A SHORT HISTORY
OF THE
SIXTH DIVISION
,,I I,..
J ix GEN T. O. MARI)I.'.N
A SHORT HISTORY OF
THE 6th DIVISION
Aug. 1914--Match 1919
A SHORT HISTORY
OF THE
6th DIVISION
Aug. 1914--March 1919
ED ITED BY
MAJOR-GEN. T. O. MARDEN
I;.13., C,I.Go
LONDON
HUGH REES, LTD.
5 & 7 REGENT STRERT, S.W.I
1920
PREFACE
THIs short history has been compiled mainly from the
War Diaries.
My reason for undertking the tsk is that there was
no one else fo do if, the units composing the Division
being scattered fa and wide, and there being no Divisional
habitat with local historians as in the case of Territorial
and New Army Divisions. My object is that all who
served with the Division for any period between 1914-1919
may have a record fo show that they belonged to a
Division which played no inconspicuous part in the Gret
War.
I regret that if has been impossible fo tabulate the
honours (except V.C.s) won by officers and men of the
Division, and if is also inevitble that the names of many
individual, to whom the success of the Division in many
operations was lrgely due should go unrecorded. The
Infantry naturally bulk lage in the picture, but they
would be the first to adroit that their success could not
have been obtained without the splendid co-operation of
the Artillery, who are sometimes not even mentioned in
the narrative; and this theme might be elaborated
considerably.
My paticular thanks are due to Lt.-Col. T. T. Grove,
C.M.G., D.S.O., I.E., to whom the credit belongs for
the form taken by the history and the more personal
ri PREFACE
portions of the history itself. I also wish to thank
Lt.-Gen. Sir J. Keir, K.C.B., D.S.O., and Major-Gen.
C. Ross, C.B., D.S.O., as well as several Brigadiers and
C.O.s, for so kindly reviewing the periods of which they
had personal knowledge.
In conclusion, I wish to add that every copy sold helps
towards the erection of Battlefield lIemorials tobe placed
in France and Flanders.
T. O. MARDEN,
Maor-General.
Aril 1920.
CONTENTS
I. MOBILIZA'rlON .,1 MOVE TO FRANCE
Il. BATTLE OF TIIE AISNE
III. Mov. TO THE NORTH ND FLST BATTLE
OF YPRES.
IV. ARM.NTIR.S .
V. YPRES SALIENT
VI. THé. SoM.
Vil. Loos SALIENT. o
VIII. CAMBRAI . .
IX. GERMA OFFENSIVE OF 1VLcH 1918. .
X. YPRES SALIENT AGAIN . .
XI. THE ALLIED OFFENSIVE ]2ç THE SOUTH .
XII. THE IRCH TO THE IHIE D OCCU-
PATION OF GERM&NY .
3
6
10
13
20
28
35
44
53
58
76
viii CONTENTS
I. BATTLE CASUALTIES 81
II. V.C.s Wo . Dvso 82
III. DAay 85
IV. 0RDERS OF BATTLE ON IIOBIIZATION AND ON
llTH NOVEMBER 1918 . 102
Vo CHANGES IN COMA_NDS AND STAFFS 109
A SHORT HISTORY OF THE
6"I'H DIVISION
CHAPTER I
MOBILIZATION AND MOVE TO FRANCE
1914
THE Division mobilized with its Headquarters at Cork--
two brigades in Ireland, namely, the 16th Infantry
Brigade af Fermoy, and the 17th Infantry Brigade at
Cork, and one Infantry Brigade--the 18th--at Lichfield.
I)ivisional troops mobilized in Ireland. The order for
mobilization was received af 10 p.m. on the 4th August
1914.
On the 15th August units mobilized in Ireland com-
menced embarkationat Cork and Queenstownfor England,
and the )ivision was concentrated in camps in the neigh-
bourhood of Cambridge and Newmarket by the 18th
August.
The period from the 18th August to the 7th September
was one of hard training. Those who were with the
)ivision af that time will also remember, with gratitude,
the many kindnesses shown them by the people of
Cambridge ; the canteens and recreation rooms instituted
for the men, and the hospitality shown by colleges and
individuals to the oflïcers. They wili remember, too, their
growing impatience to get out, and their increasing fear
that the Division would arrive too late.
On the 7th September, however, entrainment for
Southampton commenced, and on the 9th the first troops
of the Division disembarked af St. Nazaire.
1
2 I-IISTORY OF TI-IE 6TI-I DIVISION
From St. Nazaire a long train journey, which the
novelty of the experience robbed of its tediousness, took
the Division a short distance east of Paris, where it con-
centrated in billets in the area Coulommiers-Mortcerf--
Maries-Chaume by the 12th September.
CHAlaTEI II
BATTLE OF THE AISNE
1914
THE period 13th to 19th September was spent in the
march to the Aisne, where the Division arrived at a tinm
when a certain amount of anxiety was felt by the Higher
Command. The 5th French Army on the right, the
British Army in the centre, and the 6th French Army
under General Maunoury on the left, had pushed the
Germans back across the Marne, and on the 14th Septem-
ber the British troops had crossed the Aisne on the front
Soissons-Bourg--the I Corps at Bourg, the II Corps at
Vailly and Missy, and the III at Venizel. The French
right attack from the direction of Rheims and the British
attack by the I Corps had progressed much faster than
the left, and had reached the heights on the line Craonne-
Troyon, astride the la,nous Chemin des Dames. These
were now the objective of tierce attacks by the Germans,
and the 6th Division, which had been allotted originally
fo the III Corps, was put into General Reserve instead,
only the artillery joining the III Corps. The units of
the I Corps were very tired and weakened after the big
retreat from Mons and the subsequent hard fighting on
the Marne and Aisne, so immediately on its arrival the
18th Iffantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C.)
was ordered to relieve the 2nd Infantry Brigade on the
right of the British line. The front taken over ran
diagonally from north-east to south-west along the high
ground just south of the Chemin des Dames to the
north and north-east of Troyon. The East Yorks on
the left relieved in daylight on the 19th September the
D.L.I., and the West Yorks during the night of tho
4 HISTOR¥ 01 THE 6TH DIVISION
19/20th September. The West Yorks had two com-
panies in front trenches, one company echeloned in
right rear and one company in support. The Sherwood
Foresters were in reserve.
Af dawn on the 20th September, the enemy delivered
a hevy attack on the I Corps and on the French left,
driving in the Tirailleurs d'Afrique and turning the flank
of the West Yorks. The echeloned company formed front
fo the flank, and the supporting company followed suit.
The Germans annihilated the right front cometny, and,
using the white flag ruse, apearently captured some of
the next company. Major Ingles, collecting a proportion
of the front comeanies, withdrew a short distance and
counter-attacked, but was unsuccessful and lost his lire
in this gallant endeavour. Af about 1 p.m. a cohnter-
attoek was delivered by the Sherwood Foresters, who
were in Brigade Reserve, the support company of the
West Yorks, under Lt.-Col. Towsey, and a "squadron of
the 18th Hussars from Paissy. These, advancing over the
perfectly open ground, recptured the trenches and
gallantly held them against further attacks. In this
affir the West Yorks suffered casualties amounting
approximately to 15 officers and 600 other ranks, the
Sherwood Foresters also losing 12 oiïlcers and 180 other
ranks.. The temporary loss of the trenches by the West
Yorks exposed the trenches of the D.L.I. fo enfilade
moehine-gun tire, from which they had eonsiderable
castmlties, including Majors Mander and Robb. This
was the only serious fighting in which the Division was
engaged, but a certain amount of trouble was caused by
the arrivM of guns from Antwerp which fired " Black
Marias," and the enfilade gun and machine-gun tire to
which portions of the main line lent themselves.
On the 31st September the 17th Infantry Brigade
(Brig.-Gen. W. 1. B. Doran) relieved the 6th Infantry
Brigade and the 4th Guards Brigade on the front Fort
de Metz-La Cour de Soupir, and held the portion without
BATTLE OF THE AISNE
much incident till 2nd October, when they were withdrawn
into Corps leserve.
The 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. ]. C. Ingouvlle-
Vlliams) relieved the 7th and 9th Infantry Brigades fo
the norh-east of Vailly on the 21st/22nd September, and
remained in trenches until 12th October, some rime after
the rest of the Division had gone north. They received
the thanks of the II Corps for their soldierly conduct.
The divisional artllery (Brig.-Gen. V. H. L. Paget)
was in support of the 5th Division opposite Missy, but
oly the 2nd Brigade was engage& If had already
been re-organized since nlobilization by the inclusion,
in each of 12th, 24th and 38th Brigades, of a battery
of 4-5-in. howitzers.
The Battle of the Aisne marked the commencement of
trench wafare, and the loyal Engineers (Lt.-Col. G. C.
Kemp, C.l.].) were employed fo some extent in wiring
CHAPTER III
IIOVE TO TttE lçORTtt AlçD FIRST BATTLE OF YPRES
1914
THE diminishing pressure of the Germans on the Aisne
had ruade it evidcnt that an attcmpt by them to reach the
Channcl ports would be ruade very soon. This would
best be frustrated by an outflanking movement of the
Allies to the north, with the ultimate aim of joining
hands with the :Bclgian Army at that rime holding
Antwerp. Sir John French was most anxious to place
the British Army in its original position on the left of
the Frcnch, as it was based on Boulogne, Calais and
Dunkirk.
The II :British Corps was the first to move from the
Aisne and prolonged the French line towards La :Bassée ;
the I and III Corps extending inwards to relieve it. lext
followed the III Corps, relieved by the French and destined
to take its place north of the II Corps towards :Bailleul.
The Cavalry Corps advanced north of the III Corps
towards Kemmel, and at a later date the I Corps, handing
over to the French, was moved towards Ypres, while the
7th Division, just arrived in France, was directed on
lenin.
The III Corps consisted of the 4th and 6th Divisions
under Lt.-Gen. Pulteney. The period 6th to 9th October
was occupied in the march to the entraining station near
Compiègne. The Division detrained at St. Orner on
10th October, and was joined by the 19th Infantry
:Brigade (:Brig.-Gen. tton. F. Gordon), which remained
with it until 31st May 1915. The battalions composing
this. brigade wero 2nd R.W.F., 1st Cameroaiaas, 1st
FIRST BATTLE OF YPRES 7
lIiddlesex, 2nd A. and S. Highlanders. The 5th Cam-
eronians were added on 19th November 1914.
On the 12th October the Division marched to Haze-
brouck, where it covered the detrainment of the 4th
Division and came into touch with the enemy. The latter,
consisting of two Cavalry Divisions with some Jiger
(Rifle) Battalions, and at least one Division of the XIX
Corps, were fighting a rearguard action until such rime
as they should be reinforced. The character of the
advance may be illustrated by an incident on the 14th
October, when a platoon of the 1st R.F. (of the Rcserve
Brigade) was detailed to rescue Gcncral Keir's car, which
had run iuto snipers near Merris. Fortunatcly the G.O.C.
was not in it. The reiaforcemcnt by the enemy occurred
on the 20th October. on which datc began the Battle of
Ypres-Armeatières, generally called the First Battle of
Ypres. As far as the Division was concerned this took
place on the western portion of the ridge betwcen Armen-
tières and Lille, and resulted in the Division being forced
back from the line Prmesques-Radinghem (ahuost on
top of the ridge) to the low ground Iue du Bois-La
Boutillerie after very tierce continuous fighting from
20th to 31st October, in which the Division suffered
nearly 4,000 casualties. To revert, on 13th October the
III Corps advanced with the 4th Division on the left
and the 6th Division on the right. An action took place
on the line of the Méteren Brook, commencing at 1 p.m.
and continuing till dark, when the 17th and 18th Infantry
Brigades had captttred Méteren and Bailleul with about
400 casualties. Pushing forward, the 17th Infantry
Brigade crossed the River Lys at Bac St. Maur, and the
18th Infantry Brigade at Sailly on the night 15]16th
October, and approached on the 17th the ridge west of
Lille, where the enemy were reported to be entrenched.
The 16th Infantry Brigade now rejoined the Division
from the Aisne, and on the 18th October a reconnaissance
in force was ordered, which was brflliantly carried out.
8 HISTOI¥ OF THE 6TH DIVISION
The Buffs and Y. and L. on the right captured ladinghem
without much opposition, and advanced across a smll
plateau, 300 yrds in width, towards the woods in which
stands the Château de Flandres. They here came under
a heavy cross-rire of machine-guns and shrapnel, and were
counter-attacked and driven back. The situation,however,
was saved by Mjor Bayley's company of the Y. and L.,
which had worked round on the left and threatened the
flnk of the counter-attack, which thereon withdrew.
The Y. and L. suffered considerable casulties in this
little action--Major Robertson being killed. Meanwhile
the 18th Infantry Brigade had captured Ennetières and
the south end of Capinghem, while the 17th Infantry
Brigade reached Prémesques, but was unable to take
Pérenchies. The 4th Division hd hot been able to cross
the Lys north of Armentières, which necessitated the
17th Infantry Brigade throwing back ifs flnk fo
l'Epinette. On thc 19th October thc Division entrenched
on the line it had won. To the right were French cavalry
and cyclists, covering the gap between the right of the
III Corps and the left of the I Corps near Aubers. The
advance from Hazebrouck to the ridge had occupied six
days, and cost the Division some 750 casualties.
On the morning of the 20th October the Germans
attacked very heavily on the whole front. Fighting on
a very extended front (rive mlles) and with very little in
hand, the Division was soon in difficulties, particularly
on the exposed left flank, where the Leinsters had their
three left companies quickly driven in, and the situation
at midday was critical. One company with the mchine-
i guns was able to hold on until the fternoon af Mont de
Prémesques, and to withdraw under cover of darkness,
having inflicted heavy loss on the enemy. Meanwhile
units of other brigades were putting up a gallant fight
against great odds, each unit generally with one or both
flanks unsupported. At Ennetières, which formed rather
salient, the Sherwood Foresters held out all dy, but
FIRST BATTLE OF YPRES
were attacked at dusk by three battalions and practically
annihilated or captured, only the C.O., Adjurant, Q.M.
and 250 other ranks remaining the next day.
The Buffs, after a splendid fight, were driven out of
Radinghem, and by night thc Division was practically
back on the line which it was te hold for the next few
months, and on which the German offensive of 1918 still
round the British. Continuous unsuccessful attempts te
break through occurred till 31st October, when trench
waxfare set in. Notable among these was the attack on
the K.S.L.L and Y. anal L. on the 23rd October, when
300 enemy dead were left in front of oltr tronches ; on
the 18th Infantry Brigade on the night of the 27/28th
October, when the enemy captured the line, but was
driven out by a counter-attack, in which the East Yorks
specially distinguished themselves; and on the night of
the 29/30th October, when the 19th Infantry Brigade
lest some trenches, but counter-attacked successfully, and
counted 200 German dead. The incident of Cpl. Forwaxd,
1st The Buffs, is typical of the tierce fighting. On
30th October, when the O.C. machine-guns of The Buffs
and all the team had been killed or wounded, this gallant
1W.C.O. continued te tire his gun until eventually wounded
in rive places, when he crawled back te report the situation.
ge was rewarded with the D.C.M. During the whole
period, 20th te 30th October, the guns were woefully short
of ammunition, and consequently a greater strain was
thrown on the infantry.
CHAPTER IV
ARMElqTIÈREs
1914-15
ACTIVE fighting now died away on this front, but its place
was taken by constant shelling and the deadly sniping
which claimed so many victims at this rime. The weather
during Novembcr and Deceraber was truly appalling.
All trenches were knee-deep and more in mud and water,
and it is on record that the B.G.C., 19rb Infantry Brigade,
had his boots sucked off by the mud and went round
trenches without them. Parapets would not stand and
were so flimsy that many men were shot through them.
But the weather eventually improved, material for revet-
ment began to appear, and by fhe commencement of 1915
if, was possible to more in the trenches in comparative
safety.
The next few months were unevenfful ones, the only
incidents worthy of remark being a visit from the King
on the 2nd December; a minor operation by the North
Staffordshire legiment on the 12th March, resulfing in
the inclusion in our line of the unsavoury Epinette Salient ;
the sudden more of the 16th Infantry Brigade to ¥amer-
tinghe at the rime of the enemy's attack at St. Eloi in
the middle of March, and a liftle mining and counter-
mining on the Frelinghien and Le Touquet fronts in May.
The minor operation at l'Epinette was a very well-planned
night affair, whereby the 17th Infantry Brigade advanced
their line 200-300 yards on a frontage of hall a mile. It
was carried out by the 1st Battalion :North Staffordshire
Regiment and 12th Field Company, and Sir tt. Smith-
Dorrien (Army Commander), in congratulating the regi-
ment, mentioned particularly Lieuts. Pope and Gordon
10
ARMENTIÈRES 11
for fine leading. But if there was no heavy fighting, the
trench casualties from sniping and enemy shell-fire were
quite considcrable (see Appendix). We had practically
no artillery ammunition with which to worry the enemy,
as the following extract from the Divisional War Diary
shows :--
24th April 1915.--" In view of the fighting in progress
in the north {Second Battle of Ypres) the Corps Com-
mander allots an extra ten rounds of shrapnel per gun
for 18-pounders wîth a view to making a demonstration
by tire to hold the enemy in front of us." Amusing read-
ing in 1919 !
The Division continued to hold a quiet but very ex-
tended front till the end of May, receiving a succession
of units from new Divisions to serve thcir apprenticeship
to trench warfare.
Amongst our visitors, d«ring this period, were units 6f
the 9th Division, and sonm of those who bave read Ian
Hay's The First Hudred Tosand will have recognized
in it a description of a part of the trenches of the I9th
Infantry Brigade.
During this period the four brigades each received a
fifth Territorial Battalion--the Queen's Westminsters
joining on the 1 lth November and being allotted to thc
18th Infantry Brigade ; the 5th Scottish Rifles, who went
to the 19th Infantry Brigade, oining on the I9th Novem-
ber ; the 2nd Battalion London Regiment joining thc 17th
Infantry Brigade in February, and the 5th Battalion
Loyal North Lancashire Regiment the 16th Infantry
Brigade on the 15th of that month. The 38th Field
Company left the Division on the 9th April, and on the
21st December 1914 the 1st London Field Company,
later the 509th, began its long connection with the 6th
Division. The Division lost its squadron of the 19th
Hussars, receiving in its place "C" squadron of the
Northamptonshire Yeomanry.
It was during the sojourn in Armentières that tho
12 I-IISTOR¥ OF TI-IE 6TI-I DIVISION
" Fancies," without mention of whom no history of the
Division would be complete, came into being. With the
" Follies," the 4th Division troupe, formed a few weeks
belote them, also in Armentières, they were the fore-
runners of the Divisional theatrical txoupes which sub-
sequcntly became universal.
Af Armentières also took place the first 6th Divisional
Horse Show, a highly successful two-day show--the first
of its kind held in the B.E.F.
On the 27th Ma.y 1915 began the relief of the Division
by the 27th Division, and on the following days its move
northwards fo join the newly formed VI Corps. Major-
Gen. Sir John Keir left on the 27th to take up command
of the ncw corps, taking with him--as B.G., R.A.--Brig.-
Geu. W. H. L. Paget.
Ma.jor-Gen. W. l. Congreve, V.C., from the 18th
Infantry Brigade, succeeded Sir John Keir in command
of the Division; Brig.-Gen. Humphreys taking the ap-
pointment of C.R.A.
CHAPTER V
YPRES SALIENT
1915-16
O the night of the 31st May/lst June the Division took
over its new front in the Ypres Salient, commencing its
long tour in that unsavoury region, and trench casualties
almost doubled immediately. If continued in the Salient
up to the end of July 1916, with three periods of test,
each of about a month's duration : the first spent in the
neighbourhood of Houtkerque and Poperinghe, in Novem-
ber and December 1915 ; the second in the Houtkerque-
Wormhoudt area, with one brigade af a rime back af
Calais from mid-March to mid-April 1916 ; and the third
again in the Houtkerque-Wormhoudt area from mid-
June to mid-July 1916. The nature of these rests has
been humorously but not untruthfully portrayed in the
columns of Punch ; the author of "Af the Front" in that
paper having been an officer in the K.S.L.I.
The line was just hardening after the Second Battle of
Ypres when the Division moved up to the Salient, and
no active operations took place on the atual front taken
over by the Division, but its artillery was called upon
to assist ifs neighbours on either flank, i.e. on the 16th
June when the 3rd Division attacked Bellewarde Farm
north-west of Hooge ; on the 22nd June when the 42nd In-
fantry Brigade of the 14th Division attempted a small
operation, and on the 6th July when the 4th Division
carried out a successful minor operation near Pflkem.
On the 30th July the 14th Division was attacked ai
Hooge and driven back to Sanctuary and Zouave Woods.
Their counter-attacks, gallantly delivered, but under the
circumstnces giving very little prospect of success, failed,
13
14 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
and for a rime thc situation was critical. Thc 16th
fantry Brigade was moved up to thc arca about Goldfish
Château (hall-toile north-wcst of Ypres} as a precautionary
measure, and was at ont rime in danger of bcing thrown
in to makc a hasty countcr-attack. Fortunately this
provcd unuecessary, and on thc 31st July thc Corps
Commander dccidcd to relicvc thc wholc Division, and
to allot to it thc task of rcstoring thc line at ttoogc in
a carefully prepared attack.
Thc relief was carricd out on the 2nd and 3rd August
1915, and on thc 6th thc Division took over its front
of attack, and thc prcparatory bombardment was com-
mcnccd. This bombardmcnt was very carefully planncd,
carricd out with great thoroughncss and accuracy, and
was ont of the most effective and scvcrc that had, up to
that rime, bccn put down by thc British. Thc artfllery
co-opcration in the attack was on a similar scalc and
equally effective, except so far as counter-battery work
against enemy artillcry to thc south was concerncd, and
thc attack owcd much of its succcss to thc assistance
reccivcd from thc artillery. To this assistance two French
batterics of " 75's," lent by thc 36th French Corps, ably
contributed.
The attack was launched on the 9th August at 3.15 a.m.
on a front of about 1,000 yards--thc 18th Infantry Brigade
(Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey} attacking on thc right with thc
2nd D.L.I. in front line and the 2nd Shcrwood Forcsters
in support, thc 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. C.
licholson) on thc left, with thc 1st K.S.L.I. and the
2nd ¥. and L. Regiment in front line, and thc 1st Thc
Buffs in support.
The attack was completely successful; all objectives
were quickly gained. A very large number of German
dead were counted in the recaptured position, and a con-
siderable number of prisoners taken. The captured
position was subjected to a very heavy bombaxdment,
especially on the right ; principally by glms firing from
YPRES SALIENT 15
the south-east, not opposite the corps front, which took
the new line in flank and often in reverse. The troops
of the 18th Infantry Brigade held on to their positions
with their usual gallantry and determination, in spire of
very heavy casualties. The 2nd D.L.I. particularly dis-
tinguished themselves by the tenacity they displayed,
and they and the 2nd Sherwood Foresters and 1st East
Yorkshire Regiment suffered severely. In face of th
"heavy shelling it was round impossible on the right to
estblish a line on the final ob]ective, where ail the former
trenches hal been entirely obliterated. The advanced
troops hud accordingly to be withdrawn on this flnk,
but some rime after this withdrawal was thought to have
been completed a message was received from a Lance-
Corporal of the 2nd D.L.I. to the effect tiret he was
established in the stables of the ch£teau with a few
men, and asking that rations and ammunition might be
sent up to them. On the left hot only was all the ground
lost on the 30th July regained, but an importnt spur
north of the Menin Road, which had hitherto been in
German occupation, was included in the final position
consolioEted. Three officers and 124 other ranks were
taken prisoners, and over 500 of the enemy were comted
ded on the captured ground. The gallant work of the
R.E. in wiring the position was specially mentioned in
the accounts from G.H.Q. which appeared in the papers.
The attack at Hooge was particularly interesting, as
it was the first attempt made to follow thc barrage relly
closely. The barrage did not, however, " creep " up to
the German front line, but was placed directly on it at
once at zero and lifted back from there, the 6-in. howitzers
lifting slightly before the Field Artillery. The infantry
lay out as close to the barrage as possible belote zero,
and moved in on lime as soon as the lield Artillery
barrage lifted. The attack was looked upon for some
rime as a model of really close co-operation between
infantry and artillery.
16 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
For this operation, skilfully planned and most gallantly
and successfully carried out, the Division received great
praise. The casualties were 70 officers and 1,700 other
ranks. (A very full account of this operation can be
round in the fourth volume of The Great World War, pub-
lished by the Gresham Publishing Company, Limited.)
Other incidents of the tour in the Salient were the
gallant voluntary assistance rendered on the 6th July
1915 by Lieut. Smith, 1st North Staffords (died of
wounds), with his grenadier party to a post of the
41st Brigade which was being heavily attacked, and
which brought him the thanks of GenerM Allenby, com-
manding V Corps ; the enemy gas attack of 19th Decem-
ber 1915, when no actual attack was launched against
the Division, and the minor operations near Turco Farm
and Morteldje Estaminet on 19th-22nd April 1916.
Certain trenches, D20 and 21 and Willow Walk, were
much overlooked by High Command ledoubt, some 150
yards away. The Germans throughout the 19th April
heavilybombardcd these trenches, and succeeded in seizing
them at night. One company 8th Bedfords and two
companies Y. and L. delivercd a cÇunter-attack in the
early hours of 20th April, but could not retake the position.
The Brigadier-General therefore decided to bombard them
steadily throughout the 21st, and recapture them on the
night 21st/22ndApril with three companies of the K.S.L.I.,
then in Brigade Reserve. This was brilliantly accom-
plished in spire of the very heavy going, and the line
firmly re-established, but with the loss of Lt.-Col. Luard,
commanding K.S.L.I., who died of wounds. It was round
that the enemy had dug good new trenches in several
places, and equipped them with steel loop-hole plates,
and these were occupied thanldully by our men. The
general state of the trenches, .commanded as they were
by the enemy's positions, in the water-logged Ypres
Salient during the winter of 1915-1916 defies description,
and ail praise must be given to the regimental officers
YPRES SALIEIqT 17
and men for their hard work and cheerfulness under most
depressing conditions.
lIention must be ruade of the thirty-five-mile march to
Croix Dubac to assist in an extensive raid by the Anzac
Corps, ruade by the 24th Brigade, R.F.A., at the shortest
notice. The brigade was away ten days.
During this period the principal change which occurred
in the Order of Battle of the Division was the arrival of
the 71st Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. lI. Shewen) instead
of the 17th Infatry Brigade, which took the place of the
former in the 24th Division. Consequent on this was a
redistribution of battalions to brigades--the 1st Leicester-
shire Regimet, from the 16th Infantry Brigade, and the
2nd Sherwood Foresters, from the 18th Infantry Brigade,
being transferred to the 71st Infantry Brigade in exchange
for the 8th Bedfordshire Regiment and the llth Essex
Regiment respectively. These exchanges took place--the
former on the 18th hTovember 1915, the latter on the
28th October 1915. On 1st April the llth Leicestershire
Regiment (Pioneers) joined from the Unitcd Kingdom.
On the llth June the 5th Loyal hTorth Lancashire
Regiment left the Division, and on llth October *he 2nd
London Regiment ; on the 26th hTovember the 1st East
Yorkshire legiment was transferred to the 1st Division,
and on the 28th November the Queen's Westminsters left
to join the 56th Division, the 14th D.L.I. arriving the
saine day to take their place in the 18th Infantry Brigade.
On the 13th October the 2/2nd West Riding (later the
459th) Field Company joined, l1achine-gun companies
took their place--the 18th II.G.C. in January, the 16th
I.G.C. in February, and the 71st I.G.C. in larch 1916.
ledium T.lI.s came into being in l1ay 1916, and L.T.II.s
in August 1916. The cyclist company ad the squadron of
Northamptonshire Yeomanry also left during this period
on becoming Corps troops.
The changes in the Divisional Artillery were numerous.
On 12th May the 12th Brigade, R.F.A., was broken up--
2
18 I-IISTOI¥ OF THE 6TH DIVISION
the 87th Battery going to the 2nd Brigade, and the 43rd
Battery fo the 24th Brigade; each battery giving one
section to form " D " Battery, 38th Brigade, which latter
replaced the 34th Battery transferred on 15th February
to a T.F. Division. The 86th Battery had previously
been transferred from the 12th Brigade, I.F.A., to another
Division. The 38th Brigade later became an Army
Brigade, l.F.A.
On the 14th November 1915 Major-Gen. C. Ross,
D.S.O., assumed command of the Division, on the ap-
pointment of Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C., to the
comnmnd of the XIII Corps. Lt.-Col. J. M. Shea (now
Major-Gen. Sir J. M. Shea, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O.} was
succeeded as G.S.O.I on the 5th July 1915 by Lt.-Col.
G. F. Boyd, D.S.O., D.C.M., who finished the war as
hlajor-General commanding the 46th Division. On the
29th February 1916 Major W. E. Ironside, who has since
reached the position of Major-General commanding the
Allied Forces at Archangel, was succeeded as G.S.O.2
by Major L. I . Evans of the Black Watch, who subse-
quently, after winning the V.C. as a Battalion Commander,
finshed the War in command of an Infantry Brigade.
A history of the Division would hardly be complete
without a short reference to " The Admiral." Many of
those who knew and liked him well by that name probably
never knew him by any other. Lieut. Smith was an
owner driver in charge of a convoy of 'buses with the
loyal Naval Division at Antwerp, whence he escaped to
France. In October 1914 he seized the opportunity of
an officer requiring tobe taken up to join his unit, to
make his way with his car to the front. Arrived there
he contrived to get himself attached to the 6th Division
I-Ieadquarters, remaining with them until he was reported
missing on the 10th June 1916. Consumed with a good
helthy hatred of the enemy, and keen tobe of assistance
in any way that he could, he devoted the greater part of
the rime he was with the Division to experimenting with
YIRES SALIENT 19
bullet-proof shields on wheels fo be propelled by man-
power, sort of embryonic tnk. His mbition was
himself fo tke the first of tlmse into action. At last
lin ws offered n opportunity of co-operating with
small 3-mn pttern in minor rid ner Forwrd Cottage.
Wht success he might hve achieved if is impossible fo
say, as in his egerness he preceded the shield by seveml
yards to show the crew the way and was hit in the neck
by splinter from a bomb. The name of Admiral's Road,
given fo the road pst Crossroads Farm nd Forward
Cottage, commemorates the incident of which it ws the
scene. Iter " The Admirul" turned his attention to
Banglore torpedoes, in the use of which he trained the
unauthorised party which had long existed under thc
name of the 6th Division Shield Party. With them he
took part in many rids and minor enterprises, one of
which earned him the D.S.O. On the 10th June he was
reported missing from ptrol of the 9th Norfolk Regi-
ment, and nothing hs since been heard of him. For
ne_rly two years he contrived fo serve voluntarily with
the Division, nobody quite knows in what capacity or by
what authority, and during that time he endeared himself
to all by his unfailing good nature and cheeriness, his
whole-herted enthusism and his lack of fear.
It may here be mentioned tht during its last " rest"
the Division crried out very hrd tmining over dummy
trenches for an attack on the Pilkem Ridge, in conjunction
with the Guards. This attak was abndoned when the
Division moved fo the Somme, but it formed the basis
of the very successful ttoek delivered by the Guards
and Welsh Divisions in July 1917.
CHAI)TER VI
TItE SOMME
1916
Aw the end of July the Division was at last relieved from
the Salient, where it had suffered nearly 11,000 casualties
during its thirteen months' sojourn, and went south by
train to join the Fifth Army.
The greater part of August was spent on the Ancre,
on the front opposite Beaumont-Hamel, making prepara-
tions for an attack which was eventually abandoned for
a rime.
After a short period in reserve the Division was moved,
between 6th and 8th September, to join the XIV Corps,
Fourth Army {Lt.-Gen. Lord Cavan), to which corps it
had for some rime belonged up north. The XIV Corps
was the right corps of the British attack, and had ifs
right on the north bank of the Somme. In a succession
of hard-fought battles the Fourth Army {Gen. Sir H. S.
Rawlinson) had pushed the Germans back a considerable
distance ; units were feeling the strain badly, and fresh
troops were needed.
On 9th September a successftfl attack had given us
Ginchy and Leuze Wood, but the Germans were holding
very strongly the high ground which lies in the form of
a horseshoe between the above-named points, and which
dominates the country for some distance fo the south.
The trenches followed the shape of the spur roughly af
the back end of the horseshoe, and covered access was
given to them by a sunken road leading back to the deep
valley which runs north from Combles.
At the top of tlàe spur, just south of the railway and
communicating with the sunken road, was a four-sided
20
THE SOMME 21
trench in the form of a parallelogram of some 300 yards
by 150 yards, called by us the Quadrilateral.
It was this strong point and the adjoining trcnches
which had held up the advance of the Fourth Army on
the 9th September, and it was the first task of the 6th
Division fo obliterate the horseshoe and straighten tlm
line preparatoryto a general attack on the 15th September.
On 12th Scptember attacks by the 56th Division on
the south and the Guards on the north reduced the
neck of the horseshoe, or pocket, fo about 500 yards, but
could not close it. The situation within thc horscshoe
was undefined, and the exact positions of thc Quadri-
lateral and other trenches were uot known, owing fo
the bad flying weatber. Even our own positions were
in doubt, as almost every vestige of roads, railways and
even villages had disappeared under the continuous
bombardments.
On night l l/12th September the 71st Infantry Brigade
{Brig.-Gen. J. F. Edwards) relieved part of tlm Guards
Division a.nd the 16th Infantry Brigade {Brig.-Gen.
W. L. Osborn), part of the 56th Division, with orders
on the 13th September to straighten the line by caphtring
the Quadrilateral. The 71st Infantry Brigade attacked
with the Foresters north of the railway and 9th Suffolk
Regiment south of the railway, while the 8th Bedford
Regiment, who were close fo the Quadrilateral on the
north-east of the Leuze Wood, co-operated by bombing
up the trench towards if. The artillery co-operation was
weak, observation being diflïcult, and though the troops
advanced with the greatest gallantry the northern attack
could only make 500 yards, and the southern attack of
the 71st Infantry Brigade still less, while casualties from
the enemy artillery and machine-gun tire were very large.
A second attack af 6 p.m. the same day succeeded in
bringing our line fo about 250 yards from the Strong
Point, and in getting touch on the right with the 16th
Infantry Brigade.
22 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
lreparations were now ruade to include the Quadri-
lateral in the genera! attack of the 15th September instead
of making it a subsidiary operation--a situation which
recurred two years later a|most to a day in the attack
on Holnon Village, and which had simi|ar results.
The British ob]ective for the 15th September was
Gueudecourt-Flers-Lesboeufs-Morval-- the XIV Corps
(Guards and 6th Division} to capture the two latter. It
was the tlrst occasion on which tanks were emp|oyed, and
as far as the Division was concerned was a failure, for
of the three a||otted fo the 6th Division two broke down
belote starting, and the third, moving off in accordance
with orders long before the infantry, had its periscope
shot oS, ifs peep-bo|es blinded, was riddled by armour-
piercing bullets, and had to come back without achieving
anything. This again round a parallel in the attack on
the Quadrilateral, near St. Quentin, on 18th Septembcr
1918, when the tanks were ineffective.
To facilitate the movement of the tanks a gap of about
200 yards had been left in the creeping barrage. This
gap unfortunately coincided with the strongest point of
the Quadri|atera|. The barrage, moreover, had passed
over the German trenches by the rime the infantry ad-
vanced ; the latter had, consequently, to attack up the
g|acis-like slopes without any artillery support except the
bombardment. This, owing to the enemy's t.renches not
having been accurately located, was ineffective.
The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked on a battalion
front--one company of the Bedfords bombing up the
trench from Leuze Wood, and the remainder over the
open to the north against the south-west face. The
Buffs and York and Lancasters supported the attack, but
in spire of the greatest gallantry cou]d not ta.ke the Strong
loint.
The 1st Leicesters and the llorfolks, passing through
the entrenched Foresters and Suffolks, attacked the
Quadrilateral from the north-west with equal drive, but
THE SOMME 23
they too failed. Some ground, however, was made, and
by 10 a.m. the 16th Infantry Brigade on the south, and
the 71st Infantry Brigade on the north, were digging in
close to the enemy's wire and trenches.
During the day constant reports arrived that the
Guards had gained their objectives, and that tanks and
cheering men were moving through Lesboeufs. If was
not until the following morning that this report was
proved tobe incorrect, and that it was Fiers which had
been captured. In the meantime it appeared to the
Divisional G.O.C. (General Ross) that the prospect of a
break-through on a large scale was prejudiced solely by
the repulse of the 6th Division. tIe thcrefore ordcred a
night attack on the flanks of the Quadrilateral to be
executed by two battalions of the 18th Infantry Brigade
(Brig.-Gen. R. J. Bridgford). These battalions, the 2nd
Durham Light Infantry and the I lth Essex, moved round
after dark and attacked ; the former from the north, the
latter from the south-east to the lcft of the 16th Infantry
Brigade. The l lth Essex lost direction, while the 2nd
D.L.I. bombed down a trench only to find that it did hot
lead into the Strong Point. Except on the 6th Divisional
front and at I-Iigh Wood, which was captured during
the night, the whole line had advanced, and it was a
bitter blow to the Division to think that their sacrifices
had been in vain.
On the night of the 16/17th September the 18th
Infantry Brigade relieved the sorely-tried 71st Infantry
Brigade, and fresh preparations were made for an attack,
on the 18th, of the Quadrilateral, which had been strongly
reinforced by the enemy through the sunken road.
The K.S.L.I. dug themselves in with their left on the
railway, so as to assault the south-west face of the Strong
Point. The wether having cleared, the trenches were
now carefully located from the air and heavily bombarded,
and on the 18th September, under both a stationary and
creeping barrage, and with the York and Lancasters bomb-
24 ttISTOR¥ OF TttE 6Ttt DIVISIOII
ing np the trench from Lenze Wood, and the 18th Infantry
Brigade (West Yorks and 14th Durham Light Infantry)
attacking the north-west face and the trench rnnning
north from the Quadrilateral, this redoubtable Strong
1)oint was af last captured with comparatively small loss
after what must be conceded as a magnificent defence,
and which had cost the Division upwards of 3,500 casual-
ries. Nine machine-guns and 160 unwounded prisoners
were taken in the Quadrilateral and many Germans kilIed.
The Quadrilateral once captured, the advance was
carried forward for 1,000 yards to within hall a toile of
Morval and Lesboeufs. These, which were thé original
objectives on thc 13th September, were now to be attacked
on the 25th September. Relieved for test on the 16th,
the Division came in again on 21st Septembcr, and dug
good assembly trenches. The most forward portion of
the line taken over by the Division consisted of 250 yards
of one of the main German trenches, which was held by
the Germans on both flanks for some distance. Fortun-
ately we were in possession of the communication trench
leading up to it, and during the three nights after taking
over considerable excitement and amusement were caused
by the occasional arrival of German ration parties at our
part of the trench, having failed to hit off the part occupied
by their own troops. Uttering many guttural oaths these
fled for their lives, speeded up by out machine and Lewis
guns. A few prisoners were captured in this way, and
some valuable information obtained. Spurred on appar-
ently by the loss of their rations, the Germans attacked
on the 24th September both flanks of this trench under
cover of a mist, but were driven back without reaching
it, except on the extreme right. Here they entered a
bombing post, but were ejected, leaving one officer and
twelve other ranks dead and an unwounded prisoner,
while out casualties were practically nil.
The objective allotted to the Division for the 25th Sep-
tember was the ground between the north end of Morval
THE SOMME 2
(attacked by 5th Division) and the road which passes
through the centre of Lesboeufs. At 12.35 p.m. the
attack was launched--the 16th lnfantry Brigade on the
right gaining the first objective with the Buffs, and the
final objective with K.S.L.I. and the ¥. and L. On
the left the 2nd D.L.I. and the Essex captured the first
objective, and the West ¥orks and two companies 14th
D.L.I. the final objective. This was one of the most
successful bttles on the Somme--thanks to good wether
and observation, a carefully arranged creeping barrage,
and a sound preliminary bombardment.
The Division captured over 500 prisoners, 6 machine-
guns, and 4 heavy trench-mortars. Tanks were hot used.
We here turned the tables on the 52nd Division, 26th
Reserve Corps, our old opponents at Ypres, where the
ground was all in their favour and where they had proved
troublesome antagonists.
After consolidating its ground the Division was re-
lieved by the 20th Division on 30th September, and the
long struggle began for the possession of the high ground
overlooking the Bapaume-Le Transloy Road.
On 7th October the XIV Corps (20th and 56th Divisions)
attacked with only partial success, and the 6th Division
was brought in again on night 8/9th October for a
gcneral attack on the 12th 0ctober. The enemy had dug
a series of trenches named by us Rainbow-Cloudy-
Misty-Zenith, etc., a portion of which had been captured
by us, making a somewhat pronounced salient. All three
brigades were in the line, with one battalion in front
trenches, the 71st lnfantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. E.
Feetham) being in the salient, with the 16th lnfantry
Brigade on the right and the 18th Infantry Brigade
on the left. The objective of the attack of the 12th
October was the line of trenches running north from
Le Transloy.
At 2.5 p.m. the flank brigades attacked, but with only
partial success. The failure to make ground, which was
26 ttISTOR¥ OF TItE 6TH DIVISION
general all along the British front, was attributed fo want
of surprise, as we had bombarded the position for two
days, and always attacked in the early afternoon. Fur-
ther, the ground was very heavy and observation ex-
tremely bad. The Germans were fresh troops, and fought
well. 1)erhaps more than anything it was due fo the
effect of their machine-gun tire. Taught by our creeping
barrage that machine-guns in the front line were useless,
the enemy had drawn them across the valley towards
the road, and caught our advance over the brow of the
rise with accurate distant machine-gun tire.
Changing the rime of zero, the attack was renewed af
5.35 a.m. on the 15th October, the 18th Infantry Brigade
on the left (2nd D.L.I. and llth Essex) attempting fo
seize those portions of Cloudy and Mild trenches still held
by the enemy, while the Sherwood Foresters on their
right attacked some gun pifs which lay about 200 yards
in front of their line. This latter attack succeeded, but
with the great loss of Colonel Hobbs, O.C. The Foresters;
who died of his wounds. The left attack ruade a little
ground. A final attempt fo push forward the line was
ruade on the 18th October by the 9th orfolks, but was
only partially successful.
On 20th October the Division (less artillery) was relieved
and moved fo the First Army, going into Corps Reserve
of the I Corps, with Divisional Headquarters af Béthune
and the units in the town and surrounding area.
The artillery of the Division (Brig.-Gen. E. S. Cleeve,
C.R.A.) had first corne into action on the Somme on the
3rd September, supporting the attack of the 16th Division
on Guillemont. It was grouped and re-grouped in accord-
ance with the requirements of the situation, but never
as a whole covered the operations of the Division.
On the 9th ovember it was withdrawn and marched
fo First Army area, where for about a month it covered
the 56th Division, XI Corps, with 6th D.A.H.Q. af La
Gorgue, rejoining the Division in I Corps in December.
THE SOMME 27
Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce replaced Brig.-Gen. Cleeve as
C.R.A. on 25th October.
The Division had taken purt us a whole in three geneml
attacks on the Somme (15th and 25th September and 12th
October), and had also carried out subordinute operations
on 13th and 18th September and 18th October.
It had suffercd casualties amounting fo 277 officers and
6,640 other ranks, and hud well earned a rest.
CHAITER VII
LOOS SALIEIT
1916-17
O 25th November the Division took over the La Bassée
sector, which included the famous Givenchy Ridge and
Cuinchy Brickstacks. After about a month it side-
stepped to the Cambrin-Hohenzollern Quarries front of
about 5,500 yards, where it remuined until the 28th Feb-
ruary 1917. Ail this front had a most evil repute, but
so exhausted was the enemy by the Somme fighting that
this four months' trench sojourn proved the quietest the
Division ever experienced, except before the storm of
March 1918, and the casualties would have been far fewer
had it not been for several raids carried out by us.
The machine-guns of the Division were strengthened on
15th December by the arrival of the 192nd M.G. Company,
and on 2nd January 1917 Lt.-Col. G. F. B. Goldney,
D.S.O., succeeded Lt.-Col. H. R. S. Christie as C.R.E.,
the latter having been nearly a year with the Division.
On the 1st Mrch the Division took over a 11,000 yards'
front extending north from the Double Crassier at Loos
with sectors Loos-14bis-]-Iulluch-Hohenzollern, all three
brigades being in line and a brigade of the 21st Division
also which came under the command of G.O.C., 6th
Division.
Mrch and the first portion of hpril were notable for
raids and counter-raids, and for considerable artillery and
trench-mortar activity, which gave place to more or less
continuous fighting consequent on the withdrawl of the
enemy opposite the right of the Division after the success-
ful attack by the Canadians at Vimy.
Notice was received on the morning of the 13th April
28
LOOS SALIEblT 29
that a withdrawal was contemplated by the enemy oppo-
site part of the Divisional front. The right section of the
front was at that rime held by the 16th Infantry Brigmàe,
with the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment on its right.
On the 13th April the withdrawal commenced, the enemy
being so closely followed up by the York and Lancaster
Regiment that by 6.20 p.m. the brigade was able to report
the Railway Triangle in our occupation, and the whole
of the lmttalion in the enemy's trenches. Our troops
were into the enemy's dug-outs before the candles left
by them hmà burnt out.
The policy laid down for the Division was that the
enemy was to be closely followed up wherever he fell
back, but that our troops were not to be committed to
a serious engagement. In accordnce with these instruc-
tions the enemy's trenches were subjected fo hcavy bom-
bardment, with pauses during which patrols were sent
forward and occupied as much ground as they could.
This policy was maintained for four days, during which
the 16th Infantry Brigade pressed the encmy with such
vigour, within the limits allowed to it, that he was evi-
dently rushed ather farther back than had been his in-
tention, and began to become apprehensive as to his hold
on Hil170. The opposition stiffened on the 15th April, and
on the 16th a counter-attack drove the 1st Thc Buffs
back slightly, but was unsuccessful against the 8th Bed-
fordshire Regiment on the right. An advanced post of the
latter battalion put up a very fine defence and maintained
its position. A further attack on this battalion on the
following day again failed to shake the defence.
On the 16th April a systematic bombardment of the
trenches on Hill 70 was commenced, and authority was
given for a slightly greater employment of force. Attacks
on the 18th and 19th April, by the 1st K.S.L.I. and the
8th Bedfordshire Regiment, gained some ground and gave
us between forty and fifty prisoners.
By this rime continuous figlting, under vcry trying
30 HISTOIY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
weather conditions, had exhausted the 16th Infantry
Brigade. In order to mintain the pressure it became
necessary to withdraw battlions from the front of the
other brigades and to put them straight in on the offensive
front, replacing them by the battalions withdrawn from
that front.
An attck by the 14th D.L.I. on the 21st April in
conjunction with the left of the 46th Division, who by
this time had relieved the 24th on the right of the 6th
Division, yielded thirty-five prisoners and two machine-
guns, and disposed of a strong machine-gun nest on the
Double Crassier Railway which had bee.n holding up our
right. Two counter-attacks were repelled, and on the
22nd April the 14th D.L.I. and the llth Essex Regiment
delivered a combined attack. The 14th D.L.I. secured
the whole of their objective, with forty-six prisoners and
three machine-guns, but the llth Essex Regiment was
unable to gain any ground. The 46th Division had been
prevented by uncut wire from co-operating in the attack,
with the result that the 14th D.L.I., after enduring a
very heavy bombardment with exemplary dctermination,
were eventully sniped and mchine-gunned out of the
captured line from the houses on their right. Eventually
the position stabilized itself, with the enemy in possession
of Nash Alley.
During ten days the Division had been engaged in
continuous fightig on the front of one brigade, whilst
holding with the other two a front of approximately 7,000
yards. Four battalions from other brigades, in addition
to its own four, had passed through the hands of the
16th Infantry Brigade which was conducting the fighting.
Battalions relieved from the fighting front one night were
put straight into the line elsewhere on the following night,
and bttalions which had already done a long continuous
tour in the trenches were relieved one night, put into the
fighting front on the following night, and twenty-four
hours later had to delivcr an att«ck. The enemy, con-
L00S SALIENT
cerned about the rate of IIill 70, concentrated a very
formidable artillery on the narrow front involved, and
the bombardments and barrages on the front of attack
were of exceptional severity. The extent to which the
Division was stretched on the rest of its front is exem-
plified by two incidents. On one occasion an enemy
rid penetrated both our front and support lines without
being detected or meeting anyone, and came upon our
reserve line by chance at the only plae on the front of
the brigade concerned where there was one company in
that line. At another part of the front it was round, wlmn
normal conditions were restored, that in n abandoned
part of our front line between two posts, the enemy had
actually ruade himself so much at home that he had
cstablished a small dump of rations and bombs.
For the manner in which the Division had fol]owed up
and pressed the enemy withdrawal it received the thanks
of the Commander-in-Chier.
On the 26th June 1@17 the 46th Division was engaged
on our right in ative opcrations in the outskirts of Lens.
The 2nd Sherwood Foresters and the 9th Norfolk Regi-
ment were plced at the disposal of the 46th Division
for these operations. The 9th Norfolk Regimcnt was not
actively engaged, but thc 2nd Shcrwood Foresters, used
in the later stages of the attak, fought with great
gallantry and suffered fairly heavily.
On the 25th July the Division was relieved after a
continuous tour in the Loos front of ]ust under rive
months--a period of particularly bitter and severe trench
warfare. Trench-mortaring was continuous on both sides
on the greater part of the front held, and shelling heavy.
The artillery suffered no less severely than the infantry,
owing to the very restricted choice of positions and the
advantages of the observation enjoyed by the enemy.
Raids and counter-raids were numerous. An analysis of
the diary shows that during the six months from the end
of January to the end of July the Division carried out
32 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
30 raids, er which 13 were successful in obtaining their
objective and securing prisoners (total for the 13 raids : 54),
11 secured their objective but failed fo yicld any pris-
oners, and only 6 definitely failed. During the saine
period the enemy attempted 21 raids, of which only 4
succeeded in taking prisoners, 5 entered our trenches
without securing any prisoners, and 12 were entire failures.
Three of the enemy's attempted raids yielded us prisoners,
and 4 yielded identifications. The low average of pris-
oners taken by us in successful raids is attributable to
two causes--first the extraordinary precautions taken by
the enemy in the latter part of the period fo avoid losing
prisoners by evacuating his trenches on the slightest
alarm or remaining in his dug-outs, and secondly the
fierceness engendered in our troops by the severity of the
bombardment, and particularly of the trench-mortaring
to which they were normally subjected.
A very successful battalion raid by the 1st The Buffs
on the 24th June, which yielded 15 prisoners, might bave
ruade a better shoving if if had not folloved closely on
the receipt of the mail containing accounts of an enemy
bombing raid on Folkestone.
It is invidious to differentiate among so many carefully
prepared and gallantly executed enterprisesj but a refer-
ence to the successful battalion raid of the l lth Essex
Regiment on the 24th lIarch, fo the raid carried out by
the 14th D.L.I. on the 15th June, in the early morning
which caught the Germans at breakfast, and particularly
to the combined raid by the 2nd D.L.I. and the llth
Essex Regiment on the 28th June, will perhaps be for-
given. The latter was an exceptionally fine performance.-
It was carried out in connection with the operations of
the 46th Division already referred to, by one company
from each of the two battalions. Everything possible
had been done beforehand fo induce the enemy to expect
attack on the front of the Division, yet these tvo com-
panies succeeded in establishing and naintaining them-
LOOS SALIET 33
selves for one hour in the enemy's line, though constantly
counter-attacked. They inflicted very heavy casualties
on the enemy, who counter-attacked both over the open
and by bombing along the trenches. It was on this
occasion that 2/Lieut. F. B. Wearne, late l lth Essex
Regiment, won the V.C. Mcntion ought also fo be made
of the very gallant repulse of an cnemy raid by the
K.S.L.I. and the 1st The Buffs on the 7th July. In one
post of the 1st K.S.L.I. one wounded Lewis gunner, the
only survivor of his post from the enemy bombardment,
kept his gun in action and beat off the raiders.
On the 25th July the Division was relicved by the
Canadians, with a view to an attack by the lattcr on
ttill 70, and withdrew into test in the Monchy-Breton
area with Divisional Headquarters af Ourton.
A feature of this period of rest was the very successful
two-day rifle meeting, held on the Monchy-Breton Range.
During the month's rest out of the line Major-Gen. Ross
left the Division, being succeedcd in command by Major-
Gen. T. O. Marden, C.M.G., on the 19th August, and
Brig.hGen. Feetham, C.B., C.M.G., left the 71st Infantry
Brigade fo assume command of the 39th Division, in
command of which he was killed in March 1918.
From the 31st July fo the 5th August the 1st Leicester-
shire Regiment and 9th Norfolk Regiment were away
from the Division, lent fo the 57th Division fo assist in
a relief af the rime of the gas shelling of Armentières.
On the 24th fo the 27th August the Division was re-
lieving the Canadians on the ttill 70 front. The month
spent in that sector was one of hard work for all ranks
consolidating the newly won position, but was without
important incident.
On the 24th September the Division side-stepped into
the Cité St. Emile sector just north of Lens, and com-
menced preparations for an attack north of Lens, to be
carried out in conjunction with the projected attack by
the Canadian Corps on Sallaumines Iii]l. This project
3
34 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
was, however, abandoned, and on the 23rd Octobcr the
Division was withdrawn into rest in the St. ttilaire area,
west of Lil!ers.
Six d,ys later it commenced its march south to the
Riencourt area, fo join the Third Army for the ]3attle of
Cambrai.
The llth Leicesters (Pioneers) had gone north to the
II Corps, fo w0rk on light raihvay construction near
Dickebusch on 2nd July 1917. Their absence was much
felt by the Division, and in view of the approaching
operations they were welcomed back on 6th November,
whcn they brought with them letter from G.O.C.,
II Corps (Lt.-Gen. Jacob) congratulating them on their
excellcut work.
Before leaving the subject of the tour of the Division
in the Loos-Lens front, some reference ought to be
ruade to the successes won during that period by the
Division in horse shows. After practically sweeping the
board in all events ,nt the I Corps show for which it was
eligible to enter, the Division secured seven first and eight
second prizes at the First Army show, as well as the cup
for the best R.A. turn-out presented by G.O.C., R.A.,
First Army, and also that for the best R.E. turn-out,
presented by the C.E., First Army.
The Divisional mmunition Column secured prizes for
the two best teams of mules, the best single mule, nd
the best light draught horse.
CHAITER VIII
CAMBRAI
1917
TIIE general situation on the British ¥estern Front in
November 1917, though fairly uaiversally known to-day,
may now be outlined, and the hopes and aires which led
fo the Cambrai offensive be touchcd on shortly. Thc
prolonged and hard-fought attacks in Flandcrs by thc
British, and in othcr portions of the front by thc French,
had caused he enemy to concentrate his forces in thc
threatened sectors, denuding those portions of the line
which appeared reasonably sure and quiet. The Cambrai
sector was included among the latter, for hot only was
the ground vcry open, forbidding fo us the unseen con-
centration of the large forces and masses o[ heavy artillery
which af that period were deemed essential, but also the
Hindenburg Line was immensely strong and the trenches
so widc that the tanks in use by us could not cross them.
This enemy sector was, there[ore, particularly suitable
for surprise by us, as if was deemed by the enemy fo
be unassailable.
The Hindenburg Line ran north-west for six mlles from
the St. Quentin Canal af Banteux fo Havrincourt on the
Canal du qord, where if bent sharply north for four toiles
fo Mceuvres, thus making a pronounced salient. The
Commander-in-Chief's plan was to smash the salient, fo
occupy the high ground overlooking Cambrai--notably
the Bourlon Wood Ridge--push cavalry through the gap
in order to disorganise communications and the arrival
of reinforcements, and fo roll up the enemy's defences to
the north-west.
The French hcld considerable forces in the immediate
35
36 tIISTOR¥ 01 TtIE 6TtI DIVISION
vicinity fo exploit successes. If was reckoned that the
eneny could not reinforce his front under forty-eight
hours. Everything depended in the first instance on
successful surprise, and in the second on securing within
forty-eight hours the important tactical points within the
salient. The difficultics of surprise, which were nmny
and serious, were most successfully overcome, but the
enterprise failed eventually because the key points were
hOt seized.
The principal factors operating against success were
the linlited hours of daylight and the long distances to be
traversed both by mon and by tanks, which, though
vastly improved since 1916, were still very slow. There
was also, in the case of securing the high ground wcst of
Canbrai, the caml fo be crossed by tanks. While smash-
ing in the enemy's salient we ourselves were naking a
salient, extending our front, as far as the Third Arny
was concerned, from a straight 7,000 yards to a curving
15,000 yards, thus affording the eneny a chance of a
blow af the sides and hinges of the salient, of which he
availed himself fo good purpose ten days after our initial
attack.
To ensure success the troops .which were to undertake
operations practised -ith tanks in back areas, and officers
and men went through the operation on a carefully nmde
ground nodel without being aware what ground if repre-
sented. Units were brought up just before the 20th of
Novenber, the day of the attack, narching by night and
hiding in villages and woods by day. In sonm cases
battalions were quartered in fiat canvas erections, looking
like anmunition or supply dunps. The 6th Division
were fortunate in being in woods and destroyed villages.
No unusual activity on ground or in the air was allowed,
no guns registered as had been usual, even the tIonm
nails were stopped for a short period, and a screen of the
troops which had held the line for sone time was kept
in front trenches to the last. Under General ]3yng's
CAMBRAI 37
initiative the difculty of tanks crossing the wide Hin-
denburg Line trenches was overcomc by cach tank carry-
ing on its brow a huge faggot which it deposited in the
trench at its selected crossing-place, and which gave ifs
rail a purchase to enable it to climb the opposite side of
the tïench. The ground was very suitable for tanls, as
it was moderately hard grass land, and the first portion
of the attack on much of the front was downhill.
The III Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Pu]teney) was on the
right, and consisted of thc 12th, 20th, and 6th Divisions,
which attacked in the order namcd. The lcft corps (IV)
consisted of the 51st and 62nd Divisions. These covcrcd
the six miles with an avcrage frontage of ont and a ha]f
toiles. The 6th Division attaclcd on the front Vi]lers
Plouich-Beaucamps, with the 71st Infantry Brigade
(Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown) on the left next fo the 51st
Division, the 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. H. A.
Walker) on the right next to the 20th Division. Thcse
two brigades were fo advance about 3,000 yards to the
first objective (Ribécourt and spur fo south-east of it),
and another 1,000 yards to the second objective (support
system). The 18th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. G. S. G.
Craufurd) was ordered to advance through the 71st In-
fantry Brigade and secure the third objective about a
toile farther on (Premy Chapel 1Ridge), throwing back a
defensive flank towards Flesqui6res for the further opera-
tions of the 51st Division on its left and securing the
flank of the 29th Division on its right. The latter division
passing through the right of the ôth Division and the left
of the 20th Division, was charged with securing the
crossings of the St. Quentin Canal af lIarcoing and
Masnières and seizing the high ground af 1RumiIly, thus
fcilitating exploitation to the south-east, preventing a
concentration against the widely stretched defensive
flanks of the III Corps and threatcning Cambrai.
The Divisionl Artillery was reinforced during the first
part of the operations by the 17h Brigade of the 29th
38 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
Division and the 181st Brigade of the 40th Division, as
well as by two R.tt.A. Brigades. Batteries moved into
position and camouflaged their guns. No registration
cottld, of course, take place, but long practice cnabled the
gunners to put down a very accurate barrage ithout
this desideratum.
Opposite the Division the Hindenburg Line commenced
with an outpost line 750 yards distant on the left and 250
yards on the right. This was out of sight of our front
trenches by reason of the curve of the ground, ttalf a
toile behind this came the main system, consisting of
two trenches 200 yards apart, the whole guarded by most
formidable bclts of wire about 150 yards in depth. The
intcrval between out.post and main systems was sown
with wcll-sighted and concealed machine-gun positions.
A toile farther on, and on the opposite side of the valley
for thc most part, ran the support system, similai to thc
main system. One and a hall miles farther back again
was the reserve system, of which only machine-gun dug-
ours were completed, and a small amount of wire had
been erected.
Two battalions of tanks, each of thirty-six tanks, were
allotted to the Division. " B " Battalion (Lt.-Col. E. D.
Bryce, D.S.O.) operated with the 16th Infantry ]rigade,
and "H" Battalion (Lt.-Col. tion. C. Willoughby)
with the 71st Infantry Brigade. The 18th Infantry
Brigade advanced without tanks. The only points which
caused anxiety, provided that the tanks functioned satis-
factorily, were Couillet Wood on the right of the 16th
Infantry Brigade front, in which tanks cofld not operate,
and RitCourt Village on the left of the 71st Infantry
Brigade front.
The former was successfully cleared by the Buffs, and
the latter gallantly captured by the 9th Norfolk Regiment;
the 1 lth Essex clearing and securing it for the advance
of the 18th Infantry Brigade, while the 71st Infantry
Brigade attacked the second objective.
CAMBRAI 39
The 18th Infantry Brigade pushed through the 71st
Infantry Brigade and secured Premy Chapel Ridge in
good tinm, and rendered great assistance to the 51st
Division on our left, who were held up at Flesquières by
guns in the valley picking off the tanks onc by one as
thcy breasted thc ridge. Thc Wcst Yorks and the 2nd
D.L.I. each charged over the Prcmy Ridge spur and
captured a battery at the point of the bayonet.
At 3.15 p.m. the cavalry, who would have been of the
ga'eatest assistance in capturing the enemy guns holding
up the 51st Division, rcported that they could hot advance
owing to snipers in Ribéconrt. Thc village had bccn in
our possession since 10 a.m., and the 1,qth Iuf,utry Brigadc
h&d passed through it at 11.30, and werc now two milis
beyond it. Howcver, the cavalry pushcd through patrols
bcfore nightfall fo Nine Wood.
A comp,ny of the 9th uffolk Rcgimeut successful}y
carried out ifs mission of advancing wihout artil}ery or
t&nk support, and capturing the bridge at Marcoing. The
Division hm] a most successful day, with vcry ligbt
casualties (about 650), capturing 28 officers and 1,227
other ranks prisoners, 23 guns, and between 40 and 50
machine-guns and many trench-mortars, and receiving
the congratulations of the Corps Comnmnder. Every-
thing had gone like clockwork : the artillery had pushed
forward to advanced positions to cover the new front
bcfore darkness came on ; the machine-guns, under Major
Muller, D.M.G.O., were likewise established in their new
forw,-rd positions, thanks to careful arrangements and the
use of pack animais; and the l lth Leicesters, under
Major Radford, were repairing and clearing the roads
before the third objective had been secured. The tanks,
which lmd ruade mtrprise possible, were most gallantly
handled, and all arrangements most carefully thought
out by Col. A. Courage, D.S.O.
The next morning the 51st Division captured les-
quières from the north, and three companies of the 14th
40 ttISTOR¥ OF TttE 6Ttt DIVISION
D.L.I., moving forward slightly in advance of them and
operating with a squadron of the Queen's Bays, entered
Cantaing ahead of the 51st Division, handing over sub-
sequently to the 4th Gordons.
The Buffs, with the assistance of the tanks, completed
the clearing of lloyelles (a village some 2,500 yards north-
east of Premy Chapel), which had been entered the
prcvious day by the 29th Division, and relievcd the latter
thcre. On the night of the 26/27th lovember the 18th
Infantry Brigade extended its left up to the south-east
edge of Cantaing.
About hall a mile of the original front had been handed
over to the 29th Division, and the 6th Division now held
a rectangular strip 2,500 yards by 7,000 yards, with the
head af Cantaing and Noyelles, and the rear in the ttin-
denburg Main Line. The 29th Division had a precarious
hold of the ground across the canal on the right, and the
Guards Division was having hard fighting at Fontaine on
the left.
Comparing the position with the back of a man's left
hand, the 6th Division occupied the third finger, the 29th
Division the main finger, the 20th Division the index
finger, the 12th Division the portion below the index
finger down to the Iower portion of the thumb when fully
extended, the 55th Division occupied the thumb. Such
was the situation when the enemy delivered a heavy
counter-attack, on the morning of the 30th November,
on the 29th, 20th and 12th Divisions of the III Corps
and the 55th Division of the VII Corps, driving the 20th
aud 12th Divisions on to the main finger except for a
few posts, and occupying the thumb.
The Germans reached Gouzeaucourt at about 9 a.m.,
but were stoutly opposed by transport details of the
18th Infantry Brigade, who most gallantly led by Lieut.
and Quartermaster J. P. L. Shea, 2nd D.L.I., and Capt.
and Adjurant W. Paul, 1st West Yorks, checked the
enemy in a portion of the village until it was retaken by
CAMBRAI 41
the Gua.rds about midday. These two brave officers,
whose initiative and sound military action probbly saved
the situation from becoming much worse, were both
wounded, and subsequently died of their wounds, a great
loss to their batta.lions and to the Division.
A Staff-Ofiïcer arrived from the 29th Division about
9 a.m., and reported thcir DivisionM Headquartcrs just
north-east of Gouzeaucourt to have been capturcd nd the
Germa.ns entering the village, which was about two mlles
to the right rear of 6th Divisionl ]-Ieadquartcrs. The
16th Infntry Brigade, which was in Divisional Reserve
in the Hindenburg Main Line some two toiles away, was
ordered up to the ridge between Beaucamps and Gouzcau-
court. Brig.-Gcn. WMkcr, conmanding 16th Infantry
Brigade, who ws ordered to report to G. O. C., 29th Division,
t Gouzcucourt, narrowly escaped capture, togcther with
his Brigade-Major, the cnemy now bcing in possession of
the village. G.O.C., 29th Division, had in the meanimc
passed through 6th Divisional Hedquarters, and gonc
forward to his line.
The situation was now very confused, as all wires to
corps had been cut, but it was evident that tlmre was a
gap between 12th and 20th Divisions, the ltter still
holding on to La Vacquerie, a strong point on the ridge
two mlles east of Beaucamps. The 16th Infantry Brigade
was ordered to retake Gouzeaucourt, aided by some tnks
which were at Beaucamps, and advanced about 3 p.m.,
but found the Guards Mready in the village. It therefore
took up a position in the rond between Gouzeaucourt and
Villers Plouich, to the left of the Guards, and prepred
to attck Cemetcry lidge between Gonnelieu and La
Vacquerie, so as to re-establish the line. Patrols reported
no enemy activity, and as there were no guns availble
(ail in this sector having been captured or out of action)
the Divisional Commander (Gen. Mrden) thought a
surprise attack by moonlight might succeed in capturing
this important ridge before the enemy could reinforce it.
42 /:IISTOI-¢Y O:V THE 6TH DIVISION
An attack was launched af I a.m. hand in hand with 20th
Division, but though most gallantly pushed, failed owing
te loss of direction and henry enemy machinc-gun tire.
The ridge was captured by a Gurds Brigade the next
morning at 6.30 a.m., by the nid of tanks and artillery.
In the meantime the Reserve Bttalion of the 18th
Inf:mtry Brigade {14th D.L.I.), and a batta]ion lent by
the 57th Division, took up a position on Highland lidge
îacing east, thus completely securing the flank.
On 2nd December the 16th Infantry Brigade was with-
drawn and ordcred te relieve 87th Infantry Brigade (29th
Division), which had been having stiff fighting across and
astride thc canal east of Marcoing. Thc 14th D.L.I.
{ 18th Infantry Brigade) were lent te 16th Infantry Brigade
and on the night of 2nd/3rd December occ:picd the south
portion of thc loop across the canal, the K.S.L.I. taking
over the north hall. The 88th Infantry Irigade (29th
Division) hcld tlm gro::nd south of thc canal. The -hole
position was sa.lient subject te shell, rifle and machine-
gun tire frein north, south and east. The 14th D.L.I.
position had no wire, and only hastily dug trenches. At
10.30 a.m., aftcr a henry bombardment, the enemy
attacked the 14th D.L.I. and the battalion of the 29th
Division south of the canal, penetrating the trenches, but
was counter-attacked and driven et:t. At 11.30 a.m. he
attacked again with similar results. At 12.15 p.m. he
attacked both D.L.I. and K.S.L.I. and penetrated the
right of thc D.L.I., btt was again drivcn out. With a final
attack at 12.45 p.m. the cnemy succeeded in foring both
bttalions across the canal by sheer weight of mmbers.
Two co:npanies of the 8th Bedords new reinforced the
14th D.L.I., and this force again counter-attacked and
recovered the bridge-head at dusk; the 88th Infant.ry
Brigade, assisted by 2nd Y. and L., having also counter-
attacked successfully south of the canal. Losses were,
however, henry, and the line was gradually withdrawn
under Corps orders during the next t'o days te the
CAMBRAI 43
Hindeaburg support system, which became our front line.
The 14th D.L.I. îought magnificently, losing 15 officers
and 262 other ranks, more than half being killed. Capt.
Lascelles, who led two of the counter-atta.cks and was
twice wounded, here gained his V.C. The 16th M.G.C.,
both north and south of the canal, had very heavy
losses, but put up a splendid resistance.
The only othcr incidents of note were the repulse by
the 18th Inf,ntry Brigade of a half-hearted enemy a.ttack
on Canta.ing on the 1st Dccembcr, and D.H.Q. bcing
three rimes shellcd out of ifs Headquartcrs betwcen
30th November and 9th Dccember.
During tbe vholc period--20tb Novembcr fo 6th Dc-
cember--the Divisional Artillcry were constantly changing
position in order fo support the infantry, either in advance
or retirement, as closely as possible. It was a welcome
change fo them after the many weary months of position
wa.rfa.re, a.nd if naay be said, without fcar of contradiction,
tlmt both brigades and ba.tteries were extrcmely ably
handled, and that the D.A.C. never left a battery short
of ammunition, in spire of very long distances and rough
going.
On 10th December the Division (less artillery) was
withdra.wn to rest in the Basseux area south-west of Arras,
aft.er a strenuous three weeks.
The Divisional Artillery remained in action, covering
the 18th Division. A little later the 2nd Brigade, R.F.A.,
was withdrawn fo rest, but the 24th Brigade, R.F.A.,
continued in the line.
CHAPTER IX
GERMAI OFFENSIVE OF IARCH 1918
1918
ArE a month's rest in the Basseux area, during the
first fcw days of which the 16th and 18th Infantry brigades
were placed at the disposal of the 3rd Division to relieve
two of their brigades on the Bullecourt front., the Division
moved up, commencing on the 17th January to relieve
the 51st Division in the front line bctween Hermies and
Boursies. A nmnth later it side-stcpped northwards,
rclicving the 25th Division in the Lagnicourt sector. The
pcriod up to the 21st March was one of steady work on
defenccs, but without special incident, except a gas-shell
attack on the 71st brigade, which caused a certaih
amount of casualties.
During this period Infantry brigades were reduced to
three battalions each--the 9th Suffolk Regiment, 8th
Bedford Regiment, and 14th Durham Light Infantry
being disbanded between 1st and 16th February. Shortly
afterwards the three Machine-gun Companies and the
Divisional Machine-gun Company were organized into
the 6th Machine-gun Battalion, under the command of
Lt.-Col. Rosher, D.S.O., latc commanding 14th D.L.I.
Some description of the ground and defensive organiza-
tion of the Division will not be out of place here. The
front held by the Division was generally on a forward
slope opposite the villages of Quéant and Pronville.
No Man's Land averaged three-quarters of a mile in
width. The whole area was downland, and very suitable
for the action of tanks. The position lay astride a succes-
sion of well-defined broad spurs and narrow valleys (like
the fingers of a 10artially opened hand), merging into tho
44
GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF 1KARCH 1918 45
broad transverse valley which separated the British line
from the two villages above-mentioned. All the advan-
rages of ground lay with the defence, and if seemed as
if no attack could succeed, unless by the aid of tanks.
A large portion of the front line--notably the valleys--
was sown with 2-in. trcnch-mortar bombs with instan-
taneous fuses, which would detonate under the pressure
of a wagon but not of a man's foot. In addition tive
anti-tank 18-pounder guns were placed in positions of
vantage. The wire was very brad and thick. The
position would, indeed, bave been allnost impregnable had
there been sufficient rime fo complote it, nd had there
been separate troops for countcr-attack.
The ground was a portion of that wrcsted from the
enemy in the Cambrai offensive of November-December
1917, but had only improvised trenches. A month's hard
frost in January had militated against digging, and though
there were a complete front trench and reserve trcnch,
the support trenches hardly existed, and dug-outs werc
noticeable by their absence. The front was 4,500 yards
in extent, the three brigades in linc--18th on right, 71st
in centre, 16th on left--on approximately equal frontages.
The depth from front or outpost zone to reserve or battle
zone was about 2,000 yards. With only three battalions
in a brigade, there was no option but to assign one bat-
talion in each brigade to the defence of the outpost zones,
and keep two battalions in depth in thc battle zone.
With battalions af just over half-strength, and with the
undulating nature of the ground, the defence resolved itself
everywhere into a succession of posts with a very limited
tield of tire.
A good corps line called the Vaux-Morchies Line had
been dug, the nearest portion a toile behind the reserve
line, and this was held by the 1)ioneers and R.E., owing
fo scarcity of numbers.
The Right Group, R.F.A. (Lt.-Col. H. Weber), consisting
of 2nd Brigade (less 21st Battery), supported the 18th
46 HISTOIY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
Infantry Brigade; the Left Group {Lt.-Col. J. A. C.
Forsyth), consisting of 24th Brigade, 21st Battery, and
93rd (Army) Brigade, supported the 16th and 17th Infantry
Brigades.
Reports from deserters that we were to be heavily
attacked were persistent, and the Division stood to arms
twice before 21st March. On 20th March aeroplane
photos disclosed amnmnition pits for seventy extra bat-
teries opposite the divisiona] front, and when af 5 a.m.
on 21st March the bombardment commenced, there was
no doubt but that a real offensive had begun. Warning
had been given overnight for all troops to be in battle
positions by 5 a.m., but it came too late to stop working
parties, and the reserve battalions of all brigades had
marched ten mlles before the battle commenced.
Fog favoured the Germans in that it prevented us
seeing when the attack was la.unched, but every credit
must be given them for the skill they evinced and the
dash with which they pushed forward and brought up
successive waves of attackers. By concentrating their
efforts on thc three main val]eys, i.e. Noreuil Va]]ey on
our extreme left, Lagnicourt Val]ey in the centre and
Morchies Valley on our extreme right, they avoided m, uch
of the tire which they would have encountered on the
broad spurs, and thus worked round and isolated the
garrisons of the latter. For rive hours the bombardment
continued with tremendous force, first with gas and H.E.
on back areas to cut communications and disorganize
reinforcements, later about 7 to 8 a.m. with smoke and
H.E. on the forward system. The intensity of it may
be gauged by the fact that four out of rive concealed
anti-tank guns were knocked out by direct hits.
This bombardment annihilated the garrisons of the
forward system, and few survivors came back to the
reserve line.
The only authenticated accounts of a successful resist
ance in the front system were from the 71st Inïantry
GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 1918 47
Brigade, whcre both 9th Norfolks and 2nd Sherwood
Foresters repulsed the first attack. By 10.30 a.m. the
enemy had nearly reached Norcuil and had driven back
the 59th Division on our left, leaving the left flank of
the 16th Infantry Brigade in the air, while its right flank
went shortly aIterwards, as the encmy captured Lagni-
court, driving in the Sherwood Forestcrs in the vallcy.
The 16th Infantry Brigade was gradually squeezcd out
towards the corps line, where at 4 p.m. parties from the
Divisional Bombing School counter-attacked and drove
the enemy out of trenches on the immediate left. The
71st Infantry Brigade, with its right flank secure, threw
back a defensive flank south-west of Lagnicourt, and
successfully prevented issue from that village to thc high
ground. The enemy broke into Skipton Reserve Strong
Point, but were thrown ouV again by a counter-attack
of Norfolks and Leicesters.
Coming up a subsidiary valley the enemy nearly drove
a wedge between 71st and 18th Infantry Brigades, but
the 2nd D.L.I. counter-attacked gallantly and kept thcm
out till dusk. On the right of the 18th hfantry Brigade,
however, the enemy advanced up the Morchies Valley,
capturing the left trenches of the 51st Division on out
right at about 10 a.m.
The 2nd West ¥orks, reinforced by two companies
llth Essex, gallantly led by Lt.-Col. Boyall, D.S.O., who
was subsequently wounded and captured, ch'ove back
three attacks issuhg from out support line. The 18th
Infantry Brigade held on till 7 p.m. when, in tryig to
withdraw, it suffered heavy casualties. The last company
was uot overwhelmed till 8.30 p.m. The 18th and 71st
hffantry Brigades, therefore, maintained their hold on the
ground Lagnicourt and the Morchies Valley ail day, though
the enemy had 1)enetrated far in rear on both flanks.
When darless fell the remnants of the Division were
back in the corps lhe, together with three battalions of
the 75th Infantry Brigade (25th Division), the remaining
48 ttISTORY OF THE 6Ttt DIVISION
troops of the Division not being strong enough fo hold the
line unaided. The 1 lth Cheshires were with 18th Infantry
Brigade, 2nd South Lancs with 71st Infantry Brigade,
and 8th Border Regiment with 16th Infantry Brigade.
The night was quiet, both sides preparing for the next
day's struggle.
Af 7.30 a.m. on 22nd March the 16th Infantry Brigade
repulsed an attack, but the enemy renewed his efforts
with great persistence, and with much heavy bombardment
and trcnch-mortaring, af 9.30 a.m. and onwards in the
vicinity of Vaux and Méricourt Woods. Though frequent
counter-attacks were ruade, the troops were forced back
little by littlc from the corps line towards some improvised
trenches hastily dug under the C.R.E.'s (Col. Goldney)
diL'ection some 1,000 yards in rear, and manned partially
by men from tlie Corps Reinforcement Camp under Major
Jones of the 2nd D.L.I. As an example of the tenacious
fighting, a sunken road which contained the Headquarters
of the 16th and 71st Infantry Brigades changed hands
three times. Throughout the day Lt.-Col. Latham,
D.S.O., commanding 1st Leicesters, and Lt.-Col. Dumbell,
D.S.O., commanding llth Battalion Essex egiment,
distinguished themselves greatly in the defence of their
sectors of the line. On the right of the Division the
control had passed by dusk to the G.O.C., 75th Infantry
Brigade (29th Division)--the 18th Infantry Brigade
having only about 100 of ail ranks left. On the left there
was a large gap between the 16th Infantry Brigade and
the 40th Division, which had been pushed up towards
Vaux Vraucourt,'and this the 6th Division had no troops
with which to fill it. The enemy's pressure on the flanks
of the 16th Infantry Brigade and in the centre on the
71st Infantry Brigade caused the line to rail buck on the
new Army line which was being dg and wired. This
was done in good order, and at nightfall the weary
remnants of the Division were relieved by the 41st Division
and concentrated in the vicinity of Achiet, the rtillery
GERMAN OFFElçSIVE OF /L4RCI-I 1918 49
remaining behind and fighting in the subsequent with-
ch'awal up fo 26th March.
The Division had put up a resistance of which if had
every reason fo be proud, and which won for if the
following letter from the G.O.C., Third Army (General
Sir J. Byng) :--
"I calnot allow the 6th Division fo leave the Third
Army without expressing my appreciation of their splen-
did conduct during the first stages of the grcat battle
now in progress.
" By their devotion and courage they have broken up
overwhehning attacks and prevented thc enemy gaining
his object, namely a decisive victory.
" I wish them every possible good luck."
To this magnificent result all ranks and ail arms had
contributed, and if is perhaps invidious fo single out
special instances for mention. The gallant stand of the
18th and 71st Infantry Brigades in the reserve line
throughout the whole of the first day has alrcady bcen
referred to. Other outstanding incidents are the counter-
attack by part of the 2nd D.L.I. against the enemy
advaucing from our support line, which relieved the pres-
sure on the reserve line and captured four machine-guns ;
the holding out of a post of the West Yorks ou the east
side of the Morchies Valley from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. though
completely commanded and surrounded; the counter-
attacks by companies of the 1st Leicestershire legiment
and 9th borfolk Regiment, which restored the situation
in the Skipton Strong Point just east of Lagnicourt ;
that of a company of the llth Leicestershire Regiment
which drove the enemy out of the corps line when he
had established a footing in it on the afternoon of the
21st ; and that of the two platoons formed from the 16th
Infantry Brigade School which regained posts on the
extreme left of the corps line in the Divisional area on
the evening of the 21st.
Another gallant deed must be mentioned. Sergt.
50 HISTOR¥ OF THE 6TH DIVISION
Shales, R.E., and another signaller went from 18th
Infantry Br-igade Headquarters to a distributor statiin
400 yards distant during the full force of the bombard-
ment, sorted out and tested wires in the oloen, and thus
established communication between the front trenches
and Battaliin Headquarters. The burying and connect-
ing up if the cable was fo have been comloleted the day
of the attack.
The casualties in the infantry were extremely heavy,
amounting in the two dys fo some 3,900 out of a total
for the Division of somewhat over 5,000 engaged, and
out of a total trench strength of less than 5,000 infantry.
The 18th Inf,nntry Brigade suffered particularly heavily,
being only able fo muster in its three battalions 8 officers
and 110 other r,nks of those who had been through the
fight, including 32 af Battalion Headquarters.
The Machine-gun Battalion did excellent service and
great execution, nmny guns remaining in action untfl the
enemy were within a few yards of them. Its losses were
heavy--14 officers and 280 other ranks.
The field comloanies suffered heavily, and rendered
good service as infantry. Sloecial mention may be ruade
of the action of 12th Field Comlany under Calot. Langley,
who rallied some 300 stra.gglers of various units and filled
. a galo between the 18th Infantry Brigade and troops on
ifs left.
The 1 lth Leicesters, under the gallant leading of Ma]or
Radford, fought slolendidly , losing 14 officers and over
200 other ranks.
The artillery loerformed magnificent services, particu-
larly on the 21st March. Ail guns that were not destroyed
by the enemy's bombardment were fought until all the
ammunition was exloended or the enemy's infantry
reached their loosition. The gunners enjoyed the novel
exloerience of firing over oloen sights and seeing the effect
of their tire, and not only with their guns but with rifles
and Lewis guns did they inflict very heavy casualties on
GERMA_N OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 1918 51
the enemy. The 42nd Battery, having kept their three
forward guns in action after out infantry had fallen back
behind thcm, succeeded in bringing the two that were
not destroyed away, under the very nose of the enemy
and through a heavy barrage and machine-gun tire. The
forward section of the 53rd Battery had one gun destroyed.
Lieut. Reeves got the other into the open, and, aftcr firing
850 rounds with it over open sights and having exhausted
his ammunition, brought back his detachment and the
brcech-block. The forward section of thc 87th Battery
continued firing until rushed by the enemy's infant.ry.
Sergt. Pengelly of the ll2th Battery, who was in com-
mand of a 15-pounder in an anti-tank position, having
had his gun destroyed in the prcliminary bombardnlent,
fought for two days with the infantry, in command of a
platoon, and did great execution himself with a pickaxe.
A forward gun of the ll0th Battery was fought until all
its ammunition was expended, and the breech-block was
then removed with the enemy almost on the top of the
gun. For over seven hours the main battery fired on
the enemy at ranges from 1,200 to 600 yards, expending
over 2,400 rounds. The forward gun of the 11 lth Battery,
after expending all its ammunition (500 rounds), largcly
over open sights, was withdrawn and brought into action
again in the main position, a team coming up in full view
of the enemy, and under very heavy shelling and a hail
of btfllets, for the purpose. The ll2th Battery had two
gtms in action in advance of the corps line. These re-
mained in action until all their ammunition was expended,
and the detachments then withdrew with all their wounded
and the breech-blocks of their guns, the enemy being by
this rime actually on the wire of the corps line.
The instances quoted are only typical of the conduct
of the whole of the artillery of the Division, which fully
justified the very high reputation it has always enjoyed,
and the confidence which the infantry of the Division
has always felt in ifs own artillery.
2 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
The morning of the 23rd March round the remnants of
the Division, less artillery, assembled about Achiet-le-
Grand and Bihucourt. The survivors of tlm 18th Infantry
Brigade numbêred 8 officers and 110 other ranks ; those
of the 71st Infantry Brigade 11 officers and 279 other
ranks. Each of these brigades had had a trench strength
on the morning of the 21st of just over 1,800 all ranks.
Figures for the 16th Infantry Brigade are not available.
The Division was most fortunate in having very few
senior officers ki]led, though rnany were wounded. The
most noticeable casualties among the killed were Major
Lyon, 2nd Brigade, R.F.A., Majors Wi]liamson and Win-
gate, D.S.0., M.C., R.E., and Capt. Harbottle, M.C., 1st
Leicesters.
Even after relief the Division was hot able to enjoy
the rest it had so richly deserved, and of which it stood
so much in need. The further progress of the enemy's
attack aud constant alarms necessitated its preparing and
taking up a position of readiness covering Achiet, through-
out the 23rd and the 24th.
On the 25th March if entrained for the north, to join
the Second Army in its old haunts in the Ypres Salient.
CHAPTER X
YPRES SALIENT AGAIN
1918
Ou the 30th March, whilst in rest in the neighbourhood
of Steenvoorde, the Division had the honour of a visit
from His Majesty the King. Reprcsentative survivors
of ail ranks from the recent fighting werc drawn up in
the square and were inspected by His Majesty, who spoke
most graciously to every individual, questioning all as to
their experiences during the fighting, and thanking them
for and congratulating them on thcir services.
Af thc bcginning of April the 16th and 18th Infantry
Brigades took ovcr the front from Broodseindc south-
wards to Polygon Wood, coming under the XXII Corps
(Lt.-Gen. Sir A. Godley).
The general situation now was that the Flanders front
was held by tired and decimated Divisions withdrawn
from the big battle in the south. These had been brought
up to a respectable strength by drafts from all sources--
wounded men belonging to other formations, I.A.S.C.,
Labour Battalions, etc., many of whom had received no
training in infantry weapons or methods of fighting.
Officers and men were new to each other, and there was
no chance to train as the whole of every Division was in
trenches.
Against these forces the Germans now opencd a deter-
mined offensive from Zandvoorde southwards.
On the 13th April, as a result of the German successes
on the Lys, the 71st Infantry Brigade, which was in
reserve, had to be rushed off to join the 49th Division on
the Neuve Eglise front. It returned to the Division on
the 26th April aftcr a pretty rough rime, during which
53
54 ItISTOI,Y OF TItE 6TH DIVISION
if suffcrcd considcrablc casualtics (about 750), but earned
grcat praisc. A countcr-attack dclivcrcd by thc 9th
Norfolk Rcgimcnt was a particularly crcditablc incident
in this period.
Othcrwisc the first fortnight in thc Salicnt was without
spccial incident. On thc 16th April, in conscquencc of
thc progrcss madc by thc encmy farthcr to thc south,
thc Salient was rcduccd in accordancc with plan, and thc
line withdrawn to thc battlc zone, wherc an advanccd
force was lcft out in a line of dctachcd pill-boxes and
works. Thc cncmy followcd up cautiously in thc aftcr-
noon, but thc garrisons of thc line of posts by lying low
wcrc able in scvcral cases to catch parties unawares, and
fair numbcr of casualties wcrc inflicted. 0ne party of
twenty-fivc in particular was annihflated.
0n thc 25th April tire encmy attackcd and captured
Kemmcl Village and Hill from thc lrcnch. This dccidcd
thc Higher Command to withdraw thc advanccd force,
and this was succcssfully carricd out on thc night of thc
26/27th to thc line Wcst end of Zillcbckc Lake-White
Château.
Incessant work on thc new dcfenccs, and hcavy shelling,
particularly gas shelling of Yprcs, wcrc thc only incidents
for somc timc on thc actual front of thc Division, though
hcavy attacks on the 29th April on thc Division on thc
right, and thc cncmy's unsucccssful attack on Ridgcwood
on thc 8th May, kcpt it on thc alcrt. Thc Division was
on thc cdgc of thc battlc, and stood to on scvcral occasions
for an attack on its own front.
On thc 1 lth to thc 14th May thc Division side-slipped
to thc south in relief of thc 19th Division, thus coming
ncxt door to thc 14th lrcnch Division, and passing to
II Corps (Lt.-Gcn. Sir C. Jacob). On thc 28th May thÇ
enemy attckcd our ncighbours on thc right and succccdcd
in driving thcm out of Ridgcwood and almost in rcaching
Dickcbusch Lakc. In vicw of the importance fo us of tho
lost position, and of tho cxhaustcd state of thc 14th
YPRES SALIENT AGAIN 55
(French) Division, an offer was ruade to co-operate with
them in a counter-attack to regain the lost ground. This
was gladly accepted, and on the early morning of the
29th May the 1 lth Essex Regiment attackcd in conjunc-
tion with two battalions of Chasseurs of the 46th (Frcnch)
Division, which was in process of rclieving the 14th
Division, the opertion taking place undcr the orders of
the G.O.C., 14th French Division (Genera! Philipot, the
conqueror of Fez).
Under a barrage formed by the French and English
axtillery the llth Essex Regiment attacked with great
determination, and by the end of thc, d«ty had achieved
the whole of its share of the task. The two battalions
of the Chasseurs wcre, unfortunately, not so successful,
with the result tiret the right of the 1 lth Essex Regiment
was exposed, and it was unable to hold on to a small
part of the ground recovered on its extreme right. For
this action the Division received a letter of tlmnks for its
"spontaneous" co-operation from GenerM dt Mitry, com-
manding the French Détachement de l'Armée du Nord.
The Division remained in the line as next-door neigh-
bours to the French till the 7th June, when relieved by
33rd Division. Many will retain pleasant memories of
our association with our Allies during the three to four
weeks that we were alongside them, and of the admirable
liaison that existed between us.
During the period of just under three weeks' rest that
it enjoyed on this occasion the Division had one brigade
always at Dirty Bucket Camp working on rear lines of
defence, one training in the St. Jan ter Biezen area, and
- one at musketry at Cornmtte, near Tilques. During this
period, too, the 71st Trench-mortar Battery and the 18th
Trench-mortar Battery were able to be tf service to the
French, the former being lent to the 46th Division to
assist them in an operation on 8th June, the latter co-
operating with the 7th (French) Division in a successful
raid on the 19th June.
56 I-IISTOR¥ OF TI-IE 6TH DIVISION
On the 27th June the Division passed to the XIX Corps
(Lt.-Gen. Sir I-I. E. Watts) and relieved the 46th "rench
Division {Chasseurs) in the Dickebusch sector. This was
in a very unpleasant front, where the dominating position
of the enemy on Kemmel I-Iill made movement, even in
the rear lines, impossible by day, and practically ail work,
of which there was plenty, had to be donc by night.
The chief incidents of the tour of the Division in this
sector were the successful attack on lidgewood, the 1st
The Buffs daylight raid on the Brasserie, the sixteen-
prisoner night-raid of the 2nd D.L.I. on the Zillebeke
front, and thè co-operation of the 18th Infantry Brigade
with the operations of the 41st Division on our right.
The situation creatcd by the enemy's attack on Ridge-
wood on the 28th May had never been satisfactori]y
restored, in spire of repeated attempts on the part of the
46t1 (French) Division. The 6th Division took over with
the dctermination to put this right on the first oppor-
tunity, profiting by the lessons learnt in the successive
attacks ruade by the French Chasseurs, which their
Division had placed most unreservedly at our disposal.
After carcful reconnaissance the 18th Infantry Brigade,
assisted by two companies of the 1st Middlesex Regiment
of the 33rd Division, attacked the enemy at 6 a.m. on
the 14th July. The attack delivered by the 1st West
¥orkshire Regiment and the 2nd D.L.I. and the two
above-mentioned companies was a complete success.
The enemy, taken entirely by surprise, only offered a.ny
resistance in one or two isolated cases, and the dash
and prompt initiative of the attacking troops soon dealt
with these. All objectives were gained, lidgewood and
:Elzenwalle retaken, and 7 officers, 341 other ranks, 25
machine-guns, and 3 trench-mortars captured at small
cost to the attackers. Large quantities of trench-mortar
ammunition, round dumped close up to the front line,
demonstrated the correctness of the view that the enemy
had in contemplation a resumption of his offensive on
YPRES SALIENT AGAIN 57
this front. For this the Division received congratulations
from the Commander-i»Chief, the G.O.C., Second Army
(General Sir Hcrbcrt Plumer), and G.O.C., XIX Corps.
The raid of the 1st The Buffs was carried out on the
2nd August. The objective was the Brasserie and neigh-
bouring farms. The raid, which was by day and on a
fairly extensive scale, was very successful.
On the 8th August the 41st Division carried out a
small operation, in co-operation with which the 18th
Infantry Brigade undertook two minor operations. That
by a company of thc 1st West ¥orkshire Rcgimcnt on the
Vierstraat Road was unsuccessful, through no f,ult of
the attacking infantry, who were hcld up by machine-
guns sited so far forward that they had escaped our
barrage. On the right a company of the 2nd D.L.I.,
operating in direct touch with the left of the 41st Division,
was completely successful in carrying out its task. In
connection with operations on this front the Division
sustained a severe loss in Major R. W. Barnett, K.R.R.,
G.S.O.2, who was killcd by a sniper while reconnoitring
on 12th August.
During July and August the Divisional Artillery was
exceptionally busy. An inmense amount of effort was
put into the preparation of forward positions for a large
number of batteries to be employcd in a contemplatcd
later offensive. Vast quantities of gun amrnunition were
carted nightly, and dumped therein in rcadiness.
During the month of August the Division had the
pleasure of close association with our American Allies,
part of the 27th American, a New York Division, doing
their atto, chment and apprenticeship to trench warfare
with us. On the 21st to the 24th August the Amcricans
relieved the Division in the line, and it was withdrawn
for rest and training to the Wizernes area.
On leaving the XIX Corps the Corps Commander sent
the Division his "warmest thanks for and appreciation of
the excellent service rendered" while under his command.
CHAPTER XI
THE ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH
1918
OmINALLY destined to take part in a projected attack
for the recapture of Kemmel Hill and Village, the Division
suddenly received orders af the end of August, to the
delight of all, fo move southwards af very short notice.
Dttring the 1st, 2ad and 3rd September the move south-
wards was carried out by rail, the Division, less artillery,
detrainiug af Corbie, l-Icilly and Méricourt. On the 4th
the Divisional Artillery followed, and the whole Division
was concotrated in the area Heilly-Ribemont-Fran-
villers on the River Ancre, in G.H.Q. Reserve. The next
few days were devoted to a continuation of the training
in open warfare commenced in the Wizernes area.
The Germans, forced back in July and August from
the high-water mark of their advance in Match and April,
had stood on the line of the Somme and the Péronne-
Arras road. In the southern sector of the British front
the Somme defences had been turned by the brilliant
capture of Mont St. Qucntin (fo the north of and guarding
Péronne) by the Australian Corps. The rctreating enemy
had been pursued across the Somme by the 32nd Division,
which had bcen attached temporarily to the Australians.
This Division now became part of the newly-constituted
IX Corps {Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Braithwaite), which was to
bear such a glorious part in the concluding chapter of the
War, and which consisted of 1st, 6th, 32nd and 46th
Divisions.
The 32nd Division had followed the enemy without
much incident up to the large ttolnon Wood, three and a
halï toiles west of St. Quentin, and if was there that the
58
ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN TI-IE SOUTI-I 59
Division relieved it on night 13/14th September, with
the 1st Division on the left and the 34th (French) Division
on the right.
It was expected that the enemy would stand on the
heights which commnd St. Quentin to the west and
south, but if was hot known whether their resistance
wou[d be strong or hot, as they were much disorganized.
The 1st and 6th Divisions, hand in hand with the
French, were ordered to capture this tactical line on
18th September, as a starting-point for the attack on the
Hindenbltrg Line, which ran just outsidc St. Qucntin to
the canal at Bellcnglise.
To the 18th Infautry Brigade was entrustcd thc task
of securing a line wc[! clcar of Holuon Wood for thc
forming-up linc on the 18th, and in doing so it first had
to clear the wood and estab[ish posts at the edge, then
push forward. The selected forming-up line included to
us Holnon Villagc on the right and next to thc Frcnch.
On the morning of the 16th September the l lth Essex,
after an unsuccessful attempt to push forward during the
night, attacked under a barrage and advanced from the
line of posts taken over a little way inside the wood fo
a line of trenches just clear of the wood, capturing in this
small operation forty-six prisoners. It was now arranged
for the 1st, 6th and 34th (French) Divisions to adçance
simultaneously to secure the above-mentioned starting
line. On thë left the 1st Division was successful, and so
were the llth Essex, who, held up at first by heavy shell-
ing and machine-gun tire, persevered throughout the day
and were rewarded by finishing up in possession of the
whole of their objective.s, a very creditable performance.
On the right, the West ¥orks had to secure Holnon
Village, which lay in a hollow commanded by Round and
Manchester Hills in the are allotted fo the French, and
which was itself strongly held. The lrench failed in their
attack, and though the West Yorks obtained part of the
village they could hot clear it and establish the »tarting
60 HISTORY OF TttE 6Ttt DIVISION
line beyond it. The situation at the end of the 17th
was therefore unsatisfactory on the right, but if was im-
possible fo put off the general attack, and arrangements
had fo be improvise& Another unsatisfactory feature
was that Itolnon Wood covered practically the whole
2,500 yards frontage of the Division, and was so drenched
with gas shells and the tracks so bad, that both 16th
and 71st Infantry Brigades had fo make a detour north
and south of the wood respectively fo reach their assembly
positions, and this naturally fatigucd the troops and
hindered communication and supply.
Standing on the east edge of the wood, a bare glacis-
like slope devoid of cover, except for two or three shell-
trap copses, stretched away for 3,000 yards to the high
ground overlooking St. Quentin. Thcre was no sign of
lire and very few trenches could be seen, though it was
known that they were there as the Fifth Army had held
the position in Match 1918. If was round afterwards
that the Germans had camouflaged their trenches with
thistles, which here covered the ground to a height in
many places of eighteen inches.
Af the highest point about the centre of the Divisional
area of attack was a network of trenches know/ later as
the Quadrilateral--a naine of ba¢t omen to the 6th
Division--and which, like its namesake on the Somme,
could be reinforced under cover from the back slopes of
the hffi. An examination of the batt.lefield after the
24th September also revealed several narrow sunkcn roads
filled with wire. The position was one of great natural
strength, and in addition the whole of the right was
dominated by heights in the area fo be attacked by the
French. Lastly, adequate rime could ngt be given to
Brigades for reconnaissance owing fo the.imperative neces-
sity of pushing on fo guard the flal_k of Corps farther north.
Troops had hOt seen the ground they had fo attack over,
and rain and smoke obscured the few landmarks existing
on 18th September.
ALLIED OFFEqSIVE I TttE SOUTH 61
On that rnorning the Division attacked af 5.20 a.m.
with the 71st Infantry Brigade on the right, its left
directed on the Quadrilateral and its right on ttolnon
and Selency.
The 16th Infalt,ry Brigade was on the lcft, with its
right just clear of the Quadrilatcral and its lcft on Fresnoy
le Petit. Six t«nks were allotted to the Division, but
met with various mishaps or were knocked out, and were
hot of much use. The attack met with most dctermincd
opposition at once, especially on the right, whcre the
difficulties of the 71st Infantry Brigade were increased
by the failure of the French to take Round and Mancllcstcr
tIills.
The 2nd D.L.I., attached to this brigade to coraplete
the clcaring of ttolnon Village, accomplished this, but
were driven out by shelling and by machine-gun tire from
Round and Manchcster ttills, losing very heavily.
The 16th Infantry Brigade was more successful, and
af one rime the York and Lancasters had nearly compIeted
the capture of Fresnoy le Petit, but wcre unablc to hold
it. The brigade advanced, however, 3,000 yards. Fight-
ing was continuous throughout the day, but without
further success. The Sher'ood Foresters advanchlg very
gallantly against the Quadrilateral were rcported as being
just outside if aud entrenched. It was nmchine-gun tire
from this stronghold which prevented the right of the
16th Infantry Brigade advancing, and au attack was
therefore ordered for dawn of the 19th September, but
if was evidently anticipated by the enemy, who put down
very heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage belote
the attackers left their jumping-off positions. Fighting
again continued throughout the day, but without success,
and it was evident that the enemy meant standing his
ground and that this was not a reaxguard action as if
had at one rime been thought. The enemy's artillery
was very strong, and, with the thick Hindenburg wire in
front of it, was placed close to their front line, and was
62 HISTOR¥ OF THE 6TH DIVISION
enabled thus to do considerable execution on our back
areas.
The sueeesses of other Divisions in the south of the
British zone had been constant and fairly easy for some
rime, so that the partil success which the Division had
obtained was very disappointing to ail ranks. They were
nuch checred, therefore, to get the following wire from
the Army Commander {General Sir H. Rawlinson):--
" Plcase convey to the 6th Division my congratulations
and warm thanks for their success of yesterday. Though
all ob]ectives were hot attained they carried through a
difficult operation with great ga|lantry and determination.
I offer to ail ranks my warm thanks and congratu|ations."
All units had heavy fighting, in which some had incurred
considerable losses, and ail were tired and in want of
reorganization. It was therefore decided hot to renew
the attack for a few days, and to devote the interval to
a proper artillery preparation {the heavy artillery put
1,000 shclls on the Quadrilateral in one day}, the re-
organization of battalions, and the construction of a
jumping-off position, in the execution of which the I,..E.
{Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall) and the Pioneers rendered invalu-
able assistance. The fighting up to this date had yielded
6 officers and 264 other ranks prisoners, and 65 machine-
guns.
On the morning of the 24th September a fresh atta.ck
was launched ; the 18th Infantry Brigade, to which was
attached the 1st Leicestershire Regiment, attacking on
the right ; the 16th Infantry Brigade on the left. The
French 36th Corps attacked with a fresh division simul-
taneously to our right ; the 1st Division, which had takeu
over the task of the capture of Fresnoy and Gricourt, on
our left. The four tanks detailed to attack the Quadri-
lateral again had bad luck, one being turned absolutely
turtle by a mine field. The three battalions of the 18th
Infantry Brigade met at first with little success, the
l lth Essex on the left establishing a rather lrecarious
ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN TttE SOUTtt 63
footing in one face of the Quadrilateral, and the 1st West
Yorkshire Regiment getting in atone point in Douai
Trench, running south from the Strong Point. The D.L.I.,
attacking south of them through Hohmn Village, could
make no headway. The 'rcnch had during thc morning
captured Round Hill and pa.rt of Manchcstcr Hil[, and
came up in line with us. The 16th Iufantry Brigade
fared much better, and working down from the north
was able in the course of the day to secure the northern
face of the Quadrilateral. Their four tanks were of great
assistance to thcm this day. Throughout thc day thc
18th Infantry Brigade maintaincd the fight ith clmrac-
teristic deternination, but without improving its position
very much. At 11 p.m.., howevcr, it lunchcd the 1st
Leicestershire Rcgiment by moonlight in a further attack
on Douai Trench. The attack, dclivered with great
gallantry, was successful, and many encmy were killed
in the trench which was found tobe strongly held. In
spite of the very rough handling which it had received
on the 24th the 18th Infantry Brigadc stuck grimly to
its task during the 25th. Douai Trench was cleared from
end to end by hand-to-hand fighting, and patrols, admir-
ably handled, gradually ruade good the whole of the
objectives allotted for the previous day's attack. On
tle morning of 25th September 3 officers and 104 other
ranks surrendered near 'ayet to patrols of the 2nd Y.
and L. Regiment. By midnight on the night of the
25/26th September the 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades
in co-operation had completed tlm capture of the Quadri-
lateral, a position of sucl unusual natural strength that
captured German officers admitted that they had fully
expected to be able to hold it indefinitely. For this very
fine performance, a remarkable instance of grit and deter-
mination and of intelligent initiative by regimental
officers of all ranks, to whom the successful results were
entirely due, the Division received the congratulations of
the Army and Corps Commanders and G.O.C., 1st Division.
64 HISTOR¥ OF THE 6TH DIVISION
The message telephoned on belmlf of the Army Com-
mander contained the following passage :--" tIe fully
realises the difficulties tlmy have had to contend with,
and admires the tenacity with which they have stuck
to it and completed their task."
The enemy's resistnce now broke down, and during
the 26th, 27th and 28th September patrols were able
gradually to gain further ground, so that by the rime the
Division was relieved by the 4th French Division on the
29/30th, posts had been established round three sides
of the village of Fayet. Mnchester Hill was finally
captured by the French on 26th September.
The captures during the period were l0 officers, 372
other ranks, 4 guns, 15 trench-mortars, and 53 machine-
During the relicf by the l%ench a noteworthy incident
occurred. The 2nd Brigade, R.F.A., were asked to tire a
barrage to cover an advance of French infantry at a
certain hour, and did so. Just after cornpletion a message
arrived saying that the attack had been postponed, and
would the brigade repeat the opertion very shortly at
another hour which wH fixed. This the brigade did,
clearing to absolutely the last shell the ammunition avail-
able on the ground and complcting the barrage at the
saine moment.
During the fighting in September the Division had
"B" and "C" Companies, 2nd Life Guards Machine-gun
tattalion, at its disposal, and these fine troops helped
much in the machine-gun barrage, and added confidence
that any counter-attack on the right would meet with a
hot reception.
While the 6th Division had been fighting on the right
of the tritish Army, the 46th Division, with the Americans
on their left and the 1st Division forming a defensive
flank on their right, had broken the tIindenburg Line on
29th September by a magnificent attack. Followed across
the canal by the 32nd Division, these two divisions had
ALLIED OFFENSI-VE IN THE SOUTH 65
very severe fightiug at Ramicourt and Sequehart and
were exhausted. The 6th Division, after four days to
rest and absorb reinforcements, was ordered to relieve
them and attack on the 8th October in the direction of
the small town of Bohain. The 30th Amcrican Division
was on the right and about 2,000 yards ahcad, connected
to the 6th Division by a series of posts along the railway.
This curious position entailed a very complicated creeping
barrage, which, however, was successfully put into opera-
tion on the day of the attack. On the right was the
French 42nd Division slightly in rear, having followed
the Germans through St. Quentin and tact with strong
resistance bcyond if. The position to be attackcd con-
sisted of high rolling downs with deep traverse vallcys,
giving good cover for supports and forward guns, and on
the right a broad longitudinal valley closed by a ridge
on which stood the village of Méricourt. The French
had a stiff task in front of them, and did hot propose to
advauce as far as the British--6,000 yards--with the
result that even if they were successful our frontage,
thrown back from left to right, would be 7,500 yards,
and if unsuccessful over 10,000. Added to this their
zero hour was nearly an hour after ours, and there would
be a very real danger of counter-attack from the right.
The Divisional Commander, therefore, decided to leave the
valley severely alone to start with, merely smoking by
guns and bombs from aeroplanes the Méricourt Ridge
and attacking ail along the high ground on the north.
As our attack and the French attack progressed the valley
was to be c!eared by three whippet tanks supported by
the 1st Battalion West Yorks, lent to the 16th Infantry
Brigade, while finally an attack from the high ground
against the Méricourt Ridge would be delivered with a
view to cutting oi posts in the valley between the two
attacks. The 139th Infantry Brigade of the 46th Division
remained in position at Sequehart, together with two
companies Lire Guards Machine-gun Battalion, to secure
5
66 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
the right flank ag,inst counter-attack. The machine-gun
nests on the Sequehart-Méricourt road enfiladed the start
line of the 6th Division, and the G.O.C., 139th Infantry
Brigade (Brig.-Gen. J. Harington), was asked to capture
these just before the general attack. The 46th Divisional
Pioneer Batt,tlion (1/lst Monmouthshire Regiment) un-
dcrtook this task, and twice attacked the position but
without success, in spire of the greatest gallantry. The
Commanding Oflicer (Col. Jenkins) and his Adjurant were
both unfortunately killed. Their bravery, however, was
wel! rewarded, as their action enabled the 6th Divisional
troops fo work round and cut the position off, and the
eaemy eventually surrendered.
The weight of artillery for the operations of the 8th
October was immense. In addition to the Divisional
artillery there were the 5th and 16th Brigades, P.H.A.,
161st, l(iSth, 230th, 231st, 232nd Brigades, R.F.A., and
the 14th aml 23rd Army Brigades. R.F.A. Only a part
of these fired the creeping barrage, the 6th Divisional
Artillery, the 5th Brigade, R.H.A., and the 232nd Brigade,
R.F.A., moving forward as the infantry attack progressed
to new positions, so as to support exploitation and give
protection against counter-attack. The attack was
launched at 5.30 a.m. The 16th Infantry Brigade on
the right next to the valley, and the 71st Infantry Brigade
on the left next to the Americans, both ruade excellent
way, the former capturing the very strong Mannikin Hill
position, and the latter the formidable Doon Mill and
Doon Copse position, and making a good haul of machine-
guns.
As had been anticipated the French had been held up
by Bellicourt larm on their left, and the 16th Infantry
Brigade suffered a good deal from machine-gun tire from
Cerise Wood on the farther side of the valley and from
Mannikin Wood in the valley. The three whippet tanks
allotted to the 16th Infantry Brigade were ail knocked
out, but the $$rest ¥orks, fo whom had been entrusted the
ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTIff 67
clearing of the vallcy, stuck to their work most gallantly,
and in the afternoon, after three attempts, had the satis-
faction of securing Mannikin Wood, with 10 officers, 240
other ranks, and 20 machine-guns, by a final attack under
an artillery smoke barrage. To this suecess " B " Com-
pany, 6th Machine-gun Battalion, contributed largely by
enfilade tire.
By 3 p.m. the French announced that they had cap-
tured Bellicourt Farm, aud were advancing. The situa-
tion on the right was now completely changed, and the
1st West Yorks, advancing up thc valley, gained touch
with the Freneh east of Fairy Wood, more than half-way
to the final objective in that area.
By nightfall M6ricourt, which blockcd the head of and
commanded the whole of the vallcy, was in our hands.
The Americans gained thcir final objective and con-
tinued the advance without much opposition. In attempV
ing to support their flank the 71st Infantry Brigade came
under the tire of ficld guns firing over open sights near
Joncourt Farm, and could not a.dvance. A squadron of
the Royal Scots Greys (Sth Cavalry Brigade, Brig.-Gen.
Neil Haig), attachcd to the Division, workcd round and
ruade a gallant attempt to gallop the guns, but were
stopped by close range gun-tire. Pitch darkness now
came on, and lcft the Divisioa tired but triumphant on
their final objectives. The bag of the 6th Division
amounted fo over 30 officers and 1,100 other ranks.
Congrattflatory messages were received from the Army
and Corps Commanders as follows :--
From the Army Commander--" Will you plcase convey
to the 6th Division my warm thanks and hearty con-
gratulations on their succcss to-dayAAAThey bave done
admirable work, and I wish them ail good luck for to-
morrow."
From the Corps Commander--" Well done 6th Division
AAASo glad casualties so light, considering what Division
bas accomplished."
68 ItISTOR¥ OF TItE 6TH DIVISION
Ahnost before the final objective had been captured an
order was received from the Corps for the Division to
take over a portion of the 30th American Division front
on the left, hand over some ground fo 46th Division
on the right, and attack af dawn on the 9th behind
barrage. Though very tired, and tbough it was a pitch
dark night, the 71st ,nd 16th Infantry Brigades somehow
managed fo carry out tbese almost impossible orders, and
advanced splendidly at zero hour--the artillery putting
down an accurate barrage. The attack progressed suc-
cessfully, the first objectives being gained by both brigades
without much difiiculty, but the enemy was able fo delay
our advance from the Railway Line, xvhere after stiff
fighting the 1st Leicesters, by a tttrning movement, cap-
turcd some prisoners and machine-guns. The 9th Norfolk
Regiment on thc lcft worked round by the north, and
dttring the night captured Bohain, where some 4,000 in-
habitants xvere liberated, and vast quantities of war
material fell into our bands.
During this phase of the operations the 5th Cavalry
Brigade was attached to the Division, but circumstances
did not allow of much cavalry activity.
We were now in a different country to that in which
the operations since 1914 had been conducted. The
country bad seen no war, bouses were intact, inhabitants
looking starved and downtrodden were delighted fo see
the British troops. To stop out advance ail roads in
Bohain had been cratered af t.heir exits from the village,
and delay-action mines on the railways were constantly
going up. As an example, D.H.Q. was in Brancucourt
Farm, in a main road whieh had been cratered just outside
the fann. A railway bridge just opposite had been blown
down and the line eratered. The Canadian Engheers
repairing the line had removed a great many bombs, but
about three days after the arrival of D.H.Q. a delay-action
mine went off on tbe railway af 7.30 p.m., and two days
later again af 7 a.m. Fortunately on both occasions no
-ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH 69
men were working on the line, and D.H.Q. suffered no
worse harm than some injuries to staff cars from falling
debris. The total captures by the Division since the 8th
October now amounted to 45 oiicers, 1,839 other ranks,
15 guns, 20 trench-mortars, and 266 machiue-guns.
On 10th October the advance was continued--the 30th
-American Division on the left, the 6th Division in tbe
centre, and the 46th Division on the right next to the
French, who were again some distance in rear.
The 71st Infantry Brigade (lst Leicesters and 2nd
Sherwood Foresters), passing througb the 9th Norfolks,
gained most of its objective, wbich was thc high ground
about 2,000 yards east of Bohain, but the 46th Division
was held up by machine-gun tire in Riqucval Wood. _An
attempted advance by the 71 st Infant ry Brigade, assisted
by two tanks, on 1 lth instant was brought to a standstill
by machine-gun tire, after a small advance.
On the night of the ll/12th October the 18th Infantry
Brigade, which had been in Divisional Rcserve, relieved
the 71st Infantry Brigade, and at 4.30 p.m. on the 12th
October carried ot a minor Ol)cration , simultaneously
with the left brigade of tbe 46th Division, in order to
push its left flank forward to the line of the Americans,
who were reported to be in possession of Vaux Andigny--
some one and a hall toiles ahead. The attack on the
right failed, with about 100 casualties, owing to machine-
gun tire from Regnicourt, and the 46th Division was also
held up. The left ruade a little ground. This attack
and a low aeroplane reconnaissance disclosed the fact that
the Germans had dug a series of new trenches on the high
ground immediately in front, and that there was a con-
siderable amount of wire. The maps of this area were
most indifferent, and many copses existed which were not
shown. It was now evident tiret the enemy intended to
stand on the high ground east of Selle River and its
continuation to Riqueval Wood. Failing to make any
progress by a frontal attack, the G.O.C., IX Corps, under-
70 ]-IISTORY OF T]-IE 6TH DIVISION
took a very pretty tactical more, which produced the
attack of 17th October. The 6th and 46th Divisions
were moved fo the north flank, and attacked south-east
aad east instead of north-east. By this manuvre a
great dea.l of enfilade tire was brought to bear both from
guns and machine-guns. The task allottcd to the 6th
Division was a diffictflt one. It had to issue fan-wise
from the village of Vaux Andigny on a 1,500 yards front,
advancing 2,500-3,000 yards to a front of 5,000 yards.
The 1st Division was to pass through it and push on
towrds t]le Smbre Canal. The attack was fo be ruade
under a barrage of eight brigades of Field Artillery and
eighty machine-guas. The IX Corps employed on this
occasion 172 60-pounders and heavy howitzers.
In the evening of 16th October :Brig.-Gen. H. A. Walker,
commnding 16th Infantry :Brigade, which was fo attack
on the left the next morning, most unfortunately lost his
left arm by a shcll, which blew it off so cleanly that his
wrist watch was recovered by his orderly and was still
going. :Brig.-Gen. 1 ). W. :Brown, commanding 71st In-
fantry Brigade, then in reserve, took command until the
arrivl of Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braitbwaite.
During the night 16/17th October the enemy poured
gas shells into Vaux Andigny, causing considerable casu-
alties both to the troops forming up just outside and
to those who had fo pss through a little later. Zero
was at 5.20 a.m., and the attack commenced in a dense
fog, which in the faa-shaped advance caused a good deal
of loss of direction, although the 18th Infantry :Brigade
on the left had laid out long direction tales to give the
troops the initial direction.
The latter brigade was heId up at the start by uncut
wire, which caused it to lose its barrage. It also encoun-
tered a good deal of opposition on Bellevue Ridge. It
was, however, carried forward by the oncoming waves
of the 1st Division, which were to pass through to a further
objective, and together the troops of the two divisions
ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH 71
ruade good the objective of the 18th Itffantry Brigade.
The fog was so dense that all direction was lost, although
the l lth Essex Regiment took the unusual l)recaution of
sending its men forward arm-in-arm. Notwithstanding
every precaution troops of the l lth Essex evcntually
fetched up at Regnicourt, which was on the right of the
objective allotted to the 46th Division, 'ho attacked on
out right. Troops of ail three divisions also reached
Andigny les Fermes, which was in the objective of the
46th Division. The 16th Infantry Brigade was more
fortunate, and was assistcd in maintaining its direction
by the railway, with the result that it gaincd its whole
objective in good time and with vcry littlc trouble. Thc
day's captures were 26 officers, 599 othcr ranks, 5 trcnch-
mortars, and 82 machine-guns.
The 1st Division having passed through, the 6th Division
was now withdrawn from the line to the neighbourhood
of Bohain for a day or two.
On the night of the 20th/21st October thc Division
again put in, relieving the 27th American Division and
part of the 25th Division on the front from Bazuel to a
short way north of Mazinghien, with a view to the atta.ck
planned for the 23rd October. There now occurred
sudden change in the type of country. Instead of open"
rolling downs, there was a multiplicity of small fields,
divided by high thick-set hedges trained on wire which
proved formidable obstacles. The encmy had good posi-
tions for his artillery in the Bois l'Evêque, and on the east
bank of the Canal de la Sambre, protected from the
danger of being rushed by that obstacle, and it was evident
that he intended to put up a determined fight on the
strong position thus afforded. The hostile artillery tire
was more than had been encountered since the fighting
about St. Quentin, and throughout the few days preceding
the attack the shelling of roads, farms and villages
out rear area and of artillery positions was continuous.
On the night of the attack the assembly positiots of the
72 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
assaulting brigades were subjected to heavy counter-
preparation, including a great deal of gas-shelling, and
the asscmbly units suffered considerable casualties. The
ttack was delivered af 1.20 a.m. on 23rd October in a
dense fog; the 1st Division being on the right and the
25th Division on the left. Three sections of 301st Ameri-
can Tank Company were allotted fo the Division, and
did excellent work in smashing fences and destroying
machiue-gun nests, though, owing to the fog, the infantry
lost touch with them alnmst af once.
On the right the 18th Infantry Brigade, which attacked
with the 2nd D.L.I. on the right and the 1st West York-
sbire Regiment on the left, had a less difficult task than
the 71st Infantry Brigade, but were delayed in crossing
the gas-shclled valley in their immediate front, and met
with opposition from various farms. However, they
fought their way steadily forward during the day, and
by the l,te afternoon their right battalion had reached its
objcctive and had pushed its patrols down fo the canal,
and the left battalion, having reached its first objective,
was struggling forward fo ifs second.
The 71st Infantry Brigade on the left attacked with
the 9th Norfolk 1Regiment and the 1st Leicestershire Regi-
nient. Ifs attack soon becalne disorganized in the very
enclosed country, was ulmble fo keep pace ith its
barrage, lost touch with ifs tanks in the fog, and was
soon held up on a line not more than about 400 yards
beyond that from which it had started. Fighting con-
tinued throughout the day, and finally, taking advantage
of the progress made by the 25th Division on ifs left,
the 71s$ Infantry Brigade was able by night to reach a
line about half-way through the Bois lEvêque.
During the night this brigade was relieved by the
16th Infa.ntry Brigade {Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite),
which resunmd the attack on the morning of the 24th
October. Opposition had by this rime decreased, and
better progress was ruade, so that by noon the right
ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH 73
battalion, the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, held
the line of the objective laid down for the previous day's
attack, and the left battalion of the 18th lufantry Brigade
had also complcted the capture of its objective. Some
further progress was lnade duriug the day by the 16th
Infantry Brigade.
During the period 20th to 24th Octobcr, Brig.-Gen.
E. F. Delaforce, C.R.A., 6th Division, had mlder his orders
the Divisional Artillery of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Australian
Divisions, though the 5th Australian Divisional Artillcry
was withdrawn on the eve of the attack of 24th Octobcr.
Their tire was lnost accuratc and prompt, and gave the
attacking infantry evcry confidence. Thc 6th D.A. on this
occasion was in Corps Rcserve.
During the 26th, 27th and 28th the patro|s of the 16th
Infantry Brigade COlltinued to work their way slowly
forward, and the village of Ors was evacuatcd of its
inhabitants under the protection of patrols of the 18th
Infantry Brigade. The lattcr established a bridge-head
across the canal at Ors, and posts on the west side
comnmnding the canal on the whole brigade front.
On the 29th orders wcre receivcd for the relief of the
Division. In order to be ablc to hand over to the relievillg
Division a satisfactory position from which fo launch the
attack on the lilm of the canal, a further small operation
was planned by the 16th Ïnfantry Brigade, and brilliantly
carried out by the 1st The Buffs on the 30th October.
Two companies attacked and captured an important farm
and spur overlooking the (anal, were counter-attacked in
the afternoon and turned out of the farm, but retook it
af once xvith the bayonet, inflicting heavy casualties on
the enenly and capturing rive more machine-guns.
On the night of the 30th/31st October the relief of the
Division Iless artillery) was completed, and it withdrew
to billets in Fresnoy le Grand, whcnce it moved some days
later fo Bohain.
The captures during the fighting from the 19th fo thv
74 HISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
31st October numbered 9 officers and 431 other ranks,
13 guns (including two 5-9-in. howitzers), 12 trench-
mortars, and 61 machine-guns.
The total captures during a pcriod of between six and
seven weeks, in which the Division had seen much stiff
fighting, and had suffcred over 6,000 casu,lties, amounted
fo 96 officers, 3,505 other ranks, 32 guns, 52 trench-mor-
rats, and 527 nmchine-guns counted.
The infantry of the Division saw lin more fighting, but
ifs artillery remained in till the end, finishing up in tho
neighbourhood of vesnes.
Among the many easualties whieh the artillery suffered
must be mentioned Major W. S. Ironside, D.S.O., M.C.,
commanding l12t]l Barrer:g, R.F.A., who was killed east
of Le Cateau on 2nd November. He was anmng the then
mueh redueed number of those who had landed originally
with the Division in France in 1914, being then a sergeant.
Very little mention bas been ruade of the services of
the Royal Engineers during this period. Exeeptiormlly
heavy work was thrown on the signal seetions, owing fo
the frequent changes of headquarters, but they were
untiring in their devotion and met eaeh emergeney with
resouree. To the Field Companies fell the dangerous task
of taping out the jumping-off lines for the attacks, but
they invariably aehieved this diffieult task fo the completo
satisfaction of the brigadier-generals and units coneerned
in the operations.
If is inevitable in a short History like this that the
services of the administrative branches should hot receivo
the saine notice as those of the purely fighting portions
of the Division, but the History would be ineomplete
without some referenee fo them.
The Field Ambulanees showed throughout the high
devotion fo duty which has always characterized tho
Royal Army Medical Corps. The work of the bearer
sections during actions always elicited the admiration of
the infantry, while the tent sections were frequently under
ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH 75
shell tire, whieh, however, in no way interfercd with their
tare of the wounded. Botl at advanccd dressing stations
and tent sections many of the chaplains rendered most
valuable assistance in carrying and helping wounded men,
while during trench warfare thc¥ wcre frcquently to be
round with their men in the forward trenches.
In the action of 18th September 1918, Lt.-Col. Collins,
D.S.O., and Major German, both of the R.A.M.C., and
Mso Father FitzGibbons, were killcd by shelling at a tent
advanced dressing station.
The work of our Army Service Corps has always beea
the envy and admiration of our Allies, aml that of the
6th Divisional Train was up to thc highcst standard of tho
British Army. The acknowlcdgcd excellence of the horses
and mules of the Division is a tribute to the eflàciency of
the Veterinary Section and of the horsemasters attached
to the artillery, as well as to the mounted branches.
In spire of the amusing comments of " The Fancies,"
the lire of the Military Police was not ail becr and skittles.
The control of the traffic at some of thc cross-roads,
favoured by the Boche heavy gunners, was nerve-racking
in ordinary rimes, and tenfold more so during an action,
and several awards were given to the Divisional Military
Police for gallant conduct under these conditions.
Very few otïicers or men served throughout with the
Division. 1)erhaps the two most notable were Lt.-Col.
g. A. C. Forsyth, D.S.O., commanding 24th Brigade,
I.F.A., who came out as a Captain, and Staff-Sergt.-Major
Woollard, who was Chier Clerk of the Division for some
rime before mobilization.
CHAPTER XII
THE BIARCH TO T1]E RHINE AND OCCUPATION OF GERMANY
1918-19
ARIIISTICE DA¥--llth November--found the Division in
billets in Bohain area, training for possible future opera
tions. The news of the cessation of hostilities was re-
ceived with calm satisfaction that we had beaten the
Germans, and of relief th,t now we could sleep peacefully
af nights aa¢l that lights need not be screened.
Early in November the 1st and 32ad Divisions of the
IX Corps had forced the crossings of the Sambre Canal
at Catillon and Ors after heavy fighting, and had driven
the enemy back tow,rds Avesnes. On l lth November
a mixed force, under Major-Gen. Bethell, was pushing the
disorganized Germans over the Belgian frontier near
Beaumont."
The IX Corps was now transferred to the Second Army,
under Gen. Sir H. Plumer, to whom was assigned the
command of the British Army of Occupation in Germany.
On leaving the Fourth Army the following letter,
addressed personally to the Divisional Commander, was
received from Gen. Sir Henry Rawlinson :--
" Now that the 6th Division is passing fo the command
of another Army, I desire to place on record my sincere
appreciation and warm thanks for the valuable services
rendered by you since you joined the Fourth Army in
September last.
" The Division has passed through strenuous times and
has seen some heavy fighting, especially in September
between ttolnon Wood and the Canal, and at Bohain
and Vaux Andigny in October, where the gallantry and
determination of all ranks filled me with admiration.
76
MARCH TO THE RHINE 77
" I congratulate most hcartily you ail on the victories
you have won, and trust that at some future rime I may
again find the Division under my comnmnd."
The Division spent the period 14th fo 19th November
in a march, via Carillon and Avesnes, to the area round
Solre le Chteau and Sars Poteries, where it was to
assemble for the March to the Rhine. For this it was
organized in three Infantry Brigade Groups and a Divi-
sional Troops Group under the C.R.A. The 16th Army
R.H.A. Brigade (Chestnut Troop, "Q " and "U " But-
teries) was attached to the Division, and forned part of
the 18th Infantry Brigade Group. Thc 2nd Brigade,
R.F.A., marched with thc Divisional Troops Colunm, the
24th Brigade, R.F.A., with the 71st Infantry Brigade,
and the Divisional Ammunition Cohnun with the 16th
Infantry Brigade. Each lafantry Brigade had a Field
Company and Field Ambulance.
Thc march resembled the progression of a snake, the
rear group moving forward at each advance to the area
occupied the previous day by the leading group. Com-
mencing officially on the 20th November there were long
halts up to 2nd Decembcr, owing to the difficulty of
feeding the leading Divisions {cavalry and infantry),
caused by the destruction done by the Germans to the
railways, and also owing to the withdrawal of the Germans
not being carried out in accordance with progrannne.
Sometimes groups did not move, or only made minor
adjustments to obtain more comfortable quarters.
Both branches of the staff had long days of recon-
naissance in cars ahead of the Division, made to avoid
moving troops farther off the main roads than nccessary,
while the R.E. and Pioneers were often pushed ahead to
see about water sui)plies and mcnd roads. Up to the
Belgian frontier roads had been crated and bridges
blown down, and these caused defiles and impeded the
march. Once across the frontier the roads were splendid,
the inhabitants most hospitable and enthusiastic, and the
78 tIISTORY OF THE 6TH DIVISION
advance only held up until if could be pushed through
continuously.
tIowever, it was no hardship to be delayed in such
charming surroundings, though the weather was for
most part vile. The murch from the neighbourhood of
Dinant ucross the Ardennes, and along the lovely valley
of the River Ambleve, will always stand out as a most
delightful reminiscence. All ranks worked hard af their
equipment, and the trunsport was so smart as fo be
thought by the Belgians to be new.
It was a proud and splcndid Division which marched,
with drums beating and colours flying, across the German
frontier into the little town of Malmedy between 13th
and 16th Decembcr.
Marching gencra||y hy on|y one road, the length of the
Division, whcn bil|ctcd, varied from ten to twenty-rive
toiles. If wus purticu|arly interesting for Brigades to
occupy the German huts ut Elsenborn Cump of Exercise,
where lurge numbers of the enemy had ssembled in the
end of July 1914 for the conquest of Belgium.
The attitude of the population in Germany was servile,
and little hate could be fclt by one or two battalions
which marchcd into Malmedy in pouring rain and round
Germun women lighting special rires, without being
ordered to do so, fo dry their clothing. It must, however,
be added that the inhubitants of Malmedy speak French
and have Bclgian sympathies.
t)assing through the lovely little villuge of Montjoie,
which reminds one so much of Switzerland, the Division
marched to its allotted area south-west of Cologne, Divi-
sional Headquurters arriving af Bruhl, six miles from
Cologne, on Christnms Eve ; Headquurters 16th Infantry
Brigude af Zulpich, Hcadquurters 18th Infantry Brigade
af Lechenich, Headquurters 71st Infantry Brigade at
Eichhols (a country bouse), and Headquarters Divisional
Troops af a ch£teuu neur Weilerswist. The route îol-
lowed--220 miles--is given the Diary.
OCCUPATION OF GERMAN¥ 79
If was with a great feeling of gratitude and elation
that the Division are their Christmas dinner on the Rhine
in December 1918.
The area allotted to the Division was a strip of country
almost rectangular in shal)e, with a maximum length of
twenty toiles, and a maximum breadth of twelve toiles,
and lying to the immcdiate south-west of Cologne. The
north-west border was on thc ring of forts encircling the
city, which were later included in the divisional area.
The Cvil Administration was carried out by the G.O.C.
Infantry Brigades and thc C.I¢.A., who wcre much assisted
by a Civil Staff Captain and a Provost rcpresentative,
and in the town of Bruhl by the G.O.C. Division, who
also generally supervised undcr the Corps and the Army
the work of the Group Commandcrs.
The Germans were very ordcrly, and little trouble was
given, but guard and night patrol was fairly heavy.
On 1st February 1919, Gcneral Sir H. Plumer presented
a Colour to the 9th Norfolk Regiment, 1 lth Essex legi-
ment, and 1 lth Leicester Regiment respectively, and ruade
a stirring specch to each, congratulating them on their
fine appearance and steady drill, and emphasizing their
duty to their King and Comtry.
The Division settled down to improving their billets
and to education, and frequcnt lectures were given by
special lecturers sent out from England. $ome of the
troops were very comfortable, and notably those in towns
like Bruhl, where each man had a bed and mattress, and
Warrant Otïiccrs and N.C.O.s who were billeted in private
houses, but others in the smaller villages were hot so
well off.
As the Germans did hot play football thcre was a
general lack of football grounds, which hal to be ruade,
but the troops scored considerably by finding electric
light in even the tiniest cottages, and at least one concert-
room, with a stage properly fitted up, in even the smallest
village. The Opera, too, was a great source of pleasure
80 HISTOR¥ OF THE 6TH DIVISION
to mny. But it ws period of trnsition--men were
being demobilized freely, and it was with sigh of relief
tht something definite had been fixed, s well s with
mny sighs of regret, that orders were eventually received
tht the 6th Division, as such, would cesse fo exist in
the middle of March 1919. Farewell parades were held,
farewell speeches nmde, farewcll dinners given, and on
15th March the Mchine-gun Bttlion, Pioneers, Ficld
Companies (except 12th Field Company), and Train were
transferred to the newly-constituted Midland Division.
The 6th Division, B.E.F., had completed its task.
APPENDIX I
BATTLE CASUALTIES
1914
1914
1914-15 .
1915--16 .
1916
1916-17
1917
1917
1917
1918
1918
1918
1918
1918
Aisne (19th Sept.--12th
Oct.) . . 1,482 Battle of the Aisno.
Armentièros "( 13th--31st
Oct.) . . . 4,696 First Battle of Ypres.
Armentières (lst Nov.--
31st May) . 3,940 Tronches.
Ypres (Ist June 1915-- 10,938 Includes 1,780 in at-
31st July 1916) . tackon Hooge ; 660
gas attack, 15th
Doc. ; 400 Mortel-
dje attack.
Somme (5th Aug.--20th
Oct.). . .
7,430
Battle
the
Somme.
La Bassée (25th lgov. 1916
--16th February 1917) 709 Tronches.
Loos(2ndMar.--25thJuly) 4°884 Raids ad attacks,
Hill 70.
Loos-Lons (26th Aug.--
23rd Oct.) . . . 1,400 Tronches.
Cambrai (20th Nov.--10th
Dec.) .... 1,790 Battle of Cambrai.
Bapaume ( 17th Jan.--20th
March) 313 Trênches.
Laicou 21s&22n
March) . __ _ 5,160 Gean offensive.
Ypros (3rd Apr24th 4,715 Inclus 750 at Neuve
Aug.) EgHso (71st Infan-
try BrigUe} and
250 attack on
Scottish and Ridge
St. Quenfin {14th28th
Sept.). . 3,163 Battle of St. Quentin.
Bohain-Ors (4th29th 3,120 Battles of Bohain,
Oct.} . Vaux-oegny, and
Grand Total 53,740
N.B.--Above are approximate, and have beon compiled frein D.H.Q.
War Diarios (Administrative).
6 81
APPENDIX II
V.C.s WON B¥ THE DIVI$ION
No. 7504 Privatc HENI¥ M.«', 1st Battalion The Cameronians
(Scottish Rifles), 19th Iufantry Brigade, at that rime
attachcd to 6t-h Division.
For most conspicuous bravery near La Boutillerie, on 22nd
October 1914, in voluntarily endeavouring fo rescue, under
very hcavy tire, a wotmdcd man, who was -tdlled before he
could savc him, aud subsequently, on the same day, in carrying
a woundcd officer a distance of 300 yards into safety whilst
exposed to very severe tire. (Gazetted 21st April 1915.)
No. 9730 Private JOHN CArIE¥, 2nd Battalion The York and
Lancaster Regiment.
For most conspicuous bravery on 16th November 1915,
near La Brique.
A man of the West Yorkshire Regiment had been badly
wounded, and was lying in the open unable to more, in full
view of, and about 300 to 400 yards from, the enemy's trenches.
Corporal Stirk, Royal Army Medical Corps, and Private
Caffrey, at once started out to rescue him, but at the tirst
attempt they were driven back by shrapnel tire. Soon after-
wards they started again, under close sniping and machine-
gun tire, and succeeded in reaching and bandaging the wounded
man, but just as Corporal Stirk had lifted him on Private
Caffrey's back he himsel was shot in the head.
Private Caffrey put down the wounded man, bandaged
Corporal Stirk, and helped lfim back into safety, tte then
returned and brought in the man of the West ¥orkshire Regi-
ment. e had made three ourneys across the open under
close and accurate tire, and had risked his own lire to save
others with the utmost coolness and bravery. (Gazetted
22nd January 1915.)
82
V.C.s WON BY THE DIVISION 83
No. 3/10133 Sergeant ARIçR FREDERIC SAUIDERS, 9th (Ser-
vice) Batt.alion The Suffolk Regiment.
For most conspicuous bravery. When his oiîicer had been
wounded in the attack he took charge of two machine-guns
and a few men, and, although severcly woundd in the thigh,
closely followed the last four charges of another battalion,
and rendered every possible support. Later, when the rcmains
of the battalion which ho had becn supporting had been forced
to retire, he stuck to his guns, continued to give clear orders,
and by cont.inuous firing did his best to cover the retirement.
(Gazetted 30th March [916.)
2/Lieutenant FRAK BERI,RD WEARNE, Iith (Service)
Battalion Essex Rcgiment.
For supcrb courage, leadership md self-sacrifico.
On 28th June 1917, 2]Lieut. Wcarnc was in command
of two sections on the lcft of a raiding party, hose objective
was the German front lhm, cast of Loos. He led his men into
the objective against opposition, and by his magnificent
example and daring, thcy held on to tho German trench for
one hour according to orders.
Throughout the hour thcy were repeatedly counter-attacked,
from their left don the trench and from their front over the
open. Grasping the fact that if the left flank went, our men
would have to give way, 2/Lieut. Wearne st a moment
when the attack was being heavily pressed, and n hen matters
were most critical, leapt on to the parapet and, followed by
his left section, tan along the top of the trench, firing and
throwing bombs st the enemy. This unexpected and daring
manoeuvro threw the enemy back in disorder. Whilst on the
top 2/Lieut. Wearne was severely wounded, but refused
to leave his men. He remained in the trcnch dh'ecting opera-
tions, organizing the defence and encouraging ail. Just beforo
the order to withdraw was given 2/Lieut. Wearne was severely
hit for the second rime, and when being brought away was
hit for the third rime and killed.
His tenacity in remaiing st his post, though severely
wounded, and his magnificent fighting spirit enabled his men
to hold on to the left flank ; had this gone, the whole operation
would have failed. (Gazetted 5th August 1917.)
S APPENDIX II
2/Lieut. (A/Captain) ARTI{UR MOORE LASCÆLLÆS, 3rd Bat-
talion, attached 14th Battalion The Durham Light
Infantry.
Af Masnières on 3rd ])ecember 1917, showed the greatest
courage, initiative, and devotion to duty when in command
oI his company.
His company was in a very exposed position, and aîter a
very heavy bombardment, during which Captain Lascelles
was wounded, the enemy attacked in strong torce, but was
driven off, largely owing to the fine example set by this officer,
who refused to allow himself to be dressed, but continued to
encourage his men and organize the defenee. Shortly after-
wards the enemy again attacked and captured the trench,
taking several of his men prisoners. Captain Lascelles at
once jumped on to the parapet and, followed by the remainder
of his company, twelve mon, rushed across under very heavy
machine-gun tire and drove over sixty of the enemy back,
being wounded again, thereby saving a most critical situation.
tic then was untiring in re-organizing the position, but ahortly
afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured the trench
and Captain Lascelles. Later he escaped, being wounded
again in doing so.
The remarkable determination and gallantry of this officer
inspired everyone. (Gazettcd llth January 1919.)
APPENDIX III
.DIARY
1914.
Sept. 8. Division embarked Southampton..
9. Commenced disembarking St. Nazaire.
10. Commenced entraining.
12. lnto billets Coulommiers - MortcerI - Maries-
Chaume.
13-19. Marching tu the Aisne--lnto General Reservo,
D.H.Q. at Bazochcs.
19. 18th Infantry Brigade tu I Corps tu relieve 2nd
Infantry Brigade.
20. Attack on I Corps--18th Infantry Brigado
heavily engaged.
21. 16th Infantry Brigade tu II Corps tu ro-
lieve 7th and 9th Ilffantry Brigades, and
17th Infantry Brigade tu I Corps tu relievo
6th Infantry Brigade and 4th Guards Brigade.
Sept. 20 tu Oct. 6. In trenches on the Aisne.
Oct. 2. Division (less 16th and 17th Infantry Brigades)
concentrated in area Serches-Jury, under III
Corps--D.H.Q. at Serches.
6. 17th Infantry Brigade rejoined Division, which
marched west.
9. Division (less 16th Ilffantry Brigade) entrained
at St. Sauveur near Compiègne.
10-11. Division arrived St. Orner and went into billets
--19th Infantry Brigade joined Division (une
battalion tu Renescure)--one battalion 18th
Infantry Brigade tu Racquinghem.
12. March tu Hazebrouck tu cuver detrainment of
4th Division.
16th Infantry Brigade relieved by French troops.
13. 16th Infantry Brigade entrained for Cassel.
Division marched east--fighting from 1 p.m.
Lon line La Couronne-Merris-Fontaine Houck,
iwhich was reached at:nightfall--considerablo
'casualties.
14. Line reached'R, du Leet-BlancheMaison-east
.of Bail]eul.
8
86 APPENDIX III
Oct. 15-16. 18th Infantry Brigade crossed River Lys aL
Sailly, and 17th Infantry Brigade aL Bac St.
Maur during the night--Steenwerck occupied.
16. Line advanced to RougeduBout-Rue Dormoire.
16th Infantry Brigade rejoined Division and
wenç inço Divisional Reserve.
17. Line Rouge du Bout-Bois Grenier-Chapelle
d'Armentières reached without opposition.
18. Reconnaissance in force on cnemy's reported
positions. Line at night after considerable
fighting Radinghem - Ennetières- Prémes-
ques-Halte to west of Pérenchies-l'Epinette
(east of Armentières).
19. Entrenching above line.
20. Masscd German attack ail along line--Division
driven back to Touquet-Bois Blancs-Le
Qucsnc-La Houssoie-Rue du Bois-l'Epinette.
21. 19th Infantry Brigade (sent to fill ga t) between
II and III Corps) driven back from Le
Maisnil-Fromelles to La Boutillerie-Touquet.
22. I-Icavy attack on 19th Infantry Brigade in
evening repulsed.
23. 17th Infantry Brigade relieved by 4th Division
and became Divisional Reserve--attacks
on 16th Infantry Brigade (K.S.L.I. and
¥. and L.) repulsed with much loss to enemy
--300 dead in front of trenches.
24-25. Continuous attacks on Divisional front through-
out day, ail repulsed, but situation critical.
25-26. Retirement ruade during night to prepared line
about hall a toile in reax Touquet-Flamengerie
Farm-Rue du Bois, so as to straighten front.
27-28. Attack by night on 18th Infantry Brigade
trenches, vhich were captured but retaken by
counter-attack--East Yorks especially dis-
tinguished themselves.
28-29. Attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade re-
pulsed.
29-30. Strong attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade
captured tronches, but was driven out by
counter-attack and 200 dead counted.
Nov. and Dec.]
1915. In trenches Armentières front.
Jan. and Feb. /
MaL 12. L'Epinette attacked and captttred by North
Staffordshire Regiment.
DIARY 87
Mar. 15. 16th Infantry Brigade moved up to Vlamer-
tinghe, but returned next day.
May. A little mining and counter-mining on the Fre-
linghien and Le Touquet fronts.
27. Major-Gen. Sir John Keir left to command
VI Corps, being succeeded by Brig.-Gcn.
Congreve. Brig.-Gen. Humphreys succeedcd
Brig.-Gen. Paget in command of Divisional
Artillery.
Relief by 27th Division commenced.
31. Front handed over to 27th Division--19th In-
fantry Brigade left Division.
May 31 to June 1. Took over new front Ypres Salient.
June 2. Relief completed on front from Ypres-Roulers
Railway to Wicltjc.
5. 17th Infantry Brigadc into line, which now ex-
tended to just short of Turco Farm.
8. D.H.Q. from Couthove to Vlamertinghe.
15. Gallant bombing attack by Licut. Smith's
Grenadier Platoon to assist 41st Brigade.
16. Artillery co-operation with 3rd Divisional attack
on Bellewarde Farm.
20. 16th Infantry Brigade's first experience of gas.
22. Artillery co-operation in 14th Divisional attack.
July 6. Artillery co-operation in 4th Divisional attack
near Pilkem.
30. Attack on 14th Division at ttooge. Drove them
back to Sanctuary and Zouave Woods.
Counter-attack unsuccessful.
31. 16th Infantry Brigade moved up.
Decided to relieve 6th Division and give it task
of retaking Hooge.
Aug. 2-3. Relieved.
6. Took over new front and commenced bom-
bardment.
9. Attack on Hooge by 16th and 18th Infantry
Brigades--infantry moved close up under
barrage, which remained on support trench
rive minutes longer--attack successful, but
right suffered very heavily from shelling from
south and tire from east.
17th Infantry Brigade left for 24th Division, and
71st arrived.
Division relieved--to Houtkerque and Poper-
inghe, but had go find working parties for
divisions in line,
88 APPENDIX III
Dec. 14. Into line againRoulers Raflway to Wieltje.
19. Gas attack by enemy.
1916.
Jan. 24.
llth Essex patrol raid (3 officers and 10
other ranks) on mound on Verlorenhoek
Road--killed six Germans.
Feb. 14-15. Two enemy raids near Wieltje and Trenches B9
and 10 repulsed.
Mat. 9-10. 1st The Buffs bombing raid (1 officer and 19
other ranks) on crater at I 12.
15-16. 2nd D.L.I. (3 officers and 44 other ranks)
successful raid, capturing a prisonerm
Bangaloro torpedo laid by Lieut. Smith,
R.N.V.R.
15-18. Relieved from line--to Houtkerque, Worm-
houdt, Calais.
April 15-18. Back into line 5,500 yards front, with left on
canal next fo 58th Freneh Division and right
next Guards Division.
19-20. Enemy occupied trenches out of which he had
shelled a company of the 8th Bed/ords in Mor-
teldje Salient--counter-attack unsuccessful.
21. Trenches retaken by two companies K.S.L.I.,
in spire of very heavy going.
May 14-15. Enemy attacked four bombing posts of 1st The
Buffs---beaten off three rimes, but captured
them at fourth attemptall garrison casu-
alties.
June 3. Five ofllcers and 200 other ranks 1st West Yorks
drove enemy out of posts on ffontage 450
yards and re-occupied it.
10. "Admiral" reported missing from patrol of 9th
Norfolks.
17-18. Rclieved--to Bollezeele, Houtkerque, Worm-
houdt.
July 15-17. Into line north-west of Hooge to north of
Wieltje.
July 29 to Aug. 1. Relieved preparatory t) entraining.
Aug. 2-3. Entrained Hopoutre, Proven, and Esquelbec,
and detrained Candas and Doullens.
3-4. Marched to Acheux-Raincheval area.
5-7. Into line on Ancrompreparing for attack.
21. 9th Suffolk and 2nd Sherwood Foresters' un-
successful raid.
24, 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful raid.
Aug. 26-27.
Sept. 6-8.
11.
13.
30.
Oct. 8-9.
12.
20.
28.
Nov. 25.
During Dec.
DIAR¥ 89
Relieved and began fo move south o Vigna-
court-Flesselles area.
Moved up to XIV Corps area.
Into hne on front between Leuze Wood and
Ginchy.
Attack by lst Infantry Brigade on Quadri-
lateral unsuccessful--renewed in evening but
only partially successful.
15. General attack by 16th and lst Infantry Bri-
gades--,6th Divisional objective beyond the
Quadrilateral--attack failed--renewed in
evening and failed again.
16. 18th Infantry Brigade into line in relief of 71st
Infantry Brigade.
18. Fresh attack on Quadrilateral after bombard-
ment by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades--
successful.
19. Relieved.
21. Into line again.
25. Gener«l attack--6th Division on Lesboeufs, and
south to Morval by 16th and 18th Infantry
Brigades, with lst Infantry Brigade in re-
servesuccessful---over 500 prisoners.
Relieved by 20th Division.
Into line relieving 20th Division.
General attack--fith Division towards Le Trans-
loy--by 18th and lst Infantry Brigades--
16th Infantry Brigade in reserve--unsuc-
cessful.
15. Attack renewed--partially successful.
18. Fresh attack by lst Infantry Brigade--onlï
partially successful on left.
Relieved--to Corbie.
Assembled in reserve to I Corps.
Into hne on Canal Sector, La Bassée.
Side-slipped slightly to south.
1917.
Jan. 26.
29.
1st West ¥orks raid (6 officers and loe other
ranks under Capt. Trimble) in Cambrin Seetor
--rive prisoners.
8th Bedford Regiment raid (C Company--150--
under Capt. Brewster) in Hohenzollern Sector
--two prisoners.
Enemy raided 1st West ¥orks and captured a
Lgwis gun and a prisoner.
90
Feb. 9.
16-17.
Mar. 2-4.
18.
Apr 5.
APPENDIX III
2nd Shcrwood Foresters raid (6 officers and 100
other ranks under Major Wylie) in Quarries
Sector under smoke barrage by Sl)ecial Co.
R.E.--20 dug-outs blown in--about 60 enemy
killed and wounded--8 l)risoners.
10. 2nd D.L.I. raid (3 officers and 38 other ranks)
on Mad Point--over 30 enemy dead counted
--1 1)risoner brought in--several dug-outs
destroycd.
12. 71st Infantry Brigade scouting l)arty raid l)artly
successful only--one machine-gun entrench-
mcnt blown in.
15. Enemy attcmpted raid in Hohenzollern Sector
repulsed by artillery and machine-gun tire--
one enemy identification ruade.
Relieved by 21st Division--to Béthune-Busnes
-Robecq.
Into line Loos Sector--from Double Crassier fo
Raflway Alley.
Enemy carried out several simultaneous raids--
that on 2nd York and Lancasters dispersed
by Lewis-gun fire--that on Buffs rel)ulsed
after hand-to-hand fighting--that on 1st West
Yorks l)enetrated and cal)tured one Lewis
gun and six men.
19. Enemy raided 2nd York and Lancasters--
unsuccessful--two Germans killed in out
trenches.
24. llth Essex Battalion raid on area round Posen
Crater (4 coml)anies of 2 officers and 80
other ranks each)--penetrated to enemy sui)-
port line and remained one and a hall hours--
cal)tured 1 officer, 8 other ranks, and 1
machine-gun.
25. Enemy raided 9th Norfolk Regiment and 2nd
Sherwood Foresters and cal)tured nine pris-
oners, l)enetrating some distance between the
battalions, but leaving one officer and three
other ranks dead in our trenches.
30. 1st The Buffs raid (4 officers and 100 other ranks
under Cal)t. B. L. Strauss) in Loos Sector--
remained in trenches over half-hour--took
one l)risoner and one machine-gun, and blew
in eight dug-outs.
Enemy raid on 2nd Foresters at Border Redoubt
--driven off with very slight casualties.
DIARY 91
2nd D.L.I. patrol raid (2 officers and 47 other
ranks) in Loos Sector--held up by wire.
9th Suffolks raid (D Company under Capt. Eng-
land, M.C.) in Quarries Sector--successful and
obtained identification.
12. 2nd York and Lancasters raid (2 officers and
80 other ranks under Capt. Hardy)--got
into trench and killed sixteen Germans.
13. Enemy withdrew from Railway Triangle, closely
followed by 2nd York and Lancasters, who
entered enemy dug-outs before candles had
burnt out.
24th Division on our right also advancing line.
System of bombardment followed by pauses
during which patrols went out and occupicd
what thcy could.
14. Enemy small raid on 1st West Yorks--driven off
by counter-attack and identification obtained.
15. A certain amount of ground gained in the face
of increasing opposition--Buffs and York and
Lancasters advanced a bit.
16. Systematic bombardment of Hill 70 trenches
commenced--enemy counter-attacked and
drove Buffs back slightly, but failed against
8th Bedfords' advanced post--D Company,
West Yorks {3 oflïcers and 65 other ranks
under Capt. Rendall), attempted raid, but
driven back by artillery tire.
17. Gas released on enemy--ideal conditions--
enemy attacked right flank of 8th Bedfords
but driven back.
18. Enemy shelled Loos heavily during night (about
1,000 5"9s)--lst Leicesters (C Company under
Capt. Cox) raided and captured one prisoner--
1st K.S.L.I. and 8th Bedfords made moto
ground, latter taking twenty-seven prisoners
and one machine-gun.
19. 1st K.S.L.I. got north end of Novel Alley, but
three attempts to push forward by 8th Bed-
fords unsuccessful--K.S.L.I, took eighteen
prisoners--14th D.L.I. relieved 8th Bedfords
--llth Essex placed under orders of G.O.C.,
16th Infantry Brigade.
20. 46th Division relieved 24th Division on our
right--llth Essex into line, relieving 1st Buffs
and 1st K.S.L.I.
92
Aprll 20-21.
21.
May 2.
5.
9.
13.
APPENDIX III
Line partially withdrawn to allow of homhard-
ment.
Attack hy 14th D.L.I. in conjunction with 46th
Division--successful--two machine-guns and
thirty-six prisoners.
14th D.L.I. repulsed two enemy counter-attacks.
Attack by 14th D.L.I. and llth Essex in con-
junction with 46th Division--latter unahle
to attack Narwhal trench on account of uncut
wire--llth Essex unable to get on--I4th
D.L.I. took objective, but gradually shelled
and sniped out and driven back to original
line--forty-six prisoners and three machine-
guns.
22. 1st Leicesters relieved 14th D.L.I.--9th Sutolks
lent to 16th Infantry Brigade--position be-
came stationary with enemy in Nash Alley.
23. Small enemy raid dispersed and an identification
obtained.
26. G.O.C. 71st Infantry Brigade assumed com-
mand Loos Sector vice G.O.C. 16th Infantry
Brigade to northern sector of Division.
27. Enemy raided in Quarries Sector--one prisonor
taken by us.
28. Raid by 9th Norfolks (No. 8 Platoon) stopped
by new wire--same by West ¥orks, also un-
successful.
7,000 gas shells by enemy on Vermelles, Phil-
osophe, and Maroc.
46th Division took over portion of Southern
Brigade area.
Enemy patrol entered our lines, but was shot
and identification ruade.
Enemy attempted raid on 2nd D.L.I., but driven
off.
Heavy enemy bombardment in 14bis Sector--
raid broken up as it came out of trenches by
artillery tire.
Enemy raided Boyau 46 and captured four men.
1st West ¥orks raid (2 officers and 52 other
ranks) entered trenches but enemy fie(I--no
result.
22. 1st Leicesters raid (B Company, 4 officers and
132 other ranks, under Capt. Wykes) in
Quarries Sector--sÇveral dug-outs with enemy
n destroyed,
May 28.
June 1.
10.
12-13.
15.
23-24.
24.
27-28.
DIARY 93
2nd Sherwood Foresters (6 ooEcers:and 133 other
ranks under Major Addison-Smith) raided
under cover of a smoke barrage--oEptured
two prisoners and destroyed some dug-outs,
machine-gun entrenchments and tunnel
entrances.
1st K.S.L.I. (3 officers and 130 other raks
under Calot. E. Spink, M.C.) raided enemy
near Hendon Alley--sixteen Germans killed
and machine-gun entrenchments blown in.
Two officers and forty other ranks of 1st K.S.L.I.
raided saine trenches and got in, but no
prisoners taken.
Small raid 2nd D.L.I. (2 oflïcers and 50 other
ranks) unsuccessful--enemy's barrage too
heavy.
Enemy small raid on 9th Suffolks af Newport
Sap repulsed--four enemy dead left on our
9th Suffolks (3 oflicers and 94 other ranks) raided
as far as enemy suloloort trenches, but round
no one.
9th Norfolks (1 oticer and 35 other ranl)
atemlotl raid on 1V[erthyr Sap» but could
hot get in.
14h D.L.I. succeul daylight raid (3 oticers
and 80 other ranl) in vicinity of ash Aley
--a good mny enemy killed and seven
prisoners aken.
Enemy enered post of llth Essex and did
some damage» but wa8 driven out by countor-
id by let ]uffs (two colnloanie nder Calot.
acob) near Halifax Alley---remained in
trenche three and a hoe hours and calotured
fiteen prioners and two aeria|-dart machines.
Lieu. Harringon and Buss (both killed)
grea]y disinguihed thene|ves.
Very gaulant raid by 2nd D.L.I. (2 oticer and
8 other ranks under Calot. l'awcett) and
llth Essex (3 otïicers and 67 other rans
under OElot. Silver) in connection with opera-
tions of 46th Division--hough anticipated
the raiders got into the enemy's renche and
remained there one hour, repel[ing ail countor-
attcls--one prisoner aken.
94
9-10.
Aug. 5.
24-27.
Sept. 9.
0c$. 4.
APPENDIX III
Small enemy raid on Novel Alley unsuccessful--
left one dead in our trench.
Small enemy raid on 1st West Yorks in Novel
Alley unsuccessful--two prisoners taken and
one enemy left dead in trench.
7-8. Brilliant repulse of strong enemy raid near
Boyau 70 by 1st Ïhe Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I.--
two prisonem aken by us.
14th D.L.I. raid (1 officer and 30 other ranks)
trcnches cntcrcd but cnemy fled--enemy
small raid on Novel Alley driven off.
I2. Patrol raid (3 patrols of 12) by 8th Bedfords
in Hulluch Sector--oue prisoner.
16. Surprise raid by 9th Norfolks (2 officers and
36 other ranks)--stiff fighting but no iden-
tification obtained.
20. Threc patrols (3 officcrs and 55 other ranks) of
2nd York and Lancastcrs raided enemy's
posts but only partly successful.
23. Raid by 1st Leicestcrs (8 officers and 291 other
ranks under Capt. Mosse) in Quarries Sector
encmy bolted into dug-outs--remained one
and a hall hours in enemy's trenches--one
prisoner taken.
Division relicved by 46th Division--D.I-I.Q. to
Ourton--troops to area Ourt)n-Monchy
Brcton.
31. 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters went by bus to
Bac St. Maur fo corne under orders G.O.C.,
57th Division.
9th Norfotks and 1st Leicesters returned.
Into linc on I-Iill 70 front.
2nd Shcrwood Foresters raided enemy I-Iill 70
Sector unsuccessfully--enemy had bombarded
trenches all day and blown in many, and had
anticipatcd thc raid.
13. 8th Bedfords (2 officers and 85 other ranks)
raided enemy and bombed his crowded
trenches, but failed to get in.
Enemy's raid on llth Essex fafled.
Side-stcpped with a view to attack on Cité t.
Auguste.
29. Enemy raided York and Lancasters, but was
repulsed and left an unwounded prisoner in
our hands.
Preparations for attack.
DIAR r 95
Fnemy raid (about hall battalion) on 18th In-
fantry Brigade rel3ulsed.
Oct. 19. Raid with heavy bombardment on 14th D.L.I.
unsuccessful.
20-23. Relieved by llth Divisioa--to St. Hilaire area.
29. Marched south to loin Third Army.
Training xvith tnks.
lqov. 15-19. Commenced march to Cambrai front.
20. Batlle o[ Cambrai.
16th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st Infantry
Brigade on lcft, 18th passed through--broke
both systems of I-Iindenburg Line, capturing
Ribécourt and Premy Chapcl Ridge--first
company into Marcoing---over 1,100 prisoners
and 23 guns.
Ail objectives gaincd with fcw casualties by
12 noom
Congratulatory message from Corps Commander.
21. Action of 14th D.L.I. supporting cavalry in
advance to Cantaing.
26-27. 18th InfantryBrigade extended front to Cantaing.
1st The Butïs cleared and occupied bIoyelles.
30. Enemy counter-attack in [orce on Third Army.
16th Infantry Brigade moved from Divisional
Reserve to near Beaucamps and ordered
to cotmt¢r-attack on Gouzeaucourt--found
Guards already in possession.
Arranged to attack by night on La Vacquerio-
Gonnelieu--attack unsuccessful.
Gallant action of 18th Infantry Brigade trans-
port under Shea, Q.M., 2nd D.L.I., and laul,
Transport otïicer, 1st West Yorks--both died
of wounds.
Congratulatory message on this action received
from G.O.C., 29th Division.
lqight Dec. 2/3. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved part of 29th
Division north of St. Quentin Canal.
o 3. Enemy attacked K.S.L.I. and 14th D.L.I. north
of canal. Three counter-attacks by D.L.I.,
but finally driven back.
Bedfords and York and Lancasters put in to
restore situation--partially successful.
Front xvithdra7t to line of canal night of
3rd/4th.
4. General withdrawal of Brit.ish line to Support
System of Hindenburg Line ordered.
96 APPENDIX III
I)eo. 10. Relieved by 19th Division.
11. 16th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps.
12. 18th Infantry Brigade fo VI Corps.
Above brigades placed at disposal of 3rd Divi-
sion, and went into line to relieve two of their
brigades on Bullecourt front for a few days.
I)ec. 14 to Jan.kl n rest-Basseux area.
17,1918. J-"
1918.
Jan. 17.
Feb. 4.
25.
30.
April 3-4.
25.
26.
Night 26-27.
29.
May 8.
11-14.
19.
Commenced move up to Frémicourt.
Enemy's silent raid on three posts of Boursies
area and captured one prisoner.
Side-stepped into Lagficourt Sector.
1st K.S.L.I. (2 oflïcers and 50 other ranks,
B Company) raided Magpie's Nest and cap-
tured one machine-gun---enemy fied.
16 1st Leicesters (2 oflïcers and 50 other ranks)
repeatcd raid--post empty.
21. GreatGermanoensivecommenced. Fightingallday
--heavy casualties--71st and 18th Infantry
Brigades holding out in Reserve Line till dark.
22. Fighting ail day on Corps line.
Remnants of Division relieved at night--to
Achiet and Logeast Wood. ,
By train to Second Army.
King's visit to Steenvoorde.
Into line in Ypres Salient on high ground be-
tween Menin and Zonnebeke Roads--came
under XXII Corps.
13. 71st Iffantry Brigade left to join 49th Division
on Neuve Eglise front.
16. Line withdrawn to battle zone--enemy followed
up in the afternoon and a good many casua|-
ries were inflicted on him--one party of
twenty-five annihilated.
18. Enemy raided post unsuccessfully and |ost an
officer killed--identification obtained by us.
Capture of Kemmel by enemy from the French.
71st Infantry Brigade returned to Division.
Further withdrawal to west. :end of Zillebeke
Lake-White Château.
Heavy attacks against Division on our right.
Unsuccessful enemy attack on Ridgewood.
Side-slipped to south and came into II Corps.
llth Essex raided Manor Farm successfully but
no prisoners taken.
May 22.
28-29.
June 5.
7-8.
19.
27-28.
Jy 6.
9.
14.
Aug. 2.
6.
8.
In August.
21-24.
31.
Sept. 1.
2-4.
13-14.
7
DIARY 97
2nd D.L.I. (A and C Companie 0 raided pill-
boxes Bedford front and took sixteen pris-
oners. I
Attekbyllth Essex in eonjunetion with
Freneh 46th Division.
2nd York and Laneasters raided (3 offieer8 and 68
other ranks) Lankhoff Farm unsuccessfully.
Division relieved--to Dirty Bucket Camp and
Jan ter Biezen area.
71st T.M.B. co-operated in 46th French Division
operatipn.
18th T.M.B. lent to 7th French Division for a
raid.
Relieved 46th French Division in Dickebusch
front.
Enemy's raid on Scottish Wood repulsed.
Patrol of 2nd Sherwood Foresters rushed a
post near Ridgewood by day--capturcd a
machine-gun and killed the garrison.
Attack by 18th In/antry Brigade on Iidgewooà.
1st West Yorks and 2nd D.L.I. assisted by
two companies 1st Middlesex of 33rd Division
-enemy surprised--most successful--cap-
tures, 7 oiïlcers, 341 other ranks,23 machine-
guns, 1 tt.T.M., 2 L.T.Ms.
1st The Buffs daylight raid on the Brasserie--
successfulthree prisoners.
H.M. The King saw seine of the troops af
Wirmezeele.
Miner operation by 18th Infantry Brigade in
connection with 4Ist Division's operation--
company West Yorks unsuccessf---company
2nd D.L.I. on right co-operating with 4Ist
Division entirely successful.
Attachment of units of 27th Amcrican Division.
Relieved by 27th American Division--te Wiz-
ornes ar.
Division marched te Arques.
Entrained for Fourth Army.
Detrained and billeted in area Heilly-Ribe-
mont-Franvillers.
Relieved 32nd Division st head of IX Corps
by bus.
18th Infantry Brigade took over front in Holnon
Wood with llth Essex.
16th Infantry Brigade in support inTrefcon area.
98 APPEIDIX III
71st Infantry Brigade in resorve in lYlonchy-
Lagache area.
Sept. 15. llth Essex attacked and captured trenches just
clear of Holnon Wood, taking fory-six pris-
oners.
15-16. Divisional front re-organized with West Yorks
on right and Essex on left.
17. West Yorks attacked ttolnon Village and Essex
Badger Copse to establish starting line for
general attack on 18th September--fighting
ail day--Essex eventually successful--West
Yorks unsuccessful.
18. General attack to capture high ground overlook-
ing St. Quentin--71st Infantry Brigade on
right, with D.L.I. attached to capture ttolnon
hl6th Infantry Brigade on left--latter ad-
vanced 3,000 yards--former held up by
Quadrilateral right ruade little progress as
French failed fo capture Round and lIan-
chester Hills on right flank.
19. Attack renewed on Quadrilateral but unsuc-
cessful.
20-23. Digging new assembly trenches and bombarding
QuadrilaterM with heavy artiilery.
24. Attack on whole IX Corps front--18th Infantry
,Brigade on right, 16th Infantry Brigade on
)eft--fighting all day; hall Quadrilateral
captured by nightfall.
1st Leicesters, attached fo 18th Infantry Bri-
gade, captured Douai Trench east of I4olnon
af 10.30,p.m. by moonlight.
25. Gradual completion of capture of Quadrilateral.
Selency Village captured--l%sition consoli-
dated.
26-30. On position.
Bel)t. 30 to Oct. 1. Relief of Division by the Frcnch.
Oct. 1-3. Resting in Tertry area.
4. Division relieved 46th Division--D.H.Q. at La
Baraque, 71st Infantry Brigade af Magny la
Fosse, 16th Infantry Brigade took over line
with 139th Infantry Brigade (46th Division)
left at Sequehart under 6th Division.
7. 71st relieved part of 16th Infantry Brigade on
left next fo 30th American Division.
8. Geeral attack towards Bohain--71st. Infantry
Brigade on left, 16th Infantry Brigade on
Oct, 8-9.
11.
11-12.
12.
14.
16-17.
23-24.
DIARY 99
right, 18th Infantry Brigade in Divisional
Reserve with West Yorks (attached to 16th
Infantry Brigade} attacking.up valley, French
on right--all objectives gained by night.
Took over part of line by night from 30th
American Division and handed over part to
46th Division.
9. Attack under a barrage af dawn towards Bohain
and Fresnoy--Bohain captured during night
by 9th Norfolks.
10. Advance by 71st Infantry Brigade to high
ground 2,000 yards east of Bohain46th
Division on right.
Reconnaissance in force by 71st InfantryBrigade
brought to a standstill by machine-gun tire.
18th Infantry Brigade relleved 71st Infantry
Brigade by night.
18th Infantry Brigade reconnaissance in force at
4.30 p.m. ruade a little ground.
71st Infantry Brigade relleved 18th Infantry
Brigade.
16th and 18th Infantry Brigades moved to north
for general attack on 18th, with 30th Ameri-
can Division on left and 46th Division on
right. Brig.-Gen. Walker wounded.
18. General attack through Vauk Andigny--16th
Infantry Brigade on left, 18th Infantry Bri-
gade on right, 71st Infantry Brigade in re-
serve--suc cessful-- 1 st Division passed throug h
6th Division, which came into Corps Reserve.
Resting.
Division relieved 30th American Division in
St. Souplet area--18th Infantry Brigade on
right next fo 1st Division, 71st Infantry
Brigade on left next to 25th Division--D.H.Q
Becquigny.
23. General attack fo gain high ground overlooking
Sambre Canal--zero 1.30 a.m.--18th Infantry
Brigade successful on right--71st Infantry
Brigade on left, disorganized by gas shelling
in assembly position and losing the barrage by
reason of the high fences and the mist, gained
most of their objectives by the afternoon.
16th Infantry Brigade relleved 71st Infantry
Brigade by night and pushed on, completing
capture of final objective.
I00
Oct. 28.
Nov. 6.
11.
14.
23.
24.
Nov. 25th fo
[Dec. 2.
APPENDIX III
71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry
Brigade.
30. Successful attack on a farm by 1st The Butïs.
30-31. Division relieved by 32nd Division, went to test
at Fresnoy le Grand.
Division moved to Bohain.
tostilities ceased.
Division marched to area Catillon-Mazinghien-
Vaux Andigny.
15. To area Prisches-Le Sart-Catfllon.
16. To area Avesnes-Favril.
17. Halt.
18. To area Solre le Château-Dompierre.
19. Tail closed fo Dimechaux-Sars Poteries.
20. March to the Rhine commenced.
To area Barbençon-Thirimont. Tail at Solre le
Château.
Tafl closed fo Barbençon-Beaumont.
To area Lenetïe-Fraire-Walcourt-Boussu.
Dec. 1. Halt.
To area Mettet-lflavion-Morialme. Tail
Leneffe-Fraire.
3. To area Sommières-Onhaye.
4. To area Bouvignes-Anhee. Tail ai Mettet-
Biesmeree.
5. H.Q. Group and 71st Infantry Brigade crossed
Vleuse and went fo Crupet-Braibant-Purnode.
L16th and 18th Infantry Brigades closed fo river
ai Anhee-Bouvignes. Tail ai Gerin-Maro-
tiret.
6. 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades crossed Meuse.
Division in area Achet-Hamois-Ciney. Tail
af Yvoir.
7. Halt.
8. To area Les Avins-Pailhe. Tail af Ciney.
9. To area Outïet-Tinlot-Stree. Tail af Have-
lange.
10. Halt.
11. To area Remouchamps-Aywaille-Comblain la
Tour. Tail af Tinlot.
12. To area Francorchamps-Stoumont. Tail at
Ouffet-Hody.
13. 71st Infantry Brigade crossed German frontier
to Malmedy.
Remainder in area Stavelot-Stoumont. Tail at
Oneux-Presseux.
DIARY 101
Dec. 14. H.Q. Group crossed frontier--71st Infantry
Brigade to Elsenborn Camp. Tail at Aywaille.
15. 18Lh Infantry Brigade crossed fronLier--71st
Infantry Brigade to Montjoie. Tail ai
StoumonL.
16. 16Lh Infantry Brigade crossed frontier--71st
Infantry Brigade to Simmerath-Rotgen. Tail
aL Malmedy.
17. Tail to Elsenborn Camp.
18. Halt.
19. To area Heinbach-Gemund-Schleiden. Tail. t
Elsenbom amp.
20. To area Mechernich-Kommem-Zulpich. Tail
aL Montjoie.
21. To area Euskirchen-Zulpich. Tail ai Harper-
sheid-Drieborn.
22. To area Lechenich-WeilerswisL. Tail aL Vlat-
ten-Satzvey.
23. To area Rondorf-Kendenich. Tail at Zulpich-
FroiLzhein.
D.H.Q. aL Bruhl--all units now in final
positions.
ORDER
G.S.O.3.
A.A. and Q.M.
D.A.A. and Q.M.G..
D.A.Q.M.G.
A.D.M.S.
D.A.D.M.S.
A.D.V.S.
D.A.D.O.S.
A.P.M..
C.R.E..
Adjurant Major B.
12th Field Copan Major A.
38th Field Company Major F.
6th Divisional Signal Cal)t. A.
Company.
DIVISIONAL
O.C.,Squadron, 19th Major
Hussars.
APPENDIX IV
OF BATTLE ON MOBILIZATION.
DIVISIONAL I-IEADQUARTERS
Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B., late R.A.
Capt. P.; F. Fit.zgerald, King's Shrop-
shire Light Infant.ry.
Col. W. T. Furse, D.S.O., late R.A.
Lt.-Col. J. T. Burnett-Stuart, D.S.O.,
Rifle Brigade.
Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade.
Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O., Gordon
Highlanders.
Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and Suther-
]and High]anders.
Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C.
Col. H. 0. Trevor, R.A.M.C.
Major N. J. C. RutherIord, R.A.M.C.
Major tt. M. Lenox-Conyngham, A.V.C.
Major H. M. Howard, A.(}.D.
Capt. H. S. Rogers, King's Shropshire
Light Infantry.
DvsOAL Eor.ERS
Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp, R.E.
W. Y. Danford, R.E.
F. Sargeaunt, R.E.
M. Browne, R.E.
N. Paxton, R.E.
CAVALRY
O'S. F. Tnner, 19th Hussars.
DMSIONAL CYCLISTS
O.C., Cyclist Company Capt. S. H. Dix, Leinster Regiment.
DIVISIONAL TRAIN
O.C., 6th. Divisional Lt.-Col. H. Davies, A.S.C.
Train.
102
ORDEI OF BATTLE
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
O.C., 16th Field Ara- Lt.-Col. A. C. Fox.
bulance.
O.C., 17th Field Am- Lt.-Col. J. P. Silver.
bulance.
O.C., 18th Field Ara- Lt.-Col. A. A. Watson (S.R.).
bulance.
C.R.A..
Brigade-Major"
Staff-Captain .
0rderly 0fficer
0.Vo
Adjutan
21st Battery .
42nd Battery.
53rd Battery . .
Brigade Ammunition
Column.
24th Brigade, R.F.A.
DIVISIONAL --RTILLERY
Brig.-Gen. W.L.H. Paget, C.B., M.V.O.
Major J. Farquhar.
Capt. J. de V. Bowles.
2]Lieut. K. F. W. Dunn.
2nd Brigade, R.F..4.
Col. W. A. M. Thompson.
Capt. H. R. S. Massey.
Major L. M. Phillpotts, D.S.O.
Major H. J. Brock.
Major C. J. Rugge Price.
Capt. C. E. S. Bower.
Lt.-Col. C. E. Laurie, D.S.O.
Capt. H. A. Boyd.
Major W. M. Warburton.
Major E. C. W. D. Walthall, D.S.O.
Major W. B. Browell.
Capt. B. H. Shaw-Stewart.
38th Brigade, R.F.A.
O.C. Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O.
Adjutan . Capt. C. S. Rich.
24th Battery Major A. G. Arbuthnot.
34th Battery . Major A. R. Wainwright.
72nd Battery . . Major F. A. Tigho.
Brigade Ammunition Capt. C. R. Hill.
Columu.
12th (Howitzer) Brigade, R.F.A.
OoC
Adjutan
43rd Battery .
86th Battery.
87th Battery . .
Brigade Ammuniton
Column.
Lt.-Col. G. Humphreys, D.S.O.
Capt. A. T. McGrath.
Major E. R. Burne.
Major R. S. Hardman.
Major H. T. Belcher, D.S.O.
Capt. R. J. C. Meyricke.
103
O.Co
Adjutan
110th Battery
11 lth Battery
112th Battery .
Brigade Ammunition
Column.
104 APPE1WD1X IV
24th Heavy Battery, R.G.A. (60-pounders)
O.C. Major H. E. J. Brake, C.B., D.S.O.
Divisional Ammunition Column
O.C. Lt.-Col. G, A. Cardew.
Adjutan Capt. J. C. Dundas.
16TH INFANTR¥ BRIGADE
B.G.C.. Brig.-Gen. E. C. Ingouville-Williams,
C.B., D.S.O., late Worcestershire
Regiment.
Brigade-Major Capt. R. H. Mangles, D.S.O., The
Queen's Regiment.
Staff-Captain . Capt. G. Lee, The Buffs.
O.C., 1st Bn., Thë Lt.-Col. H. C. de, Ja M. Hill.
Buffs.
O.C., 1st Bn., Leices-
tershire Regiment.
O.C., 1st Bn., K.S.L.I.
O.C., 2nd Bn., York
and Lancaster Regç.
Lt.-Col. H. L. Croker.
Lt.-Col. C. P. Higginson, D.S.O.
Lt.-Col. E. C. Cobbold.
B.G.C..
Brigade-Major
Staff-Captain.
O.C., 1st Bn., Roya
Fusiliers.
O.C., 1st Bn., North
Staffordshire Regt.
O.C., 2nd Bn., Lein-
ster Regiment.
O.C., 3rd Bn., Rifle
Brigade
B.G.C..
Brigade-Major
Staff-Captain.
17TH INFANTRY BRIGADE
Brig.-Gen. "VV. R. B. Doran, C.B.,
D.S.O., late Royal Irish Regiment.
Major A. D. Green, D.S.O., Worcester-
shire Regiment.
Capt. H. V. Scott, Rifle Brigade.
Lt.-Col. R. Fowler-Butler.
Lt.-Col. V. W. de Falbe, D.S.O.
Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve.
Lt.-Col. R. Alexander.
18TH INFANTR¥ BRIGADE -
Brig.-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V.C., C.B.,
M.V.O., late Rifle Brigade.
Capt. R. F. H. Wallace, Black Watch.
Capt. F. G. Maughan, Durham Light
Infantry.
O.C., 1st Bn., West Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey.
Yorkshire Regiment.
O.C., 1st Bn., East Lt.-Col. R. E. Benson.
Yorkshire Regiment.
ORDER OF BATTLE
105
O.C., 2nd Bn., Sher-
wood Foresters.
O.C., 2nd Bn., D.L.I.
Lt.-Col. C. B. Crofton-Atkins.
Lt.-Col. B. W. L. McMahon.
ORDER OF
G.O.C..
G.S.O.1.
G.S.O.2.
G.S.O.3.
Intelligence Officer .
A.A. and Q.M.G.
D.A.A.G.
D.A.Q.M.G.
A.D.M.S.
D.A.D.M.S.
D.A.D.V.S.-
D.A.D.O.S.
D.A.P.M.
S.C.F., C. of E
Divisional Claires
Officer.
Divisional Gas Officer
O.C., 209th Employ
V ment Company.
6th M.T. Company .
BATrLE--11TH IOVEMBER 1918
DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS
Major-Gen. T. O. Marden, C.B., C.M.G.,
late the Welch Regiment.
2/Lieut. E. C. W. Severne, General List.
Capt. J. R. Tylden, East Kent Yeo-
manry.
Brevet-Lt.-Col. T. T. Grove, D.S.O.,
R.E.
Major L. M. Taylor, M.C., York and
Lancaster Regiment {T.).
Capt. J. Horlington, M.C., York and
Lancaster Regiment (S.R.).
Lieut. K. Archbold, M.C., General List.
Brevet-Lt.-Col. P. I-Iudson, C.M.G.,
D.S.O., The King's (Liverpool) Regt.
Major C. Macfie, D.S.O., Seaforth High-
landem.
Lt.-Col. A. J. D. Hay, East Surrey
Regiment (S.R.).
Col. H. C. R. Hime, D.S.O., R.A.M.C.
Major N. Cantlie, M.C., R.A.M.C.
Major R. F. Bett, A.V.C.
Major R. G. P. Hare, A.O.D.
Capt. W. A. Bignell, South Irish Home
lev. E. C. Hoskyns, M.C., A.C.D.
Lieut. C. E. B. M. Smith, Sherwood
Foresters.,
Capt. D. Powell, M.C., R.E.
Capt. G. L. Scudamore, Labour Corps.
Major O. B. Gabriel, A.S.C.
DIVISIONAL ]NGINEERS
C.R.E..
Adjurant
12th Field Conpan;
459th Field Company
509th Field Company
6th Divisional Signal
Company.
Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall, M.C., R.E.
Capt. C. A. Langley, M.C., R.E.
Major F. W. Moore, M.C., R.E.(S.).
Major A. S. Lambert, M.C., R.E.(T.).
Major H. G. Bambridge, M.C., R.E.(S.).
Major A. G. Shaw, M.C., East York-
shiro Regiment (T.).
106 APPENDIX IV
PIONEERS
O.C., llth Bn., Leices- Lt.-Col. R. H. Radford, Leicestershire
tershire Regiment. Regiment (S.R.).
2ndinCommand Major W. A. Rodger, Leicestershire
Regiment (S.).
Adjurant Capt. H. M. Raleigh, Leicestershire
Regiment.
MACHINE-GuN ]ATTALION
O.C., 6thBattalion, Lt.-Col. J. B. Rosher, D.S.O., M.C.,
M.G.C. Durham Light Infantry (S.).
2nd in Command Major M. C. Cooper, M.C., Oxford and
Bucks Light Infantry (T.).
Adjurant Capt. J. M. Briggs, King's Shropshire
Light Infantry (S.R.).
I)IVISIONAL TRAIN
O.C. Lt.-Col. F. C. S. lorrington, A.S.C.
Adjutan. Capt. R. Bealcs, A.S.C.
Senior Supply'Office'r Capt. A. F. Osborne, M.C., A.S.C.
ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS
16th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. J. W. C. Stubbs, M.C.,
R.A.M.C.
17th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. A. J. Hickey, M.C., R.A.M.C.
18th Field Ambulance Lt.-Col. E. W. Wade, D.S.O., R.A.M.C.
MOBILE VETERINARY SECTION
O.C. Capt. H. J. Hughes, A.V.C.
)IVISIONAL ARTILLERY
C.R.A.. Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce,C.M.G.,R.A.
Brigade-Majo Major S. Carwithen, R.A.
Staff-Captain. . Capt. K. Lyon, R.A.
ReconnaissanceOfficer Lieut. L. S. Wooler, R.A.
Signal Officer . Capt. F. Goodman, R.E.
O,C.
Adjutan
0rderly Oflice
Signal Oflicer.
Horsemaster .
21st Battery .
42nd Battery.
53rd Battery .
87th Battery ,
2nd Brigade, R.F.A.
Lt.-Col. W.H.F. Weber, D.S.O.,R.F.A.
Capt. T. C. Rayner, M.C.
2/Lieut. T. Brough.
2/Lieut. W. F. J. Delyon.
Capt. W. P.-Jones, Duke of Lancaster's
Yeomanry.
Major E. F. Housden.
Major T. R. Ubsdell, D.S.O.
Major R. Scott-Aiton, M.C.
Major J. W. Godley. -
ORDER OF BATTLE 107
O.(o
Adjutan
Orderly Oflïce
Horsemaster .
ll0th Battery
11 lth Battery
112th Battery
43rd Battery .
24th Brigade, R.F.A.
Lt.-Col.J.A.C. Forsyth, D.S.O.,R.F.A.
Capt. E. J. Saltwell.
Lieut. C. G. Campbell.
Capt. E. T. C. Murray, 6th Royal
Regiment Dragoons (Canada).
Major P. g. C. Honner, M.C.
Major F. M. A. Wood.
Major G. Sandeman.
Major B. Todd, M.C.
6th Divisional Ammunition Column
O.C. Lt.-Col. B. Allan, R.F.A.
Adjutan Capt. F. Heap.
No. 1 Section Capt. A. McQueen.
No. 2 Section. Capt. H. W. C. Angell.
No. 3 Section . Capt. H. Brewin (S.A.A. Section). 5. '-
Divisional Trench _Mortars HÇ . , *
D.T.M.O. Capt. R. A. Levinge, R.A. "
X/6th T.M. Bttery Capt.M.R.Anderson,M.C.,GeneralList.
Y/6th T.M. Battery. Capt. V. E. Wait, llth Essex Regiment.
16T INFAY BRIGADE
B.G.C.. Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite, C.B.,
Brigade-Major
Staff-Captain .
Intelligence Oflïcer .
Signal Officer.
O.C., 1st The Buffs
2nd in Command
Adjurant
O.C., 1st K.S..I.
2nd in Command
Adjutant
O.C., 2nd York and
Lancaster Regt..
2nd in Command
Adjurant
16th T.M. Battery .
B.G.C..
C.M.G.,D.S.O.,RoyalWclch Fusiliers.
Capt. E. Dryden, M.C., Durham L. I.
Capt. S. H. D. Charnier, M.C., West
Yorkshire Regiment.
Lieut. G. H. Bond, M.C., York and
Lancaster Regiment.
2/Lieut. W. D. A. Williams, R.E.
Lt.-Col. R. E. Power, D.S.O.
Major Lord Teynham.
Lieut. E. F. Hall.
A/Lt.-Col. L. H. Morris, M.C.-
Major C. E. Parker.
Capt. G. S. E. Denyer, M.C.
Lt.-Col. J. R. Robertson, Bedfordshire
Regiment.
Major P. H. C. Collins, M.C.
C0F¢. E. E. Battle, M.C.
Lieut. H. Carss, Durham Light InIantry.
18T INFANTRY BRIGADE
Brig.-Gen. G. 8. G. CrauInrd, C.M.G.,
C.I.E., D.S.O., A.D.C., Gordon High-
landers.
108
Brigade-Major
Staff-Captain.
Signal Officer.
O.C., 1st West York'-
shire Regiment.
2nd in Command
Adjutant . .
O.C., llth Essex
Regiment.
2nd in Command
Adjurant
O.C., 2nd D.LI.
2nd in Command
Adjurant
18th Trench orta
Battery.
Acting-Brigade-Major
Staff-Captain .
Intelligence Officer .
Signal Officer.
O.C., 9th 1Norfol
Regiment.
2nd in Command
Adjutant . .
O.C., 1st Leicester-
sbire Regiment.
2nd in Command
Adjurant
O.C., 2nd Shërwool
Foresters.
2nd in Command
Adjurant . .
7 lstTrench Mortar
Battery.
APPENDIX IV
Brevet-Major H. C. E. Hull, The
Queen's.
Capt. W. V. Cavill, M.C., West York-
shire Regiment.
Ieut. G. White, Scottish Rifles.
Lt.-Col. D. L. Weir, D.S.O., M.C.,
Leicestershire Regiment.
Major J. C. Blackburn, M.C.
Capt. G. A. Robinson, M.C.
Lt.-Col. C. H. Dumbell, D.S.O., Sher-
wood Foresters.
Major A. G. Saunders.
Capt. G. B. Scott.
Lt.-Col. R. V. Turner.
Major P. C. Parker, M.C.
Capt. S. R. Streatfield.
Capt. T. E. Peart, M.C., Durham Light
Infantry.
71sT INFANTR¥ BRIGADE
Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown, D.S.0., Gor-
don Highlanders.
Brevet-Major A. Weyman, M.C.,
Leicestershire Regiment (A/G.S.0.2,
18th Division).
Capt. J. F. Tamblyn, M.C., The Queen's
Regiment (S.).
Capt. F. W. Musgrave, West Yorkshlro
Regiment (T.).
Lieut. H. L. Hayne, Leicestershiro
Regiment (S.).
Lieut. K. D. Allen, R.E.
Lt.-Col. F. R. Day, lorfolk Rcgiment.
Major E. W. Cannings, M.C.
Capt. C. P. Bassingthwaite, M.C.
Lt.-Col. J. R. Martin, D.S.O., M.C.,
Royal Scots.
Major G. 1N. Wykes.
Capt. R. 1N. Davies, M.C.
Lt.-Col. C. E. ttudson, V.C., D.S.O.,
Major F. ).:Collen, M.C.
Capt. A. L. Gill, M.C.
Capt.. Gjertson, M.C.» Essex Regi-
ment (T.).
APPENDIX V
CHANGES IN COIVlMANDS AND STAFFS
N.B.--RmoEs and Honours are given as held on date of appointment.
I. DlVlSlONAL COMMANDERS
Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B. Mobn.--26.5.15
Major-Gen. W. N. Congreve, V..
M.V.O..
Col. (T/Maj.-Gen.) Ci Ross', D.S.). 27.5.14.11.15--13"15--18.8.11" 1517
Col. (T/Maj.-Gen.) T. O. Marden,
C.M.G. 19.8.17--Armistice.
Il. G.S.O.s, 1ST GRAE
Col. W. T. Furse Mobn.--28.12.14
Lt.-Col. J. M. Shea, niaArm 29.12.14---4.7.15
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. F. Boyd,
Royal Irish Regiment
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. F. Renny',
D.S.O., Royal Dublin Fus..
Major (T/Lt.-CoL) T. T. Grove,
D.S.O., R.E.
5.7.15--17.6.16
18.6.16--22.3.17
23.3.17--Armistice.
III. G.S.O.s, 2) GRADE
Major J. T. Burnett-Stuart, Rifle
Brigade. . Mobn.--17. 2.15
Major W. E. Ironside, R.. 18.2.15--29.2.16
Major L. P. Evans, Black Watca 1.3.16--5.3.17
Major M. Beevor, The Buffs 6.3.17--17.11.17
Major W. Harris-St. John, Royal
Welch Fusiliers
Major S. S. Hill-Dillon, I.S.O.
Royal Irish Regiment 29.4.18--15.6.18
Lieut. (T/Major) R. W. Bamett,
M.C., Rifle Brigade .
Major L. M. Taylor, M.C.
K.O.Y.L.I. (T.F.) .
1o9
18.11.17--28.4.18
16.6.18--12.8.18 (K.)
24.8.18--Armisgce.
110 APPENDIX V
IV. G.S.O.s, 3RD GRADE
Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade
Major W. E. Ironside, R.A.
Capt. T. T. Grove, R.E. .
Major A. B. Lawson, llt
Hussars .
Capt. H. D. Denison-Pender,
Scots Greys . . .
Capt. M. K. Wardle, Leicester-
shire Regiment
Capt. M. C. Bell, D.S.O. M.C,
Royal Fusiliers
Major A. S. Wright, Roya Cana'-
dian F.A.
Lieut. (T/Capt.) J. F'. Horngto,
M.C., Y. and L. Regt. (S.R.)
V. A.A.s D
Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O.
Col. R. Wanless-O'Gowan
Major {T]Lt.-Col.} R. S. Mai,
Royal Fusiliers
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) M. R. Walsh',
Worcestershire Regiment .
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) M. B. Savage,
D.S.O., South Staffs Regt.
Bt.-Lt.-Col. P. Hudson, D.S.O.,
King's (Liverpool} Regiment
Mobn.--31. I0.14
1.11.14--17.2.15
18.2.15--9.8.15
I0.8.15--5.12.15
6.12.15--24.6.16
25.6.16--25.7.17
26.7.17--1.11.17
2.11.17--21.5.18
22.5.18--Armistice.
Q.M.G.s
Mobn.--30. 9.14
1.10.14--7.2.15
15.2.15--5.2.16
6.2.16--29.8.17
30.8.17--15.12.17
16.12.17--Armistice.
VI. D.A.A.G.s (FORMERLY
Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders
Capt. G. Ogston, Gordon High'-
landers
Cat. J. L. Whson, Wst ii
Regiment . .
Capt. S. G. L. Brad'ley, Queen's
Westminster Rifles .
Major C. Macfie, Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders
D.A.A.s D Q.M.G.s.)
Mobn.--30.10.14
1.11.14---4.1.16
5.1.16--7.3.16
8.3.16--22.3.17
23.3.17--Armistice.
VIL D.A.Q.M.G.'s.
Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C. Mobn.--l. 1.15
Major H. L. Nevill, D.S.O., R.A'. 15.1.15---26.2.15
Major IL Atkinson, R.A.. 27.2.15--28.5.15
CHANGES IN COMMANDS AND STAFFS
Capt. J. C. Dundas, R.A.. 29.5.15--13. I0.15
Major H. Street, Devon Regt. . 14. I0.15--16.1.17
Capt. R. B. Tower, Notts and
Derby Regiment . . 17.1.17--21.5.18
Bt.-Col. A. J. Hay, East Surrey
Regiment (S.R.). 22.5.18--Armistice.
VIII. C.R.A.s.
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. H. L.
Paget, M.V.O .... Mobn.--26.5.15
Col. (T]Brig.-Gen.) G. Hum-
phreys, C.B., D.S.O.. 27.5.15--28.6.16
Bt.-CoI. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. S'.
Cleeve (R. of O.) 29.6.16--23. I0.16
Lt.-CoI. (T/Brig.-Gen.) "E. .
Delaforce, C.M.G. 24. I0.16--Armistice.
IX. C.R.E.s.
Lt.-CoI. G. C. Kemp . . Mobn.--12. 8.15
Major (T]Lt.-CoI.) A. G. Steven-
son 13.8.15--19.12.15
Col. T. A. H. ]iggel: . 20.12.15--24.1.16
Lt.-CoI. H. R. S. Christie 25.1.16--1.1.17
Major (T]Lt.-CoI.) G. F. B. Gold'-
ney, D.S.O. 2. I. 17--22.9.18
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) t. A. £. I-Ial,
M.C. 23.9.18--Armistice.
Major H. Davies .
Major F. Norrington
Col. H. O. Trevor .
X. O.C.s TRArS
Mobn.--6.4.17
7.4.17--Armistice.
:X_I. A.D.M.S.
Mobn.--March, '15
CoI. B. H. Scott . . March, 'lS--March, '17
Lt.-CoI. (T/CoI.) H.V. Grattan Match, '17--Oct.,'18
Lt.-Col. (T]CoI.) H. C. R. Hime,
D.S.O. Oct., ' 18--Armistice.
XII. D.A.D.O.S.
Major H. M. Howard . Oct., '14--26. I. 15
Major F. H. P. O'Connor 27.1.15--18.11.15
Major S. T. Hayley, D.S.O. 19.11.15--26.12.15
Major S. B. Winch . 27.12.15--28.4.17
Major R. G. P. Hare 29.4.17--Armistice.
III
112
APPENDIX V
XIII. A.D.V.S. (Aml D.A.D.V.S.)
Major tt. M. Lenox-Conyngham 6.9.14--28.8.15
Major R. Tindle 29.8.15--2.2.18
Major R. F. Bett 3.2.18--Armistice.
XIV. SENIOR CHAPLAIS (C. OF
Rev. T. P. Moreton .
Rev. Nevfle Talbot, M.C..
Rev. Maurice Ponsonby, M.C.
Rev. J. D. McCready
Rev. L. G. Reed, M.C.
Rev. E. C. Hoskyns, M.C.
July, 'lS--Oct., '15
Oct., "lS--May, "16
May, '16--Nov., '16
Nov., '16--31.12.16
1.1.17--7.7.18
8.7.18--Armistice.
XVo SENIOR CHAPLAINS (R.C.)
Rev. Fathr FitzGibbons, M.C.. Nov., '16-Spt., '18
Rev. Father Kearey Sept., 'lB--Armistice.
XVI. A.P.M.s.
Capt. H. S. Rogers, K.S.L.I. Mobn.--2. 3.15
Major Hon. J. R. Tufton, Royal
Sussex Regiment (S.R.) 3.3.15
Capt. A. J. Simey, R.I.C. ---Aug., '18
Capt. W. A. Bignell, South Irisl
l-lorse Aug., 'l 8--Armistice.
XVII. IFAITRY :BRIGADE COMMANDERS
16th In[antry Brigade
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. C. Ingou-
ville-Wilfiams, C.B., D.S.O. Mobn.--16. 6.16
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) C. L. Niehol-
son 17.6.16--25.7.16
Major (T/Brig:-Gen:) W. "L. Os'-
born, D.S.O., Royal Sussex
Regiment 26.7.1626. I0.17
Bt.-Lt.-Col. (TfBrig[-Gen. i H. A'.
Walker, D.S.O., Royal Fus. 27.10.17--16. I0.18
Bt.-Col. {T/Brig.-Gen.) W. G.
Braithwaite, C.B., D.S.O.,
Royal Welch Fusiliers 17.10.18--Armistice.
17th In]antry Brigade (to 24th Division on 14. I0.15)
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. R. B.
Doran, C.B., D.S.O. Mobn.--10. 2.15
CANGES IN COMM_ANDS AND STAFFS
Cl. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. M. Har-
per, D.S.O. 11.2.15--23.9.15
Major (T/rig.-Gnl) J. V. ;.
Carroll, Norfolk Regiment. 24.9.15--14.10,15
18th In/antry Brigade
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. N. Con-
greve, V.C., M.V.O.. Mobn.--29.5.15
Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) H. S'.
Ainslie, C.M.G., Northum-
berland Fusiliers 30.5.15--14.8.15
Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen) "R. J'.
Bridgford, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
King's Shropshire L.I. . 15.8.15--19.4.16
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) W. K. Mae-
clintock, C.B. 20.4.16--12.6.16
Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-den) "H. S'.
Tew, East Surrey Regiment 13.6.16--12.8.16
Bt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) R. J.
Bridgford, C.M.G., D.S.O.,
King's Shropshire L.I. 13.8.16--14.9.17
Lt.-Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) G. S. .
Craufurd, C.M.G., C.I.E.,
D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders 15.9.17--Armistice.
19lb In[antry Brigade (te 27th Division on 27.5.
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) Hon. F. Gor-
don 12.10.14--27.5.15
7Ist In[antry Brigade (oined Division on 14.10.15)
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) M. T. Shewen 14.10.15--26.5.16
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) J. F. Edwards 27.5.16--4.10.16
Col. (T/Brig.-Gen.) E. Feetham,
C.B. 5.10.16--19.8.17
Brown, D.S.O., Gordon
Highlanders 20.8.17--Armistice.
XVIII. O.C. UTs
* Signifies date of joining or leavlng Division.
"f Signifies date of disbandmont of unit.
Squadron, 19th H.ussars
Capt. H. O'S. F. Tanner . Mobn.--Aprfl, '15 *
"B "" Squadron, zYorthants Yeomanry
Major Sir C. B. Lowther . 14.4.15"--29.10.15"
8
113
114 APPEDIX V
6th Machine-Gun Batlalion
Lt.-Col. J. B. Rosher, D.S.O.,
Durham Light Infantry .
2nd Brigade,
Cl. W. A. 1H. Thompson.
Lt.-Col. L. C. L. Oldfield .
Lt.-Col. 1H. J. 1HacCarthy, C.1H..
Lt.-Col. W. tt. F. Weber, D.S.O.
12th Brigade,
Lt.-Col. C. E. Lawrie, D.S.O.
Lt.-Col. W. Evans, D.S.O.
Major {T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. .
Forsyth .
38th Brigade,
Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O.
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) L. M. Phi]l"
ports
1Hajor (T]Lt.-Col.) W. E. Clark .
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. 1Hellor,
D.S.O.
Match, '18--Armistice.
R.F.A.
Mobn.--7.7.15
8.7..15--May, '15
lIay, '15--20.6.17
21.6.17--Armistice.
R.F.A.
1Hobn.--26. 5.15
27.5.15---29.2.16
1.3.16--Armistice.
R.F.A.
Mobn.--27.1.15
30.1.15--1.11.15
2.11.15--19.12.15
23.12.15--25.9.16
26.9.16--2.12.16 *
12th Howitzer Brigade, R.F.A.
Lt.-Col. G. Humphreys, D.S.O. Mobn.--29. 6.15
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) I4.1H. Davson 30.6.15--12.5.16
Distributed to other Brigades.
24th Heavy Brigade, B.G.A.
Major H. E. J. Brake, C.B., D.S.O. lIobn.--Feb., '15
Cal)t. (T/Major) E. Mlles . ]eb., 'ls-]ec., '16 *
6th Divisional Annunition Colunn
Lt.-Col. G. A. Cardew 1Hobn.--19.9.14
Lt.-Col. Baron H. E. V. dë j
Robeck . _ 20.9.14--0ct., '16
Lt.-Col. B. Allan (T.F.) 21. ll. 16--Armistice.
1st Battalion The Bus (16th l[atry Brigade)
L¢.-Col. tt. C. de la M. I-Iill lIobn.--15.11.14
lIajor (T/Lt.-Col.) R. McDoua 16.11.14--
CHANGES
IN COMMAIWDS AND STAFFS ll5
Bt.-Col. J. Hasler, D.S.O.
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. McDoual'l
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. H. Finch-
Hatton .
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) È. F. "Goull
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) 14. W. Green
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) E. 14. Finch-
14atton
Major (T/Lt.-Çol.) t. W.'Greei
Major B. L. Strauss . .
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) I. E. Power
1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers
Lt.-Col. 1. Fowler-Butler
Bt.-Lt.-Col. B. G. Price, D.S.O'.
--26.2.15
2.2.15--2.6.15
3.6.15--8.1.16
9.1.16--26.5.16
27.5.16--1.6.16
2.6.16--12.7.16
13.7.16--26.11.17
27.11.17--1.12.17i(K. )
12.12.17--Armistice.
(17th In/antry Brigade)
Mobn.--3 1.7.15
1.8.15--11.10.15"
9th Battalion Norlolk Regimenl (71st In/antry .Brigade)
Lt.-Col. E. Stracey . 11.10.15"--30.9.16
Lt.-Col. B. H. L. Prior 1.10.16-10.12.16
Capt. (T/Major) 1. S. "I)yer'-
Bonnet, Leicester Regiment 16.12.16--14.1.17
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. B. O. Trimble 27.1.17--26.2.17
Capt. (T/Major) 1. S. Dyer-Ben-
net. 27.2.17--9.3.17
Lt.-Col. E. StÇacey . 10.3.17--23.3.17
Lt.-Col. B. I4. L. Prior 24.3.17--30.1.18]
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. J. Siurrel,
M.C. 31.1.18--13.3.18
Lt.-Col. B. 14.L. l%ior, DIS.O.. 14.3.18--21.3.18
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. 1. Day April, '18--28.7.18
Lt.-Col. B. 14. L. Prior, D.S.O.. 29.7.18--22.8.18
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. 1. Day 23.8.18--Armistice.
9th Battalion Sulolk Rcgiment (71st In/antry Brigade)
Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) W. 14. A. de la
1)ryme, ILS.O., West York-
sbire legiment 11.10.15"--14.5.16]
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. P.'MaciS,
Suffolk legiment (S.) . 14.5.16--15.9.16 (K.)
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. Latham,
I).S.O., Leicester legiment 18.9.16-1.2.18 t
1st Battalion l'Vest Yorkshire Regiment (18th In/antry Brigade)
Lt.- Col. F. W. Towsey Mobn.--20. 9.14
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. G. £ang . 20.9. I4--18.10.14
116
Lt.-Col. le. W. Towsey .
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) T. 1): Bar-
rington . .
Lt.-Col. F. W. Towsey
Major (T]Lt.-çol.) G. G.'Lang',
D.S.O.
Major (T]Lt.-ol.) d. H. goame
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) G. G. Lang,
D.S.O.
Major (T]Lt.-ol.) I. M. )fll)n,
D.S.O., Oxford and Bucks
Light Infantry
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) A. M. B'oyall"
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir,
D.S.O., M.C., Leicestershire
Regiment .
Lt.-Col. G. Barry-Drew, I.S.O.:
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. W. Can-
nings, M.C .
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) . L." Weir,
D.S.O., M.C.
APPENVDIX V
14.10.14--19.10.14
22.10.14--7.12.14
8.12.14--15.9.15
16.9.15--11.11.15
12.11.15--27.1.16
29.1.16--18.9.16
19.9.16--31.10.16
1.11.16--21.3.18
28.3.18--20.5.18
21.5.18---21.7.18
22.7.18--28.7.18
1st Battalion Leicestershire Regimet (16th and 71s¢
In/antry Brigades)
Lt.-Col. tt. L. Croker Mobn.--ll. 12.14
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) tI. S'toney'-
Smith 12.12.14--15.10.15 (K.)
8th Battalion Bed]ordshire Regiment (71st and 16th
I/atry Brigades)
Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) J. S. Liddell . 11.10.15 *--13.1.16
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) I-I. C. Jackson 14.1.16--17.4.16
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. R. H. Dann 17.4.16--19.5.16
Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. M. I-Iavkins 19.5.16--1.6.16
Col. Lord Henry Scott 2.6.16--4.4.17
Lt.-Col. Lord Ampthill . 5.4.17--19.5.17
Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) H. 1 Mac-
Cullagh, D.L.I. 20.5.17--14.6.17
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. Le Iuque 15.6.17--16.2.18 t
1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment (18th In]antry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. R. E. Benson Mobn.--20. 9.14
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. H. oun 20.9.14--10.11.14
Lt.-Col. W. tI. Armstrong . 11.11.14--19.11.14
Major (T/L¢.-Col.) J. L. S. Clarke 20.11.14--26.11.15 *
29.7.18--Armistice.
CHANGES IN COMMANDS AND STAFFS 117
Lt.-Col. A. H. Buchannan-Dunlop 25.10.15--1.2.16
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Gillespie 2.2.16--21.9.16
Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) R. S. Dyer-
Bennet 22.9.16--12.12.16
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) 1. H. dillespie 13.12.16--27.3.17
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Brown,
D.S.O..
Major (T/Lt.-Col. i R. H. "Gilles'-
pie, D.S.O. .
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. ]row,
D.S.O.
Capt. (T/Lt.-dol.) ). L." Weil,
D.S.O., M.C.
Major (T/Lt.-Col.)". Itha,
D.S.O.
Capt. (T/Majo) G. . Wy'kes
Capt. (T/Major) Hartshorne .
Capt. (T/Lt.-Col.) D. L. Weir,
D.S.O., M.C.
Major (T/Lt.-CoI.) "F. Ltham',
D.S.O.
28.3.17--2.5.17
3.5.17--5.7.17
6.7.17--16.1.18
17.1.18--Feb., '18
Feb., '18--29.4.18
30.4.18--11.5.18
12.5.18--20.5.18
21.5.18--25.7.18
26.7.18--2.11.18
llth Battalion Leicestershire Reginent (Pioneere)
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. Turner,
Leicestershire Regt. (S.R.) . 1.4.16"--24.9.18
Major OE/Lt.-Col.) R. H. Radford,
Leicestershire Regt. (S.R.). 25.9.18---Armistice.
2nà Battalion Royal Welch Fusillers (19th In[antry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. H. Delme-Radcliffe 12.10.14 *--26.10.14
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) O. de L. Wil'-
liams 27.10.14---31.5.15 *
1st Battalion The Cameroniane (19th In/antry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. P. R. Robertson'. 12.10.14 *--31.5.15 *
llth Battalion Essex Regiment (71st Inla-nry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. C. J. Hobkirk, D.S.O.. 11.10.15 *--3.6.16.
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. W. Green,
D.S.O., The Buffs
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. G. prin,
Lincolnshire Regiment
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. V. Manger',
Durham Light InIantry
3.6.16--28.6.16
29.6.16--3.11.16
4.11.16--9.12.16
118 APPENDIX V
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. G. Sprint,
D.S.O. . . 10.12.16--14.9.17
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. H. D'umbeil,
D.S.O., Sherwood Foresters 15.9.17--Armistice.
2nd Baltalion Sherwood Foresters (18lb and 71st In/antry
Brigades)
Lt.-Col. C. B. Crofton-Atkins . Mobn.--7.10.14
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) P. Leveson-
Gower
Major (T/Lt.'Col.)" C. . V.
Hobbs, D.S.O.
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) E. R. tree,
D.S.O.
Lt.-Col. C. J. V. Ho'bbs, ).S.O."
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) F. E. Brad-
shaw, Rifle Brigade, R. of O.
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. Tylden-
Wright, Derby Yeomanry
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) H. M. Mil-
ward, D.S.O. .
Bt.-Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. É. Hul-
son, V.C., D.S.O., M.C. Sept., 'lB--Armistice.
1st Battalion Ki9's 8hrophire Li9ht I]antry (16th In]antry
Brigade)
Lt.-Col. C. P. ttigginson, D.S.O. Mobn.--23.10.14
bIajor (T/Lt.-Col.) E. B. Luard. 24.10.14--13.11.14
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. J. Rowan
Robinson
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) J: A. Srick .
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) E. B. Luard .
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) B. E. Murray
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. F. B.Win-
terscale .
Lt.-Col. H. M. Smitl, D.SIO.
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. de R'.
Morgan, The Buffs .
Lt.-Col. C. Meynell, D.S.O.
Capt. (T/Major) E. A. Freema
Major (T]Lt.-Col.) H. D. Leslie
Capt. (T/Major) E. A. Frceman
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. H. Cautley
Lt.-Col. G. H. Meynell
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) L. H. Iorri
8.10.14--5.8.15
5.9.15--7.6.16
7.6.16--2.8.16
3.8.16--15.10. ].6 (K.)
19.10.16--19.10.17
19.10.17--22.11.17
23.11.17--Sept., '18
18.10.16--14.2.18
15.2.18--21.3.18
23.3.18--2.4.18
3.4.18--26.5.18
27.5.18--8.6.18
9.6.18--17.7.18
18.7.18--23.7.18
8.8.18--28.8.18
29.8.18--9.10.18
10.10.18--Armistice.
14.11.14--30.11.14
1.12.14--4.8.15
5.8.15---22.4.16
22.4.16--17.10.16
CHANGES IN COMM_ADS AND STAFFS 119
1st Battalion Middlesex Regimenl (19th In[anlry Brigade)
L.-Col. B. E. Ward 12.10.14"--21.10.14
L.-Col. 1. G. M. Rowley : . 21.10.14--30.10.14
Capt. (T]Lt.-Col.) H. 1 ). Osborne 30.10.14-28.11.14
Major (T]Lt.-Col.} W. C. C: Ash. 29.11.14--31.5.15 *
2nd Battalion York and Lancazter Regiment (16th In[antry
Brigade)
Lt.-Col. E. C. Cobbold
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) W. F. C'lemso'n
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) C. Mc.D. Pratt
Major (T/L.-Col.) M. l. Halford
Capt. (T/Major) It. B. 1)hilby,
D.S.O.
L.-Col. It. R. teadam, I.S.O."
Major (T/Lt.-Col.} E. L. Thomson
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) A. t.J.
Blunt, D.S.O..
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) R. P. vVood',
M.C.
Major (T/Lt.'Col.)" F. "Lewis;
D.S.O.
Major (T/Lt.'Col.)" A. t. J'.
Blun, D.S.O..
Major (T/Lt.-Col.} J. R. lobert'-
8on
Mobn.--9.12.14
10.12.14--18.9.15
19.9.15--17.10.15
18.10.15--30.4.16
1.5.16--17.5.16 (K.)
17.5.16--5.6.16
6.6.16--29.6.16
30.6.16--25.9.16
25.9.16--9.10.16 (K.)
10.10.16---31.3.17
1.4.17--21.4.18
22.4.18--Armistice.
2nd Battalion Durham Light In[antry (18th In[antry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. B. W. L. MeMahon . Mobn.--4.1.15
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) J. A. Cros-
thwaite . . . 5.1.15--10.6.15
Lt.-Col. M. D. Goring-Jones 11.6.15---Sept., ' 15
Capt. (T]Lt.-Col.) A. E. Irvine . Sept., '15--15.8.17
Cal)t. (T]Lt.-Col.} H. R. McCul-
lagh .... 16.8.17--4.2.18
Major (T/Lt.-Col.} D. L. Brereton 5.2.18---12.7.18
Major (T/Lt.-Col.} R. V. Turner 13.7.18--Armistice.
14th Battalion Durham Light In[antry (18th In]antry Brigade)
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. l. Menzies,
S. Lancs Regt., R. of O. . 28.11.15"--12.11.16
lIajor (T/Lt.-Col.) J. B. Rosher,
Durham Light ]affantry (S.) 13.11.16--1.2.18 ç
120 APPENDIX V
lot Battalion North Stab%rdshire tegiment (17th In[atry
Brigade)
Lt.-Col. V. W. de Falbe, D.S.O. Mobn.--ll. 10.15 *
2à Battalion Argyll and Sutherlaà Highlm, ders (19th
In[antry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. I-I. P. Moulton-Barrett. 12.10.14"--2.11.14
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) H. B. Kirk . 3.11.14--8.1.15
Lt.-Col. R. C. Gore . 16.2.15--31.4. 15 *
2nd Battalion Leinster Regiment (17th In[antry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. W. T. M. Reeve . Mobn.--19.11.14
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. M. Bullen'-
Smith 20. lL. 14--3.6.15
Lt.-Col. W. T.'Ivl. Rëeve . 3.6.15--20.7.15
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) G. M. Bullen'-
Smith 21.7.15--11.10.15 *
3rà Battalion Biffe Brigade (17th In[antry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. R. Alexander Mobn.--I3.10.14
Major (T/Lt.-Col.) Lord Hënnikér 13.10.14--21.11.14
Lt.-Col. R. Alexander . . 22.11.14---29.12.14 (al.of w.)
Major {T/Lt.-Col.) Lord Henniker 30.12.14--9.6.15
Capt. (T/Major) R. Pigot, M.C.. 10.6.15--11.10.15 *
1/5th Battalion Loyal North Lancs Reglment (16th In[antry
Brigade)
Lt.-Col. G. Hesketh 16.2.15 *--1116.15 *
1]2nà Battalion London Regiment (17th In[antry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. J. Attcnborough. 19.2.15 *--11.10.15 *
Queen's Westminster tifles (18th In]mtry Brigade)
Lt.-Col. R. Shoolbred, T.D. 11.11.14 *--28.11.15 *
5th Battalion ,Scottish Biffes (19th In/atry Brigade)
Li.-Col. R. J. Douglas 19.11.14 *--31.5.15 *
Pited by ltazell, Watson Vincy, Id., Lottdon and Aylesbuvy.
