The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 31st January1916

31^st January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Relieved by 2^nd Worcesters – went back to ANNEQUIN FOSSE.

S.Symons.  Lt Adjt.

1/Queen’s Regt.

2nd Battalion – CORBIE TO BRAY.

The battalion marched from CORBIE to BRAY-SUR-SOMME (distance 10 miles). The C.O. Adjutant & Company commanders rode in advance & reported to the 15^th Bde Hd Qrs in BRAY. This party then went up to the trenches which are about 2½ miles distant. We took over C2 Subsection & the 22^nd Manchesters C1. The Queen’s relieve the 16^th Warwicks (15 Bde). Two coys in front line, one in support & one in reserve. At one point, our trenches & the enemy’s are very close. There appears to be a large amount of trench mortar bombing.

Divisional frontage F 11.d to X 26 d WEST of FRICOURT. Until the 7^th Division is settled in new area, the 22^nd Manchesters & Queens come under the orders of the 30^th Division at present holding the line.

Major    Comdg 2^nd. Bn. The Queen’s Regt.

1/5^th Battalion - The Battn, changed the site of its camp to the N. corner of camp to site previously occupied by 44th MERWARAS.

W.P. SPENS Lt & Adjt. 1/5th Queens

1/6^th Battalion – RELY.

The Battalion marched back to billets, forming part of the MAIN BODY via BOURECQ-LILLERS & back to billets to BUSNETTES 1 man fell out.

H.W.F

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Bn, relieved the 8^th R.W.K.Regt in the trenches. These were the same trenches as were occupied last week.

The disposition of the unit was practically the same as it was last week when in these trenches.

The units on our flanks etc were also the same.

W.R.G. BYE.  Capt.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 30th January1916

30^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Slight shelling, nothing to report. H Qrs at MAISON ROUGUE.

(2Lt Skeath left to go to his own Bat, 1 Royal Lancs. Kings Own.)

2nd Battalion – The Battalion marched to billets in POULAINVILLE to CORBIE (distance about 12 miles). Settled in billets at 1pm.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

2/4^th Battalion – BENI SALAMA CAMP. EGYPT.

During the past month the Battn, has been encamped at BENI SALAMA CAMP and has been engaged in Company Training. Special attention has been given to Musketry and Physical Exercises and classes have been formed for instruction in Machine Gun, Signalling and Scouting with the object of completing the Battn, establishment of these specialists whose ranks had been greatly reduced by sickness and casualties at Gallipoli Instructional Classes have been formed for junior N.C.O’s.

Upon the arrival of Battn, baggage from Gallipoli on 11-1-16, it was found that many packages had been rifled, including the Orderly Room stationary box. The latter contained War Diaries and all official papers & correspondence and the box is a serious inconvenience to the work of the Battn.

The health of the Battn, has considerably improved and is now good. The weather has been fine as a whole, with bright warm days and very cold nights. The daily range of tempreture under canvas has been from 38˚F to 98˚F. The present strength of the Battn, is 22 Officers and 343 other ranks.

A.F. Tredgold

Major & Adjt, 2/4 Queen’s.

1/5^th Battalion - Divine Service 11am. B Coy night outposts 30th/1st,

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion took part in 12^th Divisional Manoeuvres & furnished the Advanced Guard to the LEFT COLUMN.

O.C.  Advanced Guard Lt Col H.F. Warden.

VAN GUARD:- Commander O.C. Troops.

“A” Squad. K.E.H.

1 Troop “A” Squadron K.E.H.

1 Platoon 12^th Cyclists

MAIN GUARD:- 2 Sections 12^th Cyclists

“B” Coy 6^th Queen’s M.G.

6^th Queen’s “A” Coy 6^th Queen’s, 1 Section 69^th field Coy R.E, 1 Section 12^th Cyclists.

The rest of the Battalion were with the MAIN BODY under Major Watson, the Battalion went into billets at RELY for the night 30^th/31^st only local protection was furnished. The route taken to RELY was :- BURBORE-HURIONVILLE-BELLERY-AMETTES-WESTREHEN-RELY.

8^th Battalion – On the afternoon of the 30^th the bn, was disposed as follows :-

D Coy & 2 Platoons of A Coy – remained in Camp D.

C Coy & 2 Platoons of B Coy – CONVENT. YPRES.

2 Platoons of B Coy – Cellars. RUE de BEURRE. YPRES.

2 Platoons of A Coy – RAMPARTS. YPRES.

The Machine gun Section & Grenadiers relieved the M.G. Section & Bombing Posts of the 8^th R.W.K.Regt, in the left sectionof the left sector HOOGE trenches (Railway Wood).

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 29th January1916

29^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Relieved 2^nd Worcesters. (K.R.R. on right 19^th Bde, on left). Bombing raid on Crater at night, this was easily repulsed by B Coy.

2nd Battalion – The Battalion marched to billets in POULAINVILLE (distance about 15 miles) leaving RIENCOURT at 8.30am.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

 1/5^th Battalion - D Coy day outposts, A & C Coys under Major F. W. SMALLPEICE were on convoy escort. The Battn, 44th MERWARAS and SUSSEX BATTERY returned with convoy to NASARIYEH.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets. Coys did 3½ hours training Physical Drill, Bayonet Fighting, Close Order Drill, Handling of Arms, Fire Discipline & Fire Control. Games in the afternoon.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained in Camp D. Working parties of 150 were furnished each night for the 103^rd R.E. Coy.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 28th January1916

28^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Very heavy bombardment from 10am to 5pm. Standing to, Cavalry attacked but easily held their own. HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT heavily shelled also during the night.

2 Killed 3 Wounded.

2nd Battalion – Late last night the Brigade Field Day was cancelled & orders received that Brigade would move tomorrow to a new area. At a late hour orders were received. The Division is to take over a part of the line near FRICOURT per attached march table which applies to the 91^st Bde.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

1/5^th Battalion - The Battn, paraded at 10.30am for an attack practice. Towards 5pm it again came on to rain & B & C companies who had been ordered for night outposts had not to go out.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & did 5 hours training men inspected by Divisional Commander, Divisional Manoeuvres ordered to take place on 29^th cancelled & Brigade Route March ordered, Brigade Route March cancelled & again ordered to be ready to move at 2 hours notice.

8^th Battalion – Camp D OUDERDOM. G 24 d.

The Bn remained in Camp D. Working parties of 150 were furnished each night for the 103^rd R.E. Coy.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 27th January1916

27^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Expected attack.

Shelling on both sides. Relieved by K.R.R. starting at 1pm finished at 4.30pm.

Went back to FACTORY TRENCH, in support to HORSE GUARDS behind Quarry.

One Killed.

2nd Battalion – Battalion route march – Protection on the move.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets, Coys did 5 hours training Physical Drill, Close Order Drill etc & Outpost in the afternoon.

The Corps Commander inspected the men at drill during the morning. Divisional Manoeuvres which were to take place, all arrangements cancelled & orders received to be ready to move at 2 hours notice.

7^th Battalion – Appended are a number of various casualties occurring in the Battalion since embarkation, representing approximately the wastage of six months active service owing to wounds & sickness.

8^th Battalion – Enemy more active to-day. He shelled CAMBRIDGE Road with Shrapnel & H.E. but no damage was caused. Our retaliation was very good. Owing to the fact that today is the Kaiser’s birthday, the ʹGAS ALERTʹ order was issued by the Bde, & was enforced from 3am – daybreak. Nothing occurred.

9pm In the evening the Bn was relievedin this section of trenches by the 8^th R.W.K. regt. The Bn, marched to Camp D OUDERDOM.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 26th January1916

26^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Relief cancelled, attack feared. Shelling all day & night by our guns. Enemy feeble retaliation.

2nd Battalion – Lecture on Tactical value & use of Machine Guns by the M.G.O.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

1/5^th Battalion - Another wet day clearing up towards evening. A Coy on night outposts 26/27 A Battn, parade was ordered but put off on account of rain.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets, Coys did 5 hours training Physical Drill, Close Order Drill etc & Outpost in the afternoon.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Quiet day – nothing of importance has happened.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 25th January1916

25^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Shelling in the morning, one wounded, ordered to be relieved by K.R.R. (16).

2nd Battalion – Demonstration in grenade throwing – Individual night training.

 Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

1/5^th Battalion - Scouts. B, C & D Companies convoy escort under Major F. W. SMALLPEICE A Coy were on day outposts.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion took part in Brigade Route March & all subaltern officers did an Outpost Scheme under Company arrangements.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Nothing of importance has occurred during the morning & afternoon. One casualty – L/C killed by Sniper in A1.

4. Enemy trench mortar’d H 20 but shell fell to rear. Good retaliation.

8.30 Strange officer, tall, robust, wearing rain-coat but no hat – head being covered with cap comforter, appeared at Ry, barricade & enquired way to North Staffs line. He was directed. Was seen later at our F.H.Q. in Ry, bank & enquired for MENIN ROAD. Suspected, and information passed to Bde.

Working parties again provided for 103^rd Field Coy R.E. & 177^th Tunnelling Coy.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 24th January1916

24^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Bat, relieved 1 Coy of 18 R.F. and 1 coy A & Sutherlands in Z1. Relief complete at 7.40 & started at 5.30pm.

2nd Battalion – Company Parades – Instruction in Lewis Gun – Lecture by Sergt, Smith on German S.W. African Campaign.

 Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

1/5^th Battalion - B, C & D companies on night outposts 24/25th.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion Route march in morning & Regimental exercise for all subaltern officers.

7^th Battalion – VILLE-SUR-ANCRE.

In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The night passed quietly; gentle S.W. wind prevailing.

Two casualties to-day, one by enemy sniper. Snipers post located opposite trench H 20. Our artillery intended to fire at it at 10.30am but the morning was misty & so this was not carried out. Day very quiet.

8.30pm At 8.30pm 2/Lt Burnley patrolled alone towards enemy’s wire in front of N. end of trench A1 and brought back a small German flag, bearing the eagle, which had been seen during the day. A private of the 8^th Buffs had attempted to get this flag the previous day but was wounded and could not return. He was rescued under heavy fire by Pte H.Homer 3014, of this Battn.

On the left side of the flag was written the following, “What is King Albert doing? On the right side “Thick (bulging ?) Bertha from Essen nickname for 42cm shells” “Follow the example of Servia and Montenegro whom you courageously betrayed”. “Kaiser’s Birthday 27/1/16”.

The night on our front was very quiet. Some bomb-throwing activity occurred in the lines of the

Battn, on our right – the 1^st N.Staffs, - at 9.30pm and 1.30am next morning.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 23rd January1916

23^rd January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Church Parade.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

From Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - H.Q. 18th Division left. The day was fine & warm & everyone was at last able to get clothes dry and themselves warm,

1/6^th Battalion – battalion marched to GONNEHEM for church parade.

7^th Battalion – The battalion was relieved by 8^th East Surrey Regt, by day & returned to billets at VILLE-SUR-ANCRE. During this tour of duty in the trenches, the Battalion did more constructive work than had been accoumplished, new communication trench 160 yards long was dug & cable buried a length of 1200 yards besides considerable other work.

Casualties during tour of duty in trenches, Officer, wounded accidently 1. O.R. Killed 3. Wounded 7 of which 1 remained at duty.

A draft of 21 N.C.O’s & men joined the Battalion, majority of these had previously served in France with 7^th or 8^th Battalions. Weather, very mild & little rain.

8^th Battalion – The battalion relieved the 8^th Buffs Regt in the left section of the left sector of trenches. Relief complete at 10.45pm.

The disposition of the unit was as follows:-

Trench	Grenadiers	Machine Gunners	Signallers	Riflemen	Total
A1, A2	32	6	5	36	79
H20	24	6	5	24	59
S20	8	-	-	7
S21	-	6	-	-
S22 S23 F13 YPRES Ramparts	- 32 46	- - 25	- - 6	8 68 68 200	129 68 277

Total trench Strength 612.

On our left is the West Yorks Regt, a unit of the 6^th Divn.

On our immediate right is the 1^st N.Staffs Regt a unit in our own Brigade.

On the right of our Bde, (72) is the 73^rd Bde, and on the right of this Divn (24) is the 50^th Division. The other two units of our Bde, - the 9^th E.Surrey Regt & the 8^th R.W. Kent Regt; are behind, in the rest camps.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 22nd January1916

22nd January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.
2nd Battalion – All Coys engaged in digging Brigade trenches.
Officers 32.    Other Ranks 867.
To Hospital (England)1.
2/4th Battalion –
1/5th Battalion - Again a bitterly cold day though fine but very dull.
1/6th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets men were fitted out with clean cloths & Coys did 4 hours drill under Company arrangement.
7th Battalion – Artillery of Brigade group bombarded German front line trenches about X 26 d 7278.
8th Battalion – The battalion continued the work on the defence point and one Company was kept in camp for training purposes. Company grenadiers trained in throwing live bombs.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 21st January1916

21^st January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Bat, parade. Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Brigade field Day – Continuation of scheme begun last week.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

To Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - This day will be remembered as the most unpleasant since mobilisation. The Battn was detailed to find garrisons for No's 1 & 2 outposts and to escort the daily convoy. At reveille it was bitterly cold & very overcast, it started pouring hard at 8.0 am and it turned to snow about 5pm. Capt. L. WHITTINGTON & 60 of B company were detailed for the outpost duty, the remainder for the convoy. The convoy escort arrived back bitterly cold & drenched about 4pm Capt. WHITTINGTON's party had a terrible day on outpost duty & were already much exhausted by exposure when appealed to about 4.30pm. to help In a telegraph party coming from NASARIYEH on their own. This party already had 4 drabis down on the road with exhaustion beyond the outpost line. Rescue parties went out but themselves became exhausted endeavouring to carry the drabis against the storm. Two were put on horses & sent off to camp but one was too bad to sit on & after having been put up again & again had to be left and the man of the Battn. with him, who himself had become utterly exhausted had to be put on in his place & thus managed to be not in. The drabis died of exposure. After endeavouring to carry the other two some way Capt. WHITTINGTON on account of the exhaustion of his men had to leave them in villages & they too were found dead in the morning, Meanwhile the company were coming in in the following order, those from no. 2 Post, half of garrison of no. 1 post with mule, a party with a broken stretcher, & Capt. WHITTINGTON with the party which had been carrying one of the drabis. As at 7.0 o'clock no one was in at all although they should have been in by 6 o'clock. The AdJt. &: a rescue party set out. Almost immediately they met the party from No 2 post. A little later they ran into a party who said the ammunition mule had fallen at a nullah & thrown his load & that 4 had been left with the ammunition. This party was directed to camp later the ammunition & party was found & this party was directed to camp. Proceeding further the Adjt. party eventually found Capt. WHITTINGTON who had himself struck the party with the stretchers & all were brought into camp about 9.0 p m. A subsequent party went out to get in the ammunition with which Sergt. Major GREEN had waited for a very cold hour & ½ the cold & mud were inconceivable. But a full issue of rum successfully prevented any bad results.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & spent the day cleaning up & inspections. 3 Coys bathed.

7^th Battalion – In reply to our artillery & T.M. fire against German front trenches opposite subsector, enemy were active with field guns & trench mortars against TAMBOUR F 3 c.

8^th Battalion – The battalion continued the work on the defence point and one Company was kept in camp for training purposes. Company grenadiers trained in throwing live bombs.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 20th January1916

20^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – same as 18^th.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 869.

1/5^th Battalion - A warm day enabled everyone to get clothes dry camp drained & generally cheered everyone up. A thorough inspection of kit clothes & equipment showed some worrying deficiencies Helmets, the abnormal rains at LUCKNOW in September and the hard usage since mobilisation culminating in the recent very bad weather had damaged these so that it is evident that they will not be serviceable in the ensuing hot weather. Boots In ordinary course the Battn. would have had an issue of 1 new pair per man In December which was missed on account of mobilisation. The boots which have been going since June now showed the effects of the heavy use to which they had been put since mobilisation. They had also suffered from the mud in the recent storms. There were actually 50 men with only 1 pair of boots & some of those only semi-serviceable. Clothing, The drill clothing has also seriously suffered from continual wear on fatigues & service since arriving in this country & requires renewing. In addition mess tins had been lost or damaged in the moves or in the action. Tents & other stores had suffered seriously in the move from NASARIYEH on hired camels & generally very considerable indents had to be submitted.

1/6^th Battalion – BUSNETTES.

Battalion remained in billets and spent the day in cleaning up & inspections. His Majesty The KING was graciously pleased to confer the following awards for Service in the Field,

Military Cross - Capt H.C. Cannon.

Military Cross - Lieut A.J. Pike.

Distinguished Conduct Medal – No 8371 a/C.Q.M.S. Coucher. A.

Distinguished Conduct Medal – No 1097 Cpl Kettle. C.F.

Distinguished Conduct Medal – No 1913 Pte Osmond. H.

Major Sandiford left the Battalion to take over 2^nd in command of 6^th Buffs.

7^th Battalion – 9.50am enemy fired 3 mines in rapid succession at F 3 c 59 & fired 4 heavy trench mortar shells into TAMBOUR F 3c immediately. Very little damage was done to our works. No casualties. A new crater was found at F 3 c 4585. 7^th Bedfordshire regt, relieved 11^th Royal Fusiliers in Sub-sector D2.

8^th Battalion – The battalion continued the work on the defence point and one Company was kept in camp for training purposes. Company grenadiers trained in throwing live bombs

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 19th January1916

19^th January 1916 –

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Battalion scheme – advanced & rear guards.
Officers 32.    Other Ranks 869.
To Hospital in England 1.
1/5^th Battalion - The weather continued very wet & cold.
1/6^th Battalion – LE TOURET.
The Battalion marched from LE TOURET to BUSNETTES where it went into rest billets only 4 men fell out during the march.
7^th Battalion – 9pm Our miners fired mine at F 3 a 50. Enemy were working close by shortly before explosion. Our field artillery co-operated. No retaliation by enemy.
7^th R.W. Kent Regt relieved 7^th Buffs in sub-sector E1
8^th Battalion – The battalion continued the work on the defence point and one Company was kept in camp for training purposes. Company grenadiers trained in throwing live bombs.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 18th January1916

18^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Company Parades. - Wiring -  coy drill – night firing.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 870.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - A very bad thunderstorm in the early hours of the morning made everyone & everything very uncomfortable & during the day fatigue parties had to be out draining the camp.

1/6^th Battalion – Front & Reserve Companies wired during the night, enemy quiet, except for bursts of machine gun fire. The Battalion was relieved by 1^st Royal Berkshire Regt, the relief was completed at 7.15pm & the Battalion went into billets for the night at LE TOURET.

Casualties 2 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – B, C, D Coys – work on Defence Point.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 17th January1916

17^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Bathing fatigue party of 100 men and one officer to R.E. yard.

2^nd Lieut J.G.S. Morrisson goes to a Machine Gun Course.

2nd Battalion – Company Parades.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 870.

From Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - This was again a very wet cold day but on account of the inadequacies of medical arrangements the convoy with wounded was ordered to go at all costs. The escort to take half way was commanded by Major SMALLPEICE 1/5 Queen's & consisted of 300 rifles 1/5 Queen's IOO rifles 44th MERWARA 1 Gun mounted Battery and a troop 12th cavalry. The wounded were carried on stretchers. The going was very bad but they reached NASARIYEH without any untoward accidents. The escort got thoroughly drenched. A gale was blowing all day.

1/6^th Battalion – Front line Companies sent out patrols to examine wire & improved the trenches during the day, pumping.

Casualties 1 Killed 4 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – 4 to 5pm Our heavy & field artillery heavily bombarded German front line & communication trenches in F 9 & F 10 & miners in conjunction fired large mine at F 10 c 25. In reply to this bombardment enemy fired about 40 light howitzer shells into front line trenches of D3.

8^th Battalion – B Coy was detailed for work on the new defence work at H 15 a 3 0.

A Coy provided a working party of 120 men for the 129^th Coy R.E.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 16th January1916

16^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2^nd Lieut Bennet L.H. went to a Bombing Course.

2nd Battalion – Church Parade.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 869.

To Hospital in England 1.

1/5^th Battalion - This was a cold wet day. The Battn. was ordered to find the night outposts and moved out at 5pm. got well soaked & were then ordered to withdraw at 8pm with the exception of A coy who were ordered to remain out in the post nearest SUWAIJ. The convoy with wounded was to have gone to NASARIYEH but, was held back on account of the weather.

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

Battalion relieved 6^th Bn, The Buffs in the trenches at FESTUBERT taking up left Bn, Sector “C” Coy on Right “D” on Left “B” in RICHMOND TRENCH & “A” in Support 0 B.F.L. “A” Coys carrying for the two front line Coys. Quiet night relief complete 8.35pm.

Casualties NIL.

7^th Battalion – SUBSECTOR D3 BECOURT.

11am Our field howitzers shelled German front trenches at F 3 c 69. Enemy retaliated with heavy & field howitzers on F 3 c&d. No damage done.

9.30pm Enemy fired about 35 heavy trench mortar bombs into W side of TAMBOUR F 3 a, our trench mortars retaliated & field battery subsequently fired 30 rounds H.E. at X 27 c 24.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 15th January1916

15^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet day except for shelling of BRADDELL POINT. Relieved by 18. R.F the relief started at 5.30 and finished by 7.30pm. We marched back to BETHUNE at TOBACCO FACTORY and ECOLE De MICHELET.

2nd Battalion – RIENCOURT.

Reconnaissance & Observation scheme in vicinity of SOUES.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 869.

From Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - BUTANIYEH.

The Battn, was held in constant readiness to turn out but the Arabs left everyone entirely alone, the condition in which the wounded found themselves were most unsatisfactory and there was no British Section of the F.A. in camp, and the medical personnel & comforts were entirely inadequate for dealing with all the casualties The total was 16 British & 16 Indian. 4 sets of equipment were left, on the field belonging to casualties.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion asked to find working parties 200 men at R.E. DUMP 87^th Co. 200 men at FESTUBERT Cross Roads could not find all. Only 35 short after all.

7^th Battalion – The Battalion relieved 8^th East Surrey Regt, by day in subsector D3. 7^th Buffs occupied E1 subsector on left & 11^th Royal Fusiliers D2 on right.

8^th Battalion – The defence work at H 15 A.3.0, allotted to this Bn, for upkeep was taken over by us. 1 N.C.O. and 3 men were posted there as trench wardens. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 14th January1916

14^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Captain J Boyd left for general staff 2^nd Division. Lieut I.W.S Symons assumes the duties of adjutant.

2nd Battalion – Brigade Field Day. Continuation of scheme begun last week. Attack through RIENCOURT WOOD.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

Armourer Sergt, Rawnsley joined.

1/5^th Battalion - The Battn, took part in its first action The Battn, was ordered to parade at 9am to take part in a reconnaissance by the G.O.C. 12th Division, The troops consisted of 2 Squadrons. 12th Cavalry, 1 Section 30th Mountain Battery 1/5th Queen's. A surveying party was out, also G.O.C. 12th Bde. On assembling orders were given to the effect that the G.O.C's. was going forward with the cavalry and that the Infantry mountain artillery would follow & special protection was to be given to the surveying party if necessary, The signallers were ordered to keep connection between cavalry, column, and signalling Tower N of camp. The column started with D company under Capt. BRAY forming a sort of advance guard that is Capt. YETTS with 2 platoons was in front about 300 yards finding screen & vanguard but before Capt BRAY with the main guard were able to move the C.O. ordered everyone to start as the cavalry were in front. Capt. BRAY with ¼ company were therefore really at the head of the main body. Behind him was the section of Mountain Artillery, then H.Q. of the Battn, C Company the machine Gun Section, B Company, Major HODGES from them. Some time elapsed before the rear guard was in position to retire in the right direction & meanwhile the enemy's attack began with greater violence, all along the road, against the rear guard & on the right of Lieut KENNEDY.

2.45 pm The machine guns again had to come into action against the enemy attacking the road, the retirement continued steadily along the road with the 2 platoons of C Company protecting the right rear. These platoons past through a village on the E side of road & were then shortly afterwards heavily attacked by Arabs from this village who were practically enfilading the troops retiring along the road & facing the enemy on the W. To support Lieut KENNEDY & Lieut MOUNTFORD, Lieut CLEVERLY & some 40 men were turned

3.15 pm. back from the road & extended facing N E & by their help the 2 platoons of C Company got back. Meanwhile the 54th Bde, had come out from camp & had occupied a position in a semicircle E & W across the road & the Battn, passed through them, reformed & came slowly back to camp, reaching camp about 5.0 pm. The Battn, was in action practically 5 hours they paraded 25 officers & 498 other ranks.

Casualties 1 killed 1 missing believed killed Lieut. L. W. JARDINE & 11 other ranks wounded. 10840 rounds of ammunition were fired of which 850 were fired by the M.G.S. the troops throughout were very steady, fire control & discipline was excellent, especially considering that the ground was very broken & covered with scrub of which the enemy took full advantage.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion found working parties to work under the supervision of R.E’s at junction of O.B.F.L. & RUE CAILLOUX 60 men, advanced report centre RUE CAILLOUX 120 men, DANGER CORNER 30 men, 100x N of FESTUBERT Cross Roads 200 men, some of these parties went short as we could not find the men.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 9.45pm The 8^th Queen’s were relieved by the 13^th Middlesex Regt, 73 I.B., the relief being complete by 9.45pm.

The Bn, marched back to Camp B at G 11 c, vacated the day before by the 2^nd Lienster Regt.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 13th January1916

13^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – C.S.M. Larkin Killed and 2 Other Ranks Wounded.

2nd Battalion – Officers 32.    Other Ranks 867.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – BUTANIYEH.

The camp was on a good dry sandy spot with a lake on the S & W front. During the night of the 12/13th the horses of the 12th Cavalry stampeded through the lines & took 10 out of the 12 M.G. mules with them. The missing; stores were found to have been deposited by the hired camels in the lines of the 12th Cavalry.

1/6^th Battalion – LE TOURET.

The Battalion relieved the 11^th Bn, The Middlesex regt, in the reserve billets at LE TOURET Companies taking over corresponding Company’s billets “A” Coy found a garrison of 1 N.C.O. & 3 men for TUNING FORK EAST KEEP & ROUTE “A” KEEP the relief was complete by 3pm.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The 9^th E.Surrey Regt on our left was relieved by the 1 N.Staffs. The Bombing posts

in our trenches and our Signallers were relieved by the 13^th Middlesex Regt Grenadiers and Signallers in the evening. Guides were provided for them from the MENIN GATE.

Quiet day.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 12th January1916

12^th January 1916 –

1st Battalion – 10 Cadets joined for 48 hours attachment in trenches.

Lieut A. Burton Killed.
2nd Battalion – Company outpost schemes.
Officers 32.    Other Ranks 867.
2/4^th Battalion –
1/5^th Battalion - Camp was struck at 3am & everything tied up ready for loading at 9am. All transport to be allotted to the Battn. had been out to BUTANIYEH previously & nothing arrived till 1.30pm. The transport allotted were 60 hired camels for cooking; pots & tents. 105 Camel Corps & Mules. The first to arrive were the camel corps & these were immediately loaded up & sent with advance party, under Capt ATKINSON, Consisting of 2 platoons C coy The cooks, pioneers, sanitary, Police M.O. & Q.M This party left at 2.45pm Almost immediately afterward the 60 hired camels were loaded. These were quite untrained & could not be marshalled & put in 2nd line but started straight off on their own, The mules arrived at 3pm &; were loaded & the Battn left camp at 3.45pm At 6.30pm some of the 2nd line mules stampeded. 1 soldier had been ordered to lead each 1st line mule each 2nd line mule carrying ammunition, when the stampede occurred the soldiers leading 2nd line mules which did not know them could not hold them and ½ hour had to be spent rounding them up again.
8.10pm The Battn. reached camp at BUTANIYEH. The ground allotted was on E & S front of camp. A fatigue party of the 114th Mahrattas had put up most of the tents. But as the tents & kits from the camels all more or less untrained had been scattered anywhere within 300 yards of camp everything took a lot of finding in the dark. As it was there was no sign at all of the 60 hired camels carrying Q.M. Stores
1/6^th Battalion – Coys did 4 hours training under Company arrangement.
7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.
8^th Battalion – 9pm 450 Officers & O.R. of this Battn took over the front line trenches in the right section of the RIGHT HOOGE SECTOR, in the evening, relieving 8^th R.W. Kent Regt. The relief was complete at 9pm. The Bn, marched, from H 23 b(BELGIAN DUGOUTS) to the ASYLUM YPRES where ammunition boots were changed for Gum Thigh Boots. The march  - by Platoons – was continued via the MENIN GATE to road junction I 10 d 13, thence along road to I 22 b 8 4, thence to trenches. The Bn was disposed as followers –
Trenches C1 and B8 – C Coy – 110 men – under Capt Rowland R.H.
Trenches C 1 R and B 8 S – B Coy – 115 men – under Lt barry C.A
R S 2 – Snipers Reserve – Grenadiers Reserve.
50 men under Lt Penrose.
Redoubt R 7 Post – D Coy – 40 O.R. – under Lt Lofting.
Dugouts R S 8 D Coy 90 O.R. – under Capt Clayton.
Bn, H.Q. was at I 18 c.6.2 (ZOUAVE WOOD).
On our right was a Battalion of the Durham L.Inf of the 150^th Bde.

On our left was the 9^th E.Surrey Regt.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 11th January1916

11^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet except heavy shelling of BRADDELL POINT and main LA BASSEE ROAD.

2nd Battalion – Company Parades – Training of Scouts & specialists use of night sights.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 867.

1/5^th Battalion - All heavy kit wore stored & kits weighed for the move At 3pm orders were received from A.H.Q. thro' 12th DIV that the 2nd. West Kents were transferred to 34th Bde & 1/5 Queens transferred to 12th Bde.

5.50pm Orders received to take over all the NASARIYEH garrison duties of the 2nd West Kents. This meant leaving 57 NCOs & men in NASARIYEH.

7.30pm. Orders received for Battn, to move to BUTANIYEH following day. Advanced parties of cooks, cooking pots & tents on hired camels to move at 11am with escort of 12th cavalry. Battn, lass advanced parties to move at 1pm under orders of G.O.C. 34th Bde, with other units.

NASARIYEH LEFT BANK.

The column was ordered to move as under:-

A.G. Major HODGE

1 Coy 1/5 QUEENS.

M.B. H.Q. 34th Inf, Bde

1/5 QUEENS less 2 Coys H.Q.

Sect Div Signal Coy,

Wireless Section

2^nd line mules in above order Div H.Q.

Baggage Div.

Supply Section

2nd line camels in order of units.

R.G. Cap F.E.BRAY & 1Coy 1/5 Queens

1/6^th Battalion – Coys did 2 hours training “A” Coy sent a party to clean up LAWE & LAWEBRIDGE KEEPS ½ Platoon.

B Coy sent a party to clean up LES CHOQUAUX KEEP ½ Platoon.

C Coy sent a party to clean up LONG CORNET KEEP 1 Platoon.

D Coy sent a party to clean up Replica of GIVENCHY SECTION 1 Platoon.

Coys also bathed at ESSARS CANAL BATH.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The Grenade Coy under Lt Lane-Nicolls relieved the bombing posts of the 8^th R.W. Kent Regt, in the right section of trenches of the RIGHT HOOGE Sector. Six posts were taken over, and 3 Grenade Stores.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 10th January1916

10^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Relieved 16^th K.R.R. in A1 starting at 4.45pm – 98^th Brigade on the right and 2 Worcesters on left.

2nd Battalion – Company Parades – Smoke Helmet drill – night firing.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 827.

Draft 41.

1/5^th Battalion – 7.30am - Orders for move cancelled as there had been more rain.

2pm - The Battn did & practice attack on a village some 4000 yards from camp. N. side under Br Gen TIDSWELL. On the whole he expressed himself well satisfied.

British troops crossing a flooded area near the Persian Gulf, 1916

1/6^th Battalion – Remained in billets, the day was spent in cleaning up.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Draft of 22 O.R. arrived at Camp D, G 24 c for Bn, from base.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 9th January1916

9^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – 350 men on working parties.

2nd Battalion – Church Parade.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 826.

From Hospital 1.

1/5^th Battalion - Rain started early this morning, turning the camp into a quagmire as it had been pitched on made ground. The Battn. attended the parade service. We relieved of the guard on the BUND. Lieut. MERCER &: his party who had been guarding the TURKISH PRISONERS CAMP were also relieved and came in, as weather permitting the Battn, was to move to BUTANIYEH at 11am. On the 10th

1/6^th Battalion – HINGETTE.

The Battalion was relieved by the 9^th Essex Regt, 35^th Brigade. The night was very quiet. The Battalion marched to HINGETTE where it went into billets, during relief WINDY CORNER & WESTMINSTER BRIDGE RD was heavily shelled but no damage resulted, we had no casualties during relief, but relief was slightly delayed, last Coy got to HINGETTE about 7.30pm.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The Bn, remained in Camps & Dugouts as stated above.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 8th January1916

8^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Bathing and ordinary routine with 420 men on fatigue.

Casualty 1 Other R. Wounded.

2nd Battalion – Field Firing Practices by Coys.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 825.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - NASARIYEH LEFT BANK.

The Battn, was ordered out to make the first 4 miles of the road from NASARIYEH to BUTANIYEH fit for wheeled transport under the direction of Lt Col Ogilvy D.E.C. 12th Division the Battn, started at 7am & returned to camp at 4pm.

1/6^th Battalion – Very Quiet day “D” Coy relieved “B” Coy in the DUCKS BILL & “B” went into support very few rifle grenades over, evidently enemy relieved. Enemy again shelled WINDY CORNER during the afternoon.

Casualties 3 wounded.

7^th Battalion – VILLE-SUR-ANCRE.

In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The Bn, remained in Camps & Dugouts as stated above.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 7th January1916

7^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Relief by 2^nd Worcesters commenced at 3pm and completed at 5pm. Bat went into billets at ANNEKIN (N).

2nd Battalion –Battalion attack through RIENCOURT WOOD.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 825.

1/6^th Battalion – Very quiet day, enemy sent a few stray shells over by LONE FARM, our snipers claim 3 hits, during the night 6/7 sent out officers patrols to reconnoitre our wire, Coys busy draining & improving Saps & trenches.

Casualties 2 wounded.

7^th Battalion – The Battalion was relieved by 8^th East Surrey Regiment by day & returned to billets at VILLE-SUR-ANCRE. Casualties during period of occupation of trenches, Other Ranks, Killed 3 Wounded 4.

8^th Battalion – BELGIAN CHATEAU.

The M.G. Section took over 4 guns of 50^th Bde, in Reserve line.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 6th January1916

6^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – 2 Lt Buckner proceeded to a trench mortar course at St VENANT.

Casualties nil

2nd Battalion – Company Parades.

Company drill by day & night. Attack on a rearguard.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 825.

From Hospital 1.

1/5^th Battalion - The Battn. was again to go out on the moveable column the right bank but, orders were cancelled at 10pm on the 5/1/16 & verbal orders were issued that the Battn, was to shift camp to the left bank, and camp West of 90th Punjabis. The move was effected within 8 hours. Three Mahaillas were put at the disposal of the Battn. C & D companies crossed first trip. All stores second trip. A & B companies third trip. The camp was on an open piece of ground with no trees etc.

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

Battalion relieved the 6^th Buffs in the front line trenches. “A” Coy in the centre “B” Coy on the right in the DUCKS BILL, “C” Coy on the left, “D” Coy in support in GUNNERS SIDING. Relief complete at 1.15pm. Enemy shrapneled WESTMINSTER BRIDGE ROAD no damage, also active with rifle grenades we replied.

Casualties one wounded.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – H 23 b.

The remainder of the Battalion paraded at 11.30am and marched to BELGIAN CHATEAU DUGOUTS H 23 b, with the exception that A Coy under Lt Woollatt remained in Camp D as the

Dugouts provide accommodation for about 650 men. The 1^st Staffs, had one company billeted there also, the remainder of that Bn, being in support in dugouts on W, side of ZILLEBEKE Lake.

Of this Bde, the 8^th R.W. Kent Regt & 9^th E. Surrey Regt, were in the trenches in the front assigned to this Bde, (72 I.B).

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 5th January1916

5^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet day.

Casualties 1 Other rank Killed.

2nd Battalion – Brigade Field day. Attack.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 824.

1/5^th Battalion - G.H.Q. 12th Division arrived at NASARIYEH.

1/6^th Battalion – LE QUESNOY.

Battalion bathed all except 1 Coy. Officers & bombers practised firing rifle grenades.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – the Bn, paraded at 4.30am and marched to AUDRIUCQ Station for entrainment by 7.39am. The Bn, detrained at QUENTIN near POPERINGE and marched to Divi Camp D, G 24 d 2 4, arriving 12.30pm. The transport detrained at GODEWAERSVELDE, and proceeded to camp T 8 at H 19 b.2.4.

Camp D was vacated by the 7^th E. Yorks Regt - 50^th Bde.

Camp T 8 was vacated by transport of 9^th Border Regt, - 51^st Bde.

At 10pm when rations etc had been issued, one Company proceeded to BELGIUM CHATEAU Dugouts, H 23 b, as an advance party.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 4th January1916

4^th January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet day.

Casualties 3 Other ranks Killed, 2 Wounded.

2nd Battalion – Company drill by day & night. Attack on a rearguard.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 824.

To base from salvage Coy 6.

To 13^th Corps Hdqrs 1.

1/5^th Battalion - The moveable column was again ordered out & cancelled as the weather was very rough & it was impossible to get the mules across from left to right bank.

1/6^th Battalion – Relieved in the trenches by the 6^th Buffs. The relief of the Battalion was complete by 6.5pm. The previous night passed quietly. The enemy was active as usual during the day with rifle grenades to which we replied. Battalion went into reserve billets at LE QUESNOY.

Casualties 2 Wounded both Coy Sergt Major

7^th Battalion – Enemy bombarded PURFLEET, F 3 a 07, with about 15 heavy trench mortar bombs killing 3 men & wounding 3. 7^th R.W. Kent regt, relieved 7^th the Buffs in E1.

8^th Battalion – Training was continued.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 3rd January1916

3^rd January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Quiet up to 3pm when Battn, H.Q. & PONTFIXE were shelled for over an hour.

Casualties 1 killed.

2nd Battalion – Company drill by day & night. Attack on a rearguard.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 831.

From Hospital 6.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion -

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

Enemy quiet during the night during the day they sent over rifle grenades especially on the Centre & Right Coys we retaliated. Enemy shelled WINDY CORNER didn’t do any material damage. Enemy again active with rifle grenades to which we replied & shut him up. Improved trenches & put out wire during the night.

Casualties 7 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Training was continued.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 2nd January1916

2^nd January 1916 –

 
1st Battalion – Battalion paraded by Coys at 1.30pm and marched to Subsection A2 – 16^th K.R.R. on right, 2^nd Worcester’s on left. A mine was sprung just before we took over.

Casualties 5 wounded.

2nd Battalion – Church parade.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 825.

From Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - Some confusion was caused by the receipt of letter from D.D.O. 8th (LUCKNOW) Division that he was to continue to keep our accounts.

1/6^th Battalion – Took over front line trenches from 6^th Buffs “B” Coy went into GUNNERS SIDING in support trench “A” Coy in the centre “C” Coy on the left & “D” Coy on the right in the DUCKS BILL. The relief was completed at 6pm. Trenches in very bad condition most of the night spent in pumping out water in trenches & trying to improve them. Enemy shelled WINDY CORNER during relief.

Casualties 3 Killed 3 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Training was continued. ; A new draft of 24 O.R. arrived at 3pm.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 1st January1916

1^st January 1916 – 

1st Battalion – BETHUNE.

Nil

2nd Battalion – RIENCOURT.

Kit inspections.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 824.

From Hospital 4.

To Hospital 2.

Reinforcements (Draft) 54.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion - NASARIYEH.

A moveable column under Brig. Gen BROOKING Commanding at NASARIYEH was to have taken place along the new road made by the Battn, but was postponed owing to the visit of Brig. Gen. TIDSWELL Commanding 34th Bde.

1/6^th Battalion – WINDY CORNER.

Remained in billets, found working parties to clean up communication trenches also found carrying parties.

7^th Battalion – 11^th Bn, Royal Fusiliers relieved 6^th Northamptonshire Regt, in subsector D2. Quiet day.

8^th Battalion – NORDAUSQUES.

Training was continued.