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.