The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 29th February1916

29^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Quiet.

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES TO BRAY.

The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1^st South Stafford. Relief complete 3.15am March 1^st. At 5.45pm there was an artillery bombardment & rapid rifle fire on our left. The enemy made a small attack but was repulsed.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 814.

Casualties 3 Killed 1 Wounded.

Reinforcements 17.

F.C. Longbourne Bt Major

Cmdg 2^nd Queen’s

2/4^th Battalion –   F. TREDGOLD. For O.C. 29^th Feb 1916

1/5^th Battalion – Major Hodges & party together with SAMARA & Capt Whittington arrived safely back at 7am. Rain started at 1am.

W.P. Spens  Lt & Adjt

1/5^th Queen’s

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion relieved by 11^th Middlesex Regt. Relief was complete by 1.15pm. The battalion then marched into billets at the ORPHANAGE BETHUNE.

H.W.F.

7^th Battalion – Between 6pm & 7pm enemy shelled subsectors D3 & D2 W of FRICOURT heavily. Our artillery opened a barrage along German trenches opposite these subsectors. An enemy raiding party which attempted to leave its trenches was driven back by this barrage & by M.G. fire.

During this bombardment 10, 118cm shells, apparently Belgian were fired into BECOURT CHATEAU.

F.B.B. Pickard, Major.

COMDG,7^th (SERVICE) BN, THE QUEEN’S (R.W.S. REGT)

8^th Battalion – The 8^th R.W. Kent Regt relieved this Bn, in the right section trenches on the night 28/29 Feb. The relief was complete at 11.20pm. The Bn, marched back to the BELGIUM CHATEAU.

W.R.G. BYE

Capt

A/Adjt

8 Queen’s.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 28th February1916

28^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Very quiet. Attempted raid – failed owing to snow -

2nd Battalion – Very quiet day. Trenches full of water & slush. Every available man employed in clearing them.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 801.

1/5^th Battalion – Major Hodges, Lieut Evetts & Lieut Wigan with 100 rifles A Coy were sent down the river, to a village about 4 miles from SUKA to search it as some one was suspected at that place of tapping the telephone wire. The SAMARA with Capt L. Whittington & 10 men of B Coy accompanied him. Major Hodges arrived back at 4.0 o/c & reported to SAMARA at night, & left again at 6.30pm.

1/6^th Battalion – Quiet night. Companies put out wire during the night. The enemy sent over a few T Ms & rifle grenades.

Casualties 1 Wounded accidental.

7^th Battalion – Our field artillery shelled German front line opposite E1. Germans retaliated with about 30 light shells on right of sub-sector.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 27th February1916

27^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Trench mortars active on both sides.

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES.

Day very quiet. Enemy fired a few Rifle Grenades at our front line. Trenches in bad condition owing to snow & frost. Owing to Brigade redistribution we gave up our left Company Front to the 2^nd Royal Warwicks, Rgt & took over a Company front from the 22^nd Manchester Regt. This redistribution took place during the morning.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 801.

1/5^th Battalion – Church Parade as usual.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion relieved 6^th Bn the Buffs in the Firing Line. The line was from RIFLEMANS ALLEY to POKER STREET. The Company were in the following order reading right to left “D” “A” “C” “B” each company providing its own support.

Casualties NIL.

7^th Battalion – Thaw set in & trenches began to deteriorate rapidly. Quiet day.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 26th February1916

26^th February 1916–

1st Battalion – Little shelling with trench mortars.

2nd Battalion – BRAY TO TRENCHES.

The Battalion relieved the 1^st South Staffs, Regt, in the trenches. Relief complete 9.30am.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 801.

2 to Hospital.

1/6^th Battalion – Quiet night, Furnished working parties under R.E. Major S.T. Watson went to 8^th R. Irish Fusiliers to take command.

7^th Battalion – 2^nd Bn Gordon Highlanders relieved 2^nd Border Regt in D3.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 25th February1916

25^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Nothing to report.

2nd Battalion – BRAY.

Whole Battalion employed in working parties under R.E. Supervision.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 803.

2 Officers & 34 Other Ranks to 22 Bde M.G. Coy.

1/5^th Battalion – The Battn, had its first war distinction conferred on it by the award to Pte Drowley D Coy of the D.C.M. for gallantry in action on the 14^th Jan.

1/6^th Battalion – Quiet night 2^nd Lt Burnett Killed by sniper early in morning, enemy quiet. Battalion relieved by 6^th Buffs relief complete 4.15pm “B” Coy went into O.B.L. “A” Coy in BREWERY VERMELLES “C” & “D” Coys LANCASHIRE TRENCH. Had to furnish working party of 50 men to work under R.E.

Casualties one officer Killed.

7^th Battalion – SUB-SECTOR E1 BECOURT.

Snow continued to fall. Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 25^th, 26^th, 27^th, 28^th ) The enemy’s artillery was active very frequently against trenches on our flanks and our front came in for some attention. Large enemy working Parties were observed each day on a new work at J 13 c.4.5. Our artillery dealt with them each time. Our snipers too have accounted for several of the enemy.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 24th February1916

24^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – 1/6^th Scottish Rifles join Bde – 16 Mx leave Bde – 1 wounded (since died).

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES TO BRAY.

The enemy registered on our front line at 71 Fire Trench with “whiz bangs” this morning. Enemy monoplane flew over our lines at 9.45am. Very quiet day. The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1^st South Staffs, Regt.

Relief complete 9.20pm.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 837.

1/6^th Battalion – Enemy still active with rifle grenades, aerial torpedoes, & T Ms got a supply of rifle grenades & we gradually got the upper hand of the enemy. Our artillery retaliated & made good practise. Snipers claim 2 hits & our Lewis guns dispersed hostile working party 2 seen to fall.

Casualties 1 Killed 7 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – The Battalion relieved 7^th Bn, The Buffs in sub-sector E1. This sub-sector is situated as described on 19. 6^th Bn Berkshire Regt held sub-sector E2 on left & 2^nd Border Regt on right in D3. Ly Col. W.J.T. Glasgow having been appointed to command 50^th Infantry Brigade vacated command of the Battalion, which devolved on Major H.C. Jeddere- Fisher, Major F.B.B. Pickard being on leave. Some snow had fallen.

8^th Battalion – One of the night of the 24/25^th Feb, the 1^st Queen’s relieved the 1^st R.W. Kent Regt in the Right Section HOOGE Trenches. The relief was complete at 12 midnight.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 23rd February1916

23^rd February 1916 –

1st Battalion – All work handicapped by snow – patrolling & wiring at a standstill except for occasional party dressed in white.

2nd Battalion – Everything quiet in our sector but enemy made an attack at 6pm on our left. Attack was repulsed. Enemy trench mortars active at 5.45pm but were silenced by our 4.5 Howitzers.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 837.

1/5^th Battalion – A telegram was received from Capt Master that the details had been ordered to move to NOWSHERA where it was proposed to store all baggage etc under canvas. As before leaving INDIA the C.O. had been informed that the details would remain at LUCKNOW & accordingly officers & men had left many articles of value etc there instead of despatching them home this order caused much consternation. The C.O immediately took steps to have it cancelled & on the 27^th heard it had been cancelled. The greatest confusion has been caused in the Battn, accounts by the various changes in plans of the authorities as to the office by whom they are to be kept. When leaving LUCKNOW we were informed that the D.D.D. 8^th Lucknow Division was to do this. On arrival at BASRA the F.D.O. had heard nothing of this & we were ordered to send all accounts to him. Subsequently the F.D.O. informed us that the D.D.O. 8^th Lucknow Division was to do so. Finally we hear the F.D.O. is to do so. Meanwhile we have sent our accounts for December & January to the D.D.O. at Lucknow. We have also received the pay lists for November & December

from the D.D.O. 8^th Division so carelessly prepared that they teem with inaccuracies & have had to ask him to have them redrawn. As a result we have been on service 3 months & are still totally unable to ascertain the balances to the credit of the N.C.O’s & men when they left LUCKNOW. The whole matter has been most unsatisfactory & involved a very large amount of clerical labour to all of us.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion relieved the 6^th Bn The Buffs in the Firing Line & their front was from ST ELIE AVENUE (exclusive) to Poker Street (inclusive) The line was divided as follows “B” Coy Right Coy ST ELIE AVENUE (exclusive) to sap 2 (exclusive) “C” Coy sap 2 (inclusive) to   sap 3 (inclusive) “D” Coy  sap 3 (exclusive) to sap 6&7 (exclusive) Coy saps 6&7  (inclusive) to POKER STREET (inclusive). The relief was complete by 7pm. Enemy were very active during the night of 23/24 with rifle grenades & T Ms owing to shortage rifle grenades enemy seemed to have upper hand.

Casualties 4 Killed 10 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 22nd February1916

22^nd February 1916 –

1st Battalion – K Coy relieved – Very quiet – Snowing hard.

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES.

Enemy Trench Mortars were active during the day & our 4.5 Howitzer retaliated. Our snipers shot a German who was raising his hat on a stick over their parapet. Smoke was seen issuing from a house in MAMETZ today.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 837.

Authority granted to strike off 2/Lt Mc Cabe (shock).

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Orders were received from the Battn, to work on the fort ditch on Mondays Wednesdays & Friday only. A column of all arms went out towards BUTANYEH, the Battn, was ordered to be ready to go out in support if necessary. There was some firing but the Battn, was not called out.

Work on the bund was renewed thus making the duties required of the Battn, very heavy for the men available.

The signalling officer Lieut G.B. Harrison having broken his arm was transferred to BASRA. As the only other trained signalling officer Lieut L.W. Jardine had previously been wounded this left the Battn, without a signalling officer.

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

Battalion furnished carrying & working parties under R.E.

7^th Battalion – From 4.30 – 7pm there was a violent artillery bombardment on both sides W of PRICOURT. A strong German raiding party attacked TAMBOUR & was repulsed. Battalion fell in but was not ordered to move.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 21st February1916

21^st February 1916 –

1st Battalion – A lot of shelling VERMELLES way. – Quiet in our Sector Mx on left 19^th Bde on right.

2nd Battalion – Day passed quietly. Enemy aeroplane which flew over our line at 10am was driven back by our Anti Aircraft guns. Enemy wiring party was fired on by us during the night.

Officers 33.    Other Ranks 837.

1/5^th Battalion – A supply of practice ammunition of 6000 rounds was obtained from the ordnance for the reserve machine gun teams & daily practice was started.

Capt F.E.Bray, Lieut O.S. Cleverly & Lieut G.C. Cleverly & 100 other ranks of D Coy were ordered to HAKIKA at 2pm. The detachment left at 4.30pm & arrived at 9.15pm.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion moved into the trenches & was Battalion in reserve “D” Coy was billeted in the BREWERY VERMELLES C & B in LANCASHIRE TRENCH & A Coy in RAILWAY RESERVE TRENCH.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 20th February1916

20^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Mine exploded on left opposite 34 in A, by brickstacks.

Worcesters occupy crater – 1 wounded in action. Activity N & South -

2nd Battalion – BRAY TO TRENCHES.

The Battalion relieved the 1^st South Staff, Regt, in the trenches in C2 Sub-Sector. Relief commenced at 6.30pm & was completed by 10.15pm. Quiet night.

Officers 33.    Other Ranks 836.

6 to Hospital.

1/5^th Battalion – Battn, attended Church Parade.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd March 

The Bn, remained at the BELGIUM CHATEAU. Large working parties were supplied for the 129^th Field Coy R.E. and 104^th field Coy R.E. each night. The CHATEAU dug-outs have been frequently shelled during the tour and A Coy of the 1^st N. Staffs billeted with us have lost 16 casualties, but the 8^th Queen’s suffered no casualties. “GAS ALERT” was adhered to the whole time.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 19th February1916

19^th February 1916–

1st Battalion – Shelling caused at about 10.30am brought down by hostile fire 600x behind our trenches (front line). Sergt Archer.A.H. recommended for bravery and helping mechanic under heavy

shell & M.G. fire – K.Coy attached for instruction – 2 killed 10 wounded – K Coy of 8^th Munster Fus, relieve C Coy.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion employed in working parties under R.E. Supervision.

Officers 33.    Other Ranks 842.

2 to Hospital.

Major Allardice, Capt Thornycroft sick.

1 from Hospital

Major               joined. 1 Reinforcement.

1/5^th Battalion – 2?Lt J.T. Harker I.A.R.O. was transferred to the Battn, for training from the 2^nd R.West Kent Regt.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – On the night of the 19/20^th Feb 1916 the 1^st Bn, R.W. Kent Regt relieved the 8^th Bn, The Queen’s in the right section trenches.

The relief was complete at 12 midnight and the Bn, marched to BELGIUM CHATEAU.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 18th February1916

18^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Capt Brodhurst Hill joined Bn, in trenches from base – Mx

Relieved by Worcesters.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion employed in working parties under R.E. Supervision.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 842.

6 Transferred. 2 from Hospital.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The strength of the night picquets were reduced as under:-

No4 Post to 10.

No5 to 22

No 6 to 10 thus making the duties somewhat lighter. Up to date men were not getting 3 nights in bed.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 17th February 1916

17^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – B Coy Relieves D - C Coy Relieved by A. – Good patrolling done by 2 Lts Lukyn – Roff – Nothing to report – Enemy line reported to be very thick and unpassable even by single man.

2nd Battalion – BRAY.

Whole Battalion employed in working parties under R.E. Supervision.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 846.

Capt E.K.B. Furze sick.

2/4^th Battalion – Feb 17th to 29th

Battalion engaged in company training, Route marches & musketry (grouping and Field firing). It has also constructed field defence works S.E. of camp. The special classes have been continued. Owing to the water (the only source of supply) containing Bilharzias haematoid all water for drinking & washing has had to be boiled. In the absence of Transport & water carts or other receptacles for storage, this has led to considerable difficulty. The absence of transport is greatly felt. Strength During the past month the strength of the Battalion has been increased by the addition of 18 Officers & 269 other ranks & the present effective strength is 34 Officers & 595 other ranks. The majority of those joining have arrived from England, although a small proportion are men rejoining on discharge from Hospital. The health of the Battalion is good. But it seems highly probable that several men who came out with the draft & were sent out as Class "A", are really incapable of active service in the field & will eventually have to be placed in Class "B".

1/5^th Battalion – Telegram received from Capt Master O.C. Details LUCKNOW that they had all been ordered to move to PESHAWAR. Informed confidentially by the 12^th Bde, that a draft of 5 officers & 252 other ranks was en route from England & expected shortly. Large gifts of books were received from ladies of CALCUTTA & the chaplain at NASARIYEH & a library was thus started which is much appreciated by the troops.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 16th February1916

16^th February 1916  –

1st Battalion – Quiet – enemy fairly active during night – 1 killed.

2nd Battalion – Enemy were very anxious to repair their wire & two working parties were dispersed by our rifle fire. Quiet day.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 846.

Casualties 1 Killed 2 Gassed.

TRENCHES TO BRAY.

Owing to heavy rain, the trenches are falling in rapidly & every available man is employed to keep them in good repair. The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1^st South Staffords Regt, & proceeded to billets in BRAY.

2/4^th Battalion – Spent in pitching camp & getting up stores & baggage from railhead.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion cleaned up billets.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 16^th, 17^th, 18^th  February. These were quiet days on the whole. Our snipers gained superiority over the enemy snipers gradually, and “wore down” their activity. Our front was shelled very slightly occasionally. H.Q. during this tour was in R 7. As ZOUAVE WOOD had been shelled badly since we were in the trenches previously. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 15th February1916

15^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – A1.

Very quiet – Lot of patrolling – 1 killed.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet day. Our snipers hit one of the enemy who looked over the parapet. Our snipers have quite gained the upper hand over those of the enemy. An enemy wiring party was dispersed by our Machine Gun fire during the night.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 849.

Lt Col Smith to England (not struck off strength).

Reinforcements:- Capt T.P. Brocklehurst.

2/Lt L.S. Ford.

2/4^th Battalion – EL AZAB, FAYOUN.

The Battalion left WARDAN, (with the Brigade) today & trained to EL AZAB where it arrived about 21.00 & bivouacked for the night.

1/5^th Battalion - The Battn, was ordered with other units in the Garrison to start making a ditch round the fort wall, & for this purpose to furnish working parties as possible.

1/6^th Battalion – BETHUNE.

Battalion moved into billets in BETHUNE.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – In the evening, the Bn, relieved the 12^th R. Fusiliers, 17^th Bde, in the right section Right Sector HOOGE Trenches (SANCTUARY WOOD). The relief was complete at 11pm.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 14th February1916

14^th February 1916  –

1st Battalion – Very quiet – orders to capture a prisoner – Raid proposed – 1 killed.

2nd Battalion – Quiet day. Usual enemy trench Mortaring, to which our Mortars replied. A mine was exploded by us in the Sector on our left at 5.30pm. trenches in bad state. Pumping out water & clearing away mud the chief work done.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 849.

1/5^th Battalion – “C” Coy proceeded to occupy the KEEPS in the GRENAY (VERMELLES & NOYELLES BRANCHES) LINE also the KEEPS in the SAILLY LABOURSE LINE. The remainder of the battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 13th February1916

13^th February 1916  –

1st Battalion – Moved up to trenches in A1 -16 Mx on left – 19 Bde on right. Heavy shelling during day – quiet at night.

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES.

Quiet day. A few “Sausages” were thrown into our Support Trenches behind 74 Fire Trench. Hostile working party was dispersed by our rifle fire during the night.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 849.

1/5^th Battalion – All the wounded were sent down to BASRA in mehailas. Battn, attended church parade.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – Lt A.J.R. Haggard and 2 Lt A.B. Marston, joined the Battalion.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 12th February1916

12^th February 1916  –

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – BRAY TO TRENCHES.

The Battalion relieved the 1^st South Staffords in the trenches. Just after relief was complete, the enemy bombarded our Support Trenches & WELLINGTON REDOUBT with 18 prs & 4.5 H.E. After this the night passed quietly.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 849.

To Hospital 6.

1/5^th Battalion – A&B companies went out on a column along the SHATRA Rd. There were no signs of the enemy.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – 55 Company Machine Gun Corps joined the Brigade. D Company relieved platoon of C at BECOURT.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 11th February1916

11^th February 1916  –

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion employed as working parties.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 855.

1/5^th Battalion - Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 10th February 1916

10^th February 1916  –

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion employed as working parties.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 855.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion paraded for G.O.C. 12^th Division to present D.C.M. ribbons.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 13^th, 14^th July The Bn, remained in Camp D undergoing training etc. 5 Officers and 12 men have been through a Lewis Automatic Rifle Course, 3 N.C.O’s have been trained in patrol work by Bde Intelligence Officer, and 44 O.R. are undergoing training as grenadiers by the Bn, Grenadier Officer. 26 O.R. are on a course at the Divl, Grenade School.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 9th February1916

9^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2 Lt Bruin joined Bn.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion employed as working parties.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 855.

Transferred to R.E. 2.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The Battn, paraded at 3.20 am & moved off at 3.35 am. The column consisted of the ½ Battn, 2^nd Royal W. Kent, the 1/5^th Queen’s, 30^th Mountain Battery the 114^th Mahrattas & a detachment sappers & miners.

2nd R.W. Kents. 1/5th Queen’s. 114th Mahrattas. (less 1 Coy) Brigaded M.G’s. 30th M. Battery. 1 Coy 114th Mahrattas.

The starting point was 600 yards N of No 6 Post on SUWAIJ Rd & column moved in order in margin.

2^nd R.W. Kents.

1/5^th Queen’s.

114^th Mahrattas.

(less 1 Coy)

Brigaded M.G’s.

30^th M. Battery.

1 Coy 114^th Mahrattas.

Capt Willoughby guided the column.

The column moved off punctually but was only able to go very slowly as the guide had great difficulty in finding the road.

By daylight about 6am the column was 3-4 miles out & W.Kents then threw out an advanced guard, B Company moved out as left flank guard & C Coy as right flank guard. In this formation the column moved on about another 1½ mile moving off the road towards the left to some villages which had maltreated the rearguard on the 7^th. One of these was burnt without resistance. The column then changed direction half right. Up to this point the West Kents had found the advanced line alone, D Coy was now ordered upon their left & the line advanced on a second village. There was a little resistance. Subsequently a third & fourth village was burnt A Coy being ordered up to support D Company. Again there was very little resistance. Meanwhile C Coy on the right had been dealing with a few snipers on the right & were finally ordered up to support the Kents.

9.30am- The Kents commenced to retire & C,D & A Companies came back with them. During the initial stages of the retirement there was some firing on the right against C Coy & Corpl Head was hit through the knee.

C Company acted as right flank guard again retiring. On the left there was no firing. The mountain had early come into action & shelled the villages.

A column had come out from NASARIYAH to support Genarel Tidswell consisting of 1 squadron 12^th cavalry, 44^th Merwaras, 1/2 Sussex Battery & ambulance tongas.

There was desultory firing from groups of Arabs at long range for the first 3 miles back but nothing serious.

2.30pm- After a long wait in hopes the enemy would come on the columns retired on camp.

Our casualties were 2 wounded.

Ammunition: 4343 of which M.G.S fired 293.

Strength 21 officers & 410 men.

4.30pm- The Battn, detailed firing party carrying party buglers etc for the funeral of Major Tahourdin 12^th Cavalry died of wounds received on 7^th. Lieut E.F. Evetts commanded the firing party.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – In Billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The following extract appeared in Bde Order 133 d/- 9^th Feb 1916.

HONOURS and AWARDS – The Divisional Commander wishes to bring to the notice of all ranks the act for which No 3014 Pte. H. Homer 8^th Bn, The Queen’s Regt (R.W.S) was recommended for and awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal “At trenches N, of BELLEWAARDE FARM. On the night of the 22/23^rd Jan 1916, a German patrol had planted a flag some 140 yards in front of one of our trenches. A private of the 8^th  Buffs (East Kent Rgt) went out in daylight to bring in the flag, but he was severely wounded. No 3014 Pte. H. Homer 8^th Bn, The Queen’s Regt, volunteered to go out to bring in the wounded man. He, with the help of an officer of the 8^th Buffs, succeeded in bringing him under cover from view. Then with the assistance of a Corporal of the 8^th Buffs, Homer carried the wounded man back to the trench. This operation took 2 hours. The party was under rifle fire during the whole time”. (This incident was referred to last month.)

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 8th February1916

8^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – BEUVRY.

Nothing to report.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion employed as working parties.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 857.

Pte Stockdale joined.

1/5^th Battalion – NASARIYAH.

The Battn, found themselves back at the site of the camp previously occupied by the 2^nd R.W. Kents i.e. W of the fort but inside barbed wire entanglements. They also found 28 E.P. tents at their disposal. The mails of 15-30 Dec from England & 7^th 23^rd Jan from India arrived together with 69 tins of plum puddings from the women’s branch of the Bombay Presidency War Committee & 86 parcels of comforts from Calcutta Ladies. All were most acceptable to the troops who had had little comfort at BUTANYEH.

The garrison duties allotted to Battn, were as follows:-

No 4 Night Post 20 N.C.O’s & men.

No 5 Post (Low lying Trenches N of cavalry lines) 20 N.C.O’s & men, also finding permanent patrol of 1 N.C.O. & 3 men.

No 6 Post 20 N.C.O’s & men.

An escort of 1 Officer & 30 N.C.O’s & men to Arabs working on Bund & a party of 1 Officer & 10 men to patrol daily on the Samara. A guard of 31 N.C.O’s & men at the Turkish Prisoners Camp. In addition by night an inlying picquet of 50 N.C.O’s & men was ordered.

7pm – Orders were received to form part of a column under General Tidswell to move out next morning at 4am to punish Arabs for their behaviour on the 7^th.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – Battalion was relieved in E1 by 8^th East Surrey Regt & marched to billets at DERNANCOURT. Transport & Qr Mr stores being billeted at BUIRE. 1 platoon of C Company remained at BECOURT.

Casualties during tour of duty in trenches. O.R. Killed 1. Wounded 1.

8^th Battalion – Working party of 120 found from C Coy in Camp D for 103^rd Coy R.E.

The Battn, was relieved in YPRES by the 9^th R.Sussex Regt. Relief complete at 7pm. The Bn, on relief marched to Camp D.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 7th February 1916

7^th February 1916  –

1st Battalion – Relieved by 2 R.W.F. went to BEUVRY. (2 Killed 3 Wounded).

2nd Battalion – BRAY.

 ¾ Battalion on fatigues.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 856.

2/4^th Battalion –

G.S. Wagon Wireless telegraph sections & baggage. 12th Bde Signal Section Baggage. 34th Bde, H.Q. 12th Cavalry. 1/5th Queen’s 30th M. Battery. 114th Mahrattas. 2nd R.W. Kents Supply Section Bearer Sub division. No 19 C.F.A & riding mules.

1/5^th Battalion – The remainder of the Column under Br Gen Tidswell moved back to NASARIYEH. It was known that the column was to be attacked & dispositions made were as follows:- The West Kent outposts at No 3 Post & the Leaning Tower remained in position till 8.30am when they were relieved each by a double company of the 114^th Mahrattas. At the same time a force under Major Tahourdin 12^th Cavalry consisting of 1 Squadron & machine guns  12 Cav & 1 Section Mountain Battery & A Company 1/5^th Queen’s under Major Hodges took up a position on the Sandhills 3 miles from camp. At the same time also a force under Lt, Col, Andrew 114^th Mahrattas consisting of the 30^th M Battery (less one section), the machine guns of the 2^nd R.W. Kents, 1/5^th Queen’s & 114^th Mahrattas under Lieut Chisholm (114^th Mahrattas) & the 114^th Mahrattas (less 2 D Coys) took up position at the Ruined Tower. The baggage convoy under the command of Lt, Col Brodrick 1/5^th Queen’s was ordered to paass a point on the NASARIYAH RD about 1500x from camp at 10am.

The convoy consisted of details shown in the margin & was to move in that order.

G.S. Wagon

Wireless telegraph sections & baggage.

12^th Bde Signal Section Baggage.

34^th Bde, H.Q.

12^th Cavalry.

1/5^th Queen’s

30^th M. Battery.

114^th Mahrattas.

2^nd R.W. Kents Supply Section

Bearer Sub division.

No 19 C.F.A & riding mules.

 The orders received were to have 1 company in front, 1 in rear, 1 on the right flank facing NASARIYEH. The column was ordered by the newer road leaving the Sandhills on its right and as it passed, Major Hodges & A Company were to join in & strengthen the right flank guard. The C.O. detailed the Battn, Scouts, signallers, & C Company in front B Company right flank guard & D company in rear. The 2^nd R.W. Kents were ordered to form the rear guard to the force.

Accordingly tents were struck shortly after the reveille, & the baggage of the Battn, loaded partly onto camels, partly onto mules. All loading up was completed without any trouble from the Arabs & it was not till the Battn, was moving off at 9.30am that the firing started from the direction of the Leaning Tower.

The column moved off at 10.4am in the above order, the 2^nd West Kent mules having been a little late. The camel transport moved between the column & the right flank guard.

The march of the convoy into NASARIYAH was uneventful. Heavy firing had started between the enemy, Col Andrews force & rear guard before the column started & continued throughout the day but no shot whatever was fired into convoy though both the convoy & the flank guards went through or near the villages which later in the day turned on the rearmost troupes. The only trouble in the convoy was caused to D Company by mules throwing their loads particularly those of the R.W.Kents.

A strong column came out from NASARIYAH to meet the BUTANYEH column, the cavalry coming right on to the Sandhills where Major Tahourdin’s force was, the infantry 44^th Mehrwaras 90^th Punjaubis & ½ Sussex Battery taking up position across the   BUTANYEH–NASARIYAH Rd about 7 miles out.

The baggage column passed through these about 12.15pm & reached NASARIYAH safely about 2.30pm. After arrival the Battn, was ordered to stand by & at 3.10pm it was ordered out again with ambulance tongas & riding mules. It marched out about 3½ miles & took up a position across the road. The remainder of the force were retiring diagonally from E to W across its front but the Arabs drew off and pressed no further. All firing ceased at 5pm & the Battn, returned to NASARIYAH. The Battn, left BUTANYEH 23 Officers 535 other ranks.

------1425 rounds of ammunition were fired, of which 1340 by the machine guns.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day nothing to record.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 6th February1916

6^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Very quiet, little shelling on left of Bat, H Qr at RAILWAY KEEP. (2 Wounded)

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES TO BRAY.

The Battalion relieved in trenches by 1^st South Staffs, Regt. Returned to billets in Bray. WELLINGTON REDOUBT shelled with H.E. about 4pm. Two men wounded. Wet night. Coys did not get to billets till 10.30pm.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 856.

Killed 1.

Wounded 2.

1/5^th Battalion – A special convoy of sick was sent into NASARIYEH including Lieuts Stoop, Cleverley G.C & Reader & 25 other ranks of the Battn. C Company was on day outpost duty. Lieut Mountford & 25 rifles at No 3 Post & Lieut Mercer and 25 rifles at the Leaning Tower. About 2.15pm Lieut Mountford reported 5 armed Arabs in his vicinity. One fired a shot in his direction as they moved off. This party appeared about 3pm about 1500 yards N.E of Leaning Tower. They remained there some time but eventually moved off after firing 5 shots at Piquet at about 1600 yards. One shot struck & severely wounded Pte, Burnett. There was no further sniping at the outposts till C Company had been relieved by 2^nd R West Kents for night, who were sniped for about a couple of hours.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – Our artillery heavily shelled German trenches in and near LA BOISSELLE during the whole day. No retaliation on E1.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 5th February1916

5^th February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Bombing on left.

2nd Battalion – The guns on both sides throughout the day were active. Our heavy guns shelled the enemy’s trenches in the vicinity of MAMETZ & the ridge just S.E of this village. Enemy retaliated on Sector to our left. At 4pm 140 rounds of H.E. were fired at the enemy’s wire opposite 71 & 72 trench. This was very effective. The enemy’s wire was well cut for a distance of 70 to 80 yds & his parapet considerably damaged.

A few “Sausages” were thrown in 73 S.T. No damage done. Aeroplane activity on both sides. Quiet night.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 859.

To Hospital 3.

2/4^th Battalion – Col, Watney was thrown from horse & admitted to hospital - Major R. J. Few assuming command.  

1/5^th Battalion – 12^th Bde H.Q & 1 squadron 12^th cavalery, 90^th Punjabis Field Ambulance & supplies left for NASARIYEH. B & D Companies were on night outpost, an attack was expected but the night passed off peaceably. 

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – E1 SUB SECTOR BECOURT.

Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion –

5^th, 6^th, 7^th February) Fine clear days & YPRES was heavily shelled throughout morning & afternoon. We suffered 5 casualties from this, one of whom was killed.

Working parties of 100 at 5.30pm and 150 at 10pm were found each day for 103^rd R.E.

On the evening of the 7^th one party came under shell fire behind H 19 trench and suffered 9 casualties (wounded).

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 4th February1916

4^th February 1916–

1st Battalion – (1 Killed) quiet.

2nd Battalion – At about 11.20am our 18 pounders opened on the enemy’s wire opposite 70 & 71 trench & continued till 12.45pm. Enemy retaliated with wiz-bangs which fell on our support line close to 70 & 71 streets.

Throughout the night our Field Guns, Machine Guns & riflemen opened at irregular intervals to disperse any hostile working party endeavouring to repair his wire.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 862.

Wounded 1.

Accidentally injured 1.

1/5^th Battalion – Scouts A & C Coy under Major F.W. Smallpiece acted as convoy escort. 112^th Infantry returned to NASARIYEH en route for KURNA.

1/6^th Battalion – BOURECQ.

Battalion moved to BOURECQ & took over billets from 8^th Royal Fusiliers.

7^th Battalion – The Battalion was relieved by 2^nd Border Regt of 20^th Bde in D3 & then proceeded to E1 & relieved 7^th Buffs there. These reliefs ran partly concurrently & took from 10.30am to 2.30pm 10^th Bn Essex Regt occupied E2 on left.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 3rd February1916

3^rd February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Nothing to report.

2nd Battalion – Artillery bombardment at FRISE very intense. One of our mines was exploded in the section on our immediate left at 5pm. Enemy retaliated with wiz-bangs.

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 864.

To Hospital 1.

Capt Cooke to England.

1/5^th Battalion – Signs of lice were found in all companies, attributed in part at least to having to occupy ground previously site of Indian Regiments camp. A general washing parade was ordered.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – Our miners fired a large mine in front of TAMBOUR F 3 a 50. Our field artillery & trench mortar batteries cooperated. An existing crater was slightly enlarged towards the enemy.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 2nd February1916

2^nd February 1916 –

1st Battalion – Relieved 2^nd Middlesex Cavalry on right. K.R.R. on left. We are in Z 0 – Nothing to report.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet day, with exception of heavy cannonade some distance to our right in the neighbourhood of FRISE which, it is said, the French intend to retake. During the early part of the night 3 H.E. 4” shells fell into WELLINGTON REDOUBT but caused no damage. A couple of “Sausages” fell in 73 S. Trench.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 865.

To Hospital 2.

Capt R.K. Ross to staff.

Servant to Capt Ross 1.

1/5^th Battalion – B Company found the day outposts.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion –

2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th February) Quiet days. Two casualties. In the evening of the 4^th The Bn, was relieved in the trenches by 8^th R.W. Kent Regt. Relief complete at 9pm. On relief the Bn, was disposed as follows:-

H.Q. at billet opposite Infantry BARRACKS, YPRES.

B & D Coys at CONVENT YPRES.

2 Platoons A Coy at CELLARS RUE de BEURRE.

2 Platoons A Coy at CELLARS opposite Town Majors billet YPRES.

C Coy in Camp D. G 24 d.

Working party of 120 for 103^rd R.E. was found.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 1st February1916

1^st February 1916 –

1st Battalion – ANNEQUIN FOSSE.

Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES.

The Battalion relieved the 16^th R.Warwicks in the trenches this evening in C2 Subsection, commencing at 6pm. The Coys were taken part of the way by train. Relief complete in 2 hours. Quiet night.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 868.

2/4^th Battalion – BENI SALAMA, WARDAN.

Under canvas with 53rd Division (less 159th brigade) - Battalion engaged in Company training & musketry. In addition there have been special classes in Signalling, Machine Gunnery, Musketry & First Aid - also for junior officers & NCO's

1/5^th Battalion – BUTANYEH.

A & C Companies found the night outposts. The posts were reduced to 4 in number.

1/6^th Battalion – BUSNETTES.

Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Quiet day, very little activity. Our snipers seem to of done good work.