The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 31st December 1915

31^st  December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – C.O. and Coy Commanders went to reconnoitre Sub-Sector A2 where the Battn, will be occupying trenches on Jan 2^nd 1916

2nd Battalion – Tracing trenches & distributing working parties – defence of a village.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 822.

To Hospital 7.

Reinforcements (Draft) 54.

H.F. Warden, Major,

Comdg, 2^nd Bn, The Queen’s Regt.

2/4^th Battalion – BENI SALAMA 31/12 15

F. TREDGOLD Major & Adjutant 2/4th Queen's

1/5^th Battalion - A start was made to train the additional Machine Gun teams & signallers

W.P. SPENS.

Lt. & Adjt.

1916

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion moved to Village Line behind GIVENCHY where we relieved the 11^th Middlesex, 1 Coy in keeps and redoubts, 1 Coy at LE PLANTIN & 2 Coys at WINDY CORNER. The battalion was now in support to the 2 battalions in the front line trenches.

(Intd.) H.F.W.  O.C.

6^th Battalion, “THE QUEEN’s”

(Royal West Surrey) REGT.

7^th Battalion – The Battalion relieved 8^th East Surrey Regt in sub-sector D 3 by day. This sub-sector is roughly bounded by points F 3 c 37 & F 2 c 04 to the South & X 26 d 23 & F 1 b 96 to the South. 7^th Bn The Buffs held sub-sector E 1 on our left & 6^th Northamptonshire Regt held D 2 on right.

Enemy fired camouflet at F 3 a 52 at 7.30pm & shelled TAMBOUR F 3 a 32 to F 3 c 28 immediately afterwards. No damage was done to works & no casualties. Enemy celebrated New Years Eve with fairly heavy field gun & trench mortar fire all over sub-sector.

W. Glasgow.

Lt Colonel.   Comdg. 7^th (SERVICE) Bn. THE QUEEN’S (R.W.S. REGT.)

8^th Battalion – The effective strength of the Battalion on the last day of month was 826 all ranks.

The following reinforcements have arrived during the month:-

20^th .(1 Officer and 76 O.R.

5^th .(1 Officer.

10^th. (52 O.R.

W.R.G. BYE

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 30th December 1915

30^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Company observation marches – rapid occupation of fire positions.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 775.

To Hospital 2.

From Hospital 9.

1/5^th Battalion - 8am Major Gen. GORRINGE Commanding 12th Division visited right bank.

1/6^th Battalion – A & B Coys went to LE HAMEL KEEP & LE HAMEL N.W. KEEP respectively, the other Companies did Company training.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 29th November 1915

29^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – BETHUNE.

11.35 Paraded and marched via GONNEHEM and CHOCQUES to BETHUNE where the Battn, billeted in MONTMORENCY Barracks.

2nd Battalion – Visual training & fire direction by companies.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 768.

To Hospital 2.

1/5^th Battalion - The Battn, less 2 companies crossed the river to the left bank & took part in a march with the NASARIYEH Moveable Column. The column started at 9am and marched more or less due north for about 6 miles halted for an hour and half and returned arriving back in camp at 3pm. It was hard marching and the Battn, stood it well.

1/6^th Battalion – Companies did 4 hours drill, 1 Platoon of “D” Coy went to LE HAMEL KEEP & worked for 4 hours & 2 Platoons of “C” Company to LE HAMEL N.W. KEEP cleaning & draining. The draft was inspected and proved to be up to the usual standard.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 2^nd Lt J.L. Hopgood was attached, as Representative of 72^nd I.B. to the 2^nd Canadian Division for instruction in Scouting and Observation.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 28th December 1915

28^th December 1915 –

 
1st Battalion – 8.55am Paraded and marched via LILLERS and GONNENHEM to BELLRIVE (9 miles) Billeted here for the night.

2nd Battalion – Outposts by day & night.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 770.

To Hospital 3.

From Hospital 3.

1/5^th Battalion - Brig. Gen. BROOKING inspected the defence works being dug by Battn. ordered a barbed wire entanglement to be put up all round, authorised the withdrawal of the permanent garrison from no. 9 Post which now 'became post K as part of the whole outpost line and ordered piquet's of 1 N.C.O & 12 men to put nightly into post "H", "I", "J", "K" the latter 3 having been constructed on a course of construction by the Battn. The Whole of the defence works & road were designed by Capt. PERRY R.E. under the immediate supervision of the G.O.C. and the Battn, dug as ordered.

1/6^th Battalion – LES CHOQUAUX.

Battalion bathed at Essars Canal Baths also got issued with clean clothing but not all. When not at baths spent the rest of the day in cleaning up.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 27th December 1915

27^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Battalion attack in successive lines.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 770.

To Hospital 2.

From Hospital 3.

Struck off 2.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - Orders were received to train teams for an additional 6 machine guns, extra signallers, to teach all ranks to pole & row bellams to climb trees etc. In view of the amount of garrison guards & fatigue works being required of the Battn, great difficulties is bound to occur in finding opportunity, for such training.

1/6^th Battalion – Enemy shelled LE EPINETTE very heavily during the morning, our artillery retaliated & silenced their guns and kept it up till about 4pm. Relieved by 7^th Norfolks, relief commenced 4pm and was not completed till 8.30pm. The returning of gum boots to stores took a long time & battalion reached LES CHOQUAUX at 12.30am morning of 28^th. Billets poor & were scattered. Enemy very quiet during relief. 6 wagons & 3 ambulances (horse) were provided to take men who could not march.

7^th Battalion – VILLE-SUR-ANCRE.

In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 26th December 1915

26^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Church parade.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 771.

To Hospital 1.

From Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –Battalion unlinked from 1/4th Royal Sussex Regt. By order of Brig. Gen. commanding confirmed by G.O.C. DIV

1/5^th Battalion - In addition to other duties & works the Battn. was detailed to take over guard of Turkish Prisoner Camp. This meant another officer & 55 other' ranks permanently away. This guard has previously been found by Indian Infantry or British Regt, on the left bend who were relieved daily. This could not be done and cooking and accommodation was very bad, on account of the proximity of the prisoner’s latrines, the Camp &: entanglement having been designed on the basis of daily relief & no cooking being done there. The daily routine therefore for Battn. was as under:- 1 officer & 55 other ranks away as guard on Turkish Prisoners Camp. 2 officers & 2 platoons away as guard at No. 9 Post.

1 double Company road making 1 officer and 20 men guard over prisoners working on New Bund 1 officer and 30 men on patrol duty in neighbourhood, Remainder digging outpost works.

1/6^th Battalion – Morning spent putting down floorboards & pumping. Our Machine Guns active. Enemy shelled the ration dump on LA QUINQUE RUE fortunately nobody was there. Artillery on both sides active during the night. One wounded.

7^th Battalion – SUB SECTOR E 1 BECOURT.

The Battalion was relieved by 7^th Bn The Buffs by daylight. Our artillery commenced a heavy bombardment on S.W. corner of FRICOURT at 11.30am. Owing to retaliation by German Artillery on neighbourhood of BECORDEL & MEAULTE, 3 Companies of Battalion were not permitted to return to billets at VILLE-SUR-ANCRE without casualties. The weather during this period in occupation of the trenches was very wet & the trenches were in very bad condition owing to lack of drainage provision.

The health of Battalion remained very good.

There were no casualties during this tour in the trenches.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 25th December 1915

25^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Draft of 1 Sergt and 45 other ranks joined the Battn, at 2pm

2nd Battalion – (Christmas Day) At mid-day the N.C.O’s & men of the battalion had a Christmas dinner. All Officers (26) dined at Hd Qrs in the evening.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 771.

To Hospital 2.

From Hospital 2.

1/5^th Battalion - Parade Service & Holy Communions at 10.15am. Dinners at 1pm. The best dinner that could be arranged was cold beef, hot chicken & plum duff. A rum issue was sanctioned also. A poor Christmas was improved by the arrival of the mail late at night. This was the first mall since leaving LUCKNOW.

1/6^th Battalion – Christmas day. Our artillery bombarded the enemy 4am and kept it up most of the day. Not much retaliation from the enemy. Gradually getting the water pumped out. Received a draft of 70 men on the 24^th, these remained at LE TOURET until Battn was relieved.

7^th Battalion – Some artillery activity on both sides.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 24th December 1915

24^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Bombing accident during practice this morning owing to premature explosion of a No 5 (MILLS) grenade.

Casualties 1 Killed & 5 Wounded.

2nd Battalion – Company attack in successive lines – Battalion drill (day & night).

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 771.

To Hospital 7.

1/6^th Battalion – Trenches found to be in a very waterlogged condition, most of the day spent in pumping & revetting. Parts of the fire trench was cut off by water & these formed islands which were manned by small parties and could only be relieved by night. Our guns active but otherwise a quiet night. Patrol went out at midnight report enemy working on both our flanks but not to our front. Wounded three.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day. Right of sub-sector slightly shelled by day & Bn H.Q. at night. New trench

maps were received & taken into use at mid-night 24-25^th.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 23rd December 1915

23^rd December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Lieut-Colonel H. St e. Wilkins proceeded to England for staff duty The Command of the Battn, devolves on Major L.M.Crofts.

2nd Battalion – Practise in advancing to the attack – Artillery formations. Defence of woods.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 778.

To Hospital 3.

1/5^th Battalion - In addition to the work, every four days, 4 days supplies of all rations except meat & bread have to be drawn. To draw the wood alone takes 70 -100 men over an hour as the distance is 200 - 300 yards or more. When British regiments are working hard, it appears a pity that S & T personnel is not provided to deliver rations in Camp.

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

Battalion relieved the 6^th Buffs in the trenches in the left subsector FESTUBERT. “B” Coy right Company, A Coy left Company, “C” in support line, “D” were in reserve in the OLD BRITISH LINE. Relief was completed 7.40pm “D” Company did all the ration carrying & fatigues for the Coys in front line. Hostile artile active on our right flank during the night. Patrol went out from No.1 Island Post & found our wire in front in poor condition & the German wire in good condition.

7^th Battalion – 8^th East Surrey Regt relieved 7^th R.W. Kent in sub-sector D 3. 2^nd Lieuts Dandridge, Ferguson & Wright joined the Battalion.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 22nd December 1915

22^nd December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Regtl, scheme for young officers all morning.

2nd Battalion – Company outpost schemes – day & night.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 781.

To Hospital 3.

From Hospital 1.

1/5^th Battalion - Doubts as to the proper pay &: allowances for a Territorial have arisen. In peace the private draws (1) Messing allowances 3 annas (2.3 cash 9 pie credited for groceries) (2) annas Kit allowance (3) 3 annas Territorial allowances while in Indian limits A reply received from F.D.O that only 1st drawn on service. It would appear therefore that Force D is outside "Indian Limits". It also appears peculiar either that a messing allowance should be given on service at all when a fuller ration is expected! - Or if allowed that .9 pie should be deducted.

1/6^th Battalion – Again sent out two working parties on 21^st inst. There was a historical lecture given by Professor Fletcher in Bethune which was attended by officers & N.C.O as could be spared.

7^th Battalion – Very quiet day, nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 21st December 1915

21^st December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2/Lt J. Burrell and 2/Lt Grey struck off the strength for duty with 5^th Bde, M.G. Coy d/21/12/15.

2nd Battalion – REINCOURT.

Company operations – marches – occupying fire positions – fire direction.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 783.

To Hospital 5.

1/6^th Battalion – Again sent out two working parties to DANGER CORNER each 100 strong they worked under a pioneer officer. Capt R.A.M. Basset left Battalion to be attached temporarily to the 1^st Corps Headquarters, 2^nd Lieut D. Mann appointed acting Adjutant.

7^th Battalion – Very quiet day, nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 20th December 1915

20^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Today the South Staffords & Queen’s left the22nd Bde & joined the 91^st Bde which replaces the 21^st Bde in the Division.

The 91^st Bde (20^th, 21^st , 22^nd & 24^th Manchester Battns) being split up. The 20^th & 24^th Manchesters joining the 22^nd Bde in the place of the South Staffords & Queen’s.

We marched to new billets at REINCOURT (AMIENS SHEET 12)

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 788.

To Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –Since arriving at BENI SALAM camp the Battalion has been occupied in reorganising and refitting. 4 hours daily are occupied in Company drill. The men have recovered from their trying experiences at GALLIPOLI. They are now fit and there is comparatively little sickness. The strength of the Battn. Has been increased by the addition of men discharged from hospital and base details and on 31st December 1915 is 19 Officers 301 O.R.'s  

1/5^th Battalion - In addition to the defensive works & guard on the NEW BUND the Battn, was ordered to start making a road out to U R of CHALDEES. This proved very hard work. The Battn, also has to send out a patrol or patrols daily from 3 - 5 miles from camp to show the Arabs that troops are here. The daily work of the Battn, is therefore to find patrols, a guard on BUND, one company road making, remainder digging redoubts by relays.

1/6^th Battalion – LE TOURET.

Sent out two working parties to DANGER CORNER each 100 strong.

7^th Battalion – The Battalion relieved 15^th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers of 32 Division by day. Relieving & relieved Platoons moving via BECORDEL & MEAULTE. Sub-sector E 1 was taken over for first time by the Battalion. This sub-sector is approximately bounded by area enclosed by points X26 d 1055, X26 C 03 X 20 c 95 & X 25 b 55. Battalion Headquarters are at CHATEAU, BECOURT. 7^th Bn R.W. Kent Regt held sub-sector D 3 on our right, & 16^th Northumberland Fusiliers E 2 on left.

On the whole the trenches in this sub-sector were found to be in an extremely bad condition, fire & communication trenches on left of sub-sector being for the most part impassable. Very quiet day.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 19th December 1915

19^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Sir J. French passed through the village at 11.30. The Battn lined the streets at 11am. Dress-Marching Order (A.S.M.O.)

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 789.

From Hospital 7. The following struck off strength.

Servants to seconded officers 2.

Corps Troops 6.

Permanent duty at AIRE 3.

2/4^th Battalion – ALEXANDRIA.

7.45am Arrived at ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT, without incident.

15.45 Disembarked and entrained for WARDAN station.

21.00hrs BENI SALAM .

Arrived at WARDAN STATION and proceeded to BENI SALAM camp

1/5^th Battalion - 10.15am. Battalion inspected by Brig. Gen. H.T. Brooking C.B. Commanding at NASAIYEH who expressed himself much pleased with the appearance of the Battn.

1/6^th Battalion – Marched from BETHUNE at 9.15am & marched via ESSARS to LE TOURET where the battalion less 2 Platoons of D Coy were billeted – 2 Platoons of C Coy were in CAILLOU KEEPS. The Battalion was now in reserve – The Buffs & East Surrey Regt being in the front line.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 18th December 1915

18^th December 1915 –

 
1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 793.

From Hospital 2.

Night operations – night march & night advance.

1/5^th Battalion - Battalion again found guard on the BUND. Started to dig redoubt on the S. side of camp.

1/6^th Battalion – Church parade at 10am – remainder of the Bn had baths – C.O. and Coy Commanders went to see the reserve billets at LE TOURET. Each Coy found 2 officers & 80 men for carrying gas cylinders from PONT FIXE to trenches in front of GIVENCHY. The first party of 160 men left by busses at 5.30am & returned at about 12am. The second party left at 9.30pm & on completion of work went direct to LE TOURET where they arrived about 5am.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 17th December 1915

17^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Brigade Route March at 10am. The Battn, lead. Distance about 7½ miles.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 791.

To Hospital 3, From Hospital 1.

Night operations – night march & night advance.

1/5^th Battalion - Capt. P.R. WHITTINGTON & 2 platoons acted as general to Arabs building down on N. side of river. Capt. H.P. GABB with Lt. MORTON and 64 N.C.O's & men took over No. 9 post S. E. of Camp.

1/6^th Battalion – 2 Companies carried out 2 hours route march, one Company 2 hours drill & D Coy was sent to the Divisional School to give a demonstration.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 16th December 1915

16^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – ST, HILAIRE.

2 Lt I.W.S. Symons and one other rank joined the Battn.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 793.

To Hospital 2.

1/5^th Battalion – NASARIYAR.

Pitched camp in date palm grove, with large expanse of open ground on South side. Visited by Brig. Gen. BROOKING Commanding 12th Brigade and commanding at NASARIYEH.

1/6^th Battalion – BETHUNE.

Rested in billets – 120 men from each Company bathed – clean underclothing was issued & Companies generally refitted – Bombing class under Lt Pike was commenced.

7^th Battalion – A Company was relieved from Mining Fatigue at BECORDEL & returned to billets.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 15th December 1915

15^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Battn, paraded at 9am and marched to ST, HILAIRE via CHOCQUES and LILLERS. Remainder of day occupied in settling into billets From this date the Battns, belongs to 100^th Bde. (General TWIGG.)

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 795.

To Hospital 5, Reinforcement 1.

(absentee from Draft).

To Hospital 1 (England).

2/4^th Battalion – MUDROS.

08.00 Arrived at MUDROS.

15.30 Transferred to H.M.T. "HAVERFORD".

16.00 Sailed from MUDROS.

1/5^th Battalion - EL ASMAIN.

6.45am left.

Arrived HAQUIQUAH at 2.0pm. All changed on to two steamers &: two barges

HAQUIQUAH.  5.0pm left

Arrived NASARIYAR at 10.0pm. Went in to camp on South side of river. Unloaded nothing except ammunition. Found two mess tents erected.

1/6^th Battalion – The night passed quietly. The Battalion was relieved by the 9^th Bn the Essex Regt. The two Coys of the K.R.R’s were relieved by two other Coys of the same Regiment. The 2^nd Division on our right carried out a bombardment from 10am to 2pm of the enemy’s trenches – The Germans did not retaliate on our lines – The relief was complete at 2.30pm Coys marched independently via LE QUESNOY (were they had dinners) to billets in BETHUNE. Letter (Appendix XI) was received from G.O.C 1^st Corps (Lt Cannon was in command of the Coy)

Appendix XI

12^th Division.     No. 617 (G).

The corps Commander has read the report of the O.C. 176^th Coy. R.E. on the blowing up of our mine opposite DUCK’S BILL at midnight 12^th/13^th, and would like you to express to the O.C. 6^th Queen’s his appreciation of the excellent work performed by the Coy, which worked in the sap and occupied the near “lip” of the crater with great promptitude.

(Sd.) A.S. Cobb, Brig. General,

General Staff, 1^st Corps.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 14th December 1915

14^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – The Battn, paraded at 10am on the square outside the SOUS PREFECTURE in BETHUNE. Major General WALKER addressed the Battn, and said goodbye on the occasion of their transfer to 33^rd Divn, The Battn, afterwards marched past.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 800.

To Hospital 6, From Hospital 2.

2/4^th Battalion – Sailed for MUDROS

1/5^th Battalion - CHUBAISH.

6.45am arrived EL ASMAIN, island in HAMMAR LAKE at 6.0pm. Wind adverse all the way.

1/6^th Battalion – Two Coys returned to B Coy LE PLANTIN A Coy WINDY CORNER. During the afternoon the enemy bombarded the DUCKS BILL rather heavily with rifle grenades to which we replied with the same – our artillery carried out a bombardment of the enemy’s trenches with a view to making a small breach in them. To this the Germans replied very feebly on GIVENCHY.

Casualties wounded other ranks one.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 13th December 1915

13^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – BETHUNE.

Battn, paraded at 10.30am and marched to billets in the RUE D’AIRE at BETHUNE. Remainder of day occupied in cleaning up billets and preparing for G.O.C’s inspection tomorrow.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 804.

To Hospital 3, From Hospital 3. Reinforcements 50.

2/4^th Battalion – Embarked by light on H.M.T. "ELKAHIA". Strength of Battn, 14 OFFICERS, 224 O.R's.

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

At 12.1am the mine was successfully exploded. The enemy opened machine gun & rifle fire for a short period. They sent up a red light but no artillery fire resulted. Our bombers and riflemen seized the near lip of the crater & fired rifle grenades into the far lip of the crater to prevent the enemy taking possession of the crater – meanwhile a sap was dug out of the new crater. This was completed at 5.40am. Our trench was only slightly damaged by the explosion & this was repaired immediately after the explosion the enemy put a trench searchlight on the crater. During the day the enemy were quiet, with a exception that they threw a few rifle grenades into the DUCKS BILL. At 10.15am two Coys (A&B) of the 16^th K. Royal rifles (33 Division) arrived at WINDY CORNER for attachment and instruction. They were to be sent to the trenches as complete Companies – They therefore relieved C & D Coys in the centre & left sectors of the line, these Companies coming out to – D Coy LE PLANTIN, C Coy WINDY CORNER. One officer from C & D Coy & the bombers of these two Coys were left in the front trenches to instruct the K.R.Rs & to hold the bombing saps. The relief of these two Coys was completed by 1pm. The afternoon was quiet – During the night the sap to new crater was improved.

Casualties – 3 Killed, 6 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – Orders received as to reliefs etc for remainder of month of December.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 12th December 1915

12^th December 1915 –

1st Battalion – BEUVRY.

Relief by 2/Oxfords commenced at 10am and completed by 2pm. The Battn, marched back to billets in BEUVRY.

Casualties nil.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 762.

To Hospital 8

Company Training.

1/5^th Battalion - 6.45 First Mahaillas left

7.30 last Mahaillas left

1.15pm first arrived MEDINA

3.45pm last the last 3 miles was very slow & the heavier Mahaillas were in the greatest difficulties owing to (strong adverse wind, As the men had had no dinners it was decided to stop for the night &: to start earlier next morning taking dinners on board

6.45am all left MEDINA except Major Hodges's, Mahaillas which stuck on the bank and the convoy had to stop one hour to collect about 7.30am

5.45pm Reached CHUBAISH where stopped for night.

1/6^th Battalion – Took over front line trenches from 6^th Buffs A Coy went into GUNNERS SIDING in support trench. B Coy went into DUCKS BILL, C Coy in centre & D Coy on the left its left being at WOODSTOCK Rd. The relief was completed at 12 noon. The trenches were in a very water logged condition, in some places the water was up to the knee. All men were supplied with gumboots & their feet were rubbed with whale oil before going into the trenches – At 2pm instructions were received that a mine would be exploded at the head of SHAFTESBURY AVENUE at about midnight. (this mine was to have gone off at 4pm the previous day but had failed to do so) The trenches on ether flank of the mine had to be cleared. This was done, B Coy going into HATFIELD AVENUE & C Coy into GUNNERS & to the left, by 11.45am all was ready.

7^th Battalion – VILLE-SUR-ANCRE.

In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 11th December 1915

11^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet day. Received orders for our relief tomorrow. Casualties 3 Wounded. One Coy of 13^th Essex attached for 24 hours of Platoon Training.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 762.

Company Training.

1/5^th Battalion - 10am arrived QURNAH. Here transhipped everybody & everything on to Mahaillas, 41 were required. At QURNAH hot meal was served.

MURNAH.

1.30pm first Mahaillas left

4.30pm last Mahaillas left

5.30 pm anchored about 1 1/2 up EUPHRATES from bridge at QURNAH.

1/6^th Battalion – WINDY CORNER.

Remained in billets. Found working parties to clear up communication trenches from WINDY CORNER to FRONT LINE. Coy commanders went to front trenches with a view to taking them over.

7^th Battalion – The Battalion was relieved by 8^th East Surrey Regt by day & returned to billets at VILLE-SUR-ANCRE. A Company billeted in BECORDEL & found mining fatigues.

Casualties during tour of duty, O.R. Wounded 2. Health of Battalion very good. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 10th December 1915

10^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion –  Readjustment of positions in A1 occupied all morning. Only portions of front line now held and a limited number of communication trenches up & down. All work to be concentrated in future to maintain these portions. Battn, H Q moved from WOBURN ABBEY to HARLEY STREET at 4pm.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 762.

Company Training.

1/5^th Battalion – 8am Two barges one large and one small came alongside & complete Battn. ordered to disembark on to them with animals luggage etc.

10am. Orders received to leave animals, chargers to be handed on subsequent disembarkation to AdJt. Indian Base Depot, Mules to Transport Officer,

4pm  all baggage kits etc loaded

6pm the Battn, embarked, together with one section No 19 Field Ambulance S & T personnel 2 officers & 15 other ranks West Kent Regt. & 4 other officers. 10 days rations on 2 Mahaillas. Lt. Col DUNLOP of 44th MEHRWARAS Commanded the convoy. The space was the least possible & the Battn. was very squashed both on deck & in the hold on the luggage.

7pm tug "Shirin" arrived but Captain had received no orders to take 2 Mahaillas & refused till orders given by M.T.O. A further delay was caused whilst this authority was obtained.

8pm left BASRAH, one tug 2 barges 2 Mahaillas,

1/6^th Battalion – BETHUNE.

The Battalion relieved Companies of the following Regiments of the 19^th Bde – 2 Coys 5^th Scottish Rifles at WINDY CORNER (1 Coy in Keeps & Redoubts) 1 Coy at LE PLANTIN from 20^th Royal Fusiliers & one Coy went to LE QUESNOY. Battn, Hqrs were at WINDY CORNER. The relief was completed at 4pm. The Battalion was now in support to the 2 Battalions in the Front Line Trenches.

7^th Battalion – Enemy shelled BECORDEL, our artillery retaliated on FRICOURT.

8^th Battalion – On Dec 10^th 2^nd Lt Vipan was appointed Assistant Instructor at the Divisional Grenade School, TILQUES, where 3 Officers and 20 O.R. of this Battalion have been trained this month.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 9th December 1915

8^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – SECTION A1.

9am Battn, paraded and marched to CUINCHY where it relieved the Glasgow Hdrs in section A1.- 6^th Bde, on right and 2/H.L.I. on left. One Company of 24^th R.F. attached to the Battn, and holding the line on left front of A1.

Casualties – Nil.

2nd Battalion – Company parades.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 762.

To Hospital 1.

From Hospital 1.

1/5^th Battalion - Obtained without difficulty from Ordinance webbing equipment for officers & other items. Ordered to leave Orderly Room Sergeant, at A.G's office at base as no regulations had made this point clear before leaving LUCKNOW the O.R. Sgt, had been left at LUCKNOW & with considerable inconvenience a clerk was left at BASRAH.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion left LIERES at 9.30am & marched via LILLERS LA VALLEE to GONNEHEM. The Quartermasters Stores and blankets were moved in three motor lorries making two journeys each. The Battalion was accommodated in billets at GONNEHEM.

7^th Battalion – Considerable activity on both sides with artillery, trench mortars & grenades at F 3 A. We suffered no casualties. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 8th December 1915

8^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – SECTION A1.

9am Battn, paraded and marched to CUINCHY where it relieved the Glasgow Hdrs in section A1.- 6^th Bde, on right and 2/H.L.I. on left. One Company of 24^th R.F. attached to the Battn, and holding the line on left front of A1.

Casualties – Nil.

2nd Battalion – Company parades.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 762.

To Hospital 1.

From Hospital 1.

1/5^th Battalion - Obtained without difficulty from Ordinance webbing equipment for officers & other items. Ordered to leave Orderly Room Sergeant, at A.G's office at base as no regulations had made this point clear before leaving LUCKNOW the O.R. Sgt, had been left at LUCKNOW & with considerable inconvenience a clerk was left at BASRAH.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion left LIERES at 9.30am & marched via LILLERS LA VALLEE to GONNEHEM. The Quartermasters Stores and blankets were moved in three motor lorries making two journeys each. The Battalion was accommodated in billets at GONNEHEM.

7^th Battalion – Considerable activity on both sides with artillery, trench mortars & grenades at F 3 A. We suffered no casualties. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 7th December 1915

7^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – BETHUNE.

Ordinary routine. Inspection of last draft.

2nd Battalion – Company parades. Rain during day.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 762.

To Hospital 1.

1/5^th Battalion - BASRAH.

Anchored in river just below BASRAH after uneventful voyage.

1/6^th Battalion – Remained in billets. Orders were received to march to GONNEHEM on the 8^th. Cleaned up billets and filled in trenches.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record. Weather continued to be wet.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 6th December 1915

6^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – ON MOVE.

Battn, relieved by 2/Oxfords by 1.15pm and marched back to billets in BETHUNE. (Rue d’Aire)

2nd Battalion – MOLLIENS – VIDARES.

Bde Hd Qrs. Staffords & ourselves billeted here – quite comfortable.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 763.

1/6^th Battalion – Remained in billets, training & Bombing classes continued. Musketry.  

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 5th December 1915

5^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet day.

2nd Battalion – The Battalion marched at 2pm to LILLERS & entrained. En route to III army area.

Strength 23 Officers. – 677 Other Ranks. 76 animals, 24 vehicles. Arrived SALEUX 12.40am 6^th inst. Detrained in 2 hrs 40 min. Marched to Billets at MOLLIENS – VIDARES arriving there at 9am, 6^th inst.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 763.

To Hospital 2.

1/6^th Battalion – Remained in billets, training & Bombing classes continued. Musketry.

7^th Battalion – Continued rain caused much damage to our trenches. 2 Lieut T.C. Filby joined.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 4th December 1915

4^th December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet day.

2nd Battalion – BOURECQ.

Billets. Rain all day.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 765.

 To Hospital 3.

1/6^th Battalion – Remained in billets, training & Bombing classes continued. Musketry.

7^th Battalion – SUB-SECTOR D.3. BECOURT.

11.55am Our miners fired mine at F 3 c. Artillery cooperated.

5pm Enemy fired mine at F 3 c & shelled our mine-heads there. Our artillery replied. We suffered no

casualties or damage to trenches. 1 Company of 16^th Lancashire Fusiliers attached to the Battalion
for instruction

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 3rd December 1915

3^rd December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet day. 1 Coy of 17^th R.Fusiliers attached for 24 hours.

2nd Battalion – Battalion marched to billets at BOURECQ at 10.15am.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 768.

1/6^th Battalion – Remained in billets, training & Bombing classes continued. Musketry.  

7^th Battalion –The Battalion relieved 8^th East Surrey Regt in sub-sector D3 by day. Thigh gum boots were used by all the men in trenches, which had suffered severely from frosts & heavy rain & had become very muddy. Sufficient steel helmets were available for use of sentries. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 2nd December 1915

2^nd December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – B1 SECTION.

Battn, paraded at 9am and marched to PONT FIXE. Relief of 2/HLI completed by 1pm. Right Flank on canal left flank near FINCHELEY ROAD. 1 Coy of 17^th R.Fusiliers attached for 24 hours.

2nd Battalion – Company parades. Fine day, rain at night.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 768.

1/5^th Battalion - BOMBAY.

7am Fatigue party loaded heavy luggage

9.45am Battalion began to embark on H.M.T. ELEPHANTA, Completed by 11.15 a.m.

2.15pm Ship sailed, on board HQ 34th Infantry Brigade Brig. Gen TIDSWELL Capt, ROWLANDSON 38th Infantry Bde. Major Capt ETHERIDGE 7th Inf. Staff Capt. 1/5th Queens; Strength 27 officers 657 other ranks, one man left in hospital at BOMBAY. Details of S & T, Field Ambulances etc.

Lt Colonel BRODRICK O.C. Troops

1/6^th Battalion – Remained in billets, training & Bombing classes continued. Musketry.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 1st December 1915

1^st December 1915 – 

1st Battalion – BETHUNE.

Draft of 81 Other Ranks joined.

2nd Battalion – EUSNETTE.

Company parades. Fine day, rain at night.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 768.

To Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion – Battalion (to which the 1/4th R, Sussex was linked) quartered in dugouts on E: slope of LALA BABA and occupied in digging trenches round the Hill. There was considerable spasmodic shelling by enemy and on DEC 2nd one shell killed one officer (TEMP, CAPT, HEWETT) and 2 N.C.O's and wounded 3 men. Weather on the whole was fine, days warm and nights cold.

1/5^th Battalion -Arrived KALYAN 8.30 a.m. & were not allowed to leave before schedule time at 12.15 p.m. Arrived BOMBAY.

2pm On arrival Battalion with kits and animals moved to Cooperage Camp, where they spent the night of 1 - 2 Dec. Officers less orderly officer in Camp put up free at TAJ MAHAL hotel. Heavy luggage shunted round direct to docks. 2 ponies delivered.

1/6^th Battalion – LIERES.

Remained in billets, training & Bombing classes continued. Musketry. Draft of 87 Other Ranks received.

7^th Battalion – VILLE_SUR_ANCRE.

In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The 24^th Division remained at NORDAUSQUES, PAS de CALAIS during this month in Corps reserve (5^th Corps). The Battalion was engaged in Training the whole time, especially with respect to Grenade Coy. Machine Gunners, Snipers., Signallers.

At the end of the month there were in the Battalion

154 trained Grenadiers.

60 trained Machine Gunners.

22 trained Snipers.

37 trained Signallers.

Various competitions were held in the Division e.g. Football, Cross Country Run, Sniping etc. The Battalion gained second place to the 9^th E.Surrey Regt in the Cross Country Run, and we held 2^nd

place to the 1^st N.Staffs in the sniping Competition. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 30th November 1915

30^th November 1915 – 

1st Battalion – Battn, relieved by 2/Oxfords and came into billets in BETHUNE, (RUE D’AIRE).

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 769.

To Hospital Nil.

From Hospital Nil.

Billets. Company parades – wiring revetting etc. Fine day rain at night.

H. ALLARDICE Capt.

2/4^th Battalion – GALLIPPOLI.

The Battalion has been employed on digging the defences of the left section of the hill and on garrison work at night.

E. HERBERT Lieut. & Adj. For O.C. 2/4th Queen's Regt.

1.11.15  1st-13^th

1/5^th Battalion - Arrived ITARSI 9.58am again owing to bad engines.

Left ITARSI 10.0am extra delay owing to hopeless inadequacy of hot water arrangements only 200 pints ready instead of 654.

Train had also to be watered.

Arrived KANDWA 2.30pm 

Left KANDWA 3.40pm 

Arrived BHURSAWAL 6.10pm

Left BHURSAWAL 7.30pm.

1/6^th Battalion – Training continued. Strength of Battn – 27 Officers – 715 Other Ranks, of the latter – 14 were in Hospital Sick 21 away from Battn on extra regimental employ, of the officers 7 were away sick or on Courses.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to report.

M. KEMP WELCH Capt, & Adjt.

7^th (Service) Bn, The Queen’s (R.W.S. Regt.)

8^th Battalion – Training continued. Grenade Pit & trenches dug, Rifle Range & Machine Gun range chosen.

 W.R.G. BYE.