THE
SEVENTH MANCHESTERS
F'ublished by the University of Manchester at
THE UNIVERSIT¥ PRESS (tI. M. McKliCHNIli, Secretary}
I2, LIMll GROVli, OXFORD ROAD, MANCHESTER
LONGMANS, GREEN & CO.
LONDON : 39, Paternoster Row
NIw YORK: 443-449, Fourth Avenue and Thirtieth Street
CHICAGO : Prairie Avenue and T.enty-fifth Street
BOvIBA'« : 8, Hornby Road
CALCtITTA ." 6, Old Court House Street
MADRAS: I67, Mount Road
The Hon. A. M. HEIILEY, C.M.G., D.S.O.
Irig.-Gen. (retired), late Commanding 127th Infantry Irigade
ILSON, M.C.
A PRFAC !
['HONV M. " I.«
ALD F
, DcO
" THE
LO X*A
Il:
The
Seventh Manchesters
JuL, i916 to I,IARCH X9X 9
/y
Ci,xxr S. J. WILSON, M.C.
WITH A PREFACE BY
THg HoI. ANTHONY M. HENLEV, C.M.G., D.S.O.
(Brigadier-Genera] (retired), late Commanding 127th lnfantry Brigade)
AND AN INTRODUCTION BY
GERALD 13. HURST, T.D., K.C., M.P.
(Lieut.-Col. Commanding the 7th Bn. Manchester Regimem)
MANCHESTER
AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
LONGMANS, GREEN oe CO.
LONDON» NE.V ¥ORK BOMBAY» ETC.
1920
Contents.
PAGE
Preface by Brigadier-General A. M. Henley, C.M.G., D.S.O. vil
Introduction by Lieut.-Col. G. B. Hurst, K.C., M.P. "xi
List of Illustrations ..................... xv
List of Sketch Maps ................ xvi
Chapter I.--Holding up the Turk ............... I
,, II.--Desert Lire ..................... 16
,, III.--For France .................. 3 °
,, IV.--Holding the Line ............... 34
,, V.--Belgium ..... 47
,, VI.--An Interlude ............... 65
,, VII.--Stopping the Hun ............ 75
,, VIII.--Worrying the Hun ............ 94
., IX.--Hammering the Hun ......... i i 3
,, X.--Pursuing the Hun ............... 134
, XI.--Aftermath and Home ............ 4
Appendix I.--Honours and Awards to Members of
the Battalion .................. 144
,, II.--Members of the Battalion Killed in Action,
Died of Wcunds, Missing, etc ...... 148
Index ................................. 156
Preface.
I FIRST met the 7th Manchesters early in May, I917,
when they were gaining new experiences of warfare
on the Western front, hOt far from Epeh¥ in the
north of France. They, with the rest of the I27th Infantry
Brigade, and in fact the whole of the 42nd Division had
already had a long war experience in Gallipoli and Egypt,
but they had only recently been transferred to France.
I was taking up the command of an Infantry Brigade
for the first time. I did hOt know then what a lucky man
I was, but it did hOt take me long to find out, and we
worked together without a break from that time until the
armistice.
The writer of this book passes over with considerable
sang froid a certain operation which took place on a J'une
night in I917. If the 7th Manchesters, and not only the
7th. but the 5th, 6th and 8th as well will allow rae to.say
so, I did not enjoy the same complete confidence as to
the result before and during the night in question. The
operation consisted of digging a complete new front line
trench, a toile long, on the whole Brigade Sector, rive
hundred yards in advance of the existing front line, and
hal way across No Man's Land. June nights are short
and it needed practically the whole brigade t get the
job done in time. We had to find not only the diggers,
viii PREFACE.
but the covering troops and strong parties for carrying
and wiring. Now four battalions digging on a bare
hillside vithin point blank range of the enemy's rifles
and machine guns are hOt well placed t meet attack or
even to avoid tire if they are caught. So everything
possible had to be done to avoid raising any suspicion of
what was on foot in the minds of the watchful Germans.
The troops had to work at high pressure and in absolute
silence. The R.E. who were to lay the tapes were the
first to go forvard after the covering troops; then came the
wire carriers, and, as soon as the R.E. had had tme to
get the tapes into position, out went the diggers, who, after
reaching the line, had to be spaced out at vorking dis-
tances along the whole front. We who stayed behnd
spent some anxious hours. However complete the
arrangements and however perfectly executed there was
yet a chance that some enterprsing and inquisitive Ger-
man patrol might find out what was happening in time to
give one of their local commanders an opportunity of
hindering our work. We had to make such arrangements
as would give the appearance that w were dong nothng
unusual, that we were in fact excruciatingly normal. There
must be neither more noise nor less than on an ordinary
night, and so the artillery and machine guns must tire their
accustomed bursts into the likely places in the German
lines.
It was a great success. By dawn there was trench,
continuous at least in appearance along the wholg front,
at intervals there were rifle and I, ewis gUl posts in it;
and if there were places where it was preferable to pass
along in the attitude of the serpent after hs expulsion
PREFACE. ix
from the Garden of Eden and ever since, there was noth-
ing to show the Germans which they were. There was
wire in front, and the troops got back without more
casualties than averaged as a result of the ordinary
nightly strafes.
Though we took on many tougher jobs later I was
never again anxious as to the result.
Out great days were :--
Stopping the Germans East of BUCQUOY--
March 23rd to 29th, I918.
The advance West of MIRAUMONT--
21 st August, 1918.
The Capture of MIRAUMONT and PYS--
24th August, I918.
The Capture of VILLERS AU FLOS--
2nd September, I918.
The Battle of the HINDENBURG LINE--
27th September, I918.
The Battle of the SELLE RIVER--
2oth October, I918.
In every one of these the 7th Manchesters were called
upon to play a part. Whether their original role in the
plan of battle had been to lead the attack or to act in
support they were always in the picture belote the end
of the fight. I ara not going to picl out this .or that
as their finest performances. The reader can choose for
himself when he has finished the book. It is enough
for me to say that, whatever task was given them, they
x PREFACE.
took on cheerfully and carried through magnificently.
Not only that, but they were anxious to go beyond what
was demanded of them, as is well shown by the fighting
at La Signy Farm which they attacked and captured on
their own initiative.
I can only wish them individually the same success in
peace as they won as a battalion in war. I think they
will have it. For it takes first-class rnen to rnake a first-
class fighting unit. Perhaps many of them will join
again under the old colours. I hope so, and I congratu-
late in advance any commander whose good luck it
may be to lead them.
A. 1[. HENLEY, Brig. Gen. (retired)
laie Commanding z27th ln[antry Brigade.
ZlSl Februaryi 19o.
Introduction.
APTAIN ,VILSON'S book continues the story
of the 7th (ISt 7th) Manchesters, which is recorde,d,
in my own book " Vith Manchesters in the East,'
from July, I916 until November, I98. It is written with
intimate knowledge and much understanding, and will
be enjoyed by all his comrades. It was the good for-
tune of the Manchester Territorials (127th Brigade) to
belong to the first Territorial Division (th.e 42nd), that
ever left these islands for active service, and this
active service eventually took place on three fronts.
The 7th Battalion garrisoned the Sudan and fought
through the Gallipoli campaign. It recruited its strength
at Suez, and then helped t o clear th Sinai Peninsula
of the Turks. Finally it served for two and a half years
in Flanders. It translated its motto, " We never sleep"
into its daily life.
This volume will be a useful supplement to any
general history of the ,Var. It is based on the diary
of a Regimental Officer, vho won considerable distinc-
tion in the field, and whose eyes missed Iittle of con-
sequence. It is of even more value as evidence of what
men of essentially civilian habits and traditions «an
achieve as soldiers. The numbers of the 7th Manchesters
were never fully up to strength after April, i915, and
for many months at a time while in the East they fell to
vanishing point. Yet from the day in September, 94,
when the original first-line Battalion sailed from South-
ampton for Port Sudan in the " Grantully Castle, ' each
successive draft was of the saine mould. The men came
from the saine neighbourhood, were of the saine capacity,
and had ]een bred with the saine ideas. Their devotior
xii INTRODUCTION.
was founded on a sense of duty. They were personally
utterly remote from what is called militarism, and saw
little fascination in its pomp. The survivors are now
absorbed once more in the undramatic industry of Lanca-
sbire. There is nothing to indicate to an observer that
they have ever left it. The last time you saw your
tramway conductor may have been as a bomber in " the
western birdcage" on Cape Helles; your fellow pas-
senger may have last talked to you as your "runner,"
when you tramped along the duckboards from Windy
Corner to Givenchy. What such men did for England
will therefore illustrate for all time the potentialities of
a Territorial Force.
Captain Wilson's style of expression and cast of thought
are, in my view, true to type. He is the Lancashire man
of action, who affects no literary arts. These pages are
bare of heroics. There is a soldierly brevity in his account
of even of the bravest exploit. There is also plenty of quiet
humour. The reader will search vainly for any " villain
of the piece." The " Hun" is to Captain Wilson, as to the
normal British officer, just a " Boche" and no more; to
the rank and file he was simply "Jerry. ' If you want
adjectives, you will have to look for them in lohn,Bull
or listen to speeches in the House of Commons.
For all who were in authority over him, whether Corps
Commanders or Divisional Generals, Brigadiers or tem-
porary Commanding Officers, Captain Wilson has a good
word. A reader unfamiliar with soldiers' psychology
might deduce that ail his superior officers had been
invariably models of judgment and efficiency. He would
possibly be quite wrong; but it is most fitting that this
book should be framed on such lines, for they are the
lines vhich our soldiers have never failed to accept.
The rough is taken with the smooth. If ever there has
been incompetence men have simply blamed the system
and cursed the War Office. If they happened to have
been rive minutes in France they might have philosophi-
cally added " c'est la guerre." The actual individual
responsible has hOt been worth worrying about. Thus
even with regard to this mere side issue, the author's
INTRODUCTION. xiii
story reflects a cardinal attribute of the national character,
and therefore in its essence conveys the truth.
In my opinion, it is not, however, the whole truth.
There is no reason why England in her reconstruction
should forget that want of sympathy with the Territorials,
which far too often marked men, to whose hands their
fortunes were from time to time entrusted. This vice
shduld be borne in mind not because the memory ;is
bitter; but because by remembrance xve may make its
repetition in later wars impossible. Territorials ought
never to be ousted from the command of their oxvn units,
or to be excluded from staff appointments, merely because
they are not Regulars or because they rail to comply with
needlessly drastic and therefore non-essential codes of
discipline. Discipline is, in fact, degraded into servitude
when it becomes a mere fetish. Hoxv fallaciously it may
be construed could often be seen in the tendency among
powerful martinets to " drive a coach and four" through
the law and procedure which regulate trials by Court
Martial. The need for the " standardisation" of all in-
fantry units in France vas quite genuine; but unimaghaa-
tive men in authority could make " standardisation" a
burden to the spirit, and the picture of some men of this
class, which is painted in A. P. Herbert's novel.
Secret 3attle, is founded on the truth. "Ve have ail seen
such cases. The grinding necessities of the "Vestern
front ended the joyous amateurism, which a Territorial
unit was able to preserve through ail its vicissitudes in
Eastern warfare, but they did not require the prevailing
banishment of individuality and of the exercise of intellect
from Regimental lire.
After landing in France the 4ind Division had to make
a new reputation by rising from the ruck, and it is very
notable that the personnel of the 7th Manchesters, as of
the other units in the Division, although almost completely
changed from the personnel of the Battalion when in
Gallipoli and drawn from a later generation of recruits,
achieved equal distinction and much greater technical
efficiency. This fact points to the wonderful resourceful-
ness of the English people. Historically it shows how
thoroughly our Army of 1917-I8 was professionalised.
xiv INTRODUCTION.
The later chapters of Captain Wilson's book detail
very brilliant fighting by out men, which it would be
idle and impertinent to praise. Such " crowded hours"
are hOt, however, and never have been the most typical
of a soldier's life. Infinitely more numerous were the
hours of endurance and privation, which the 7th spent
among the broken ravines of Gallipoli, among the dreary
mud flats on either bank of the Yser, among the desolate
craters in front of Cuinchy and Le Plantin. In their
patience and fortitude amid these wastes lies their
strongest title to the gratitude of Christendom.
Peace is already dimming men's memories of the War
as effectually as the grass is covering the ruins f
devastated France. The Manchester Territorial is back
at his job. The broken home no longer feels the saine
first poignancy of grief. " Man goeth forth unto his
work and unto his labour until the evening," and it is a
good thing for the world that he does. Nevertheless, all
men and women who cherish associations with the 7th
Manchesters will, I think, read and re-read Captain
Wilson's work for many years to corne. From amid all
the hardships and miseries of soldiering which the
Englishman readily forgets, the light of self-sacrifice
shines upon the human race with a never fadin beauty.
Herein lies the true romance of war. As the reader
turns over the ensuing pages he cannot but realise some-
thing of the cumulative drudgery and hardships which
these men endured for their country.
To the 7th Manchesters themselves they mean much
more. The very pace names of our warfare recall the
memory of the comrades whom we have loved and lost,
the early enthusiasms which we shall never feel again:--
Khartoumn, Gallipoli, Shallufa, Suez, Ashton-in-Sinai,
Coxyde, Nieuport, Aire, Béthune, Ypres, Bucquoy,
Havrincourt. "Vhen we are very old, many of us will still
conjure up the tune of " Keep the Home Fires Burning"
on the lips of tired men beneath the stars on Geoghegan's
Bluff; the thud of the shovel falling upon the sand ridges
of Sinai while a blazing sun rose over Asia; the refrain
of " Annie Laurie" sung by candle-light in some high
roofed barri behind the lines in Belgium.
I hear them now. GERALD B. HURST.
List of Illustrations.
PLATE I ............
Brigadier-General Anthony M. Henley.
PAGE
Fro n tisbiece
PLATE I I .................. [acing 8
l. Group of Officers. N.B. Fleur de Lys.
2. Ridge occupied on August 5th, 196.
3- Issue of Water: Morning of August 5th, I96.
4- In Katia: August 6th, 96.
PLATE III ...................
L Bivouac Shelters on the Desert.
2. Making the Railway over the Desert.
3- At E1 Mazar.
4- Digging a Well.
List of Sketch Maps.
PAGE
The Sinai Desert ............... 2I
Nieuport and Coast Sector ...... 57
Round about Bapaume .............. 78
Attack on the Hindenburg Line, September 27th, I918 125
Area covered during advance of 42nd Division, I918 ,
cing 43
CHAPTER I.
Holding up the Turk.
N September, I914, the 7th Bn. Manchester Regiment
set out for active service in the ]ast in goodly
cornpany, for they v¢ere a part of the 42nd (]ast
Lancashire) Division, the first territorials to leave these
shores during the Great War. After many interesting
days spent on garrison duty in the Sudan and Lower
]gypt they journeyed to Gallipoli soon after the landing
had been effected, and took a continuous part in that
ill-fated campaign until the final evacuation. The
beginning of I916 thus round them back in ]gypt, where
they were taking part in General Maxwell's scheme for
the defence of the Suez Canal. The things that befell
battalion during this long period have been admirably
described in Major Hurst's book Wilh Jlanchesters in
lhe Fast, and this short history will attempt to continue
the narrative from the point where it left off.
At the end of June, 1916, the 7th Manchesters ruade a
short trip by rail along the Suez Canal, the last railway
journey they were to make as a battalion for many a
long day. The 42nd Division left the defence of the
southern half of the Canal in the able hands of the East
Anglian Territorials, and journeyed north to the Kantara
reglon. It was hot definitely known why we ruade this
more, but there were persistent rumours that we were
destined for France, where events were speeding tovards
a big battle. However, the 7th detrained at Kantara and
there met, for the first time since Gallipoli, the 52nd
(Lowland Scottish) Division. X, Ve knew very little of this
coastal region of the desert. Occasional stories had
floated down to us to supplement the very meagre official
B
HOLDING UP THE TURK.
communiqués as to events there, but it was recognised
as a place where opportunities of getting in touch with
out invisible enemy were rather better than in the south.
Soit was felt that, even if we did hot go to France, life
would lose a certain amount of that deadly monotony
which we had experienced for six months.
It transpired that the 127th Brigade were to relieve
detachments of the Ith Division. who, it was openly
vhispered, were definitely to sail for France to try their
luck in the more vigorous scene of this great adventure.
Most interesting to us vas the dJscovery that we were to
take over posts occupied by the th Manchesters, the
first Kitchener battalin of our o, n regiment. Our astonish-
ment mld dclight can be fimagined 'when we saw that they
wore the good old Fleur de Lys for a battalion flash on
the puggarees of their helmets--just as we wore it, but
yellow instead of green.
The battalion marched east along a good road recently
ruade for military purposes, and eventually reached Hill
70, where the headquarters were established. Early next
morning, garrisons marched out before the heat of the
day to occupy a series of posts arranged in semi-circular
formation betveen two inundations about three toiles
apart. "B" Company took over Turk Top and No. I
Post. Capt. Smedley, Capt. Bilan Norbury, 2nd-Lt. C. B.
Douglas, 2nd-Lt. Pell-Ilderton being at the former, while
Capt. J. R. Creagh, 2nd-Lt. Hacker, and later 2nd-Lt.
Gresty took charge of the latter. "C" Company were
divided between Nos. 2 and 3 posts, with Lt. Naslnith
and 2nd-Lt. S. J. Wilson at No. 2, and Lt. Nidd and
Lt. Marshall at No. 3- "A" Company, who were res-
ponsible for Hill 7 o, was commanded by Capt. Tinker
assisted by 2nd-Lt's. Kay, Woodward, Wood and Wil-
kinson. The officers comprising headquarters were
Lt.-Col. Canning, C.M.G., Capt. Cyfil Norbury (second
in command), Major Scott (Quartermaster), Capt. Farrow,
M.C. (Medical Officer), Lt. H. C. Franklin, M.C.,
Adjurant and 2nd-Lt. Bateman (Signal Officer), while
2nd-Lt. J. Baker ws in charge of the Lewis guns
of the battalion. "D" Compa.ny were at Hill 40 in a
HOLDING UP THE TURK.
reserve position under the command of Capt..Higham
supported by Capt. Townson, 2nd-Lt's. Grey Burn,
G. W. F. Franklin, Ross-Bain, Gresty, Morten, and
R. J. R. Baker. The vork of the transport was divided
between Capt. \Vard-Jones, and 2nd-Lt. M. Norbury.
The posts consisted of self-contained redoubts which
were capable of holding out in the matter of food and
vater for about three days. They ha.d been constructed
at the cost of great labour by the 52nd Division. 'Routine
was simple, our only duties being to man our posts before
dawn, then improve and maintain the trenches and wire
until about 7 when the .sun entered his impossible stage.
The sarne thing happened in the evening. During the
night patrols were executed from one post to the next.
Ail tlfis carried a certain interest because we knew thal
the Turk might corne near at any time in the shape of a
flying raiding column to reach the canal. Rumours were
frequent of his proximity, and vhen Turk Top one night
frantically reported mysterious green lights, out towards
the enemy, serious preparations were ruade for his recep-
tion. The climax came, however, about noon one
day at Hill 70 when those vho vere not asleep heard.
with a mixed feeling of old familiarity, " s-s-s-sh-sh-SH
--top." Most of us, after crinng in the usual manner,
said, with a relieved air, " Dud." Then followed com-
motion. They had arrived and were shelling the post.
The shimmering desert was eagerly scanned by the
officers' field glasses, and ail kinds of things were seen
and hOt seen. Meanwhile someone went to look at the
" Dud," and found nota shell but a large stone, stiil
quite hot. It finally dawned upon everyone that we were
bombarded from the heavens, and not by the Turk. It
was a meteorite, still preserved amongst the battalion's
war souvenirs, which had upset our composure.
Whilst on duty at these posts we had a visit from the
Marquis of Tullibardine, now Duke of Athoil, of the
Scottish Horse, who was respon'sible for this section of
the Canal defences. Lieut.-Gen. Lawrenoe, afterwards
Chier of Staff in France, who was in command of the
northern section of the Canal defences also paid a visit,
4 HOLDING UP THE TURK.
and remembered us as part of the 'brigade which he had
commanded on Gallipoli. Important changes took place
in the battalion at this rime. Lt.-Col. Canning, C.M.G,
relinquished the command, and returned home for duty
in the Cork district. His departure was sorely regretted
by all ranks, for during the tvelve months he had been
with the 7th, his capabilities as a commander had only
been surpassed by his solicitude for the men's welfare, so
that he had made lais way into out hearts as a populax
soldier. Major Cronshaw of the 5th Manchesters
succeeded him and was soon afterwards ruade Lt.-Colonel.
Captain Farrow, M.C., R.A.M.C., was also invalided
home, after having had almost unbroken active service
with the battalion since September, 1914.
About the middle of ]uly a fairly large column of
Turks began to make their way across the desert from
El Arish, intending to strike once more for the possession
of the Suez Canal. They moved with surprising rapidity
and wonderful concealment, and some excitement vas
caused when a large enemy force was located by air
reconnaissance, so near as Oghratina Hod, within rive
miles of Romani, then held by the 52nd Division. A
battle seemed imminent, and this at the worst possi'blo
rime in the Egypfian year. A Brigade of the 53rd Division,
consisting of Royal Welsh Fusiliers and Herefords, spent
a night at Hill 7 ° on their way to occupy a defensive
line between Romani and Mahamadiyeh on the coast.
There xvas an obvious increase in aerial activity on both
sides, and camel and otber traffic on the Romani road
became more feverish.
On ]uly 23rd , the 7th Lancashire Fusiliers relieved the
battalion in all the posts and we marched back to Hill
40, where we round the whole brigade was concentrating.
There was much to be done in equipping the men, and
teaching them the correct method of carrying their be-
longings on "' Mobile Column," for that was what we
were destined to become. The equipment xvas worn in
the usual " fighting kit" manner, with the haversack on
the back and under the haversack the dri.ll tunic, folded
in four. This also served as a pari to protect the spine
HOLDING UP THE TURK. 5
frora the sun. Near Hill 4o there was a large patch of
hard sand which the Scotfish Horse, who were in the
neighbourhood, had converted into a football pitch. Small
wonder then that we challenged the owners to a gaine,
and a great gaine it was. The Scotsmen had an unbeaten
record in Egypt, which they raaintained, but only after
a ding-dong gaine which the battalion never forgot.
The next day the Brigade marched forward and ruade
camp at Gilban, about 3½ toiles N.E. of Hill 70. An
indefinite stay was tobe marie here, and defensive pre-
cautions were taken, a ring of posts being placed ail
round the camp. It was soon round that the principal
difficulty was that of patrolling by night from post to
post. On a desert such as this there were no landmarks
of any sort, and as a belt of wire such as we had been
used to at Hill 70 had not been placed between the .posts
it was by no. means easy to preserve the right direction.
As we had reached a scrub-covered desert, however, this
difficulty was easily overcome by making a sort of track
from one post to the next by clearing away tIe scru'b,
and using this to mak'e a clear edg to the track.
The battalion was augrnented about this time by drafts
from home, and the following officers rejoined af ter hav-
ing been invalided to England in I915: Lt. Douglas
Norbury, 2nd-Lt. Bryan and 2nd-Lt. L. G. Harris, while
a week previous Major Allan had been posted to us fTom
the 8th Manchesters as second in command.
In the army corning events often cast their shadow
belote them; and this shadow frequently takes the form
of a visit by the Higher Command to the troops who are
to go into action. Hence, when the Divisional Com-
mander, Major-General Sir W. Douglas, had the I7th
Brigade paraded for hira at Gilban, and when he com-
plimented Brigadier-General Ormsby upon the fine turn
out, we gathered that out long period of waiting for
the Turk was over. He told us to husband out water,
and these words I ara sure rang through many an officer's
head in the following days. The 4nd Division, he said,
were expected to make a great coup, and many prisoners
were tobe taken. Two days later the prelirainary rurables
6
ROMANI AND KATIA.
of the Battle of Romani were heard, for the Turk had
commenced an artillery and bombing attack upon the
garrisons there.
ROMANI AND KATIA.
The Turkish force, estimated at about 16,ooo, and anuch
better equipped than the flying column which had ruade
the first attempt o cross the canal in March the previous
year, had been promised that they should overwhelm the
" small" British garrisons before the Feast of Ramadan.
They would then meet with no resistance and would enter
victoriously into Egypt, a sort of prornised land after their
hardships across the desert. Many of them did enter
Egypt and reached Cairo, but hot in the way they wtshed.
They were marched through the city as prisoners, and
their presence as such undoubtedly created a profound
impression upon disloyal Egyptians.
Inspired by a number of German oflïcers, however,
they fought well and v]gorously i'n the ear]y stages of the
attack upon Romani. They had been told that once they
got on the hills in the neighbourhood of the British
positions they wotfld see the Suez Canal stretched out
below them, and this probably urged them on to make
almost superhuman efforts. In front of Romani, in the
region of the Katia oasis, mobile outposts furnished by
the Australian Light Horse were driven in after hard
fighting, and they fell back to other positions on the
high sand hills to the south of Romani, covering the
right flank .of the 52nd Division. Meanwhile a frontal
attack was delivered upon the redoubts occupied by the
latter, and the enemy ruade many brave attempts to reach
the summit of Katib Gannit, a high hill, in shape sirnilar
to the Matterhorn, which dominated the whole desert.
He gained a footing nowhere, however, and exposed to
merciless rifle and machine gun tire from the Scotsmen,
sutïered heavy casualties. A similar iecepfion was afforded
him by the Welshmen of 158th Brigade further north
towards Mahamadiyeh.
ROMANI AND KATIA. 7
It was apparent, however, that the enemy's intention
was to force his way around the southerr side and cut
the railway and water pipe near Pelusium behind Romani,
and in this part of the battle the Austrafiart and New
Zealand Light Horse, who had had to discard their
horses and fight as infantry, round it difficult to hold their
own against repeated assaults. More terrible than the
Turk was the heat and the lack of water.
Such is a rough outline of the situation when the 7th
Manchesters along with the remainder of the I27th
Brigade were suddenly ordered to concentrate at Pelusium.
The morning of August 4th openec[ quietly for us,
although gunfire could be heard, and bursting shrapnel
could be seen in the direction of Duedar. We had
settled down to ordinary routine, one company setfing
out for a short match, and others prepaxing for kit in-
spections and other camp duties, whert suddenly, "B"
Company received orders to faJl in and move off, and in
a short space of rime they were entrained during the heat
of the day for Pelusium. Before noon the whole battalion
was collected on what was supposed tobe a bivouac area
at the new destination. But we had seen General Douglas
going along the train at Gilban and he said: " "Well, .[good
luck lads, make a good bag," so we were hot surprised
when we round that settling down for bivouac was not
to be out rate.
The 5th Manchesters had arrived with us, and the 8th
were following o.n, while the 6th were aJready here, hav-
ing been sent up the previous day. Our task was to go
to the assistance of the Colonials and attack the Turk
on the flank along with the 5th, the 6th and 8th being in
support and reserve. "Ve marched out about 4 o'clock,
moving first south and then south-east. Meamvhile the
battle was .obviously increasing in intensity, and when we
halted preious to extending, we could see the Turk
shrapnel severely peppering a high ridge in front where
a detachment of the Australian Light Horse, having
resumed their horses, were gradually massing for a
charge.
8 ROMANI AND KATIA.
.With the 5th on our right we extended into lines about
2,ooo yards from what appeared to be the Turkish
position on a ridge to our front. As we swept into view
the enemy opened tire at long range, but very soon it was
evident that they had no stomach left for a further fight.
They were extremely exhausted with their exertions of
the previous days, particularly of the past twenty-four
hours, and the sight of lines of fresh British Infantry
moving steadily toward them was more than their jaded
bodies and nerves could stand. As out men climbed the
enemy's ridge white flags began to appear. They were
the long white sandbags çarried by every Turk, and very
convenient for their purpose. Large bodies surrendered
and they 'were collected and sent to the rear. Meanwhile
the Colonials had swept round the hill away to the right,
and in a comparatively short space of rime about six
hundred Turks were seen being marched back by a few
Australian troopers. The enemy's artillery had ceased
tire and were obviously making attempts to escape east-
wards, so with the exception of a few rifle shots from th
direction of the 5th the battle in our sector was over fol"
the day.
This was the death blow to Turkey's and Germany's
hopes of ever getting within striking distance of the
Suez Canal, and a vindication of Kitchener's principle
that ]3ritish soldiers should get out on the desert xo
defend the canal, and not allow the canal to defend them.
But more important still, it was the beginning of that
forward more so slow and weary in its early stages, which
later developed into General Allenby's wonderful sweep
through Falestine.
]3efore nightfall " C" and " D " Companies established
themselves in support to the 5th Manchesters, who had
now joined up with the Australians on the left, but there
was very little possibility of the Turk attacking again that
day, so ail the troops were rested, in preparatioa for a
strenuous attack n the morrow. Sentry groups were
posted, and the battalion sat down and ruade a scanty
meal of bread accompanied where possible with a mouth-
ful of water. This was the first meal most men had had
ROIIANI AND KATIA. 9
since breakfast. Numbers of prisoners came in during
the night, each of them carrying a full water bottle. The
Turk knew hov¢ to preserve a water supply, and what
was of greater interest to us, he knev¢ where to get it.
It speaks well, however, for the chivalry of the British
soldier that none deprived tbeir prisoners of their water,
although they were probably almost without themselves.
This sporting attitude towards the enemy, the spirit of
" play the game " whether fighting the clean Turk or the
not so reputable German, I never failed to observe
throughout the war.
Stand to at 3.3o the following morning indicated that
work was still to be done, for in the half light, troops of
Light Horse could be seen collecting behind a bill pre-
paratory to a sweep forward. When they emerged in the
increasing light, the enemy could be seen fleeing from a
trench about ,2oo yards away. Very soon word came
through that xve were to go in pursuit, and while we
were exercised in mind as to what we should do for
water, we were greatly reliev-ed when we were ordered
back to the ridge to fill our 'bottles. There the welcome
sight of camels loaded with water fantassies met our
eyes and the men eagerly assisted in the work of distri-
bution. Three-quarters of a bottle and a " buckshee"
drink was the ration, and this obtained, men felt more
fit for their labours. Food, however, there was none, and
we had to be content with what remained of yesterday's
rations. But it was felt that food was not so important
if only the water would not fail.
By seven o'clock the whole Brigade were on the more,
and in tropical countries in the hot season, the sun's
heat is considerable at this time. After we had travelled
some distance the hardship of desert marching under
these conditions began to really hit us, and undoubtedly
the exertions of the previous day were having their effect.
Every moment the heat increased, the sand seemed to
becolne softer and softer, and the whole ground sloped
gradually upwards. Men dropped and officers had to
use all the powers they possessed to get th.em on, but
many had to be left behind to struggle along afterwards
IO
ROMANI AND KATIA.
in their ovn time. Meanwhile another long column of
prisoners cou'ld be seen streaming away towards Romani,
which we were now leaving well to out left rear. The
battalion proceeded over the desert in this manner in
artillery formation with platoons as units, and halting as
frequently as possible. After a great physical effort we
reached the base of a hill witl a steel soft slope,
and a sort of knife-edge, ridge at the top, where an
Australian outpost had been surrounded a few days
before. Australian and Turkish dead still lay as evidence
of the fight, and the stench from their bodies produced
by the sweltering heat did not diminish the grimness of
the scene.
This ridge was the battalion's position for the day, so
after a short test we scrambled to the top and surveyed
the desert on the other side, lying thoroughly exhausted
under the almost vertical rays of the sun, for it was now
mid-day. The other side of the hill vas exceptionally
steep and dropped into a large hod (plantation of date
palms), the first we had met on out desert travels. In
this there appeared to be a well, and the temptation to go
down for water was great, but how could one struggle
up again? An occasional trooper visited this place but
none could pursuade their horses to drink, which seemed
to indicate that the water was not good. Out over the
desert the cavalry could still be seen pursuing the enemy,
and out guns were occasionally flinng shrapnel amongst
them.
Strange sights were seen. A captured convoy of Turldsh
camel transport was captured, and they presented a very
motley appearance. They were evidendy collected from
the desert lands of the Turldsh Empire. They had corne
to the war dressed as for their more peaceful habits, so
that no two men were alike. Several wore brilliantly
coloured garments and head gear. Occasionally a
German ofiïcer would be seen amongst the batch of weary
prisoners. The navy's assistance in this fighting was
marked by a monitor, toiles away, standing as close to
the shore as possible, although to us she appeared like
a tiny toy ship. Suddenly a big flash belched forth,
ROMAN! AND KAT;A.
Il
followed a long time afterwards by a roar, which in
turn was followed by a terrific explosion over the desert
to the right where the shell had arrived in the wake of
the retreating Turks. One of these shots at Icast had
been an O.K. as we afterwards discovered, for it had
destroyed a large part of a Turkish camel convoy. At
four in the afternoon the battalion received orders to
more on and occupy another ridge about one and a hall
miles in front, and "A" Company immediately set out:
moving round the shoulder of our present hill. "C"
Company dropped down the steep slope and waited in
the hod for further instructions. They round there a
batch of wounded Turks waiting to be carried off by
the ambulance. It was with some astonishment that they
heard Major Allan shouting to them from above to get
back to their former position, so they struggled up the
hill again with a very iii grace. However, plans had
been changed and it transpired that the Lancashire
Fusiliers had arrived and they were to take over our
position while we went back a few yards to bivouac for
the night
It was now much cooler and men felt disposed to eat
their very scanty meal. Those who had water were for-
tunate. Just as we were settling down for the night word
came through that Katia was to be taken next day, and
that we should move out at four in the morning. The
enemy were believed to be holding the oasis basin fairly
strongly. In our extraordinarily tired condition, brought
about by strenuous exertions and lack of nourishment, we
did not view the prospect with too much confidence, but
hoping that a few hours' sleep might refresh us we
rolled into the shallow scoops ve had ruade in the sand,
and lay down to a rather chilly night, our only extra
cover being the khaki drill tunic whose weight we had
roundly cursed during the day.
At 3 a.m. we prepared to move. In the dim light the
eternally-blessed water camels could be s.een wending
their way towards our bivouac. As before there was
abundance of volunteers for this vital fatigue, but mos:
hearts drooped when it was round that the ration worked
ROMANI AND KATIA.
out to a pint per manl Officers and N.C.O's. sadly but
vigorously ernphasised the extreme urgency of preserving
the water supply. Some resorted to drastic action and
insisted that no man should drink at all withour rira
obtaining permission of his officer, and on the day's
business I ara inclined to think that these ot:ficers
obtained the best results. The Brigadier came to tell
us we had done magnificently, but he said we should
bave a worse day to-day; water was to be had at Kati--
when we got there. The men were also warned that it
would proba-bly be of little use to drop out, in fact it
might be extremely dangerous, for the chances of being
picked up were rather slight.
The cheery soul of the British Tommy, however, is
proof against all things, and he started out on this day's
trip in the saine spirit with which he tackled all jobs during
the war: " It has t be done, so do your best and put
the best face on it." The Fleur de Lys led out the
Brigade and trudged steadily through the sort sand in
artillcry formation. The 6th gradually got up into a
position on out right, while the 5th and 8th followed in
support. The match forward proceded monotonously in
the increasing heat, the men becoming more and more
taciturn as the sun's power gathered. Allowance of
course had to be ruade for the weariness of the men and
the heavy going. Then a halt was called and we waited
for an hour. It appeared that the L.F's., who formed
the left of the 42nd Divisional front, had been rather
late in starting, and it was necessaxy to wait for them.
Then the forwaxd movement commenced again, and after
some rime another long halt was necessaxy. Out men
were now in a great hollow in the sand in which there
was hOt a breath of wind, and the sun now at the height
of its fury beat down mercilessly.
There is little doubt that this lying unprotected in the
heat simply sapped out energy, and everyone wished that
we could have pushed on ahead. General Douglas came
to cheer the men up, and announced that over 3,000
Turkish prisoners and a large quantity of material had
been captured to date. For the moment, however, men
ROMANI AND KATIA. 3
had ]ost their grip of interest in such matters, and were
chiefly concerned with their own persona] affairs. They
behaved sp]endid]y and with great physica] effort esisted
the need fo drink. Ohïcers were gratefu] to one or two
men in their p]atoons who proved a moral support to
their comrades by keeping a cheerfu] countenance, inter-
posing a ribald remark when things looked black, and
explaining fo their waakest pais the vigours of the
necessity in a rougher but more inte]lible manner than
their leaders could have done. Such men are invaluable
and are always fo be round on these occasions.
Reconnoitring parfois of Austra]ian Light Horse and
Yeomanry passed through, and from remarks dropped
by returning troopers if soon became apparent that ]itt]e
if any resistance would be met with. A dctachment of
Ayrshire and Inverness Horse Artillery were keeping pace
with our column and occasionally they opened tire,
obviously upon fleeting targets of retreating Turks. A
thick wood of date palms in the distance indicated Kafia,
and all men gazed upon this as the Mecca in which -,rater
was to be found. Some eight hundred yards from this,
however, was another hod which had to be traversed by
the I27th Brigade, and as we were leading, it devolved
upon us to make quite sure that it was not occupied.
The 6th and 7th therefore extended and assumed attack
formation to pass through the hod. This was a difficult
moment ana tested the fibre of men and the battalion
as a whole to the utmost. The extra physical exerfion
and thc ]oss of companionship which one gets in the close
formation served almost as a breaking point to endur-
ance. Perhaps the best summary of the psychology of
this period is round in the words from the diary of ont
of the officers :--
"Then it was that my energy gave out. I moved about
along the line shouting at the men to preserve their dressing
and correct intervals. Much had to be done. XVe inclined
firut to the left and then to the right and it was very
trying. Men began to drop and I could hOt help them nov
that I had lost touch with them. Then I began to lose
all interest. I had become purely self-centred--if the whole
platoon had collapsed I am afraid I should hot bave been
4 ROMANI AND KATIA.
concerned. I had alrnost got to such a state that if the Turks
had suddenly appeared from the wood I should not bave
cared vhat the consequences were. Yet I was determined not
to touch water for I recognised that that was required for the
last extrenfity. My head dropped and my knees would not
straighten. The load on my shoulders was ten rimes its weight.
The haversack and tunic on my back seemed to pull me down,
but the greatest weight was an extra haversack which I had
attached to my equiprnent on the left. It contained all manner
of necessaries and comforts, and ties with home. I was deter-
mined not to part with it. although 1 confess I was almost
impelled to fling it away. In other words I think I had got
to the lirnit of my endurance, when a halt was called in the
hod. I dropped under a palm tree with a group of men,
slipped off my load, and then la¥ quit still for a long time.
Af ter a while I had my first drink of water for that day. We
stayed there some time, and one or two of the men had round
a well. But it was brackish and the men should not bave
touched it, for it made them worse. SeveraI were knocked out
altogether by it."
Word had corne through that Katia was unoccupied by
the enemy, and although it required a tremendous effort
the battalion got together and proceeded to the final
destination in column of route. Although not much over
hall a mile those last yards seemed imerminable, but in
course of time ve were all settled in the cool shade
of the hod and were speculating about water; a problem
which seemed to be solved by the arrival of the camels.
When it was round that no fantassie was full and ma.ny
were empty it required the utmost exertion of a British
soldier's good temper to prevent him from killing some
of the Gyppies who had accompanied them, for it was
obvious that they had been selling water to men who
had dropped out of the column. Then we reflected that
these poor devils needed it badly, so it was hard ,o
apportion the blame. We wondered, nevertheless, why
other camels had been dctaile6 to carry on an occasion
like this, flour, fresh meat (once fresh but now unfit for
consumption) and candles, when they rnight have been
better employed carrying waterl Still, we were thankful
to have achieved out task and although we had lost [more
than seventy men en route, we were proud to know tkat
we had arrived the strongest battalion, some having left
more than hall their effectives on the desert.
ROMANI AND KATIA.
The day's work was complete when the bat-talion had
formed an outpost line ell in front of the wood, and
had dug short section trenches. Through the night
desultory rifle tire could be heaxd in front where che
mounted troops ,vere still in touch with the rctiring enemy.
Next day a serious conflict took place between the cavalry
ard the Turkish rearguard at Oghratina, and rumours
were prevalent that we had to continue the forward move-
ment. XVe were not sorry, however, when it was round
that we were to remain in Katia. During the succeeding
days hostile aircraft were very busy, and dropped several
bom:bs in ïhe vicinity of the wood, the 52nd Di-ision, who
were north of us, suffering more severely than ourselves.
Those not on outpost duty took advantage of the test
and made themselves as comfortable as possible. Stakes
sent up by the R. E. were used for constructing *oivouacs,
but perhaps the palm trees provided as much assistance
as anything else. Although we had not yet learnt ,to
use the word "camouflage" we knew its meaning, and
whenever we settled down on the d, esert ve put it into
use as a protection against inquisitive aircraft. At Katia
the paire trees gave us all the protection we required in
this way.
CHAPTER II.
Desert Lire.
N August 14th the 4znd Division moved back to
Romani. a further advance across the Sinai Desert
being deemed inadvisgble until the railway and
water pipe, which stopped a few kilometres beyond Romani,
had been pushed further ahead. A system of training was
started, but as the men had not recovered from the fatigue
of the Katia operations, and the weather was very trying,
vigorous forms of exercise were given up. A number
of men went to hospital with a weakening form of
diarrhoea almost akin to dysentery, while the medical
authorities were in a highly nervous state about cholera
of which a few cases had been reported. It was pre-
sumed that this had been contracted from the Turkish
prisoners and their old camping grounds.
The battalion was augmented slightly at this stage by
a draft from England, while 2nd-Lt's. W. H. Barratt and
W. Thorp returned from leave. Lt. H. C. Franklin, M.C.,
one-time R.S.M., went into hospital and was invalided to
England, and his place as Adjutant was taken by Capt.
]. R. Creagh, a position he filled admirably for more than
two years. Captains C. Norbury and B. Norbury left
the battalion about this time to obtain appointments in
England and France and this entailed a change in Com-
pany Commanders. Captains Tinker and Higham con-
tinued to command " A" and " D " Companies, Lt. H. H.
Nidd was given "B " Company, and Captain Chadwick
"C" Company. 2nd-Lt. G. W. Franklin assisted the
Adjutant in the Orderly Room, while 2nd-Lt. F. Grey
Burn was employed as "Camel Officer;" new work
brought about by the substitution of camel for wheeled
DESERT LIFE. 7.
transport. The bulk of the latter remained at Kanara
under 2nd-Lt. M. Norbury, with Capt. Ward Jones in
charge of the Brigade transport; their duties consisting
chiefly in bringing rations, etc., across the canal from
the main station on the E.S.R. and loading them on the
trains which tan over the desert. Wheeled transport
could not be employed in the desert stations as roads
had not been constructed.
We came to know the camel fairly well during the
succeeding months, and he proved a study, perhaps more
interesting than his caretaker, a member of the Egyptian
Camel Corps' distinctive in his long blue garrabea. When
a company was on duty at a distant outpost the time for
the arrival of the ration camels was also the signal for
the ration fatigue to fall in. Then the string of animais
would leisurely vend their way through the gaps in the
bafb wire, their nos.es held high in an aristocratie leer,
each led with a head rope by a blue smocked Gyppie.
The Q.M.S. would appear : "' Tala Henna, Walad. Barrac
Henna'" and so forth. A wonderful flow of Brifish-
Arabic, grinningly comprehended 'by the natives, always
produces the desired result. The camel gets down in a
series of bumps and not without cautious glances at his
head, the men unfasten the complication of ropes and
commence the work of unloading. Somebody shouts:
" Mail upl" and this brings out a number of interested
faces froln the entrances to " bivvies." After the rations
have been sorted out, word quickly goes round, " Six to
a 1,oaf again, and no fresh Ineat to-day," so everyo.ne
tooks gloomily ahead to the prospect of swallowing
qoEantities of bully 'beef and biscuits. Other camels have
carried up trench and wiring materials, and when all are
off-loaded they get up wearily and solemrdy depart leaving
the outpost to its solitary existence. If there is only one
officer he feels his solitude very much, for in spite of
the camaraderie with the men and particularly the senior
N.C.O's. there is a feeling of restraJnt due to the re-
quirements of military discipline, and he misses the value
of perfectly free intercourse." x
Quoted from an Officer's Diary
I8 DESERT LIFE.
It soon became apparent that an advance across the desert
in tlre direction of E1 Arish was contemplated, and that
the speed ,of such an advance would depend upon the
rate at which the railvay and water pipe line could be
constructed. The function of the troops was to. protect
it from raiders so. that work could proceed in comforL
a duty shared by the mounted troops and the 52nd and
42nd Divisions. In September, therefore, the 7th Masl-
chesters left Romani for garrison duty at Negiliat, about
twenty kilos, further east. About this time Capt. Chad-
wick, who along with Lt.-Col. Cronshaw, had been
decorated with the Serbian Order of the White Eagle in
long delayed recognition of their magnificent work in
Gallipoli, left the battalion to join the R.F.C. in England
and France. Capt. Townson succeeded him in the com-
mand of " C" Company.
As the health of the desert troops was hOt good after
their long strain under the tropical sun, a system of test
and holiday cure, suggested by the medical authorities
was begun. Batches of men and officers were sent off
to Alexandria and encamped at Sidi Bishr, just outside
the town for & week, during which time they vere free
to do more or less as they pleased, a concession highly
reJished by everyone. The sight of civilisation aIone was
in itself almost a cure, but the change of the surround-
ings, the lack of military duties, the sea bathing, and the
enjoyment of everything that dear old " Alex." cotfld
offer worked onders. Further, the hot season was draw-
ing to a close and men began to feel more normaJ, so
that by .the end of October the troops -were as fit as they
b, ad ever been in their lives. The I27tE Brigade -were
withdrawn to Romani wirilst this work of recuperation
was in progress, and the beginning of November saw us
back again at Negiliat.
Meanxvhile, the motmted troops, closeIy supported by
the infantry, kept constam touch with the Turk. x, Vhen
the railhead reached the outpost line it was necessary to
more the enemy by force and to this end engagements
were fought at Bir el Abd, and at E1 Mazar, both
of wirich xestflted in the Turk xvzithdrawing upon E1/krish.
DESERT LIFE. 9
His aircraft was always busy, but the bornbin was hOt
often efl'ecfive. Even the natives in the E.L.C. (Egyptian
Labour Corps) began to grow accustomed to these raids
and steadily resisted their impulse to. dash back along the
line when a taube was sighted.
The return from hospital of 2nd-Lt. Jimmy Baker and
of 2nd-Lt. [oe Chatterton at this time was greeted with
pleasure by the battalion, and all were interested in the
arrival of the new Padre, the Rev. E. C. Hoskyns. It
was not long, however, before he had ruade himself
thoroughly vell-known to every man vho wore the Fleur
de Lys, and his cheery face was ,eagerly velcomed On
every " bivvy." During mbroken service vith us until
[uly, I918 , he maintained a proud record of spontaneous
popularity with all ranks, and espedally with his brother
officers.
On the night o.f November 3rd the eastern climate dis-
played a side to its character not ooEten revealed. During
the previous twenty-four hours we had wtnessed extra-
ordinary flashes of lightning, and this vas followed by a
distinct coldness and a few showers of rain in the after-
noon, a new experience xvhich caused much amusement
amongst the men. In the evening, hovever, matters
ripened, and after a joyous display of heavenly pyro-
technics and thunder all round the blackening, heavy
sky, xve were subjected to. a violent downpour, accorn-
panied by lurid lightning flashes. Tremendous hailstones
came down, smashing through the few remaining flimsy
blanket shelters that were still standing, so that we were
left in our nakedness to. bear the full fury of the storrn.
We felt that God's spectacular display on the mountains
for Elijah's benefit had been at least .emulated, but .jt
was the sfill, small voice that was best appreciated again,
vhen it remarked that it vas a good job the cooks had
just finished making " gunfire" or we should never have
have had a dixie of hot tea to cheer us up in our dis-
comfort. Although the men had to stand all night on
sentry in the outposts in their vet things they took it very
good-humouredly.
20 DESERT LIFE.
A fortnight later the battalion moved forward again
a few kilometres and constructed new outpost positions
at Khirba, covering a cavalry post some distance to the
south. This vas necessitated by the fact that the Turk
was still holding Nekhl in the heart of the Sinai, from
vhence a raiding party could easily strike north to cut
our communications, for the railway was now well beyond
Bir el Abd. Vhen not actually on the outpost line we
did a good de.al of training, and a range having been
constructed, some useful field firing was accomplished.
An exciting football competition resulted in "C" Com-
pany defeating the Sergeants' team and carrying off the
battalion championship.
A more elaborate forward move commenced about this
rime, the railway having reached E1 Mazar, and when a
Brigade of the 53rd Division arrived to relieve us, we
began to gird up our loins and prepare for a stiff march.
XVe knew, however, that endurance would not be tested
as in the " Katia Stunt" for the veather was so much more
favourable. On the morning of December 3rd, having
reduced our stores to mobile column dimensions, we
loaded up the long# suffering, but grousing camels, and
marched forth to the cheery strains of a drum and file
band, kindly provided by the ioth Middlesex. We
plugged steadily on through the sort sand and finally
camped for the night inside the outpost line in front of
Bir el Abd. Next day the march continued and we
reached Salmana. We enjoyed nothing better than this
new activity, and possibly the most delightful part of it
was the construction of temporary shelters at the end
of the day's work. Perhaps the most trying part was
the provision of the usual protection for a colullm such as
we were, that is the advance, rear, and flank guards, fcr
this often entailed covering a greater distance and en-
joying less frequent halts. The day following provided a
new interest. ,Ve proceeded through a region of sab -khets,
which are large fiat stretches of hard g-round, the remains
of dried up lagoons, for by this rime we were Inarching
almost .along the coast. These sabkhets were a very
welcome change from the difficult soft desert sand. Tillul
21
o
22 DESERT LIFE.
was our destination and we setfled down amongst Argyll
and Suthefland 'Highlanders of the 52nd Division, who
had arrived a few days previously. Next morning they
play«d us .out of the camp. with their bagpipes and we
had a good sfiff march to E1 Mazar, and there we fell M
with elements )f the other two Brigades. After two
days' test we marched out again and occupied a position
just insic]e the defensive line, which was then being held
by the 6th and 8th.
The battalion remained a few days in this district, and
when not actually in the outpost line and digging trenches,
we were taken out in front, a company at a rime, to act
as a protection to the E.L.C. who were engaged upon
railway construction. XVhilst on this work xve got our
first glimpse of E1 Arish, the goal to be gained after this
heavy striving across the desert. The Turks were
supposed to be holding a strong position between our-
selves and the town, and the idea seemed to be to push
the railway as far as possible, and then eject the enemy
so that work could proceed. Our men were horoughly
impressed with the wonderful rapidity with which these
" Gyppies" accomplished their task. They were divided
up into gangs, each in charge of another native who had
been raised to the dignity of two stripes and a sick.
The stick he used freely on the men who failed to keep
up his standard of work. Using t'heir curious adze-like
shovels they pulled the sand into baskets and ran away
with it to where it was required, and whilst they toiled
a simple but noisy refrain was sung to the leadership of
the " Ganger." The whole spectacle presented a seething
mass of rapidly-moving, blue smocked, 'brown figures,
busily working on the bright yellow sand. The result
of four hours of this sort of thing would produce about
5o0 yards of good level track including shallow cuttings
and embankments. Then the train would arrive with
more sleepers and rails and these would be carefully but
quickly laid in position.
Another job we had to do in this neighbourhood was
digging wells. "V'hen "C " Company vent off for .a
couple of days to do this tbey discovered vhat a formid-
DESERT LIFE. 23
able :business it was. It vas necessary to, go clown to a
depth of about twenty feet, and as the well was sited in
very sort sand the task can be imagined. A huge hole,
about forty feet square had to be made to ailow for the
slope of the sand, and the deeper we ent, the higher
grew the mountains of sand ail round the hole, so that
the men had to be arranged on tiers rbove one another.
In this way a shovel full of sand from the bottom
travelled up through various pairs of hands before it was
finally thrown clear. This tedious business continued until
water was struck, and then a corrugated iron frame was
sunk at .the bottom, and the tall sides of the well built upon
it. After this ail the sand that had been so laboriously
chucked out, was heaved back again. A pump was fixed
by the R.E. and troughs ruade aiong side, to 'be filled as
often as the well could furnish sufficient water (in this
case twice a day) for the use of camels or horses.
At E1 Maadan an important railhead was being con-
structed for the storage of water, which was kept in
large and small canvas tanks. We took a great personal
interest in those tanks with our thoughts resting securely
on Katia. Matters were gradually developing towards
an engagement of some magnitud.e, and it was now known
that the generai scheme was for the mounted troops to
make a detour in order to, turn the enemy's left flank,
whilst the 42nd and 52nd Divisions would rnake an
advance parallel to the coast. That is to say in effeck
the infantry would deliver a frontal attack upon the
Turkish troops covering EI Arish.
It had been further decided that the I27th Brigade
together with the 5th East Lancashires would execute
the first shock of the 42nd's effort, so we had a feeling
that once again the Fleur de Lys would be "in the lime-
light." During the evening of December 29th there was
a rapid and wolderful concentration of troo.ps of ai1
arms in the hollow ground near the r, ailhead. The two
infantry Divisions were there in force, whilst the Austra-
lian L. H., and N.Z.M.R- together with the Yeoma.nry
were simply waiting for dusk to more off to their appointed
24 DESERT LIFE.
stations. Behind all this preparation there was a curious
feeling that there was no enemy to fight at all, and
betting ran high as to whether we should find any Turks
near E1 Arish or not. It was suspected in high quarters
that the enemy had got quietly avay a few hours before.
However, we slept peacefully until 3 a.m. and then
Cmpany Commanders were summoned to a Conference
with the C.O. to receive orders to get ready at once to
march--backwards not forwardsl The Anzacs carefully
reconnoitring in the night had finally entered E1 Arish,
and saw no {)ne there except the native villagers. So
" the stunt vas a wash-out," the bird had flown.
The 42nd rnarched back on December 2tst to El
Mazar, and faint rumours began to drift about that day
that we were to leave Egypt. General Douglas com-
miserated with us for hot having had the pleasure of a
good scrap ] " But," he said, "never mind lads, you will
get more than you want very soon." Now, what did
that mean? Profound speculation as to the probabilities
can easily be imagined. France, Salonica, trouble in
India, MesopotamJa and even an advance into Palesfine
(scouted as absurd by most people) were freely discussed.
The main consideration just at present, however, was
that the Christmas of I9t6 was going to be spent under
much pleasanter conditions than the previous one on
Gallipoli, and concurrent with rumours about fighting
there were more substantial rumours about turkeys,
plum puddings and beer. I am glad to say al1 three
materialised, and these together with Christmas Carols by
the divisional band contrived to produce a Yulefide
feeling. In fact everyone had as good a time as could
possibly have been expected in the desert. Lucldly the
parcels from home, including comforts from various
institutions, etc., also arrived in rime. E1 lXIazar was our
abode for more ttmn three weeks, and we heartily wished
a cleaner piece of ground could have been selected to ive
upon. In past days the "Furk had been stationed here in
force, and he, not being of a sanitary disposition, had
bequeathed to us a store of 'body lice of new and large
dimensions. I don't think the fighting strength of the
DESERT LIFE.
7th, includin; all lire stocl, had ever been so large in
its history. A delousin; apparatus ruade from an old
engine and truck was sent up on the railway to cope
with the problem, and perhaps it had some little effect--
in helping the young ones to grow quicler. Most men
were agreed that there was nothing to equal the double
thumb action for certain results. /Maother scourge here,
proba:bly lso due to the filthy sand, was the alarrning
development of septic sores. These unpleasant things
did hOt require a wound or scratch to start them, but they
broke out themselves as a small blister on any part of
the body. In the case of a good many men it took the
form of impetigo, an extremely uncomfortable sore rash
on the face, and both officers and men appeared day after
day on parade with appallingly unshaven sore chins, and
bandages visible on arms or knees, etc.
I)uring our stay here the news continued to be good.
On Christmas Eve the mounted troops, hOt saristied with
the Turkish escape from E1 &rish, suddenly pounced upon
Maghdaba, about twelve mlles further south, up the
Wadi, and after a short tierce fight destroyed the
garrison, only a few making their way out of &frica.
more brilliant affair, however, was the lightning raid
upon Rafa, on the border between Sinai and Palesrine,
and about thirty toiles beyond E1 sh, the starting point
of the raid. In a few hotrs a large mounted column,
consisting chiefly of Anzacs had covered this distance and
had taken the Turk completely by strprise. The enemy
put up a stern fight, however, and after his reinforcements
had been destroyed on the road from Gaza he gave in.
The prisoners from these engagements continued to bave
the desired effect upon tlxe dissaffected natives in Cairo
on their arrival there.
Less was heard about otlr leaving Egypt after the New
Year, and rumours received a mortal wound when the
I)ivsion turned its face to the east once more
marched up, a Brigade ata rime, to E1 Arish. The 7th
accomplished this match in three easy star;es, the first
day taking us to Madan, and the next to Biria. A few
26
EL ARISH AND AFTER.
days' stay here helped us to appreciate its natural advan-
tages, .and as far as the desert went, it alrnost had pre-
tensions to beauty. There were glorious palrn groves,
bright clean sand to live in, hard fiat stretches for football
(greatly appreciated), and a roar]ng sea close at hand on
a wonderful beach for bathing. If EI Arish were in
Belurn, Bitia would be " E1 Arish Bains." The return
of I3ritish power to this corner of the earh was epitornised
one day in the sight of a Bedouin caravan pursuing its
peaceful purpose. The old sheik stalked proudly in
front, while Iris farnily and goods were disposed on various
camels, and a small flock of pretty black goats pattered
along behind in charge of t sturdy brown lad. Surely
they at least had witnessed the Turkish retirernent with
satisfaction.
EL ARISH AND AFTER.
On January 22nd, I97, the 7th Manchesters reached
their " farthest east " in the final stage of the rnarcb_ to
]ïl Arish. Most of the day's labours had to be accorn-
plished in a blinding sandstorrn, whSch fortunately had
subsided when we .arrived at out destination. As we
reached E1 Arish one had a cur]ous feeling that the canal
zone was being left well behind, and as far as mileage
was concerned it certainly was, since the Suez was one
hundred mlles away. Nevertheless, up to now one had
felt that really we ere oi1 canal defence, and however
far we went out there b_ad b.een little change in the
country so that one hardly seerned to progress. Now.,
ail that had been left behind, and we were arnongst new
scenes.
This growing impression was cornpleted on out
arrival. We pitched camp on a bill north-west of the
town and about six hundred yards frorn it, so that we
had a perfect view of the place, which resernbled a
picture out of the Bible, and was not quite like anything
seen in Egypt. It was obvious we were in a new country
--in Iact we were knocking at the gates of Palesfine,
but no one arnongs:t us knew that an entry was to be
EL ARISH AND AFTER.
ruade into that country. The affair at Rafa, for instance,
had only been a raid, and the Turks had once more
strengthened the place, t3ritish territory had been cleared
of the enemy and it was felt that a system of frontier
defence would be constructed, and small garrisons left
to rnaintain the boundary.
Eight montbs had passed since the battalion left the
vicinity of peaceful civilisation, so to meet it again, crude
though it was amidst the mud huts of E1 Arish, filled
our men with extreme curiosity. The town was placed
out of bounds because of the fear of cholera, small
pox, etc., but there was much of interest to be seen.
Groves of fig trees surrounded the place on the edge of
the Wadi, and it was a matter for speculation as to
whcre they obtained their sustenance for it was
apparently just bare desert. Vines and date palms were
also grown, and I presume these, with fishing, constitute
the main source of life to the inhabitants. The natives,
incidentally, had a rnost pleasing appearance, and their
older men reminded one forcibly of the patriarche. They
had a strikingly manly and independent carriage, quite
different from the lack of respectability of the lower class
Egyptian. There is probably a good deal of Arab blood
in them, which may account for the fearless manner with
which they look the foreigner straight in the face.
We were not surprised when definite orders arrived
to prepare ourselves for a return to the canal. The
transport started first for they were to trek the distance,
while the personnel were to have the pleasure of riding
o,n a train. The rnen accepted this statement rather
warily for such a thing had seldom been knovn during
their experience with the battalion. On January 3oth
all the anirnals in the Division assembled near our camp
preparatory to commencing the trek when the aircraft
alarm was sounded. This was immediately folloved by
eight bombs in quick succession. One of these unfor-
tunately dropped amidst our transport column killing tvo
favourite riders, " t3ighead" and "Jester" and destroy-
ing two or three mmes. Fortunately only one man was
injured, and more luckily still, no bombs dropped in the
EL ARISH AND AFTER.
camp, although they were near enough to be unpleasant.
The day's excitement was later heightened by a camel
going " macknoon" in the middle of the camp. Attack-
ing his native keeper he broke loose and our men had
to " run for it." By an ingenious manipulatior of ropes
round Iris legs, and a well-aimed blow behind his ear
from a tent mallet flung by one of the men, he was
subdued and brought to earth, but not before he had
destroyed a " bivvy" and some tents. Even this did
not complete the incidents of the day, for evening round
us clinging with might and main totent poles, tent cur-
tains, " bivvy" shelters, etc., while a furious sand storm
did its utmost to fling them down.
The next day something of a sensation was caused by
a sudden rder to furnish one ofiïcer and two N.C.O's.
per company as advance party to journey at once to Port
Said, there to embark on February 2nd for an unknown
destination. Two days later the battalion entrained in
" trucks de luxe," and after a nine hours' extremely lumpy
journey we reached Kantara. There was a feeling that
having helped to escort the railway toits present destina-
tion we had rea]ly earned that ride. On the journey
down we met elements of the 53rd Division marching up
to take our places at EI Arish, and we shouted greerings
and expresslons of goodwill to them. At Kantara a
draft from England with 2nd-Lt. G. Norbury in command
joined the battalion. A pleasing feature about this draft
was that it was largely composed of old members of the
original 7th who had been wounded or invalided from
Gallipoli, such men as C.S.M. Lyth, Sergeant McHugh,
Q.M.S's. Andrews and Houghton, being amongst its
numbers.
The 4"2-nd Division crossed the Suez Canal for the last
rime on February 5th, twelve months to the day after the
7th Manchesters had crossed over to the east side
Shallufa for the first rime. The first day's march ended
at EI Ferdan, very much to the relief of everyone. Ve
had been, ail the way, on a good hard road--a new ex-
perience after the lire on the desert--and this brough
into play muscles of the leg, hot used or the sort sand.
EL ARISH AND &FTER. 29
Everyone suffered badly from aching shins and thighs
and very sore feet, so that next day, when the rek was
completed to Ismailia on hot, dusty roads many men fell
out, and we were a weary crew on al-rival at Moascax
Our three veeks' stay here was occuoeied chiefly in pre-
paring for our new scene of activities, now definitely known
to be France. Eastern kit was handedin--helmets, shorts
and drill tunics--and the battalion seemed to have been
exchanged for a new one dressed in khaki serge and caps.
With our helmets we lost out flashes, or at least the
characteristic Fleur de Lys, but they were replaced 'by a
divisional flash tobe worn on the upper arm of the sLevo
of the jacket. This was a diamond in shape, each
Brigade having its own colour, the Manchesters being
orange yellow, with the number of the battalion indicated
on it by a red figure. Being close to Lak Timsa, we
frequently indulged in bathing parades under ideal con-
ditions, for after ail Ismailia is really one of the beauty
spots of Egypt. Complimentary farewell parades were
held, one on the occasion of the visit of General Dobell,
and the other a match past the C.-in-C., Sir ArchibM.d
Murray, down the Quai Mehemet Ali in the town. Alto-
gether the 7th enjoyed themselves during these days and
ruade the most of the end of their long sojourn in the
East. We were seasoned troops and were well con-
versant with the customs of the country. A few pangs of
regret at leaving these things behind can easily be under-
stood, although an important consideration, and one that
weighed heavily with the men, was the possibility of
getting leave from France, a thing unknovn in this place.
Hence it was with mixed feelings that the battalion
boarded the train at Ismailia on the evening of Match
Ist for a rapid journey to Alexandria. No rime was lost
here for we detrained on the quay side, and embarkd
at once.
CHAPTER III.
For France.
W EARERS of the Fleur de Lys gazed their last
upon one of the countriesof their toils from the
deck of the ship "Kalyan" as they steamed out of
Alexandria harbour on Match 3rd, 1917. There were many
present who had accompanied the battalion on their
venture from this saine harbour nearly two years belote,
to try their fortunes upon ill-starred Gallipoli, and I
have no doubt they vondered vhat these new experiences
would bring them. One thing is certain, however, and
that is no one imaned we should be compelled to
continue out wanderings for full tvo more years belote
the last journey home could be ruade. And yet, soit
was. The Fleur de Lys, for the first rime since it had
been adopted by the Manchester Rement, was borne to
the soil of France, the country that gave it birth, and
whose kings wore it proudly for hundreds of years, by
Englishmen who had pledged themselves to fight in and
for that fait land. " Fait Landl" I hear someone scorn-
fully mutter. However much we were destined in the
days to corne, vhen wallovng to our waists amidst the
soil and water of France, to think very much the reverse,
it would be impossible to forget the glory of our Southern
entrance to this sad country.
The battalion ruade the trip across the Mediterranean
in good company, for the ship was shared by ourselves
and the 8th Manchesters (the Gallant Ardwicks) com-
manded by Lt.-Col. Morrough. "Ve had an opportunity
of renewing out acquaintance with Malta, so vivid in its
intense colouring, whilst out escort of torpedo boats was
changed. Perhaps the following extract from an ofiïcer's
FOR FRANCE. 3
diary will suflîce to epitomise whatever incident there
was in the jçurney :--
« .... It was more or iess boisterous ail the way, and on occasion
decidedly so--a vastly different voyage from my joulney out.
The much-vaunted German submarine 'blockade' was not con-
spicuous, for we neither saw nor heard of a submarine. Un-
doubtedly, of course, one is conscious of the menace, and a good
deal of what might be enjoyment of the sea is spoiled by this
horror. One thinks not of the sea as inspiration of sublime
thoughts and ail things the poets teli us of, but as a receptacle for
submarines .... and for us ifwe are hit. It was decidedly dis-
concerting to contemplate a dip during the heavy weather. There
would be little chance of being picked up I should imagine. Stili,
we were able to appreciate the colours of Malta, the grand
snow-capped mountains of Corsica and the neighbouring islands,
while the entrance to Marseiiles is a sight I shall never forget.
For colour and form I think itis perfect. In a sense Plymouth
resembles it, but as a cat the tiger. Here the rocks run down in
their iimy whiteess sheer to the sea, with chateaux and churches
on impossible peaks, backed by tremendous stern giants. Why
will they not aliow us on shore to get a closer view ? .... Just
above my head the men are concluding a concert with the ' King,'
the 'Marseillaise' (I wonder do they appreciate that here it was
first sung in its grandeur under Rouget de Lisle), and then with
what shouid be our national song, ' Rule Britannia.' Weil might
they sing that with zest after the voyage we have concluded
to-day."
After standing out in the harbour at Marseilles for
24 hours, we first set foot in France on March ioth. No
time was wasted at Marseilles, and we were soon entrained
for a long journey northward. In the first hours before
dark we were able to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the
coast region near Marseilles. At Orange we halted for a
meal at midnight. Next day was a glorious journey up
the Rhône Valley, passing through Lyons, Chalons-sur-
Saone and Dijon. Wherever the train stopped crowds
of enthusiastic French people collected to greet us and
the news of the fall of Bagdad ruade us doubly impor-
tant to them, for hot only were we British but they knew
we had corne from somevhere in the East.
3 FOR FRANCE.
The following morning we arrived at the environs of
Paris, and after a stay at Juvissy continued our journey
past Versailles and on through Amiens to out destination
at Pont Remy, a few mlles from Abbeville. It was
pitch dark and raining. Imagine the shock to troops
straight from Egypt, where they had left a beautiful dry
climate, whcn they jumped out of the carriages into four
inches of squelching mud. Then we were told we had to
match six or seven mlles through the cold tain to our
billeting area at Merelissart. However, we were amongst
new surroundings and new modes of doing things, and
conditions were vastly different from those we had just
left, so the sooner we became accustomed to them the
better. '
Despite the midnight hour everyone round subject for
fun in the French barns and shippons which were to be
our temporary homes. Lt. Hodge and Lt. Taylor who
had worked hard allotting the billets for us joined the
battalion here. Lt. Sievewright had rejoined us at Alex-
andria on the boat, he having been invalided to England
from Gallipoli. Lt. G. Harris left to take charge of a
Divisional Bombing School, and ended his service with
the battalion, although later he became the Brigade In-
telligence Officer, when we saw a good deal of him again.
After three days the battalion moved back to Liercourt
and there the work of refitting commenced. We had
much to leam about organisation and methods of warfare
as practised in France, and vigorous training was com-
menced at once.
Major-General Sir W. Douglas left the division, and
his successor, Major-General Mitford, lost no time in
getting us ready for the line. Just at this time, and whilst
Col. Cronshaw and other officers and N.C.O's. were up
in the line for instruction, the German retirement on the
Somme and the Ancre to the Hindenburg line took place.
As soon as brigades were fitted out they lost no time in
moving forward into the war zone, commencing with the
Lancs. Fusiliers. At the end of March the I27th brigade
entrained for Chuignes and from there the 7th marched
forward to Dompierre, which had been the scene of such
FOR FRANCE. 33
heavy fighting by the French in I916. We thus got our
first impressions of the devastated area of France, and
I ara sure there was nota mind in the battalion .into
which these impressions did not sink deep. The misery
of it was by no means diminished whcn we arrived at
our destination, for accommodation had to be round amidst
impossible ruins and in the scattered half-destroyed dug-
outs amongst the trenches which criss-crossed the village.
Ail this had to be done in pouring rain. When at last
we settled down it was round that our new homes were
also shared by huge rats who capered about in a most
homely manner.
Dompierre was our abode for a few days whilst the
battalion ruade daily excursions through the mud in the
direction of Villers Carbonel to execute road making
fatigues. Major Scott concluded his long period of
active service with the battalion about this rime, being
invalided to England. His place at the Q.M. Stores was
later filled by Lt. Rose of the R.W.F's. After this period
we moved into Peronne, and were installed in more com-
fortable dwellings, for although the town had been badly
knocked about, it was possible to find more or less good
cover for troops. The great boon here was the plentiful
supply of tituber from the destroyed houses, and every
group of men had its roaring tire. The battalion and
indeed the brigade was still on fatigue, repairing roads,
railways, bridges, etc. Meanwhile the division had made
its debut in France, the i25th and 26th brigades having
taken over part of the line during the pursuit of the Hun.
The 7th sufered their first casualty in the new theatre
of war at Peronne in a rather unfortunate manner. Whilst
on a fatigue of salving telephone wire on the battle-swept
ground of Biaches, just outside the town, Pte. Gibson of
"C" company was accidently killed by a bomb, whose
explosive mechanism he had unwittingly set in action
when pulling up the wire.
CHAPTER IV.
Holding the Line.
EPEHY.
N April 27th , our period of fatigues ended, the
7th Manchesters marched out of Peronne in the full
panoply of war, hOt gaudy, but serviceable for
modern requirements and hOt lacking the element of weight,
with the ccrtain knowledge that their next deeds would be
accomplished " in the presence of the enemy." The
enemy of I917 and after was hOt so elusive as the Turk
of the Sinai, so there was no possibility of marching on
and on and never feeling his force i That night twas
spent at Villers Faucon, and next day preparations were
completed for relieving the 4th F-ast Lancs. in the
front line trenches east of Epehy. An advance party of
an oflïcer and a few N.C.O's. per company had been sera
forward to learn dispositions and other information about
the line, and the thousand and one minute details about
rations, tools, Lewis guns, water, guides, intervals between
platoons and secfions, etc., etc., had all been dealt with
when we got on the move once more in the early evening.
Everyone expected to take over trenches such as we
had in Gallipoli or had read about, but we were rather
staggered to find that the battalion front was not vastly
different from the outpost positions we had ruade on the
desert. This is explained by the fact that the front was
just in process of solidifying from the liquid state as a
result of the German recent retirement to a sale position.
The enemy therefore looked calmly down upon us from
his elaborate Hinderburg system of trenches beyond
V.endhuile whilst we expanded our isolated outposts into
organised continuous lines. He himself, however, was
also busy digging a sort of outpost work in advance of
EPEHY. 35
the main line of defence, for he had held up any further
British advance principally from a bulwark of land mass
called the Knoll on the western side of the canal, while
his main line was really on the eastern side.
Because of the disjointed condition of the front
there was always a danger, when going from one
company to another, of men wandering into the Boche
lines. This unfortunately did occur one night to a
couple of men of the 7th who had to make their way
with L. G. ammunifion from the Quarry to, the Diamond
(a forward isolated redoubt) for they struck a wrong
direction and walked into a hall of enemy bullets. One
was killed and the other wounded. Pte. (afterwards
L.-Cpl.) Summers and Pte. £[ohns distinguished themselves
on this occasion, for, realising what had happened, they
volunteered to go out and recover the men. After being
away for more than two hours, constamly sniped by an
obviously-startled enemy they found them and were able
to bring back the wounded man. Unfortunately this
deed 'was not recognised by the higher authorities or they
would have been the first to have wn distinction for
the battalion in France.
Little Priel Farm came in for a good deal of hatred by
the Boche, and the variations in its contour was a daily
source of interest to, the troops in the vicinity. The
bat-talion observers in the innocence of their hearts and
the zeal born of the new tpportunities to put their train-
ing into pracfice, selected the corner of the garder for
an O.P. and just as things were growing interesting in OEe
field of view of the telescope, the Hun instituted a "'certain
liveliness" of a ditïerent sort. Repetitions of this
sort of thing convinced the observers that no useful
purpose could be served by staying there, st) they left--
fortunately without mishap--and they were eager to
inform the I.O. that their new position was infinitely
supefior to Litfle Priel Farml It was in this vicinity that
Pte. Wilbrahaxn was killed by a shell. This news sad-
dened the whole bat-talion, for he was our champion light-
weight boxer, and we had 'been entertained many a time
on the desert by his clever exhibitions.
36 EPEHY.
There was naturally a good deal of digging to be done
in this sector, and although relieved eventually in the
front positions by the 5th, the battalion round itself
up in the line each night making continuous trenches.
It was in connection with this work that we lost our
brigadier, General Orms:by. On the night of May ,st,
he, with a number of R.E. officers, was examining the
position near Catelet Copse vhen the Boche suddenly
started a short hurricane bom:bardment. The trench he
was in vas only vaist deep, and soldier and leader to the
end he disdained to take full advantage of the scanty
shelter, preferring to set an example of calmness and
steadiness under tire to his men. A piece of shell struck
him in the head and he died almost immediately. This
was a great blow to the brigade, just at the commence-
ment of their adventure in the new warfare. It was sadly
remar-l-l-lble, too, that he himself was the first officer
casuahy in his brigade. A few days later, during which
time Lt-Col. Darlington of the 5th assumed command,
the new brigadier arrived--General ttenley, D.S.O.--
and we were fortunate to keep him as our Commander
until the end of the war. The brilliant record of
127th brigade in Franoe is testimony to his qualifies as
a leader, and it was hOt very long before every man and
officer in the Manchesters was proud of him. General
Ormsby always remained, however, as a tender memory
to those who had served under him.
Villers Faucon, which had been the rear H.Q. and
transport lines was invaded by battalion H.Q. and two
companies when the battalion moved back into reserve,
but we did hot stay long here, because the I26th brigade
required assistance in the completion of their trench
system in front of Templeux, and to do this we had to
more into the qua.rries in that district. The other two
companies carried out similar xvork in the vicinity of
Lempire and Ronssoy. There was very little of interest
during the succeeding days after which the brigade
moved out to Roisel prior to accompanying the division
to the Havrincourt sector of the front.
HAVRINCOURT. 37
HAVRINCOURT.
At the end of May the battalion marched out with the
remainder of the brigade from Roisel and in one day
reached their destination behind the Havrincourt Wood
sector. We there remained for a short period in the
region of Ytres and Fins. Little rime was lost in the
necessary preliminaries and we relieved a battalion of
the Duke of Cornwall's L.I. of the 2ISt division in support
in the wood. "D " company were early unfortunate and
suffered a nulnber f casualties from heavy shelling on
the shallow trenches which they manned near the western
edge of the Wood. The enemy had noted the continued
movement in this vicity, and suddenly decided to pay
attention toit in the usual manner. This spot was
always remembered afterwards as ".Vhere ' D ' Company
were shelled."
Conditions at Havrincourt were rather different from
those at Epehy, although the saine characterisfics due to
recent consolidation still prevailed. It was more inter-
esting, however, and in many senses more " livable," a
word of deep meaning on the Western front l In the
British lines--the canal, the slag-heap (or more correctly.
slag-heaps) and the wood dominated all other land-
marks. The canal, a portion of the Canal du Nord, was
in course of construction at the outbreak of war, and
its deep, well-laid bed is one of the engineering wonders
of this part of France. At Havrincourt it first runs west
to east and then sharply bends to the north towards
Moeuvres past Hermies. The left of the 42nd divisional
front rested on the bend, after running over a huge chalk
and limestone slag-heap which stands at the corner.
Going southwards the line roughly skirted the eastern
edge of the wood which lies upon a slope facing the east.
Before their retirement, the Germans had cut down all
trees on this forward slope, some said in order to make
use of the tituber, others for tactical reasons, so as to
leave us exposed to view. I should say both reason
weighed heavily with them, but principally the latter, for
it was noticeable that the woods in their ovn lines had
not been so denuded. Havrincourt village lay behind
3 8 HAVRINCOURT.
the enemy's front line on a ridge that dominated our
own positions. Further beyond were Flesquieres,
Marcoing, Premy Chapel and Ribecourt, where the main
line of resistance of the Hindenburg system could be
plainly seen, while further over to the left on the highest
g-round was ]3ourlon Wood, which was to become so
famous in the history of the ]3ritish army. Every day
the battalion Observers watched parties of Germans,
large and small, working on these rear trenches
apparently quite unconcerned about the fact that they
could be plainly seen. Periodically out air service issued
aeroplane photographs showing the extraordinary de-
velopment of these trenches, their elaborate construction.
the concrete dugouts, and solid rows of heavy barbed
wire, until it almost came to be recognised that an assault
upon them would only be attempted by the rnaddest of
leaders, and the prospect of having to take part in it
took one's breath away.
The chier job of the battalion was to guard by day,
and get command of by night, the large extent of No
Man's Land which varied from 400 to about 1,2oo yards
across. The day work Was easy, but at night it was
fraught with quite interesting possibilities. The ]3oche
was not very inimical here, and seemed anxious to lull
us into a feeling of peace and security so that, I suppose,
he could get safely on with his digging, for he had sfill
a good deal to do. His outbursts of shelling, therefore,
aJthough at times disagreeable, gave one the impression
that its chief purpose was to remind us of his constant
presence. At rimes, especially in the evening, it seemed
to afford him amusement to dust our lines indiscriminately
with gas shells. Our gunners, however, were not so
lenient and they frequently made excellent use of their
good ration of ammunifion, so that we were able fo
make daily notes of the changes in the scenery, particu-
larly in Havrincourt village. Considerable interest was
aroused one morning, soon after our arrival, by the
sudden disappearance of Havrincourt Chateau in a cloud
of red brick dust and smoke. This was aIways a mystery
and a frequent source of controversy. Did the Boche
HAVRINCOURT. 39
blowit up, and if so, why? Or didit go off asa result
of out shelling, and again, if so, why ? Some said they
saw stretcher-bearers moving about amidst the debris
afterwards, which rather indicated the second theory.
We enjoyed the advantages of a continuous front line
here, but naturally a good deal of time had to be spent
in perfecting the system, both in digging and wiring. The
brigade was given an opportunity of leaving its mari= on
the war-geography of France, two copses in No Man's
Land being dtbbed " Wigan Copse" and " Dean Copse "
by the 5th, while we were responsible for " Manchester
Trench " and " Cheetham Hill," " Henley Lane " serving
to keep green the memory of the brigadier. Two great
chalk craters showed up in front, "Etna" and " Vesuvius"
respectively, and one of the jobs of the patrol commanders
by night was to find out if the former was occupied
the Hun. We very soon round that it was, and
that he appeared to use this and the two copses as
starting points for his patrols. Thus, vhen our parties
went out at night, the possibility of an encounter in No
Man's Land was never remote, and indeed there were a
few clashes of this sort. It was all a great education
for the battalion, for such work as this had not often
corne our way in the Gallipoli days, and there had been
no opportunity of practising it since. It was considered
advisable to get as many officers and men as possïble
out on patrol at some time or other, for there was a
noticeable difference in a man's morale, and in his attitude
towards trench lire, once he had returned from such an
adventure. He was conscious of having in a way asserted
his manhood--more than his pal who had not been out--
and the dira uncertainty of what there might be in front
of our wire had gone. He knew nov what was there--
nothing. He was acquainted with the ground in such a
way that if the enemy did wish to attack he knew exactly
where he could get him with Lewis gun, rifle or bombs.
A spirit of confidence was thus engendered in the whole
battalion, as was eventually shown when a few ventured
out on patrol in broad daylight, and Obtained some very
useful results.
4 ° HAVRINCOURT.
Realistic gas drill was indulged in occasionally at
night because the enemy had an irritating habit of putting
over a few rounds of gas, either shell or T.M., at irregular
intervals. He caught out a few of the East Lancs. by
this trick, which naturally produced a state of "' wind"
in the division so that everyone was more than ever
"gas alert." After a few nights of gas alarm, in the
middle of one of which the transport officer had to com-
mandeer a fatigue party (in gas helmets) to extricate a
full water-cart from a shell-hole, most of us became
"fed up." Another night someone imagined he felt the
pineapple smell of the type of gas the Hun then used,
and the alarm was passed along the front trench. One
of the officers on duty was determined to make sure this
rime, and stopped the passing of the message. He ruade
his way along the trench where the men by this rime had
assumed their gas helmets, until he came to one stolid,
oldish man who was on sentry, staring truculently out in
front without his gas protection on. "Jones," said the
officer, " can you smell pineapples? .... What, sir," he
grunted, "' I could if I had a tin of 'em under my nosel"
One night, while we were in support to the 5th, one
of their officers, in charge of a patrol sent out to investi-
gate the ground around " Wigan Copse," got into the
Copse and discovered a Boche post there. The startled
enemy had apparently made off. The next night the
7th took over the front line at an unfortunate moment'.
for the Hun had decided that " Wigan Copse" must be
" retaken" at all costs, and they began the business with
a barrage all over the place but particularly on out front
line, just as we were beginning the relief. It was decidedly
unpleasant, and we had no idea what it was about until
we heard the brutes cheering as they rushed into the
empty copse. From a report which we captured later we
round that this was another addition to their long list of
'" victories," and I have no doubt that a few iron crosses
were doled out to commemorate the occasion.
After three and a hall weeks' continuous duty in and
around Havrincourt Wood the battalion moved out for
a week's rest to luyaulcourt in brigade reserve. It was
HAVRINCOURT. 4
a pleasant diversion and we ruade the most of the glorious
weather with football matches and very successful sports,
the latter largely taking the form of comic dress contests.
The affair of " Wigan Copse," and the constant patroll-
ing activity exercised b¥ ourselves and the 5th in that
direction had induced a livel¥ interest in this spot, until
finally it was decided to raid it, and the 7th were selected to
do the job. As this was the first effort of this nature
attempted in the division there was naturally a good deal of
anxiety as to the result. The 8th were fo co-operate with a
diversion on " Dean Copse," and if possible, of course,
they also were to obtain prisoners. " C" Company (Capt.
Townson's) were honoured by the C.O. in having to supply
the raiding party of 40 men, and 2nd-Lt. Hodge was put
in charge. His qualities as a leader, and his expert
knowledge in bayonet fighting left him undisputed as
the officer most fitted for the business. He took his
men off to Ruyaulcourt, when we had gone into the line
again, and there trained them vigorously "over the
tapes" for the task in hand. Each rime he took them
"over" they were inspired to a fiercer zest for the blood
of Boche, so that when they returned to the Slag Heap
on the night of July 2nd every man was primed up like a
fighting cock.
Careful reconnaissance during the preceding nights,
and long scrutiny by day through telescopes and field
glasses left no doubt as to the weak spot in the Hun
armour. He had placed low wire in front of the copse but
had no protection on the flanks. A track leading from
the front line showed how his men moved up to occupy
this outpost position and also the probable route taken
by patrols. As it also seemed evident that the copse was
held at night only, the plan of the raid was obviously to
give the enemy ample time to settle down in the outpost,
and then dispose the raiding party so as to strike in on
an exposed flank. The western side was selected, because
there was little or no danger from the canal, and it left
the 8th a free hand to deal with "Dean Copse."
At the appointed time our men filed quietly along and
got into position across the track without any alarm being
42 HAVRINCOURT.
raised. Lewis guns were posted atone or two points to
cut off retreating Huns. At 1.8 a.m. exactly, out guns
opened tire, not upon the copse of course, but upon the
enemy main lines. A remarkably good and accurate
barrage was put down on the German front line, which
formed a crescent within which lay the two copses,
especially on known M.G. positions; while, by request,
thc Australian heavy guns from the next divisional sector
northvards joined in with crumps on strong points behind
the front line. Simultaneously the raiding party leaped up
and rushed into the copse like howling dervishes. Some
hours of a deathly, eerie silence, the nerve-racking quality of
which is only known to those who have experienced it, and
ruade ail the more impressive by the fact that it occurred
on a front which is not usually quiet, was followed by a
sudden din and an unexplained mad charge of the hated
English. It must have put the fear of God into the
Germans of " Wigan Copse," for they made no effort to
resist and tried to "run for it." In fact one poor devil--
a youngster--who had been lying out in the grass on
sentry (but must have been doing his work rather badly)
got up and ran with our men. Hodge noticing his
unusual headgear, seized him by the scruff of the neck
and flung him bodily, rifle and everything, back to Iris
men. No one wanted him at the moment, for the "fun"
in the copse had to be encountered yet, and he went from
hand to hand until one of the covering parties took him
in charge.
Two more prisoncrs were secured on the edge of the
copse. Sevcral other Germans who offered resistance
were bayonetted while Hodge shot one or two with
his revolver. Then it vas discovered that the Hun
had not left himself so badly protected as we had thought.
Interlaced among the branches and shrubs at about rive
feet from the ground were strands of barbed wire which
caused a few nasty cuts and scratches on the faces of
some of out men. It was round to be impossible to go
through the copse because of this, but Hodge had good
reason to be satisfied with' the night's work. He had
secured his toll of prisoners as ordered, without sustaining
HAVRINCOURT. 43
a single casualty, and had inflicted other casualties on the
enemy, for his men had emptied rifles and Lewis guns
at the few flying Boche and into the copse, so he gave the
word to withdraw. The men had crawled out at the beginn-
ing like fighting cocks, but they came back like roaring
lions. They were naturally in a great state of excitement,
because it was their first venture of this sort, and it had
been crowned, after a glorious rive minutes' rough and
tumble, with unqualified success.
2nd-Lt. Hodge was decorated with the Military
Cross for this feat--the first M.C. in the division in
France--and this was really the beginning of a brilliant
career for him as a soldier. He was eventually trans-
ferred as a Company Commander to the 5th East Lancs.
with whom he obtained the D.S.O. From there he pro-
gressed to Major with the L.F's., and finally finished the
war as Commanding Officer of the 8th Manchesters, lead-
ing back the cadre of that battalion to Ardwick Green
in March, i919 . He is unreservedly one of the officers
whom the Fleur de Lys are proud to daim.
Sgt. McHugh and Ptes. McLean and Braithwaite
received Military Medals on this occasion, and they also
were glad to know that they opened the long list .of
decorations that the battalion was to obtain in France.
I have spent some little time on this " "¥igan Copse"
raid because it is an important event in the history of
the battalion. The 7th Manchesters never looked back
after that show, and they held up their heads in the
proud consciousness that they had attempted a good
thing and had achieved it. It gave them confidence--for
there was a reputation to live up to, and ail felt that they
could hOt possibly rail once a iob was begun. And
so it was. Nothing the battalion ever touched in future
went wrong, and there has been no incident in the war
which the 7th need look back upon with remorse or regret.
Another important event in our life at Havrincourt
was the digging of a new front line about 500 yards in
advance of the old one aiong aimost the whole of the
divisional front. The 5th, being the collier battalion,
achieved their part of the business on the Slag Heap,
44 HAVRINCOURT.
while the 7th and 6th worked on th¢ir right. The
first night was a great success, there was hOt a whisper
of protest from the Boche, and we had cut through an
almost continuous line, adequately protected by concer-
tina barbed wire, and particularly strengthened at various
points where posts had to be held during the next da)t.
The enerny rnust have rubbed his eyes rather vigorously
next rnorning when he saw what had been accomplished
during one night. However, he soon began to register on
the new trench, and unfortunately an isolatcd tree (Cauli-
flower Tree) helped him in this work. We were not
surprised therefore to have out labours frcquently intcr-
rupted on the next night's digging by violent displays of
wrath accornpanied by pyrotechnics. One of these was
particulafly spectacular, eliciting from a digger the
rernark: "Wouldn't Jcnnison be darnned jealous if he
was here nowl "
Rurnours increased about going out for Divisional test,
until elernents of the 58th (2nd line London Territorial)
division began to appear and rnale reconnaissances of
the front, from which we augured good. On¢ of their
C.O's. on being told that we had arrived in France in
Match, was quite delighted, and said he had been searching
the British Arrny for troops who had corne out after
they did. They arrived a rnonth belote us--but frorn
England I Nothing pleased Col. Cronshaw better,
and he carefully led him through the exploits of the
42nd from the day they sailed frorn England in Sep-
ternber, 1914. The London C.O. left the dug-out with a
more or less chastened countenance, and I presume he
still continued his search.
July 8th was out last day at Havrincourt, and although
we were glad at the time for the prornise of a respite
from trench duties, we have since frequently looked
back on those sunny days with great pleasure, for by
cornparison it was a " bon front," and picturesque withal,
which can hardly be said about any other sector We
learned to know. The light railway was utilised again
to take the battalion to Ytres, and after a night there we
rnarched first to Barastre, and then to Achiet le Petit,
beyond Bapaume.
ACHIET. 45
ACHIET.
The x27th brigade resided under canvas about the
battered village of Achiet le Petit on patches of ground
not too incommoded by shell holes. The war had passed
comparatively lightly over this portion of France, but a
short walk westward took one to the battle-scarred fields
of the tierce Sormne fighting, and this was useful to us
for we could pay visits to these districts to learn something
of modes of battle in those days. One day, the Brigadier
took a number of officers to Thiepval and recorded his
own personal experiences of the fighting around there.
On another occasion a brigade scheme took place r.n
the famous Gommecourt trenches. We little guessed in
those days that we should actually be fighting for out
lires in those saine trenches in less than twelve months.
It seemed as though the tide of war had rolled over this
ground for ever, and that the very earth would cry out
if it were to hear again the shrieking and tearing of
shells that came to wound it.
Intensive training was the order of the day, and
realising that we had still much to leam the work was
seriously taken up. The men came from Lancashire,
the division had been sorely tested by tire in Gallipoli,
and by endurance in the Sinai, so that hard .work
under able leadership was all that was required to
uphold the flag of achievement which had yet received no
stain. As the days wore on, and we had almost forgotten
out trench activities at Havrincourt, rumours began to
float once more about an early move, and this move was
to be connected with a big stunt coming off soon "up
north." At any rate no one disputed the suggestion that
out next contact with the enemy would probably be of
a more serious nature than the last.
Let it hOt be supposed, however, that these rather
sordid thoughts occupied out minds completely whilst
we remained at Achiet. Officers and men took full
advantage of the period of test, and the weather for-
tunately was exacfly suited to enjoyable lire under canvas.
The thing of the moment only concerned us, and this
was more often than not an important football match
46 ACHIET.
witl/ another battalion, a game of cricket, a sports day,
a visit to the divisional concert troupe--" Th' Lads"--
who gave some very good shows about this time. Box-
ing was a great thing, and Pte. Finch, who was, poor
chap, killed and buried in this spot the following March,
knocked out ail comers in the divisional heavyweight.
Some of these events took place in a huge crater, which
had been transformed into a sort of Roman amphitheatre,
produced by the blowing up of a large and deep German
heavy ammunition dump. In the divisional sports also,
the officers proved that they were at least the most able-
bodied in the 42nd by winning the Tug-o'-,Var cup.
On the whole, we look back to the weeks at Achiet as
a period of solid training, plenty of " Spit and Polish,"
but " lots of fun." On the I st of August we got word of
the big offensive at Ypres amidst ail that disastrous
rain, and we expected to move up there any day. It
was not until three weeks later, however, that we did
move, and then it was known definitely that we were for
Flanders. The battalion marched down to Aveluy.
near Albert, on an enervatingly hot day and remained
one night in huts there. The next night they entrained
and proceeded to Poperinghe in Belgium, and so added
another country to the list of those they visited during
the war.
CHAPTER V.
Belgium.
YPRES.
y PRES! That wonderful place, the sound of whose
name makes the heart of the Englishman at home
glow with pride, but makes the soldier, friend or
foe, shudder at the mere recollection. It was the scene
of much stern work, and if Belgium has been dubbed
the Cockpit of Europe, surel¥ the " Salient" was the
cockpit of cockpits. More men lie buried in that small
patch of ground than one cares to think about, and when
instances of the unreasonableness and veritable folly of
war are cited from other fronts, they can always be
equalled by experiences at Ypres.
In many respects, however, the 7th were luck¥ in this
sector, for we did not actually go over the top during
our stay. Other units of the division carried out
what would be termed minor operations (which are an¥-
thing but minor operations to the people concerned), but
the 7th escaped any such work. So far as we were con-
cerned it was a continuation of line-holding, but under
vastly new conditions. It would be useful, perhaps, to
indicate the nature of these conditions.
As all the world knows the third battle of Ypres com-
menced on the 3Ist July, I97, preceded by a terrific
concentrated bombardment of the Hun positions lasting
about ten days. The effect of this bombardment was to
obliterate all signs of lire on that part of the earth, with
the exception of a few horrible, naked, and shattered
trees. Nothing green was visible anywhere. In fact
the land looked as though it had been a very choppy
eartli-brown sea suddenly frozen to stillness. Everywhere
48 YPRES.
was shell-holes, shell-holes, shell-holes--large and small.
Only by careful searching could one ascertain where
enerny trenches had been. Dotted about over this terrain
were the Hun " pill-boxes," concrete shelters in which
the enerny had rnade their last machine gun fig.ht.
Whereas atone time they had been skilfully concealed
frorn view, they were now standing stark above the
ground which had been torn away from thern. Sorne of
the pill-boxes, indeed, had been smashed in by direct
hits from the heavies, so deadly had been our gun tire
during those ten days.
The opening of the British offensive had brought bad
luck with regard to weather. The men had gone over in a
terrific downpour of rain, so that a]l the advantage lay with
the defences. The tanks had struggled wonderfully with the
appalling conditions, but the ground was against them,
and rnost of them were " ditched " before they were
knocked out. A few, however, had got well ahead, until
they were out of action, and it hardly required field
glasses to be able to distinguish them within the enerny's
lines, now functioning, by the cruelty of fate, as German
pill-boxes and sniper-posts. Such was the salient in the
early days of Septernber when the 42nd went up to take
over the "line."
It was ascertained that we were to relieve the ,Isth
division, a rnost excellent division consisting chiefly of
highlanders of the New Armies. They had fought over
this ground in the first days of the offensive, and a/ter
a short rest had corne back again to help to hold the
positions taken and to initiate " rninor" operations. They
were situated astride the Potijze Road, due east of Ypres,
and that is where the advance parties from each battalion of
the division found thern. The first impression was : ",Vhat
a contrast with Havrincourtl" It was the exact anti-
thesis in every respect. This was a country where the
desire to kill and destroy had developed to an
unirnaginable intensity. Nothing of use was to be left
by either side, and every yard of ground almost was
searched by the gunners to carry out their cruel gaine.
YPRES. 49
As evidence of tle meaning and determination of the
business the IS-pounders were packed axle to axle amongst
the mud and shell holes, ready to barl forth their loud
defiance to the Hun. The 4"5 howitzers were visible in
batches at various places. Further back, but still closely
packed were the 6-inch howitzers, the 6o-pounders, and the
heavier calibre guns. The huge, ever popular I s-inch
and large naval guns lay beyond Ypres, and were not
for the eyes of the ordinary infantryman, but evidences
of their sound work would be round when the advance
continued. It required very little imagination to picture
the German guns similarly placed and in similar numbers,
for this offensive had alarmed the enemy, for did it not
threaten the existence of their submarine bases in Bel-
gium, to say nothing of their hold upon Lille? Mis
defence was careful, however, as we round to out cost.
and, however much the papers at home kept up the morale
of England by sneers at the "pill-box," the soldier on
the spot regarded it with extreme caution and respect.
After all they were the only things that stood the test of
this bashing method of fighting and their very existence.
when everything else was destroyed, was ample proof of
the fact. Tacticians from the highest general to the platoon
sergeant tried hard to discover the most effective and
least costly manner of " dealing with a pill-box," and
the highest in the land eagerly snatched at ideas from the
man out of the line if they bore the scent of feasibility
about them.
One never knew if it was in pursuit of tire solution of
these tactical problems that the higher command per-
sisted during those sad August and early September days
in their policy of "minor" operations. Certainly no
part of the salient was ever at test. Local attacks were
launched here, there and everywhere, but comparatively
few succeeded, or if they did it was merely a temporary
success. While our advance parties were in the line the
Black Watch and the Gordons of the I Sth division,
executed a night attack on " Gallipoli" and Hill 35, a
job which had been previously attempted, and very little
50 YPRES.
advance was ruade. Those who had reached the fore-
most position were immediately expelled or captured, or
killed where they stood, by the Boche counter attack
next morning. Losses were very heavy.
The 42nd took over the right portion of this front near
the Frezenburg Ridge, and the 6ISt division the left.
Incidcntally, the latter again attempted Hill 35 but with
equal success. The i25th brigade was given one of these
unfortunate tasks, with the 6th Manchesters in support.
They were to take the Iberian, Borry and Beck Farms,
now no longer farms, but strong pill-boxes we]l defended
by a system of outworks. They carried out the job and
suffered heavy casualties, so heavy indee.d that they could
not withstand the inevitable Hun counter attack which
came in the evening and was dclivered by fresh storm
troops brought up for this purpose from the rear. After
they had attained their objective they realised the pecu-
liarity of the strength of the German defensive system.
They were subjected to heavy cross machine gun tire from
the enemy positions which had not been attacked. It
was evident that unless these latter were taken also
they could not hold on. In other words, the policy of
local attacks was suicidal and xvas, in fact, playing into
the German scheme of defence.
While these things were taking place the 7th had
moved from behind Poperinghe to Toronto Camp near
Brandhoek, where it enjoyed its full share of the even-
ing's excitement from Hun bombing planes. On Sep-
tembel 7th, the battalion went by train to Ypres as far
as the Asylum, and from there filed cautiously by platoons
through the town, past the ever famous Cloth Hall, xvhose
scraggy skeleton could be only dimly discerned in the
darkness, and through the Menin Gare. A short distance
along the Menin Road, and then we turned off and
eventually got on "J" track--the interminable length
of duck boards that carried generals, privates, rations,
ammunition, runners, artillery observers, and ail the other
various persons and impedimenta of war, through the
maze of shell holes up to the forward positions. There
were a number of these tracks all leading out like arteries
YPRES. 5I
from the bases of organisation to the front line. They
were labelled at intervals xvith small boards bearing the
distinctive letter or number of the track painted in white
luminous paint so that they were equally legible by day
or by night. These were the only guides in this desolate
waste, and woe betide the man xvho in the night came
across a spot where shelling had obliterated a good por-
tion of the track, for it was a difficult job to pick it up
again, and frequently a nerve-racking experience.
With the exception of a few bursts of 4.2's at intervals
none of which came uncomfortably close, the battalion
were fortunate in having a peaceful passage that night,
and the relief of the 7th Lancs. Fus. proceeded without
incident. We were in support in old German positions
just in front of Cambridge Road, headquarters being
established in the shafts of a dug-out which had filled
with xvater. Oh--hoxv we longed for the comfort of Hav-
rincourtt But xve never allowed this thought to cause
depression, for it was all in the gaine and other men had
had much worse things to do.
I think the dominant note of our stay in this sector
was shelling. It was an ever present serious factor, and
a most disturbing one. Men vere killed and maimed
" for doing nothing" so to speak. They were merely on
the spot, and there was nowhere else to go. Tactical
reasons demanded that they should be there, should
scratch a little cover and remain, and there they cheer-
fully remained--and waited. Officers moved about and
tried to get their men interested in their surroundings,
in their comfort, in their protection, and in the rigging
up of a defensive battle if necessary. The men under-
stood and worked with a will, and laughter and song
rang out over the torn earth. But every man knew that
in a place like this almost anything might happen; how-
ever, the worst would never happen to ]zim--th other
fellow perhaps, but not him. That, I imagine, was one
of the secrets of sticking it.
Undoubtedly the ]3oche was putting up a fight for this
bit of ground, and his guns never ceased, only in the
grey hours of dawn was there any semblance of peace
52 YPRES.
along the front, and then one felt that he had just tem-
porarily put a hand over the mouth of the guns in a
straining attitude of watching and listening for a more-
ment on our part. A sudden withdrawal ot that hand
and they would ail bark forth together in a terrible
chorus. It was a strain for ail, and faces began to show
the lines of wearing mentality. Our persons lost their
spruceness too. There was mud clinging to us, we were
unshaven, equipment hung rather loosely, but out rifles
and ammunition were still as ever, and Lewis guns would
be round in good condition.
After two nights the battalion occupied the front
positions, relieving the 5th Manchesters, and headquarters
were established in a good sound pill-box at Wilde Wood.
Anothcr attack was being planned upon Borry and Beck.
tobe carried out by the 5th, with ourselves in support.
Meanwhile our job was to dig new trenches out in front
as jumping off places for the attack. They were success-
fully completed, but when the enemy saw them he paid
his usual attention to them and as a result 2nd-Lt. Chat-
terton (C Coy.) was badly wounded, and eventually lost
a leg. He was an extremely popular figure both with
officers and men being known to everyone as "Joe,"
and his absence was keenly felt, for he had gone out
originally with the battalion in I914.
Luckily the plan of attack was abandoned, and apart
from a feeling of personal relief everyone felt that a wise
thing had been done. There was little hope of the enter-
prise proving any more successful than that of the L.F's..
especially as similar attempts had just been made left
and right of us and had failed miserably. It was clear
that the only way to ease the situation was to carry out
a big attack on a wide front. Evidences of the imminence
of such an attack showed themselves very soon, for
advance parties from the 9th division came up to learn
the front, and they intimated that they had a " big job
on."
One night one of our patrols out in No Man's Land,
heard hot far from them, feeble calls for help. Making
their way across the shell holes towards the sound they
YPRES. 53
round a man witl a smashed leg and absolutely exhaus-
ted. He was brought in and proved to be an Inniskilling
Fusilier who had taken part in an attacoe some four or
rive weeks previouslyl Fie stated that he had kept up
his strength by eating the food and iron rations and
drinking the water which he had round upon the dead
men around him. It seemed incredible that such a thing
could have happened, but on making inquiries concern-
ing his division, the number of which I have forgotten,
it proved to be perfectly true. Surely this case presents
physiological and psychical problems worthy of con-
sideration.
We were relieved again by tle 5th and went back to
out old support position. After two days the L.F's.
came up again to relieve the brigade, but the bulk of
out battalion continued to go up in the evening to dig
in a corps cable vhich was being laid as far forvard
as possible. ]3y the time we completed the' last of out
journeys to the east of Ypres, we were a battalion chas-
tened in body and spirit. Many big gaps had been made
in the ranks, and it was when we settled down to the
more comfortable and peaceful existence that these gaps
were keenly felt. A most noticeable absentee was R.S.L
Fiartnett. Fie had been badly hit by a piece of shell at
Bill Cottage, and later died in hospital at Rouen. Hart-
nett's work with the 7th Manchesters has nothing but
good to show. Fie had been a sergeant instructor with
the battalion in pre-war days, being sent to us by the
st Manchesters, and had gone out in 94 to the Soudan.
He stayed on through Gallipoli, and became R.S.M.
when Franklin was ruade adjutant. A keen, regular,
disciplinarian and the scourge of feeble N.C.O's., he
was an untiring worker in entertainments. Fils song in
Gallipoli--" Oh, Achi, Achi Baba," to the tune of the
" Absent Minded ]3eggar" will never be forgotten, while
some of the sketches that he wrote and had performed
were masterpieces of good humour. C.S.M. Clough, of
"D" company, was appointed as his successor and al-
though the post of R.S.M. is a difficult one to fill, he
did some excellent work, particularly in the line.
54 YPRES.
Toronto Camp sheltered us again for a night or two
after which we moved nearer to Poperinghe. It ,aas
evident by now that we were to leave Ypres altogether,
and no one exhibited any regrets, but there was a
peculiar feeling that the division was rather under a cloud,
and apart from a natural partisanship in the matter,
everyone was indignant at the unfortunate opportunities
which had been afforded us to make our reputation in
this country. All were emphatic that had we been given
a sporting chance in a general attack, there would have
been nothing wanting in the final result. However, there
was a violent spring clean through the division. The
G.O.C. left us, as well as a number of the staff. In accor-
dance with an army scheme to move round commanding
officers, Lt.-Col. Cronshaw was exchanged for the C.O.
of the 8th Worcesters--Lt.-Col. Carr, D.S.O.--and bade
a sad farewell to the 7th on September 2oth. The men
sent a good many regrets after him, for he had done
sound work, and had had a big hand in the creation of
the fair naine of the Fleur de Lys. We were pleased
later to see his naine in the honours list for a D.S.O. in
recognition of his work with the 7th Manchesters.
On that day the battalion marched to Winizeele and
there we were joined by the new C.O. A sort of kinship
sprang up when it was discovered that he had been
wounded at the landing on Gallipoli with the Worcesters
of the famous 29th division.
NIEUPORT.
It was now apparent that our destination was north, one
more step in the direction of Blighty, towards which we
had constantly moved since leaving E1 Arish. But it
was as near as ve ever should get until the final crossing.
"Ve were to join that small, isolated batch of the British
Army which had taken over the coastal sector from the
French with such high hopes in the middle of the year.
Ever since the first furious German onslaught in i914,
when the Kaiser had corne in person to see his myrmi-
dons seize the coast road to the Channel Ports, and when
they met the wonderful defence of the t3elgian and French
NIEUPORT. 55
troops culminating in the flooding of the Yser lowlands,
the Nieuport sector had settled down to a quiet front.
The intention was for the British Fourth Army, under
General Rawlinson to steal quietly in, and on an
appointed day to startle out friend the enemy by a quick
turning movement along the coast, which, worked in
conjunction with the Ypres offensive would free Ostend
and Zeebrugge. A far-reaching conception, but unfor-
tunately doomed from the first by its over-importance.
The Hun had found out. Someone had told him there
were British soldiers on the coast, so he stampeded--not
in the way we should have liked but in a disastrous
manner for ourselves. It had been part of the scheme
to preserve the secrecy of this movement by not bringing
up the guns when the infantry came, for there is nothing
like gun positions for "giving the gaine away." So soon
as the German knew, however, that the British had
arrived, up came his guns very quickly, for he was well
aware that they had hOt corne for a test, especially in
view of other activity near Ypres.
The st division had taken over the Coastal sector with
the 3znd division in front of Nieuport on their right. On
the coast the line tan through the sandhills on the east
side of the Yser, while on the right of this the ground was
very low lying and was largely flooded from the rive
canais which converge near the town. In July the Huns
smashed down all the bridges over the river with shell
tire and then attacked in overwhelming numbers, with
the result that amongst the sand dunes, being unsupported
either by artillery or infantry, the battalions on the east
of the river were completely blotted out. Very little pro-
gress, however, was ruade against the 3end division, and
their line remained more or less intact. It was impossible
to retake the lost ground, for the wide river mouth had
now to be crossed. This incident altered the whole face
of the situation, for a general advance over the inundated
sector alone was out of the question, and the scheme was
given up. A number of guns was brought up to form
an effective background to the infantry and thalz was as
far as matters developed.
56 NIEUPORT.
Vv'hen the 42nd arrived they found, by a curious .chance,
the 66th division in charge of the coast sector. This
division was composed of the 2nd line battalions of out
own units, so there was a tremendous amount of interest
in each other displayed by both sides. Friends met
friends, and opportunities for these meetings were further
afforded by the fact that most units relieved their own
2nd line battalions.
The 7th, after a novel experience of being carried up
to the coast on motor 'buses from V¢inizeele, were "de-
bussed" at Coxyde, where they billeted themselves com-
fortably in the deserted houses. The Boche had paid
this place some attention prior to his attack in July, and
had hOt really left it alone, so that the civilians had made
a rather hurried departure. A few had elected to remain,
and were to be seen walking furtively about the streets
with that curious strained look that the war-driven
peasantry of France and Belgium always wore. Here
we met the 2nd battalion of the Manchesters, and were
glad of the opportunity to make their acquaintance. A
7th oflïcer, then Capt. L. Taylor, was amongst them and
it may be mentioned here that later in the war he added
lustre to the Fleur de Lys by winning, with the 2nd Man-
chesters, the Military Cross with txvo bars, which decora-
tions he fortunately lived to carry home after the conflict.
Whilst here the 217th being anxious to prove their mettle,
challenged us to a game of football, from which we
carried off the honours by a comfortable margin. Need-
less to say, this match excited considerable enthusiasm.
After a couple of days we took over the brigade sup-
port position, where we were charmed to find ourselves
living in huts amongst the sandhills behind Oost Dun-
kerque Bains. There was a fly in the ointment, however,
for the enemy knew about this camp, and being in
possession of a couple of high velocity 5"9 guns for which
this place was a suitable target, he pooped them off at us
occasionally in the evening time. The night before we
came, indeed, a shell dropped upon a hut occupied by
2/6th Manchester oflïcers, killing four of them. Although
we were worried this way, there being little feeling of
5 8 N IEUPORT.
security under a rhin wooden or canvas roof, we fortunately
sustained no casualties. On October 2nd we took over the
front line from the 5th, and were now in the unique
position of being the left battalion of the whole Western
Front.
It was an extraordinary place to fight in--like having
a real war at Blackpool amongst the bouses along the
front. Nestling in the corner marie by the mouth of the
Yser and the coast, is the seaside resort ostensibly be-
longing to the town of Nieuport, for it is called Nieuport
Bains. The war had arrived here suddenly, apparently,
for an engine and trucks still stood in the station, much
battered now of course, while every cellar was filled with
most expensive furniture which the people in their rapid
flight had been unable to remove. A11 the houses had
been of the new and large type, particularly those over-
looking the promenade, but they were now skeletons of
their former glory, and to see property of this kind in
such a state only served to bring home still more forcibly
the cruel destruction of modern war. The French had
ruade this front, and with typical French ingenuity they
had connected all the cellars of the houses and so con-
structed a perfectly sale communication trench to the
front line. This C.T. was continued backwards as a sort
of tunnel along the beach, but it was really a camouflaged
trench, just covered with a layer of sand. Flash lamps
were thus greatly in demand on this sector. As well as
watching the Hun on land we were expected also to
keep a look out to sea for submarines and any other
vicious craft, and the two posts allotted this duty were
armed with wonderful pom-pom guns that no one had the
courage to experiment with. Still " the man behind the
gun" had a comfortable feeling of importance so long
as there was nothing to shoot at. In that eventuality one
trembles to think what might bave been the effect upon
himself and the remainder of the crew.
Patrolling was also a queer business. In warmer
weather it was accomplished in bathing costume and tin
hat, with revolver between the teeth or behind the ear,
but cold nights discouraged these efforts, and we sneaked
NIEUPORT. 59
about on our side of the river wondering what we could
do. We were now at the seaside and there was the
usual crop of mad holiday projects. One of these was
to experiment with a new gas to be projected into the
Boche front trench across the river. Then Lt. Morten
was to pilot a boat over, hop into the said trench, and
return in possession of a "gassee" from whom the results
would be studied. Morten went down the line with a
sturdy crew of A.B's. from "D" company to practise
rowing, but luckily that was as far as the scheme pro-
gressed. Then we had our sea-serpent. An odd sentry
or so had sworn to having seen a boat on successive
nights knocking about the river. A carefui look-out was
instituted, but no one in authority caught a glimpse of
this "mystery ship." After six days of this sort of thing
we were surprised to find ourselves relieved by the 2oth
D.L.I. of the 4lSt division. They had just arrived from
Ypres and the 42nd were to take over the sector on the
right. The 127th brigade, however, went out into reserve
at La Panne and there we had a splendid time.
It was about this tirne that the new divisional commander
arrived--Maj.-Gen. Solly-Flood, D.S.O., who was des-
tined to raise the fair name of the 42nd to rank with the
proudest of the ]3ritish Army. He had been for a time
the director of training at G.H.Q., and this fact filled us
with awe but none the less with pleasure, for every
sensible soldier knows that success in the field is the pro-
duct of good training. We expected strafe upon strafe
whilst out of the line, but it was a joy to find that the
new commander knew that the best results are obtained
by instructing everyone down to the meanest soldier in his
job rather than by bullying. "vVhat could the lXlanchesters
better wish for then, than to bave Generals Henley and
Solly-Flood? It was indeed a lucky chance that had
brought us under his command. The 7th were also able
to welcome an old friend in Major Hurst who suddenly
rejoined the battalion from England about this period.
La Panne had hOt altogether lost its characteristics as
a pleasure resort, for it was the place wher the tired
ofîïccrs of the ]3elgian Army came for a rest cure. King
60 NIY-UPORT.
Albert and the Queen frequently stayed at their residence
here in their usual quiet, simple way. The Belgians told
you with pride how their monarch could at any rime be
seen walking by himself about the streets of the town or
along the country roads like any other officer in the army.
A story was told how a couple of young, dashing French
flying officers met the Queen on the beach one day but,
not recognising her, started a conversation. She, seeing
the possibility of a good joke, invited them to her home,
and they gleefully accepted. Picture their consternation
when they were presented to the King[ Altogether we
spent an extremely pleasant fortnight in this place, and
it was by way of a study in contrasts that October 2oth
round us installed in the Redan on the opposite side of
the river from Nieuport.
This town is a sister in misfortune to Ypres, but the
destruction was even more complete because it was almost
in the front line, and shells of all calibres dropped in it
well-nigh continuously day and night. Peace-time bridges,
of course, had been obliterated, but soldiers had built
others to connect up the front line defence, which was
east of the river, with the rear. Who will ever forger
Putney Bridge ? Lancashire men who knew nothing of
its parent in London, had now perforce to take a lively
personal interest in this wobbly structure. There were
two others but they were not so famous as this
because they were not so frequently used. Many things
can be camouflaged to deceive aircraft, but I think a
bridge over a river would tax the most ingenious in this
art, hence, although hidden from direct observation from
the enemy lines, the Hun had the exact position of these
bridges, and, what was more disconcerting, he also had
the exact range. So he " dusted" them at irregular in-
tervals with various calibres, and trips across resembled
the noble game of running the gauntlet. This portion of
night reliefs was naturally particularly exciting. The
late Lt.-Col. Marshall, V.C., when second in command to
the 6th L.F's., provided an amusing story for the division
one day when a couple of officers failed to salure him
in the middle of Putney Bridge, he walking calmly across,
NIEUPORT. 6
and they--obviously hurrying. He pulled them up and
strafed them duly, then, to force his point, he stood on
the bridge and caused them to pass him two or three
times in a dignified manner and salute him correctly.
Luckily the Boche did not interfere in this little humorous
interlude.
The Redan was a large triangular redoubt, with the
base resting on the river and having an artificial moat
through the middle and on its other two sides. It had
been built many years ago to dcfend Nieuport and in this
war had played its part. The enemy had paid a good
deal of attention toit with heavy shells soit was con-
siderably knocked about. Most of the concreted dugouts,
however, were still intact, and they served to house
good portion of the 7th in their support position. Head-
quarters inhabited the ever famous Indiarubber House.
This resembled an innocent barn in appearance, and the
Hun had hit it hard many many times, but his shells had
only bounced harmlessly off the solid concealed concrete--
hence its name. The French, in the quiet days, had
"done themselves well" here, and we thanked them for
the excellent supply of electric light which they had
handed over.
It was when we took over the front line, however, that
the real meaning of the Nieuport sector was revealed.
The ground was torn and devastated like the Salient,
but here the destruction and misery was increased by
floods, ever present in a greater or less degree. It had
been impossible to dig in the low ground, so the defences
consisted of breastworks which had been very much
battered since the enemy had established his superiority
here in guns. Over this area the Boche had uninterrupted
observation from the ruins of Lombaertzyde, which lay
on slightly higher ground just within his lines. It was
thus practically impossible to move about by day, tor
the sight of khaki brought down a hurricane of whizz
bangs, special batteries being apparently told off tor
sniping of this nature. Further, as we lay in a very sharp
salient just here our men could be plainly seen behind the
breastworks by the enemy on their right rear, and these
62 NIEUPORT.
people indulged in long range machine gun sniping.
Since our purpose was a " peaceful" one in this sector,
we could see no value in inviting the enemy to indulge in
artillery and M.G. target practice on us, so we lay
" doggo" during the day. Everything had to be done at
night, and runners to the companies round this their busiest
time, wading thigh-deep through stretches of water, and
picking their way amongst innumerable shell holes in
search of Company Hcadquarters. This front also lent
itself to heavy trench-mortar work by the Hun. and
" minnies " were constantly stealing over with evil intent
to batter down our flimsy breastworks. Battalion H.Q.
and the signallers will probably not easily forget the
morning when they round themselves the objective in
this kind of work. One shot dropped plumb on the
H.Q. concrete shelter, hall removing the roof and scatter-
ing the contents of the orderly room in a disrespectful
manner, whilst the next one pushed in the signaller's dug-
out, wounding L.-Cpl. Wild. It was the sang-froid of
a/R.S.M. Clough on this occasion, coupled with his sound
work generally in the line, which earned for him the
the Belgian Croix de Guerre.
Although the casualties were nothing like so numerous,
still our men agreed that for general conditions they
preferred the Ypres sector to this, and it certainly was a
most depressing spot. One of the great troubles was the
number of canals, vhich, owing to the destruction of the
dams and locks, etc., were nov affected by the tides,
causing them to overflow and flood our defensive works.
This was another source of glee to the Hun, and he
played a most amusing game--to himself--of allowing us
to build up a data and then promptly knocking it down
with 5-9's and 8"s. One night, a new officer to the 7th,
2nd-Lt. J. H. Milne, vas in charge of a working party
on one of these jobs when they were suddenly subjected
to heavy shelling. The data was smashed and Milne
round his party broken up on each side of the canal.
Reatising that one or two of the men on the opposite side
of the canal to himself had been hit, he, along with Sgt.
Heath and Pte. Titchener, scrambled across, although
NIEUPORT. 63
the shelling had hOt ceased, and looked after them, getting
them to places of safety. Milne received recognition for
this, while Sgt. Heath and Pte. Titchener were awarded
Military Medals.
On the night of November 1st a most unfortunate
incident occurred. We were out in support again and
were to relieve the 5th the following night in the front
line, the usual advance parties having been sent up. Lt.
Sievewright had gone up for "13" company, and whilst
there some scheme had been suddenly formed to go out
a short distance to examine new wire that had been put
up. The party had ventured out beyond the wire, how-
ever, and were suddenly assailed with a hurricane of
bombs from what appeared to be an enemy patrol or
covering party. Sievewright and two officers of the 5th
were killed and two other ranks wounded. It was an
exceedingly unfortunate event for it was quite an im-
promptu venture and it would appear that the usual
patrol precautions had hOt been considered so seriously
as they would ordinarily have been. This was a strange
front, however, and extraordinary things happened, our
brigade hot being the only one to surfer from mishaps,
for on another night the commanding officer of the 8th
L.F's., whilst visiting his outposts wandered into a Boche
post and was never seen again, while the late Lt.-Col.
Marshall, V.C. (previously mentioned) did the saine thing.
but after a short scrap with a Hun he managed to get
away.
We had the 2nd Matrosen (Naval) division in front of
us, and they were really an enterprising lot. Undoubtedly
out pressure upon Paschendaele was making the German
nervy on this sector, and he was under an obligation to
keep alive and display a vigorous activity. Further, his
morale was considerably heightened by the Teutonic
success in Italy which his vireless sets were busy
blazoning forth to ail the world. This will account, there-
fore, for the sudden arrival of an enemy patrol outside
one of out isolated posts one night. They flung in bombs
over the scanty wire, inflicting casualties, and then rapidly
departed. This was a sting which had to be avenged,
64 N IEUPORT.
and while the 5th were in they took first toll by meeting
a Hun patrol in 1No iVlan's Land, and after fighting it out
returned triumphant with two prisoners, xvho proved to
be Bavarians, thus giving a valuable identification. "Vhen
we took over, out chance came very soon for a patrol
was met on the saine gaine as before. Th result was
discomfiture of the enemy and the capture of a wounded
petty officer of the iVlatrosens. From these two events
we could approximately deduce the enemy divisional
boundary. The next night, determined to assert our
superiority over the Boche, another of our patrols from
"A" company, journeyed forth, got through his wire,
located a post, and then filled it with bombs.
After seventeen days of amphibious soldiering in from
of 1Nieuport we were relieved by the 125th brigade, and
went back for a welcome test to huts near Coxyde.
Rumours drifted around about accompanying the 41st
division to Italy, but they did not materialise. Bitterly
cold weather suddenly arrived, however, which ruade us
aware of the flimsiness of the French huts in which we
dwelt.
CHAPTER VI.
An Interlude.
T HE 42nd division added to its list of new ex-
periences when it was relieved at Nieuport, by a
division of Frencl troops. We afterwards heard
that they had demonstrated their capacity for common
sense in warfare by evacuating all the horrible ground
in front of the Redan, which we had clung to with charac-
teristic British bull-dog tenacity.
Lt.-Col. Carr, D.S.O., having proceeded on leave, Major
Allan commanded the battalion during the succeeding
days. It was round later, however, that the C.O. would
hOt return, having been placed on the sick list at home.
The division was destined for Bethune and it was a very
pleasant rive days' match that took us to that area. On
the first day, Nov. I6th, passing through Leffinckoucke,
near Dunkirk, we reached Teteghem, while the next day
took us to Esquelbec, just outside Vormhoudt. The
following two days required only short distances to the
Hazebrouck district, but the fifth day was longer, and,
marching past the divisional commander in Aire, we
arrived at Mazinghem, a small village just off the main
Lillers road.
The battalion spent a few days here, and a really
happy time it was. The villagers had hOt become blasé
to British soldiers, and they gave out men a hearty
welcome in their billets. It was with no small pride that
the curé, with whom the padre and myself were lucky
enough to be billeted, informed us that General Pètain
had at one rime spent many happy days in his bouse,
for his uncle had been the curé here. Whilst in this
village we received the news of the wonderful Cambrai
66 AN INTERLUDE.
attack by General Byng, and we had a curious feeling
that he had no right to do that without asking the 42nd
to help him, for we naturally possessed a fatherly in-
terest in Havrincourt and all its works. The first flush
of news gave us no details, and we were perplexed to
know what had happened to " Jerry's Wire" which we
knew vas formidable enough. Then the stories of tanloe
upon tanks drifted through, and we began to understand
it.
It was here that Lt.-Col. Bromfield, of the Leicester-
shire Regt. first saw the 7th and assumed command. He
was due for leave, however, and had just emerged from
a trying time at Paschendaele, so Major Allan was soon
left in charge once more. We did not remain long at
Mazinghem for out duty was to relieve the 25th division
in the line at Givenchy, belote La Bassee. As everyone
knows, this was one of the sectors of the original British
line so that everything connected with it was essentially
English. Since the fighting at Festubert in I9I 5 com-
parative peace had reigned along this front and we were
content to allow it to remain so after out noisy experiences
at Ypres and Nieuport.
Givenchy was once a mining village situated on
a spur of the Aubers Ridge, which, running west
to east, looks down upon the fiat ground, stretching un-
interruptedly northwards through Festubert, Neuve
Chapelle and Laventie towards Armentieres. Someone
had facetiously suggested in the trench diary (a beauti-
fully bound document that had been handed down from
battalion to battalion from early days) that " Givenchy
Church be kept in a state of repair for the Huns to
register on," and therein lies an important fact. Had
the church tower been standing, and one could have got
into it, a glorious view of a large part of Northern France
would have been obtained. Looking eastwards one saw
La Bassee hall concealed by thick woods while to the
northeast were the outskirts of Lille. Southwards and
south-west were the mining villages of the Lens district
with their huge conical fosses. In other words, Givenchy
was an important tactical point and the fiercest efforts
AN INTERLUDE. 67
of the Boche in 1914 had failed to more British troops
from it, although at th end of the fighting it lay in a
very sharp salient, which was only straightened out after
Festubert in
Since those days typical old-fashioned trench warfare
had prevailed. Thcre were wonderful ramifications of
trenches, front line, duplicate firing line, support trenches,
reserve trenches, and numerous communication saps, ail
built on the old style vith numerous sandbags. On the
fiat ground to the north it had been impossible to dig
down for dcfence, and both sides had built up earthworl
on the somewhat marshy ground, so that sandbags were
again the most noticeable feature. Running behind the
breastworks in this portion was a convenient trench-
tramway--for rations, ammunition, etc. To the south of
Givenchy were the famous La Bassee Canal and the
brickstacks.
"When mankind started to fight each other under the
earth, as well as on it and above it, No Man's Land in
front of Givenchy began to be really churned up. Huge
craters had been blown up by both sides in such numbers
that they formed the most distinctive feature of this part
of the line, The whole of the ground across the ridge
between the lines presented the appearance of a model
of the Alps on a rather large scale. These craters had
to be carefully represented on all trench maps, and they
bore distinctive names such as Warlington Crater and
Red Dragon Crater. Both sides had pushed forward
saps as far as possible through this diflîcult ground both
for observation and sniping purposes. Great mine shafts
extended under No Man's Land, and the curious could
go down these and listen to the Huns knocking about
and digging above.
The great advantage of the quiet nature of this front
was the possibility of daylight reliefs, so it was in the
afternoon of November 27th that the 7th dribbled across
" Westminster Bridge" over the canal, and took over the
support positions evacuated by the st battalion "Vilt-
shire Regt. in the vicinity of " ¥indy Corner." We were
astonished to find cottages and rows of houses, very
68 AN INTERLUDE.
little damaged, within 600 yards of the front line, and
we reposed comfortably on wire beds inside them instead
of in holes in the ground. In fact, across the canal, just
behind Harley Street, and at an equal distance from the
front, there still lived a Frenchman with his wife and
kiddie, who dispensed eggs and chips to hungry Tommiesl
Surely this must be a " bon front." I ara afraid things
looked vastly different after the Hun attempt to smash
through the 55th division here in the following April.
It was with the probability of this attack in view that the
42nd division began to stiffen the defences, and as well
as holding the line we interested ourselves in digging,
concreting and wiring.
G.H.Q. were convinced that Germany wou|d in the
Spring make a supreme effort to break up the Western
Front before the American Army became an effective
force in the field. The offensive spirit was to be kept in
our pockets for a short time, and we were to turn out
attention to the defensive idea. They had also decided
that a system of " dcfended localities," skilfully sited
and constructed, would be the most effective method of
breaking up the attacking bordes. That is, the British
front would consist of a series of posts, each self-con-
tained, but mutually supporting, that wottld act like a
huge breakwater to the Hun waves. In accordance with
this general idea, the line near La Bassee was recon-
structed, and a good deal of hard work was put in
during those winter weeks. Later, when we heard how
well the 55th division had stopped the enemy in the
localities that we had done so much to perfect, we felt a
good deal of pride and satisfaction that they had proved
a success, and complimentary messages vere exchxnged
between Maj.-Gen. Solly-Flood and Maj.-Gen. Jeudwine,
commanding the 55th division. A combination ot the
work and fighting qualities of Lancashire men had been
too much for the Hun.
It must hot be imagined that it was all bed of roses
on this front, for the enemy had his unpleasant moments,
particularly at night. There was a steady flow of irritating
casualties, and when Corporal O'Connell and Pte. Bowie
AN INTERLUDE. 69
of the regimental police were killed at headquarters cne
night, we felt that old familiar faces might not be so
permanent amongst us as might be supposed. lhe cruel
disruption of war was ever present. Still we had the
satisfaction of knowing that the Boche received as much
and more than he gave. The battalion snipers occasion-
ally registered hits, and in this type of warfare there xvas
plenty "of good sport" to be had owing t the short
distance across No Man's Land and the large gaps in
the sides of the enemy trenches. Out gunners also in-
dulged in sniping with good results, and it was excifing
to watch the rapidity of the sequence of two or three grey
figures jumping out of a trench and the bang, bang,
bang of an I8 pounder shell or two in their close vicinity.
But our excitement must have been as naught compared
with that of the aforesaid grey figures i
The reliefs in this " model sector" came round like
clock-work. A battalion did four days in the front line,
four days in support, four days in the line, and then
four days in brigade reserve. Af ter thirty-two days of
this the brigade went out for sixteen days in divisional
reserve. It was all so beautiful and soothing that it
seemed as though the problem of perpetual motion had
been solved and the war had corne for an eternity. The
enemy did the same thing, and we knew when he did it.
He left us alone on relief days and we returned the com-
pliment. Thus on December 9th we effected a peaceful
passage into brigade reserve at Gorre Chateau. In a
noisy sector this chateau and all the village in the vicinity
would have been reduced to ruins, but her the civilians
had not been interrupted in their daily work, and the
chateau itself was a wonderful billet for troops, accom-
modating the whole battalion comfortably. In fact, nearly
twelve months later orderly room received bills fol the
use of the electric light in the officers" mess i
Whilst here Major Allan was sent to hospital, from
which he was eventually invalided to England, and did
not return to the battalion again. He had had a long,
useful career with the I27th brigade since th middle of
95 . Family afïairs had caused the regretted departure
70 AN INTERLUDE.
of Lt. G. W. Franklin, and his place at the head of the
transport was taken by Lt. Wilkinson, after a brief period
of duty by Lt. C. R. Thorpe. Col. Bromfield returned
from leave just after we went into the line again at
Givenchy after the four days' rest. This spell in the line
was marked principally by cold, frosty weather and most
of the battalion figured in the trenches in wonderful fur
coats popularly known as leather jerkins.
The Manchester brigade were fortunate again in being
out in divisional reserve for "Xrnas. Excellent rare xvas
provided for the 7th in the shape of turkeys, pork, 'Xmas
pudding, extra vegetables, barrels of beer and extra
rurn rations, so that hilarity was the order of the day.
There being a good deal of snow about at this rime
tactical exorcises frequently took the form of inter com-
pany snow-ball fights. To have Major Hurst with
us during this period previous to his departure on Courts-
martial work could not have been rnore opportune, for
he had ever been most energetic on the social side of the
battalion. With rerniniscences of his irnprornptu concerts
and lectures on Gallipoli and in Egypt we knexv we should
not look in vain for something from hirn. His was the
rnaster-mind behind this Yule-tide festivity, while a
delightfully funny sketch written by him in which Gwen-
doline de Vere of Greenheys Lane figured prominently,
gave the officers and sergeants of the 7th an opportunity
of displaying their dramatic skill. The inhabitants of
Bethune, where most of the brigade were in billets at this
time, will not easily forget the efforts of the I27th brigade
to make the most of its 'Xmas rest. The Boche made
unpleasant contributions to the proceedings by way of
long range shelling by day and bombing by night, but
although the 8th and the civilians suffered somewhat by
these displays, the 7th escaped practically unhurt.
In the opening days of the New Year we returned to
the line in the Brickstacks sector south of the canal, and the
heavy snow and frost having been succeeded by a sudden
thaxv accompanied by rain, the condition of the trenches
in the low ground can be better imagined than described.
Leathei jerkins were quicldy supplemented by "boots.
AN INTERLUDE. l
gum, thigh," and the ]3ritish soldier came to assume the
appearance of a Yarmouth fisherman. Runners, etc.,
arriving at company H.Q., vould first demand from
the harbour toaster permission to navigate their course
through the troubled waters, while facetious notices in-
dicated rimes when pleasure boats could be taken out.
This amphibious warfare was extremely unplesant, and
it further delayed the work on the new defensive positions.
Captain Jimmy Baker and Lt. Jack Morten, whilst on a
midnight prowl in No Man's Land almost met with disas-
ter, and the performance came to an undignifid close
after they had extricated one another from deep muddy
water to rnake their way back to dock minus gum boms.
Wc knew that the Huns must be in a similar predicamelït,
for their ground was equally low, and we could only
laugh when on one occasion dawn revealed one or two
of them jumping about in the open in attempts to dry
their clothes and to restore lire to their numbed bodies.
It hardly seemed the game to tire upon them.
Kindness to a German is often rnisplaced, as we [ound
vhen his "travelling Circus" of heavy trench mortars
arrived. Having unobtrusively got these veapons into
concentrated positions near his support line he suddenly
loosed them all off one afternoon at an extremely annoy-
ing and rapid rate of tire, peppering ail the trenches
that ve had spent such time in getting into habitable
condition. It was a nerve-racking experience while it
lasted but the 7th stuck to their posts ready to meet any
Hun attack should it develop. What the enemy had
really intended vas never quite understood, but a small
party of ]3oche got across No Man's Land that night.
One of "]3" company's posts saw them, however, and
attacked them. One German got into our trench and Pte.
Saunderson chased him but failed to get him. ]'erry,
in his hurried departure, left behind him his cap and one
or tvo other articles and these, together vith a collection
of battered trenches and a few slight casualties, vere the
only souvenirs ve got out of this " stunt," with the ex-
ception of the M.M. avarded to Pte. Saunderson, for
72 AN INTERLUDE.
his plucky conduct. The divisional commander xvas in the
battalion area at the rime, and he afterwards sent us a con-
gratulatory message on the steadiness of the men, a
compliment of which we were justly proud.
On January 22nd we moved out to Le lreol into
brigade reserve. The 7th were particularly tortunate in
coming out of the line at this time, for we did not go tin
again before the whole division was relieved. After our
allotted period at Le lreol it was the brigade's turn for
divisional reserve, and this was accompanied by another
move back to Hingette, near Locon. One of our functions
in this position was to back up the Fortuguese if they
should be attacked, for they lay on the left of the 4znd.
This entailed a careful reconnaissance of all the ground
behind thcir positions, and the siting and construction of
defended localities in that area. So the battalion round
itself digging and wiring once more in new soil.
The 55th division, having recovered from the severe
handling they had received in the enemy reply to " Cam-
brai," eventually took over the line, and on February
12th the 7th marched back to Burbure, near Lillers. The
end of the 42nd's tour of duty in' this sector had been
marked the previous night by a highly successful raid by
the 9th Manchesters which had taken the Boche com-
pletely by surprise, and had furnished quite a number
of prisoners and machine guns. The warning rumblings of
the German offensive storm now steadily increased to a
marked degree. His guns were growing in number, range
and activity, and what had once been peaceful back areas
were steadily becoming more uncomfortable. This was
displayed ail along the front, so that it was impossible to
deduce from that fact alone where his bloxv xvould fall.
There was a good deal of suspicion, however, about the
Portuguese front, and the duties of the 42nd, as ISt Army
reserve, were clear if the attack took place there.
Eventually the division, without having to move again,
became G.H.Q. reserve, which meant that we were
liable to be sent to any part of the British line when
Germany commenced to strike. With the aid of motor
buses, parties of officers and men made reconnaissances
AN INTERLUDE. 73
of the defended localities behind the Loos and Hulluch
sector, so that by now we were more or less conversant
with the larger part of the ISt Army front. The divisional
commander lectured officers and N.C.O's. of all brigades
concerning the work of defence, and it was about this
time that he instituted the divisional motto:--" Go one
better "--which was taken up and acted upon with such
popular enthusiasm by everyone connected with the 42nd.
In fact, if a coat of arms of the East Lancashire Division
had been designed in I918 , the following three features
would have stood out clearly :--
cOV@ °o
During the month of February the drain upon the man-
power of the British Empire caused by the war made
itself apparent. It was round to be impossible to main-
tain in the field four battalions per brigade, and a re-
duction to three was ordered. Then took place the
solution of a most confusing Chinese puzzle. Some bat-
talions were broken up, and the fragments sent to others
either in the saine division or in other divisions, while
in the case of many units, particularly territorials, there
was a transfer of a sort of cadre which was amplified to
full strength in its new division. The 42nd division lost
the 6th L.F's., the 4th East Lancashires and the 9th Man-
chesters, and the 8th Manchesters were transferred to the
I26th brigade, which was now composed of 5th East
Lancs., the 8th and ioth Manchesters, while the i27th
brigade was left with the 5th, 6th and 7th Manchesters.
74 AN INTERLUDE.
A whole company of seven officers and 200 men of the
2/loth Manchesters from the 66th division came to wear
the Fleur de Lys, and we were glad to welcome them as
comrades. In the heavy fighting that followed they
proved themselves to be good stuff of the regular Oldham
type, while they themselves forgot their natural initial
heart burnings and grew proud of the Cap badge and
flashes that they had adopted.
Our period of rest was divided between Burbure and
]3usnes, and in both places the mesdemoiselles and the
estaminets were a source of real delight to the men of
the 7th. As might be expected, some good, solid training
was achieved, and this was interspersed by most enjoyable
football competitions and cross-country running. In fact,
the middle of March round the division extremely fit.
CHAPTER VII.
Stopping the Hun.
OOD GOD! What is the matter with the Boche
to-night?' Such were our ejaculations on the
night of March 2lst at Busnes. The coming of
darkness had brought with it the long-drawn out, familiar
"A-zoom, a-zoom-- CRASH -- CRASH -- CRASH," of
enemy planes but in doser proximity than ever before.
Previously they had confined their attentions to Bethune
each night, but on this particular evening Lillers was
the objective, and plane after plane came over main-
taining an almost continuous bombardment throughout
the night. An ammunition train standing in the station.
was hit, and the terrific explosions that followed at irregular
intervals accompanied by huge rires added to the even-
ing's excitements. Next day, wires from G.H.Q. enligh-
tened us. The German offensive opened on the morning
of March 2st, the fifth and third armies being engaged.
The front line defence had been overwhelmed, but we
were led to suppose that the enemy was being held up
amongst the defended localities.
We afterwards learnt that intensive bombing of back
areas and particularly of railheads and junctions had
taken place that night in the whole of the British area.
One of the objects of this was to impede the movements
of reserve divisions, and when it is known that detailed
instructions had been issued for the entrainment of the
42nd at Lillers in case we should be required at some
distance, such a policy as this is easily understood. But
the German had reckoned without the London omnibus
driver, who before the war had served anothel kind of
" General." Arrangements were rapidly completed in
76 STOPPING THE HUN.
twenty-four hours, so that on the morning of March 23rd
the whole division, in battle order, round a huge fleet of
buses ready to convey them to--" Somewhere in France."
The French villagers srniled confidently at us as we
journeyed northwards in the direction of the Portuguese
front, but they did hot know, poor souls, that this was
the only way the large convoy could " about turn," nor
did they know, although perhaps they guessed, that the
Portuguese front would collapse the following month and
they would be fleeing for their lires before the blonde
beast. We eventually turned our faces south and rode
the whole of that day without stopping over the dusty
roads of France. The Hun had been extraordinarily lucky
in weather, there having been hardly a drop of rain
for more than three weeks, so that the grouni was per-
fectly dr¥ for his operations.
Nightfall round us still travelling, and the day of 24th
March had almost broken belote we "debussed" to
find ourselves in the devastated area of the Somme lands,
near the village of Ayette. There was no rest to be had.
Uncertainty as to the situation in front and also as to
the future possibilities necessitated an immediate adoption
of tactical positions, and the 27th brigade took up a
defensive line, on an outpost principle, to cover the
ground between Ablainzevelle and Courcelles. Until this
had been achieved no man was able to turn his thoughts
to sleep, in fact the sun had been up some hours belote
this was possible. The day produced a complexity of
events in the handling of which Col. Bromfield proved
himself to be at once human and masterful. In the
first place, a " battle surplus " had to be decided upon.
This was a small group of officers and men, selected as
far as possible from each rank and from each type of
specialists, who remained behind the line whilst the bat-
talion was in action. In the event of the battalion being
obliterated by casualties, they would form the nucleus
of a ncw unit. Choice generally fell upon those who
were considered due for a rest from the line. When
the necessary officers and men had been abstracted
STOPPING THE HUN. 77
the Company Commanders were Capt. Tinker, "A," Capt.
Nidd, " B," 2nd-Lt. Harland, "C," and Capt. J. Baker,
"iD." Headquarters comprised the C.O., Capt. J. R.
Creagh, Adjutant; Lt. C. 'S. Wood, Signals; and Lt.
S. ]. Wilson, I.O.; while Capt. Philp, the M.O., and
Padre Hoskyns were in confident control of aid post
arrangements.
We had now become a part of the third army, and as
such we were desfined to remain until the conclusion of
the war. General Byng was not a stranger to the 42nd,
for it was as a part of his corps on Gallipoli that they ruade
their first fight against the Turk. As the reports have it,
"the situation was obscure" on this portion of the third
army front. As far as we were concerned the 4oth
division had experienced a very severe handling but were
still fighting gamely. They had recaptured Mory twice
and were now expected to be in possession of the greater
part of the village, while the Guards on their left were
only yielding ground inch by inch. What had happened
to the right of this was not very, clear. The orders of
the I27th brigade were to go up and relieve some frag-
ments of the 4oth division in Mory on the night of the
24th, and when darkness fell ve set out with this object
in view, but such plain, straightforward work as that was
not to be achieved in these queer days. Events moved
quickly and a change in the situation was an hourly
occurrence; it therefore devolved upon unit commanders,
and as far as possible commanders of higher formations
to act with initiative and resource.
The head of the brigade column had reached Gomie-
court when word was received that the enemy was
attacking again, and there were vague reports that
Behagnies had either been ca.ptured or was being hard
pressed. It was considered inadvisable to continue the
journey to Mory, and more important to hold up this
possible enveloping movement. We were therefore de-
flected to the right, and then those things were done which
we used to practise on the desert, but never expected to
put into use in France. We moved across the open in
artillery formation by battalions and finally deployed
STOPPING THE HUN. 79
into a defensive position. Meanwhile the guns were
hammering away at S.O.S. speed from their hastily im-
provised positions either on or near the roads. The
difficulty of all this work was not diminished by the
darkness, and it was with some astonishment that we
found the I25th brigade coming through our lines diago-
nally. One or two stragglers from other divisions came in
and told stories of heavy enemy attacks, but a gunner
major rode back from the front on a white horse, and
said the situation was not so bad as these men's reports
had intimated. Still, there seemed to be a good deal of
confusion, and the 7th were somewhat bewildered, hOt
knowing quite what to expect next. Meamvhile they
longed hard for daylight in order to get their whereabouts
and some idea of the lie of the land.
As daylight approached on the 25th it was obvious,
from the increasing proximity of rifle tire on our left,
that Mory had fallen and the line was falling back
steadily. Quiet seemed to reign now, however, in the
direction of Behagnies. We later discovered that the
L.F's. had received orders to push on and cover the
Behagnies-Sapignies Road, and this they had success-
fully achieved in the night. At the same time the i26th
brigade was in touch with the enemy in front of Ervillers,
so that on the morning of the zsth ail three brigades
were in the front line and were rigging up an impromptu
battle with the Hun. The enemy soon ruade his inten-
tions clear and he commenced a vigorous assault. What
troops still remained of the 4oth and other divisions, when
they found that the 4znd were in position, gradualIy
dribbled through in search of a long-delayed and well-
earned rest. They had been fighting without respite
since the morning of the ZlSt. The 6th Manchesters were
now on the right of the division in the vicinity of Bihu-
court, but they were uncertain as to the state of affairs
on their right. As a matter of fact, although we were
not aware of it at the time, Bapaume had been taken
and a large gap had been left in the line south of ou-
right flank, through which the Huns were pouring in
victorious mass. The New Zealand division and one
STOPPING THE HUN.
brigade of Australians, with the 62nd division on their left
were hurried forward, and after very severe fighting
stopped the enemy rush about Hebuterne, some toiles
westward of the position we held on Match 25th.
Meanwhile we wcre in blissful ignorance of out hazar-
dous position and the Manchesters were preserving strict
guard over an exposed right flank. The 6th came in for
a good deal of heavy fighting in the vicinity of Bihucourt,
but they held the village all day. The headquarters of
the 7th was in an old shallow dug-out close to the light
railway that had been constructed from Achiet-le-Grand
to run eastwards in the direction of Bullecourt. This
railway wound its way through a sort of valley to the
north of which lies Gomiecourt and to the north-east
Mory. Due east on higher ground are Behagnies and
Sapignies where the L.F's. were making such a fine stand.
This high ground continues southwards towards Bihu-
court and Bapaume, and it was along this ridge that
most of the day's fighting took place.
During the previous night the 7th had been spread
out fanwise in out-posts covering the shallow valley, and
it was not long after daylight belote the enemy began to
drop shells indiscriminately about this ground. "C" and
"D" companies were ordered forward to assist tho 5th
and " A" and " B " were left in support. Tanks came up
and they courageously crawled out over the ridge and
did some very sound work before being knocked out by
guns which had been brought up to unwonted proximity.
It was whilst crawling out to rescue a wounded man of
the crew of a tank that Sergeant Heath, M.M., was
mortally wounded. The z27th brigade could hOt be
driven from their positions and they dug themselves in,
in srnall section posts, confidently avaiting nightfall and
the next day's fight. The attacks died down and when
darkness came, digging parties went up to assise in the
work of consolidation. F.vents as described above, how-
ever, had decided otherwise, for about zo p.m. a
divisional staff officer arrived with orders to fall back
to a line of defence between Logeast "Vood and Cour-
celles.
STOPPING THE HUN.
8!
Casualties had been fairly heavy in this day's work.
Capt. J. Baker and 2nd.-Lt. B. Taylor had gone down
wounded, while Col. Brornfield, Capt. Creagh and the
M.O. had ail been slightly wounded by a shell which
knocked in the entrance to the headquarter's dug-out.
They rernained at duty, although the C.O. suffered con-
siderably frorn an internal bruise in the stornach which
rnade it impossible for him to walk without assistance.
The arrangements for clearing the wounded became con-
fused when Gorniecourt was evacuated, for there the
Advanced Dressing Station had been established. Then
it was that the Padre displayed lais vigour, courage and
resource. He corrnrnandeered a hut close to Achiet and
had a large number of wounded frorn various battalions
collected there. Eventually he was able to get an
ambulance which carried rnany of them back to the
Casualty Clearing Station, but this process suddenly
stopped. Ail sorts of conveyances were then seized
and rnen were gradually carried back. When the
order to withdraw becarne known rnatters were critical..
but the Padre continued his labours. Difîàculties were
not diminished when the Hun cornmenced to drop 5"9's
laear this spot. Hoskyns was slightly wounded, but he was
bound up and carried on his self-appointed task until
some tirne after the last of the brigade had gone by, leav-
ing hirn with no one in front but the Hun. Not until the
last man had been carried safely off did he leave this
place, and then he collected various stragglers and rnarched
them up as a platoon to join their own units This, and
his continuous plucky and considerate work in tending
bodily as well as spiritual needs during the next few days
obtained for hirn a well-earned M.C.
The night of the 25th-26th was even more strenuous
than the previous one. About 1.3 o p.m. the withdrawal
cornmenced, and was very skilfully carried out, so skil-
fully, in fact, that the German battle outposts could be
heard firing interrnittently for hours after our troops
had retired. After steady plugging, rnan-handling
everything, we reached a system of admirably prepared
trenches north of Logeast Wood. The pioneer battalion
G
2
STOPPING THE HUN.
7th Northumberland Fusiliers, who had corne to the
division in February, had been working upon them ail day,
and, excellently sited as they were, they inspired everyone
with a great feeling of confidence. Men took a lively
interest in their posts, and after a considerable amount
of organisation sentries were mounted and the battalion
settled down for a test until the enemy should arrive. It
was now 3 a.m. At this hour it so happened that the
division had received another urgent order to fall back
stiil further. Staff oflîcers ruade their way on foot
through the congested roads behind the front and searched
dimly for the various brigades, a most uncertain task in
view of the rapidity of events. We were round eventually
and the brigade major aroused us from slumber to trans-
mit the news.
Once again the 7th rose up, shouldered their burdens.
and strode backwards. " What are we going back for?
What does it all mean? We held up Jerry yesterday--
why retire?" It all seemed very unsatisfactory and we
were very tired. Food had naturally been scanty and
only obtained in snatches, but much energy was being
consumed. It was a disappointed battalion that straggled
wearily through Logeast \Vood. We were only just in
rime. hoxvever, ][or advance parties of the enemy were
already entering the east side of the çVood as we .merged
from the south-west side. Here we found some explana-
tion of things. Col. Wedgewood, of the 6th, reported
bodies of the enemy moving forward to strike in on out
southern flank, and this news had the effect of an electric
shock amongst us. Col. Bromfield at once ordered posi-
tions to be taken up to face the enemy who were advanc-
ing from the south and south-east. " A" and "D"
companies moved out quickly to seize the high ground and
one or two Lewis guns opened tire at the bodies of grev
figures in the distance. Meanwhile, however, the brigadier
had decided to cover the Bucquoy-Ablainzevelle road,
and so touch up with the 62nd division, who had some hours
previously occupied a position from Hebuterne to Buc-
quoy, and were at that moment resisting violent efforts on
the part of the Hun to turn out right flank. It was,
STOPPING THE HUN. 83
therefore, in the latter village where we met the gallant
Yorkshiremen of the end line \Vest Riding Territorials.
Gen. Henley personally assisted in getting the platoons
of " B " and " C " companies into position, and then "A "
and "D " companies were ordered to withdraw to their
line.
When the withdrawal had been completed the 7th were
on the right of the division, with the flank resting on the
edge of Bucquoy village. The road from Bucquoy to
Ayette, which was almost south to north, is an important
one and is marked by a row of trees on each side. As
one walks from Bucquoy along this road, another road
branching off to the right from the edga of the village
is seen leading down to Ablainzevelle. The road junction
marks the highest portion of ground in the vicinity, and
there is a long sweep eastwards towards Logeast Wood
and Achiet-le-Petit. It was when we noticed th latter
place that the whole irony of the situation broke upon us.
Eight month's ago we had been enjoying a blissful period
of test on this self-saine spot, and such features as we
now gazed upon had merely been used for the purpose of
containing a supposed enemy in the working out of a
tactical exercise--a sham fight. Now--the enemy could
not be more real or more alive. He was here with the
sole intent of destroying us by any possible method if
we would not vacate out position. What happened?
The 7th was assured that this was at last the spot where
resistance would be offered. There were no trenches,
and the men lay out in the open on the sloping ground
east and south of the Ablainzevelle road, xvith intent to dig
in as soon as possible. " C" company were on the right,
and they were rather fortunate in being on the site of an
old camp, because in these days of modern war it is
necessary to dig a hole in tent even, as a safe-guard
against bombing. "C" company then disposed them-
selves amongst these circular holes, and later round them
useful protection when the heavy shelling commenced.
" B" company, in the centre, were totally exposed, while
'°A" company on the lefl, in touch with the 6th, were
almost as bad, although two platoons were able to make
84
STOPPING THE HUN.
use of the sunk road. "D" company were behind in
support and could occupy portions of an old Boche
trench running east and west. Headquarters lay out in
the Ayette road at first until an old Boche dug-out, not
completed, was round farther up the road. and then they
got mto it. Platoons had barely been allotted their areas
when clumps of Huns began to appear on the ridge we
had just vacated. They proved to be teams of light
machine gunners, and without preliminaries in the matter
of searching for cover, they promptly opened tire, and
soon there was a perfect hall of grazing bullets swishing
over the battalion area. German officers calmly walked
about directing operations and the whole scene resembled
a " stunt on the pictures" rather than modern war. They
had ruade a mistake, though, and if they were seeking
dramatic effect it was only short lived. Our men were
delighted at the perfect target they presented on the sky-
line, and rat-tat-tatted merrily in reply to the Hun swish.
By this rime also "D" company of the Machine Gun
battalion had taken up a position and they also joined
in the conversation. The enemy then considered the
advisability of concealment, and he disappeared from view.
Small parties of his infantry meanwhile had dribbled
forward, considerably helped by old systems of trenches
which extended down into the low ground. Our men were
ready, however, and met them with a heavy fusillade
whenever they showed themselves.
Between Logeast Wood and Ablainzevelle was a camp
of Nisson huts, which had been protected against bomb-
ing, in the usual manner, by thick walls of earth round
each hut. The enemy was now making the fullest possible
use of these, for they afforded him most excellent pro-
tection. Luckily they were on a piece of ground fully
exposed to us, and we were able to get some idea as to
his movements in that direction. It was soon evident
that they were to be utilised as a stepping stone to a
further advance. First, light M.G's. and snipers were
brought up, and these dribbled out of the huts into Ablain-
zevelle, where they established themselves to the dis-
comfort of our men, for they were well on out left flank
STOPPING THE ttUN. 8 5
and could take some of our position in enfilade. The
battalion suffered a number of casualties from this cause.
Unfortunately also, our guns had not got a clear con-
ception of the state of affairs, and one battery fairly
peppered the H.Q. road with shrapnel, inflicting about
a dozen casualties, vhile others covered our ovn forvard
positions with the saine kind of shell, and so addec to
the list. I ara convinced that there is nothing more de-
moralising to a soldier in defence than to corne under
the tire of his own guns, so, to say the least, these
moments were very trying. The difficulty of communica-
ting with the rear caused a further delay in the correction
of this serious blunder, and our men had to maintain a
grip on their positions whilst subjected to tire from both
sides, for by this time the enemy had got his guns up,
impudently close to the front line, evidently with a view
to a further advance, and was using them to advantage.
Some of them could be distinctly seen on the outskirts
of Logeast Wood, and it was obvious that most of the
others responsible for our discomfort were in the Wood
itself. Further away the roads from Grevillers, Bapaume,
Loupart Wood, etc., could be seen choked with masses of
advancing Germans. If only we had had a few 6o-pounders,
what perfect execution we should bave accomplished.
There were batteries of guns, companies of infantry,
columns of transport, staff-cars, and all the impedimenta
of a moving army. I expect the heart of every Hun of
them swelled with the pride of achievement. They were
marching to the last victory that was going to obliterate
the hated English and end the war. They were not yet
aware that just here there was a row of troops, from
right to left, New Zealanders, Australians, Yorkshiremen,
Lancashiremen, and Guards, who did not intend to
concede another yard of ground.
How we longed for the heavy guns during the days that
followed, but they could not, of course, corne into action
until the infantry line had been stabilised. Weeks later we
heard stories of the doings on those roads behind thelines,
and perhaps we should not judge too harshly, for traffic
control was difficult and there was obviously an excessive
86
STOPPING THE HUN.
demand upon transport. Add to this the disturbing lack
of news and the peculiar shape of the front, for whereas
we were facing east, the 62nd division with the exception
of one battalion in Bucquoy were facing south, and
some explanation may be round for the slight degree of
confusion. The divisional artillery, 18-pounders and 4"5
howitzers, remained faithful to the infantry, and the 42nd
gunners never showed up to prouder advantage than they
did during those stern days. It was not they who had
fired upon us. They were too close to us to make any
mistake in that way, for during the heaviest fighting they
had their guns within 1,6oo yards of the front line, and
where cover was unobtainable either for gun or man.
Needless to say they suffered very heavily both :in
personnel and material, for the enemy aircraft soon round
them, and they were hammered and gassed mercilessly.
Their forward observation of-ficers maintained a liaison
with the H.Q. of the infantry battalions, and in addition to
courageous work in searching for targets and correcting
gun tire they showed the greatest consideration for our
needs.
Although the 7th occupied a commanding position it
was singularly bare and exposed so that cover was
dif-ficult to find. During the first few hours "D" com-
pany of the M.G's. had all their guns but one put out
of action, and almost all their of-ficers and men
became casualties. They had pluckily worked their
weapons in the hastily sited positions until knocked out--
not before, however, they had carried out savage execu-
tion amongst the more venturesome Huns, and they
certainly had the effect of making the remainder hesitate.
The nature of the ground ruade it difficult also for the
battalion observers to work, for it was evident the enemy
F.O.O's. were specially searching for such people, and
the moment they fixed up a telescope down came a
hurricane of shelling, the close proximity of the Boche
guns making their tire extremely accurate and deadly.
The result was that after the first day's fighting, of the
observers only tvo, Cpl. Maguire and Pte. "Wilmer, re-
mained. Not to be daunted by the rate of their comrades
STOPPING THE HUN. 87
they clung to their task, and vhen shelled out of one
spot immediately round another. They kept the enemy
under close watch and strung together most valuable
chains of evidence as to their movements, gallant work for
which both received the M.M.
The signallers also suffered heavily. Wires were difficult
to keep in repair but the linesmen continued to go out
during the heaviest shelling, while others maintained a
systern of lamp signalling to the brigade behind a pile
of ammunition boxes until a 5"9 dropped plumb amongst
them with dire results. Other signallers at once round
a new spot and kept communication going. But these
were searching days for everyone, when physical endur-
ance and mental stalnina were stretched to their furthest
limit. As the day wore on, the guns that we had seen
in the distance gradually came into action against us
until shells were raining down continuously on ail parts
of our line. Obviously, the enemy infantry hacl given up
the hope of further progress, for our men were like
terriers, keenly watching for the slightest sign of a Hun
helmet, and the artillery were left to do their worst upon
us. Just belote dusk the M.O., Capt. Philp, was killed by
a shell whilst bending over a wounded man on a stretcher.
No cover could be round for an aid-post, and it had to
be established in the open at a convenient spot on the
ground. In fact, the only dug-out in the area was that
occupied by H.Q., and it was shared by Col. Wedgwood
of the 6th, so that two battalion H.Q. were confined in
a spot no more than seven feet square, while the entrance
faced the enemy in an exposed part of the road.
Darkness had brought quiet at last, but no test.
Rations had corne up and they had to be distributed.
Similaxly with ammunition and water. Also the enemy
rnight attempt a night assault, for it was not to be
expected that he would be satisfied with this very pro-
nounced re-entrant in his line. The 6th, whose line
tan close to the edge of Ablainzevelle, sent a patrol
into the village. The small parties of Boche fled at
their approach and left two M.G's. in their hands. Out
patrols searched all the low ground in front but could
not find the enerny.
88
STOPPING THE HUN.
Next morning, March 27th, about 9 o'clock, the battle
re-opened with redoubled vigour. Fresh enemy troops
had been brought up and they ruade a determined attempt
to push forward. A terrific bouncing barrage came
dovn upon our positions, but the men stood up toit, in
spite of the heavy casualties, and opened tire upon the
groups of Boche vho attempted to get across the open.
The main infantry assault took place near Ablainzevelle,
and here the 6th had the work of repelling them, but after
some hand to hand fighting the enemy fell back and
confined lais energies to sniping and M.G. work. Mean-
while, the landscape was steadily changing its appearance
in the 7th sector. What had once been good roads and
respectable fields were shell-pitted and strewn with debris,
a pile of S.A.A. boxes that had been left behind had been
hit and in the tire that resulted there was a disturbing
display of fireworks from the exploding cartridges. The
trees were losing their accustomed beauty, many having
been smashed doxvn completely. But picture the trepi-
dation of the aid-post detachment, now in charge of Capt.
Greville, for they lay close to a huge dump of shells
that was liab!e to be hit at any moment. During the
quieter days Bucquoy had evidently been an ammunition
park, and as not much of the stuff had been removed, it
xvas an exciting spot to fight in.
Ail day this steady pounding continued, and when the
enemy infantry definitely gave up their efforts to get
near our line they supplemented the shelling by an
unceasing hail of traversing M.G. tire. Yet, through
this the runners and stretcher bearers performed their
appointed tasks, and there xvas no period xvhen perfect
touch xvas not maintained between the C.O. and any part
of the front line and also back to brigade H.Q., nor were
there cases of xvounded men being left unduly exposed
after they had been hit. The constant stream of runners,
etc., of both battalions converging on the H.Q. dug-out,
exposed to observation as it was, soon ruade the truth
of the matter plain to the enemy, and he began to pay
attention to it with 5"9's. An anxious moment came
when he hit the entrance and buried a number of men
STOPPING THE HUN. 8 9
standing in the improvised steps. Ail were extricated,
however, and those who were wounded carried away.
The entrance was cleared, steps constructed again, and
the work carried on as usual. "D" company lost its
commander again, for Lieut. Morten was hit, and this left
Lieut. Gresty in charge.
Evening again brought a welcome respite, and it vas
decided to minimise casualties by reducing the garrisons
of the front trenches, for by now a sort of trench hd
been made and a little wire had been put out in front.
the previous night. One platoon per company was taken
out and sent back, where they were placcd undcr the
command of Col. Blathcrwick of the 5th, who rcmaincd
in brigade support. Daylight of March 28th broughl a
resumption of thc enemy effort at lcast to straighten
his line and masses of [luns could be seen gradually
collecting in the Nisson buts. In the previous days the
8-pounders had kept this spot under tire, but Col.
Bromfield decided to call for howitzer assistance to smash
down the earth walls round the huts. a plan whicb, met
with great success. Our shells dropped plumb amongst
them, and Huns could be seen dashing about in ail direc-
tions in search of more effective cover. Our shrapnel
barrage had been considerably improved also, and the
moment the enemy left their positions it promptly came
dovu and drove them to earth again. The 7th were vorn
out, and the men were losing iheir spruce appearance,
but rifles and L.G's. were kept clean, and amidst the
terrific shelling of that day they asked for nothing better
than that Jerry would try to corne across to give them
an opportunity for revenge. The enemy's guns had
increased in number, chiefly the heavy variety, and it was
now his obvious intention to blow us off the ridge. The
hcavy pounding never ceased. Many gallant deeds were
performed by runners, stretcher-bearers and ammunition-
carrying-platoons through this inferno. Lieut. Bagshaw
was awarded the M.C. for his vork in leading ammunition
fatigues, but the supreme decoration of all--the seal of
death--came to a large number of the Fleur-de-lys.
Amongst the officers--Capt. Tinker, Lieut. Walter Thorp
9 ° STOPPING THE HUN.
and Lieut. Ludlam were killed outright, while Lieuts.
Woods and McLaine were mortally wounded.
After a final effort in the late afternoon to advance
against our positions in a line of srrall sections, which
was met with the usual devastating tire, the enemy gave it
up and occupied the remaining hours of daylight with
tierce shelling. Our heavy artillery had at last returned
and got to work and their shelling began to have effect,
for it was noticeable t'hat the Boche shells were now
arriving from a greater distance than formerly. The
6th had an exciting episode that day. A party of
courageous Germans, led by an officer, had pushed
forward and were throwing bombs amongst them.
Lieut. Mail decided this must be stopped, and he led
one platoon over in a short sharp charge. Fifteen Huns
were bayonetted, and Mail returned triumphantly with
the officer and one man as prisoners. They proved to be
Jaegers, and although the officer told us nothing the man
was very voluble. It was some comfort to tind that of one
fresh battalion that had entered Ablainzevelle, about
forty only remained. A couple of packets of Woodbines
were round in the pockets of the officer--loot from the
canteen at Achiet-le-Grand. The soldier told us that
this form of German enterprise was reserved for the
oflïcers.
This day, Match 28th, marked the end of the heavy
tighting. The German thrust had been checked, and the
effort to reach the Coast had failed. Aglance ai the map
will shov that, had the advance continued here the Arras
position would have been seriously threatened, and the
Germans would have been well on their way to Abbe-
ville and the Channel Ports. That night the 7th were
overjoyed to hear that they were to be relieved. The
L.F's. took over the brigade sector, but the relief had
been ordered so suddenly that there vas no time for
reconnaissance, with the result that it was almost dawn
before the last platoon of the battalion had struggled
over the crest line to the old system of trenches 1,5oo
yards further back in dead ground. Heavy railx during
the evening had converted these neglected trenches into
STOPPING THE HUN. 91
veritable ditches of mud. A few cubby holes had been
constructed by the previous occupants, and filled with
mud though they were, our men dropped into them and
fell fast asleep. It was the first undisturbed sleep they
had had for nearly a week, a pcriod which had seemed
more like a month. During the afternoon the battalion
received orders to furnish a billeting party which had to
proceed to Gommccourt. 13illeting--this was indeed bliss.
They received a rude shock on arrival however to find
that the word was a misnomer. We were to relieve the
15th Hampshires of the 41st division, who had just been
hurried back from Italy. They occupied trenches on the
edge of Gommecourt village in support to the front line,
which was only about 4o0 yards away. Thê astonishment
of the battaliort on arrival about 3 a.m., on March 3oth,
when they round the nature of their new headquarters,
can be easily imagined. They were indeed " fed up "--
back to the old gaine, mucking about in a muddy trench,
keeping a keen look-out when on sentry (for owing to a
gap in the front line a portion of our position virtually
was front line), and still shell dodging. We were also
becoming rather disreputable for the weather had broken,
and mud became the ruling element. In this manner,
Easter Sunday was spent. But there were cheering rumours
about going back for recuperation, and these kept out
spirits up.
April Ist--All Fools Day--we might have known. The
brigade went back to the old spot and thus settled ali
rumours for the present. Out work was hOt yet done.
The 7th went to the support trenches they had recently
vacated, but the 4ISt divisional R.E's. had been busy upon
them durirtg out absence, and a few habitable bivvies
had been ruade. The 5th and 6th were further back
behind Essarts. The Hun had converted Essarts into a
perfect hell, and at irregular intervals he subjected it to
tremendous bombardments with his largest guns, par-
ticularly during the night. Our transport knew something
about this, for their road passed through the village when
bringing up rations at night. In this connection, Lieut.
Wilkinson distinguished himself by the courageous
9-" STOPPING THE HUN.
manner in which he got his column through during the
most anxious moments. His job at this time was hot
an enviable one, but we could always rely upon his
arrival each evening, very seldom late, with his store of
rations, water, rum and bundle of letters. After three days
in reserve the brigade took over the front line, in prac-
tically the saine position as belote, but there had been a
readjustment of divisional boundaries, so that we were
now on the left, while the 25th brigade were on the right,
and their line ran in front of Bucquoy. The 7th
were in support at first, so we only moved about 4oo.yards
to trenches vacated by the 8th Manchesters.
At dawn on April 5th the Hun commenced to send over
thousands of gas shells in the direction of Essarts. It
was a dull, misty morning--perfect conditions for this
form of devilry--and we could hear the brutes whistling
and whining over our heads for more than three hours.
The intention was, of course, to silence out guns, and
the object of this was to make an attack upon Bucquoy
all the easier. He came over at the L.F's. and there was
heavy fighting all the morning, but he did not prtgress
much. The 8th L.F's. suffered severely, losing all their
officers, including Lt.-Col. Davies (previously of the 6th
Manchesters), who was killed. The enemy's intention had
been to take the village and push on with a view to
straightening the line, but he only captured the eastern
portion of the village, and that only after very heavy
losses. Similar progress had previously been ruade
against the division on the right, and this ruade the L.F.
situation impossible. X, Ve afterwards learnt that a large
number of gas casualties had gone down from the Essarts
district. In their solicitude during the bitterest days the
division had callcd upon the battle surplus of each
unit, and had made a composite battalion of them to act
in reserve amongst the trenches N.E. of Gommecourt.
These people, as well as the gunners, came in for the gas
shelling, and it was very disappointing to hear of our
own men, like C.S.lX, I. Shields, Sgt. Tabbron. etc., who
had been left behind as battle surplus, going down
gassed. Fortunately, most of them rejoined the battalion
STOPPING THE HUN. 93
later. During this dayçs fighting sorne L.F's. were
staggered to find an old French wornan in cellar in
Bucquoy, and they had the utmost difficulty in persuading
her to leave her " home." That was her abode and she
was prepared to lire in it whatever the conditions.
The next few days resulted in a cornplete victory for
rnud. Rain continued, and work as we would the con-
ditions could hot be conquered. Men stood in it, and
when they could, slept in it. To rnove about rneant
wading through it, in places up to the thighs, and this was
steadily wearing out the last flicker of hurnanity and grit
in our rnen. Casualties were also increasing. Lieut. Bate-
man was wounded in Essarts whilst on his way back to
the battalion frorn a Course, and in "B" cornpany 2nd-
Lt. Woodworth was hit. Eventually we relieved the 5th
in the front line near Ablainzevelle, where w round the
trenches in an even worse condition, if that were possible.
Real joy possessed our souls, although it is doubtful
whether at the tirne we were capable o1: appreciating it,
when the news was definite that the division was to go
right out for a rest. On the night of April 7th, the 2nd
7th West Ridings (6znd division) carne up and relieved
us, and the Fleur de Lys set their faces joyfully to the
west and marched off in good spirits, although with ex-
hausted bodies, conscious of having done their duty in
stopping the rnad rush of the Huns.
CHAPTER VIII.
Worrying the Hun.
N EVER since the weary entry into I£atia did the
7th Manchesters present such a sorry appear-
ance as they did when they straggled into
Soustre in the grey hours of April 8th. It was an effort
to drag one leg in front of another, and out feet were
sodden and painful. Almost every particle of clothing
and equipznent was smothered with red, clayey mud, and
rhin, tired faces were covered with a many days' growtb
of beard. Here we struggled into a row of lorries and
were carried off to Vauchelles to be housed in huls
vacated by some army school. After a good meal and a
sleep we were roused in the middle of the afternoon to
be told that another more had to be accomplished. With
imprecations on the staff and ail its works we fell in
and marched off to Louvencourt to occupy billets, and
were at last assured that we had settled for a test.
The next few days we spent in recuperation and
cleaning up. The rapidity with vhich the men recovered
their smart appearance was one of the striking features
of the war, and indicated the wonderful desire for fitness
that the Britisher had acquired in his soldiering days.
Col Bromfield, however, had not been able to withstand
the strain, and to the regret of everyone departed Jto
hospital vith pleurisy, a circumstance ruade ail
the more depressing when we learnt that his return was
highly improbable. A more popular C.O. never com-
manded the 7th, and we were always proud of his high
opinion of us. In his dealings with all ranks, from the
second in command to the lowest private, he had ever
"VORRYING THE HUN. 95
proved himself a perfect gentleman, while his control of
matters during the most anxious times inspired an un-
swerving confidence. As a gallant leader and comman-
der his naine stands high in the records of the battalion.
It was by no means certain that the enemy would not
open out with another onslaught on this front, for he was
making desperate efforts to reach Amiens further south,
and a break through here would make his task much easier.
With the assistance of Chinese labour lines of trenches had
been dug, and they were speedily wired in by batches of
Royal Engineers and Labour Corps. The first system to
be defended if the front line collapsed was callec the
Purple Line. Behind that was the Red Line, while fur-
ther back still was the Brown Line, protecting D«mllens.
It was here during these troubled days that the historic
meeting took place between Sir Douglas Haig and
Marshal Foch, when the latter took over supreme com-
mand. As well as regaining lost energy the 42nd division
had to be responsible for a portion of the Red Line in the
event of a break through, so at various rimes parties of
officers and N.C.O's. ruade trips to it for reconnaisance
purposes, and schemes were evolved for the possible dis-
position of companies and the siting of L.G. posts, etc.,
under the leadership of lIajor Higham, now commanding
the battalion.
After a week at Louvencourt we moved up into the line
again, the division relieving the 37th division in the
Hebuterne and Rossignol Wood sector. No one was
sorry to get into a fresh part of the line. We felt thar
we did hot wish to see the Bucquoy-Ablainzevelle road
againl For some rime now the 42nd had been one of
the divisions of the IV. Corps, commanded by Lt.-Gen.
Harper, the one-time commander of the famous 5Ist
(Highland Territorial) division, and as such we were to
remain until Germany was defeated. We were in goodly
company, for the other divisions were the New Zealanders,
the 37th and eventually the 5th, but we ere never put
to shame at any time. Indeed, the spirit of " Go one
better" was always amplified by deeds, and by none
more assiduously than the 7th Manchesters.
96
WORRYING THE HUN.
Hebuterne and the immediate district was the " happy
hunting ground " of the division until the final grand hunt
in August. As in 94, the village stood on the high-water
mark of the advancing tide of Huns. In their last
effort they had captured it but the Australians had driven
them out again. If a visit be paid to this part of France
the reason for its importance to either side will be seen
at once, for it stands nêar the northern end of a com-
manding ridge which runs north and south, and from
which good observation is obtained for many miles in
ail directions. This was the ridge over which the Huns
had swarmed in Match, to be thrown back again, after
a severe dispute, by the newly arrived Anzacs, so that
the present position was good for us but poor for "Jerry."
Hebuterne was the culminating point of a very pro-
nounced Hun salient, and out line svept round in .a
noticeable curve from the corner of Bucquoy to Beaumont
Hamel, almost touching the south-eastern edge of the
village. Looking north was the famous ground where
Gommecourt had once stood. In 97 the French had
decided that Gommecourt should be preserved in its battle-
scarred state as a national monument, for the blood of
many brave soldiers had there been shed during the tierce
Somme fighting of 96. Notices were put up, huge
white boards with black printing in French and
English, enjoining no one to interfere with the trenches
and wire, etc., but to leave things just as they were. Oh,
the irony of itl Here was the Hun again pounding,
pounding with tierce wrath and insistent desire to smash
his way through. Those self-same notices were shell-
shattered, while in his zeal to destroy the dug-outs which
he knew so well in Gommecourt, for he had ruade them,
he dropped, in one morning, more than thirty 5-inch
shells in the village. To the right of Gommecourt could
be seen the naked stumps of Rossignol \Vood, a beautiful
name reminiscent of delightful summer evenings. But
the song of the nightingale was now gone, and the only
tunes to be heard were the deadly rat-tat-tat of Boche
machine guns and the tierce hissing of our shrapnel !bullets
WORRYING THE HUN.
97
through the decayed undergrowth, the rime for this devil's
music being regularly thundered out by the crash, crash,
of heavy howitzers.
East of our ridge, and parallel to it, was a long gentle
valley. In the old days the Germans had been content
to build their trenches half-way up the eastern slope,
and the French had faced them on the opposite side, but
now the Huns in the foolish arrogance of their hearts must
needs swarm over the whole valley, and offer themselves
and their works as targets for our searching gun-fire.
On the summit of their ridge and due east of Hebu-
terne is Puisieux-au-Mont, in almost the saine condition
of devastation as Gommecourt, while further beyond, the
trees of Achiet can be seen. During the summer months
those who wished could reckon up the times of arrival
nd depature of trains at the German railhead at
Achiet, for the smoke from the engines could b dis-
tinctly observed. Night after night out planes droned
heavily over to the accompaniment of wonderful displays
of " flaming onions," parachute flares, searchlights, and
anti-aircraft gun-fire, and bombed these back areas with
demoralising effect. Further along the enemy ridge to
the right, and doser in, was what the trench maps grimly
described as " Serre (site of)." If you want testimony
of the complete destructive power of ]3ritish shell-fire, go to
Serre. The roads round about were marked on these maps,
but ironically labelled " Damaged by shell-fire." I think
the word " obliterated," openly admitted in the case of
one or two, would have applied to all. In other words the
whole terrain bore the traces of the thunderous days of
t9t6 , and nothing of value was left standing. Thus, when
keen observers set their maps and scanned the low
ground for Mark Copse, Luke Copse, Touvent Farm,
Observation Wood, or Red Cottage, there was nothing
visible. It was ail a myth. Further south the masses
of white chaik thrown up by the historic crater at
]3eaumont Hamel were useful for they served as a land-
mark and helped to locate other points of interest.
H
98 WORRYING THE HUN.
Compared with the enemy we were in a relatively
happy position. The ridge which contained the front line
shielded ail the immediate back area from direct observa-
tion, so that even the garrisons of th support trenches
could wander about in the open, while if there was
" nothing doing," the men back in reserve could lie out
in the long grass and bask in the sunshine. This was ail
very colnforting and relieved the strain of war very con-
siderably, but the advantages in the matter of organisa-
tion were illimitable. Rations came up in the middle of
the day, and the limbers and water carts, in singles of
course on account of balloon observation, trundled up
the road in the afternoon to a point within four hundred
yards of the front line l As the men put it "We were
laughing"--especially when the enemy once or twice
attempted a relief belote darkness over their exposed
ground, and wcre severely knocked about for their pains.
But to return to Hebuterne and the days of out first
acquaintance with it. Many people were convinced that the
Hun would attack again, and out higher command had
found support for this gloomy prospect amongst their
archives, so that we were enjoined to remain on the
strictest qui vive. The first day's work consisted in
re-organisation of the line, based upon the principl of
defence " in depth." This meant that a battalion, for
instance, did not expose the whole of its personnel in
the front line to be obliterated in the first shock of attack,
but they must be disposed in the best tactical positions,
with a slight garrison in front and the remainder ranged
along behind. Speaking very generally a unit was ruade
responsible for the defcnce of an area, and the principl
of defence »vas to hold it, not by successive lines of
defence, but by a series of mutually supporting posts
arranged chequerwise and in depth. This arrangement
was intended to break up the enemy's attack formation,
to stop parts of it and to allow other parts to advance, but
to advance only in such places as would rnake them
most vulnerable to counter-attack. This principle applied
also down to the company and even the platoon. It is easily
seen that a good deal of organisation »vas demanded from
WORRYING THE HUN. 99
the battalion commander, while the smallest unit comman-
der, perhaps a lance-corporal, was left with much responsi-
bility. In view of the possibly impending attack, Hebu-
terne was hurriedly put into a sound state of defenc by
the untifing energy of Gen. Henley and his subordinates.
Whilst all this was going on out patrolling was exces-
sively active, and every night No Man's Land' fell into
our hands right up to the enemy posts. If possible we
were to " Snaffle a Hun" with a view to identification
and information about the supposed attack, and when it
was discovered that the Boche was too alert in spite of
persistent small attempts by the Manchesters and the
L.F's. this was regarded as good proof by the attack
theorists. However, nothing materialised beyond the
steady arrival of Boche shells of all calibres, and we
were not sorry.
When the brigade moved out into reserve the 7th had
to dig themselves into the earth near Chateau-de-la-Haie
north of Sailly-au-Bois. In less than twenty-four hours
small groups of men had ruade a hole for themselves..
covered it with an elephant shelter, and camouflaged it
with sods. It was heavy work while it lasted, but it was
necessary to work quickly because of hostile aircraft.
A neighbouring battery of 6o-pounders were righteously
indignant at out invasion, but still the staff said we were
to go there, and there we went. On the other hand it was
by no means comforting to realise that once the Hun
spotted the 6o-pounders we should be partakers in the
unwelcome attention that would probably follow, so we
were quits anyhow. Luckily the enemy did not se us,
or he was displaying a lofty contempt, for after rive day's
residence the battalion moved up into the line at Gomme-
court, having had no mishap. During this period out lists
of " Bucquoy decorations" came through, and they were
very gratifying. In addition to the M.C's. already men-
tioned, Capt. Nidd and 2nd-Lt. Harland were similarly
rewarded for their work as company commanders. Sgt.
McHugh, who had acted as C.S.M. of "C" company,
received a bar to his M.M., and Sgt. Heath, who had
I00
WORRYING THE HUN.
died of wounds, was decorated in like manner. Twenty-
four other men received the Military Medal, their names
being recorded in the appendix at the end of the book.
On April 3oth the new C.O., Lt.-Col. Manger, of the
Durham L.I., arrived. A regular soldier of many years'
standing, he was pleased to be sent again to a territorial
battalion, for he had learnt the value of these troops whilst
commanding the 2nd 9th King's Liverpool Regiment of
the 57rb division. He joincd the battalion at Gommecourt
and Major Higham immediately wcnt down for a rest.
There was very little of outside interest during the
succeeding days beyond the usual work of consolidation
and keeping the enemy under closest possible observation.
Still, the battalion was glad to be relieved on May 6th,
the whole division coming out for a good period of test.
The i27th brigade were given camp areas around Henu,
divisional headquarters being at Pas. We made the
most of these May weeks, filled with delightful sunshine,
and, as events worked out, it was as well we did, for it
was the last long test period we were to get until after
the armistice. Important changes took place in the
battalion about this time. Major Higham and Capt.
Townson, both pre-war officers of the 7th, severed their
active service connection with us by being invalide¢l to
England, the former's place being taken by Major Rae
of the Liverpool Scottish. Amongst a draft of officers
that we received from a division that had been broken
on the fifth army front vas Capt. Allen, M.C., whose
original unit was the 6th Manchesters. He was put in
command of "A" company. R.S.M. Anlezark, of the st
battalion, was posted to us for duty, and A/R.S.M. Clough
succeeded R.Q.M.S. Ogden, who had returned to England
after a long period of hard and useful work with the 7th.
It was not many weeks after this period of rest that
another long-standing and popular officer was lost to the
7th; this was Capt. Nidd, M.C. We had always known
that his grit and determination exceeded his physical
capacity, but his splendid sense of duty led him to ignore
this fact, although it was common knowledge that had he
so wished he could have been invalided out of the army
WORRYING THE HUN.
long before. After severe trials on Gallipoli, a campaign
he went through from June to the evacuation (he was one
of the very few men to whom that evacuation .was
iksome), he had had a relapse in hospital in Egypt for
some weeks. The Bucquoy fight, however, had proved too
much for him, and he never really recovered from the ill-
effects of it. This was accentuated by the death of two
of his near and dear friends--Lt. W. Thorp for whom,
as one of his subalterns, he had a particular esteem, and
Capt. Tinker. The latter was a pre-war officer of the 7th,
while Thorp had gone out to the Sudan in the ranks,
served through Gallipoli with distinction (vide Major
Hurst's book) and then received a commission early in
916. Capt. Tinker's record with the battalion was one
of steady confidence. After being invalided to England
from a wound received on Gallipoli, he rejoined in Egypt
in Feb. I916 , and was immediately given command of
"A" company. From that day he had always been
amongst us, and, except when on leave or on a course,
he was with his company, in the line or out of it. In
fact, it was a record of "full steam ahead" until the
day he was killed amongst his men. What Tinker was
to "A" so was Nidd to "B " company, and his greatest
regret, when at last hospital claimed him, vas in leaving
the men whom he knew so well. His departure ,w¢as
followed by a long illness, and it was a great blow to
his friends to hear of his death after the armistice in his
own home at Cheadle Hulme. His name car be added
to the long list of victims of the great German offensive
in March.
Strict training was indulged in during these weeks, and
in addition hot, laborious days were occupied by rehearsals
of the manning of the Red Line in the neighbourhood of
Souastre, to say nothing of skeleton counter-attacks upon
eer Trench, Rum Trench, and Stout Trench, near Gom-
mecourt. "Ve never knew the point of these names unless
they were to act as a stimulant to the vigour of out
thrusts, the troops labouring under the delusion that the
trenches were filled with the liquids indicated. At all
events they were hot there during the rehearsals in spite
102
WORRYING THE HUN.
of the hot weather. But if these diversions caused us to
attain the boiling point of excitement, the arrival of
General Byng on May 2ISt to witness a special stunt by
the 7th almost burst the thermometer. A source of
somê interest was thê presencê of an American bat-
talion consisting of raw troops of three weeks' New York
training, to which the 127th brigade was acting as god-
f,ther. They worked diligently and with a keen apprecia-
tion of any hints supplied to them by their British friends.
Also, not to be outdone by out frequent displays of
football, they regularly utilised our ground for baseball,
or which gaine they possessed a few brilliant e×ponents.
We soon grew to like out new allies, and we were rather
sorry when they departed to join their own division.
On June 6th the 4_nd division took over the line once
more and were hOt relieved of responsibility of the front
until Sept. 6th, sixteen days after the big offensive had
commenced. The 7th occupied the part of the front which
we knew so well at Hebuterne, relieving a battalion of the
New Zealand Division. The " Diggers " had worked hard
upon these trenches with the result that they were now
in excellent condition. A good spell of weather also
assisted in the comfort of the troops. Col. Manger's
policy was to give the Hun no test, and he began to put
his principles into practice at Hebuterne. As soon as
we arrived, a thorough reconnaissance of the enemy
positions was ruade, and we began to make preparation
for a raid of some magnitude. This was carried out by
"B" company, of which Capt. Grey Burn was now in
command, and the officers selected to go over with the
raiders were Lieut. "Vender, D.C.M., who had previously
served with the st Battalion in Mesopotamia, 2nd-Lt.
Milne and 2nd-Lt. Goodier. Goodier had been a sergeant
in " C" company, and for his excellent services at
Bucquoy had been recommended for promotion in the
field to the commissioned ranks, a distinction which came
through while we were at Henu.
It was known that the enemy held his front line in a
series of isolated posts, each armed with light machine
guns. Curiously enough, whether through lack of material
WORRYING THE HUN.
o3
or not ve never knew, he paid little or no attention fo
wiring in these days, except in utilising what old wire
lay about. One of these posts was located within one
hundred yards of out front line in Fusilier Trench, and
this, it vas decided, should be raided. At I a.m. on the
morning of June i6th a three minutes' shrapnel barrage
was opened on the enemy's trench, while a box barrage
of H E. was placed ail round the portion to be raided.
At the end of this time the boys leapt over in four
parties, three to make for the trench and the fourth
to act as support and as a covering party for with-
drawal. Then it was found that the shelling had
hardly been sufficient for numerous enemy flares
went up, throwing daylight over the whole scene, and
out men were greeted by heavy machine gun tire.
Wender, who was on the right, jumped over first and
rapidly dashed off for the Boche trench, leaving his men
well behind. He was never seen or heard of again, and
it must be presumed that he was killed in the trench.
Goodier got his men across on the left and they jumped
into the trench, only to find it filled with concertina barbed
wire, so fhey came out again and worked their way along
the top to the centre, being by this time heavily bombed.
They came to a party of Huns who immediately fled,
but Goodier seized one and he and his now tiny party re-
turned triumphantly with their prisoner and witb fragments
of bombs in their bodies. Milne, having ranged over
part of the Boche trench to find no one, covered the with-
drawal and then brought his party in. It was an extra-
ordinary show in which everyone had displayed con-
siderable pluck, and the taking of one prisoner had just
converted it into a success, but we had sustained a large
number of casualties, most of them, fortunately, only
slight. Of the officers, Goodier was scratched, and Milne
had a bullet through his arm, whilst among those who
were not actually with the raiders Lt. C. S. Wood, the
signalling officer, was somewhat badly wounded, his work
being taken over later by 2nd-Lt. Smith, and Lt. S. J.
Wilson was slightly wounded. 2nd-Lt.Goodier was awarded
the M.C., Sgt. Fleetwood and Sgt. Green the D.C.M.,
o4 WORRYING THE HUN.
while rive others received the M.M. for this night's work.
This was the concluding page of our first chapter in the
front line, for we then moved out to Sailly in reserve.
When the brigade went into the line again it was to
take over the sector to the right of Hebuterne on the
ridge previously mentioned. The most important feature
about this part of the line was La, Signy Farm, which
lay just below the crest on the eastern side of the ridge.
The ruins of the farm building were in Boche hands, but
the eastern side of the rive hundred yards square hedge
that surrounded the grounds ran along our front line.
North of the grounds our line was echeloned forward and
then ran due north to the corner of Hebuterne. Skeletons
of large trees stood up like rail sentinels over the plies of
bricks and stones which had once made up the farm
buildings. At the farthest corner of the hedge was a
shell-pitted patch of ground in a slight depression marked
on the map as Basin Wood. This was known to be
honeycombed with deep dug-outs and galleries and was
theefore a frequent target for our heavy howitzers.
Further south the two opposing lines were almost parallel
as far as the vicinity of Watling Street--then a Boche
trench. In the dead ground behind our line vas F.uston
Dump, which had gone up with a tremendous roar in
the early days of the March fighting, leaving a large hole.
Stoke's mortar shells, "footballs," etc., were scattered about
in all directions. Not far away from here was the Sugar
Factory, which, from the attention it received, the Hun
regarded as more important than we did.
The C.O. maintained his policy of worrying the Hun
in evcry possible manner, the fullest use being ruade of
the artillery liaison officers and the Stokes and Newton
trench mortars for this purpose. Every night little strafes
were planned which must have kept Fritz in constant
state of speculation as to what might happer next. To
assist in these annoying tactics a special company of R.F..,
whose particular devilry was gas, came up and dug in
i,ooo gas projectiles behind the support lines. Or two
separate nights, after everything had been considered
favourable, they gleefully let them off at La Signy Farm
WORRYING THE HUN. lo 5
and its environs, and then disappeared down their dug-
outs to gloat over the picture of chokinff and writhing
Huns. We consoled ourselves with the probability that
the enemy had sustained more casualties than we had.
On July 8th Corps had a sudden recurrence of
" attackitis," and, doubtless at the instigation of a junior
intelligence officer, they sent out a frantic request to
" all whom it may concern" to ascertain who the enemy
were in front. They had feared a relief by large German
soldiers who were anxious to smell the blood of the
Hated English. This message, or an adulterated form of
it, filtered " through the usual channels" and so reached
the 7th in the late afternoon. Two hours belote darkness
it had been answered in the following manner.
Reconnaissance had indicated an enemy post within
eighty yards of our line close to where the Serre road
crossed it, but it was protected by concertina barbed wire.
"D" company were holding that part of the line, and
they were asked to furnish a party prepared to go over
almost at once for a Hun. An enterprising artillery
liaison officer, Lt. Bates, obtained .permission to make use of
a couple of 4"5 howitzers which he said were new and Wery
accurate, and these, firing graze fuse shells at his cor-
rection wouldsmash the wire. The only place from which
observation on this wire could be obtained was in out
front line directly opposite toit, and here a temporaxy
O.P. with telephonic communication to the battery was
rigged up, the garrison of this part being moved off left
and right for safety. It was a nerve-racking expeience
in that O.P., as may be gahered from the fact that we
were trying to hit an object less than 7 ° yards awayl
It took over an hour to get a satisfactory result, and then
2nd-Lt. Gorst, Sgt. Horsfield and seven other men, in
shirt sleeves and armed with revolvers, hopped quickly
over, tan along a shallow trench or ditch, and entered
the Hun post. It was empty with the exception of one dead
man who had just been killed by one of our shells. He
was quickly carted back, but with great difficultyî for he
was a big heavy fellow, while Gorst and Horsfield searched
along the trench both ways for more Huns. None were
1o6 WORRYING THE HUN.
to be round, however--evidently out inexplicable shelling
had scared them off altogether. Still the dead man was
good enough for the purpose, for he furnished the re-
quired identification, and his regiment was immediately
wired to H.Q. There had been no relief, so calm reigned
once more.
The spirit of " Go one better" inspired Lieut. Willdnson
and a few of his transport men to perform deeds of
" derring do °' in the line, for one night they came up
and captured a German G.S. wagon from No Man's
Land. It lay just in front of out line near the Serre
Road and had evidently been hbandoned during the New
Zealand counter attack in March. A bridge of duck
boards was put over the trench and Wilkinson and his
men went out and skilfully dragged their prize back to
safety. Its arrival at the transport lines next morning
was naturally the occasion for great rejoicing and hero-
worship, after the sensation caused by dressing up the
driver in a Boche tin hat and great coat. On another
night Sgt. Aldred with a small party made an excep-
tionally plucky effort to enter an enemy post and was
afterwards awarded the M.M. After eight days of such
work as this in the front line we moved out to Bus in
divisional reserve to enjoy a most pleasant few davs under
canvas.
We lost Padre Hoskyns at this period. He had received
an order which filled him with chagrin to report for duty
as Senior Chaplin to the 6th division, so he journeyed at
once to the divisional H.Q. and told the major-general
he would sit on his doorstep until he got permission from
him to stay with the battalion. Efforts were made but
they were of no avail, and a more peremptory order than
the last was received, so he took a sorrowful farewell
and departed, followed by the regrets of the whole bat-
talion, and indeed of a good number of the division. " Some
bave greatness thrust upon them," vas applicable in his
case, for he had hot sought promotion but preferred to
remain a " parish priest" and lire amongst the men.
Much the saine remark applied to the C.O. who, in the
absence of General Henley at Divisional Headquarters,
LA SIGNY FARM. IO 7
was called upon to take command of the brigade
during the succeeding weeks, for he always expressed
his preference for battalion work. Owing to the fact
that Major Rae was in hospital at this rime with
the " flue," Capt. Creagh assumed command of the bat=
talion, and Lt. ]3arratt being on a month's leave in
England, Lt. Wilson was temporarily appointed Adjutant.
Capt. Palmer, an old officer of the 7th, who had been
carrying out important work in England since his recovery
from a wound obtained in Gallipoli on June 4th, returned
to us some weeks previous to this and was put in com-
mand of "C" company.
During our period in reserve the i26th brigade' had
continued our worrying tactics and had attempted to raid
La Signy Farm. They round the place strongly held.
however, and after repeated efforts to get to the Hun
positions had been forced to abandon the attempt. When
we took over the front line from the ioth Manchesters for
a continuous spell of sixteen days, we round that we were
expected to co=operate at once in a forward movement with
the New Zealanders, who were in the Hebuterne sector, and
who intended to occupy a shorter line across the valley.
The first day, July I9th , round us making preparatons
for this operation at express speed ready for evening.
Lieut. Edge, an old second line officer, was put in charge
of a party supplied by "C" company, and they were
expected to capture and hold a ]3oche post about 5oo yards
away. It was decided that the silent method would be
the best, so artillery support was declined. Edge dis=
played consummate skill and patience in carrying out
this hazardous enterprise, and his difficulties were not
lessened by disturbing events on both flanks. Ail along
the New Zealand front, from Hebuterne to Rossignol
Wood, an advance was taking place, while immediately
on the left the 6th were moving forward and in the j>rocess
had met with considerable resistance so that a pitched
battle had arisen. To add to the troubles the Naval
Division on our right had selected this night for a raid
near ]3eaumont Hamel, accompanied with noise, with the
result that the Hun put down his protective barrage ail
o8
LA SIGNY FARM.
along our ridge. Our front line was packed with men
who were to go over and dig a communication trench and
generally assist in the consolidation when the post had
been captured, and how they escaped casualties frorn this
shelling was nothing short of a miracle. Meanwhile,
Edge and his men were creeping steadily forward,, and
were encountering diflîculties amongst huge shell holes,
loose tags of wire and a very irregular hedge which they
were trying to follow as a guide. Eventually they reached
the post and took the enemy completely by surprise. A
short rush carried them in and one Boche was captured,
but the test got away in the darkness, leaving their gear
behind them. The consolidating party followed up
quickly, and covered by a protective screen who lay out
well in front in the vicinity of Red Cottage, they dug
L.G. positions, tire steps for riflemen and placed coils of
wire out in front and on the flanks. A good deal of the
C.T. was also dug--quite suflîcient at any rate to enable
a careful man to crawl down to the new post in daylight.
It was a good night's work, and earned a well-deserved
M.C. for Lieut. Edge and M.M's. for Sgt. 13anahar and
three others.
Next day, brigade considered the necessity for careful
consolidation of the ground gained by the 6th and 7th,
but Capt. Creagh intimated that he wished to make his
position more secure by capturing the Triangle, a strong
triangular redoubt which lay in the grounds of La Signy
Farm, and which dominated the post we had just taken.
Permission was granted to carry out this enterprise, and
once more preparations were rushed forward and orders
ruade out for the operation to be accomplished that night.
This rime "D" company, temporarily commanded by
Lt. Douglas, was selected to provide the attackers. They
were back in reserve, close to Batt. H.Q., and on suitable
ground for carrying out a quick rehearsal. Also it was
decided that the best method of clearing the 13oche would
be by bombing. The battalion bombing oflîcer was Lieut.
Gresty, who belonged to "D " company, and he was put
in command of the attacking party, 2nd-Lt. Gorst, at his
own request, being detailed to assist him.
LA :SIGNY FARM. o 9
The post captured the previous night was the " jumping
off " place, and the plan was to work along the enemy
trench to the right, clear it by bombing, and so get to the
Triangle. The whole operation was a huge success, and
never did the eager fighting qualities of the Fleur de Lys
show up to prouder advantage than in the display given
by "D" company that night. The unexpected direction
of approach took the enemy completely by surprise, for
our men had not proceeded far before they caught ê.
working party out in the open. There was a short scrap,
but most of the poor ]'erries had no weapons handy, and
they ran off squealing and chattering like a lot of
monkeys, leaving their dead and wounded behind. Our
men pushed on quickly, anxious to make the fullest
possible use of the surprise element, until the northern
corner of the Triangle was reached. Here they split
up into two parties, Gresty continuing the original direc-
tion, and Gorst turning along to the right. The latter
party found the trench strongly occupied, but the enemy
were so oblivious of what was happening that they were
busy " dishing out stew" for the evening meal. When they
were surprised a few of them indeed showed plucky fight,
hurriedly seizing bombs and throwing them wildly in the
direction of the attackers. Others succeeded in grasping
their rifles, and Gorst received a nasty bullet wound in
the shoulder, but not before he had accounted for one or
tvo Huns with his revolver. Sgt. Horsfield, who understood
perfectly the meaning of " Carry on, Sergeantl" con-
tinued this part of the show, and the Huns were chased
along the trench to the western apex. Here a pitched
bombing battle ensued, and very soon the enemy got out
and raced across the open in the direction of the farm.
Meanwhile, Gresty had led his men over a sort of switch
back trench, for it had been so heavily pounded by our
Nexvton T.M's. that it was difîïcult to make it out at
ail in the dark. Nevertheless they struggled along, and
finding the far corner of the Triangle occupied, quickly
bombed the enemy out of it and proceeded to consolidate.
At the saine time other parties, each of one N.C.O. and
!I0
LA SIGNY FARM.
six men, had been detailed in the work of manning
various posts en route, digging L.G. emplacements, and
wiring and constructing of communication trenches. In
fact, in a very short time the whole place, which had been
a Hun strong point, was swarming with British soldiers
busily working to turn round the defences.
Just as dawn was breaking a few Huns effected an
entrance into one of the trenches and commenced to
bomb the post at the far corner, whereupon the late
Lce.-Cpl. Lockett of "C" company, who was in charge
of the post at the apex, took a couple of men and
promptly counter attacked them. Their leader, an N.C.O.
with the Iron Cross and another man were captured,
while the rest made off again. Lce.-Cpl. Lockett was
awarded the D.C.M. for his sensible and courageous
action. A good many casualties must have been inflicted
on the enemy during this night's work for they left a
number of dead and vounded behind, whilst several
others suffering from slighter wounds must have got away.
They left booty in our hands, and the large number of
rifles and machine guns alone indicated the strength of the
garrison. Our men obtained plenty of souvenirs, but they
vere sensible enough to hand over anything of military
value, which was returned to them after examination by
competent authorities. Useful disposition maps. and in-
telligence reports, to say nothing of piles of letters and
post-cards were thus sent up for inspection, vhile during
the next few days vhen visiting the area occupied by
"E)" company one vas greeted by the unwonted scent
of cigar smoke, for the Hun was ever a connoisseur on
cheap cigars.
Heavy rain during the following days converting
our new trenches into a quagmire, the necessity for
digging and cleaning up became all the more urgent,
although it entailed a heavy strain upon the men under
most uncomfortable conditions. As " B," " C " and " D "
companies had each " had a stunt" and covered them-
selves with glory, it now remained for "A » company to
do likewise. Their turn came on the night o][ July 27th,
when it was decided to push forward and occupy Cetorix
LA SIGNY FARM. 11
Trench', about 300 yards beyond the Triangle, and so
make our ,position even more secure. Unfortunately
there was very heavy rain in the early evening, but the
party went out, and after a serious dispute vith the enemy,
in which 2nd-Lt. Goodier, M.C., was wounded again,
gained their objective. What was supposed to be a
trench, however, was round to be a sunken road, fright-
fully shell-pitted, and in a most appalling condition of
mud and water. It was not considered worth holding and
the whole party vas Wisely withdrawn.
The La Signy Farm fighting was not yet over, for on
the morning of August 3rd, while " B " company were in
the front line, the enemy put down a heavy barrage' on
ail our positions, particularly on the Triangle. Then,
just as dawn broke, a party of about forty Huns rapidly
started across No Man's Land, but the 7th were too much
for them. They stuck to their posts and rapidly emptied
Lewis guns and rifles amongst them, and when they were
sufficiently close greeted them also with bombs. The
Boche became disorganised and scattered, some groping
about for gaps in our hastily constructed wire, but it
was a hopeless business and the remaining plucky ones
cleared off in disgust. Then Lt. Pell-Ilderton followed
out with a small party, and finding a couple of dead
brought them in. The Huns had carefully removecl ail
evidences of identification before the venture, but one
man had a black and white cockade in his cap, which
proved him to be a Prussian. As the previou division
was known to be Wurtemburger, ve immediately notified
this fact to H.Q. Further proof was afforded by a slightly
wounded Boche who, having apparently got lost, had
wandered into a post occupied by the 6th.
That day we were relieved by the L.F's. and went back
into divisional reserve, this time to billets in Louvencourt,
and there received congratulations from various people
for our excellent work during the last long spell in the
line. The final incident furnished Col. Manger with an
extra battalion motto: "What we have, we hold.'" For
the attack on the Triangle, Military Crosses were awarded
to Lieut. Gresty and 2nd-Lt. Gorst, while Sgt. Horsfield.
t2 LA SIGNY FARM.
who had already earned the D.C.M. and Belgian Croix de
Guerre vhen with the 9th Manchesters, received a Mili-
tary Medal. Five other ranks were similarly decorated.
The battalion was augmented about this time by, the
arrival of the cadre of the 2nd 7th Manchesters. The 66th
division had suffcred severely in March and as it was
undergoing re-organisation, all the second line units, or
what rcmained of them, were sent to th 42nd division.
Capt. Nclson also returned after a long absence since
his wound in May, I95, and v¢as given command of
"A" company, Capt. Allen, M.C., having been detailed
to take charge of a divisional L.G. school.
CHAPTER IX.
Hammering the Hun.
SERRE RIDGE AND WARLENCOURT.
FT. ER a fortnight at Louvencourt the brigade went
lnto the line again on August iSth, this time on
the right of the divisional front. During our
period in reserve important events had taken place south
of the Somme. A lightning stroke, chiefly delivereà by
the Canadian Corps who had been suddenly and secretly
rushed down from the Lens area. had altered the whole/
aspect of the war, for the German Army, which hOt long
before had entertained such high hopes of reaching the
coast and Paris, was driven to anxiously defending his
line. Weak spots in the Hun armour were being sought
out and pierced so that on the whole the enemy was
having a bad time. Anticipating trouble on the third
army front he had withdrawn his outposts to a saler line
ail along the Ancre and up to Puisieux, and our men
had been able to walk cautiously forward several hundred
yards.
Such was the situation when the 7th took over the front
line, at the moment quite unsuspicious of the stirring events
in which they were shortly to take a share. Major Rae
commanded the battalion, the C.O. being away on Paris
leave, while Capt. ]3arratt had resumed the duties of
Adjurant. The Company Commanders for this tour of
duty were Lt. C. B. Douglas, "A," Capt. Grey Burn,
" B," Lt. Abbott, "C" and Capt. J. Baker, " D." Sud-
denly, without previous warning, operation orders were
received on August 2oth for a big attack t( commence
along the whole army front the following morning. This
J t4 SERRE RIDGE.
was rapid work indeed, and the hurried state of prepara-
tion can be better imagined than described, especially
in view of the extraordinary nature of the barrage which
called for most accurate timing and an elaborate barrage
table. Thc manner in which Major Rae and Capt. Barratt
swiftly dcalt with all these details and communicated their
wishes to the pcople concerned, a task of no small magni-
tude under more favourable conditions, calls for the
keenest appreciation from ail who took part irt that first
important battle.
The division expccted to cover, in the first day's
fighting, the large mass of high ground whictt is flanked
on its westerrt edge by Serre and overlooks Miraumont
on the eastcrn side. A Prussian division was known to be
defending this part of the line. The 7th were to take part
in the initial assault in the right brigade sector, while the
I25th brigade were on the left. A thick mist enshrouded
the land in the eady morning of August 21st, and doubt-
less many men on both sidcs thought of the similar
conditions which prevailed on the 1st of another month
when the Hun attacked with such terrible results. Here
was the revenge and it was to take place, curiously
enough, under like circumstances. At 4.5 ° a.m. the attack
commenced, preceded by a short but destructive barrage
over the enmy position. For the Fleur de Lys "C" and
"D" companies led off, their objective being a part of
the sunk road running across the front from Puisieux to
Beaumont Hamel. It was impossible to see mor than
forty yards, and this rendered control by the officers
practically out of the question. The section commanders,
however, in many cases Lance-Corporals and even privates,
rose magnificently to the occasion, with the result that
touch was maintained and the direction of advance pre-
served. Short, sharp struggles took place at various
points, but the Boche were overpowered, and eventually
a good line was established on the objective. "C"
company lost 2nd-Lt. Harland, M.C., and Lt. Lofthouse,
both wounded, while "D" company, ahhough keeping
their officers, had Sgt. W. Brown killed.
SERRE RIDGE. iI
The next phase of the battle comprised the.attack of
"'A" and "B" companies who passed through the first
objectives and advanced to the top of the ridge. Lieut.
H. N. Kay of "B" company was shot dead at close
range during the clearing of a dug-out in the early stages
of this fight, while later on this company suffered heavy
casualties, Sgt. Green, D.C.M., M.M., being killed and
Sgts. Guttery and Gleeson wounded. On reaching the
final objective Lt. Douglas carried out work of the
greatest value in the organisation of his company. In
spite of the strongly increasing enemy shell-fire he moved
about amongst his men with such coolness and disregard
for personal danger that his example inspired the men
for the strong counter attacks which later took place.
For his splendid leadership and initiative he was after-
wards awarded the Military Cross. Capt. Grey Burn
and his company on the right were having an awkvard
rime from enemy snipers, but he organised his now small
numbers very carefully, and personally kept the enemy
under close observation. Seeing an enemy concentration
in progress, evidently for a counter-attack, he quickly
gave information, and the gunners were able to disperse
the enemy with a very effective barrage.
The conduct of ail ranks during the counter-attack,
which was launched early in the afternoon, was so
splendid that it broke up the Hun effort. Later in the day
the enemy ruade another attack with a strong body of
picked storm-troops from another division brought up
specially from the reserves, but the greeting they received
from our rifle, Lewis gun, and machine-gun tire caused
enormous casualties, and the attack collapsed. Capt.
Grey Burn was decorated with the M.C. for his share
in this splendid day's work. The ground captured in the
first day's fighting, representing an advance of 5,ooo
yards, was consolidated and held for the next two days,
during which rime the left of the divisiort was executing
a turning movement to encircle Miraumont from the north.
The work of the signallers, under Lt. Smith, cannot be too
highly praised for their contribution to the success of
this battle, because communications throughout the opera-
6 WARLENCOURT.
tion were excellent and twice served to bring down a
barrage in short rime, so assisting the infantry to smash
the enemy attacks. The stretcher bearers nobly per-
formed their work under most trying conditions, what with
the heavy mist followed later by intense heat, the badly
broken ground and the long distances they haà to carry
the wounded under shell tire. Lce-Cpl. Twist, M.M., of
" D" company, performed prodigies of strength and
valour in this way, rcceiving a bar to his M.M., and Pte.
Greer, M.M., of "B " company, proved an able second
to him. Lt. Stanier was badly wounded whilst with "A"
company, losing the sight of one eye.
The next movement was the crossing of the River Ancre
in the early hours of August 23rd. This was.well done by
" B " company, "A" company, now under the command of
Capt. Nelson, bcing in support with "C" company.
During the advance, and with the co-operation of the East
Lancs. north of Miraumont, large bodies of prisoners were
cut off and rounded up on the far side of the Ancre.
When the ground had been ruade good and it was
ascertained that the Hun had definitely retired, it was
thought that the day's work was done. This, however,
proved to be wrong, as a further advance to \Varlencourt
was ordered, and it was to commence as soon as possible.
The 6th moved off about dusk with the 7th in support,
and although the right flank was exposed this did hOt
hinder the advance. The greater part of the movement
was carried out in darkness and over strange ground,
but the leadership was very skilful and the brigade came
in contact with the enemy on the outskirts of Waflen-
court about Io.3o p.m. Boche M.G. nests quickly opened
a terrific tire, but few casualties were caused. A rapid
deployment took place and positions quickly occupied in
case of a surprise. The enemy tire, however, increased
in intensity, and the cover afforded being of the scantiest,
it was decided to withdraw a short distance to a line of
trenches and there avait daylight. Fortunately no serious
losses had been incurred, and when dawn broke it was
found that the enemy had retired still further during the
night.
WARLENCOURT. 7
At this point the division was pinched ou: of the line
by the Naval Division on the right and the N.Z. Division
on the left converging across out front in the next day's
advance, and we were enabled to take advantage of a
short respite from the struggle. The vigour and effec-
tiveness of the 42nd division's attack has been since
proved by an unexpected tribute from the enemy. The
following extract from Ludendorf's " Memoirs of the
War, I94-I918," Vol. II., page 692, refers to the fighting
at this time :--
" On August 2Ist the English attacked south of Arras
between Boisleux and the Ancre... As the offensive
developed, the enemy succeeded on the north in pushing
us back from the Ancre At this point a Prussiam
division.., given a sector covered by the river, had
failed badly. This threw the whole line into confusion
. . The situation there became extremely critical about
August 25th."
The 7th marched back a short distance to Irles, and
made themselves comfortable in the German dug-outs
there for a day and a hall. Looking back over those
days of new experiences for the battalion one realises the
valuable work accomplished by Lt. Wilkinson and his
transport section. When out of the line he invariably
carried off the honours in the "' spit and polish" trans-
port competitions frequently held in the division, but it
was on difficult occasions such as these that he showed
up to prouder advantage. The transport lines had been
brought up to Colincamps, and the distance from there to
Warlencourt was about twelve mlles. The roads were
in an impossible condition so that ail supplies had to
be carried on pack animals, and the fact that nothing
failed reflects the greatest credit upon the administrative
arrangements of Capt. and Q.M. Wood and the transport
officer.
VILLERS-AU-FLOS.
During out few hours' absence from the line the Naval
Division had been in some heavy fighting as we saw when
we arrived on the night of August 2zth in the support
VILLERS-AU-FLOS.
position near Loupart Wood. Skilfully sited machine guns
had taken terrible toll of the brave naval men, and their
bodies still lay where they had fallen, so that one of
out first jobs was to bury them. The front line tan along
the western outskirts of Ligny-Thilloy, but it was sus-
pected that the enemy would not make a vigorous stand
here. His shelling was particularly beastly, however, and
if he did intend to retire further ho was at least taking
the necessary artillery precautions. By August 3oth
preparations were complete for another forward more,
but early morning shoved us that the Hun had gone, so
we were merely required to follow him up.
The pre-arranged plan was carried out, and after the
I27th brigade had made good the high ground east of
Thilloy, in face of some opposition, the East Lancs. came
through and took up the advance on what had now become
a one brigade front. They had not gone far belote they
encountered the enemy in strength holding Riencourt,
and they promptly attacked it. The 8th Manchesters
bore the brunt of this attack and they suffered .ery
heavily, little ground being gained. A brilliant night
shov by the Ioth the next night, however, subdued Rien-
court, and this rendered the line sufficiently straight to
be able to continue the advance. The I27th brigace
took over the front again and rapid preparations were
made to co-operate in an attack which was to take place
along the whole army front. It was now clear that out
higher command were not disposed to allow the enemy to
settle anywhere, if possible. It promised to be ding-
dong work amidst ever-changing scenes, with the guns
making the most of their opportunities and struggling
over the torn ground behind the infantry as best they
might. But the supply services experienced the biggest
demand upon their wits and resources, uprooted from
their comfortable and secure villages and cast out upon
the shelterless land of the devastated area jusf lik the
infantry. Their work was wonderful, however, and very
rarely had Tommy occasion to grouse about either the
quality or the quantity of the food that was served up to
him under these trying conditions. It was common
VILLERS-AU-FLOS. t t 9
knowledge that when the Boche had corne over in Match,
he had hot been so well treated, and had been forced in
the urgency of his plight to eat horses and mules killed
in the fighting.
It was evident that we had now got the full measure of
our foes, and were in the comfortable positior of being
able to give battle when and where we pleased, and be
practically confident of success. The front was becoming
shorter also, with the result that a divisional sector was
considerably smaller than formerly, and this entailed
of cou»se longer periods out of the line for the solder.
Leave also continued to flow, and proved an important
factor in keeping up the morale of the troops. How
different from the old days, when we used to advertise
out intentions to the Hun when a stunt was impending
by stopping leave in the army concernedl Capt. Grey
Burn, M.C., went to F.ngland for a month on Agust 3st,
and Lt. S. J. Wilson was put ir command of " B" com-
pany for the coming operations, while in the continued
absence of Capt. Palmer, Lt. Hammond was in charge of
" C" company. Lt. Smithies, recendy joined from the
second line, took over the duties of intelligence officer.
Col. Manger was required to temporarily command the
I26th brigade, and this left Major Rae in command of
the battalion once more.
The next village in our line of advance, now practically
due east, was Villers-au-Flos, and this, with the high
ground beyond it, was to be taken ir the first stride of
the coming battle, a matter of 2,5oo yards. Ater this
the L.F's. would leap-frog through and exploit success
as far as possible. This time the 5th and 6th were detailed
to execute the first shock of the assault with the 7th in
close support. A a matter of fact "C" company were
sent forward to act under the orders of the 5th in view
of the extra opposition which was expected on the right
sector. On the night of September st the remainder of
the battalion, in order " B," "A" " D," companies moved
up close to P, iencourt, to occupy old, shallov¢ trenches,
and await the needs of the brigade either during or after
the assault.
! 2O
VILLERS-AU-FLOS.
Soon after dawn the barrage opened, and simultaneously
the Manchesters advanced accompanied by a single tank.
The New Zealanders were carrying out a similar task on the
left, while the I7th division had to get through Beaulen-
court and over a large stretch of bare country on the
right. The 6th Manchesters progressed in fine style, and
everything went according to plan. The enemy put up a
stiff fight for it and hung on to the last in the cunningly
concealed machine gun posts. It was in this part of the
fighting that Lieut. 'Velch (a one-time 7th officer) with a
section of Stokes' mortar men performed a gallant deed
that earned for him the D.S.O. The progress of events
on the right, however, was not so clear and straight-
forward. As was expected the 5th encountered strong
opposition, for they advanced along a double row of old
German trenches which contained a large number of
dug-outs, and disconcerting masses of wire at irregular
intervals. It was thus difficult to maintain cohesion in
the attack, while every dug-out contained machine "gun
crews who had been unharmed by the barrage, and who,
owing to the delay in getting ahead, had been able to
corne out and man their positions without interruption. The
5th. therefore, lost heavily, particularly on their right flank,
and before ver3" long "C" company of the 7th found
themselves in the front, almost isolated, and taking a
stern part in the assault.
They pushed on until all the enemy trenches had been
cleared to the south-east corner of Villers-au-Flos, and
then stayed in order to get in touch with the remnants of
the 5th on their left, after which Lieut. Hammond re-
ported progress. In view of the danger from this flank,
for we were already well ahead of the troops on our
right, "B" company was ordered forward to protect the
southern and eastern sides of Riencourt, and so prevent
any Hun attempt to get in behind our forward line. Later
it was round that the 5th positions required more strength,
and "A" company were sent up for that purpose, while
Capt. Baker was ordered to take his company to form a
defensive flank behind the 6th, for the New, Zealanders
VILLERS-AU-FLOS.
I2I
were still echeloned to the rear. Evening of September
2nd thus found the 6th at the tip of a sharp salient, and
the enemy still very active in front, with his shelling
steadily increasing in intensity. " B" company were thus
ordered to continue the advance on the right and attain
the final objective, slow and complicated work for it all took
place in the dark. First the 1,5oo yards from Riencourt
to "C" company had to be traversed, and from there it
was another I,ooo yards to the required position;
meanwhile the enemy was continually shelling with 5.9's
at important points and with whizz-bangs promiscuously.
Nothing was known of the enemy in front, and the situa-
tion on the right was equally obscure. Parfois worked
cautiously ahead however and fortunately no opposition
was encountered, so that the final objective was ruade
before dawn.
As daylight broke on the 3rd Sept. it was round
that the next village, Barastre, had been rapidly evacuated
by the enemy who had left a quantity of material behind
him. Although the men were dog-tired "B" company
sent out a large fighting patrol to try to get in touch with
him, but they traversed well beyond Bus, the next village,
and retumed according to orders without seeing him.
Meanwhile a squadron of cavalry (Scots Greys) had been
ordered up, and they preceded the advance of the i25th
brigade who by this time were marching through in
accordance with previous plans. They encountered Hun
rearguards near Ytres, but the attack was resumed
at once, and in the course of the next two days the. enemy
was pressed back into the Hindenburg system in the
vicinity of Havrincourt.
The Manchesters had now the opportunity of seeing
how great an organisation must follow in the wake of
advancing infantry. First came the field guns, drawn
by teams of mules, followed by the 6-in. howitzers, bounc-
ing along in jolly fashion over the uneven roads behind
motor lorries containing their ammunition. Then the
observation balloons appeared, still observing, at a height
of about ioo feet, being pulled steadily by motor convey-
ances. Intermingled amongst these were staff cars, ara-
122 VILLERS-AU-FLOS.
bulances, motor lorries for all purposes, infantry trans-
port. D.A.C. waggons and various other impedimenta of a
moving army. Most of these people took up their abode
around Barastre, occupying old British huts, or erecting
tents and bivouac sheets, so that ground which twelve hours
previously had been Hun land, gingerly approached by us,
had become a huge camp seething with an active soldier
population of Britishers.
On September 6th the division came out for a long-
delayed rest, and marched back to ,Varlencourt in Corps
reserve. A few tents were provided, but only a small
portion of the battalion could be accommodated in them,
so it was necessary to dig in once more. There was quite
a quantity of material about, however, and it did hOt
take us long to make ourselves weather-proof and more
or less comfortable. Fortunately, the Huns had hot had
time to destroy the two wells in the village, although the
explosive charges had been laid, so that water did hOt
prove the difficulty it might otherwise have done. A
special order of the day from the brigadier admirably
epitomised our feelings of satisfaction with our work in the
war up to this date, so it would be as well to quote it at
length :--
{ANCH ESTERS,
You haçe added a neç anniçersary to those which your
gallantry has already ruade famous. On 4th June, 9, h
Gallipoli, you forccd your way like a spearhead into and
through line upon line o[ Turkish trenches. On 25th March,
1918, at Achiet and Bucquoy, you stemmed and st.opped the
onrush of the tide of Huns that was to have found ltS way to
the Coast.
Yesterday, after three months of unbroken fightng in
trenches and in the open, and in face of stubborn resstance
by Huns more than equal in numbers, you stormed and took
Villers-au-Flos with the utmost dash and determination; a feat
which would bave been notable if performed by battalions at
full strength and fresh from a period of rest.
When Manchester hears of this new proof of your prowess,
she may well be as proud of ber sons as I ara of commanding
such soldiers.
ANTHON¥ HENLE¥, Brig.-Gen.,
Commanding t27th Inf. Brigade.
3rd çeiMeraber, IçIS.
THE HINDENBURG LINE.
123
The fortnight at Warlencourt was spent in refitting, and
intensive training in attack. One day was occupied by a
demonstration of an assault by a company, using live
ammunition. This was carried out by "D " company in
the presence of the corps commander and large numbers
of officers and N.C.O's. of the division, and was followed
by educational criticism by the General.
THE HINDENBURG LINE.
It was obvious that ail this had a specific purpose, and
we were not left long to wonder what the purpose was.
A tremendous battle was brewing, and rumours placed
its magnitude at from three army fronts to the whole
allied front. Anyhov, the chier thing that concerned us
was that the 42nd was to take part in the cracking of the
hardest nut in the German defence, namely, the Hinden-
burg system. The enemy had had three xveeks in which
to consolidate his already perfected ramification of
trenches and dug-outs, and there was no doubt as
their determination to definitely stop the ]3ritish advance
there. If this failed they had lost the War.
On September 22nd the division marched up, and took
over the front from the 37th division, the I-sth brigade
occupying the forward positions just east of Havrincourt
Wood. The 7th round themselves out in reserve just north
of the Canal du Nord behind Hermies, and it was pleas-
ing to see the old haunts again. Men thought grimly of the
experiences we had been through since those happy days
more than a year ago, and these sights served to call up
the memory of many a pal who had since ruade the big
sacrifice. And now, perhaps, we should get an oppor-
tunity of seeing those rnysterious lands beyond Fles-
quieres, Marcoing and so on, that we had gazed upon so
long. As far as possible training was .continued and a
certain amount of company re-organisation took place.
Owing to the weakness of companies they had been
reduced to three platoons, some of these being much below
strength. Reinforcements had been expected, but they did
not materialise to an appreciable extent. However, the
124 THE HINDENBURG LINE.
exigencies of the task in hand demanded that the four
platoon formation should be adopted in spite of the small
numbers. In view of this, therefore, it was necessary to
crowd in rapid training in attack on this principle, so that
each man should be well acquainted with his function.
After the battle surplus had been eliminated the company
commanders were as follows :--"A" company, Capt. Nel-
son, "B" Lt. S. J. Wilson, "C " Capt. Allen, M.C., and
"D" Lieut. Gresty, M.C. Lt.-Col. Manger commanded
the battalion, while Capt. Creagh had returned and was
Adjurant. Two days before the attack Capt. Nelson went
into hospital with dysentery which had frequently recurred
in a violent form during the preceding weeks. A slight
re-adjustment was thus demanded amongst the officers to
give every company a fair share of leadership and Lieut.
Hammond was sent to command "A" company.
Briefly the plan of attack was as follows. The divisional
frontage was covered by the i25th brigade on the right
and the I27th brigade on the left, with the remaining
brigade in support. As far as the I27th brigade was
concerned, the attack was to be accomplished in rive
bounds. The first objective, along the whole of the
brigade front, was the work of the 5th Manchesters, and
consisted in capturing the German front line which ran
chiefly along Chapel ,Vood Switch. The next four objec-
tives, called for convenience the Red, Brown, Yellow and
Blue Lines, were to engage the attention of the 7th on
the right and the 6th on the left of the brigade front, and
were to be taken by the leap-frog method by companies.
Thus, in the 7th, "C" company's objective was the Red
Line, "A" the Brovn, "D " the Yellow, and "B " the
Blue Line. These lines were by no means parallel to
one another, their shape being largely controlled by the
configuration of the ground and the German trenches.
It is also important to note that the Hindenburg system
was being taken in enfilade on this part of the front.
Two or three great parallel trenches ran along in the
direction of the advance, and they were full of deep dug-
outs capable of holding thousands of men. Our main
security lay in the fact that a simultaneous attack was
THE HINDENBURG LINE.
taking place along a widely extended front, and the
enemy would not be able to fill these dug-outs with
counter-attacking troops drawn from other fronts.
Space does not allow of a detailed description of the
orders for attack, but it can easily be imagined
that they were pretty considerable in view of the
heavy work to be accornplished by the artillery. As this
portion of the German line was known to be powerfully
defended by large numbers of troops, extensive trench
systems, dug-outs and wire, it was part of the strategy
of Foch to concentrate artillery here, and records showed
that on the two days September 27th and 28th shells
were consumed at an unprecedented rate. In our sector
alone, the programme comprised the capturing of 3,5oo
yards in depth of the most strongly defended ground in
France, including the vicinities of the farnous Highland and
Welsh Ridges of terrible memory in the Battle of Cambrai.
Every yard of this ground was subjected to a continuous
creeping shrapnel barrage lasting for almost three hours,
while moving steadily ahead of this was a terrific bom-
bardment by ail calibres from 45 howitzers upwards upon
the enemy's main trenches and supposed defence points.
The brigade frontage, measured north to south, was
1,25o yards, and this was equally divided betweer the 6th
and 7th. As we were going over one company behind
another, each company was responsible for nearly 7oo
yards--a very large front considering our depleted
numbers. There is no doubt, as far as we were concerned,
the task looked formidably ambitious.
On the morning of Sept. 26th final operation orders
were issued, and that night we moved up to our assembly
positions in a huge dug-out near Femy "Vood, capable
of holding the xvhole battalion. It was slow work moving
along the canal and across the Trescault-Havrincourt
road, and it is not surprising that eventually the intervals
between platoons closed up and the four companies were
strung out in one long line. The confidence felt in the
success of the operations, was evident by the fact that
the 6-inch howitzers were installed in front of the Trescault
road within 500 yards of the enemy. Whilst we were
THE HINDENBURG LINE.
assembling there were motor lorries on the road unloading
stacks of ammunition for theml By the time the battalion
had been packed into the dug-out dawn was swiftly
approaching, which meant the commencemcnt of the
battle, for Zero for the third army was 5.25 a.m. The
VIth corps, the 62nd division of which touched up with out
left, were to have three hours' fighting before we com-
menced, and for this reason we welcomed the shelter of
the dug-out while it was in progress. The configuration
of the ground was responsible for the manner in which
the battle was to grow along the whole front. The ad-
vance of the I27th brigade was to take place along tbe
shoulder of a long hill running broadly east to west.
North of this high ground was a long valley" stretcbing
through Ribecourt towards Marcoing. Anotber shoulder
similar to but higher than ours flan]ced the valley on
the north, and it was this, together with the commanding
village of Flesquieres, that the VIth corps were to make
good before our attack commenced. Again, the i25th
brigade, who were on out right, and also on tbe higher
part of the shoulder, were to open tho 42nd divisional
assault half an hour ahead of ourselves.
About 8 o'clock "C" company led the way out of the
dug-out and took up their assault positions near the
front line. At the appointed hour, following behind the
th, they moved forward to the attack, in the formation
which ve had practised so frequently, and which was the
most suitable for the large frontage that had to be
covered. All four platoons were in line, and each platoon
was divided into four sections, the two rifle sections on
the flanks, and the two L.G. sections in the middle and
echeloned to the rear. This was the artillery formation
useful for covering the ground previous to the actual
assault, each section moving in file (i.e., two ranks) well
opened out. "vVhen close to the enemy position the pla-
toons extended and formed two lines, with a L.G. in
the centre of each line, and riflemen on the flanks. Every
Company vent over in this [ormation, and strict orders were
issued that no man was to enter the enemy trenches for
the purpose of covering the ground, but to keep out in
THE HINDENBURG LINE.
tlie open, otherwise great confusion would arise, and
officers would lose control of tleir men.
Misfortune greeted " C " company from the start. Capt.
Allcn, M.C. and 2nd-Lt. Ray were killed immediately,
and casualties were soon very heavy. It was evident the
enemy was making the most of his superior position and
the clear sweep of ground. The remnants of the company
pushed on, however, and reached their objective. "A" com-
pany followed and they also suffcred severely from the
moment they advanced out of Femy Wood. Then it was
noticed that most of the machine gun tire was from the right
flank, and our men were being subjected to a terrible enfin
ading tire as they moved across the open. All the officers
became casualties, Lt. Hammond wounded, 2nd-Lt. Mc-
Almont wounded, 2nd-Lt. T. XVoods wounded, and 2nd-Lt.
Carley, killed. The few men of the company, now led by
C.S.M. Joyce, reached the Red Line and ioined " C " com-
pany, which, Lt. Edge, M.C., having been hit, was now
under the command of 2nd-Lt. Jones. It was impossible,
with the small number of men, scattered over a wide front,
to continue the advance for the moment. " D " company,
moving up according to programme, were treated simi-
larly to the previous two companies and men began to
drop long before they anticipated meeting any resistance.
Thus, before they had gone very far 2nd-Lt. Thrutchley
and 2nd-Lt. Wright were wounded, which left Lt. Gresty,
M.C. and 2nd-Lt. Milne to carry on the leadership, a
task which they performed in fine style. They quickly
arrived at the Red Line, and then took cover for a short
period. Soon after this, "B" company came along, but
on nearing the Red Line, they round many men of "D"
turned about firing rifles and L.G. towards their right
rear. It was now obvious that the ground to the righ
of us had not been cleared at all, and the enemy was left
free to work his will upon us from the higher grounc.
By this rime a tank had arrived and materially assisted
us in dealing with the problem. Gresty then decided to
push on and his company mounted the rising ground in
front. From this point they unfortunately swerved to
the left, probably being influenced by a road which tan
THE HINDENBURG LINE.
diagonally across the front towards Ribecourt, but nothing
could stop their irresistible dash. As they crossed, this
road Milne, with' a handful of his platoon, added to out
already considerable number of prisoners, by capturing
a large crowd of Huns.
With characteristic impetuosity, reminiscent of the La
Signy Farm days, Gresty and the men of " D" following
up under the barrage, rushed across the ]3rown Line and
rnade for the Yellow Line. They were now only a small
gallant band but they were undaunted. Prisoners cap-
tured were told to go down to the rear, which they did
right gladly without an escort, so that the assaulting party
who now in formation and well-nigh in size, began to
resemble a Rugby football team, could preserve their
strength. Two 77 m.m. guns lay in theil path, and at
their approach the ]3oche gunners spiked them and made
off, leaving them an easy prey to the 7th. After this,
Gresty decided that he was on his objective, as indeed
he was, but he was more or less in the 6th sector, and
when he was quickly joined by a company of the 6th he
began to realise it. There was trouble on his right, how-
ever, as well as from the front, and the small party of men
were disposed to defend the ground they had captured,
a difficult enough task in view of the fact that they had
to find positions to face in two or three different directo.ns.
Touch was obtained with the 62nd division in Ribecourt,
and it was round that the VIth corps had had great
success in their part of the battle, so that already the
advance was proceeding towards Marcoing.
"]3" company's effort was really a separate story. As
soon as "D " company had disappeared over the crest in
front of the Red Line they continued the advance. 2nd-
Lt. Pearson was on the extreme right and he had been
instructed to keep touch with the L.F's. From the
beginning, however, he had not seen them, and his platoon
was moving along " in the air," and naturally meeting
with strong resistance. They had not expected to meet
the enemy for another 1,5oo yards if events had worked
out " according to plan," but they were now fighting them
at every step. Gallant deeds were performed ir dealing
K
3o THE HINDENBURG LINE.
with Hun machine guns, and many prisoners were taken,
but greatest of all were the achievements of Pte. Jack
White. Single-handed he rushed a machine gun post,
bayonetted the man on the gun and pursued the remainder
of the team with tire, inflicting casualties. Later on he
again rushed forward alone to a strongly held trench,
but was killed practically on the parapet. His naine
was recommended for a V.C., but unfortunately nothing
more was heard of it. In view of the heavy casualties,
Lt. Wilson went across to Pearson and told him to close
his platoon slightly towards the left, in order to keep a
cohesion in the company, for it was evident that the Hun
resistance promised to be strong, and there was no hope
now of assistance from the right flank. In this manner the
high ground near the Brown Line was reached, but the
company was suffering from tire both from the front and the
right flank. _'2nd-Lts. Siddall and Gapp were wounded, as
well as three platoon sergeants, and there was no know-
ledge as to what had happened to "D'I company. At
this moment the Germans developed a counter-attack
from the right in a manner to be expected from an in-
telligent and courageous enemy. The obvious thing for
them to do was to cut in behinc "B" company's right
flank and attempt to regain a footing in " Unseen Trench"
which had just been taken from them. From an offensive
force we were suddenly transformed into a defensive
force, and the men were still out in the open. Wilson
drew back his right flank so as to face the Huns, but kept
his left in touch with the 6th or the road in front of the
Brown Line, and from this position, the men being dis-
posed in shell holes, "B" company held up the enemy
attack and defended the ground won. The Huns were on
higher ground and when they had been finally driven to
earth they kept up vigorous sniping at very close range,
a form of fighting that we returned with interest. Pearson
was hit in the stomach and later died on the way :down,
so that "vVilson and C.S.M. Shields were left to control
the remainder of the company.
The arrival of 2nd-Lt. Smith with signalling apparatus
enabled communication to be obtained with battalion
THE HINDENBURG LINE. 3
H.Q. Lt. Wilson outlined the situation and was told in
return that the L.F's. had hOt yet reached Boar Copse,
having met with poverful resistance. He was further
ordered to hang on to his position and wait until the
L.F's. had drawn up in line. Meanwhile a compmy of
the 5th was sent up to strengthen the flank. Continuous
touch by means of patrols were kept with the enemy, and
his movements were carefully watched. Within 3oo yards
were a couple of German 77 re.m. guns, pluckily worked
by the gunners at point blank range until our machine
gunners, who had now arrived, co-operated with L.G's.
from the 6th and ourselves in putting them out of action.
They were taken by the oth in the night. Meanwhile
Gresti and the company o[ the 6th on the Yellow Line
had been ordered to fall back 30o yards to a less isolated
position, and a sound front and flank was thus estab-
lished
The battle had now reached a stage when the ne.t
move would be ordered by the brigade o even by the
division. Careful observation of the enemy led us to
SUlpose that he was weakening and Gresty and \Vilson
intimated that when the L.F's. arrived at the Brown
Line, having re-organised their companies, they should
be prepared to continue the advance in the 7th sector.
Division had decided otherwise, however, and had ordered
up a battalion of the 26th brigade. Rapid preparations were
ruade for a night attack to complete the divisional task, the
Ioth Manchesters to cover the 27th brigade front and
the L.F's. to continue on their right. Before nightfall,
the enemy having withdrawn from the trenches im-
mediately in front, "B " company pushed on again, and
established a good line running north and south ir front
of the Brown Line, and touching up with the L.F's. who
had now arrived. This considerably simplified the work
of the ioth, who were able to assemble in the night on
an even front.
The night attack was a success. The Huns were evidently
demoralised and put up no fight at all, surrendering in
large batches without firing a shot when our men arrived
at their dug-outs, so that the Blue Line was ruade good
13 THE HINDENBURG LINE.
belote dawn. Then came the work of exploiting success,
and on the 42nd divisional front this was carried out by
the 8th Manchesters, and the 5th East Lancs., the I26th
brigade having laken over the front during the afternoon of
Sept. 28th. They were able to make good progress over
Welsh Ridge belote encountering serious resistance.
Later in [he day the New Zealand Division marched
through to follow up the enemy, so that the 42nd could
go down for a rest. Gladly did the Fleur de Lys pack
up their traps and march back over the ground that had
recently seen such stern work. The brigadier had been
up and personally thanked Lts. Gresty and Wilson for
the work achieved by "D" and "B" companies, re-
marking that having seen the ground, and knowing the
diflïculties which had to be encountered, he thought all
the men were heroes in having accomplished so much.
Such praise coming from so sound a soldier was naturally
received with gratitude and pride, and we felt that once
again the naine of the 7th Manchesters had been scored
honourably and deepl¥ in the records of warfare. The
battalion reassembled in the big dug-out and there
realised sadly the abundance of accommodation now
afforded.
It had been a glorious fight but won at a terrible cost.
Out of the 450 or so men who went over there had been
more than 300 casualties. Of the sixteen officers who
started out four only remained. 2nd-Lt. Pearson's death
was particularly sad. He had gone out in the ranks in
i9i 4 with the 7th, and had been twice wounded on
Gallipoli, after which he served continuously with the
battalion till the winter of 97, when he went home for
a commission. He had returned as an officer only a few
weeks previously, and in this fight proved himself a
courageous and skilful leader of men.
About 600 prisoners had been taken by the battalion,
as well as the two field guns, largo numbers of machine
guns and other booty. More important was the death-
blow to the German resistance. The Hindenburg Line
had been smashed, the enemy was obviousl¥ demoralised,
and the¥ were in full flight for th next piece of ground
THE HINDENBURG LINE.
I33
which could off er a suitable position for delaying our
rapid advance. The awards to the 7th for this battle
included a bar to his Military Cross for Lt. Gresty, and
Military Crosses for Lt. Wilson, 2nd-Lt. Milne, 2nd-Lt.
Siddall, and 2nd-Lt. Thrutchley. C.S.M. Mc. Hugh, M.M.,
C.S.M. Tabbron, and Sg-t. Mather received the D.C.M.,
while twenty N.C.O's. and men obtained the M.M., Pte.
Greer being given a bar to his M.M.
The following Special Order of the Day indicates the
value of the work done by the Manchesters in this day's
fighting :--
29 Seplember, zgzS.
MANCHESTERS»
For the second time in this month of September you have
struck the enemy a heavy blow. It has brought us appreciably
nearer to the complete victory which our country is determined
to achieve.
I do hot yet know the full amount of our booty. It cart be
estimated from the two mlles of our advance, and from the
prisoners, considerably more than a thousand in number.
I wish to record my admiration for the splendid behaviour
of ail ranks. The victory was won under conditions of excep-
tional difficulty, and, as at Villers-au-Flos, against an enemy
superior in numbers to the attackers; and it was wort by the
magnificent determination and devotion of the troops.
ANTHONY HENLEY, 13rig.-Gen.,
Commanding 127th Inf. Brigade.
CHAPTER X.
Pursuing the Hun.
THE SELLE RIVER.
y ET again the vicinity of Havrincourt Wood was
the abode of the 42nd division, and having been
supplied xvith tents we set about the task of refitting
and reinforcing. Companies once more attained a strength
of about Ioo, and as the new men largely consisted of
troops drafted from non-infantry units, principally A.S.C.
from England, and men out for the first time, it was
necessary to push along vigorously with training, for it
was certain that we should be wanted again for fighting
very soon. Returns from leave, etc., caused the following
arrangement of company commanders:--Lieut. Douglas,
M.C., "A" company; Capt. Grey Burn, M.C., "B";
Lieut. Gresty, M.C., "C," and Capt. J. Baker, "D";
while Capt. S. J. \Vilson, M.C., was detailed to battle
surplus. In the absence of Col. Manger on English leave,
Major Rae assumed command of the battalion, while Capt.
Barratt resumed the duties of adjutant, Capt. Creagh hav-
ing gone to England on a senior officers' course.
When the division broke up camp on October 8th and
marched up the line to get into closer support, the situa-
tion was roughly as follows. Since the battle on the
Hindenburg Line the enemy had had no test, and in .spite
of the difficulties of the ground (in one place a canal
running north and south intervened) the N.Z's. and
divisions right and left, had ruade steady progress, in-
flicting terrible casualties on the Boche who were sturdily
resisting every yard of ground. To the north, Cambrai
was still in the hands of the Hun, and from the continual
SELLE RIVER. 35
rires seen in that direction it was obvious that he was
wreaking characteristic vengeance on the helpless town.
The part of the Western Front between Cambrai and
St. Quentin was recognised as the key to the
whole situation so that naturally exertions were gigantic
by both sides. Foch maintained his artillery concentra-
tion in this sector and undoubtedly one of the greatest
wonders of that year of wonders, 1918 , was the manner
in which the guns obtained their never-ending supply of
arnmunition. The steady pounding never ceased day or
night, and when infantry action took place, the noise
welled up to terrific barrage speed for hours on end.
When the nerve-shattered German soldier pathetically
walked over to our lines one morning with hav.ds up and
exclaiming " Kamerad, too much shelll" he was surely
expressing the enemy point of view. The line had thus
been pushed on to the western outskirts of Solesmes,
and troops in this area were noxv waiting for the fall of
Cambrai and Douai to continue the pressure. When these
events took place preparations were ruade for another
battle.
During the battalion's match forxvard there was con-
siderable night-bombing by enemy aircraft, and on the
first night Sgt. Riley, an old member of the battalion, was
killed and several men of H.Q. wounded by bombs on
their bivouac. It was a fair country that the 7th were
now approaching. After seven months' campaigning in
the dismal devastated lands of the Somme regions the
sight of whole bouses with chimneys and roofs, and smoke
exuding from them in the correct manner, was as xvelcome
as an oasis to the thirsty traveller in the desert. Here
were billets, a word of which we had almost forgotten to
use. But picture our excitement when we saw a real live
civilian. The sight of these things probably brought home
to out men the full meaning of the German defeat more
than anything else. The I27th brigade spent a few days
under most comfortable conditions in the village of
Beauvois on the Cambrai-Le Cateau road, residing in
bouses, almost complete with furniture. A few of the
villagers had courageously remained behind, taking cover
136 SELLE RIVER.
in their cellars while the fighting and shelling took place
above their heads. A good deal of wanton destruction
had been carried out by the retiring Hun, but on the
whole the countryside presented a normal appearance, a
rnost welcorne sight to eyes wearied with the scenes of
devastation, and an important factor also in keeping up
the morale of the troops.
Eventually the N.Z's. were relieved, and it was round
that a very skilful and deterrnined enerny lay in front.
Subsequent events, indeed, showed that the strongest
rernaining division in the Gerrnan arrny, the 25th division,
had been put into this sector. They had been conserved
during the recent fighting, and on the prisoners who were
captured clothing and equiprnent were brand new. They
had a proud record extending right through the War,
and clairned they had never received a beating frorn any
British troops. (They were soon to rneet their \Vaterloo.)
The 126th brigade were detailed to deliver the first shock
of assault. Their objective included, after crossing
the Selle River within point blank range of the
German M.G's. and ritles, a deep Railway Cutting
east ot "the main Solesrnes road, Belle Vue Farm,
and the ground irnrnediately beyond the railway. The
127th brigade were to go through when these positions
had been rnade good and occupy the high ground over-
looking Marou, a srnall harnlet on the final objective,
which was to be taken by the 6th Manchesters.
The battle opened at dawn on October 2ISt, and after
very heavy fighting, in which one exceptionally large
nurnber of the enerny stood and fought hand to hand and
were killed with the bayonet; the 126th brigade took all
their objectives in splendid fashion. Thencarne the Man-
chesters, the 6th on the left, the 5th on the right, and the 7th
in close support. The 6th advanced well, but the 5th quickly
had trouble being held up owing to the troops on their
right not keeping up. The enerny was fighting well, his
infantry and machine gunners being particularly stubborn
and covering their retirernent very skilfully. Machine
guns swept the advancing lines of the 5th, and the bare
high ground to be crossed left them very exposed to
SELLE RIVER. '37
exceedingly heavy enfilade tire. It was during this portion
of the fight that Pte. Wilkinson of the Wiganers obtained
the V.C. for message carrying. Five of his comrades
had been killed vithin a few yards after starting on the
saine mission. %Vilkinson volunteered to be the sixth to
rnake the attempt. He was entrusted vith the task and
got through.
The 7th were now drawn into the battle, and "D"
company advanced to form a defensive flank for the
right cornpany of the 5th. With this help the line was
advanced, but it could hOt reach the final objective and
so link up with the 5th who had alread¥ reached and
occupied Matou. " A" company had advanced in support
to the 6th and took up their allotted positions, forming
four defended localities in depth ready to make a defen-
sire flank if necessary. The 62nd division on the left had
pushed through Solesmes and had ruade good the high
ground to the east of that tovn, joining up with che 6th
Manchesters. At 4.3 o p.m. a further barrage was put
down for the th division and the 5th Manchesters to
continue the advance. The latter, however, were very
weak, having sufered heavy casualties, therefore "C"
company of the 7th vent forward and advanced to occupy
the final objectives. The enterprise was entirely successful,
and a machine gun nest, which had caused most of the
trouble on the right, vas captured, the garrison surrender-
ing as prisoners. A dangerous counter-attack was re-
pulsed by "C" and "D " companies and then the line
was secured, and junction ruade with the th in Marou.
Enemy artillery tire had been heavy during the day, and
Battalion H.Q. in a deep ravine sufered severely from
large calibre shells, so that they moved forward in the
night to a healthier spot near the 6th H.Q. The positions
were maintained all next day until relieved by the I2th
brigade
Luckily in this show our casualfies were light, totalling
a loss of about 4o other ranks, very few being killed. The
action of Capt. Baker in forming the defensive flank for
the 5th undoubtedly restored an uncertain position, and
materially assisted in the further advance. We were all
38 MORMAL FOREST.
pleased vhen he vas awarded the Military Cross for this
and general good vork throughout the War vith the
7th since June, x95. The pace and power of the attack
can be gauged by the fact that six battalions of the
redoubtable Hun 25th division, in spire of their proud
record, vere obliterated, and three days after the battle
the division vas disbanded and absorbd in a,other.
The destruction of this division vas an achievement of
which the 42nd were justly proud. The motto of " Go
one better" had been " put over" the Boche in an un-
mistakable manner.
On October 23rd the division marched back to Beau-
vois again, the N.Z. division baving once more taken
up the pursuit of the enemy, folloving him vigorously
to the vicinity of Le Quesnoy. The IVth corps were going
vell, and all through these operations it was a noticeable
feature in the situation maps of the third army front
published from rime to rime that they ahvavs occupied
the most advanced positions, and seemed to perform the
function of the spear head of the attacks.
MORMAL FOREST.
As the line of advance for the 42nd division lay through
th . huge Mormal Forest, out training at Beauvois vas
largely in wood fighting. We were making preparations
for what was to prove the last battle of the War. Col.
Manger returned from leave and resumed command of
the battalion, while Major Rae remained on battle surplus
whee, unfortunately, his old illness recurred and he had
to go to hospital and evelltually to England. His excellent
xvork with the 7th, however, had been recognised for he
vas awarded the D.S.O. after the Armistice. Capt. Grey
Burn, M.C., was promoted to Major and became second
in command of the 5th L.F's. " B" company being taken
over by Capt. Branthwaite, a recently joined 2nd line
oflïcer. Capt. D. Norbury, having returned from a tour
of duty at home, was made O.C. "A" company, while
Capt. S. J. Wilson, M.C., commanded "C" company.
MORMAL FOREST. 39
The battalion marched out on the evening of November
3rd to take part in the work of exploiting success after the
N.Z. division had smashed the enemy line. The attack
commenced on the morning of November 4th, and after
tierce fighting, and only after the garrison had been com-
pletely surrounded, Le Quesnoy was captured. The
" Diggers" folloxved up vigorously and chased the Huns
through a large part of Mormal Forest. Meanxvhile our
job was to " keep closed up" as far as possible and be
ready to continue the pursuit, with the i26th leading and
the I27th in support. The first night was spent at Viesly,
and the second at Pont à Pierre, just south of Salesches.
The next day the weather completely broke down. and
we moved forward in pouring rain, over the recently
captured ground, arriving late at night in a thoroughly
soaked condition at the tiny village of Herbignies on the
xvestern edge of the Forest. Here we round most of
the civilians had remained through the fighting, and
they told excited stories of the happenings. Small chil-
dren toddled about the houses while ]3oche shells were
still bursting not very many hundred yards away. It
seemed a most extraordinary situation aftcr the loneliness
of war as we had always known it. These things had
been the monopoly of the soldiers, but here were women
and children trespassing upon out preserves. It helped
us to realise the true tragedy of Var.
That night the 126th brigade took over the front, a
sketchy business in view of the position, and the N.Z's.
marched back. One of the officers, during the day, had
called out to us in characteristic Colonial fashion, " \Vell,
boys, are you going up to finish it ?" whereupon one of
the men replied with Lancashire directness, " Ay, we
started it, so we may as well finish it." There was a good
deal of peace-talk flying about. German prisoners had
admitted that they could not go on lnuch longer, xvhile
rumours about conferences were very prevalent. Still,
until we got orders to stop fighting, this job had to con-
tinue, and that was the chier consideration for us, although
the order to cease tire would have been keenly apprecia-
ted.
I.O MORMAL IOREST.
Early morning round us on trek in a steady downpour
of tain which marie out already wet clothes more and
more sodden. In this doleful fashion we splashed along
over the muddy forest tracks to get close to the East
Lancs. who were carrying out an attack. The 8th Man-
chesters had a particularly stern rime, encountering nests
of machine guns which had hot been cleared from their
exposed flanks, so that they lost very heavily. Neverthe-
less, the attack was eventually pushed home, and the
Huns were dislodged. Subsequent events revealed that
from this moment the German retirement became a
scurry of a disorganised rabble. The roads were blocked
by their hurrying transport, and personnel simply marie the
best use of their legs, scampering across country where
it was impossible to march on the roads. The civilians
told us that utter confusion reigned everywhere. Out
foremost troops undoubtedly met determined resistance
from the machine gunners, but they were probably bliss-
fully ignorant of what was taking place behind them.
As far as the 7th was concerned November 6th was one
of the most miserable and trying days ever experienced.
In the middle of the morning we arrived at out position,
where we stayed during the whole of the day in a bitterly
cold tain with no possibility of shelter. When it was
ascertained that the enemy had been dislodged we ruade
a few rires and tried to restore lire to out numbed bodies.
The divisional commander, having seen out condition,
and realising that very few in the brigade would be fit
for fighting after two such days, ordered up the 125th
brigade, who had had an opportunity of getting dry and
warm. We marched joyfully back in the middle of the
night to Le Carnoy and there spent two days in billets.
The advance of the 42nd was now rapid. Hautmont, a
fairly large manufacturing town, was captured after street
fighting, and by the evening of November 9th an outpost
line had been established south-east of Maubeuge. The
7th meanwhile had marched up through the forest and
were billeted in the small village of Vieux Mesnil. Here
we received official orders to stand fast on the morning
of November llth. At II a.m. the battalion paraded
ARMISTICE. 4
outside the church and there the bugles sounded " Cease
tire" for the first and last time during the War. The men
took the news very quietly. XVe were too close to actual
events to give ourselves over to the mad demonstrations
of joy such as took place in spots more remote. At the
same time everyone experienced a curious feeling of
calm satisfaction that an unpleasant task had been accom-
plished. The 42nd division had taken part in two great
drives, the clearing of the Turk from 13ritish territory
in I916 and the clearing of the Hun from allied territory
in I918.
CHAPTER XI.
Aftermath and Home.
THE division concentrated at Hautmont, and on
November 14th the 7th marched into this tow,n,
and thcre occupied billets close to the Square.
now had an opportunity of realising the manner in which
the tlun had delivered his last expiring kicks. Delay
action mines had been placed under the railway at various
points, and although one of the terms of the Armisffce
demanded that they should be indicated and removed,
many were too near the time for explosion to allov of
their being touched. As a result the railhead could hOt
proceed beyond Caudry for some time, and it was neces-
sary to convey supplies over a considerable distance by
road. As arrangements had also to be made to feed the
civilians, and repatriated prisoners of war, who now began
to stream across the frontiers in an appallingly emaciated
condition, some idea will be gained of the difficulty of
keeping the troops sufficiently rationed. The men of the
7th, hovever, realised this and took a commort sense
view of the marrer.
In the second week of December the 4"nd division
marched up into Belgium to Charleroi, the 127th brigade
being quartered at Fleurus, a delightful village about six
miles out of the tovn. Here the men of the 7th had a
most happy time, for the villagers welcomed us right
gladly and made us extremely comfortable irt our billets.
Turkeys, beer, extra vegetables and rum once more
figured in the 'Xmas rare and it was with really rejoicing
hearts that the Fleur de Lys spent their last Yuletide
away from home. " C " company maintained the prowess
of the battalion by securing the divisional prize for the
AIEA COVEIED DUIING ADVANCE OF 4nd DiX, r ,îe
HOME. 43
best decorated dining hall. Later, chiefly through the
efforts of C.S.M. Branchflower and Sgt. Aldred, M.M.,
we carried off the divisional cup for boxing.
On 'Xmas Eve the first of a series of events at once sad
and joyful began to occur. Long-standing friendships and
partnerships were rapidly broken up by the departure of
drafts for demobilisation. Every few days parties went off,
and one saw old faces gradually disappear from our ranks.
The return, in the midst of glorious weather, of Capt. Barratt
and Lt. Gresty, M.C. from Manchester, with the battalion
colours was the occasion for a splendid ceremonial parade
in which the Belgians took a lively interest. It was a
proud moment when they were safely deposited in the
ofiïcers' mess, and everyone took a share in their due
honours.
The final stage in the long adventurous career of the
7th Manchesters during this great war was completed
on March 3lSt when the cadre of the battalion, led by
Brevet Lt.-Col. Manger, arrived at Exchange Station,
Manchester, and amidst a tremendous and enthusiastic
concourse of people proudly ruade their way through the
city to Burlington Street, to deposit the colours in their
home at the depot. The following Saturday evening a
reception was held, when large numbers of men and
ofiïcers with their friends united once more to do honours
to the record of their battalion.
Appendix I.
HONOURS AND AWARDS TO MEMBERS
OF THE BATTALION.
OFFICERS.
Fawcus, Major (Actg. Lieut.-Col.) Distinguished Service Order.
/k. E.F. Military Cross.
Manger, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.)
E.V.
Hodge, Lieut. (Actg. Lieut.-Col.)
A.
Canning, Lieut.-Col. A. (Attached)
Cronshaw, Major (Actg. Leut.-
Col.) A. E.
Carr, (Actg. Lieut.-Col.) H. A ....
Brown, Major J. N .......
Legion d'honneur.
Mentioned in Dispatches,
Gallipoli (twice).
Mentioned in Dispatches,
France, ]une, 98.
Brevet Lieut.-Colonel.
C.M.G.
Distinguished Service Order.
Military Cross.
Mentioned in Dispatches.
Order of St. Michael and St.
George (3rd Class or Com-
panion).
Mentioned in Dispatches.
Distinguished Service Order.
Royal Serbian Order of the White
Eagle.
Mentioned in Dispatches, France,
7.L7.
Disfinguished Service Order.
Mentioned in Dispatches.
Brevet Majority, 3.6.5.
Distinguished Service Order.
Royal Serbian Ortier of the White
Eagle (4th Class).
Japanese Sacred Treasure (3rd
Class).
Mentioned in Dispatches,
6.3.6, E.E.F.
16.1.8, E.E.F.
25.9. 6, E.E.F.
APPENDIX
Burn, (Actg. Major) F. G ....
Creagh, Major P. H .......
Scott, Major & Quartermaster J.,
D.C.M.
Rae, Major G. B. L .......
Staveacre, Major J. H .......
Creagh, Capt. (Actg. Major) J. R.
Chadwick, Capt. G .......
Hayes, Capt. F ..........
Nasmith, Capt. G. W .......
Thorpe, Capt. J. H .......
Whitley, Capt. (Actg. Lieut.-Col.)
N. H. P.
Farrow, Capt. J., R.A.M.C ....
Nidd, Capt. H. H ..........
Williamson, Capt. C. H .......
Baker, Lieut. (Actg. Capt.) J ....
Collier, Capt. H ..........
Kirby, Capt. E. T. (C.F.) ......
Hoskyns, Capt. E. C. (C.F.) ...
Norbury, Capt. C ..........
Norbury, Capt. M .......
Branthvaite, Capt. "i. H .......
Douglas, Lieut. C. ]3 .......
Edge, Lieut. N ....
Goodall, Lieut. ]. "C. ii ...
Goodier, OEnd-Lt. A .......
Gresty, Lieut. W ..........
Harris, Lieut. L. G .......
Siddall, 2nd-Lt. ]'. 1 .......
Wilson, Lieut. (Actg. Capt.), S. ].
L
I.--Continued. I45
Military Cross.
Mentioned in Dispatches, France,
6.7.I7, and Egypt, Dec. I9I 7.
Distinguished Service Order.
Mentioned in Dlspatches, 26.8.I 5,
E.E.F. lI.I2. 5, E.E.F.
Order of the ]3ritish Empre.
Mentioned in Dispatches,
Gallipoli, E.E.F., Io.4.I6.
Distinguished Service Order.
Mentioned in Dispatches.
Mentioned in Dispatches, 26.8A 5.
(lfilled i* Action).
Mentioned in Dispatches, 7.i i.i7,
I8. II.I8.
Royal Serbian Ortier of the White
Eagle (4th Class).
Military Cross.
Mentioned in Dispatches, July,
I916; J'uly, i917.
Order of the British Empire.
Mentioned in Dispatches.
Ortier of the British Empire.
Mentioned in Dispatches.
Military Cross.
Croix de Guerre, France.
Crown of Italy.
Mentioned in Dispatches,
Galllpoli, E.E.F.
Military Cross.
Military Cross, (Died).
Military Cross. (Killed in Action).
Military Cross.
Menfioned in Dispatches.
Military Cross.
Military Cross.
Mentioned in Dlspatches, 24.5.I8.
Mentioned in Dispatches, i6.i.i8.
Mentioned in Dispatches, 7.I I.iT.
Military Cross.
Military Cross.
Military Cross.
Awarded Commission in the Fleld.
Military Cross.
Military Cross and ]3ar.
Military Cross.
Military Cross.
Military Cross.
Mentioned in Dispatches, 8.I
I46
APPENDIX I.--Continued.
Franklin, Lieut. H. C ....
Allen, Capt. C. R .......
]3agshaw, Lieut. K .......
XVelch, Lieut. (King's Own)
Gorst, 2nd-Lt. H .......
Milne, 2nd-Lt. J. Il ....
Harland, 2nd-Lt. J. A ....
Thrutchley, 2nd-Lt. F. D ....
V¢oodworth. Lieut. F. T. K.
Thorp, Lieut. W. T ....
... Military Cross. .-
Mentionedin D/spatches, lO.4.16. '
... Military Cross. (Killed in Action).
... Military Cross.
... Distinguished Service Order.
Mentioned in Dispatches.
... Military Cross.
... Military Cross.
Mendoned in Dispatches.
... Military Cross.
... Military Cross.
... MentioneCin Dispatches, 8A1.18.
... Mentionedin Dispatches, 24.5.18.
(Killed in Action).
276z36
070
275726
275782
275021
275039
276702
275889
276845
2763z7
27648
276264
280
27525
275o3
276o47
536
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN.
Abbrevlations :
M.M. - Military MedaL
D.C.M. - Distinguished Cond uct Medal.
M.S. M = Meritorious Service Medal.
Aldred, Sgt. J. M.M.
Anlezark, R.S.M. ,V.
M.S.bl.
Bailey, Pte. S. M.M.
Banahan, Sgt..[. do.
Bamber, Sgt. F. D.C.M.
M.S.M.
Booker, L/c F. Ve. M.M.
Botham, Pte. W.E. do.
Bowman. Pte. J. do.
Boydell, Pte. J. do.
Bradshaw, Pte. W. do.
Braithwaite, Pte. T. do.
Broughton, Cpl. A. do.
Calow, Sgt.
Mentd. in Dispatches.
Clavering, Sgt. H.
M.S.M.
Clough, R.Q.M.S.S.
Croix de Guerre (Belgian).
Colhnge, Pte. H. M.M.
Connelly, Pte. |.
Mentd. in Eiispatches.
275724
276151
3o346
5I67
276842
2754
3oo99
276856
275173
IO 5
275161
9o4
275201
375395
277007
Conry, Pte. R.E. M.M.
Craven, L]c A. do.
Daley, Sgt. XV. bi.bi.
Davies, Pte. V. T. do.
Dearden, Pte. R. do.
Downs, Pte. A. do.
Eastwood, Cpl. ,V. M.M.
Edwards, Pte. R. do.
Fidler, Sgt. W. M.M.
Fielding, Sgt. V.
Mentd. in Dispatches
Fleetwood, Sgt. A.
D.C.M.
Franks, L/c J.
Mentd. in Dispatches.
Gamrnond, A/Sgt. T. A.
M.M.
Green, Sgt. . V. D.C.M.
M.M.
( Killed in Action.)
Greer, Pte. A.
M.M. and Bar.
276028
276254
275218
57548
295o15
52II
276486
42732
275524
275256
550239
APPENDIX I.--ContinnFd.
Gregory. Cpl. B. M.M.
Goffey, Sgt. W. do.
Hadfield, Sgt. A. M.II.
Halfhide, Pte. C. do.
Hand, Sgt. A. D.C.M.
Hartnett, R.S.M.N.
(Died o/ lI'ouns.)
Mentd. in Dispatches.
Hayhurst, Pte. M.M.
Heasman, L/c A. D.C.bI.
Heath, Sgt. F.
(Died of lf'onn-ds.)
M.M. and Bar.
Holbrook, Sgt. ]. D.C.M.
Horsfield, Sgt. D.C.M.
M.M.
Croix de Guerre (Belglan).
27617I Hyde, L/c L. M.M.
276424 Jackson, L/c E.
(Died o/IVounds.)
M.M.
276973 .lennions, Pte. H. do.
376656 .[olley, Sgt. J. do.
275705
275822
2409
275935
275355
27528I Joyce, C.S.M.
Gold Medal of St. George
of Russia (2nd Class).
27664o King, Cpl. A. W. D.C.M.
276648 Latham, Pte. H. M.M.
275319 Lockett. CpI. S.
(Died o/lI'ounds.)
D.C.M.
276719 Lyons. Pte. C. M.M.
276482 Lynn, Sgt. I-I. do.
25326 Lievesley, Sgt. |. L. do.
Macguire, Cpl. A. M.M.
Mather, Sgt. D.C.M.
McCartney, L/c H. S.
(iVilled iz Action.)
Mentd. in Dispatches.
hIcClean, Pte. T. M.M.
McHugh, C.S.M.D.C.M.
M.M. and Bar.
Moore, Pte. T.C. M.II.
Morris. L/c G. do.
Mort, L/Sgt. V. D.C.M.
Mottram. L/Sgt. G. M.M.
400535
276020
4 °
27536ç
147
275704 Mullin, Pte. C. M.M.
275397 Ogden, R.Q.M.S.
hI.S.hI.
Mcntioncd in Dispatches.
275426 Parker, Sgt. G. M.hl.
4o849 Parkin, Pte. I. do.
I278z Pickering, Pte. W. do.
276932 Quinn, Pte. J. D.C.M.
49738 Reeves, Pte. E. M.M.
2263 Richardson, Pte. M.
D.C M.
276535 Riley, Pte. J.G. bi.M.
275468 Riley, Sgt. R. do.
(Killed in Actio».)
48576 Rotham, Pte. . M.M.
37647 Rourke, Pte. A. do.
2755o9 Sanderson, Pte. G. M.M.
57229 Shaughnessy, Pte. ,V.
M.M.
275495 Shields. C.S.M..[. M.S.M.
Mentd. in Dispatchcs.
275513 Snadham, Cpl..[.
hlentd, in Dispatches.
376453 Standring, Cpl. W. M.M.
233 Stanton. Sgt. J.
Mentd. in Dispatches.
5726 Stubbard, Pte. R. M.M.
275571 Tabbron. C.S.M.D.C.M.
27654o Thorpe, Sgt. H. M.M.
3o3634 Titchener, Pte. E. do.
275883 Titterlngton, L/Sgt.
H.L. M.M.
277o2o Tvist, L/c T.
M.M. and Bar.
27559 ° Walsh, Pte. J. M.M.
2756o4 "Valton, Pte. F.G. do.
275646 VCarrington, Pte.W. do.
277635 "Wisken.Pte. A. do.
(Died o[ ll'ounds.)
275627 White, Cpl. F. D.C.M.
Ment& in Dispatches.
275632 Wilkinson. Pte. H.
5 624 Vilkinson, Pte. J. do.
27595 z Wilmer, Pte. R. do.
295025 Wood, Cpl. T. D.C.M.
Appendix II.
MEMBERS OF THE BATTALION KILLED IN ACTION,
DIED OF WOUNDS, MISSING, ETc.
As these lists may not contain the names of ail those members
of the battalion who ruade the supreme sacrifice, I tender my
apologies to the friends and relations of those whose names have
been omitted. Some difficulty has been experienced, however,
in making the lists as full as they are. S.J.W.
OFFICERS.
Allen, Capt. C. R., M.C .......... Killed in Action 27.9.18
Bacon, Lieut. A. H .......... Killed inaction 7.8.I "
Brown, Lieut. T. F .......... Killed in Action 3o..i
Carley, Lieut ............. Killed in Action 27.9A8
Cooper, Lieut. C. 1 .......... Killed in Actmn o.m.8 "
Dudley, Lieut. C. L ....... Killed inaction 4.6.I "
Freemantle, Lieut. ,V. O. ...... Killed in Action 4.6.1 :
Granger, Lieut. H. M .......... Killed in Action 9..I
Grant, Lieut. R. W. G .......... KilledlnAcfion 2.5.i 7
Kay, Lieut. H. N .......... Killed in Action I.8.8 "
Lomas, Lieut. F .......... Killed in Action 4.6. 5 :
Ludlam, Lieut. E. W .......... Killed in Action 28.3.I8
McLaine, Lieut. D ....... Died of }Vounds .4.t8
Nldd, Capt. H. H., M.C ....... Died'f Sickness contracted "
during the war 4-3-9 -
Pearson, Lieut. H .......... Killed in Action 27.9.I8 -
Philp, R.A.M.C., Capt .......... Killed in Action 7.3.I8 "
Ray, Lieut. H. M ............. Killed in Action 7.9.t8
Rylands, Capt. R. V .......... Killed in Action 29.$.I :
Savatard, Capt. T. ,V .......... Killed in Action 9..I
Staveacre, Major J'. H .......... Killedin Action 4.6.
Sievewright, Lieut. M. J" .......... Killed in Action 2.t I.7
Thewlis, Lieut. H. D .......... Killed in Action 4.6.
Thorp, Lieut. ,V. T .......... Killed in Action 28.3.I8 '.-'.
Tinker, Capt. A. H .......... Killed in Action 28.3.t8-"
Ward, Lieut. G. H .... ...... Killed in Action 4.6.I "
Williamson, Capt. C. H., M.C. (R.F.C.) Killed in Action 7.3.7 --;
Wender, Lieut., D.C.M .......... Killed in Action I6.6.t8
Wood, Lieut. A. S .......... DiedofWounds 9.3.t8: ....
APPENDIX II.--Continue-d. 149
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN.
A'illed tn ,4ction.
1533 Abercrombie, Pte. E.
16.12.15
5204 Adamson, Pte. C. 27.9.18
1665 Adderley, Pte. E. 4.6.15
27574o Alman, Pte. T. 14.9.17
49 ° Anderson, Cpl. R. 4.6.15
2o45 Anderton, Pte. F.
174o Ayres, Pte. W.A. 4.6.15
1355 Bailey, Pte.'vV. 4.6.15
2348 Bain, Pte. T.P. 4.6.15
2403 Balon, Pte. E. 29.5.15
2215 Banks, Pte. A. 4.6.15
1968 Bannan, Pte. 4.12.15
3o14 Barber, Pte. S. lO.8.15
1888 Barks, Pte. F.C. 7.12.15
27504 Barnes, Pte. J.H. 8.9.17
1347 Barnett, Pte. I. 29.5-15
52996 Barratt, Pte. R. 21.8.18
275o59 Barrow, L/c T.E. 8.9.17
74429 Barry, Pte. R.J. 21.8.18
276522 Bedford, Pte. F. A.
27.9.18
2oo 9 Bell, Pte. A. 4.6.15
275823 Bennett, Cpl. C. 27.9.18
2761oo Bennet, Pte. R. 5.4.18
1941 Bent, Pte. "vV. 16.9.15
1228 Berry, Cpl. J. 4.6.15
275956 Beswlck, Pte. R. 27.9.18
2438 Billington. Pte. H. 4.6.15
59824 Bincliffe, Pte. A. 27.9.18
276693 Bland, Pte. H.W. 28.3.18
98o Bleasdale, Pte.W. 3o.5.15
2o18 Boardman, Pte. A. H.
19.9.I5
2143 Bouchier, Pte. G. C.
4.6.15
896 Bowe, Pte. G. 4.6.15
49841 Bowling, Pte. T. 27.9.18
277o64 Boyd, Cpl. H. 2.9.18
1873 Bridge, Pte. E. 7.8.15
3456 Bright, Pte. W. 18.9.15
ioo 9 Bromley, L/c E. 31.5.15
276676 Brookes, Pte. A. 28.1o.17
1617 Brookes, Pte. J. 4.6.15
275929 Broughton, Pte. V.
28.3.t8
1534 Broxvn, Pte. E. 4.6.15
229o Broxvn, Pte. G. 4.6.15
2257 Bruce, Pte. W. 31.5.15
173o Buckley, Pte. W. 5.6.15
1712 Burgess, Pte. A. 5.6.15
1197 Burgess, Pte. J. 4.6.15
276966 Burns, Pte. R. 28.3.18
2336 Callaghan, Pte. H. 9.6.15
275111 Calardine, L]cJ. 25.3.18
2192 Callon. Pte. J.W. 4.6.15
76918 Carr, Pte. A.E. 21.8A8
276657 Castrey, Pte. E. 28.1oA7
143i Cavanagh, Pte. F. 4.6.15
14o2 Cawley, Pte. B. 8.8.15
2255 Chadwick, Pte. C. 4.6.15
1277 Chadwick, Pte. W.
18.9.15
275968 Chappell, Cpl. J. H.
25.8.15
2070 Chappell, Pte. L. 4.8.15
2363 Clare, Pte. H. 4.6.15
2125 Clarke, Pte. E.E. 4.6.15
2311 Clime, Pte. J. 4.6.15
276697 Colley, Pte. W. J. 27.9.17
27511o Collier, L/c C. 27.8.17
1662 Collins, Pte. R.C. 4.6.15
2Oll Collins, Pte. W. 31.5.15
4084 Connor, Pte. J. 1.9.16
164 Cookson, Sgt. S. R.
29.5.15
i948 Cott, Pte. T. 4.6.15
1897 Cousell, Pte. J. 4.6.15
1212 Cox, Pte. J. 31.5.15
24754 Croughan, Cpl. C. 27.9.18
3033 Cunnington, Pte. R.
8.8.15
276265 Darbyshire, Pte. H.
6.5.17
2333 Davles, Pte. C. 13.5.15
74436 Davies, Pte. G. 2o.Io.i8
1931 Davies, Pte. T.A. 4.6.I 5
5o
o98 Dawson, Pte. T. ]3.
29.5A5
275130 Day, Pte. H.G. 18.8.8
2831 Dean, Pte. H. 7.8.15
2772 Dillon, Pte. H. 4.6. 5
2247 Ding, Pte. W. H. 3o.5.15
61o24 Dodd, Pte. J. 27.9.18
13o Dodds, Pte. J.E. 4.6. 5
1145 Doolen, Pte. R.J. 4.6.15
2315 Draper, Pte. J.E. 4.6.15
2457 Driver, Pte. R. 18.9.15
744o6 Duckley, Pte. L. 8.IO.18
275140 Dyehouse, L/c XV. H.
27.9A8
74435 Dyke, Pte. F. G. 2O.lO.18
268 Eardley, Pte. G. 4.6.I 5
77445 Edgerton, Pte. G. J. A.
IO.6.18
27667O Elphlnsone, Pte. R. J.
28.3.18
276593 England, Pte. E. 8.9.17
2077 England, Pte. V. 4.6.i
277o3 Evans, Pte. G. 29.IO.I
2478 Farrar, Pte. A. 7.8.I5
27591o Farrington. Pte. A. 2.9.8
192I Faxvdrey, Pte. G. 4.6. 5
2432 Finch, Pte. H. B. L.
4.6.I5
2364 Fitchett, Pte. F. 4.6.15
213o Fisher, Pte. B. 29.5.6
2217 Fisher, Pte. J. 4.6. 5
I7OO Fitzsimmons, Pte. J.
4.6. 5
37736 Fletcher, Pte. E. H.
27.9.I8
27517 Foden. Sgt. W. 27.9A8
275163 Ford. Pte. P. 27.9.I8
2765I 3 Ford, Pte. R. 14.9.17
276602 Forester, Pte. J. H. 3.5.I7
275970 Franklin, Pte. L. II.9. 7
2302 Gamble, Pte. 4.6.15
27519 ° Gardener. Pte.\V. "27.9.xb
38692 Garratt. Pte. J. 11.9.8
276558 Garrett, Pte. A. 6.I.I8
2176 Gibbons, Pte. J. 4.6. 5
1926 Gillibrand, Pte. A. 4.6.I 5
39393 Gilbert, Pte. R. 27.9.I8
APPENDIX II.--Con}inudd.
2212 Gouldlng, Pte. P. 4.6. 5
2362 Graham, Pte. J. A.
3L5.5
276999 Graham, Pte. W. H.
8.9.7
2397 Grainger, Pte. H./vl.
29.5.I5
2399 Green, Pte. J.D. 4.6a 5
375395 Green, Sgt. J'.W.,
D.C.M., M.M. 21.8.8
313 Gresty, Pte. F. 3.7.I 5
I397 Hall, Pte. C. I3.7.i 5
41749 Hall, Pte. H. 4.6.8
1352 Hallam, Pte. F. 4.6.15
27598 Hamilton, Pte. G. 26.6. 5
3205 Hammersley, Pte. J.
9-9-I5
276861 Hampson, Pte. J. 29.3.18
72o Hargreaves, Pte. H.
4.6.I5
2450 Harling, Pte. J. 4.6.i 5
2378 Harrison, Pte. E. 3.5.I 5
3416 Harrison, Pte. H. N.
6.9.I 5
1369 Harrison, Pte. T. S.
9.L5
1259 Heath, Pte. G. 4.6.5
24o Hewitt, Pte. W. 4.6.15
57162 Hlgham, Pte. T. 27.9.18
1627 Hinchliffe, Pte. W. 4.6.15
799 Hilditch, Pte. 4.6A5
49513 Hills. L/c G.G. 2L8A8
6o4o4 Hindly, Pte. J. B. 2L8.8
2164 Hobbs, Pte. "I. 3L5.15
2386 Holland, Pte.J.H. 4.6.15
238 Holdercroft, Pte. F.
4.6.5
275264 Hodgkins. Pte.X,V. 23.5A 7
49511 Hodgkinson, Pte. J. D.
9.6A8
178 Hodson, Pte. F. 4.6.15
3287 Hollingworth, Pte. D.
7.8.I5
I856 Holmes. Pte. S. 4.6.I5
275013 Holt, Cpl. J. 27.9.18
54400 Hope, Pte. J.W. 27.9.I8
2413 Horrocks, Pte. W. E.
7.8.I5
I358 Horrox, Pte. M, r. 29.5. 5
APPENDIX II.--Continue-d.
25300 Hugh»on, Pte. G. 27.9.18
2351 Hunt, Pte. F. 4.6.15
1922 Hunt, Pte. S.A. 4.6.15
276634 Ikin. Pte. J.W. 6.5.I 7
275876 Ingram, Pte. H. 6.I.18
276o54 Jackson, Pte. J. 18.4.I8
276433 Jackson, L/c J. 4.6.I 5
203 Jackson, Pte. J. S. 4.6.15
23I 3 Jennings, Pte. W. G.
I2.6.15
I52o Jepson, Pte. W. 8.8.15
276659 Johnson, Pte. J. H.
3o.3.18
75 ° Jones, Pte. H. 4.6.15
1823 Jones, Pte. J. 4.6.15
50338 Judge, Pte. M. 26.9.18
3669 Kaufmann, Pte. S.
5.12.I5
1118 Kearney. Pte. A. D.
51893 Keeber, Pte. H. 27.9.18
1935 Keeble, Pte. F. 29.5.15
184I Keegan, Pte. G. 29.5.15
1663 Kellett, Pte. "V. 4.6.15
1674 Kclly, Pte. H. 29.5.15
2026 Kelly, Pte. J. 4.6.15
1331 Kenyon, Pte. A. 31.5.15
74471 Kerfoot, Pte. F. 1.7.I8
2360 Kershaw, Pte. J. H.
4.6.15
2125 Kidd, Pte. T. 3.8.18
I748 Lamb, Pte. R. 4.6.I5
18o7 Laver, Pte. H. 8.8.15
275318 Lawton, Sgt. C. H.
8.11.17
I57o Lee, Pte. J.M. I3.8.15
3207 Lee, Pte. Ve. H. 24.12.I 5
1898 Lees, Pte. W. 4.6.15
3532 Lelgh, Pte. W. 18.8.16
44Wo Livesley, Pte. W. 27.9.18
2282 Lomas, Pte. F. 4.6.15
27533 ° Lomas, Pte. G. A. 28.3.18
i296 Longshav, Pte. R. 4.6.15
2374 Lowerson, Pte. H. 4.6.15
216o Lyons, Pte. J. 4.6.I 5
2416 Lyons, Pte. OE. 9.1o.15
1923 Lythe, Pte. F. 8.8.15
I51
1945 Maley, Pte. E. 4.6.I 5
1282 Manley, Pte. J. N. 16.8.15
40717 Mallis, Pte. G.W. 12.9.17
275360 Martin, Pte. W. H.
23.5.I7
2177 Marvin. Pte. G. 4.6.15
42547 Mason, Pte. J. 27.9.18
275865 Master, Pte. E. H.
28.3.18
276302 Mates, Cpl. J. 23.8.18
2409 McCartney, L/c H. S.
7.8.15
I36I McClure, Pte. E. 8.8.15
19434 McKeown, Pte. E.
22.7.18
1647 McKie, Pte. ,V. K. 4.6.15
276874 McVey. Pte. J. 5-4-18
1442 McWilliam, Pte. R.
4.6.15
276175 Mellor, Pte. G. 5.4.I8
1681 Mernman, Cpl. R. 4.6.15
276096 Metcalfe, Sgt. F. E.
9.9.18
275887 Milligan, Pte. A. J.
26.6.18
2408 Milligan. Pte. J'. 31-5-I 5
276612 Milward, Pte. K. 18.4.18
42526 Mitchell, Pte. H. 27.9.18
252 Molyneux, Pte. H. S.
7.8.I 5
8528 Morrell. Pte..L 27.9.18
1874 Morris, Pte. A. 4.6.I5
19o6 Moisey. Pte..L 4.6.15
74459 Myers, Pte. R. 21.8.18
42166 Nevin, Pte. J.S. 27.9.18
2455 Newbold, Pte. S. 28.5.15
I485 Oarklnson, Pte. A. C.
29.5.15
2428 Oates, Pte. L. 3o.5.t 5
3298 O'Bnen,-Pte. A. 18.9.I5
276431 Oldham, Pte. V. 1.9.18
276288 Ormerod, Pte. A.E.
29. 3.18
295017
Page, Pte. A. 4.6.15
Parsons, Cpl. F. N.
23.7.I6
152
1278
48
891
5174 [
2454
23oo
2119
2132
275481
2o44
1671
1258
2805
275468
1991
1283
276473
10788
276o39
2355
i689
276630
2003
27624[
276888
27655[
2033
2243
276533
2755o6
3oi8
1@3
2245
1657
II87
1956
27489
APPENDIX ll.--Continue?l.
Passant, Pte. R. 31.5.15
Peacock, Pte. W. H.
4.6.15
Pcarce, Pte. F. 4.6.15
Pearson, Pte. G. 27.9.I8
Phillips, Pte. J. P.
31.5.15
P¢kles, Ptc. ,V. 4.6.15
Pope, Pte. W. 4-5-15
Raper, Pte. A.E. 4.6.15
Raxlings, Pte. H. 9.1o.17
Rawlinson, Pte. W. R.
4.6.I 5
Rawson, Pte. ,V. 21.5.15
Rhodes. Pte. J'.W. 4.6.15
Rideal, L/c J.H. 8.8.15
Riley, Sgt. R., II.M.
8.10.18
Roberts, Pte. A. 18.8.16
Robertson. 29.5.15
Rogers, Pte. S. 27.8.19
Rogerson, Pte. W. H.
27.9.I8
Rosewell, L/Sg't. A.
21.8.I8
Royle, Pte. F. E. H.
4.6.I 5
Russell, Pte. W. H.
3o.5.I 5
Salter, Pte. H. 3o.4.17
Sanderson. Pte. J. I3. 5.15
Scraton. Pte. C. 27.9.18
Shaw, Pte. B. 21.8.18
Shearere, Pte. G. 3o.3.18
Shepherd, Pte. J. E.
3o.5.15
Shipley, Pte. J. E.
16.10.15
Sidebottom, Pte. H.
29.1L17
Smith, Pte. H. 4.4.I8
Smith, Pte. M. 16.9.15
Smith, Pte. R.S. 31.5.15
Smith, Pte.W.H. 29.5.15
Smith, Pte. W. H. 29.5.15
Stanton, Cpl. W. 7.8.15
Starkie, Pte. C. 4.6.15
Steel, Pte. R. 6.5.17
29421 Stott, Pte. A. 2O.lO.18
2369 Super, Pte. C. 26.5.15
276967 Sweeney, Pte. J. 21.8.I8
2759o3 Tanner, Sgt. A. 27.9.18
27555 o Tanner, Sgt. E. 13.5.18
277005 Tardoe, Pte. P. 29.3.18
57266 Taylor, Pte. H. 27.9.I8
276421 Taylor, Pte. J. 24.IO.I8
2î624o Taylor, Pte. J. H. lO.6.18
1846 Taylor, Pte. S. 31.5.I5
27641o Thomas, Pte. J. A.
18.8.17
57453 Thompson, Pte. S. E.
21.8.18
lO4O Thompson, Pte. T.
29.5.I5
275558 Thornily, Pte. B. 13.5.18
57442 Timothy, Pte. E. 27.9.I8
275866 Titterington, Cpl. F.
27.9.I8
3o21 Twigg, Pte. F.A. 7.8.15
943 Vardon. Pte. C. 31.5.15
1413 Verity, L/c J. 4.6.15
277759 Vickers, Pte. J. H. 5.4.18
1835 Walker, Pte. R. 4.6.15
2057 Walker, Pte. S. 29.5.15
2756o6 Wallace, L/c E. 7.1.18
1775 Valley, Pte. H. 4.6.I5
275597 XVard, Pte. J. 5.4.18
2322 Watmough, Pte. A. 4.6.I 5
275793 Watmough, PteAV. 5.4.I8
2270 Webb, Pte. S. 4.6.15
521 XVebster, Sgt. H. 29.5.I
276962 Welsh, Pte. R. 3.5A7
1893 XVhelan, Pte. J. 4.6.I5
i725 XVhite, Pte. R. 29.5.i
2o252 XVhite, Pte. J. 27.9.ies
2261 XVhitely, Pte. J. B. 7.8.i 5
55933 Whittaker, Pte. A. T.
27.9.18
2766o 5 Wilbraham, Pte. T.
3o.4.I7
2335 Wild, Pte. G. 21.7.18
2-',26 Wilde, Pte. H. J. R.
29.5. I5
1573 XVilliams, Pte. A. 4.6.i 5
295119 Williams, Pte. J'. L6.I7
APPENDIX
1354 Williams, Pte. R. 29.5.15
2458 Williams, Pte. V. V.
4.6.15
1311 Wilson, Pte. L. 4.6.15
24o6 Winter, Pte. D. 29.5.15
714 Winterbottom, L/c G.
3I-5-IJ
57246 Wittle, Pte. F. 27.9.1ts
I I.--Continue-d. 153
1939 Wood, Pte. A. 31.5.15
3642 Woodward, Pte. H.
1.12.15
2980o 4 Wookey, Pte. A. J.
27.9.18
1924 Worrall. Pte. S. 29.5.15
275716 Young, Pte. G.
80o2 Young, L/c H. 27.9.18
Dead--Presumed Killed in Action.
1976 Duffy, Pte. 4-6-I5 I
19o 3 Haydock, Pte. J. 4.6.15
1535 Hunt, Pte. H. 4.6.15
16o 3 Makin, Pte. A. W. 4.6.15
1965 Moore, Pte. G. 4.6.15
2o79 Newman, Pte.G.E. 4.6.I 5
196o Newm,an, Pte.G.E. 4.6.15
69 Plat-t, Pte. R. 4.6.I 5
1434 Tearsley, Pte. A. 4.6.15
1646 Williams, Pte. S. 4.6.15
Dead--Sickness.
2515 Ashton, Pte. C. B.
I6.1o.15
2274 Boden, Pte. G. C. 5- I I. 15
2554 Clare, Pte. H. 18.8.15
327I Couper, Pte. G. 3o.7.16
3275 Edwards, Pte. J. 8.8.I 5
275252 Hardy, L/Sgt. A. 1.3.19
37791 Leach, Pte. R. 14.11.18
3o51 Oldfield, Pte. W. F.
12.10.15
17Ol Redford, Pte. S. F.
27.5.x6
Died in Egypl.
118o Beckett, Pte. R. 8.2.16
436x Hind, Pte. x,V. 26.9.16
2o99 Kenyon, Pte. F. 26.12.14
4176 Stocks, Pte. T. -o9.5.15
932 Williams, Pte. F. 21.1.15
2368 Wood, Pte. E. 4.6A6
276353 Berry, Pte. I. 28.1.8
275o5i Blackledge, Pte. 6.2.18
275o83 Brewer, Pte. M. C.
I8.9. I8
3325 Ebourne, Pte. W. 22.I.17
276587 Haslewood, Pte. T.
23.3.18
2326 Keogh, Pte. F. 22.5.I 5
276559 Norton, Pte. J'. 2o.8.17
276297 Vipond, Pte. A. 7.1o.17
154 APPENDIX II.--Continue-d.
74412
276623
1958
1738
275035
2178
74408
275o68
24o2
178o
756
2436
2268
275109
275IO8
238I
276626
275IO4
I479
276595
3080
275133
276974
3o35
276434
295o3o
277565
275937
27696o
53904
276680
27515
42683
275188
48689
1455
276345
5211
Baker, Pte. H.
Bamber, Pte. M. I9.4.I8
Bancroft, Pte. J. W.
23.9A5
Barton, Pte. T.
Beckett, Pte. J.
Boaley, Pte. A.
Bridson, Pte. R.
Brown, Sgt.
Brown. Pte. J. W.
Burr, Pte. H.
Butcher, Pte. H.
Byrne, Pte. T.
Died o/Wounds.
10.10.18 2Ol 4
275254
25-5.15 295073
3.II.I7 2655
29.5.15
25.7.18 276424
22.8. I8
3o.6.I 5 I858
14.5-I 5 295038
7.8.15 276286
17.6.15 275791
275307
27.3.18
29.3.18 295
21.4. I5 275319
4. II.I7
6.4.I8 1179
27.8.15
23.7.I8 3662
I82I
lçOO
27635o
2433
2002
276414
1761
3038
2269
I598
28.3.18 1265
25.3.I8 38
25.8.18
276519
429
Carpenter, Pte. C.
Carroll, Sgt. J.
Cavanagh, Pte. ].
Chantier, Pte. J.
Clegg, Pte. H.
Cliffe, Pte. G.
Connell, Pte. A.
Cookson, Pte. W.
Dale, Pte. H. 24.7.I 5
Davidson, Pte. S. 1.6.I 7
Davles, Pte. G. 5.9.17
Dawes, Pte. H. 31.7.15
Doherty, Pte. T. I 1.1 I. 17
Daley, Pte. A. I4.4.I8
Earnshaw, Pte. N.
22.8.18
Fairhurst, Pte. F.
Finch, Pte. S.
Forbes, Pte.
Gibson, Pte. F. 26.4.17
Gibson, Pte. J. 3.4- ! 8
Goddard, Pte. T. 23.8.18
Golton, Pte. J. 25.5.I 7
Grecnhalgh, Pte. J.
3o.7.I8
Gregory, Pte. J. I4.IO.! 5
Harrop, Pte. W. 2.9.i8
Hartnett, R.S.M. 19.1o.17
I56I
I82I
1438
277763
I76
276912
Hazeltine, Pte.
J. R.H. 29.5.I5
Heath, Sgt. H., M.M.
24.4.1,8
Heyward, Pte. S. IO.6.I7
Hunt, Pte. W. 2.6.15
Jac'kson, L/c E., M.M.
27.3.18
Jacques, Pte. G. 8.8.15
Johnson, Pte. A. 5.1.18
Johnson, Pte. R. 28.3.18
Jones, Pte. J. 6.4.18
Kay, Pte. R. 6.4A8
Leigh, Pte. E. 8.8.15
Lockett, Cpl. S. E.,
D.C.M. 27.9.I8
Lowrey, Pte. H. 31.5.I5
Marshall, Pte. R. 13.12.15
McCleod, Pte. A. 27.5.15
McHugh, Pte. H. 28.6.I 5
Midgeley, Pte. T. 28.9A8
Milhgan, Pte. A. 28.5.15
Millington, Pte. T.
15.6.15
Minns, Sgt. W. 28.3.I8
Minshall, Pte. F. 5.6.I5
Mitchell, Pte. H. I7.9.I 5
Moran, Pte. J. 4.6.I 5
Morris, Pte. E. 29.5A 5
Morrts, Pte. H. 19.7.15
Munday, Sgt. F. lO.6.I 5
Norman, Pte. E. 25.8.I 7
Nuttall, Pte. H. W.
29-5-I5
Pannell, Pte. T. 9.8.15
Parsonage, Pte. A. F.
4.6.15
Pease, Pte. W. S. 3o.6.15
Pender, Pte. "V. 16.4.18
Percival, Pte. J. 15.6.15
Plat-t, Pte. V. C. 25.8.18
276432
2316
APPENDIX II.--Continudd.
Prendergast, Pte. 25.8.18
Powell, Pte. A. E. 29.5.15
14Ol Reid, Pte. J. 3O.lO.i5
276645 Roberts, Pte. J. 5.5.17
2067 Ross, Pte. C. 25.8.15
2965 Salt, Pte. G. 5.I I.I5
1929 Slowe, Pte. J.W. 4.7.1
276368 Sparhng, L/c P. 22.8.I8
1937 Sowden, Pte. W. P.
xS.6.x5
276321 Stahler, Pte. 1. 2O.lO.17
"375 Thomas, Pte. E. 2o.7.I 5
I55
276987
275566
27579o
2756o3
357
295o23
I788
2296
I699
276635
2347
212I
Treadway, Pte. T.
22.12.17
Taylor, Pte. J.W. 5.4.18
Vakefield, l'te. G. 29. 9. I8
Valker, Pte. J. W. 4.4.I8
Valsh, Pte. M. I 1.6.15
Vard, Pte. A. I2.I I.I 7
Ward, Pte. J. 1.6.15
Vilde, Pte. J.F. 15.9-I 6
Vinstall, Pte. H. I3.8.I 5
Visken, Pte. A., M.M.
22.8.I8
"vVolstencroft. Pte.
R.K. 29.5.I 5
Wrigley, Pte. J. 2z.6.6
Reported Dead.
44 Downey, Pte. O. (no date) 275223 Hilton, Pte. V. (no date)
JI Æs sin g.
!I48 Balf, Pte. C. 4.6.I 5
2323 Bracegtrdle, Pte. L.
7.8.15
I793 Harrison, Pte. V. 4.6.I5
276230 Johnson, Pte. W. A.
I6.6.I8
569 Kirkby. Pte. H. 4.6.I 5
2206 Krell, Pte. J. 7.8.I 5
3231 Stoddart, Pte. L. 7.8. I5
2oo7 Tracey, Pte.
614 Wakefield. Pte. A. 4.6.i 5
2172 Vallace, Pte. G. 4.6.15
1262 Vilhams, Pte. H. 4.6.5
267 Worrall. Pte. J.E. 4.6.15
Index.
(Italics signify that the person mentioned bas been killed or bas died of wounds)
!
paAt
Abbeville ..... 32, 9 °
Abbott, Lt. - ..... 13
Ablainzevelle, 76, 82-84, 88, 9 o,
93,
95
Achiet, 44-46, 8o, 81, 83, 9 o,
97, 1:22
Aire ........ 65
Albert ....... 46
Albert, King ..... 6o
Aldred, Sgt. J. lO8, 143
Alexandria .... 18, 29, 3 °
Allan, Major " 5, 65, 66, 69
Allen, Cpt. C R- IOO, 112,
124, 128
Allenby, Gen. 8
Americans ...... lO2
Amiens ...... 32, 95
Ancre 32, 11.3, 116» 117
Andrews, C.Q.M.S. 28
Anlezark, R.S.M. "V. IOO
Armentieres ..... 66
Arras ....... 9 o, I17
Asylum ....... 50
Aubers Ridge ..... 66
Australians .... 8o, 85, 96
Australian L. H. - 6, 9, 13, 23
Aveluy ....... 46
Ayette, - ..... 76, 84
Ayr & Inverness H. A. - 13
Bagdad ....... 31
Bagshav, Lt. K. - - - 89
Baker, Capt. J., 2, 19, 71, 77
8. Il 3, 12o, 134, 37
Baker, Lt. R. J. R. - 3
Banahan, Sgt. J. - - - - IO8
Bapaume 44, 79, 8o, 85
Barastre .... 44, 121 122
Barratt, Capt. W. H., I6, o7,
113, !14, I34, I43
Basin "Vood ..... lO 4
Bateman, Lt. H.M. --% 93
Beaulencourt ..... I2O
Beaumont Hamel, 96, 97, lO7,
Il 4
Beauvois .... 135, 138
Beck Farm ..... 5 o, 52
Behagnies .... 77, 79, 8o
Belle Vue Farm .... 136
Bethune ..... 65, 70, 75
Biaches ....... 33
Bihucourt ..... 79, 8o
Bill Cottage 53
Bir el Abd ..... 18, 2o
Bita ........ 25
Blatherwick. Lt.-Col. - - 89
Boar Copse ..... 131
Borry Farm .... 5 o, 52
Bourlon XVood .... 38
Ilowie, Pie. 1. - - - - 68
Braithwaite, Pt. T. - 43
Branchflower, C.S.M. - I43
Brandhoek ...... 5 °
Branthwaite, Capt. 12.. H. - I38
Brickstacks .... 67, 7o
Bromfield, Lt.-Col. -66, 7o, 76,
8L 82, 89, 94
Brown, Sgt. IV. - - - - i 4
Bryan, Lt. C. - .... 5
Bucquoy 82, 83, 92-96, 99
I01» I22
BuIIecourt ...... 80
Burbure 72, 74
Burlington Street 143
Burn, Capt. Grey "3, 16, IO2,
13, Il 5, I19, 134, 138
I N DEX--Cont,nued.
Bus ....... I2EEI
Busncs ...... 4,
Byng, Gcn.- 66, 7, lO2
Caro ....... 6, 2
Cambrai- 65, 126, I34, 135
Cambridge Road .... 5
Canal du Nord - 37, 23
Canning, Lt.-Col. A.- - 2, 4
Carley, ZI. - .... 128
Carr, Lt.-Col. H.A.- 54, 65
Catelet Copse .... 36
Caudry ....... 142
Cetorix Trench .... I IO
Chadwick, Capt. G. - 16, 18
Chalons-sur-Saone 3 i
Charleroi ...... I42
Chateau-de-la-Haie 99
Chatterton, Lt. J. 19, 52
Chuignes ...... 32
Cloth Hall ...... 5o
Clough, Q.M.S.S. 53, 62, lOO
Colincamps t ..... 117
Corsica ...... 31
Courcelles ..... 76, 8o
Coxyde ...... 56, 64
Creagh, Capt. J. R. -2, 4, 16,
77, 81, lO7, lO8, 124, 134
Cronshaw, Lt.-Col. A. E. 4, 18,
32 , 44, 54
Darlington, Lt.-Col. - 36
19avies, Ll.-Col. - 92
Dean Copse .... 39, 41
Dijon ........ 31
Division 1st ..... 55
,, 5th ..... 95
,, 6th ..... Io6
,, 9th ..... 52
» I I th ..... 2
,, 15th .... 48, 49
,, 17th ..... 12o
,, 2lst ..... 37
,, 25th ..... 66
,, 29th ..... 54
,, 32nd ..... 55
,, 37th - 95, 123
,, 4oth .... 77, 79
,, 4 st - 59, 64, 91
157
Page
Division 5 TM ..... 95
,, 52nd I, 3, 4 6, I7,
22, 23
,, 53 rd 4, 2o, 28
,, 55th .... 68, 72
,, 57th ..... 99
,, 58th ..... 44
,, 6st ..... 50
,, 62nd - 83, 86, 94, 129,
137
,, 63rd(Naval) - o7, I7
,, 66th 56, 74, 112
,, N.Z. - 79, 85, 95, lO2,
Io7, 117, 12o, 132 ,
I34, I36, 138, 139
Divisional Motto .... 73
Dobell, Gen. - .... 29
Dompierre ...... 32
Douai ....... I35
Douglas, Maj.-Gen. Sir Wm. 5, 7
I2, 24, 32
Douglas, Lt. C. 13. - 2, IO8,
113, 116, I34
Doullens ..... r 95
Duedar ..... r 7
Dunkirk ....... 65
East Lancs. 4th 34, 73
,, 5th 23, 43, ii6/ 118
132, 140
Edge, Lt. N. - -IO7, lO8, 128
E.L.C. - ..... I9, 22
E1 Arish - 4, 18, 22-27, 54
EI Ferdan ...... 28
E1 Maadan ..... 23, 25
E1 Mazar .... i8, 20, 24
Epehy ....... 34-37
Ervillers ...... 79
Essarts ....... 91-93
Euston Dump ..... IO4
Farrov, Capt. J. - - - - 2, 4
Femy Wood 126, I28
Festubert ..... 66, 67
Finch, Pte. - .... 46
Fins ........ 37
Fleetwood, Sgt. A. - Io 3
Flesquieres 38, 23, I27
Fleurus ....... I42
I58
Foch, Marshall - 95, 126, I35
Franklin, Lt. H. C.- - -2, i6
Franklin, Lt. G. W. F. 3, I6, 70
Frezenburg ..... 5 °
Fusilier Trench .... Io3
Gallipoli - I, 4, i8, 28, 3 ° , 34,
45, 53, 54, 70, 77,
IOI 107» I22 æ I32,
I33
Gapp, Lt. - ..... I3o
Gaza ........ 25
Gibso#, Pie. - .... 33
Gilban 5, 7
Givenchy .... 66, 67, 70
Gleeson, Sgt. L. - - - - i 15
Gomiecourt " 77, 80, 81
Gommecourt 45, 9I, 92, 96,
97, 1oi
Goodier, Lt. A. - 1oz, Io3, II
Goore ....... 69
Gorst, Lt. H. Io 5, Io8, 1o9, I
Green, Sgl. .l. IV. Io3, 115
Greer, Pte. A.- 116, I33
Gresty, Lt. XV. - 2, 3, 89, Io8,
IO9» I I I, 124, I28,
129, 131, 32, 134, 43
Greville, Capt. - - - - 88
Grevillers ...... 85
Guttery, Sgt.. I 15
Hacker, Lt. R. N. - 2
Haig, F.-M. Sir Douglas - 95
Hammond, Lt. - 119, 12o, I24,
i28
Harland, Lt. J. A. 77, 99, 114
Harley Street ..... 68
Harper, Lt.-Gen. - - - 95
Harris, Lt. L.G. "5, 32
11arlnell, t.S.J[., 2V. - 53
Hautmont .... I4o, I42
Havrincourt - 36, 37-44, 45, 48,
51 , 66, 12I, I23, I26, 34
Hazebrouck ..... 65
ttealh, Sgl. F. - 62, 63, 80, 99
Hebuterne - 80, 82, 95, 96, 98
99, Io2, 1o4, Io7
I N D EX--Continued.
Pae
Henley, Brig.-Gen. A. M. - 36,
45, 59, 82, 83, 99, lO6»
i22, I32, I33
Henu ..... IOO, IO2
Herbignies ..... I39
Hermies ..... 37, I23
Higham, Major C. E. - 3, 16,
95, Ioo
Highland Ridge - I26
Hill 35 .... 49, 5 °
Hill 40 ...... 2, 4, 5
Hill 70 ....... 2-5
Hindenburg Line " 32, 34, 38,
12I, I23-I33, 134
Hingette ...... 72
Hodge, Lt. A. - - 32, 41-43
Horsfield, Sgt. J.- 1o5, 1o9, iii
Hoskyns, Rev. E. C. - i9, 77,
81, Io6
Houghton, C.Q.M.S. 8
Hulluch ...... 73
Hurst, Major G. B. I, 59, 70,
IOI
Iberian Farm 5 °
Indiarubber House - 6I
Irles ........ 1 I7
Ismailia ....... 29
Italy ....... 63, 64
.]'eudwine, Maj.-Gen. 68
Johns, Pte. " .... 35
Jones, Lt ....... 28
Joyce, C.S.M. - - - - i28
" .1 " Track ..... 5 °
Juvissy ....... 32
Kantara ..... I, I7, 28
Katia - 6, 1I-I5, 23, 94
Katib Gannit ..... 6
Kay, Zt. 11. ,V. - 2, 11
Khirba ....... 2o
La Bassee ..... 66, 68
Lancs. Fusiliers -4, II, I2, 32 ,
43, 5 ° , 51 , 53, 60, 63, 73,
79, 8o, 9 o, 92, 93, 99, 11 I,
II4, 119, I2I, I24, I271
129, i3b 137, I4O
IND EXConinue-d.
Page
La Panne ...... 59
La Signy Farm lO4, lO7,
IO8» III, 129
Laventie ...... 66
Lawrence, Lt.-Gen.- 3
Le Carnoy ..... 4o
Le Cateau ......
Leffinckoucke ..... 65
Lempire ....... 36
Lens ....... 66, 113
Le Preol ...... 72
Le Quesnoy t38 , 139
Liercourt ...... 32
Ligny-Thilloy ..... I 8
Lille ....... 49, 66
Lillers ..... 65, 72, 75
Little Priel Farm 35
Locketl, Lce.-Cpl. S. I IO
Locon ....... 72
Lofthouse. Lt. - - - - I 14
Logeast Wood - 8o-85
Lombaertzyde .... 6 I
Loos ........ 73
Loupart Wood -85, 8
Louvencourt - 94, 95, I1
Ludendorf ...... 7
Zudlam, Ll. E. IV. - 90
Lyons ..... - 3 t
Lyth. C.S.M. - - - - 28
Maghdaba ...... 25
Maguire, Cpl. A. - - - 86
Mahamadiyeh ..... 4. 6
Mail, Lt. - ..... 90
Malta ....... 3o
Manchesters, 5th . 7, 8, t2, 36,
4o, 43, 52, 53, 58, 63, 73,
9 t, 94. II9, I2O. 124,
t27, t31. t36, I37
Manchesters, 6th - "7, t2, t3,
22, 44. 5o, 73, 79, 8o, 87,
9 o, 9, o7, o8, 19,
120, 24, 26, 29, 3 o,
3, 36, 37
Manchesters, Sth - 5. 7, 12, 22,
3 ° 4. 43, 73, 92 , 8,
I32, 140
Manchesters, gth - 72. 73, I2
Manchesters, oth- 73, lO7, 131
159
Manger, Lt.-Col. E. V. - lOO,
102, lO6, I 11, 1 I9, 124;
134, 38, 43
Marcoing 38, 23, 27, 29
Matou ..... i36 , i37
Marseilles ...... 3 t
Marshall, Lt. J. 2
«l[ars/tall Lt.-Col. 60, 63
Mather, Sgt. - - - - 133
Maubeuge ..... 4o
Maxwell, Gen. - .... 1
Mazinghem .... 65, 66
McAlmont, Lt. - - - - 28
McHugh, C.S.M. S. - 28, 43,
99, 33
McLaine, Lt. 19. 9 °
McLean, Pte. T. 43
Mediterranean .... 3o
Menin Gare ..... 5o
Merelissart ..... 3
Milne, Lt. J.H. 6, 63, o2,
o3, 128, 29, 33
Miraumont - -I14, 115, 6
Mitford, Maj.-Gen. - 32, 54
Moascar ...... "-9
Moeuvres ...... 37
Mormal Forest - - i38a4
Morrough. Lt.-Col. - - - 3 °
Morten, Lt. J. - 3, 59, 7L 89
Mory ....... 77, 80
Murray, Gen. Sir A. 29
Nasmith. Lt. G. \V. 2
Negiliat .......
Nekl ........ 20
Nelson, Capt. D. - 12, 16, 24
Neuve Chapelle .... 66
New Zealand M. R. - - 7, 23
Widd, Capl. H. H. - 2, 6,
77, 99, IOO, IOI
Nieuport ...... 54-66
Norbury, Capt. B. - - -2, 16
Norbury, Capt. C. - - -2, 6
Norbury, Capt. D. - - 5, 38
Norbury, Lt. G. - - -
Norbury, Lt. M. " " "3, 7
O'Conntll, CtS1. .... 68
Ogden, R.Q.M.S. - - - oo
t6o
Page
Oost Dunkerque Bains - 5 6
Orange ....... 3 I
Ormsby, 3rig.-Gen. - - " 5, 36
Ostend ....... 55
Palestine .... 8, z 5, z6
Palmer, Capt. F. C. - IO7, I I 9
Paris ...... 3 z, I 13
Pas .... lOO
Paschendaele - 63, 66
lPearson, lt. 11. 129, 132
Pell-llderton, Lt. - z, i i i
Pelusium ...... 7
Peronne - 33, 34
Petain, Gen. [ [ - - 65
e/itp. Capt. 77, 81, 87
Pont à Pierre ..... t39
Pont Remy 3
Poperinghe - - - 46, 50, 54
Port Said ......
Portuguese .... 7z, 76
Potijze ....... 48
Premy Chapel .... 38
Puisieux 97, 113, I I
Putney Bridge ....
Rae, Maior G. B. L. - IOO, to7,
113, 114, 119, t34, I38
Rafa ....... z5. z7
Ramadan ...... 6
Rawlinson. Gen.- - - - 55
ay, Zl. . JI. - - - -
Redan ..... , 6I, 65
Red Dragon Crater - 67
Rhone ....... 3i
Ribecourt 38, le7, 129
Riencourt ..... 118-121
iley, Sgt. . . - - I35
Roisel ...... 36, 37
Romani "4, 6, IO» I6» I8
Ronssoy ...... 36
Rose, Lt. & Q.M. - 33
Ross-Bain Lt. - .... 3
Rossignol Wood - 95, 96, IO7
Ruyad Court .... 4o, 4I
Sabkhet ....... zo
Sailly-au-Bois .... 99, IO4
I NDEX--Continue-d.
Salesches t 39
Salmana ......
Sapignies ..... 79, 80
Saunderson, Pte. G. - - 71
Scott, Major J. -2, 33
Scots Greys
Scottish Horse .... 3, 5
Selle River ..... I34-I38
Serre 97, I°5, lO6, 113, 114
Shallufa ....... 28
Shields, C.S.M.J. - -92, 13o
Siddall, Lt. J. IV,. i3o , i33
Sidi Bishr ...... I8
Sievewrghl Zt. JL ]. - 32, 63
Smedley, Capt. - - - - 2
Smith. Lt. - - - IO3, IIS, 13o
Smithies, Lt. - .... i 19
Solesmes .... I35, I37
Solly-Flood, Maj.-Gen. - 59, 68
Somme - 32, 76, 96, 113, 135
Souastre ..... 94, IOl
Stanier, Lt. - .... I I6
St. Quentin ..... i35
Sudan ..... 1, 53, IOl
Suez Canal- I, 4, 6, 8, 26, 28
Summers, Lce.-Cpl. - 35
Tabbron. C.S.M. - - 92, 133
Taylor, Capt. L. - - - - 56
Taylor, Lt. B. - - 32, 8I
Templeux ...... 36
Thiepval ...... 45
Teteghem ...... 65
Thorp, Zt. IV. - 16, 89, I0I
Thorpe. Lt. C. IV,. - - - 70
Thrutchley, Lt. F.D.- 128, 133
Tillul ....... 20
Timsa Lake ..... 29
irinteer, Capt. A. 1t.. 2, 16, 77
89, IOl
Titchener, Pte. E. - 62, 63
Toronto Camp 5 o, 54
Townson. Capt. E. 3. I8, 4I, lOO
Trescault ...... 126
Triangle ...... IO8-i I I
Tullibardine, Marquis of - 3
Turk Top ...... 2, 3
Twist, Lce.-Cpl. T. - 116
INDEXContinued.
161
Vauchelles ...... 93
Vendhuile ...... 34
Versailles ...... 3 z
Viesly ....... 139
Vieux Mesnil ..... I4O
Villers-au-Flos I IT-IZo, Iz2, 133
Villers Caxbonel .... 33
Villers Faucon 34, 36
"Vard-.[ones, Capt. A. - -3, I7
"Varlencourt I I3, 1 i6, i 7,
I22, 123
Warlington Crater - - - 67
Watling Street .... lO 4
Wedgwoed, Lt.-Col. 82, 87
Velch, Lt. - ..... IUO
Welsh Ridge - 26,
H'ender, Et. IO2, io 3
XVestminster Bridge - 67
IV]Hle, Pie. . - . . - 3 o
XVigan Copse ..... 39-42
IVilbraam, Pie. . " " 35
Wild, Lce.-Cpl. - - - - 62
Wilde Wood .....
Page
Wilkinson, Lt. z, 7o, 9 I,
I06, II 7
x, Vilkinson, V,C., Pte. I37
vrilmer, Pte. R. - - - - 86
Wilson, Capt. S. J. -2, 77, IO3,
IO7, II 9, I24, I3o, I3 I,
I32, 33, I34, I38
Windy Corner .... 67
x'Vinizeele ..... 54, 56
"Vood, Lt. C. S. - - 2, 77, Io3
IVood, Et. A. S. 9 °
Wood, Capt. & Q.M. - I7
"Voods, Lt. - ....
"VVoodward, Lt. - - - -
"vVoodworth, Lt. F.T.K. - 93
"VVormhoudt ..... 65
"vVright, Lt. I28
Ypres - 47-54, 55, 6o, 62, 66
Yser ........ 55
Ytres ..... 37, 44, 2i
Zeebrugge ...... 5
lrint¢d b$ Shadt,¢ll San L
