._
The 12th Brigade pushing out advanced trenches to gain observation over
the Coulée and Below Trenches. Our heavy guns bombard Desire Support
Trench successfully with little hostile shelling in reply. A portion
of the trenches on the extreme right taken over by the 48th British
Division.
_November 13th._
The British Division attack on the Canadian left, and the enemy place a
barrage on our right Battalion lines and Dyke Road. Our new salient in
Regina Trench heavily shelled. Our patrols busy.
_November 14th._
The German artillery very active all day, throwing a quantity of gas
shells into our lines. Enemy aircraft raid our camps and bases during
the night. Our artillery retaliates on Below Trench and hostile
communications.
_November 15th._
10th Brigade patrols in touch with the enemy in the southern portion of
Below Trench. It is proposed to extend our line in that direction.
Enemy shell 10th Brigade front, 10th Street, and Bapaume Road.
Preparations for an offensive on the 18th.
_November 16th._
Enemy place a heavy barrage on 10th Brigade sectors, and continue until
checked by the retaliation of our artillery. The 11th Brigade takes
over the frontage of the 54th Brigade, 18th Division.
Instructions issued for the attack. 10th Brigade to advance their line
from the apex of Regina Trench on the right to the junction of the
German new trench with Desire Support. The 11th Brigade to take over
the front now held by the 54th Brigade, 18th Division and advance their
line to the line of the Desire Support Trench as far west as a point in
the Ravine, 100 yards east of where the Ravine turns north.
_November 17th._
Our artillery bombarding the German line, the new trench north of
Regina, the southern portion of Below Trench and the Coulée Trench.
Some successful wire cutting accomplished.
_November 18th._
Barrage starts at 6 a.m. and the operations successfully carried out.
Our guns succeed in capturing Desire Trench from the Ravine to a point
about halfway between the Pys and East Miraumont Roads. East of this
point our men have great trouble, meeting with heavy artillery and
machine-gun fire, and are ultimately driven back to Regina Trench.
Parties from the 38th and 87th Battalions advance into Grandcourt
Trench and take many prisoners, but later are ordered to retire and
assist in the consolidation of the new line running about 100 yards
north of Desire Trench. The operation as a whole distinctly
successful, in spite of the reverse on the right.
_November 19th._
No sign of hostile artillery retaliation or counter-attack during the
day. Our heavy artillery arranges a shoot to start at junction of New
Trench and Below Trench westward to Practice Road to the junction of
New Trench and Desire Trench--to clear out the Germans who held up the
right of our attack on the 18th. In the meantime Coulée Trench is
bombarded with excellent results. The 12th Brigade holding the left of
the line from the Ravine to the block in Desire Trench about 250 yards
west of the Pys Road, the 11th Brigade from the block along the curve
south by south-east to Regina Trench, and to the entrance right of the
Division position.
_November 20th._
The misty weather postpones the artillery action arranged on the 19th.
East of Pys Road the enemy attack our working party, capturing several
of the men. Our patrols retaliate on hostile posts. Corps Commanders
congratulate the Canadians on the success of the 18th.
_November 21st._
The Canadians busy placing the line in a strong defensive position.
The artillery offensive postponed owing to the proposed relief of our
guns, and the general artillery activity less than usual, though a
hostile bombardment of the Regina Trench Road Junction caused some
damage to our lines. Enemy appears to be working hard upon his
defences.
_November 22nd._
184th Brigade, 61st Division, takes over the line from the Ravine to
the West Miraumont Road, held by the 12th Brigade. Hostile bombardment
of our front line, while our artillery retaliates on a trench running
from Below to Desire Support Trench. Many aerial combats, and several
planes brought down on both sides.
_November 23rd._
The Germans shell New Street, but cause little damage.
The heavy artillery have another and more successful bombardment of the
new enemy trench between Below and Desire Trenches, and disperse German
working parties in Crest Trench, along the Miraumont Road.
_November 24th._
4th Brigade relieves the 11th Brigade. Enemy artillery less active
during the day. German infantry observed on the Miraumont Road, and
badly cut up by our artillery fire. Grevillers Trench and the junction
of Coulée and Below Trenches are shelled.
Orders received from the Corps for the relief and move of the 4th
Division.
_November 25th._
Preparing for relief, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Canadian Divisional Artillery
relieved by the 51st Divisional Artillery, 10th Brigade relieved in the
line by the 12th Brigade, who will hold the entire front line until
final relief by the 51st Division. Enemy working hard on defences of
New Gallwitz Trench, and our artillery disperses a working party in
Crest Trench.
_November 26th._
Preparations for move completed. An offensive, arranged by the Yukon
Machine-gun Battery, to clear out hostile patrols and working parties.
The 10th and 11th Brigades commence their move to Canadian Corps area.
_November 27th._
The machine-gun action reported to have been very satisfactory. Enemy
artillery quiet, though movement of troops is noted. The 51st Division
relieves the 4th Division.
_November 28th._
The remainder of the 4th Division leaves the Somme area.
The Division joins the Canadian Corps with the 1st Army on the
Arras-Lens front.
[Illustration: Map--REGINA TRENCH. SHOWING OPERATIONS BY PROGRESSIVE
STAGES.]
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