The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 31st March 1916

31^st March 1916 –

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion on fatigue.

Officers 35.    Other Ranks 913.

Reinforcements 58.

To Base 2.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – 7.0am B Company & the Machine Gun section were detailed to form part of a small column under Lt Col Humphrey 12^th Cavalry which was orderd to go out & deal with the Arabs who always sniped on Fridays from the sandhills N of NASIRIYEH. The other troops consisted of 1 squadron & M.G.S. 12^th Cavalry 1 Double Coy 43 Erinpureas & 2 sections 30^th Mountain Battery. Very little was accomplished it came on to rain at 7.30am. Arabs in some numbers were sighted some 2000 yards N.E. of RUTHERS TOWER and were shelled by the guns at long range. As the column retreated they started to come on a little & B Company fired a few rounds at 2000 & 2200 yards when the Arabs took the Nullahs. The column returned unmolested.

W.P. Spens, Lt & Adjt.

1/5 Queens.

1/6^th Battalion – Quiet night supplied the usual working parties under R.E.

N.T. Rolls Major.

6^th Queens.

7^th Battalion – Nothing of importance occurred.

F.C. Filby A/Adjt.

8^th Battalion –

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 30th March 1916

30^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Battalion route march round HINGES & AVELETTE.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion on fatigue.

Officers 35.    Other Ranks 857.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion -

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion was relieved by the 6^th Buffs, the relief was complete by 11.50am. The Battalion then went into Support “A” & “C” Coy went into O B 1, “B” Coy went into O B 4 (1 platoon) & 3 platoons in O B 5. “D” Coy & Lewis Guns in CURLEY CREST H.Q. were in CURLEY CREST. Supplied working under R.E.

Casualties 3 wounded.

7^th Battalion – Major F.B.B. Pickard appointment to be Tem, Lieut, Colonel – commanding Bn – extract 18^th DIV. R.O. Vice TEMP BRIGADIER GENERAL GLASGOW.

8^th Battalion –

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 29th March 1916

29^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine. Wiring parties of 2 officers & 200 men at work at BEUVRY & Le PREOL.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion on fatigue.

Officers 35.    Other Ranks 857.

From Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion -

1/6^th Battalion – Quiet day, supplied the usual working parties. Received information enemy expected to blow a mine & do a raid on BRIDGE on our right, but the night passed quietly & nothing happened.

Casualties one wounded.

7^th Battalion – Inter Coy relief took place. D Coy to front line C Coy to front line – B Coy R & S Works – A Coy – was brought back to Counter Attack Coy.

8^th Battalion – 29^th 30^th 31^st ) The Battn, retained the above disposition. Working parties, to the number of 300, were found each night for the 103^rd R.E. & 175^th Tunnelling Coy.

W.R.G. BYE.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 28th March 1916

28^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine. Colonel Crofts returned off leave.

2nd Battalion – Whole Battalion on fatigue.

Officers 35.    Other Ranks 856.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The telegraph line having again been interrupted at the same spot as on the 24^th. Lieut Evetts & 50 rifles again went down on the T 1 accompanied by the “snakefly” who shelled the village, about 1½ miles from the spot.

1/6^th Battalion – Very quiet during the day, enemy sent over some Trench Mortars during the night supplied R.E’s with Miners fatigue during the day also men working under R.E. on dug-outs.

Casualties 1 Killed 1 wounded.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Bn, paraded at 9.15am to proceed to BRIGADE RESERVE in the new trench area. Route – MT KOKEREELE-WESTOUTRE-LOCRE-DRANOUTRE.

Dinners at AIRCRAFT FARM at N.32 b.2.3. We relieved the 3^rd Canadian Battn.

The final distribution of Bn, was as follows:-

C & D Coys at  AIRCRAFT FARM (N 32 b 2 3)

B Coy at KANDAHAR FARM (T 10 b 5 8)

H.Q. A Coy Grenade Coy, Snipers & Signallers at TEA FARM (N 34 d 1 5)

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 27th March 1916

27^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine. All officers visit Corps Commander, General Haking, at Ecole St Vaast, when he explained the present situation, etc. 2/Lt Bottomley joined the battalion.

2nd Battalion – BRAY.

Baths & rest.

Officers 35.    Other Ranks 856.

Reinforcement 2/Lieut W.A.L. Raeburn.

2/4^th Battalion – 27^th to 30^th March – Detachment at FAYOUM was withdrawn by Brigade Order & returned to camp. Detachments at KOM ABU RADI & KOM SHE SHA were relieved by detachments of 1/4^th R.Sussex Regt – Returned to Battalion.

During the past month the Batt, has been engaged in Company training, Batt, & Brigade Route Marching. Special attention has been paid to Musketry & grouping & field firing had been carried out on the open range S.E. of camp. On March 31^st, 615 , all ranks have passed in Musketry. In addition to above each man spends ½ hour daily in physical exercises & 1 hour doing bayonet fighting. Special classes have been held in Bombing, Signalling, Scouting & c as well as classes for young officers & N.C.O’s. The Batt, now contains 57 trained bombers as well as it complement of trained Signallers, Machine Gunners, Stretcher Bearers & Transport personal. The Transport personnel arrived from England on 19/3/16; 52 mules arrived on 29/3/16, harness for these, more riding horses, transport wagons & 2 Field Kitchens are still urgently needed. All equipment, stores &c in accordance with 1098/238 has been indented for, but many indents still remain unsatisfied.

Strength. During the past month the strength of Batt, has been increased by 3 Officers, 342 O.R. 8 Officers surplus to establishment were ordered to be returned to Base depot. The present effective strength of Batt, is 32 Off, & 837 O.R. (this does not include 28 men classed as permanent B).

Health. The health of the battalion is generally good. The chief complaints are sore feet & impetigo. It is possible that many cases of these latter are due to inadequate water & washing facilities. Inoculation against Para-Typhoid is being rapidly proceeded with. 98% of all ranks have been inoculated against Enteric & 76% of all ranks against Cholera.

A.F. Tredgold.

Major & Adjt for O.C.

2/4^th Bn The Queens.

1/5^th Battalion -

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

The Battalion relieved the 11^th Middlesex Regt in the trenches the relief was complete at 1pm. A Coy was on the Right “B” Coy Right Centre “C” Centre & D Coy Left Company. The day was very quiet also the night. Supplied small working parties to R.E. to build dug-outs in front line.

Casualties 2 wounded. The Right of Battn, was on the HULLUCH ROAD Left SOUTHERN end of SWINBURN LOOP.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Battalion still remained in Rest Billets.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 26th March 1916

26^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Battalion bathed at Ecole des Jeunes Filles. Ordinary Routine, cleaning up, etc.

2nd Battalion – A bright light, similar to a searchlight was used by the enemy in his front line trenches opposite F.10.1 very early this morning. A few Huns were observed this morning in MAMETZ. A cook was seen just E of the church, & other men seen brining rations to him. Battn, relieved by South Staffs tonight. Quick & quiet relief.

Officers 34.    Other Ranks 856.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – 8.0pm Above party returned. They met with no resistance.

Church parade 9.30am. No further work.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & supplied working parties under R.E.

2^nd Lt T.L. Ormerod joined for duty from 9^th Battalion.

7^th Battalion – 26^th, 27^th, 28^th March Y III SUBSECTOR.

Battalion proceeded to Y III subsector. We relieved 7^th Buffs at about 7pm. Coys were distributed as follows. A.B. front line – C RIGHT WORKS & S WORKS – “D” COUNTER ATTACK nothing of any importance occurred, except the usual Gunfire – etc.

On the 26^th Major Fisher went to 4^th ARMY SCHOOL at FLIXECOURT for instruction - & 2 Lieut Neilson Terry went to 18^th DIV School for instruction on the 27^th  2^nd Lieut R.C. Herbert joined the Battalion.

8^th Battalion – Our Lewis Gun Detachment moved from the Rest Area and moved to the new trench

area to take up positions at the Support Points, in relief of the 1^st Canadian Battn’s guns, viz – S.P.7 (N 35 b 6 7), R.E. FARM (N 35 d 8 7), S.P.5 (N 36 c 3 2), S.P.4 (N 36 c 9 1).

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 25th March 1916

25^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – BETHUNE.

Fine day, & quiet. No casualties. At 7pm, relieved by 1^st Cameronians (19^th Brigade) & went back to billets at MONTMERENCY BARRACKS, BETHUNE.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet. Nothing of special interest happened.

Officers 34.    Other Ranks 856.

Reinforcement 2/Lt E.E. Johnson. 2/Lt J.E. Lloyd.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – 2.20pm Ordered to send 1 B.O. & 50 rifles on the T 4 to cover working party on telegraph line which had been destroyed 12 miles or so down.

3.35pm Lieut Evetts & 50 N.C.O’s & men of A company started on the T 4.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion supplied working parties under R.E. which took every available man. Captain E. Wright joined for duty from 3^rd Battn.

The following extract is taken from the London Gazette dated 23.3.16. “Temp Capt N.T. Rolls to be Temp Major 18^th Oct 1915. The following Temp Lieuts to be Temp Captains, H.C. Cannon 18.10.15. H.A.R. Butler 21/1/16. The following Temp 2^nd Lieuts to be Temp Lieuts C.H.E. Varndell 18.10. 15 (since killed in action) W.J. Semple 4.12.15 R.E. Johnson 6.1.16 2^nd Lieut D. Mann (S.R.) to be Temp Lieut 21.1.16

7^th Battalion – Nothing to report in billets at SUZANNE.

8^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 24th March 1916

24^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Quiet day; heavy snow. Repair of damage done by yesterdays bombardment.

One wounded.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet. Nothing of special interest happened.

Officers 32.    Other Ranks 856.

To Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – B Company & the M.G. Section formed part of a small column under Major Cotter R.A. which went out to try & stop a party of snipers who had made a habit of firing at the cavalry patrol from the sandhills some 4 miles north. Other troops were 1 squadron 12^th cavalry & M.G. Section, 1 section 30^th Mountain Battery. As the patrol approached the sandhills the snipers fired & thereupon the cavalry machine guns & mountain guns opened & Arabs dispersed. The infantry got no opportunity of firing.

In addition to the hut building which was progressing daily the Battn was asked to send over working parties to the right bank of the river to help make a Bund there. A company & a half is to be sent over on Mondays, Wednesdays & Friday.  

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion supplied working party under R.E. which took every available man. Remained attended a Church of England service in the Cinema Theatre.

7^th Battalion – Nothing to report in billets at SUZANNE.

8^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 23rd March 1916

23^rd March 1916 –

1st Battalion – Left company at MINE POINT trench mortared in morning.

4.30pm Heavy bombardment for 1½ hours of front & support lines. One killed. Enemy sprang small mine near MIDNIGHT crater. No damage. Two wounded by bomb at night. Colonel Crofts granted 4 days leave to England.
2nd Battalion – Several Wizz-bangs fell on MANSEL COPSE during the afternoon. No damage done. German Patrol scattered by L.G. fire at 3am.
Officers 32.    Other Ranks 857.
Reinforcement 2/Lt B.H. Hayes.
2/4^th Battalion –
1/5^th Battalion – 30 men per coy were put at Lieut Mountford’s disposal to construct the huts & made good progress.
1/6^th Battalion – SAILLY LA BOURSE.
Battalion supplied working party under R.E. which took every available man.
7^th Battalion – 2 Lieut G.S. Dandridge was appointed Transport Officer vice Lieut C.A. Haggard to duty.
8^th Battalion –

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 22nd March 1916

22^nd March 1916 –

1st Battalion – 8pm Quiet day; no casualties.

In evening, raid carried out on German front line just S of MINE POINT. Complete success. 2/Lt Sukyn & 2/Lt Morrison started out with 32 men; wire previously cut by artillery – 2/Lt Morrison wounded by chance bullet; 2/Lt Gurry took his place. Trenches entered, 1 sentry killed, 1 escaped wounded. 4 dug-outs full of Germans bombed & blown in. Party returned intact with German gas helmet, after remaining 15-20 minutes in enemy trench.

Barrage of T.M’s, rifle grenades & Mills bombs on both flanks.

Following messages of congratulation received:-

(1)    From Corps Commander, (General Haking C.B.) “Congratulations on successful raid”

(2)    From Army Commander (General Sir Charles Monro) “Please convey to my old regiment the pleasure it gives me to hear of their successful raid last night.”

(3)    From Brigadier General A.W.F. Baired, C.M.G., C.S.O. “ Congratulate you & your platoon on success.”

Promoted for gallantry in the field, no. 11246 L. Cpl. Geering, No. 3705 L.  Cpl. Whaley.

Recommended for immediate awards:- 2/Lt Lukyn, Military Cross, 2/Lt Gurry, Mention, No. 3467 Pte Patterson, No.11246 Cpl Whaley, No. 3705 Cpl Geering, and no. 9290 Cpl Brice for D.C.M’s.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet. Sounds of mining heard opposite F.11.5

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 857.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – In two days Arabs having constructed only one hut & refusing to work tomorrow were dismissed by G.O.C. & orders given for the Battn to construct their own.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion relieved the 7^th East Surrey Regt in SAILLY LA BOURSE & took over KEEPS garrisoned by them. Relief complete by 12 Noon. 100 men undergoing grenade course left behind in BETHUNE.

7^th Battalion – Nothing to report in billets at SUZANNE.

8^th Battalion – 22^nd 23^rd 24^th 25^th ) The Bn remained in rest billets at MT KOKEREELE (near BEOSCHEPE).

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 21st March 1916

21^st March 1916–

1st Battalion – TRENCHES AUCHY LEFT.

Quiet day; no casualties; good patrol by Lt Symons. Lt Carslake took over the post of acting Adjutant.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet day. Subsector C1 on our immediate left was heavily trench-mortared & shelled with 4’2”.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 857.

Reinforcements 2/Lieut C.R. McWhinnie.   28 O.R.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion -

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued cleaning up, 25 men per Coy sent on a bombing course.

7^th Battalion – Capt Sundau R.A.M.C, M.O to take over duties at base. Lieut Anderson R.A.M.C. joined Bn & took over M.O. to the Battalion.

8^th Battalion – 3.30pm The Battn paraded to march to the new area. Route – RENINGHELST-HEKSEN-WESTOUTRE-MT.KOKEREELE (R.16.d) sheet 27), The Bn, was billeted at this last-named place. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 20th March 1916

20^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Bombing accident while practising raid – 7 wounded – one died of woundes since. Relieved 16^th K.R.R. in AUCHY LEFT.

2nd Battalion – BRAY to TRENCHES.

Battalion Relieved South Staffs: in trenches. Quiet.

 Officers 30.    Other Ranks 839.

Died of injuries 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Garrison fatigue work again started for the Battn every second day Mondays, Wednesdays, Friday. First work roads through fort.

Arabs arrived some 200 strong with matting reeds etc to put up “matheefs” or matting huts. Lieut Mountford was detailed to superintend construction of Battn’s huts.

1/6^th Battalion – BETHUNE.

Battalion remained in billets & cleaned up.

7^th Battalion – Nothing to report.

8^th Battalion – In the evening the Battn, was relieved by the  4^th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regt. Relief complete at 9.30pm. After relief the Bn, marched back to Camp E. (H 19 b)

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 19th March 1916

19^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Church Parade for men not on fatigue the night before. Raid practised.

2nd Battalion – Whole battalion on fatigues.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 830.

Struck off Lt Col Smith.

Struck off 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Stormy day, no garrison church parade, private parade interrupted by rain.

1/6^th Battalion – Quiet morning “A” & “B” Coys  remained in front line with East Surrey Regt & they came out when E Surrey were relieved. The Battalion was relieved by 7^th Suffolk Regt. Relief completed by 6.20pm. The Battalion went into billets in BETHUNE.

7^th Battalion – SUZANNE.

6.25pm Battalion moved to billet in SUZANNE Brigade H.Q. also moved to SUZANNE.

8^th Battalion – The night was marked by much Machine Gun fire, & bombing in the vicinity of the BIRDCAGE was heavy especially at 4.30am.

2/Lt Burnley & 2/Lt Tollemarche patrolled that part of ‘NO MANS LAND’ in front of B 4. 2/Lt Burnley was taken prisoner.

A red light was seen in direction of HOOGE TRENCHES about 7.40pm. 18^th inst.

10am A German Band was heard playing behind their lines at 10am.

The sniping in front of B 4 has abated considerably.

2.30pm Trench B 4 was trench-mortar’d causing 6 casualties.

During the evening our Lewis Guns were relieved by Colt guns of the 4^th Canadian Mounted Rifle Regt. The night passed quietly. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 18th March 1916

18^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Raid practised by C Coy. Half the battalion on fatigue. Capt Brodhurst Hill took over A Coy.

2nd Battalion – Whole battalion on fatigue.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 831.

To Hospital 4.

Struck off 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Arab work on the Bund supervised by armed parties from the Battn also finished. This duty was very trying to all concerned as it meant a very long day 7.30-6.0pm standing about & making the Arabs work all the time.

1/6^th Battalion – “D” Coy relieved “A” COY in ALEXANDRA TRENCH & “C” Coy went to LANCASHIRE TRENCH. “A” & “B” Coys furnished the usual bomb & soup carrying parties, the afternoon was quiet. About 5.30pm Enemy commenced heavy bombardment of our Front Line reserve & communication trenches. At 6.20pm “B” Coy was moved forward to QUARRY from RESERVE TRENCH, A Coy moved from RAILWAY RESERVE TRENCH to RESERVE TRENCH & one LEWIS GUN was sent up to STICKY TRENCH. At 6.35pm orders were sent to “C” Coy to move from LANCASHIRE TRENCH to RAILWAY RESERVE TRENCH 6.40pm. Verbal message arrived via E Surrey orderly that CRATER C had been lost 2 mines were blown therein. 7pm disposition B Coy QUARRY A Coy RESERVE “C” Coy. RAILWAY RESERVE D Coy ALEXANDRA TRENCH (under O.C. Buffs) 7.25pm “B” Coy sent all bombers into front line remained of company on carrying party. 7.35pm “C” Coy moved to RESERVE TRENCH & orders issued to A Coy to move forward to QUARRY. 7.40pm “A” Coy sent 2 platoons to WEST FACE. At 9.25pm O.C. “B” Coy reported CRATER “C” was clear of enemy but outer lip was held by them. 11.10pm 2^nd Lt Passmore reported he had two LEWIS GUNS in STICKY TRENCH. With these two guns he was able to stop enemy advancing between B & C CRATERS. He also succeeded in blocking RUSSIAN SAP the further end being in the hands of the enemy at 2.30am Pioneers & Sappers arrived in RESERVE TRENCH. At 3.45am “B” Coy under Captain Cannon & in conjunction with A Coy of East surrey Regt seized the inner lip of CRATER “C”  & they met with very slight opposition but owing to daylight coming on they had to retire into the Saps as they were in full view of the enemy & there was no time to consolidate the inner lip, as Pioneers & Sappers did not arrive till nearly dawn.

Casualties 6 Killed 16 wounded.

7^th Battalion – In camp nothing to report.

8^th Battalion – Enemy snipers quieter, due to action by ours. Aerial activity great on both sides during the morning. One British plane was hit, and seen to descend near OBSERVATORY RIDGE.

In the evening Bn, H.Q. was moved from R 7 to LOVERS WALK – near its junction with GOUROCK ROAD, into dugouts recently vacated by 12^th Royal Fusiliers owing to shelling.

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

17^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Lt W.B. Carslake to be Assistant Adjutant.

2nd Battalion – BRAY.

Baths & rest.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 836.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Work on Bund finished for good.

1/6^th Battalion – “C” Coy relieved A Coy in ALEXANDRA TRENCH “B” & “D” Coys furnished bomb &  soup carrying parties.

Casualties 2 wounded.

7^th Battalion – BOIS DE TAILLIE.

Bn marched to BOIS-DE-TAILLES and camped Brigade H.Q. moved to ETENHEM about L.H REF MAP ALBERT 62 N.E.

8^th Battalion – The night passed quietly, but enemy sniping was active.

2.30pm The enemy shelled B 4 with about 40 trench mortars. 6 Casualties were sustained but slight damage to trench. Several loopholes have been inserted to deal with enemy snipers.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 16th March 1916

16^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – BEUVRY.

Relieved by 16 K.R.R. – Bn to BEUVRY.

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES to BRAY.

Party of enemy seen carrying sandbags near HALTE early this morning. Dispersed by Lewis Gun fire. Quiet day. Relieved by South Staffords at night.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 836.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Genl Brooking G.O.C. 12^th Bde inspected the draft at 1.45pm.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion was relieved by 7^th East Surrey Regt. Relief complete by 5.55pm during afternoon enemy shelled STICKY TRENCH & OLD BRITISH LINE also NORTHAMPTON TRENCH “A” Coy relieved A Coy of East Surreys in front line ALEXANDRA TRENCH “B” Coy went to RESERVE TRENCH “C” Coy to RAILWAY RESERVE TRENCH & “D” Coy into LANCASHIRE TRENCH.

Casualties 4 wounded.

7^th Battalion – A & B Coys from HEILLY “C” Coy from LONGPRE, joined the Battalion S.M.C. Smith transferred to Base medically unfit.

8^th Battalion – This place was heavily shelled the afternoon but no casualties were suffered.

7pm The Battalion left the CHATEAU by Companies at half hour intervals commencing at 7pm & moved to the relief of the 13^th Middlesex Regt in the RIGHT Section of trenches (HOOGE Sector – SANCTUARY WOOD). This section held by us during this tour differs in two respects from that held on previous tours –

B 4 is now held by us, having been taken over from Bn, on our right.

R S 8 is not held by us, but has been taken over by the Bn, on our left.

RIGHT SECTION HOOGE TRENCHES (SANCTUARY WOOD).

The following is the Trench Disposition of the unit:-  

TRENCHES

Bn, H.Q. are again at Fort R 7. On our right is the 12^th Bn, Royal Fusiliers (17^th Bde).

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 15th March 1916

15^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Quiet.

2nd Battalion – At 9pm hostile aeroplane flew over our lines & returned later. Bombs were dropped on BRAY – No damage done. Quiet day.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 836.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Signallers again taken out for brigade practice.

Lieut R.C. Ball 3/5 Queens & 2/Lieut R.S. Lloyd & G.E. Peden & 177 N.C.O’s & men are still to come. No notification was sent from the base as to when or in what parties the draft was being sent up nor is any information available as to who have been kept at the base or the reason. A normal roll of the draft was duly forwarded immediately on arrival to us by the A.G. Base but without further official information from the base as to who are kept, the roll can only be checked by taking a roll of those actually arrived & assuming that the others have been kept for some good reason. This appears most unsatisfactory. The young officers in command of the various detachments of the draft also received no written instructions as to route or military precautions to be taken en route. Of the draft many of the N.C.O’s & men have seen service in France, other appear to have been employed in England. Many of them have been wounded or suffered from disease in France. Many have arrived with serious shortage in kit.  

1/6^th Battalion – “B” Coy relieved “C” Coy in CRATER “C” & “B” & “C” Coy went into STICKY TRENCH & NORTHAMPTON TRENCH. The day was quiet & about 7pm enemy became very active with heavy TM’s Rifle Grenades & they attacked in small numbers but were driven back by our bombers & LEWIS GUNS.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Training continued.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 14th March 1916

14^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – A little shelling.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet day. Large hostile aeroplane flew over our lines during morning. Driven off by our M.G. fire.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 836.

Killed 3.

Wounded 1.

Reinforcements O. Ranks 49.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The Battn mitraileuse teams on the T 4 were allowed a little practise with ball ammunition. The boat proceeded about 2 miles up stream & then came into the bank opposite a piece of open ground on the left bank rising slightly to a distance of 2000 yards. A screen 7 feet by 2½ was erected at 550 yards & each of the 6 men were allowed 10 rounds at this target. Result was 17 hits.

On the whole the shooting was fairly accurate for men who had never seen the gun fired before. Then a row of 30 head & shoulders were erected at 940 yards & each man was again allowed 10-15 round. The first 3 men fired with the second gun & could get nowhere near the target. On examination the barrel was found absolutely worn. With the original gun more satisfactory was obtained, 7 hits being recorded out of 120 rounds fired. The practice was under the direction of Capt P.R. Whittington. The drill of the crews was bad. Br Gen Tidswell 34^th Bde & Major Rowlandson his Bde Major were present, also Major Locke Bde Major 12^th Bde. After the practice it was decided further crews were to be trained, also 3 officers who were also to make themselves acquainted with all guns on board & command the armament in action. Lieut J.E.B. Jardine, E.F. Evetts J.L.C. Mercer were selected.

1/6^th Battalion – “C” Coy relieved “A” Coy in CRATER “C” & “B” & “A” Coy went to MUD TRENCH. The day was quiet, Enemy again active in evening with heavy TM’s, rifle grenades & bombs 2^nd Lt’s Coppen & Pam both wounded. Enemy made a bombing attack in small numbers but were driven back.

Casualties 6 Killed & 19 wounded.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Camp E H 19 b 3 6.

Training continued.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 13th March 1916

13^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Inter Coy Relief – all quiet.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet day. Aeroplane activity throughout morning. Beautiful day.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 790.

2/4^th Battalion – 1 Company (Strength 5 Officers 125 O.R. marched to KAFR MAHFOUD where they relieved 1 Company of 2/10 Middlesex Regt. Half Company (2 Officers 70 O.R.) marched to FAYOUM; 1 Platoon (2 Off 30 O.R.) proceeded to KOM ABU RADI, & 1 Platoon (1 Officer 30 O.R.) proceeded to KOM SHE SHA in each case to relieve detachments of 2/10 Middlesex Regt.

1/5^th Battalion – The Battn signalling section was taken out to practice work with all the signallers of the Brigade particularly in connection with fire direction messages to the Sussex Battery. Such practice proved most necessary as the signallers had had no previous brigade training whatever.

Work carried on the Bund.

Lt P.F.A. Cocks 3/5^th Queens and 2/Lt  F.C. de L Kirk Norfolk Regt arrived with 23 men of the draft

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion relieved the 7^th East Surrey Regt in the HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT “A” Coy in CRATERS “C” & “B” “D” Coy in WEST FACE & NO 3 CRATER “B” Coy in STICKY & NORTHAMPTON TRENCH. “C” Coy in MUD TRENCH. Relief was complete by 7.55pm. Enemy were active with heavy Trench Mortars Rifle Grenades & Bombs 2^nd Lt Varndell was killed early in the evening & 5 wound. The night was quiet with the exception that enemy sent over occasionally TM’s & Rifle Granades.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record. Reinforcement consisting of 34 N.C.O’s & Men joined the Battalion.

8^th Battalion – Similar working parties; Training of extra Lewis Gunners, Grenadiers, Scouts, Snipers.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 12th March 1916

12^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – TRENCHES AUCHY LEFT.

Bn – to trenches – Relieved K.R.R. 16^th – 4^th Suffolks on left, 2^nd Worcesters on right.

2nd Battalion – BRAY to TRENCHES.

The Battalion relieved the 1^st South Staffs, in the trenches this evening. Trenches almost dry.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 790.

To hospital 10.

To England for Munitions work 1.

Absentee struck off 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – As the telegraph wires had been interfered with just E of the city the C.O.C. decided to arrest all male inhabitants in the groves along the left bank of the river from the city to a

creek 2 miles further down. The cavalry were sent out to line the groves on the land side, the 90^th Punjaubis drove through the groves, & the Samara went down stream to prevent persons crossing the creek at the bottom and the T 4 with Lieut Mountford & 25 rifles in addition to the gun crews cruised up & down the river. 110 prisoners were taken & handed over to the A.P.O. There was no resistance. Heavy thunderstorms started at 5am and continued most of the day.  

1/6^th Battalion – “D” Coy relieved “B” Coy in ALEXANDRA TRENCH & the rest of battalion furnished the usual carrying & working parties.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record. 2 Lieuts F.J. Miller, F.L. Garmon, E.F. Bennett.

8^th Battalion – Similar working parties; Training of extra Lewis Gunners, Grenadiers, Scouts, Snipers.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 11th March 1916

11^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Working parties. BEUVRY shelled – Coy Commanders up to trenches to see the line.

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

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 802.

Discharged 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Work continued daily during the week on the BUND 8am – 12 noon  2pm – 4pm.

Capt L.M. Yetts was appointed to help Major Hamilton the A.P.O. to superintend the construction of a BUND by Arab labour on the right bank of the river for 7 miles above the city & to act as paymaster & for this purpose he goes up daily on the up-river patrolling steamer.

The work on the Bunds being strengthened & widened on the left bank right above the city. The work is to be done by Arab but the Battn in addition to the original supervising party of 1 officer & 50 men is to supply an additional 3 officers & 50 men.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion furnished bomb carrying parties also working parties under R.E. “B” Coy relieved “C” Coy in ALEXANDRA TRENCH.

Casualties 1 Killed 3 wounded.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Working party of 100 on R.S. Line, 48 for work on Bn, section of CANAL LINE.

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

10^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Working parties 350 strong all day.

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

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 803.

From Hospital 2.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion -

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion relieved by 7^th East Surrey Regt “C” Coy remained in the front line & relieved A Coy of 7^th East surrey Regt in ALEXANDRA TRENCH & came under command of O.C. Buffs “A” Coy went to LANCASHIRE TRENCH “D” Coy to RESERVE TRENCH & “B” Coy to RAILWAY RESERVE TRENCH.

Casualties 2 Killed & 5 wounded. Quiet night.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – Camp E. Working party of 48 sent under Bn, arrangements for work on CANAL LINE.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 9th March 1916

9^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – BEUVRY.

Bn moved up to BEUVRY as Bde Reserve.

2nd Battalion – BRAY.

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

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 801.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion -

1/6^th Battalion – “A” Coy relieved “D” Coy in CRATERS enemy again attacked with bombs & trench mortars about 8.25pm & were driven off.

Casualties 3 killed & 18 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record. Captain M. Kemp Welch was attached to 18 DIV STAFF. 2 Lieut T.C. Filby took over duties of A/Adjutant.

8^th Battalion – The Battalion moved to camp E, near OUDERDOM.

A working party of 100 was sent for work on R.S. Line HOOGE Sector.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 8th March 1916

8^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Bn Route March of about 9 miles.

2nd Battalion – TRENCHES to BRAY.

After a quiet day the Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1^st South Staffordshire Regt & proceeded to billets in BRAY. The relief was complete by 9pm.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 801.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion -

1/6^th Battalion – Relieved 7^th East Surrey Regt in HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT. “D” Coy in Craters “A” Coy in WEST FACE “C” Coy in STICKY TRENCH “B” In MUD & NORTHAMPTON TRENCH. Enemy attacked CRATER at 6pm and again at 2am when bombing continued till dawn enemy were driven back

Casualties 4 Killed 40 Wounded Capt Hull wounded, also Lt Rutherford.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 

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

7^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – Very quiet day. Our listening post reported sounds of people walking through water in enemy’s trenches. A member of our wiring party walked towards the German lines opposite 71 Fire Trench & surprised a party of the enemy sitting on their parapet. They threw bombs at him but he returned in safety.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 801.

Wounded 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Capt L.D. Bailey having been appointed sanitary officer had the Camp Bazaar where tea milk etc were being sold by Arabs closed. No medical precautions were being taken as regards the food & drink being sold here.

The appointment of Capt Bailey sanitary officer is the first step to try & obtain sanitary control of the camp to ensure the health of the troops in the hot weather. In addition the soda water factory has been taken over by Lieut Evetts & the ice making plant is being put together by & will be more or less controlled by Lieut Mercer.

1/6^th Battalion – Furnished working parties under R.E. “C” Coy relieved a company of Connaught Rangers in the KINK, enemy blew a mine & C Coy had 15 wounded otherwise quiet.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 6th March 1916

6^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Draft of 47 joined Bn – good quality & up to average.

2nd Battalion – There was the usual trench mortar activity against us, but this was silenced by our 4.5 Howitzers. An officers patrol heard enemy talking in saps opposite MANSEL COPSE.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 802.

Wounded 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Major F.W. Smallpiece + 11 N.C.O’s & men of draft arrived from BASRA. The N.C.O’s & Men were of the 10^th East Surrey Regt & arrived fitted with packs British Greatcoats regular webbing equipment. No information has been received as to whether these men have been transferred to us or attached. From the roll of the draft all are regulars or service Battn men and the terms on which they serve with a Territorial Battn require defining as questions of discipline pay etc must arise shortly. Lieut Montfords party returned without incident.

1/6^th Battalion – Furnished working parties under R.E. Quiet night.

7^th Battalion – A Company moved to HEILLY for work on railway siding.

8^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 5th March 1916

5^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine – Reserve line of Pailly La BOURSE examined by C.O & Coy Commanders in view of occupying them in case of hostile attack.

2nd Battalion – Day passed fairly quietly: except for a few trench mortar bombs which fell near 72 Fire Trench. A patrol of ours heard enemy pumping water from their trenches which points to their trenches being in as bad condition as our own.

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 803.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Church Parade at 10.0 o’cl. Work was continued at 1 till 4 on Sunday. Lieut Mountford & 20 Rifles went down the river on the T 1 with the C.O.C. 12^th Bde.

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

Battalion relieved the 11^th Middlesex Regt in reserve ‘A’ Coy in RAILWAY RESERVE “D” Coy BREWERY & C & B in LANCASHIRE TRENCH. Snowing, Quiet night.

7^th Battalion – In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 5^th 6^th 7^th 8^th) Remained in billets POPERINGHE. Working parties of 100 were supplied each night, for work on CANAL LINE. Parties entrained at POP, at 6.30pm & returned by train from ASYLUM YPRES, at 1.30am.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 4th March 1916

4^th March 1916–

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

2nd Battalion – BRAY to the TRENCHES.

The Battalion relieved the 1^st South Staffordshire Regt in the trenches in B2 Sub-Sector. Relief was quiet & was complete by 9.25pm

Officers 31.    Other Ranks 803.

Transferred 4.

Reinforcement 2/Lt E.S. Bingham.

To Hospital 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The Battn strong as possible started to construct a “bund” along the left bank of the river in front of 12^th Bde H.Q. & its own camp. Working pay is to be allowed for this work. Hours of work 8.- 12.  2.- 4..

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

7^th Battalion – LA NEUVILLE DE CORBIE.

In billets nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – 4.30am The Bn, moved into billets in POPERINGHE. Bn H.Q was at 17 RUE d’YPRES.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 3rd March 1916

3^rd March 1916 –

1st Battalion – Ordinary Routine.

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

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 806.

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

7^th Battalion – C Company moved by rail to LONGPRE, with a further detachment at FREMONT, for the purpose of finding working parties. Battalion less B & C Companies moved to CORBIE & went into billets in LA NEUVILLE DE CORBIE. Brigade Hd Qrs moved to ST GRATIEN.

8^th Battalion – POPERINGHE.

This Bn, was relieved at BELGIAN CHATEAU by 9^th R.Sussex Regt. The whole Bn, was out as a working party on R S. Line & G.H.Q 2^nd line & entrained at 3am 4^th March at ASYLUM.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 2nd March 1916

2^nd March 1916 –

1st Battalion – BETHUNE.

Cleaning up in billets.

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

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 806.

Transferred 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Classes in loading camels were started & are to be continued on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays the days on which the Battalion is not engaged on garrison fatigue work.

Helmets, Trousers, Boots etc arrived.

All were badly required.

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

7^th Battalion – BUIRE-SUR-L’ANCRE.

B Company moved to HEILLY on detachment. Orders received that Battalion was to move back to new Divisional area in and N of CORBIE. The Divisional having been transferred to XIII^th  Corps 4^th, Major F.B.B. Pickard returned off leave & assumed command.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 1st March 1916

1^st March 1916 –

1st Battalion – Relieved by 1/5 Scottish –

2 Wounded.

2nd Battalion – BRAY.

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

Officers 30.    Other Ranks 807.

To Hospital 6.

Discharged 1.

2/4^th Battalion – EL AZAB FAYOUM EGYPT.

The Battalion remains under canvas with the 160^th Brigade. Col F.D. Watney returned from Hospital & assumed command.

1/5^th Battalion – NASARIYEH.

The C.O. accompanied Gen Brooking 12^th Bde Gen Tidswell 34^th Bde and Gen Ottley Shore, asst, chief of staff to Sir Percy Lake on a reconnaissance on the T 1 up the river.

A further consignment of comforts arrived from the Ladies of Bombay.

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

7^th Battalion – SUB-SECTOR E 1 BECOURT.

The Battalion was relieved by 15^th Bn H.L.I. & returned to billets at BUIRE-SUR-L’ANCRE. No casualties during this period of duty in the trenches. The health of the Battalion was very good in spite of very bad weather.

8^th Battalion – BELGIAN CHATEAU.

1^st, 2^nd ) The Battalion remained at the BELGIAN CHATEAU DUGOUTS. Lately, these have been heavily shelled by the enemy & other Bn’s have suffered several casualties.

Working parties of 300 have been found nightly for work on CANAL LINE.