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

31^st August 1916 –

1st Battalion – BILLETS RIBEMONT. Move to MIRVAUX.

The Battalion moved into billets in MIRVAUX via main ALBERT – AMIENS road – LA HOUSSOYE – QUERRIEU – St GRATIEN – MOLLINS to billets by Bde Route march passing starting point at 8 am. It was a lovely day and the march was the best part of thirteen miles passing through Fourth Army Head Quarters which were at QUERRIEU where we turned off the main ALBERT – AMIENS road in a Northern direction to St GRATIEN. The Battalion completed the march in good order and arrived in very good billets at MIRVAUX at about 2 pm. Major General Landon visited the Battalion at about 6 pm and addressed the men praising them in warm tones, on their conduct throughout their operations in the parts from which we had just come and their conduct under the most trying of circumstances during the past couple of months during which the Division had taken part in the “Great Offensive” on the SOMME. He wished them all the best of luck and expressed his confidence in them to carry on in the future as they had done in the past – upholding themselves as a fine example of England’s best troops – The Battalion received orders for a move by Route march to billets in TALMAS about 5½ miles distant on the 1^st September Moving off at 8 am.

F. Godfrey Captain

Comdg 1/Queen Rgt. 

2nd Battalion – Bn paraded at 12 noon & ordered to go up to DELVILLE WOOD & relieve 1^st S. Staffords (at 7 pm) marched to MONTAUBAN ALLEY, and relieved 2^nd R. Warwickshire Regt there. A & C Coys to FOLLY TRENCH 3 pm arriving at 5.45 pm. Enemy made three attacks on EAST RIDGE of DELVILLE WOOD between 4 pm & 7 pm against 1^st S. Staffords then holding this front (T.13.a.4.7 to T.13.C.3.8.) – V heavy artillery barrage on DELVILLE WOOD & area S, of same to MONTAUBAN from 12 noon to about 8 pm – B & D Coys arrived & at once reinforced 1^st S. Staffords who were then holding East Edge of DELVILLE WOOD & occupying DEVIL Trench, DIAGONAL Trench, & ANGLE Trench, C & ½ A Coys also sent forward from FOLLY Trench to reinforce moving  via DIAGONAL Trench. By 11 pm Coys had occupied the line as follows :-

12 Platoons D Coy, 2 Platoons C Coy, 4 Lewis Guns) - DEVIL TRENCH from S.E. Corner of DELVILLE WOOD to S.18.6.85.50 opposite HOP ALLEY with their in the air.

2 Platoons D Coy in 22 ALLEY.

B Coy, 1 Platoon C Coy) – in DIAGONAL & TRENCH S of PILSEN LANE.

2 Platoons A Coy in Angle Trench.

2 Platoons A Coy in FOLLY Trench- (in Bn Reserve)

Coy Commanders preceded their Coys & were with the S. Staffords at the time of enemy’s attack – Capt Stovold reached the S. Staffs Coy he was taking over from but has not since been seen or heard of.

 W. Hayes

Maj for Lt Col.

Comdg 2/The Queen’s Regt.

2/4^th Battalion –

H.W.M. Watson Lt Col.

O.C. 2/4 Queen’s R.W.S. Rgt.

1/5^th Battalion – Strength. Strength of Battn in the country on this date is as under:-

                                      Officers                Other Ranks.

W Unit                              16                          678.

12^th Bde M.G. Coy            1                            24.

Divl employed.                  1                          110.

F.A. Nasariyeh                   1                            57.

Base Hosp.                         2                            47.

Base Depot.                        4                            40.

On Leave.                           2                              4.

At AMARAH.                  30                          960.

W.P. Spens Capt & Adjt.

1/6^th Battalion – Very quiet, wet weather impeded work 2/Lt E.W. Edwards joined for duty.

G.H. Higgins Capt.

Commdg 6^th Bn The Queen’s Regt.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained in Reserve and was bombarded from 9.30 am till 4.30 pm, and from 9.30 pm – 1.30 pm with gas shells. About 18 Casualties from gas effects were suffered & 1 Officer was killed.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Training.  Nothing unusual has taken place during our tour in billets.

R. Oakley, Lieut Colonel

Commanding 10 Queen’s.

11^th Battalion – 

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

30^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – BECORDEL Move to RIBEMONT.

The Battalion moved by Brigade route march to RIBEMONT leaving BECORDEL at 7.30 am. Route via MEAULTE-DERNANCOORT BUIRE- Billets in RIBEMONT. Passed the 8^th Battalion en route going through MEAULT, they were going up into the line.

The Battalion reached RIBMONT at about 10.30 am and were billeted. It rained all day from early morning to late evening. 2 Lt W.J. Cross joined the Battn and 2 other ranks.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training – Weather still bad.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 847.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Reinforcements Lieut (Temp Captain) J.C. Crowley 1/4 The Queen’s & Lieut C.D. Ingram 1/5 East Surrey Regt who had been ordered from BASRA up river without any destination or unit to which they were to go being given them, having found their way to NASARIYEH & being acquainted with the Battn having reported to the C.O. on the 24^th inst were this day ordered to be attached to the Battn for duty. Both officers are thoroughly trained machine gun officers.

Before the telegram received today neither they nor Battn H.Q. had any intimation that they were likely to come to us, and as machine gun officers they appear wasted on regimental duty. Meanwhile three 2/Lieut’s who have been sent out from 3/5^th Queen’s & who arrived at BASRA some 5 weeks ago remain there in spite of many requests to the Base to send them up.

Staff Appointments Lieut J.D. Gabb was ordered to the Bde Staff as orderly officer.

1/6^th Battalion – Very quiet, busy improving trenches, draining riveting & laying floorboards & putting out wire.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – 5.45 am - The Bn left RIBMONT at 5.45 am and marched to the Reserve Camp at F 8 d to relieve a Bn of the 42^nd Infy Bde.

The route was :- BUIRE – E 20 b 1 5 – DERNANCOURT – VIVIER HILL – MEAULTE – CARCAILLOT FARM – F 8 a.4.0. – F 8 d. This camp was reached at 9 am It was a very wet day.

4 pm – The Bn left the Rest Camp and marched via FRICOURT & MAMETZ to the CHECK LINE, S 23 c (LONGUEVAL Sheet) to relieve the 6^th Somerset Light Infantry in support. The 1 N. Staffords and 8^th R.W. Kents were in front line on the E edge of DELVILLE WOOD, while the 9^th E. Surrey Regt was in Reserve near MONTAUBAN. 1

Relief complete at 7 pm.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Training.

11^th Battalion – 

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

29^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion still in same place in DIVISIONAL reserve – Companies carried out their own programs of Training – Bayonet fighting etc. Draft of 36 other ranks joined the Battalion.

2nd Battalion – Very heavy thunder showers again interfered with Training.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 847.

8 Draft.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Training For the first time for nearly seven weeks thanks to the hut building and new defence scheme being completed a company was able to be placed at its O.C’s disposal for training & it is hoped one, if not two, will continue to be available daily.

1/6^th Battalion – Extremely quiet, busy improving trenches & wiring by night.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained in rest billets.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Training.

11^th Battalion – 

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

28^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – BIVOUACS BECORDEL.

The Battalion rested and cleaned up. Companies were worked at the discretion of their Commanders and men were allowed to wash their cloths etc.

2nd Battalion – Coy training continued as far as weather permitted.

5.30 pm Map reading for all officers.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 839.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Field Operations The Battn paraded at 4.30 am as part of a column ordered to demonstrate towards SHATRA but to proceed not further than ABDUR RIDHAS TOWER. The operations were ordered partly to test the secrecy of the issuing of orders as latterly there had been considerable leakage of information whenever field operations were completed & the G.O.C. had ordered very special precautions to be taken. Orders were received verbally from the Bde at 7.50 pm on the 26^th for the Battn to be outside the barbed wire by No 5 Post at 4.45 am with 1^st line complete. Orders were issued to officers at 8.30 pm & to other ranks at 9.30 pm, the same evening. Absolutely no leakage occurred on this occasion.

The column commanded by Lt Col Carleton 90^th Punjabis and consisted of ½ squadron 12^th Cavalry

21^st Mountain Battery,

2 sections 12^th Bde M.G. Coy.

1/5 The Queen’s. (less those on outpost duty).

1 company 90^th Punjabis.

1 section No 3 C.F.A.

It assembled at 4.45 am at No 5 Post & moved off at 5 am.

A.G. 12^th Cavalry, 1 platoon 1/5 The Queen’s (No 4 platoon under Lieut C.R. Wigan).

R & L Flank G’s 1 platoon 90^th Punjabis respectively.

M.B. 1 company (less 1 platoon) 1/5 (A Coy) The Queen’s.

21^st Mountain Battery.

2 sections 12^th Bde M.G. Coy.

1/5^th Queen’s less 1 company & 1 (B & C Coys) platoon.

No 3 C.F.A.

R.G. 1 platoon 1/5 The Queen’s (D Coy remainder of D Coy on outpost duty).

Column advanced in this order as far as ABDUR RIDHAS Tower, where it halted & battalion deployed into two lines of platoons in fours. After ¾ hour halt the column retired on camp. Beyond one warning shot & groups of Arabs on far sandhills there appeared little signs of opposition & the villages in hostile territory appeared to have been completely taken by surprise.

Strength of Battn Officers 15 (including 2 attached) Other Ranks 396.

Transport 5 pm – The Battn took over & located in the lines just N of the horse lines its First Line Transport 1 pony, 70 mules & 2 personel.     

1/6^th Battalion – Extremely quiet, busy improving trenches & wiring by night.

1 O.R. wounded

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – RIBEMONT.

The Bn remained in rest billets.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Training.

11^th Battalion – 

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

27^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion still in Brigade reserve in the Wood, the weather was very inclement. Orders were received for the relief of the Battalion by the 2^nd R.W. Fus 19^th Bde and the relief was completed by 10 pm the Battalion marching into Bivouacs with the rest of the 100^th Inf Bde at BECORDEL in the same place as on the 13^th inst arriving in Bivouacs at about 11 pm. The following officer reinforcements joined the Battn, Lieut A.C. Allen – 2 Lt H.D. Taylor – 2 Lt N.B. Avery – 2 Lt D.E.H. Millard.

2nd Battalion – E.8.C.1.1.

Church Parade cancelled owing to wet weather. Lieut Col Tringham from 8^th Bn and some officers of the 1^st Bn in FRICOURT WOOD, came over in the afternoon.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 839.

2/Lieut A.T.L. Noble joined.

2/Lieut H.H. Greig to Roy Flying Corps.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – Extremely quiet, busy improving trenches & wiring at night. One man killed by a rifle grenade. 2/Lt Read M.R. rejoined battalion for duty. 2/Lieut E.E. Elliot, 2/Lt J.A. Christe, 2/Lt E.H. Aspden reported for duty.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Bn went into billets in RIBEMONT sur L’ANCRE. A draft of one officer and 64 O.R. joined the Bn.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Sunday – Inspections, Bathing etc,

11^th Battalion – 

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

26^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – FRICOURT WOOD.

The Battalion remained in Brigade reserve and spent the day which was a very wet one in resting.  

2nd Battalion – Bn Paraded at 1 pm and marched to new camp at E.8.C.1.1.

 Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 839

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Training the Brigade exercise on the 16^th inst was repeated – guns were allotted to areas & the 21^st M.B.  was supported both 90^th Punjabis & 1/5 Queen’s. A & C Coys on our right failed to get any messages taken up by the gunners.

Huts D Coy huts were completed & the company moved back into the lines from the isolation camp.

1/6^th Battalion – Extremely quiet, busy improving trenches & wiring at night.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – A draft of 36 O.R. joined the Bn for duty.

10^th Battalion – Billets –Coy training in semi open tactics.

11^th Battalion – 

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

25^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion was relieved by the 9/H.L.I. and came back to the Reserve line at about 5 am on the 25^th inst. The Battalion were successful in taking their objective and the Bombers advanced about 100 yards up WOOD LANE trench and captured a German Block establishing their own about 10 yards in advance of it, the signal for their final position was Very Lights fired whereupon a platoon of the 20^th Royal Fusiliers came up and took over the post, captured by the Battalion and proceeded to consolidate it.

Casualties were as follows for the action of the 21^st inst.

Officers Killed – 4.     O Ranks Killed 19

        Wounded - 6              Wounded 76

Total                                            Total 95.

OFFICERS KILLED (Names)

2 Lt Rope. J.A.

2 Lt Bennett. L.E.

2 Lt Long. A.W.E.

2 Lt Campbell. A.M.

OFFICERS WOUNDED (Names). 24^th.

Lt Col L.M. Crofts.

Capt O.S. Flinn.

Capt Lukyn S.E. (Shell shock retd to duty 26^th inst)

2 Lt Bennett L.H. (retd to duty 26^th inst)

2 Lt Howell. W.J.

2 Lt Carpenter J.W.

The Battalion remained in the Reserve trenches until orders were received for their relief at about 2 pm by the 98^th Inf Bde. The relief was completed without mishap, the Battalion were relieved in the DEVILLE WOOD Trenches by the 2^nd Argyle & S.Hqrs. There was no casualties.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

2.30 pm 91^st Bde Gymkhana. Heats run off in the morning. Lieut Col Longbourne 2^nd in jumping on “IVANHOE”.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 839

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Training The C.O. had a tactical exercise for officers in connection with the scheme for signalling to the guns.

Musketry A start was made on range for the Battalion.

1/6^th Battalion – Extremely quiet, busy improving trenches & wiring at night. Captain A.S.K. Anderson, The Medical Officer was wounded by a piece of Anti-aircraft shell.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Bn moved at 9.45 am to a destination in E.7.c. into bivouacs.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Company in attack – musketry drill.

11^th Battalion – 

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

24^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The morning passed more quietly than before. Operation orders were issued to the Companies and everything explained to all Company by Lt Col L.M. Crofts – D & C Coys were the two assaulting Companies B were to be in immediate support and A in reserve. Companies were all allotted their assembly places and were to be in position by 3 pm.

Objective The two assaulting Companies were to capture and consolidate the new German position. From the point were the new German Line met WOOD LANE on the front going East of 300x. A bombing post was to be established as far up WOOD LANE in a Northerly direction as possible this task was allotted to the 16 Regimental Bombers under Lt Carpenter.

Zero was at 5.45 pm at 65 minutes after that hour our assaulting Coys launched their attack, with the 16/ K.R.R.C. and the 2^nd Worcesters co-operating on our right. There was a preliminary Artillery Bombardment of 2 Hours and a final Barrage of intense fire 30 minutes before the assault was launched, the Barrage lifting as the front line troops drew up to it.

The objective was reported as taken and the work of Consolidation in progress at 8.30 pm and reinforcements were asked for. 2 Companies of the 9/H L I were sent up in support – Messages were received from the front line to say that the Battalion had suffered very heavy Officer Casualties mostly due to shell fire prior to the assult.

24^th,25^th  At about 12 midnight Lt Col Crofts, 1^st Queen’s and Lt Col Darling of the 9/H.L.I. were sent up to ascertain the situation with a view to the relief of the Battalion by the 9/H.L.I. Lt Col Crofts was wounded before reaching the front line, leaving Capt Brodhurst Hill in command of the Battalion.

Col Darling continued on his way and arranged for the relief of the Battalion by the 9/H.L.I. with Capt Brodhurst Hill.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

6 pm Conference Bde H.Q. for all C.O’s & 2^nd in Command.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 839.

2 To Hosp.

1 From Hosp.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Death No 2626 Pte R.G. Johnson B Coy died of dysentery and was buried at 6.30 pm.

1/6^th Battalion – Extremely quiet, busy improving trenches & wiring at night.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – A draft of 40 other ranks joined the Bn for duty.

10^th Battalion – BUIGNY L’ABBE.

Billets – Battn training & drill.

11^th Battalion – Battalion proceeded by train from BAILLEUL STATION at 2.30 am to LONGPRE, arriving there at 10 am. Thence by march route to billets in BUSSUS-BUSSWEL. The next day rigorous training in the attack was commenced. Special attention being paid to the inculcation of the offensive spirit.

TOTAL CASUALTIES O.R. 12 Killed 27 Wounded.

H.R. BURNABY Lt Col. 

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

23^rd August 1916 –

1st Battalion – TRENCHES WEST OF DEVILLE WOOD.

The Battalion had one Company in the front line 2 in support and one in reserve. The enemy shelled our Front and Support Line continuously throughout day & night.

Operation orders were issued by the 100^th Inf Bde for an assault on the new German position to be made by the 16/K.R.R.C. 2^nd Worcesters & 1^st Queen’s Rgts on the afternoon of the 24^th inst.

Killed 2 Lt Collings – E d’A – 5.0, Ranks

Wounded – 11 O Ranks. 

2nd Battalion – Coy Training – Generals Watts & Ford rode round camp and watched Coys training. 2 Lieut H.B. Secretan took over duties of a/Adj fr, Capt J.B. Hayes – Sick.

Coy Training.

6 pm Conference Bde H.Q. for all C.O’s & 2^nd in Command.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 840.

1 To Hosp.

2/4^th Battalion – KANTARA.

Battn moved to KANTARA. Work consists of providing guards for alternate days, which uses up two companies. Battalion exercises & Company Training carried out by remainder of Bttn.

Strength. During the past month the Battn has been reinforced by 5 OFF 39 O.R. It has been diminished by 3 OFF 46 O.R.

Health. On the whole good. Average amount of sickness approx 4% Diarrhoea & septic cuts being chief causes.

Weather. Hot days with cool nights & heavy dew. Working hours 05.15 to 07.45 & 16.30 to 17.30 daily except on Urgent matters.

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – Extremely quiet, busy improving trenches & wiring at night.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at the CITADEL.

10^th Battalion – Billets – The Battn moved to BUIGNY L’ABBE. Entrained at NOOTE BOOM at 6.30 am. Detrained PONT REMY 2.30 pm – Marched to BUIGNY L’ABBE.

11^th Battalion – 

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

22^nd August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion received orders to move up to relieve the 9/H L I in the front line trenches to the West of DEVILLE WOOD. The Battalion moved by Companies at about 5 pm the relief being completed by about 11 pm. No casualties were incurred.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

9 pm – Night operations practice assault consolidation of captured position – wiring.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 841.

12 Draft.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Grenades Rifle grenades were placed in Nos 4, 5&7 posts.

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

Extremely quiet, busy improving trenches & wiring at night.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The 8^th Queen’s moved to the CITADEL area (F 21 b 9 1) a draft of 74 O.R. joined the Bn for duty.

10^th Battalion – Billets – route march & drill etc.

11^th Battalion – 

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

21^st August 1916 –

1st Battalion – POMIER TRENCHES.

The Battlns still remained in the same reserve trenches until moved up into support to an attack by the 9/H L I and 2^nd Worcesters on the new German position on the West DELVILLE WOOD, at about 10.45 pm. The Battalion were not required and moved back again to POMIER TRENCHES at about 1 am 22^nd inst.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

3 pm – 1^st South Staffords Regtl Sports.

Officers 30. O.Rks 829

2/4^th Battalion – Lt Col H.W.M. Watson D.S.O. took over command of the Battn.

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – BEAUMETZ.

The battalion proceeded to the trenches opposite FICHEUX relieving the 11^th Manchester Regt 34^th Bde. Relief was complete at 12.45 pm “A” Coy were on the Right in Front Line “C” Coy on the Left in Front Line “B” & “D” Coys in Support.

7^th Battalion –

8^th Battalion – The Battalion attacked in conjunction with 17^th Bde on the left. “Zero” time was 4.30 pm. The right of our Bn attacking force was held up, as the enemy was found to be very close and severe bomb fighting ensued. The left progressed however and made touch with the 1^st R. Fusiliers (17^th Bde) in the neighbourhood of the GREEN ST – HILL ST road junction. The Bn on our left (1^st R. Fusiliers) reached the HIGH HOLBORN line without much difficulty.

Later on however the whole line was withdrawn to its original position.

The 8^th Queen’s suffered 7 Officer casualties & 89 other rank casualties. The Officer casualties were as follows :-

Captain C.H. Woollatt O.C. A Coy – Killed.

Temp Capt (2 Lt) D.W. Lane-Nichols O.C. B Coy – Killed.

2/Lt J.E. Tollemache – Killed.

2/Lt R.H. Hoole – Killed.

2/Lt A.W. Powell – Killed.

Major H.J.C. Peirs – Wounded (at duty)

Temp Capt (Lt) F.D. Higham – Wounded.

The Bn was relieved in the trenches by the 1^st N. Staffords. The relief was complete at 2 am. On relief the Bn moved to the CRATERS Area.

10^th Battalion – Billets – Inspected by G.O.C. Bde.

11^th Battalion – 

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

20^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – POMIER TRENCHES near MAMETZ VILLAGE.

The Battalion still in the same place Carrying & Fatigue parties furnished for front line regiments.

2nd Battalion – Brigade Church Parade Rev P.N. Waggett officiated.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 829.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion attended church parade, at 5 pm the battalion proceeded to BEAUMETZ arriving at 8.30 pm & went into billets for the night, Lt H.A. Parkinson joined the battalion for duty.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day. Nothing to report.

8^th Battalion – The enemy was found to be holding the HILL ST line, so the patrol’s could not  establish posts. One platoon however under 2907 Sgt Sheppard P. B Coy, remained in position and dug itself in, and greatly assisted the attack carried out the next afternoon.

10^th Battalion – Billets – route marching drill etc.

11^th Battalion – 

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

19^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion received orders to move into reserve trenches near MANETZ Village at about 10 am. The line was reconnoitred by an officer in the morning – Lt Col L.M. Crofts went up with the Battalion which moved at about 4.30 pm and were in position in the reserve trenches by 7 pm.

Carrying parties were found by the battalion for the 9/H L I and 2^nd Worcester’s who were in the line, the brigade relieved 41^st Bde in the line between DELVILLE WOOD and HIGH WOOD.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training. Map Reading for Officers in the evening. “Immediate Awards” announced Capt J.B. Hayes, M.C – C.S.M. Wes,t M.C. – R.S.M. Routley, D.C.M.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 829.

1 From Hospital.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – The battalion remained in billets, at 3 pm the G.O.C. 12^th Division presented medal ribbons to the following N.C.O’s & men.

D.C.M.

1016 L/Cpl Moxley E.H.

196 Pte Overton W.J.

MILITARY MEDAL.

123 Sergt Smith J.R.

1086 Sergt Woods J.

5657 L/Cpl Rowland E.P.

1072 Pte Moxley H.A.

495 Smith P.

The following men were away, evacuated & could not receive their ribbons.

D.C.M.

No 356 Pte Holland G.S.

MILITARY MEDAL.

5880 Cpl Girling P.

116 Sergt Johnson V.

895 Forsyth W.

934 L/Cpl Pyett F.

1037 Pte Tyler E.V.

The above decorations were all granted for conspicuous gallantry in the fighting opposite OVILLERS on 3^rd July 1916.

7^th Battalion – Enemy shelled BOIS GRENIER on battalions right – Artillery retaliated on German Headquarters of Battn. Some Trench Mortar work by enemy on Battalions left. Very slight damage to material.

No casualties.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at the CRATERS.

10^th Battalion – Billets.

11^th Battalion – 

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

18^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The day passed quietly with the exception of Slight Shelling by the Enemy’s artillery of some Gun Positions immediately in rear of Bttn Hd Qrs near the Shrine in FONQUEVILLERS village.

11 O Ranks Reinforcements arrived mostly wounded men & men from Hospital. 35 men & 1 officer 1 having gone into Hospital returned from 3^rd Army Rest Camp. 9 O Ranks went.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

3 pm – 20^th Bde Race Meeting.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 828.

11 To Hospital.

2 Lieut H.B. Secretan rejoined.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Animals, Transport Work was started on new mule lines, as 1^st line Transport is to be handed over to units.

1/6^th Battalion – SOMBRIN.

The battalion remained in billets, cleaning up & refitting for the trenches.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day. Nearly all shelling appeared to be counter battery work.

8^th Battalion – The Bn was relieved in the trenches by 13^th Middlesex Regt (73^rd Brigade). On relief the Bn went into the CRATERS.

10^th Battalion – NOOTE BOOM.

Normal – The Battn was relieved in Rest Billets by 8^th York’s Regt and marched to billets at NOOTE BOOM Area

11^th Battalion – The battalion proceeded by march routes to billets at FONTAINE HOUCK where it was billeted in 5 farm houses. There the time was spent in route marches and athletics to make the men fit after their tour of the trenches.

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

17^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The day passed quietly – work carried on as usual. Patrols as usual.

Draft of 43 O Ranks arrived from England.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

Details of strength.

Officers 29. O.Rks 839.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – HALLOY.

The battalion proceeded to billets in SOMBRIN arriving at 11.55 am 5 men fell out on the march.

7^th Battalion – Enemy artillery slightly more active than usual – Right of subsidiary line shelled in morning.

8^th Battalion – 3 am – The 8^th Queen’s Regt relieved the 9^th E. Surrey’s in the right trenches. Relief complete by 3 am.

10^th Battalion – SOYER FARM.

Normal. We were relieved in the trenches by the 9^th Bn York’s & Lancs Regt.

11^th Battalion – The battalion was relieved by 10^th Bn Northumberland Fusiliers, and marched by platoons to billets in STEENWERCK, for the night.

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

16^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The day passed quietly as usual with exception of a few enemy Trench Mortars which wounded two men otherwise same as day before.

By night there was an inter Company relief “C” Coy relieving “A” Coy in the front line & “D” Coy relieving “B”, the relief was completed without incident. Patrols being out all night as usual.

Draft of 68 O Ranks arrived from England.

2nd Battalion – 10.15 am – G.O.C. 91^st Bde inspected Camp. Coy Training – range firing.

Details of strength.

Officers 29. O.Rks 839.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Training Tactical exercise in intercommunication between companies & supporting artillery took place in all units in 12^th Bde & for 7^th I.M.A. Bde & B Battery 222^nd Bde R.F.A. under the direction of G.O.C. 12^th Bde. Units were represented by H.Q. Signallers & company commanders. The Bde was ordered to take up a position in front of the village of SHAZ al AZAIN facing E at 6.30 am 43^rd Erinpura’s on left 90^th Punjabis centre 1/5 Queen’s right each with frontage of 500 yards Erinpura’s left on river. The gun’s were allotted to units, & 2 sections 21^st Mountain Battery were allotted to 1/5 Queen’s. The Bde was to retire W. After some confusion in getting into position the retirement started. Communication was kept up satisfactorily but the forms of messages still required further attention.

1/6^th Battalion – BUS.

The battalion proceeded to billets in HALLOY. Two men fell out on the march. The 12^th Division is now in the III Army VI Corps.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day.

Casualties 1 O.R. caused by short burst of our own artillery.

8^th Battalion – The Bn left the trenches at S. End TALUS BOISEE and went to the CRATERS. At 5.40 pm the 9^th E. Surrey Regt attacked the enemy’s strong point at S 30 b 7 2 to S 30 b 7½ 4½ along the SUNKEN ROAD & the trench that runs parallel and East to the SUNKEN ROAD.

This rectangle is S 30 b 7 2, S 30 b 7½ 4½. B.8.4½., b.8.2½.

This attack failed.

10^th Battalion – Normal.

11^th Battalion – 

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

15^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – Enemy inactive. Same as day before. Patrols the same.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

Details of strength.

Officers 29. O.Rks 839.

2 lieut G.R.B. Knight to England.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – LEALVILLERS.

The battalion proceeded BUS & went into huts, No men fell out on the march.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day & night. 2/Lts A.G. Gadd & G.L. Matthews joined the battalion for duty & were posted to C & A Coys respectively.

Casualties 1 O.R.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at TALUS BOISEE.

10^th Battalion – Normal.

11^th Battalion – 

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

14^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The day passed quietly, the same as the day before. Two men were accidently wounded by a rifle grenade.

Two patrols went out by night for the purpose of instruction and all was reported quiet in the enemy’s lines.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 839.

6 to hospital.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Bombing A further start was made with the bombing instruction and four subalterns 1 per company were detailed to instruct their platoons. Practice to take place every evening.

Proficiency Pay Recommendations for Proficiency Pay  Class 1 were sent in on the C.O’s certificate that each man was proficient in his work, in respect of those men who had previously been drawing Class II.

1/6^th Battalion – FORCEVILLE.

The Battalion proceeded to LEALVILLERS leaving FORCEVILLE at 8.50 am & arriving at 10 am nobody fell out on the march.

7^th Battalion – Quiet day. At night a dummy raid was carried out by the Div Artillery, bombarding the enemy’s trenches for 30 mins and after 2 mins: interval opening rapid shrapnel fire – Enemy retaliated not violently on battalions left. The dummy raid was carried out by 54^th Bde on Battalions left.

Promulgation on sentence of F.G.C.M. on Pte Woolley, sentenced by the Court to 7 days F.P. No 1, which sentence was remitted by Brigadier.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained at TALUS BOISEE.

10^th Battalion – Normal – Enemy Artillery a little more active.

11^th Battalion – 

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

13^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – FRONT  TRENCHES (Left Bde) in front of GOMMECOURT.

The day passed quietly, The Companies employing the men in cleaning and improving the trenches. The enemy kept very quiet and his artillery & T. Mortars were unusually inactive. Strong reconnoitring patrols went out during the night for instructional purposes.

2nd Battalion – E.15.a.10.8.

6 pm - Voluntary Church Service.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 845.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – At 2 am “C” Company was sent up to support the 7^th East Surrey Regt who were attacking the enemy trenches; at 3 am “B” Coy was also sent up, but returned at 6 am not being required.

“A” “B” & D Coys left RIBBLE ST at 11 am & proceeded in motorbuses to FORCEVILLE “C” Coy did the same on relief at 4 pm. The 4^th Gloucestershire Regt took over the OVILLERS POST & RIBBLE STREET.

7^th Battalion – TRENCHES 53 – 57.

Battn relieved the 7^th Battn Royal West Kent Regt in trenches 53 to 57. Relief complete at 11.10 pm F.G.C.M. assembled for the trial of No 7942 Pte Woolley F. charged “Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline” (under Sec 40.A A) in that he in the field, France on Aug 9 1916 did negligently discharge his rifle, wounding No 1714 Sergt Tullett A. 2/Lt C.C. Hammond joined the battalion for duty and was posted to B Coy.

8^th Battalion – The Bn was relieved in the Trenches by 9^th E. Surrey Regt. The relief was complete by 10 pm.

During this tour in the Trenches the Bn suffered 86 casualties. On relief the Bn went into Divl Reserve at TALUS BOISEE

10^th Battalion – Normal.

11^th Battalion – 

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

12^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion spent the day cleaning up billets and fitting up prior to moving into the trenches at FONQUEVILLERS to relieve the 52^nd Bde. The first company left SOUASTRE at 8 pm and went into the FRONT LINE Trenches in front of GOMMECOURT relieving the 10^th Royal Lancashire Fusl, The remaining Companies followed at intervals. The Battalion completed the relief by about 11 pm on the night of 12^th/13^th without any incident. Distributing of Coys as follows –

A & B FIRING LINE.

C & D Coys Support.

2nd Battalion – VIGNACOURT.

12 noon – Entrained for MARICOURT arriving at destination at about 7 pm after a very “round about” journey marched from the station to camp arriving at 9.30 pm.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 845.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion –

1/6^th Battalion – Quiet day all men were out most of the early morning on working parties.

7^th Battalion – Work as on day previous. Reinforcements 100 O.R. joined the battalion.

8^th Battalion – The Bn remained in the Trenches. Heavy bombardment continued.

10^th Battalion – Normal – Killed G/11759 Pte F. Alexander.

11^th Battalion – The battalion relieved the 10^th Royal West Kent Regiment in the trenches.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 11th August 1916

11^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion remained at SOUASTRE and training of the men was carried out under Company arrangements.

2 Officers and 35 other ranks went to Corps Rest Camp near BOLOUGNE for one week.

2nd Battalion – Battn received orders to move. Everybody benefitted by the rest. The billets were excellent weather extraordinarily fine, and the facilities for football, cricket, boxing, waterpolo & concerts were ample.

3 pm – The Battn marched to VIGNACOURT where they were billeted for the night.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 845.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Training Capt P.J. Wigley kindly gave an evening’s instruction to officers & N.C.O’s in throwing the Mills Hand Grenade.

1/6^th Battalion – The battalion furnished working parties under R.E. & continued training. Enemy shelled BOUZINCOURT we had no casualties, received orders during the morning to proceed to RIBBLE STREET after 3 pm. The battalion proceeded at 3 pm arriving at 4.30 pm “D” Coy remained at CRUCIFIX CORNER the other three Coy went into RIBBLE STREET.

7^th Battalion – Work as on day previous.

8^th Battalion – TRENCHES.

Disposition of Companies –

                                                Trench Strength.

Front Line

Right Coy – C                          80.

Left coy – D                            80.

Support Line

Right Coy – A                          80.

Left coy – B                             80.

SUNKEN ROAD (S 30 c 6 0) – This was garrisoned by 71 other ranks.

Total Trench Strength – 382.

 The remainder of the trench strength of the Bn was kept in reserve at the CRATERS (A 8 b Sheet 62c N.W.1 – MARICOURT) in the old German Front Line. Bn H.Q. was in SCOTTISH LANE.

The 306^th French Infy Bde attacked ANGLE WOOD, MALTZHORN Fm Ravine and the 165^th Infy Bde were due to co-operate with the French by advancing simultaneously on their left, and prolonging the French left NORTHWARDS. The 165^th Bde, was ordered to raid the strong point at about S30 b 8 2 at 10.30 pm the 7^th King’s Liverpool Regt the Bn on our right carrying out the operation.

The Brigade desired that the trench which runs out from the front line trench held by the 8^th Queen’s & which terminates at S 30 b.5.2, may be joined on to the strong point when captured. A party of 8^th Queen’s under Major H.J.C. Peirs was detailed to carry out this digging operation.

This attack failed.                

10^th Battalion – Normal.

11^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 10th August 1916

10^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – SOUASTRE.

The Battalion moved by Route March to SOUASTRE from HALLOY about 8 kilometres arriving in billets at about 11.30 am.

2nd Battalion – 6.30 am – Battn carried out an advance guard scheme.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 845.

79 Draft.

1 To Hosp.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Medical The final quinine parade was held Malaria has died out and quinine is short.

Death No 5036 Pte J.R. Bacon D Coy, one of the men of the patrol who were surprised by Arabs on the night 2/3^rd inst died of wounds received. His right elbow had been badly damaged but latterly he had been doing very well & his death was quite unexpected. He was buried at 6.30 pm.

Operations 1 Sargt & 10 Ptes were sent up river on the S3 at 7 pm to help pull off the T1 which had gone up the river with 150 N.C.O’s of the 1/4  Dorsets & run aground 20 miles up. They succeeded eventually with the help of the S4 getting the T1 off at 7 pm next day & returned at 9 pm.

Accounts Pay lists for the Battn from 1^st Jan to 30^th June were at last received.

Officers Lieut L.W. Jardine rejoined on return from sick leave after wounds received at SUWAIJ on the 14^th Jan.

1/6^th Battalion – The battalion furnished working parties under R.E. & continued training.

7^th Battalion – Reinforcements, 55 O.R joined the battn No. 1714 Sergt Tullett A. accidently wounded while instructing rapid loading. G.O.C. Div visited battn, unofficially – Work on improvements to billets and defences proceeded with.

8^th Battalion – The bn left the SAND PIT area at 5.45 pm and marched to the front line to relieve the 1/5 King’s Own Regt in the front line trenches, about S 30 b 3 6 to S 30 d 4 7. Guides were met at TALUS BOISEE at 9 pm. The relief was complete at 1 am,  11^th .

10^th Battalion – Normal – Enemy very quiet.

11^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 9th August 1916

9^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion remained at HALLOY in billets resting. Companies carried out training under their own arrangements.

The Drums played out in the evening in the village.

C.O. and Company Commanders went by Motor Bus to reconnoitre the line at GOMMECOURT, where the 100^th Bde is going to relieve the 52^nd Bde in the line probably on the 12^th inst.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

Details of strength.

Officers 30. O.Rks 769.

1 To hospital.

2 Lieut T.L. Manson joined.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Grenades 2/Lt Morris started class of instruction for officers & N.C.O’s in the use of rifle grenades. Condition of grenades not satisfactory shafts being very rusty & one in six not exploding.

1/6^th Battalion – BOUZINCOURT.

The battalion moved into billets in BOUZINCOURT at 11 am arriving at 11.45 am. Furnished working parties under R.E. & continued training one party got shelled

Casualties 3 Killed 2 Wounded.

7^th Battalion – Work as on day previous proceeded with.

8^th Battalion – Orders were received that the 24^th Divn would relieve the 55^th Div in the right sector of the XIII^th Corps in front, tonight. The 72^nd I.B. were to have relieved the 166^th I.B. in Divisional Reserve, with Bde H.Q. at F 23 a 9 1.

These orders were cancelled about 3 pm.

10^th Battalion – 5 am – Remaining 3 Coys of the Battn relieved 3 remaining Coys of 12 East Surrey’s in the trenches. A Coy Right firing line (T 103 – 108), B Coy Left firing line (T 109 – 111), D Coy in Reserve FUSILIER TERRACES – normal.

Entry 8/8/16 No 9751 Pte  A.Townsend – Not Wounded.

11^th Battalion – LE BIZET.

From 9 am till 2.40 pm the enemy shelled the battery of artillery located some 150 yards WEST of LE BIZET, with 5.9” shells. The second shell to fall hit one of D Coy’s billets, killing 2 men & wounding 5. About an hour later 2 shells in rapid succession hit the Lewis Gun Billet, & killed 8 and wounded 15 Lewis Gunners. That evening Brigade Order No 20 was received. This arranged for 1 Company to be billeted in GRANDE RABEQUE, 1 Company in PETITE RABEQUE & 3^rd to remain in cellars in LE BIZET. (B Company was back in STEENWERCK at this time) The billets were therefore altered to “A” Coy in LE BIZET, B COY Laundry, French LE BIZET, “C” Coy GRANDE RABEQUE, and D Coy PETITE RABEQUE.

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 8th August 1916

8^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – HALLOY.

The Battalion moved by Route March to TERNAS where the Battalion, de-bussed and were billeted, settled into billets by 11.30 am.

The Division is now transferred to VII^st  Corps.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

Details of strength.

Officers 29. O.Rks 770.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Defences new scheme of strengthening defences as river head position started. All available men put at Capt Gabb’s disposal, who is in charge of work allotted to the Battn.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion remained in MARTINSART WOOD & cleaned up. About 2.45 pm enemy shelled wood killing & wounding 30 O.R’s. The men bivouaced outside the wood during the night.

7^th Battalion – Work as on day previous. Lieut H.A. Dawson & 2/Lts F.J. Fendall, W.R. Cohen, A.P. Boswall, R.C. Burr & F.R. Lines joined the battalion for duty and were posted to “B” “A” “A” “C” “D” & “D” Coys respectively.

8^th Battalion – Lt F.D. Higham, Lt G.A. Penrose, 2/Lt D.W. Lane-Nichols were authorised by G.O.C. 24^th Div to wear badges of their higher rank (Captain) while in command of Companies. Orders were received that the 24^th Divn would relieve the 2^nd Div in or near GUILLEMONT today. The 72^nd I.B. were to have been in support, 17^th I.B. in Divnl Reserve. These orders were cancelled during the afternoon.

10^th Battalion – Normal – Quiet. Casualties No G/9751 Pte Townsend.

5.30 pm – One Company relieved a Coy of 12 East Surrey’s in the trenches.

11^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 7th August 1916

7^th August   1916 –

1st Battalion – The Battalion rested Companies spent their time in cleaning up & refitting.

A short Route march by Companies was carried out in the morning.

The Drums played in the village square in the afternoon.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

Details of strength.

Officers 29. O.Rks 770.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Operations 4.15 am – The Battn paraded outside the barbed wire entanglement as part of a column of all arms to punish village of ABADAH in connection with recent sniping. Brigadier Gen Patch C.R.A. was in command & column consisted of ½ Squadron 12^th Cavalry,

B Battery 222^nd Bde R.F.A. (late 1/2^nd Kent Battery).

1/5 Queen’s.

1 Section 12^th Bde M.G. Coy.

1½ Bearer Sections No 3 C.F.A.

The General’s intention was to get the gun’s in position about 1000 yards N of ARDUR RIDHAS TOWER & about 4700 S. SE of ABADAH as soon after sunrise as possible with the infantry & machine guns in a semi-circle about 1000 yards distance in front & flanks & cavalry screen 2000 yards ahead of infantry.

The position the Battn was ordered to take up was as follows:-

Advance Guard

1 company, 1 machine gun )from & including village of QATI at Buti in semicircle N & NW of guns at 1000 yards distance & centre of semicircle 1 mile N of RIDHAS TOWER.

Right Flank Guard

1 company, 1 machine gun) from & excluding village of QATI at Buti on left in line SE thro’ villages of ABIDA MYSAL, SAIYED RUMI, NASIRAL SAKHI, & thence along nullah.

Left Flank Guard

1 company, 1 machine gun )from left of Advance Guard in line SW 1000 yards distant from guns & RIDHAS TOWER.

H.Q. & 1 reserve Coy 1 machine gun at RIDHAS TOWER where column H.Q. were also situated.

25 rifles with guns.

Owing to trouble with loading some of the 1^st line mules in the dark the Battn did not move off till 4.35 am, when it started in the following order:-

Advance Guard A Coy under Lieut Evetts with 1 machine gun.

Right Flank Guard B Coy under Lieut Stoop with 1 machine gun.

Left Flank Guard C Coy under Capt Gabb with 1 machine gun.

These companies moved independently to their postions taking 1 S.R S A A mule only with them.

The remainder of the Battn H.Q. D Coy (Capt Bray) & 1^st Line Transport (less 1 S.R S A A mule with each Coy) 1 machine gun moved straight up SHATRA ROAD. 1^st Line Transport was left under Sergt Major ¼ mile S of RIDHAS TOWER. H.Q. & reserve Coy moved on to RIDHAS TOWER, the Battn was in position by 5.35 am & communication by helio & flag established between H.Q. & all companies.

Guns opened fired at 5.50 am. At 6.5 am the advance guard on its right front was fired at a range of about 500 yards. At no time were more than 20 Arabs ever seen tho’ opening burst of fire was heavy.

At 6.20 am the guns were ordered to retire to a position 800 yards S of RIDHAS TOWER & from there to cover the retirement of the infantry.

At 6.30 am the order was given for the advance guard to retire but owing to a faulty communication between H.Q. & A Coy the advance guard commander did not get the order till 6.55 am.

By 7.15 am the Advance guard was back on RIDHAS TOWER, The retirement having been most effectually covered by the guns, the enemy’s fire being entirely stopped. At RIDHAS TOWER A Coy passed thro’ D Coy who became the rear guard back to camp.

As A Coy retired the flank guards were also ordered to retire keeping their relative positions.

The above order was maintained till the near sandhills when companies closed & marched back independently to camp. The enemy made no attempt to follow. Our casualties were nil. The Battn reached camp at 8.45 am. The 5” gun from the Fort also took part in the bombardment.

The work of the Battn was marred by the breakdown of communication between A Coy & H.Q. This was due to signalling station with advance guard finishing long message to H.Q. & then moving before ascertaining if any messages from H.Q. were waiting to be sent, as in fact was the case with the important order to retire. Also, having moved, owing to crops & broken country it was impossible for this station to find a new place which was not absolutely exposed to enemy’s fire.

Strength on parade was 12 officers 518 other ranks. The above figures were only reached with utmost difficulty taking several regimentally employed men.

Course of Instruction 3.45 pm – Lieut E.W. Mountford, 2/Lt W.A. Bell & 3 N.C.O’s left for Tigris Corps H.Q. to attend course of instruction in Stokes gun.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion was relieved in the trenches 3 Companies by 6^th Buffs & one Company of 7^th East Surrey Regt were relieved by 5^th Berkshire Regt. The Battalion on relief went into huts in MARTINSART WOOD.

7^th Battalion – Work of improvement of billets was proceeded with and new battalion headquarters completed. Enemy heavily shelled B 84 & C 85 batteries in rear of battalions position, doing no damage to battalion.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Normal – Battn employed on fatigues – Our artillery active all day.

11^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 6th August 1916

6th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – AVERDOINGT.

The Battalion moved by Route March to AVERDOINGT from SIRACOURT arriving in billets about Noon.

2nd Battalion – Church parade 11.45 am. Finals of the Boxing 6 pm.

Details of strength.

Officers 29. O.Rks 770.

2/4th Battalion – HILL 40.

Battn moved to HILL 40 Camp, forming part of No 3 Section of Suez Canal Defences. Work consists of Battn & Company Training. Training of Lewis Gunners, Signallers, Grenadiers, Range finders, Runners & c carried out.

1/5th Battalion – Church Parade at 6.30 am in officers lines by the Mass.

Death No 4752 L/Corpl J. Clark A Coy died in hospital from enteric & was buried at 6.30 pm.

Outposts Owing to operations fortomorrow, the 90th Punjabis took over outposts usually found by Battn for 24 hours.

1/6th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES OVILLERS.

Quiet day, enemy sent over a few shells spasmodically on front line trenches during the night.

No Casualties.

7th Battalion – Batt in billets in BOIS GRENIER. Work of making the cellers shell proof and improving the subsidiary line was commenced. At night enemy raided in trenches to direct front of Battn after two hours of bombardment.

8th Battalion –

10th Battalion – Normal – 2ndAnniversary of outbreak of war commemorated - no fatigues

11th Battalion –

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 5th August 1916

5^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – Capt Godfrey & O.C, A& D Coys went up to BAZENTIN LE GRAND to reconnoitre the line.

Ordinary work & training.

On completion of two years war roll of officers who have served in 1^st Bn The Queen’s in France attached.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training. 1^st Night of Regtl Boxing Tournament. Some good fights were seen among the seventeen contests.

Details of strength.

Officers 29. O.Rks 770.

2 Lieut E.G. Bicknell & 2 Lieut R.O.V. Thomas joined

Officers 29. O.Rks 770.

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – The trees W of entanglement on river bank at W end of circular bund were begun to be cleared for a distance of 200 yards from the entanglement. Up to that date they had been left standing right up to & indeed inside the entanglement.

The Sappers & Miners begun improving the entanglement N & NE of No 6 Post where it had been left as a single 3 strand fence.

1/6^th Battalion – IN THE TRENCHES.

Quiet morning, Battalion received orders to take over the whole Brigade from A. “A” Coy  moved up into front line & relieved a Company of West Kent Regt & a Company of 7^th East Surrey Regt who went into support 2/Lt E.L. Shawe was killed & 19 O.R’s wounded.

7^th Battalion – BOIS GRENIER.

Battn relieved the 2^nd Battn 3^rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade in BOIS GRENIER. Advanced parties left ERQUINGHEM at 2.30 pm. Remainder of Battn at 9 pm. Relief complete at 12.30 am August 6^th.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Normal – Battn employed on fatigues.

11^th Battalion – 

The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment 4th August 1916

4^th August 1916 –

1st Battalion – Reveille 5.45 am Breakfasts at 6.30 am Battalion moved off on Route March 7.30 am getting back to camp about 10.15 am.

Commanding officer & O.C. B & C Coys went up to reconnoitre the line held by the forward Brigade of the 51^st Div at 3 pm returning at 8 pm. A & D Coys did night operations at about 9.45 pm. Orders were received that the Bde would relieve  a Bde of the 51^st Div in the line on the night of 6^th/7^th.

Capt Godfrey rejoined from Training Centre ETAPLES and took over 2^nd in command.

2nd Battalion – 11.30 am – G.O.C.IV Army inspected 91^st Inf, Bde, near VAUX. In a short address the G.O.C. thanked the Bde for the good work they had done during the recent operations.

3 pm – 20^th Bde Gymkhana, Lieut Col F.C. Longbourne D.S.O. won the open jumping competition on NIMROD.

Details of strength.

Officers 27. O.Rks 770.

5 to Hospital.

2/4^th Battalion – KANTARA.

Battn moved to KANTARA & bivouaced there for the night.

1/5^th Battalion – Operations The Battn was ordered to find party of 1 Officer & 25 N.C.O’s & men to work on SHATRA ROAD & prepare it for wheeled traffic.

6 am – The Battn paraded as strong as possible & took part in a garrison Church Parade in connection with the anniversary of the declaration of War, held on river bank by T pier at 6.30 am.

Outposts Orders were received from G.O.C. 15^th Divnl to send out nightly until further orders a picquet of 1 N.C.O. & 6 men to point where circular bund & old City wall met where No 4 Post was during floods.

11.45 pm – Two parties of about 10 Arabs each sniped camp From N of No 6 Post apparently from nullah about 400 yards off. On supports & 4^th Coy Sappers & miners replying withdrew.

1/6^th Battalion – RIBBLE ST & THE TRENCHES.

The Battalion received orders at 1.30 am to move forthwith to RIBBLE STREET where it arrived about 3 am & there it remained the night, at 4 pm it proceeded to the trenches N of OVILLERS & relieved 7^th East Surrey Regt relief was complete at 6 pm. Enemy shelled OVILLERS heavily during relief.

Casualties 3 killed 10 wounded “B” Coy were Left Coy D Coy Right “A & C” were in support.

7^th Battalion – Coy Commanders & C.S.M’s proceeded forward in morning to be shown over new sector. Reinforcements 1 O.R. joined the Battn.

8^th Battalion –

10^th Battalion – Normal – Battn employed on fatigues.

11^th Battalion – 

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

3^rd August 1916 –

1st Battalion – All officers attended a lecture on Communications between Infantry and Aeroplanes during attack at Hd Qrs 100^th Bde. Training was carried out as usual – 2 Companies (C & B Coys) did light operations from 9 pm till 10.30 pm.

2nd Battalion – Brigade paraded to practice for G.O.C.IV Army’s inspection.

Details of strength.

Officers 27. O.Rks 775

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Death No 2519 Pte W. Palmer was buried at 6.30 pm.

Training 2/Lt Morris attended a class of instruction in rifle gremades.

Outposts The barb wire entanglement was extended & brought down to the river at the point where the Arabs got in on the night of the 2/3^rd & a picquet of 1 N.C.O & 6 men were posted there.

11.15 pm – 12 Arabs again crept through the barbed wire and up to the Bund just N of No 6 Post & E of D Coys camp. There they were surprised by No 3 Patrol who opened fire as the Arabs fled. 1 was killed & possibly some more wounded. Had the Very lights gone off the first or second time undoubtedly more would of been killed. The killed man was subsequently identified by the intelligence officer as from BUTANYEH. The mans rifle ammunition & knife were captured with the corpse. 

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion furnished the usual working parties & continued training.

7^th Battalion – ERQUINGHEM.

Battalion marched off at 6.40 am for ERQUINGHEM, halting at LA CRECHE at 9 am and proceeded to destination at 5.45 pm arriving at 8 am. No troops marched between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm owing to excessive heat. Battn went into billets at ERQUINGHEM.

8^th Battalion – SOYER FARM.

We were relieved in the trenches by the 12 Bn East Surrey Regiment & moved to Rest Billets. A Coy at GRANDE RABEQUE, B Coy at SOYER FARM, C Coy at DELENNELLE, D Coy at TILLEUL. Head Quarters at SOYER FARM. The following casualties were caused by shell fire at GRANDE RABEQUE :- Killed No G/9956 Pte W.H. Moore:

Wounded No G/10139 Pte W Denton; No G/9971 Pte F.E. Shaddick.

10^th Battalion –

11^th Battalion – 

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

2^nd August 1916 –

1st Battalion – Owing to the heat of the day – Work started earlier – Reveille 6 am & first parade 6.45 am till 7.45 am – Work ceased at 11.30 am in the morning, and resumed after teas at 5 pm. Fresh class of Bayonet Fighting for N.C.O’s commenced.

2nd Battalion – Coy Training.

Details of strength.

Officers 27. O.Rks 775

2/4^th Battalion –

1/5^th Battalion – Training – The G.O.C. 12^th Bde had an exercise for the senior officers & signallers. By 6.15 am the O.C’s A,C,D Coys were occupying an imaginary defensive position N.W. of camp facing East, Battn H.Q. a further 200 yards in rear of Battn H.Q. were some 200x in rear & Bde H.Q a further 200 yards in rear of Bttn H.Q. A mixed force of all arms under Lt Col Charlton 90^th Punjabis was ordered to manoeuvre in the neighbourhood of the brick kiln & Tombs near the SHATRA gate of the city & the O.C. Companies were to observe & report on what they could distinguish. A strong N.W. wind was blowing & much fine dust was in the air with the result that it was practically impossible to distinguish anything beyond 2000 yards. \An opportunity was thus given for some useful work in reporting.

Outposts - 11.10 pm – No 4 patrol consisting of 3 privates was surprised by a party of Arabs who crept inside the barbed wire at the junction of the circular & river bunds W of the camp & were fired at point blank. No 2519 Pte W Palmer D Coy was hit in the chest & died shortly afterwards in hospital & Ptes Cockley & Bacon were each severely wounded. When a party from the supports got up no traces of the Arabs could be found. Two rifles & bayonets were lost.

1/6^th Battalion – The Battalion furnished working parties & continued training. Enemy sent over a few shells into the wood during the day.

7^th Battalion – Company training proceeded with.

8^th Battalion – SAND PIT (E.18.d.3.1.).

2^nd – 7^th August.

The Bn remained in this area; training was continued - open warfare was practiced.

10^th Battalion – Operations in this sector normal. The following previously reported missing are now believed to be killed - No G/10222 Pte T.R Houghton, No G/9766 Lt H.A. Atkins.

11^th Battalion – 

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

1^st August 1916 –

1st Battalion – Near ALBERT.

Training was carried out under Company arrangements.

2nd Battalion – ST SAUVEUR.

Coy training. All officers of the rank of Capt & under attended a lecture on “Advance & Flank Guards” by G.O.C. 91^st Bde at 4.30 pm. Cricket – Queen’s 103, S. Staffs 73.

Details of strength.

Officers 27. O.Rks 775

2 to Hospital.

2/4^th Battalion – FRONT LINE.

Battalion forms part of “B” Sub-section, No 2 Section Suez Canal Defences, and is split up amongst posts on left half o Sub section frontage. Work consists of making trenches, filling in old trenches & wiring. Training of Lewis Gunners, Signallers, Grenadiers, runners & c carried out.

1/5^th Battalion – NASARIYEH.

Leave – Three officers Capt P.R. Whittington,Capt J.E.B. Jardine who have been suffering with jaundice for some time and Lieut G.C. Cleverley who has been feeling the effects of the heat for a considerable time, were given one months leave & left for BASRA en route for BOMBAY.

1/6^th Battalion – MARTINSART WOOD.

The Battalion furnished working parties under R.E. During the night enemy sent over a few shells into the wood, one burst amongst the huts wounding 7 men.

7^th Battalion – FLETRE.

Company training proceeded. 2/Lt C.H. Gaywood & 2/Lt C.W. Rogers joined the battalion and were taken on the strength accordingly and posted to “B” & “C” Companies respectively.

8^th Battalion – MORLANCOURT.

The Bn paraded at 5.30 pm and marched from MORLANCOURT via road junction K 6 d 9 8 (Bde Starting Point) Cross Roads L.1.a.5.1, thence N.E. to FILIFORM TREE and track, to SAND PIT (E.18.d.3.1.) 31 tents were pitched; the remainder of the men were in bivouacs.

10^th Battalion – Battn occupies Trenches 103 – 111 being on the right Btn of the centre sector of the 41^st Division. The trenches on our right are held by the 123^rd I. Bde. During the day the following casualties occurred :- Wounded No G/10301 Pte G. Goodman. Killed No G/10058 Sergt A.H. Cheeseman.

11^th Battalion – TRENCHES.

The Battalion was relieved by the 10^th Bn R.W. Kent Regiment and went back into the usual billets in LE BIZET, where after a good days rest , working parties were continued executing important work in PLOEGSTEERT WOOD under supervision of Royal Engineers.