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

31^st July 1916 –

1^st Battalion – The Battalion practiced the Attack on some ground near the Camp, which was admirably suited for this operation. The attack took place in the morning, and many useful points were learnt from it.

A Draft of 30 other ranks consisting of various Battns of the Queens arrived – (1^st Battn 2^nd 6^th 7^th 8^th & 11^th Batts of the Queen’s). In the evening a concert was given to the Brigade in Camp by the Divisional Troop (The Shrapnels)

L.M. Crofts

Lt Col Cmdg 1^st Bn The Queen’s.

2^nd Battalion – Coy training. Gen Watts inspected 1^st Line Transports.

Strength:

Officers 27.

Other ranks 777.

F.L. Longbourne Lt Col

Comdg 2^nd Queen’s.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Transport  The new transport mules were tested and found satisfactory on the whole. The old D Coy huts were burnt & the new ones started to be erected N of the road past the guard room.

Medical By the end of the month the health of the Battn has improved considerably, cholera has disappeared & also minor diseases but this seems chiefly due to the number of sickly men who have gone into hospital or been sent to India.

The weather which round about the 20^th went up to 123.5 & that too at a time when there was no breeze improved during the last ten days of the month. The “Schumal” blew steadily & the nights were cool, the days tho’ still up to 120 generally were, thanks to the breeze, not so deadly as earlier in the month.

Work has also since the great heat been confined to the early morning hours.

S & T Rations too have been increased from time to time, though the many extras & alterations mentioned in F.R.O’s are still not forthcoming. At the present moment milk cannot be obtained for the troops outside the hospitals.

Training The Battn has been given bombs & rifle grenades for use. There are no reliable experts in the Battn & on application to the Bde & Division none appear to be forthcoming elsewhere in NASARIYEH. Training in such technical branches therefore is difficult.

Musketry Information has been received that 100 rounds per rifle practice ammunition is to come up. Attempts to obtain ground for ranges has met with little help & if ammunition arrives it seems doubtful if practice could commence.

Employed Officers, N.C.O’s & Men The number of N.C.O’s & men taken for employment at Base NASARIYEH & elsewhere has been very considerable. Officers too arriving have great difficulty in getting up river. 2/Lieut Brewis in spite of numerous applications for him to be sent has eventually been sent on special duty on the Tigris. Lieut L.W. Jardine who returned to BASRA on the 23^rd has still not been able to get passage up.

Strength                    Officers        Other Ranks.

                                      18                    486

Attached

12^th Bd.M.G Section       1                      30

Sick at Nas.                      2                   236

Regt & Gun employ         1                   164

At BASRA                       5                   104

                                        27                 1020

W.P.S Fens

Capt & Adjt.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion was relieved by the 6^th Bn The Buffs Regt & went into huts in MARTINSART WOOD. Relief complete 9.15 am.

H.F Warden

Lt Colonel.

Comdg 6^th Battn The Queen’s Regt.

7^th Battalion – Army Commander visited Bde H.Q at 3 pm the C.O. meeting him there.

Company training proceeded with.

M. Kemp Welch, Lt Col:

Commanding 7^th (S) Batt: The Queens Regt.

8^th Battalion – MORLANCOURT.

The Bn left FOURDRNOY marching to AILLY-SUR-SOMME station & entrained at 5.30 pm for MERICOURT-L’ABBE’. From thence the Bn marched to MORLANCOURT where it was billeted. Billets were reached at 10.45 pm.

W.R.G. Bye Capt.

10^th Battalion – Normal.

R. Wakely    Lieut Colonel,

Commdg 10 Queen’s.

11^th Battalion –

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

30^th July 1916 –

1^st Battalion – Coys carried out a practice attack from 8.30 am till 10 am.

The Battalion paraded for Church Service which was held in Camp at 11.30 am.

At 2.30 pm The Divisional Commander, Major General Landon, presented Medal Ribbons to those who had been granted the Military Medal in the 100^th Bde.

The whole Brigade was present at this function at 3 pm. The remains of 2/Lt Mundye, Sgt West & Pte Chatfield were buried at the Cemetery on the Main road between DERNAN COURT and BUIRE Sur ANCRE. 1 Platoon of “C” Coy (2 Lt Mundye’s Coy) and 1 section respectively from B & D Coys attended The Funeral. The Party marched with the remains from the Mortuary Tent at 13^th Field Ambulance to the Cemetery accompanied by the “Drums”. The Rev Captain Ewbank took the Burial Service.

A draft consisting of 40 other ranks arrived consisting of Royal Fusilier’s men.

2^nd Battalion – Church parade 11.45 am

Strength:

Officers 27.

Other ranks 777.

Draft of 32 E. Surreys joined.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – The day was quiet, cleaned up & repaired trenches, furnished working party of 1 officer & 50 men for R.E’s.

Casualties O.R. 2 wounded.

7^th Battalion – Church Parade at 11.30 am.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at FOURDRNOY

10^th Battalion – Normal. Killed No G/7725 Pte E. Foster. Wounded Lt G.A. Webb.

11^th Battalion – 

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

29^th July 1916 –

1^st Battalion – Training under Company arrangements. Two men sent on a day’s course on Pigeons at Treux – At about 11.30 am a fatal bombing accident occurred while 2 Lt A. Mundye was training a class of Bombers.

They were throwing live MILLS Bombs, when one went off prematurely immediately after leaving Pte Chatfield’s hand, who was being instructed. The Bursting Bomb, mortally wounded 2 Lt A. Mundye & 924 Sgt West. A, and 7220 Pte Chatfield. W. These three died from their wounds within half an hour of the accident.

8719 Sgt Erler who was also in the Bombing Sap was wounded in the left forearm, he was taken to the Field Ambulance. The Bodies of the three who were killed were conveyed to the Mortuary Tent at the 13^th Field Ambulance preparatory to being buried the following day.

At about 5 pm 8585 Sgt Tipper T and 9298 Sgt Hurst S were practicing Bayonet Fighting when an accident occurred and Sgt Tipper was wounded in the Right Thigh, the bayonet going in several inches. Sgt Tipper went to hospital.

Under authority granted by his Majesty the King, The Corps Commander granted Military Medals to the undermentioned N.C.O’s and Men, for gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations of the 15^th to the 21^st –

10143 Sgt Hammond J. (O.Room Clerk).

4073 Pte Pelham A.

1011 L/Cpl T. Downes.

9813 Sgt Batten P.

6811 Pte Linegar C.

8756 L/Cpl Jones B.

2505 Pte Daniels W.

9211 Pte Cook T. (4^th R. Fusiliers Attd).

2^nd Battalion – Coy training.

Strength:

Officers 27.

Other ranks 745.

2 To Base.

3 To hospital.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – The previous night was quiet “C” Coy relieved “D” Coy in front line & “A” Coy relieved “B” Coy in support “D” & “B” Coys coming back into reserve. The day was quiet, but enemy snipers were very active.

2/Lt W.J. Warrell-Bowring being killed by one. The Battn furnished working party of 1 officer & 50 men who worked under C.R.E.

Casualties 1 officer killed O.R’s 2 wounded.

During the night very heavy firing took place on our right & enemy shelled our trenches intermittently.

7^th Battalion – FLETRE.

Battn marched off at 9.30 am to FLETRE arriving at 12.30 pm 7 going into billets.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at FOURDRNOY

10^th Battalion – Normal.

11^th Battalion – 

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

28^th July 1916 –

1^st Battalion – Battalion Route March starting 8.45 am, route towards ALBERT and back round BUIRE-SUR-ANCRE. Back in camp by 11.15 am. C.O. lectured all officers & effective N.C.O’s in afternoon on points to be observed in open warfare. Company training after tea. Draft 23 Other Ranks – 6^th 7^th & 10^th Battns Queen’s.

Fresh N.C.O’s (Bde) Bayonet Fighting Class commenced.

2^nd Battalion – Coy training – Gen Watts inspected last drafts, all of whom took part in operations of 14^th to 16^th inst –

Strength:

Officers 27.

Other ranks 750.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Transport The 64 1^st line mules were officially put on charge of the Battn but were ordered to remain in the lines of the 22^nd Mule Corps, any such arrangement makes the question of regimental responsibility for materials etc difficult.

1/6^th Battalion – The day was quiet. Battn furnished working party of 1 officer 50 O.R. to work under R.E. most of the day was spent cleaning up trenches & collecting salvage, besides burying the dead. 2/Lieut E.T. Trend was wounded during the day.

Casualties 1 officer wounded O.R. 2 killed 9 wounded.

7^th Battalion – HONDEGHEM.

Battn marched off at 10 am to HONDEGHEM where it went into billets for the night.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at FOURDRNOY

10^th Battalion – Normal – Killed No G/7719 Pte F.W. Milliner.

11^th Battalion – Two shells burst in our transport lines, killing 3 men, and wounding 10 others. Sec, Lieut H.M. Todd joined from 9^th Bn The Buffs.

Total Casualties during the month.

Officers -

Killed - Nil

Wounded – 4.

Other Ranks –

Killed – 14.

Wounded 47.

Died of Wounds 5.

Evacuated Sick 21.

H.B. Burnaby     Lt Col.

Comdg 11th Queen’s.

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

27^th July 1916 –

1^st Battalion – Ordinary Routine – Bayonet Fighting included – Draft 10 other ranks arrived Mid-day, 1^st Bn & 2^nd Bn Queen’s – 6 & 7^th Bn Queen’s. 5 O.R. found Medically Unfit and sent to Divisional Coy at BUIRE-Sur-ANCRE. N.C.O’s Bde Bayonet Fighting Course ends.

2^nd Battalion – ST SAUVEUR.

Coy training.

Strength:

Officers 27.

Other ranks 750.

2/Lieut L.F. Geary.

2/Lieut H.H. Lavers.

2/Lieut E.I. Winnall.

(All of 9^th Buffs) joined.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – No.1777 L/Corpl W. Jupp died of jaundice & was buried at 8 am on 28^th.

1/6^th Battalion – In the trenches (OVILLERS).

The Battalion relieved the 4^th Gloucestershire Regt 144 Brigade in the trenches “D” Coy went into front line North of OVILLERS VILLAGE, “B” Coy were in support “A” & “C” Coys in reserve old German Front Line Trench West of OVILLERS. Enemy shelled our trenches during the afternoon Captain R.M. Clerk was slightly wounded. The night was quiet.

Casualties 2 officers wounded O.R. 1 killed 9 wounded 2/Lt Baron R de Bertouch was wounded.

7^th Battalion – Battn inspected by G.O.C. at 10.30 am. 2/Lt W.G. Simmonds joined the Battn for duty & was posted to “A” Coy.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at FOURDRNOY

10^th Battalion – The following casualties occurred during a raid which was made on enemy lines by a party of about 150 other ranks under Capt F. Sutherland; Lieut Hopkinson; 2^nd Lieuts Serby & Ransom – wounded Capt F. Sutherland; Lieut J.A.L. Hopkinson; 2^nd Lieut W.F. Serby; 2^nd Lt S.J. Ransom. Killed G/10137 Pte J. Drew; G/6287 Pte W.J. Speaght; G/11762 Pte G. Wakeling; G/6747 Pte S. Beadle; G/6773 Pte W.E. Rapson;

Died of wounds G/10303 L/Cpl W.C. Haycock; Wounded G/9998 Pte H.E. Thouless; G/9980 Pte H. Parker; G/2024 Pte R. Hunt; L/111114 Pte H.Walls; G/2432 Pte A.B. Bristow; G/9451 L.Cpl J.L. Bath; G/2074 Pte G. Marney; G/16377 Pte H. Powell; G/7655 Pte C. Horton; G/10033 Pte F.T. Sykes; G/6833 Pte T.H. Martin; G/7234 Pte F.W. Searle; G/9995 Pte T. Hayllar; G/10032 Cpl H. Rattle; G/9953 L/Cpl E. Maynard; G/10155 Pte A. Jones; G/9544 Sgt A. Macklin; G/2468 Pte W. Miller; G/9958 Pte C.R. Mathews; G/10029 Pte C. Willshire; G/24881 L/Cpl A. Day; G/10151 L.Cpl W.E. Ingle; G/25771 Pte A.R. Anderson; G/11722 Pte W.W. Pinches; G/9782 Pte F.G. Bradish; G/24985 Pte G. Francis; G/10168 Pte R. Kitchling; G/9401 Pte G.H. Parke; G/7218 Pte J. Hall; G/6948 Pte J.C. Hunt; G/10091 Pte T.J. Benford; G/7504 Pte J.F. Barnes;  G/9729 L/Cpl Jeffries; G/9787 Pte J. Ashlin; Missing G/9518 Sgt H. Clarke; G/10202 Pte D. Atkins; G/10222 Pte T.R. Houghton; G/10212 Cpl E.L. Parkin; G/9936 Pte J. Barnes; G/7711 Pte T. Finn; G/4927 Pte G. Haverty.

Trenches:- Wounded 2^nd Lieut H.D.G. Ereckson; G/10237 Pte E.A. Bleaney.

3 pm The Battn moved into the centre sector of the Division holding TS.103-111 relieving the 10^th R.W. Kent Rgt & 11^th Bn The Queens.

11^th Battalion – 2 Lieut R. Seaholme joined from 12^th Bn The Queen’s.

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

26^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – Bayonet Fighting between 9 am and 11 am and remainder of morning devoted to Company training. Afternoon Training of young N.C.O’s.

2nd Battalion – Coy training.

Strength:

Officers 24.

Other ranks 750.

1 to Base.

1 Reinforcement.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Medical Orders were received from A.D.M.S. 1^st Division to take down & destroy D Coy huts. New huts to be erected on new site.

1/6^th Battalion – BOUZINCOURT.

The Battalion remained in billets.

7^th Battalion – “B” & “C” Coys proceeded to G.H.Q. Cadet School for training purposes, returning 1.30 pm

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at FOURDRNOY

10^th Battalion – Trenches. Wounded G/10215 Pte H.W. Newberry; G/9590 Pte F. Gough. Killed No 24992 Pte E.F. Cox; 25015 Pte S. Robinson. Wounded Pte G. Nightingale.

11^th Battalion – Our artillery was active during the day, heavy guns registering on the enemy front line. At 11 pm a violent bombardment of the enemy’s defences commenced, chiefly  opposite C. Gap, whence a company of 20^th D.L.I. made an unsuccessful raid on the enemy’s trenches – Great material damage was effected.

Casualties 2 Lt A.L. Keep wounded, O.R. 2 Killed and 7 wounded.

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

25^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – Training under Company arrangements was carried out including Bayonet Fighting and with an Army Gymnastic Instructor in attendance. Troops rested during the afternoon and N.C.O’s Classes were carried on with, under Company arrangements after tea.

2nd Battalion – Coy training.

8^th Queen’s (Lt Col Tringham) billeted at FOURDINOY on route for battle of the SOMME.

Strength:

Officers 24.

Other ranks 750.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Depot Capt L. Whittington & 8 N.C.O’s left for the depot.

1/6^th Battalion – LOUVENCOURT.

The Brigadier General commanding inspected the men of the last two drafts. Orders were received at 3.35 pm to move to BOUZINCOURT at 5 pm. The Battalion arrived in BOUZINCOURT at 7.55 pm & went into billets. No men fell out on the march. The 12^th Division went into the II Corps 5^th (Reserve) Army.

7^th Battalion – training under Coy arrangement proceeded with Capt C.W.M. Price gazetted major, Lieuts D.R. Heaton & C.A. Haggard gazetted temp Captains while commanding Companies.

8^th Battalion – FOURDRNOY.

The Bn remained at FOURDRNOY (11 miles W of AMIENS). Training was continued, especially in Bayonet Drill, digging in etc. More Lewis Gunners were also trained.

10^th Battalion – Trenches, No G/9468 Pte H. Stow died on the 24^th. Wounded today G/9908 Pte A. Wheadon.

11^th Battalion – Enemy showed considerable activity in the neighbourhood of the Convent Trench 110 being blown in. This was apparently retaliation against Trench Mortar Battery situated near the convent, which had been registering during the day.

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

24^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – NEAR ALBERT.

The Battalion carried on inspection parades and Bayonet Fighting Classes in the morning. A draft of 36 other ranks arrived about midday – Royal Sussex and Royal West Kent’s composed the draft. The afternoon the men rested and in the evening young & newly promoted N.C.O’s were instructed under Company arrangements.

Two N.C.O’s per Battalion commenced to attend a Bde Bayonet Fighting Course in the morning at 9 am. Course to last 4 days. 2 Lt E,d’A Collings joined from the Base for Duty.

2nd Battalion – Coy training (Musketry), bayonet fighting, physical training & platoon drill.

Strength:

Officers 24.

Other ranks 750.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Employed Men Owing to a number of employed N.C.O’s & men going on leave & getting sick, a large number of substitutes have had to be found by the Battn & the numbers of garrison employed have in one week jumped from 81-93.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion left camp & returned to billets in LOUVENCOURT. The Battalion left camp at 11 am arriving at 12 Noon. No men fell out on the march.

7^th Battalion – Nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The Bn marched to BAILLEUL Station, & entrained for LONGUEAU station where it detrained. The Bn marched to FOURDRNOY via AMIENS and went into billets there, arriving at 6 am on 25^th

10^th Battalion – Normal, trenches.

11^th Battalion – Enemy’s artillery and minenwerfer very active in the neighbourhood of Glasgow Redoubt & considerable damage was done to parapets. Reserve farm and Paternoster Row were also subjected to shell-fire – 2 gas cylinders were rendered leaky by the bombardment of Glasgow Redoubt, and Capt Hogan was slightly gassed in their disposal. There was much activity, two in the neighbourhood of the convent, 2 Lt W. Chapman, being evacuated with shell shock.

Casualties – Capt C.J. Hogan, 2 Lieut W. Chapman, wounded O.R. Killed 1, wounded 8.

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

23^rd July 1916 –

1st Battalion – Battalion struck bivouac and marched via MEAULTE and VIVIER MILL to fresh bivouac just West of DERNACOURT – ALBERT Railway about 1 mile from ALBERT. Bivouaced with Bde H Qrs & 2^nd Worcesters in a grassy field surrounded by cornfields.

NEAR ALBERT.

Afternoon all companies washed in river ½ mile off – Draft of 108 other ranks East Surrey, Buffs & Queen’s arrived – Tents were issued in evening & camp put up.

2nd Battalion – 12.40 am Marched to MERICOURT STATION & entrained at 2.30 am.

3.30 am Left MERICOURT 3.30 am & detrained at HANGEST 7.10 am.

HANGEST.

7.30 am Marched via PICQUIGNY & AILLE-SUR-SOMME to occupied billets at ST SAUVEUR 11.20 am

ST SAUVEUR.

11.20 am The Bn was cinematographed by War Office agent after passing through PICQUIGNY.

Strength:

Officers 24.

Other ranks 750.

3 To hospital.

1 From hospital.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Ecclesiastical The Church parades at 8 am were cancelled & it was arranged that the parade service should be held on alternate banks on alternate Sundays at 6 am. Accordingly, parade service being on right bank there was a private church parade at 6 am.

Alarm At 11.45 pm No.4 Post had some shots fired at them by hostile Arabs. The Sergt summoned the inlying picquet wrongly who turned out everything had ceased before the picquet moved off.

Medical A week now passed since the isolation of D Coy & the closing of the coffee shop. There has been no further case of cholera at all & generally the health of the Battn had been better with no diarrhoea except chronic cases. An application to re-open the coffee shop was refused.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion attended church parade & remained in camp. Received a draft of 79 O.R. Battalion furnished working parties of 350 men. 2^nd Lieut E.J. Dawson & 2^nd Lt Baron Rudolph de Bertouch joined the Battalion for duty.

7^th Battalion – CAMPAIGNE.

Battn reached St OMER at 9.30 am and detrained, marching to CAMPAIGNE where it billeted.

Commanding Officer assumed rank of Lieut Colonel pending proper authority.

8^th Battalion – The Battalion remained at METEREN. Training was proceeded with.

10^th Battalion – Trenches.

Came into the trenches – Hold the same line T-112-120. A party of 150 N.C.O’s & men under Capt Sutherland & 4 other officers were left in billets. They are training for a special duty. Wounded No G/9468 Pte H. Stow; G/6910 Pte E.D. Allen.

11^th Battalion – 5 Officers, Second Lieutenants J.V. Cooke, F.W. Tugwell, D. Maclean, C.T. Royle, A.B. Wharton arrived as a reinforcement.

10 pm At 10 pm the Battalion took over the front line trenches from 10^th Bn R.W. Kent Rgt.

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

22^nd July 1916 –

1^st Battalion – BICORDEL.

The transport Echelon A & B had moved to this bivouac the previous evening & had tea & food ready for the Battalion –

Casualties 20^th - 21^st.

1 Officer 2^nd Lt Butterworth Killed,

1 off 2^nd Lt Milner missing,

3 officers, Capt Foster, 2^nd Lt Faulkner & Crook wounded.

Other Ranks 6 killed 39 wounded

12 missing.

Total Casualties for period 15^th to 21^st July 1916

                                Officers.    O.R.

Killed                       6                 35

Wounded                15              262

Missing                    1                 65

                               22               362

Remainder of the day spent in resting & cleaning up. Capt Brodhurst-Hill rejoined from 1^st Army school.

2^nd Battalion – Coy training and Bathing.

Strength:

Officers 24.

Other ranks 752.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –  

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

7^th Battalion – PONT REMY.

Battn marched off at 10.30 am for FRESNE – During march orders were received cancelling destination – battn rested for dinner and subsequently marched to PONT REMY where it entrained – 1^st Line Transport also entrained, entrainment complete and train moving off at 2.58 am 23^rd inst.

8^th Battalion – The Battalion remained at METEREN. Training was proceeded with.

10^th Battalion – In billets PAPOT.

11^th Battalion – 

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

21^st July 1916 –

1^st Battalion – High Wood.

At about 12 midnight information received that wood was still in our hands and that Capt Foster was wounded – A & D Coys ordered to move at once to the wood arriving about 2 am – defence of wood was handed over to Queens & 16^th K.R.R’s under command of Capt & Adjt Wenham 16^th K.R.R’s – K.R.R’s held East edge of wood A to B – A to C held by West Kents 5^th Division. A to D thereby held by D Coy Queens – F to E by C Coy – F to G, A Coy and G to H, B coy- At E was a strong point under construction by R.E trenches had only just been started and men were directed to dig themselves in, shell holes have been chiefly utilized. The wood consisted chiefly of bushes about breast high fairly thick, and studded with scattered tall trees, rather thin and knocked about – The Germans appeared to be holding the North & N E Corner and did not appear to be holding the North West corner in any strength.

4 am- Soon after dawn the Germans were heard shouting and a few were seen moving about in the mist that had arisen, evidently trying to make their way round our right flank – Rapid fire was opened and enemy retired  but was frequently seen afterwards and fired on – During these operations 2^nd Lieut Butterworth was killed and 2^nd Lts Crook & Faulkner wounded – Later on 2^nd Lt Milner took a patrol of 20 men and examined the wood in rear of our trenches

3 pm- about 3 pm the same officer took out a patrol of 5 men to get touch with the Battn on the right – several of these were wounded & 2^nd Lt Milner went out again to find them & was not seen again – A search party failed to discover him.

5 pm- About 5 pm a party of enemy was seen to carry out a machine gun on a stretcher on the left flank about 600 yards away – Lewis gun & rifle fire dispersed them. After dark endeavour was made to connect the trenches in the front line and the strong points on right & left.

11.30 pm Battalion was relieved by 4^th Gordons previous to this heavy rifle fire had broken out in DELVILLE Wood and the Germans brought a barrage to bear in rear of HIGH WOOD and Battalion on relief had to go through the barrage & had several casualties doing so.

Battalion marched back along valley on edge of MAMETZ WOOD where tear and gas shells were encountered  and last company reached the bivouac half mile East of BICORDEL at 3.20 am

2^nd Battalion – Coys bathed in River ANCRE near to VILLE – Physical training & Musketry in morning.

Strength:

Officers 24.

Other ranks 752.

2/4^th Battalion – Transport The T.O. Lieut O.S. Cleverley had 64 mules handed over him for Battns 1^st line transport, these still to stand in lines of 22^nd Mule Corps.

Death No.2586 pte E.A. Feldwick B Coy died of enteric & was buried at 7 am on the 22^nd.

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – In camp near BERTRAMCOURT.

Battalion left LOUVENCOURT at 2 pm & went into camp near BERTRAMCOURT arriving 3.15 pm no men fell out on the march.

7^th Battalion – LONGPRE LES CORPS SAINTS.

Battn marched off from camp at 3.30 am and proceed to MERICOURT for entrainment at 4.30 pm. Battn detrained at LONGPRE les Corps Saints where it bivouaced for the night – 1^st line transport at FRESNE.

8^th Battalion – METEREN.

The Battalion remained at METEREN. Training was proceeded with.

10^th Battalion – In billets PAPOT.

11^th Battalion – 3 Other Ranks were killed, while filling a water cart in Le Bizet.

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

20^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – Attack of HIGH WOOD by 19^th Bde & Worcester’s commenced at 3.25 am. At 10 am attack reported to be progressing favourably – about 6 pm orders were received for an immediate move – Conference of C.O’s held by Bde – Queens and 16^th K.R.R’s were sent up to HIGH WOOD to be under the orders of 19^th Brigade. Battalion moved at 9 pm to N.E. East corner of MAMETZ WOOD where Capt Foster and B & C Coys moved straight to HIGH WOOD led by guides of 5/Scottish Rifles coming under very heavy H.E. & gas shell fire on the way & Capt Foster was wounded & handed over command to 2^nd Lieut Faulkner. Lieut Thrupp & 2 Coys were sent to report to 212 Coy R.E. at cross roads W of BAZENTIN LE GRAND wood – on the way a report was made by a stretcher bearer that High Wood had been recaptured by enemy – This was reported to 19^th Bde & 2 coys ordered to stand by.

2nd Battalion – Marched via track running N. Of MEAULTE & DERNANCOURT to E.24.b.Central N of BUIRE – bivouaced at 7.30 pm – Band formed & played for the first time in France – Sgt Dr. Forman appd a/Bandmaster.

Strength:

Officers 24.

Other ranks 752.

1 to Hospital.

 2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Depot. Orders were received that the formation of depot had been approved & that 1 captain & 8 N.C.O’s should be dispatched at once. Capt L. Whittington & 8 N.C.O’s were accordingly warned.

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

Detachment from MAILLET WOOD returned also AUTHIEULE working party but were ordered to return to AUTHIEULE immediately on their arrival at LOUVENCOURT.

7^th Battalion – Orders received for Battn to proceed to a new area. 1^st Line Transport preceded the battn, moving by road & bivouacing at AILLY-LE-HAUT-CLOCHER.

Reinforcements, O.R. 228 arrived.

8^th Battalion – On the night of the 20^th/21^st the Bn, was relieved in the trenches by the 11^th K.R.R. (20^th Divn). On relief the Bn, moved to METEREN by bus.

10^th Battalion – In billets PAPOT.

11^th Battalion – 2 Lieut L.L. Linford joined the Battalion from East Surrey Regiment.

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

19^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – Quiet day – men resting & improving trenches – at 9 pm ordered to relieve 2^nd Worcester’s in N edge of wood. Relief complete by 10 pm. At 10.30 pm message received that 19^th Bde with 2^nd Worcester’s were to attack HIGH WOOD and SWITCH TRENCH next morning and 100^th Bde were in reserve and to be ready to move at short notice after 4 am.

Casualties other ranks wounded 5.

Telegram received from G.H.Q. that coy S.M. Reid had been awarded Military Cross.

2^nd Battalion – 7.20 am. Marched via HALT & FRICOURT CEMETERY to field & bivouaced 700x E.N.E. of MEAULTE Albert map E.12.d.3.5.

Strength:

Officers 24.

Other ranks 753.

2/lieut P.A. Stovold joined.

2/Lieut W.A. Andrew joined. (E. Surrey).

1 other rank transferred.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Casualties. Lt Col Brodrick & 2/Lt Smart left for BASRA on S.4.

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

7^th Battalion – Capt: H.R. Longbourne & 2/Lieuts A.W. Scott & G.F. Phillips joined the batt; Capt: H.R. Longbourne took over command of “C” Coy from 2/Lt Dresden, who resumed command of Headquarters Coy.

8^th Battalion – Quiet Day.

10^th Battalion – In billets PAPOT. Shell or two believe 5.9 fell close to ALOY.

11^th Battalion – 

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

18^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – At about 10.0 am enemy commenced shelling wood with gas shells for about an hour no casualties – Conference held by Brigadier in Batt H Qrs in afternoon – Battalion ordered to move into WOOD RESERVE Trenches on West of MAMETZ Wood – 9^th H.L.I. to take over all defences of the wood and Battalion to be in readiness to move at short notice as a mobile reserve to support or relieve 19^th Brigade – Relief complete at 6.0 pm carrying parties of 3 off & 90 men were sent up to North edge of wood with no wire etc – quiet night.

No casualties.

2nd Battalion – Rifle inspections & physical training –

Strength:

Officers 22.

Other ranks 754.

2/Lieut F.T. Badcock joined.

2/Lieut M.A. Willis joined.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – In order to enable the 42^nd Brigade to do a Bde route march all the duties of the 1/4  Dorset’s were handed over to us for 24 hours.

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

7^th Battalion – Reinforcements, O.R. 87 arrived.

8^th Battalion – On the night of the 18^th/19^th the 8^th Queen’s relieved the 9^th E. Surrey Regt in the right trenches. Relief complete at 1.30 am Bn, H.Q was at STINKING FARM.

10^th Battalion – PAPOT.

In billets Papot – Raiding party left by motor bus for their billet near BAILLEUL.

11^th Battalion – 

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

17^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – MAMETZ WOOD.

Battalion remained in bivouacs near MAMETZ WOOD, quiet day until about 8.0 pm when valley was shelled intermittently with 5.9’s – At 10.0 pm orders received to prepare to move & relieve 13^th North Fus. 62^nd Bde in MARMETZ WOOD. Battalion moved about 11.0 pm and took up position with 3 coys inside NW edge of the wood and one company on West edge – Battn H Qrs in centre of wood near track running N & S through it – Relief completed by 3.0 am 18^th.

Casualties – 3 O.R. Wounded.

2nd Battalion – Men bathed in crater holes near the D –

Coys checking & refitting –

Wooden crosses made & put up over graves of officers & men who fell in operations 1^st to 4^th July –

Strength:

Officers 20.

Other ranks 754.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion remained in billets & continued training. Battn received a draft of 119 O.R.

7^th Battalion – Nothing to record.

8^th Battalion – The Bn, remained in Bde, Reserve.

10^th Battalion – Relieved in trenches by 21 K.R.R. & went into rest billets at Papot. In the evening called for volunteers for special raiding party 140 men required – could of got them several times over. Officers selected. Capt Surtherland, Lt Hopkinson, 2 Lt Burgess, 2 Lt Ransom, 2 Lt serby.

11^th Battalion – 

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

16^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – BAZENTIN.

At about 4.0 am the Battalion was relieved by the 5^th Scottish Rifles 19^th Brigade and went back to some small pits in the open ground E of MAMETZ WOOD, where Battalion rested and made up ammunition etc – Day was quiet till about 11.0 pm when enemy started sending over gas shells & 2^nd Lieut Buist who was asleep was gassed – Shelling went on till about 2.30 am .

Casualties – other ranks 1 Killed 10 Wounded.

2nd Battalion – 2.20 am. At 2.20 am Coys were ordered to evacuate their positions in the wood by 2.40 am, but owing to m.g. fire & the number of rockets used by the enemy at this time, C & D Coys could only move at a very slow rate & frequently had to lie down while enemy’s M. Gun played over them.

3.30 am. The Bn, was clear of HIGH WOOD by 3.30 am – all wounded evacuated – Bn marched via S.10.a.Central, MAMETZ village to MANSEL COPSE.

6 am Bn bivouaced in valley N of MANSEL COPSE –

The following officers & other ranks performed especially good work in these operations.  

Capt J.B. Hayes, Captain Maddock, Lt L.M. Boddam-Wetham - 2 Lt J.T. Roberts, C. Pannell, V.C. Harvey, K.A. Brown – Lt & Qr O.K. Belcham in bringing up ration under heavy shell fire of night of 14^th/15^th inst R.S.M. Routley –

No.5853 C.S.M. West. A, 1111 Sgt Stanners. H, 8806 Sgt Ingham. E, 9177 Sgt Hooker. J.H, 9854 Pte Hysbode, No.330 Pte Osborne & No. 4606 Pte Wallington.

MANSEL COPSE. 1^st to 4^th.

The following officers took part in the operations 1^st to 4^th July 1916 –

Bn, Hd, Qrs.

Lt Col F.C. Longbourne

Lt L.M. Boddam-Wetham (A/Adjt)

Captain R.C.G. Foster (Bombg officer).

2 Lt Griffin (L.G. Officer).

2 Lt E. Hobbs (Intelligence).

2 Lt E.S. Bingham (Sniping).

A Coy.

Lt F.A. Jacobs, 2 Lt J.M. Ford Kelsey, 2 Lt E.E. Johnson, 2 Lt J. Gillies.

B Coy.

Capt T.B. Brockhurst, 2 Lt H.E. Harvey, 2 Lt J.T. Roberts.

C Coy.

Capt R.H. Philpot, 2 Lt W.A.L. Raeburn, 2 Lt H.B. Secretan.

D Coy.

Capt E.C. Thorneycroft, 2 Lt L.S. Ford, 2 Lt G.O. Smith, 2 Lt W. Crees.

The following took part from evening 2^nd July – 4^th July.

Capt J.B. Hayes, 2 Lt C. Pannell, 2 Lt T.J. Browning, J.E. Lloyd, J.P. Howells, F.L. Rutter, C.R.B. Knight, E.F.G. Haig, R.M. Burdon, S.R. Ward, Lt T.V.C. Chapman.

14^th to 16^th.

 The following officers took part in the operations 14^th to 16^th July 1916 –

Bn, H, Q.

Lt Col F.C. Longbourne

Lt & A/Adjt L.M. Boddam-Wetham

Captain R.C.G. Foster.

2 Lt Griffin.

2 Lt E.S. Bingham.

A Coy.

Capt R.H. Maddock, 2 Lt C. Pannell, 2 Lt T.J. Browning.

B Coy.

2 Lt J.T. Roberts, 2 Lt J.E. Lloyd, 2 Lt J.P. Howells, 2 Lt F.L. Rutter

C Coy.

Capt J.B. Hayes,  2 Lt K.A. Brown, 2 Lt F.G.C. Weare, 2 Lt H.B. Secretan.

D Coy.

2 Lt V.C. Harvey 2 Lt E.F.G. Haig, 2 Lt E.R. Ward,

Casualties during operations 14^th to 16^th 1916.

Officers Killed.

2^nd Lieut F.L. Rutter.

Officers Wounded.

2^nd Lieut (T/Capt) R.H. Maddock.

2^nd Lieut E.S. Bingham.

2^nd Lieut J.T. Roberts.

2^nd Lieut K.A. Brown.

2^nd Lieut H.B. Secretan.

2^nd Lieut C. Pannell.

2^nd Lieut J.P. Howells.

2^nd Lieut T.J. Browning.

2^nd Lieut E.R. Ward.

2^nd Lieut E.F.G. Haig. (remained at duty).

Strength of Battalion on coming out of action:-

Officers 20.

Other Ranks 754.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Medical. Lt Col F. Wall S.M.O. made a very thorough inspection of the Battn, on return from church. A number of weaklings were picked out for special diet. Nearly all were N.C.O’s & men of the various drafts with bad health or otherwise medically unfit who had been sent straight out from England.

Commands.

Lt Col Hon A.G. Brodrick who had been feeling the effects of the climate and over work for some time was admitted to hospital & command devolved on Major W.L. Hodges.

1/6^th Battalion – Battalion attended Church Parade at VAUCHELLES.

7^th Battalion – Battn paraded at 9.30 am for Church Parade – The following guns, captured by the battn were forwarded to the base as trophies of war. 77mm gun No 6173. M.G’s Nos 3807 & 5674.

8^th Battalion – Devine Services held in wood round RED LODGE, at 9 am, 11 am and 11.30 am.

10^th Battalion –

 

11^th Battalion – 

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

15^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – BAZENTIN.

About 3.0 am 15^th it was found necessary to throw back a defensive flank on the right of A Coy owing to enfilade fire from the enemy in HIGH WOOD down a sunken road the Battn was holding – An old German trench was converted into flank defence and Major Parnell reported position to the Bde.

About 7.0 am orders were received that the Battalion was to attack the trench running West from High Wood known as German SWITCH – The H.L.I. were to come up on the right and the 1^st Middlesex Regt of 98^th Bde were to attack on the left – No definitive orders received, so company commanders could not be given much information except that the left would be 200 yards East of the Cross Tracks at (X) and that the frontage would be 500 yards the direction being practically N orders were given for A B & C Coys to form the firing line with D Coy in support – The front companies were to advance in two waves of 2 platoons each with 2^nd wave at 100 yards distance, companies to be in position by 8.0 am – Bombardment  was to start at 8.30 am and to last for half an hour. At 8.55 am the first wave was to advance, the distance to the German trench being about 900 yards – While companies were getting into position, the enemy opened heavy enfilade fire with rifles M.G’s & shrapnel causing several casualties, Capt Gurrey being wounded - Right company commander asked for bombardment of NW corner of HIGH WOOD, but few shells were sent there.

WEST OF HIGH WOOD.

8.55 am Front Wave started and almost at once came under fire from both flanks and the front and second wave came under similar conditions and 2^nd Lieut Richards & many men were hit – Line pushed on till within about 200 yards of the German trench when they came under very heavy fire and started to come back – At this stage while the men were being rallied Major Parnell came up on the left, with Capt & Adjt Carslake and in the most gallant way started to lead forward the attack, but was almost immediately hit and Killed & Capt Carslake soon afterwards was wounded and 2^nd Lieut Crichton Killed –

The enemy’s wire had not been cut by the artillery and when about 100 yards from it the line halted in the long grass and started to dig in – 2 platoons from the support company were now sent forward but did not reach the firing line apparently turning off to the left.

9.25 At 9.25 Capt Foster A Coy sent back a message that he had reached a point about 100x from enemy’s trench, that wire was not cut & H.L.I. had not come up, but message did not reach the support line.

10.5 am Lieut Thrupp on left sent back that he was held up by wire & asking for bombardment to be resumed & for reinforcements. Message got thro’ & bombardment started about 12 noon but all shells were short, some pitching behind our own line.

12.30 pm No reinforcements coming up officers remaining held a conference and decided to withdraw as there was considerable danger of their being cut off from the right. Retirement was carried out in small parties to original position on road.

This position was heavily shelled during the remainder of the afternoon and evening and during the night of 15^th – 16^th – During the night strong patrols were sent out to get information & bring in the wounded.

WEST OF HIGH WOOD.

The casualties this day were 5 officers killed 11 officers wounded Total 16.

Other ranks 28 killed 52 missing 207 wounded – Total 287.

Officers Killed.

Major Parnell.

Capt Slatter.

2^nd Lieut Crichton, Rouquette & Bower.

Wounded – Capt Gurrey,

2^nd Lieut Richards, Burrell, Harland, Bottomley, Robinson, Farwell, Fairlie, & Foly,

Capt & Adjt Carslake and Lieut Brown (Signalling Off).

The casualties amongst N.C.O’s was very heavy 20 Sergeants and 58 Other N.C.O’s being amongst the casualties.

2nd Battalion – 8 am. The enemy appeared to be well established on the N & N.E. corner of HIGH WOOD.

8.30 am After a short bombardment of our artillery the K.R.R’s (33^rd Div) attempted to clear this point of the wood; they were held up by m.g. fire & the attack did not develop.

Later in the day a Bn of Worchester’s attacked with the same result.

4.45 pm Our own artillery in shelling N. Portion of HIGH WOOD also shelled D & C Coys, who never the less  continued to hold their original objective along N.E. Edge of Wood.

6 pm In the evening A & B Coys working along S. side in HIGH WOOD together with other units  91^st Inf Bde attempted to drive enemy out of North end of wood. They lost heavily from artillery & m.g. fire & after advancing a short distance, withdrew to East & S side of wood.

A & B Coys owing to artillery fire were now ordered to dig themselves in about 50x S of & opposite the S, edge of HIGH WOOD.

8 pm A B Coys moved forward & dug in to form a defensive flank facing N.N.W. along track S.4.c.2.5. – S.4.c.6.7. (track running N.W. & S.E. through centre of wood).

7 pm Advanced Bn Hd Qrs moved to shell hole at S.10.a.7.9. During night 14/15^th an advanced signal station was established at S.E. corner of wood; owing to artillery fire the lines were nearly always broken & great difficulty was found in keeping the communications open.

11 pm Rations & water also 19 boxes of S.A.A. delivered to Coys in High Wood.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Medical. Two more men of D Coy were admitted to hospital with cholera & accordingly the S.M.O. ordered the whole of D.Coy to be moved out to a special camp by No 6 Post.

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

7^th Battalion – Enemy fired a few rounds into outskirts of BRAY doing no damage to Battn.

8^th Battalion – The General Officer Commanding in Chief has, under authority granted by His Majesty the King, made the following awards :- 

The Military Cross – 2/Lt D.W. Lane-Nichols, 2/Lt F.D. Reynolds.

The Military Medal – 2400 Sgt Bernard. F, A Coy.

9997 Sgt Kerslake. W, C Coy.

6486 Pte Baker. G.W, B Coy.

5026 Pte Lee. J, C coy.

These awards were given in connection with the successful raid made by Bn, on the German trenches on the night 28^th/29^th June.

The Bn found a carrying party of 240 other ranks to carry 78 gas cylinders from RATION FARM T.12.a.6.1. to trenches 139 & 140.

10^th Battalion – Normal. Killed No G/9752 Pte C.J. Dumbleton; Wounded G/11236 Pte R.F. Goldsack; G/10073 Pte C.A. Andrews.

11^th Battalion – 

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

14^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – FRICOURT.

Battalion under orders to fall in ready to move at 3.25 am, but did not move until 10.50 am when Battalion went into a position of assembly South of MAMETZ main road, close to FRICOURT CEMETERY F 9.A. Transport was brigaded, but parked behind Battalion Bivouac later in the day. 16^th K.R.R’s were assembled South of the Road with The Queen’s – 2^nd Batt The Worcestershire Regt and 9^th H.L.I. on north side of the road –

Lt Col D.M. Crofts as understudy to the Brigadier remained with the transport – the following Officers were also left – 2^nd Lieut Flinn-Falkner - & Roff & Mundye with Capt Harrison transport officer to the Brigade – Major G.P. Parnell assumed command of the Battalion and had with him the following officers.

A Coy  T/Capt Foster, 2^nd Lieuts Buckner, Rouquette & Buist & Lieut Thrupp.

B Coy  T/Capt Slatter, 2^nd Lieuts Richards, Harland, Bottomley, Robinson.

C Coy  T/Capt Gurry, 2^nd Lieuts Burrell, Fairlie, Bower, Butterworth.

D Coy  Lieut Pillian 2^nd Lieuts Wheeler, Farwill, Foley, Milner.

H.Q. Major Parnell, Capt & Adjt Carslake, Lieut Brown (signals) 2^nd Lt Crook (bombs) 2^nd Lt Crichton (Lewis guns).

The strength of the Battalion going into action was 25 officers 697 other ranks – Coy Sergt Major, Coy Qr Mr Sergts & drummers were left with the transport and reserve men trained in Vickers Gun & stokes mortar –

At 6.0 pm the Brigade moved along the FRICOURT-MAMETZ Road to a point of assembly near FLAT IRON COPSE –

10. pm on night of 14^th – 15^th the Battalion moved to a position near BAZENTIN LE PETIT.

A&B Coys had orders to dig in on road from cross tracks near X to cross tracks Y on Sketch – C&D Coys in reserve at Z near BAZENTIN LE GRAND wood – the 9^th H.L.I. were to dig in on our right from Y to N.W. corner of HIGH WOOD, but failed to find H.L.I. – 2^nd Lieut Rouquette afterwards went out & found the H.L.I. about half way along West edge of the wood having been unable to get any further as the enemy were in possession of the N edge of the wood.

2nd Battalion – 3.25 am Zero hour for the attack by 20^th & 22^nd Inf Bde. The 91^st Inf Bde in Divl reserve. See scheme & op Order No 18.

FLATIRON VALLEY.

8.50 am Marched by Coys with 100 yds interval via WILLOW AVE road, E of BOTTOM WOOD to a position East of MAMETZ WOOD & FLATIRON COPSE VALLEY where the Bn, dug itself in, in artillery formation head of Bn, at S.20.a.2.9. at 11 am Bn, under heavy shell fire & Bn, Hd, Qrs moved to S.20.0.0.9. E of MAMETZ WOOD.

5.15 pm Orders reed to attack & capture HIGH WOOD at the same time forwarded message direct to G.S.O.1 7^th Div: (Capt Hoare’s report on situation in BAZENTIN-LE-PETIT WOOD) who stated that no movement to take place until he had spoken to B.G.C. 91^st Inf Bde on telephone.

5.35 pm 91^st Inf Bde to capture HIGH WOOD moving via N.W. side of BAZENTIN-LE-GRAND WOOD 1^st S.Staffs followed by 2^nd Queen’s to move via cross road N.W. corner of B-LE-GRAND WOOD & deploy with left on CEMETERY, 2^nd Queen’s right on road junction, S.9.c.9.0. The left flank to direct. Artillery barrage to lift at 6.15 pm. 33^rd Div: to attack at this hour W of Cemetery & seize SWITCH TRENCH N.W of HIGH WOOD.

WINDMILL S.9.e.35.10.

6.45 pm Both Regts deployed, but owing to 33^rd Div: being absent from the left flank with a Lewis gun detachment & part of A Coy which necessitated a slight delay.

7 pm The advance started from line road running N.W. & S.E. of WINDMILL.

7.10 pm Heavy machine gun fire from about S.2.d. & S.5.a. on left flank, also machine gun & rifle fire from the front by enemy concealed in shell holes between WINDMILL road & HIGH WOOD.

7.15 pm 2^nd Queen’s ordered to push on, their right flank directing along track S.9.C.10.00. to S.E. corner of HIGH WOOD & to endeavour to out-flank enemy’s M.guns. Several prisoners were captured & a lot of the enemy killed, our men shooting them from the standing position whenever they got a target.

7.25 pm After advancing 700 yds C & D Coys captured 3 77mm guns & a limber also a lot of ammunition near hedge S.9.b.65.25. (the breach blocks had been removed). At about this time both cavalry & an aeroplane assisted our advance, the former by engaging the enemy on our right flank and the latter by dropping to a height of about 500 feet & firing into the enemy between our front line & HIGH WOOD.

7.50 S.W. edge of HIGH WOOD reached, leading Coys on the right paused for a few minutes to allow Bn, on left to come up into line before entering HIGH WOOD.

8.10 pm C & D Coys reached track running N.W. & S.E. through centre of WOOD & lit their green flares to signal their position to contact aeroplanes.

8.45 pm Final objective gained N.E. edge of wood. Coy then dug trenches in following positions:-

D.Coy S.4.a.10.20. – S.4.b.15.00.

C.Coy S.4.b.15.00. (exclusive) – S.4.d.19.85.

A.Coy S.4.d.19.50. – S.4.e.85.00.

B.Coy S.4.c.6.2. – S.4.c.2.6.

Bn, Hd, Qrs, at WINDMILL (S.9.c.35.10).

During the night Durham Fd.Coy R.E. came up & made strong points at S.4.a.10.30. East corner at S.4.d.19.85. at S.E. corner S.4.c.85.00. wiring the front of same. C Coys bombers cleared several deep dugouts in N.E. side in the wood, captured a doctor & several prisoners.

The attack were made with four lines 150x distance between each line. Frontage of each Coy 175 yds from left to right D Coy, C Coy in two lines right of C Coy on track  S.9.e.95.00. to S.E. corner of wood.

B Coy, A Coy in two lines.

Bn, First Aid post & reserve Lewis guns & S.A.A. at road junct, S.9.c.95.00.

10.30 pm About this time Units of 33^rd Div: passed on S side of WINDMILL and advanced in direction of S.3.Central.

11.30 pm Enemy made a counter attack from N.W. corner of WOOD towards D Coy’s left flank, they were driven back by M.gun. Lewis gun & rifle fire. D Coy (left flank now in the air) formed a defensive flank with his left platoon facing N.N.W. This was strengthened by Capt J.B. Hayes who brought up a platoon of B Coy, (2 Lt Rutter being killed leading this platoon through the wood).      

2/4^th Battalion – The Bttn fell in at 5.15 am & punctual to time passed out of the camp gate by the No 6 Post at 5.30 am. The Bd, formed up & moved off in column of route at 6 am. Lieut Evetts & his Platoon formed the right flank guard, the Battn less this platoon was in the main body. On arrival at the TOMBS the Brigade opened out on to a broad front & shortly after was ordered to return to camp, the Battn marching back through the city arriving in camp at 8.30 am, 2^nd line transport at 9 am. Only 2 men fell out & generally the march was not felt  but in this weather the ordinary fatigues having to be carried out in the hot hours of the day on return to camp also cooking proved most trying.

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion sent a detachment under Captain Higgins of 6 officers & 170 O.R. to MAILLET WOOD where they were attached 29^th Division. They worked on the communication trenches. Major S.B. Schlam reported for duty.

7^th Battalion – Z2 SUB-SECTOR & BILLON VALLEY GROVETOWN CAMP.

At 2 am Battalion was relieved from LONGUEVAL ALLEY and proceeded to new trench between original Enemy 2^nd line and third line ( BEDFORD TRENCH). At 7.30 am the battn moved back into shelters in BILLON VALLEY at 7.30 pm the Battn moved back into camp at GROVETOWN CAMP.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Normal – Wounded 21319 Pte F. Hodson; G/9487 P.J. Warren; 10115 A.G. Barber.

11^th Battalion – 

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

13^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – BICORDEL.

In afternoon C.O. & Coy commanders visited 2^nd Battn bivouac near old British front line South of MAMETZ Village and Lt Col Longbourne accompanied them to the high ridge above the bivouac and pointed out all visable features – A good view obtained of CONTAL MAISON – MAMETZ WOOD and the two HAZENTINS, then in hands of the Germans – Special order of the day from Gen Rawlinson Comdg 4^th Army Received.

Special order of the day

The Commander-in-chief desires that the following may be made known at once to all the troops :- “ The Russians are attacking in great force and with success on many parts of their front and have captured many thousands of prisoners and much war material in the last few days.

The Italians have pressed the Austrians back a considerable distance and are following up their advance vigorously.

The French troops on our right have already gained brilliant successes and captured a large number of prisoners, guns, etc. They are pressing on steadily; their left flank co-operating closely with our right.

On the main front of attack our troops have broken, on a front of 12,000 yards, right through systems of defence which the enemy has done his utmost for nearly two years to render impregnable. We have inflicted heavy loss on him, capturing 8,000 prisoners and many guns, mortars, machine guns and other war material.

The enemy has already used up most of his reserves and has very few now available.

The defences which remain to be broken through are not nearly so deep, so strong, or so well prepared as those already captured, and the enemy’s troops, exhausted and demoralized, are far less capable of defending them than they were ten days ago.

The Battle is, in fact, already more than half won. What remains to be done is easier than what has been done already and is well within our power.

Let every attack be pushed home to its allotted objective with the same bravery and resolution as on the 1^st July.

Let all objectives gained be held against all comers as British soldiers has always known how to hold them.

There is no room for doubt that steady, determined, united, and unrelenting effort for a few days more will definitely turn the scale in our favour and open up the road to further successes which will bring final and complete victory within sight.”

H. Rawlinson, General,

Commanding Fourth Army.

Headquarters,

Fourth Army.

12^th July 1916.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training in the morning at 6 pm two bandoliers S.A.A. issued to each man.

9 pm Marched via WELLINGTON REDOUBT to No Man’s Land N of MANSEL COPSE.

MANSEL COPSE.

Bivouaced at 10 pm.

Strength:

Officers 30.

Other Ranks 1050.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The Battn took part in a Brigade Route March complete with 1^st & 2^nd line transport. Duties were handed over to the 1/4 Dorset Regt from retreat on the 13^th till retreat on the 14^th. A number of garrison employed men were relieved out of a total of 81 but in spite of this the strength on parade only amounted to Officers 17 Other Ranks 651. Loads were stacked ready for loading by 4 pm. Transport ordered for 4 am arrived at 4.20 am & roping & loading was easily completed by 5 am.

4759 Pte G. Prior B Coy died of cholera & he and Pte Harbour were buried at 6.45 pm.

4504 Pte E. Attewell B Coy died of cholera & was buried on return to camp of the Battn after the Brigade Route March on the 14^th inst.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion was inspected in billets by the G.O.C. 12^th Division & remained in billets.

7^th Battalion – (part missing) where he met Officers Commanding Companies – Orders for attack of Northern Portion of TRONES WOOD at 7 pm were then issued. Brigade operation orders were received at 4 pm. Company Commanders returned to their commands and issued instructions. Leading Coy moved forward from DUBLIN TRENCH at 5.30 pm. Battn was greatly  impeded by a relief moving up into LONGUEVAL ALLEY at the same time. At 7 pm Battn assaulted TRONES WOOD from northern extremity over a front of 750 yards. One Company of 7^th Buffs detailed to assist Battn in the assault, became much disorganised owing to casualties caused by shell fire when moving up to the attack and only one and a half platoons arrived in time to partake in the assault. Battn H.Q. arrived in LONGUEVAL ALLEY at 7 pm. (ZERO hour). Battn, on assaulting was met by very heavy rifle, machine gun & shell fire and the advance was definitely checked owing to no support troops being to hand. The enemy would appear to have suffered very little damage from our bombardment as he developed very heavy rifle fire. The enemy also barraged on LONGUEVAL ALLEY. At 8.50 pm a message was received that Northern Portion of TRONES WOOD would be re-bombarded & that attack was not to be pressed if success seemed unlikely. At 9 pm remainder of battn & 7^th Buffs reorganised for defence of LONGUEVAL ALLEY in conjunction with present garrison. At 12.30 am 14^th July instructions were received that Battn might withdraw to German old front line system if LONGUEVAL ALLEY was sufficiently held. At 2.30 am Battn withdrew to BEDFORD TRENCH.

Casualties, Officers 13, O.R. 216

8^th Battalion – The G.O.C.- in-chief has awarded the Military Medal to the N.C.O’s & men mentioned below, for general work and devotion to duty.

No.8929 Sgt Collis W. “C” Coy, 2955 L/C Roper E.G. ‘M.G. Det’; 2481 Cpl McDermott H. Transport Section, 445 Pte Westcott E.G. ‘A’ Coy.

10^th Battalion – Normal – Killed No 6643 Pte J. Miller; Wounded No 10046 L.Cpl H. Eastop; 10401 Pte  P. Wright; 10373 Pte E. Perkins.

11^th Battalion – Large number of shells were thrown into Glasgow Redoubt & trench 99 but little damage was done. Capt Hogan was slightly wounded and O.R. 3 wounded.

During the night 13/14^th the battalion was relieved by the Royal West Kent Regiment and went back to billets, located as follows:-

A Coy to Fusilier Terrace. When they were employed on working parties in Border Avenue.

B Coy – Soyer Farm.

C Coy –

2 Platoons – Tilleul Farm.

1 Platoon – Petit Rabeque.

1 Platoon – Grand Rabeque.

D Coy & Machine Gunners – Delaville Farm.

Headquarters – Soyer Farm.

The battalion was employed during rthe week, on emplacements in PLOEGSTEERT WOOD under the supervision of the Royal Engineers. 

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

12^th July 1916 –

1st Battalion – Remained in billets – Hand carts for Lewis guns were taken over from another division and guns completed to eight.

Marched at 10.0 pm to BICORDEL, 4½ miles, where Battalion bivouacked just N.E. of the village.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training continued in the morning – Men under Coy arrangements washed in the D craters in Old No Man’s Land. All officers taken up to German craters from where the situation & all prominent landmarks in the promised land were pointed out to them.

Strength:

Officers 30.

Other Ranks 1050.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Death.

News was received of the deaths of No.4754 Pte F. Davis A Coy at BUSRA on the 1/7/16 of malaria and of No.2625 Pte A. Watson B Coy at BUSRA on 5/7/16 of cholera. No.1735 Pte A. Harbour D Coy died of cholera late at night.

Medical.

The death of Pte Harbour was disconcerting as the N.C.O’s & men of No 16 Platoon amongst whom the majority of the cholera cases had occurred had been isolated in the cholera camp on the 10^th July.

1/6^th Battalion – LOUVENCOURT.

The Battalion remained in billets, Battn, sent 2 officers & 80 men to AUTHIEULE as a working party where they were billeted.

7^th Battalion – Page Missing

8^th Battalion – T 18 d 6 4½ RED LODGE BDE. RESERVE.

12^th- 14^th Bn remained at RED LODGE. Parades were held from 7.15 am – 7.45 am 9 - 10 am & 11 – 12 noon.

10^th Battalion – Quiet – Wounded G/9753 Pte G.F. White – died of his wounds.

11^th Battalion – Our Artillery was unusually active. Enemy retaliated by a bombardment of trenches 99, 100 & 102, with minenwerfers, and aerial torpedoes and did considerable material damage. Reserve farm was also shelled damage being done to Suffolk Avenue.