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

30^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Fairly quiet day. We bombarded enemy front line successfully with 18 pounders in afternoon. Mine exploded just on our right in R.W.F. craters at 4.10pm. Enemy strafed heavily with L.H.V. shells, T.M’s & rifle grenades from 11 to 11.30pm.

Casualties 1 wounded. Draft of 13 other ranks arrived today.

L.M. Crofts Lt Col

Cmdg 1/Queen’s.

2nd Battalion – “Y1” day. Bn packed up ready to move off at 11-15pm to assembly trenches.

Officers 43.    Other Ranks 969.

F.C. Longbourne.

Comdg, 2^nd Queen’s.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Corpl Crundwell & Pte Pritchard left for Basra en route for England to join cadet units for training for commissions.

Lieut Stoop & a party embarked on T 1 to go down river to HAKIKA marking out the graves of those who fell in actions preceding capture of NASARIYEH.

Strength of Battn 26 Officers 1060 Other Ranks.

In NASARIYEH 55 Officers 1004 Other Ranks.

W.P. Spens

Lt & Adjt  1/5 Queen’s.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets till 8.30pm when we marched to BRESLE by the AMIENS-ALBERT road arrived at 11pm. one man fell out.

H.F. Warden

Lt Colonel.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Billets – Killed G/10239 Pte F.Smith.

Trenches occupied 103-112 – Bde on or right 123^rd I.B.Battn on left 21 K.R.R.

In the Field     

R.Oakley Lieut Colonel

Commdg 10 Queens.

11^th Battalion –

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

29^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Quiet day. Cleaning up trenches after rain. In evening relieved 16^th K.R.R. in CUINCHY LEFT. New deep dug-outs occupied as Btn, Hd, Qrs, in VILLAGE LINE. Some T.M. activity in evening.

1 Wounded.

2nd Battalion – “X1” day. Company parades in morning. Weather fine but windy. Coy football matches. Bn concert in evening.

Officers 43.    Other Ranks 969.

1 Wounded.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – As diarrhoea in various parts was still prevalent the M.O. decided to stop the drinking of lime juice sold by the contractor to see if this would stop it at all.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – 29^th – 30^th The Bn remained in Divl Reserve.

W.R.G. Bye Capt & Adjt

8^th Queen’s.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Died of wounds No G/9423 Pte Greenway. Wounded G/10093 Sergt S.Harding; G/10004 Sergt T.H.Howitt; G/9547 Cpl A.Beech; G/10109 L.Cpl F.F.W.Bradshaw; G/9975 Pte G.Lee; G/10310 Pte E.Taylor:

11^th Battalion – Commanding Officer, Second in Command, 2 Company Commanders and 8 Platoon Commanders proceeded to new sector of trenches.

Total Casualties for month of June.

3 Officers Wounded, O.R. 16 Killed & 33 Wounded.

H.B. Burnaby Lt Col. 

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

28^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – General work on trenches. Wet day. No casualties. A mine exploded between MIDNIGHT & IPSWICH craters by enemy.

2nd Battalion – “Y” day. Bn, packing up ready to move off to assembly trenches. Holy Communion service at 2 pm for officers & men. Conference of Coy. Commanders with C.O. at 3 pm. Orders read at 3.15 pm to “stand by”. Very wet.

Officers 43.    Other Ranks 970.

2/Lt Weare Knight, Browning, Rutter Ward joined.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Capt Pulford Military Governor died of cholera. B coy under Capt P.R. Whittington provided firing & bearer parties.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion have moved to BRESIE tonight, but order was cancelled. The following officers joined the battalion for duty, 2/Lieut W.R.H. Wright from 3^rd Bn, 2/Lieuts G.S.M. Norrie, A.E. Wooldridge, A.E.S. Ommanney from “The Buffs” Regt for duty. The Battalion remained in billets.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion –11.21 pm (zero time) a party of 70 of the 8^th Queen’s, trained by Major H.J.C. Peirs, D.S.O. made a raid on the German trenches at N 36 d 2 8 ½. The party was divided into 4 squads under 2/Lt Hoole,  2/Lt Tollemache, 2/Lt Lane-Nichols, 2/Lt Reynolds.

Gas & smoke were used in connection with this raid.

It was very successful, 6 Germans were taken prisoner and at a low estimate 24 of the enemy were accounted for inside their dugouts.

The party returned to our trenches intact, one N.C.O being rather badly wounded Major H.J.C. Peirs, o.C Raiding Party, received telegrams of congratulation from the Corps, Divisional & Bde Commanders.

Bde Orders & other secret documents with respect to the raid are attached as Appendices.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Accidently wounded No 6810 Pte T.N. Palmer.

11^th Battalion – Commanding Officer and 4 Coy Commanders, proceeded to reconnoitre new trenches near PLOEGSTEERT to be taken up by the battalion in a short time. No notification of date yet received.

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

27^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Quiet day; no casualties. We exploded 2 mines between 11pm & 12 midnight & 9^th H.L.I. carried out very successful raid in Cuinchy Right, bringing in 46 prisoners & 2 Machine Guns.

2nd Battalion – Heavy bombardment. Two platoons of “C” Coy under Capt J.B. Hayes, 2/Lt K.A. Brown Lieut T.V. Chapman proceeded to take over our assembly trenches. “X” day.

Officers 38.    Other Ranks 970.

4 from Hosp.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Pte Rice D Coy died of cholera and was buried at 6.30 pm.

1/6^th Battalion – FRECHENCOURT.

Battalion received orders to proceed to FRECHENCOURT. The Battn left NAOURS at 5.30 pm & arrived in FRECHENCOURT at 9.40 pm 5 men fell out on the line of the march. The Division is now in Corps Reserve for orders issued with reference to the forthcoming operations. See Appendix 1. 2 Lieut Maisey A.G. joined the Battalion for duty.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – On the night of the 27^th the Bn found carrying parties of 372 and a truck pushing party of 40, to carry gas cylinders to the front line trenches C3, C4 & D4.

10^th Battalion – Billets.

11^th Battalion –

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

26^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – All quiet. 1 man accidentally wounded. Mine exploded near MIDNIGHT crater & 3 men wounded in bombardment afterwards. 2/Lt Gurrey promoted Tempoary Captain with effect from 15^th inst.

2nd Battalion – Heavy bombardment all day. Companies training. Rain in the evening. “W” day.

Officers 38.    Other Ranks 966.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – At 6.30 am Lt Col Dunsford commanding 12^th Bde inspected the Battn at loading up etc. Loads were laid out ready at 6.30 am & the Battn had loaded and fallen in ready to move at 7.10 am. The short distance on broken ground & found the camels very difficult.

Surgeon General T.J. O’Donnell D.M.S. Indian Army inspected the lines of the Battn at 6 pm.

Pte Strachey B Coy stepped into the river whilst washing & was drowned.

8 pm A further test of Very lights was made men singly, in groups it being placed over a section of ground from 50 to 250 yards away and a number of lights were fired. Nothing was visible beyond 150 yards.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets & continued training. Capt Clerk R.M. rejoined the Battalion.

7^th Battalion – Incessant bombardment continued – Enemy shelled BRAY with 5 rounds H.E. shrapnel, two of which exploded, (doing no damage to regiment) at 2 pm. 2 Lt T.C. Filby evacuated to England sick.

8^th Battalion – Training of Machine Gunners was continued.

10^th Battalion – Wounded with working parties No G/7712 Pte Belsham.G.P.; G/10367 Pte H. Blout.

11^th Battalion – Working parties continue to be found N.E Corner of PLOEGSTEERT WOOD.

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

25^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – VILLAGE LINE.

Considerable activity by our artillery all day, otherwise quiet. Were relieved in evening by 16^th K.R.R. & went into VILLAGE LINE and the Heeps.

2nd Battalion – Commencement of Heavy bombardment. Intense at 10am. 3pm & during the night. Battn practised the attack. Church parade 2.15 pm. Very busy making preparations for the attack.

Officers 38.    Other Ranks 966.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – After Parade Service the C.O. presented the officers N.C.O’s & men with Princess Mary’s Christmas Gifts for 1914.

The Bibles & prayer books to which the troops were entitled on arrival in India also arrived & were distributed.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion attended a Brigade Church Parade Lt Davidson proceeded to England for Special Appointment.

7^th Battalion – Incessant bombardment continued. Weather conditions very favourable - 

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Quiet - Wounded G/6815 Private S. Faulkner.

11^th Battalion – 

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

24^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Our artillery cut enemy wire in afternoon & our heavy T.M.’s did same thing in evening. Enemy retaliated strongly.

Casualties 2 wounded.

2nd Battalion – Fairly heavy artillery registration by our gunners.

Officers 38.    Other Ranks 966.

1 from Hosp.

9 to Hosp.

2/Lt J.A. Tandy Joins.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The Battn took over the Turkish Prisoners Camp Guard & Bridge Guard making the duties up to 158 every night. Both duties for one week only.

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

7^th Battalion – Bombardment of Enemies works continued incessantly over Bde Front.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – BILLETS.

Billets – Wounded 6891 Pte Kenton W.C.

11^th Battalion – 8.35 pm Very quiet during the day – At about 8.35 pm enemy bombarded trenches 97 and 98 with 30 or 40 minenwerfers aerial torpedoes and many rifle grenades demolishing trench 98 and the Observation Post on MONMOUTH HOUSE.

Several men were buried in the debris, but were dug out by vigorous work under heavy fire – all alive. Relief, which was about to take place, was a little demoralized and relief was not reported complete until 2.20 am ¾ 25^th ‘D’ Company remained in GLASGOW REDOUBT until the morning to give additional support to the Royal West Kent, in case of attack. However all proved quiet, and ‘D’ Coy returned to billets at about 6 am. During the bombardment our artillery retaliated for 25 minutes on the enemy trenches. This may have been in retaliation against trench 98, which the previous night had opened rapid fire at a point where an enemy wiring party had been reported by our patrol, assisted by a machine gun. As a result several shouts & some confusion was heard, but no German dead were discovered by a patrol which was sent out immediately afterwards.

The casualties during this bombardment were 8 killed & 5 wounded and 1 man accidentally.

Capt Kelly, 2 Lt J.B. Smith, Pte A.H. Lester were noted for good and cool work.

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

24^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Our artillery cut enemy wire in afternoon & our heavy T.M.’s did same thing in evening. Enemy retaliated strongly.

Casualties 2 wounded.

2nd Battalion – Fairly heavy artillery registration by our gunners.

Officers 38.    Other Ranks 966.

1 from Hosp.

9 to Hosp.

2/Lt J.A. Tandy Joins.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The Battn took over the Turkish Prisoners Camp Guard & Bridge Guard making the duties up to 158 every night. Both duties for one week only.

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

7^th Battalion – Bombardment of Enemies works continued incessantly over Bde Front.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – BILLETS.

Billets – Wounded 6891 Pte Kenton W.C.

11^th Battalion – 8.35 pm Very quiet during the day – At about 8.35 pm enemy bombarded trenches 97 and 98 with 30 or 40 minenwerfers aerial torpedoes and many rifle grenades demolishing trench 98 and the Observation Post on MONMOUTH HOUSE.

Several men were buried in the debris, but were dug out by vigorous work under heavy fire – all alive. Relief, which was about to take place, was a little demoralized and relief was not reported

complete until 2.20 am ¾ 25^th ‘D’ Company remained in GLASGOW REDOUBT until the morning to give additional support to the Royal West Kent, in case of attack. However all proved quiet, and ‘D’ Coy returned to billets at about 6 am. During the bombardment our artillery retaliated for 25 minutes on the enemy trenches. This may have been in retaliation against trench 98, which the previous night had opened rapid fire at a point where an enemy wiring party had been reported by our patrol, assisted by a machine gun. As a result several shouts & some confusion was heard, but no German dead were discovered by a patrol which was sent out immediately afterwards.

The casualties during this bombardment were 8 killed & 5 wounded and 1 man accidentally.

Capt Kelly, 2 Lt J.B. Smith, Pte A.H. Lester were noted for good and cool work.

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

22^nd June 1916 –

1st Battalion – We exploded mine in R.W.F. craters at 9.30 pm. Enemy exploded very large mine at DUCK’S BILL (GIVENCHY), & shelled our reserve positions & canal bank with heavy shells. Some T.M. activity.

Casualties, 9 wounded (1 died of wounds) Lt H.P. Foster promoted temporary Captain with effect from 11^th inst.

2nd Battalion – Ammunition, carrying parties found.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 974.

Draft of 4.

2/Lt Howell joins.

2/4^th Battalion – 22^nd – 30^th June.

One Company moved out to front line at KATOOBA 1 & was attached to 2/4 R.W. Kent Regt.

One Company joined Battalion from MOASCAR, being relieved by Company from 158^th Bde.

Work at RAILHEAD consists in making & repairing Field works for local defence of the Camp & of providing numerous picquets, guards & fatigues. Practically no time is available for training purposes, beyond that of specialists, such as Lewis Gunners, Signallers, & c. whose training is being continued.

Strength. During the past month the Battalion has been reinforced by 3 Officers & 62 O.R. It has been diminished by 3 Officers 41 O.R. Present strength is 30 Officers 845 O.R.

Health. On the whole good. Average amount of sickness daily approximately 3% The majority of cases are due to heat, diarrhoea, & septic cuts. Inoculation & vaccination are now being proceeded with.

Weather. Hot days with cool nights & much heavy dew. Working hours except on matters of urgency are confined to before 0900 & after 1700.

F.D. Watney.

Colonel Commdg.

1/5^th Battalion – The whole Battn less hutbuilders, musketry etc were turned out to fill in trenches to enable the preparation of camp sites.

6.30 Pt Hooper was buried.

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

7^th Battalion – Capt H.L. Martin rejoined the battalion and took over command of “B” Company. German lines bombarded.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Trenches – Wounded 9771 Pte F.F. Shaddick; 7649 Pte E. Powell.

11^th Battalion – Quiet – 2 men wounded. A few torpedoes sent over without any damage.

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

21^st June 1916 –

1st Battalion – CUINCHY LEFT.

Usual work on trenches. 50 men on carrying parties. Relieved 16^th K.R.R. in CUINCHY LEFT in evening.

2nd Battalion – Two Companies sent to GROUTOWN for 24 hour fatigue under orders of Heavy Artillery. Remainder of battalion training.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 967.

2/4^th Battalion – One Company came in from BENCH MARK & RIDGE POST (being relieved by one Company 1/4 R. Sussex Regt) & joined battalion at RAILHEAD.

1/5^th Battalion – 4063 Pt W Hooper died of cholera.

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

7^th Battalion – 2/Lt P.R. Woollatt, 2/Lt F.L. Gammon and 2/Lt G. Whittett proceeded to 18 Div School on course of instruction.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Trenches – Killed No 9837 L.Cpl C. Morris; 10170 Pte H. Spence;

Wounded – 9873 Pte S.P. Clarke.

11^th Battalion – Wiring and grass-cutting continued under cover of darkness. 2 men slightly wounded.

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

20^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Baths for remainder of battalion. 100 men on carrying parties.

2nd Battalion – Every available man on ammunition fatigue.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 967.

2/4^th Battalion – Two Companies moved out to Railhead to relieve two Companies of 1/4^th R. Sussex Regt.

1/5^th Battalion – 2361 Pte F.J. Payne B Coy & machine gunner having died of cholera on the 17^th inst was buried at 6.30 am.

All available N.C.O’s & men not in musketry on practicing loading were put at Lieut Mountford’s disposal to move the huts of the 1/2  Sussex Battery across the river for occupation by the 1/2  Kent Battery who have arrived to relieve the former. Owing to the manner in which the huts had been built this proves very difficult.

The Battn is to be inoculated for cholera, a start was made with B Coy at 5pm & one Coy will be done daily. 

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion went for route march through FLESSELLES – TALMAS & back to billets, no men fell out on the march Lt Rawlinson left Battn to join the Machine Gun Corps.

7^th Battalion – Lieut V. Hook 625 Sgt Smallbones C.G. & L/Cpl Rowe P. Mentioned in despatches by Gen Sir Haig d/15/6/16.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – In the trenches.

11^th Battalion – Slightly increased activity in artillery and sniping. Nothing to report.

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

19^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Baths at ANNEQUIN NORTH for half the battalion. 50 men on carrying parties.

2nd Battalion – Every available man on ammunition fatigue.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 967.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – A small range 200 yds having been constructed between the Old and New Bunds by No.8 Post, A Coy started to give some range practice to the bad shots who had been sent out to the Battn in the drafts, 248 N.C.O’s & men were returned by O.C. Companies as having had so little instruction in England as to require the most elementary range practices. 10 boxes of S.A.A. have been authorised for this purpose.

Practise in loading transport mules & camels was started as a number of the drafts had of course had no experience.

4994 Pte Taylor D Coy died of enteritis & was buried at 6.15 pm. Lieut Ardagh, 2 Sergts, 1 corpl, 30 ptes, 1 cook, 1 sweeper, 1 bhesti was attached to the 12^th Bde M.G. Coy & moved out to camp W of 90^th Punjabis. To equip; the Battn had to give them 4 160 lb tents, 2 80 lb tents, 4 packals etc.

As the equipment allowed is only just sufficient for the Battn to part with so much for 34 men would be very serious if the Battn were ordered to move. The whole position is very puzzling as the N.C.O’s & men are only attached to the Coy for training rations & accommodation. For equipment they remain under their own C.O. Question of discipline not decided. Question of F.S. strength of Battn is also affected as also all tables of tentage it allowed to a Battn. 

The N.C.O’s & men found by the Battn as to be trained in big guns was increased by 6 & a further 18 were ordered to be held in readiness making a total of

5” gun crew

10 B Coy.

15” gun crew

18 D Coy.

18 A Coy.

Total 46

5.30 pm A draft of 2 Sergts, 2 L/c  & 47 ptes arrived from 3/5^th Queen’s.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion practised the attack at FLESSELLES & returned to billets.

7^th Battalion – Nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The 2 last  named Officers were buried at the British Cemetery, BAILLEUL at 2pm. The funeral was attended by some Officers of the Bn.

The Bn moved into Divl Reserve at DRANOUTRE.

19^th – 25^th DIVL RESERVE DRANOUTRE.

Training was continued. 40 other ranks were trained at Bde Grenade School and 26 Other Ranks were trained in the Lewis Gun by the Bn M.G.O.

The following Officers are temporarily in command of Coys :-

A Coy – 2/Lt D.W. Lane-Nicholls vice Capt C.H. Woollatt (to England).

B Coy – 2/Lt J.L. Hopgood vice Capt C.A.R. Barry (to Hospital).

C Coy – 2/Lt J.M. Clark - vice Capt R.H. Rowland (to England).

D Coy – Lt G.A. Penrose - vice Capt G.F. Clayton (to England).

On the night of the 25^th the Bn found carrying parties of 342 and a truck pushing party of 40 men. The carrying parties were engaged in carrying gas cylinders (114) to the front line trenches C4, D1 & D2.

 

10^th Battalion – In the trenches.

11^th Battalion – Sniping increased a good deal, and enemy’s artillery appear more active.

Casualties 3 killed 1 wounded.

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

18^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – General work on communication trenches. 100 men on carrying parties.

2nd Battalion – BOIS DES TAILLIES.

Three quarters of Bn, on fatigue, carrying up Trench Mortar & Heavy Artillery Ammunition from Rail to Batteries.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 967.

5 to Hosp.

Draft of 29.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Trinity Sunday Church Parade 6am.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets voluntary church parade.

7^th Battalion – Enemy shelled BRONFAY FARM and road about 8am with H.E. Shrapnel. No casualties. Draft of 57 O.R. reinforcements arrived – 2/Lt T.C. Filby evacuated to hospital, sick. 2/Lt G.S. Dandridge and 2/Lt F.L. Bennett rejoined from Divisional School.

8^th Battalion – The Bn was relieved by the 8^th R.W. Kent regt. Relief complete at 2am 19^th.

10^th Battalion – Trenches 103 to 112. Wounded Captain J.T. Bretherton; 2/Lieut F.R. Hoggett; No 6985 Pte H. Critcher; 10175 Pte R. Taylor; 9867 Pte C. Goad.

Gas was let off in enemy lines about 11.40 pm, but owing to the variable wind then blowing it drifted back over the German lines.

11^th Battalion – Quiet – casualties 1 killed and 1 wounded (accidental)

During the night, all the enemy’s wire opposite our trenches was examined. Wiring parties are now sent out nightly, and grass cutting parties outside our parapet 15 yards in depth commencing from 5 yards outside our wire. Rendered difficult by numerous tins which have been thrown into NO MANS LAND.

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

17^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – VILLAGE LINE.

At 2 am our artillery heavily bombarded Brickstacks; enemy retaliated strongly, centre company coming in for part of it. Relieved by 16^th K.R.R. in evening & went into reserve in VILLAGE LINE and Heeps – No casualties.

The AUCHY & half CUINCHY sectors amalgamated today & named CUINCHY Sector.

2nd Battalion – Battalion marched to huts in BOIS DES TAILLIES, about 3 Kilometres S of BRAY & relieved 22^nd Manchesters. Immediately on arrival in camp, 300 men sent on fatigue to carry T.M. ammunition to front line. Major F.W. Woodward posted as 2^nd in command & then re-posted as 2^nd in Command of 22^nd Manchester Regt.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 943.

1 to Base.

2 from Base.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – 6.15 am Gen Walter A.G. I.A.H.Q. inspected the lines of the Battn.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets The C.O., O.C. Coys & Adj went by motor bus to ALBERT to view British line.

7^th Battalion – Lt F. Travers appointed adjutant dated 22/5/16. Enemy fired several H.E. Shrapnel shells on road near BRONFAY FARM at 9.30 pm causing several casualties to men and horses on transport duty. No casualties to Batt. 

8^th Battalion – The Enemy made a gas attack against the 72^nd & 73^rd Bde fronts. It lasted from 12.20 am – 1.45 am. The Enemy did not leave his trenches. The 8^th Queen’s Bn lost – 5 Officers and 78 Other Ranks as casualties.

The Officer Casualties were – Capt G.F. Clayton, Capt R.H. Rowland and 2/Lt E.F. Sanders (wounded – gas poisoning), 2/Lt A.F.M. Grant and 2/Lt H.M.N. Chatterton (killed – gas effects).

10^th Battalion – Trenches 103 to 112.

11^th Battalion – 12 midnight Relief of front line trenches completed. Casualties 2 men wounded, 1 accidentally on working parties.

During the course of the day, some shells fell in GLASGOW REDOUBT and several torpedoes, but with little success.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 16th June1916

16^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Considerable T.M. acivity all day; “Minnie” active. 1 O.P. knocked out.

Casualties, 9 wounded (1 died of wounds).

2nd Battalion – Shouting Drill for Junior officers. Physical Training. Musketry. Bayonet Fighting. Wiring.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 942.

1 from Hosp.

B.H. Hayes joins T.M. Battery.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – 3 officers arrived from the Base 2/Lieuts Bell, Morris, Smart, all from 3/5^th Queen’s. They had been kept 3 weeks at base before being able to get up.

4.30pm A machine gun & 4 ptes went on the G.O.C’s launch out on the flood water N of One Tree Post & fired at two villages which had been sniping the Post during the last two evenings. They fired 1024 rounds. They estimated they inflicted some loss.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion entrained at LILLERS at 6.51am and detrain at LONGUEAU from thence marched to NAOURS arriving at 11.30pm. The Division is now in Fourth Army, Third Corps.

7^th Battalion – BRONFAY FARM.

Promulgation of proceedings of F G C M on No 551 Sgt Percival A.G. reduced to the ranks – 7^th Batt The Buffs relieved the Batt in A2 Subsector. Relief complete 4.30pm. Total casualties during the time in trenches 4 wounded – Batt: H.Q. and one Coy returned to BRONFAY FARM. Three Coys returned to BULLON WOOD.

8^th Battalion – 

10^th Battalion –

11^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 15th June1916

15^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Quiet day; a few 5.9” shells. 1 killed Capt Godfrey proceeded to Etaples on 2 months course of training recruits; 2/Lt P. Gurrey took over command of C. Coy

2nd Battalion – Shouting Drill for Junior officers. Physical Training. Company Drill. Laying out Trenches.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 941.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion inspected by the Brigadier General received order to move by train early tomorrow.

7^th Battalion – Nothing to report. Time Advanced midnight 14 – 15 by 60 minutes -

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Reserve billets.

11^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 14th June1916

14^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Slight rifle grenade & T.M. activity all day. M.G’s very active at night. 1 Wounded (died of wounds). At 1.30 am we carried out brief bombardment with rifle grenades & T.M’s.

2nd Battalion – Shouting Drill for Junior officers. Physical Training. Company Attack over a distance of 200 yds on a 300 yds front. Lectures by Platoon Commanders. Capt W. Hayes joined the Battalion & assumed duties of 2^nd in Command.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 941.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – A start was made with the training of Battn in bomb throwing, the scouts & 1 platoon per company were selected. Great difficulty was experienced with material.

7.45 pm The Very pistols 7 lights in charge were tested, all units of the Brigade sending representations to assemble at E bastion of fort.

The N.C.O’s & men isolated for cholera were returned to duty no fresh case has arisen.

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

7^th Battalion – F G C M assembled at BRAY to try the case of Sgt A.G. Percival, accused of when on active service, DRUNKENESS.

8^th Battalion – 14^th - 16^th.

These days passed quietly generally. There was no heavy shelling on our front. Enemy M.Guns were fairly active during the nights.

10^th Battalion – Reserve billets.

11^th Battalion – 11 pm Time put forward 1 hour – henceforth all time will be British Summer Time.

13th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – AUCHY LEFT.
Preparing for trenches. 180 men on fatigue. At 9-30 pm relieved 16th K.R.R. In AUNCHY LEFT sector.
2nd Battalion – Work carried out by Battalion. Morning. Gas Helmet inspection. Squad Drill, Extended Order Drill, Musketry, Lectures. Afternoon. A & B Coys Trench Attack, C & D Coys Wiring.
Officers 36.    Other Ranks 941.
2/4th Battalion –
1/5th Battalion –
1/6th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets & continued training.
7th Battalion – At 11.40 am Enemy opened a heavy bombardment on battalions right. Whole of Subsector A2 also shelled. Our artillery replied immediately. Batt suffered no casualties. Bombardment continued till 12.50 am. Enemy shells fired included many 7.7 cm. 2/Lt J.S. Walter Posted to A coy as 2nd in command from D Coy.
8th Battalion –
10th Battalion – Reserve billets.
11th Battalion – LE BIZET.
Every available man on working parties.
Casualties 2 men wounded.

12th June 1916 –
1st Battalion – Ordinary routine. 300 men on fatigue during day – C.O. & commanders reconnoitred trenches in “Auchy Left” subsection in morning.
2nd Battalion – BONNAY.
Battalion in training, including Musketry, Bayonet fighting, Gas Helmet Drill, Lectures.
Officers 36.    Other Ranks 941.
2/4th Battalion –
1/5th Battalion – WHITMONDAY. Whole holiday Regimental sports held in the afternoon.
1/6th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets & continued training.
7th Battalion – SUB SECTOR A/2.
A quiet day and night.
8th Battalion –
10th Battalion – Reserve billets.
11th Battalion – 

11th June 1916 –
1st Battalion – Church parade in morning. 210 men on working parties.
2/Lt H.P. Foster took over command of A Coy vice 2/Lt (Temp Capt) O.S. Flinn.
2nd Battalion – Marched to BONNAY, small village, 3 kilometres W, of CORBIE; relieving 2nd Gordons. Billets comfortable, but rather crowded. Major Allardice (2nd in command) appointed to command 13th Northumberland Fusiliers.
Officers 36.    O.R. 941.
Draft of 8.
2/4th Battalion –
1/5th Battalion – WHITSUNDAY. Parade service 8am Lieut A.E. Clark Kennedy & 22 N.C.O’s & men of C Coy proceeded down river to the site of battle of NASARIYAH where they relieved the remains of British casualties.
1/6th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets & attended Brigade Church Parade.
7th Battalion – Batt relieved the 8th Norfolk Regt in Subsector A2 by daylight – 8th E. Surrey Regt holding 3.Sec.A1 on the Battalions right – Enemy fired several shells at sundown onto PERONNE Rd near LAPREE WOOD.
Casualty 1 O.R. wounded rifle bullet.
8th Battalion –
10th Battalion – Reserve billets.
11th Battalion – 11.30pm very quiet day. Nothing to report. Battalion was relieved by the 10th Bn Royal West Kent Regiment.

10th June 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Ordinary routine; 180 men on fatigue during the day.
2nd Battalion – Weather clearing up. Usual fatigues.
Officers 37.    Other Ranks 933.
2/4th Battalion – 
1/5th Battalion – 8.15pm Lieut E.W. Mountford & 30 N.C.O’s & men proceeded down river to try & surprise some smuggling they returned unsuccessfully at 11.45pm. A garrison concert was held in the Battn lines.
1/6th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets & continued training.
7th Battalion – BRONFAY FARM.
All Coys on fatigue for R.E. 1 O.R. wounded rifle bullet. Lieut A.J. Haggard rejoined the Batt from M.G. course.
8th Battalion – 
10th Battalion – Trenches - Quiet
11th Battalion – 4.30pm The enemy bombarded GLASGOW REDOUBT with Ariel torpedoes and 16 pounders in retaliation for an intense bombardment of a work they were completing opposite 124th Infy Brigade.
Casualties – Capt C.J.Hogan slightly wounded. O.R. 1 killed and 3 wounded. At 12 midnight 10/11th June a patrol of 3 men under Lieut Milne and 1 officer and 2 men of the Australian tunnelling company crossed to the RED HOUSE where it was supposed that tunnelling operations were in progress. It was found to be unguarded and was blown up with 50 lbs of ammonal.

9th June 1916 – 

1st Battalion – BEUVRY.
Had baths all day at Ecole des Jeunes Filles. In evening, marched to billets at BEUVRY, relieved 16th K.R.R. Lt G.A. Pilleau & 2/Lt H.P. Foster joined the battalion today, bringing officers strength up to 38, including M.O.
2nd Battalion – Weather clearing up. Usual fatigues.
Officers 37.    Other Ranks 933.
5 to Hosp.
2/4th Battalion – 
1/5th Battalion – 22 N.C.O’s & men had to be detailed to be taught to work the 5 pr & 15 pr guns on charge of the BOMBAY Volunteer Battery, their personal not being sufficient.
1/6th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets & continued training.
7th Battalion – Battalion entrained at PICQUIGNY for MERICOURT at 1pm arrived MERICOURT 3pm and marched to BOIS DE TAILLES, halted for tea, proceeding at 7.40 to BRONFAY FARM. Batt relieved 8th Suffolk Regt & billeted one Coy Hd Qrs Bronfray Farm and three Coys in BILLON Wood, taking over position of Batt in 53rd Bde Reserve. Relief complete by 12 M.N. 2/Lt R.C. Herbert admitted to hospital – sick -
8th Battalion – 
10th Battalion – Trenches Killed G/9430 Sergt J. Lennard; G/10017 L Cpl J.T. Moore: 
11th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 8th June1916

8^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Training carried on as usual. Twenty six recommendations for the Military Medal submitted, taken from N.C.O’s & men who had been longest in the country.

2nd Battalion – GRANTOWN.

Very wet & windy. Battalion finding usual mining & other fatigues. Half Bn, during the day & other half at night.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 938.

1 Wounded.

1 To M.G. Coy.

2/4^th Battalion – One Company moved to MOASCAR to relieve Company of 2^nd B.W.I.R. This Company engaged in providing guards & fatigues.

1/5^th Battalion – Capt P.R. Whittington was succeeded by Capt Craig 43^rd Erinpura Regt as O.C. 12^th Bde Machine Gun Company. A reserve section under Lieut Campion was formed & this had also to be put at the disposal of the Machine Gun Coy commander.

Orders were received that in future indents in duplicate according to the different sections are to be submitted to D.A.D.O.S. Today for weekly ordnance indents instead of one indent as heretofore being submitted 6 had to be submitted. The result is much clerical labour extra & also a great expenditure of forms which could hardly be replaced if Battn were on the move.

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

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – Capt R.S. Le Bas left for CLARE COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE for instruction in work of staff. Captain – 2/Lt F.L. Gammon returned off leave.

10^th Battalion – Trenches – no casualties.

11^th Battalion – nothing worthy of report. Usual sniping carried out throughout day & night.

Casualties 2 slightly wounded.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 7th June1916

7^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Ordinary routine. All officers visited model of German trenches opposite Divisional front in Bethune.

2nd Battalion – The Battalion was relieved by the 1^st S. Staffs in the afternoon, marching our by companies to GRANTOWN. Half the Bn, sent on fatigue during the night.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 940.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – N.C.O’s & men of the hut in which the private above referred to was were isolated in two huts N of the lines.

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

7^th Battalion – Battalion Training

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – In trenches the following were killed or wounded – Killed G/6946 Pte Ireson, H; Wounded - L/11132 Pte E. Eckersley; G/10340 L.C. (Pte) Truett,J; 7501 Pte E.H. Philo; L/11227 Pte E. Rogers, G/10187 Pte A.W. Jones;  G/10210 L Cpl G. Barker; G/10264 Pte C.A Mellett:

11^th Battalion – Quiet. About 20 shells were fired into DESPIERRE FARM.

Casualties 1 killed & 1 wounded.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 6th June1916

6^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Ordinary routine. 2/Lt C.G.C Thrupp & W.C. Butterworth joined today & posted to A and C Coys respectively.

2nd Battalion – Another heavy bombardment last night on our left. The enemy on our front were very quiet so probably they were wiring. At 11.45 pm we concentrated combined artillery on their front line & wire in the hopes of catching them. Today they have been exceptionally quiet on our front.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 940.

1 Attached for trench instruction. 1 to 4^th Army School.

Very quiet again last night. We worried them with Rifle Grenades & Trench Mortars but their retaliation was very slight.

Officers 37.    Other Ranks 933.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

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

7^th Battalion – Battalion Training

8^th Battalion – The Bn on relief went into Bde Reserve, being distributed as follows :-

A Coy – AIRCRAFT FARM.

B Coy – KANDAHAR FARM

C Coy – Farm at T 1 b.6.O.

D Coy – AIRCRAFT FARM.

6^th – 13^th BDE RESERVE.

The Regimental Technical Class was carried on under Capt G.F. Clayton. Working parties of 300 were found each night.

6^th A draft of 68 Other Ranks arrived for the Bn, these men being transferred from the 5^th Corps Cyclists Bn. The physical fitness of the draft was good.

The ‘fighting strength’ of the Bn is now :-

Officers 36  N.C.O’s & men 865.

Of this number 101 were details – not available for trench duty with Bn.

6^th  - 13^th Th Bn remained in Bde Reserve. On the night of the 13/14^th the Bn relieved the 8^th R.W. Kent Regt in the right trenches. The relief was complete at 11 pm.

The Bn was distributed as follows :-

      Trench                     Coy            Strength.

C3                                      D               129

C4 & Pt D1                        A               146

Pt D1  & D2                       C               137

S.P.4                                  (D)               15

(SOUVENIR Fm)              B                 59

Reserve (PETAWAWA)     B                 66

H.Q. at St QUENTIN                            61

Total Trench Strength = 623.

10^th Battalion – Trenches.

11^th Battalion – Quiet day. Little sniping at night.

Casualties 1 killed (accidental)

1 wounded.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 5th June1916

5^th June 1916 – 

1st Battalion – Battalion route march, about 9 miles, near Marles & Bruay in morning. In afternoon Officers played Sergeants at cricket & beat them; both teams had tea on the field.

2/Lt J.S. Milner joined today; posted to D Coy.

2nd Battalion – A heavy bombardment during last night on our left, but in another Division, not been able to find out what happened. This afternoon the enemy fired a lot of Canisters again, round the Reserve Trench & Right Companies H. Qrs, “A” Coy relieved “B” Coy on the Right.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 941.

Wounded 2.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – One man of D Coy sent to hospital with cholera.

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

7^th Battalion – Training Battalion. Commanding Officer awarded Military Cross – a/R.S.M. Hart awarded the D.C.M.

8^th Battalion – The day passed quietly on our front. The Bn on our left the 1^st N/Staffs Regt was shelled between 2 pm & 3.30 pm. On the night of the 5^th/6^th the Bn was relieved in the right trenches by the 8^th R.W. Kent regt. The relief was complete at 1 am 6^th June.

10^th Battalion – Trenches.

11^th Battalion – The relief of the 10^th Bn Royal West Kent Regiment in the front line trenches began. The platoons were led to their places in the line by guides of the relieved regiment,
at intervals varing from 5-10 minutes. The completion of the relief was reported at 12.20 am 6^th June. Attached is a rough plan of the trenches taken over, showing postions occupied by the various companies. Also a scheme for the defence of line, which was duly carried out. 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 4th June1916

4^th June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Church parade in an orchard. Lt Col Crofts took over command of 100^th Bde, during absence on leave of Brig, Gen, Baird; Major Parnell assumed command of battalion. Draft of 42 other ranks of 4^th Royal Fusiliers arrived today, bringing battalion up to one under strength; the majority had been previously wounded & average age was higher than usual; four of them afterwards marked P.B.

2nd Battalion – Enemy very active with Trench Mortars, blowing in our trenches in several places & burying men. Our Artillery retaliated on their front line.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 943.

Draft 6.

Wounded 1.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – 5.30 pm The Garrison Duties were reorganised as under – The patrol from No.4 Post E along city wall was handed over to detachment in the Barracks.

No 4 Post 7 Rifles by night 4 by day) have to be joined by us.

No 7 Post 7 Rifles by night) have to be joined by us.

While at No 6 Post 26 rifles as supports are stationed at night. These supports finding 2 continuous patrols of 3 rifles each (1) patrolling E along circular Bund to No 4 Post (2) W along circular bund to the river.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion remained in billets & attended Brigade Church Parade.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – A draft of 18 O.R. arrived for duty with this Bn, consisting of men of the 2^nd Entrenching Bn. Physical efficiency good. These men were drafted to A Coy of the Bn.

The day was marked by heavy shelling & trench mortaring of the ground behind C3 & D1 & D2 by the enemy. Our ‘heavies’ replied effectively and the enemy’s firing ceased.

10^th Battalion – TRENCHES.

Moved into trenches No 103 to 112 PLOEGSEERT in relief of 12^th East Surrey Regiment. G/7512 Pte A.Farr wounded by sniper.

11^th Battalion – 

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

3^rd June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Ordinary routine. Cricket match, Officers V. Sergeants in afternoon. The Sergeants won.

2nd Battalion – Last night a raid was carried out on BULGAR POINT on our right by 22^nd Manchester Regt. After a heavy bombardment of the enemy’s line our raiding party entered. They shot several Germans & bombed Dug-outs. On returning unfortunately our party got caught up in the enemy’s wire whilst helping two of our wounded. Meanwhile the Germans had come up & started bombing our party, inflicting rather heavy losses on them. Our party returned with 3 prisoners, one of whom was killed on the way back. The retaliation on our sector was not severe & our casualties, considering the circumstances were slight.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 938.

To Hosp 3.

Wounded 12.

Killed 2.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – 9 am The Turkish Prisoners Camp Guard was handed over to 1/4 Dorsets much to the satisfaction of the rank and file.

8.30 am A draft of 28 N.C.O’s & men from LUCKNOW & 5 others from the base arrived, making strength of the Battn in the country 26 officers 1029 other ranks. A number of the draft had been passed unfit for service before the Battn left LUCKNOW on account of eyesight etc but in spite of such continuing incapacities had still been sent.

Major Gen Cowper & Miss Gertrude Lothian Bell arrived on a visit to NASARIYEH.

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

7^th Battalion – Reinforcements of 106 O.R. arrived 5 am. 100 O.R. Royal Fusiliers. 6 O.R. Queen’s including C.S.M. Hart from base, who took over duties of a/R.S.M. vice a/R.S.M. Greenfield. Brigade Training 8.30 am to 6.30 am.

8^th Battalion – The following ‘distinctions & Awards’ were made on the event of King George V’s birthday :-

Major H.J.C. Peirs – D.S.O.

A Coy – 2326 A/Sgt T. Young – D.C.M.

D Coy – 2611 Cpl C. Duggins – Military Medal.

10^th Battalion – In Reserve billets.

11^th Battalion – 

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

2^nd June 1916 –

1st Battalion – Ordinary routine. Training in Bois des Dames.

Following message received from H.M.S. Excellent: “ Captain and Officers and ship’s company of H.M.S. Excellent send congratulations to the Queen’s on Glorious First of June & wish them best of luck in the present campaign.

2nd Battalion – The Huns were very active last night with Trench Mortars & Canisters against our Right Coy in MANSEL COPSE, doing considerable damage to the front line.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 955.

 2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

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

7^th Battalion – Battalion Training – Conference held by G.O.C. 18^th Div with Company Commanders and all officers above that rank of 55^th Inf Bde.

8^th Battalion – A draft of 174 other ranks arrived for the Bn. The draft consisted of men of 7^th & 9^th Bns E. Surrey Regt & 26 men of the Queens (from Base Hospitals). The Physical efficiency was very good.

10^th Battalion – In Reserve billets. The following were wounded by shell fire. No G/9779 Pte P.D. McCullock; G/10179 G.T.B. Wills; G/10136 Pte W.H. Bates; G/9502 F.J. Kenyon; G/9995 Pte T. Hayllar; G/7616 Pte C.S. Dawes; G/9571 Pte R. Greenfield; G/6287 Pte W. Speaight; G/7740 Pte H. Gleadles all at MAISON 1875. G/9491 Pte H. Campbell at DELENNELLE.

11^th Battalion – 

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

1^st June 1916 –

1st Battalion – FOUQUEREUIL.

Ordinary routine. Training carried on by companies in Bois des Dames, where range was available.

2nd Battalion – This afternoon we relieved 1^st Bn S. Staffs in B.2.Subsector. The line has greatly changed since we were in last the long communication trenches having been traversed more frequently.

Officers 36.    Other Ranks 955.

2/4^th Battalion – FERRY POST ISMAILIA.

Battalion forms part of “B” subsection, No.2 section, Suez Canal Defences, and is encamped at Ferry Post Ismailia with one Company on outlying detachment at BENCH MARK and RIDGE POST. Work consists of garrisoning two bastions, forming part of the outlying defences of the post, & in providing numerous guards & fatigues. Also in policing the approaches to the ferry & pontoon bridge & examining natives coming from either direction.

1/5^th Battalion – NASARIYEH.

This day being the anniversary of the Glorious First of June was observed as a holiday.

1/6^th Battalion – ALLOUAGNE.

The Battalion remained in billets & continued training.

7^th Battalion – PICQUIGNY.

Battalion Training - 9 am to 4 pm.

8^th Battalion – TRENCHES.

The Bn was distributed in the trenches as follows.

Trench C3  - D Coy 108.

Trench C4 & Part D1   - B Coy 90.

Trench D2 & Part D1   - C Coy 114.

S P 4     - 9

Coy in Reserve at SOUVENIER Fm. – A Coy – 30.

H.Q at St QUENTIN CABt     - 85 .

Total Trench Strength = 437.

The day passed quietly.

10^th Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT.

In Reserve billets.

No G/10322 Pte A.J. Browett and G/10274 Pte H.E. Youl wounded by Shrapnel when working improving trenches near Ploegsteert wood.

11^th Battalion – Le BIZET.

1 – 4^th Every available man employed in working parties, working on various means of approach principally BORDER AVENUE, BARKENHAM AVENUE and SMYTH AVENUE. On the night of June 1/2^nd, the first casualty occurred, no G/11646 Private Bartlett F.W. being killed while on one of these “working parties”. On June 3^rd, 2 more men were wounded.