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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/20115-8.txt b/20115-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2049a91 --- /dev/null +++ b/20115-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5146 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Short History of the 6th Division, Edited +by Thomas Owen Marden + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: A Short History of the 6th Division + Aug. 1914-March 1919 + + +Editor: Thomas Owen Marden + +Release Date: December 15, 2006 [eBook #20115] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6TH +DIVISION*** + + +E-text prepared by Sigal Alon, Christine P. Travers, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net/) from +page images generously made available by Internet Archive/Canadian +Libraries (http://www.archive.org/details/toronto) + + + +Note: Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries. See + http://www.archive.org/details/hist6thdivision00marduoft + + +Transcriber's note: + + Obvious printer's errors have been corrected. + + The original spelling has been retained. + + Page 76: Two instances of AAA left by the printer have + been replaced by dots. + + Explanations of British/Canadian military abbreviations + can be found at + http://www.1914-1918.net/abbrev.htm + and + http://www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk/military%20abbrevations.shtml + + + + + +A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6th DIVISION + +Aug. 1914-March 1919 + +Edited by + +MAJOR-GEN. T. O. MARDEN +C.B., C.M.G. + + + + + + + +London +Hugh Rees, Ltd. +5 & 7 Regent Street, S.W.1 +1920 + + + + +PREFACE + + +This short history has been compiled mainly from the War Diaries. + +My reason for undertaking the task is that there was no one else to do +it, the units composing the Division being scattered far and wide, and +there being no Divisional habitat with local historians as in the case +of Territorial and New Army Divisions. My object is that all who +served with the Division for any period between 1914-1919 may have a +record to show that they belonged to a Division which played no +inconspicuous part in the Great War. + +I regret that it has been impossible to tabulate the honours (except +V.C.s) won by officers and men of the Division, and it is also +inevitable that the names of many individuals to whom the success of +the Division in many operations was largely due should go unrecorded. +The Infantry naturally bulk large in the picture, but they would be +the first to admit that their success could not have been obtained +without the splendid co-operation of the Artillery, who are sometimes +not even mentioned in the narrative; and this theme might be +elaborated considerably. + +My particular thanks are due to Lt.-Col. T. T. Grove, C.M.G., D.S.O., +R.E., to whom the credit belongs for the form taken by the history and +the more personal portions of the history itself. I also wish to +thank Lt.-Gen. Sir J. Keir, K.C.B., D.S.O., and Major-Gen. C. Ross, C.B., +D.S.O., as well as several Brigadiers and C.O.s, for so kindly +reviewing the periods of which they had personal knowledge. + +In conclusion, I wish to add that every copy sold helps towards the +erection of Battlefield Memorials to be placed in France and Flanders. + + T. O. MARDEN, + _Major-General._ +_April 1920._ + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER PAGE + + I. MOBILIZATION AND MOVE TO FRANCE 1 + + II. BATTLE OF THE AISNE 3 + + III. MOVE TO THE NORTH AND FIRST BATTLE + OF YPRES 6 + + IV. ARMENTIÈRES 10 + + V. YPRES SALIENT 13 + + VI. THE SOMME 20 + + VII. LOOS SALIENT 28 + +VIII. CAMBRAI 35 + + IX. GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 1918 44 + + X. YPRES SALIENT AGAIN 53 + + XI. THE ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH 58 + + XII. THE MARCH TO THE RHINE AND OCCUPATION + OF GERMANY 76 + + +APPENDIX + + I. BATTLE CASUALTIES 81 + + II. V.C.s WON BY THE DIVISION 82 + + III. DIARY 85 + + IV. ORDERS OF BATTLE ON MOBILIZATION AND ON + 11th NOVEMBER 1918 102 + + V. CHANGES IN COMMANDS AND STAFFS 109 + + + + +A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6th DIVISION + + + + +CHAPTER I + +MOBILIZATION AND MOVE TO FRANCE + +1914 + + +The Division mobilized with its Headquarters at Cork--two brigades in +Ireland, namely, the 16th Infantry Brigade at Fermoy, and the 17th +Infantry Brigade at Cork, and one Infantry Brigade--the 18th--at +Lichfield. Divisional troops mobilized in Ireland. The order for +mobilization was received at 10 p.m. on the 4th August 1914. + +On the 15th August units mobilized in Ireland commenced embarkation at +Cork and Queenstown for England, and the Division was concentrated in +camps in the neighbourhood of Cambridge and Newmarket by the 18th +August. + +The period from the 18th August to the 7th September was one of hard +training. Those who were with the Division at that time will also +remember, with gratitude, the many kindnesses shown them by the people +of Cambridge; the canteens and recreation rooms instituted for the +men, and the hospitality shown by colleges and individuals to the +officers. They will remember, too, their growing impatience to get +out, and their increasing fear that the Division would arrive too +late. + +On the 7th September, however, entrainment for Southampton commenced, +and on the 9th the first troops of the Division disembarked at St. +Nazaire. + +From St. Nazaire a long train journey, which the novelty of the +experience robbed of its tediousness, took the Division a short +distance east of Paris, where it concentrated in billets in the area +Coulommiers--Mortcerf--Marles--Chaume by the 12th September. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +BATTLE OF THE AISNE + +1914 + + +The period 13th to 19th September was spent in the march to the Aisne, +where the Division arrived at a time when a certain amount of anxiety +was felt by the Higher Command. The 5th French Army on the right, the +British Army in the centre, and the 6th French Army under General +Maunoury on the left, had pushed the Germans back across the Marne, +and on the 14th September the British troops had crossed the Aisne on +the front Soissons-Bourg--the I Corps at Bourg, the II Corps at Vailly +and Missy, and the III at Venizel. The French right attack from the +direction of Rheims and the British attack by the I Corps had +progressed much faster than the left, and had reached the heights on +the line Craonne-Troyon, astride the famous Chemin des Dames. These +were now the objective of fierce attacks by the Germans, and the 6th +Division, which had been allotted originally to the III Corps, was put +into General Reserve instead, only the artillery joining the III +Corps. The units of the I Corps were very tired and weakened after the +big retreat from Mons and the subsequent hard fighting on the Marne +and Aisne, so immediately on its arrival the 18th Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C.) was ordered to relieve the 2nd +Infantry Brigade on the right of the British line. The front taken +over ran diagonally from north-east to south-west along the high +ground just south of the Chemin des Dames to the north and north-east +of Troyon. The East Yorks on the left relieved in daylight on the 19th +September the D.L.I., and the West Yorks during the night of the +19/20th September. The West Yorks had two companies in front +trenches, one company echeloned in right rear and one company in +support. The Sherwood Foresters were in reserve. + +At dawn on the 20th September, the enemy delivered a heavy attack on +the I Corps and on the French left, driving in the Tirailleurs +d'Afrique and turning the flank of the West Yorks. The echeloned +company formed front to the flank, and the supporting company followed +suit. The Germans annihilated the right front company, and, using the +white flag ruse, apparently captured some of the next company. Major +Ingles, collecting a proportion of the front companies, withdrew a +short distance and counter-attacked, but was unsuccessful and lost his +life in this gallant endeavour. At about 1 p.m. a counter-attack was +delivered by the Sherwood Foresters, who were in Brigade Reserve, the +support company of the West Yorks, under Lt.-Col. Towsey, and a +squadron of the 18th Hussars from Paissy. These, advancing over the +perfectly open ground, recaptured the trenches and gallantly held them +against further attacks. In this affair the West Yorks suffered +casualties amounting approximately to 15 officers and 600 other ranks, +the Sherwood Foresters also losing 12 officers and 180 other ranks. +The temporary loss of the trenches by the West Yorks exposed the +trenches of the D.L.I, to enfilade machine-gun fire, from which they +had considerable casualties, including Majors Mander and Robb. This +was the only serious fighting in which the Division was engaged, but a +certain amount of trouble was caused by the arrival of guns from +Antwerp which fired "Black Marias," and the enfilade gun and +machine-gun fire to which portions of the main line lent themselves. + +On the 21st September the 17th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. R. B. +Doran) relieved the 6th Infantry Brigade and the 4th Guards Brigade on +the front Fort de Metz-La Cour de Soupir, and held the portion without +much incident till 2nd October, when they were withdrawn into +Corps Reserve. + +The 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. E. C. Ingouville-Williams) +relieved the 7th and 9th Infantry Brigades to the north-east of Vailly +on the 21st/22nd September, and remained in trenches until 12th +October, some time after the rest of the Division had gone north. They +received the thanks of the II Corps for their soldierly conduct. The +divisional artillery (Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Paget) was in support of the +5th Division opposite Missy, but only the 2nd Brigade was engaged. It +had already been re-organized since mobilization by the inclusion, in +each of 12th, 24th and 38th Brigades, of a battery of 4.5-in. +howitzers. + +The Battle of the Aisne marked the commencement of trench warfare, and +the Royal Engineers (Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp, C.R.E.) were employed to +some extent in wiring at night. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +MOVE TO THE NORTH AND FIRST BATTLE OF YPRES + +1914 + + +The diminishing pressure of the Germans on the Aisne had made it +evident that an attempt by them to reach the Channel ports would be +made very soon. This would best be frustrated by an outflanking +movement of the Allies to the north, with the ultimate aim of joining +hands with the Belgian Army at that time holding Antwerp. Sir John +French was most anxious to place the British Army in its original +position on the left of the French, as it was based on Boulogne, +Calais and Dunkirk. + +The II British Corps was the first to move from the Aisne and +prolonged the French line towards La Bassée; the I and III Corps +extending inwards to relieve it. Next followed the III Corps, relieved +by the French and destined to take its place north of the II Corps +towards Bailleul. + +The Cavalry Corps advanced north of the III Corps towards Kemmel, and +at a later date the I Corps, handing over to the French, was moved +towards Ypres, while the 7th Division, just arrived in France, was +directed on Menin. + +The III Corps consisted of the 4th and 6th Divisions under Lt.-Gen. +Pulteney. The period 6th to 9th October was occupied in the march to +the entraining station near Compiègne. The Division detrained at St. +Omer on 10th October, and was joined by the 19th Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. Hon. F. Gordon), which remained with it until 31st May +1915. The battalions composing this brigade were 2nd R.W.F., 1st +Cameronians, 1st Middlesex, 2nd A. and S. Highlanders. The 5th +Cameronians were added on 19th November 1914. + +On the 12th October the Division marched to Hazebrouck, where it +covered the detrainment of the 4th Division and came into touch with +the enemy. The latter, consisting of two Cavalry Divisions with some +Jäger (Rifle) Battalions, and at least one Division of the XIX Corps, +were fighting a rearguard action until such time as they should be +reinforced. The character of the advance may be illustrated by an +incident on the 14th October, when a platoon of the 1st R.F. (of the +Reserve Brigade) was detailed to rescue General Keir's car, which had +run into snipers near Merris. Fortunately the G.O.C. was not in it. +The reinforcement by the enemy occurred on the 20th October, on which +date began the Battle of Ypres-Armentières, generally called the First +Battle of Ypres. As far as the Division was concerned this took place +on the western portion of the ridge between Armentières and Lille, and +resulted in the Division being forced back from the line +Préniesques-Radinghem (almost on top of the ridge) to the low ground +Rue du Bois-La Boutillerie after very fierce continuous fighting from +20th to 31st October, in which the Division suffered nearly 4,000 +casualties. To revert, on 13th October the III Corps advanced with the +4th Division on the left and the 6th Division on the right. An action +took place on the line of the Méteren Brook, commencing at 1 p.m. and +continuing till dark, when the 17th and 18th Infantry Brigades had +captured Méteren and Bailleul with about 400 casualties. Pushing +forward, the 17th Infantry Brigade crossed the River Lys at Bac St. +Maur, and the 18th Infantry Brigade at Sailly on the night 15/16th +October, and approached on the 17th the ridge west of Lille, where the +enemy were reported to be entrenched. The 16th Infantry Brigade now +rejoined the Division from the Aisne, and on the 18th October a +reconnaissance in force was ordered, which was brilliantly carried +out. The Buffs and Y. and L. on the right captured Radinghem +without much opposition, and advanced across a small plateau, 300 +yards in width, towards the woods in which stands the Château de +Flandres. They here came under a heavy cross-fire of machine-guns and +shrapnel, and were counter-attacked and driven back. The situation, +however, was saved by Major Bayley's company of the Y. and L., which +had worked round on the left and threatened the flank of the +counter-attack, which thereon withdrew. The Y. and L. suffered +considerable casualties in this little action--Major Robertson being +killed. Meanwhile the 18th Infantry Brigade had captured Ennetières +and the south end of Capinghem, while the 17th Infantry Brigade +reached Prémesques, but was unable to take Pérenchies. The 4th +Division had not been able to cross the Lys north of Armentières, +which necessitated the 17th Infantry Brigade throwing back its flank +to l'Epinette. On the 19th October the Division entrenched on the line +it had won. To the right were French cavalry and cyclists, covering +the gap between the right of the III Corps and the left of the I Corps +near Aubers. The advance from Hazebrouck to the ridge had occupied six +days, and cost the Division some 750 casualties. + +On the morning of the 20th October the Germans attacked very heavily +on the whole front. Fighting on a very extended front (five miles) and +with very little in hand, the Division was soon in difficulties, +particularly on the exposed left flank, where the Leinsters had their +three left companies quickly driven in, and the situation at midday +was critical. One company with the machine-guns was able to hold on +until the afternoon at Mont de Prémesques, and to withdraw under cover +of darkness, having inflicted heavy loss on the enemy. Meanwhile units +of other brigades were putting up a gallant fight against great odds, +each unit generally with one or both flanks unsupported. At +Ennetières, which formed rather a salient, the Sherwood Foresters held +out all day, but were attacked at dusk by three battalions and +practically annihilated or captured, only the CO., Adjutant, Q.M. and +250 other ranks remaining the next day. + +The Buffs, after a splendid fight, were driven out of Radinghem, and +by night the Division was practically back on the line which it was to +hold for the next few months, and on which the German offensive of +1918 still found the British. Continuous unsuccessful attempts to +break through occurred till 31st October, when trench warfare set in. +Notable among these was the attack on the K.S.L.I. and Y. and L. on +the 23rd October, when 300 enemy dead were left in front of our +trenches; on the 18th Infantry Brigade on the night of the 27/28th +October, when the enemy captured the line, but was driven out by a +counter-attack, in which the East Yorks specially distinguished +themselves; and on the night of the 29/30th October, when the 19th +Infantry Brigade lost some trenches, but counter-attacked +successfully, and counted 200 German dead. The incident of Cpl. +Forward, 1st The Buffs, is typical of the fierce fighting. On 30th +October, when the O.C. machine-guns of The Buffs and all the team had +been killed or wounded, this gallant N.C.O. continued to fire his gun +until eventually wounded in five places, when he crawled back to +report the situation. He was rewarded with the D.C.M. During the whole +period, 20th to 30th October, the guns were woefully short of +ammunition, and consequently a greater strain was thrown on the +infantry. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +ARMENTIÈRES + +1914-15 + + +Active fighting now died away on this front, but its place was taken +by constant shelling and the deadly sniping which claimed so many +victims at this time. The weather during November and December was +truly appalling. All trenches were knee-deep and more in mud and +water, and it is on record that the B.G.C., 19th Infantry Brigade, had +his boots sucked off by the mud and went round trenches without them. +Parapets would not stand and were so flimsy that many men were shot +through them. But the weather eventually improved, material for +revetment began to appear, and by the commencement of 1915 it was +possible to move in the trenches in comparative safety. + +The next few months were uneventful ones, the only incidents worthy of +remark being a visit from the King on the 2nd December; a minor +operation by the North Staffordshire Regiment on the 12th March, +resulting in the inclusion in our line of the unsavoury Epinette +Salient; the sudden move of the 16th Infantry Brigade to Vlamertinghe +at the time of the enemy's attack at St. Eloi in the middle of March, +and a little mining and counter-mining on the Frelinghien and Le +Touquet fronts in May. The minor operation at l'Epinette was a very +well-planned night affair, whereby the 17th Infantry Brigade advanced +their line 200-300 yards on a frontage of half a mile. It was carried +out by the 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and 12th Field +Company, and Sir H. Smith-Dorrien (Army Commander), in congratulating +the regiment, mentioned particularly Lieuts. Pope and Gordon for +fine leading. But if there was no heavy fighting, the trench casualties +from sniping and enemy shell-fire were quite considerable (see +Appendix). We had practically no artillery ammunition with which to +worry the enemy, as the following extract from the Divisional War +Diary shows:-- + +_24th April 1915._--"In view of the fighting in progress in the north +(Second Battle of Ypres) the Corps Commander allots an extra ten +rounds of shrapnel per gun for 18-pounders with a view to making a +demonstration by fire to hold the enemy in front of us." Amusing +reading in 1919! + +The Division continued to hold a quiet but very extended front till +the end of May, receiving a succession of units from new Divisions to +serve their apprenticeship to trench warfare. + +Amongst our visitors, during this period, were units of the 9th +Division, and some of those who have read Ian Hay's _The First Hundred +Thousand_ will have recognized in it a description of a part of the +trenches of the 19th Infantry Brigade. + +During this period the four brigades each received a fifth Territorial +Battalion--the Queen's Westminsters joining on the 11th November and +being allotted to the 18th Infantry Brigade; the 5th Scottish Rifles, +who went to the 19th Infantry Brigade, joining on the 19th November; +the 2nd Battalion London Regiment joining the 17th Infantry Brigade in +February, and the 5th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment the +16th Infantry Brigade on the 15th of that month. The 38th Field +Company left the Division on the 9th April, and on the 21st December +1914 the 1st London Field Company, later the 509th, began its long +connection with the 6th Division. The Division lost its squadron of +the 19th Hussars, receiving in its place "C" squadron of the +Northamptonshire Yeomanry. + +It was during the sojourn in Armentières that the "Fancies," +without mention of whom no history of the Division would be complete, +came into being. With the "Follies," the 4th Division troupe, formed a +few weeks before them, also in Armentières, they were the forerunners +of the Divisional theatrical troupes which subsequently became +universal. + +At Armentières also took place the first 6th Divisional Horse Show, a +highly successful two-day show--the first of its kind held in the +B.E.F. + +On the 27th May 1915 began the relief of the Division by the 27th +Division, and on the following days its move northwards to join the +newly formed VI Corps. Major-Gen. Sir John Keir left on the 27th to +take up command of the new corps, taking with him--as B.G., +R.A.--Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Paget. + +Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C., from the 18th Infantry Brigade, +succeeded Sir John Keir in command of the Division; Brig.-Gen. +Humphreys taking the appointment of C.R.A. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +YPRES SALIENT + +1915-16 + + +On the night of the 31st May/1st June the Division took over its new +front in the Ypres Salient, commencing its long tour in that unsavoury +region, and trench casualties almost doubled immediately. It continued +in the Salient up to the end of July 1916, with three periods of rest, +each of about a month's duration: the first spent in the neighbourhood +of Houtkerque and Poperinghe, in November and December 1915; the +second in the Houtkerque-Wormhoudt area, with one brigade at a time +back at Calais from mid-March to mid-April 1916; and the third again +in the Houtkerque-Wormhoudt area from mid-June to mid-July 1916. The +nature of these rests has been humorously but not untruthfully +portrayed in the columns of _Punch_; the author of "At the Front" in +that paper having been an officer in the K.S.L.I. + +The line was just hardening after the Second Battle of Ypres when the +Division moved up to the Salient, and no active operations took place +on the actual front taken over by the Division, but its artillery was +called upon to assist its neighbours on either flank, i.e. on the 16th +June when the 3rd Division attacked Bellewarde Farm north-west of +Hooge; on the 22nd June when the 42nd Infantry Brigade of the 14th +Division attempted a small operation, and on the 6th July when the 4th +Division carried out a successful minor operation near Pilkem. + +On the 30th July the 14th Division was attacked at Hooge and driven +back to Sanctuary and Zouave Woods. Their counter-attacks, gallantly +delivered, but under the circumstances giving very little prospect of +success, failed, and for a time the situation was critical. The +16th Infantry Brigade was moved up to the area about Goldfish Château +(half-mile north-west of Ypres) as a precautionary measure, and was at +one time in danger of being thrown in to make a hasty counter-attack. +Fortunately this proved unnecessary, and on the 31st July the Corps +Commander decided to relieve the whole Division, and to allot to it +the task of restoring the line at Hooge in a carefully prepared +attack. + +The relief was carried out on the 2nd and 3rd August 1915, and on the +6th the Division took over its front of attack, and the preparatory +bombardment was commenced. This bombardment was very carefully +planned, carried out with great thoroughness and accuracy, and was one +of the most effective and severe that had, up to that time, been put +down by the British. The artillery co-operation in the attack was on a +similar scale and equally effective, except so far as counter-battery +work against enemy artillery to the south was concerned, and the +attack owed much of its success to the assistance it received from the +artillery. To this assistance two French batteries of "75's," lent by +the 36th French Corps, ably contributed. + +The attack was launched on the 9th August at 3.15 a.m. on a front of +about 1,000 yards--the 18th Infantry Brigade (Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey) +attacking on the right with the 2nd D.L.I. in front line and the 2nd +Sherwood Foresters in support, the 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. +C. Nicholson) on the left, with the 1st K.S.L.I. and the 2nd Y. and L. +Regiment in front line, and the 1st The Buffs in support. + +The attack was completely successful; all objectives were quickly +gained. A very large number of German dead were counted in the +recaptured position, and a considerable number of prisoners taken. The +captured position was subjected to a very heavy bombardment, +especially on the right; principally by guns firing from the +south-east, not opposite the corps front, which took the new line in +flank and often in reverse. The troops of the 18th Infantry Brigade +held on to their positions with their usual gallantry and +determination, in spite of very heavy casualties. The 2nd D.L.I. +particularly distinguished themselves by the tenacity they displayed, +and they and the 2nd Sherwood Foresters and 1st East Yorkshire +Regiment suffered severely. In face of the heavy shelling it was found +impossible on the right to establish a line on the final objective, +where all the former trenches had been entirely obliterated. The +advanced troops had accordingly to be withdrawn on this flank, but +some time after this withdrawal was thought to have been completed a +message was received from a Lance-Corporal of the 2nd D.L.I. to the +effect that he was established in the stables of the château with a +few men, and asking that rations and ammunition might be sent up to +them. On the left not only was all the ground lost on the 30th July +regained, but an important spur north of the Menin Road, which had +hitherto been in German occupation, was included in the final position +consolidated. Three officers and 124 other ranks were taken prisoners, +and over 500 of the enemy were counted dead on the captured ground. +The gallant work of the R.E. in wiring the position was specially +mentioned in the accounts from G.H.Q. which appeared in the papers. + +The attack at Hooge was particularly interesting, as it was the first +attempt made to follow the barrage really closely. The barrage did +not, however, "creep" up to the German front line, but was placed +directly on it at once at zero and lifted back from there, the 6-in. +howitzers lifting slightly before the Field Artillery. The infantry +lay out as close to the barrage as possible before zero, and moved in +_on time_ as soon as the Field Artillery barrage lifted. The attack +was looked upon for some time as a model of really close co-operation +between infantry and artillery. + +For this operation, skilfully planned and most gallantly and +successfully carried out, the Division received great praise. The +casualties were 70 officers and 1,700 other ranks. (A very full +account of this operation can be found in the fourth volume of _The +Great World War_, published by the Gresham Publishing Company, +Limited.) + +Other incidents of the tour in the Salient were the gallant voluntary +assistance rendered on the 6th July 1915 by Lieut. Smith, 1st North +Staffords (died of wounds), with his grenadier party to a post of the +41st Brigade which was being heavily attacked, and which brought him +the thanks of General Allenby, commanding V Corps; the enemy gas +attack of 19th December 1915, when no actual attack was launched +against the Division, and the minor operations near Turco Farm and +Morteldje Estaminet on 19th-22nd April 1916. Certain trenches, D20 and +21 and Willow Walk, were much overlooked by High Command Redoubt, some +150 yards away. The Germans throughout the 19th April heavily +bombarded these trenches, and succeeded in seizing them at night. One +company 8th Bedfords and two companies Y. and L. delivered a +counter-attack in the early hours of 20th April, but could not retake +the position. The Brigadier-General therefore decided to bombard them +steadily throughout the 21st, and recapture them on the night +21st/22nd April with three companies of the K.S.L.I., then in Brigade +Reserve. This was brilliantly accomplished in spite of the very heavy +going, and the line firmly re-established, but with the loss of +Lt.-Col. Luard, commanding K.S.L.I., who died of wounds. It was found +that the enemy had dug good new trenches in several places, and +equipped them with steel loop-hole plates, and these were occupied +thankfully by our men. The general state of the trenches, commanded as +they were by the enemy's positions, in the water-logged Ypres Salient +during the winter of 1915-1916 defies description, and all praise must +be given to the regimental officers and men for their hard work +and cheerfulness under most depressing conditions. + +Mention must be made of the thirty-five-mile march to Croix Dubac to +assist in an extensive raid by the Anzac Corps, made by the 24th +Brigade, R.F.A., at the shortest notice. The brigade was away ten +days. + +During this period the principal change which occurred in the Order of +Battle of the Division was the arrival of the 71st Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. M. Shewen) instead of the 17th Infantry Brigade, which +took the place of the former in the 24th Division. Consequent on this +was a redistribution of battalions to brigades--the 1st Leicestershire +Regiment, from the 16th Infantry Brigade, and the 2nd Sherwood +Foresters, from the 18th Infantry Brigade, being transferred to the +71st Infantry Brigade in exchange for the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment +and the 11th Essex Regiment respectively. These exchanges took +place--the former on the 18th November 1915, the latter on the 28th +October 1915. On 1st April the 11th Leicestershire Regiment (Pioneers) +joined from the United Kingdom. + +On the 11th June the 5th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment left the +Division, and on 11th October the 2nd London Regiment; on the 26th +November the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment was transferred to the 1st +Division, and on the 28th November the Queen's Westminsters left to +join the 56th Division, the 14th D.L.I. arriving the same day to take +their place in the 18th Infantry Brigade. On the 13th October the +2/2nd West Riding (later the 459th) Field Company joined. Machine-gun +companies took their place--the 18th M.G.C. in January, the 16th +M.G.C. in February, and the 71st M.G.C. in March 1916. Medium T.M.s +came into being in May 1916, and L.T.M.s in August 1916. The cyclist +company and the squadron of Northamptonshire Yeomanry also left during +this period on becoming Corps troops. + +The changes in the Divisional Artillery were numerous. On 12th May the +12th Brigade, R.F.A., was broken up--the 87th Battery going to the +2nd Brigade, and the 43rd Battery to the 24th Brigade; each +battery giving one section to form "D" Battery, 38th Brigade, which +latter replaced the 34th Battery transferred on 15th February to a +T.F. Division. The 86th Battery had previously been transferred from +the 12th Brigade, R.F.A., to another Division. The 38th Brigade later +became an Army Brigade, R.F.A. + +On the 14th November 1915 Major-Gen. C. Ross, D.S.O., assumed command +of the Division, on the appointment of Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, +V.C., to the command of the XIII Corps. Lt.-Col. J. M. Shea (now +Major-Gen. Sir J. M. Shea, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.) was succeeded as +G.S.O.1 on the 5th July 1915 by Lt.-Col. G. F. Boyd, D.S.O., D.C.M., +who finished the war as Major-General commanding the 46th Division. On +the 29th February 1916 Major W. E. Ironside, who has since reached the +position of Major-General commanding the Allied Forces at Archangel, +was succeeded as G.S.O.2 by Major L. P. Evans of the Black Watch, who +subsequently, after winning the V.C. as a Battalion Commander, +finished the War in command of an Infantry Brigade. + +A history of the Division would hardly be complete without a short +reference to "The Admiral." Many of those who knew and liked him well +by that name probably never knew him by any other. Lieut. Smith was an +owner driver in charge of a convoy of 'buses with the Royal Naval +Division at Antwerp, whence he escaped to France. In October 1914 he +seized the opportunity of an officer requiring to be taken up to join +his unit, to make his way with his car to the front. Arrived there he +contrived to get himself attached to the 6th Division Headquarters, +remaining with them until he was reported missing on the 10th June +1916. Consumed with a good healthy hatred of the enemy, and keen to be +of assistance in any way that he could, he devoted the greater part of +the time he was with the Division to experimenting with bullet-proof +shields on wheels to be propelled by manpower, a sort of embryonic +tank. His ambition was himself to take the first of these into action. +At last he was offered an opportunity of co-operating with a small +3-man pattern in a minor raid near Forward Cottage. What success he +might have achieved it is impossible to say, as in his eagerness he +preceded the shield by several yards to show the crew the way and was +hit in the neck by a splinter from a bomb. The name of Admiral's Road, +given to the road past Crossroads Farm and Forward Cottage, +commemorates the incident of which it was the scene. Later "The +Admiral" turned his attention to Bangalore torpedoes, in the use of +which he trained the unauthorised party which had long existed under +the name of the 6th Division Shield Party. With them he took part in +many raids and minor enterprises, one of which earned him the D.S.O. +On the 10th June he was reported missing from a patrol of the 9th +Norfolk Regiment, and nothing has since been heard of him. For nearly +two years he contrived to serve voluntarily with the Division, nobody +quite knows in what capacity or by what authority, and during that +time he endeared himself to all by his unfailing good nature and +cheeriness, his whole-hearted enthusiasm and his lack of fear. + +It may here be mentioned that during its last "rest" the Division +carried out very hard training over dummy trenches for an attack on +the Pilkem Ridge, in conjunction with the Guards. This attack was +abandoned when the Division moved to the Somme, but it formed the +basis of the very successful attack delivered by the Guards and Welsh +Divisions in July 1917. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE SOMME + +1916 + + +At the end of July the Division was at last relieved from the Salient, +where it had suffered nearly 11,000 casualties during its thirteen +months' sojourn, and went south by train to join the Fifth Army. + +The greater part of August was spent on the Ancre, on the front +opposite Beaumont-Hamel, making preparations for an attack which was +eventually abandoned for a time. + +After a short period in reserve the Division was moved, between 6th +and 8th September, to join the XIV Corps, Fourth Army (Lt.-Gen. Lord +Cavan), to which corps it had for some time belonged up north. The XIV +Corps was the right corps of the British attack, and had its right on +the north bank of the Somme. In a succession of hard-fought battles +the Fourth Army (Gen. Sir H. S. Rawlinson) had pushed the Germans back +a considerable distance; units were feeling the strain badly, and +fresh troops were needed. + +On 9th September a successful attack had given us Ginchy and Leuze +Wood, but the Germans were holding very strongly the high ground which +lies in the form of a horseshoe between the above-named points, and +which dominates the country for some distance to the south. The +trenches followed the shape of the spur roughly at the back end of the +horseshoe, and covered access was given to them by a sunken road +leading back to the deep valley which runs north from Combles. + +At the top of the spur, just south of the railway and communicating +with the sunken road, was a four-sided trench in the form of a +parallelogram of some 300 yards by 150 yards, called by us the +Quadrilateral. + +It was this strong point and the adjoining trenches which had held up +the advance of the Fourth Army on the 9th September, and it was the +first task of the 6th Division to obliterate the horseshoe and +straighten the line preparatory to a general attack on the 15th +September. + +On 12th September attacks by the 56th Division on the south and the +Guards on the north reduced the neck of the horseshoe, or pocket, to +about 500 yards, but could not close it. The situation within the +horseshoe was undefined, and the exact positions of the Quadrilateral +and other trenches were not known, owing to the bad flying weather. +Even our own positions were in doubt, as almost every vestige of +roads, railways and even villages had disappeared under the continuous +bombardments. + +On night 11/12th September the 71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. J. F. +Edwards) relieved part of the Guards Division and the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. L. Osborn), part of the 56th Division, with +orders on the 13th September to straighten the line by capturing the +Quadrilateral. The 71st Infantry Brigade attacked with the Foresters +north of the railway and 9th Suffolk Regiment south of the railway, +while the 8th Bedford Regiment, who were close to the Quadrilateral on +the north-east of the Leuze Wood, co-operated by bombing up the trench +towards it. The artillery co-operation was weak, observation being +difficult, and though the troops advanced with the greatest gallantry +the northern attack could only make 500 yards, and the southern attack +of the 71st Infantry Brigade still less, while casualties from the +enemy artillery and machine-gun fire were very large. + +A second attack at 6 p.m. the same day succeeded in bringing our line +to about 250 yards from the Strong Point, and in getting touch on the +right with the 16th Infantry Brigade. + +Preparations were now made to include the Quadrilateral in the +general attack of the 15th September instead of making it a subsidiary +operation--a situation which recurred two years later almost to a day +in the attack on Holnon Village, and which had similar results. + +The British objective for the 15th September was +Gueudecourt-Flers-Lesboeufs-Morval--the XIV Corps (Guards and 6th +Division) to capture the two latter. It was the first occasion on +which tanks were employed, and as far as the Division was concerned +was a failure, for of the three allotted to the 6th Division two broke +down before starting, and the third, moving off in accordance with +orders long before the infantry, had its periscope shot off, its +peep-holes blinded, was riddled by armour-piercing bullets, and had to +come back without achieving anything. This again found a parallel in +the attack on the Quadrilateral, near St. Quentin, on 18th September +1918, when the tanks were ineffective. + +To facilitate the movement of the tanks a gap of about 200 yards had +been left in the creeping barrage. This gap unfortunately coincided +with the strongest point of the Quadrilateral. The barrage, moreover, +had passed over the German trenches by the time the infantry advanced; +the latter had, consequently, to attack up the glacis-like slopes +without any artillery support except the bombardment. This, owing to +the enemy's trenches not having been accurately located, was +ineffective. + +The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked on a battalion front--one company +of the Bedfords bombing up the trench from Leuze Wood, and the +remainder over the open to the north against the south-west face. The +Buffs and York and Lancasters supported the attack, but in spite of +the greatest gallantry could not take the Strong Point. + +The 1st Leicesters and the Norfolks, passing through the entrenched +Foresters and Suffolks, attacked the Quadrilateral from the north-west +with equal drive, but they too failed. Some ground, however, was +made, and by 10 a.m. the 16th Infantry Brigade on the south, and the +71st Infantry Brigade on the north, were digging in close to the +enemy's wire and trenches. + +During the day constant reports arrived that the Guards had gained +their objectives, and that tanks and cheering men were moving through +Lesboeufs. It was not until the following morning that this report +was proved to be incorrect, and that it was Flers which had been +captured. In the meantime it appeared to the Divisional G.O.C. +(General Ross) that the prospect of a break-through on a large scale +was prejudiced solely by the repulse of the 6th Division. He therefore +ordered a night attack on the flanks of the Quadrilateral to be +executed by two battalions of the 18th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. R. +J. Bridgford). These battalions, the 2nd Durham Light Infantry and the +11th Essex, moved round after dark and attacked; the former from the +north, the latter from the south-east to the left of the 16th Infantry +Brigade. The 11th Essex lost direction, while the 2nd D.L.I. bombed +down a trench only to find that it did not lead into the Strong Point. +Except on the 6th Divisional front and at High Wood, which was +captured during the night, the whole line had advanced, and it was a +bitter blow to the Division to think that their sacrifices had been in +vain. + +On the night of the 16/17th September the 18th Infantry Brigade +relieved the sorely-tried 71st Infantry Brigade, and fresh +preparations were made for an attack, on the 18th, of the +Quadrilateral, which had been strongly reinforced by the enemy through +the sunken road. + +The K.S.L.I. dug themselves in with their left on the railway, so as +to assault the south-west face of the Strong Point. The weather having +cleared, the trenches were now carefully located from the air and +heavily bombarded, and on the 18th September, under both a stationary +and creeping barrage, and with the York and Lancasters bombing up +the trench from Leuze Wood, and the 18th Infantry Brigade (West Yorks +and 14th Durham Light Infantry) attacking the north-west face and the +trench running north from the Quadrilateral, this redoubtable Strong +Point was at last captured with comparatively small loss after what +must be conceded as a magnificent defence, and which had cost the +Division upwards of 3,500 casualties. Nine machine-guns and 160 +unwounded prisoners were taken in the Quadrilateral and many Germans +killed. + +The Quadrilateral once captured, the advance was carried forward for +1,000 yards to within half a mile of Morval and Lesboeufs. These, +which were the original objectives on the 13th September, were now to +be attacked on the 25th September. Relieved for rest on the 16th, the +Division came in again on 21st September, and dug good assembly +trenches. The most forward portion of the line taken over by the +Division consisted of 250 yards of one of the main German trenches, +which was held by the Germans on both flanks for some distance. +Fortunately we were in possession of the communication trench leading +up to it, and during the three nights after taking over considerable +excitement and amusement were caused by the occasional arrival of +German ration parties at our part of the trench, having failed to hit +off the part occupied by their own troops. Uttering many guttural +oaths these fled for their lives, speeded up by our machine and Lewis +guns. A few prisoners were captured in this way, and some valuable +information obtained. Spurred on apparently by the loss of their +rations, the Germans attacked on the 24th September both flanks of +this trench under cover of a mist, but were driven back without +reaching it, except on the extreme right. Here they entered a bombing +post, but were ejected, leaving one officer and twelve other ranks +dead and an unwounded prisoner, while our casualties were practically +nil. + +The objective allotted to the Division for the 25th September was the +ground between the north end of Morval (attacked by 5th Division) +and the road which passes through the centre of Lesboeufs. At 12.35 +p.m. the attack was launched--the 16th Infantry Brigade on the right +gaining the first objective with the Buffs, and the final objective +with K.S.L.I. and the Y. and L. On the left the 2nd D.L.I. and the +Essex captured the first objective, and the West Yorks and two +companies 14th D.L.I. the final objective. This was one of the most +successful battles on the Somme--thanks to good weather and +observation, a carefully arranged creeping barrage, and a sound +preliminary bombardment. + +The Division captured over 500 prisoners, 6 machine-guns, and 4 heavy +trench-mortars. Tanks were not used. We here turned the tables on the +52nd Division, 26th Reserve Corps, our old opponents at Ypres, where +the ground was all in their favour and where they had proved +troublesome antagonists. + +After consolidating its ground the Division was relieved by the 20th +Division on 30th September, and the long struggle began for the +possession of the high ground overlooking the Bapaume-Le Transloy +Road. + +On 7th October the XIV Corps (20th and 56th Divisions) attacked +with only partial success, and the 6th Division was brought in +again on night 8/9th October for a general attack on the 12th +October. The enemy had dug a series of trenches named by us +Rainbow--Cloudy--Misty--Zenith, etc., a portion of which had been +captured by us, making a somewhat pronounced salient. All three +brigades were in the line, with one battalion in front trenches, the +71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. E. Feetham) being in the salient, +with the 16th Infantry Brigade on the right and the 18th Infantry +Brigade on the left. The objective of the attack of the 12th October +was the line of trenches running north from Le Transloy. + +At 2.5 p.m. the flank brigades attacked, but with only partial +success. The failure to make ground, which was general all along +the British front, was attributed to want of surprise, as we had +bombarded the position for two days, and always attacked in the early +afternoon. Further, the ground was very heavy and observation +extremely bad. The Germans were fresh troops, and fought well. Perhaps +more than anything it was due to the effect of their machine-gun fire. +Taught by our creeping barrage that machine-guns in the front line +were useless, the enemy had drawn them across the valley towards the +road, and caught our advance over the brow of the rise with accurate +distant machine-gun fire. + +Changing the time of zero, the attack was renewed at 5.35 a.m. on the +15th October, the 18th Infantry Brigade on the left (2nd D.L.I. and +11th Essex) attempting to seize those portions of Cloudy and Mild +trenches still held by the enemy, while the Sherwood Foresters on +their right attacked some gun pits which lay about 200 yards in front +of their line. This latter attack succeeded, but with the great loss +of Colonel Hobbs, O.C. The Foresters, who died of his wounds. The left +attack made a little ground. A final attempt to push forward the line +was made on the 18th October by the 9th Norfolks, but was only +partially successful. + +On 20th October the Division (less artillery) was relieved and moved +to the First Army, going into Corps Reserve of the I Corps, with +Divisional Headquarters at Béthune and the units in the town and +surrounding area. + +The artillery of the Division (Brig.-Gen. E. S. Cleeve, C.R.A.) had +first come into action on the Somme on the 3rd September, supporting +the attack of the 16th Division on Guillemont. It was grouped and +re-grouped in accordance with the requirements of the situation, but +never as a whole covered the operations of the Division. + +On the 9th November it was withdrawn and marched to First Army area, +where for about a month it covered the 56th Division, XI Corps, with +6th D.A.H.Q. at La Gorgue, rejoining the Division in I Corps in +December. Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce replaced Brig.-Gen. Cleeve +as C.R.A. on 25th October. + +The Division had taken part as a whole in three general attacks on the +Somme (15th and 25th September and 12th October), and had also carried +out subordinate operations on 13th and 18th September and 18th +October. + +It had suffered casualties amounting to 277 officers and 6,640 other +ranks, and had well earned a rest. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +LOOS SALIENT + +1916-17 + + +On 25th November the Division took over the La Bassée sector, which +included the famous Givenchy Ridge and Cuinchy Brickstacks. After +about a month it side-stepped to the Cambrin-Hohenzollern Quarries +front of about 5,500 yards, where it remained until the 28th February +1917. All this front had a most evil repute, but so exhausted was the +enemy by the Somme fighting that this four months' trench sojourn +proved the quietest the Division ever experienced, except before the +storm of March 1918, and the casualties would have been far fewer had +it not been for several raids carried out by us. + +The machine-guns of the Division were strengthened on 15th December by +the arrival of the 192nd M.G. Company, and on 2nd January 1917 +Lt.-Col. G. F. B. Goldney, D.S.O., succeeded Lt.-Col. H. R. S. +Christie as C.R.E., the latter having been nearly a year with the +Division. + +On the 1st March the Division took over a 11,000 yards' front +extending north from the Double Crassier at Loos with sectors +Loos--14bis--Hulluch--Hohenzollern, all three brigades being in line +and a brigade of the 21st Division also which came under the command +of G.O.C., 6th Division. + +March and the first portion of April were notable for raids and +counter-raids, and for considerable artillery and trench-mortar +activity, which gave place to more or less continuous fighting +consequent on the withdrawal of the enemy opposite the right of the +Division after the successful attack by the Canadians at Vimy. + +Notice was received on the morning of the 13th April that a +withdrawal was contemplated by the enemy opposite part of the +Divisional front. The right section of the front was at that time held +by the 16th Infantry Brigade, with the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment +on its right. On the 13th April the withdrawal commenced, the enemy +being so closely followed up by the York and Lancaster Regiment that +by 6.20 p.m. the brigade was able to report the Railway Triangle in +our occupation, and the whole of the battalion in the enemy's +trenches. Our troops were into the enemy's dug-outs before the candles +left by them had burnt out. + +The policy laid down for the Division was that the enemy was to be +closely followed up wherever he fell back, but that our troops were +not to be committed to a serious engagement. In accordance with these +instructions the enemy's trenches were subjected to heavy bombardment, +with pauses during which patrols were sent forward and occupied as +much ground as they could. This policy was maintained for four days, +during which the 16th Infantry Brigade pressed the enemy with such +vigour, within the limits allowed to it, that he was evidently rushed +rather farther back than had been his intention, and began to become +apprehensive as to his hold on Hill 70. The opposition stiffened on +the 15th April, and on the 16th a counter-attack drove the 1st The +Buffs back slightly, but was unsuccessful against the 8th Bedfordshire +Regiment on the right. An advanced post of the latter battalion put up +a very fine defence and maintained its position. A further attack on +this battalion on the following day again failed to shake the defence. + +On the 16th April a systematic bombardment of the trenches on Hill 70 +was commenced, and authority was given for a slightly greater +employment of force. Attacks on the 18th and 19th April, by the 1st +K.S.L.I. and the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment, gained some ground and +gave us between forty and fifty prisoners. + +By this time continuous fighting, under very trying weather +conditions, had exhausted the 16th Infantry Brigade. In order to +maintain the pressure it became necessary to withdraw battalions from +the front of the other brigades and to put them straight in on the +offensive front, replacing them by the battalions withdrawn from that +front. + +An attack by the 14th D.L.I. on the 21st April in conjunction with the +left of the 46th Division, who by this time had relieved the 24th on +the right of the 6th Division, yielded thirty-five prisoners and two +machine-guns, and disposed of a strong machine-gun nest on the Double +Crassier Railway which had been holding up our right. Two +counter-attacks were repelled, and on the 22nd April the 14th D.L.I. +and the 11th Essex Regiment delivered a combined attack. The 14th +D.L.I. secured the whole of their objective, with forty-six prisoners +and three machine-guns, but the 11th Essex Regiment was unable to gain +any ground. The 46th Division had been prevented by uncut wire from +co-operating in the attack, with the result that the 14th D.L.I., +after enduring a very heavy bombardment with exemplary determination, +were eventually sniped and machine-gunned out of the captured line +from the houses on their right. Eventually the position stabilized +itself, with the enemy in possession of Nash Alley. + +During ten days the Division had been engaged in continuous fighting +on the front of one brigade, whilst holding with the other two a front +of approximately 7,000 yards. Four battalions from other brigades, in +addition to its own four, had passed through the hands of the 16th +Infantry Brigade which was conducting the fighting. Battalions +relieved from the fighting front one night were put straight into the +line elsewhere on the following night, and battalions which had +already done a long continuous tour in the trenches were relieved one +night, put into the fighting front on the following night, and +twenty-four hours later had to deliver an attack. The enemy, concerned +about the fate of Hill 70, concentrated a very formidable +artillery on the narrow front involved, and the bombardments and +barrages on the front of attack were of exceptional severity. The +extent to which the Division was stretched on the rest of its front is +exemplified by two incidents. On one occasion an enemy raid penetrated +both our front and support lines without being detected or meeting +anyone, and came upon our reserve line by chance at the only place on +the front of the brigade concerned where there was one company in that +line. At another part of the front it was found, when normal +conditions were restored, that in an abandoned part of our front line +between two posts, the enemy had actually made himself so much at home +that he had established a small dump of rations and bombs. + +For the manner in which the Division had followed up and pressed the +enemy withdrawal it received the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief. + +On the 26th June 1917 the 46th Division was engaged on our right in +active operations in the outskirts of Lens. The 2nd Sherwood Foresters +and the 9th Norfolk Regiment were placed at the disposal of the 46th +Division for these operations. The 9th Norfolk Regiment was not +actively engaged, but the 2nd Sherwood Foresters, used in the later +stages of the attack, fought with great gallantry and suffered fairly +heavily. + +On the 25th July the Division was relieved after a continuous tour in +the Loos front of just under five months--a period of particularly +bitter and severe trench warfare. Trench-mortaring was continuous on +both sides on the greater part of the front held, and shelling heavy. +The artillery suffered no less severely than the infantry, owing to +the very restricted choice of positions and the advantages of the +observation enjoyed by the enemy. Raids and counter-raids were +numerous. An analysis of the diary shows that during the six months +from the end of January to the end of July the Division carried out +30 raids, of which 13 were successful in obtaining their objective +and securing prisoners (total for the 13 raids: 54), 11 secured their +objective but failed to yield any prisoners, and only 6 definitely +failed. During the same period the enemy attempted 21 raids, of which +only 4 succeeded in taking prisoners, 5 entered our trenches without +securing any prisoners, and 12 were entire failures. Three of the +enemy's attempted raids yielded us prisoners, and 4 yielded +identifications. The low average of prisoners taken by us in +successful raids is attributable to two causes--first the +extraordinary precautions taken by the enemy in the latter part of the +period to avoid losing prisoners by evacuating his trenches on the +slightest alarm or remaining in his dug-outs, and secondly the +fierceness engendered in our troops by the severity of the +bombardment, and particularly of the trench-mortaring to which they +were normally subjected. + +A very successful battalion raid by the 1st The Buffs on the 24th +June, which yielded 15 prisoners, might have made a better showing if +it had not followed closely on the receipt of the mail containing +accounts of an enemy bombing raid on Folkestone. + +It is invidious to differentiate among so many carefully prepared and +gallantly executed enterprises, but a reference to the successful +battalion raid of the 11th Essex Regiment on the 24th March, to the +raid carried out by the 14th D.L.I. on the 15th June, in the early +morning which caught the Germans at breakfast, and particularly to the +combined raid by the 2nd D.L.I. and the 11th Essex Regiment on the +28th June, will perhaps be forgiven. The latter was an exceptionally +fine performance. It was carried out in connection with the operations +of the 46th Division already referred to, by one company from each of +the two battalions. Everything possible had been done beforehand to +induce the enemy to expect attack on the front of the Division, yet +these two companies succeeded in establishing and maintaining +themselves for one hour in the enemy's line, though constantly +counter-attacked. They inflicted very heavy casualties on the enemy, +who counter-attacked both over the open and by bombing along the +trenches. It was on this occasion that 2/Lieut. F. B. Wearne, late +11th Essex Regiment, won the V.C. Mention ought also to be made of the +very gallant repulse of an enemy raid by the 1st K.S.L.I. and the 1st +The Buffs on the 7th July. In one post of the 1st K.S.L.I. one wounded +Lewis gunner, the only survivor of his post from the enemy +bombardment, kept his gun in action and beat off the raiders. + +On the 25th July the Division was relieved by the Canadians, with a +view to an attack by the latter on Hill 70, and withdrew into rest in +the Monchy Breton area with Divisional Headquarters at Ourton. + +A feature of this period of rest was the very successful two-day rifle +meeting, held on the Monchy-Breton Range. + +During the month's rest out of the line Major-Gen. Ross left the +Division, being succeeded in command by Major-Gen. T. O. Marden, +C.M.G., on the 19th August, and Brig.-Gen. Feetham, C.B., C.M.G., left +the 71st Infantry Brigade to assume command of the 39th Division, in +command of which he was killed in March 1918. + +From the 31st July to the 5th August the 1st Leicestershire Regiment +and 9th Norfolk Regiment were away from the Division, lent to the 57th +Division to assist in a relief at the time of the gas shelling of +Armentières. + +On the 24th to the 27th August the Division was relieving the +Canadians on the Hill 70 front. The month spent in that sector was one +of hard work for all ranks consolidating the newly won position, but +was without important incident. + +On the 24th September the Division side-stepped into the Cité St. +Emile sector just north of Lens, and commenced preparations for an +attack north of Lens, to be carried out in conjunction with the +projected attack by the Canadian Corps on Sallaumines Hill. This +project was, however, abandoned, and on the 23rd October the +Division was withdrawn into rest in the St. Hilaire area, west of +Lillers. + +Six days later it commenced its march south to the Riencourt area, to +join the Third Army for the Battle of Cambrai. + +The 11th Leicesters (Pioneers) had gone north to the II Corps, to work +on light railway construction near Dickebusch on 2nd July 1917. Their +absence was much felt by the Division, and in view of the approaching +operations they were welcomed back on 6th November, when they brought +with them a letter from G.O.C., II Corps (Lt.-Gen. Jacob) +congratulating them on their excellent work. + +Before leaving the subject of the tour of the Division in the +Loos-Lens front, some reference ought to be made to the successes won +during that period by the Division in horse shows. After practically +sweeping the board in all events at the I Corps show for which it was +eligible to enter, the Division secured seven first and eight second +prizes at the First Army show, as well as the cup for the best R.A. +turn-out presented by G.O.C., R.A., First Army, and also that for the +best R.E. turn-out, presented by the C.E., First Army. + +The Divisional Ammunition Column secured prizes for the two best teams +of mules, the best single mule, and the best light draught horse. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +CAMBRAI + +1917 + + +The general situation on the British Western Front in November 1917, +though fairly universally known to-day, may now be outlined, and the +hopes and aims which led to the Cambrai offensive be touched on +shortly. The prolonged and hard-fought attacks in Flanders by the +British, and in other portions of the front by the French, had caused +the enemy to concentrate his forces in the threatened sectors, +denuding those portions of the line which appeared reasonably safe and +quiet. The Cambrai sector was included among the latter, for not only +was the ground very open, forbidding to us the unseen concentration of +the large forces and masses of heavy artillery which at that period +were deemed essential, but also the Hindenburg Line was immensely +strong and the trenches so wide that the tanks in use by us could not +cross them. + +This enemy sector was, therefore, particularly suitable for surprise +by us, as it was deemed by the enemy to be unassailable. + +The Hindenburg Line ran north-west for six miles from the St. Quentin +Canal at Banteux to Havrincourt on the Canal du Nord, where it bent +sharply north for four miles to Moeuvres, thus making a pronounced +salient. The Commander-in-Chief's plan was to smash the salient, to +occupy the high ground overlooking Cambrai--notably the Bourlon Wood +Ridge--push cavalry through the gap in order to disorganise +communications and the arrival of reinforcements, and to roll up the +enemy's defences to the north-west. + +The French held considerable forces in the immediate vicinity +to exploit successes. It was reckoned that the enemy could not +reinforce his front under forty-eight hours. Everything depended in +the first instance on successful surprise, and in the second on +securing within forty-eight hours the important tactical points within +the salient. The difficulties of surprise, which were many and +serious, were most successfully overcome, but the enterprise failed +eventually because the key points were not seized. + +The principal factors operating against success were the limited hours +of daylight and the long distances to be traversed both by men and by +tanks, which, though vastly improved since 1916, were still very slow. +There was also, in the case of securing the high ground west of +Cambrai, the canal to be crossed by tanks. While smashing in the +enemy's salient we ourselves were making a salient, extending our +front, as far as the Third Army was concerned, from a straight 7,000 +yards to a curving 15,000 yards, thus affording the enemy a chance of +a blow at the sides and hinges of the salient, of which he availed +himself to good purpose ten days after our initial attack. + +To ensure success the troops which were to undertake operations +practised with tanks in back areas, and officers and men went through +the operation on a carefully made ground model without being aware +what ground it represented. Units were brought up just before the 20th +of November, the day of the attack, marching by night and hiding in +villages and woods by day. In some cases battalions were quartered in +flat canvas erections, looking like ammunition or supply dumps. The +6th Division were fortunate in being in woods and destroyed villages. +No unusual activity on ground or in the air was allowed, no guns +registered as had been usual, even the Home mails were stopped for a +short period, and a screen of the troops which had held the line for +some time was kept in front trenches to the last. Under General Byng's +initiative the difficulty of tanks crossing the wide Hindenburg +Line trenches was overcome by each tank carrying on its brow a huge +faggot which it deposited in the trench at its selected crossing-place, +and which gave its tail a purchase to enable it to climb the opposite +side of the trench. The ground was very suitable for tanks, as it was +moderately hard grass land, and the first portion of the attack on +much of the front was downhill. + +The III Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Pulteney) was on the right, and +consisted of the 12th, 20th, and 6th Divisions, which attacked in the +order named. The left corps (IV) consisted of the 51st and 62nd +Divisions. These covered the six miles with an average frontage of one +and a half miles. The 6th Division attacked on the front Villers +Plouich-Beaucamps, with the 71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. P. W. +Brown) on the left next to the 51st Division, the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. H. A. Walker) on the right next to the 20th +Division. These two brigades were to advance about 3,000 yards to the +first objective (Ribécourt and spur to south-east of it), and another +1,000 yards to the second objective (support system). The 18th +Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. G. S. G. Craufurd) was ordered to advance +through the 71st Infantry Brigade and secure the third objective about +a mile farther on (Premy Chapel Ridge), throwing back a defensive +flank towards Flesquières for the further operations of the 51st +Division on its left and securing the flank of the 29th Division on +its right. The latter division passing through the right of the 6th +Division and the left of the 20th Division, was charged with securing +the crossings of the St. Quentin Canal at Marcoing and Masnières and +seizing the high ground at Rumilly, thus facilitating exploitation to +the south-east, preventing a concentration against the widely +stretched defensive flanks of the III Corps and threatening Cambrai. + +The Divisional Artillery was reinforced during the first part of the +operations by the 17th Brigade of the 29th Division and the 181st +Brigade of the 40th Division, as well as by two R.H.A. Brigades. +Batteries moved into position and camouflaged their guns. No +registration could, of course, take place, but long practice enabled +the gunners to put down a very accurate barrage without this +desideratum. + +Opposite the Division the Hindenburg Line commenced with an outpost +line 750 yards distant on the left and 250 yards on the right. This +was out of sight of our front trenches by reason of the curve of the +ground. Half a mile behind this came the main system, consisting of +two trenches 200 yards apart, the whole guarded by most formidable +belts of wire about 150 yards in depth. The interval between outpost +and main systems was sown with well-sighted and concealed machine gun +positions. A mile farther on, and on the opposite side of the valley +for the most part, ran the support system, similar to the main system. +One and a half miles farther back again was the reserve system, of +which only machine-gun dug-outs were completed, and a small amount of +wire had been erected. + +Two battalions of tanks, each of thirty-six tanks, were allotted to +the Division. "B" Battalion (Lt.-Col. E. D. Bryce, D.S.O.) operated +with the 16th Infantry Brigade, and "H" Battalion (Lt.-Col. Hon. C. +Willoughby) with the 71st Infantry Brigade. The 18th Infantry Brigade +advanced without tanks. The only points which caused anxiety, provided +that the tanks functioned satisfactorily, were Couillet Wood on the +right of the 16th Infantry Brigade front, in which tanks could not +operate, and Ribécourt Village on the left of the 71st Infantry +Brigade front. + +The former was successfully cleared by the Buffs, and the latter +gallantly captured by the 9th Norfolk Regiment; the 11th Essex +clearing and securing it for the advance of the 18th Infantry Brigade, +while the 71st Infantry Brigade attacked the second objective. + +The 18th Infantry Brigade pushed through the 71st Infantry Brigade +and secured Premy Chapel Ridge in good time, and rendered great +assistance to the 51st Division on our left, who were held up at +Flesquières by guns in the valley picking off the tanks one by one as +they breasted the ridge. The West Yorks and the 2nd D.L.I. each +charged over the Premy Ridge spur and captured a battery at the point +of the bayonet. + +At 3.15 p.m. the cavalry, who would have been of the greatest +assistance in capturing the enemy guns holding up the 51st Division, +reported that they could not advance owing to snipers in Ribécourt. +The village had been in our possession since 10 a.m., and the 18th +Infantry Brigade had passed through it at 11.30, and were now two +miles beyond it. However, the cavalry pushed through patrols before +nightfall to Nine Wood. + +A company of the 9th Suffolk Regiment successfully carried out its +mission of advancing without artillery or tank support, and capturing +the bridge at Marcoing. The Division had a most successful day, with +very light casualties (about 650), capturing 28 officers and 1,227 +other ranks prisoners, 23 guns, and between 40 and 50 machine-guns and +many trench-mortars, and receiving the congratulations of the Corps +Commander. Everything had gone like clockwork: the artillery had +pushed forward to advanced positions to cover the new front before +darkness came on; the machine-guns, under Major Muller, D.M.G.O., were +likewise established in their new forward positions, thanks to careful +arrangements and the use of pack animals; and the 11th Leicesters, +under Major Radford, were repairing and clearing the roads before the +third objective had been secured. The tanks, which had made surprise +possible, were most gallantly handled, and all arrangements most +carefully thought out by Col. A. Courage, D.S.O. + +The next morning the 51st Division captured Flesquières from the +north, and three companies of the 14th D.L.I., moving forward +slightly in advance of them and operating with a squadron of the +Queen's Bays, entered Cantaing ahead of the 51st Division, handing +over subsequently to the 4th Gordons. + +The Buffs, with the assistance of the tanks, completed the clearing of +Noyelles (a village some 2,500 yards north-east of Premy Chapel), +which had been entered the previous day by the 29th Division, and +relieved the latter there. On the night of the 26/27th November the +18th Infantry Brigade extended its left up to the south-east edge of +Cantaing. + +About half a mile of the original front had been handed over to the +29th Division, and the 6th Division now held a rectangular strip 2,500 +yards by 7,000 yards, with the head at Cantaing and Noyelles, and the +rear in the Hindenburg Main Line. The 29th Division had a precarious +hold of the ground across the canal on the right, and the Guards +Division was having hard fighting at Fontaine on the left. + +Comparing the position with the back of a man's left hand, the 6th +Division occupied the third finger, the 29th Division the main finger, +the 20th Division the index finger, the 12th Division the portion +below the index finger down to the lower portion of the thumb when +fully extended, the 55th Division occupied the thumb. Such was the +situation when the enemy delivered a heavy counter-attack, on the +morning of the 30th November, on the 29th, 20th and 12th Divisions of +the III Corps and the 55th Division of the VII Corps, driving the 20th +and 12th Divisions on to the main finger except for a few posts, and +occupying the thumb. + +The Germans reached Gouzeaucourt at about 9 a.m., but were stoutly +opposed by transport details of the 18th Infantry Brigade, who most +gallantly led by Lieut. and Quartermaster J. P. L. Shea, 2nd D.L.I., +and Capt. and Adjutant W. Paul, 1st West Yorks, checked the enemy in a +portion of the village until it was retaken by the Guards about +midday. These two brave officers, whose initiative and sound military +action probably saved the situation from becoming much worse, were +both wounded, and subsequently died of their wounds, a great loss to +their battalions and to the Division. + +A Staff-Officer arrived from the 29th Division about 9 a.m., and +reported their Divisional Headquarters just north-east of Gouzeaucourt +to have been captured and the Germans entering the village, which was +about two miles to the right rear of 6th Divisional Headquarters. The +16th Infantry Brigade, which was in Divisional Reserve in the +Hindenburg Main Line some two miles away, was ordered up to the ridge +between Beaucamps and Gouzeaucourt. Brig.-Gen. Walker, commanding 16th +Infantry Brigade, who was ordered to report to G.O.C., 29th Division, +at Gouzeaucourt, narrowly escaped capture, together with his +Brigade-Major, the enemy now being in possession of the village. +G.O.C., 29th Division, had in the meantime passed through 6th +Divisional Headquarters, and gone forward to his line. + +The situation was now very confused, as all wires to corps had been +cut, but it was evident that there was a gap between 12th and 20th +Divisions, the latter still holding on to La Vacquerie, a strong point +on the ridge two miles east of Beaucamps. The 16th Infantry Brigade +was ordered to retake Gouzeaucourt, aided by some tanks which were at +Beaucamps, and advanced about 3 p.m., but found the Guards already in +the village. It therefore took up a position in the road between +Gouzeaucourt and Villers Plouich, to the left of the Guards, and +prepared to attack Cemetery Ridge between Gonnelieu and La Vacquerie, +so as to re-establish the line. Patrols reported no enemy activity, +and as there were no guns available (all in this sector having been +captured or out of action) the Divisional Commander (Gen. Marden) +thought a surprise attack by moonlight might succeed in capturing this +important ridge before the enemy could reinforce it. An attack +was launched at 1 a.m. hand in hand with 20th Division, but though +most gallantly pushed, failed owing to loss of direction and heavy +enemy machine gun fire. The ridge was captured by a Guards Brigade the +next morning at 6.30 a.m., by the aid of tanks and artillery. + +In the meantime the Reserve Battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade +(14th D.L.I.), and a battalion lent by the 57th Division, took up a +position on Highland Ridge facing east, thus completely securing the +flank. + +On 2nd December the 16th Infantry Brigade was withdrawn and ordered to +relieve 87th Infantry Brigade (29th Division), which had been having +stiff fighting across and astride the canal east of Marcoing. The 14th +D.L.I. (18th Infantry Brigade) were lent to 16th Infantry Brigade and +on the night of 2nd/3rd December occupied the south portion of the +loop across the canal, the K.S.L.I. taking over the north half. The +88th Infantry Brigade (29th Division) held the ground south of the +canal. The whole position was a salient subject to shell, rifle and +machine-gun fire from north, south and east. The 14th D.L.I. position +had no wire, and only hastily dug trenches. At 10.30 a.m., after a +heavy bombardment, the enemy attacked the 14th D.L.I. and the +battalion of the 29th Division south of the canal, penetrating the +trenches, but was counter-attacked and driven out. At 11.30 a.m. he +attacked again with similar results. At 12.15 p.m. he attacked both +D.L.I. and K.S.L.I. and penetrated the right of the D.L.I., but was +again driven out. With a final attack at 12.45 p.m. the enemy +succeeded in forcing both battalions across the canal by sheer weight +of numbers. + +Two companies of the 8th Bedfords now reinforced the 14th D.L.I., and +this force again counter-attacked and recovered the bridge-head at +dusk; the 88th Infantry Brigade, assisted by 2nd Y. and L., having +also counter-attacked successfully south of the canal. Losses were, +however, heavy, and the line was gradually withdrawn under Corps +orders during the next two days to the Hindenburg support system, +which became our front line. The 14th D.L.I. fought magnificently, +losing 15 officers and 262 other ranks, more than half being killed. +Capt. Lascelles, who led two of the counter-attacks and was twice +wounded, here gained his V.C. The 16th M.G.C., both north and south of +the canal, had very heavy losses, but put up a splendid resistance. + +The only other incidents of note were the repulse by the 18th Infantry +Brigade of a half-hearted enemy attack on Cantaing on the 1st +December, and D.H.Q. being three times shelled out of its Headquarters +between 30th November and 9th December. + +During the whole period--20th November to 6th December--the Divisional +Artillery were constantly changing position in order to support the +infantry, either in advance or retirement, as closely as possible. It +was a welcome change to them after the many weary months of position +warfare, and it may be said, without fear of contradiction, that both +brigades and batteries were extremely ably handled, and that the +D.A.C. never left a battery short of ammunition, in spite of very long +distances and rough going. + +On 10th December the Division (less artillery) was withdrawn to rest +in the Basseux area south-west of Arras, after a strenuous three +weeks. + +The Divisional Artillery remained in action, covering the 18th +Division. A little later the 2nd Brigade, R.F.A., was withdrawn to +rest, but the 24th Brigade, R.F.A., continued in the line. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 1918 + +1918 + + +After a month's rest in the Basseux area, during the first few days of +which the 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades were placed at the disposal +of the 3rd Division to relieve two of their brigades on the Bullecourt +front, the Division moved up, commencing on the 17th January to +relieve the 51st Division in the front line between Hermies and +Boursies. A month later it side-stepped northwards, relieving the 25th +Division in the Lagnicourt sector. The period up to the 21st March was +one of steady work on defences, but without special incident, except a +gas-shell attack on the 71st Brigade, which caused a certain amount of +casualties. + +During this period Infantry Brigades were reduced to three battalions +each--the 9th Suffolk Regiment, 8th Bedford Regiment, and 14th Durham +Light Infantry being disbanded between 1st and 16th February. Shortly +afterwards the three Machine-gun Companies and the Divisional +Machine-gun Company were organized into the 6th Machine-gun Battalion, +under the command of Lt.-Col. Rosher, D.S.O., late commanding 14th +D.L.I. + +Some description of the ground and defensive organization of the +Division will not be out of place here. The front held by the Division +was generally on a forward slope opposite the villages of Quéant and +Pronville. + +No Man's Land averaged three-quarters of a mile in width. The whole +area was downland, and very suitable for the action of tanks. The +position lay astride a succession of well-defined broad spurs and +narrow valleys (like the fingers of a partially opened hand), merging +into the broad transverse valley which separated the British line +from the two villages above-mentioned. All the advantages of ground +lay with the defence, and it seemed as if no attack could succeed, +unless by the aid of tanks. A large portion of the front line--notably +the valleys--was sown with 2-in. trench-mortar bombs with instantaneous +fuses, which would detonate under the pressure of a wagon but not of a +man's foot. In addition five anti-tank 18-pounder guns were placed in +positions of vantage. The wire was very broad and thick. The position +would, indeed, have been almost impregnable had there been sufficient +time to complete it, and had there been separate troops for +counter-attack. + +The ground was a portion of that wrested from the enemy in the Cambrai +offensive of November-December 1917, but had only improvised trenches. +A month's hard frost in January had militated against digging, and +though there were a complete front trench and reserve trench, the +support trenches hardly existed, and dug outs were noticeable by their +absence. The front was 4,500 yards in extent, the three brigades in +line--18th on right, 71st in centre, 16th on left--on approximately +equal frontages. The depth from front or outpost zone to reserve or +battle zone was about 2,000 yards. With only three battalions in a +brigade, there was no option but to assign one battalion in each +brigade to the defence of the outpost zones, and keep two battalions +in depth in the battle zone. With battalions at just over +half-strength, and with the undulating nature of the ground, the +defence resolved itself everywhere into a succession of posts with a +very limited field of fire. + +A good corps line called the Vaux-Morchies Line had been dug, the +nearest portion a mile behind the reserve line, and this was held by +the Pioneers and R.E., owing to scarcity of numbers. + +The Right Group, R.F.A. (Lt.-Col. H. Weber), consisting of 2nd Brigade +(less 21st Battery), supported the 18th Infantry Brigade; the Left +Group (Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth), consisting of 24th Brigade, 21st +Battery, and 93rd (Army) Brigade, supported the 16th and 17th Infantry +Brigades. + +Reports from deserters that we were to be heavily attacked were +persistent, and the Division stood to arms twice before 21st March. On +20th March aeroplane photos disclosed ammunition pits for seventy +extra batteries opposite the divisional front, and when at 5 a.m. on +21st March the bombardment commenced, there was no doubt but that a +real offensive had begun. Warning had been given overnight for all +troops to be in battle positions by 5 a.m., but it came too late to +stop working parties, and the reserve battalions of all brigades had +marched ten miles before the battle commenced. + +Fog favoured the Germans in that it prevented us seeing when the +attack was launched, but every credit must be given them for the skill +they evinced and the dash with which they pushed forward and brought +up successive waves of attackers. By concentrating their efforts on +the three main valleys, i.e. Noreuil Valley on our extreme left, +Lagnicourt Valley in the centre and Morchies Valley on our extreme +right, they avoided much of the fire which they would have encountered +on the broad spurs, and thus worked round and isolated the garrisons +of the latter. For five hours the bombardment continued with +tremendous force, first with gas and H.E. on back areas to cut +communications and disorganize reinforcements, later about 7 to 8 a.m. +with smoke and H.E. on the forward system. The intensity of it may be +gauged by the fact that four out of five concealed anti-tank guns were +knocked out by direct hits. + +This bombardment annihilated the garrisons of the forward system, and +few survivors came back to the reserve line. + +The only authenticated accounts of a successful resistance in the +front system were from the 71st Infantry Brigade, where both 9th +Norfolks and 2nd Sherwood Foresters repulsed the first attack. By +10.30 a.m. the enemy had nearly reached Noreuil and had driven back +the 59th Division on our left, leaving the left flank of the 16th +Infantry Brigade in the air, while its right flank went shortly +afterwards, as the enemy captured Lagnicourt, driving in the Sherwood +Foresters in the valley. The 16th Infantry Brigade was gradually +squeezed out towards the corps line, where at 4 p.m. parties from the +Divisional Bombing School counter-attacked and drove the enemy out of +trenches on the immediate left. The 71st Infantry Brigade, with its +right flank secure, threw back a defensive flank south-west of +Lagnicourt, and successfully prevented issue from that village to the +high ground. The enemy broke into Skipton Reserve Strong Point, but +were thrown out again by a counter-attack of Norfolks and Leicesters. + +Coming up a subsidiary valley the enemy nearly drove a wedge between +71st and 18th Infantry Brigades, but the 2nd D.L.I. counter-attacked +gallantly and kept them out till dusk. On the right of the 18th +Infantry Brigade, however, the enemy advanced up the Morchies Valley, +capturing the left trenches of the 51st Division on our right at about +10 a.m. + +The 2nd West Yorks, reinforced by two companies 11th Essex, gallantly +led by Lt.-Col. Boyall, D.S.O., who was subsequently wounded and +captured, drove back three attacks issuing from our support line. The +18th Infantry Brigade held on till 7 p.m. when, in trying to withdraw, +it suffered heavy casualties. The last company was not overwhelmed +till 8.30 p.m. The 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades, therefore, +maintained their hold on the ground Lagnicourt and the Morchies Valley +all day, though the enemy had penetrated far in rear on both flanks. + +When darkness fell the remnants of the Division were back in the corps +line, together with three battalions of the 75th Infantry Brigade +(25th Division), the remaining troops of the Division not being +strong enough to hold the line unaided. The 11th Cheshires were with +18th Infantry Brigade, 2nd South Lancs with 71st Infantry Brigade, and +8th Border Regiment with 16th Infantry Brigade. + +The night was quiet, both sides preparing for the next day's struggle. + +At 7.30 a.m. on 22nd March the 16th Infantry Brigade repulsed an +attack, but the enemy renewed his efforts with great persistence, and +with much heavy bombardment and trench-mortaring, at 9.30 a.m. and +onwards in the vicinity of Vaux and Méricourt Woods. Though frequent +counter-attacks were made, the troops were forced back little by +little from the corps line towards some improvised trenches hastily +dug under the C.R.E.'s (Col. Goldney) direction some 1,000 yards in +rear, and manned partially by men from the Corps Reinforcement Camp +under Major Jones of the 2nd D.L.I. As an example of the tenacious +fighting, a sunken road which contained the Headquarters of the 16th +and 71st Infantry Brigades changed hands three times. Throughout the +day Lt.-Col. Latham, D.S.O., commanding 1st Leicesters, and Lt.-Col. +Dumbell, D.S.O., commanding 11th Battalion Essex Regiment, +distinguished themselves greatly in the defence of their sectors of +the line. On the right of the Division the control had passed by dusk +to the G.O.C., 75th Infantry Brigade (29th Division)--the 18th +Infantry Brigade having only about 100 of all ranks left. On the left +there was a large gap between the 16th Infantry Brigade and the 40th +Division, which had been pushed up towards Vaux Vraucourt, and this +the 6th Division had no troops with which to fill it. The enemy's +pressure on the flanks of the 16th Infantry Brigade and in the centre +on the 71st Infantry Brigade caused the line to fall back on the new +Army line which was being dug and wired. This was done in good order, +and at nightfall the weary remnants of the Division were relieved by +the 41st Division and concentrated in the vicinity of Achiet, the +artillery remaining behind and fighting in the subsequent +withdrawal up to 26th March. + +The Division had put up a resistance of which it had every reason to +be proud, and which won for it the following letter from the G.O.C., +Third Army (General Sir J. Byng):-- + +"I cannot allow the 6th Division to leave the Third Army without +expressing my appreciation of their splendid conduct during the first +stages of the great battle now in progress. + +"By their devotion and courage they have broken up overwhelming +attacks and prevented the enemy gaining his object, namely a decisive +victory. + +"I wish them every possible good luck." + +To this magnificent result all ranks and all arms had contributed, and +it is perhaps invidious to single out special instances for mention. +The gallant stand of the 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades in the +reserve line throughout the whole of the first day has already been +referred to. Other outstanding incidents are the counter-attack by +part of the 2nd D.L.I. against the enemy advancing from our support +line, which relieved the pressure on the reserve line and captured +four machine-guns; the holding out of a post of the West Yorks on the +east side of the Morchies Valley from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. though +completely commanded and surrounded; the counter-attacks by companies +of the 1st Leicestershire Regiment and 9th Norfolk Regiment, which +restored the situation in the Skipton Strong Point just east of +Lagnicourt; that of a company of the 11th Leicestershire Regiment +which drove the enemy out of the corps line when he had established a +footing in it on the afternoon of the 21st; and that of the two +platoons formed from the 16th Infantry Brigade School which regained +posts on the extreme left of the corps line in the Divisional area on +the evening of the 21st. + +Another gallant deed must be mentioned. Sergt. Shales, R.E., and +another signaller went from 18th Infantry Brigade Headquarters to +a distributor station 400 yards distant during the full force of the +bombardment, sorted out and tested wires in the open, and thus +established communication between the front trenches and Battalion +Headquarters. The burying and connecting up of the cable was to have +been completed the day of the attack. + +The casualties in the infantry were extremely heavy, amounting in the +two days to some 3,900 out of a total for the Division of somewhat +over 5,000 engaged, and out of a total trench strength of less than +5,000 infantry. The 18th Infantry Brigade suffered particularly +heavily, being only able to muster in its three battalions 8 officers +and 110 other ranks of those who had been through the fight, including +32 at Battalion Headquarters. + +The Machine-gun Battalion did excellent service and great execution, +many guns remaining in action until the enemy were within a few yards +of them. Its losses were heavy--14 officers and 280 other ranks. + +The field companies suffered heavily, and rendered good service as +infantry. Special mention may be made of the action of 12th Field +Company under Capt. Langley, who rallied some 300 stragglers of +various units and filled a gap between the 18th Infantry Brigade and +troops on its left. + +The 11th Leicesters, under the gallant leading of Major Radford, +fought splendidly, losing 14 officers and over 200 other ranks. + +The artillery performed magnificent services, particularly on the 21st +March. All guns that were not destroyed by the enemy's bombardment +were fought until all the ammunition was expended or the enemy's +infantry reached their position. The gunners enjoyed the novel +experience of firing over open sights and seeing the effect of their +fire, and not only with their guns but with rifles and Lewis guns did +they inflict very heavy casualties on the enemy. The 42nd Battery, +having kept their three forward guns in action after our infantry had +fallen back behind them, succeeded in bringing the two that were not +destroyed away, under the very noses of the enemy and through a heavy +barrage and machine-gun fire. The forward section of the 53rd Battery +had one gun destroyed. Lieut. Reeves got the other into the open, and, +after firing 850 rounds with it over open sights and having exhausted +his ammunition, brought back his detachment and the breech-block. The +forward section of the 87th Battery continued firing until rushed by +the enemy's infantry. Sergt. Pengelly of the 112th Battery, who was in +command of a 15-pounder in an anti-tank position, having had his gun +destroyed in the preliminary bombardment, fought for two days with the +infantry, in command of a platoon, and did great execution himself +with a pickaxe. A forward gun of the 110th Battery was fought until +all its ammunition was expended, and the breech-block was then removed +with the enemy almost on the top of the gun. For over seven hours the +main battery fired on the enemy at ranges from 1,200 to 600 yards, +expending over 2,400 rounds. The forward gun of the 111th Battery, +after expending all its ammunition (500 rounds), largely over open +sights, was withdrawn and brought into action again in the main +position, a team coming up in full view of the enemy, and under very +heavy shelling and a hail of bullets, for the purpose. The 112th +Battery had two guns in action in advance of the corps line. These +remained in action until all their ammunition was expended, and the +detachments then withdrew with all their wounded and the breech-blocks +of their guns, the enemy being by this time actually on the wire of +the corps line. + +The instances quoted are only typical of the conduct of the whole of +the artillery of the Division, which fully justified the very high +reputation it has always enjoyed, and the confidence which the +infantry of the Division has always felt in its own artillery. + +The morning of the 23rd March found the remnants of the Division, +less artillery, assembled about Achiet-le-Grand and Bihucourt. The +survivors of the 18th Infantry Brigade numbered 8 officers and 110 +other ranks; those of the 71st Infantry Brigade 11 officers and 279 +other ranks. Each of these brigades had had a trench strength on the +morning of the 21st of just over 1,800 all ranks. Figures for the 16th +Infantry Brigade are not available. The Division was most fortunate in +having very few senior officers killed, though many were wounded. The +most noticeable casualties among the killed were Major Lyon, 2nd +Brigade, R.F.A., Majors Williamson and Wingate, D.S.O., M.C., R.E., +and Capt. Harbottle, M.C., 1st Leicesters. + +Even after relief the Division was not able to enjoy the rest it had +so richly deserved, and of which it stood so much in need. The further +progress of the enemy's attack and constant alarms necessitated its +preparing and taking up a position of readiness covering Achiet, +throughout the 23rd and the 24th. + +On the 25th March it entrained for the north, to join the Second Army +in its old haunts in the Ypres Salient. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +YPRES SALIENT AGAIN + +1918 + + +On the 30th March, whilst in rest in the neighbourhood of Steenvoorde, +the Division had the honour of a visit from His Majesty the King. +Representative survivors of all ranks from the recent fighting were +drawn up in the square and were inspected by His Majesty, who spoke +most graciously to every individual, questioning all as to their +experiences during the fighting, and thanking them for and +congratulating them on their services. + +At the beginning of April the 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades took +over the front from Broodseinde southwards to Polygon Wood, coming +under the XXII Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir A. Godley). + +The general situation now was that the Flanders front was held by +tired and decimated Divisions withdrawn from the big battle in the +south. These had been brought up to a respectable strength by drafts +from all sources--wounded men belonging to other formations, R.A.S.C., +Labour Battalions, etc., many of whom had received no training in +infantry weapons or methods of fighting. Officers and men were new to +each other, and there was no chance to train as the whole of every +Division was in trenches. + +Against these forces the Germans now opened a determined offensive +from Zandvoorde southwards. + +On the 13th April, as a result of the German successes on the Lys, the +71st Infantry Brigade, which was in reserve, had to be rushed off to +join the 49th Division on the Neuve Eglise front. It returned to the +Division on the 26th April after a pretty rough time, during which +it suffered considerable casualties (about 750), but earned great +praise. A counter-attack delivered by the 9th Norfolk Regiment was a +particularly creditable incident in this period. + +Otherwise the first fortnight in the Salient was without special +incident. On the 16th April, in consequence of the progress made by +the enemy farther to the south, the Salient was reduced in accordance +with plan, and the line withdrawn to the battle zone, where an +advanced force was left out in a line of detached pill-boxes and +works. The enemy followed up cautiously in the afternoon, but the +garrisons of the line of posts by lying low were able in several cases +to catch parties unawares, and a fair number of casualties were +inflicted. One party of twenty-five in particular was annihilated. + +On the 25th April the enemy attacked and captured Kemmel Village and +Hill from the French. This decided the Higher Command to withdraw the +advanced force, and this was successfully carried out on the night of +the 26/27th to the line West end of Zillebeke Lake-White Château. + +Incessant work on the new defences, and heavy shelling, particularly +gas shelling of Ypres, were the only incidents for some time on the +actual front of the Division, though heavy attacks on the 29th April +on the Division on the right, and the enemy's unsuccessful attack on +Ridgewood on the 8th May, kept it on the alert. The Division was on +the edge of the battle, and stood to on several occasions for an +attack on its own front. + +On the 11th to the 14th May the Division side-slipped to the south in +relief of the 19th Division, thus coming next door to the 14th French +Division, and passing to II Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir C. Jacob). On the 28th +May the enemy attacked our neighbours on the right and succeeded in +driving them out of Ridgewood and almost in reaching Dickebusch Lake. +In view of the importance to us of the lost position, and of the +exhausted state of the 14th (French) Division, an offer was made +to co-operate with them in a counter-attack to regain the lost ground. +This was gladly accepted, and on the early morning of the 29th May the +11th Essex Regiment attacked in conjunction with two battalions of +Chasseurs of the 46th (French) Division, which was in process of +relieving the 14th Division, the operation taking place under the +orders of the G.O.C., 14th French Division (General Philipot, the +conqueror of Fez). + +Under a barrage formed by the French and English artillery the 11th +Essex Regiment attacked with great determination, and by the end of +the day had achieved the whole of its share of the task. The two +battalions of the Chasseurs were, unfortunately, not so successful, +with the result that the right of the 11th Essex Regiment was exposed, +and it was unable to hold on to a small part of the ground recovered +on its extreme right. For this action the Division received a letter +of thanks for its "spontaneous" co-operation from General de Mitry, +commanding the French Détachement de l'Armée du Nord. + +The Division remained in the line as next-door neighbours to the +French till the 7th June, when relieved by 33rd Division. Many will +retain pleasant memories of our association with our Allies during the +three to four weeks that we were alongside them, and of the admirable +liaison that existed between us. + +During the period of just under three weeks' rest that it enjoyed on +this occasion the Division had one brigade always at Dirty Bucket Camp +working on rear lines of defence, one training in the St. Jan ter +Biezen area, and one at musketry at Cormette, near Tilques. During +this period, too, the 71st Trench-mortar Battery and the 18th +Trench-mortar Battery were able to be of service to the French, the +former being lent to the 46th Division to assist them in an operation +on 8th June, the latter co-operating with the 7th (French) Division in +a successful raid on the 19th June. + +On the 27th June the Division passed to the XIX Corps (Lt.-Gen. +Sir H. E. Watts) and relieved the 46th French Division (Chasseurs) in +the Dickebusch sector. This was in a very unpleasant front, where the +dominating position of the enemy on Kemmel Hill made movement, even in +the rear lines, impossible by day, and practically all work, of which +there was plenty, had to be done by night. + +The chief incidents of the tour of the Division in this sector were +the successful attack on Ridgewood, the 1st The Buffs daylight raid on +the Brasserie, the sixteen-prisoner night-raid of the 2nd D.L.I. on +the Zillebeke front, and the co-operation of the 18th Infantry Brigade +with the operations of the 41st Division on our right. + +The situation created by the enemy's attack on Ridgewood on the 28th +May had never been satisfactorily restored, in spite of repeated +attempts on the part of the 46th (French) Division. The 6th Division +took over with the determination to put this right on the first +opportunity, profiting by the lessons learnt in the successive attacks +made by the French Chasseurs, which their Division had placed most +unreservedly at our disposal. After careful reconnaissance the 18th +Infantry Brigade, assisted by two companies of the 1st Middlesex +Regiment of the 33rd Division, attacked the enemy at 6 a.m. on the +14th July. The attack delivered by the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment and +the 2nd D.L.I. and the two above-mentioned companies was a complete +success. The enemy, taken entirely by surprise, only offered any +resistance in one or two isolated cases, and the dash and prompt +initiative of the attacking troops soon dealt with these. All +objectives were gained, Ridgewood and Elzenwalle retaken, and 7 +officers, 341 other ranks, 25 machine-guns, and 3 trench-mortars +captured at small cost to the attackers. Large quantities of +trench-mortar ammunition, found dumped close up to the front line, +demonstrated the correctness of the view that the enemy had in +contemplation a resumption of his offensive on this front. For +this the Division received congratulations from the Commander-in-Chief, +the G.O.C., Second Army (General Sir Herbert Plumer), and G.O.C., XIX +Corps. + +The raid of the 1st The Buffs was carried out on the 2nd August. The +objective was the Brasserie and neighbouring farms. The raid, which +was by day and on a fairly extensive scale, was very successful. + +On the 8th August the 41st Division carried out a small operation, in +co-operation with which the 18th Infantry Brigade undertook two minor +operations. That by a company of the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on +the Vierstraat Road was unsuccessful, through no fault of the +attacking infantry, who were held up by machine-guns sited so far +forward that they had escaped our barrage. On the right a company of +the 2nd D.L.I., operating in direct touch with the left of the 41st +Division, was completely successful in carrying out its task. In +connection with operations on this front the Division sustained a +severe loss in Major R. W. Barnett, K.R.R., G.S.O.2, who was killed by +a sniper while reconnoitring on 12th August. + +During July and August the Divisional Artillery was exceptionally +busy. An immense amount of effort was put into the preparation of +forward positions for a large number of batteries to be employed in a +contemplated later offensive. Vast quantities of gun ammunition were +carted nightly, and dumped therein in readiness. + +During the month of August the Division had the pleasure of close +association with our American Allies, part of the 27th American, a New +York Division, doing their attachment and apprenticeship to trench +warfare with us. On the 21st to the 24th August the Americans relieved +the Division in the line, and it was withdrawn for rest and training +to the Wizernes area. + +On leaving the XIX Corps the Corps Commander sent the Division his +"warmest thanks for and appreciation of the excellent service +rendered" while under his command. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH + +1918 + + +Originally destined to take part in a projected attack for the +recapture of Kemmel Hill and Village, the Division suddenly received +orders at the end of August, to the delight of all, to move southwards +at very short notice. During the 1st, 2nd and 3rd September the move +southwards was carried out by rail, the Division, less artillery, +detraining at Corbie, Heilly and Méricourt. On the 4th the Divisional +Artillery followed, and the whole Division was concentrated in the +area Heilly-Ribemont-Franvillers on the River Ancre, in G.H.Q. +Reserve. The next few days were devoted to a continuation of the +training in open warfare commenced in the Wizernes area. + +The Germans, forced back in July and August from the high-water mark +of their advance in March and April, had stood on the line of the +Somme and the Péronne--Arras road. In the southern sector of the +British front the Somme defences had been turned by the brilliant +capture of Mont St. Quentin (to the north of and guarding Péronne) by +the Australian Corps. The retreating enemy had been pursued across the +Somme by the 32nd Division, which had been attached temporarily to the +Australians. This Division now became part of the newly-constituted IX +Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Braithwaite), which was to bear such a glorious +part in the concluding chapter of the War, and which consisted of 1st, +6th, 32nd and 46th Divisions. + +The 32nd Division had followed the enemy without much incident up to +the large Holnon Wood, three and a half miles west of St. Quentin, and +it was there that the Division relieved it on night 13/14th +September, with the 1st Division on the left and the 34th (French) +Division on the right. + +It was expected that the enemy would stand on the heights which +command St. Quentin to the west and south, but it was not known +whether their resistance would be strong or not, as they were much +disorganized. + +The 1st and 6th Divisions, hand in hand with the French, were ordered +to capture this tactical line on 18th September, as a starting-point +for the attack on the Hindenburg Line, which ran just outside St. +Quentin to the canal at Bellenglise. + +To the 18th Infantry Brigade was entrusted the task of securing a line +well clear of Holnon Wood for the forming-up line on the 18th, and in +doing so it first had to clear the wood and establish posts at the +edge, then push forward. The selected forming-up line included to us +Holnon Village on the right and next to the French. + +On the morning of the 16th September the 11th Essex, after an +unsuccessful attempt to push forward during the night, attacked under +a barrage and advanced from the line of posts taken over a little way +inside the wood to a line of trenches just clear of the wood, +capturing in this small operation forty-six prisoners. It was now +arranged for the 1st, 6th and 34th (French) Divisions to advance +simultaneously to secure the above-mentioned starting line. On the +left the 1st Division was successful, and so were the 11th Essex, who, +held up at first by heavy shelling and machine-gun fire, persevered +throughout the day and were rewarded by finishing up in possession of +the whole of their objectives, a very creditable performance. + +On the right the West Yorks had to secure Holnon Village, which lay in +a hollow commanded by Round and Manchester Hills in the area allotted +to the French, and which was itself strongly held. The French failed +in their attack, and though the West Yorks obtained part of the +village they could not clear it and establish the starting line +beyond it. The situation at the end of the 17th was therefore +unsatisfactory on the right, but it was impossible to put off the +general attack, and arrangements had to be improvised. Another +unsatisfactory feature was that Holnon Wood covered practically the +whole 2,500 yards frontage of the Division, and was so drenched with +gas shells and the tracks so bad, that both 16th and 71st Infantry +Brigades had to make a detour north and south of the wood respectively +to reach their assembly positions, and this naturally fatigued the +troops and hindered communication and supply. + +Standing on the east edge of the wood, a bare glacis-like slope devoid +of cover, except for two or three shell-trap copses, stretched away +for 3,000 yards to the high ground overlooking St. Quentin. There was +no sign of life and very few trenches could be seen, though it was +known that they were there as the Fifth Army had held the position in +March 1918. It was found afterwards that the Germans had camouflaged +their trenches with thistles, which here covered the ground to a +height in many places of eighteen inches. + +At the highest point about the centre of the Divisional area of attack +was a network of trenches known later as the Quadrilateral--a name of +bad omen to the 6th Division--and which, like its namesake on the +Somme, could be reinforced under cover from the back slopes of the +hill. An examination of the battlefield after the 24th September also +revealed several narrow sunken roads filled with wire. The position +was one of great natural strength, and in addition the whole of the +right was dominated by heights in the area to be attacked by the +French. Lastly, adequate time could not be given to Brigades for +reconnaissance owing to the imperative necessity of pushing on to +guard the flank of Corps farther north. Troops had not seen the ground +they had to attack over, and rain and smoke obscured the few landmarks +existing on 18th September. + +On that morning the Division attacked at 5.20 a.m. with the 71st +Infantry Brigade on the right, its left directed on the Quadrilateral +and its right on Holnon and Selency. + +The 16th Infantry Brigade was on the left, with its right just clear +of the Quadrilateral and its left on Fresnoy le Petit. Six tanks were +allotted to the Division, but met with various mishaps or were knocked +out, and were not of much use. The attack met with most determined +opposition at once, especially on the right, where the difficulties of +the 71st Infantry Brigade were increased by the failure of the French +to take Round and Manchester Hills. + +The 2nd D.L.I., attached to this brigade to complete the clearing of +Holnon Village, accomplished this, but were driven out by shelling and +by machine gun fire from Round and Manchester Hills, losing very +heavily. + +The 16th Infantry Brigade was more successful, and at one time the +York and Lancasters had nearly completed the capture of Fresnoy le +Petit, but were unable to hold it. The brigade advanced, however, +3,000 yards. Fighting was continuous throughout the day, but without +further success. The Sherwood Foresters advancing very gallantly +against the Quadrilateral were reported as being just outside it and +entrenched. It was machine gun fire from this stronghold which +prevented the right of the 16th Infantry Brigade advancing, and an +attack was therefore ordered for dawn of the 19th September, but it +was evidently anticipated by the enemy, who put down a very heavy +artillery and machine-gun barrage before the attackers left their +jumping-off positions. Fighting again continued throughout the day, +but without success, and it was evident that the enemy meant standing +his ground and that this was not a rearguard action as it had at one +time been thought. The enemy's artillery was very strong, and, with +the thick Hindenburg wire in front of it, was placed close to their +front line, and was enabled thus to do considerable execution on +our back areas. + +The successes of other Divisions in the south of the British zone had +been constant and fairly easy for some time, so that the partial +success which the Division had obtained was very disappointing to all +ranks. They were much cheered, therefore, to get the following wire +from the Army Commander (General Sir H. Rawlinson):--"Please convey to +the 6th Division my congratulations and warm thanks for their success +of yesterday. Though all objectives were not attained they carried +through a difficult operation with great gallantry and determination. +I offer to all ranks my warm thanks and congratulations." + +All units had heavy fighting, in which some had incurred considerable +losses, and all were tired and in want of reorganization. It was +therefore decided not to renew the attack for a few days, and to +devote the interval to a proper artillery preparation (the heavy +artillery put 1,000 shells on the Quadrilateral in one day), the +reorganization of battalions, and the construction of a jumping-off +position, in the execution of which the R.E. (Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall) +and the Pioneers rendered invaluable assistance. The fighting up to +this date had yielded 6 officers and 264 other ranks prisoners, and 65 +machine-guns. + +On the morning of the 24th September a fresh attack was launched; the +18th Infantry Brigade, to which was attached the 1st Leicestershire +Regiment, attacking on the right; the 16th Infantry Brigade on the +left. The French 36th Corps attacked with a fresh division +simultaneously to our right; the 1st Division, which had taken over +the task of the capture of Fresnoy and Gricourt, on our left. The four +tanks detailed to attack the Quadrilateral again had bad luck, one +being turned absolutely turtle by a mine field. The three battalions +of the 18th Infantry Brigade met at first with little success, the +11th Essex on the left establishing a rather precarious footing +in one face of the Quadrilateral, and the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment +getting in at one point in Douai Trench, running south from the Strong +Point. The D.L.I., attacking south of them through Holnon Village, +could make no headway. The French had during the morning captured +Round Hill and part of Manchester Hill, and came up in line with us. +The 16th Infantry Brigade fared much better, and working down from the +north was able in the course of the day to secure the northern face of +the Quadrilateral. Their four tanks were of great assistance to them +this day. Throughout the day the 18th Infantry Brigade maintained the +fight with characteristic determination, but without improving its +position very much. At 11 p.m., however, it launched the 1st +Leicestershire Regiment by moonlight in a further attack on Douai +Trench. The attack, delivered with great gallantry, was successful, +and many enemy were killed in the trench which was found to be +strongly held. In spite of the very rough handling which it had +received on the 24th the 18th Infantry Brigade stuck grimly to its +task during the 25th. Douai Trench was cleared from end to end by +hand-to-hand fighting, and patrols, admirably handled, gradually made +good the whole of the objectives allotted for the previous day's +attack. On the morning of 25th September 3 officers and 104 other +ranks surrendered near Fayet to patrols of the 2nd Y. and L. Regiment. +By midnight on the night of the 25/26th September the 16th and 18th +Infantry Brigades in co-operation had completed the capture of the +Quadrilateral, a position of such unusual natural strength that +captured German officers admitted that they had fully expected to be +able to hold it indefinitely. For this very fine performance, a +remarkable instance of grit and determination and of intelligent +initiative by regimental officers of all ranks, to whom the successful +results were entirely due, the Division received the congratulations +of the Army and Corps Commanders and G.O.C., 1st Division. The +message telephoned on behalf of the Army Commander contained the +following passage:--"He fully realises the difficulties they have had +to contend with, and admires the tenacity with which they have stuck +to it and completed their task." + +The enemy's resistance now broke down, and during the 26th, 27th and +28th September patrols were able gradually to gain further ground, so +that by the time the Division was relieved by the 4th French Division +on the 29/30th, posts had been established round three sides of the +village of Fayet. Manchester Hill was finally captured by the French +on 26th September. + +The captures during the period were 10 officers, 372 other ranks, 4 +guns, 15 trench-mortars, and 53 machine-guns. + +During the relief by the French a noteworthy incident occurred. The +2nd Brigade, R.F.A., were asked to fire a barrage to cover an advance +of French infantry at a certain hour, and did so. Just after +completion a message arrived saying that the attack had been +postponed, and would the brigade repeat the operation very shortly at +another hour which was fixed. This the brigade did, clearing to +absolutely the last shell the ammunition available on the ground and +completing the barrage at the same moment. + +During the fighting in September the Division had "B" and "C" +Companies, 2nd Life Guards Machine-gun Battalion, at its disposal, and +these fine troops helped much in the machine-gun barrage, and added +confidence that any counter-attack on the right would meet with a hot +reception. + +While the 6th Division had been fighting on the right of the British +Army, the 46th Division, with the Americans on their left and the 1st +Division forming a defensive flank on their right, had broken the +Hindenburg Line on 29th September by a magnificent attack. Followed +across the canal by the 32nd Division, these two divisions had +very severe fighting at Ramicourt and Sequehart and were exhausted. +The 6th Division, after four days to rest and absorb reinforcements, +was ordered to relieve them and attack on the 8th October in the +direction of the small town of Bohain. The 30th American Division was +on the right and about 2,000 yards ahead, connected to the 6th +Division by a series of posts along the railway. This curious position +entailed a very complicated creeping barrage, which, however, was +successfully put into operation on the day of the attack. On the right +was the French 42nd Division slightly in rear, having followed the +Germans through St. Quentin and met with strong resistance beyond it. +The position to be attacked consisted of high rolling downs with deep +traverse valleys, giving good cover for supports and forward guns, and +on the right a broad longitudinal valley closed by a ridge on which +stood the village of Méricourt. The French had a stiff task in front +of them, and did not propose to advance as far as the British--6,000 +yards--with the result that even if they were successful our frontage, +thrown back from left to right, would be 7,500 yards, and if +unsuccessful over 10,000. Added to this their zero hour was nearly an +hour after ours, and there would be a very real danger of +counter-attack from the right. The Divisional Commander, therefore, +decided to leave the valley severely alone to start with, merely +smoking by guns and bombs from aeroplanes the Méricourt Ridge and +attacking all along the high ground on the north. As our attack and +the French attack progressed the valley was to be cleared by three +whippet tanks supported by the 1st Battalion West Yorks, lent to the +16th Infantry Brigade, while finally an attack from the high ground +against the Méricourt Ridge would be delivered with a view to cutting +off posts in the valley between the two attacks. The 139th Infantry +Brigade of the 46th Division remained in position at Sequehart, +together with two companies Life Guards Machine-gun Battalion, to +secure the right flank against counter-attack. The machine-gun +nests on the Sequehart-Méricourt road enfiladed the start line of the +6th Division, and the G.O.C., 139th Infantry Brigade (Brig-Gen. J. +Harington), was asked to capture these just before the general attack. +The 46th Divisional Pioneer Battalion (1/1st Monmouthshire Regiment) +undertook this task, and twice attacked the position but without +success, in spite of the greatest gallantry. The Commanding Officer +(Col. Jenkins) and his Adjutant were both unfortunately killed. Their +bravery, however, was well rewarded, as their action enabled the 6th +Divisional troops to work round and cut the position off, and the +enemy eventually surrendered. + +The weight of artillery for the operations of the 8th October was +immense. In addition to the Divisional artillery there were the 5th +and 16th Brigades, R.H.A., 161st, 168th, 230th, 231st, 232nd Brigades, +R.F.A., and the 14th and 23rd Army Brigades, R.F.A. Only a part of +these fired the creeping barrage, the 6th Divisional Artillery, the +5th Brigade, R.H.A., and the 232nd Brigade, R.F.A., moving forward as +the infantry attack progressed to new positions, so as to support +exploitation and give protection against counter-attack. The attack +was launched at 5.30 a.m. The 16th Infantry Brigade on the right next +to the valley, and the 71st Infantry Brigade on the left next to the +Americans, both made excellent way, the former capturing the very +strong Mannikin Hill position, and the latter the formidable Doon Mill +and Doon Copse position, and making a good haul of machine-guns. + +As had been anticipated the French had been held up by Bellicourt Farm +on their left, and the 16th Infantry Brigade suffered a good deal from +machine-gun fire from Cerise Wood on the farther side of the valley +and from Mannikin Wood in the valley. The three whippet tanks allotted +to the 16th Infantry Brigade were all knocked out, but the West Yorks, +to whom had been entrusted the clearing of the valley, stuck to +their work most gallantly, and in the afternoon, after three attempts, +had the satisfaction of securing Mannikin Wood, with 10 officers, 240 +other ranks, and 20 machine-guns, by a final attack under an artillery +smoke barrage. To this success "B" Company, 6th Machine-gun Battalion, +contributed largely by enfilade fire. + +By 3 p.m. the French announced that they had captured Bellicourt Farm, +and were advancing. The situation on the right was now completely +changed, and the 1st West Yorks, advancing up the valley, gained touch +with the French east of Fairy Wood, more than half-way to the final +objective in that area. + +By nightfall Méricourt, which blocked the head of and commanded the +whole of the valley, was in our hands. + +The Americans gained their final objective and continued the advance +without much opposition. In attempting to support their flank the 71st +Infantry Brigade came under the fire of field guns firing over open +sights near Joncourt Farm, and could not advance. A squadron of the +Royal Scots Greys (5th Cavalry Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Neil Haig), +attached to the Division, worked round and made a gallant attempt to +gallop the guns, but were stopped by close range gun fire. Pitch +darkness now came on, and left the Division tired but triumphant on +their final objectives. The bag of the 6th Division amounted to over +30 officers and 1,100 other ranks. + +Congratulatory messages were received from the Army and Corps +Commanders as follows:-- + +From the Army Commander--"Will you please convey to the 6th Division +my warm thanks and hearty congratulations on their success to-day. +They have done admirable work, and I wish them all good luck for +to-morrow." + +From the Corps Commander--"Well done 6th Division. So glad casualties +so light, considering what Division has accomplished." + +Almost before the final objective had been captured an order was +received from the Corps for the Division to take over a portion of +the 30th American Division front on the left, hand over some ground to +46th Division on the right, and attack at dawn on the 9th behind a +barrage. Though very tired, and though it was a pitch dark night, the +71st and 16th Infantry Brigades somehow managed to carry out these +almost impossible orders, and advanced splendidly at zero hour--the +artillery putting down an accurate barrage. The attack progressed +successfully, the first objectives being gained by both brigades +without much difficulty, but the enemy was able to delay our advance +from the Railway Line, where after stiff fighting the 1st Leicesters, +by a turning movement, captured some prisoners and machine-guns. The +9th Norfolk Regiment on the left worked round by the north, and during +the night captured Bohain, where some 4,000 inhabitants were liberated, +and vast quantities of war material fell into our hands. + +During this phase of the operations the 5th Cavalry Brigade was +attached to the Division, but circumstances did not allow of much +cavalry activity. + +We were now in a different country to that in which the operations +since 1914 had been conducted. The country had seen no war, houses +were intact, inhabitants looking starved and downtrodden were +delighted to see the British troops. To stop our advance all roads in +Bohain had been cratered at their exits from the village, and +delay-action mines on the railways were constantly going up. As an +example, D.H.Q. was in Brancucourt Farm, in a main road which had been +cratered just outside the farm. A railway bridge just opposite had +been blown down and the line cratered. The Canadian Engineers +repairing the line had removed a great many bombs, but about three +days after the arrival of D.H.Q. a delay-action mine went off on the +railway at 7.30 p.m., and two days later again at 7 a.m. Fortunately +on both occasions no men were working on the line, and D.H.Q. +suffered no worse harm than some injuries to staff cars from falling +debris. The total captures by the Division since the 8th October now +amounted to 45 officers, 1,839 other ranks, 15 guns, 20 +trench-mortars, and 266 machine-guns. + +On 10th October the advance was continued--the 30th American Division +on the left, the 6th Division in the centre, and the 46th Division on +the right next to the French, who were again some distance in rear. + +The 71st Infantry Brigade (1st Leicesters and 2nd Sherwood Foresters), +passing through the 9th Norfolks, gained most of its objective, which +was the high ground about 2,000 yards east of Bohain, but the 40th +Division was held up by machine-gun fire in Riqueval Wood. An +attempted advance by the 71st Infantry Brigade, assisted by two tanks, +on 11th instant was brought to a standstill by machine-gun fire, after +a small advance. + +On the night of the 11/12th October the 18th Infantry Brigade, which +had been in Divisional Reserve, relieved the 71st Infantry Brigade, +and at 4.30 p.m. on the 12th October carried out a minor operation, +simultaneously with the left brigade of the 46th Division, in order to +push its left flank forward to the line of the Americans, who were +reported to be in possession of Vaux Andigny--some one and a half +miles ahead. The attack on the right failed, with about 100 +casualties, owing to machine-gun fire from Regnicourt, and the 46th +Division was also held up. The left made a little ground. This attack +and a low aeroplane reconnaissance disclosed the fact that the Germans +had dug a series of new trenches on the high ground immediately in +front, and that there was a considerable amount of wire. The maps of +this area were most indifferent, and many copses existed which were +not shown. It was now evident that the enemy intended to stand on the +high ground east of Selle River and its continuation to Riqueval Wood. +Failing to make any progress by a frontal attack, the G.O.C., IX +Corps, undertook a very pretty tactical move, which produced the +attack of 17th October. The 6th and 46th Divisions were moved to +the north flank, and attacked south-east and east instead of +north-east. By this manoeuvre a great deal of enfilade fire was +brought to bear both from guns and machine-guns. The task allotted to +the 6th Division was a difficult one. It had to issue fan-wise from +the village of Vaux Andigny on a 1,500 yards front, advancing +2,500-3,000 yards to a front of 5,000 yards. The 1st Division was to +pass through it and push on towards the Sambre Canal. The attack was +to be made under a barrage of eight brigades of Field Artillery and +eighty machine-guns. The IX Corps employed on this occasion 172 +60-pounders and heavy howitzers. + +In the evening of 16th October Brig.-Gen. H. A. Walker, commanding +16th Infantry Brigade, which was to attack on the left the next +morning, most unfortunately lost his left arm by a shell, which blew +it off so cleanly that his wrist watch was recovered by his orderly +and was still going. Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown, commanding 71st Infantry +Brigade, then in reserve, took command until the arrival of Brig.-Gen. +W. G. Braithwaite. + +During the night 16/17th October the enemy poured gas shells into Vaux +Andigny, causing considerable casualties both to the troops forming up +just outside and to those who had to pass through a little later. Zero +was at 5.20 a.m., and the attack commenced in a dense fog, which in +the fan-shaped advance caused a good deal of loss of direction, +although the 18th Infantry Brigade on the left had laid out long +direction tapes to give the troops the initial direction. + +The latter brigade was held up at the start by uncut wire, which +caused it to lose its barrage. It also encountered a good deal of +opposition on Bellevue Ridge. It was, however, carried forward by the +oncoming waves of the 1st Division, which were to pass through to a +further objective, and together the troops of the two divisions +made good the objective of the 18th Infantry Brigade. The fog was +so dense that all direction was lost, although the 11th Essex Regiment +took the unusual precaution of sending its men forward arm-in-arm. +Notwithstanding every precaution troops of the 11th Essex eventually +fetched up at Regnicourt, which was on the right of the objective +allotted to the 46th Division, who attacked on our right. Troops of +all three divisions also reached Andigny les Fermes, which was in the +objective of the 46th Division. The 16th Infantry Brigade was more +fortunate, and was assisted in maintaining its direction by the +railway, with the result that it gained its whole objective in good +time and with very little trouble. The day's captures were 26 +officers, 599 other ranks, 5 trench-mortars, and 82 machine-guns. + +The 1st Division having passed through, the 6th Division was now +withdrawn from the line to the neighbourhood of Bohain for a day or +two. + +On the night of the 20th/21st October the Division was again put in, +relieving the 27th American Division and a part of the 25th Division +on the front from Bazuel to a short way north of Mazinghien, with a +view to the attack planned for the 23rd October. There now occurred a +sudden change in the type of country. Instead of open rolling downs, +there was a multiplicity of small fields, divided by high thick-set +hedges trained on wire which proved formidable obstacles. The enemy +had good positions for his artillery in the Bois l'Evêque, and on the +east bank of the Canal de la Sambre, protected from the danger of +being rushed by that obstacle, and it was evident that he intended to +put up a determined fight on the strong position thus afforded. The +hostile artillery fire was more than had been encountered since the +fighting about St. Quentin, and throughout the few days preceding the +attack the shelling of roads, farms and villages in our rear area and +of artillery positions was continuous. On the night of the attack the +assembly positions of the assaulting brigades were subjected to +heavy counter-preparation, including a great deal of gas-shelling, +and the assembly units suffered considerable casualties. The attack +was delivered at 1.20 a.m. on 23rd October in a dense fog; the 1st +Division being on the right and the 25th Division on the left. Three +sections of 301st American Tank Company were allotted to the Division, +and did excellent work in smashing fences and destroying machine-gun +nests, though, owing to the fog, the infantry lost touch with them +almost at once. + +On the right the 18th Infantry Brigade, which attacked with the 2nd +D.L.I. on the right and the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on the left, +had a less difficult task than the 71st Infantry Brigade, but were +delayed in crossing the gas-shelled valley in their immediate front, +and met with opposition from various farms. However, they fought their +way steadily forward during the day, and by the late afternoon their +right battalion had reached its objective and had pushed its patrols +down to the canal, and the left battalion, having reached its first +objective, was struggling forward to its second. + +The 71st Infantry Brigade on the left attacked with the 9th Norfolk +Regiment and the 1st Leicestershire Regiment. Its attack soon became +disorganized in the very enclosed country, was unable to keep pace +with its barrage, lost touch with its tanks in the fog, and was soon +held up on a line not more than about 400 yards beyond that from which +it had started. Fighting continued throughout the day, and finally, +taking advantage of the progress made by the 25th Division on its +left, the 71st Infantry Brigade was able by night to reach a line +about half-way through the Bois l'Evêque. + +During the night this brigade was relieved by the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite), which resumed the attack on +the morning of the 24th October. Opposition had by this time +decreased, and better progress was made, so that by noon the right +battalion, the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, held the line of +the objective laid down for the previous day's attack, and the left +battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade had also completed the capture +of its objective. Some further progress was made during the day by the +16th Infantry Brigade. + +During the period 20th to 24th October, Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce, +C.R.A., 6th Division, had under his orders the Divisional Artillery of +the 3rd, 4th and 5th Australian Divisions, though the 5th Australian +Divisional Artillery was withdrawn on the eve of the attack of 24th +October. Their fire was most accurate and prompt, and gave the +attacking infantry every confidence. The 6th D.A. on this occasion was +in Corps Reserve. + +During the 26th, 27th and 28th the patrols of the 16th Infantry +Brigade continued to work their way slowly forward, and the village of +Ors was evacuated of its inhabitants under the protection of patrols +of the 18th Infantry Brigade. The latter established a bridge-head +across the canal at Ors, and posts on the west side commanding the +canal on the whole brigade front. + +On the 29th orders were received for the relief of the Division. In +order to be able to hand over to the relieving Division a satisfactory +position from which to launch the attack on the line of the canal, a +further small operation was planned by the 16th Infantry Brigade, and +brilliantly carried out by the 1st The Buffs on the 30th October. Two +companies attacked and captured an important farm and spur overlooking +the canal, were counter-attacked in the afternoon and turned out of +the farm, but retook it at once with the bayonet, inflicting heavy +casualties on the enemy and capturing five more machine-guns. + +On the night of the 30th/31st October the relief of the Division (less +artillery) was completed, and it withdrew to billets in Fresnoy le +Grand, whence it moved some days later to Bohain. + +The captures during the fighting from the 19th to the 31st October +numbered 9 officers and 431 other ranks, 13 guns (including two 5.9-in. +howitzers), 12 trench-mortars, and 61 machine-guns. + +The total captures during a period of between six and seven weeks, in +which the Division had seen much stiff fighting, and had suffered over +6,000 casualties, amounted to 96 officers, 3,505 other ranks, 32 guns, +52 trench-mortars, and 527 machine-guns counted. + +The infantry of the Division saw no more fighting, but its artillery +remained in till the end, finishing up in the neighbourhood of +Avesnes. + +Among the many casualties which the artillery suffered must be +mentioned Major W. S. Ironside, D.S.O., M.C., commanding 112th +Battery, R.F.A., who was killed east of Le Cateau on 2nd November. He +was among the then much reduced number of those who had landed +originally with the Division in France in 1914, being then a sergeant. + +Very little mention has been made of the services of the Royal +Engineers during this period. Exceptionally heavy work was thrown on +the signal sections, owing to the frequent changes of headquarters, +but they were untiring in their devotion and met each emergency with +resource. To the Field Companies fell the dangerous task of taping out +the jumping-off lines for the attacks, but they invariably achieved +this difficult task to the complete satisfaction of the +brigadier-generals and units concerned in the operations. + +It is inevitable in a short History like this that the services of the +administrative branches should not receive the same notice as those of +the purely fighting portions of the Division, but the History would be +incomplete without some reference to them. + +The Field Ambulances showed throughout the high devotion to duty which +has always characterized the Royal Army Medical Corps. The work of the +bearer sections during actions always elicited the admiration of the +infantry, while the tent sections were frequently under shell +fire, which, however, in no way interfered with their care of the +wounded. Both at advanced dressing stations and tent sections many of +the chaplains rendered most valuable assistance in carrying and +helping wounded men, while during trench warfare they were frequently +to be found with their men in the forward trenches. + +In the action of 18th September 1918, Lt.-Col. Collins, D.S.O., and +Major German, both of the R.A.M.C., and also Father FitzGibbons, were +killed by shelling at a tent advanced dressing station. + +The work of our Army Service Corps has always been the envy and +admiration of our Allies, and that of the 6th Divisional Train was up +to the highest standard of the British Army. The acknowledged +excellence of the horses and mules of the Division is a tribute to the +efficiency of the Veterinary Section and of the horsemasters attached +to the artillery, as well as to the mounted branches. + +In spite of the amusing comments of "The Fancies," the life of the +Military Police was not all beer and skittles. The control of the +traffic at some of the cross-roads, favoured by the Boche heavy +gunners, was nerve-racking in ordinary times, and tenfold more so +during an action, and several awards were given to the Divisional +Military Police for gallant conduct under these conditions. + +Very few officers or men served throughout with the Division. Perhaps +the two most notable were Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth, D.S.O., +commanding 24th Brigade, R.F.A., who came out as a Captain, and +Staff-Sergt.-Major Woollard, who was Chief Clerk of the Division for +some time before mobilization. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE MARCH TO THE RHINE AND OCCUPATION OF GERMANY + +1918-19 + + +Armistice Day--11th November--found the Division in billets in Bohain +area, training for possible future operations. The news of the +cessation of hostilities was received with calm satisfaction that we +had beaten the Germans, and of relief that now we could sleep +peacefully at nights and that lights need not be screened. + +Early in November the 1st and 32nd Divisions of the IX Corps had +forced the crossings of the Sambre Canal at Catillon and Ors after +heavy fighting, and had driven the enemy back towards Avesnes. On 11th +November a mixed force, under Major-Gen. Bethell, was pushing the +disorganized Germans over the Belgian frontier near Beaumont. + +The IX Corps was now transferred to the Second Army, under Gen. Sir H. +Plumer, to whom was assigned the command of the British Army of +Occupation in Germany. + +On leaving the Fourth Army the following letter, addressed personally +to the Divisional Commander, was received from Gen. Sir Henry +Rawlinson:-- + +"Now that the 6th Division is passing to the command of another Army, +I desire to place on record my sincere appreciation and warm thanks +for the valuable services rendered by you since you joined the Fourth +Army in September last. + +"The Division has passed through strenuous times and has seen some +heavy fighting, especially in September between Holnon Wood and the +Canal, and at Bohain and Vaux Andigny in October, where the gallantry +and determination of all ranks filled me with admiration. + +"I congratulate most heartily you all on the victories you have +won, and trust that at some future time I may again find the Division +under my command." + +The Division spent the period 14th to 19th November in a march, via +Catillon and Avesnes, to the area round Solre le Château and Sars +Poteries, where it was to assemble for the March to the Rhine. For +this it was organized in three Infantry Brigade Groups and a +Divisional Troops Group under the C.R.A. The 16th Army R.H.A. Brigade +(Chestnut Troop, "Q" and "U" Batteries) was attached to the Division, +and formed part of the 18th Infantry Brigade Group. The 2nd Brigade, +R.F.A., marched with the Divisional Troops Column, the 24th Brigade, +R.F.A., with the 71st Infantry Brigade, and the Divisional Ammunition +Column with the 16th Infantry Brigade. Each Infantry Brigade had a +Field Company and Field Ambulance. + +The march resembled the progression of a snake, the rear group moving +forward at each advance to the area occupied the previous day by the +leading group. Commencing officially on the 20th November there were +long halts up to 2nd December, owing to the difficulty of feeding the +leading Divisions (cavalry and infantry), caused by the destruction +done by the Germans to the railways, and also owing to the withdrawal +of the Germans not being carried out in accordance with programme. +Sometimes groups did not move, or only made minor adjustments to +obtain more comfortable quarters. + +Both branches of the staff had long days of reconnaissance in cars +ahead of the Division, made to avoid moving troops farther off the +main roads than necessary, while the R.E. and Pioneers were often +pushed ahead to see about water supplies and mend roads. Up to the +Belgian frontier roads had been cratered and bridges blown down, and +these caused defiles and impeded the march. Once across the frontier +the roads were splendid, the inhabitants most hospitable and +enthusiastic, and the advance only held up until it could be +pushed through continuously. + +However, it was no hardship to be delayed in such charming +surroundings, though the weather was for the most part vile. The march +from the neighbourhood of Dinant across the Ardennes, and along the +lovely valley of the River Ambleve, will always stand out as a most +delightful reminiscence. All ranks worked hard at their equipment, and +the transport was so smart as to be thought by the Belgians to be new. + +It was a proud and splendid Division which marched, with drums beating +and colours flying, across the German frontier into the little town of +Malmedy between 13th and 16th December. + +Marching generally by only one road, the length of the Division, when +billeted, varied from ten to twenty-five miles. It was particularly +interesting for Brigades to occupy the German huts at Elsenborn Camp +of Exercise, where large numbers of the enemy had assembled in the end +of July 1914 for the conquest of Belgium. + +The attitude of the population in Germany was servile, and little hate +could be felt by one or two battalions which marched into Malmedy in +pouring rain and found German women lighting special fires, without +being ordered to do so, to dry their clothing. It must, however, be +added that the inhabitants of Malmedy speak French and have Belgian +sympathies. + +Passing through the lovely little village of Montjoie, which reminds +one so much of Switzerland, the Division marched to its allotted area +south-west of Cologne, Divisional Headquarters arriving at Bruhl, six +miles from Cologne, on Christmas Eve; Headquarters 16th Infantry +Brigade at Zulpich, Headquarters 18th Infantry Brigade at Lechenich, +Headquarters 71st Infantry Brigade at Eichhols (a country house), and +Headquarters Divisional Troops at a château near Weilerswist. The +route followed--220 miles--is given in the Diary. + +It was with a great feeling of gratitude and elation that the +Division ate their Christmas dinner on the Rhine in December 1918. + +The area allotted to the Division was a strip of country almost +rectangular in shape, with a maximum length of twenty miles, and a +maximum breadth of twelve miles, and lying to the immediate south-west +of Cologne. The north-west border was on the ring of forts encircling +the city, which were later included in the divisional area. + +The Civil Administration was carried out by the G.O.C. Infantry +Brigades and the C.R.A., who were much assisted by a Civil Staff +Captain and a Provost representative, and in the town of Bruhl by the +G.O.C. Division, who also generally supervised under the Corps and the +Army the work of the Group Commanders. + +The Germans were very orderly, and little trouble was given, but guard +and night patrol was fairly heavy. + +On 1st February 1919, General Sir H. Plumer presented a Colour to the +9th Norfolk Regiment, 11th Essex Regiment, and 11th Leicester Regiment +respectively, and made a stirring speech to each, congratulating them +on their fine appearance and steady drill, and emphasizing their duty +to their King and Country. + +The Division settled down to improving their billets and to education, +and frequent lectures were given by special lecturers sent out from +England. Some of the troops were very comfortable, and notably those +in towns like Bruhl, where each man had a bed and mattress, and +Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s who were billeted in private houses, but +others in the smaller villages were not so well off. + +As the Germans did not play football there was a general lack of +football grounds, which had to be made, but the troops scored +considerably by finding electric light in even the tiniest cottages, +and at least one concert-room, with a stage properly fitted up, in +even the smallest village. The Opera, too, was a great source of +pleasure to many. But it was a period of transition--men were +being demobilized freely, and it was with a sigh of relief that +something definite had been fixed, as well as with many sighs of +regret, that orders were eventually received that the 6th Division, as +such, would cease to exist in the middle of March 1919. Farewell +parades were held, farewell speeches made, farewell dinners given, and +on 15th March the Machine-gun Battalion, Pioneers, Field Companies +(except 12th Field Company), and Train were transferred to the +newly-constituted Midland Division. + +The 6th Division, B.E.F., had completed its task. + + + + +APPENDIX I + +BATTLE CASUALTIES + + +1914 Aisne (19th Sept.--12th Oct.) + 1,482 Battle of the Aisne. +1914 Armentières (13th--31st Oct.) + 4,696 First Battle of Ypres. +1914-15 Armentières (1st Nov.--31st May) + 3,940 Trenches. +1915-16 Ypres (1st June 1915--31st July 1916) + 10,938 Includes 1,780 in attack on Hooge; + 660 gas attack, 15th Dec; + 400 Morteldje attack. +1916 Somme (5th Aug.--20th Oct.) + 7,430 Battle of the Somme. +1916-17 La Bassée (25th Nov. 1916--16th February 1917) + 709 Trenches. +1917 Loos (2nd Mar.--25th July) + 4,884 Raids and attacks, Hill 70. +1917 Loos-Lens (26th Aug.--23rd Oct.) + 1,400 Trenches. +1917 Cambrai (20th Nov.--10th Dec.) + 1,790 Battle of Cambrai. +1918 Bapaume (17th Jan.--20th March) + 313 Trenches. +1918 Lagnicourt (21st--22nd March) + 5,160 German offensive. +1918 Ypres (3rd April--24th Aug.) + 4,715 Includes 750 at Neuve Eglise + (71st Infantry Brigade) and + 250 in attack on Scottish and Ridge + Woods. +1918 St. Quentin (14th--28th Sept.) + 3,163 Battle of St. Quentin. +1918 Bohain--Ors (4th--29th Oct.) + 3,120 Battles of Bohain, Vaux-Andigny, and Ors. + +Grand Total 53,740 + +N.B.--Above are approximate, and have been compiled from D.H.Q. War +Diaries (Administrative). + + + + +APPENDIX II + +V.C.s WON BY THE DIVISION + + +No. 7504 Private HENRY MAY, 1st Battalion The Cameronians + (Scottish Rifles), 19th Infantry Brigade, at that time + attached to 6th Division. + +For most conspicuous bravery near La Boutillerie, on 22nd October +1914, in voluntarily endeavouring to rescue, under very heavy fire, a +wounded man, who was killed before he could save him, and +subsequently, on the same day, in carrying a wounded officer a +distance of 300 yards into safety whilst exposed to very severe fire. +(Gazetted 21st April 1915.) + + +No. 9730 Private JOHN CAFFREY, 2nd Battalion The York and + Lancaster Regiment. + +For most conspicuous bravery on 16th November 1915, +near La Brique. + +A man of the West Yorkshire Regiment had been badly wounded, and was +lying in the open unable to move, in full view of, and about 300 to +400 yards from, the enemy's trenches. Corporal Stirk, Royal Army +Medical Corps, and Private Caffrey, at once started out to rescue him, +but at the first attempt they were driven back by shrapnel fire. Soon +afterwards they started again, under close sniping and machine-gun +fire, and succeeded in reaching and bandaging the wounded man, but +just as Corporal Stirk had lifted him on Private Caffrey's back he +himself was shot in the head. + +Private Caffrey put down the wounded man, bandaged Corporal Stirk, and +helped him back into safety. He then returned and brought in the man +of the West Yorkshire Regiment. He had made three journeys across the +open under close and accurate fire, and had risked his own life to +save others with the utmost coolness and bravery. (Gazetted 22nd +January 1915.) + + +No. 3/10133 Sergeant ARTHUR FREDERIC SAUNDERS, 9th (Service) + Battalion The Suffolk Regiment. + +For most conspicuous bravery. When his officer had been wounded, in +the attack he took charge of two machine-guns and a few men, and, +although severely wounded in the thigh, closely followed the last four +charges of another battalion, and rendered every possible support. +Later, when the remains of the battalion which he had been supporting +had been forced to retire, he stuck to his guns, continued to give +clear orders, and by continuous firing did his best to cover the +retirement. (Gazetted 30th March, 1916.) + + +2/Lieutenant FRANK BERNARD WEARNE, 11th (Service) + Battalion Essex Regiment. + +For superb courage, leadership and self-sacrifice. + +On 28th June 1917, 2/Lieut. Wearne was in command of two sections on +the left of a raiding party, whose objective was the German front +line, east of Loos. He led his men into the objective against +opposition, and by his magnificent example and daring, they held on to +the German trench for one hour according to orders. + +Throughout the hour they were repeatedly counter-attacked, from their +left down the trench and from their front over the open. Grasping the +fact that if the left flank went, our men would have to give way, +2/Lieut. Wearne at a moment when the attack was being heavily pressed, +and when matters were most critical, leapt on to the parapet and, +followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing +and throwing bombs at the enemy. This unexpected and daring manoeuvre +threw the enemy back in disorder. Whilst on the top 2/Lieut. Wearne +was severely wounded, but refused to leave his men. He remained in the +trench directing operations, organizing the defence and encouraging +all. Just before the order to withdraw was given 2/Lieut. Wearne was +severely hit for the second time, and when being brought away was hit +for the third time and killed. + +His tenacity in remaining at his post, though severely wounded, and +his magnificent fighting spirit enabled his men to hold on to the left +flank; had this gone, the whole operation would have failed. (Gazetted +5th August 1917.) + + +2/Lieut. (A/Captain) ARTHUR MOORE LASCELLES, 3rd Battalion, + attached 14th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. + +At Masnières on 3rd December 1917, showed the greatest courage, +initiative, and devotion to duty when in command of his company. + +His company was in a very exposed position, and after a very heavy +bombardment, during which Captain Lascelles was wounded, the enemy +attacked in strong force, but was driven off, largely owing to the +fine example set by this officer, who refused to allow himself to be +dressed, but continued to encourage his men and organize the defence. +Shortly afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured the trench, +taking several of his men prisoners. Captain Lascelles at once jumped +on to the parapet and, followed by the remainder of his company, +twelve men, rushed across under very heavy machine-gun fire and drove +over sixty of the enemy back, being wounded again, thereby saving a +most critical situation. He then was untiring in re-organizing the +position, but shortly afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured +the trench and Captain Lascelles. Later he escaped, being wounded +again in doing so. + +The remarkable determination and gallantry of this officer inspired +everyone. (Gazetted 11th January 1919.) + + + + +APPENDIX III + +DIARY + + +1914. + +Sept. 8. Division embarked Southampton. + + 9. Commenced disembarking St. Nazaire. + + 10. Commenced entraining. + + 12. Into billets Coulommiers--Mortcerf--Marles--Chaume. + + 13-19. Marching to the Aisne--into General Reserve, D.H.Q. at + Bazoches. + + 19. 18th Infantry Brigade to I Corps to relieve 2nd Infantry + Brigade. + + 20. Attack on I Corps--18th Infantry Brigade heavily engaged. + + 21. 16th Infantry Brigade to II Corps to relieve 7th and 9th + Infantry Brigades, and 17th Infantry Brigade to I Corps to + relieve 6th Infantry Brigade and 4th Guards Brigade. + +Sept. 20 to Oct. 6. In trenches on the Aisne. + + Oct. 2. Division (less 16th and 17th Infantry Brigades) concentrated + in area Serches--Jury, under III Corps--D.H.Q. at Serches. + + 6. 17th Infantry Brigade rejoined Division, which marched west. + + 9. Division (less 16th Infantry Brigade) entrained at St. Sauveur + near Compiègne. + + 10-11. Division arrived St. Omer and went into billets--19th + Infantry Brigade joined Division (one battalion to Renescure)--one + battalion 18th Infantry Brigade to Racquinghem. + + 12. March to Hazebrouck to cover detrainment of 4th Division. 16th + Infantry Brigade relieved by French troops. + + 13. 16th Infantry Brigade entrained for Cassel. Division marched + east--fighting from 1 p.m. on line La Couronne--Merris--Fontaine + Houck, which was reached at nightfall--considerable casualties. + + 14. Line reached R. du Leet--Blanche Maison--east of Bailleul. + +Oct. 15-16. 18th Infantry Brigade crossed River Lys at Sailly, + and 17th Infantry Brigade at Bac St. Maur during the + night--Steenwerck occupied. + + 16. Line advanced to Rouge du Bout--Rue Dormoire. 16th Infantry + Brigade rejoined Division and went into Divisional Reserve. + + 17. Line Rouge du Bout--Bois Grenier--Chapelle d'Armentières + reached without opposition. + + 18. Reconnaissance in force on enemy's reported positions. Line at + night after considerable fighting Radinghem--Ennetières-- + Prémesques--Halte to west of Pérenchies--l'Epinette (east + of Armentières). + + 19. Entrenching above line. + + 20. Massed German attack all along line--Division driven back to + Touquet--Bois Blancs--Le Quesne--La Houssoie--Rue du + Bois--l'Epinette. + + 21. 19th Infantry Brigade (sent to fill gap between II and III + Corps) driven back from Le Maisnil--Fromelles to La + Boutillerie--Touquet. + + 22. Heavy attack on 19th Infantry Brigade in evening repulsed. + + 23. 17th Infantry Brigade relieved by 4th Division and became + Divisional Reserve--attacks on 16th Infantry Brigade + (K.S.L.I. and Y. and L.) repulsed with much loss to enemy-- + 300 dead in front of trenches. + + 24-25. Continuous attacks on Divisional front throughout day, all + repulsed, but situation critical. + + 25-26. Retirement made during night to prepared line about half a mile + in rear Touquet--Flamengerie Farm--Rue du Bois, so as to + straighten front. + + 27-28. Attack by night on 18th Infantry Brigade trenches, which were + captured but retaken by counter-attack--East Yorks especially + distinguished themselves. + + 28-29. Attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade repulsed. + + 29-30. Strong attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade captured + trenches, but was driven out by counter-attack and 200 dead + counted. + +Nov. and Dec. } + 1915. } In trenches Armentières front. +Jan. and Feb. } + +Mar. 12. L'Epinette attacked and captured by North Staffordshire + Regiment. + +Mar. 15. 16th Infantry Brigade moved up to Vlamertinghe, but + returned next day. + +May. A little mining and counter-mining on the Frelinghien and Le + Touquet fronts. + + 27. Major-Gen. Sir John Keir left to command VI Corps, being + succeeded by Brig.-Gen. Congreve. Brig.-Gen. Humphreys + succeeded Brig.-Gen. Paget in command of Divisional + Artillery. + + Relief by 27th Division commenced. + + 31. Front handed over to 27th Division--19th Infantry Brigade left + Division. + +May 31 to June 1. Took over new front Ypres Salient. + +June 2. Relief completed on front from Ypres--Roulers Railway to + Wieltje. + + 5. 17th Infantry Brigade into line, which now extended to just + short of Turco Farm. + + 8. D.H.Q. from Couthove to Vlamertinghe. + + 15. Gallant bombing attack by Lieut. Smith's Grenadier Platoon to + assist 41st Brigade. + + 16. Artillery co-operation with 3rd Divisional attack on Bellewarde + Farm. + + 20. 16th Infantry Brigade's first experience of gas. + + 22. Artillery co-operation in 14th Divisional attack. + + July 6. Artillery co-operation in 4th Divisional attack near Pilkem. + + 30. Attack on 14th Division at Hooge. Drove them back to Sanctuary + and Zouave Woods. Counter-attack unsuccessful. + + 31. 16th Infantry Brigade moved up. Decided to relieve 6th Division + and give it task of retaking Hooge. + +Aug. 2-3. Relieved. + + 6. Took over new front and commenced bombardment. + + 9. Attack on Hooge by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades--infantry + moved close up under barrage, which remained on support trench + five minutes longer--attack successful, but right suffered + very heavily from shelling from south and fire from east. + +Oct. 14. 17th Infantry Brigade left for 24th Division, and 71st + arrived. + +Nov. 19-20. Division relieved--to Houtkerque and Poperinghe, but had + to find working parties for divisions in line. + +Dec. 14. Into line again--Routers Railway to Wieltje. + + 19. Gas attack by enemy. + + +1916. + +Jan. 24. 11th Essex patrol raid (3 officers and 10 other ranks) on + mound on Verlorenhoek Road--killed six Germans. + +Feb. 14-15. Two enemy raids near Wieltje and Trenches B9 and 10 + repulsed. + +Mar. 9-10. 1st The Buffs bombing raid (1 officer and 19 other ranks) + on crater at I 12. + + 15-16. 2nd D.L.I. (3 officers and 44 other ranks) successful raid, + capturing a prisoner--Bangalore torpedo laid by Lieut. Smith, + R.N.V.R. + + 15-18. Relieved from line--to Houtkerque, Wormhoudt, Calais. + +April 15-18. Back into line 5,500 yards front, with left on canal next + to 58th French Division and right next Guards Division. + + 19-20. Enemy occupied trenches out of which he had shelled a company + of the 8th Bedfords in Morteldje Salient--counter-attack + unsuccessful. + + 21. Trenches retaken by two companies K.S.L.I., in spite of very + heavy going. + +May 14-15. Enemy attacked four bombing posts of 1st The Buffs--beaten + off three times, but captured them at fourth attempt--all + garrison casualties. + + June 3. Five officers and 200 other ranks 1st West Yorks drove enemy + out of posts on frontage 450 yards and re-occupied it. + + 10. "Admiral" reported missing from patrol of 9th Norfolks. + + 17-18. Relieved--to Bollezeele, Houtkerque, Wormhoudt. + +July 15-17. Into line north-west of Hooge to north of Wieltje. + +July 29 to Aug. 1. Relieved preparatory to entraining. + +Aug. 2-3. Entrained Hopoutre, Proven, and Esquelbec, and detrained + Candas and Doullens. + + 3-4. Marched to Acheux--Raincheval area. + + 5-7. Into line on Ancre--preparing for attack. + + 21. 9th Suffolk and 2nd Sherwood Foresters' unsuccessful raid. + + 24. 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful raid. + +Aug. 26-27. Relieved and began to move south to Vignacourt-- + Flesselles area. + +Sept. 6-8. Moved up to XIV Corps area. + + 11. Into line on front between Leuze Wood and Ginchy. + + 13. Attack by 71st Infantry Brigade on Quadrilateral + unsuccessful--renewed in evening but only partially successful. + + 15. _General attack_ by 16th and 71st Infantry Brigades--6th + Divisional objective beyond the Quadrilateral--attack + failed--renewed in evening and failed again. + + 16. 18th Infantry Brigade into line in relief of 71st Infantry + Brigade. + + 18. Fresh attack on Quadrilateral after bombardment by 16th and 18th + Infantry Brigades--successful. + + 19. Relieved. + + 21. Into line again. + + 25. _General attack_--6th Division on Lesboeufs, and south to + Morval--by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades, with 71st Infantry + Brigade in reserve--successful--over 500 prisoners. + + 30. Relieved by 20th Division. + +Oct. 8-9. Into line relieving 20th Division. + + 12. _General attack_--6th Division towards Le Transloy--by + 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades--16th Infantry Brigade in + reserve--unsuccessful. + + 15. Attack renewed--partially successful. + + 18. Fresh attack by 71st Infantry Brigade--only partially + successful on left. + + 20. Relieved--to Corbie. + + 28. Assembled in reserve to I Corps. + +Nov. 25. Into line on Canal Sector, La Bassée. + +During Dec. Side-slipped slightly to south. + + +1917. + +Jan. 26. 1st West Yorks raid (6 officers and 160 other ranks under + Capt. Trimble) in Cambrin Sector--five prisoners. + + 29. 8th Bedford Regiment raid (C Company--150--under Capt. Brewster) + in Hohenzollern Sector--two prisoners. + + Feb. 4. Enemy raided 1st West Yorks and captured a Lewis gun and a + prisoner. + + Feb. 9. 2nd Sherwood Foresters raid (6 officers and 100 other + ranks under Major Wylie) in Quarries Sector under smoke barrage + by Special Co. R.E.--20 dug-outs blown in--about 60 enemy + killed and wounded--8 prisoners. + + 10. 2nd D.L.I. raid (3 officers and 38 other ranks) on Mad + Point--over 30 enemy dead counted--1 prisoner brought in + --several dug-outs destroyed. + + 12. 71st Infantry Brigade scouting party raid partly successful + only--one machine-gun entrenchment blown in. + + 15. Enemy attempted raid in Hohenzollern Sector repulsed by artillery + and machine-gun fire--one enemy identification made. + + 16-17. Relieved by 21st Division--to Béthune--Busnes--Robecq. + +Mar. 2-4. Into line Loos Sector--from Double Crassier to Railway + Alley. + + 18. Enemy carried out several simultaneous raids--that on 2nd York + and Lancasters dispersed by Lewis-gun fire--that on Buffs + repulsed after hand-to-hand fighting--that on 1st West + Yorks penetrated and captured one Lewis gun and six men. + + 19. Enemy raided 2nd York and Lancasters--unsuccessful--two + Germans killed in our trenches. + + 24. 11th Essex Battalion raid on area round Posen Crater (4 + companies of 2 officers and 80 other ranks each)--penetrated to + enemy support line and remained one and a half hours--captured + 1 officer, 8 other ranks, and 1 machine-gun. + + 25. Enemy raided 9th Norfolk Regiment and 2nd Sherwood Foresters + and captured nine prisoners, penetrating some distance + between the battalions, but leaving one officer and three + other ranks dead in our trenches. + + 30. 1st The Buffs raid (4 officers and 100 other ranks under + Capt. B. L. Strauss) in Loos Sector--remained in trenches + over half-hour--took one prisoner and one machine-gun, and + blew in eight dug-outs. + +April 5. Enemy raid on 2nd Foresters at Border Redoubt--driven off + with very slight casualties. + +April 8. 2nd D.L.I. patrol raid (2 officers and 47 other ranks) + in Loos Sector--held up by wire. + + 10. 9th Suffolks raid (D Company under Capt. England, M.C.) in + Quarries Sector--successful and obtained identification. + + 12. 2nd York and Lancasters raid (2 officers and 80 other ranks + under Capt. Hardy)--got into trench and killed sixteen + Germans. + + 13. Enemy withdrew from Railway Triangle, closely followed by 2nd + York and Lancasters, who entered enemy dug-outs before candles + had burnt out. + + 24th Division on our right also advancing line. + + System of bombardment followed by pauses during which patrols + went out and occupied what they could. + + 14. Enemy small raid on 1st West Yorks--driven off by counter-attack + and identification obtained. + + 15. A certain amount of ground gained in the face of increasing + opposition--Buffs and York and Lancasters advanced a bit. + + 16. Systematic bombardment of Hill 70 trenches commenced--enemy + counter-attacked and drove Buffs back slightly, but failed + against 8th Bedfords' advanced post--D Company, West Yorks + (3 officers and 65 other ranks under Capt. Rendall), attempted + raid, but driven back by artillery fire. + + 17. Gas released on enemy--ideal conditions--enemy attacked + right flank of 8th Bedfords but driven back. + + 18. Enemy shelled Loos heavily during night (about 1,000 5.9s) + --1st Leicesters (C Company under Capt. Cox) raided and + captured one prisoner--1st K.S.L.I. and 8th Bedfords made + more ground, latter taking twenty-seven prisoners and one + machine-gun. + + 19. 1st K.S.L.I. got north end of Novel Alley, but three attempts + to push forward by 8th Bedfords unsuccessful--K.S.L.I. took + eighteen prisoners--14th D.L.I. relieved 8th Bedfords--11th + Essex placed under orders of G.O.C., 16th Infantry Brigade. + + 20. 46th Division relieved 24th Division on our right--11th Essex + into line, relieving 1st Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I. + +April 20-21. Line partially withdrawn to allow of bombardment. + + 21. Attack by 14th D.L.I. in conjunction with 46th Division-- + successful--two machine-guns and thirty-six prisoners. + + 21-22. 14th D.L.I. repulsed two enemy counter-attacks. + + 22. Attack by 14th D.L.I. and 11th Essex in conjunction with 46th + Division--latter unable to attack Narwhal trench on account + of uncut wire--11th Essex unable to get on--14th D.L.I. + took objective, but gradually shelled and sniped out and + driven back to original line--forty-six prisoners and three + machine-guns. + + 22. 1st Leicesters relieved 14th D.L.I.--9th Suffolks lent to 16th + Infantry Brigade--position became stationary with enemy in + Nash Alley. + + 23. Small enemy raid dispersed and an identification obtained. + + 26. G.O.C. 71st Infantry Brigade assumed command Loos Sector vice + G.O.C. 16th Infantry Brigade to northern sector of Division. + + 27. Enemy raided in Quarries Sector--one prisoner taken by us. + + 28. Raid by 9th Norfolks (No. 8 Platoon) stopped by new wire--same + by West Yorks, also unsuccessful. + + 29. 7,000 gas shells by enemy on Vermelles, Philosophe, and Maroc. + + May 2. 46th Division took over portion of Southern Brigade area. + + 5. Enemy patrol entered our lines, but was shot and identification + made. + + 9. Enemy attempted raid on 2nd D.L.I., but driven off. + + 13. Heavy enemy bombardment in 14bis Sector--raid broken up as it + came out of trenches by artillery fire. + + 15-16. Enemy raided Boyau 46 and captured four men. + + 20-21. 1st West Yorks raid (2 officers and 52 other ranks) entered + trenches but enemy fled--no result. + + 22. 1st Leicesters raid (B Company, 4 officers and 132 other ranks, + under Capt. Wykes) in Quarries Sector--several dug-outs with + enemy in destroyed. + + May 28. 2nd Sherwood Foresters (6 officers and 133 other ranks + under Major Addison-Smith) raided under cover of a smoke + barrage--captured two prisoners and destroyed some dug-outs, + machine-gun entrenchments and tunnel entrances. + + June 1. 1st K.S.L.I. (3 officers and 130 other ranks under Capt. E. + Spink, M.C.) raided enemy near Hendon Alley--sixteen Germans + killed and machine-gun entrenchments blown in. + + 4. Two officers and forty other ranks of 1st K.S.L.I. raided same + trenches and got in, but no prisoners taken. + + 6. Small raid 2nd D.L.I. (2 officers and 50 other ranks) + unsuccessful--enemy's barrage too heavy. + + 8. Enemy small raid on 9th Suffolks at Newport Sap repulsed--four + enemy dead left on our wire. + + 10. 9th Suffolks (3 officers and 94 other ranks) raided as far as + enemy support trenches, but found no one. + + 12-13. 9th Norfolks (1 officer and 35 other ranks) attempted raid on + Merthyr Sap, but could not get in. + + 15. 14th D.L.I. successful daylight raid (3 officers and 80 other + ranks) in vicinity of Nash Alley--a good many enemy killed + and seven prisoners taken. + + 23-24. Enemy entered post of 11th Essex and did some damage, but was + driven out by counter-attack. + + 24. Raid by 1st Buffs (two companies under Capt. Jacob) near + Halifax Alley--remained in trenches three and a half hours + and captured fifteen prisoners and two aerial-dart machines. + Lieuts. Harrington and Buss (both killed) greatly + distinguished themselves. + + 27-28. Very gallant raid by 2nd D.L.I. (2 officers and 84 other ranks + under Capt. Fawcett) and 11th Essex (3 officers and 67 other + ranks under Capt. Silver) in connection with operations of + 46th Division--though anticipated the raiders got into the + enemy's trenches and remained there one hour, repelling all + counter-attacks--one prisoner taken. + +July 1-2. Small enemy raid on Novel Alley unsuccessful--left + one dead in our trench. + + 3. Small enemy raid on 1st West Yorks in Novel Alley unsuccessful + --two prisoners taken and one enemy left dead in trench. + + 7-8. Brilliant repulse of strong enemy raid near Boyau 70 by 1st + The Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I.--two prisoners taken by us. + + 9-10. 14th D.L.I. raid (1 officer and 30 other ranks)--trenches + entered but enemy fled--enemy small raid on Novel Alley + driven off. + + 12. Patrol raid (3 patrols of 12) by 8th Bedfords in Hulluch + Sector--one prisoner. + + 16. Surprise raid by 9th Norfolks (2 officers and 36 other + ranks)--stiff fighting but no identification obtained. + + 20. Three patrols (3 officers and 55 other ranks) of 2nd York and + Lancasters raided enemy's posts but only partly successful. + + 23. Raid by 1st Leicesters (8 officers and 291 other ranks under + Capt. Mosse) in Quarries Sector--enemy bolted into dug-outs + --remained one and a half hours in enemy's trenches--one + prisoner taken. + + Division relieved by 46th Division--D.H.Q. to Ourton-- + troops to area Ourton-Monchy Breton. + + 31. 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters went by bus to Bac St. Maur to + come under orders G.O.C., 57th Division. + + Aug. 5. 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters returned. + + 24-27. Into line on Hill 70 front. + +Sept. 9. 2nd Sherwood Foresters raided enemy Hill 70 Sector + unsuccessfully--enemy had bombarded trenches all day and + blown in many, and had anticipated the raid. + + 13. 8th Bedfords (2 officers and 85 other ranks) raided enemy and + bombed his crowded trenches, but failed to get in. + + 20-21. Enemy's raid on 11th Essex failed. + + 24. Side-stepped with a view to attack on Cité St. Auguste. + + 29. Enemy raided York and Lancasters, but was repulsed and left an + unwounded prisoner in our hands. + + Oct. 4. Preparations for attack. Enemy raid (about half + battalion) on 18th Infantry Brigade repulsed. + +Oct. 19. Raid with heavy bombardment on 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful. + + 20-23. Relieved by 11th Division--to St. Hilaire area. + + 29. Marched south to join Third Army. Training with tanks. + +Nov. 15-19. Commenced march to Cambrai front. + + 20. _Battle of Cambrai._ + + 16th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st Infantry Brigade on + left, 18th passed through--broke both systems of Hindenburg + Line, capturing Ribécourt and Premy Chapel Ridge--first + company into Marcoing--over 1,100 prisoners and 23 guns. + + All objectives gained with few casualties by 12 noon. + + Congratulatory message from Corps Commander. + + 21. Action of 14th D.L.I. supporting cavalry in advance to Cantaing. + + 26-27. 18th Infantry Brigade extended front to Cantaing. 1st The Buffs + cleared and occupied Noyelles. + + 30. _Enemy counter-attack in force on Third Army._ + + 16th Infantry Brigade moved from Divisional Reserve to near + Beaucamps and ordered to counter-attack on Gouzeaucourt-- + found Guards already in possession. + + Arranged to attack by night on La Vacquerie-Gonnelieu-- + attack unsuccessful. + + Gallant action of 18th Infantry Brigade transport under Shea, + Q.M., 2nd D.L.I., and Paul, Transport officer, 1st West Yorks + --both died of wounds. + + Congratulatory message on this action received from G.O.C., + 29th Division. + +Night Dec. 2/3. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved part of 29th Division + north of St. Quentin Canal. + + 3. Enemy attacked K.S.L.I. and 14th D.L.I. north of canal. Three + counter-attacks by D.L.I., but finally driven back. + + Bedfords and York and Lancasters put in to restore situation + --partially successful. + + Front withdrawn to line of canal night of 3rd/4th. + + 4. General withdrawal of British line to Support System of + Hindenburg Line ordered. + +Dec. 10. Relieved by 19th Division. + + 11. 16th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps. + + 12. 18th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps. + + Above brigades placed at disposal of 3rd Division, and went + into line to relieve two of their brigades on Bullecourt + front for a few days. + +Dec. 14 to } In rest--Basseux area. +Jan. 17, 1918. } + + +1918. + +Jan. 17. Commenced move up to Frémicourt. + + Feb. 4. Enemy's silent raid on three posts of Boursies area and + captured one prisoner. + + 13. Side-stepped into Lagnicourt Sector. + + Mar. 3. 1st K.S.L.I. (2 officers and 50 other ranks, B Company) raided + Magpie's Nest and captured one machine-gun--enemy fled. + + 16. 1st Leicesters (2 officers and 50 other ranks) repeated raid-- + post empty. + + 21. _Great German offensive commenced._ Fighting all day--heavy + casualties--71st and 18th Infantry Brigades holding out in + Reserve line till dark. + + 22. Fighting all day on Corps line. + + Remnants of Division relieved at night--to Achiet and + Logeast Wood. + + 25. By train to Second Army. + + 30. King's visit to Steenvoorde. + +April 3-4. Into line in Ypres Salient on high ground between Menin and + Zonnebeke Roads--came under XXII Corps. + + 13. 71st Infantry Brigade left to join 49th Division on Neuve Eglise + front. + + 16. Line withdrawn to battle zone--enemy followed up in the + afternoon and a good many casualties were inflicted on him-- + one party of twenty-five annihilated. + + 18. Enemy raided post unsuccessfully and lost an officer + killed--identification obtained by us. + + 25. Capture of Kemmel by enemy from the French. + + 26. 71st Infantry Brigade returned to Division. + +Night 26-27. Further withdrawal to west end of Zillebeke Lake-White + Château. + + 29. Heavy attacks against Division on our right. + + May 8. Unsuccessful enemy attack on Ridgewood. + + 11-14. Side-slipped to south and came into II Corps. + + 19. 11th Essex raided Manor Farm successfully but no prisoners + taken. + + May 22. 2nd D.L.I. (A and C Companies) raided pill-boxes + Bedford front and took sixteen prisoners. + + 28-29. Attack by 11th Essex in conjunction with French 46th Division. + + June 5. 2nd York and Lancasters raided (3 officers and 68 other ranks) + Lankhoff Farm unsuccessfully. + + 7-8. Division relieved--to Dirty Bucket Camp and Jan ter Biezen area. + + 71st T.M.B. co-operated in 46th French Division operation. + + 19. 18th T.M.B. lent to 7th French Division for a raid. + + 27-28. Relieved 46th French Division in Dickebusch front. + + July 6. Enemy's raid on Scottish Wood repulsed. + + 9. Patrol of 2nd Sherwood Foresters rushed a post near Ridgewood by + day--captured a machine-gun and killed the garrison. + + 14. _Attack by 18th Infantry Brigade on Ridgewood._ 1st West Yorks + and 2nd D.L.I. assisted by two companies 1st Middlesex of + 33rd Division--enemy surprised--most successful-- + captures, 7 officers, 341 other ranks, 23 machine-guns, 1 + H.T.M., 2 L.T.Ms. + + Aug. 2. 1st The Buffs daylight raid on the Brasserie--successful-- + three prisoners. + + 6. H.M. The King saw some of the troops at Winnezeele. + + 8. Minor operation by 18th Infantry Brigade in connection with + 41st Division's operation--company West Yorks unsuccessful + --company 2nd D.L.I. on right co-operating with 41st + Division entirely successful. + + In August. Attachment of units of 27th American Division. + + 21-24. Relieved by 27th American Division--to Wizernes area. + + 31. Division marched to Arques. + +Sept. 1. Entrained for Fourth Army. + + 2-4. Detrained and billeted in area Heilly-Ribemont-Franvillers. + + 13-14. Relieved 32nd Division at head of IX Corps by bus. + + 18th Infantry Brigade took over front in Holnon Wood with + 11th Essex. + + 16th Infantry Brigade in support in Trefcon area. + + 71st Infantry Brigade in reserve in Monchy-Lagache + area. + +Sept. 15. 11th Essex attacked and captured trenches just clear of + Holnon Wood, taking forty-six prisoners. + + 15-16. Divisional front re-organized with West Yorks on right and + Essex on left. + + 17. West Yorks attacked Holnon Village and Essex Badger Copse to + establish starting line for general attack on 18th September + --fighting all day--Essex eventually successful--West + Yorks unsuccessful. + + 18. _General attack_ to capture high ground overlooking St. + Quentin--71st Infantry Brigade on right, with D.L.I. + attached to capture Holnon--16th Infantry Brigade on left + --latter advanced 3,000 yards--former held up by + Quadrilateral--right made little progress as French failed + to capture Round and Manchester Hills on right flank. + + 19. Attack renewed on Quadrilateral but unsuccessful. + + 20-23. Digging new assembly trenches and bombarding Quadrilateral with + heavy artillery. + + 24. Attack on whole IX Corps front--18th Infantry Brigade + on right, 16th Infantry Brigade on left--fighting all day; + half Quadrilateral captured by nightfall. + + 1st Leicesters, attached to 18th Infantry Brigade, captured + Douai Trench east of Holnon at 10.30. p.m. by moonlight. + + 25. Gradual completion of capture of Quadrilateral. Selency + Village captured--Position consolidated. + + 26-30. On position. + +Sept. 30 to Oct. 1. Relief of Division by the French. + +Oct. 1-3. Resting in Tertry area. + + 4. Division relieved 46th Division--D.H.Q. at La Baraque, 71st + Infantry Brigade at Magny la Fosse, 16th Infantry Brigade + took over line with 139th Infantry Brigade (46th Division) + left at Sequehart under 6th Division. + + 7. 71st relieved part of 16th Infantry Brigade on left next + to 30th American Division. + + 8. _General attack_ towards Bohain--71st Infantry Brigade on + left, 16th Infantry Brigade on right, 18th Infantry + Brigade in Divisional Reserve with West Yorks (attached to + 16th Infantry Brigade) attacking up valley, French on + right--all objectives gained by night. + +Oct. 8-9. Took over part of line by night from 30th American Division + and handed over part to 46th Division. + + 9. Attack under a barrage at dawn towards Bohain and Fresnoy + --Bohain captured during night by 9th Norfolks. + + 10. Advance by 71st Infantry Brigade to high ground 2,000 + yards east of Bohain--46th Division on right. + + 11. Reconnaissance in force by 71st Infantry Brigade brought + to a standstill by machine-gun fire. + + 11-12. 18th Infantry Brigade relieved 71st Infantry Brigade + by night. + + 12. 18th Infantry Brigade reconnaissance in force at 4.30 p.m. + made a little ground. + + 14. 71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry Brigade. + + 16-17. 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades moved to north for general + attack on 18th, with 30th American Division on left and 46th + Division on right. Brig.-Gen. Walker wounded. + + 18. _General attack_ through Vaux Andigny--16th Infantry + Brigade on left, 18th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st + Infantry Brigade in reserve--successful--1st Division + passed through 6th Division, which came into Corps Reserve. + + 19-20. Resting. + + 20-21. Division relieved 30th American Division in St. Souplet area + --18th Infantry Brigade on right next to 1st Division, 71st + Infantry Brigade on left next to 25th Division--D.H.Q. + Becquigny. + + 23. _General attack_ to gain high ground overlooking Sambre + Canal--zero 1.30 a.m.--18th Infantry Brigade successful + on right--71st Infantry Brigade on left, disorganized by + gas shelling in assembly position and losing the barrage by + reason of the high fences and the mist, gained most of their + objectives by the afternoon. + + 23-24. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved 71st Infantry Brigade by night + and pushed on, completing capture of final objective. + +Oct. 28. 71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry Brigade. + + 30. Successful attack on a farm by 1st The Buffs. + + 30-31. Division relieved by 32nd Division, went to rest at Fresnoy le + Grand. + + Nov. 6. Division moved to Bohain. + + 11. Hostilities ceased. + + 14. Division marched to area Catillon-Mazinghien-Vaux Andigny. + + 15. To area Prisches-Le Sart-Catillon. + + 16. To area Avesnes-Favril. + + 17. Halt. + + 18. To area Solre le Château-Dompierre. + + 19. Tail closed to Dimechaux-Sars Poteries. + + 20. _March to the Rhine commenced._ + + To area Barbençon-Thirimont. Tail at Solre le Château. + + 23. Tail closed to Barbençon-Beaumont. + + 24. To area Leneffe-Fraire-Walcourt-Boussu. + +Nov. 25th to Dec. 1. Halt. + + Dec. 2. To area Mettet-Flavion-Morialme. Tail at Leneffe-Fraire. + + 3. To area Sommières-Onhaye. + + 4. To area Bouvignes-Anhee. Tail at Mettet-Biesmeree. + + 5. H.Q. Group and 71st Infantry Brigade crossed Meuse and went to + Crupet-Braibant-Purnode. + + 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades closed to river at + Anhee-Bouvignes. Tail at Gerin-Maredret. + + 6. 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades crossed Meuse Division in area + Achet-Hamois-Ciney. Tail at Yvoir. + + 7. Halt. + + 8. To area Les Avins-Pailhe. Tail at Ciney. + + 9. To area Ouffet-Tinlot-Stree. Tail at Havelange. + + 10. Halt. + + 11. To area Remouchamps-Aywaille-Comblain la Tour. Tail at Tinlot. + + 12. To area Francorchamps-Stoumont. Tail at Ouffet-Hody. + + 13. 71st Infantry Brigade crossed German frontier to Malmedy. + + Remainder in area Stavelot-Stoumont. Tail at Oneux-Presseux. + +Dec. 14. H.Q. Group crossed frontier--71st Infantry Brigade to + Elsenborn Camp. Tail at Aywaille. + + 15. 18th Infantry Brigade crossed frontier--71st Infantry Brigade + to Montjoie. Tail at Stoumont. + + 16. 16th Infantry Brigade crossed frontier--71st Infantry Brigade + to Simmerath-Rotgen. Tail at Malmedy. + + 17. Tail to Elsenborn Camp. + + 18. Halt. + + 19. To area Heinbach-Gemund-Schleiden. Tail at Elsenborn Camp. + + 20. To area Mechernich-Kommern-Zulpich. Tail at Montjoie. + + 21. To area Euskirchen-Zulpich. Tail at Harpersheid-Drieborn. + + 22. To area Lechenich-Weilerswist. Tail at Vlatten-Satzvey. + + 23. To area Rondorf-Kendenich. Tail at Zulpich-Froitzhein. + + D.H.Q. at Bruhl--all units now in final positions. + + + + +APPENDIX IV + +ORDER OF BATTLE ON MOBILIZATION. + + +DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS + +G.O.C. Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B., late R.A. +A.D.C. Capt. P. F. Fitzgerald, King's Shropshire + Light Infantry. +G.S.O.1 Col. W. T. Furse, D.S.O., late R.A. +G.S.O.2 Lt.-Col. J. T. Burnett-Stuart, D.S.O., + Rifle Brigade. +G.S.O.3 Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade. +A.A. and Q.M.G. Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O., Gordon + Highlanders. +D.A.A. and Q.M.G. Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and Sutherland + Highlanders. +D.A.Q.M.G. Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C. +A.D.M.S. Col. H. O. Trevor, R.A.M.C. +D.A.D.M.S. Major N. J. C. Rutherford, R.A.M.C. +A.D.V.S. Major H. M. Lenox-Conyngham, A.V.C. +D.A.D.O.S. Major H. M. Howard, A.O.D. +A.P.M. Capt. H. S. Rogers, King's Shropshire + Light Infantry. + + +DIVISIONAL ENGINEERS + +C.R.E. Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp, R.E. +Adjutant Major B. W. Y. Danford, R.E. +12th Field Company Major A. F. Sargeaunt, R.E. +38th Field Company Major F. M. Browne, R.E. +6th Divisional Signal Capt. A. N. Paxton, R.E. + Company. + + +DIVISIONAL CAVALRY + +O.C., Squadron, 19th Major H. O'S. F. Tanner, 19th Hussars. + Hussars. + + +DIVISIONAL CYCLISTS + +O.C., Cyclist Company Capt. S. H. Dix, Leinster Regiment. + + +DIVISIONAL TRAIN + +O.C., 6th Divisional Lt.-Col. H. Davies, A.S.C. + Train. + + +ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS + +O.C., 16th Field Lt.-Col. A. C. Fox. + Ambulance. +O.C., 17th Field Lt.-Col. J. P. Silver. + Ambulance. +O.C., 18th Field Lt.-Col. A. A. Watson (S.R.). + Ambulance. + + +DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY + +C.R.A. Brig.-Gen. W. L. H. Paget, C.B., M.V.O. +Brigade-Major Major J. Farquhar. +Staff-Captain Capt. J. de V. Bowles. +Orderly Officer 2/Lieut. K. F. W. Dunn. + + +_2nd Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Col. W. A. M. Thompson. +Adjutant Capt. H. R. S. Massey. +21st Battery Major L. M. Phillpotts, D.S.O. +42nd Battery Major H. J. Brock. +53rd Battery Major C. J. Rugge Price. +Brigade Ammunition Capt. C. E. S. Bower. + Column. + + +_24th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. C. E. Lawrie, D.S.O. +Adjutant Capt. H. A. Boyd. +110th Battery Major W. M. Warburton. +111th Battery Major E. C. W. D. Walthall, D.S.O. +112th Battery Major W. B. Browell. +Brigade Ammunition Capt. B. H. Shaw-Stewart. + Column. + + +_38th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O. +Adjutant Capt. C. S. Rich. +24th Battery Major A. G. Arbuthnot. +34th Battery Major A. R. Wainwright. +72nd Battery Major F. A. Tighe. +Brigade Ammunition Capt. C. R. Hill. + Column. + + +_12th (Howitzer) Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. G. Humphreys, D.S.O. +Adjutant Capt. A. T. McGrath. +43rd Battery Major E. R. Burne. +86th Battery Major R. S. Hardman. +87th Battery Major H. T. Belcher, D.S.O. +Brigade Ammunition Capt. R. J. C. Meyricke. + Column. + + +_24th Heavy Battery, R.G.A. (60-pounders)_ + +O.C. Major H. E. J. Brake, C.B., D.S.O. + + +_Divisional Ammunition Column_ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. G. A. Cardew. +Adjutant Capt. J. C. Dundas. + + +16th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. E. C. Ingouville-Williams, + C.B., D.S.O., late Worcestershire + Regiment. +Brigade-Major Capt. R. H. Mangles, D.S.O., The + Queen's Regiment. +Staff-Captain Capt. G. Lee, The Buffs. +O.C., 1st Bn., The Lt.-Col. H. C. de la M. Hill. + Buffs. +O.C., 1st Bn., Leicestershire Lt.-Col. H. L. Croker. + Regiment. +O.C., 1st Bn., K.S.L.I. Lt.-Col. C. P. Higginson, D.S.O. +O.C., 2nd Bn., York Lt.-Col. E. C. Cobbold. + and Lancaster Regt. + + +17th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. W. R. B. Doran, C.B., + D.S.O., late Royal Irish Regiment. +Brigade-Major Major A. D. Green, D.S.O., Worcestershire + Regiment. +Staff-Captain Capt. H. V. Scott, Rifle Brigade. +O.C., 1st Bn., Royal Lt.-Col. R. Fowler-Butler. + Fusiliers. +O.C., 1st Bn., North Lt.-Col. V. W. de Falbe, D.S.O. + Staffordshire Regt. +O.C., 2nd Bn., Leinster Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve. + Regiment. +O.C., 3rd Bn., Rifle Lt.-Col. R. Alexander. + Brigade + + +18th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C., C.B., + M.V.O., late Rifle Brigade. +Brigade-Major Capt. R. F. H. Wallace, Black Watch. +Staff-Captain Capt. F. G. Maughan, Durham Light + Infantry. +O.C., 1st Bn., West Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey. + Yorkshire Regiment. +O.C., 1st Bn., East Lt.-Col. R. E. Benson. + Yorkshire Regiment. +O.C., 2nd Bn., Sherwood Lt.-Col. C. B. Crofton-Atkins. + Foresters. +O.C., 2nd Bn., D.L.I. Lt.-Col. B. W. L. McMahon. + + +ORDER OF BATTLE--11TH NOVEMBER 1918 + +DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS + +G.O.C. Major-Gen. T. O. Marden, C.B., C.M.G., + late the Welch Regiment. +A.D.C. 2/Lieut. E. C. W. Severne, General List. +A.D.C. Capt. J. R. Tylden, East Kent Yeomanry. +G.S.O.1 Brevet-Lt.-Col. T. T. Grove, D.S.O., R.E. +G.S.O.2 Major L. M. Taylor, M.C., York and + Lancaster Regiment (T.). +G.S.O.3 Capt. J. Horlington, M.C., York and + Lancaster Regiment (S.R.). +Intelligence Officer Lieut. K. Archbold, M.C., General List. +A.A. and Q.M.G. Brevet-Lt.-Col. P. Hudson, C.M.G., + D.S.O., The King's (Liverpool) Regt. +D.A.A.G. Major C. Macfie, D.S.O., Seaforth + Highlanders. +D.A.Q.M.G. Lt.-Col. A. J. D. Hay, East Surrey + Regiment (S.R.). +A.D.M.S. Col. H. C. R. Hime, D.S.O., R.A.M.C. +D.A.D.M.S. Major N. Cantlie, M.C., R.A.M.C. +D.A.D.V.S. Major R. F. Bett, A.V.C. +D.A.D.O.S. Major R. G. P. Hare, A.O.D. +D.A.P.M. Capt. W. A. Bignell, South Irish Horse. +S.C.F., C. of E. Rev. E. C. Hoskyns, M.C., A.C.D. +Divisional Claims Officer. Lieut. C. E. B. M. Smith, Sherwood + Foresters. +Divisional Gas Officer Capt. D. Powell, M.C., R.E. +O.C., 209th Employment Capt. G. L. Scudamore, Labour Corps. + Company. +6th M.T. Company Major O. B. Gabriel, A.S.C. + + +DIVISIONAL ENGINEERS + +C.R.E. Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall, M.C., R.E. +Adjutant Capt. C. A. Langley, M.C., R.E. +12th Field Company Major F. W. Moore, M.C., R.E.(S.). +459th Field Company Major A. S. Lambert, M.C., R.E.(T.). +509th Field Company Major H. G. Bambridge, M.C., R.E.(S.). +6th Divisional Signal Major A. G. Shaw, M.C., East Yorkshire + Company Regiment (T.). + + +PIONEERS + +O.C., 11th Bn., Leicestershire Lt.-Col. R. H. Radford, Leicestershire + Regiment Regiment (S.R.). +2nd in Command Major W. A. Rodger, Leicestershire + Regiment (S.). +Adjutant Capt. H. M. Raleigh, Leicestershire + Regiment. + + +MACHINE-GUN BATTALION + +O.C., 6th Battalion, M.G.C. Lt.-Col. J. B. Rosher, D.S.O., M.C., + Durham Light Infantry (S.). +2nd in Command. Major M. C. Cooper, M.C., Oxford and + Bucks Light Infantry (T.). +Adjutant Capt. J. M. Briggs, King's Shropshire + Light Infantry (S.R.). + + +DIVISIONAL TRAIN + +O.C. Lt.-Col. F. C. S. Norrington, A.S.C. +Adjutant Capt. R. Beales, A.S.C. +Senior Supply Officer Capt. A. F. Osborne, M.C., A.S.C. + + +ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS + +16th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. J. W. C. Stubbs, M.C., + R.A.M.C. +17th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. A. J. Hickey, M.C., R.A.M.C. +18th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. E. W. Wade, D.S.O., R.A.M.C. + + +MOBILE VETERINARY SECTION + +O.C. Capt. H. J. Hughes, A.V.C. + + +DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY + +C.R.A. Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce, C.M.G., R.A. +Brigade-Major Major S. Carwithen, R.A. +Staff-Captain Capt. K. Lyon, R.A. +Reconnaissance Officer Lieut. L. S. Wooler, R.A. +Signal Officer Capt. F. Goodman, R.E. + + +_2nd Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. W. H. F. Weber, D.S.O., R.F.A. +Adjutant Capt. T. C. Rayner, M.C. +Orderly Officer 2/Lieut. T. Brough. +Signal Officer 2/Lieut. W. F. J. Delyon. +Horsemaster Capt. W. P. Jones, Duke of Lancaster's + Yeomanry. +21st Battery Major E. F. Housden. +42nd Battery Major T. R. Ubsdell, D.S.O. +63rd Battery Major R. Scott-Aiton, M.C. +87th Battery Major J. W. Godley. + + +_24th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth, D.S.O., R.F.A. +Adjutant Capt. E. J. Saltwell. +Orderly Officer Lieut. C. G. Campbell. +Horsemaster Capt. E. T. C. Murray, 6th Royal + Regiment Dragoons (Canada). +110th Battery Major P. J. C. Honner, M.C. +111th Battery Major F. M. A. Wood. +112th Battery Major G. Sandeman. +43rd Battery Major B. Todd, M.C. + + +_6th Divisional Ammunition Column_ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. B. Allan, R.F.A. +Adjutant Capt. F. Heap. +No. 1 Section Capt. A. McQueen. +No. 2 Section Capt. H. W. C. Angell. +No. 3 Section Capt. H. Brewin (S.A.A. Section). + + +_Divisional Trench Mortars_ + +D.T.M.O. Capt. R. A. Levinge, R.A. +X/6th T.M. Battery Capt. M. R. Anderson, M.C., General List. +Y/6th T.M. Battery Capt. V. E. Wait, 11th Essex Regiment. + + +16th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite, C.B., + C.M.G., D.S.O., Royal Welch Fusiliers. +Brigade-Major Capt. E. Dryden, M.C., Durham L.I. +Staff-Captain Capt. S. H. D. Chamier, M.C., West + Yorkshire Regiment. +Intelligence Officer Lieut. G. H. Bond, M.C., York and + Lancaster Regiment. +Signal Officer 2/Lieut. W. D. A. Williams, R.E. +O.C., 1st The Buffs Lt.-Col. R. E. Power, D.S.O. +2nd in Command Major Lord Teynham. +Adjutant Lieut. E. F. Hall. +O.C., 1st K.S.L.I. A/Lt.-Col. L. H. Morris, M.C. +2nd in Command Major C E. Parker. +Adjutant Capt. G. S. E. Denyer, M.C. +O.C., 2nd York and Lt.-Col. J. R. Robertson, Bedfordshire + Lancaster Regt. Regiment. +2nd in Command Major P. H. C. Collins, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. E. E. Battle, M.C. +16th T.M. Battery Lieut. H. Carss, Durham Light Infantry. + + +18th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. G. S. G. Craufurd, C.M.G., + C.I.E., D.S.O., A.D.C., Gordon Highlanders. +Brigade-Major Brevet-Major H. C. E. Hull, The + Queen's. +Staff-Captain Capt. W. V. Cavill, M.C., West Yorkshire + Regiment. +Signal Officer Lieut. G. White, Scottish Rifles. +O.C., 1st West Yorkshire Lt.-Col. D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C., +Regiment. Leicestershire Regiment. +2nd in Command Major J. C. Blackburn, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. G. A. Robinson, M.C. +O.C., 11th Essex Regiment Lt.-Col. C. H. Dumbell, D.S.O., Sherwood + Foresters. +2nd in Command Major A. G. Saunders. +Adjutant Capt. G. H. Scott. +O.C., 2nd D.L.I. Lt.-Col. R. V. Turner. +2nd in Command Major P. C. Parker, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. S. R. Streatfield. +18th Trench Mortar Battery Capt. T. E. Peart, M.C., Durham Light + Infantry. + + +71st INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown, D.S.O., Gordon + Highlanders. +Brigade-Major Brevet-Major A. Weyman, M.C., + Leicestershire Regiment (A/G.S.O.2, + 18th Division). +Acting-Brigade-Major Capt. J. F. Tamblyn, M.C., The Queen's + Regiment (S.). +Staff-Captain Capt. F. W. Musgrave, West Yorkshire + Regiment (T.). +Intelligence Officer Lieut. H. L. Hayne, Leicestershire + Regiment (S.). +Signal Officer Lieut. K. D. Allen, R.E. +O.C., 9th Norfolk Regiment Lt.-Col. F. R. Day, Norfolk Regiment. +2nd in Command Major E. W. Cannings, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. C. P. Bassingthwaite, M.C. +O.C., 1st Leicestershire Lt.-Col. J. R. Martin, D.S.O., M.C., + Regiment Royal Scots. +2nd in Command Major G. N. Wykes. +Adjutant Capt. R. N. Davies, M.C. +O.C., 2nd Sherwood Foresters Lt.-Col. C. E. Hudson, V.C., D.S.O., M.C. +2nd in Command Major F. D. Collen, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. A. L. Gill, M.C. +71st Trench Mortar Battery Capt. R. Gjertson, M.C., Essex Regiment (T.). + + + + +APPENDIX V + +CHANGES IN COMMANDS AND STAFFS + +N. B.--Ranks and Honours are given as held on date of appointment. + + +I. DIVISIONAL COMMANDERS + +Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B. Mobn.--26.5.15 +Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C. M.V.O 27.5.15--13.11.15 +Col. (T/Maj.-Gen.) C. Ross, D.S.O. 14.11.15--18.8.17 +Col. (T/Maj.-Gen.) T. O. Marden, C.M.G. 19.8.17--Armistice. + + +II. G.S.O.s, 1st GRADE + +Col. W. T. Furse Mobn.--28.12.14 +Lt.-Col. J. M. Shea, Indian Army 29.12.14--4.7.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. Boyd, + Royal Irish Regiment 5.7.15--17.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. F. Renny, + D.S.O., Royal Dublin Fus. 18.6.16--22.3.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) T. T. Grove, + D.S.O., R.E. 23.3.17--Armistice. + + +III. G.S.O.s, 2nd GRADE + +Major J. T. Burnett-Stuart, Rifle Brigade Mobn.--17.2.15 +Major W. E. Ironside, R.A. 18.2.15--29.2.16 +Major L. P. Evans, Black Watch 1.3.16--5.3.17 +Major M. Beevor, The Buffs 6.3.17--17.11.17 +Major W. Harris-St. John, Royal + Welch Fusiliers 18.11.17--28.4.18 +Major S. S. Hill-Dillon, D.S.O., + Royal Irish Regiment 29.4.18--15.6.18 +Lieut. (T/Major) R. W. Barnett, + M.C., Rifle Brigade 16.6.18--12.8.18 (K.) +Major L. M. Taylor, M.C., + K.O.Y.L.I. (T.F.) 24.8.18--Armistice. + + +IV. G.S.O.s, 3rd GRADE + +Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade Mobn.--31.10.14 +Major W. E. Ironside, R.A. 1.11.14--17.2.15 +Capt. T. T. Grove, R.E. 18.2.15--9.8.15 +Major A. B. Lawson, 11th + Hussars 10.8.15--5.12.15 +Capt. H. D. Denison-Pender, + Scots Greys 6.12.15--24.6.16 +Capt. M. K. Wardle, Leicestershire + Regiment 25.6.16--25.7.17 +Capt. M. C. Bell, D.S.O., M.C., + Royal Fusiliers 26.7.17--1.11.17 +Major A. S. Wright, Royal Canadian + F.A. 2.11.17--21.5.18 +Lieut. (T/Capt.) J. F. Horlington, + M.C., Y. and L. Regt. (S.R.) 22.5.18--Armistice. + + +V. A.A.s AND Q.M.G.s + +Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O. Mobn.--30.9.14 +Col. R. Wanless-O'Gowan 1.10.14--7.2.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R.S. May, + Royal Fusiliers 15.2.15--5.2.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M. R. Walsh, + Worcestershire Regiment 6.2.16--29.8.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M.B. Savage, + D.S.O., South Staffs Regt. 30.8.17--15.12.17 +Bt.-Lt.-Col. P. Hudson, D.S.O., + King's (Liverpool) Regiment 16.12.17--Armistice. + + +VI. D.A.A.G.s (FORMERLY D.A.A.s AND Q.M.G.s.) + +Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and + Sutherland Highlanders Mobn.--30.10.14 +Capt. G. Ogston, Gordon Highlanders + 1.11.14--4.1.16 +Capt. J. L. Watson, West Riding + Regiment 5.1.16--7.3.16 +Capt. S. G. L. Bradley, Queen's + Westminster Rifles 8.3.16--22.3.17 +Major C. Macfie, Argyll and + Sutherland Highlanders 23.3.17--Armistice. + + +VII. D.A.Q.M.G.'s. + +Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C. Mobn.--1.1.15 +Major H. L. Nevill, D.S.O., R.A. 15.1.15--26.2.15 +Major B. Atkinson, R.A. 27.2.15--28.5.15 +Capt. J. C. Dundas, R.A. 29.5.15--13.10.15 +Major H. Street, Devon Regt. 14.10.15--16.1.17 +Capt. R. B. Tower, Notts and + Derby Regiment 17.1.17--21.5.18 +Bt.-Col. A. J. Hay, East Surrey + Regiment (S.R.) 22.5.18--Armistice. + + +VIII. C.R.A.s. + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. H. L. Paget, M.V.O. Mobn.--26.5.15 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. Humphreys, C.B., D.S.O. 27.5.15--28.6.16 +Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. S. Cleeve (R. of O.) 29.6.16--23.10.16 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. F. Delaforce, C.M.G. 24.10.16--Armistice. + + +IX. C.R.E.s. + +Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp Mobn.--12.8.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. G. Stevenson 13.8.15--19.12.15 +Col. T. A. H. Bigge 20.12.15--24.1.16 +Lt.-Col. H. R. S. Christie 25.1.16--1.1.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. B. Goldney, D.S.O. 2.1.17--22.9.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. A. L. Hall, M.C. 23.9.18--Armistice. + + +X. O.C.s Train + +Major H. Davies Mobn.--6.4.17 +Major F. Norrington 7.4.17--Armistice. + + +XI. A.D.M.S. + +Col. H. O. Trevor Mobn.--March, '15 +Col. B. H. Scott March, '15--March, '17 +Lt.-Col. (T/Col.) H. W. Grattan March, '17--Oct., '18 +Lt.-Col. (T/Col.) H. C. R. Hime, D.S.O. Oct., '18--Armistice. + + +XII. D.A.D.O.S. + +Major H. M. Howard Oct., '14--26.1.15 +Major F. H. P. O'Connor 27.1.15--18.11.15 +Major S. T. Hayley, D.S.O. 19.11.15--26.12.15 +Major S. B. Winch 27.12.15--28.4.17 +Major R. G. P. Hare 29.4.17--Armistice. + + +XIII. A.D.V.S. (LATER D.A.D.V.S.) + +Major H. M. Lenox-Conyngham 6.9.14--28.8.15 +Major R. Tindle 29.8.15--2.2.18 +Major R. F. Bett 3.2.18--Armistice. + + +XIV. SENIOR CHAPLAINS (C. of E.) + +Rev. T. P. Moreton July, '15--Oct., '15 +Rev. Nevile Talbot, M.C. Oct., '15--May, '16 +Rev. Maurice Ponsonby, M.C. May, '16--Nov., '16 +Rev. J. D. McCready Nov., '16--31.12.16 +Rev. L. G. Reed, M.C. 1.1.17--7.7.18 +Rev. E. C. Hoskyns, M.C. 8.7.18--Armistice. + + +XV. SENIOR CHAPLAINS (R.C.) + +Rev. Father FitzGibbons, M.C. Nov., '16--Sept., '18 +Rev. Father Kearey Sept., '18--Armistice. + + +XVI. A.P.M.s. + +Capt. H. S. Rogers, K.S.L.I. Mobn.--2.3.15 +Major Hon. J. R. Tufton, Royal + Sussex Regiment (S.R.). 3.3.15-- ---- +Capt. A. J. Simey, R.I.C. ---- --Aug., '18 +Capt. W. A. Bignell, South Irish + Horse Aug., '18--Armistice. + + +XVII. INFANTRY BRIGADE COMMANDERS + +_16th Infantry Brigade_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. C. Ingouville-Williams, +C.B., D.S.O. Mobn.--16.6.16 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) C. L. Nicholson 17.6.16--25.7.16 +Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. L. Osborn, + D.S.O., Royal Sussex Regiment 26.7.16--26.10.17 +Bt.-Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. A. + Walker, D.S.O., Royal Fus. 27.10.17--16.10.18 +Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. G. + Braithwaite, C.B., D.S.O., + Royal Welch Fusiliers 17.10.18--Armistice. + + +_17th Infantry Brigade (to 24th Division on 14.10.15)_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. R. B. +Doran, C.B., D.S.O. Mobn.--10.2.15 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. M. Harper, + D.S.O. 11.2.15--23.9.15 +Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) J. W. V. + Carroll, Norfolk Regiment 24.9.15--14.10.15 + + +_18th Infantry Brigade_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. N. Congreve, + V.C., M.V.O. Mobn.--29.5.15 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. S. + Ainslie, C.M.G., Northumberland + Fusiliers 30.5.15--14.8.15 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) R. J. + Bridgford, C.M.G., D.S.O., + King's Shropshire L.I. 15.8.15--19.4.16 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. K. Macclintock, + C.B. 20.4.16--12.6.16 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. S. + Tew, East Surrey Regiment 13.6.16--12.8.16 +Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) R. J. + Bridgford, C.M.G., D.S.O., + King's Shropshire L.I. 13.8.16--14.9.17 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. S. G. + Craufurd, C.M.G., C.I.E., + D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders 15.9.17--Armistice. + + +_19th Infantry Brigade (to 27th Division on 27.5.15)_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) Hon. F. Gordon 12.10.14--27.5.15 + + +_71st Infantry Brigade (joined Division on 14.10.15)_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) M. T. Shewen 14.10.15--26.5.16 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) J. F. Edwards 27.5.16--4.10.16 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. Feetham, C.B. 5.10.16--19.8.17 +Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) P. W. + Brown, D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders 20.8.17--Armistice. + + +XVIII. O.C. UNITS + +[Tablenote a: Signifies date of joining or leaving Division.] +[Tablenote b: Signifies date of disbandment of unit.] + +_Squadron, 19th Hussars_ + +Capt. H. O'S. F. Tanner Mobn.--April, '15[a] + + +_"B" Squadron, Northants Yeomanry_ + +Major Sir C. B. Lowther 14.4.15[a]--29.10.15[a] + + +_6th Machine-Gun Battalion_ + +Lt.-Col. J. B. Rosher, D.S.O., + Durham Light Infantry March, '18--Armistice. + + +_2nd Brigade, R.F.A._ + +Col. W. A. M. Thompson Mobn.--7.7.15 +Lt.-Col. L. C. L. Oldfield 8.7.15--May, '15 +Lt.-Col. M. J. MacCarthy, C.M.G. May, '15--20.6.17 +Lt.-Col. W. H. F. Weber, D.S.O. 21.6.17--Armistice. + + +_12th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +Lt.-Col. C. E. Lawrie, D.S.O. Mobn.--26.5.15 +Lt.-Col. W. Evans, D.S.O. 27.5.15--29.2.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. C. Forsyth 1.3.16--Armistice. + + +_38th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O. Mobn.--27.1.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. M. Phillpotts 30.1.15--1.11.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. F. Calthrop 2.11.15--19.12.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. E. Clark 23.12.15--25.9.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. Mellor, D.S.O. 26.9.16--2.12.16[a] + + +_12th Howitzer Brigade, R.F.A._ + +Lt.-Col. G. Humphreys, D.S.O. Mobn.--29.6.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Davson 30.6.15--12.5.16 + Distributed to other Brigades. + + +_24th Heavy Brigade, R.G.A._ + +Major H. E. J. Brake, C.B., D.S.O. Mobn.--Feb., '15 +Capt. (T/Major) E. Miles Feb., '15--Dec., '16[a] + + +_6th Divisional Ammunition Column_ + +Lt.-Col. G. A. Cardew Mobn.--19.9.14 +Lt.-Col. Baron H. E. W. de Robeck 20.9.14--Oct., '16 +Lt.-Col. B. Allan (T.F.) 21.11.16--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion The Buffs_ (_16th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. H. C. de la M. Hill Mobn.--15.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. McDouall 16.11.14-- +Bt.-Col. J. Hasler, D.S.O. --26.2.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. McDouall 27.2.15--2.6.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. H. Finch-Hatton 3.6.15--8.1.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. F. Gould 9.1.16--26.5.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green 27.5.16--1.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. H. Finch-Hatton 2.6.16--12.7.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green 13.7.16--26.11.17 +Major B. L. Strauss 27.11.17--1.12.17 (K.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. E. Power 12.12.17--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers_ (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. Fowler-Butler Mobn.--31.7.15 +Bt.-Lt.-Col. B. G. Price, D.S.O. 1.8.15--11.10.15[a] + + +_9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment_ (_71st Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. E. Stracey 11.10.15[a]--30.9.16 +Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior 1.10.16--10.12.16 +Capt. (T/Major) R. S. Dyer-Bennet, + Leicester Regiment 16.12.16--14.1.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. B. O. Trimble 27.1.17--26.2.17 +Capt. (T/Major) R. S. Dyer-Bennet 27.2.17--9.3.17 +Lt.-Col. E. Stracey 10.3.17--23.3.17 +Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior 24.3.17--30.1.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. J. Spurrell, M.C. 31.1.18--13.3.18 +Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior, D.S.O. 14.3.18--21.3.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. R. Day April, '18--28.7.18 +Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior, D.S.O. 29.7.18--22.8.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. R. Day 23.8.18--Armistice. + + +_9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment_ (_71st Infantry Brigade_) + +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) W. H. A. de la + Pryme, D.S.O., West Yorkshire + Regiment 11.10.15[a]--14.5.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. P. Mack, + Suffolk Regiment (S.) 14.5.16--15.9.16 (K.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, + D.S.O., Leicester Regiment 18.9.16--1.2.18[b] + + +_1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment_ (_18th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey Mobn.--20.9.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang 20.9.14--18.10.14 +Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey 14.10.14--19.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) T. P. Barrington 22.10.14--7.12.14 +Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey 8.12.14--15.9.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang, D.S.O. 16.9.15--11.11.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. H. Soames 12.11.15--27.1.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang, D.S.O. 29.1.16--18.9.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Dillon, + D.S.O., Oxford and Bucks + Light Infantry 19.9.16--31.10.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. M. Boyall 1.11.16--21.3.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, + D.S.O., M.C., Leicestershire + Regiment 28.3.18--20.5.18 +Lt.-Col. G. Barry-Drew, D.S.O. 21.5.18--21.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. W. Cannings, M.C. 22.7.18--28.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. 29.7.18--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment_ (_18th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. E. Benson Mobn.--20.9.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. H. Young 20.9.14--10.11.14 +Lt.-Col. W. H. Armstrong 11.11.14--19.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. L. S. Clarke 20.11.14--26.11.15[a] + + +_8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment_ (_71st and 16th Infantry Brigades_) + +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) J. S. Liddell 11.10.15[a]--13.1.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. C. Jackson 14.1.16--17.4.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. R. H. Dann 17.4.16--19.5.16 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. M. Hawkins 19.5.16--1.6.16 +Col. Lord Henry Scott 2.6.16--4.4.17 +Lt.-Col. Lord Ampthill 5.4.17--19.5.17 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. R. MacCullagh, D.L.I. 20.5.17--14.6.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. Le Huquet 15.6.17--16.2.18[b] + + +_1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment_ (_16th and 71st Infantry Brigades_) + +Lt.-Col. H. L. Croker Mobn.--11.12.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. Stoney-Smith 12.12.14--15.10.15 (K.) +Lt.-Col. A. H. Buchannan-Dunlop 25.10.15--1.2.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie 2.2.16--21.9.16 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) R. S. Dyer-Bennet 22.9.16--12.12.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie 13.12.16--27.3.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Brown, D.S.O. 28.3.17--2.5.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie, D.S.O. 3.5.17--5.7.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Brown, D.S.O. 6.7.17--16.1.18 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. 17.1.18--Feb., '18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, D.S.O. Feb., '18--29.4.18 +Capt. (T/Major) G. N. Wykes 30.4.18--11.5.18 +Capt. (T/Major) Hartshorne 12.5.18--20.5.18 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. 21.5.18--25.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, D.S.O. 26.7.18--2.11.18 + + +_11th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment_ (_Pioneers_) + +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. Turner, + Leicestershire Regt. (S.R.) 1.4.16[a]--24.9.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Radford, + Leicestershire Regt. (S.R.) 25.9.18--Armistice. + + +_2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. H. Delme-Radcliffe 12.10.14[a]--26.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) O. de L. Williams 27.10.14--31.5.15[a] + + +_1st Battalion The Cameronians_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. P. R. Robertson 12.10.14[a]--31.5.15[a] + + +_11th Battalion Essex Regiment_ (_71st Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. C. J. Hobkirk, D.S.O. 11.10.15[a]--3.6.16. +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green, + D.S.O., The Buffs 3.6.16--28.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. G. Spring, + Lincolnshire Regiment 29.6.16--3.11.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. V. Manger, + Durham Light Infantry 4.11.16--9.12.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. G. Spring, D.S.O. 10.12.16--14.9.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. H. Dumbell, + D.S.O., Sherwood Foresters 15.9.17--Armistice. + + +_2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters_ (_18th and 71st Infantry Brigades_) + +Lt.-Col. C. B. Crofton-Atkins Mobn.--7.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) P. Leveson-Gower 8.10.14--5.8.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. J. W. Hobbs, D.S.O. 5.9.15--7.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. R. Street, D.S.O. 7.6.16--2.8.16 +Lt.-Col. C. J. W. Hobbs, D.S.O. 3.8.16--15.10.16 (K.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. E. Bradshaw, + Rifle Brigade, R. of O. 19.10.16--19.10.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. Tylden-Wright, + Derby Yeomanry 19.10.17--22.11.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Milward, D.S.O. 23.11.17--Sept., '18 +Bt.-Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. E. Hudson, + V.C., D.S.O., M.C. Sept., '18--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry_ (_16th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. C. P. Higginson, D.S.O. Mobn.--23.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. B. Luard 24.10.14--13.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. J. Rowan Robinson 14.11.14--30.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. Strick 1.12.14--4.8.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. B. Luard 5.8.15--22.4.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) B. E. Murray 22.4.16--17.10.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. F. B. Winterscale 18.10.16--14.2.18 +Lt.-Col. H. M. Smith, D.S.O. 15.2.18--21.3.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. de R. + Morgan, The Buffs 23.3.18--2.4.18 +Lt.-Col. C. Meynell, D.S.O. 3.4.18--26.5.18 +Capt. (T/Major) E. A. Freeman 27.5.18--8.6.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. D. Leslie 9.6.18--17.7.18 +Capt. (T/Major) E. A. Freeman 18.7.18--23.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. H. Cautley 8.8.18--28.8.18 +Lt.-Col. G. H. Meynell 29.8.18--9.10.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. H. Morris 10.10.18--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion Middlesex Regiment_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. B. E. Ward 12.10.14[a]--21.10.14 +Lt.-Col. F. G. M. Rowley 21.10.14--30.10.14 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. P. Osborne 30.10.14--28.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. C. C. Ash 29.11.14--31.5.15[a] + + +_2nd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment_ (_16th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. E. C. Cobbold Mobn.--9.12.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. F. Clemson 10.12.14--18.9.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. Mc.D. Pratt 19.9.15--17.10.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M. F. Halford 18.10.15--30.4.16 +Capt. (T/Major) H. B. Philby, D.S.O. 1.5.16--17.5.16 (K.) +Lt.-Col. H. R. Headlam, D.S.O. 17.5.16--5.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. L. Thomson 6.6.16--29.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. St. J. Blunt, D.S.O. 30.6.16--25.9.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. P. Wood, M.C. 25.9.16--9.10.16 (K.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Lewis, D.S.O. 10.10.16--31.3.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. St. J. Blunt, D.S.O. 1.4.17--21.4.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. R. Robertson 22.4.18--Armistice. + + +_2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry_ (_18th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. B. W. L. McMahon Mobn--4.1.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. Crosthwaite 5.1.15--10.6.15 +Lt.-Col. M. D. Goring-Jones 11.6.15--Sept., '15 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) A. E. Irvine Sept., '15--15.8.17 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. R. McCullagh 16.8.17--4.2.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Brereton 5.2.18--12.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. V. Turner 13.7.18--Armistice. + + +_14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry_ (18th _Infantry Brigade_) + +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. Menzies, + S. Lancs Regt., R. of O. 28.11.15[a]--12.11.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. B. Rosher, + Durham Light Infantry (S.) 13.11.16--1.2.18[b] + + +_1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment_ + (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. V. W. de Falbe, D.S.O. Mobn.--11.10.15[a] + + +_2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. H. P. Moulton-Barrett 12.10.14[a]--2.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Kirk 3.11.14--8.1.15 +Lt.-Col. R. C. Gore 16.2.15--31.5.15[a] + + +_2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment_ (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve Mobn.--19.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. M. Bullen-Smith 20.11.14--3.6.15 +Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve 3.6.15--20.7.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. M. Bullen-Smith 21.7.15--11.10.15[a] + + +_3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade_ (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. Alexander Mobn.--13.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) Lord Henniker 13.10.14--21.11.14 +Lt.-Col. R. Alexander 22.11.14--29.12.14 (d. of w.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) Lord Henniker 30.12.14--9.6.15 +Capt. (T/Major) R. Pigot, M.C. 10.6.15--11.10.15[a] + + +_1/5th Battalion Loyal North Lancs Regiment_ (_16th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. G. Hesketh 16.2.15[a]--11.6.15[a] + + +_1/2nd Battalion London Regiment_ (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. J. Attenborough 19.2.15[a]--11.10.15[a] + + +_Queen's Westminster Rifles_ (_18th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. Shoolbred, T.D. 11.11.14[a]--28.11.15[a] + + +_5th Battalion Scottish Rifles_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. J. Douglas 19.11.14[a]--31.5.15[a] + + + +Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6TH +DIVISION*** + + +******* This file should be named 20115-8.txt or 20115-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/0/1/1/20115 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: A Short History of the 6th Division</p> +<p> Aug. 1914-March 1919</p> +<p>Editor: Thomas Owen Marden</p> +<p>Release Date: December 15, 2006 [eBook #20115]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION***</p> +<br><br><center> +<h4 class="pg">E-text prepared by Sigal Alon, Christine P. Travers,<br> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br> + (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net/">http://www.pgdp.net/</a>)<br> + from page images generously made available by<br> + Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries<br> + (<a href="http://www.archive.org/details/toronto">http://www.archive.org/details/toronto</a>)</h4> +</center><br><br> +<br> +<br> +<table border=0 bgcolor="ccccff" cellpadding=10> + <tr> + <td valign="top" width="20%"> + Note: + </td> + <td> + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries. See + <a href="http://www.archive.org/details/hist6thdivision00marduoft"> + http://www.archive.org/details/hist6thdivision00marduoft</a> + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<br> +<br> +<table border=0 bgcolor="ccccff" cellpadding=10> + <tr> + <td> + <center><b>Transcriber's note:</b></center> + <br> + Obvious printer's errors have been corrected.<br> + <br> + The original spelling has been retained.<br> + <br> + Page 76: Two instances of AAA left by the printer have + been replaced by dots.<br> + <br> + Explanations of British/Canadian military abbreviations + can be found at<br> + <a href="http://www.1914-1918.net/abbrev.htm"> + http://www.1914-1918.net/abbrev.htm</a> + <br> + and<br> + <a href="http://www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk/military%20abbrevations.shtml"> + http://www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk/military%20abbrevations.shtml</a>. + </td> + </tr> +</table> +<br> +<br> +<hr class="full" noshade> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + +<h3> +A SHORT HISTORY OF<br> +THE 6th DIVISION<br> + +Aug. 1914--March 1919</h3> + +<br> + + + +<h1>A SHORT HISTORY</h1> + +<h3>OF THE</h3> + +<h1>6th DIVISION</h1> + +<h3>Aug. 1914--March 1919</h3> + + + +<h2>Edited By<br> + +MAJOR-GEN. T. O. MARDEN<br> + +C.B., C.M.G.</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> + + +<h3>LONDON<br> + +HUGH REES, LTD.<br> + +5 & 7 REGENT STREET, S.W.1<br> + +1920</h3> + + + + +<h2>PREFACE +<span class="pagenum"><a id="pagev" name="pagev">(p. v)</a></span></h2> + + +<p>This short history has been compiled mainly from the War Diaries.</p> + +<p>My reason for undertaking the task is that there was no one else to do +it, the units composing the Division being scattered far and wide, and +there being no Divisional habitat with local historians as in the case +of Territorial and New Army Divisions. My object is that all who +served with the Division for any period between 1914-1919 may have a +record to show that they belonged to a Division which played no +inconspicuous part in the Great War.</p> + +<p>I regret that it has been impossible to tabulate the honours (except +V.C.s) won by officers and men of the Division, and it is also +inevitable that the names of many individuals to whom the success of +the Division in many operations was largely due should go unrecorded. +The Infantry naturally bulk large in the picture, but they would be +the first to admit that their success could not have been obtained +without the splendid co-operation of the Artillery, who are sometimes +not even mentioned in the narrative; and this theme might be +elaborated considerably.</p> + +<p>My particular thanks are due to Lt.-Col. T. T. Grove, C.M.G., D.S.O., +R.E., to whom the credit belongs for the form taken by the history and +the more personal portions +<span class="pagenum"><a id="pagevi" name="pagevi">(p. vi)</a></span> +of the history itself. I also wish +to thank Lt.-Gen. Sir J. Keir, K.C.B., D.S.O., and Major-Gen. C. Ross, +C.B., D.S.O., as well as several Brigadiers and C.O.s, for so kindly +reviewing the periods of which they had personal knowledge.</p> + +<p>In conclusion, I wish to add that every copy sold helps towards the +erection of Battlefield Memorials to be placed in France and Flanders.</p> + +<p> +<span class="quotedr"> +T. O. MARDEN,<br> +<i>Major-General.</i></span><br> +<i>April 1920.</i></p> + + + +<h2>CONTENTS +<span class="pagenum"><a id="pagevii" name="pagevii">(p. vii)</a></span></h2> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" summary="Contents"> +<colgroup> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="60%"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> +<tr> + <th class="td-left"> + Chapter + </th> + <th> + + </th> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + I. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page001"><span class="smcap">Mobilization and Move to France</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + II. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page003"><span class="smcap">Battle of the Aisne</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + III. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page006"><span class="smcap">Move to the North and +First Battle of Ypres</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + IV. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page010"><span class="smcap">Armentières</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + V. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page013"><span class="smcap">Ypres Salient</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + VI. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page020"><span class="smcap">The Somme</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + VII. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page028"><span class="smcap">Loos Salient</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + VIII. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page035"><span class="smcap">Cambrai</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + IX. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page044"><span class="smcap">German Offensive of +March 1918</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + X. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page053"><span class="smcap">Ypres Salient Again</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + XI. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page058"><span class="smcap">The Allied Offensive in +the South</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + XII. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page076"><span class="smcap">The March to the Rhine +and Occupation of Germany </span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h2>APPENDIX +<span class="pagenum"><a id="pageviii" name="pageviii"> +(p. viii)</a></span></h2> + + +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" summary="Appendix"> +<colgroup> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="60%"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + I. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page081"><span class="smcap">Battle Casualties</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + II. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page082"><span class="smcap">V.C.s Won by the Division</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + III. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page085"><span class="smcap">Diary</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + IV. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page102"><span class="smcap">Orders of Battle on Mobilization and on + 11th November 1918</span></a> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + V. + </td> + <td> + <a href="#page109"><span class="smcap">Changes in Commands and +Staffs</span></a> + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + + + +<h2>A SHORT HISTORY OF THE +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page001" name="page001">(p. 001)</a></span> +6th DIVISION</h2> + +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>MOBILIZATION AND MOVE TO FRANCE</h3> + +<h3>1914</h3> + + +<p>The Division mobilized with its Headquarters at Cork--two brigades in +Ireland, namely, the 16th Infantry Brigade at Fermoy, and the 17th +Infantry Brigade at Cork, and one Infantry Brigade--the 18th--at +Lichfield. Divisional troops mobilized in Ireland. The order for +mobilization was received at 10 p.m. on the 4th August 1914.</p> + +<p>On the 15th August units mobilized in Ireland commenced embarkation at +Cork and Queenstown for England, and the Division was concentrated in +camps in the neighbourhood of Cambridge and Newmarket by the 18th +August.</p> + +<p>The period from the 18th August to the 7th September was one of hard +training. Those who were with the Division at that time will also +remember, with gratitude, the many kindnesses shown them by the people +of Cambridge; the canteens and recreation rooms instituted for the +men, and the hospitality shown by colleges and individuals to the +officers. They will remember, too, their growing impatience to get +out, and their increasing fear that the Division would arrive too +late.</p> + +<p>On the 7th September, however, entrainment for Southampton commenced, +and on the 9th the first troops of the Division disembarked at St. +Nazaire.</p> + +<p>From +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page002" name="page002">(p. 002)</a></span> +St. Nazaire a long train journey, which the novelty of +the experience robbed of its tediousness, took the Division a short +distance east of Paris, where it concentrated in billets in the area +Coulommiers--Mortcerf--Marles--Chaume by the 12th September.</p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER II +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page003" name="page003"> +(p. 003)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>BATTLE OF THE AISNE</h3> + +<h3>1914</h3> + + +<p>The period 13th to 19th September was spent in the march to the Aisne, +where the Division arrived at a time when a certain amount of anxiety +was felt by the Higher Command. The 5th French Army on the right, the +British Army in the centre, and the 6th French Army under General +Maunoury on the left, had pushed the Germans back across the Marne, +and on the 14th September the British troops had crossed the Aisne on +the front Soissons-Bourg--the I Corps at Bourg, the II Corps at Vailly +and Missy, and the III at Venizel. The French right attack from the +direction of Rheims and the British attack by the I Corps had +progressed much faster than the left, and had reached the heights on +the line Craonne-Troyon, astride the famous Chemin des Dames. These +were now the objective of fierce attacks by the Germans, and the 6th +Division, which had been allotted originally to the III Corps, was put +into General Reserve instead, only the artillery joining the III +Corps. The units of the I Corps were very tired and weakened after the +big retreat from Mons and the subsequent hard fighting on the Marne +and Aisne, so immediately on its arrival the 18th Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C.) was ordered to relieve the 2nd +Infantry Brigade on the right of the British line. The front taken +over ran diagonally from north-east to south-west along the high +ground just south of the Chemin des Dames to the north and north-east +of Troyon. The East Yorks on the left relieved in daylight on the 19th +September the D.L.I., and the West Yorks during the night of the +19/20th +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page004" name="page004">(p. 004)</a></span> +September. The West Yorks had two companies in front +trenches, one company echeloned in right rear and one company in +support. The Sherwood Foresters were in reserve.</p> + +<p>At dawn on the 20th September, the enemy delivered a heavy attack on +the I Corps and on the French left, driving in the Tirailleurs +d'Afrique and turning the flank of the West Yorks. The echeloned +company formed front to the flank, and the supporting company followed +suit. The Germans annihilated the right front company, and, using the +white flag ruse, apparently captured some of the next company. Major +Ingles, collecting a proportion of the front companies, withdrew a +short distance and counter-attacked, but was unsuccessful and lost his +life in this gallant endeavour. At about 1 p.m. a counter-attack was +delivered by the Sherwood Foresters, who were in Brigade Reserve, the +support company of the West Yorks, under Lt.-Col. Towsey, and a +squadron of the 18th Hussars from Paissy. These, advancing over the +perfectly open ground, recaptured the trenches and gallantly held them +against further attacks. In this affair the West Yorks suffered +casualties amounting approximately to 15 officers and 600 other ranks, +the Sherwood Foresters also losing 12 officers and 180 other ranks. +The temporary loss of the trenches by the West Yorks exposed the +trenches of the D.L.I, to enfilade machine-gun fire, from which they +had considerable casualties, including Majors Mander and Robb. This +was the only serious fighting in which the Division was engaged, but a +certain amount of trouble was caused by the arrival of guns from +Antwerp which fired "Black Marias," and the enfilade gun and +machine-gun fire to which portions of the main line lent themselves.</p> + +<p>On the 21st September the 17th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. R. B. +Doran) relieved the 6th Infantry Brigade and the 4th Guards Brigade on +the front Fort de Metz-La Cour de Soupir, and held the portion without +much +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page005" name="page005">(p. 005)</a></span> +incident till 2nd October, when they were withdrawn +into Corps Reserve.</p> + +<p>The 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. E. C. Ingouville-Williams) +relieved the 7th and 9th Infantry Brigades to the north-east of Vailly +on the 21st/22nd September, and remained in trenches until 12th +October, some time after the rest of the Division had gone north. They +received the thanks of the II Corps for their soldierly conduct. The +divisional artillery (Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Paget) was in support of the +5th Division opposite Missy, but only the 2nd Brigade was engaged. It +had already been re-organized since mobilization by the inclusion, in +each of 12th, 24th and 38th Brigades, of a battery of 4.5-in. +howitzers.</p> + +<p>The Battle of the Aisne marked the commencement of trench warfare, and +the Royal Engineers (Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp, C.R.E.) were employed to +some extent in wiring at night.</p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER III +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page006" name="page006">(p. 006)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>MOVE TO THE NORTH AND FIRST BATTLE OF YPRES</h3> + +<h3>1914</h3> + + +<p>The diminishing pressure of the Germans on the Aisne had made it +evident that an attempt by them to reach the Channel ports would be +made very soon. This would best be frustrated by an outflanking +movement of the Allies to the north, with the ultimate aim of joining +hands with the Belgian Army at that time holding Antwerp. Sir John +French was most anxious to place the British Army in its original +position on the left of the French, as it was based on Boulogne, +Calais and Dunkirk.</p> + +<p>The II British Corps was the first to move from the Aisne and +prolonged the French line towards La Bassée; the I and III Corps +extending inwards to relieve it. Next followed the III Corps, relieved +by the French and destined to take its place north of the II Corps +towards Bailleul.</p> + +<p>The Cavalry Corps advanced north of the III Corps towards Kemmel, and +at a later date the I Corps, handing over to the French, was moved +towards Ypres, while the 7th Division, just arrived in France, was +directed on Menin.</p> + +<p>The III Corps consisted of the 4th and 6th Divisions under Lt.-Gen. +Pulteney. The period 6th to 9th October was occupied in the march to +the entraining station near Compiègne. The Division detrained at St. +Omer on 10th October, and was joined by the 19th Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. Hon. F. Gordon), which remained with it until 31st May +1915. The battalions composing this brigade were 2nd R.W.F., 1st +Cameronians, 1st Middlesex, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page007" name="page007">(p. 007)</a></span> +2nd A. and S. Highlanders. The +5th Cameronians were added on 19th November 1914.</p> + +<p>On the 12th October the Division marched to Hazebrouck, where it +covered the detrainment of the 4th Division and came into touch with +the enemy. The latter, consisting of two Cavalry Divisions with some +Jäger (Rifle) Battalions, and at least one Division of the XIX Corps, +were fighting a rearguard action until such time as they should be +reinforced. The character of the advance may be illustrated by an +incident on the 14th October, when a platoon of the 1st R.F. (of the +Reserve Brigade) was detailed to rescue General Keir's car, which had +run into snipers near Merris. Fortunately the G.O.C. was not in it. +The reinforcement by the enemy occurred on the 20th October, on which +date began the Battle of Ypres-Armentières, generally called the First +Battle of Ypres. As far as the Division was concerned this took place +on the western portion of the ridge between Armentières and Lille, and +resulted in the Division being forced back from the line +Préniesques-Radinghem (almost on top of the ridge) to the low ground +Rue du Bois-La Boutillerie after very fierce continuous fighting from +20th to 31st October, in which the Division suffered nearly 4,000 +casualties. To revert, on 13th October the III Corps advanced with the +4th Division on the left and the 6th Division on the right. An action +took place on the line of the Méteren Brook, commencing at 1 p.m. and +continuing till dark, when the 17th and 18th Infantry Brigades had +captured Méteren and Bailleul with about 400 casualties. Pushing +forward, the 17th Infantry Brigade crossed the River Lys at Bac St. +Maur, and the 18th Infantry Brigade at Sailly on the night 15/16th +October, and approached on the 17th the ridge west of Lille, where the +enemy were reported to be entrenched. The 16th Infantry Brigade now +rejoined the Division from the Aisne, and on the 18th October a +reconnaissance in force was ordered, which was brilliantly carried +out. The +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page008" name="page008">(p. 008)</a></span> +Buffs and Y. and L. on the right captured Radinghem +without much opposition, and advanced across a small plateau, 300 +yards in width, towards the woods in which stands the Château de +Flandres. They here came under a heavy cross-fire of machine-guns and +shrapnel, and were counter-attacked and driven back. The situation, +however, was saved by Major Bayley's company of the Y. and L., which +had worked round on the left and threatened the flank of the +counter-attack, which thereon withdrew. The Y. and L. suffered +considerable casualties in this little action--Major Robertson being +killed. Meanwhile the 18th Infantry Brigade had captured Ennetières +and the south end of Capinghem, while the 17th Infantry Brigade +reached Prémesques, but was unable to take Pérenchies. The 4th +Division had not been able to cross the Lys north of Armentières, +which necessitated the 17th Infantry Brigade throwing back its flank +to l'Epinette. On the 19th October the Division entrenched on the line +it had won. To the right were French cavalry and cyclists, covering +the gap between the right of the III Corps and the left of the I Corps +near Aubers. The advance from Hazebrouck to the ridge had occupied six +days, and cost the Division some 750 casualties.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 20th October the Germans attacked very heavily +on the whole front. Fighting on a very extended front (five miles) and +with very little in hand, the Division was soon in difficulties, +particularly on the exposed left flank, where the Leinsters had their +three left companies quickly driven in, and the situation at midday +was critical. One company with the machine-guns was able to hold on +until the afternoon at Mont de Prémesques, and to withdraw under cover +of darkness, having inflicted heavy loss on the enemy. Meanwhile units +of other brigades were putting up a gallant fight against great odds, +each unit generally with one or both flanks unsupported. At +Ennetières, which formed rather a salient, the Sherwood Foresters held +out all day, but were +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page009" name="page009">(p. 009)</a></span> +attacked at dusk by three battalions +and practically annihilated or captured, only the CO., Adjutant, Q.M. +and 250 other ranks remaining the next day.</p> + +<p>The Buffs, after a splendid fight, were driven out of Radinghem, and +by night the Division was practically back on the line which it was to +hold for the next few months, and on which the German offensive of +1918 still found the British. Continuous unsuccessful attempts to +break through occurred till 31st October, when trench warfare set in. +Notable among these was the attack on the K.S.L.I. and Y. and L. on +the 23rd October, when 300 enemy dead were left in front of our +trenches; on the 18th Infantry Brigade on the night of the 27/28th +October, when the enemy captured the line, but was driven out by a +counter-attack, in which the East Yorks specially distinguished +themselves; and on the night of the 29/30th October, when the 19th +Infantry Brigade lost some trenches, but counter-attacked +successfully, and counted 200 German dead. The incident of Cpl. +Forward, 1st The Buffs, is typical of the fierce fighting. On 30th +October, when the O.C. machine-guns of The Buffs and all the team had +been killed or wounded, this gallant N.C.O. continued to fire his gun +until eventually wounded in five places, when he crawled back to +report the situation. He was rewarded with the D.C.M. During the whole +period, 20th to 30th October, the guns were woefully short of +ammunition, and consequently a greater strain was thrown on the +infantry.</p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER IV +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page010" name="page010">(p. 010)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>ARMENTIÈRES</h3> + +<h3>1914-15</h3> + + +<p>Active fighting now died away on this front, but its place was taken +by constant shelling and the deadly sniping which claimed so many +victims at this time. The weather during November and December was +truly appalling. All trenches were knee-deep and more in mud and +water, and it is on record that the B.G.C., 19th Infantry Brigade, had +his boots sucked off by the mud and went round trenches without them. +Parapets would not stand and were so flimsy that many men were shot +through them. But the weather eventually improved, material for +revetment began to appear, and by the commencement of 1915 it was +possible to move in the trenches in comparative safety.</p> + +<p>The next few months were uneventful ones, the only incidents worthy of +remark being a visit from the King on the 2nd December; a minor +operation by the North Staffordshire Regiment on the 12th March, +resulting in the inclusion in our line of the unsavoury Epinette +Salient; the sudden move of the 16th Infantry Brigade to Vlamertinghe +at the time of the enemy's attack at St. Eloi in the middle of March, +and a little mining and counter-mining on the Frelinghien and Le +Touquet fronts in May. The minor operation at l'Epinette was a very +well-planned night affair, whereby the 17th Infantry Brigade advanced +their line 200-300 yards on a frontage of half a mile. It was carried +out by the 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and 12th Field +Company, and Sir H. Smith-Dorrien (Army Commander), in congratulating +the regiment, mentioned particularly Lieuts. Pope and Gordon for +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page011" name="page011">(p. 011)</a></span> +fine leading. But if there was no heavy fighting, the trench +casualties from sniping and enemy shell-fire were quite considerable +(see Appendix). We had practically no artillery ammunition with which +to worry the enemy, as the following extract from the Divisional War +Diary shows:--</p> + +<p><i>24th April 1915.</i>--"In view of the fighting in progress in the north +(Second Battle of Ypres) the Corps Commander allots an extra ten +rounds of shrapnel per gun for 18-pounders with a view to making a +demonstration by fire to hold the enemy in front of us." Amusing +reading in 1919!</p> + +<p>The Division continued to hold a quiet but very extended front till +the end of May, receiving a succession of units from new Divisions to +serve their apprenticeship to trench warfare.</p> + +<p>Amongst our visitors, during this period, were units of the 9th +Division, and some of those who have read Ian Hay's <i>The First Hundred +Thousand</i> will have recognized in it a description of a part of the +trenches of the 19th Infantry Brigade.</p> + +<p>During this period the four brigades each received a fifth Territorial +Battalion--the Queen's Westminsters joining on the 11th November and +being allotted to the 18th Infantry Brigade; the 5th Scottish Rifles, +who went to the 19th Infantry Brigade, joining on the 19th November; +the 2nd Battalion London Regiment joining the 17th Infantry Brigade in +February, and the 5th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment the +16th Infantry Brigade on the 15th of that month. The 38th Field +Company left the Division on the 9th April, and on the 21st December +1914 the 1st London Field Company, later the 509th, began its long +connection with the 6th Division. The Division lost its squadron of +the 19th Hussars, receiving in its place "C" squadron of the +Northamptonshire Yeomanry.</p> + +<p>It was during the sojourn in Armentières that the "Fancies," +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page012" name="page012">(p. 012)</a></span> +without mention of whom no history of the Division would be complete, +came into being. With the "Follies," the 4th Division troupe, formed a +few weeks before them, also in Armentières, they were the forerunners +of the Divisional theatrical troupes which subsequently became +universal.</p> + +<p>At Armentières also took place the first 6th Divisional Horse Show, a +highly successful two-day show--the first of its kind held in the +B.E.F.</p> + +<p>On the 27th May 1915 began the relief of the Division by the 27th +Division, and on the following days its move northwards to join the +newly formed VI Corps. Major-Gen. Sir John Keir left on the 27th to +take up command of the new corps, taking with him--as B.G., +R.A.--Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Paget.</p> + +<p>Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C., from the 18th Infantry Brigade, +succeeded Sir John Keir in command of the Division; Brig.-Gen. +Humphreys taking the appointment of C.R.A.</p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER V +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page013" name="page013">(p. 013)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>YPRES SALIENT</h3> + +<h3>1915-16</h3> + + +<p>On the night of the 31st May/1st June the Division took over its new +front in the Ypres Salient, commencing its long tour in that unsavoury +region, and trench casualties almost doubled immediately. It continued +in the Salient up to the end of July 1916, with three periods of rest, +each of about a month's duration: the first spent in the neighbourhood +of Houtkerque and Poperinghe, in November and December 1915; the +second in the Houtkerque-Wormhoudt area, with one brigade at a time +back at Calais from mid-March to mid-April 1916; and the third again +in the Houtkerque-Wormhoudt area from mid-June to mid-July 1916. The +nature of these rests has been humorously but not untruthfully +portrayed in the columns of <i>Punch</i>; the author of "At the Front" in +that paper having been an officer in the K.S.L.I.</p> + +<p>The line was just hardening after the Second Battle of Ypres when the +Division moved up to the Salient, and no active operations took place +on the actual front taken over by the Division, but its artillery was +called upon to assist its neighbours on either flank, i.e. on the 16th +June when the 3rd Division attacked Bellewarde Farm north-west of +Hooge; on the 22nd June when the 42nd Infantry Brigade of the 14th +Division attempted a small operation, and on the 6th July when the 4th +Division carried out a successful minor operation near Pilkem.</p> + +<p>On the 30th July the 14th Division was attacked at Hooge and driven +back to Sanctuary and Zouave Woods. Their counter-attacks, gallantly +delivered, but under the circumstances giving very little prospect of +success, failed, and +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page014" name="page014">(p. 014)</a></span> +for a time the situation was critical. +The 16th Infantry Brigade was moved up to the area about Goldfish +Château (half-mile north-west of Ypres) as a precautionary measure, +and was at one time in danger of being thrown in to make a hasty +counter-attack. Fortunately this proved unnecessary, and on the 31st +July the Corps Commander decided to relieve the whole Division, and to +allot to it the task of restoring the line at Hooge in a carefully +prepared attack.</p> + +<p>The relief was carried out on the 2nd and 3rd August 1915, and on the +6th the Division took over its front of attack, and the preparatory +bombardment was commenced. This bombardment was very carefully +planned, carried out with great thoroughness and accuracy, and was one +of the most effective and severe that had, up to that time, been put +down by the British. The artillery co-operation in the attack was on a +similar scale and equally effective, except so far as counter-battery +work against enemy artillery to the south was concerned, and the +attack owed much of its success to the assistance it received from the +artillery. To this assistance two French batteries of "75's," lent by +the 36th French Corps, ably contributed.</p> + +<p>The attack was launched on the 9th August at 3.15 a.m. on a front of +about 1,000 yards--the 18th Infantry Brigade (Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey) +attacking on the right with the 2nd D.L.I. in front line and the 2nd +Sherwood Foresters in support, the 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. +C. Nicholson) on the left, with the 1st K.S.L.I. and the 2nd Y. and L. +Regiment in front line, and the 1st The Buffs in support.</p> + +<p>The attack was completely successful; all objectives were quickly +gained. A very large number of German dead were counted in the +recaptured position, and a considerable number of prisoners taken. The +captured position was subjected to a very heavy bombardment, +especially on the right; principally by guns firing from the +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page015" name="page015">(p. 015)</a></span> +south-east, not opposite the corps front, which took the new line in +flank and often in reverse. The troops of the 18th Infantry Brigade +held on to their positions with their usual gallantry and +determination, in spite of very heavy casualties. The 2nd D.L.I. +particularly distinguished themselves by the tenacity they displayed, +and they and the 2nd Sherwood Foresters and 1st East Yorkshire +Regiment suffered severely. In face of the heavy shelling it was found +impossible on the right to establish a line on the final objective, +where all the former trenches had been entirely obliterated. The +advanced troops had accordingly to be withdrawn on this flank, but +some time after this withdrawal was thought to have been completed a +message was received from a Lance-Corporal of the 2nd D.L.I. to the +effect that he was established in the stables of the château with a +few men, and asking that rations and ammunition might be sent up to +them. On the left not only was all the ground lost on the 30th July +regained, but an important spur north of the Menin Road, which had +hitherto been in German occupation, was included in the final position +consolidated. Three officers and 124 other ranks were taken prisoners, +and over 500 of the enemy were counted dead on the captured ground. +The gallant work of the R.E. in wiring the position was specially +mentioned in the accounts from G.H.Q. which appeared in the papers.</p> + +<p>The attack at Hooge was particularly interesting, as it was the first +attempt made to follow the barrage really closely. The barrage did +not, however, "creep" up to the German front line, but was placed +directly on it at once at zero and lifted back from there, the 6-in. +howitzers lifting slightly before the Field Artillery. The infantry +lay out as close to the barrage as possible before zero, and moved in +<i>on time</i> as soon as the Field Artillery barrage lifted. The attack +was looked upon for some time as a model of really close co-operation +between infantry and artillery.</p> + +<p>For <span class="pagenum"><a id="page016" name="page016">(p. 016)</a></span> +this operation, skilfully planned and most gallantly and +successfully carried out, the Division received great praise. The +casualties were 70 officers and 1,700 other ranks. (A very full +account of this operation can be found in the fourth volume of <i>The +Great World War</i>, published by the Gresham Publishing Company, +Limited.)</p> + +<p>Other incidents of the tour in the Salient were the gallant voluntary +assistance rendered on the 6th July 1915 by Lieut. Smith, 1st North +Staffords (died of wounds), with his grenadier party to a post of the +41st Brigade which was being heavily attacked, and which brought him +the thanks of General Allenby, commanding V Corps; the enemy gas +attack of 19th December 1915, when no actual attack was launched +against the Division, and the minor operations near Turco Farm and +Morteldje Estaminet on 19th-22nd April 1916. Certain trenches, D20 and +21 and Willow Walk, were much overlooked by High Command Redoubt, some +150 yards away. The Germans throughout the 19th April heavily +bombarded these trenches, and succeeded in seizing them at night. One +company 8th Bedfords and two companies Y. and L. delivered a +counter-attack in the early hours of 20th April, but could not retake +the position. The Brigadier-General therefore decided to bombard them +steadily throughout the 21st, and recapture them on the night +21st/22nd April with three companies of the K.S.L.I., then in Brigade +Reserve. This was brilliantly accomplished in spite of the very heavy +going, and the line firmly re-established, but with the loss of +Lt.-Col. Luard, commanding K.S.L.I., who died of wounds. It was found +that the enemy had dug good new trenches in several places, and +equipped them with steel loop-hole plates, and these were occupied +thankfully by our men. The general state of the trenches, commanded as +they were by the enemy's positions, in the water-logged Ypres Salient +during the winter of 1915-1916 defies description, and all praise must +be given to the regimental officers +and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page017" name="page017">(p. 017)</a></span> +men for their hard work and cheerfulness under most +depressing conditions.</p> + +<p>Mention must be made of the thirty-five-mile march to Croix Dubac to +assist in an extensive raid by the Anzac Corps, made by the 24th +Brigade, R.F.A., at the shortest notice. The brigade was away ten +days.</p> + +<p>During this period the principal change which occurred in the Order of +Battle of the Division was the arrival of the 71st Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. M. Shewen) instead of the 17th Infantry Brigade, which +took the place of the former in the 24th Division. Consequent on this +was a redistribution of battalions to brigades--the 1st Leicestershire +Regiment, from the 16th Infantry Brigade, and the 2nd Sherwood +Foresters, from the 18th Infantry Brigade, being transferred to the +71st Infantry Brigade in exchange for the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment +and the 11th Essex Regiment respectively. These exchanges took +place--the former on the 18th November 1915, the latter on the 28th +October 1915. On 1st April the 11th Leicestershire Regiment (Pioneers) +joined from the United Kingdom.</p> + +<p>On the 11th June the 5th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment left the +Division, and on 11th October the 2nd London Regiment; on the 26th +November the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment was transferred to the 1st +Division, and on the 28th November the Queen's Westminsters left to +join the 56th Division, the 14th D.L.I. arriving the same day to take +their place in the 18th Infantry Brigade. On the 13th October the +2/2nd West Riding (later the 459th) Field Company joined. Machine-gun +companies took their place--the 18th M.G.C. in January, the 16th +M.G.C. in February, and the 71st M.G.C. in March 1916. Medium T.M.s +came into being in May 1916, and L.T.M.s in August 1916. The cyclist +company and the squadron of Northamptonshire Yeomanry also left during +this period on becoming Corps troops.</p> + +<p>The changes in the Divisional Artillery were numerous. On 12th May the +12th Brigade, R.F.A., was broken up--the 87th +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page018" name="page018">(p. 018)</a></span> +Battery going +to the 2nd Brigade, and the 43rd Battery to the 24th Brigade; each +battery giving one section to form "D" Battery, 38th Brigade, which +latter replaced the 34th Battery transferred on 15th February to a +T.F. Division. The 86th Battery had previously been transferred from +the 12th Brigade, R.F.A., to another Division. The 38th Brigade later +became an Army Brigade, R.F.A.</p> + +<p>On the 14th November 1915 Major-Gen. C. Ross, D.S.O., assumed command +of the Division, on the appointment of Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, +V.C., to the command of the XIII Corps. Lt.-Col. J. M. Shea (now +Major-Gen. Sir J. M. Shea, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.) was succeeded as +G.S.O.1 on the 5th July 1915 by Lt.-Col. G. F. Boyd, D.S.O., D.C.M., +who finished the war as Major-General commanding the 46th Division. On +the 29th February 1916 Major W. E. Ironside, who has since reached the +position of Major-General commanding the Allied Forces at Archangel, +was succeeded as G.S.O.2 by Major L. P. Evans of the Black Watch, who +subsequently, after winning the V.C. as a Battalion Commander, +finished the War in command of an Infantry Brigade.</p> + +<p>A history of the Division would hardly be complete without a short +reference to "The Admiral." Many of those who knew and liked him well +by that name probably never knew him by any other. Lieut. Smith was an +owner driver in charge of a convoy of 'buses with the Royal Naval +Division at Antwerp, whence he escaped to France. In October 1914 he +seized the opportunity of an officer requiring to be taken up to join +his unit, to make his way with his car to the front. Arrived there he +contrived to get himself attached to the 6th Division Headquarters, +remaining with them until he was reported missing on the 10th June +1916. Consumed with a good healthy hatred of the enemy, and keen to be +of assistance in any way that he could, he devoted the greater part of +the time he was with the Division to experimenting with bullet-proof +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page019" name="page019">(p. 019)</a></span> +shields on wheels to be propelled by manpower, a sort of +embryonic tank. His ambition was himself to take the first of these +into action. At last he was offered an opportunity of co-operating +with a small 3-man pattern in a minor raid near Forward Cottage. What +success he might have achieved it is impossible to say, as in his +eagerness he preceded the shield by several yards to show the crew the +way and was hit in the neck by a splinter from a bomb. The name of +Admiral's Road, given to the road past Crossroads Farm and Forward +Cottage, commemorates the incident of which it was the scene. Later +"The Admiral" turned his attention to Bangalore torpedoes, in the use +of which he trained the unauthorised party which had long existed +under the name of the 6th Division Shield Party. With them he took +part in many raids and minor enterprises, one of which earned him the +D.S.O. On the 10th June he was reported missing from a patrol of the +9th Norfolk Regiment, and nothing has since been heard of him. For +nearly two years he contrived to serve voluntarily with the Division, +nobody quite knows in what capacity or by what authority, and during +that time he endeared himself to all by his unfailing good nature and +cheeriness, his whole-hearted enthusiasm and his lack of fear.</p> + +<p>It may here be mentioned that during its last "rest" the Division +carried out very hard training over dummy trenches for an attack on +the Pilkem Ridge, in conjunction with the Guards. This attack was +abandoned when the Division moved to the Somme, but it formed the +basis of the very successful attack delivered by the Guards and Welsh +Divisions in July 1917.</p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VI +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page020" name="page020">(p. 020)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>THE SOMME</h3> + +<h3>1916</h3> + + +<p>At the end of July the Division was at last relieved from the Salient, +where it had suffered nearly 11,000 casualties during its thirteen +months' sojourn, and went south by train to join the Fifth Army.</p> + +<p>The greater part of August was spent on the Ancre, on the front +opposite Beaumont-Hamel, making preparations for an attack which was +eventually abandoned for a time.</p> + +<p>After a short period in reserve the Division was moved, between 6th +and 8th September, to join the XIV Corps, Fourth Army (Lt.-Gen. Lord +Cavan), to which corps it had for some time belonged up north. The XIV +Corps was the right corps of the British attack, and had its right on +the north bank of the Somme. In a succession of hard-fought battles +the Fourth Army (Gen. Sir H. S. Rawlinson) had pushed the Germans back +a considerable distance; units were feeling the strain badly, and +fresh troops were needed.</p> + +<p>On 9th September a successful attack had given us Ginchy and Leuze +Wood, but the Germans were holding very strongly the high ground which +lies in the form of a horseshoe between the above-named points, and +which dominates the country for some distance to the south. The +trenches followed the shape of the spur roughly at the back end of the +horseshoe, and covered access was given to them by a sunken road +leading back to the deep valley which runs north from Combles.</p> + +<p>At the top of the spur, just south of the railway and communicating +with the sunken road, was a four-sided trench +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page021" name="page021">(p. 021)</a></span> +in the form of +a parallelogram of some 300 yards by 150 yards, called by us the +Quadrilateral.</p> + +<p>It was this strong point and the adjoining trenches which had held up +the advance of the Fourth Army on the 9th September, and it was the +first task of the 6th Division to obliterate the horseshoe and +straighten the line preparatory to a general attack on the 15th +September.</p> + +<p>On 12th September attacks by the 56th Division on the south and the +Guards on the north reduced the neck of the horseshoe, or pocket, to +about 500 yards, but could not close it. The situation within the +horseshoe was undefined, and the exact positions of the Quadrilateral +and other trenches were not known, owing to the bad flying weather. +Even our own positions were in doubt, as almost every vestige of +roads, railways and even villages had disappeared under the continuous +bombardments.</p> + +<p>On night 11/12th September the 71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. J. F. +Edwards) relieved part of the Guards Division and the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. L. Osborn), part of the 56th Division, with +orders on the 13th September to straighten the line by capturing the +Quadrilateral. The 71st Infantry Brigade attacked with the Foresters +north of the railway and 9th Suffolk Regiment south of the railway, +while the 8th Bedford Regiment, who were close to the Quadrilateral on +the north-east of the Leuze Wood, co-operated by bombing up the trench +towards it. The artillery co-operation was weak, observation being +difficult, and though the troops advanced with the greatest gallantry +the northern attack could only make 500 yards, and the southern attack +of the 71st Infantry Brigade still less, while casualties from the +enemy artillery and machine-gun fire were very large.</p> + +<p>A second attack at 6 p.m. the same day succeeded in bringing our line +to about 250 yards from the Strong Point, and in getting touch on the +right with the 16th Infantry Brigade.</p> + +<p>Preparations +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page022" name="page022">(p. 022)</a></span> +were now made to include the Quadrilateral in +the general attack of the 15th September instead of making it a +subsidiary operation--a situation which recurred two years later +almost to a day in the attack on Holnon Village, and which had similar +results.</p> + +<p>The British objective for the 15th September was +Gueudecourt-Flers-Lesbœufs-Morval -- the XIV Corps (Guards and 6th +Division) to capture the two latter. It was the first occasion on +which tanks were employed, and as far as the Division was concerned +was a failure, for of the three allotted to the 6th Division two broke +down before starting, and the third, moving off in accordance with +orders long before the infantry, had its periscope shot off, its +peep-holes blinded, was riddled by armour-piercing bullets, and had to +come back without achieving anything. This again found a parallel in +the attack on the Quadrilateral, near St. Quentin, on 18th September +1918, when the tanks were ineffective.</p> + +<p>To facilitate the movement of the tanks a gap of about 200 yards had +been left in the creeping barrage. This gap unfortunately coincided +with the strongest point of the Quadrilateral. The barrage, moreover, +had passed over the German trenches by the time the infantry advanced; +the latter had, consequently, to attack up the glacis-like slopes +without any artillery support except the bombardment. This, owing to +the enemy's trenches not having been accurately located, was +ineffective.</p> + +<p>The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked on a battalion front--one company +of the Bedfords bombing up the trench from Leuze Wood, and the +remainder over the open to the north against the south-west face. The +Buffs and York and Lancasters supported the attack, but in spite of +the greatest gallantry could not take the Strong Point.</p> + +<p>The 1st Leicesters and the Norfolks, passing through the entrenched +Foresters and Suffolks, attacked the Quadrilateral from the north-west +with equal drive, but they +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page023" name="page023">(p. 023)</a></span> +too failed. Some ground, however, +was made, and by 10 a.m. the 16th Infantry Brigade on the south, and +the 71st Infantry Brigade on the north, were digging in close to the +enemy's wire and trenches.</p> + +<p>During the day constant reports arrived that the Guards had gained +their objectives, and that tanks and cheering men were moving through +Lesbœufs. It was not until the following morning that this report +was proved to be incorrect, and that it was Flers which had been +captured. In the meantime it appeared to the Divisional G.O.C. +(General Ross) that the prospect of a break-through on a large scale +was prejudiced solely by the repulse of the 6th Division. He therefore +ordered a night attack on the flanks of the Quadrilateral to be +executed by two battalions of the 18th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. R. +J. Bridgford). These battalions, the 2nd Durham Light Infantry and the +11th Essex, moved round after dark and attacked; the former from the +north, the latter from the south-east to the left of the 16th Infantry +Brigade. The 11th Essex lost direction, while the 2nd D.L.I. bombed +down a trench only to find that it did not lead into the Strong Point. +Except on the 6th Divisional front and at High Wood, which was +captured during the night, the whole line had advanced, and it was a +bitter blow to the Division to think that their sacrifices had been in +vain.</p> + +<p>On the night of the 16/17th September the 18th Infantry Brigade +relieved the sorely-tried 71st Infantry Brigade, and fresh +preparations were made for an attack, on the 18th, of the +Quadrilateral, which had been strongly reinforced by the enemy through +the sunken road.</p> + +<p>The K.S.L.I. dug themselves in with their left on the railway, so as +to assault the south-west face of the Strong Point. The weather having +cleared, the trenches were now carefully located from the air and +heavily bombarded, and on the 18th September, under both a stationary +and creeping barrage, and with the York and Lancasters bombing up +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page024" name="page024">(p. 024)</a></span> +the trench from Leuze Wood, and the 18th Infantry Brigade (West +Yorks and 14th Durham Light Infantry) attacking the north-west face +and the trench running north from the Quadrilateral, this redoubtable +Strong Point was at last captured with comparatively small loss after +what must be conceded as a magnificent defence, and which had cost the +Division upwards of 3,500 casualties. Nine machine-guns and 160 +unwounded prisoners were taken in the Quadrilateral and many Germans +killed.</p> + +<p>The Quadrilateral once captured, the advance was carried forward for +1,000 yards to within half a mile of Morval and Lesbœufs. These, +which were the original objectives on the 13th September, were now to +be attacked on the 25th September. Relieved for rest on the 16th, the +Division came in again on 21st September, and dug good assembly +trenches. The most forward portion of the line taken over by the +Division consisted of 250 yards of one of the main German trenches, +which was held by the Germans on both flanks for some distance. +Fortunately we were in possession of the communication trench leading +up to it, and during the three nights after taking over considerable +excitement and amusement were caused by the occasional arrival of +German ration parties at our part of the trench, having failed to hit +off the part occupied by their own troops. Uttering many guttural +oaths these fled for their lives, speeded up by our machine and Lewis +guns. A few prisoners were captured in this way, and some valuable +information obtained. Spurred on apparently by the loss of their +rations, the Germans attacked on the 24th September both flanks of +this trench under cover of a mist, but were driven back without +reaching it, except on the extreme right. Here they entered a bombing +post, but were ejected, leaving one officer and twelve other ranks +dead and an unwounded prisoner, while our casualties were practically +nil.</p> + +<p>The objective allotted to the Division for the 25th September was the +ground between the north end of Morval (attacked +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page025" name="page025">(p. 025)</a></span> +by 5th +Division) and the road which passes through the centre of Lesbœufs. +At 12.35 p.m. the attack was launched--the 16th Infantry Brigade on +the right gaining the first objective with the Buffs, and the final +objective with K.S.L.I. and the Y. and L. On the left the 2nd D.L.I. +and the Essex captured the first objective, and the West Yorks and two +companies 14th D.L.I. the final objective. This was one of the most +successful battles on the Somme--thanks to good weather and +observation, a carefully arranged creeping barrage, and a sound +preliminary bombardment.</p> + +<p>The Division captured over 500 prisoners, 6 machine-guns, and 4 heavy +trench-mortars. Tanks were not used. We here turned the tables on the +52nd Division, 26th Reserve Corps, our old opponents at Ypres, where +the ground was all in their favour and where they had proved +troublesome antagonists.</p> + +<p>After consolidating its ground the Division was relieved by the 20th +Division on 30th September, and the long struggle began for the +possession of the high ground overlooking the Bapaume-Le Transloy +Road.</p> + +<p>On 7th October the XIV Corps (20th and 56th Divisions) attacked with +only partial success, and the 6th Division was brought in again on +night 8/9th October for a general attack on the 12th October. The +enemy had dug a series of trenches named by us +Rainbow--Cloudy--Misty--Zenith, etc., a portion of which had been +captured by us, making a somewhat pronounced salient. All three +brigades were in the line, with one battalion in front trenches, the +71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. E. Feetham) being in the salient, +with the 16th Infantry Brigade on the right and the 18th Infantry +Brigade on the left. The objective of the attack of the 12th October +was the line of trenches running north from Le Transloy.</p> + +<p>At 2.5 p.m. the flank brigades attacked, but with only partial +success. The failure to make ground, which was general +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page026" name="page026">(p. 026)</a></span> +all +along the British front, was attributed to want of surprise, as we had +bombarded the position for two days, and always attacked in the early +afternoon. Further, the ground was very heavy and observation +extremely bad. The Germans were fresh troops, and fought well. Perhaps +more than anything it was due to the effect of their machine-gun fire. +Taught by our creeping barrage that machine-guns in the front line +were useless, the enemy had drawn them across the valley towards the +road, and caught our advance over the brow of the rise with accurate +distant machine-gun fire.</p> + +<p>Changing the time of zero, the attack was renewed at 5.35 a.m. on the +15th October, the 18th Infantry Brigade on the left (2nd D.L.I. and +11th Essex) attempting to seize those portions of Cloudy and Mild +trenches still held by the enemy, while the Sherwood Foresters on +their right attacked some gun pits which lay about 200 yards in front +of their line. This latter attack succeeded, but with the great loss +of Colonel Hobbs, O.C. The Foresters, who died of his wounds. The left +attack made a little ground. A final attempt to push forward the line +was made on the 18th October by the 9th Norfolks, but was only +partially successful.</p> + +<p>On 20th October the Division (less artillery) was relieved and moved +to the First Army, going into Corps Reserve of the I Corps, with +Divisional Headquarters at Béthune and the units in the town and +surrounding area.</p> + +<p>The artillery of the Division (Brig.-Gen. E. S. Cleeve, C.R.A.) had +first come into action on the Somme on the 3rd September, supporting +the attack of the 16th Division on Guillemont. It was grouped and +re-grouped in accordance with the requirements of the situation, but +never as a whole covered the operations of the Division.</p> + +<p>On the 9th November it was withdrawn and marched to First Army area, +where for about a month it covered the 56th Division, XI Corps, with +6th D.A.H.Q. at La Gorgue, rejoining the Division in I Corps in +December. Brig.-Gen. E. F. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page027" name="page027">(p. 027)</a></span> +Delaforce replaced Brig.-Gen. +Cleeve as C.R.A. on 25th October.</p> + +<p>The Division had taken part as a whole in three general attacks on the +Somme (15th and 25th September and 12th October), and had also carried +out subordinate operations on 13th and 18th September and 18th +October.</p> + +<p>It had suffered casualties amounting to 277 officers and 6,640 other +ranks, and had well earned a rest.</p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VII +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page028" name="page028">(p. 028)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>LOOS SALIENT</h3> + +<h3>1916-17</h3> + + +<p>On 25th November the Division took over the La Bassée sector, which +included the famous Givenchy Ridge and Cuinchy Brickstacks. After +about a month it side-stepped to the Cambrin-Hohenzollern Quarries +front of about 5,500 yards, where it remained until the 28th February +1917. All this front had a most evil repute, but so exhausted was the +enemy by the Somme fighting that this four months' trench sojourn +proved the quietest the Division ever experienced, except before the +storm of March 1918, and the casualties would have been far fewer had +it not been for several raids carried out by us.</p> + +<p>The machine-guns of the Division were strengthened on 15th December by +the arrival of the 192nd M.G. Company, and on 2nd January 1917 +Lt.-Col. G. F. B. Goldney, D.S.O., succeeded Lt.-Col. H. R. S. +Christie as C.R.E., the latter having been nearly a year with the +Division.</p> + +<p>On the 1st March the Division took over a 11,000 yards' front +extending north from the Double Crassier at Loos with sectors +Loos--14bis--Hulluch--Hohenzollern, all three brigades being in line +and a brigade of the 21st Division also which came under the command +of G.O.C., 6th Division.</p> + +<p>March and the first portion of April were notable for raids and +counter-raids, and for considerable artillery and trench-mortar +activity, which gave place to more or less continuous fighting +consequent on the withdrawal of the enemy opposite the right of the +Division after the successful attack by the Canadians at Vimy.</p> + +<p>Notice was received on the morning of the 13th April that +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page029" name="page029">(p. 029)</a></span> +a +withdrawal was contemplated by the enemy opposite part of the +Divisional front. The right section of the front was at that time held +by the 16th Infantry Brigade, with the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment +on its right. On the 13th April the withdrawal commenced, the enemy +being so closely followed up by the York and Lancaster Regiment that +by 6.20 p.m. the brigade was able to report the Railway Triangle in +our occupation, and the whole of the battalion in the enemy's +trenches. Our troops were into the enemy's dug-outs before the candles +left by them had burnt out.</p> + +<p>The policy laid down for the Division was that the enemy was to be +closely followed up wherever he fell back, but that our troops were +not to be committed to a serious engagement. In accordance with these +instructions the enemy's trenches were subjected to heavy bombardment, +with pauses during which patrols were sent forward and occupied as +much ground as they could. This policy was maintained for four days, +during which the 16th Infantry Brigade pressed the enemy with such +vigour, within the limits allowed to it, that he was evidently rushed +rather farther back than had been his intention, and began to become +apprehensive as to his hold on Hill 70. The opposition stiffened on +the 15th April, and on the 16th a counter-attack drove the 1st The +Buffs back slightly, but was unsuccessful against the 8th Bedfordshire +Regiment on the right. An advanced post of the latter battalion put up +a very fine defence and maintained its position. A further attack on +this battalion on the following day again failed to shake the defence.</p> + +<p>On the 16th April a systematic bombardment of the trenches on Hill 70 +was commenced, and authority was given for a slightly greater +employment of force. Attacks on the 18th and 19th April, by the 1st +K.S.L.I. and the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment, gained some ground and +gave us between forty and fifty prisoners.</p> + +<p>By this time continuous fighting, under very trying weather +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page030" name="page030">(p. 030)</a></span> +conditions, had exhausted the 16th Infantry Brigade. In order to +maintain the pressure it became necessary to withdraw battalions from +the front of the other brigades and to put them straight in on the +offensive front, replacing them by the battalions withdrawn from that +front.</p> + +<p>An attack by the 14th D.L.I. on the 21st April in conjunction with the +left of the 46th Division, who by this time had relieved the 24th on +the right of the 6th Division, yielded thirty-five prisoners and two +machine-guns, and disposed of a strong machine-gun nest on the Double +Crassier Railway which had been holding up our right. Two +counter-attacks were repelled, and on the 22nd April the 14th D.L.I. +and the 11th Essex Regiment delivered a combined attack. The 14th +D.L.I. secured the whole of their objective, with forty-six prisoners +and three machine-guns, but the 11th Essex Regiment was unable to gain +any ground. The 46th Division had been prevented by uncut wire from +co-operating in the attack, with the result that the 14th D.L.I., +after enduring a very heavy bombardment with exemplary determination, +were eventually sniped and machine-gunned out of the captured line +from the houses on their right. Eventually the position stabilized +itself, with the enemy in possession of Nash Alley.</p> + +<p>During ten days the Division had been engaged in continuous fighting +on the front of one brigade, whilst holding with the other two a front +of approximately 7,000 yards. Four battalions from other brigades, in +addition to its own four, had passed through the hands of the 16th +Infantry Brigade which was conducting the fighting. Battalions +relieved from the fighting front one night were put straight into the +line elsewhere on the following night, and battalions which had +already done a long continuous tour in the trenches were relieved one +night, put into the fighting front on the following night, and +twenty-four hours later had to deliver an attack. The enemy, concerned +about +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page031" name="page031">(p. 031)</a></span> +the fate of Hill 70, concentrated a very formidable +artillery on the narrow front involved, and the bombardments and +barrages on the front of attack were of exceptional severity. The +extent to which the Division was stretched on the rest of its front is +exemplified by two incidents. On one occasion an enemy raid penetrated +both our front and support lines without being detected or meeting +anyone, and came upon our reserve line by chance at the only place on +the front of the brigade concerned where there was one company in that +line. At another part of the front it was found, when normal +conditions were restored, that in an abandoned part of our front line +between two posts, the enemy had actually made himself so much at home +that he had established a small dump of rations and bombs.</p> + +<p>For the manner in which the Division had followed up and pressed the +enemy withdrawal it received the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief.</p> + +<p>On the 26th June 1917 the 46th Division was engaged on our right in +active operations in the outskirts of Lens. The 2nd Sherwood Foresters +and the 9th Norfolk Regiment were placed at the disposal of the 46th +Division for these operations. The 9th Norfolk Regiment was not +actively engaged, but the 2nd Sherwood Foresters, used in the later +stages of the attack, fought with great gallantry and suffered fairly +heavily.</p> + +<p>On the 25th July the Division was relieved after a continuous tour in +the Loos front of just under five months--a period of particularly +bitter and severe trench warfare. Trench-mortaring was continuous on +both sides on the greater part of the front held, and shelling heavy. +The artillery suffered no less severely than the infantry, owing to +the very restricted choice of positions and the advantages of the +observation enjoyed by the enemy. Raids and counter-raids were +numerous. An analysis of the diary shows that during the six months +from the end of January to the end of July the Division carried out +30 +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page032" name="page032">(p. 032)</a></span> +raids, of which 13 were successful in obtaining their +objective and securing prisoners (total for the 13 raids: 54), 11 +secured their objective but failed to yield any prisoners, and only 6 +definitely failed. During the same period the enemy attempted 21 +raids, of which only 4 succeeded in taking prisoners, 5 entered our +trenches without securing any prisoners, and 12 were entire failures. +Three of the enemy's attempted raids yielded us prisoners, and 4 +yielded identifications. The low average of prisoners taken by us in +successful raids is attributable to two causes--first the +extraordinary precautions taken by the enemy in the latter part of the +period to avoid losing prisoners by evacuating his trenches on the +slightest alarm or remaining in his dug-outs, and secondly the +fierceness engendered in our troops by the severity of the +bombardment, and particularly of the trench-mortaring to which they +were normally subjected.</p> + +<p>A very successful battalion raid by the 1st The Buffs on the 24th +June, which yielded 15 prisoners, might have made a better showing if +it had not followed closely on the receipt of the mail containing +accounts of an enemy bombing raid on Folkestone.</p> + +<p>It is invidious to differentiate among so many carefully prepared and +gallantly executed enterprises, but a reference to the successful +battalion raid of the 11th Essex Regiment on the 24th March, to the +raid carried out by the 14th D.L.I. on the 15th June, in the early +morning which caught the Germans at breakfast, and particularly to the +combined raid by the 2nd D.L.I. and the 11th Essex Regiment on the +28th June, will perhaps be forgiven. The latter was an exceptionally +fine performance. It was carried out in connection with the operations +of the 46th Division already referred to, by one company from each of +the two battalions. Everything possible had been done beforehand to +induce the enemy to expect attack on the front of the Division, yet +these two companies succeeded in establishing and maintaining +themselves for +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page033" name="page033">(p. 033)</a></span> +one hour in the enemy's line, though +constantly counter-attacked. They inflicted very heavy casualties on +the enemy, who counter-attacked both over the open and by bombing +along the trenches. It was on this occasion that 2/Lieut. F. B. +Wearne, late 11th Essex Regiment, won the V.C. Mention ought also to +be made of the very gallant repulse of an enemy raid by the 1st +K.S.L.I. and the 1st The Buffs on the 7th July. In one post of the 1st +K.S.L.I. one wounded Lewis gunner, the only survivor of his post from +the enemy bombardment, kept his gun in action and beat off the +raiders.</p> + +<p>On the 25th July the Division was relieved by the Canadians, with a +view to an attack by the latter on Hill 70, and withdrew into rest in +the Monchy Breton area with Divisional Headquarters at Ourton.</p> + +<p>A feature of this period of rest was the very successful two-day rifle +meeting, held on the Monchy-Breton Range.</p> + +<p>During the month's rest out of the line Major-Gen. Ross left the +Division, being succeeded in command by Major-Gen. T. O. Marden, +C.M.G., on the 19th August, and Brig.-Gen. Feetham, C.B., C.M.G., left +the 71st Infantry Brigade to assume command of the 39th Division, in +command of which he was killed in March 1918.</p> + +<p>From the 31st July to the 5th August the 1st Leicestershire Regiment +and 9th Norfolk Regiment were away from the Division, lent to the 57th +Division to assist in a relief at the time of the gas shelling of +Armentières.</p> + +<p>On the 24th to the 27th August the Division was relieving the +Canadians on the Hill 70 front. The month spent in that sector was one +of hard work for all ranks consolidating the newly won position, but +was without important incident.</p> + +<p>On the 24th September the Division side-stepped into the Cité St. +Emile sector just north of Lens, and commenced preparations for an +attack north of Lens, to be carried out in conjunction with the +projected attack by the Canadian Corps on Sallaumines Hill. This +project was, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page034" name="page034">(p. 034)</a></span> +however, abandoned, and on the 23rd October the +Division was withdrawn into rest in the St. Hilaire area, west of +Lillers.</p> + +<p>Six days later it commenced its march south to the Riencourt area, to +join the Third Army for the Battle of Cambrai.</p> + +<p>The 11th Leicesters (Pioneers) had gone north to the II Corps, to work +on light railway construction near Dickebusch on 2nd July 1917. Their +absence was much felt by the Division, and in view of the approaching +operations they were welcomed back on 6th November, when they brought +with them a letter from G.O.C., II Corps (Lt.-Gen. Jacob) +congratulating them on their excellent work.</p> + +<p>Before leaving the subject of the tour of the Division in the +Loos-Lens front, some reference ought to be made to the successes won +during that period by the Division in horse shows. After practically +sweeping the board in all events at the I Corps show for which it was +eligible to enter, the Division secured seven first and eight second +prizes at the First Army show, as well as the cup for the best R.A. +turn-out presented by G.O.C., R.A., First Army, and also that for the +best R.E. turn-out, presented by the C.E., First Army.</p> + +<p>The Divisional Ammunition Column secured prizes for the two best teams +of mules, the best single mule, and the best light draught horse.</p> + + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER VIII +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page035" name="page035">(p. 035)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>CAMBRAI</h3> + +<h3>1917</h3> + + +<p>The general situation on the British Western Front in November 1917, +though fairly universally known to-day, may now be outlined, and the +hopes and aims which led to the Cambrai offensive be touched on +shortly. The prolonged and hard-fought attacks in Flanders by the +British, and in other portions of the front by the French, had caused +the enemy to concentrate his forces in the threatened sectors, +denuding those portions of the line which appeared reasonably safe and +quiet. The Cambrai sector was included among the latter, for not only +was the ground very open, forbidding to us the unseen concentration of +the large forces and masses of heavy artillery which at that period +were deemed essential, but also the Hindenburg Line was immensely +strong and the trenches so wide that the tanks in use by us could not +cross them.</p> + +<p>This enemy sector was, therefore, particularly suitable for surprise +by us, as it was deemed by the enemy to be unassailable.</p> + +<p>The Hindenburg Line ran north-west for six miles from the St. Quentin +Canal at Banteux to Havrincourt on the Canal du Nord, where it bent +sharply north for four miles to Mœuvres, thus making a pronounced +salient. The Commander-in-Chief's plan was to smash the salient, to +occupy the high ground overlooking Cambrai--notably the Bourlon Wood +Ridge--push cavalry through the gap in order to disorganise +communications and the arrival of reinforcements, and to roll up the +enemy's defences to the north-west.</p> + +<p>The French held considerable forces in the immediate vicinity +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page036" name="page036">(p. 036)</a></span> +to exploit successes. It was reckoned that the enemy could not +reinforce his front under forty-eight hours. Everything depended in +the first instance on successful surprise, and in the second on +securing within forty-eight hours the important tactical points within +the salient. The difficulties of surprise, which were many and +serious, were most successfully overcome, but the enterprise failed +eventually because the key points were not seized.</p> + +<p>The principal factors operating against success were the limited hours +of daylight and the long distances to be traversed both by men and by +tanks, which, though vastly improved since 1916, were still very slow. +There was also, in the case of securing the high ground west of +Cambrai, the canal to be crossed by tanks. While smashing in the +enemy's salient we ourselves were making a salient, extending our +front, as far as the Third Army was concerned, from a straight 7,000 +yards to a curving 15,000 yards, thus affording the enemy a chance of +a blow at the sides and hinges of the salient, of which he availed +himself to good purpose ten days after our initial attack.</p> + +<p>To ensure success the troops which were to undertake operations +practised with tanks in back areas, and officers and men went through +the operation on a carefully made ground model without being aware +what ground it represented. Units were brought up just before the 20th +of November, the day of the attack, marching by night and hiding in +villages and woods by day. In some cases battalions were quartered in +flat canvas erections, looking like ammunition or supply dumps. The +6th Division were fortunate in being in woods and destroyed villages. +No unusual activity on ground or in the air was allowed, no guns +registered as had been usual, even the Home mails were stopped for a +short period, and a screen of the troops which had held the line for +some time was kept in front trenches to the last. Under General Byng's +initiative +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page037" name="page037">(p. 037)</a></span> +the difficulty of tanks crossing the wide +Hindenburg Line trenches was overcome by each tank carrying on its +brow a huge faggot which it deposited in the trench at its selected +crossing-place, and which gave its tail a purchase to enable it to +climb the opposite side of the trench. The ground was very suitable +for tanks, as it was moderately hard grass land, and the first portion +of the attack on much of the front was downhill.</p> + +<p>The III Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Pulteney) was on the right, and +consisted of the 12th, 20th, and 6th Divisions, which attacked in the +order named. The left corps (IV) consisted of the 51st and 62nd +Divisions. These covered the six miles with an average frontage of one +and a half miles. The 6th Division attacked on the front Villers +Plouich-Beaucamps, with the 71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. P. W. +Brown) on the left next to the 51st Division, the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. H. A. Walker) on the right next to the 20th +Division. These two brigades were to advance about 3,000 yards to the +first objective (Ribécourt and spur to south-east of it), and another +1,000 yards to the second objective (support system). The 18th +Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. G. S. G. Craufurd) was ordered to advance +through the 71st Infantry Brigade and secure the third objective about +a mile farther on (Premy Chapel Ridge), throwing back a defensive +flank towards Flesquières for the further operations of the 51st +Division on its left and securing the flank of the 29th Division on +its right. The latter division passing through the right of the 6th +Division and the left of the 20th Division, was charged with securing +the crossings of the St. Quentin Canal at Marcoing and Masnières and +seizing the high ground at Rumilly, thus facilitating exploitation to +the south-east, preventing a concentration against the widely +stretched defensive flanks of the III Corps and threatening Cambrai.</p> + +<p>The Divisional Artillery was reinforced during the first part of the +operations by the 17th Brigade of the 29th Division +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page038" name="page038">(p. 038)</a></span> +and the +181st Brigade of the 40th Division, as well as by two R.H.A. Brigades. +Batteries moved into position and camouflaged their guns. No +registration could, of course, take place, but long practice enabled +the gunners to put down a very accurate barrage without this +desideratum.</p> + +<p>Opposite the Division the Hindenburg Line commenced with an outpost +line 750 yards distant on the left and 250 yards on the right. This +was out of sight of our front trenches by reason of the curve of the +ground. Half a mile behind this came the main system, consisting of +two trenches 200 yards apart, the whole guarded by most formidable +belts of wire about 150 yards in depth. The interval between outpost +and main systems was sown with well-sighted and concealed machine gun +positions. A mile farther on, and on the opposite side of the valley +for the most part, ran the support system, similar to the main system. +One and a half miles farther back again was the reserve system, of +which only machine-gun dug-outs were completed, and a small amount of +wire had been erected.</p> + +<p>Two battalions of tanks, each of thirty-six tanks, were allotted to +the Division. "B" Battalion (Lt.-Col. E. D. Bryce, D.S.O.) operated +with the 16th Infantry Brigade, and "H" Battalion (Lt.-Col. Hon. C. +Willoughby) with the 71st Infantry Brigade. The 18th Infantry Brigade +advanced without tanks. The only points which caused anxiety, provided +that the tanks functioned satisfactorily, were Couillet Wood on the +right of the 16th Infantry Brigade front, in which tanks could not +operate, and Ribécourt Village on the left of the 71st Infantry +Brigade front.</p> + +<p>The former was successfully cleared by the Buffs, and the latter +gallantly captured by the 9th Norfolk Regiment; the 11th Essex +clearing and securing it for the advance of the 18th Infantry Brigade, +while the 71st Infantry Brigade attacked the second objective.</p> + +<p>The +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page039" name="page039">(p. 039)</a></span> +18th Infantry Brigade pushed through the 71st Infantry +Brigade and secured Premy Chapel Ridge in good time, and rendered +great assistance to the 51st Division on our left, who were held up at +Flesquières by guns in the valley picking off the tanks one by one as +they breasted the ridge. The West Yorks and the 2nd D.L.I. each +charged over the Premy Ridge spur and captured a battery at the point +of the bayonet.</p> + +<p>At 3.15 p.m. the cavalry, who would have been of the greatest +assistance in capturing the enemy guns holding up the 51st Division, +reported that they could not advance owing to snipers in Ribécourt. +The village had been in our possession since 10 a.m., and the 18th +Infantry Brigade had passed through it at 11.30, and were now two +miles beyond it. However, the cavalry pushed through patrols before +nightfall to Nine Wood.</p> + +<p>A company of the 9th Suffolk Regiment successfully carried out its +mission of advancing without artillery or tank support, and capturing +the bridge at Marcoing. The Division had a most successful day, with +very light casualties (about 650), capturing 28 officers and 1,227 +other ranks prisoners, 23 guns, and between 40 and 50 machine-guns and +many trench-mortars, and receiving the congratulations of the Corps +Commander. Everything had gone like clockwork: the artillery had +pushed forward to advanced positions to cover the new front before +darkness came on; the machine-guns, under Major Muller, D.M.G.O., were +likewise established in their new forward positions, thanks to careful +arrangements and the use of pack animals; and the 11th Leicesters, +under Major Radford, were repairing and clearing the roads before the +third objective had been secured. The tanks, which had made surprise +possible, were most gallantly handled, and all arrangements most +carefully thought out by Col. A. Courage, D.S.O.</p> + +<p>The next morning the 51st Division captured Flesquières from the +north, and three companies of the 14th D.L.I., +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page040" name="page040">(p. 040)</a></span> +moving +forward slightly in advance of them and operating with a squadron of +the Queen's Bays, entered Cantaing ahead of the 51st Division, handing +over subsequently to the 4th Gordons.</p> + +<p>The Buffs, with the assistance of the tanks, completed the clearing of +Noyelles (a village some 2,500 yards north-east of Premy Chapel), +which had been entered the previous day by the 29th Division, and +relieved the latter there. On the night of the 26/27th November the +18th Infantry Brigade extended its left up to the south-east edge of +Cantaing.</p> + +<p>About half a mile of the original front had been handed over to the +29th Division, and the 6th Division now held a rectangular strip 2,500 +yards by 7,000 yards, with the head at Cantaing and Noyelles, and the +rear in the Hindenburg Main Line. The 29th Division had a precarious +hold of the ground across the canal on the right, and the Guards +Division was having hard fighting at Fontaine on the left.</p> + +<p>Comparing the position with the back of a man's left hand, the 6th +Division occupied the third finger, the 29th Division the main finger, +the 20th Division the index finger, the 12th Division the portion +below the index finger down to the lower portion of the thumb when +fully extended, the 55th Division occupied the thumb. Such was the +situation when the enemy delivered a heavy counter-attack, on the +morning of the 30th November, on the 29th, 20th and 12th Divisions of +the III Corps and the 55th Division of the VII Corps, driving the 20th +and 12th Divisions on to the main finger except for a few posts, and +occupying the thumb.</p> + +<p>The Germans reached Gouzeaucourt at about 9 a.m., but were stoutly +opposed by transport details of the 18th Infantry Brigade, who most +gallantly led by Lieut. and Quartermaster J. P. L. Shea, 2nd D.L.I., +and Capt. and Adjutant W. Paul, 1st West Yorks, checked the enemy in a +portion of the village until it was retaken by the +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page041" name="page041">(p. 041)</a></span> +Guards +about midday. These two brave officers, whose initiative and sound +military action probably saved the situation from becoming much worse, +were both wounded, and subsequently died of their wounds, a great loss +to their battalions and to the Division.</p> + +<p>A Staff-Officer arrived from the 29th Division about 9 a.m., and +reported their Divisional Headquarters just north-east of Gouzeaucourt +to have been captured and the Germans entering the village, which was +about two miles to the right rear of 6th Divisional Headquarters. The +16th Infantry Brigade, which was in Divisional Reserve in the +Hindenburg Main Line some two miles away, was ordered up to the ridge +between Beaucamps and Gouzeaucourt. Brig.-Gen. Walker, commanding 16th +Infantry Brigade, who was ordered to report to G.O.C., 29th Division, +at Gouzeaucourt, narrowly escaped capture, together with his +Brigade-Major, the enemy now being in possession of the village. +G.O.C., 29th Division, had in the meantime passed through 6th +Divisional Headquarters, and gone forward to his line.</p> + +<p>The situation was now very confused, as all wires to corps had been +cut, but it was evident that there was a gap between 12th and 20th +Divisions, the latter still holding on to La Vacquerie, a strong point +on the ridge two miles east of Beaucamps. The 16th Infantry Brigade +was ordered to retake Gouzeaucourt, aided by some tanks which were at +Beaucamps, and advanced about 3 p.m., but found the Guards already in +the village. It therefore took up a position in the road between +Gouzeaucourt and Villers Plouich, to the left of the Guards, and +prepared to attack Cemetery Ridge between Gonnelieu and La Vacquerie, +so as to re-establish the line. Patrols reported no enemy activity, +and as there were no guns available (all in this sector having been +captured or out of action) the Divisional Commander (Gen. Marden) +thought a surprise attack by moonlight might succeed in capturing this +important ridge before the enemy could reinforce it. An +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page042" name="page042">(p. 042)</a></span> +attack was launched at 1 a.m. hand in hand with 20th Division, but +though most gallantly pushed, failed owing to loss of direction and +heavy enemy machine gun fire. The ridge was captured by a Guards +Brigade the next morning at 6.30 a.m., by the aid of tanks and +artillery.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the Reserve Battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade +(14th D.L.I.), and a battalion lent by the 57th Division, took up a +position on Highland Ridge facing east, thus completely securing the +flank.</p> + +<p>On 2nd December the 16th Infantry Brigade was withdrawn and ordered to +relieve 87th Infantry Brigade (29th Division), which had been having +stiff fighting across and astride the canal east of Marcoing. The 14th +D.L.I. (18th Infantry Brigade) were lent to 16th Infantry Brigade and +on the night of 2nd/3rd December occupied the south portion of the +loop across the canal, the K.S.L.I. taking over the north half. The +88th Infantry Brigade (29th Division) held the ground south of the +canal. The whole position was a salient subject to shell, rifle and +machine-gun fire from north, south and east. The 14th D.L.I. position +had no wire, and only hastily dug trenches. At 10.30 a.m., after a +heavy bombardment, the enemy attacked the 14th D.L.I. and the +battalion of the 29th Division south of the canal, penetrating the +trenches, but was counter-attacked and driven out. At 11.30 a.m. he +attacked again with similar results. At 12.15 p.m. he attacked both +D.L.I. and K.S.L.I. and penetrated the right of the D.L.I., but was +again driven out. With a final attack at 12.45 p.m. the enemy +succeeded in forcing both battalions across the canal by sheer weight +of numbers.</p> + +<p>Two companies of the 8th Bedfords now reinforced the 14th D.L.I., and +this force again counter-attacked and recovered the bridge-head at +dusk; the 88th Infantry Brigade, assisted by 2nd Y. and L., having +also counter-attacked successfully south of the canal. Losses were, +however, heavy, and the line was gradually withdrawn under Corps +orders during the next two days to the Hindenburg +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page043" name="page043">(p. 043)</a></span> +support +system, which became our front line. The 14th D.L.I. fought +magnificently, losing 15 officers and 262 other ranks, more than half +being killed. Capt. Lascelles, who led two of the counter-attacks and +was twice wounded, here gained his V.C. The 16th M.G.C., both north +and south of the canal, had very heavy losses, but put up a splendid +resistance.</p> + +<p>The only other incidents of note were the repulse by the 18th Infantry +Brigade of a half-hearted enemy attack on Cantaing on the 1st +December, and D.H.Q. being three times shelled out of its Headquarters +between 30th November and 9th December.</p> + +<p>During the whole period--20th November to 6th December--the Divisional +Artillery were constantly changing position in order to support the +infantry, either in advance or retirement, as closely as possible. It +was a welcome change to them after the many weary months of position +warfare, and it may be said, without fear of contradiction, that both +brigades and batteries were extremely ably handled, and that the +D.A.C. never left a battery short of ammunition, in spite of very long +distances and rough going.</p> + +<p>On 10th December the Division (less artillery) was withdrawn to rest +in the Basseux area south-west of Arras, after a strenuous three +weeks.</p> + +<p>The Divisional Artillery remained in action, covering the 18th +Division. A little later the 2nd Brigade, R.F.A., was withdrawn to +rest, but the 24th Brigade, R.F.A., continued in the line.</p> + + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER IX +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page044" name="page044">(p. 044)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 1918</h3> + +<h3>1918</h3> + + +<p>After a month's rest in the Basseux area, during the first few days of +which the 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades were placed at the disposal +of the 3rd Division to relieve two of their brigades on the Bullecourt +front, the Division moved up, commencing on the 17th January to +relieve the 51st Division in the front line between Hermies and +Boursies. A month later it side-stepped northwards, relieving the 25th +Division in the Lagnicourt sector. The period up to the 21st March was +one of steady work on defences, but without special incident, except a +gas-shell attack on the 71st Brigade, which caused a certain amount of +casualties.</p> + +<p>During this period Infantry Brigades were reduced to three battalions +each--the 9th Suffolk Regiment, 8th Bedford Regiment, and 14th Durham +Light Infantry being disbanded between 1st and 16th February. Shortly +afterwards the three Machine-gun Companies and the Divisional +Machine-gun Company were organized into the 6th Machine-gun Battalion, +under the command of Lt.-Col. Rosher, D.S.O., late commanding 14th +D.L.I.</p> + +<p>Some description of the ground and defensive organization of the +Division will not be out of place here. The front held by the Division +was generally on a forward slope opposite the villages of Quéant and +Pronville.</p> + +<p>No Man's Land averaged three-quarters of a mile in width. The whole +area was downland, and very suitable for the action of tanks. The +position lay astride a succession of well-defined broad spurs and +narrow valleys (like the fingers of a partially opened hand), merging +into the broad +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page045" name="page045">(p. 045)</a></span> +transverse valley which separated the British +line from the two villages above-mentioned. All the advantages of +ground lay with the defence, and it seemed as if no attack could +succeed, unless by the aid of tanks. A large portion of the front +line--notably the valleys--was sown with 2-in. trench-mortar bombs +with instantaneous fuses, which would detonate under the pressure of a +wagon but not of a man's foot. In addition five anti-tank 18-pounder +guns were placed in positions of vantage. The wire was very broad and +thick. The position would, indeed, have been almost impregnable had +there been sufficient time to complete it, and had there been separate +troops for counter-attack.</p> + +<p>The ground was a portion of that wrested from the enemy in the Cambrai +offensive of November-December 1917, but had only improvised trenches. +A month's hard frost in January had militated against digging, and +though there were a complete front trench and reserve trench, the +support trenches hardly existed, and dug outs were noticeable by their +absence. The front was 4,500 yards in extent, the three brigades in +line--18th on right, 71st in centre, 16th on left--on approximately +equal frontages. The depth from front or outpost zone to reserve or +battle zone was about 2,000 yards. With only three battalions in a +brigade, there was no option but to assign one battalion in each +brigade to the defence of the outpost zones, and keep two battalions +in depth in the battle zone. With battalions at just over +half-strength, and with the undulating nature of the ground, the +defence resolved itself everywhere into a succession of posts with a +very limited field of fire.</p> + +<p>A good corps line called the Vaux-Morchies Line had been dug, the +nearest portion a mile behind the reserve line, and this was held by +the Pioneers and R.E., owing to scarcity of numbers.</p> + +<p>The Right Group, R.F.A. (Lt.-Col. H. Weber), consisting of 2nd Brigade +(less 21st Battery), supported the 18th Infantry +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page046" name="page046">(p. 046)</a></span> +Brigade; +the Left Group (Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth), consisting of 24th +Brigade, 21st Battery, and 93rd (Army) Brigade, supported the 16th and +17th Infantry Brigades.</p> + +<p>Reports from deserters that we were to be heavily attacked were +persistent, and the Division stood to arms twice before 21st March. On +20th March aeroplane photos disclosed ammunition pits for seventy +extra batteries opposite the divisional front, and when at 5 a.m. on +21st March the bombardment commenced, there was no doubt but that a +real offensive had begun. Warning had been given overnight for all +troops to be in battle positions by 5 a.m., but it came too late to +stop working parties, and the reserve battalions of all brigades had +marched ten miles before the battle commenced.</p> + +<p>Fog favoured the Germans in that it prevented us seeing when the +attack was launched, but every credit must be given them for the skill +they evinced and the dash with which they pushed forward and brought +up successive waves of attackers. By concentrating their efforts on +the three main valleys, i.e. Noreuil Valley on our extreme left, +Lagnicourt Valley in the centre and Morchies Valley on our extreme +right, they avoided much of the fire which they would have encountered +on the broad spurs, and thus worked round and isolated the garrisons +of the latter. For five hours the bombardment continued with +tremendous force, first with gas and H.E. on back areas to cut +communications and disorganize reinforcements, later about 7 to 8 a.m. +with smoke and H.E. on the forward system. The intensity of it may be +gauged by the fact that four out of five concealed anti-tank guns were +knocked out by direct hits.</p> + +<p>This bombardment annihilated the garrisons of the forward system, and +few survivors came back to the reserve line.</p> + +<p>The only authenticated accounts of a successful resistance in the +front system were from the 71st Infantry Brigade, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page047" name="page047">(p. 047)</a></span> +where both +9th Norfolks and 2nd Sherwood Foresters repulsed the first attack. By +10.30 a.m. the enemy had nearly reached Noreuil and had driven back +the 59th Division on our left, leaving the left flank of the 16th +Infantry Brigade in the air, while its right flank went shortly +afterwards, as the enemy captured Lagnicourt, driving in the Sherwood +Foresters in the valley. The 16th Infantry Brigade was gradually +squeezed out towards the corps line, where at 4 p.m. parties from the +Divisional Bombing School counter-attacked and drove the enemy out of +trenches on the immediate left. The 71st Infantry Brigade, with its +right flank secure, threw back a defensive flank south-west of +Lagnicourt, and successfully prevented issue from that village to the +high ground. The enemy broke into Skipton Reserve Strong Point, but +were thrown out again by a counter-attack of Norfolks and Leicesters.</p> + +<p>Coming up a subsidiary valley the enemy nearly drove a wedge between +71st and 18th Infantry Brigades, but the 2nd D.L.I. counter-attacked +gallantly and kept them out till dusk. On the right of the 18th +Infantry Brigade, however, the enemy advanced up the Morchies Valley, +capturing the left trenches of the 51st Division on our right at about +10 a.m.</p> + +<p>The 2nd West Yorks, reinforced by two companies 11th Essex, gallantly +led by Lt.-Col. Boyall, D.S.O., who was subsequently wounded and +captured, drove back three attacks issuing from our support line. The +18th Infantry Brigade held on till 7 p.m. when, in trying to withdraw, +it suffered heavy casualties. The last company was not overwhelmed +till 8.30 p.m. The 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades, therefore, +maintained their hold on the ground Lagnicourt and the Morchies Valley +all day, though the enemy had penetrated far in rear on both flanks.</p> + +<p>When darkness fell the remnants of the Division were back in the corps +line, together with three battalions of the 75th Infantry Brigade +(25th Division), the remaining troops +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page048" name="page048">(p. 048)</a></span> +of the Division not +being strong enough to hold the line unaided. The 11th Cheshires were +with 18th Infantry Brigade, 2nd South Lancs with 71st Infantry +Brigade, and 8th Border Regiment with 16th Infantry Brigade.</p> + +<p>The night was quiet, both sides preparing for the next day's struggle.</p> + +<p>At 7.30 a.m. on 22nd March the 16th Infantry Brigade repulsed an +attack, but the enemy renewed his efforts with great persistence, and +with much heavy bombardment and trench-mortaring, at 9.30 a.m. and +onwards in the vicinity of Vaux and Méricourt Woods. Though frequent +counter-attacks were made, the troops were forced back little by +little from the corps line towards some improvised trenches hastily +dug under the C.R.E.'s (Col. Goldney) direction some 1,000 yards in +rear, and manned partially by men from the Corps Reinforcement Camp +under Major Jones of the 2nd D.L.I. As an example of the tenacious +fighting, a sunken road which contained the Headquarters of the 16th +and 71st Infantry Brigades changed hands three times. Throughout the +day Lt.-Col. Latham, D.S.O., commanding 1st Leicesters, and Lt.-Col. +Dumbell, D.S.O., commanding 11th Battalion Essex Regiment, +distinguished themselves greatly in the defence of their sectors of +the line. On the right of the Division the control had passed by dusk +to the G.O.C., 75th Infantry Brigade (29th Division)--the 18th +Infantry Brigade having only about 100 of all ranks left. On the left +there was a large gap between the 16th Infantry Brigade and the 40th +Division, which had been pushed up towards Vaux Vraucourt, and this +the 6th Division had no troops with which to fill it. The enemy's +pressure on the flanks of the 16th Infantry Brigade and in the centre +on the 71st Infantry Brigade caused the line to fall back on the new +Army line which was being dug and wired. This was done in good order, +and at nightfall the weary remnants of the Division were relieved by +the 41st Division and concentrated in the vicinity of Achiet, the +artillery remaining +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page049" name="page049">(p. 049)</a></span> +behind and fighting in the subsequent +withdrawal up to 26th March.</p> + +<p>The Division had put up a resistance of which it had every reason to +be proud, and which won for it the following letter from the G.O.C., +Third Army (General Sir J. Byng):--</p> + +<p>"I cannot allow the 6th Division to leave the Third Army without +expressing my appreciation of their splendid conduct during the first +stages of the great battle now in progress.</p> + +<p>"By their devotion and courage they have broken up overwhelming +attacks and prevented the enemy gaining his object, namely a decisive +victory.</p> + +<p>"I wish them every possible good luck."</p> + +<p>To this magnificent result all ranks and all arms had contributed, and +it is perhaps invidious to single out special instances for mention. +The gallant stand of the 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades in the +reserve line throughout the whole of the first day has already been +referred to. Other outstanding incidents are the counter-attack by +part of the 2nd D.L.I. against the enemy advancing from our support +line, which relieved the pressure on the reserve line and captured +four machine-guns; the holding out of a post of the West Yorks on the +east side of the Morchies Valley from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. though +completely commanded and surrounded; the counter-attacks by companies +of the 1st Leicestershire Regiment and 9th Norfolk Regiment, which +restored the situation in the Skipton Strong Point just east of +Lagnicourt; that of a company of the 11th Leicestershire Regiment +which drove the enemy out of the corps line when he had established a +footing in it on the afternoon of the 21st; and that of the two +platoons formed from the 16th Infantry Brigade School which regained +posts on the extreme left of the corps line in the Divisional area on +the evening of the 21st.</p> + +<p>Another gallant deed must be mentioned. Sergt. Shales, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page050" name="page050">(p. 050)</a></span> +R.E., +and another signaller went from 18th Infantry Brigade Headquarters to +a distributor station 400 yards distant during the full force of the +bombardment, sorted out and tested wires in the open, and thus +established communication between the front trenches and Battalion +Headquarters. The burying and connecting up of the cable was to have +been completed the day of the attack.</p> + +<p>The casualties in the infantry were extremely heavy, amounting in the +two days to some 3,900 out of a total for the Division of somewhat +over 5,000 engaged, and out of a total trench strength of less than +5,000 infantry. The 18th Infantry Brigade suffered particularly +heavily, being only able to muster in its three battalions 8 officers +and 110 other ranks of those who had been through the fight, including +32 at Battalion Headquarters.</p> + +<p>The Machine-gun Battalion did excellent service and great execution, +many guns remaining in action until the enemy were within a few yards +of them. Its losses were heavy--14 officers and 280 other ranks.</p> + +<p>The field companies suffered heavily, and rendered good service as +infantry. Special mention may be made of the action of 12th Field +Company under Capt. Langley, who rallied some 300 stragglers of +various units and filled a gap between the 18th Infantry Brigade and +troops on its left.</p> + +<p>The 11th Leicesters, under the gallant leading of Major Radford, +fought splendidly, losing 14 officers and over 200 other ranks.</p> + +<p>The artillery performed magnificent services, particularly on the 21st +March. All guns that were not destroyed by the enemy's bombardment +were fought until all the ammunition was expended or the enemy's +infantry reached their position. The gunners enjoyed the novel +experience of firing over open sights and seeing the effect of their +fire, and not only with their guns but with rifles and Lewis guns did +they inflict very heavy casualties on the +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page051" name="page051">(p. 051)</a></span> +enemy. The 42nd +Battery, having kept their three forward guns in action after our +infantry had fallen back behind them, succeeded in bringing the two +that were not destroyed away, under the very noses of the enemy and +through a heavy barrage and machine-gun fire. The forward section of +the 53rd Battery had one gun destroyed. Lieut. Reeves got the other +into the open, and, after firing 850 rounds with it over open sights +and having exhausted his ammunition, brought back his detachment and +the breech-block. The forward section of the 87th Battery continued +firing until rushed by the enemy's infantry. Sergt. Pengelly of the +112th Battery, who was in command of a 15-pounder in an anti-tank +position, having had his gun destroyed in the preliminary bombardment, +fought for two days with the infantry, in command of a platoon, and +did great execution himself with a pickaxe. A forward gun of the 110th +Battery was fought until all its ammunition was expended, and the +breech-block was then removed with the enemy almost on the top of the +gun. For over seven hours the main battery fired on the enemy at +ranges from 1,200 to 600 yards, expending over 2,400 rounds. The +forward gun of the 111th Battery, after expending all its ammunition +(500 rounds), largely over open sights, was withdrawn and brought into +action again in the main position, a team coming up in full view of +the enemy, and under very heavy shelling and a hail of bullets, for +the purpose. The 112th Battery had two guns in action in advance of +the corps line. These remained in action until all their ammunition +was expended, and the detachments then withdrew with all their wounded +and the breech-blocks of their guns, the enemy being by this time +actually on the wire of the corps line.</p> + +<p>The instances quoted are only typical of the conduct of the whole of +the artillery of the Division, which fully justified the very high +reputation it has always enjoyed, and the confidence which the +infantry of the Division has always felt in its own artillery.</p> + +<p>The +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page052" name="page052">(p. 052)</a></span> +morning of the 23rd March found the remnants of the +Division, less artillery, assembled about Achiet-le-Grand and +Bihucourt. The survivors of the 18th Infantry Brigade numbered 8 +officers and 110 other ranks; those of the 71st Infantry Brigade 11 +officers and 279 other ranks. Each of these brigades had had a trench +strength on the morning of the 21st of just over 1,800 all ranks. +Figures for the 16th Infantry Brigade are not available. The Division +was most fortunate in having very few senior officers killed, though +many were wounded. The most noticeable casualties among the killed +were Major Lyon, 2nd Brigade, R.F.A., Majors Williamson and Wingate, +D.S.O., M.C., R.E., and Capt. Harbottle, M.C., 1st Leicesters.</p> + +<p>Even after relief the Division was not able to enjoy the rest it had +so richly deserved, and of which it stood so much in need. The further +progress of the enemy's attack and constant alarms necessitated its +preparing and taking up a position of readiness covering Achiet, +throughout the 23rd and the 24th.</p> + +<p>On the 25th March it entrained for the north, to join the Second Army +in its old haunts in the Ypres Salient.</p> + + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER X +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page053" name="page053">(p. 053)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>YPRES SALIENT AGAIN</h3> + +<h3>1918</h3> + + +<p>On the 30th March, whilst in rest in the neighbourhood of Steenvoorde, +the Division had the honour of a visit from His Majesty the King. +Representative survivors of all ranks from the recent fighting were +drawn up in the square and were inspected by His Majesty, who spoke +most graciously to every individual, questioning all as to their +experiences during the fighting, and thanking them for and +congratulating them on their services.</p> + +<p>At the beginning of April the 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades took +over the front from Broodseinde southwards to Polygon Wood, coming +under the XXII Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir A. Godley).</p> + +<p>The general situation now was that the Flanders front was held by +tired and decimated Divisions withdrawn from the big battle in the +south. These had been brought up to a respectable strength by drafts +from all sources--wounded men belonging to other formations, R.A.S.C., +Labour Battalions, etc., many of whom had received no training in +infantry weapons or methods of fighting. Officers and men were new to +each other, and there was no chance to train as the whole of every +Division was in trenches.</p> + +<p>Against these forces the Germans now opened a determined offensive +from Zandvoorde southwards.</p> + +<p>On the 13th April, as a result of the German successes on the Lys, the +71st Infantry Brigade, which was in reserve, had to be rushed off to +join the 49th Division on the Neuve Eglise front. It returned to the +Division on the 26th April after a pretty rough time, during which it +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page054" name="page054">(p. 054)</a></span> +suffered considerable casualties (about 750), but earned +great praise. A counter-attack delivered by the 9th Norfolk Regiment +was a particularly creditable incident in this period.</p> + +<p>Otherwise the first fortnight in the Salient was without special +incident. On the 16th April, in consequence of the progress made by +the enemy farther to the south, the Salient was reduced in accordance +with plan, and the line withdrawn to the battle zone, where an +advanced force was left out in a line of detached pill-boxes and +works. The enemy followed up cautiously in the afternoon, but the +garrisons of the line of posts by lying low were able in several cases +to catch parties unawares, and a fair number of casualties were +inflicted. One party of twenty-five in particular was annihilated.</p> + +<p>On the 25th April the enemy attacked and captured Kemmel Village and +Hill from the French. This decided the Higher Command to withdraw the +advanced force, and this was successfully carried out on the night of +the 26/27th to the line West end of Zillebeke Lake-White Château.</p> + +<p>Incessant work on the new defences, and heavy shelling, particularly +gas shelling of Ypres, were the only incidents for some time on the +actual front of the Division, though heavy attacks on the 29th April +on the Division on the right, and the enemy's unsuccessful attack on +Ridgewood on the 8th May, kept it on the alert. The Division was on +the edge of the battle, and stood to on several occasions for an +attack on its own front.</p> + +<p>On the 11th to the 14th May the Division side-slipped to the south in +relief of the 19th Division, thus coming next door to the 14th French +Division, and passing to II Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir C. Jacob). On the 28th +May the enemy attacked our neighbours on the right and succeeded in +driving them out of Ridgewood and almost in reaching Dickebusch Lake. +In view of the importance to us of the lost position, and of the +exhausted state of the 14th (French) +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page055" name="page055">(p. 055)</a></span> +Division, an offer was +made to co-operate with them in a counter-attack to regain the lost +ground. This was gladly accepted, and on the early morning of the 29th +May the 11th Essex Regiment attacked in conjunction with two +battalions of Chasseurs of the 46th (French) Division, which was in +process of relieving the 14th Division, the operation taking place +under the orders of the G.O.C., 14th French Division (General +Philipot, the conqueror of Fez).</p> + +<p>Under a barrage formed by the French and English artillery the 11th +Essex Regiment attacked with great determination, and by the end of +the day had achieved the whole of its share of the task. The two +battalions of the Chasseurs were, unfortunately, not so successful, +with the result that the right of the 11th Essex Regiment was exposed, +and it was unable to hold on to a small part of the ground recovered +on its extreme right. For this action the Division received a letter +of thanks for its "spontaneous" co-operation from General de Mitry, +commanding the French Détachement de l'Armée du Nord.</p> + +<p>The Division remained in the line as next-door neighbours to the +French till the 7th June, when relieved by 33rd Division. Many will +retain pleasant memories of our association with our Allies during the +three to four weeks that we were alongside them, and of the admirable +liaison that existed between us.</p> + +<p>During the period of just under three weeks' rest that it enjoyed on +this occasion the Division had one brigade always at Dirty Bucket Camp +working on rear lines of defence, one training in the St. Jan ter +Biezen area, and one at musketry at Cormette, near Tilques. During +this period, too, the 71st Trench-mortar Battery and the 18th +Trench-mortar Battery were able to be of service to the French, the +former being lent to the 46th Division to assist them in an operation +on 8th June, the latter co-operating with the 7th (French) Division in +a successful raid on the 19th June.</p> + +<p>On +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page056" name="page056">(p. 056)</a></span> +the 27th June the Division passed to the XIX Corps +(Lt.-Gen. Sir H. E. Watts) and relieved the 46th French Division +(Chasseurs) in the Dickebusch sector. This was in a very unpleasant +front, where the dominating position of the enemy on Kemmel Hill made +movement, even in the rear lines, impossible by day, and practically +all work, of which there was plenty, had to be done by night.</p> + +<p>The chief incidents of the tour of the Division in this sector were +the successful attack on Ridgewood, the 1st The Buffs daylight raid on +the Brasserie, the sixteen-prisoner night-raid of the 2nd D.L.I. on +the Zillebeke front, and the co-operation of the 18th Infantry Brigade +with the operations of the 41st Division on our right.</p> + +<p>The situation created by the enemy's attack on Ridgewood on the 28th +May had never been satisfactorily restored, in spite of repeated +attempts on the part of the 46th (French) Division. The 6th Division +took over with the determination to put this right on the first +opportunity, profiting by the lessons learnt in the successive attacks +made by the French Chasseurs, which their Division had placed most +unreservedly at our disposal. After careful reconnaissance the 18th +Infantry Brigade, assisted by two companies of the 1st Middlesex +Regiment of the 33rd Division, attacked the enemy at 6 a.m. on the +14th July. The attack delivered by the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment and +the 2nd D.L.I. and the two above-mentioned companies was a complete +success. The enemy, taken entirely by surprise, only offered any +resistance in one or two isolated cases, and the dash and prompt +initiative of the attacking troops soon dealt with these. All +objectives were gained, Ridgewood and Elzenwalle retaken, and 7 +officers, 341 other ranks, 25 machine-guns, and 3 trench-mortars +captured at small cost to the attackers. Large quantities of +trench-mortar ammunition, found dumped close up to the front line, +demonstrated the correctness of the view that the enemy had in +contemplation a resumption of his offensive on this +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page057" name="page057">(p. 057)</a></span> +front. +For this the Division received congratulations from the +Commander-in-Chief, the G.O.C., Second Army (General Sir Herbert +Plumer), and G.O.C., XIX Corps.</p> + +<p>The raid of the 1st The Buffs was carried out on the 2nd August. The +objective was the Brasserie and neighbouring farms. The raid, which +was by day and on a fairly extensive scale, was very successful.</p> + +<p>On the 8th August the 41st Division carried out a small operation, in +co-operation with which the 18th Infantry Brigade undertook two minor +operations. That by a company of the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on +the Vierstraat Road was unsuccessful, through no fault of the +attacking infantry, who were held up by machine-guns sited so far +forward that they had escaped our barrage. On the right a company of +the 2nd D.L.I., operating in direct touch with the left of the 41st +Division, was completely successful in carrying out its task. In +connection with operations on this front the Division sustained a +severe loss in Major R. W. Barnett, K.R.R., G.S.O.2, who was killed by +a sniper while reconnoitring on 12th August.</p> + +<p>During July and August the Divisional Artillery was exceptionally +busy. An immense amount of effort was put into the preparation of +forward positions for a large number of batteries to be employed in a +contemplated later offensive. Vast quantities of gun ammunition were +carted nightly, and dumped therein in readiness.</p> + +<p>During the month of August the Division had the pleasure of close +association with our American Allies, part of the 27th American, a New +York Division, doing their attachment and apprenticeship to trench +warfare with us. On the 21st to the 24th August the Americans relieved +the Division in the line, and it was withdrawn for rest and training +to the Wizernes area.</p> + +<p>On leaving the XIX Corps the Corps Commander sent the Division his +"warmest thanks for and appreciation of the excellent service +rendered" while under his command.</p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XI +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page058" name="page058">(p. 058)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>THE ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH</h3> + +<h3>1918</h3> + + +<p>Originally destined to take part in a projected attack for the +recapture of Kemmel Hill and Village, the Division suddenly received +orders at the end of August, to the delight of all, to move southwards +at very short notice. During the 1st, 2nd and 3rd September the move +southwards was carried out by rail, the Division, less artillery, +detraining at Corbie, Heilly and Méricourt. On the 4th the Divisional +Artillery followed, and the whole Division was concentrated in the +area Heilly-Ribemont-Franvillers on the River Ancre, in G.H.Q. +Reserve. The next few days were devoted to a continuation of the +training in open warfare commenced in the Wizernes area.</p> + +<p>The Germans, forced back in July and August from the high-water mark +of their advance in March and April, had stood on the line of the +Somme and the Péronne--Arras road. In the southern sector of the +British front the Somme defences had been turned by the brilliant +capture of Mont St. Quentin (to the north of and guarding Péronne) by +the Australian Corps. The retreating enemy had been pursued across the +Somme by the 32nd Division, which had been attached temporarily to the +Australians. This Division now became part of the newly-constituted IX +Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Braithwaite), which was to bear such a glorious +part in the concluding chapter of the War, and which consisted of 1st, +6th, 32nd and 46th Divisions.</p> + +<p>The 32nd Division had followed the enemy without much incident up to +the large Holnon Wood, three and a half miles west of St. Quentin, and +it was there that the Division +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page059" name="page059">(p. 059)</a></span> +relieved it on night 13/14th +September, with the 1st Division on the left and the 34th (French) +Division on the right.</p> + +<p>It was expected that the enemy would stand on the heights which +command St. Quentin to the west and south, but it was not known +whether their resistance would be strong or not, as they were much +disorganized.</p> + +<p>The 1st and 6th Divisions, hand in hand with the French, were ordered +to capture this tactical line on 18th September, as a starting-point +for the attack on the Hindenburg Line, which ran just outside St. +Quentin to the canal at Bellenglise.</p> + +<p>To the 18th Infantry Brigade was entrusted the task of securing a line +well clear of Holnon Wood for the forming-up line on the 18th, and in +doing so it first had to clear the wood and establish posts at the +edge, then push forward. The selected forming-up line included to us +Holnon Village on the right and next to the French.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 16th September the 11th Essex, after an +unsuccessful attempt to push forward during the night, attacked under +a barrage and advanced from the line of posts taken over a little way +inside the wood to a line of trenches just clear of the wood, +capturing in this small operation forty-six prisoners. It was now +arranged for the 1st, 6th and 34th (French) Divisions to advance +simultaneously to secure the above-mentioned starting line. On the +left the 1st Division was successful, and so were the 11th Essex, who, +held up at first by heavy shelling and machine-gun fire, persevered +throughout the day and were rewarded by finishing up in possession of +the whole of their objectives, a very creditable performance.</p> + +<p>On the right the West Yorks had to secure Holnon Village, which lay in +a hollow commanded by Round and Manchester Hills in the area allotted +to the French, and which was itself strongly held. The French failed +in their attack, and though the West Yorks obtained part of the +village they could not clear it and establish the starting line +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page060" name="page060">(p. 060)</a></span> +beyond it. The situation at the end of the 17th was therefore +unsatisfactory on the right, but it was impossible to put off the +general attack, and arrangements had to be improvised. Another +unsatisfactory feature was that Holnon Wood covered practically the +whole 2,500 yards frontage of the Division, and was so drenched with +gas shells and the tracks so bad, that both 16th and 71st Infantry +Brigades had to make a detour north and south of the wood respectively +to reach their assembly positions, and this naturally fatigued the +troops and hindered communication and supply.</p> + +<p>Standing on the east edge of the wood, a bare glacis-like slope devoid +of cover, except for two or three shell-trap copses, stretched away +for 3,000 yards to the high ground overlooking St. Quentin. There was +no sign of life and very few trenches could be seen, though it was +known that they were there as the Fifth Army had held the position in +March 1918. It was found afterwards that the Germans had camouflaged +their trenches with thistles, which here covered the ground to a +height in many places of eighteen inches.</p> + +<p>At the highest point about the centre of the Divisional area of attack +was a network of trenches known later as the Quadrilateral--a name of +bad omen to the 6th Division--and which, like its namesake on the +Somme, could be reinforced under cover from the back slopes of the +hill. An examination of the battlefield after the 24th September also +revealed several narrow sunken roads filled with wire. The position +was one of great natural strength, and in addition the whole of the +right was dominated by heights in the area to be attacked by the +French. Lastly, adequate time could not be given to Brigades for +reconnaissance owing to the imperative necessity of pushing on to +guard the flank of Corps farther north. Troops had not seen the ground +they had to attack over, and rain and smoke obscured the few landmarks +existing on 18th September.</p> + +<p>On +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page061" name="page061">(p. 061)</a></span> +that morning the Division attacked at 5.20 a.m. with the +71st Infantry Brigade on the right, its left directed on the +Quadrilateral and its right on Holnon and Selency.</p> + +<p>The 16th Infantry Brigade was on the left, with its right just clear +of the Quadrilateral and its left on Fresnoy le Petit. Six tanks were +allotted to the Division, but met with various mishaps or were knocked +out, and were not of much use. The attack met with most determined +opposition at once, especially on the right, where the difficulties of +the 71st Infantry Brigade were increased by the failure of the French +to take Round and Manchester Hills.</p> + +<p>The 2nd D.L.I., attached to this brigade to complete the clearing of +Holnon Village, accomplished this, but were driven out by shelling and +by machine gun fire from Round and Manchester Hills, losing very +heavily.</p> + +<p>The 16th Infantry Brigade was more successful, and at one time the +York and Lancasters had nearly completed the capture of Fresnoy le +Petit, but were unable to hold it. The brigade advanced, however, +3,000 yards. Fighting was continuous throughout the day, but without +further success. The Sherwood Foresters advancing very gallantly +against the Quadrilateral were reported as being just outside it and +entrenched. It was machine gun fire from this stronghold which +prevented the right of the 16th Infantry Brigade advancing, and an +attack was therefore ordered for dawn of the 19th September, but it +was evidently anticipated by the enemy, who put down a very heavy +artillery and machine-gun barrage before the attackers left their +jumping-off positions. Fighting again continued throughout the day, +but without success, and it was evident that the enemy meant standing +his ground and that this was not a rearguard action as it had at one +time been thought. The enemy's artillery was very strong, and, with +the thick Hindenburg wire in front of it, was placed close to their +front line, and was enabled +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page062" name="page062">(p. 062)</a></span> +thus to do considerable +execution on our back areas.</p> + +<p>The successes of other Divisions in the south of the British zone had +been constant and fairly easy for some time, so that the partial +success which the Division had obtained was very disappointing to all +ranks. They were much cheered, therefore, to get the following wire +from the Army Commander (General Sir H. Rawlinson):--"Please convey to +the 6th Division my congratulations and warm thanks for their success +of yesterday. Though all objectives were not attained they carried +through a difficult operation with great gallantry and determination. +I offer to all ranks my warm thanks and congratulations."</p> + +<p>All units had heavy fighting, in which some had incurred considerable +losses, and all were tired and in want of reorganization. It was +therefore decided not to renew the attack for a few days, and to +devote the interval to a proper artillery preparation (the heavy +artillery put 1,000 shells on the Quadrilateral in one day), the +reorganization of battalions, and the construction of a jumping-off +position, in the execution of which the R.E. (Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall) +and the Pioneers rendered invaluable assistance. The fighting up to +this date had yielded 6 officers and 264 other ranks prisoners, and 65 +machine-guns.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 24th September a fresh attack was launched; the +18th Infantry Brigade, to which was attached the 1st Leicestershire +Regiment, attacking on the right; the 16th Infantry Brigade on the +left. The French 36th Corps attacked with a fresh division +simultaneously to our right; the 1st Division, which had taken over +the task of the capture of Fresnoy and Gricourt, on our left. The four +tanks detailed to attack the Quadrilateral again had bad luck, one +being turned absolutely turtle by a mine field. The three battalions +of the 18th Infantry Brigade met at first with little success, the +11th Essex on the left establishing a rather precarious footing +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page063" name="page063">(p. 063)</a></span> +in one face of the Quadrilateral, and the 1st West Yorkshire +Regiment getting in at one point in Douai Trench, running south from +the Strong Point. The D.L.I., attacking south of them through Holnon +Village, could make no headway. The French had during the morning +captured Round Hill and part of Manchester Hill, and came up in line +with us. The 16th Infantry Brigade fared much better, and working down +from the north was able in the course of the day to secure the +northern face of the Quadrilateral. Their four tanks were of great +assistance to them this day. Throughout the day the 18th Infantry +Brigade maintained the fight with characteristic determination, but +without improving its position very much. At 11 p.m., however, it +launched the 1st Leicestershire Regiment by moonlight in a further +attack on Douai Trench. The attack, delivered with great gallantry, +was successful, and many enemy were killed in the trench which was +found to be strongly held. In spite of the very rough handling which +it had received on the 24th the 18th Infantry Brigade stuck grimly to +its task during the 25th. Douai Trench was cleared from end to end by +hand-to-hand fighting, and patrols, admirably handled, gradually made +good the whole of the objectives allotted for the previous day's +attack. On the morning of 25th September 3 officers and 104 other +ranks surrendered near Fayet to patrols of the 2nd Y. and L. Regiment. +By midnight on the night of the 25/26th September the 16th and 18th +Infantry Brigades in co-operation had completed the capture of the +Quadrilateral, a position of such unusual natural strength that +captured German officers admitted that they had fully expected to be +able to hold it indefinitely. For this very fine performance, a +remarkable instance of grit and determination and of intelligent +initiative by regimental officers of all ranks, to whom the successful +results were entirely due, the Division received the congratulations +of the Army and Corps Commanders and G.O.C., 1st Division. The +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page064" name="page064">(p. 064)</a></span> +message telephoned on behalf of the Army Commander contained the +following passage:--"He fully realises the difficulties they have had +to contend with, and admires the tenacity with which they have stuck +to it and completed their task."</p> + +<p>The enemy's resistance now broke down, and during the 26th, 27th and +28th September patrols were able gradually to gain further ground, so +that by the time the Division was relieved by the 4th French Division +on the 29/30th, posts had been established round three sides of the +village of Fayet. Manchester Hill was finally captured by the French +on 26th September.</p> + +<p>The captures during the period were 10 officers, 372 other ranks, 4 +guns, 15 trench-mortars, and 53 machine-guns.</p> + +<p>During the relief by the French a noteworthy incident occurred. The +2nd Brigade, R.F.A., were asked to fire a barrage to cover an advance +of French infantry at a certain hour, and did so. Just after +completion a message arrived saying that the attack had been +postponed, and would the brigade repeat the operation very shortly at +another hour which was fixed. This the brigade did, clearing to +absolutely the last shell the ammunition available on the ground and +completing the barrage at the same moment.</p> + +<p>During the fighting in September the Division had "B" and "C" +Companies, 2nd Life Guards Machine-gun Battalion, at its disposal, and +these fine troops helped much in the machine-gun barrage, and added +confidence that any counter-attack on the right would meet with a hot +reception.</p> + +<p>While the 6th Division had been fighting on the right of the British +Army, the 46th Division, with the Americans on their left and the 1st +Division forming a defensive flank on their right, had broken the +Hindenburg Line on 29th September by a magnificent attack. Followed +across the canal by the 32nd Division, these two divisions had very +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page065" name="page065">(p. 065)</a></span> +severe fighting at Ramicourt and Sequehart and were +exhausted. The 6th Division, after four days to rest and absorb +reinforcements, was ordered to relieve them and attack on the 8th +October in the direction of the small town of Bohain. The 30th +American Division was on the right and about 2,000 yards ahead, +connected to the 6th Division by a series of posts along the railway. +This curious position entailed a very complicated creeping barrage, +which, however, was successfully put into operation on the day of the +attack. On the right was the French 42nd Division slightly in rear, +having followed the Germans through St. Quentin and met with strong +resistance beyond it. The position to be attacked consisted of high +rolling downs with deep traverse valleys, giving good cover for +supports and forward guns, and on the right a broad longitudinal +valley closed by a ridge on which stood the village of Méricourt. The +French had a stiff task in front of them, and did not propose to +advance as far as the British--6,000 yards--with the result that even +if they were successful our frontage, thrown back from left to right, +would be 7,500 yards, and if unsuccessful over 10,000. Added to this +their zero hour was nearly an hour after ours, and there would be a +very real danger of counter-attack from the right. The Divisional +Commander, therefore, decided to leave the valley severely alone to +start with, merely smoking by guns and bombs from aeroplanes the +Méricourt Ridge and attacking all along the high ground on the north. +As our attack and the French attack progressed the valley was to be +cleared by three whippet tanks supported by the 1st Battalion West +Yorks, lent to the 16th Infantry Brigade, while finally an attack from +the high ground against the Méricourt Ridge would be delivered with a +view to cutting off posts in the valley between the two attacks. The +139th Infantry Brigade of the 46th Division remained in position at +Sequehart, together with two companies Life Guards Machine-gun +Battalion, to secure the +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page066" name="page066">(p. 066)</a></span> +right flank against counter-attack. +The machine-gun nests on the Sequehart-Méricourt road enfiladed the +start line of the 6th Division, and the G.O.C., 139th Infantry Brigade +(Brig-Gen. J. Harington), was asked to capture these just before the +general attack. The 46th Divisional Pioneer Battalion (1/1st +Monmouthshire Regiment) undertook this task, and twice attacked the +position but without success, in spite of the greatest gallantry. The +Commanding Officer (Col. Jenkins) and his Adjutant were both +unfortunately killed. Their bravery, however, was well rewarded, as +their action enabled the 6th Divisional troops to work round and cut +the position off, and the enemy eventually surrendered.</p> + +<p>The weight of artillery for the operations of the 8th +October was immense. In addition to the Divisional +artillery there were the 5th and 16th Brigades, R.H.A., +161st, 168th, 230th, 231st, 232nd Brigades, R.F.A., and +the 14th and 23rd Army Brigades, R.F.A. Only a part +of these fired the creeping barrage, the 6th Divisional +Artillery, the 5th Brigade, R.H.A., and the 232nd Brigade, +R.F.A., moving forward as the infantry attack progressed +to new positions, so as to support exploitation and give +protection against counter-attack. The attack was +launched at 5.30 a.m. The 16th Infantry Brigade on +the right next to the valley, and the 71st Infantry Brigade +on the left next to the Americans, both made excellent +way, the former capturing the very strong Mannikin Hill +position, and the latter the formidable Doon Mill and +Doon Copse position, and making a good haul of +machine-guns.</p> + +<p>As had been anticipated the French had been held up by Bellicourt Farm +on their left, and the 16th Infantry Brigade suffered a good deal from +machine-gun fire from Cerise Wood on the farther side of the valley +and from Mannikin Wood in the valley. The three whippet tanks allotted +to the 16th Infantry Brigade were all knocked out, but the West Yorks, +to whom had been entrusted the clearing +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page067" name="page067">(p. 067)</a></span> +of the valley, stuck +to their work most gallantly, and in the afternoon, after three +attempts, had the satisfaction of securing Mannikin Wood, with 10 +officers, 240 other ranks, and 20 machine-guns, by a final attack +under an artillery smoke barrage. To this success "B" Company, 6th +Machine-gun Battalion, contributed largely by enfilade fire.</p> + +<p>By 3 p.m. the French announced that they had captured Bellicourt Farm, +and were advancing. The situation on the right was now completely +changed, and the 1st West Yorks, advancing up the valley, gained touch +with the French east of Fairy Wood, more than half-way to the final +objective in that area.</p> + +<p>By nightfall Méricourt, which blocked the head of and commanded the +whole of the valley, was in our hands.</p> + +<p>The Americans gained their final objective and continued the advance +without much opposition. In attempting to support their flank the 71st +Infantry Brigade came under the fire of field guns firing over open +sights near Joncourt Farm, and could not advance. A squadron of the +Royal Scots Greys (5th Cavalry Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Neil Haig), +attached to the Division, worked round and made a gallant attempt to +gallop the guns, but were stopped by close range gun fire. Pitch +darkness now came on, and left the Division tired but triumphant on +their final objectives. The bag of the 6th Division amounted to over +30 officers and 1,100 other ranks.</p> + +<p>Congratulatory messages were received from the Army and Corps +Commanders as follows:--</p> + +<p>From the Army Commander--"Will you please convey to the 6th Division +my warm thanks and hearty congratulations on their success to-day. +They have done admirable work, and I wish them all good luck for +to-morrow."</p> + +<p>From the Corps Commander--"Well done 6th Division. So glad casualties +so light, considering what Division has accomplished."</p> + +<p>Almost +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page068" name="page068">(p. 068)</a></span> +before the final objective had been captured an order +was received from the Corps for the Division to take over a portion of +the 30th American Division front on the left, hand over some ground to +46th Division on the right, and attack at dawn on the 9th behind a +barrage. Though very tired, and though it was a pitch dark night, the +71st and 16th Infantry Brigades somehow managed to carry out these +almost impossible orders, and advanced splendidly at zero hour--the +artillery putting down an accurate barrage. The attack progressed +successfully, the first objectives being gained by both brigades +without much difficulty, but the enemy was able to delay our advance +from the Railway Line, where after stiff fighting the 1st Leicesters, +by a turning movement, captured some prisoners and machine-guns. The +9th Norfolk Regiment on the left worked round by the north, and during +the night captured Bohain, where some 4,000 inhabitants were +liberated, and vast quantities of war material fell into our hands.</p> + +<p>During this phase of the operations the 5th Cavalry Brigade was +attached to the Division, but circumstances did not allow of much +cavalry activity.</p> + +<p>We were now in a different country to that in which the operations +since 1914 had been conducted. The country had seen no war, houses +were intact, inhabitants looking starved and downtrodden were +delighted to see the British troops. To stop our advance all roads in +Bohain had been cratered at their exits from the village, and +delay-action mines on the railways were constantly going up. As an +example, D.H.Q. was in Brancucourt Farm, in a main road which had been +cratered just outside the farm. A railway bridge just opposite had +been blown down and the line cratered. The Canadian Engineers +repairing the line had removed a great many bombs, but about three +days after the arrival of D.H.Q. a delay-action mine went off on the +railway at 7.30 p.m., and two days later again at 7 a.m. Fortunately +on both occasions no men +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page069" name="page069">(p. 069)</a></span> +were working on the line, and +D.H.Q. suffered no worse harm than some injuries to staff cars from +falling debris. The total captures by the Division since the 8th +October now amounted to 45 officers, 1,839 other ranks, 15 guns, 20 +trench-mortars, and 266 machine-guns.</p> + +<p>On 10th October the advance was continued--the 30th American Division +on the left, the 6th Division in the centre, and the 46th Division on +the right next to the French, who were again some distance in rear.</p> + +<p>The 71st Infantry Brigade (1st Leicesters and 2nd Sherwood Foresters), +passing through the 9th Norfolks, gained most of its objective, which +was the high ground about 2,000 yards east of Bohain, but the 40th +Division was held up by machine-gun fire in Riqueval Wood. An +attempted advance by the 71st Infantry Brigade, assisted by two tanks, +on 11th instant was brought to a standstill by machine-gun fire, after +a small advance.</p> + +<p>On the night of the 11/12th October the 18th Infantry Brigade, which +had been in Divisional Reserve, relieved the 71st Infantry Brigade, +and at 4.30 p.m. on the 12th October carried out a minor operation, +simultaneously with the left brigade of the 46th Division, in order to +push its left flank forward to the line of the Americans, who were +reported to be in possession of Vaux Andigny--some one and a half +miles ahead. The attack on the right failed, with about 100 +casualties, owing to machine-gun fire from Regnicourt, and the 46th +Division was also held up. The left made a little ground. This attack +and a low aeroplane reconnaissance disclosed the fact that the Germans +had dug a series of new trenches on the high ground immediately in +front, and that there was a considerable amount of wire. The maps of +this area were most indifferent, and many copses existed which were +not shown. It was now evident that the enemy intended to stand on the +high ground east of Selle River and its continuation to Riqueval Wood. +Failing to make any progress by a frontal attack, the G.O.C., IX +Corps, undertook a +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page070" name="page070">(p. 070)</a></span> +very pretty tactical move, which produced +the attack of 17th October. The 6th and 46th Divisions were moved to +the north flank, and attacked south-east and east instead of +north-east. By this manœuvre a great deal of enfilade fire was +brought to bear both from guns and machine-guns. The task allotted to +the 6th Division was a difficult one. It had to issue fan-wise from +the village of Vaux Andigny on a 1,500 yards front, advancing +2,500-3,000 yards to a front of 5,000 yards. The 1st Division was to +pass through it and push on towards the Sambre Canal. The attack was +to be made under a barrage of eight brigades of Field Artillery and +eighty machine-guns. The IX Corps employed on this occasion 172 +60-pounders and heavy howitzers.</p> + +<p>In the evening of 16th October Brig.-Gen. H. A. Walker, commanding +16th Infantry Brigade, which was to attack on the left the next +morning, most unfortunately lost his left arm by a shell, which blew +it off so cleanly that his wrist watch was recovered by his orderly +and was still going. Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown, commanding 71st Infantry +Brigade, then in reserve, took command until the arrival of Brig.-Gen. +W. G. Braithwaite.</p> + +<p>During the night 16/17th October the enemy poured gas shells into Vaux +Andigny, causing considerable casualties both to the troops forming up +just outside and to those who had to pass through a little later. Zero +was at 5.20 a.m., and the attack commenced in a dense fog, which in +the fan-shaped advance caused a good deal of loss of direction, +although the 18th Infantry Brigade on the left had laid out long +direction tapes to give the troops the initial direction.</p> + +<p>The latter brigade was held up at the start by uncut wire, which +caused it to lose its barrage. It also encountered a good deal of +opposition on Bellevue Ridge. It was, however, carried forward by the +oncoming waves of the 1st Division, which were to pass through to a +further objective, and together the troops of the two divisions made +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page071" name="page071">(p. 071)</a></span> +good the objective of the 18th Infantry Brigade. The fog was +so dense that all direction was lost, although the 11th Essex Regiment +took the unusual precaution of sending its men forward arm-in-arm. +Notwithstanding every precaution troops of the 11th Essex eventually +fetched up at Regnicourt, which was on the right of the objective +allotted to the 46th Division, who attacked on our right. Troops of +all three divisions also reached Andigny les Fermes, which was in the +objective of the 46th Division. The 16th Infantry Brigade was more +fortunate, and was assisted in maintaining its direction by the +railway, with the result that it gained its whole objective in good +time and with very little trouble. The day's captures were 26 +officers, 599 other ranks, 5 trench-mortars, and 82 machine-guns.</p> + +<p>The 1st Division having passed through, the 6th Division was now +withdrawn from the line to the neighbourhood of Bohain for a day or +two.</p> + +<p>On the night of the 20th/21st October the Division was again put in, +relieving the 27th American Division and a part of the 25th Division +on the front from Bazuel to a short way north of Mazinghien, with a +view to the attack planned for the 23rd October. There now occurred a +sudden change in the type of country. Instead of open rolling downs, +there was a multiplicity of small fields, divided by high thick-set +hedges trained on wire which proved formidable obstacles. The enemy +had good positions for his artillery in the Bois l'Evêque, and on the +east bank of the Canal de la Sambre, protected from the danger of +being rushed by that obstacle, and it was evident that he intended to +put up a determined fight on the strong position thus afforded. The +hostile artillery fire was more than had been encountered since the +fighting about St. Quentin, and throughout the few days preceding the +attack the shelling of roads, farms and villages in our rear area and +of artillery positions was continuous. On the night of the attack the assembly positions of the +assaulting +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page072" name="page072">(p. 072)</a></span> +brigades were subjected to heavy +counter-preparation, including a great deal of gas-shelling, and the +assembly units suffered considerable casualties. The attack was +delivered at 1.20 a.m. on 23rd October in a dense fog; the 1st +Division being on the right and the 25th Division on the left. Three +sections of 301st American Tank Company were allotted to the Division, +and did excellent work in smashing fences and destroying machine-gun +nests, though, owing to the fog, the infantry lost touch with them +almost at once.</p> + +<p>On the right the 18th Infantry Brigade, which attacked with the 2nd +D.L.I. on the right and the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on the left, +had a less difficult task than the 71st Infantry Brigade, but were +delayed in crossing the gas-shelled valley in their immediate front, +and met with opposition from various farms. However, they fought their +way steadily forward during the day, and by the late afternoon their +right battalion had reached its objective and had pushed its patrols +down to the canal, and the left battalion, having reached its first +objective, was struggling forward to its second.</p> + +<p>The 71st Infantry Brigade on the left attacked with the 9th Norfolk +Regiment and the 1st Leicestershire Regiment. Its attack soon became +disorganized in the very enclosed country, was unable to keep pace +with its barrage, lost touch with its tanks in the fog, and was soon +held up on a line not more than about 400 yards beyond that from which +it had started. Fighting continued throughout the day, and finally, +taking advantage of the progress made by the 25th Division on its +left, the 71st Infantry Brigade was able by night to reach a line +about half-way through the Bois l'Evêque.</p> + +<p>During the night this brigade was relieved by the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite), which resumed the attack on +the morning of the 24th October. Opposition had by this time +decreased, and better progress was made, so that by noon the right +battalion, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page073" name="page073">(p. 073)</a></span> +the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, held the +line of the objective laid down for the previous day's attack, and the +left battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade had also completed the +capture of its objective. Some further progress was made during the +day by the 16th Infantry Brigade.</p> + +<p>During the period 20th to 24th October, Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce, +C.R.A., 6th Division, had under his orders the Divisional Artillery of +the 3rd, 4th and 5th Australian Divisions, though the 5th Australian +Divisional Artillery was withdrawn on the eve of the attack of 24th +October. Their fire was most accurate and prompt, and gave the +attacking infantry every confidence. The 6th D.A. on this occasion was +in Corps Reserve.</p> + +<p>During the 26th, 27th and 28th the patrols of the 16th Infantry +Brigade continued to work their way slowly forward, and the village of +Ors was evacuated of its inhabitants under the protection of patrols +of the 18th Infantry Brigade. The latter established a bridge-head +across the canal at Ors, and posts on the west side commanding the +canal on the whole brigade front.</p> + +<p>On the 29th orders were received for the relief of the Division. In +order to be able to hand over to the relieving Division a satisfactory +position from which to launch the attack on the line of the canal, a +further small operation was planned by the 16th Infantry Brigade, and +brilliantly carried out by the 1st The Buffs on the 30th October. Two +companies attacked and captured an important farm and spur overlooking +the canal, were counter-attacked in the afternoon and turned out of +the farm, but retook it at once with the bayonet, inflicting heavy +casualties on the enemy and capturing five more machine-guns.</p> + +<p>On the night of the 30th/31st October the relief of the Division (less +artillery) was completed, and it withdrew to billets in Fresnoy le +Grand, whence it moved some days later to Bohain.</p> + +<p>The captures during the fighting from the 19th to the 31st +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page074" name="page074">(p. 074)</a></span> +October numbered 9 officers and 431 other ranks, 13 guns (including +two 5·9-in. howitzers), 12 trench-mortars, and 61 machine-guns.</p> + +<p>The total captures during a period of between six and seven weeks, in +which the Division had seen much stiff fighting, and had suffered over +6,000 casualties, amounted to 96 officers, 3,505 other ranks, 32 guns, +52 trench-mortars, and 527 machine-guns counted.</p> + +<p>The infantry of the Division saw no more fighting, but its artillery +remained in till the end, finishing up in the neighbourhood of +Avesnes.</p> + +<p>Among the many casualties which the artillery suffered must be +mentioned Major W. S. Ironside, D.S.O., M.C., commanding 112th +Battery, R.F.A., who was killed east of Le Cateau on 2nd November. He +was among the then much reduced number of those who had landed +originally with the Division in France in 1914, being then a sergeant.</p> + +<p>Very little mention has been made of the services of the Royal +Engineers during this period. Exceptionally heavy work was thrown on +the signal sections, owing to the frequent changes of headquarters, +but they were untiring in their devotion and met each emergency with +resource. To the Field Companies fell the dangerous task of taping out +the jumping-off lines for the attacks, but they invariably achieved +this difficult task to the complete satisfaction of the +brigadier-generals and units concerned in the operations.</p> + +<p>It is inevitable in a short History like this that the services of the +administrative branches should not receive the same notice as those of +the purely fighting portions of the Division, but the History would be +incomplete without some reference to them.</p> + +<p>The Field Ambulances showed throughout the high devotion to duty which +has always characterized the Royal Army Medical Corps. The work of the +bearer sections during actions always elicited the admiration of the +infantry, while the tent sections were frequently under shell +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page075" name="page075">(p. 075)</a></span> +fire, which, however, in no way interfered with their care of the +wounded. Both at advanced dressing stations and tent sections many of +the chaplains rendered most valuable assistance in carrying and +helping wounded men, while during trench warfare they were frequently +to be found with their men in the forward trenches.</p> + +<p>In the action of 18th September 1918, Lt.-Col. Collins, D.S.O., and +Major German, both of the R.A.M.C., and also Father FitzGibbons, were +killed by shelling at a tent advanced dressing station.</p> + +<p>The work of our Army Service Corps has always been the envy and +admiration of our Allies, and that of the 6th Divisional Train was up +to the highest standard of the British Army. The acknowledged +excellence of the horses and mules of the Division is a tribute to the +efficiency of the Veterinary Section and of the horsemasters attached +to the artillery, as well as to the mounted branches.</p> + +<p>In spite of the amusing comments of "The Fancies," the life of the +Military Police was not all beer and skittles. The control of the +traffic at some of the cross-roads, favoured by the Boche heavy +gunners, was nerve-racking in ordinary times, and tenfold more so +during an action, and several awards were given to the Divisional +Military Police for gallant conduct under these conditions.</p> + +<p>Very few officers or men served throughout with the Division. Perhaps +the two most notable were Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth, D.S.O., +commanding 24th Brigade, R.F.A., who came out as a Captain, and +Staff-Sergt.-Major Woollard, who was Chief Clerk of the Division for +some time before mobilization.</p> + + + + +<h2>CHAPTER XII +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page076" name="page076">(p. 076)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>THE MARCH TO THE RHINE AND OCCUPATION OF GERMANY</h3> + +<h3>1918-19</h3> + + +<p>Armistice Day--11th November--found the Division in billets in Bohain +area, training for possible future operations. The news of the +cessation of hostilities was received with calm satisfaction that we +had beaten the Germans, and of relief that now we could sleep +peacefully at nights and that lights need not be screened.</p> + +<p>Early in November the 1st and 32nd Divisions of the IX Corps had +forced the crossings of the Sambre Canal at Catillon and Ors after +heavy fighting, and had driven the enemy back towards Avesnes. On 11th +November a mixed force, under Major-Gen. Bethell, was pushing the +disorganized Germans over the Belgian frontier near Beaumont.</p> + +<p>The IX Corps was now transferred to the Second Army, under Gen. Sir H. +Plumer, to whom was assigned the command of the British Army of +Occupation in Germany.</p> + +<p>On leaving the Fourth Army the following letter, addressed personally +to the Divisional Commander, was received from Gen. Sir Henry +Rawlinson:--</p> + +<p>"Now that the 6th Division is passing to the command of another Army, +I desire to place on record my sincere appreciation and warm thanks +for the valuable services rendered by you since you joined the Fourth +Army in September last.</p> + +<p>"The Division has passed through strenuous times and has seen some +heavy fighting, especially in September between Holnon Wood and the +Canal, and at Bohain and Vaux Andigny in October, where the gallantry +and determination of all ranks filled me with admiration.</p> + +<p>"I +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page077" name="page077">(p. 077)</a></span> +congratulate most heartily you all on the victories you +have won, and trust that at some future time I may again find the +Division under my command."</p> + +<p>The Division spent the period 14th to 19th November in a march, via +Catillon and Avesnes, to the area round Solre le Château and Sars +Poteries, where it was to assemble for the March to the Rhine. For +this it was organized in three Infantry Brigade Groups and a +Divisional Troops Group under the C.R.A. The 16th Army R.H.A. Brigade +(Chestnut Troop, "Q" and "U" Batteries) was attached to the Division, +and formed part of the 18th Infantry Brigade Group. The 2nd Brigade, +R.F.A., marched with the Divisional Troops Column, the 24th Brigade, +R.F.A., with the 71st Infantry Brigade, and the Divisional Ammunition +Column with the 16th Infantry Brigade. Each Infantry Brigade had a +Field Company and Field Ambulance.</p> + +<p>The march resembled the progression of a snake, the rear group moving +forward at each advance to the area occupied the previous day by the +leading group. Commencing officially on the 20th November there were +long halts up to 2nd December, owing to the difficulty of feeding the +leading Divisions (cavalry and infantry), caused by the destruction +done by the Germans to the railways, and also owing to the withdrawal +of the Germans not being carried out in accordance with programme. +Sometimes groups did not move, or only made minor adjustments to +obtain more comfortable quarters.</p> + +<p>Both branches of the staff had long days of reconnaissance in cars +ahead of the Division, made to avoid moving troops farther off the +main roads than necessary, while the R.E. and Pioneers were often +pushed ahead to see about water supplies and mend roads. Up to the +Belgian frontier roads had been cratered and bridges blown down, and +these caused defiles and impeded the march. Once across the frontier +the roads were splendid, the inhabitants most hospitable and +enthusiastic, and the advance +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page078" name="page078">(p. 078)</a></span> +only held up until it could be +pushed through continuously.</p> + +<p>However, it was no hardship to be delayed in such charming +surroundings, though the weather was for the most part vile. The march +from the neighbourhood of Dinant across the Ardennes, and along the +lovely valley of the River Ambleve, will always stand out as a most +delightful reminiscence. All ranks worked hard at their equipment, and +the transport was so smart as to be thought by the Belgians to be new.</p> + +<p>It was a proud and splendid Division which marched, with drums beating +and colours flying, across the German frontier into the little town of +Malmedy between 13th and 16th December.</p> + +<p>Marching generally by only one road, the length of the Division, when +billeted, varied from ten to twenty-five miles. It was particularly +interesting for Brigades to occupy the German huts at Elsenborn Camp +of Exercise, where large numbers of the enemy had assembled in the end +of July 1914 for the conquest of Belgium.</p> + +<p>The attitude of the population in Germany was servile, and little hate +could be felt by one or two battalions which marched into Malmedy in +pouring rain and found German women lighting special fires, without +being ordered to do so, to dry their clothing. It must, however, be +added that the inhabitants of Malmedy speak French and have Belgian +sympathies.</p> + +<p>Passing through the lovely little village of Montjoie, which reminds +one so much of Switzerland, the Division marched to its allotted area +south-west of Cologne, Divisional Headquarters arriving at Bruhl, six +miles from Cologne, on Christmas Eve; Headquarters 16th Infantry +Brigade at Zulpich, Headquarters 18th Infantry Brigade at Lechenich, +Headquarters 71st Infantry Brigade at Eichhols (a country house), and +Headquarters Divisional Troops at a château near Weilerswist. The +route followed--220 miles--is given in the Diary.</p> + +<p>It +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page079" name="page079">(p. 079)</a></span> +was with a great feeling of gratitude and elation that the +Division ate their Christmas dinner on the Rhine in December 1918.</p> + +<p>The area allotted to the Division was a strip of country almost +rectangular in shape, with a maximum length of twenty miles, and a +maximum breadth of twelve miles, and lying to the immediate south-west +of Cologne. The north-west border was on the ring of forts encircling +the city, which were later included in the divisional area.</p> + +<p>The Civil Administration was carried out by the G.O.C. Infantry +Brigades and the C.R.A., who were much assisted by a Civil Staff +Captain and a Provost representative, and in the town of Bruhl by the +G.O.C. Division, who also generally supervised under the Corps and the +Army the work of the Group Commanders.</p> + +<p>The Germans were very orderly, and little trouble was given, but guard +and night patrol was fairly heavy.</p> + +<p>On 1st February 1919, General Sir H. Plumer presented a Colour to the +9th Norfolk Regiment, 11th Essex Regiment, and 11th Leicester Regiment +respectively, and made a stirring speech to each, congratulating them +on their fine appearance and steady drill, and emphasizing their duty +to their King and Country.</p> + +<p>The Division settled down to improving their billets and to education, +and frequent lectures were given by special lecturers sent out from +England. Some of the troops were very comfortable, and notably those +in towns like Bruhl, where each man had a bed and mattress, and +Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s who were billeted in private houses, but +others in the smaller villages were not so well off.</p> + +<p>As the Germans did not play football there was a general lack of +football grounds, which had to be made, but the troops scored +considerably by finding electric light in even the tiniest cottages, +and at least one concert-room, with a stage properly fitted up, in +even the smallest village. The Opera, too, was a great source of +pleasure to +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page080" name="page080">(p. 080)</a></span> +many. But it was a period of transition--men +were being demobilized freely, and it was with a sigh of relief that +something definite had been fixed, as well as with many sighs of +regret, that orders were eventually received that the 6th Division, as +such, would cease to exist in the middle of March 1919. Farewell +parades were held, farewell speeches made, farewell dinners given, and +on 15th March the Machine-gun Battalion, Pioneers, Field Companies +(except 12th Field Company), and Train were transferred to the +newly-constituted Midland Division.</p> + +<p>The 6th Division, B.E.F., had completed its task.</p> + + + + +<h2>APPENDIX I +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page081" name="page081">(p. 081)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>BATTLE CASUALTIES</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="6" summary="Battle Casualties"> +<colgroup> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="40%"> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="40%"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + 1914 + </td> + <td> + Aisne (19th Sept.--12th Oct.) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 1,482 + </td> + <td> + Battle of the Aisne. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1914 + </td> + <td> + Armentières (13th--31st Oct.) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 4,696 + </td> + <td> + First Battle of Ypres. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1914-15 + </td> + <td> + Armentières (1st Nov.--31st May) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 3,940 + </td> + <td> + Trenches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1915-16 + </td> + <td> + Ypres (1st June 1915--31st July 1916) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 10,938 + </td> + <td> + Includes 1,780 in attack on Hooge; 660 gas attack, + 15th Dec; 400 Morteldje attack. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1916 + </td> + <td> + Somme (5th Aug.--20th Oct.) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 7,430 + </td> + <td> + Battle of the Somme. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1916-17 + </td> + <td> + La Bassée (25th Nov. 1916--16th February 1917) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 709 + </td> + <td> + Trenches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1917 + </td> + <td> + Loos (2nd Mar.--25th July) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 4,884 + </td> + <td> + Raids and attacks, Hill 70. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1917 + </td> + <td> + Loos-Lens (26th Aug.--23rd Oct.) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 1,400 + </td> + <td> + Trenches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1917 + </td> + <td> + Cambrai (20th Nov.--10th Dec.) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 1,790 + </td> + <td> + Battle of Cambrai. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1918 + </td> + <td> + Bapaume (17th Jan.--20th March) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 313 + </td> + <td> + Trenches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1918 + </td> + <td> + Lagnicourt (21st--22nd March) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 5,160 + </td> + <td> + German offensive. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1918 + </td> + <td> + Ypres (3rd April--24th Aug.) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 4,715 + </td> + <td> + Includes 750 at Neuve Eglise (71st Infantry Brigade) and + 250 in attack on Scottish and Ridge Woods. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1918 + </td> + <td> + St. Quentin (14th--28th Sept.) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 3,163 + </td> + <td> + Battle of St. Quentin. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 1918 + </td> + <td> + Bohain--Ors (4th--29th Oct.) + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 3,120 + </td> + <td> + Battles of Bohain, Vaux-Andigny, and Ors. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> + +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + + </td> + <td> + + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + --------- + </td> + <td> + + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + + </td> + <td> + Grand Total + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + 53,740 + </td> + <td> + + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + + </td> + <td> + + </td> + <td class="td-right"> + --------- + </td> + <td> + + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p>N.B.--Above are approximate, and have been compiled from D.H.Q. War +Diaries (Administrative).</p> + + + + +<h2>APPENDIX II +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page082" name="page082">(p. 082)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>V.C.s WON BY THE DIVISION</h3> + + +<p class="quotega">No. 7504 Private <span class="smcap">Henry May</span>, 1st Battalion The Cameronians +(Scottish Rifles), 19th Infantry Brigade, at that time +attached to 6th Division.</p> + +<p>For most conspicuous bravery near La Boutillerie, on 22nd +October 1914, in voluntarily endeavouring to rescue, under +very heavy fire, a wounded man, who was killed before he +could save him, and subsequently, on the same day, in carrying +a wounded officer a distance of 300 yards into safety whilst +exposed to very severe fire. (Gazetted 21st April 1915.)</p> + + +<p class="quotega">No. 9730 Private <span class="smcap">John Caffrey</span>, 2nd Battalion The York and +Lancaster Regiment.</p> + + +<p>For most conspicuous bravery on 16th November 1915, +near La Brique.</p> + +<p>A man of the West Yorkshire Regiment had been badly +wounded, and was lying in the open unable to move, in full +view of, and about 300 to 400 yards from, the enemy's trenches. +Corporal Stirk, Royal Army Medical Corps, and Private +Caffrey, at once started out to rescue him, but at the first +attempt they were driven back by shrapnel fire. Soon afterwards +they started again, under close sniping and machine-gun +fire, and succeeded in reaching and bandaging the wounded +man, but just as Corporal Stirk had lifted him on Private +Caffrey's back he himself was shot in the head.</p> + +<p>Private Caffrey put down the wounded man, bandaged +Corporal Stirk, and helped him back into safety. He then +returned and brought in the man of the West Yorkshire Regiment. +He had made three journeys across the open under +close and accurate fire, and had risked his own life to save +others with the utmost coolness and bravery. (Gazetted +22nd January 1915.)</p> + +<p class="quotega"> +No. 3/10133 +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page083" name="page083">(p. 083)</a></span> +Sergeant <span class="smcap">Arthur Frederic Saunders</span>, 9th (Service) +Battalion The Suffolk Regiment. +</p> + +<p>For most conspicuous bravery. When his officer had been +wounded, in the attack he took charge of two machine-guns +and a few men, and, although severely wounded in the thigh, +closely followed the last four charges of another battalion, +and rendered every possible support. Later, when the remains +of the battalion which he had been supporting had been forced +to retire, he stuck to his guns, continued to give clear orders, +and by continuous firing did his best to cover the retirement. +(Gazetted 30th March, 1916.)</p> + +<p class="quotega"> +2/Lieutenant <span class="smcap">Frank Bernard Wearne</span>, 11th (Service) +Battalion Essex Regiment. +</p> + +<p>For superb courage, leadership and self-sacrifice.</p> + +<p>On 28th June 1917, 2/Lieut. Wearne was in command +of two sections on the left of a raiding party, whose objective +was the German front line, east of Loos. He led his men into +the objective against opposition, and by his magnificent +example and daring, they held on to the German trench for +one hour according to orders.</p> + +<p>Throughout the hour they were repeatedly counter-attacked, +from their left down the trench and from their front over the +open. Grasping the fact that if the left flank went, our men +would have to give way, 2/Lieut. Wearne at a moment +when the attack was being heavily pressed, and when matters +were most critical, leapt on to the parapet and, followed by +his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing and +throwing bombs at the enemy. This unexpected and daring +manœuvre threw the enemy back in disorder. Whilst on the +top 2/Lieut. Wearne was severely wounded, but refused +to leave his men. He remained in the trench directing operations, +organizing the defence and encouraging all. Just before +the order to withdraw was given 2/Lieut. Wearne was severely +hit for the second time, and when being brought away was +hit for the third time and killed.</p> + +<p>His tenacity in remaining at his post, though severely +wounded, and his magnificent fighting spirit enabled his men +to hold on to the left flank; had this gone, the whole operation +would have failed. (Gazetted 5th August 1917.)</p> + +<p class="quotega"> +2/Lieut. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page084" name="page084">(p. 084)</a></span> +(A/Captain) <span class="smcap">Arthur Moore Lascelles</span>, 3rd Battalion, +attached 14th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. +</p> + +<p>At Masnières on 3rd December 1917, showed the greatest courage, +initiative, and devotion to duty when in command of his company.</p> + +<p>His company was in a very exposed position, and after a very heavy +bombardment, during which Captain Lascelles was wounded, the enemy +attacked in strong force, but was driven off, largely owing to the +fine example set by this officer, who refused to allow himself to be +dressed, but continued to encourage his men and organize the defence. +Shortly afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured the trench, +taking several of his men prisoners. Captain Lascelles at once jumped +on to the parapet and, followed by the remainder of his company, +twelve men, rushed across under very heavy machine-gun fire and drove +over sixty of the enemy back, being wounded again, thereby saving a +most critical situation. He then was untiring in re-organizing the +position, but shortly afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured +the trench and Captain Lascelles. Later he escaped, being wounded +again in doing so.</p> + +<p>The remarkable determination and gallantry of this officer inspired +everyone. (Gazetted 11th January 1919.)</p> + + + + +<h2>APPENDIX III +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page085" name="page085">(p. 085)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>DIARY</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="6" summary="Diary"> +<colgroup> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="80%"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + 1914 + </td> + <td> + + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Sept. 8. + </td> + <td> + Division embarked Southampton. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 9. + </td> + <td> + Commenced disembarking St. Nazaire. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 10. + </td> + <td> + Commenced entraining. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + Into billets Coulommiers -- Mortcerf -- Marles -- Chaume. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13-19. + </td> + <td> + Marching to the Aisne -- into General Reserve, D.H.Q. at Bazoches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + 18th Infantry Brigade to I Corps to relieve 2nd Infantry Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + Attack on I Corps -- 18th Infantry Brigade heavily engaged. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade to II Corps to relieve 7th and 9th Infantry +Brigades, and 17th Infantry Brigade to I Corps to relieve 6th Infantry +Brigade and 4th Guards Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Sept. 20 to Oct. 6. + </td> + <td> + In trenches on the Aisne. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 2. + </td> + <td> + Division (less 16th and 17th Infantry Brigades) concentrated +in area Serches -- Jury, under III Corps -- D.H.Q. at Serches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 6. + </td> + <td> + 17th Infantry Brigade rejoined Division, which marched west. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 9. + </td> + <td> + Division (less 16th Infantry Brigade) entrained at St. Sauveur near +Compiègne. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 10-11. + </td> + <td> + Division arrived St. Omer and went into billets -- 19th Infantry +Brigade joined Division (one battalion to Renescure) -- one battalion +18th Infantry Brigade to Racquinghem. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + March to Hazebrouck to cover detrainment of 4th Division. 16th +Infantry Brigade relieved by French troops. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13. + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade entrained for Cassel. Division marched +east -- fighting from 1 p.m. on line La Couronne -- Merris -- Fontaine +Houck, which was reached at nightfall -- considerable casualties. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 14. + </td> + <td> + Line reached R. du Leet -- Blanche Maison -- east of Bailleul. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 15-16. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page086" name="page086">(p. 086)</a></span> +18th Infantry Brigade crossed River Lys at +Sailly, and 17th Infantry Brigade at Bac St. Maur during the +night -- Steenwerck occupied. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + Line advanced to Rouge du Bout -- Rue Dormoire. 16th Infantry +Brigade rejoined Division and went into Divisional Reserve. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 17. + </td> + <td> + Line Rouge du Bout -- Bois Grenier -- Chapelle d'Armentières reached +without opposition. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + Reconnaissance in force on enemy's reported positions. Line at +night after considerable fighting +Radinghem -- Ennetières -- Prémesques -- Halte to west of +Pérenchies -- l'Epinette (east of Armentières). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + Entrenching above line. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + Massed German attack all along line -- Division driven back to +Touquet -- Bois Blancs -- Le Quesne -- La Houssoie -- Rue du +Bois -- l'Epinette. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + 19th Infantry Brigade (sent to fill gap between II and III Corps) +driven back from Le Maisnil -- Fromelles to La Boutillerie -- Touquet. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 22. + </td> + <td> + Heavy attack on 19th Infantry Brigade in evening repulsed. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 23. + </td> + <td> + 17th Infantry Brigade relieved by 4th Division and became +Divisional Reserve -- attacks on 16th Infantry Brigade (K.S.L.I. and Y. +and L.) repulsed with much loss to enemy -- 300 dead in front of +trenches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 24-25. + </td> + <td> + Continuous attacks on Divisional front throughout day, all +repulsed, but situation critical. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 25-26. + </td> + <td> + Retirement made during night to prepared line about half a mile +in rear Touquet -- Flamengerie Farm -- Rue du Bois, so as to straighten +front. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 27-28. + </td> + <td> + Attack by night on 18th Infantry Brigade trenches, which were +captured but retaken by counter-attack -- East Yorks especially +distinguished themselves. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 28-29. + </td> + <td> + Attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade repulsed. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 29-30. + </td> + <td> + Strong attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade captured +trenches, but was driven out by counter-attack and 200 dead counted. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + Nov. and Dec.<br>1915.<br>Jan. and Feb. + </td> + <td> + In trenches Armentières front. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Mar. 12. + </td> + <td> + L'Epinette attacked and captured by North +Staffordshire Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Mar. 15. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page087" name="page087">(p. 087)</a></span> +16th Infantry Brigade moved up to Vlamertinghe, but +returned next day. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + May. + </td> + <td> + A little mining and counter-mining on the Frelinghien and Le +Touquet fronts. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 27. + </td> + <td> + Major-Gen. Sir John Keir left to command VI Corps, being succeeded +by Brig.-Gen. Congreve. Brig.-Gen. Humphreys succeeded Brig.-Gen. +Paget in command of Divisional Artillery. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + + </td> + <td> + Relief by 27th Division commenced. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 31. + </td> + <td> + Front handed over to 27th Division -- 19th Infantry Brigade left +Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + May 31 to June 1. + </td> + <td> + Took over new front Ypres Salient. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + June 2. + </td> + <td> + Relief completed on front from Ypres -- Roulers Railway to +Wieltje. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 5. + </td> + <td> + 17th Infantry Brigade into line, which now extended to just short +of Turco Farm. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 8. + </td> + <td> + D.H.Q. from Couthove to Vlamertinghe. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15. + </td> + <td> + Gallant bombing attack by Lieut. Smith's Grenadier Platoon to +assist 41st Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + Artillery co-operation with 3rd Divisional attack on Bellewarde +Farm. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade's first experience of gas. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 22. + </td> + <td> + Artillery co-operation in 14th Divisional attack. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + July 6. + </td> + <td> + Artillery co-operation in 4th Divisional attack near Pilkem. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 30. + </td> + <td> + Attack on 14th Division at Hooge. Drove them back to Sanctuary and +Zouave Woods. Counter-attack unsuccessful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 31. + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade moved up. Decided to relieve 6th Division +and give it task of retaking Hooge. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Aug. 2-3. + </td> + <td> + Relieved. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 6. + </td> + <td> + Took over new front and commenced bombardment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 9. + </td> + <td> + Attack on Hooge by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades -- infantry moved +close up under barrage, which remained on support trench five minutes +longer -- attack successful, but right suffered very heavily from +shelling from south and fire from east. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 14. + </td> + <td> + 17th Infantry Brigade left for 24th Division, and 71st +arrived. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Nov. 19-20. + </td> + <td> + Division relieved -- to Houtkerque and Poperinghe, but had +to find working parties for divisions in line. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Dec. 14. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page088" name="page088">(p. 088)</a></span> +Into line again -- Routers Railway to Wieltje. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + Gas attack by enemy. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + 1916 + </td> + <td> + + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Jan. 24. + </td> + <td> + 11th Essex patrol raid (3 officers and 10 other ranks) on +mound on Verlorenhoek Road -- killed six Germans. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Feb. 14-15. + </td> + <td> + Two enemy raids near Wieltje and Trenches B9 and 10 +repulsed. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Mar. 9-10. + </td> + <td> + 1st The Buffs bombing raid (1 officer and 19 other ranks) +on crater at I 12. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15-16. + </td> + <td> + 2nd D.L.I. (3 officers and 44 other ranks) successful raid, +capturing a prisoner -- Bangalore torpedo laid by Lieut. Smith, R.N.V.R. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15-18. + </td> + <td> + Relieved from line -- to Houtkerque, Wormhoudt, Calais. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + April 15-18. + </td> + <td> + Back into line 5,500 yards front, with left on canal next +to 58th French Division and right next Guards Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19-20. + </td> + <td> + Enemy occupied trenches out of which he had shelled a company +of the 8th Bedfords in Morteldje Salient -- counter-attack unsuccessful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + Trenches retaken by two companies K.S.L.I., in spite of very heavy +going. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + May 14-15. + </td> + <td> + Enemy attacked four bombing posts of 1st The Buffs -- beaten +off three times, but captured them at fourth attempt -- all garrison +casualties. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + June 3. + </td> + <td> + Five officers and 200 other ranks 1st West Yorks drove enemy +out of posts on frontage 450 yards and re-occupied it. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 10. + </td> + <td> + "Admiral" reported missing from patrol of 9th Norfolks. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 17-18. + </td> + <td> + Relieved -- to Bollezeele, Houtkerque, Wormhoudt. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + July 15-17. + </td> + <td> + Into line north-west of Hooge to north of Wieltje. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + July 29 to Aug. 1. + </td> + <td> + Relieved preparatory to entraining. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Aug. 2-3. + </td> + <td> + Entrained Hopoutre, Proven, and Esquelbec, and detrained +Candas and Doullens. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 3-4. + </td> + <td> + Marched to Acheux -- Raincheval area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 5-7. + </td> + <td> + Into line on Ancre -- preparing for attack. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + 9th Suffolk and 2nd Sherwood Foresters' unsuccessful raid. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 24. + </td> + <td> + 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful raid. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Aug. 26-27. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page089" name="page089">(p. 089)</a></span> +Relieved and began to move south to +Vignacourt -- Flesselles area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Sept. 6-8. + </td> + <td> + Moved up to XIV Corps area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 11. + </td> + <td> + Into line on front between Leuze Wood and Ginchy. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13. + </td> + <td> + Attack by 71st Infantry Brigade on Quadrilateral +unsuccessful -- renewed in evening but only partially successful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15. + </td> + <td> + <i>General attack</i> by 16th and 71st Infantry Brigades -- 6th +Divisional objective beyond the Quadrilateral -- attack failed -- renewed +in evening and failed again. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + 18th Infantry Brigade into line in relief of 71st Infantry +Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + Fresh attack on Quadrilateral after bombardment by 16th and 18th +Infantry Brigades -- successful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + Relieved. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + Into line again. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 25. + </td> + <td> + <i>General attack</i> -- 6th Division on Lesbœufs, and south to +Morval -- by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades, with 71st Infantry Brigade +in reserve -- successful -- over 500 prisoners. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 30. + </td> + <td> + Relieved by 20th Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 8-9. + </td> + <td> + Into line relieving 20th Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + <i>General attack</i> -- 6th Division towards Le Transloy -- by 18th and +71st Infantry Brigades -- 16th Infantry Brigade in +reserve -- unsuccessful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15. + </td> + <td> + Attack renewed -- partially successful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + Fresh attack by 71st Infantry Brigade -- only partially successful +on left. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + Relieved -- to Corbie. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 28. + </td> + <td> + Assembled in reserve to I Corps. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Nov. 25. + </td> + <td> + Into line on Canal Sector, La Bassée. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + During Dec. + </td> + <td> + Side-slipped slightly to south. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + 1917. + </td> + <td> + + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Jan. 26. + </td> + <td> + 1st West Yorks raid (6 officers and 160 other ranks under +Capt. Trimble) in Cambrin Sector -- five prisoners. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 29. + </td> + <td> + 8th Bedford Regiment raid (C Company -- 150 -- under Capt. Brewster) +in Hohenzollern Sector -- two prisoners. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Feb. 4. + </td> + <td> + Enemy raided 1st West Yorks and captured a Lewis gun and a +prisoner. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Feb. 9. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page090" name="page090">(p. 090)</a></span> +2nd Sherwood Foresters raid (6 officers and 100 other +ranks under Major Wylie) in Quarries Sector under smoke barrage by +Special Co. R.E. -- 20 dug-outs blown in -- about 60 enemy killed and +wounded -- 8 prisoners. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 10. + </td> + <td> + 2nd D.L.I. raid (3 officers and 38 other ranks) on Mad Point -- over +30 enemy dead counted -- 1 prisoner brought in -- several dug-outs +destroyed. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + 71st Infantry Brigade scouting party raid partly successful +only -- one machine-gun entrenchment blown in. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15. + </td> + <td> + Enemy attempted raid in Hohenzollern Sector repulsed by artillery +and machine-gun fire -- one enemy identification made. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16-17. + </td> + <td> + Relieved by 21st Division -- to Béthune -- Busnes -- Robecq. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Mar. 2-4. + </td> + <td> + Into line Loos Sector -- from Double Crassier to Railway +Alley. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + Enemy carried out several simultaneous raids -- that on 2nd York and +Lancasters dispersed by Lewis-gun fire -- that on Buffs repulsed after +hand-to-hand fighting -- that on 1st West Yorks penetrated and captured +one Lewis gun and six men. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + Enemy raided 2nd York and Lancasters -- unsuccessful -- two Germans +killed in our trenches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 24. + </td> + <td> + 11th Essex Battalion raid on area round Posen Crater (4 companies +of 2 officers and 80 other ranks each) -- penetrated to enemy support +line and remained one and a half hours -- captured 1 officer, 8 other +ranks, and 1 machine-gun. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 25. + </td> + <td> + Enemy raided 9th Norfolk Regiment and 2nd Sherwood Foresters and +captured nine prisoners, penetrating some distance between the +battalions, but leaving one officer and three other ranks dead in our +trenches. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 30. + </td> + <td> + 1st The Buffs raid (4 officers and 100 other ranks under Capt. B. +L. Strauss) in Loos Sector -- remained in trenches over half-hour -- took +one prisoner and one machine-gun, and blew in eight dug-outs. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + April 5. + </td> + <td> + Enemy raid on 2nd Foresters at Border Redoubt -- driven off +with very slight casualties. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + April 8. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page091" name="page091">(p. 091)</a></span> +2nd D.L.I. patrol raid (2 officers and 47 other +ranks) in Loos Sector -- held up by wire. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 10. + </td> + <td> + 9th Suffolks raid (D Company under Capt. England, M.C.) in +Quarries Sector -- successful and obtained identification. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + 2nd York and Lancasters raid (2 officers and 80 other ranks under +Capt. Hardy) -- got into trench and killed sixteen Germans. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13. + </td> + <td> + Enemy withdrew from Railway Triangle, closely followed by 2nd York +and Lancasters, who entered enemy dug-outs before candles had burnt +out. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 24th Division on our right also advancing line. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + System of bombardment followed by pauses during which patrols went out +and occupied what they could. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 14. + </td> + <td> + Enemy small raid on 1st West Yorks -- driven off by counter-attack +and identification obtained. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15. + </td> + <td> + A certain amount of ground gained in the face of increasing +opposition -- Buffs and York and Lancasters advanced a bit. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + Systematic bombardment of Hill 70 trenches commenced -- enemy +counter-attacked and drove Buffs back slightly, but failed against 8th +Bedfords' advanced post -- D Company, West Yorks (3 officers and 65 +other ranks under Capt. Rendall), attempted raid, but driven back by +artillery fire. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 17. + </td> + <td> + Gas released on enemy -- ideal conditions -- enemy attacked right +flank of 8th Bedfords but driven back. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + Enemy shelled Loos heavily during night (about 1,000 5·9s) -- 1st +Leicesters (C Company under Capt. Cox) raided and captured one +prisoner -- 1st K.S.L.I. and 8th Bedfords made more ground, latter +taking twenty-seven prisoners and one machine-gun. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + 1st K.S.L.I. got north end of Novel Alley, but three attempts to +push forward by 8th Bedfords unsuccessful -- K.S.L.I. took eighteen +prisoners -- 14th D.L.I. relieved 8th Bedfords -- 11th Essex placed under +orders of G.O.C., 16th Infantry Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + 46th Division relieved 24th Division on our right -- 11th Essex into +line, relieving 1st Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + April 20-21. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page092" name="page092">(p. 092)</a></span> +Line partially withdrawn to allow of +bombardment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + Attack by 14th D.L.I. in conjunction with 46th +Division -- successful -- two machine-guns and thirty-six prisoners. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21-22. + </td> + <td> + 14th D.L.I. repulsed two enemy counter-attacks. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 22. + </td> + <td> + Attack by 14th D.L.I. and 11th Essex in conjunction with 46th +Division -- latter unable to attack Narwhal trench on account of uncut +wire -- 11th Essex unable to get on -- 14th D.L.I. took objective, but +gradually shelled and sniped out and driven back to original +line -- forty-six prisoners and three machine-guns. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 22. + </td> + <td> + 1st Leicesters relieved 14th D.L.I. -- 9th Suffolks lent to 16th +Infantry Brigade -- position became stationary with enemy in Nash Alley. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 23. + </td> + <td> + Small enemy raid dispersed and an identification obtained. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 26. + </td> + <td> + G.O.C. 71st Infantry Brigade assumed command Loos Sector vice +G.O.C. 16th Infantry Brigade to northern sector of Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 27. + </td> + <td> + Enemy raided in Quarries Sector -- one prisoner taken by us. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 28. + </td> + <td> + Raid by 9th Norfolks (No. 8 Platoon) stopped by new wire -- same by +West Yorks, also unsuccessful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 29. + </td> + <td> + 7,000 gas shells by enemy on Vermelles, Philosophe, and Maroc. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + May 2. + </td> + <td> + 46th Division took over portion of Southern Brigade area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 5. + </td> + <td> + Enemy patrol entered our lines, but was shot and identification +made. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 9. + </td> + <td> + Enemy attempted raid on 2nd D.L.I., but driven off. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13. + </td> + <td> + Heavy enemy bombardment in 14bis Sector -- raid broken up as it came +out of trenches by artillery fire. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15-16. + </td> + <td> + Enemy raided Boyau 46 and captured four men. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20-21. + </td> + <td> + 1st West Yorks raid (2 officers and 52 other ranks) entered +trenches but enemy fled -- no result. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 22. + </td> + <td> + 1st Leicesters raid (B Company, 4 officers and 132 other ranks, +under Capt. Wykes) in Quarries Sector -- several dug-outs with enemy in +destroyed. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + May 28. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page093" name="page093">(p. 093)</a></span> +2nd Sherwood Foresters (6 officers and 133 other +ranks under Major Addison-Smith) raided under cover of a smoke +barrage -- captured two prisoners and destroyed some dug-outs, +machine-gun entrenchments and tunnel entrances. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + June 1. + </td> + <td> + 1st K.S.L.I. (3 officers and 130 other ranks under Capt. E. +Spink, M.C.) raided enemy near Hendon Alley -- sixteen Germans killed +and machine-gun entrenchments blown in. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 4. + </td> + <td> + Two officers and forty other ranks of 1st K.S.L.I. raided same +trenches and got in, but no prisoners taken. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 6. + </td> + <td> + Small raid 2nd D.L.I. (2 officers and 50 other ranks) +unsuccessful -- enemy's barrage too heavy. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 8. + </td> + <td> + Enemy small raid on 9th Suffolks at Newport Sap repulsed -- four +enemy dead left on our wire. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 10. + </td> + <td> + 9th Suffolks (3 officers and 94 other ranks) raided as far as +enemy support trenches, but found no one. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12-13. + </td> + <td> + 9th Norfolks (1 officer and 35 other ranks) attempted raid on +Merthyr Sap, but could not get in. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15. + </td> + <td> + 14th D.L.I. successful daylight raid (3 officers and 80 other +ranks) in vicinity of Nash Alley -- a good many enemy killed and seven +prisoners taken. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 23-24. + </td> + <td> + Enemy entered post of 11th Essex and did some damage, but was +driven out by counter-attack. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 24. + </td> + <td> + Raid by 1st Buffs (two companies under Capt. Jacob) near Halifax +Alley -- remained in trenches three and a half hours and captured +fifteen prisoners and two aerial-dart machines. Lieuts. Harrington and +Buss (both killed) greatly distinguished themselves. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 27-28. + </td> + <td> + Very gallant raid by 2nd D.L.I. (2 officers and 84 other ranks +under Capt. Fawcett) and 11th Essex (3 officers and 67 other ranks +under Capt. Silver) in connection with operations of 46th +Division -- though anticipated the raiders got into the enemy's trenches +and remained there one hour, repelling all counter-attacks -- one +prisoner taken. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + July 1-2. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page094" name="page094">(p. 094)</a></span> +Small enemy raid on Novel Alley unsuccessful -- left +one dead in our trench. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 3. + </td> + <td> + Small enemy raid on 1st West Yorks in Novel Alley unsuccessful -- two +prisoners taken and one enemy left dead in trench. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 7-8. + </td> + <td> + Brilliant repulse of strong enemy raid near Boyau 70 by 1st The +Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I. -- two prisoners taken by us. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 9-10. + </td> + <td> + 14th D.L.I. raid (1 officer and 30 other ranks) -- trenches +entered but enemy fled -- enemy small raid on Novel Alley driven off. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + Patrol raid (3 patrols of 12) by 8th Bedfords in Hulluch +Sector -- one prisoner. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + Surprise raid by 9th Norfolks (2 officers and 36 other +ranks) -- stiff fighting but no identification obtained. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + Three patrols (3 officers and 55 other ranks) of 2nd York and +Lancasters raided enemy's posts but only partly successful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 23. + </td> + <td> + Raid by 1st Leicesters (8 officers and 291 other ranks under Capt. +Mosse) in Quarries Sector -- enemy bolted into dug-outs -- remained one +and a half hours in enemy's trenches -- one prisoner taken. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Division relieved by 46th Division -- D.H.Q. to Ourton -- troops to area +Ourton-Monchy Breton. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 31. + </td> + <td> + 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters went by bus to Bac St. Maur to +come under orders G.O.C., 57th Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Aug. 5. + </td> + <td> + 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters returned. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 24-27. + </td> + <td> + Into line on Hill 70 front. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Sept. 9. + </td> + <td> + 2nd Sherwood Foresters raided enemy Hill 70 Sector +unsuccessfully -- enemy had bombarded trenches all day and blown in +many, and had anticipated the raid. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13. + </td> + <td> + 8th Bedfords (2 officers and 85 other ranks) raided enemy and +bombed his crowded trenches, but failed to get in. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20-21. + </td> + <td> + Enemy's raid on 11th Essex failed. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 24. + </td> + <td> + Side-stepped with a view to attack on Cité St. Auguste. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 29. + </td> + <td> + Enemy raided York and Lancasters, but was repulsed and left an +unwounded prisoner in our hands. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 4. + </td> + <td> + Preparations for attack. Enemy +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page095" name="page095">(p. 095)</a></span> +raid (about half +battalion) on 18th Infantry Brigade repulsed. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 19. + </td> + <td> + Raid with heavy bombardment on 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20-23. + </td> + <td> + Relieved by 11th Division -- to St. Hilaire area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 29. + </td> + <td> + Marched south to join Third Army. Training with tanks. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Nov. 15-19. + </td> + <td> + Commenced march to Cambrai front. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + <i>Battle of Cambrai.</i> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st Infantry Brigade on left, 18th +passed through -- broke both systems of Hindenburg Line, capturing +Ribécourt and Premy Chapel Ridge -- first company into Marcoing -- over +1,100 prisoners and 23 guns. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + All objectives gained with few casualties by 12 noon. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Congratulatory message from Corps Commander. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + Action of 14th D.L.I. supporting cavalry in advance to Cantaing. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 26-27. + </td> + <td> + 18th Infantry Brigade extended front to Cantaing. 1st The Buffs +cleared and occupied Noyelles. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 30. + </td> + <td> + <i>Enemy counter-attack in force on Third Army.</i> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade moved from Divisional Reserve to near Beaucamps +and ordered to counter-attack on Gouzeaucourt -- found Guards already in +possession. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Arranged to attack by night on La Vacquerie-Gonnelieu -- attack +unsuccessful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Gallant action of 18th Infantry Brigade transport under Shea, Q.M., +2nd D.L.I., and Paul, Transport officer, 1st West Yorks -- both died of +wounds. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Congratulatory message on this action received from G.O.C., 29th +Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Night Dec. 2/3. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved part of 29th Division +north of St. Quentin Canal. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 3. + </td> + <td> + Enemy attacked K.S.L.I. and 14th D.L.I. north of canal. Three +counter-attacks by D.L.I., but finally driven back. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Bedfords and York and Lancasters put in to restore +situation -- partially successful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Front withdrawn to line of canal night of 3rd/4th. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 4. + </td> + <td> + General withdrawal of British line to Support System of Hindenburg +Line ordered. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Dec. 10. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page096" name="page096">(p. 096)</a></span> +Relieved by 19th Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 11. + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + 18th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Above brigades placed at disposal of 3rd Division, and went into line +to relieve two of their brigades on Bullecourt front for a few days. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Dec. 14 to<br> Jan. 17, 1918. + </td> + <td> + In rest -- Basseux area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-center"> + 1918. + </td> + <td> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Jan. 17. + </td> + <td> + Commenced move up to Frémicourt. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Feb. 4. + </td> + <td> + Enemy's silent raid on three posts of Boursies area and +captured one prisoner. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13. + </td> + <td> + Side-stepped into Lagnicourt Sector. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Mar. 3. + </td> + <td> + 1st K.S.L.I. (2 officers and 50 other ranks, B Company) raided +Magpie's Nest and captured one machine-gun -- enemy fled. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + 1st Leicesters (2 officers and 50 other ranks) repeated raid -- post +empty. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + <i>Great German offensive commenced.</i> Fighting all day -- heavy +casualties -- 71st and 18th Infantry Brigades holding out in Reserve +line till dark. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 22. + </td> + <td> + Fighting all day on Corps line. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Remnants of Division relieved at night -- to Achiet and Logeast Wood. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 25. + </td> + <td> + By train to Second Army. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 30. + </td> + <td> + King's visit to Steenvoorde. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + April 3-4. + </td> + <td> + Into line in Ypres Salient on high ground between Menin and +Zonnebeke Roads -- came under XXII Corps. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13. + </td> + <td> + 71st Infantry Brigade left to join 49th Division on Neuve Eglise +front. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + Line withdrawn to battle zone -- enemy followed up in the afternoon +and a good many casualties were inflicted on him -- one party of +twenty-five annihilated. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + Enemy raided post unsuccessfully and lost an officer +killed -- identification obtained by us. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 25. + </td> + <td> + Capture of Kemmel by enemy from the French. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 26. + </td> + <td> + 71st Infantry Brigade returned to Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Night 26-27. + </td> + <td> + Further withdrawal to west end of Zillebeke Lake-White +Château. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 29. + </td> + <td> + Heavy attacks against Division on our right. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + May 8. + </td> + <td> + Unsuccessful enemy attack on Ridgewood. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 11-14. + </td> + <td> + Side-slipped to south and came into II Corps. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + 11th Essex raided Manor Farm successfully but no prisoners taken. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + May 22. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page097" name="page097">(p. 097)</a></span> +2nd D.L.I. (A and C Companies) raided pill-boxes +Bedford front and took sixteen prisoners. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 28-29. + </td> + <td> + Attack by 11th Essex in conjunction with French 46th Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + June 5. + </td> + <td> + 2nd York and Lancasters raided (3 officers and 68 other ranks) +Lankhoff Farm unsuccessfully. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 7-8. + </td> + <td> + Division relieved -- to Dirty Bucket Camp and Jan ter Biezen area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 71st T.M.B. co-operated in 46th French Division operation. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + 18th T.M.B. lent to 7th French Division for a raid. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 27-28. + </td> + <td> + Relieved 46th French Division in Dickebusch front. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + July 6. + </td> + <td> + Enemy's raid on Scottish Wood repulsed. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 9. + </td> + <td> + Patrol of 2nd Sherwood Foresters rushed a post near Ridgewood by +day -- captured a machine-gun and killed the garrison. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 14. + </td> + <td> + <i>Attack by 18th Infantry Brigade on Ridgewood.</i> 1st West Yorks and +2nd D.L.I. assisted by two companies 1st Middlesex of 33rd +Division -- enemy surprised -- most successful -- captures, 7 officers, 341 +other ranks, 23 machine-guns, 1 H.T.M., 2 L.T.Ms. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Aug. 2. + </td> + <td> + 1st The Buffs daylight raid on the +Brasserie -- successful -- three prisoners. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 6. + </td> + <td> + H.M. The King saw some of the troops at Winnezeele. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 8. + </td> + <td> + Minor operation by 18th Infantry Brigade in connection with 41st +Division's operation -- company West Yorks unsuccessful -- company 2nd +D.L.I. on right co-operating with 41st Division entirely successful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + In August. + </td> + <td> + Attachment of units of 27th American Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21-24. + </td> + <td> + Relieved by 27th American Division -- to Wizernes area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 31. + </td> + <td> + Division marched to Arques. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Sept. 1. + </td> + <td> + Entrained for Fourth Army. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 2-4. + </td> + <td> + Detrained and billeted in area Heilly-Ribemont-Franvillers. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13-14. + </td> + <td> + Relieved 32nd Division at head of IX Corps by bus. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 18th Infantry Brigade took over front in Holnon Wood with 11th Essex. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade in support in Trefcon area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 71st +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page098" name="page098">(p. 098)</a></span> +Infantry Brigade in reserve in Monchy-Lagache area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Sept. 15. + </td> + <td> + 11th Essex attacked and captured trenches just clear of +Holnon Wood, taking forty-six prisoners. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15-16. + </td> + <td> + Divisional front re-organized with West Yorks on right and +Essex on left. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 17. + </td> + <td> + West Yorks attacked Holnon Village and Essex Badger Copse to +establish starting line for general attack on 18th September -- fighting +all day -- Essex eventually successful -- West Yorks unsuccessful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + <i>General attack</i> to capture high ground overlooking St. +Quentin -- 71st Infantry Brigade on right, with D.L.I. attached to +capture Holnon -- 16th Infantry Brigade on left -- latter advanced 3,000 +yards -- former held up by Quadrilateral -- right made little progress as +French failed to capture Round and Manchester Hills on right flank. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + Attack renewed on Quadrilateral but unsuccessful. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20-23. + </td> + <td> + Digging new assembly trenches and bombarding Quadrilateral with +heavy artillery. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 24. + </td> + <td> + Attack on whole IX Corps front -- 18th Infantry Brigade on right, +16th Infantry Brigade on left -- fighting all day; half Quadrilateral +captured by nightfall. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 1st Leicesters, attached to 18th Infantry Brigade, captured Douai +Trench east of Holnon at 10.30. p.m. by moonlight. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 25. + </td> + <td> + Gradual completion of capture of Quadrilateral. Selency Village +captured -- Position consolidated. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 26-30. + </td> + <td> + On position. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Sept. 30 to Oct. 1. + </td> + <td> + Relief of Division by the French. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 1-3. + </td> + <td> + Resting in Tertry area. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 4. + </td> + <td> + Division relieved 46th Division -- D.H.Q. at La Baraque, 71st +Infantry Brigade at Magny la Fosse, 16th Infantry Brigade took over +line with 139th Infantry Brigade (46th Division) left at Sequehart +under 6th Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 7. + </td> + <td> + 71st relieved part of 16th Infantry Brigade on left next to 30th +American Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 8. + </td> + <td> + <i>General attack</i> towards Bohain -- 71st Infantry Brigade on left, +16th Infantry Brigade on right, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page099" name="page099">(p. 099)</a></span> +18th Infantry Brigade in +Divisional Reserve with West Yorks (attached to 16th Infantry Brigade) +attacking up valley, French on right -- all objectives gained by night. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 8-9. + </td> + <td> + Took over part of line by night from 30th American Division +and handed over part to 46th Division. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 9. + </td> + <td> + Attack under a barrage at dawn towards Bohain and Fresnoy -- Bohain +captured during night by 9th Norfolks. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 10. + </td> + <td> + Advance by 71st Infantry Brigade to high ground 2,000 yards east +of Bohain -- 46th Division on right. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 11. + </td> + <td> + Reconnaissance in force by 71st Infantry Brigade brought to a +standstill by machine-gun fire. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 11-12. + </td> + <td> + 18th Infantry Brigade relieved 71st Infantry Brigade by night. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + 18th Infantry Brigade reconnaissance in force at 4.30 p.m. made a +little ground. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 14. + </td> + <td> + 71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16-17. + </td> + <td> + 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades moved to north for general +attack on 18th, with 30th American Division on left and 46th Division +on right. Brig.-Gen. Walker wounded. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + <i>General attack</i> through Vaux Andigny -- 16th Infantry Brigade on +left, 18th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st Infantry Brigade in +reserve -- successful -- 1st Division passed through 6th Division, which +came into Corps Reserve. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19-20. + </td> + <td> + Resting. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20-21. + </td> + <td> + Division relieved 30th American Division in St. Souplet +area -- 18th Infantry Brigade on right next to 1st Division, 71st +Infantry Brigade on left next to 25th Division -- D.H.Q. Becquigny. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 23. + </td> + <td> + <i>General attack</i> to gain high ground overlooking Sambre +Canal -- zero 1.30 a.m. -- 18th Infantry Brigade successful on right -- 71st +Infantry Brigade on left, disorganized by gas shelling in assembly +position and losing the barrage by reason of the high fences and the +mist, gained most of their objectives by the afternoon. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 23-24. + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade relieved 71st Infantry Brigade by night +and pushed on, completing capture of final objective. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Oct. 28. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page100" name="page100">(p. 100)</a></span> +71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry +Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 30. + </td> + <td> + Successful attack on a farm by 1st The Buffs. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 30-31. + </td> + <td> + Division relieved by 32nd Division, went to rest at Fresnoy le +Grand. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Nov. 6. + </td> + <td> + Division moved to Bohain. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 11. + </td> + <td> + Hostilities ceased. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 14. + </td> + <td> + Division marched to area Catillon-Mazinghien-Vaux Andigny. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15. + </td> + <td> + To area Prisches-Le Sart-Catillon. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + To area Avesnes-Favril. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 17. + </td> + <td> + Halt. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + To area Solre le Château-Dompierre. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + Tail closed to Dimechaux-Sars Poteries. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + <i>March to the Rhine commenced.</i> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + To area Barbençon-Thirimont. Tail at Solre le Château. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 23. + </td> + <td> + Tail closed to Barbençon-Beaumont. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 24. + </td> + <td> + To area Leneffe-Fraire-Walcourt-Boussu. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Nov. 25th to Dec. 1. + </td> + <td> + Halt. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Dec. 2. + </td> + <td> + To area Mettet-Flavion-Morialme. Tail at Leneffe-Fraire. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 3. + </td> + <td> + To area Sommières-Onhaye. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 4. + </td> + <td> + To area Bouvignes-Anhee. Tail at Mettet-Biesmeree. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 5. + </td> + <td> + H.Q. Group and 71st Infantry Brigade crossed Meuse and went to +Crupet-Braibant-Purnode. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades closed to river at Anhee-Bouvignes. +Tail at Gerin-Maredret. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 6. + </td> + <td> + 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades crossed Meuse Division in area +Achet-Hamois-Ciney. Tail at Yvoir. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 7. + </td> + <td> + Halt. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 8. + </td> + <td> + To area Les Avins-Pailhe. Tail at Ciney. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 9. + </td> + <td> + To area Ouffet-Tinlot-Stree. Tail at Havelange. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 10. + </td> + <td> + Halt. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 11. + </td> + <td> + To area Remouchamps-Aywaille-Comblain la Tour. Tail at Tinlot. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 12. + </td> + <td> + To area Francorchamps-Stoumont. Tail at Ouffet-Hody. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 13. + </td> + <td> + 71st Infantry Brigade crossed German frontier to Malmedy. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + Remainder in area Stavelot-Stoumont. Tail at Oneux-Presseux. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + Dec. 14. + </td> + <td> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page101" name="page101">(p. 101)</a></span> +H.Q. Group crossed frontier -- 71st Infantry Brigade +to Elsenborn Camp. Tail at Aywaille. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 15. + </td> + <td> + 18th Infantry Brigade crossed frontier -- 71st Infantry Brigade to +Montjoie. Tail at Stoumont. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 16. + </td> + <td> + 16th Infantry Brigade crossed frontier -- 71st Infantry Brigade to +Simmerath-Rotgen. Tail at Malmedy. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 17. + </td> + <td> + Tail to Elsenborn Camp. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 18. + </td> + <td> + Halt. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 19. + </td> + <td> + To area Heinbach-Gemund-Schleiden. Tail at Elsenborn Camp. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 20. + </td> + <td> + To area Mechernich-Kommern-Zulpich. Tail at Montjoie. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 21. + </td> + <td> + To area Euskirchen-Zulpich. Tail at Harpersheid-Drieborn. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 22. + </td> + <td> + To area Lechenich-Weilerswist. Tail at Vlatten-Satzvey. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + 23. + </td> + <td> + To area Rondorf-Kendenich. Tail at Zulpich-Froitzhein. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td class="td-right"> + </td> + <td> + D.H.Q. at Bruhl -- all units now in final positions. + </td> +</tr> + + +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<h2>APPENDIX IV +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page102" name="page102">(p. 102)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>ORDER OF BATTLE ON MOBILIZATION.</h3> + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Divisional Headquarters</span></h4> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Headquarters"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + G.O.C. + </td> + <td> + Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B., late R.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.D.C. + </td> + <td> + Capt. P. F. Fitzgerald, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + G.S.O.1 + </td> + <td> + Col. W. T. Furse, D.S.O., late R.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + G.S.O.2 + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. T. Burnett-Stuart, D.S.O., Rifle Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + G.S.O.3 + </td> + <td> + Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.A. and Q.M.G. + </td> + <td> + Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.A. and Q.M.G. + </td> + <td> + Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.Q.M.G. + </td> + <td> + Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.D.M.S. + </td> + <td> + Col. H. O. Trevor, R.A.M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.D.M.S. + </td> + <td> + Major N. J. C. Rutherford, R.A.M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.D.V.S. + </td> + <td> + Major H. M. Lenox-Conyngham, A.V.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.D.O.S. + </td> + <td> + Major H. M. Howard, A.O.D. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.P.M. + </td> + <td> + Capt. H. S. Rogers, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Divisional Engineers</span></h4> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Engineers"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + C.R.E. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp, R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Major B. W. Y. Danford, R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 12th Field Company + </td> + <td> + Major A. F. Sargeaunt, R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 38th Field Company + </td> + <td> + Major F. M. Browne, R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 6th Divisional Signal Company. + </td> + <td> + Capt. A. N. Paxton, R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Divisional Cavalry</span></h4> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Cavalry"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., Squadron, 19th Hussars. + </td> + <td> + Major H. O'S. F. Tanner, 19th Hussars. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Divisional Cyclists</span></h4> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Order of battle"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., Cyclist Company + </td> + <td> + Capt. S. H. Dix, Leinster Regiment. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Divisional Train</span></h4> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Train"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 6th Divisional Train. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. Davies, A.S.C. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Royal Army Medical Corps</span> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page103" name="page103">(p. 103)</a></span> +</h4> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Royal Army Medical Corps"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 16th Field Ambulance. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. A. C. Fox. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 17th Field Ambulance. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. P. Silver. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 18th Field Ambulance. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. A. A. Watson (S.R.). + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<h4><span class="smcap">Divisional Artillery</span></h4> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Artillery"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + C.R.A. + </td> + <td> + Brig.-Gen. W. L. H. Paget, C.B., M.V.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade-Major + </td> + <td> + Major J. Farquhar. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Staff-Captain + </td> + <td> + Capt. J. de V. Bowles. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Orderly Officer + </td> + <td> + 2/Lieut. K. F. W. Dunn. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Col. W. A. M. Thompson. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. H. R. S. Massey. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 21st Battery + </td> + <td> + Major L. M. Phillpotts, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 42nd Battery + </td> + <td> + Major H. J. Brock. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 53rd Battery + </td> + <td> + Major C. J. Rugge Price. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade Ammunition Column. + </td> + <td> + Capt. C. E. S. Bower. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>24th Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="24th Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. E. Lawrie, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. H. A. Boyd. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 110th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major W. M. Warburton. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 111th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major E. C. W. D. Walthall, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 112th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major W. B. Browell. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade Ammunition Column. + </td> + <td> + Capt. B. H. Shaw-Stewart. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<p class="td-center"><i>38th Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="38th Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. C. S. Rich. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 24th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major A. G. Arbuthnot. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 34th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major A. R. Wainwright. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 72nd Battery + </td> + <td> + Major F. A. Tighe. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade Ammunition Column. + </td> + <td> + Capt. C. R. Hill. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>12th (Howitzer) Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="12th (Howitzer) Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. Humphreys, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. A. T. McGrath. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 43rd Battery + </td> + <td> + Major E. R. Burne. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 86th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major R. S. Hardman. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 87th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major H. T. Belcher, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade Ammunition Column. + </td> + <td> + Capt. R. J. C. Meyricke. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>24th +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page104" name="page104">(p. 104)</a></span> +Heavy Battery, R.G.A. (60-pounders)</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Heavy Battery, R.G.A. (60-pounders)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Major H. E. J. Brake, C.B., D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>Divisional Ammunition Column</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Ammunition Column"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. A. Cardew. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. J. C. Dundas. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">16th Infantry Brigade</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="16th Infantry Brigade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + B.G.C. + </td> + <td> + Brig.-Gen. E. C. Ingouville-Williams, C.B., D.S.O., late Worcestershire + Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade-Major + </td> + <td> + Capt. R. H. Mangles, D.S.O., The Queen's Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Staff-Captain + </td> + <td> + Capt. G. Lee, The Buffs. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st Bn., The Buffs. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. C. de la M. Hill. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st Bn., Leicestershire Regiment. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. L. Croker. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st Bn., K.S.L.I. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. P. Higginson, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 2nd Bn., York and Lancaster Regt. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. E. C. Cobbold. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">17th Infantry Brigade</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="17th Infantry Brigade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + B.G.C. + </td> + <td> + Brig.-Gen. W. R. B. Doran, C.B., D.S.O., late Royal Irish Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade-Major Regiment. + </td> + <td> + Major A. D. Green, D.S.O., Worcestershire + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Staff-Captain + </td> + <td> + Capt. H. V. Scott, Rifle Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st Bn., Royal Fusiliers. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. Fowler-Butler. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st Bn., North Staffordshire Regt. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. V. W. de Falbe, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 2nd Bn., Leinster Regiment. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 3rd Bn., Rifle Brigade + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. Alexander. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">18th Infantry Brigade</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="18th Infantry Brigade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + B.G.C. + </td> + <td> + Brig.-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C., C.B., M.V.O., late Rifle Brigade. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade-Major + </td> + <td> + Capt. R. F. H. Wallace, Black Watch. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Staff-Captain Infantry. + </td> + <td> + Capt. F. G. Maughan, Durham Light + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st Bn., West Yorkshire Regiment. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st Bn., East Yorkshire Regiment. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. E. Benson. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page105" name="page105">(p. 105)</a></span> + 2nd Bn., Sherwood + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. B. Crofton-Atkins. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 2nd Bn., D.L.I. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. W. L. McMahon. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<h2>ORDER OF BATTLE--11TH NOVEMBER 1918</h2> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Divisional Headquarters</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Headquarters"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + G.O.C. + </td> + <td> + Major-Gen. T. O. Marden, C.B., C.M.G., late the Welch Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.D.C. + </td> + <td> + 2/Lieut. E. C. W. Severne, General List. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.D.C. + </td> + <td> + Capt. J. R. Tylden, East Kent Yeomanry. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + G.S.O.1 + </td> + <td> + Brevet-Lt.-Col. T. T. Grove, D.S.O., R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + G.S.O.2 + </td> + <td> + Major L. M. Taylor, M.C., York and Lancaster Regiment (T.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + G.S.O.3 + </td> + <td> + Capt. J. Horlington, M.C., York and Lancaster Regiment (S.R.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Intelligence Officer + </td> + <td> + Lieut. K. Archbold, M.C., General List. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.A. and Q.M.G. + </td> + <td> + Brevet-Lt.-Col. P. Hudson, C.M.G., D.S.O., The King's (Liverpool) Regt. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.A.G. + </td> + <td> + Major C. Macfie, D.S.O., Seaforth Highlanders. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.Q.M.G. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. A. J. D. Hay, East Surrey Regiment (S.R.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + A.D.M.S. + </td> + <td> + Col. H. C. R. Hime, D.S.O., R.A.M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.D.M.S. + </td> + <td> + Major N. Cantlie, M.C., R.A.M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.D.V.S. + </td> + <td> + Major R. F. Bett, A.V.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.D.O.S. + </td> + <td> + Major R. G. P. Hare, A.O.D. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + D.A.P.M. + </td> + <td> + Capt. W. A. Bignell, South Irish Horse. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + S.C.F., C. of E. + </td> + <td> + Rev. E. C. Hoskyns, M.C., A.C.D. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Divisional Claims Officer. + </td> + <td> + Lieut. C. E. B. M. Smith, Sherwood Foresters. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Divisional Gas Officer + </td> + <td> + Capt. D. Powell, M.C., R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 209th Employment Company. + </td> + <td> + Capt. G. L. Scudamore, Labour Corps. + </td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td> + 6th M.T. Company + </td> + <td> + Major O. B. Gabriel, A.S.C. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Divisional Engineers</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Engineers"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + C.R.E. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall, M.C., R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. C. A. Langley, M.C., R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 12th Field Company + </td> + <td> + Major F. W. Moore, M.C., R.E.(S.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 459th Field Company + </td> + <td> + Major A. S. Lambert, M.C., R.E.(T.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 509th Field Company + </td> + <td> + Major H. G. Bambridge, M.C., R.E.(S.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 6th Divisional Signal Company + </td> + <td> + Major A. G. Shaw, M.C., East Yorkshire Regiment (T.). + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Pioneers</span> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page106" name="page106">(p. 106)</a></span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Pioneers"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 11th Bn., Leicestershire Regiment + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. H. Radford, Leicestershire Regiment (S.R.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major W. A. Rodger, Leicestershire Regiment (S.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. H. M. Raleigh, Leicestershire Regiment. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Machine-Gun Battalion</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Machine-Gun Battalion"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 6th Battalion, M.G.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. B. Rosher, D.S.O., M.C., Durham Light Infantry (S.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command. + </td> + <td> + Major M. C. Cooper, M.C., Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry (T.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. J. M. Briggs, King's Shropshire Light Infantry (S.R.). + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Divisional Train</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Train"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. F. C. S. Norrington, A.S.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. R. Beales, A.S.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Senior Supply Officer + </td> + <td> + Capt. A. F. Osborne, M.C., A.S.C. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">Royal Army Medical Corps</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Royal Army Medical Corps"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + 16th Field Ambulance + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. W. C. Stubbs, M.C., R.A.M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 17th Field Ambulance + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. A. J. Hickey, M.C., R.A.M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 18th Field Ambulance + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. E. W. Wade, D.S.O., R.A.M.C. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Mobile Veterinary Section</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Mobile Veterinary Section"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Capt. H. J. Hughes, A.V.C. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">Divisional Artillery</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Artillery"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + C.R.A. + </td> + <td> + Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce, C.M.G., R.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade-Major + </td> + <td> + Major S. Carwithen, R.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Staff-Captain + </td> + <td> + Capt. K. Lyon, R.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Reconnaissance Officer + </td> + <td> + Lieut. L. S. Wooler, R.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Signal Officer + </td> + <td> + Capt. F. Goodman, R.E. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. W. H. F. Weber, D.S.O., R.F.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. T. C. Rayner, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Orderly Officer + </td> + <td> + 2/Lieut. T. Brough. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Signal Officer + </td> + <td> + 2/Lieut. W. F. J. Delyon. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Horsemaster + </td> + <td> + Capt. W. P. Jones, Duke of Lancaster's Yeomanry. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 21st Battery + </td> + <td> + Major E. F. Housden. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 42nd Battery + </td> + <td> + Major T. R. Ubsdell, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 63rd Battery + </td> + <td> + Major R. Scott-Aiton, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 87th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major J. W. Godley. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>24th +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page107" name="page107">(p. 107)</a></span> +Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="24th Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth, D.S.O., R.F.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. E. J. Saltwell. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Orderly Officer + </td> + <td> + Lieut. C. G. Campbell. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Horsemaster + </td> + <td> + Capt. E. T. C. Murray, 6th Royal Regiment Dragoons (Canada). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 110th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major P. J. C. Honner, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 111th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major F. M. A. Wood. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 112th Battery + </td> + <td> + Major G. Sandeman. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 43rd Battery + </td> + <td> + Major B. Todd, M.C. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>6th Divisional Ammunition Column</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="6th Divisional Ammunition Column"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. Allan, R.F.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. F. Heap. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + No. 1 Section + </td> + <td> + Capt. A. McQueen. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + No. 2 Section + </td> + <td> + Capt. H. W. C. Angell. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + No. 3 Section + </td> + <td> + Capt. H. Brewin (S.A.A. Section). + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>Divisional Trench Mortars</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Divisional Trench Mortars"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + D.T.M.O. + </td> + <td> + Capt. R. A. Levinge, R.A. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + X/6th T.M. Battery + </td> + <td> + Capt. M. R. Anderson, M.C., General List. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Y/6th T.M. Battery + </td> + <td> + Capt. V. E. Wait, 11th Essex Regiment. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">16th Infantry Brigade</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="16th Infantry Brigade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + B.G.C. + </td> + <td> + Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., Royal Welch Fusiliers. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade-Major + </td> + <td> + Capt. E. Dryden, M.C., Durham L.I. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Staff-Captain + </td> + <td> + Capt. S. H. D. Chamier, M.C., West Yorkshire Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Intelligence Officer + </td> + <td> + Lieut. G. H. Bond, M.C., York and Lancaster Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Signal Officer + </td> + <td> + 2/Lieut. W. D. A. Williams, R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st The Buffs + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. E. Power, D.S.O. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major Lord Teynham. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Lieut. E. F. Hall. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st K.S.L.I. + </td> + <td> + A/Lt.-Col. L. H. Morris, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major C E. Parker. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. G. S. E. Denyer, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 2nd York and Lancaster Regt. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. R. Robertson, Bedfordshire Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major P. H. C. Collins, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. E. E. Battle, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 16th T.M. Battery + </td> + <td> + Lieut. H. Carss, Durham Light Infantry. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">18th Infantry Brigade</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="18th Infantry Brigade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + B.G.C. + </td> + <td> + Brig.-Gen. G. S. G. Craufurd, C.M.G., C.I.E., D.S.O., A.D.C., Gordon Highlanders. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade-Major +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page108" name="page108">(p. 108)</a></span> + </td> + <td> + Brevet-Major H. C. E. Hull, The Queen's. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Staff-Captain + </td> + <td> + Capt. W. V. Cavill, M.C., West Yorkshire Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Signal Officer + </td> + <td> + Lieut. G. White, Scottish Rifles. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st West Yorkshire Regiment. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C., Leicestershire Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major J. C. Blackburn, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. G. A. Robinson, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 11th Essex Regiment + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. H. Dumbell, D.S.O., Sherwood Foresters. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major A. G. Saunders. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. G. H. Scott. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 2nd D.L.I. + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. V. Turner. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major P. C. Parker, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. S. R. Streatfield. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 18th Trench Mortar Battery + </td> + <td> + Capt. T. E. Peart, M.C., Durham Light Infantry. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">71st Infantry Brigade</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="71st Infantry Brigade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c40"> + <col class="c60"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + B.G.C. + </td> + <td> + Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown, D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Brigade-Major + </td> + <td> + Brevet-Major A. Weyman, M.C., Leicestershire Regiment (A/G.S.O.2, + 18th Division). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Acting-Brigade-Major + </td> + <td> + Capt. J. F. Tamblyn, M.C., The Queen's Regiment (S.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Staff-Captain + </td> + <td> + Capt. F. W. Musgrave, West Yorkshire Regiment (T.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Intelligence Officer + </td> + <td> + Lieut. H. L. Hayne, Leicestershire Regiment (S.). + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Signal Officer + </td> + <td> + Lieut. K. D. Allen, R.E. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 9th Norfolk Regiment + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. F. R. Day, Norfolk Regiment. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major E. W. Cannings, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. C. P. Bassingthwaite, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 1st Leicestershire Regiment + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. R. Martin, D.S.O., M.C., Royal Scots. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major G. N. Wykes. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. R. N. Davies, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + O.C., 2nd Sherwood Foresters + </td> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. E. Hudson, V.C., D.S.O., M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 2nd in Command + </td> + <td> + Major F. D. Collen, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Adjutant + </td> + <td> + Capt. A. L. Gill, M.C. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + 71st Trench Mortar Battery + </td> + <td> + Capt. R. Gjertson, M.C., Essex Regiment (T.). + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<h2>APPENDIX V +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page109" name="page109">(p. 109)</a></span></h2> + +<h3>CHANGES IN COMMANDS AND STAFFS</h3> + +<p>N. B.--Ranks and Honours are given as held on date of appointment.</p> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">I. Divisional Commanders</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="I. Divisional Commanders"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--26.5.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C. M.V.O + </td> + <td> + 27.5.15--13.11.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Maj.-Gen.) C. Ross, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 14.11.15--18.8.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Maj.-Gen.) T. O. Marden, C.M.G. + </td> + <td> + 19.8.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">II. G.S.O.s, 1st Grade</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="II. G.S.O.s, 1st Grade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. W. T. Furse + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--28.12.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. M. Shea, Indian Army + </td> + <td> + 29.12.14--4.7.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. Boyd, Royal Irish Regiment + </td> + <td> + 5.7.15--17.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. F. Renny, D.S.O., Royal Dublin Fus. + </td> + <td> + 18.6.16--22.3.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) T. T. Grove, D.S.O., R.E. + </td> + <td> + 23.3.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">III. G.S.O.s, 2nd Grade</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="III. G.S.O.s, 2nd Grade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major J. T. Burnett-Stuart, Rifle Brigade + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--17.2.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major W. E. Ironside, R.A. + </td> + <td> + 18.2.15--29.2.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major L. P. Evans, Black Watch + </td> + <td> + 1.3.16--5.3.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major M. Beevor, The Buffs + </td> + <td> + 6.3.17--17.11.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major W. Harris-St. John, Royal Welch Fusiliers + </td> + <td> + 18.11.17--28.4.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major S. S. Hill-Dillon, D.S.O., Royal Irish Regiment + </td> + <td> + 29.4.18--15.6.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lieut. (T/Major) R. W. Barnett, M.C., Rifle Brigade + </td> + <td> + 16.6.18--12.8.18 (K.) + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major L. M. Taylor, M.C., K.O.Y.L.I. (T.F.) + </td> + <td> + 24.8.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<h3><span class="smcap">IV. G.S.O.s, 3rd Grade</span> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page110" name="page110">(p. 110)</a></span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="IV. G.S.O.s, 3rd Grade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--31.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major W. E. Ironside, R.A. + </td> + <td> + 1.11.14--17.2.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. T. T. Grove, R.E. + </td> + <td> + 18.2.15--9.8.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major A. B. Lawson, 11th Hussars + </td> + <td> + 10.8.15--5.12.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. H. D. Denison-Pender, Scots Greys + </td> + <td> + 6.12.15--24.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. M. K. Wardle, Leicestershire Regiment + </td> + <td> + 25.6.16--25.7.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. M. C. Bell, D.S.O., M.C., Royal Fusiliers + </td> + <td> + 26.7.17--1.11.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major A. S. Wright, Royal Canadian F.A. + </td> + <td> + 2.11.17--21.5.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lieut. (T/Capt.) J. F. Horlington, M.C., Y. and L. Regt. (S.R.) + </td> + <td> + 22.5.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">V. A.A.s and Q.M.G.s</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="V. A.A.s and Q.M.G.s"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--30.9.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. R. Wanless-O'Gowan + </td> + <td> + 1.10.14--7.2.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R.S. May, Royal Fusiliers + </td> + <td> + 15.2.15--5.2.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M. R. Walsh, Worcestershire Regiment + </td> + <td> + 6.2.16--29.8.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M.B. Savage, D.S.O., South Staffs Regt. + </td> + <td> + 30.8.17--15.12.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Lt.-Col. P. Hudson, D.S.O., King's (Liverpool) Regiment + </td> + <td> + 16.12.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">VI. D.A.A.G.s (formerly D.A.A.s and Q.M.G.s.)</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="VI. D.A.A.G.s (formerly D.A.A.s and Q.M.G.s.)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--30.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. G. Ogston, Gordon Highlanders + </td> + <td> + 1.11.14--4.1.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. J. L. Watson, West Riding Regiment + </td> + <td> + 5.1.16--7.3.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. S. G. L. Bradley, Queen's Westminster Rifles + </td> + <td> + 8.3.16--22.3.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major C. Macfie, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders + </td> + <td> + 23.3.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">VII. D.A.Q.M.G.'s.</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="VII. D.A.Q.M.G.'s."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--1.1.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major H. L. Nevill, D.S.O., R.A. + </td> + <td> + 15.1.15--26.2.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major B. Atkinson, R.A. + </td> + <td> + 27.2.15--28.5.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. J. C. Dundas, R.A. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page111" name="page111">(p. 111)</a></span> + </td> + <td> + 29.5.15--13.10.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major H. Street, Devon Regt. + </td> + <td> + 14.10.15--16.1.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. R. B. Tower, Notts and Derby Regiment + </td> + <td> + 17.1.17--21.5.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Col. A. J. Hay, East Surrey Regiment (S.R.) + </td> + <td> + 22.5.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">VIII. C.R.A.s.</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="VIII. C.R.A.s."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. H. L. Paget, M.V.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--26.5.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. Humphreys, C.B., D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 27.5.15--28.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. S. Cleeve (R. of O.) + </td> + <td> + 29.6.16--23.10.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. F. Delaforce, C.M.G. + </td> + <td> + 24.10.16--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">IX. C.R.E.s.</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="IX. C.R.E.s."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--12.8.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. G. Stevenson + </td> + <td> + 13.8.15--19.12.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. T. A. H. Bigge + </td> + <td> + 20.12.15--24.1.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. R. S. Christie + </td> + <td> + 25.1.16--1.1.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. B. Goldney, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 2.1.17--22.9.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. A. L. Hall, M.C. + </td> + <td> + 23.9.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">X. O.C.s Train</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="X. O.C.s Train"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major H. Davies + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--6.4.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major F. Norrington + </td> + <td> + 7.4.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">XI. A.D.M.S.</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="XI. A.D.M.S."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. H. O. Trevor + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--March, '15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. B. H. Scott + </td> + <td> + March, '15--March, '17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. (T/Col.) H. W. Grattan + </td> + <td> + March, '17--Oct., '18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. (T/Col.) H. C. R. Hime, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Oct., '18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">XII. D.A.D.O.S.</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="XII. D.A.D.O.S."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major H. M. Howard + </td> + <td> + Oct., '14--26.1.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major F. H. P. O'Connor + </td> + <td> + 27.1.15--18.11.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major S. T. Hayley, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 19.11.15--26.12.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major S. B. Winch + </td> + <td> + 27.12.15--28.4.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major R. G. P. Hare + </td> + <td> + 29.4.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">XIII. A.D.V.S. (later D.A.D.V.S.)</span> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page112" name="page112">(p. 112)</a></span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="XIII. A.D.V.S. (later D.A.D.V.S.)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major H. M. Lenox-Conyngham + </td> + <td> + 6.9.14--28.8.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major R. Tindle + </td> + <td> + 29.8.15--2.2.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major R. F. Bett + </td> + <td> + 3.2.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">XIV. Senior Chaplains (C. of E.)</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="XIV. Senior Chaplains (C. of E.)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Rev. T. P. Moreton + </td> + <td> + July, '15--Oct., '15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Rev. Nevile Talbot, M.C. + </td> + <td> + Oct., '15--May, '16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Rev. Maurice Ponsonby, M.C. + </td> + <td> + May, '16--Nov., '16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Rev. J. D. McCready + </td> + <td> + Nov., '16--31.12.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Rev. L. G. Reed, M.C. + </td> + <td> + 1.1.17--7.7.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Rev. E. C. Hoskyns, M.C. + </td> + <td> + 8.7.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">XV. Senior Chaplains (R.C.)</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="XV. Senior Chaplains (R.C.)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Rev. Father Kearey + </td> + <td> + Sept., '18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Rev. Father FitzGibbons, M.C. + </td> + <td> + Nov., '16--Sept., '18 + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">XVI. A.P.M.s.</span></h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="XVI. A.P.M.s."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. H. S. Rogers, K.S.L.I. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--2.3.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major Hon. J. R. Tufton, Royal Sussex Regiment (S.R.). + </td> + <td> + 3.3.15-- ---- + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. A. J. Simey, R.I.C. + </td> + <td> + ---- --Aug., '18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. W. A. Bignell, South Irish Horse + </td> + <td> + Aug., '18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h3><span class="smcap">XVII. Infantry Brigade Commanders</span></h3> + +<p class="td-center"><i>16th Infantry Brigade</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="16th Infantry Brigade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. C. Ingouville-Williams, C.B., D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--16.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) C. L. Nicholson + </td> + <td> + 17.6.16--25.7.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. L. Osborn, D.S.O., Royal Sussex Regiment + </td> + <td> + 26.7.16--26.10.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. A. Walker, D.S.O., Royal Fus. + </td> + <td> + 27.10.17--16.10.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. G. Braithwaite, C.B., D.S.O., Royal Welch Fusiliers + </td> + <td> + 17.10.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>17th Infantry Brigade +(to 24th Division on 14.10.15)</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="17th Infantry Brigade +(to 24th Division on 14.10.15)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. R. B. Doran, C.B., D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--10.2.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. M. Harper, D.S.O. +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page113" name="page113">(p. 113)</a></span> + </td> + <td> + 11.2.15--23.9.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) J. W. V. Carroll, Norfolk Regiment + </td> + <td> + 24.9.15--14.10.15 + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>18th Infantry Brigade</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="18th Infantry Brigade"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. N. Congreve, V.C., M.V.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--29.5.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. S. Ainslie, C.M.G., Northumberland Fusiliers + </td> + <td> + 30.5.15--14.8.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) R. J. Bridgford, C.M.G., D.S.O., King's Shropshire L.I. + </td> + <td> + 15.8.15--19.4.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. K. Macclintock, C.B. + </td> + <td> + 20.4.16--12.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. S. Tew, East Surrey Regiment + </td> + <td> + 13.6.16--12.8.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) R. J. Bridgford, C.M.G., D.S.O., King's Shropshire L.I. + </td> + <td> + 13.8.16--14.9.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. S. G. Craufurd, C.M.G., C.I.E., D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders + </td> + <td> + 15.9.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>19th Infantry Brigade +(to 27th Division on 27.5.15)</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="19th Infantry Brigade +(to 27th Division on 27.5.15)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) Hon. F. Gordon + </td> + <td> + 12.10.14--27.5.15 + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>71st Infantry Brigade +(joined Division on 14.10.15)</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="71st Infantry Brigade +(joined Division on 14.10.15)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) M. T. Shewen + </td> + <td> + 14.10.15--26.5.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) J. F. Edwards + </td> + <td> + 27.5.16--4.10.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. Feetham, C.B. + </td> + <td> + 5.10.16--19.8.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) P. W. Brown, D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders + </td> + <td> + 20.8.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + + +<h3><span class="smcap">XVIII. O.C. Units</span></h3> + +<p>[Tablenote a: Signifies date of joining or leaving Division,]<br> +[Tablenote b: Signifies date of disbandment of unit.]</p> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>Squadron, 19th Hussars</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="Squadron, 19th Hussars"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. H. O'S. F. Tanner + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--April, '15 [a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>"B" Squadron, Northants Yeomanry</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary=""B" Squadron, Northants Yeomanry"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major Sir C. B. Lowther + </td> + <td> + 14.4.15[a]--29.10.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>6th Machine-Gun Battalion</i> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page114" name="page114">(p. 114)</a></span></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="6th Machine-Gun Battalion"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. B. Rosher, D.S.O., Durham Light Infantry + </td> + <td> + March, '18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. W. A. M. Thompson + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--7.7.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. L. C. L. Oldfield + </td> + <td> + 8.7.15--May, '15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. M. J. MacCarthy, C.M.G. + </td> + <td> + May, '15--20.6.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. W. H. F. Weber, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 21.6.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> + +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>12th Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="12th Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. E. Lawrie, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--26.5.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. W. Evans, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 27.5.15--29.2.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. C. Forsyth + </td> + <td> + 1.3.16--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>38th Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="38th Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--27.1.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. M. Phillpotts + </td> + <td> + 30.1.15--1.11.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. F. Calthrop + </td> + <td> + 2.11.15--19.12.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. E. Clark + </td> + <td> + 23.12.15--25.9.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. Mellor, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 26.9.16--2.12.16[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>12th Howitzer Brigade, R.F.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="12th Howitzer Brigade, R.F.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. Humphreys, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--29.6.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Davson + </td> + <td> + 30.6.15--12.5.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Distributed to other Brigades. + </td> + <td> + + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>24th Heavy Brigade, R.G.A.</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="24th Heavy Brigade, R.G.A."> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major H. E. J. Brake, C.B., D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--Feb., '15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) E. Miles + </td> + <td> + Feb., '15--Dec., '16[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>6th Divisional Ammunition Column</i></p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="6th Divisional Ammunition Column"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. A. Cardew + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--19.9.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. Baron H. E. W. de Robeck + </td> + <td> + 20.9.14--Oct., '16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. Allan (T.F.) + </td> + <td> + 21.11.16--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st Battalion The Buffs</i> +(<i>16th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st Battalion The Buffs +(16th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. C. de la M. Hill + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--15.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. McDouall + </td> + <td> + 16.11.14-- + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Col. J. Hasler, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + --26.2.15 + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page115" name="page115">(p. 115)</a></span> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. McDouall + </td> + <td> + 27.2.15--2.6.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. H. Finch-Hatton + </td> + <td> + 3.6.15--8.1.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. F. Gould + </td> + <td> + 9.1.16--26.5.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green + </td> + <td> + 27.5.16--1.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. H. Finch-Hatton + </td> + <td> + 2.6.16--12.7.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green + </td> + <td> + 13.7.16--26.11.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major B. L. Strauss + </td> + <td> + 27.11.17--1.12.17 (K.) + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. E. Power + </td> + <td> + 12.12.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers</i> +(<i>17th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers +(17th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. Fowler-Butler + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--31.7.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Lt.-Col. B. G. Price, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 1.8.15--11.10.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment</i> +(<i>71st Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment +(71st Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. E. Stracey + </td> + <td> + 11.10.15[a]--30.9.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior + </td> + <td> + 1.10.16--10.12.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) R. S. Dyer-Bennet, + Leicester Regiment + </td> + <td> + 16.12.16--14.1.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. B. O. Trimble + </td> + <td> + 27.1.17--26.2.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) R. S. Dyer-Bennet + </td> + <td> + 27.2.17--9.3.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. E. Stracey + </td> + <td> + 10.3.17--23.3.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior + </td> + <td> + 24.3.17--30.1.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. J. Spurrell, M.C. + </td> + <td> + 31.1.18--13.3.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 14.3.18--21.3.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. R. Day + </td> + <td> + April, '18--28.7.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 29.7.18--22.8.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. R. Day + </td> + <td> + 23.8.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<p class="td-center"><i>9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment</i> +(<i>71st Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment +(71st Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) W. H. A. de la Pryme, D.S.O., West Yorkshire Regiment + </td> + <td> + 11.10.15[a]--14.5.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. P. Mack, Suffolk Regiment (S.) + </td> + <td> + 14.5.16--15.9.16 (K.) + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, D.S.O., Leicester Regiment + </td> + <td> + 18.9.16--1.2.18 [b] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment</i> +(<i>18th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment +(18th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--20.9.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang + </td> + <td> + 20.9.14--18.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey + </td> + <td> + 14.10.14--19.10.14 +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page116" name="page116">(p. 116)</a></span> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) T. P. Barrington + </td> + <td> + 22.10.14--7.12.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey + </td> + <td> + 8.12.14--15.9.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 16.9.15--11.11.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. H. Soames + </td> + <td> + 12.11.15--27.1.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 29.1.16--18.9.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Dillon, + D.S.O., Oxford and Bucks + Light Infantry + </td> + <td> + 19.9.16--31.10.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. M. Boyall + </td> + <td> + 1.11.16--21.3.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, + D.S.O., M.C., Leicestershire + Regiment + </td> + <td> + 28.3.18--20.5.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. Barry-Drew, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 21.5.18--21.7.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. W. Cannings, M.C. + </td> + <td> + 22.7.18--28.7.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. + </td> + <td> + 29.7.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment</i> +(<i>18th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment +(18th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. E. Benson + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--20.9.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. H. Young + </td> + <td> + 20.9.14--10.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. W. H. Armstrong + </td> + <td> + 11.11.14--19.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. L. S. Clarke + </td> + <td> + 20.11.14--26.11.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment</i> +(<i>71st and 16th Infantry Brigades</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment +(71st and 16th Infantry Brigades)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) J. S. Liddell + </td> + <td> + 11.10.15[a]--13.1.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. C. Jackson + </td> + <td> + 14.1.16--17.4.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. R. H. Dann + </td> + <td> + 17.4.16--19.5.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. M. Hawkins + </td> + <td> + 19.5.16--1.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Col. Lord Henry Scott + </td> + <td> + 2.6.16--4.4.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. Lord Ampthill + </td> + <td> + 5.4.17--19.5.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. R. MacCullagh, D.L.I. + </td> + <td> + 20.5.17--14.6.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. Le Huquet + </td> + <td> + 15.6.17--16.2.18[b] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment</i> +(<i>16th and 71st Infantry Brigades</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment +(16th and 71st Infantry Brigades)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. L. Croker + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--11.12.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. Stoney-Smith + </td> + <td> + 12.12.14--15.10.15 (K.) + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. A. H. Buchannan-Dunlop + </td> + <td> + 25.10.15--1.2.16 +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page117" name="page117">(p. 117)</a></span> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie + </td> + <td> + 2.2.16--21.9.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) R. S. Dyer-Bennet + </td> + <td> + 22.9.16--12.12.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie + </td> + <td> + 13.12.16--27.3.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Brown, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 28.3.17--2.5.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 3.5.17--5.7.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Brown, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 6.7.17--16.1.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. + </td> + <td> + 17.1.18--Feb., '18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. + </td> + <td> + 17.1.18--Feb., '18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Feb., '18--29.4.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) G. N. Wykes + </td> + <td> + 30.4.18--11.5.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) Hartshorne + </td> + <td> + 12.5.18--20.5.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. + </td> + <td> + 21.5.18--25.7.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 26.7.18--2.11.18 + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>11th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment</i> +(<i>Pioneers</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="11th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment +(Pioneers)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. Turner, + Leicestershire Regt. (S.R.) + </td> + <td> + 1.4.16[a]--24.9.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Radford, + Leicestershire Regt. (S.R.) + </td> + <td> + 25.9.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers</i> +(<i>19th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers +(19th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. Delme-Radcliffe + </td> + <td> + 12.10.14[a]--26.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) O. de L. Williams + </td> + <td> + 27.10.14--31.5.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st Battalion The Cameronians</i> +(<i>19th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st Battalion The Cameronians +(19th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. P. R. Robertson + </td> + <td> + 12.10.14[a]--31.5.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>11th Battalion Essex Regiment</i> +(<i>71st Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="11th Battalion Essex Regiment +(71st Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. J. Hobkirk, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 11.10.15[a]--3.6.16. + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green, + D.S.O., The Buffs + </td> + <td> + 3.6.16--28.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. G. Spring, + Lincolnshire Regiment + </td> + <td> + 29.6.16--3.11.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. V. Manger, + Durham Light Infantry + </td> + <td> + 4.11.16--9.12.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. G. Spring, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 10.12.16--14.9.17 +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page118" name="page118">(p. 118)</a></span> + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. H. Dumbell, + D.S.O., Sherwood Foresters + </td> + <td> + 15.9.17--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters</i> +(<i>18th and 71st Infantry Brigades</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters +(18th and 71st Infantry Brigades)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. B. Crofton-Atkins + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--7.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) P. Leveson-Gower + </td> + <td> + 8.10.14--5.8.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. J. W. Hobbs, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 5.9.15--7.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. R. Street, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 7.6.16--2.8.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. J. W. Hobbs, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 3.8.16--15.10.16 (K.) + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. E. Bradshaw, + Rifle Brigade, R. of O. + </td> + <td> + 19.10.16--19.10.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. Tylden-Wright, + Derby Yeomanry + </td> + <td> + 19.10.17--22.11.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Milward, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 23.11.17--Sept., '18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Bt.-Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. E. Hudson, + V.C., D.S.O., M.C. + </td> + <td> + Sept., '18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry</i> +(<i>16th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st Battalion King's Shropshire +Light Infantry (16th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. P. Higginson, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--23.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. B. Luard + </td> + <td> + 24.10.14--13.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. J. Rowan Robinson + </td> + <td> + 14.11.14--30.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. Strick + </td> + <td> + 1.12.14--4.8.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. B. Luard + </td> + <td> + 5.8.15--22.4.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) B. E. Murray + </td> + <td> + 22.4.16--17.10.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. F. B. Winterscale + </td> + <td> + 18.10.16--14.2.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. M. Smith, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 15.2.18--21.3.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. de R. + Morgan, The Buffs + </td> + <td> + 23.3.18--2.4.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. C. Meynell, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 3.4.18--26.5.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) E. A. Freeman + </td> + <td> + 27.5.18--8.6.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. D. Leslie + </td> + <td> + 9.6.18--17.7.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) E. A. Freeman + </td> + <td> + 18.7.18--23.7.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. H. Cautley + </td> + <td> + 8.8.18--28.8.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. H. Meynell + </td> + <td> + 29.8.18--9.10.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. H. Morris + </td> + <td> + 10.10.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page119" name="page119">(p. 119)</a></span> +Battalion Middlesex Regiment</i> (<i>19th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st +Battalion Middlesex Regiment (19th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. E. Ward + </td> + <td> + 12.10.14[a]--21.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. F. G. M. Rowley + </td> + <td> + 21.10.14--30.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. P. Osborne + </td> + <td> + 30.10.14--28.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. C. C. Ash + </td> + <td> + 29.11.14--31.5.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment</i> +(<i>16th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Battalion York and +Lancaster Regiment +(16th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. E. C. Cobbold + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--9.12.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. F. Clemson + </td> + <td> + 10.12.14--18.9.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. Mc.D. Pratt + </td> + <td> + 19.9.15--17.10.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M. F. Halford + </td> + <td> + 18.10.15--30.4.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) H. B. Philby, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 1.5.16--17.5.16 (K.) + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. R. Headlam, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 17.5.16--5.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. L. Thomson + </td> + <td> + 6.6.16--29.6.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. St. J. Blunt, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 30.6.16--25.9.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. P. Wood, M.C. + </td> + <td> + 25.9.16--9.10.16 (K.) + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Lewis, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 10.10.16--31.3.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. St. J. Blunt, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + 1.4.17--21.4.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. R. Robertson + </td> + <td> + 22.4.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry</i> +(<i>18th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry +(18th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. B. W. L. McMahon + </td> + <td> + Mobn--4.1.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. Crosthwaite + </td> + <td> + 5.1.15--10.6.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. M. D. Goring-Jones + </td> + <td> + 11.6.15--Sept., '15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) A. E. Irvine + </td> + <td> + Sept., '15--15.8.17 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. R. McCullagh + </td> + <td> + 16.8.17--4.2.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Brereton + </td> + <td> + 5.2.18--12.7.18 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. V. Turner + </td> + <td> + 13.7.18--Armistice. + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry</i> +(18th <i>Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry +(18th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. Menzies, + S. Lancs Regt., R. of O. + </td> + <td> + 28.11.15[a]--12.11.16 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. B. Rosher, + Durham Light Infantry (S.) + </td> + <td> + 13.11.16--1.2.18[b] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>1st +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page120" name="page120">(p. 120)</a></span> +Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment</i> (<i>17th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1st +Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment (17th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. V. W. de Falbe, D.S.O. + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--11.10.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders</i> + (<i>19th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders + (19th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. H. P. Moulton-Barrett + </td> + <td> + 12.10.14[a]--2.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Kirk + </td> + <td> + 3.11.14--8.1.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. C. Gore + </td> + <td> + 16.2.15--31.5.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment</i> +(<i>17th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment +(17th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--19.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. M. Bullen-Smith + </td> + <td> + 20.11.14--3.6.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve + </td> + <td> + 3.6.15--20.7.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. M. Bullen-Smith + </td> + <td> + 21.7.15--11.10.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade</i> +(<i>17th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade +(17th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. Alexander + </td> + <td> + Mobn.--13.10.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) Lord Henniker + </td> + <td> + 13.10.14--21.11.14 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. Alexander + </td> + <td> + 22.11.14--29.12.14 (d. of w.) + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Major (T/Lt.-Col.) Lord Henniker + </td> + <td> + 30.12.14--9.6.15 + </td> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td> + Capt. (T/Major) R. Pigot, M.C. + </td> + <td> + 10.6.15--11.10.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<p class="td-center"><i>1/5th Battalion Loyal North Lancs Regiment</i> +(<i>16th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1/5th Battalion Loyal North Lancs Regiment +(16th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. G. Hesketh + </td> + <td> + 16.2.15[a]--11.6.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>1/2nd Battalion London Regiment</i> +(<i>17th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1/2nd Battalion London Regiment +(17th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. J. Attenborough + </td> + <td> + 19.2.15[a]--11.10.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + + +<p class="td-center"><i>Queen's Westminster Rifles</i> +(<i>18th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="1/2nd Battalion London Regiment +(17th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. Shoolbred, T.D. + </td> + <td> + 11.11.14[a]--28.11.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + + +<p class="td-center"><i>5th Battalion Scottish Rifles</i> +(<i>19th Infantry Brigade</i>)</p> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="5" summary="5th Battalion Scottish Rifles +(19th Infantry Brigade)"> +<colgroup> + <col class="c60"> + <col class="c40"> +</colgroup> + +<tbody> + +<tr> + <td> + Lt.-Col. R. J. Douglas + </td> + <td> + 19.11.14[a]--31.5.15[a] + </td> +</tr> +</tbody> +</table> + +<h4>Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.</h4> + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr class="full" noshade> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 20115-h.txt or 20115-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/0/1/1/20115">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/0/1/1/20115</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a> + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** +</pre> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/20115.txt b/20115.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a34b130 --- /dev/null +++ b/20115.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5146 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Short History of the 6th Division, Edited +by Thomas Owen Marden + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: A Short History of the 6th Division + Aug. 1914-March 1919 + + +Editor: Thomas Owen Marden + +Release Date: December 15, 2006 [eBook #20115] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6TH +DIVISION*** + + +E-text prepared by Sigal Alon, Christine P. Travers, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net/) from +page images generously made available by Internet Archive/Canadian +Libraries (http://www.archive.org/details/toronto) + + + +Note: Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries. See + http://www.archive.org/details/hist6thdivision00marduoft + + +Transcriber's note: + + Obvious printer's errors have been corrected. + + The original spelling has been retained. + + Page 76: Two instances of AAA left by the printer have + been replaced by dots. + + Explanations of British/Canadian military abbreviations + can be found at + http://www.1914-1918.net/abbrev.htm + and + http://www.wakefieldfhs.org.uk/military%20abbrevations.shtml + + + + + +A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6th DIVISION + +Aug. 1914-March 1919 + +Edited by + +MAJOR-GEN. T. O. MARDEN +C.B., C.M.G. + + + + + + + +London +Hugh Rees, Ltd. +5 & 7 Regent Street, S.W.1 +1920 + + + + +PREFACE + + +This short history has been compiled mainly from the War Diaries. + +My reason for undertaking the task is that there was no one else to do +it, the units composing the Division being scattered far and wide, and +there being no Divisional habitat with local historians as in the case +of Territorial and New Army Divisions. My object is that all who +served with the Division for any period between 1914-1919 may have a +record to show that they belonged to a Division which played no +inconspicuous part in the Great War. + +I regret that it has been impossible to tabulate the honours (except +V.C.s) won by officers and men of the Division, and it is also +inevitable that the names of many individuals to whom the success of +the Division in many operations was largely due should go unrecorded. +The Infantry naturally bulk large in the picture, but they would be +the first to admit that their success could not have been obtained +without the splendid co-operation of the Artillery, who are sometimes +not even mentioned in the narrative; and this theme might be +elaborated considerably. + +My particular thanks are due to Lt.-Col. T. T. Grove, C.M.G., D.S.O., +R.E., to whom the credit belongs for the form taken by the history and +the more personal portions of the history itself. I also wish to +thank Lt.-Gen. Sir J. Keir, K.C.B., D.S.O., and Major-Gen. C. Ross, C.B., +D.S.O., as well as several Brigadiers and C.O.s, for so kindly +reviewing the periods of which they had personal knowledge. + +In conclusion, I wish to add that every copy sold helps towards the +erection of Battlefield Memorials to be placed in France and Flanders. + + T. O. MARDEN, + _Major-General._ +_April 1920._ + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER PAGE + + I. MOBILIZATION AND MOVE TO FRANCE 1 + + II. BATTLE OF THE AISNE 3 + + III. MOVE TO THE NORTH AND FIRST BATTLE + OF YPRES 6 + + IV. ARMENTIERES 10 + + V. YPRES SALIENT 13 + + VI. THE SOMME 20 + + VII. LOOS SALIENT 28 + +VIII. CAMBRAI 35 + + IX. GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 1918 44 + + X. YPRES SALIENT AGAIN 53 + + XI. THE ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH 58 + + XII. THE MARCH TO THE RHINE AND OCCUPATION + OF GERMANY 76 + + +APPENDIX + + I. BATTLE CASUALTIES 81 + + II. V.C.s WON BY THE DIVISION 82 + + III. DIARY 85 + + IV. ORDERS OF BATTLE ON MOBILIZATION AND ON + 11th NOVEMBER 1918 102 + + V. CHANGES IN COMMANDS AND STAFFS 109 + + + + +A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6th DIVISION + + + + +CHAPTER I + +MOBILIZATION AND MOVE TO FRANCE + +1914 + + +The Division mobilized with its Headquarters at Cork--two brigades in +Ireland, namely, the 16th Infantry Brigade at Fermoy, and the 17th +Infantry Brigade at Cork, and one Infantry Brigade--the 18th--at +Lichfield. Divisional troops mobilized in Ireland. The order for +mobilization was received at 10 p.m. on the 4th August 1914. + +On the 15th August units mobilized in Ireland commenced embarkation at +Cork and Queenstown for England, and the Division was concentrated in +camps in the neighbourhood of Cambridge and Newmarket by the 18th +August. + +The period from the 18th August to the 7th September was one of hard +training. Those who were with the Division at that time will also +remember, with gratitude, the many kindnesses shown them by the people +of Cambridge; the canteens and recreation rooms instituted for the +men, and the hospitality shown by colleges and individuals to the +officers. They will remember, too, their growing impatience to get +out, and their increasing fear that the Division would arrive too +late. + +On the 7th September, however, entrainment for Southampton commenced, +and on the 9th the first troops of the Division disembarked at St. +Nazaire. + +From St. Nazaire a long train journey, which the novelty of the +experience robbed of its tediousness, took the Division a short +distance east of Paris, where it concentrated in billets in the area +Coulommiers--Mortcerf--Marles--Chaume by the 12th September. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +BATTLE OF THE AISNE + +1914 + + +The period 13th to 19th September was spent in the march to the Aisne, +where the Division arrived at a time when a certain amount of anxiety +was felt by the Higher Command. The 5th French Army on the right, the +British Army in the centre, and the 6th French Army under General +Maunoury on the left, had pushed the Germans back across the Marne, +and on the 14th September the British troops had crossed the Aisne on +the front Soissons-Bourg--the I Corps at Bourg, the II Corps at Vailly +and Missy, and the III at Venizel. The French right attack from the +direction of Rheims and the British attack by the I Corps had +progressed much faster than the left, and had reached the heights on +the line Craonne-Troyon, astride the famous Chemin des Dames. These +were now the objective of fierce attacks by the Germans, and the 6th +Division, which had been allotted originally to the III Corps, was put +into General Reserve instead, only the artillery joining the III +Corps. The units of the I Corps were very tired and weakened after the +big retreat from Mons and the subsequent hard fighting on the Marne +and Aisne, so immediately on its arrival the 18th Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C.) was ordered to relieve the 2nd +Infantry Brigade on the right of the British line. The front taken +over ran diagonally from north-east to south-west along the high +ground just south of the Chemin des Dames to the north and north-east +of Troyon. The East Yorks on the left relieved in daylight on the 19th +September the D.L.I., and the West Yorks during the night of the +19/20th September. The West Yorks had two companies in front +trenches, one company echeloned in right rear and one company in +support. The Sherwood Foresters were in reserve. + +At dawn on the 20th September, the enemy delivered a heavy attack on +the I Corps and on the French left, driving in the Tirailleurs +d'Afrique and turning the flank of the West Yorks. The echeloned +company formed front to the flank, and the supporting company followed +suit. The Germans annihilated the right front company, and, using the +white flag ruse, apparently captured some of the next company. Major +Ingles, collecting a proportion of the front companies, withdrew a +short distance and counter-attacked, but was unsuccessful and lost his +life in this gallant endeavour. At about 1 p.m. a counter-attack was +delivered by the Sherwood Foresters, who were in Brigade Reserve, the +support company of the West Yorks, under Lt.-Col. Towsey, and a +squadron of the 18th Hussars from Paissy. These, advancing over the +perfectly open ground, recaptured the trenches and gallantly held them +against further attacks. In this affair the West Yorks suffered +casualties amounting approximately to 15 officers and 600 other ranks, +the Sherwood Foresters also losing 12 officers and 180 other ranks. +The temporary loss of the trenches by the West Yorks exposed the +trenches of the D.L.I, to enfilade machine-gun fire, from which they +had considerable casualties, including Majors Mander and Robb. This +was the only serious fighting in which the Division was engaged, but a +certain amount of trouble was caused by the arrival of guns from +Antwerp which fired "Black Marias," and the enfilade gun and +machine-gun fire to which portions of the main line lent themselves. + +On the 21st September the 17th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. R. B. +Doran) relieved the 6th Infantry Brigade and the 4th Guards Brigade on +the front Fort de Metz-La Cour de Soupir, and held the portion without +much incident till 2nd October, when they were withdrawn into +Corps Reserve. + +The 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. E. C. Ingouville-Williams) +relieved the 7th and 9th Infantry Brigades to the north-east of Vailly +on the 21st/22nd September, and remained in trenches until 12th +October, some time after the rest of the Division had gone north. They +received the thanks of the II Corps for their soldierly conduct. The +divisional artillery (Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Paget) was in support of the +5th Division opposite Missy, but only the 2nd Brigade was engaged. It +had already been re-organized since mobilization by the inclusion, in +each of 12th, 24th and 38th Brigades, of a battery of 4.5-in. +howitzers. + +The Battle of the Aisne marked the commencement of trench warfare, and +the Royal Engineers (Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp, C.R.E.) were employed to +some extent in wiring at night. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +MOVE TO THE NORTH AND FIRST BATTLE OF YPRES + +1914 + + +The diminishing pressure of the Germans on the Aisne had made it +evident that an attempt by them to reach the Channel ports would be +made very soon. This would best be frustrated by an outflanking +movement of the Allies to the north, with the ultimate aim of joining +hands with the Belgian Army at that time holding Antwerp. Sir John +French was most anxious to place the British Army in its original +position on the left of the French, as it was based on Boulogne, +Calais and Dunkirk. + +The II British Corps was the first to move from the Aisne and +prolonged the French line towards La Bassee; the I and III Corps +extending inwards to relieve it. Next followed the III Corps, relieved +by the French and destined to take its place north of the II Corps +towards Bailleul. + +The Cavalry Corps advanced north of the III Corps towards Kemmel, and +at a later date the I Corps, handing over to the French, was moved +towards Ypres, while the 7th Division, just arrived in France, was +directed on Menin. + +The III Corps consisted of the 4th and 6th Divisions under Lt.-Gen. +Pulteney. The period 6th to 9th October was occupied in the march to +the entraining station near Compiegne. The Division detrained at St. +Omer on 10th October, and was joined by the 19th Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. Hon. F. Gordon), which remained with it until 31st May +1915. The battalions composing this brigade were 2nd R.W.F., 1st +Cameronians, 1st Middlesex, 2nd A. and S. Highlanders. The 5th +Cameronians were added on 19th November 1914. + +On the 12th October the Division marched to Hazebrouck, where it +covered the detrainment of the 4th Division and came into touch with +the enemy. The latter, consisting of two Cavalry Divisions with some +Jaeger (Rifle) Battalions, and at least one Division of the XIX Corps, +were fighting a rearguard action until such time as they should be +reinforced. The character of the advance may be illustrated by an +incident on the 14th October, when a platoon of the 1st R.F. (of the +Reserve Brigade) was detailed to rescue General Keir's car, which had +run into snipers near Merris. Fortunately the G.O.C. was not in it. +The reinforcement by the enemy occurred on the 20th October, on which +date began the Battle of Ypres-Armentieres, generally called the First +Battle of Ypres. As far as the Division was concerned this took place +on the western portion of the ridge between Armentieres and Lille, and +resulted in the Division being forced back from the line +Preniesques-Radinghem (almost on top of the ridge) to the low ground +Rue du Bois-La Boutillerie after very fierce continuous fighting from +20th to 31st October, in which the Division suffered nearly 4,000 +casualties. To revert, on 13th October the III Corps advanced with the +4th Division on the left and the 6th Division on the right. An action +took place on the line of the Meteren Brook, commencing at 1 p.m. and +continuing till dark, when the 17th and 18th Infantry Brigades had +captured Meteren and Bailleul with about 400 casualties. Pushing +forward, the 17th Infantry Brigade crossed the River Lys at Bac St. +Maur, and the 18th Infantry Brigade at Sailly on the night 15/16th +October, and approached on the 17th the ridge west of Lille, where the +enemy were reported to be entrenched. The 16th Infantry Brigade now +rejoined the Division from the Aisne, and on the 18th October a +reconnaissance in force was ordered, which was brilliantly carried +out. The Buffs and Y. and L. on the right captured Radinghem +without much opposition, and advanced across a small plateau, 300 +yards in width, towards the woods in which stands the Chateau de +Flandres. They here came under a heavy cross-fire of machine-guns and +shrapnel, and were counter-attacked and driven back. The situation, +however, was saved by Major Bayley's company of the Y. and L., which +had worked round on the left and threatened the flank of the +counter-attack, which thereon withdrew. The Y. and L. suffered +considerable casualties in this little action--Major Robertson being +killed. Meanwhile the 18th Infantry Brigade had captured Ennetieres +and the south end of Capinghem, while the 17th Infantry Brigade +reached Premesques, but was unable to take Perenchies. The 4th +Division had not been able to cross the Lys north of Armentieres, +which necessitated the 17th Infantry Brigade throwing back its flank +to l'Epinette. On the 19th October the Division entrenched on the line +it had won. To the right were French cavalry and cyclists, covering +the gap between the right of the III Corps and the left of the I Corps +near Aubers. The advance from Hazebrouck to the ridge had occupied six +days, and cost the Division some 750 casualties. + +On the morning of the 20th October the Germans attacked very heavily +on the whole front. Fighting on a very extended front (five miles) and +with very little in hand, the Division was soon in difficulties, +particularly on the exposed left flank, where the Leinsters had their +three left companies quickly driven in, and the situation at midday +was critical. One company with the machine-guns was able to hold on +until the afternoon at Mont de Premesques, and to withdraw under cover +of darkness, having inflicted heavy loss on the enemy. Meanwhile units +of other brigades were putting up a gallant fight against great odds, +each unit generally with one or both flanks unsupported. At +Ennetieres, which formed rather a salient, the Sherwood Foresters held +out all day, but were attacked at dusk by three battalions and +practically annihilated or captured, only the CO., Adjutant, Q.M. and +250 other ranks remaining the next day. + +The Buffs, after a splendid fight, were driven out of Radinghem, and +by night the Division was practically back on the line which it was to +hold for the next few months, and on which the German offensive of +1918 still found the British. Continuous unsuccessful attempts to +break through occurred till 31st October, when trench warfare set in. +Notable among these was the attack on the K.S.L.I. and Y. and L. on +the 23rd October, when 300 enemy dead were left in front of our +trenches; on the 18th Infantry Brigade on the night of the 27/28th +October, when the enemy captured the line, but was driven out by a +counter-attack, in which the East Yorks specially distinguished +themselves; and on the night of the 29/30th October, when the 19th +Infantry Brigade lost some trenches, but counter-attacked +successfully, and counted 200 German dead. The incident of Cpl. +Forward, 1st The Buffs, is typical of the fierce fighting. On 30th +October, when the O.C. machine-guns of The Buffs and all the team had +been killed or wounded, this gallant N.C.O. continued to fire his gun +until eventually wounded in five places, when he crawled back to +report the situation. He was rewarded with the D.C.M. During the whole +period, 20th to 30th October, the guns were woefully short of +ammunition, and consequently a greater strain was thrown on the +infantry. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +ARMENTIERES + +1914-15 + + +Active fighting now died away on this front, but its place was taken +by constant shelling and the deadly sniping which claimed so many +victims at this time. The weather during November and December was +truly appalling. All trenches were knee-deep and more in mud and +water, and it is on record that the B.G.C., 19th Infantry Brigade, had +his boots sucked off by the mud and went round trenches without them. +Parapets would not stand and were so flimsy that many men were shot +through them. But the weather eventually improved, material for +revetment began to appear, and by the commencement of 1915 it was +possible to move in the trenches in comparative safety. + +The next few months were uneventful ones, the only incidents worthy of +remark being a visit from the King on the 2nd December; a minor +operation by the North Staffordshire Regiment on the 12th March, +resulting in the inclusion in our line of the unsavoury Epinette +Salient; the sudden move of the 16th Infantry Brigade to Vlamertinghe +at the time of the enemy's attack at St. Eloi in the middle of March, +and a little mining and counter-mining on the Frelinghien and Le +Touquet fronts in May. The minor operation at l'Epinette was a very +well-planned night affair, whereby the 17th Infantry Brigade advanced +their line 200-300 yards on a frontage of half a mile. It was carried +out by the 1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and 12th Field +Company, and Sir H. Smith-Dorrien (Army Commander), in congratulating +the regiment, mentioned particularly Lieuts. Pope and Gordon for +fine leading. But if there was no heavy fighting, the trench casualties +from sniping and enemy shell-fire were quite considerable (see +Appendix). We had practically no artillery ammunition with which to +worry the enemy, as the following extract from the Divisional War +Diary shows:-- + +_24th April 1915._--"In view of the fighting in progress in the north +(Second Battle of Ypres) the Corps Commander allots an extra ten +rounds of shrapnel per gun for 18-pounders with a view to making a +demonstration by fire to hold the enemy in front of us." Amusing +reading in 1919! + +The Division continued to hold a quiet but very extended front till +the end of May, receiving a succession of units from new Divisions to +serve their apprenticeship to trench warfare. + +Amongst our visitors, during this period, were units of the 9th +Division, and some of those who have read Ian Hay's _The First Hundred +Thousand_ will have recognized in it a description of a part of the +trenches of the 19th Infantry Brigade. + +During this period the four brigades each received a fifth Territorial +Battalion--the Queen's Westminsters joining on the 11th November and +being allotted to the 18th Infantry Brigade; the 5th Scottish Rifles, +who went to the 19th Infantry Brigade, joining on the 19th November; +the 2nd Battalion London Regiment joining the 17th Infantry Brigade in +February, and the 5th Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment the +16th Infantry Brigade on the 15th of that month. The 38th Field +Company left the Division on the 9th April, and on the 21st December +1914 the 1st London Field Company, later the 509th, began its long +connection with the 6th Division. The Division lost its squadron of +the 19th Hussars, receiving in its place "C" squadron of the +Northamptonshire Yeomanry. + +It was during the sojourn in Armentieres that the "Fancies," +without mention of whom no history of the Division would be complete, +came into being. With the "Follies," the 4th Division troupe, formed a +few weeks before them, also in Armentieres, they were the forerunners +of the Divisional theatrical troupes which subsequently became +universal. + +At Armentieres also took place the first 6th Divisional Horse Show, a +highly successful two-day show--the first of its kind held in the +B.E.F. + +On the 27th May 1915 began the relief of the Division by the 27th +Division, and on the following days its move northwards to join the +newly formed VI Corps. Major-Gen. Sir John Keir left on the 27th to +take up command of the new corps, taking with him--as B.G., +R.A.--Brig.-Gen. W. H. L. Paget. + +Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C., from the 18th Infantry Brigade, +succeeded Sir John Keir in command of the Division; Brig.-Gen. +Humphreys taking the appointment of C.R.A. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +YPRES SALIENT + +1915-16 + + +On the night of the 31st May/1st June the Division took over its new +front in the Ypres Salient, commencing its long tour in that unsavoury +region, and trench casualties almost doubled immediately. It continued +in the Salient up to the end of July 1916, with three periods of rest, +each of about a month's duration: the first spent in the neighbourhood +of Houtkerque and Poperinghe, in November and December 1915; the +second in the Houtkerque-Wormhoudt area, with one brigade at a time +back at Calais from mid-March to mid-April 1916; and the third again +in the Houtkerque-Wormhoudt area from mid-June to mid-July 1916. The +nature of these rests has been humorously but not untruthfully +portrayed in the columns of _Punch_; the author of "At the Front" in +that paper having been an officer in the K.S.L.I. + +The line was just hardening after the Second Battle of Ypres when the +Division moved up to the Salient, and no active operations took place +on the actual front taken over by the Division, but its artillery was +called upon to assist its neighbours on either flank, i.e. on the 16th +June when the 3rd Division attacked Bellewarde Farm north-west of +Hooge; on the 22nd June when the 42nd Infantry Brigade of the 14th +Division attempted a small operation, and on the 6th July when the 4th +Division carried out a successful minor operation near Pilkem. + +On the 30th July the 14th Division was attacked at Hooge and driven +back to Sanctuary and Zouave Woods. Their counter-attacks, gallantly +delivered, but under the circumstances giving very little prospect of +success, failed, and for a time the situation was critical. The +16th Infantry Brigade was moved up to the area about Goldfish Chateau +(half-mile north-west of Ypres) as a precautionary measure, and was at +one time in danger of being thrown in to make a hasty counter-attack. +Fortunately this proved unnecessary, and on the 31st July the Corps +Commander decided to relieve the whole Division, and to allot to it +the task of restoring the line at Hooge in a carefully prepared +attack. + +The relief was carried out on the 2nd and 3rd August 1915, and on the +6th the Division took over its front of attack, and the preparatory +bombardment was commenced. This bombardment was very carefully +planned, carried out with great thoroughness and accuracy, and was one +of the most effective and severe that had, up to that time, been put +down by the British. The artillery co-operation in the attack was on a +similar scale and equally effective, except so far as counter-battery +work against enemy artillery to the south was concerned, and the +attack owed much of its success to the assistance it received from the +artillery. To this assistance two French batteries of "75's," lent by +the 36th French Corps, ably contributed. + +The attack was launched on the 9th August at 3.15 a.m. on a front of +about 1,000 yards--the 18th Infantry Brigade (Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey) +attacking on the right with the 2nd D.L.I. in front line and the 2nd +Sherwood Foresters in support, the 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. +C. Nicholson) on the left, with the 1st K.S.L.I. and the 2nd Y. and L. +Regiment in front line, and the 1st The Buffs in support. + +The attack was completely successful; all objectives were quickly +gained. A very large number of German dead were counted in the +recaptured position, and a considerable number of prisoners taken. The +captured position was subjected to a very heavy bombardment, +especially on the right; principally by guns firing from the +south-east, not opposite the corps front, which took the new line in +flank and often in reverse. The troops of the 18th Infantry Brigade +held on to their positions with their usual gallantry and +determination, in spite of very heavy casualties. The 2nd D.L.I. +particularly distinguished themselves by the tenacity they displayed, +and they and the 2nd Sherwood Foresters and 1st East Yorkshire +Regiment suffered severely. In face of the heavy shelling it was found +impossible on the right to establish a line on the final objective, +where all the former trenches had been entirely obliterated. The +advanced troops had accordingly to be withdrawn on this flank, but +some time after this withdrawal was thought to have been completed a +message was received from a Lance-Corporal of the 2nd D.L.I. to the +effect that he was established in the stables of the chateau with a +few men, and asking that rations and ammunition might be sent up to +them. On the left not only was all the ground lost on the 30th July +regained, but an important spur north of the Menin Road, which had +hitherto been in German occupation, was included in the final position +consolidated. Three officers and 124 other ranks were taken prisoners, +and over 500 of the enemy were counted dead on the captured ground. +The gallant work of the R.E. in wiring the position was specially +mentioned in the accounts from G.H.Q. which appeared in the papers. + +The attack at Hooge was particularly interesting, as it was the first +attempt made to follow the barrage really closely. The barrage did +not, however, "creep" up to the German front line, but was placed +directly on it at once at zero and lifted back from there, the 6-in. +howitzers lifting slightly before the Field Artillery. The infantry +lay out as close to the barrage as possible before zero, and moved in +_on time_ as soon as the Field Artillery barrage lifted. The attack +was looked upon for some time as a model of really close co-operation +between infantry and artillery. + +For this operation, skilfully planned and most gallantly and +successfully carried out, the Division received great praise. The +casualties were 70 officers and 1,700 other ranks. (A very full +account of this operation can be found in the fourth volume of _The +Great World War_, published by the Gresham Publishing Company, +Limited.) + +Other incidents of the tour in the Salient were the gallant voluntary +assistance rendered on the 6th July 1915 by Lieut. Smith, 1st North +Staffords (died of wounds), with his grenadier party to a post of the +41st Brigade which was being heavily attacked, and which brought him +the thanks of General Allenby, commanding V Corps; the enemy gas +attack of 19th December 1915, when no actual attack was launched +against the Division, and the minor operations near Turco Farm and +Morteldje Estaminet on 19th-22nd April 1916. Certain trenches, D20 and +21 and Willow Walk, were much overlooked by High Command Redoubt, some +150 yards away. The Germans throughout the 19th April heavily +bombarded these trenches, and succeeded in seizing them at night. One +company 8th Bedfords and two companies Y. and L. delivered a +counter-attack in the early hours of 20th April, but could not retake +the position. The Brigadier-General therefore decided to bombard them +steadily throughout the 21st, and recapture them on the night +21st/22nd April with three companies of the K.S.L.I., then in Brigade +Reserve. This was brilliantly accomplished in spite of the very heavy +going, and the line firmly re-established, but with the loss of +Lt.-Col. Luard, commanding K.S.L.I., who died of wounds. It was found +that the enemy had dug good new trenches in several places, and +equipped them with steel loop-hole plates, and these were occupied +thankfully by our men. The general state of the trenches, commanded as +they were by the enemy's positions, in the water-logged Ypres Salient +during the winter of 1915-1916 defies description, and all praise must +be given to the regimental officers and men for their hard work +and cheerfulness under most depressing conditions. + +Mention must be made of the thirty-five-mile march to Croix Dubac to +assist in an extensive raid by the Anzac Corps, made by the 24th +Brigade, R.F.A., at the shortest notice. The brigade was away ten +days. + +During this period the principal change which occurred in the Order of +Battle of the Division was the arrival of the 71st Infantry Brigade +(Brig.-Gen. M. Shewen) instead of the 17th Infantry Brigade, which +took the place of the former in the 24th Division. Consequent on this +was a redistribution of battalions to brigades--the 1st Leicestershire +Regiment, from the 16th Infantry Brigade, and the 2nd Sherwood +Foresters, from the 18th Infantry Brigade, being transferred to the +71st Infantry Brigade in exchange for the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment +and the 11th Essex Regiment respectively. These exchanges took +place--the former on the 18th November 1915, the latter on the 28th +October 1915. On 1st April the 11th Leicestershire Regiment (Pioneers) +joined from the United Kingdom. + +On the 11th June the 5th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment left the +Division, and on 11th October the 2nd London Regiment; on the 26th +November the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment was transferred to the 1st +Division, and on the 28th November the Queen's Westminsters left to +join the 56th Division, the 14th D.L.I. arriving the same day to take +their place in the 18th Infantry Brigade. On the 13th October the +2/2nd West Riding (later the 459th) Field Company joined. Machine-gun +companies took their place--the 18th M.G.C. in January, the 16th +M.G.C. in February, and the 71st M.G.C. in March 1916. Medium T.M.s +came into being in May 1916, and L.T.M.s in August 1916. The cyclist +company and the squadron of Northamptonshire Yeomanry also left during +this period on becoming Corps troops. + +The changes in the Divisional Artillery were numerous. On 12th May the +12th Brigade, R.F.A., was broken up--the 87th Battery going to the +2nd Brigade, and the 43rd Battery to the 24th Brigade; each +battery giving one section to form "D" Battery, 38th Brigade, which +latter replaced the 34th Battery transferred on 15th February to a +T.F. Division. The 86th Battery had previously been transferred from +the 12th Brigade, R.F.A., to another Division. The 38th Brigade later +became an Army Brigade, R.F.A. + +On the 14th November 1915 Major-Gen. C. Ross, D.S.O., assumed command +of the Division, on the appointment of Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, +V.C., to the command of the XIII Corps. Lt.-Col. J. M. Shea (now +Major-Gen. Sir J. M. Shea, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.) was succeeded as +G.S.O.1 on the 5th July 1915 by Lt.-Col. G. F. Boyd, D.S.O., D.C.M., +who finished the war as Major-General commanding the 46th Division. On +the 29th February 1916 Major W. E. Ironside, who has since reached the +position of Major-General commanding the Allied Forces at Archangel, +was succeeded as G.S.O.2 by Major L. P. Evans of the Black Watch, who +subsequently, after winning the V.C. as a Battalion Commander, +finished the War in command of an Infantry Brigade. + +A history of the Division would hardly be complete without a short +reference to "The Admiral." Many of those who knew and liked him well +by that name probably never knew him by any other. Lieut. Smith was an +owner driver in charge of a convoy of 'buses with the Royal Naval +Division at Antwerp, whence he escaped to France. In October 1914 he +seized the opportunity of an officer requiring to be taken up to join +his unit, to make his way with his car to the front. Arrived there he +contrived to get himself attached to the 6th Division Headquarters, +remaining with them until he was reported missing on the 10th June +1916. Consumed with a good healthy hatred of the enemy, and keen to be +of assistance in any way that he could, he devoted the greater part of +the time he was with the Division to experimenting with bullet-proof +shields on wheels to be propelled by manpower, a sort of embryonic +tank. His ambition was himself to take the first of these into action. +At last he was offered an opportunity of co-operating with a small +3-man pattern in a minor raid near Forward Cottage. What success he +might have achieved it is impossible to say, as in his eagerness he +preceded the shield by several yards to show the crew the way and was +hit in the neck by a splinter from a bomb. The name of Admiral's Road, +given to the road past Crossroads Farm and Forward Cottage, +commemorates the incident of which it was the scene. Later "The +Admiral" turned his attention to Bangalore torpedoes, in the use of +which he trained the unauthorised party which had long existed under +the name of the 6th Division Shield Party. With them he took part in +many raids and minor enterprises, one of which earned him the D.S.O. +On the 10th June he was reported missing from a patrol of the 9th +Norfolk Regiment, and nothing has since been heard of him. For nearly +two years he contrived to serve voluntarily with the Division, nobody +quite knows in what capacity or by what authority, and during that +time he endeared himself to all by his unfailing good nature and +cheeriness, his whole-hearted enthusiasm and his lack of fear. + +It may here be mentioned that during its last "rest" the Division +carried out very hard training over dummy trenches for an attack on +the Pilkem Ridge, in conjunction with the Guards. This attack was +abandoned when the Division moved to the Somme, but it formed the +basis of the very successful attack delivered by the Guards and Welsh +Divisions in July 1917. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE SOMME + +1916 + + +At the end of July the Division was at last relieved from the Salient, +where it had suffered nearly 11,000 casualties during its thirteen +months' sojourn, and went south by train to join the Fifth Army. + +The greater part of August was spent on the Ancre, on the front +opposite Beaumont-Hamel, making preparations for an attack which was +eventually abandoned for a time. + +After a short period in reserve the Division was moved, between 6th +and 8th September, to join the XIV Corps, Fourth Army (Lt.-Gen. Lord +Cavan), to which corps it had for some time belonged up north. The XIV +Corps was the right corps of the British attack, and had its right on +the north bank of the Somme. In a succession of hard-fought battles +the Fourth Army (Gen. Sir H. S. Rawlinson) had pushed the Germans back +a considerable distance; units were feeling the strain badly, and +fresh troops were needed. + +On 9th September a successful attack had given us Ginchy and Leuze +Wood, but the Germans were holding very strongly the high ground which +lies in the form of a horseshoe between the above-named points, and +which dominates the country for some distance to the south. The +trenches followed the shape of the spur roughly at the back end of the +horseshoe, and covered access was given to them by a sunken road +leading back to the deep valley which runs north from Combles. + +At the top of the spur, just south of the railway and communicating +with the sunken road, was a four-sided trench in the form of a +parallelogram of some 300 yards by 150 yards, called by us the +Quadrilateral. + +It was this strong point and the adjoining trenches which had held up +the advance of the Fourth Army on the 9th September, and it was the +first task of the 6th Division to obliterate the horseshoe and +straighten the line preparatory to a general attack on the 15th +September. + +On 12th September attacks by the 56th Division on the south and the +Guards on the north reduced the neck of the horseshoe, or pocket, to +about 500 yards, but could not close it. The situation within the +horseshoe was undefined, and the exact positions of the Quadrilateral +and other trenches were not known, owing to the bad flying weather. +Even our own positions were in doubt, as almost every vestige of +roads, railways and even villages had disappeared under the continuous +bombardments. + +On night 11/12th September the 71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. J. F. +Edwards) relieved part of the Guards Division and the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. L. Osborn), part of the 56th Division, with +orders on the 13th September to straighten the line by capturing the +Quadrilateral. The 71st Infantry Brigade attacked with the Foresters +north of the railway and 9th Suffolk Regiment south of the railway, +while the 8th Bedford Regiment, who were close to the Quadrilateral on +the north-east of the Leuze Wood, co-operated by bombing up the trench +towards it. The artillery co-operation was weak, observation being +difficult, and though the troops advanced with the greatest gallantry +the northern attack could only make 500 yards, and the southern attack +of the 71st Infantry Brigade still less, while casualties from the +enemy artillery and machine-gun fire were very large. + +A second attack at 6 p.m. the same day succeeded in bringing our line +to about 250 yards from the Strong Point, and in getting touch on the +right with the 16th Infantry Brigade. + +Preparations were now made to include the Quadrilateral in the +general attack of the 15th September instead of making it a subsidiary +operation--a situation which recurred two years later almost to a day +in the attack on Holnon Village, and which had similar results. + +The British objective for the 15th September was +Gueudecourt-Flers-Lesboeufs-Morval--the XIV Corps (Guards and 6th +Division) to capture the two latter. It was the first occasion on +which tanks were employed, and as far as the Division was concerned +was a failure, for of the three allotted to the 6th Division two broke +down before starting, and the third, moving off in accordance with +orders long before the infantry, had its periscope shot off, its +peep-holes blinded, was riddled by armour-piercing bullets, and had to +come back without achieving anything. This again found a parallel in +the attack on the Quadrilateral, near St. Quentin, on 18th September +1918, when the tanks were ineffective. + +To facilitate the movement of the tanks a gap of about 200 yards had +been left in the creeping barrage. This gap unfortunately coincided +with the strongest point of the Quadrilateral. The barrage, moreover, +had passed over the German trenches by the time the infantry advanced; +the latter had, consequently, to attack up the glacis-like slopes +without any artillery support except the bombardment. This, owing to +the enemy's trenches not having been accurately located, was +ineffective. + +The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked on a battalion front--one company +of the Bedfords bombing up the trench from Leuze Wood, and the +remainder over the open to the north against the south-west face. The +Buffs and York and Lancasters supported the attack, but in spite of +the greatest gallantry could not take the Strong Point. + +The 1st Leicesters and the Norfolks, passing through the entrenched +Foresters and Suffolks, attacked the Quadrilateral from the north-west +with equal drive, but they too failed. Some ground, however, was +made, and by 10 a.m. the 16th Infantry Brigade on the south, and the +71st Infantry Brigade on the north, were digging in close to the +enemy's wire and trenches. + +During the day constant reports arrived that the Guards had gained +their objectives, and that tanks and cheering men were moving through +Lesboeufs. It was not until the following morning that this report +was proved to be incorrect, and that it was Flers which had been +captured. In the meantime it appeared to the Divisional G.O.C. +(General Ross) that the prospect of a break-through on a large scale +was prejudiced solely by the repulse of the 6th Division. He therefore +ordered a night attack on the flanks of the Quadrilateral to be +executed by two battalions of the 18th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. R. +J. Bridgford). These battalions, the 2nd Durham Light Infantry and the +11th Essex, moved round after dark and attacked; the former from the +north, the latter from the south-east to the left of the 16th Infantry +Brigade. The 11th Essex lost direction, while the 2nd D.L.I. bombed +down a trench only to find that it did not lead into the Strong Point. +Except on the 6th Divisional front and at High Wood, which was +captured during the night, the whole line had advanced, and it was a +bitter blow to the Division to think that their sacrifices had been in +vain. + +On the night of the 16/17th September the 18th Infantry Brigade +relieved the sorely-tried 71st Infantry Brigade, and fresh +preparations were made for an attack, on the 18th, of the +Quadrilateral, which had been strongly reinforced by the enemy through +the sunken road. + +The K.S.L.I. dug themselves in with their left on the railway, so as +to assault the south-west face of the Strong Point. The weather having +cleared, the trenches were now carefully located from the air and +heavily bombarded, and on the 18th September, under both a stationary +and creeping barrage, and with the York and Lancasters bombing up +the trench from Leuze Wood, and the 18th Infantry Brigade (West Yorks +and 14th Durham Light Infantry) attacking the north-west face and the +trench running north from the Quadrilateral, this redoubtable Strong +Point was at last captured with comparatively small loss after what +must be conceded as a magnificent defence, and which had cost the +Division upwards of 3,500 casualties. Nine machine-guns and 160 +unwounded prisoners were taken in the Quadrilateral and many Germans +killed. + +The Quadrilateral once captured, the advance was carried forward for +1,000 yards to within half a mile of Morval and Lesboeufs. These, +which were the original objectives on the 13th September, were now to +be attacked on the 25th September. Relieved for rest on the 16th, the +Division came in again on 21st September, and dug good assembly +trenches. The most forward portion of the line taken over by the +Division consisted of 250 yards of one of the main German trenches, +which was held by the Germans on both flanks for some distance. +Fortunately we were in possession of the communication trench leading +up to it, and during the three nights after taking over considerable +excitement and amusement were caused by the occasional arrival of +German ration parties at our part of the trench, having failed to hit +off the part occupied by their own troops. Uttering many guttural +oaths these fled for their lives, speeded up by our machine and Lewis +guns. A few prisoners were captured in this way, and some valuable +information obtained. Spurred on apparently by the loss of their +rations, the Germans attacked on the 24th September both flanks of +this trench under cover of a mist, but were driven back without +reaching it, except on the extreme right. Here they entered a bombing +post, but were ejected, leaving one officer and twelve other ranks +dead and an unwounded prisoner, while our casualties were practically +nil. + +The objective allotted to the Division for the 25th September was the +ground between the north end of Morval (attacked by 5th Division) +and the road which passes through the centre of Lesboeufs. At 12.35 +p.m. the attack was launched--the 16th Infantry Brigade on the right +gaining the first objective with the Buffs, and the final objective +with K.S.L.I. and the Y. and L. On the left the 2nd D.L.I. and the +Essex captured the first objective, and the West Yorks and two +companies 14th D.L.I. the final objective. This was one of the most +successful battles on the Somme--thanks to good weather and +observation, a carefully arranged creeping barrage, and a sound +preliminary bombardment. + +The Division captured over 500 prisoners, 6 machine-guns, and 4 heavy +trench-mortars. Tanks were not used. We here turned the tables on the +52nd Division, 26th Reserve Corps, our old opponents at Ypres, where +the ground was all in their favour and where they had proved +troublesome antagonists. + +After consolidating its ground the Division was relieved by the 20th +Division on 30th September, and the long struggle began for the +possession of the high ground overlooking the Bapaume-Le Transloy +Road. + +On 7th October the XIV Corps (20th and 56th Divisions) attacked +with only partial success, and the 6th Division was brought in +again on night 8/9th October for a general attack on the 12th +October. The enemy had dug a series of trenches named by us +Rainbow--Cloudy--Misty--Zenith, etc., a portion of which had been +captured by us, making a somewhat pronounced salient. All three +brigades were in the line, with one battalion in front trenches, the +71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. E. Feetham) being in the salient, +with the 16th Infantry Brigade on the right and the 18th Infantry +Brigade on the left. The objective of the attack of the 12th October +was the line of trenches running north from Le Transloy. + +At 2.5 p.m. the flank brigades attacked, but with only partial +success. The failure to make ground, which was general all along +the British front, was attributed to want of surprise, as we had +bombarded the position for two days, and always attacked in the early +afternoon. Further, the ground was very heavy and observation +extremely bad. The Germans were fresh troops, and fought well. Perhaps +more than anything it was due to the effect of their machine-gun fire. +Taught by our creeping barrage that machine-guns in the front line +were useless, the enemy had drawn them across the valley towards the +road, and caught our advance over the brow of the rise with accurate +distant machine-gun fire. + +Changing the time of zero, the attack was renewed at 5.35 a.m. on the +15th October, the 18th Infantry Brigade on the left (2nd D.L.I. and +11th Essex) attempting to seize those portions of Cloudy and Mild +trenches still held by the enemy, while the Sherwood Foresters on +their right attacked some gun pits which lay about 200 yards in front +of their line. This latter attack succeeded, but with the great loss +of Colonel Hobbs, O.C. The Foresters, who died of his wounds. The left +attack made a little ground. A final attempt to push forward the line +was made on the 18th October by the 9th Norfolks, but was only +partially successful. + +On 20th October the Division (less artillery) was relieved and moved +to the First Army, going into Corps Reserve of the I Corps, with +Divisional Headquarters at Bethune and the units in the town and +surrounding area. + +The artillery of the Division (Brig.-Gen. E. S. Cleeve, C.R.A.) had +first come into action on the Somme on the 3rd September, supporting +the attack of the 16th Division on Guillemont. It was grouped and +re-grouped in accordance with the requirements of the situation, but +never as a whole covered the operations of the Division. + +On the 9th November it was withdrawn and marched to First Army area, +where for about a month it covered the 56th Division, XI Corps, with +6th D.A.H.Q. at La Gorgue, rejoining the Division in I Corps in +December. Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce replaced Brig.-Gen. Cleeve +as C.R.A. on 25th October. + +The Division had taken part as a whole in three general attacks on the +Somme (15th and 25th September and 12th October), and had also carried +out subordinate operations on 13th and 18th September and 18th +October. + +It had suffered casualties amounting to 277 officers and 6,640 other +ranks, and had well earned a rest. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +LOOS SALIENT + +1916-17 + + +On 25th November the Division took over the La Bassee sector, which +included the famous Givenchy Ridge and Cuinchy Brickstacks. After +about a month it side-stepped to the Cambrin-Hohenzollern Quarries +front of about 5,500 yards, where it remained until the 28th February +1917. All this front had a most evil repute, but so exhausted was the +enemy by the Somme fighting that this four months' trench sojourn +proved the quietest the Division ever experienced, except before the +storm of March 1918, and the casualties would have been far fewer had +it not been for several raids carried out by us. + +The machine-guns of the Division were strengthened on 15th December by +the arrival of the 192nd M.G. Company, and on 2nd January 1917 +Lt.-Col. G. F. B. Goldney, D.S.O., succeeded Lt.-Col. H. R. S. +Christie as C.R.E., the latter having been nearly a year with the +Division. + +On the 1st March the Division took over a 11,000 yards' front +extending north from the Double Crassier at Loos with sectors +Loos--14bis--Hulluch--Hohenzollern, all three brigades being in line +and a brigade of the 21st Division also which came under the command +of G.O.C., 6th Division. + +March and the first portion of April were notable for raids and +counter-raids, and for considerable artillery and trench-mortar +activity, which gave place to more or less continuous fighting +consequent on the withdrawal of the enemy opposite the right of the +Division after the successful attack by the Canadians at Vimy. + +Notice was received on the morning of the 13th April that a +withdrawal was contemplated by the enemy opposite part of the +Divisional front. The right section of the front was at that time held +by the 16th Infantry Brigade, with the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment +on its right. On the 13th April the withdrawal commenced, the enemy +being so closely followed up by the York and Lancaster Regiment that +by 6.20 p.m. the brigade was able to report the Railway Triangle in +our occupation, and the whole of the battalion in the enemy's +trenches. Our troops were into the enemy's dug-outs before the candles +left by them had burnt out. + +The policy laid down for the Division was that the enemy was to be +closely followed up wherever he fell back, but that our troops were +not to be committed to a serious engagement. In accordance with these +instructions the enemy's trenches were subjected to heavy bombardment, +with pauses during which patrols were sent forward and occupied as +much ground as they could. This policy was maintained for four days, +during which the 16th Infantry Brigade pressed the enemy with such +vigour, within the limits allowed to it, that he was evidently rushed +rather farther back than had been his intention, and began to become +apprehensive as to his hold on Hill 70. The opposition stiffened on +the 15th April, and on the 16th a counter-attack drove the 1st The +Buffs back slightly, but was unsuccessful against the 8th Bedfordshire +Regiment on the right. An advanced post of the latter battalion put up +a very fine defence and maintained its position. A further attack on +this battalion on the following day again failed to shake the defence. + +On the 16th April a systematic bombardment of the trenches on Hill 70 +was commenced, and authority was given for a slightly greater +employment of force. Attacks on the 18th and 19th April, by the 1st +K.S.L.I. and the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment, gained some ground and +gave us between forty and fifty prisoners. + +By this time continuous fighting, under very trying weather +conditions, had exhausted the 16th Infantry Brigade. In order to +maintain the pressure it became necessary to withdraw battalions from +the front of the other brigades and to put them straight in on the +offensive front, replacing them by the battalions withdrawn from that +front. + +An attack by the 14th D.L.I. on the 21st April in conjunction with the +left of the 46th Division, who by this time had relieved the 24th on +the right of the 6th Division, yielded thirty-five prisoners and two +machine-guns, and disposed of a strong machine-gun nest on the Double +Crassier Railway which had been holding up our right. Two +counter-attacks were repelled, and on the 22nd April the 14th D.L.I. +and the 11th Essex Regiment delivered a combined attack. The 14th +D.L.I. secured the whole of their objective, with forty-six prisoners +and three machine-guns, but the 11th Essex Regiment was unable to gain +any ground. The 46th Division had been prevented by uncut wire from +co-operating in the attack, with the result that the 14th D.L.I., +after enduring a very heavy bombardment with exemplary determination, +were eventually sniped and machine-gunned out of the captured line +from the houses on their right. Eventually the position stabilized +itself, with the enemy in possession of Nash Alley. + +During ten days the Division had been engaged in continuous fighting +on the front of one brigade, whilst holding with the other two a front +of approximately 7,000 yards. Four battalions from other brigades, in +addition to its own four, had passed through the hands of the 16th +Infantry Brigade which was conducting the fighting. Battalions +relieved from the fighting front one night were put straight into the +line elsewhere on the following night, and battalions which had +already done a long continuous tour in the trenches were relieved one +night, put into the fighting front on the following night, and +twenty-four hours later had to deliver an attack. The enemy, concerned +about the fate of Hill 70, concentrated a very formidable +artillery on the narrow front involved, and the bombardments and +barrages on the front of attack were of exceptional severity. The +extent to which the Division was stretched on the rest of its front is +exemplified by two incidents. On one occasion an enemy raid penetrated +both our front and support lines without being detected or meeting +anyone, and came upon our reserve line by chance at the only place on +the front of the brigade concerned where there was one company in that +line. At another part of the front it was found, when normal +conditions were restored, that in an abandoned part of our front line +between two posts, the enemy had actually made himself so much at home +that he had established a small dump of rations and bombs. + +For the manner in which the Division had followed up and pressed the +enemy withdrawal it received the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief. + +On the 26th June 1917 the 46th Division was engaged on our right in +active operations in the outskirts of Lens. The 2nd Sherwood Foresters +and the 9th Norfolk Regiment were placed at the disposal of the 46th +Division for these operations. The 9th Norfolk Regiment was not +actively engaged, but the 2nd Sherwood Foresters, used in the later +stages of the attack, fought with great gallantry and suffered fairly +heavily. + +On the 25th July the Division was relieved after a continuous tour in +the Loos front of just under five months--a period of particularly +bitter and severe trench warfare. Trench-mortaring was continuous on +both sides on the greater part of the front held, and shelling heavy. +The artillery suffered no less severely than the infantry, owing to +the very restricted choice of positions and the advantages of the +observation enjoyed by the enemy. Raids and counter-raids were +numerous. An analysis of the diary shows that during the six months +from the end of January to the end of July the Division carried out +30 raids, of which 13 were successful in obtaining their objective +and securing prisoners (total for the 13 raids: 54), 11 secured their +objective but failed to yield any prisoners, and only 6 definitely +failed. During the same period the enemy attempted 21 raids, of which +only 4 succeeded in taking prisoners, 5 entered our trenches without +securing any prisoners, and 12 were entire failures. Three of the +enemy's attempted raids yielded us prisoners, and 4 yielded +identifications. The low average of prisoners taken by us in +successful raids is attributable to two causes--first the +extraordinary precautions taken by the enemy in the latter part of the +period to avoid losing prisoners by evacuating his trenches on the +slightest alarm or remaining in his dug-outs, and secondly the +fierceness engendered in our troops by the severity of the +bombardment, and particularly of the trench-mortaring to which they +were normally subjected. + +A very successful battalion raid by the 1st The Buffs on the 24th +June, which yielded 15 prisoners, might have made a better showing if +it had not followed closely on the receipt of the mail containing +accounts of an enemy bombing raid on Folkestone. + +It is invidious to differentiate among so many carefully prepared and +gallantly executed enterprises, but a reference to the successful +battalion raid of the 11th Essex Regiment on the 24th March, to the +raid carried out by the 14th D.L.I. on the 15th June, in the early +morning which caught the Germans at breakfast, and particularly to the +combined raid by the 2nd D.L.I. and the 11th Essex Regiment on the +28th June, will perhaps be forgiven. The latter was an exceptionally +fine performance. It was carried out in connection with the operations +of the 46th Division already referred to, by one company from each of +the two battalions. Everything possible had been done beforehand to +induce the enemy to expect attack on the front of the Division, yet +these two companies succeeded in establishing and maintaining +themselves for one hour in the enemy's line, though constantly +counter-attacked. They inflicted very heavy casualties on the enemy, +who counter-attacked both over the open and by bombing along the +trenches. It was on this occasion that 2/Lieut. F. B. Wearne, late +11th Essex Regiment, won the V.C. Mention ought also to be made of the +very gallant repulse of an enemy raid by the 1st K.S.L.I. and the 1st +The Buffs on the 7th July. In one post of the 1st K.S.L.I. one wounded +Lewis gunner, the only survivor of his post from the enemy +bombardment, kept his gun in action and beat off the raiders. + +On the 25th July the Division was relieved by the Canadians, with a +view to an attack by the latter on Hill 70, and withdrew into rest in +the Monchy Breton area with Divisional Headquarters at Ourton. + +A feature of this period of rest was the very successful two-day rifle +meeting, held on the Monchy-Breton Range. + +During the month's rest out of the line Major-Gen. Ross left the +Division, being succeeded in command by Major-Gen. T. O. Marden, +C.M.G., on the 19th August, and Brig.-Gen. Feetham, C.B., C.M.G., left +the 71st Infantry Brigade to assume command of the 39th Division, in +command of which he was killed in March 1918. + +From the 31st July to the 5th August the 1st Leicestershire Regiment +and 9th Norfolk Regiment were away from the Division, lent to the 57th +Division to assist in a relief at the time of the gas shelling of +Armentieres. + +On the 24th to the 27th August the Division was relieving the +Canadians on the Hill 70 front. The month spent in that sector was one +of hard work for all ranks consolidating the newly won position, but +was without important incident. + +On the 24th September the Division side-stepped into the Cite St. +Emile sector just north of Lens, and commenced preparations for an +attack north of Lens, to be carried out in conjunction with the +projected attack by the Canadian Corps on Sallaumines Hill. This +project was, however, abandoned, and on the 23rd October the +Division was withdrawn into rest in the St. Hilaire area, west of +Lillers. + +Six days later it commenced its march south to the Riencourt area, to +join the Third Army for the Battle of Cambrai. + +The 11th Leicesters (Pioneers) had gone north to the II Corps, to work +on light railway construction near Dickebusch on 2nd July 1917. Their +absence was much felt by the Division, and in view of the approaching +operations they were welcomed back on 6th November, when they brought +with them a letter from G.O.C., II Corps (Lt.-Gen. Jacob) +congratulating them on their excellent work. + +Before leaving the subject of the tour of the Division in the +Loos-Lens front, some reference ought to be made to the successes won +during that period by the Division in horse shows. After practically +sweeping the board in all events at the I Corps show for which it was +eligible to enter, the Division secured seven first and eight second +prizes at the First Army show, as well as the cup for the best R.A. +turn-out presented by G.O.C., R.A., First Army, and also that for the +best R.E. turn-out, presented by the C.E., First Army. + +The Divisional Ammunition Column secured prizes for the two best teams +of mules, the best single mule, and the best light draught horse. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +CAMBRAI + +1917 + + +The general situation on the British Western Front in November 1917, +though fairly universally known to-day, may now be outlined, and the +hopes and aims which led to the Cambrai offensive be touched on +shortly. The prolonged and hard-fought attacks in Flanders by the +British, and in other portions of the front by the French, had caused +the enemy to concentrate his forces in the threatened sectors, +denuding those portions of the line which appeared reasonably safe and +quiet. The Cambrai sector was included among the latter, for not only +was the ground very open, forbidding to us the unseen concentration of +the large forces and masses of heavy artillery which at that period +were deemed essential, but also the Hindenburg Line was immensely +strong and the trenches so wide that the tanks in use by us could not +cross them. + +This enemy sector was, therefore, particularly suitable for surprise +by us, as it was deemed by the enemy to be unassailable. + +The Hindenburg Line ran north-west for six miles from the St. Quentin +Canal at Banteux to Havrincourt on the Canal du Nord, where it bent +sharply north for four miles to Moeuvres, thus making a pronounced +salient. The Commander-in-Chief's plan was to smash the salient, to +occupy the high ground overlooking Cambrai--notably the Bourlon Wood +Ridge--push cavalry through the gap in order to disorganise +communications and the arrival of reinforcements, and to roll up the +enemy's defences to the north-west. + +The French held considerable forces in the immediate vicinity +to exploit successes. It was reckoned that the enemy could not +reinforce his front under forty-eight hours. Everything depended in +the first instance on successful surprise, and in the second on +securing within forty-eight hours the important tactical points within +the salient. The difficulties of surprise, which were many and +serious, were most successfully overcome, but the enterprise failed +eventually because the key points were not seized. + +The principal factors operating against success were the limited hours +of daylight and the long distances to be traversed both by men and by +tanks, which, though vastly improved since 1916, were still very slow. +There was also, in the case of securing the high ground west of +Cambrai, the canal to be crossed by tanks. While smashing in the +enemy's salient we ourselves were making a salient, extending our +front, as far as the Third Army was concerned, from a straight 7,000 +yards to a curving 15,000 yards, thus affording the enemy a chance of +a blow at the sides and hinges of the salient, of which he availed +himself to good purpose ten days after our initial attack. + +To ensure success the troops which were to undertake operations +practised with tanks in back areas, and officers and men went through +the operation on a carefully made ground model without being aware +what ground it represented. Units were brought up just before the 20th +of November, the day of the attack, marching by night and hiding in +villages and woods by day. In some cases battalions were quartered in +flat canvas erections, looking like ammunition or supply dumps. The +6th Division were fortunate in being in woods and destroyed villages. +No unusual activity on ground or in the air was allowed, no guns +registered as had been usual, even the Home mails were stopped for a +short period, and a screen of the troops which had held the line for +some time was kept in front trenches to the last. Under General Byng's +initiative the difficulty of tanks crossing the wide Hindenburg +Line trenches was overcome by each tank carrying on its brow a huge +faggot which it deposited in the trench at its selected crossing-place, +and which gave its tail a purchase to enable it to climb the opposite +side of the trench. The ground was very suitable for tanks, as it was +moderately hard grass land, and the first portion of the attack on +much of the front was downhill. + +The III Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Pulteney) was on the right, and +consisted of the 12th, 20th, and 6th Divisions, which attacked in the +order named. The left corps (IV) consisted of the 51st and 62nd +Divisions. These covered the six miles with an average frontage of one +and a half miles. The 6th Division attacked on the front Villers +Plouich-Beaucamps, with the 71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. P. W. +Brown) on the left next to the 51st Division, the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. H. A. Walker) on the right next to the 20th +Division. These two brigades were to advance about 3,000 yards to the +first objective (Ribecourt and spur to south-east of it), and another +1,000 yards to the second objective (support system). The 18th +Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. G. S. G. Craufurd) was ordered to advance +through the 71st Infantry Brigade and secure the third objective about +a mile farther on (Premy Chapel Ridge), throwing back a defensive +flank towards Flesquieres for the further operations of the 51st +Division on its left and securing the flank of the 29th Division on +its right. The latter division passing through the right of the 6th +Division and the left of the 20th Division, was charged with securing +the crossings of the St. Quentin Canal at Marcoing and Masnieres and +seizing the high ground at Rumilly, thus facilitating exploitation to +the south-east, preventing a concentration against the widely +stretched defensive flanks of the III Corps and threatening Cambrai. + +The Divisional Artillery was reinforced during the first part of the +operations by the 17th Brigade of the 29th Division and the 181st +Brigade of the 40th Division, as well as by two R.H.A. Brigades. +Batteries moved into position and camouflaged their guns. No +registration could, of course, take place, but long practice enabled +the gunners to put down a very accurate barrage without this +desideratum. + +Opposite the Division the Hindenburg Line commenced with an outpost +line 750 yards distant on the left and 250 yards on the right. This +was out of sight of our front trenches by reason of the curve of the +ground. Half a mile behind this came the main system, consisting of +two trenches 200 yards apart, the whole guarded by most formidable +belts of wire about 150 yards in depth. The interval between outpost +and main systems was sown with well-sighted and concealed machine gun +positions. A mile farther on, and on the opposite side of the valley +for the most part, ran the support system, similar to the main system. +One and a half miles farther back again was the reserve system, of +which only machine-gun dug-outs were completed, and a small amount of +wire had been erected. + +Two battalions of tanks, each of thirty-six tanks, were allotted to +the Division. "B" Battalion (Lt.-Col. E. D. Bryce, D.S.O.) operated +with the 16th Infantry Brigade, and "H" Battalion (Lt.-Col. Hon. C. +Willoughby) with the 71st Infantry Brigade. The 18th Infantry Brigade +advanced without tanks. The only points which caused anxiety, provided +that the tanks functioned satisfactorily, were Couillet Wood on the +right of the 16th Infantry Brigade front, in which tanks could not +operate, and Ribecourt Village on the left of the 71st Infantry +Brigade front. + +The former was successfully cleared by the Buffs, and the latter +gallantly captured by the 9th Norfolk Regiment; the 11th Essex +clearing and securing it for the advance of the 18th Infantry Brigade, +while the 71st Infantry Brigade attacked the second objective. + +The 18th Infantry Brigade pushed through the 71st Infantry Brigade +and secured Premy Chapel Ridge in good time, and rendered great +assistance to the 51st Division on our left, who were held up at +Flesquieres by guns in the valley picking off the tanks one by one as +they breasted the ridge. The West Yorks and the 2nd D.L.I. each +charged over the Premy Ridge spur and captured a battery at the point +of the bayonet. + +At 3.15 p.m. the cavalry, who would have been of the greatest +assistance in capturing the enemy guns holding up the 51st Division, +reported that they could not advance owing to snipers in Ribecourt. +The village had been in our possession since 10 a.m., and the 18th +Infantry Brigade had passed through it at 11.30, and were now two +miles beyond it. However, the cavalry pushed through patrols before +nightfall to Nine Wood. + +A company of the 9th Suffolk Regiment successfully carried out its +mission of advancing without artillery or tank support, and capturing +the bridge at Marcoing. The Division had a most successful day, with +very light casualties (about 650), capturing 28 officers and 1,227 +other ranks prisoners, 23 guns, and between 40 and 50 machine-guns and +many trench-mortars, and receiving the congratulations of the Corps +Commander. Everything had gone like clockwork: the artillery had +pushed forward to advanced positions to cover the new front before +darkness came on; the machine-guns, under Major Muller, D.M.G.O., were +likewise established in their new forward positions, thanks to careful +arrangements and the use of pack animals; and the 11th Leicesters, +under Major Radford, were repairing and clearing the roads before the +third objective had been secured. The tanks, which had made surprise +possible, were most gallantly handled, and all arrangements most +carefully thought out by Col. A. Courage, D.S.O. + +The next morning the 51st Division captured Flesquieres from the +north, and three companies of the 14th D.L.I., moving forward +slightly in advance of them and operating with a squadron of the +Queen's Bays, entered Cantaing ahead of the 51st Division, handing +over subsequently to the 4th Gordons. + +The Buffs, with the assistance of the tanks, completed the clearing of +Noyelles (a village some 2,500 yards north-east of Premy Chapel), +which had been entered the previous day by the 29th Division, and +relieved the latter there. On the night of the 26/27th November the +18th Infantry Brigade extended its left up to the south-east edge of +Cantaing. + +About half a mile of the original front had been handed over to the +29th Division, and the 6th Division now held a rectangular strip 2,500 +yards by 7,000 yards, with the head at Cantaing and Noyelles, and the +rear in the Hindenburg Main Line. The 29th Division had a precarious +hold of the ground across the canal on the right, and the Guards +Division was having hard fighting at Fontaine on the left. + +Comparing the position with the back of a man's left hand, the 6th +Division occupied the third finger, the 29th Division the main finger, +the 20th Division the index finger, the 12th Division the portion +below the index finger down to the lower portion of the thumb when +fully extended, the 55th Division occupied the thumb. Such was the +situation when the enemy delivered a heavy counter-attack, on the +morning of the 30th November, on the 29th, 20th and 12th Divisions of +the III Corps and the 55th Division of the VII Corps, driving the 20th +and 12th Divisions on to the main finger except for a few posts, and +occupying the thumb. + +The Germans reached Gouzeaucourt at about 9 a.m., but were stoutly +opposed by transport details of the 18th Infantry Brigade, who most +gallantly led by Lieut. and Quartermaster J. P. L. Shea, 2nd D.L.I., +and Capt. and Adjutant W. Paul, 1st West Yorks, checked the enemy in a +portion of the village until it was retaken by the Guards about +midday. These two brave officers, whose initiative and sound military +action probably saved the situation from becoming much worse, were +both wounded, and subsequently died of their wounds, a great loss to +their battalions and to the Division. + +A Staff-Officer arrived from the 29th Division about 9 a.m., and +reported their Divisional Headquarters just north-east of Gouzeaucourt +to have been captured and the Germans entering the village, which was +about two miles to the right rear of 6th Divisional Headquarters. The +16th Infantry Brigade, which was in Divisional Reserve in the +Hindenburg Main Line some two miles away, was ordered up to the ridge +between Beaucamps and Gouzeaucourt. Brig.-Gen. Walker, commanding 16th +Infantry Brigade, who was ordered to report to G.O.C., 29th Division, +at Gouzeaucourt, narrowly escaped capture, together with his +Brigade-Major, the enemy now being in possession of the village. +G.O.C., 29th Division, had in the meantime passed through 6th +Divisional Headquarters, and gone forward to his line. + +The situation was now very confused, as all wires to corps had been +cut, but it was evident that there was a gap between 12th and 20th +Divisions, the latter still holding on to La Vacquerie, a strong point +on the ridge two miles east of Beaucamps. The 16th Infantry Brigade +was ordered to retake Gouzeaucourt, aided by some tanks which were at +Beaucamps, and advanced about 3 p.m., but found the Guards already in +the village. It therefore took up a position in the road between +Gouzeaucourt and Villers Plouich, to the left of the Guards, and +prepared to attack Cemetery Ridge between Gonnelieu and La Vacquerie, +so as to re-establish the line. Patrols reported no enemy activity, +and as there were no guns available (all in this sector having been +captured or out of action) the Divisional Commander (Gen. Marden) +thought a surprise attack by moonlight might succeed in capturing this +important ridge before the enemy could reinforce it. An attack +was launched at 1 a.m. hand in hand with 20th Division, but though +most gallantly pushed, failed owing to loss of direction and heavy +enemy machine gun fire. The ridge was captured by a Guards Brigade the +next morning at 6.30 a.m., by the aid of tanks and artillery. + +In the meantime the Reserve Battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade +(14th D.L.I.), and a battalion lent by the 57th Division, took up a +position on Highland Ridge facing east, thus completely securing the +flank. + +On 2nd December the 16th Infantry Brigade was withdrawn and ordered to +relieve 87th Infantry Brigade (29th Division), which had been having +stiff fighting across and astride the canal east of Marcoing. The 14th +D.L.I. (18th Infantry Brigade) were lent to 16th Infantry Brigade and +on the night of 2nd/3rd December occupied the south portion of the +loop across the canal, the K.S.L.I. taking over the north half. The +88th Infantry Brigade (29th Division) held the ground south of the +canal. The whole position was a salient subject to shell, rifle and +machine-gun fire from north, south and east. The 14th D.L.I. position +had no wire, and only hastily dug trenches. At 10.30 a.m., after a +heavy bombardment, the enemy attacked the 14th D.L.I. and the +battalion of the 29th Division south of the canal, penetrating the +trenches, but was counter-attacked and driven out. At 11.30 a.m. he +attacked again with similar results. At 12.15 p.m. he attacked both +D.L.I. and K.S.L.I. and penetrated the right of the D.L.I., but was +again driven out. With a final attack at 12.45 p.m. the enemy +succeeded in forcing both battalions across the canal by sheer weight +of numbers. + +Two companies of the 8th Bedfords now reinforced the 14th D.L.I., and +this force again counter-attacked and recovered the bridge-head at +dusk; the 88th Infantry Brigade, assisted by 2nd Y. and L., having +also counter-attacked successfully south of the canal. Losses were, +however, heavy, and the line was gradually withdrawn under Corps +orders during the next two days to the Hindenburg support system, +which became our front line. The 14th D.L.I. fought magnificently, +losing 15 officers and 262 other ranks, more than half being killed. +Capt. Lascelles, who led two of the counter-attacks and was twice +wounded, here gained his V.C. The 16th M.G.C., both north and south of +the canal, had very heavy losses, but put up a splendid resistance. + +The only other incidents of note were the repulse by the 18th Infantry +Brigade of a half-hearted enemy attack on Cantaing on the 1st +December, and D.H.Q. being three times shelled out of its Headquarters +between 30th November and 9th December. + +During the whole period--20th November to 6th December--the Divisional +Artillery were constantly changing position in order to support the +infantry, either in advance or retirement, as closely as possible. It +was a welcome change to them after the many weary months of position +warfare, and it may be said, without fear of contradiction, that both +brigades and batteries were extremely ably handled, and that the +D.A.C. never left a battery short of ammunition, in spite of very long +distances and rough going. + +On 10th December the Division (less artillery) was withdrawn to rest +in the Basseux area south-west of Arras, after a strenuous three +weeks. + +The Divisional Artillery remained in action, covering the 18th +Division. A little later the 2nd Brigade, R.F.A., was withdrawn to +rest, but the 24th Brigade, R.F.A., continued in the line. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 1918 + +1918 + + +After a month's rest in the Basseux area, during the first few days of +which the 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades were placed at the disposal +of the 3rd Division to relieve two of their brigades on the Bullecourt +front, the Division moved up, commencing on the 17th January to +relieve the 51st Division in the front line between Hermies and +Boursies. A month later it side-stepped northwards, relieving the 25th +Division in the Lagnicourt sector. The period up to the 21st March was +one of steady work on defences, but without special incident, except a +gas-shell attack on the 71st Brigade, which caused a certain amount of +casualties. + +During this period Infantry Brigades were reduced to three battalions +each--the 9th Suffolk Regiment, 8th Bedford Regiment, and 14th Durham +Light Infantry being disbanded between 1st and 16th February. Shortly +afterwards the three Machine-gun Companies and the Divisional +Machine-gun Company were organized into the 6th Machine-gun Battalion, +under the command of Lt.-Col. Rosher, D.S.O., late commanding 14th +D.L.I. + +Some description of the ground and defensive organization of the +Division will not be out of place here. The front held by the Division +was generally on a forward slope opposite the villages of Queant and +Pronville. + +No Man's Land averaged three-quarters of a mile in width. The whole +area was downland, and very suitable for the action of tanks. The +position lay astride a succession of well-defined broad spurs and +narrow valleys (like the fingers of a partially opened hand), merging +into the broad transverse valley which separated the British line +from the two villages above-mentioned. All the advantages of ground +lay with the defence, and it seemed as if no attack could succeed, +unless by the aid of tanks. A large portion of the front line--notably +the valleys--was sown with 2-in. trench-mortar bombs with instantaneous +fuses, which would detonate under the pressure of a wagon but not of a +man's foot. In addition five anti-tank 18-pounder guns were placed in +positions of vantage. The wire was very broad and thick. The position +would, indeed, have been almost impregnable had there been sufficient +time to complete it, and had there been separate troops for +counter-attack. + +The ground was a portion of that wrested from the enemy in the Cambrai +offensive of November-December 1917, but had only improvised trenches. +A month's hard frost in January had militated against digging, and +though there were a complete front trench and reserve trench, the +support trenches hardly existed, and dug outs were noticeable by their +absence. The front was 4,500 yards in extent, the three brigades in +line--18th on right, 71st in centre, 16th on left--on approximately +equal frontages. The depth from front or outpost zone to reserve or +battle zone was about 2,000 yards. With only three battalions in a +brigade, there was no option but to assign one battalion in each +brigade to the defence of the outpost zones, and keep two battalions +in depth in the battle zone. With battalions at just over +half-strength, and with the undulating nature of the ground, the +defence resolved itself everywhere into a succession of posts with a +very limited field of fire. + +A good corps line called the Vaux-Morchies Line had been dug, the +nearest portion a mile behind the reserve line, and this was held by +the Pioneers and R.E., owing to scarcity of numbers. + +The Right Group, R.F.A. (Lt.-Col. H. Weber), consisting of 2nd Brigade +(less 21st Battery), supported the 18th Infantry Brigade; the Left +Group (Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth), consisting of 24th Brigade, 21st +Battery, and 93rd (Army) Brigade, supported the 16th and 17th Infantry +Brigades. + +Reports from deserters that we were to be heavily attacked were +persistent, and the Division stood to arms twice before 21st March. On +20th March aeroplane photos disclosed ammunition pits for seventy +extra batteries opposite the divisional front, and when at 5 a.m. on +21st March the bombardment commenced, there was no doubt but that a +real offensive had begun. Warning had been given overnight for all +troops to be in battle positions by 5 a.m., but it came too late to +stop working parties, and the reserve battalions of all brigades had +marched ten miles before the battle commenced. + +Fog favoured the Germans in that it prevented us seeing when the +attack was launched, but every credit must be given them for the skill +they evinced and the dash with which they pushed forward and brought +up successive waves of attackers. By concentrating their efforts on +the three main valleys, i.e. Noreuil Valley on our extreme left, +Lagnicourt Valley in the centre and Morchies Valley on our extreme +right, they avoided much of the fire which they would have encountered +on the broad spurs, and thus worked round and isolated the garrisons +of the latter. For five hours the bombardment continued with +tremendous force, first with gas and H.E. on back areas to cut +communications and disorganize reinforcements, later about 7 to 8 a.m. +with smoke and H.E. on the forward system. The intensity of it may be +gauged by the fact that four out of five concealed anti-tank guns were +knocked out by direct hits. + +This bombardment annihilated the garrisons of the forward system, and +few survivors came back to the reserve line. + +The only authenticated accounts of a successful resistance in the +front system were from the 71st Infantry Brigade, where both 9th +Norfolks and 2nd Sherwood Foresters repulsed the first attack. By +10.30 a.m. the enemy had nearly reached Noreuil and had driven back +the 59th Division on our left, leaving the left flank of the 16th +Infantry Brigade in the air, while its right flank went shortly +afterwards, as the enemy captured Lagnicourt, driving in the Sherwood +Foresters in the valley. The 16th Infantry Brigade was gradually +squeezed out towards the corps line, where at 4 p.m. parties from the +Divisional Bombing School counter-attacked and drove the enemy out of +trenches on the immediate left. The 71st Infantry Brigade, with its +right flank secure, threw back a defensive flank south-west of +Lagnicourt, and successfully prevented issue from that village to the +high ground. The enemy broke into Skipton Reserve Strong Point, but +were thrown out again by a counter-attack of Norfolks and Leicesters. + +Coming up a subsidiary valley the enemy nearly drove a wedge between +71st and 18th Infantry Brigades, but the 2nd D.L.I. counter-attacked +gallantly and kept them out till dusk. On the right of the 18th +Infantry Brigade, however, the enemy advanced up the Morchies Valley, +capturing the left trenches of the 51st Division on our right at about +10 a.m. + +The 2nd West Yorks, reinforced by two companies 11th Essex, gallantly +led by Lt.-Col. Boyall, D.S.O., who was subsequently wounded and +captured, drove back three attacks issuing from our support line. The +18th Infantry Brigade held on till 7 p.m. when, in trying to withdraw, +it suffered heavy casualties. The last company was not overwhelmed +till 8.30 p.m. The 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades, therefore, +maintained their hold on the ground Lagnicourt and the Morchies Valley +all day, though the enemy had penetrated far in rear on both flanks. + +When darkness fell the remnants of the Division were back in the corps +line, together with three battalions of the 75th Infantry Brigade +(25th Division), the remaining troops of the Division not being +strong enough to hold the line unaided. The 11th Cheshires were with +18th Infantry Brigade, 2nd South Lancs with 71st Infantry Brigade, and +8th Border Regiment with 16th Infantry Brigade. + +The night was quiet, both sides preparing for the next day's struggle. + +At 7.30 a.m. on 22nd March the 16th Infantry Brigade repulsed an +attack, but the enemy renewed his efforts with great persistence, and +with much heavy bombardment and trench-mortaring, at 9.30 a.m. and +onwards in the vicinity of Vaux and Mericourt Woods. Though frequent +counter-attacks were made, the troops were forced back little by +little from the corps line towards some improvised trenches hastily +dug under the C.R.E.'s (Col. Goldney) direction some 1,000 yards in +rear, and manned partially by men from the Corps Reinforcement Camp +under Major Jones of the 2nd D.L.I. As an example of the tenacious +fighting, a sunken road which contained the Headquarters of the 16th +and 71st Infantry Brigades changed hands three times. Throughout the +day Lt.-Col. Latham, D.S.O., commanding 1st Leicesters, and Lt.-Col. +Dumbell, D.S.O., commanding 11th Battalion Essex Regiment, +distinguished themselves greatly in the defence of their sectors of +the line. On the right of the Division the control had passed by dusk +to the G.O.C., 75th Infantry Brigade (29th Division)--the 18th +Infantry Brigade having only about 100 of all ranks left. On the left +there was a large gap between the 16th Infantry Brigade and the 40th +Division, which had been pushed up towards Vaux Vraucourt, and this +the 6th Division had no troops with which to fill it. The enemy's +pressure on the flanks of the 16th Infantry Brigade and in the centre +on the 71st Infantry Brigade caused the line to fall back on the new +Army line which was being dug and wired. This was done in good order, +and at nightfall the weary remnants of the Division were relieved by +the 41st Division and concentrated in the vicinity of Achiet, the +artillery remaining behind and fighting in the subsequent +withdrawal up to 26th March. + +The Division had put up a resistance of which it had every reason to +be proud, and which won for it the following letter from the G.O.C., +Third Army (General Sir J. Byng):-- + +"I cannot allow the 6th Division to leave the Third Army without +expressing my appreciation of their splendid conduct during the first +stages of the great battle now in progress. + +"By their devotion and courage they have broken up overwhelming +attacks and prevented the enemy gaining his object, namely a decisive +victory. + +"I wish them every possible good luck." + +To this magnificent result all ranks and all arms had contributed, and +it is perhaps invidious to single out special instances for mention. +The gallant stand of the 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades in the +reserve line throughout the whole of the first day has already been +referred to. Other outstanding incidents are the counter-attack by +part of the 2nd D.L.I. against the enemy advancing from our support +line, which relieved the pressure on the reserve line and captured +four machine-guns; the holding out of a post of the West Yorks on the +east side of the Morchies Valley from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. though +completely commanded and surrounded; the counter-attacks by companies +of the 1st Leicestershire Regiment and 9th Norfolk Regiment, which +restored the situation in the Skipton Strong Point just east of +Lagnicourt; that of a company of the 11th Leicestershire Regiment +which drove the enemy out of the corps line when he had established a +footing in it on the afternoon of the 21st; and that of the two +platoons formed from the 16th Infantry Brigade School which regained +posts on the extreme left of the corps line in the Divisional area on +the evening of the 21st. + +Another gallant deed must be mentioned. Sergt. Shales, R.E., and +another signaller went from 18th Infantry Brigade Headquarters to +a distributor station 400 yards distant during the full force of the +bombardment, sorted out and tested wires in the open, and thus +established communication between the front trenches and Battalion +Headquarters. The burying and connecting up of the cable was to have +been completed the day of the attack. + +The casualties in the infantry were extremely heavy, amounting in the +two days to some 3,900 out of a total for the Division of somewhat +over 5,000 engaged, and out of a total trench strength of less than +5,000 infantry. The 18th Infantry Brigade suffered particularly +heavily, being only able to muster in its three battalions 8 officers +and 110 other ranks of those who had been through the fight, including +32 at Battalion Headquarters. + +The Machine-gun Battalion did excellent service and great execution, +many guns remaining in action until the enemy were within a few yards +of them. Its losses were heavy--14 officers and 280 other ranks. + +The field companies suffered heavily, and rendered good service as +infantry. Special mention may be made of the action of 12th Field +Company under Capt. Langley, who rallied some 300 stragglers of +various units and filled a gap between the 18th Infantry Brigade and +troops on its left. + +The 11th Leicesters, under the gallant leading of Major Radford, +fought splendidly, losing 14 officers and over 200 other ranks. + +The artillery performed magnificent services, particularly on the 21st +March. All guns that were not destroyed by the enemy's bombardment +were fought until all the ammunition was expended or the enemy's +infantry reached their position. The gunners enjoyed the novel +experience of firing over open sights and seeing the effect of their +fire, and not only with their guns but with rifles and Lewis guns did +they inflict very heavy casualties on the enemy. The 42nd Battery, +having kept their three forward guns in action after our infantry had +fallen back behind them, succeeded in bringing the two that were not +destroyed away, under the very noses of the enemy and through a heavy +barrage and machine-gun fire. The forward section of the 53rd Battery +had one gun destroyed. Lieut. Reeves got the other into the open, and, +after firing 850 rounds with it over open sights and having exhausted +his ammunition, brought back his detachment and the breech-block. The +forward section of the 87th Battery continued firing until rushed by +the enemy's infantry. Sergt. Pengelly of the 112th Battery, who was in +command of a 15-pounder in an anti-tank position, having had his gun +destroyed in the preliminary bombardment, fought for two days with the +infantry, in command of a platoon, and did great execution himself +with a pickaxe. A forward gun of the 110th Battery was fought until +all its ammunition was expended, and the breech-block was then removed +with the enemy almost on the top of the gun. For over seven hours the +main battery fired on the enemy at ranges from 1,200 to 600 yards, +expending over 2,400 rounds. The forward gun of the 111th Battery, +after expending all its ammunition (500 rounds), largely over open +sights, was withdrawn and brought into action again in the main +position, a team coming up in full view of the enemy, and under very +heavy shelling and a hail of bullets, for the purpose. The 112th +Battery had two guns in action in advance of the corps line. These +remained in action until all their ammunition was expended, and the +detachments then withdrew with all their wounded and the breech-blocks +of their guns, the enemy being by this time actually on the wire of +the corps line. + +The instances quoted are only typical of the conduct of the whole of +the artillery of the Division, which fully justified the very high +reputation it has always enjoyed, and the confidence which the +infantry of the Division has always felt in its own artillery. + +The morning of the 23rd March found the remnants of the Division, +less artillery, assembled about Achiet-le-Grand and Bihucourt. The +survivors of the 18th Infantry Brigade numbered 8 officers and 110 +other ranks; those of the 71st Infantry Brigade 11 officers and 279 +other ranks. Each of these brigades had had a trench strength on the +morning of the 21st of just over 1,800 all ranks. Figures for the 16th +Infantry Brigade are not available. The Division was most fortunate in +having very few senior officers killed, though many were wounded. The +most noticeable casualties among the killed were Major Lyon, 2nd +Brigade, R.F.A., Majors Williamson and Wingate, D.S.O., M.C., R.E., +and Capt. Harbottle, M.C., 1st Leicesters. + +Even after relief the Division was not able to enjoy the rest it had +so richly deserved, and of which it stood so much in need. The further +progress of the enemy's attack and constant alarms necessitated its +preparing and taking up a position of readiness covering Achiet, +throughout the 23rd and the 24th. + +On the 25th March it entrained for the north, to join the Second Army +in its old haunts in the Ypres Salient. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +YPRES SALIENT AGAIN + +1918 + + +On the 30th March, whilst in rest in the neighbourhood of Steenvoorde, +the Division had the honour of a visit from His Majesty the King. +Representative survivors of all ranks from the recent fighting were +drawn up in the square and were inspected by His Majesty, who spoke +most graciously to every individual, questioning all as to their +experiences during the fighting, and thanking them for and +congratulating them on their services. + +At the beginning of April the 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades took +over the front from Broodseinde southwards to Polygon Wood, coming +under the XXII Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir A. Godley). + +The general situation now was that the Flanders front was held by +tired and decimated Divisions withdrawn from the big battle in the +south. These had been brought up to a respectable strength by drafts +from all sources--wounded men belonging to other formations, R.A.S.C., +Labour Battalions, etc., many of whom had received no training in +infantry weapons or methods of fighting. Officers and men were new to +each other, and there was no chance to train as the whole of every +Division was in trenches. + +Against these forces the Germans now opened a determined offensive +from Zandvoorde southwards. + +On the 13th April, as a result of the German successes on the Lys, the +71st Infantry Brigade, which was in reserve, had to be rushed off to +join the 49th Division on the Neuve Eglise front. It returned to the +Division on the 26th April after a pretty rough time, during which +it suffered considerable casualties (about 750), but earned great +praise. A counter-attack delivered by the 9th Norfolk Regiment was a +particularly creditable incident in this period. + +Otherwise the first fortnight in the Salient was without special +incident. On the 16th April, in consequence of the progress made by +the enemy farther to the south, the Salient was reduced in accordance +with plan, and the line withdrawn to the battle zone, where an +advanced force was left out in a line of detached pill-boxes and +works. The enemy followed up cautiously in the afternoon, but the +garrisons of the line of posts by lying low were able in several cases +to catch parties unawares, and a fair number of casualties were +inflicted. One party of twenty-five in particular was annihilated. + +On the 25th April the enemy attacked and captured Kemmel Village and +Hill from the French. This decided the Higher Command to withdraw the +advanced force, and this was successfully carried out on the night of +the 26/27th to the line West end of Zillebeke Lake-White Chateau. + +Incessant work on the new defences, and heavy shelling, particularly +gas shelling of Ypres, were the only incidents for some time on the +actual front of the Division, though heavy attacks on the 29th April +on the Division on the right, and the enemy's unsuccessful attack on +Ridgewood on the 8th May, kept it on the alert. The Division was on +the edge of the battle, and stood to on several occasions for an +attack on its own front. + +On the 11th to the 14th May the Division side-slipped to the south in +relief of the 19th Division, thus coming next door to the 14th French +Division, and passing to II Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir C. Jacob). On the 28th +May the enemy attacked our neighbours on the right and succeeded in +driving them out of Ridgewood and almost in reaching Dickebusch Lake. +In view of the importance to us of the lost position, and of the +exhausted state of the 14th (French) Division, an offer was made +to co-operate with them in a counter-attack to regain the lost ground. +This was gladly accepted, and on the early morning of the 29th May the +11th Essex Regiment attacked in conjunction with two battalions of +Chasseurs of the 46th (French) Division, which was in process of +relieving the 14th Division, the operation taking place under the +orders of the G.O.C., 14th French Division (General Philipot, the +conqueror of Fez). + +Under a barrage formed by the French and English artillery the 11th +Essex Regiment attacked with great determination, and by the end of +the day had achieved the whole of its share of the task. The two +battalions of the Chasseurs were, unfortunately, not so successful, +with the result that the right of the 11th Essex Regiment was exposed, +and it was unable to hold on to a small part of the ground recovered +on its extreme right. For this action the Division received a letter +of thanks for its "spontaneous" co-operation from General de Mitry, +commanding the French Detachement de l'Armee du Nord. + +The Division remained in the line as next-door neighbours to the +French till the 7th June, when relieved by 33rd Division. Many will +retain pleasant memories of our association with our Allies during the +three to four weeks that we were alongside them, and of the admirable +liaison that existed between us. + +During the period of just under three weeks' rest that it enjoyed on +this occasion the Division had one brigade always at Dirty Bucket Camp +working on rear lines of defence, one training in the St. Jan ter +Biezen area, and one at musketry at Cormette, near Tilques. During +this period, too, the 71st Trench-mortar Battery and the 18th +Trench-mortar Battery were able to be of service to the French, the +former being lent to the 46th Division to assist them in an operation +on 8th June, the latter co-operating with the 7th (French) Division in +a successful raid on the 19th June. + +On the 27th June the Division passed to the XIX Corps (Lt.-Gen. +Sir H. E. Watts) and relieved the 46th French Division (Chasseurs) in +the Dickebusch sector. This was in a very unpleasant front, where the +dominating position of the enemy on Kemmel Hill made movement, even in +the rear lines, impossible by day, and practically all work, of which +there was plenty, had to be done by night. + +The chief incidents of the tour of the Division in this sector were +the successful attack on Ridgewood, the 1st The Buffs daylight raid on +the Brasserie, the sixteen-prisoner night-raid of the 2nd D.L.I. on +the Zillebeke front, and the co-operation of the 18th Infantry Brigade +with the operations of the 41st Division on our right. + +The situation created by the enemy's attack on Ridgewood on the 28th +May had never been satisfactorily restored, in spite of repeated +attempts on the part of the 46th (French) Division. The 6th Division +took over with the determination to put this right on the first +opportunity, profiting by the lessons learnt in the successive attacks +made by the French Chasseurs, which their Division had placed most +unreservedly at our disposal. After careful reconnaissance the 18th +Infantry Brigade, assisted by two companies of the 1st Middlesex +Regiment of the 33rd Division, attacked the enemy at 6 a.m. on the +14th July. The attack delivered by the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment and +the 2nd D.L.I. and the two above-mentioned companies was a complete +success. The enemy, taken entirely by surprise, only offered any +resistance in one or two isolated cases, and the dash and prompt +initiative of the attacking troops soon dealt with these. All +objectives were gained, Ridgewood and Elzenwalle retaken, and 7 +officers, 341 other ranks, 25 machine-guns, and 3 trench-mortars +captured at small cost to the attackers. Large quantities of +trench-mortar ammunition, found dumped close up to the front line, +demonstrated the correctness of the view that the enemy had in +contemplation a resumption of his offensive on this front. For +this the Division received congratulations from the Commander-in-Chief, +the G.O.C., Second Army (General Sir Herbert Plumer), and G.O.C., XIX +Corps. + +The raid of the 1st The Buffs was carried out on the 2nd August. The +objective was the Brasserie and neighbouring farms. The raid, which +was by day and on a fairly extensive scale, was very successful. + +On the 8th August the 41st Division carried out a small operation, in +co-operation with which the 18th Infantry Brigade undertook two minor +operations. That by a company of the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on +the Vierstraat Road was unsuccessful, through no fault of the +attacking infantry, who were held up by machine-guns sited so far +forward that they had escaped our barrage. On the right a company of +the 2nd D.L.I., operating in direct touch with the left of the 41st +Division, was completely successful in carrying out its task. In +connection with operations on this front the Division sustained a +severe loss in Major R. W. Barnett, K.R.R., G.S.O.2, who was killed by +a sniper while reconnoitring on 12th August. + +During July and August the Divisional Artillery was exceptionally +busy. An immense amount of effort was put into the preparation of +forward positions for a large number of batteries to be employed in a +contemplated later offensive. Vast quantities of gun ammunition were +carted nightly, and dumped therein in readiness. + +During the month of August the Division had the pleasure of close +association with our American Allies, part of the 27th American, a New +York Division, doing their attachment and apprenticeship to trench +warfare with us. On the 21st to the 24th August the Americans relieved +the Division in the line, and it was withdrawn for rest and training +to the Wizernes area. + +On leaving the XIX Corps the Corps Commander sent the Division his +"warmest thanks for and appreciation of the excellent service +rendered" while under his command. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH + +1918 + + +Originally destined to take part in a projected attack for the +recapture of Kemmel Hill and Village, the Division suddenly received +orders at the end of August, to the delight of all, to move southwards +at very short notice. During the 1st, 2nd and 3rd September the move +southwards was carried out by rail, the Division, less artillery, +detraining at Corbie, Heilly and Mericourt. On the 4th the Divisional +Artillery followed, and the whole Division was concentrated in the +area Heilly-Ribemont-Franvillers on the River Ancre, in G.H.Q. +Reserve. The next few days were devoted to a continuation of the +training in open warfare commenced in the Wizernes area. + +The Germans, forced back in July and August from the high-water mark +of their advance in March and April, had stood on the line of the +Somme and the Peronne--Arras road. In the southern sector of the +British front the Somme defences had been turned by the brilliant +capture of Mont St. Quentin (to the north of and guarding Peronne) by +the Australian Corps. The retreating enemy had been pursued across the +Somme by the 32nd Division, which had been attached temporarily to the +Australians. This Division now became part of the newly-constituted IX +Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Braithwaite), which was to bear such a glorious +part in the concluding chapter of the War, and which consisted of 1st, +6th, 32nd and 46th Divisions. + +The 32nd Division had followed the enemy without much incident up to +the large Holnon Wood, three and a half miles west of St. Quentin, and +it was there that the Division relieved it on night 13/14th +September, with the 1st Division on the left and the 34th (French) +Division on the right. + +It was expected that the enemy would stand on the heights which +command St. Quentin to the west and south, but it was not known +whether their resistance would be strong or not, as they were much +disorganized. + +The 1st and 6th Divisions, hand in hand with the French, were ordered +to capture this tactical line on 18th September, as a starting-point +for the attack on the Hindenburg Line, which ran just outside St. +Quentin to the canal at Bellenglise. + +To the 18th Infantry Brigade was entrusted the task of securing a line +well clear of Holnon Wood for the forming-up line on the 18th, and in +doing so it first had to clear the wood and establish posts at the +edge, then push forward. The selected forming-up line included to us +Holnon Village on the right and next to the French. + +On the morning of the 16th September the 11th Essex, after an +unsuccessful attempt to push forward during the night, attacked under +a barrage and advanced from the line of posts taken over a little way +inside the wood to a line of trenches just clear of the wood, +capturing in this small operation forty-six prisoners. It was now +arranged for the 1st, 6th and 34th (French) Divisions to advance +simultaneously to secure the above-mentioned starting line. On the +left the 1st Division was successful, and so were the 11th Essex, who, +held up at first by heavy shelling and machine-gun fire, persevered +throughout the day and were rewarded by finishing up in possession of +the whole of their objectives, a very creditable performance. + +On the right the West Yorks had to secure Holnon Village, which lay in +a hollow commanded by Round and Manchester Hills in the area allotted +to the French, and which was itself strongly held. The French failed +in their attack, and though the West Yorks obtained part of the +village they could not clear it and establish the starting line +beyond it. The situation at the end of the 17th was therefore +unsatisfactory on the right, but it was impossible to put off the +general attack, and arrangements had to be improvised. Another +unsatisfactory feature was that Holnon Wood covered practically the +whole 2,500 yards frontage of the Division, and was so drenched with +gas shells and the tracks so bad, that both 16th and 71st Infantry +Brigades had to make a detour north and south of the wood respectively +to reach their assembly positions, and this naturally fatigued the +troops and hindered communication and supply. + +Standing on the east edge of the wood, a bare glacis-like slope devoid +of cover, except for two or three shell-trap copses, stretched away +for 3,000 yards to the high ground overlooking St. Quentin. There was +no sign of life and very few trenches could be seen, though it was +known that they were there as the Fifth Army had held the position in +March 1918. It was found afterwards that the Germans had camouflaged +their trenches with thistles, which here covered the ground to a +height in many places of eighteen inches. + +At the highest point about the centre of the Divisional area of attack +was a network of trenches known later as the Quadrilateral--a name of +bad omen to the 6th Division--and which, like its namesake on the +Somme, could be reinforced under cover from the back slopes of the +hill. An examination of the battlefield after the 24th September also +revealed several narrow sunken roads filled with wire. The position +was one of great natural strength, and in addition the whole of the +right was dominated by heights in the area to be attacked by the +French. Lastly, adequate time could not be given to Brigades for +reconnaissance owing to the imperative necessity of pushing on to +guard the flank of Corps farther north. Troops had not seen the ground +they had to attack over, and rain and smoke obscured the few landmarks +existing on 18th September. + +On that morning the Division attacked at 5.20 a.m. with the 71st +Infantry Brigade on the right, its left directed on the Quadrilateral +and its right on Holnon and Selency. + +The 16th Infantry Brigade was on the left, with its right just clear +of the Quadrilateral and its left on Fresnoy le Petit. Six tanks were +allotted to the Division, but met with various mishaps or were knocked +out, and were not of much use. The attack met with most determined +opposition at once, especially on the right, where the difficulties of +the 71st Infantry Brigade were increased by the failure of the French +to take Round and Manchester Hills. + +The 2nd D.L.I., attached to this brigade to complete the clearing of +Holnon Village, accomplished this, but were driven out by shelling and +by machine gun fire from Round and Manchester Hills, losing very +heavily. + +The 16th Infantry Brigade was more successful, and at one time the +York and Lancasters had nearly completed the capture of Fresnoy le +Petit, but were unable to hold it. The brigade advanced, however, +3,000 yards. Fighting was continuous throughout the day, but without +further success. The Sherwood Foresters advancing very gallantly +against the Quadrilateral were reported as being just outside it and +entrenched. It was machine gun fire from this stronghold which +prevented the right of the 16th Infantry Brigade advancing, and an +attack was therefore ordered for dawn of the 19th September, but it +was evidently anticipated by the enemy, who put down a very heavy +artillery and machine-gun barrage before the attackers left their +jumping-off positions. Fighting again continued throughout the day, +but without success, and it was evident that the enemy meant standing +his ground and that this was not a rearguard action as it had at one +time been thought. The enemy's artillery was very strong, and, with +the thick Hindenburg wire in front of it, was placed close to their +front line, and was enabled thus to do considerable execution on +our back areas. + +The successes of other Divisions in the south of the British zone had +been constant and fairly easy for some time, so that the partial +success which the Division had obtained was very disappointing to all +ranks. They were much cheered, therefore, to get the following wire +from the Army Commander (General Sir H. Rawlinson):--"Please convey to +the 6th Division my congratulations and warm thanks for their success +of yesterday. Though all objectives were not attained they carried +through a difficult operation with great gallantry and determination. +I offer to all ranks my warm thanks and congratulations." + +All units had heavy fighting, in which some had incurred considerable +losses, and all were tired and in want of reorganization. It was +therefore decided not to renew the attack for a few days, and to +devote the interval to a proper artillery preparation (the heavy +artillery put 1,000 shells on the Quadrilateral in one day), the +reorganization of battalions, and the construction of a jumping-off +position, in the execution of which the R.E. (Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall) +and the Pioneers rendered invaluable assistance. The fighting up to +this date had yielded 6 officers and 264 other ranks prisoners, and 65 +machine-guns. + +On the morning of the 24th September a fresh attack was launched; the +18th Infantry Brigade, to which was attached the 1st Leicestershire +Regiment, attacking on the right; the 16th Infantry Brigade on the +left. The French 36th Corps attacked with a fresh division +simultaneously to our right; the 1st Division, which had taken over +the task of the capture of Fresnoy and Gricourt, on our left. The four +tanks detailed to attack the Quadrilateral again had bad luck, one +being turned absolutely turtle by a mine field. The three battalions +of the 18th Infantry Brigade met at first with little success, the +11th Essex on the left establishing a rather precarious footing +in one face of the Quadrilateral, and the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment +getting in at one point in Douai Trench, running south from the Strong +Point. The D.L.I., attacking south of them through Holnon Village, +could make no headway. The French had during the morning captured +Round Hill and part of Manchester Hill, and came up in line with us. +The 16th Infantry Brigade fared much better, and working down from the +north was able in the course of the day to secure the northern face of +the Quadrilateral. Their four tanks were of great assistance to them +this day. Throughout the day the 18th Infantry Brigade maintained the +fight with characteristic determination, but without improving its +position very much. At 11 p.m., however, it launched the 1st +Leicestershire Regiment by moonlight in a further attack on Douai +Trench. The attack, delivered with great gallantry, was successful, +and many enemy were killed in the trench which was found to be +strongly held. In spite of the very rough handling which it had +received on the 24th the 18th Infantry Brigade stuck grimly to its +task during the 25th. Douai Trench was cleared from end to end by +hand-to-hand fighting, and patrols, admirably handled, gradually made +good the whole of the objectives allotted for the previous day's +attack. On the morning of 25th September 3 officers and 104 other +ranks surrendered near Fayet to patrols of the 2nd Y. and L. Regiment. +By midnight on the night of the 25/26th September the 16th and 18th +Infantry Brigades in co-operation had completed the capture of the +Quadrilateral, a position of such unusual natural strength that +captured German officers admitted that they had fully expected to be +able to hold it indefinitely. For this very fine performance, a +remarkable instance of grit and determination and of intelligent +initiative by regimental officers of all ranks, to whom the successful +results were entirely due, the Division received the congratulations +of the Army and Corps Commanders and G.O.C., 1st Division. The +message telephoned on behalf of the Army Commander contained the +following passage:--"He fully realises the difficulties they have had +to contend with, and admires the tenacity with which they have stuck +to it and completed their task." + +The enemy's resistance now broke down, and during the 26th, 27th and +28th September patrols were able gradually to gain further ground, so +that by the time the Division was relieved by the 4th French Division +on the 29/30th, posts had been established round three sides of the +village of Fayet. Manchester Hill was finally captured by the French +on 26th September. + +The captures during the period were 10 officers, 372 other ranks, 4 +guns, 15 trench-mortars, and 53 machine-guns. + +During the relief by the French a noteworthy incident occurred. The +2nd Brigade, R.F.A., were asked to fire a barrage to cover an advance +of French infantry at a certain hour, and did so. Just after +completion a message arrived saying that the attack had been +postponed, and would the brigade repeat the operation very shortly at +another hour which was fixed. This the brigade did, clearing to +absolutely the last shell the ammunition available on the ground and +completing the barrage at the same moment. + +During the fighting in September the Division had "B" and "C" +Companies, 2nd Life Guards Machine-gun Battalion, at its disposal, and +these fine troops helped much in the machine-gun barrage, and added +confidence that any counter-attack on the right would meet with a hot +reception. + +While the 6th Division had been fighting on the right of the British +Army, the 46th Division, with the Americans on their left and the 1st +Division forming a defensive flank on their right, had broken the +Hindenburg Line on 29th September by a magnificent attack. Followed +across the canal by the 32nd Division, these two divisions had +very severe fighting at Ramicourt and Sequehart and were exhausted. +The 6th Division, after four days to rest and absorb reinforcements, +was ordered to relieve them and attack on the 8th October in the +direction of the small town of Bohain. The 30th American Division was +on the right and about 2,000 yards ahead, connected to the 6th +Division by a series of posts along the railway. This curious position +entailed a very complicated creeping barrage, which, however, was +successfully put into operation on the day of the attack. On the right +was the French 42nd Division slightly in rear, having followed the +Germans through St. Quentin and met with strong resistance beyond it. +The position to be attacked consisted of high rolling downs with deep +traverse valleys, giving good cover for supports and forward guns, and +on the right a broad longitudinal valley closed by a ridge on which +stood the village of Mericourt. The French had a stiff task in front +of them, and did not propose to advance as far as the British--6,000 +yards--with the result that even if they were successful our frontage, +thrown back from left to right, would be 7,500 yards, and if +unsuccessful over 10,000. Added to this their zero hour was nearly an +hour after ours, and there would be a very real danger of +counter-attack from the right. The Divisional Commander, therefore, +decided to leave the valley severely alone to start with, merely +smoking by guns and bombs from aeroplanes the Mericourt Ridge and +attacking all along the high ground on the north. As our attack and +the French attack progressed the valley was to be cleared by three +whippet tanks supported by the 1st Battalion West Yorks, lent to the +16th Infantry Brigade, while finally an attack from the high ground +against the Mericourt Ridge would be delivered with a view to cutting +off posts in the valley between the two attacks. The 139th Infantry +Brigade of the 46th Division remained in position at Sequehart, +together with two companies Life Guards Machine-gun Battalion, to +secure the right flank against counter-attack. The machine-gun +nests on the Sequehart-Mericourt road enfiladed the start line of the +6th Division, and the G.O.C., 139th Infantry Brigade (Brig-Gen. J. +Harington), was asked to capture these just before the general attack. +The 46th Divisional Pioneer Battalion (1/1st Monmouthshire Regiment) +undertook this task, and twice attacked the position but without +success, in spite of the greatest gallantry. The Commanding Officer +(Col. Jenkins) and his Adjutant were both unfortunately killed. Their +bravery, however, was well rewarded, as their action enabled the 6th +Divisional troops to work round and cut the position off, and the +enemy eventually surrendered. + +The weight of artillery for the operations of the 8th October was +immense. In addition to the Divisional artillery there were the 5th +and 16th Brigades, R.H.A., 161st, 168th, 230th, 231st, 232nd Brigades, +R.F.A., and the 14th and 23rd Army Brigades, R.F.A. Only a part of +these fired the creeping barrage, the 6th Divisional Artillery, the +5th Brigade, R.H.A., and the 232nd Brigade, R.F.A., moving forward as +the infantry attack progressed to new positions, so as to support +exploitation and give protection against counter-attack. The attack +was launched at 5.30 a.m. The 16th Infantry Brigade on the right next +to the valley, and the 71st Infantry Brigade on the left next to the +Americans, both made excellent way, the former capturing the very +strong Mannikin Hill position, and the latter the formidable Doon Mill +and Doon Copse position, and making a good haul of machine-guns. + +As had been anticipated the French had been held up by Bellicourt Farm +on their left, and the 16th Infantry Brigade suffered a good deal from +machine-gun fire from Cerise Wood on the farther side of the valley +and from Mannikin Wood in the valley. The three whippet tanks allotted +to the 16th Infantry Brigade were all knocked out, but the West Yorks, +to whom had been entrusted the clearing of the valley, stuck to +their work most gallantly, and in the afternoon, after three attempts, +had the satisfaction of securing Mannikin Wood, with 10 officers, 240 +other ranks, and 20 machine-guns, by a final attack under an artillery +smoke barrage. To this success "B" Company, 6th Machine-gun Battalion, +contributed largely by enfilade fire. + +By 3 p.m. the French announced that they had captured Bellicourt Farm, +and were advancing. The situation on the right was now completely +changed, and the 1st West Yorks, advancing up the valley, gained touch +with the French east of Fairy Wood, more than half-way to the final +objective in that area. + +By nightfall Mericourt, which blocked the head of and commanded the +whole of the valley, was in our hands. + +The Americans gained their final objective and continued the advance +without much opposition. In attempting to support their flank the 71st +Infantry Brigade came under the fire of field guns firing over open +sights near Joncourt Farm, and could not advance. A squadron of the +Royal Scots Greys (5th Cavalry Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Neil Haig), +attached to the Division, worked round and made a gallant attempt to +gallop the guns, but were stopped by close range gun fire. Pitch +darkness now came on, and left the Division tired but triumphant on +their final objectives. The bag of the 6th Division amounted to over +30 officers and 1,100 other ranks. + +Congratulatory messages were received from the Army and Corps +Commanders as follows:-- + +From the Army Commander--"Will you please convey to the 6th Division +my warm thanks and hearty congratulations on their success to-day. +They have done admirable work, and I wish them all good luck for +to-morrow." + +From the Corps Commander--"Well done 6th Division. So glad casualties +so light, considering what Division has accomplished." + +Almost before the final objective had been captured an order was +received from the Corps for the Division to take over a portion of +the 30th American Division front on the left, hand over some ground to +46th Division on the right, and attack at dawn on the 9th behind a +barrage. Though very tired, and though it was a pitch dark night, the +71st and 16th Infantry Brigades somehow managed to carry out these +almost impossible orders, and advanced splendidly at zero hour--the +artillery putting down an accurate barrage. The attack progressed +successfully, the first objectives being gained by both brigades +without much difficulty, but the enemy was able to delay our advance +from the Railway Line, where after stiff fighting the 1st Leicesters, +by a turning movement, captured some prisoners and machine-guns. The +9th Norfolk Regiment on the left worked round by the north, and during +the night captured Bohain, where some 4,000 inhabitants were liberated, +and vast quantities of war material fell into our hands. + +During this phase of the operations the 5th Cavalry Brigade was +attached to the Division, but circumstances did not allow of much +cavalry activity. + +We were now in a different country to that in which the operations +since 1914 had been conducted. The country had seen no war, houses +were intact, inhabitants looking starved and downtrodden were +delighted to see the British troops. To stop our advance all roads in +Bohain had been cratered at their exits from the village, and +delay-action mines on the railways were constantly going up. As an +example, D.H.Q. was in Brancucourt Farm, in a main road which had been +cratered just outside the farm. A railway bridge just opposite had +been blown down and the line cratered. The Canadian Engineers +repairing the line had removed a great many bombs, but about three +days after the arrival of D.H.Q. a delay-action mine went off on the +railway at 7.30 p.m., and two days later again at 7 a.m. Fortunately +on both occasions no men were working on the line, and D.H.Q. +suffered no worse harm than some injuries to staff cars from falling +debris. The total captures by the Division since the 8th October now +amounted to 45 officers, 1,839 other ranks, 15 guns, 20 +trench-mortars, and 266 machine-guns. + +On 10th October the advance was continued--the 30th American Division +on the left, the 6th Division in the centre, and the 46th Division on +the right next to the French, who were again some distance in rear. + +The 71st Infantry Brigade (1st Leicesters and 2nd Sherwood Foresters), +passing through the 9th Norfolks, gained most of its objective, which +was the high ground about 2,000 yards east of Bohain, but the 40th +Division was held up by machine-gun fire in Riqueval Wood. An +attempted advance by the 71st Infantry Brigade, assisted by two tanks, +on 11th instant was brought to a standstill by machine-gun fire, after +a small advance. + +On the night of the 11/12th October the 18th Infantry Brigade, which +had been in Divisional Reserve, relieved the 71st Infantry Brigade, +and at 4.30 p.m. on the 12th October carried out a minor operation, +simultaneously with the left brigade of the 46th Division, in order to +push its left flank forward to the line of the Americans, who were +reported to be in possession of Vaux Andigny--some one and a half +miles ahead. The attack on the right failed, with about 100 +casualties, owing to machine-gun fire from Regnicourt, and the 46th +Division was also held up. The left made a little ground. This attack +and a low aeroplane reconnaissance disclosed the fact that the Germans +had dug a series of new trenches on the high ground immediately in +front, and that there was a considerable amount of wire. The maps of +this area were most indifferent, and many copses existed which were +not shown. It was now evident that the enemy intended to stand on the +high ground east of Selle River and its continuation to Riqueval Wood. +Failing to make any progress by a frontal attack, the G.O.C., IX +Corps, undertook a very pretty tactical move, which produced the +attack of 17th October. The 6th and 46th Divisions were moved to +the north flank, and attacked south-east and east instead of +north-east. By this manoeuvre a great deal of enfilade fire was +brought to bear both from guns and machine-guns. The task allotted to +the 6th Division was a difficult one. It had to issue fan-wise from +the village of Vaux Andigny on a 1,500 yards front, advancing +2,500-3,000 yards to a front of 5,000 yards. The 1st Division was to +pass through it and push on towards the Sambre Canal. The attack was +to be made under a barrage of eight brigades of Field Artillery and +eighty machine-guns. The IX Corps employed on this occasion 172 +60-pounders and heavy howitzers. + +In the evening of 16th October Brig.-Gen. H. A. Walker, commanding +16th Infantry Brigade, which was to attack on the left the next +morning, most unfortunately lost his left arm by a shell, which blew +it off so cleanly that his wrist watch was recovered by his orderly +and was still going. Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown, commanding 71st Infantry +Brigade, then in reserve, took command until the arrival of Brig.-Gen. +W. G. Braithwaite. + +During the night 16/17th October the enemy poured gas shells into Vaux +Andigny, causing considerable casualties both to the troops forming up +just outside and to those who had to pass through a little later. Zero +was at 5.20 a.m., and the attack commenced in a dense fog, which in +the fan-shaped advance caused a good deal of loss of direction, +although the 18th Infantry Brigade on the left had laid out long +direction tapes to give the troops the initial direction. + +The latter brigade was held up at the start by uncut wire, which +caused it to lose its barrage. It also encountered a good deal of +opposition on Bellevue Ridge. It was, however, carried forward by the +oncoming waves of the 1st Division, which were to pass through to a +further objective, and together the troops of the two divisions +made good the objective of the 18th Infantry Brigade. The fog was +so dense that all direction was lost, although the 11th Essex Regiment +took the unusual precaution of sending its men forward arm-in-arm. +Notwithstanding every precaution troops of the 11th Essex eventually +fetched up at Regnicourt, which was on the right of the objective +allotted to the 46th Division, who attacked on our right. Troops of +all three divisions also reached Andigny les Fermes, which was in the +objective of the 46th Division. The 16th Infantry Brigade was more +fortunate, and was assisted in maintaining its direction by the +railway, with the result that it gained its whole objective in good +time and with very little trouble. The day's captures were 26 +officers, 599 other ranks, 5 trench-mortars, and 82 machine-guns. + +The 1st Division having passed through, the 6th Division was now +withdrawn from the line to the neighbourhood of Bohain for a day or +two. + +On the night of the 20th/21st October the Division was again put in, +relieving the 27th American Division and a part of the 25th Division +on the front from Bazuel to a short way north of Mazinghien, with a +view to the attack planned for the 23rd October. There now occurred a +sudden change in the type of country. Instead of open rolling downs, +there was a multiplicity of small fields, divided by high thick-set +hedges trained on wire which proved formidable obstacles. The enemy +had good positions for his artillery in the Bois l'Eveque, and on the +east bank of the Canal de la Sambre, protected from the danger of +being rushed by that obstacle, and it was evident that he intended to +put up a determined fight on the strong position thus afforded. The +hostile artillery fire was more than had been encountered since the +fighting about St. Quentin, and throughout the few days preceding the +attack the shelling of roads, farms and villages in our rear area and +of artillery positions was continuous. On the night of the attack the +assembly positions of the assaulting brigades were subjected to +heavy counter-preparation, including a great deal of gas-shelling, +and the assembly units suffered considerable casualties. The attack +was delivered at 1.20 a.m. on 23rd October in a dense fog; the 1st +Division being on the right and the 25th Division on the left. Three +sections of 301st American Tank Company were allotted to the Division, +and did excellent work in smashing fences and destroying machine-gun +nests, though, owing to the fog, the infantry lost touch with them +almost at once. + +On the right the 18th Infantry Brigade, which attacked with the 2nd +D.L.I. on the right and the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on the left, +had a less difficult task than the 71st Infantry Brigade, but were +delayed in crossing the gas-shelled valley in their immediate front, +and met with opposition from various farms. However, they fought their +way steadily forward during the day, and by the late afternoon their +right battalion had reached its objective and had pushed its patrols +down to the canal, and the left battalion, having reached its first +objective, was struggling forward to its second. + +The 71st Infantry Brigade on the left attacked with the 9th Norfolk +Regiment and the 1st Leicestershire Regiment. Its attack soon became +disorganized in the very enclosed country, was unable to keep pace +with its barrage, lost touch with its tanks in the fog, and was soon +held up on a line not more than about 400 yards beyond that from which +it had started. Fighting continued throughout the day, and finally, +taking advantage of the progress made by the 25th Division on its +left, the 71st Infantry Brigade was able by night to reach a line +about half-way through the Bois l'Eveque. + +During the night this brigade was relieved by the 16th Infantry +Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite), which resumed the attack on +the morning of the 24th October. Opposition had by this time +decreased, and better progress was made, so that by noon the right +battalion, the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, held the line of +the objective laid down for the previous day's attack, and the left +battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade had also completed the capture +of its objective. Some further progress was made during the day by the +16th Infantry Brigade. + +During the period 20th to 24th October, Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce, +C.R.A., 6th Division, had under his orders the Divisional Artillery of +the 3rd, 4th and 5th Australian Divisions, though the 5th Australian +Divisional Artillery was withdrawn on the eve of the attack of 24th +October. Their fire was most accurate and prompt, and gave the +attacking infantry every confidence. The 6th D.A. on this occasion was +in Corps Reserve. + +During the 26th, 27th and 28th the patrols of the 16th Infantry +Brigade continued to work their way slowly forward, and the village of +Ors was evacuated of its inhabitants under the protection of patrols +of the 18th Infantry Brigade. The latter established a bridge-head +across the canal at Ors, and posts on the west side commanding the +canal on the whole brigade front. + +On the 29th orders were received for the relief of the Division. In +order to be able to hand over to the relieving Division a satisfactory +position from which to launch the attack on the line of the canal, a +further small operation was planned by the 16th Infantry Brigade, and +brilliantly carried out by the 1st The Buffs on the 30th October. Two +companies attacked and captured an important farm and spur overlooking +the canal, were counter-attacked in the afternoon and turned out of +the farm, but retook it at once with the bayonet, inflicting heavy +casualties on the enemy and capturing five more machine-guns. + +On the night of the 30th/31st October the relief of the Division (less +artillery) was completed, and it withdrew to billets in Fresnoy le +Grand, whence it moved some days later to Bohain. + +The captures during the fighting from the 19th to the 31st October +numbered 9 officers and 431 other ranks, 13 guns (including two 5.9-in. +howitzers), 12 trench-mortars, and 61 machine-guns. + +The total captures during a period of between six and seven weeks, in +which the Division had seen much stiff fighting, and had suffered over +6,000 casualties, amounted to 96 officers, 3,505 other ranks, 32 guns, +52 trench-mortars, and 527 machine-guns counted. + +The infantry of the Division saw no more fighting, but its artillery +remained in till the end, finishing up in the neighbourhood of +Avesnes. + +Among the many casualties which the artillery suffered must be +mentioned Major W. S. Ironside, D.S.O., M.C., commanding 112th +Battery, R.F.A., who was killed east of Le Cateau on 2nd November. He +was among the then much reduced number of those who had landed +originally with the Division in France in 1914, being then a sergeant. + +Very little mention has been made of the services of the Royal +Engineers during this period. Exceptionally heavy work was thrown on +the signal sections, owing to the frequent changes of headquarters, +but they were untiring in their devotion and met each emergency with +resource. To the Field Companies fell the dangerous task of taping out +the jumping-off lines for the attacks, but they invariably achieved +this difficult task to the complete satisfaction of the +brigadier-generals and units concerned in the operations. + +It is inevitable in a short History like this that the services of the +administrative branches should not receive the same notice as those of +the purely fighting portions of the Division, but the History would be +incomplete without some reference to them. + +The Field Ambulances showed throughout the high devotion to duty which +has always characterized the Royal Army Medical Corps. The work of the +bearer sections during actions always elicited the admiration of the +infantry, while the tent sections were frequently under shell +fire, which, however, in no way interfered with their care of the +wounded. Both at advanced dressing stations and tent sections many of +the chaplains rendered most valuable assistance in carrying and +helping wounded men, while during trench warfare they were frequently +to be found with their men in the forward trenches. + +In the action of 18th September 1918, Lt.-Col. Collins, D.S.O., and +Major German, both of the R.A.M.C., and also Father FitzGibbons, were +killed by shelling at a tent advanced dressing station. + +The work of our Army Service Corps has always been the envy and +admiration of our Allies, and that of the 6th Divisional Train was up +to the highest standard of the British Army. The acknowledged +excellence of the horses and mules of the Division is a tribute to the +efficiency of the Veterinary Section and of the horsemasters attached +to the artillery, as well as to the mounted branches. + +In spite of the amusing comments of "The Fancies," the life of the +Military Police was not all beer and skittles. The control of the +traffic at some of the cross-roads, favoured by the Boche heavy +gunners, was nerve-racking in ordinary times, and tenfold more so +during an action, and several awards were given to the Divisional +Military Police for gallant conduct under these conditions. + +Very few officers or men served throughout with the Division. Perhaps +the two most notable were Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth, D.S.O., +commanding 24th Brigade, R.F.A., who came out as a Captain, and +Staff-Sergt.-Major Woollard, who was Chief Clerk of the Division for +some time before mobilization. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE MARCH TO THE RHINE AND OCCUPATION OF GERMANY + +1918-19 + + +Armistice Day--11th November--found the Division in billets in Bohain +area, training for possible future operations. The news of the +cessation of hostilities was received with calm satisfaction that we +had beaten the Germans, and of relief that now we could sleep +peacefully at nights and that lights need not be screened. + +Early in November the 1st and 32nd Divisions of the IX Corps had +forced the crossings of the Sambre Canal at Catillon and Ors after +heavy fighting, and had driven the enemy back towards Avesnes. On 11th +November a mixed force, under Major-Gen. Bethell, was pushing the +disorganized Germans over the Belgian frontier near Beaumont. + +The IX Corps was now transferred to the Second Army, under Gen. Sir H. +Plumer, to whom was assigned the command of the British Army of +Occupation in Germany. + +On leaving the Fourth Army the following letter, addressed personally +to the Divisional Commander, was received from Gen. Sir Henry +Rawlinson:-- + +"Now that the 6th Division is passing to the command of another Army, +I desire to place on record my sincere appreciation and warm thanks +for the valuable services rendered by you since you joined the Fourth +Army in September last. + +"The Division has passed through strenuous times and has seen some +heavy fighting, especially in September between Holnon Wood and the +Canal, and at Bohain and Vaux Andigny in October, where the gallantry +and determination of all ranks filled me with admiration. + +"I congratulate most heartily you all on the victories you have +won, and trust that at some future time I may again find the Division +under my command." + +The Division spent the period 14th to 19th November in a march, via +Catillon and Avesnes, to the area round Solre le Chateau and Sars +Poteries, where it was to assemble for the March to the Rhine. For +this it was organized in three Infantry Brigade Groups and a +Divisional Troops Group under the C.R.A. The 16th Army R.H.A. Brigade +(Chestnut Troop, "Q" and "U" Batteries) was attached to the Division, +and formed part of the 18th Infantry Brigade Group. The 2nd Brigade, +R.F.A., marched with the Divisional Troops Column, the 24th Brigade, +R.F.A., with the 71st Infantry Brigade, and the Divisional Ammunition +Column with the 16th Infantry Brigade. Each Infantry Brigade had a +Field Company and Field Ambulance. + +The march resembled the progression of a snake, the rear group moving +forward at each advance to the area occupied the previous day by the +leading group. Commencing officially on the 20th November there were +long halts up to 2nd December, owing to the difficulty of feeding the +leading Divisions (cavalry and infantry), caused by the destruction +done by the Germans to the railways, and also owing to the withdrawal +of the Germans not being carried out in accordance with programme. +Sometimes groups did not move, or only made minor adjustments to +obtain more comfortable quarters. + +Both branches of the staff had long days of reconnaissance in cars +ahead of the Division, made to avoid moving troops farther off the +main roads than necessary, while the R.E. and Pioneers were often +pushed ahead to see about water supplies and mend roads. Up to the +Belgian frontier roads had been cratered and bridges blown down, and +these caused defiles and impeded the march. Once across the frontier +the roads were splendid, the inhabitants most hospitable and +enthusiastic, and the advance only held up until it could be +pushed through continuously. + +However, it was no hardship to be delayed in such charming +surroundings, though the weather was for the most part vile. The march +from the neighbourhood of Dinant across the Ardennes, and along the +lovely valley of the River Ambleve, will always stand out as a most +delightful reminiscence. All ranks worked hard at their equipment, and +the transport was so smart as to be thought by the Belgians to be new. + +It was a proud and splendid Division which marched, with drums beating +and colours flying, across the German frontier into the little town of +Malmedy between 13th and 16th December. + +Marching generally by only one road, the length of the Division, when +billeted, varied from ten to twenty-five miles. It was particularly +interesting for Brigades to occupy the German huts at Elsenborn Camp +of Exercise, where large numbers of the enemy had assembled in the end +of July 1914 for the conquest of Belgium. + +The attitude of the population in Germany was servile, and little hate +could be felt by one or two battalions which marched into Malmedy in +pouring rain and found German women lighting special fires, without +being ordered to do so, to dry their clothing. It must, however, be +added that the inhabitants of Malmedy speak French and have Belgian +sympathies. + +Passing through the lovely little village of Montjoie, which reminds +one so much of Switzerland, the Division marched to its allotted area +south-west of Cologne, Divisional Headquarters arriving at Bruhl, six +miles from Cologne, on Christmas Eve; Headquarters 16th Infantry +Brigade at Zulpich, Headquarters 18th Infantry Brigade at Lechenich, +Headquarters 71st Infantry Brigade at Eichhols (a country house), and +Headquarters Divisional Troops at a chateau near Weilerswist. The +route followed--220 miles--is given in the Diary. + +It was with a great feeling of gratitude and elation that the +Division ate their Christmas dinner on the Rhine in December 1918. + +The area allotted to the Division was a strip of country almost +rectangular in shape, with a maximum length of twenty miles, and a +maximum breadth of twelve miles, and lying to the immediate south-west +of Cologne. The north-west border was on the ring of forts encircling +the city, which were later included in the divisional area. + +The Civil Administration was carried out by the G.O.C. Infantry +Brigades and the C.R.A., who were much assisted by a Civil Staff +Captain and a Provost representative, and in the town of Bruhl by the +G.O.C. Division, who also generally supervised under the Corps and the +Army the work of the Group Commanders. + +The Germans were very orderly, and little trouble was given, but guard +and night patrol was fairly heavy. + +On 1st February 1919, General Sir H. Plumer presented a Colour to the +9th Norfolk Regiment, 11th Essex Regiment, and 11th Leicester Regiment +respectively, and made a stirring speech to each, congratulating them +on their fine appearance and steady drill, and emphasizing their duty +to their King and Country. + +The Division settled down to improving their billets and to education, +and frequent lectures were given by special lecturers sent out from +England. Some of the troops were very comfortable, and notably those +in towns like Bruhl, where each man had a bed and mattress, and +Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s who were billeted in private houses, but +others in the smaller villages were not so well off. + +As the Germans did not play football there was a general lack of +football grounds, which had to be made, but the troops scored +considerably by finding electric light in even the tiniest cottages, +and at least one concert-room, with a stage properly fitted up, in +even the smallest village. The Opera, too, was a great source of +pleasure to many. But it was a period of transition--men were +being demobilized freely, and it was with a sigh of relief that +something definite had been fixed, as well as with many sighs of +regret, that orders were eventually received that the 6th Division, as +such, would cease to exist in the middle of March 1919. Farewell +parades were held, farewell speeches made, farewell dinners given, and +on 15th March the Machine-gun Battalion, Pioneers, Field Companies +(except 12th Field Company), and Train were transferred to the +newly-constituted Midland Division. + +The 6th Division, B.E.F., had completed its task. + + + + +APPENDIX I + +BATTLE CASUALTIES + + +1914 Aisne (19th Sept.--12th Oct.) + 1,482 Battle of the Aisne. +1914 Armentieres (13th--31st Oct.) + 4,696 First Battle of Ypres. +1914-15 Armentieres (1st Nov.--31st May) + 3,940 Trenches. +1915-16 Ypres (1st June 1915--31st July 1916) + 10,938 Includes 1,780 in attack on Hooge; + 660 gas attack, 15th Dec; + 400 Morteldje attack. +1916 Somme (5th Aug.--20th Oct.) + 7,430 Battle of the Somme. +1916-17 La Bassee (25th Nov. 1916--16th February 1917) + 709 Trenches. +1917 Loos (2nd Mar.--25th July) + 4,884 Raids and attacks, Hill 70. +1917 Loos-Lens (26th Aug.--23rd Oct.) + 1,400 Trenches. +1917 Cambrai (20th Nov.--10th Dec.) + 1,790 Battle of Cambrai. +1918 Bapaume (17th Jan.--20th March) + 313 Trenches. +1918 Lagnicourt (21st--22nd March) + 5,160 German offensive. +1918 Ypres (3rd April--24th Aug.) + 4,715 Includes 750 at Neuve Eglise + (71st Infantry Brigade) and + 250 in attack on Scottish and Ridge + Woods. +1918 St. Quentin (14th--28th Sept.) + 3,163 Battle of St. Quentin. +1918 Bohain--Ors (4th--29th Oct.) + 3,120 Battles of Bohain, Vaux-Andigny, and Ors. + +Grand Total 53,740 + +N.B.--Above are approximate, and have been compiled from D.H.Q. War +Diaries (Administrative). + + + + +APPENDIX II + +V.C.s WON BY THE DIVISION + + +No. 7504 Private HENRY MAY, 1st Battalion The Cameronians + (Scottish Rifles), 19th Infantry Brigade, at that time + attached to 6th Division. + +For most conspicuous bravery near La Boutillerie, on 22nd October +1914, in voluntarily endeavouring to rescue, under very heavy fire, a +wounded man, who was killed before he could save him, and +subsequently, on the same day, in carrying a wounded officer a +distance of 300 yards into safety whilst exposed to very severe fire. +(Gazetted 21st April 1915.) + + +No. 9730 Private JOHN CAFFREY, 2nd Battalion The York and + Lancaster Regiment. + +For most conspicuous bravery on 16th November 1915, +near La Brique. + +A man of the West Yorkshire Regiment had been badly wounded, and was +lying in the open unable to move, in full view of, and about 300 to +400 yards from, the enemy's trenches. Corporal Stirk, Royal Army +Medical Corps, and Private Caffrey, at once started out to rescue him, +but at the first attempt they were driven back by shrapnel fire. Soon +afterwards they started again, under close sniping and machine-gun +fire, and succeeded in reaching and bandaging the wounded man, but +just as Corporal Stirk had lifted him on Private Caffrey's back he +himself was shot in the head. + +Private Caffrey put down the wounded man, bandaged Corporal Stirk, and +helped him back into safety. He then returned and brought in the man +of the West Yorkshire Regiment. He had made three journeys across the +open under close and accurate fire, and had risked his own life to +save others with the utmost coolness and bravery. (Gazetted 22nd +January 1915.) + + +No. 3/10133 Sergeant ARTHUR FREDERIC SAUNDERS, 9th (Service) + Battalion The Suffolk Regiment. + +For most conspicuous bravery. When his officer had been wounded, in +the attack he took charge of two machine-guns and a few men, and, +although severely wounded in the thigh, closely followed the last four +charges of another battalion, and rendered every possible support. +Later, when the remains of the battalion which he had been supporting +had been forced to retire, he stuck to his guns, continued to give +clear orders, and by continuous firing did his best to cover the +retirement. (Gazetted 30th March, 1916.) + + +2/Lieutenant FRANK BERNARD WEARNE, 11th (Service) + Battalion Essex Regiment. + +For superb courage, leadership and self-sacrifice. + +On 28th June 1917, 2/Lieut. Wearne was in command of two sections on +the left of a raiding party, whose objective was the German front +line, east of Loos. He led his men into the objective against +opposition, and by his magnificent example and daring, they held on to +the German trench for one hour according to orders. + +Throughout the hour they were repeatedly counter-attacked, from their +left down the trench and from their front over the open. Grasping the +fact that if the left flank went, our men would have to give way, +2/Lieut. Wearne at a moment when the attack was being heavily pressed, +and when matters were most critical, leapt on to the parapet and, +followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing +and throwing bombs at the enemy. This unexpected and daring manoeuvre +threw the enemy back in disorder. Whilst on the top 2/Lieut. Wearne +was severely wounded, but refused to leave his men. He remained in the +trench directing operations, organizing the defence and encouraging +all. Just before the order to withdraw was given 2/Lieut. Wearne was +severely hit for the second time, and when being brought away was hit +for the third time and killed. + +His tenacity in remaining at his post, though severely wounded, and +his magnificent fighting spirit enabled his men to hold on to the left +flank; had this gone, the whole operation would have failed. (Gazetted +5th August 1917.) + + +2/Lieut. (A/Captain) ARTHUR MOORE LASCELLES, 3rd Battalion, + attached 14th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. + +At Masnieres on 3rd December 1917, showed the greatest courage, +initiative, and devotion to duty when in command of his company. + +His company was in a very exposed position, and after a very heavy +bombardment, during which Captain Lascelles was wounded, the enemy +attacked in strong force, but was driven off, largely owing to the +fine example set by this officer, who refused to allow himself to be +dressed, but continued to encourage his men and organize the defence. +Shortly afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured the trench, +taking several of his men prisoners. Captain Lascelles at once jumped +on to the parapet and, followed by the remainder of his company, +twelve men, rushed across under very heavy machine-gun fire and drove +over sixty of the enemy back, being wounded again, thereby saving a +most critical situation. He then was untiring in re-organizing the +position, but shortly afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured +the trench and Captain Lascelles. Later he escaped, being wounded +again in doing so. + +The remarkable determination and gallantry of this officer inspired +everyone. (Gazetted 11th January 1919.) + + + + +APPENDIX III + +DIARY + + +1914. + +Sept. 8. Division embarked Southampton. + + 9. Commenced disembarking St. Nazaire. + + 10. Commenced entraining. + + 12. Into billets Coulommiers--Mortcerf--Marles--Chaume. + + 13-19. Marching to the Aisne--into General Reserve, D.H.Q. at + Bazoches. + + 19. 18th Infantry Brigade to I Corps to relieve 2nd Infantry + Brigade. + + 20. Attack on I Corps--18th Infantry Brigade heavily engaged. + + 21. 16th Infantry Brigade to II Corps to relieve 7th and 9th + Infantry Brigades, and 17th Infantry Brigade to I Corps to + relieve 6th Infantry Brigade and 4th Guards Brigade. + +Sept. 20 to Oct. 6. In trenches on the Aisne. + + Oct. 2. Division (less 16th and 17th Infantry Brigades) concentrated + in area Serches--Jury, under III Corps--D.H.Q. at Serches. + + 6. 17th Infantry Brigade rejoined Division, which marched west. + + 9. Division (less 16th Infantry Brigade) entrained at St. Sauveur + near Compiegne. + + 10-11. Division arrived St. Omer and went into billets--19th + Infantry Brigade joined Division (one battalion to Renescure)--one + battalion 18th Infantry Brigade to Racquinghem. + + 12. March to Hazebrouck to cover detrainment of 4th Division. 16th + Infantry Brigade relieved by French troops. + + 13. 16th Infantry Brigade entrained for Cassel. Division marched + east--fighting from 1 p.m. on line La Couronne--Merris--Fontaine + Houck, which was reached at nightfall--considerable casualties. + + 14. Line reached R. du Leet--Blanche Maison--east of Bailleul. + +Oct. 15-16. 18th Infantry Brigade crossed River Lys at Sailly, + and 17th Infantry Brigade at Bac St. Maur during the + night--Steenwerck occupied. + + 16. Line advanced to Rouge du Bout--Rue Dormoire. 16th Infantry + Brigade rejoined Division and went into Divisional Reserve. + + 17. Line Rouge du Bout--Bois Grenier--Chapelle d'Armentieres + reached without opposition. + + 18. Reconnaissance in force on enemy's reported positions. Line at + night after considerable fighting Radinghem--Ennetieres-- + Premesques--Halte to west of Perenchies--l'Epinette (east + of Armentieres). + + 19. Entrenching above line. + + 20. Massed German attack all along line--Division driven back to + Touquet--Bois Blancs--Le Quesne--La Houssoie--Rue du + Bois--l'Epinette. + + 21. 19th Infantry Brigade (sent to fill gap between II and III + Corps) driven back from Le Maisnil--Fromelles to La + Boutillerie--Touquet. + + 22. Heavy attack on 19th Infantry Brigade in evening repulsed. + + 23. 17th Infantry Brigade relieved by 4th Division and became + Divisional Reserve--attacks on 16th Infantry Brigade + (K.S.L.I. and Y. and L.) repulsed with much loss to enemy-- + 300 dead in front of trenches. + + 24-25. Continuous attacks on Divisional front throughout day, all + repulsed, but situation critical. + + 25-26. Retirement made during night to prepared line about half a mile + in rear Touquet--Flamengerie Farm--Rue du Bois, so as to + straighten front. + + 27-28. Attack by night on 18th Infantry Brigade trenches, which were + captured but retaken by counter-attack--East Yorks especially + distinguished themselves. + + 28-29. Attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade repulsed. + + 29-30. Strong attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade captured + trenches, but was driven out by counter-attack and 200 dead + counted. + +Nov. and Dec. } + 1915. } In trenches Armentieres front. +Jan. and Feb. } + +Mar. 12. L'Epinette attacked and captured by North Staffordshire + Regiment. + +Mar. 15. 16th Infantry Brigade moved up to Vlamertinghe, but + returned next day. + +May. A little mining and counter-mining on the Frelinghien and Le + Touquet fronts. + + 27. Major-Gen. Sir John Keir left to command VI Corps, being + succeeded by Brig.-Gen. Congreve. Brig.-Gen. Humphreys + succeeded Brig.-Gen. Paget in command of Divisional + Artillery. + + Relief by 27th Division commenced. + + 31. Front handed over to 27th Division--19th Infantry Brigade left + Division. + +May 31 to June 1. Took over new front Ypres Salient. + +June 2. Relief completed on front from Ypres--Roulers Railway to + Wieltje. + + 5. 17th Infantry Brigade into line, which now extended to just + short of Turco Farm. + + 8. D.H.Q. from Couthove to Vlamertinghe. + + 15. Gallant bombing attack by Lieut. Smith's Grenadier Platoon to + assist 41st Brigade. + + 16. Artillery co-operation with 3rd Divisional attack on Bellewarde + Farm. + + 20. 16th Infantry Brigade's first experience of gas. + + 22. Artillery co-operation in 14th Divisional attack. + + July 6. Artillery co-operation in 4th Divisional attack near Pilkem. + + 30. Attack on 14th Division at Hooge. Drove them back to Sanctuary + and Zouave Woods. Counter-attack unsuccessful. + + 31. 16th Infantry Brigade moved up. Decided to relieve 6th Division + and give it task of retaking Hooge. + +Aug. 2-3. Relieved. + + 6. Took over new front and commenced bombardment. + + 9. Attack on Hooge by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades--infantry + moved close up under barrage, which remained on support trench + five minutes longer--attack successful, but right suffered + very heavily from shelling from south and fire from east. + +Oct. 14. 17th Infantry Brigade left for 24th Division, and 71st + arrived. + +Nov. 19-20. Division relieved--to Houtkerque and Poperinghe, but had + to find working parties for divisions in line. + +Dec. 14. Into line again--Routers Railway to Wieltje. + + 19. Gas attack by enemy. + + +1916. + +Jan. 24. 11th Essex patrol raid (3 officers and 10 other ranks) on + mound on Verlorenhoek Road--killed six Germans. + +Feb. 14-15. Two enemy raids near Wieltje and Trenches B9 and 10 + repulsed. + +Mar. 9-10. 1st The Buffs bombing raid (1 officer and 19 other ranks) + on crater at I 12. + + 15-16. 2nd D.L.I. (3 officers and 44 other ranks) successful raid, + capturing a prisoner--Bangalore torpedo laid by Lieut. Smith, + R.N.V.R. + + 15-18. Relieved from line--to Houtkerque, Wormhoudt, Calais. + +April 15-18. Back into line 5,500 yards front, with left on canal next + to 58th French Division and right next Guards Division. + + 19-20. Enemy occupied trenches out of which he had shelled a company + of the 8th Bedfords in Morteldje Salient--counter-attack + unsuccessful. + + 21. Trenches retaken by two companies K.S.L.I., in spite of very + heavy going. + +May 14-15. Enemy attacked four bombing posts of 1st The Buffs--beaten + off three times, but captured them at fourth attempt--all + garrison casualties. + + June 3. Five officers and 200 other ranks 1st West Yorks drove enemy + out of posts on frontage 450 yards and re-occupied it. + + 10. "Admiral" reported missing from patrol of 9th Norfolks. + + 17-18. Relieved--to Bollezeele, Houtkerque, Wormhoudt. + +July 15-17. Into line north-west of Hooge to north of Wieltje. + +July 29 to Aug. 1. Relieved preparatory to entraining. + +Aug. 2-3. Entrained Hopoutre, Proven, and Esquelbec, and detrained + Candas and Doullens. + + 3-4. Marched to Acheux--Raincheval area. + + 5-7. Into line on Ancre--preparing for attack. + + 21. 9th Suffolk and 2nd Sherwood Foresters' unsuccessful raid. + + 24. 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful raid. + +Aug. 26-27. Relieved and began to move south to Vignacourt-- + Flesselles area. + +Sept. 6-8. Moved up to XIV Corps area. + + 11. Into line on front between Leuze Wood and Ginchy. + + 13. Attack by 71st Infantry Brigade on Quadrilateral + unsuccessful--renewed in evening but only partially successful. + + 15. _General attack_ by 16th and 71st Infantry Brigades--6th + Divisional objective beyond the Quadrilateral--attack + failed--renewed in evening and failed again. + + 16. 18th Infantry Brigade into line in relief of 71st Infantry + Brigade. + + 18. Fresh attack on Quadrilateral after bombardment by 16th and 18th + Infantry Brigades--successful. + + 19. Relieved. + + 21. Into line again. + + 25. _General attack_--6th Division on Lesboeufs, and south to + Morval--by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades, with 71st Infantry + Brigade in reserve--successful--over 500 prisoners. + + 30. Relieved by 20th Division. + +Oct. 8-9. Into line relieving 20th Division. + + 12. _General attack_--6th Division towards Le Transloy--by + 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades--16th Infantry Brigade in + reserve--unsuccessful. + + 15. Attack renewed--partially successful. + + 18. Fresh attack by 71st Infantry Brigade--only partially + successful on left. + + 20. Relieved--to Corbie. + + 28. Assembled in reserve to I Corps. + +Nov. 25. Into line on Canal Sector, La Bassee. + +During Dec. Side-slipped slightly to south. + + +1917. + +Jan. 26. 1st West Yorks raid (6 officers and 160 other ranks under + Capt. Trimble) in Cambrin Sector--five prisoners. + + 29. 8th Bedford Regiment raid (C Company--150--under Capt. Brewster) + in Hohenzollern Sector--two prisoners. + + Feb. 4. Enemy raided 1st West Yorks and captured a Lewis gun and a + prisoner. + + Feb. 9. 2nd Sherwood Foresters raid (6 officers and 100 other + ranks under Major Wylie) in Quarries Sector under smoke barrage + by Special Co. R.E.--20 dug-outs blown in--about 60 enemy + killed and wounded--8 prisoners. + + 10. 2nd D.L.I. raid (3 officers and 38 other ranks) on Mad + Point--over 30 enemy dead counted--1 prisoner brought in + --several dug-outs destroyed. + + 12. 71st Infantry Brigade scouting party raid partly successful + only--one machine-gun entrenchment blown in. + + 15. Enemy attempted raid in Hohenzollern Sector repulsed by artillery + and machine-gun fire--one enemy identification made. + + 16-17. Relieved by 21st Division--to Bethune--Busnes--Robecq. + +Mar. 2-4. Into line Loos Sector--from Double Crassier to Railway + Alley. + + 18. Enemy carried out several simultaneous raids--that on 2nd York + and Lancasters dispersed by Lewis-gun fire--that on Buffs + repulsed after hand-to-hand fighting--that on 1st West + Yorks penetrated and captured one Lewis gun and six men. + + 19. Enemy raided 2nd York and Lancasters--unsuccessful--two + Germans killed in our trenches. + + 24. 11th Essex Battalion raid on area round Posen Crater (4 + companies of 2 officers and 80 other ranks each)--penetrated to + enemy support line and remained one and a half hours--captured + 1 officer, 8 other ranks, and 1 machine-gun. + + 25. Enemy raided 9th Norfolk Regiment and 2nd Sherwood Foresters + and captured nine prisoners, penetrating some distance + between the battalions, but leaving one officer and three + other ranks dead in our trenches. + + 30. 1st The Buffs raid (4 officers and 100 other ranks under + Capt. B. L. Strauss) in Loos Sector--remained in trenches + over half-hour--took one prisoner and one machine-gun, and + blew in eight dug-outs. + +April 5. Enemy raid on 2nd Foresters at Border Redoubt--driven off + with very slight casualties. + +April 8. 2nd D.L.I. patrol raid (2 officers and 47 other ranks) + in Loos Sector--held up by wire. + + 10. 9th Suffolks raid (D Company under Capt. England, M.C.) in + Quarries Sector--successful and obtained identification. + + 12. 2nd York and Lancasters raid (2 officers and 80 other ranks + under Capt. Hardy)--got into trench and killed sixteen + Germans. + + 13. Enemy withdrew from Railway Triangle, closely followed by 2nd + York and Lancasters, who entered enemy dug-outs before candles + had burnt out. + + 24th Division on our right also advancing line. + + System of bombardment followed by pauses during which patrols + went out and occupied what they could. + + 14. Enemy small raid on 1st West Yorks--driven off by counter-attack + and identification obtained. + + 15. A certain amount of ground gained in the face of increasing + opposition--Buffs and York and Lancasters advanced a bit. + + 16. Systematic bombardment of Hill 70 trenches commenced--enemy + counter-attacked and drove Buffs back slightly, but failed + against 8th Bedfords' advanced post--D Company, West Yorks + (3 officers and 65 other ranks under Capt. Rendall), attempted + raid, but driven back by artillery fire. + + 17. Gas released on enemy--ideal conditions--enemy attacked + right flank of 8th Bedfords but driven back. + + 18. Enemy shelled Loos heavily during night (about 1,000 5.9s) + --1st Leicesters (C Company under Capt. Cox) raided and + captured one prisoner--1st K.S.L.I. and 8th Bedfords made + more ground, latter taking twenty-seven prisoners and one + machine-gun. + + 19. 1st K.S.L.I. got north end of Novel Alley, but three attempts + to push forward by 8th Bedfords unsuccessful--K.S.L.I. took + eighteen prisoners--14th D.L.I. relieved 8th Bedfords--11th + Essex placed under orders of G.O.C., 16th Infantry Brigade. + + 20. 46th Division relieved 24th Division on our right--11th Essex + into line, relieving 1st Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I. + +April 20-21. Line partially withdrawn to allow of bombardment. + + 21. Attack by 14th D.L.I. in conjunction with 46th Division-- + successful--two machine-guns and thirty-six prisoners. + + 21-22. 14th D.L.I. repulsed two enemy counter-attacks. + + 22. Attack by 14th D.L.I. and 11th Essex in conjunction with 46th + Division--latter unable to attack Narwhal trench on account + of uncut wire--11th Essex unable to get on--14th D.L.I. + took objective, but gradually shelled and sniped out and + driven back to original line--forty-six prisoners and three + machine-guns. + + 22. 1st Leicesters relieved 14th D.L.I.--9th Suffolks lent to 16th + Infantry Brigade--position became stationary with enemy in + Nash Alley. + + 23. Small enemy raid dispersed and an identification obtained. + + 26. G.O.C. 71st Infantry Brigade assumed command Loos Sector vice + G.O.C. 16th Infantry Brigade to northern sector of Division. + + 27. Enemy raided in Quarries Sector--one prisoner taken by us. + + 28. Raid by 9th Norfolks (No. 8 Platoon) stopped by new wire--same + by West Yorks, also unsuccessful. + + 29. 7,000 gas shells by enemy on Vermelles, Philosophe, and Maroc. + + May 2. 46th Division took over portion of Southern Brigade area. + + 5. Enemy patrol entered our lines, but was shot and identification + made. + + 9. Enemy attempted raid on 2nd D.L.I., but driven off. + + 13. Heavy enemy bombardment in 14bis Sector--raid broken up as it + came out of trenches by artillery fire. + + 15-16. Enemy raided Boyau 46 and captured four men. + + 20-21. 1st West Yorks raid (2 officers and 52 other ranks) entered + trenches but enemy fled--no result. + + 22. 1st Leicesters raid (B Company, 4 officers and 132 other ranks, + under Capt. Wykes) in Quarries Sector--several dug-outs with + enemy in destroyed. + + May 28. 2nd Sherwood Foresters (6 officers and 133 other ranks + under Major Addison-Smith) raided under cover of a smoke + barrage--captured two prisoners and destroyed some dug-outs, + machine-gun entrenchments and tunnel entrances. + + June 1. 1st K.S.L.I. (3 officers and 130 other ranks under Capt. E. + Spink, M.C.) raided enemy near Hendon Alley--sixteen Germans + killed and machine-gun entrenchments blown in. + + 4. Two officers and forty other ranks of 1st K.S.L.I. raided same + trenches and got in, but no prisoners taken. + + 6. Small raid 2nd D.L.I. (2 officers and 50 other ranks) + unsuccessful--enemy's barrage too heavy. + + 8. Enemy small raid on 9th Suffolks at Newport Sap repulsed--four + enemy dead left on our wire. + + 10. 9th Suffolks (3 officers and 94 other ranks) raided as far as + enemy support trenches, but found no one. + + 12-13. 9th Norfolks (1 officer and 35 other ranks) attempted raid on + Merthyr Sap, but could not get in. + + 15. 14th D.L.I. successful daylight raid (3 officers and 80 other + ranks) in vicinity of Nash Alley--a good many enemy killed + and seven prisoners taken. + + 23-24. Enemy entered post of 11th Essex and did some damage, but was + driven out by counter-attack. + + 24. Raid by 1st Buffs (two companies under Capt. Jacob) near + Halifax Alley--remained in trenches three and a half hours + and captured fifteen prisoners and two aerial-dart machines. + Lieuts. Harrington and Buss (both killed) greatly + distinguished themselves. + + 27-28. Very gallant raid by 2nd D.L.I. (2 officers and 84 other ranks + under Capt. Fawcett) and 11th Essex (3 officers and 67 other + ranks under Capt. Silver) in connection with operations of + 46th Division--though anticipated the raiders got into the + enemy's trenches and remained there one hour, repelling all + counter-attacks--one prisoner taken. + +July 1-2. Small enemy raid on Novel Alley unsuccessful--left + one dead in our trench. + + 3. Small enemy raid on 1st West Yorks in Novel Alley unsuccessful + --two prisoners taken and one enemy left dead in trench. + + 7-8. Brilliant repulse of strong enemy raid near Boyau 70 by 1st + The Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I.--two prisoners taken by us. + + 9-10. 14th D.L.I. raid (1 officer and 30 other ranks)--trenches + entered but enemy fled--enemy small raid on Novel Alley + driven off. + + 12. Patrol raid (3 patrols of 12) by 8th Bedfords in Hulluch + Sector--one prisoner. + + 16. Surprise raid by 9th Norfolks (2 officers and 36 other + ranks)--stiff fighting but no identification obtained. + + 20. Three patrols (3 officers and 55 other ranks) of 2nd York and + Lancasters raided enemy's posts but only partly successful. + + 23. Raid by 1st Leicesters (8 officers and 291 other ranks under + Capt. Mosse) in Quarries Sector--enemy bolted into dug-outs + --remained one and a half hours in enemy's trenches--one + prisoner taken. + + Division relieved by 46th Division--D.H.Q. to Ourton-- + troops to area Ourton-Monchy Breton. + + 31. 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters went by bus to Bac St. Maur to + come under orders G.O.C., 57th Division. + + Aug. 5. 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters returned. + + 24-27. Into line on Hill 70 front. + +Sept. 9. 2nd Sherwood Foresters raided enemy Hill 70 Sector + unsuccessfully--enemy had bombarded trenches all day and + blown in many, and had anticipated the raid. + + 13. 8th Bedfords (2 officers and 85 other ranks) raided enemy and + bombed his crowded trenches, but failed to get in. + + 20-21. Enemy's raid on 11th Essex failed. + + 24. Side-stepped with a view to attack on Cite St. Auguste. + + 29. Enemy raided York and Lancasters, but was repulsed and left an + unwounded prisoner in our hands. + + Oct. 4. Preparations for attack. Enemy raid (about half + battalion) on 18th Infantry Brigade repulsed. + +Oct. 19. Raid with heavy bombardment on 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful. + + 20-23. Relieved by 11th Division--to St. Hilaire area. + + 29. Marched south to join Third Army. Training with tanks. + +Nov. 15-19. Commenced march to Cambrai front. + + 20. _Battle of Cambrai._ + + 16th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st Infantry Brigade on + left, 18th passed through--broke both systems of Hindenburg + Line, capturing Ribecourt and Premy Chapel Ridge--first + company into Marcoing--over 1,100 prisoners and 23 guns. + + All objectives gained with few casualties by 12 noon. + + Congratulatory message from Corps Commander. + + 21. Action of 14th D.L.I. supporting cavalry in advance to Cantaing. + + 26-27. 18th Infantry Brigade extended front to Cantaing. 1st The Buffs + cleared and occupied Noyelles. + + 30. _Enemy counter-attack in force on Third Army._ + + 16th Infantry Brigade moved from Divisional Reserve to near + Beaucamps and ordered to counter-attack on Gouzeaucourt-- + found Guards already in possession. + + Arranged to attack by night on La Vacquerie-Gonnelieu-- + attack unsuccessful. + + Gallant action of 18th Infantry Brigade transport under Shea, + Q.M., 2nd D.L.I., and Paul, Transport officer, 1st West Yorks + --both died of wounds. + + Congratulatory message on this action received from G.O.C., + 29th Division. + +Night Dec. 2/3. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved part of 29th Division + north of St. Quentin Canal. + + 3. Enemy attacked K.S.L.I. and 14th D.L.I. north of canal. Three + counter-attacks by D.L.I., but finally driven back. + + Bedfords and York and Lancasters put in to restore situation + --partially successful. + + Front withdrawn to line of canal night of 3rd/4th. + + 4. General withdrawal of British line to Support System of + Hindenburg Line ordered. + +Dec. 10. Relieved by 19th Division. + + 11. 16th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps. + + 12. 18th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps. + + Above brigades placed at disposal of 3rd Division, and went + into line to relieve two of their brigades on Bullecourt + front for a few days. + +Dec. 14 to } In rest--Basseux area. +Jan. 17, 1918. } + + +1918. + +Jan. 17. Commenced move up to Fremicourt. + + Feb. 4. Enemy's silent raid on three posts of Boursies area and + captured one prisoner. + + 13. Side-stepped into Lagnicourt Sector. + + Mar. 3. 1st K.S.L.I. (2 officers and 50 other ranks, B Company) raided + Magpie's Nest and captured one machine-gun--enemy fled. + + 16. 1st Leicesters (2 officers and 50 other ranks) repeated raid-- + post empty. + + 21. _Great German offensive commenced._ Fighting all day--heavy + casualties--71st and 18th Infantry Brigades holding out in + Reserve line till dark. + + 22. Fighting all day on Corps line. + + Remnants of Division relieved at night--to Achiet and + Logeast Wood. + + 25. By train to Second Army. + + 30. King's visit to Steenvoorde. + +April 3-4. Into line in Ypres Salient on high ground between Menin and + Zonnebeke Roads--came under XXII Corps. + + 13. 71st Infantry Brigade left to join 49th Division on Neuve Eglise + front. + + 16. Line withdrawn to battle zone--enemy followed up in the + afternoon and a good many casualties were inflicted on him-- + one party of twenty-five annihilated. + + 18. Enemy raided post unsuccessfully and lost an officer + killed--identification obtained by us. + + 25. Capture of Kemmel by enemy from the French. + + 26. 71st Infantry Brigade returned to Division. + +Night 26-27. Further withdrawal to west end of Zillebeke Lake-White + Chateau. + + 29. Heavy attacks against Division on our right. + + May 8. Unsuccessful enemy attack on Ridgewood. + + 11-14. Side-slipped to south and came into II Corps. + + 19. 11th Essex raided Manor Farm successfully but no prisoners + taken. + + May 22. 2nd D.L.I. (A and C Companies) raided pill-boxes + Bedford front and took sixteen prisoners. + + 28-29. Attack by 11th Essex in conjunction with French 46th Division. + + June 5. 2nd York and Lancasters raided (3 officers and 68 other ranks) + Lankhoff Farm unsuccessfully. + + 7-8. Division relieved--to Dirty Bucket Camp and Jan ter Biezen area. + + 71st T.M.B. co-operated in 46th French Division operation. + + 19. 18th T.M.B. lent to 7th French Division for a raid. + + 27-28. Relieved 46th French Division in Dickebusch front. + + July 6. Enemy's raid on Scottish Wood repulsed. + + 9. Patrol of 2nd Sherwood Foresters rushed a post near Ridgewood by + day--captured a machine-gun and killed the garrison. + + 14. _Attack by 18th Infantry Brigade on Ridgewood._ 1st West Yorks + and 2nd D.L.I. assisted by two companies 1st Middlesex of + 33rd Division--enemy surprised--most successful-- + captures, 7 officers, 341 other ranks, 23 machine-guns, 1 + H.T.M., 2 L.T.Ms. + + Aug. 2. 1st The Buffs daylight raid on the Brasserie--successful-- + three prisoners. + + 6. H.M. The King saw some of the troops at Winnezeele. + + 8. Minor operation by 18th Infantry Brigade in connection with + 41st Division's operation--company West Yorks unsuccessful + --company 2nd D.L.I. on right co-operating with 41st + Division entirely successful. + + In August. Attachment of units of 27th American Division. + + 21-24. Relieved by 27th American Division--to Wizernes area. + + 31. Division marched to Arques. + +Sept. 1. Entrained for Fourth Army. + + 2-4. Detrained and billeted in area Heilly-Ribemont-Franvillers. + + 13-14. Relieved 32nd Division at head of IX Corps by bus. + + 18th Infantry Brigade took over front in Holnon Wood with + 11th Essex. + + 16th Infantry Brigade in support in Trefcon area. + + 71st Infantry Brigade in reserve in Monchy-Lagache + area. + +Sept. 15. 11th Essex attacked and captured trenches just clear of + Holnon Wood, taking forty-six prisoners. + + 15-16. Divisional front re-organized with West Yorks on right and + Essex on left. + + 17. West Yorks attacked Holnon Village and Essex Badger Copse to + establish starting line for general attack on 18th September + --fighting all day--Essex eventually successful--West + Yorks unsuccessful. + + 18. _General attack_ to capture high ground overlooking St. + Quentin--71st Infantry Brigade on right, with D.L.I. + attached to capture Holnon--16th Infantry Brigade on left + --latter advanced 3,000 yards--former held up by + Quadrilateral--right made little progress as French failed + to capture Round and Manchester Hills on right flank. + + 19. Attack renewed on Quadrilateral but unsuccessful. + + 20-23. Digging new assembly trenches and bombarding Quadrilateral with + heavy artillery. + + 24. Attack on whole IX Corps front--18th Infantry Brigade + on right, 16th Infantry Brigade on left--fighting all day; + half Quadrilateral captured by nightfall. + + 1st Leicesters, attached to 18th Infantry Brigade, captured + Douai Trench east of Holnon at 10.30. p.m. by moonlight. + + 25. Gradual completion of capture of Quadrilateral. Selency + Village captured--Position consolidated. + + 26-30. On position. + +Sept. 30 to Oct. 1. Relief of Division by the French. + +Oct. 1-3. Resting in Tertry area. + + 4. Division relieved 46th Division--D.H.Q. at La Baraque, 71st + Infantry Brigade at Magny la Fosse, 16th Infantry Brigade + took over line with 139th Infantry Brigade (46th Division) + left at Sequehart under 6th Division. + + 7. 71st relieved part of 16th Infantry Brigade on left next + to 30th American Division. + + 8. _General attack_ towards Bohain--71st Infantry Brigade on + left, 16th Infantry Brigade on right, 18th Infantry + Brigade in Divisional Reserve with West Yorks (attached to + 16th Infantry Brigade) attacking up valley, French on + right--all objectives gained by night. + +Oct. 8-9. Took over part of line by night from 30th American Division + and handed over part to 46th Division. + + 9. Attack under a barrage at dawn towards Bohain and Fresnoy + --Bohain captured during night by 9th Norfolks. + + 10. Advance by 71st Infantry Brigade to high ground 2,000 + yards east of Bohain--46th Division on right. + + 11. Reconnaissance in force by 71st Infantry Brigade brought + to a standstill by machine-gun fire. + + 11-12. 18th Infantry Brigade relieved 71st Infantry Brigade + by night. + + 12. 18th Infantry Brigade reconnaissance in force at 4.30 p.m. + made a little ground. + + 14. 71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry Brigade. + + 16-17. 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades moved to north for general + attack on 18th, with 30th American Division on left and 46th + Division on right. Brig.-Gen. Walker wounded. + + 18. _General attack_ through Vaux Andigny--16th Infantry + Brigade on left, 18th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st + Infantry Brigade in reserve--successful--1st Division + passed through 6th Division, which came into Corps Reserve. + + 19-20. Resting. + + 20-21. Division relieved 30th American Division in St. Souplet area + --18th Infantry Brigade on right next to 1st Division, 71st + Infantry Brigade on left next to 25th Division--D.H.Q. + Becquigny. + + 23. _General attack_ to gain high ground overlooking Sambre + Canal--zero 1.30 a.m.--18th Infantry Brigade successful + on right--71st Infantry Brigade on left, disorganized by + gas shelling in assembly position and losing the barrage by + reason of the high fences and the mist, gained most of their + objectives by the afternoon. + + 23-24. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved 71st Infantry Brigade by night + and pushed on, completing capture of final objective. + +Oct. 28. 71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry Brigade. + + 30. Successful attack on a farm by 1st The Buffs. + + 30-31. Division relieved by 32nd Division, went to rest at Fresnoy le + Grand. + + Nov. 6. Division moved to Bohain. + + 11. Hostilities ceased. + + 14. Division marched to area Catillon-Mazinghien-Vaux Andigny. + + 15. To area Prisches-Le Sart-Catillon. + + 16. To area Avesnes-Favril. + + 17. Halt. + + 18. To area Solre le Chateau-Dompierre. + + 19. Tail closed to Dimechaux-Sars Poteries. + + 20. _March to the Rhine commenced._ + + To area Barbencon-Thirimont. Tail at Solre le Chateau. + + 23. Tail closed to Barbencon-Beaumont. + + 24. To area Leneffe-Fraire-Walcourt-Boussu. + +Nov. 25th to Dec. 1. Halt. + + Dec. 2. To area Mettet-Flavion-Morialme. Tail at Leneffe-Fraire. + + 3. To area Sommieres-Onhaye. + + 4. To area Bouvignes-Anhee. Tail at Mettet-Biesmeree. + + 5. H.Q. Group and 71st Infantry Brigade crossed Meuse and went to + Crupet-Braibant-Purnode. + + 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades closed to river at + Anhee-Bouvignes. Tail at Gerin-Maredret. + + 6. 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades crossed Meuse Division in area + Achet-Hamois-Ciney. Tail at Yvoir. + + 7. Halt. + + 8. To area Les Avins-Pailhe. Tail at Ciney. + + 9. To area Ouffet-Tinlot-Stree. Tail at Havelange. + + 10. Halt. + + 11. To area Remouchamps-Aywaille-Comblain la Tour. Tail at Tinlot. + + 12. To area Francorchamps-Stoumont. Tail at Ouffet-Hody. + + 13. 71st Infantry Brigade crossed German frontier to Malmedy. + + Remainder in area Stavelot-Stoumont. Tail at Oneux-Presseux. + +Dec. 14. H.Q. Group crossed frontier--71st Infantry Brigade to + Elsenborn Camp. Tail at Aywaille. + + 15. 18th Infantry Brigade crossed frontier--71st Infantry Brigade + to Montjoie. Tail at Stoumont. + + 16. 16th Infantry Brigade crossed frontier--71st Infantry Brigade + to Simmerath-Rotgen. Tail at Malmedy. + + 17. Tail to Elsenborn Camp. + + 18. Halt. + + 19. To area Heinbach-Gemund-Schleiden. Tail at Elsenborn Camp. + + 20. To area Mechernich-Kommern-Zulpich. Tail at Montjoie. + + 21. To area Euskirchen-Zulpich. Tail at Harpersheid-Drieborn. + + 22. To area Lechenich-Weilerswist. Tail at Vlatten-Satzvey. + + 23. To area Rondorf-Kendenich. Tail at Zulpich-Froitzhein. + + D.H.Q. at Bruhl--all units now in final positions. + + + + +APPENDIX IV + +ORDER OF BATTLE ON MOBILIZATION. + + +DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS + +G.O.C. Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B., late R.A. +A.D.C. Capt. P. F. Fitzgerald, King's Shropshire + Light Infantry. +G.S.O.1 Col. W. T. Furse, D.S.O., late R.A. +G.S.O.2 Lt.-Col. J. T. Burnett-Stuart, D.S.O., + Rifle Brigade. +G.S.O.3 Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade. +A.A. and Q.M.G. Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O., Gordon + Highlanders. +D.A.A. and Q.M.G. Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and Sutherland + Highlanders. +D.A.Q.M.G. Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C. +A.D.M.S. Col. H. O. Trevor, R.A.M.C. +D.A.D.M.S. Major N. J. C. Rutherford, R.A.M.C. +A.D.V.S. Major H. M. Lenox-Conyngham, A.V.C. +D.A.D.O.S. Major H. M. Howard, A.O.D. +A.P.M. Capt. H. S. Rogers, King's Shropshire + Light Infantry. + + +DIVISIONAL ENGINEERS + +C.R.E. Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp, R.E. +Adjutant Major B. W. Y. Danford, R.E. +12th Field Company Major A. F. Sargeaunt, R.E. +38th Field Company Major F. M. Browne, R.E. +6th Divisional Signal Capt. A. N. Paxton, R.E. + Company. + + +DIVISIONAL CAVALRY + +O.C., Squadron, 19th Major H. O'S. F. Tanner, 19th Hussars. + Hussars. + + +DIVISIONAL CYCLISTS + +O.C., Cyclist Company Capt. S. H. Dix, Leinster Regiment. + + +DIVISIONAL TRAIN + +O.C., 6th Divisional Lt.-Col. H. Davies, A.S.C. + Train. + + +ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS + +O.C., 16th Field Lt.-Col. A. C. Fox. + Ambulance. +O.C., 17th Field Lt.-Col. J. P. Silver. + Ambulance. +O.C., 18th Field Lt.-Col. A. A. Watson (S.R.). + Ambulance. + + +DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY + +C.R.A. Brig.-Gen. W. L. H. Paget, C.B., M.V.O. +Brigade-Major Major J. Farquhar. +Staff-Captain Capt. J. de V. Bowles. +Orderly Officer 2/Lieut. K. F. W. Dunn. + + +_2nd Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Col. W. A. M. Thompson. +Adjutant Capt. H. R. S. Massey. +21st Battery Major L. M. Phillpotts, D.S.O. +42nd Battery Major H. J. Brock. +53rd Battery Major C. J. Rugge Price. +Brigade Ammunition Capt. C. E. S. Bower. + Column. + + +_24th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. C. E. Lawrie, D.S.O. +Adjutant Capt. H. A. Boyd. +110th Battery Major W. M. Warburton. +111th Battery Major E. C. W. D. Walthall, D.S.O. +112th Battery Major W. B. Browell. +Brigade Ammunition Capt. B. H. Shaw-Stewart. + Column. + + +_38th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O. +Adjutant Capt. C. S. Rich. +24th Battery Major A. G. Arbuthnot. +34th Battery Major A. R. Wainwright. +72nd Battery Major F. A. Tighe. +Brigade Ammunition Capt. C. R. Hill. + Column. + + +_12th (Howitzer) Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. G. Humphreys, D.S.O. +Adjutant Capt. A. T. McGrath. +43rd Battery Major E. R. Burne. +86th Battery Major R. S. Hardman. +87th Battery Major H. T. Belcher, D.S.O. +Brigade Ammunition Capt. R. J. C. Meyricke. + Column. + + +_24th Heavy Battery, R.G.A. (60-pounders)_ + +O.C. Major H. E. J. Brake, C.B., D.S.O. + + +_Divisional Ammunition Column_ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. G. A. Cardew. +Adjutant Capt. J. C. Dundas. + + +16th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. E. C. Ingouville-Williams, + C.B., D.S.O., late Worcestershire + Regiment. +Brigade-Major Capt. R. H. Mangles, D.S.O., The + Queen's Regiment. +Staff-Captain Capt. G. Lee, The Buffs. +O.C., 1st Bn., The Lt.-Col. H. C. de la M. Hill. + Buffs. +O.C., 1st Bn., Leicestershire Lt.-Col. H. L. Croker. + Regiment. +O.C., 1st Bn., K.S.L.I. Lt.-Col. C. P. Higginson, D.S.O. +O.C., 2nd Bn., York Lt.-Col. E. C. Cobbold. + and Lancaster Regt. + + +17th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. W. R. B. Doran, C.B., + D.S.O., late Royal Irish Regiment. +Brigade-Major Major A. D. Green, D.S.O., Worcestershire + Regiment. +Staff-Captain Capt. H. V. Scott, Rifle Brigade. +O.C., 1st Bn., Royal Lt.-Col. R. Fowler-Butler. + Fusiliers. +O.C., 1st Bn., North Lt.-Col. V. W. de Falbe, D.S.O. + Staffordshire Regt. +O.C., 2nd Bn., Leinster Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve. + Regiment. +O.C., 3rd Bn., Rifle Lt.-Col. R. Alexander. + Brigade + + +18th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C., C.B., + M.V.O., late Rifle Brigade. +Brigade-Major Capt. R. F. H. Wallace, Black Watch. +Staff-Captain Capt. F. G. Maughan, Durham Light + Infantry. +O.C., 1st Bn., West Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey. + Yorkshire Regiment. +O.C., 1st Bn., East Lt.-Col. R. E. Benson. + Yorkshire Regiment. +O.C., 2nd Bn., Sherwood Lt.-Col. C. B. Crofton-Atkins. + Foresters. +O.C., 2nd Bn., D.L.I. Lt.-Col. B. W. L. McMahon. + + +ORDER OF BATTLE--11TH NOVEMBER 1918 + +DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS + +G.O.C. Major-Gen. T. O. Marden, C.B., C.M.G., + late the Welch Regiment. +A.D.C. 2/Lieut. E. C. W. Severne, General List. +A.D.C. Capt. J. R. Tylden, East Kent Yeomanry. +G.S.O.1 Brevet-Lt.-Col. T. T. Grove, D.S.O., R.E. +G.S.O.2 Major L. M. Taylor, M.C., York and + Lancaster Regiment (T.). +G.S.O.3 Capt. J. Horlington, M.C., York and + Lancaster Regiment (S.R.). +Intelligence Officer Lieut. K. Archbold, M.C., General List. +A.A. and Q.M.G. Brevet-Lt.-Col. P. Hudson, C.M.G., + D.S.O., The King's (Liverpool) Regt. +D.A.A.G. Major C. Macfie, D.S.O., Seaforth + Highlanders. +D.A.Q.M.G. Lt.-Col. A. J. D. Hay, East Surrey + Regiment (S.R.). +A.D.M.S. Col. H. C. R. Hime, D.S.O., R.A.M.C. +D.A.D.M.S. Major N. Cantlie, M.C., R.A.M.C. +D.A.D.V.S. Major R. F. Bett, A.V.C. +D.A.D.O.S. Major R. G. P. Hare, A.O.D. +D.A.P.M. Capt. W. A. Bignell, South Irish Horse. +S.C.F., C. of E. Rev. E. C. Hoskyns, M.C., A.C.D. +Divisional Claims Officer. Lieut. C. E. B. M. Smith, Sherwood + Foresters. +Divisional Gas Officer Capt. D. Powell, M.C., R.E. +O.C., 209th Employment Capt. G. L. Scudamore, Labour Corps. + Company. +6th M.T. Company Major O. B. Gabriel, A.S.C. + + +DIVISIONAL ENGINEERS + +C.R.E. Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall, M.C., R.E. +Adjutant Capt. C. A. Langley, M.C., R.E. +12th Field Company Major F. W. Moore, M.C., R.E.(S.). +459th Field Company Major A. S. Lambert, M.C., R.E.(T.). +509th Field Company Major H. G. Bambridge, M.C., R.E.(S.). +6th Divisional Signal Major A. G. Shaw, M.C., East Yorkshire + Company Regiment (T.). + + +PIONEERS + +O.C., 11th Bn., Leicestershire Lt.-Col. R. H. Radford, Leicestershire + Regiment Regiment (S.R.). +2nd in Command Major W. A. Rodger, Leicestershire + Regiment (S.). +Adjutant Capt. H. M. Raleigh, Leicestershire + Regiment. + + +MACHINE-GUN BATTALION + +O.C., 6th Battalion, M.G.C. Lt.-Col. J. B. Rosher, D.S.O., M.C., + Durham Light Infantry (S.). +2nd in Command. Major M. C. Cooper, M.C., Oxford and + Bucks Light Infantry (T.). +Adjutant Capt. J. M. Briggs, King's Shropshire + Light Infantry (S.R.). + + +DIVISIONAL TRAIN + +O.C. Lt.-Col. F. C. S. Norrington, A.S.C. +Adjutant Capt. R. Beales, A.S.C. +Senior Supply Officer Capt. A. F. Osborne, M.C., A.S.C. + + +ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS + +16th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. J. W. C. Stubbs, M.C., + R.A.M.C. +17th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. A. J. Hickey, M.C., R.A.M.C. +18th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. E. W. Wade, D.S.O., R.A.M.C. + + +MOBILE VETERINARY SECTION + +O.C. Capt. H. J. Hughes, A.V.C. + + +DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY + +C.R.A. Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce, C.M.G., R.A. +Brigade-Major Major S. Carwithen, R.A. +Staff-Captain Capt. K. Lyon, R.A. +Reconnaissance Officer Lieut. L. S. Wooler, R.A. +Signal Officer Capt. F. Goodman, R.E. + + +_2nd Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. W. H. F. Weber, D.S.O., R.F.A. +Adjutant Capt. T. C. Rayner, M.C. +Orderly Officer 2/Lieut. T. Brough. +Signal Officer 2/Lieut. W. F. J. Delyon. +Horsemaster Capt. W. P. Jones, Duke of Lancaster's + Yeomanry. +21st Battery Major E. F. Housden. +42nd Battery Major T. R. Ubsdell, D.S.O. +63rd Battery Major R. Scott-Aiton, M.C. +87th Battery Major J. W. Godley. + + +_24th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth, D.S.O., R.F.A. +Adjutant Capt. E. J. Saltwell. +Orderly Officer Lieut. C. G. Campbell. +Horsemaster Capt. E. T. C. Murray, 6th Royal + Regiment Dragoons (Canada). +110th Battery Major P. J. C. Honner, M.C. +111th Battery Major F. M. A. Wood. +112th Battery Major G. Sandeman. +43rd Battery Major B. Todd, M.C. + + +_6th Divisional Ammunition Column_ + +O.C. Lt.-Col. B. Allan, R.F.A. +Adjutant Capt. F. Heap. +No. 1 Section Capt. A. McQueen. +No. 2 Section Capt. H. W. C. Angell. +No. 3 Section Capt. H. Brewin (S.A.A. Section). + + +_Divisional Trench Mortars_ + +D.T.M.O. Capt. R. A. Levinge, R.A. +X/6th T.M. Battery Capt. M. R. Anderson, M.C., General List. +Y/6th T.M. Battery Capt. V. E. Wait, 11th Essex Regiment. + + +16th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite, C.B., + C.M.G., D.S.O., Royal Welch Fusiliers. +Brigade-Major Capt. E. Dryden, M.C., Durham L.I. +Staff-Captain Capt. S. H. D. Chamier, M.C., West + Yorkshire Regiment. +Intelligence Officer Lieut. G. H. Bond, M.C., York and + Lancaster Regiment. +Signal Officer 2/Lieut. W. D. A. Williams, R.E. +O.C., 1st The Buffs Lt.-Col. R. E. Power, D.S.O. +2nd in Command Major Lord Teynham. +Adjutant Lieut. E. F. Hall. +O.C., 1st K.S.L.I. A/Lt.-Col. L. H. Morris, M.C. +2nd in Command Major C E. Parker. +Adjutant Capt. G. S. E. Denyer, M.C. +O.C., 2nd York and Lt.-Col. J. R. Robertson, Bedfordshire + Lancaster Regt. Regiment. +2nd in Command Major P. H. C. Collins, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. E. E. Battle, M.C. +16th T.M. Battery Lieut. H. Carss, Durham Light Infantry. + + +18th INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. G. S. G. Craufurd, C.M.G., + C.I.E., D.S.O., A.D.C., Gordon Highlanders. +Brigade-Major Brevet-Major H. C. E. Hull, The + Queen's. +Staff-Captain Capt. W. V. Cavill, M.C., West Yorkshire + Regiment. +Signal Officer Lieut. G. White, Scottish Rifles. +O.C., 1st West Yorkshire Lt.-Col. D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C., +Regiment. Leicestershire Regiment. +2nd in Command Major J. C. Blackburn, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. G. A. Robinson, M.C. +O.C., 11th Essex Regiment Lt.-Col. C. H. Dumbell, D.S.O., Sherwood + Foresters. +2nd in Command Major A. G. Saunders. +Adjutant Capt. G. H. Scott. +O.C., 2nd D.L.I. Lt.-Col. R. V. Turner. +2nd in Command Major P. C. Parker, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. S. R. Streatfield. +18th Trench Mortar Battery Capt. T. E. Peart, M.C., Durham Light + Infantry. + + +71st INFANTRY BRIGADE + +B.G.C. Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown, D.S.O., Gordon + Highlanders. +Brigade-Major Brevet-Major A. Weyman, M.C., + Leicestershire Regiment (A/G.S.O.2, + 18th Division). +Acting-Brigade-Major Capt. J. F. Tamblyn, M.C., The Queen's + Regiment (S.). +Staff-Captain Capt. F. W. Musgrave, West Yorkshire + Regiment (T.). +Intelligence Officer Lieut. H. L. Hayne, Leicestershire + Regiment (S.). +Signal Officer Lieut. K. D. Allen, R.E. +O.C., 9th Norfolk Regiment Lt.-Col. F. R. Day, Norfolk Regiment. +2nd in Command Major E. W. Cannings, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. C. P. Bassingthwaite, M.C. +O.C., 1st Leicestershire Lt.-Col. J. R. Martin, D.S.O., M.C., + Regiment Royal Scots. +2nd in Command Major G. N. Wykes. +Adjutant Capt. R. N. Davies, M.C. +O.C., 2nd Sherwood Foresters Lt.-Col. C. E. Hudson, V.C., D.S.O., M.C. +2nd in Command Major F. D. Collen, M.C. +Adjutant Capt. A. L. Gill, M.C. +71st Trench Mortar Battery Capt. R. Gjertson, M.C., Essex Regiment (T.). + + + + +APPENDIX V + +CHANGES IN COMMANDS AND STAFFS + +N. B.--Ranks and Honours are given as held on date of appointment. + + +I. DIVISIONAL COMMANDERS + +Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B. Mobn.--26.5.15 +Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C. M.V.O 27.5.15--13.11.15 +Col. (T/Maj.-Gen.) C. Ross, D.S.O. 14.11.15--18.8.17 +Col. (T/Maj.-Gen.) T. O. Marden, C.M.G. 19.8.17--Armistice. + + +II. G.S.O.s, 1st GRADE + +Col. W. T. Furse Mobn.--28.12.14 +Lt.-Col. J. M. Shea, Indian Army 29.12.14--4.7.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. Boyd, + Royal Irish Regiment 5.7.15--17.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. F. Renny, + D.S.O., Royal Dublin Fus. 18.6.16--22.3.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) T. T. Grove, + D.S.O., R.E. 23.3.17--Armistice. + + +III. G.S.O.s, 2nd GRADE + +Major J. T. Burnett-Stuart, Rifle Brigade Mobn.--17.2.15 +Major W. E. Ironside, R.A. 18.2.15--29.2.16 +Major L. P. Evans, Black Watch 1.3.16--5.3.17 +Major M. Beevor, The Buffs 6.3.17--17.11.17 +Major W. Harris-St. John, Royal + Welch Fusiliers 18.11.17--28.4.18 +Major S. S. Hill-Dillon, D.S.O., + Royal Irish Regiment 29.4.18--15.6.18 +Lieut. (T/Major) R. W. Barnett, + M.C., Rifle Brigade 16.6.18--12.8.18 (K.) +Major L. M. Taylor, M.C., + K.O.Y.L.I. (T.F.) 24.8.18--Armistice. + + +IV. G.S.O.s, 3rd GRADE + +Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade Mobn.--31.10.14 +Major W. E. Ironside, R.A. 1.11.14--17.2.15 +Capt. T. T. Grove, R.E. 18.2.15--9.8.15 +Major A. B. Lawson, 11th + Hussars 10.8.15--5.12.15 +Capt. H. D. Denison-Pender, + Scots Greys 6.12.15--24.6.16 +Capt. M. K. Wardle, Leicestershire + Regiment 25.6.16--25.7.17 +Capt. M. C. Bell, D.S.O., M.C., + Royal Fusiliers 26.7.17--1.11.17 +Major A. S. Wright, Royal Canadian + F.A. 2.11.17--21.5.18 +Lieut. (T/Capt.) J. F. Horlington, + M.C., Y. and L. Regt. (S.R.) 22.5.18--Armistice. + + +V. A.A.s AND Q.M.G.s + +Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O. Mobn.--30.9.14 +Col. R. Wanless-O'Gowan 1.10.14--7.2.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R.S. May, + Royal Fusiliers 15.2.15--5.2.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M. R. Walsh, + Worcestershire Regiment 6.2.16--29.8.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M.B. Savage, + D.S.O., South Staffs Regt. 30.8.17--15.12.17 +Bt.-Lt.-Col. P. Hudson, D.S.O., + King's (Liverpool) Regiment 16.12.17--Armistice. + + +VI. D.A.A.G.s (FORMERLY D.A.A.s AND Q.M.G.s.) + +Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and + Sutherland Highlanders Mobn.--30.10.14 +Capt. G. Ogston, Gordon Highlanders + 1.11.14--4.1.16 +Capt. J. L. Watson, West Riding + Regiment 5.1.16--7.3.16 +Capt. S. G. L. Bradley, Queen's + Westminster Rifles 8.3.16--22.3.17 +Major C. Macfie, Argyll and + Sutherland Highlanders 23.3.17--Armistice. + + +VII. D.A.Q.M.G.'s. + +Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C. Mobn.--1.1.15 +Major H. L. Nevill, D.S.O., R.A. 15.1.15--26.2.15 +Major B. Atkinson, R.A. 27.2.15--28.5.15 +Capt. J. C. Dundas, R.A. 29.5.15--13.10.15 +Major H. Street, Devon Regt. 14.10.15--16.1.17 +Capt. R. B. Tower, Notts and + Derby Regiment 17.1.17--21.5.18 +Bt.-Col. A. J. Hay, East Surrey + Regiment (S.R.) 22.5.18--Armistice. + + +VIII. C.R.A.s. + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. H. L. Paget, M.V.O. Mobn.--26.5.15 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. Humphreys, C.B., D.S.O. 27.5.15--28.6.16 +Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. S. Cleeve (R. of O.) 29.6.16--23.10.16 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. F. Delaforce, C.M.G. 24.10.16--Armistice. + + +IX. C.R.E.s. + +Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp Mobn.--12.8.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. G. Stevenson 13.8.15--19.12.15 +Col. T. A. H. Bigge 20.12.15--24.1.16 +Lt.-Col. H. R. S. Christie 25.1.16--1.1.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. B. Goldney, D.S.O. 2.1.17--22.9.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. A. L. Hall, M.C. 23.9.18--Armistice. + + +X. O.C.s Train + +Major H. Davies Mobn.--6.4.17 +Major F. Norrington 7.4.17--Armistice. + + +XI. A.D.M.S. + +Col. H. O. Trevor Mobn.--March, '15 +Col. B. H. Scott March, '15--March, '17 +Lt.-Col. (T/Col.) H. W. Grattan March, '17--Oct., '18 +Lt.-Col. (T/Col.) H. C. R. Hime, D.S.O. Oct., '18--Armistice. + + +XII. D.A.D.O.S. + +Major H. M. Howard Oct., '14--26.1.15 +Major F. H. P. O'Connor 27.1.15--18.11.15 +Major S. T. Hayley, D.S.O. 19.11.15--26.12.15 +Major S. B. Winch 27.12.15--28.4.17 +Major R. G. P. Hare 29.4.17--Armistice. + + +XIII. A.D.V.S. (LATER D.A.D.V.S.) + +Major H. M. Lenox-Conyngham 6.9.14--28.8.15 +Major R. Tindle 29.8.15--2.2.18 +Major R. F. Bett 3.2.18--Armistice. + + +XIV. SENIOR CHAPLAINS (C. of E.) + +Rev. T. P. Moreton July, '15--Oct., '15 +Rev. Nevile Talbot, M.C. Oct., '15--May, '16 +Rev. Maurice Ponsonby, M.C. May, '16--Nov., '16 +Rev. J. D. McCready Nov., '16--31.12.16 +Rev. L. G. Reed, M.C. 1.1.17--7.7.18 +Rev. E. C. Hoskyns, M.C. 8.7.18--Armistice. + + +XV. SENIOR CHAPLAINS (R.C.) + +Rev. Father FitzGibbons, M.C. Nov., '16--Sept., '18 +Rev. Father Kearey Sept., '18--Armistice. + + +XVI. A.P.M.s. + +Capt. H. S. Rogers, K.S.L.I. Mobn.--2.3.15 +Major Hon. J. R. Tufton, Royal + Sussex Regiment (S.R.). 3.3.15-- ---- +Capt. A. J. Simey, R.I.C. ---- --Aug., '18 +Capt. W. A. Bignell, South Irish + Horse Aug., '18--Armistice. + + +XVII. INFANTRY BRIGADE COMMANDERS + +_16th Infantry Brigade_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. C. Ingouville-Williams, +C.B., D.S.O. Mobn.--16.6.16 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) C. L. Nicholson 17.6.16--25.7.16 +Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. L. Osborn, + D.S.O., Royal Sussex Regiment 26.7.16--26.10.17 +Bt.-Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. A. + Walker, D.S.O., Royal Fus. 27.10.17--16.10.18 +Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. G. + Braithwaite, C.B., D.S.O., + Royal Welch Fusiliers 17.10.18--Armistice. + + +_17th Infantry Brigade (to 24th Division on 14.10.15)_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. R. B. +Doran, C.B., D.S.O. Mobn.--10.2.15 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. M. Harper, + D.S.O. 11.2.15--23.9.15 +Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) J. W. V. + Carroll, Norfolk Regiment 24.9.15--14.10.15 + + +_18th Infantry Brigade_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. N. Congreve, + V.C., M.V.O. Mobn.--29.5.15 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. S. + Ainslie, C.M.G., Northumberland + Fusiliers 30.5.15--14.8.15 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) R. J. + Bridgford, C.M.G., D.S.O., + King's Shropshire L.I. 15.8.15--19.4.16 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. K. Macclintock, + C.B. 20.4.16--12.6.16 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. S. + Tew, East Surrey Regiment 13.6.16--12.8.16 +Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) R. J. + Bridgford, C.M.G., D.S.O., + King's Shropshire L.I. 13.8.16--14.9.17 +Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. S. G. + Craufurd, C.M.G., C.I.E., + D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders 15.9.17--Armistice. + + +_19th Infantry Brigade (to 27th Division on 27.5.15)_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) Hon. F. Gordon 12.10.14--27.5.15 + + +_71st Infantry Brigade (joined Division on 14.10.15)_ + +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) M. T. Shewen 14.10.15--26.5.16 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) J. F. Edwards 27.5.16--4.10.16 +Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. Feetham, C.B. 5.10.16--19.8.17 +Major (T/Brig.-Gen.) P. W. + Brown, D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders 20.8.17--Armistice. + + +XVIII. O.C. UNITS + +[Tablenote a: Signifies date of joining or leaving Division.] +[Tablenote b: Signifies date of disbandment of unit.] + +_Squadron, 19th Hussars_ + +Capt. H. O'S. F. Tanner Mobn.--April, '15[a] + + +_"B" Squadron, Northants Yeomanry_ + +Major Sir C. B. Lowther 14.4.15[a]--29.10.15[a] + + +_6th Machine-Gun Battalion_ + +Lt.-Col. J. B. Rosher, D.S.O., + Durham Light Infantry March, '18--Armistice. + + +_2nd Brigade, R.F.A._ + +Col. W. A. M. Thompson Mobn.--7.7.15 +Lt.-Col. L. C. L. Oldfield 8.7.15--May, '15 +Lt.-Col. M. J. MacCarthy, C.M.G. May, '15--20.6.17 +Lt.-Col. W. H. F. Weber, D.S.O. 21.6.17--Armistice. + + +_12th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +Lt.-Col. C. E. Lawrie, D.S.O. Mobn.--26.5.15 +Lt.-Col. W. Evans, D.S.O. 27.5.15--29.2.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. C. Forsyth 1.3.16--Armistice. + + +_38th Brigade, R.F.A._ + +Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O. Mobn.--27.1.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. M. Phillpotts 30.1.15--1.11.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. F. Calthrop 2.11.15--19.12.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. E. Clark 23.12.15--25.9.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. Mellor, D.S.O. 26.9.16--2.12.16[a] + + +_12th Howitzer Brigade, R.F.A._ + +Lt.-Col. G. Humphreys, D.S.O. Mobn.--29.6.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Davson 30.6.15--12.5.16 + Distributed to other Brigades. + + +_24th Heavy Brigade, R.G.A._ + +Major H. E. J. Brake, C.B., D.S.O. Mobn.--Feb., '15 +Capt. (T/Major) E. Miles Feb., '15--Dec., '16[a] + + +_6th Divisional Ammunition Column_ + +Lt.-Col. G. A. Cardew Mobn.--19.9.14 +Lt.-Col. Baron H. E. W. de Robeck 20.9.14--Oct., '16 +Lt.-Col. B. Allan (T.F.) 21.11.16--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion The Buffs_ (_16th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. H. C. de la M. Hill Mobn.--15.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. McDouall 16.11.14-- +Bt.-Col. J. Hasler, D.S.O. --26.2.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. McDouall 27.2.15--2.6.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. H. Finch-Hatton 3.6.15--8.1.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. F. Gould 9.1.16--26.5.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green 27.5.16--1.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. H. Finch-Hatton 2.6.16--12.7.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green 13.7.16--26.11.17 +Major B. L. Strauss 27.11.17--1.12.17 (K.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. E. Power 12.12.17--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers_ (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. Fowler-Butler Mobn.--31.7.15 +Bt.-Lt.-Col. B. G. Price, D.S.O. 1.8.15--11.10.15[a] + + +_9th Battalion Norfolk Regiment_ (_71st Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. E. Stracey 11.10.15[a]--30.9.16 +Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior 1.10.16--10.12.16 +Capt. (T/Major) R. S. Dyer-Bennet, + Leicester Regiment 16.12.16--14.1.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. B. O. Trimble 27.1.17--26.2.17 +Capt. (T/Major) R. S. Dyer-Bennet 27.2.17--9.3.17 +Lt.-Col. E. Stracey 10.3.17--23.3.17 +Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior 24.3.17--30.1.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. J. Spurrell, M.C. 31.1.18--13.3.18 +Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior, D.S.O. 14.3.18--21.3.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. R. Day April, '18--28.7.18 +Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior, D.S.O. 29.7.18--22.8.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. R. Day 23.8.18--Armistice. + + +_9th Battalion Suffolk Regiment_ (_71st Infantry Brigade_) + +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) W. H. A. de la + Pryme, D.S.O., West Yorkshire + Regiment 11.10.15[a]--14.5.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. P. Mack, + Suffolk Regiment (S.) 14.5.16--15.9.16 (K.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, + D.S.O., Leicester Regiment 18.9.16--1.2.18[b] + + +_1st Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment_ (_18th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey Mobn.--20.9.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang 20.9.14--18.10.14 +Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey 14.10.14--19.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) T. P. Barrington 22.10.14--7.12.14 +Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey 8.12.14--15.9.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang, D.S.O. 16.9.15--11.11.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. H. Soames 12.11.15--27.1.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang, D.S.O. 29.1.16--18.9.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Dillon, + D.S.O., Oxford and Bucks + Light Infantry 19.9.16--31.10.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. M. Boyall 1.11.16--21.3.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, + D.S.O., M.C., Leicestershire + Regiment 28.3.18--20.5.18 +Lt.-Col. G. Barry-Drew, D.S.O. 21.5.18--21.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. W. Cannings, M.C. 22.7.18--28.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. 29.7.18--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment_ (_18th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. E. Benson Mobn.--20.9.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. H. Young 20.9.14--10.11.14 +Lt.-Col. W. H. Armstrong 11.11.14--19.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. L. S. Clarke 20.11.14--26.11.15[a] + + +_8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment_ (_71st and 16th Infantry Brigades_) + +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) J. S. Liddell 11.10.15[a]--13.1.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. C. Jackson 14.1.16--17.4.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. R. H. Dann 17.4.16--19.5.16 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. M. Hawkins 19.5.16--1.6.16 +Col. Lord Henry Scott 2.6.16--4.4.17 +Lt.-Col. Lord Ampthill 5.4.17--19.5.17 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. R. MacCullagh, D.L.I. 20.5.17--14.6.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. Le Huquet 15.6.17--16.2.18[b] + + +_1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment_ (_16th and 71st Infantry Brigades_) + +Lt.-Col. H. L. Croker Mobn.--11.12.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. Stoney-Smith 12.12.14--15.10.15 (K.) +Lt.-Col. A. H. Buchannan-Dunlop 25.10.15--1.2.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie 2.2.16--21.9.16 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) R. S. Dyer-Bennet 22.9.16--12.12.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie 13.12.16--27.3.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Brown, D.S.O. 28.3.17--2.5.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie, D.S.O. 3.5.17--5.7.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Brown, D.S.O. 6.7.17--16.1.18 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. 17.1.18--Feb., '18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, D.S.O. Feb., '18--29.4.18 +Capt. (T/Major) G. N. Wykes 30.4.18--11.5.18 +Capt. (T/Major) Hartshorne 12.5.18--20.5.18 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C. 21.5.18--25.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham, D.S.O. 26.7.18--2.11.18 + + +_11th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment_ (_Pioneers_) + +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. Turner, + Leicestershire Regt. (S.R.) 1.4.16[a]--24.9.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Radford, + Leicestershire Regt. (S.R.) 25.9.18--Armistice. + + +_2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. H. Delme-Radcliffe 12.10.14[a]--26.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) O. de L. Williams 27.10.14--31.5.15[a] + + +_1st Battalion The Cameronians_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. P. R. Robertson 12.10.14[a]--31.5.15[a] + + +_11th Battalion Essex Regiment_ (_71st Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. C. J. Hobkirk, D.S.O. 11.10.15[a]--3.6.16. +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green, + D.S.O., The Buffs 3.6.16--28.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. G. Spring, + Lincolnshire Regiment 29.6.16--3.11.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. V. Manger, + Durham Light Infantry 4.11.16--9.12.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. G. Spring, D.S.O. 10.12.16--14.9.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. H. Dumbell, + D.S.O., Sherwood Foresters 15.9.17--Armistice. + + +_2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters_ (_18th and 71st Infantry Brigades_) + +Lt.-Col. C. B. Crofton-Atkins Mobn.--7.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) P. Leveson-Gower 8.10.14--5.8.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. J. W. Hobbs, D.S.O. 5.9.15--7.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. R. Street, D.S.O. 7.6.16--2.8.16 +Lt.-Col. C. J. W. Hobbs, D.S.O. 3.8.16--15.10.16 (K.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. E. Bradshaw, + Rifle Brigade, R. of O. 19.10.16--19.10.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. Tylden-Wright, + Derby Yeomanry 19.10.17--22.11.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. M. Milward, D.S.O. 23.11.17--Sept., '18 +Bt.-Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. E. Hudson, + V.C., D.S.O., M.C. Sept., '18--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry_ (_16th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. C. P. Higginson, D.S.O. Mobn.--23.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. B. Luard 24.10.14--13.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. J. Rowan Robinson 14.11.14--30.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. Strick 1.12.14--4.8.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. B. Luard 5.8.15--22.4.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) B. E. Murray 22.4.16--17.10.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. F. B. Winterscale 18.10.16--14.2.18 +Lt.-Col. H. M. Smith, D.S.O. 15.2.18--21.3.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. de R. + Morgan, The Buffs 23.3.18--2.4.18 +Lt.-Col. C. Meynell, D.S.O. 3.4.18--26.5.18 +Capt. (T/Major) E. A. Freeman 27.5.18--8.6.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. D. Leslie 9.6.18--17.7.18 +Capt. (T/Major) E. A. Freeman 18.7.18--23.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. H. Cautley 8.8.18--28.8.18 +Lt.-Col. G. H. Meynell 29.8.18--9.10.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. H. Morris 10.10.18--Armistice. + + +_1st Battalion Middlesex Regiment_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. B. E. Ward 12.10.14[a]--21.10.14 +Lt.-Col. F. G. M. Rowley 21.10.14--30.10.14 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. P. Osborne 30.10.14--28.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. C. C. Ash 29.11.14--31.5.15[a] + + +_2nd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment_ (_16th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. E. C. Cobbold Mobn.--9.12.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. F. Clemson 10.12.14--18.9.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. Mc.D. Pratt 19.9.15--17.10.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M. F. Halford 18.10.15--30.4.16 +Capt. (T/Major) H. B. Philby, D.S.O. 1.5.16--17.5.16 (K.) +Lt.-Col. H. R. Headlam, D.S.O. 17.5.16--5.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. L. Thomson 6.6.16--29.6.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. St. J. Blunt, D.S.O. 30.6.16--25.9.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. P. Wood, M.C. 25.9.16--9.10.16 (K.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Lewis, D.S.O. 10.10.16--31.3.17 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. St. J. Blunt, D.S.O. 1.4.17--21.4.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. R. Robertson 22.4.18--Armistice. + + +_2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry_ (_18th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. B. W. L. McMahon Mobn--4.1.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. Crosthwaite 5.1.15--10.6.15 +Lt.-Col. M. D. Goring-Jones 11.6.15--Sept., '15 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) A. E. Irvine Sept., '15--15.8.17 +Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. R. McCullagh 16.8.17--4.2.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Brereton 5.2.18--12.7.18 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. V. Turner 13.7.18--Armistice. + + +_14th Battalion Durham Light Infantry_ (18th _Infantry Brigade_) + +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. Menzies, + S. Lancs Regt., R. of O. 28.11.15[a]--12.11.16 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. B. Rosher, + Durham Light Infantry (S.) 13.11.16--1.2.18[b] + + +_1st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment_ + (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. V. W. de Falbe, D.S.O. Mobn.--11.10.15[a] + + +_2nd Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. H. P. Moulton-Barrett 12.10.14[a]--2.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Kirk 3.11.14--8.1.15 +Lt.-Col. R. C. Gore 16.2.15--31.5.15[a] + + +_2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment_ (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve Mobn.--19.11.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. M. Bullen-Smith 20.11.14--3.6.15 +Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve 3.6.15--20.7.15 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. M. Bullen-Smith 21.7.15--11.10.15[a] + + +_3rd Battalion Rifle Brigade_ (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. Alexander Mobn.--13.10.14 +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) Lord Henniker 13.10.14--21.11.14 +Lt.-Col. R. Alexander 22.11.14--29.12.14 (d. of w.) +Major (T/Lt.-Col.) Lord Henniker 30.12.14--9.6.15 +Capt. (T/Major) R. Pigot, M.C. 10.6.15--11.10.15[a] + + +_1/5th Battalion Loyal North Lancs Regiment_ (_16th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. G. Hesketh 16.2.15[a]--11.6.15[a] + + +_1/2nd Battalion London Regiment_ (_17th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. J. Attenborough 19.2.15[a]--11.10.15[a] + + +_Queen's Westminster Rifles_ (_18th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. Shoolbred, T.D. 11.11.14[a]--28.11.15[a] + + +_5th Battalion Scottish Rifles_ (_19th Infantry Brigade_) + +Lt.-Col. R. J. Douglas 19.11.14[a]--31.5.15[a] + + + +Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 6TH +DIVISION*** + + +******* This file should be named 20115.txt or 20115.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/0/1/1/20115 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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