X550/3/WD/1506A

War Diary for June 1915 1 Jun 1915 - Bellerive Billets as before - Company parades, bathing etc - Capt. C.C.FOSS, D.S.O. rejoined from Hosp: - 2 Jun 1915 Billets as before. Company parade - Machine Gun instruction classes for Subaltern officers. 3 Jun 1915 Billets as before - Company route marches &c - Camp concert 4 Jun 1915 Billets as before. Notification for possible move. 5 Jun 1915 - les Choquaux Billets as before. 2nd Lieut L.TURNBULL. 3rd Bedf. R. joined in morning. 4.30 p.m. Bn marched via HINGES to new billets about LESCHOQUAUX [sic] 2nd Lt.H.de BURIATTE 2nd Bedf. R. rejoined 2nd Lt.W.E.FIGGIS 4th Bedf.R. joined. These officers were "B". "A". "C" Coys respectively. 69 O.R. reinforcements joined. 6 Jun 1915 Billets as above. C.O.visited trenches near GIVENCHY with Brigadier & other C.Os. Coys under Coy. Comdrs Bathing &c. 7 Jun 1915 Billets as before. Coys. training, bathing &c. Officers & Platoon Sergts &c witnessed certain experiments with gas bombs. C.O. & Adjt. (Capt.CRESSINGHAM) attended Brigade conference. Capt. J.McM.MILLING joined & posted to command 'D' Coy. 8 Jun 1915 Billets as before - Company parades. Company Commanders, C.O. & Adjts visited trenches in neighbourhood of GIVENCHY. (Stifling hot day, followed by mist severe thunderstorm, with hail, which flooded the billeting area). Night of 8-9 Jun 1915 400 men under Capt.R.L.THOM working party, preparing dug outs &c. 9 Jun 1915 Company parades. Night 9-10 Jun 1915 200 Men working party digging communication trench. The Field Marshal Commanding in Chief under authority granted by H.M. the King awarded Distinguished Conduct Medals to 8310 Sergeant A.Brown bringing in wounded at YPRES. 23 Oct 1914 was wounded himself. 7785 C.Q.M.Sgt SMART. Went back & diverted our Machine gun fire from us at YPRES. 9760 Corpl.W.BARTLETT. Collecting wounded at NEUVE CHAPELLE 9078 Pte W.EADE. One of eight bombers who retook a trench at NEUVE CHAPELLE capturing 50 Germans. 10 Jun 1915 Brigadier inspected draft at 10 A.M. 11 Jun 1915 Order issued to remove the wire rim from caps. Special Order of the Day. General Sir Douglas Haig has much pleasure in conveying to the Army under his command the following message by General Joffre to Field Marshal Sir John French. This message refers to General Joffre's visit to the 1st Army on 27 May 1915. "The splendid bearing of the British Troops, who marched past me in the course of my recent visit reflects the greatest credit on officers, N.C.Os & all ranks. I thank you for having afforded me the great pleasure of saluting your fine Regiments and I request you to be so good as to convey to them my admiration of their soldierly appearance. Please accept Monsiu [sic] le Marechal my most sincere regards". Signed J. JOFFRE. 12 Jun 1915 In billets company parades 13 Jun 1915 Church parade 9 A.M. in an orchard - 2 Lt.A.H.RIDDELL 3rd Queens. R.W.Surrey R & 100 other ranks reinforcements arrive. 2 Lt Riddell posted to A Co. 14 Jun 1915 - Windy Corner, near Givenchy-les-la-Bassee Left billets at 3 p.m. 7.3 p.m. Reported arrival of Battalion in assembly dug outs 15 Jun 1915 6 p.m. Attack by 2 Yorks R. & 2 Wilts R. launched. The Battalion had been detailed to send up 2 Companies to dig communication trenches back from the captured position but had been informed that we shouls not be required to move till 6.30 p.m. 7.30 p.m. The Battalion commenced moving up to support 2 Wilts R. who were reported to be attacking the farm J.15. While the Battalion was carrying out this movement it was announced that the attack had not been successful. The Battalion assembled in SCOTTISH Trench & NEW CUT trench. The C.O. & Adjutant who had remained at WINDY CORNER in close touch with Brigade H.Q. received verbal orders before they moved up that the Battalion would take part in an attack by 3 Regiments of the Brigade at 12.30 A.M. 16 June 15. 11.55 p.m. B Company detailed to assault the CRATER I.4 at 12.30 A.M. 16 Jun 1915 - New Cut and Scottish Trench 12.17 A.M. Attack postponed to 1.30 P.M. [sic?] 12.59 A.M. Attack postponed till 5.30 A.M. & orders received for Battalion to relieve 2 Wilts Regt. who were still holding the trenches. B Company was stopped at 1.20 A.M. The first two platoons were getting in position to assault & were in front of NEW Trench & SCOTTISH trench. The relief of the 2 Wilts Regt. was carried out. B Company, with it left in touch with the Grenadier Guards (20th Bde). holding NEW trench 2 Machine guns also in this trench on the left A Company, in Scottish trench in touch with 2 R.S.F. on right, on left with D Company also, in Scottish trench; this Company was in touch with 2 Gordon Highlanders (20 Bde) on the left. Battalion H.Q. C Company & 2 Machine Guns in Reserve in NEW CUT trench. 3.55 A.M. Detailed orders for the 5.30 am attack received. 3.58 A.M. Attack postponed until further orders. 8.48 A.M. Instructions received that when the attack was next ordered that Battalion was to develop flank attack along line I 4 - I 3 - I 9. It was uncertain after this time whether the attack was likely to take place or not. 3.25 (approx) Orders received that an attack was to take place at 4.45 p.m. Battalion ordered to "attack I 4 from the North and assist the R.S.F. as opportunity offers". R.S.F. first objective was German 1st Line trench from H 3 to I.4 (inclusive) 4.45 p.m. the company advanced in successive platoons from the right, No 8 platoon under 2 Lieut.C.W.MACFIE. 3rd S.Staffs.R. leading. All the platoons entered the CRATER at the junction of SUNKEN Road trench & the Trench, once German at this time unoccupied & in a bad state of repair. The Company came under a considerable volume of rifle & Machine Gun fire as it topped the lip of the CRATER. A spirited fight at close range took place in the CRATER. The company formed a line in the crater as they were not able to push forward on account of the hostile bombs. No 4/7296 Corporal MILNE distinguished himself by throwing back all those that landed near him into the German trenches until he was wounded. Lieut.F.POWELL seeing that his company was suffering heavy losses (2 officers Killed C.M.S. [sic] wounded 7 nearly 50% of other ranks. Lt POWELL was twice wounded himself) & some German reinforcements coming up; and also on account of there being no sign of Regiment which was attacking on the right or of our bomb throwers - gave the order for the Company to withdraw to their former trenches. This was carried out in good order under the direction of 2 Lieut R.B.GIBSON. 3rd S.Staffs.R. attached 2 Bedf.R. the only officer of the company left. No 9638 Corporal T.GREEN with about 9 men was on the left of & slightly separated from the rest on the Company. He saw the Company go back & remained a while longer but seeing he was in danger of being surrounded & that the Germans appeared to be getting ready for a counter attack, he withdrew his men safely, bringing in a wounded man himself, he went out later in the evening & brought some more wounded in. The two Machine guns in NEW Trench on the left of the line held by our company under No 7784 Sergeant W.MART & 9969 L/Sergt.W.WILSON availed themselves of the good targets offered by the Germans in a communication trench 7 also when they were firing at B Company in & withdrawing from the CRATER. Sergt MART was wounded but refused to leave his guns inflicted heavy losses on the Germans. At least two German officers were noticed among those killed, one of them was wearing a brown uniform. 5.58 p.m. Situation was as follows. D Company in NEW TRENCH. A. remains of B & C Company in SCOTTISH trench. 8 p.m. (approx) C Co relieved D Company B Co withdrawn to NEW CUT trench A & D Companies in SCOTTISH TRENCH. R.E. put up wire in front of NEW TRENCH. 17 Jun 1915 - Canal de la Lawe The morning & afternoon passed very quietly. The C.O. went to Divisional H.Q. with Brigadier & other C.Os. 8.50 p.m. A heavy bombardment by the Germans commenced. On account of the red lights sent up by them it is thought they expected an attack. This bombardment ceased after about 20 minutes. After an interval of about a quarter of an hour, another & equally heavy bombardment commenced which lasted about an hour. During the afternoon orders had been received that 2 companies in support could be withdrawn & that the Battalion was being relieved by 2 companies of the Warwickshire Regt (22 Bde). B & D Companies were withdrawn to the canal during the afternoon. The relief of the trenches was being carried out when the first bombardment commenced, but although shells were falling heavily on the fire trenches & communication trenches the relief was not stopped although somewhat delayed. 18 Jun 1915 A & C Companies & M.Gun section arrived in billets on the Road along the canal de la LAWE Square W 13 c & d about 2.30 A.M. B & D Companies had arrived earlier. Casualties for period 15-17 June. Killed. 5 officers. 18 other ranks Wounded. 7 officers 72 other ranks. Missing 27 other ranks. Casualties of officers 15-17 June 1915. Killed. Lieut.T.G.M.HORSFORD 3rd Battn attd 2nd Bn. killed by shell in dugout 16.6.15. Buried behind SCOTTISH Trench. 2 Lieut W.H.FOX. 4.S.Staffs.R. Killed by same shell as above 16.6.15. buried behind SCOTTISH Trench. 2 Lt C.W.MACFIE. 3 S.Staffs.R. Killed in CRATER 16.6.25. Body not recovered 2 Lieut.L.TURNBULL 3 Bedf.R. Killed in CRATER 16.6.15. Body not recovered. Lieut.G.M.FLEMING. R.A.M.C. Killed by shell while attending a case in R.Aid Post. 16.6.15. Buried in country at WINDY CORNER. Wounded. 2 Lt.C.H.BREWER. 2 Bedf.R. by shrapnel 15.6.15. 2 Lieut F.POWELL. Indian Army. Twice rifle 16.6.15 when in CRATER. Lieut.T.E.AMYOTT R.A.M.C. joined. 2 Lieut W.WHITE 3rd Queens R.W. Surrey R & 101 other ranks joined. 2 Lieut. White posted to B Company. 19 Jun 1915 - Bellerive 4 p.m. Battalion marched to billets around BELLERIVE. Companies occupied the same building as they had done on May 20th 1915. The inhabitants were glad to see the men back. A draft of 56 other ranks joined Battn. 20 Jun 1915 10.30 A.M. Divine service near WINDMILL 21 Jun 1915 Brigadier inspected the last two drafts. He complimented the men of the Bedford Training Depot on their fine appearance and hoped they would bring still further credit on the Battalion. The Brigadier spoke personally to the remainder of the draft who were wounded men who had rejoined. 22 Jun 1915 Lieut ARMSTRONG & 20 men proceeded to Grenade Company for a course. 23 Jun 1915 Company parades. 24 Jun 1915 Battalion route march 25 Jun 1915 Company parades. Leave for 4 men or N.C.Os per day opened. The Field Marshal C-in-C brought to notice for Gallant & Distinguished service in the field the under mentioned in his despatch of April 5 1915. Major W.H.DENNE D.S.O. Major H.C.JACKSON. Major C.C.ONSLOW Captain J.H.G.BAIRD Captain C.E.CUMBERLEGE. 2 Lt. H.WILLANS 2 Lt. B.H.WADDY No 5313 C.S.M. BLISS, F.W. No 6006 C.S.M. HORNE J. Killed No 9822 L/S. PEGGS W.G. No 9957 Pte DAY B. No 9390 Pte HEARNE A. No 9084 Pte PRICE J. No 6215 Pte SCRIVENER S. Killed The following honours & appointments were conferred on the occasion of the King's Birthday for Services rendered in connection with Military operations in the field to date from 3 June. Chancery of the Order of Saint Michael & Saint George. To be Companions Major C.C.ONSLOW D.S.O. Captain C.B.CUMBERLEGE Military Cross. Captain J.H.G.BAIRD. 4 Battn.Bedf.R. 2 Lt. B.H.WADDY. 3rd Glos.R. 26 Jun 1915 - les Choquaux 11.20 p.m. Left billets & marched to ones near LE CHOQUEAUX[sic] previously occupied 5 June. 27 Jun 1915 - front line in front of Festubert 1.45 A.M. Arrived at new billets. O.C. Coys told Battn going into trenches 27 inst. 1.15 p.m. 2 Lt.H.N.MUDFORD 2nd Bedf.R. 2 Lt W.SHARPE 2 Beds.R. 2 Lieut J.C.A.NESS 2 Bedf.R. arrived & posted. 2 Lt. MUDFORD & Sharpe to C.Co. 2 Lt Ness to D Coy. Lieut R.O.WYNNE 3 Bedf.R. joined & posted to D Company. 6.45 p.m. Left Billets to take over trenches from 6th Black Watch in front of FESTUBERT. 8.15 p.m. Arrived at CSE du RAUX from line companies marched to trenches by Platoons. Took over trenches all four companies in front line right to left A.B.C.D Companies in touch with 1/4 CAMERON Highlanders on right 9th Gurkha Rifles on left. Rough copy of trench Map 1/1000. [not attached] The South edge of the Orchard was not held by day on account of the parapet being continually blown in & there was no wire in position in any part of the line. 28 Jun 1915 D Company was troubled by a hostile trench mortar near N 14. In front of C, B & A Company was an old German parapet, most complete in front of C Company. A sniper disguised as a tree was shot by Sergt Bishop of C Company in the morning. 2 Lieut J.C.A.NESS went out on patrol & did not return. 10 lengths of aeroplane wire put in position on South side of orchard. 29 Jun 1915 O.C. & Adjutant of 7th Seaforth Highlanders 9th Division also M.Gun officers come to view trenches. Trench mortar again troubling D.Co. 12.15 p.m. 3 of our heavy shells fell on spot the trench mortar was thought to be & no further activity was displayed by it. During night 29/30 Orchard was thoroughly wired & more of old German parapet was demolished. C Company observed a large working party & fired on it. 30 Jun 1915 A quiet day. Enemy shelled Indian Village with High Explosive & also RUE L'EPINETTE & also the old British trench with shrapnel about 4.30 p.m. C, C & B Companies relieved by 7 Seaforths and A Company by a company of 5 Camerons. 2 Lieut.W.H.GEORGE M.Gun officer was wounded in the arm while conducting his relief up to the trenches. Casualties. 1 officer missing. 1 officer wounded. Other ranks. Killed One 1. Wounded Twelve 12.

1-30 June 1915

From: 1915 To: 1915

item

Foss, Charles Calverley,
Turnbull, Laurence,
de Buriatte, H.,
Figgis, W.E.,
Watts, Herbert Edward,
Cressingham, Hugh Montrein,
Milling, J.McM.,
Thom, R.R.L.,
George V,
French, John Denton Pinkstone (1st Earl of Ypres),
Brown, A,
Smart,
Bartlett, William,
Eade, William,
Haig, Douglas [1st Earl],
Joffre, Joseph,
Riddell, A.H.O.,
Onslow, Cranley Charlton,
Macfie, C.W.,
Milne,
Powell, F.,
Gibson, Robert Bowness,
Green, T,
Mart, W.,
Horsford, Thomas Gavin Moor,
Fox, Walter Henry,
Fleming, Geoffrey Montagu Mason,
Brewer, C.H.,
Amyot, T.E.,
White, W,
Armstrong,
Denne, William Henry,
Jackson, Henry Cholmondeley,
Baird, J H G,
Cumberlege, C E,
Willans, H.,
Waddy, B.H.,
Bliss, Frederick William,
Horne, Joseph,
Peggs, William George,
Day, Bertie Charles,
Hearne, A.,
Price, J,
Scrivener, Stanley,
Mudford, H.N.,
Sharpe, W.,
Ness, James Charles Alexander,
Wynne, Richard Owen,
Bishop,
George, W.H.

2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, out-county hospitals, land weaponry, 3rd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, weather, concerts, baths, Germans, prisoners of war, clothing, French, 3rd Battalion Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, 20th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 3rd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, Royal Engineers, canals, 21st Infantry Brigade, 7th Division, 22nd Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, deaths, 4th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, Royal Army Medical Corps, burial, windmills, birthdays, 3rd Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, 6th Battalion Black Watch, 1st/4th Battalion Cameron Highlanders, 1st/9th Battalion Gurkha Rifles, maps, 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, 9th (Scottish) Division, 5th Battalion Cameron Highlanders, Bellerive, les Choquaux, Hinges, Givenchy-les-la-Bassee, Ypres, Neuve-Chapelle, Windy Corner [Cuinchy], Scottish, New Cut [Givenchy], Crater [Givenchy], New Trench [Givenchy], Sunken Road Trench [Givenchy], Festubert, Orchard [Festubert], Rue l'Epinette [Festubert], Indian Village [Festubert]