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2/4^th Battalion – 27^th to 30^th March – Detachment at FAYOUM was withdrawn by Brigade Order & returned to camp.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.