X550/3/WD/1506C

2 Bedfordshire Rgt. Operations 14-17 June 1915 about GIVENCHY June 14th. 7.3 p.m. Battalion arrived at assembly trenches June 15th 6 p.m. Attack by 2 Yorks R. & 2 Wilts R. launched. Battalion had been detailed to send up 2 Companies to dig communication trenches back from captured positions. 7.30 p.m. Battalion commenced moving up to support 2 Wilts who were said to be attacking Farm J.15. During this movement it was announced that the attack had been unsuccessful. Battalion assembled in Scottish Trench & New Cut trench. 11.55 p.m. The Battalion was ordered to take part in an attack by 2 Battalions ordered at 12.30 AM which was postponed. June 16th The Battalion was ordered to assault the Crater I.4 at 1.30 A.M. in conjunction with an attack on line H3 to I4 by R.S.F. the attack was postponed first to 5.30 AM then indefinitely. the assaulting company was stopped at 1.20 AM as it was getting into position in front of New Trench & part of Scottish trench. Orders were received to relieve the 2 Wilts R. This was done & the situation was as follows. One company and 2 M.Guns in NEW Trench in touch on left with Grenadier Guards. 2 Companies in Scottish trench in touch on left with 2 Gordon Highlanders on right with R.S.F. Bn.H.Q. one company & 2 Machine Guns in reserve in NEW CUT trench. 3.25 (approx) Orders received for Battalion to assault the CRATER I4 and assist the R.S.F. as opportunity offers. B Company was detailed for the assault of I.4. At 4.45 p.m. This Company strength 136 under Lieut F.Powell Indian Army attached 2 Bedf.R. commenced the assault advancing by successive platoons. All the platoons reached & entered the Crater coming under a considerable amount of rifle & Machine Gun fire from direction of Farm J.15 as they 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 & suffered considerable losses from hand grenades. 2 officers were killed one by rifle & one by grenade, the company commander and company sergeant major being both wounded, the former in two places. As the German bombs had caused heavy casualties (50%) & as there was no sign of the Battalion which was attacking on the right, Lt Powell ordered his company to fall back to their original trenches. The withdrawal was conducted coolly under the direction of 2Lt.Gibson 3 S.Staffs attached 2Bedf.R. who was the only officer of the company left. All accounts agree that the company & M.Guns inflicted heavy losses on the Germans, at least two German officers being killed at close range [The Two machine guns in New Trench availed themselves of the targets offered by the Germans firing down at the company in the CRATER and great execution]. The outstanding features of the attack are to my mind a) the able leading of the officers until killed or wounded. b) The keenness of the men to close with the enemy. c) Steadiness of the withdrawal after their heavy casualties under Lt.Gibson. d) The actions of Corporal Milne & Corporal Green already reported. e) Good work of the machine guns. Line held by the Battalion reorganised initially - R.E. put up wire in front of our trenches. June 17 8.50 p.m. Heavy bombardment of our lines by enemy, which lasted 20 minutes. After a pause of about 1/4 hour it recommenced & lasted the best part of an hour. Battalion relieved by 2 companies of Warwickshire Regt & 2 M.Guns. TO BEDFORDS Sender's Number SC 139 Day of Month 18th Following left HAVRE by supply train at 8.39 aaa 2nd Bedford regt one officer 99 other ranks aaa They are due to arrive BETHUNE 7 am Tomorrow aaa Arrange transport and guides to meet From 21st BRIGADE [Battalion strength] A Officers 4 O ranks 175 B Officers 4 O Ranks 174 C Officers 4 O Ranks 180 D Officers 5 O Ranks 178 Signrs 15 M Guns Officers 1 O Ranks 39 SBearers 17 Total Officers 18 O Ranks 778 Ref Map Combined Sheet BETHUNE 19 June 1915 Operation 1. The Battalion will march to new billets near BELLERIVE V 6 c & d. Order of March 2. C D B A Companies M Gun Section Transport Route 3. Starying point Road junction X13c sth at 4 am. Route AVELETTE - HINGES - LANNOY - to BELLERIVE C.C.Foss Captain Adjutant 2 Bedf Regt To Brig Maj 21st Inf Bde Sender's Number X1 Day of Month 20 June In reply to Number BM 13 I have made careful enquiries but cannot hear of any of my men who got into the German trench to the S of the Crater on the 16th. Some got to the edge and looked and fired down this trench, but were bombed and fired at from there. A fuller account of the action follows shortly. C.C.Onslow Lt.Col. Comdr 2 Bedfordshire Regt. To Brig Maj 21 Inf Bde Sender's Number X2 Day of Month 20.6. I am informed by 2nd Lt.FIGGIS who I directed on the 16th inst. to collect Bombers & take them forward to my assaulting coy's position that the Bomb throwers with him (4th Camerons) told him they had bombs with them; which they had never used before, and they did not know if they were shrapnel or smoke bombs, opinions were divided. C.C.Onslow Lt.Col. Comdg 2 Bedfordshire Regt. SECRET 1st Army No 2925 1st Corps 4th Corps Indian Corps 1. In view of the success gained recently by the Germans in GALICIA, we must expect that the enemy in our front will receive reinforcements of all kinds at no distant date. It is therefore, imperative that all concerned should realize at once the urgent necessity for strengthening and adding to our defences of all kinds, particularly against artillery fire. Attacks and bombardments of an intensity not yet experienced by this Army as a whole, must be expected and provided against. The General Officer Commanding the 1st Army is fully alive to the excellent and large amount of work which has been carried out by the troops under his command during the earlier months of this year, often in surroundings of much difficulty. Present circumstances however require that much additional work should at once be done and that the improvement of trenches, dug-outs and obstacles should be carried out continuously and systematically. Corps Commanders will accordingly give this matter their unremitting and energetic attention. 2. The general principles to be followed have already been issued and have been referred to on more than one occasion. The main points requiring attention at the present time are as follows: - (a) Organization of sectors of defence. Front system of trenches is the main line of resistance and is to be held at all costs. System of communications laterally and from front to rear. Signals for giving the alarm in case of attack etc. Burying telephone wires. Action of the garrisons of the trenches when being heavily bombarded. Action of troops in case of attack. Action of troops should the front line be penetrated at any point. Action to be taken by supports and reserves. Posts of Commanders to be known by everybody. Trenches and communication trenches to be clearly marked with direction posts. (b) Shelters for the garrisons. At frequent intervals and sufficient to accommodate the garrison. As nearly as possible bombproof against hostile artillery fire. Special shelters for commanders and observation posts. (c) Communication Trenches. At intervals of not more than 150 yards between the front and supporting trenches, and enough further in rear to allow of traffic both ways and easy and safe access to all parts of the front system of trenches. All communication trenches to be capable to be used as fire trenches firing on either flank. (d) Wire entanglements. Require much strengthening in many places. A continuous line of these not only in front of the front line trench, but between the front and supporting line is necessary. (e) Machine guns. Bombproof emplacements well hidden from view at frequent intervals. Special attention to sighting some machine gun emplacements to enfilade our own wire entanglements both in front of the front line trench and between the front and supporting line trench. (f) Supporting and reserve troops. Adequate trenches, shelters and dug-outs to be provided. 3. In constructing bombproof, concrete, reinforced concrete, cement, rails, sleepers and other suitable material are to be freely used and the necessary steps to be taken to carry out such work at once. Demands for materials should be submitted as soon as possible and if necessary, extra civilian labour will be engaged. 4. Attention is directed to: - (a). "Notes on Field Defences" issued by G.S., G.H.Q. (b). G.H.Q. letter O.A.276 dated 26/5/15 issued with G.S. 1st Army 9a, dated 27th/5/15. (c). "Notes on supporting points" issued by G.S. 1st Army (G.S. 93 dated 5/6/15). (d). 1st Army G.S. 101 dated 19/6/15. (Sd). R.BUTLER, Brigadier gen. General Staff 1st Army 20th June 1915 TO 21 Inf Bde Sender's Number Bd32 Day of Month 21 June 15 Attached are reports on red lights used prior to & during the Bombardment on night of 17/18 June. From these it appears probable that they were used to direct the fire of the Guns. Personally I saw from my position in NEW CUT Trench 1. Red light at the commencement of the Bombardment & also during it. These went up like VERY lights. They seemed to come from The Crater J.15. 2. A red flare apparently on the ground in the neighbourhood of H3 or half way between H3 & the crater. This flare was not fully seen but showed up over the shoulders of hill & its position would not be accurately located. I had seen red lights of the VERY type sent up on the night of 16/17 June but there was no bombardment. These appeared from direction of J15 RUE D'OUVERT C.C.Onslow Lt Colonel Comdg 2 Bedf R. TO 21 Inf Bde Sender's Number Bd 33 Day of Month 21 June 15 1./ 2 of the German officers killed in the crater on the 16 June 1915 were wearing Brown uniform & were mistaken by some of the men for our own officers. 2./ The German men were wearing short blue jackets other equipment was quite New - their uniform clean. 3. They were wearing black caps described as being like post men's hats or the summer caps worn by county police in England. 4. Bombs used by Germans appeared to be of these Kinds. a/ Glass bottles b/ Black squares with short sticks c/ a few white ones They appear to have a long fuse as one Corporal returned all that fell near him into the German trench again 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER NO.65. 26th June 1915. Reference Maps 1:10,000 FESTUBERT 1:40,000 BETHUNE. INTENTION 1. The Brigade (less the 2nd Bn Wiltshire Regiment) will move into billets near ESSARS tonight. ORDER OF MARCH. 2. Billeting areas have been given to Quartermasters. Battalions will march to their billets starting as follows: - Yorkshire Regiment pass Road Junction W.8.d.9.1. at 11.45 p.m. and march via HINGES and LES CHOQUAUX. Royal Scots Fusiliers pass Road Junction W.14.b.2.8. at 11.45 p.m. and march via BETHUNE. The Cameron Highlanders pass Road Junction W.1.a at 11.30 p.m. and march via HINGES and Les CHOQUAUX. The Bedfordshire Regiment pass Roads W.7.b.10.8. at 11.45 p.m. and follow the Cameron Highlanders. The Grenade Company follow the Cameron Highlanders to AVELETTE and thence via Canal Bank to billets. No troops to cross the BETHUNE - LOCON Road before 12.30 a.m. 27th instant. RELIEF. 3. The Bedfordshire Regiment and Cameron Highlanders will take over trenches from the 31st Division tomorrow between M.9. and K.5. HEADQUARTERS. 4. Brigade Headquarters will remain at ROBECQ tonight. (Sd). George Crossman, Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 21st Infantry Brigade The divisional Commander is aware that most of the works suggested in the attached memorandum are already in hand, on the 7th Division front, but it cannot be too strongly impressed on all ranks that no energy should be spared to make our front impregnable to Hostile assault. In certain sections of the front the provision of bombproof cover, as opposed to splinter proof, is a matter of difficulty, owing to the nearness of the water level, but much may be done in this direction by skilful choice of localities. It must be clearly understood that a great deal of work must be done by the Infantry themselves and any stores required should be immediately indented for. The Engineers will give all the assistance possible, but their numbers are few and the calls on them many. For no one is it more important to provide satisfactory dug-outs than for the machine guns and gunners, into which they may be withdrawn during a hostile bombardent. The G.O.C. has noticed on one or two occasions that though the troops have been satisfactorily placed to meet all probable requirements, the exact role of each unit has not always been understood by the troops themselves. To deal with the situation in detail, the usual disposition of a Brigade is: - "Certain companies in the front line with certain companies of the same battalion immediately in rear support, and certain platoons of this battalion holding definite points; further to rear are usually found battalions in reserve" It is of the greatest importance that Commanders and men of all units should know their exact role. In a Brigade divided as suggested above, the duties would usually be as follows: - "Front line to hold to the last man. Troops holding defended supporting points to garrison these points in case the line should be broken, and under no circumstances to be employed in counter-attack unless relieved by other troops. Supporting Companies to be at the disposal of the various battalion commanders for immediate counter-attack or in other necessary action, without reference to Brigade Headquarters if time does not admit. Brigade Reserve for similar action under the Brigade Commander without reference to Divisional Headquarters if time again does not permit. The allocation of troops on this system is not sufficient. Every Commander must be fully aware of his projected role. Every body of troops who are likely to be employed for local counter-attacks at short notice should have available a party of bombers. So that he may personally study the dispositions of the 7th Division at the present moment, in view of the above recommendations the G.O.C. would like you to forward at an early date a statement of your present positions in great detail, explaining for what specific purposes each unit is detailed. The G.O.C. is of opinion that the positions of the battalion Commanders is in cases too far back to enable them properly to supervise their battalions and to quote examples, he considers that the battalion holding to GIVENCHY RIDGE should have their Hd Qrs further forward than WINDY CORNER and also those holding the line J.7. - M.4. further forward than FESTUBERT. (Sd) F. GATHORNE HARDY Lieut Colonel. General Staff 7th Division 28/6/15 SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment In the event of the Germans attacking our trenches the following instructions are issued: - 1. The first line will hold out at all costs. 2. Should our line be penetrated at any point the second line will not reinforce the first line but will hold on at all costs. 3. The Battalion holding the old British line will place one Company at the disposal of the Commander of the Battalion holding the ORCHARD for purpose of counterattack. The two remaining Companies will hold the old British line at all costs. 4. The Battalion in Brigade Reserve will be held in readiness for action under the Brigadier. (Sd). George Crossman, captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 29.6.15. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER NO. 64. June 30th 1915. 1. INTENTION. During the night of June 30th/July 1st the Brigade will be relieved by the 26th Brigade and will march to billets in the vicinity of HAM-EN-ARTOIS. 2. RELIEF. Battalions will be relieved as follows: - 2nd Bn Bedfordshire Regiment by the 7th Seaforth Highlanders who reach Brigade Headquarters at 8.30 p.m. tonight. 1/4th Bn Cameron Highlanders by the 5th Bn Cameron Highlanders who reach Brigade Headquarters at 9.15 p.m. tonight. 2nd Bn Yorkshire Regiment by the 8th Bn Gordon Highlanders who reach Brigade Headquarters at 9.40 p.m. 2nd Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers by the 8th Black Watch who will reach Headquarters Royal Scots Fusiliers at 5 p.m. the Royal Scots Fusiliers will hand over all road guards, Brigade Guards and defended posts that they hold. Two Officers and one guide per Platoon will be sent to Brigade Headquarters to meet relieving Battalions at the hours named. One guide per Machine Gun Section will meet relieving Sections at Brigade Headquarters at 6 p.m. 3. STORES. All trench stores will be handed over. 4. TRENCH MORTARS. No.3 Trench Mortar Battery will remain in position and be attached to 26th Brigade. 5. MARCH. As soon as relieved, battalions will march, independently, as battalions to their billeting areas (issued separately) by the following route: - RUE DE BOIS - LES GLATIGNIES - LES CHOQUAUX - HINGES - ROBECQ - BUSNES. The 21st Field Ambulance and Highland Field Company R.E. will march independently by the route referred to in para 5. 6. GRENADE Company. The Grenade Company (less the sections attached to battalions in the trenches) will march with the battalions to which they are attached. 7. TRANSPORT. Transport will march at 5 p.m. under an officer to be detailed by the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Battalions wishing to halt for breakfast en route will make their own arrangements as to cookers but the transport lines must be clear for the 26th Brigade by 5.30 p.m. No Transport is available for great coats. 8. REPORT. Completion of relief will be reported before battalions march off. 9. HEADQUARTERS. Brigade Headquarters will be at CSE DES RAUX until relief is completed when it will move to HAM immediately West of the Church. (Sd). George Crossman, Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade BEB 29-6-15 TO BEDF R. YORKS CAMERONS Sender's Number BM97 day of Month 30 Reference operation order No 64 AAA Para 6 should read AAA The Grenade Coy (Less the sections attached to Bns in the Trenches) will march at 8 PM AAA The sections of the coy in the trenches will march with the bns to which they are attached

Jun 1915

From: 1915 To: 1915

item

Powell, F.,
Horsford, Thomas Gavin Moor,
Fox, Walter Henry,
Gibson, Robert Bowness,
Green, T,
Milne,
Foss, Charles Calverley,
Onslow, Cranley Charlton,
Figgis, W.E.,
Haig, Douglas [1st Earl],
Butler, Richard Hart Keatinge,
Crossman, George Lytton,
Gough, Hubert de la Poer,
Gathorne-Hardy, John Francis

2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, France farms, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, land weaponry, Germans, 3rd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, Royal Engineers, 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, trains, 21st Infantry Brigade, 1st/4th Battalion Cameron Highlanders, 1st Army, clothing, maps, canals, town & local roads, 31st Division, 7th Division, 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, 5th Battalion Cameron Highlanders, 8th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 8th Battalion Black Watch, 26th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Highland Field Company Royal Engineers, 21st Field Ambulance, 7th Grenade Company, Givenchy-les-la-Bassee, Scottish Trench [Givenchy], New Cut [Givenchy], Crater [Givenchy], Le Havre, Bethune, Bellerive, Avelette, Hinges, Lannoy, Galicia [Poland], Rue d'Ouvert [Givenchy], Essars, les Choquaux, Locon, Robecq, Windy Corner [Cuinchy], Festubert, Orchard [Festubert], Rue du Bois [Festubert], les Glatignies, Busnes