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).