X550/3/WD/1507

War Diary for July 1915 1 Jul 1915 - Guarbceque Relief completed 2 A.M. & Battalion assembled in RUE L'EPINETTE to march to Billets at GUARBECQUE via AVELETTE where breakfasts were served from the Cookers thence along CANNE [Canal] Bank. Distance 12 Miles. 9 A M Arrived at new billets which were excellent very commodious but scattered 2 Jul 1915 Cleaning up. 3 Jul 1915 C.O. presented Appreciations of Bravery from G.O.C. 7 Division for 16 June 15. 4 Jul 1915 11 A.M. Divine Service. 5 Jul 1915 Lt.Col.C.C.Onslow C.M.G. & Captain Cressingham on leave 2 Lieut T.C.PEARSON 2 Bedf.R. joined & posted to C Company. 6 Jul 1915 Battalion Route March 6.30 A.M. - 8.30 A.M. Company parades 7 Jul 1915 Company parades - B Co on Range near BERQUETTE STN. Demonstration of setting up wire entanglements by wiring party 2 Highland Field Co. Wet afternoon. Battn warned for trenches on 9th July 15. 8 Jul 1915 6.45 Marched to ST-HILAIRE [-Cottes] to line road for Secretary of State for War Lord Kitchener. 10.20 Lord Kitchener passed the Battalion on the way back all officers & N.C.Os. inspected special Bomb proof shelters & dry built by R.E. Wiring parties 2-6 p.m. 9 Jul 1915 Company inspections. M.Gun Section viewed emplacements of MEERUT Divisional M.Gun School. 9 pm Marched to new billets at LES LOBES Square R.32. 10 Jul 1915 2 A.M. Arrived & settled in billets. Company inspection. 8 p.m. Battn left Billets & marched to new billets X 11 c & d KINGS ROAD. Machine guns up in Fire Trenches held by 2 Yorks R., 2 R.S.F., 1/4 Camerons. Battn in Brigade Reserve. 11 Jul 1915 8 pm. B Co under Lieut.J.W.HUTCHINSON occupied 2 posts CHOCOLATE and DEAD cow. 1/2 Co in each post. These are just WEST of PRINCES Road S.14.d. 2 Lieut C.A.FORWARD 2 Bedf.R. joined & posted to B Co. 2 Lieut. A.M. GOLDEN 2 Bedf.R. joined & posted to C.Co. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men in each of the following small posts, DITCH, HAYSTACK, PATH, Z ORCHARD - ALBERT. 12 Jul 1915 2 Lieut.R.B.GIBSON evacuated sick. 13 Jul 1915 2 Lt R S DYER 2 Bedf.R. joins & posted to B.Co. 14 Jul 1915 C.O. goes round posts. 15 Jul 1915 9 pm Working party 50 men A Co at work levelling old Communication trench in front of fire trench held by 2 Yorks. 16 Jul 1915 9 pm Working party similar to above C Co. 12 m.n. Fired on by shrapnel. 1 other rank Killed. 1 other rank Died of wounds. 3 other ranks Wounded. 17 Jul 1915 7.15 pm A C D Companies leave billets. 10.45 pm B Co & posts of A & C Company having been relieved by Scots Guards march off. 18 Jul 1915 Battalion in billets SE of ROBECQ Squares P.24 & Q.19. 2 Lieut R.B.GIBSON rejoined from Hospital MERVILLE. 19 Jul 1915 In billets. Company parades. Wiring. 20 Jul 1915 C.O. Adjt & N.C.O. visit trenches Battalion team wins swimming competition. Company parades. Wiring by night. Move to trenches postponed from 21/22 tonight 22/23. 21 Jul 1915 In billets ROBECQ. Company parades. The following officers joined from LE HAVRE. 2 Lt.R.L.SHAW 3rd Batt Bedf R to D Co. 2 Lt.H A CHAMEN 2 Bedf R from SANDHURST - C Co. 2 Lt. W.HOBBS 2 Bedf R from Artists Rifles - C Co. 22 Jul 1915 In billets ROBECQ. 2 pm. Commenced march to trenches. 4 pm. halted for teas in field near PARADIS R.19.a.b. 1/40,000 BETHUNE Map. 7 pm. Resumed march to trenches & took over the line held by 1st S.Staffordshire regiment, A D Cos front line. C Co in support B Co in Battn Reserve. 2 Gordon Highlanders on right. 2 Wilts R. on left. 23 Jul 1915 In trenches. 1.30-3 pm 77mm hostile gun shelled Reserve trenches. 24 Jul 1915 In trenches. 12.30 AM About a dozen shells from trench mortar did but little damage to our front parapet. 6 p.n. 4 trench mortar cylinders came over. Our No.11 Trench Mortar replied & silenced the hostile gun. This gun did not fire again during the remainder of the period the Battn held this line. 2 Lt W E FIGGIS wounded while out on patrol. when very near enemy's line. 25 Jul 1915 In trenches. 7.30 P.M. Divisional General visited trenches. The line was reorganised during the night as follows. A Co from CINDER Track to VINE Street exclusive. C Co from VINE Street (inclusive) to COPSE exclusive. D Co from COPSE inclusive to PLUM exclusive. Companies to hold front trench with strength they think best & remainder in support line. 26 Jul 1915 In trenches. Full moon. 2 Lieut ARMSTRONG & patrol of A Co got to within 60 or 70 yards of enemy trenches and saw enemy patrols come out about 30 yards & then return. 27 Jul 1915 In trenches. Work ordered. Strengthening parapet to 22 foot broad at base. Strengthening wire, & making firing platforms along communication trench. Parties came up to assist. 28 Jul 1915 In trenches. It was suspected a relief was carried out night of 27/28. 77 mm shelled our Front line, BOND Street LEICESTER Lounge & rear end of COPSE intermittently. Armour piercing bullet found & forwarded to 21 Inf.Bde.H.Q. 9.30 pm- 12 midnight. Enemy very quiet. 29 Jul 1915 In trenches The Espitaller Snipers scope most useful 77 mm put 30 to 40 shells with great accuracy near support & communication trench near BOND Street for 3/4 hour. No damage. 2 rifle grenades fired at working party on left flank. 1 slightly wounded. Our snipers put 10 enemy periscopes out of action during last 2 days, only 3 of our's put out. 30 Jul 1915 In trenches. Another steel cord bullet found. Continuous sniping all night 30/31 line was rearranged as follows 1st South Staffords took over line up to but exclusive of BOND Street. A Co - Bond Street inclusive of VINE Street inclusive. C.Co - VINE Street inclusive - COPSE inclusive D.Co. COPSE exclusive - PLUM exclusive The above referred to supports & Fire trench. 31 Jul 1915 In trenches 2 Lieut G.H.D'AVIGDOR 2 Bedf R (ex Artists Rifles) & 30 men join from BASE 2 Lt.D'AVIGDOR posted to D Co. No 7925 Serjeant T.EUSTACE Killed at work on Reserve trench parapet Enemy actively sniping all night 2 Lieut H A CHAMEN accidentally impaled on bayonet. SECRET 7th Division No.320 (G) 3rd July 1915 G.S.7th Div.No.C/123/G. The following copy of instructions to Divisions in 1st Corps dated 2nd May, 1915, is forwarded for information and guidance: - The enemy's trenches are to be watched carefully with a view to the immediate detection of the ejection of asphyxiating gases or of any indication of such action on the part of the enemy. Lookouts should be posted especially to watch any hosepipes or localities suspected of containing the means of emitting gases. Arrangements should be made for rapid communication between these lookouts and the Artillery, so that the latter can get immediate warning. A heavy fire is then to be brought to bear immediately on the localities indicated, both with a view to the destruction of the gas making instruments and to the dispersion of the gas itself. Sd. R.Whigham. Brig-General General Staff 1st Corps To Bedfords Sender's Number B.M.2 Day of Month 7 The Brigade will be moving from its present Billets on Friday night and on Saturday will take over Trenches from the Indians aaa The R S F and Yorkshires will be the first for the trenches. 21st Bde. George CROSSMAN Capt. B M SPECIAL BRIGADE ORDER 7th July 1915. Reference Special Divisional Order. 1. An Officer per Battalion with Brigade markers will meet the Brigade Major as follows: - Bedfordshire and Yorkshire Regiments, road junction T.6.d. at 8 a.m. Royal Scots Fusiliers and Cameron Highlanders T.6.d.Central at 8.15 a.m. 2. Battalions will march so as to pass the road junction C.32.a. as follows: - 2nd Bn Yorkshire Regt 8 a.m. 2nd Bn Bedfordshire Regt 8-5 a.m. 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers 8-10 a.m. 1/4 Cameron Highlanders 8-14 a.m. The Bedfordshire and Yorkshire Regiments will march on their markers via C.31 and T.6 and the Royal Scots Fusiliers and Cameron Highlanders via O.32 and U.1 3. Battalions will be formed up extended to approximately 1 paces on both sides of the road. Company Commanders will be on the North and other Officers on the South side of the road. Battalion Commanders on the Western flank. Companies will present arms as the car of the Secretary of State for War approaches and return to the order after he has passed. Battalions will be as strong as possible except that the Grenade Company and learning Bombers will not parade. Machine Guns will not be on parade but teams will be in the ranks. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER Copy No.2 All reference to 1/40000 map and 1/10000 Trench Map 8th July 1915. 1. INTENTION. The Brigade will march tomorrow afternoon to the neighbourhood of VIEILLE CHAPELLE and will during the night of July 10/11th take over the trenches from LA QUINQUE RUE (exclusive) to V.1. (inclusive) from the Dehra Dun and GARHWAL Brigades. Orders as to March and Billeting Areas will be issued separately. 2. RELIEF. (a) The Yorkshire Regiment will relieve the 4th Bn Seaforth Highlanders and 1st Bn. Seaforth Highlanders in A and B sections from LA QUINQUE RUE to Q.7 (inclusive). the 2nd Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers will relieve the 6th Jats in C sections from Q.7. (exclusive) to R.5 (exclusive). The 1/4 Cameron Highlanders will relieve the Battalion of the Garhwal Brigade holding R.5 (inclusive) to V.1. (inclusive). (b) All guards, posts, defended works held by the Battalions relieved will be taken over. (c) The Bedfordshire Regiment will be in Brigade Reserve on the road running through X.11. (d) The Officers from Battalions to take over A, B and C sections will report to Headquarters Dehra Dun Brigade, VIEILLE CHAPELLE at 10 a.m. on July 10th where guides will be awaiting them to conduct them to the trenches. Those to take over from the Garhwal Brigade will report at the Headquarters of that Brigade, LA COUTURE, at the same time. All details for the relief will be arranged direct between Commanding Officers concerned. TRENCH STORES. Trench stores such as Bombs, Gas Signalling Gongs etc. will be taken over, and report rendered by 10 a.m. July 11th as to what is taken over. GUIDES. The relief will commence at 9.30 p.m. at which hour guides will meet Battalions at the Headquarters of the Battalions they are going to relieve. REPORTS. Completion of relief will be reported to Brigade Headquarters at VIEILLE CHAPELLE GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade Adjt.Bedford Regiment There will be a signal office at a point just under the R of Rue de Chavattes on the road running through XII. This office will, if present arrangements still seem suitable, be a general exchange, run by brigade operators and thro' it communication will by request be possible with units in the firing line, guns and bde H.Q. There are other H.Q. at two points on the same road north of this office and if you take over one of these H.Q. you will be tapped on to the line running from this exchange to Brigade H.Q. Other arrangements may be made if it seems more suitable, but notice will be given. If it can possibly be avoided no company stations should be put on these lines, we will endeavour to provide some separate system for company lines if they are required. F.G.HOBSON Lt. Sigs 21st Bde SPECIAL ROUTINE ORDER by General Sir Douglas Haig, G.C.B., K.C.I.E., K.C.V.O., A.D.C.GEN: Commanding 1st Army Headquarters 1st July 8th July 1915 General Sir Douglas Haig has much pleasure in informing all ranks under his command that Lord Kitchener was greatly pleased with his visit to the 1st Army yesterday. Lord Kitchener was able to personally express his admiration of the troops, not only to Sir Douglas Haig but also several of the Corps, Divisional, Brigade and Unit commanders. To these commanders, and to those troops, of the 1st Army, whom Lord Kitchener was not able to see personally, he desires to send a message of his deep appreciation of their fine work in the trenches. The Secretary of State for War wishes the troops to understand that, although complimentary telegrams are not sent after each of their gallant actions, their daily deeds are closely and earnestly watched, and very warmly appreciated, by all those in authority at home. Steps are to be taken to ensure that this order reached every soldier in the 1st Army. P.E.F.HOBBS Major General D.A.& Q.M.G. 1st Army To Bedfords Sender's Number S C 163. Day of Month 9th Your billeting area is as follows: - Ref Map 36 A Q 24 C Eglise along road running E as far as pt where it cuts R.19 a & b aaa Refilling pt tomorrow BOHEME Q 28 & b 9.5. Transport will accompany Battns. Details as to route and time of march later, but no troops may be WEST of HINGES before 8.30 p.m. 21st Bde H. SHAW Capt. OPERATION ORDER No.59 by Brigadier General C G Blackader D.S.O. Commanding Garhwal Brigade 9th July 1915. Reference Map 1/40000 BETHUNE Sheet 1. On arrival of the Bedfordshire Regiment and Royal Scots Fusiliers in relief of Garhwal Rifles and 2/8th Gurkhas, they will come under the orders of the G.O.C. Garhwal Brigade as part of the Meerut Divisional Reserve State of readiness - two hours notice. 2. On the word "MEET" the Divisional Reserve will concentrate on road VIEILLE CHAPELLE - R.28.d. - R.35. as follows: - 2nd Leicesters. Head of column facing S E at road junction R.35.a.7.2. M G Section of 2/3rd Gurkhas - in rear of Leicesters. Royal Scots Fusiliers - in rear of M.G.Section 2/3rd Gurkhas. Bedfordshire Regt - in rear of Royal Scots Fusiliers. 3. On arrival of each unit in position an Officer will proceed to road junction R.35.a.7.2. and await arrival of the G.O.C. J.H.K.STEWART Major. Brigade Major, Garhwal Brigade. CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM NO.5. 9th July 1915. The following system of nomenclature has been adopted in the 1st Corps. All Officers are to make themselves acquainted with these lines as far as they concern the Brigade and the nomenclature is to be carefully adhered to in all reports etc. A. (i) The "Divisional Zone" which comprises: - (a) The "first line system of trenches". (b) The "Village Line" viz. CAMBRIN - TOURBIERES - PONT FIXE - LE PLANTIN - FESTUBERT - RUE DE L'EPINETTE - RUE DU BOIS, immediately in rear of the first line system. (ii) the "LE TOURET Line". which comprises the breastworks and supporting points on the general line BEUVRY - LE PREOL[AN] - GORRE - LOISNE - LE TOURET - LA COUT[U]RE. (iii) The "ESSARS Line", comprising the works on the general line ESSARS - MESPLAUX - LES LOBES. (iv) The "Canal Line", viz. the G.H.Q. line from AVELETTE (HINGES) to ROBECQ and ST VENANT. B. Front trench For actual fire trench Support Trench For second fire or supporting trench about 100 yards in rear of front trench BATTALION reserve trenches For battalion reserves. Brigade reserve trenches For brigade reserves (as required) Communication trenches To be numbered from right to left. Keep Small post close up to support trench. Garrison up to one platoon. Supporting point Works or defended localities anywhere in rear of keeps; garrison from one company to one battalion GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 31st [sic] Infantry Brigade To Captain Foss Sender's Number Day of Month 10th. When you move down to RUE DE CHAVATTES will you be able to arrange that the house apposite [sic] your H Q in which our exchange is, can be left empty for the signal section only Yrs F G Hobson To Bedfords Sender's Number B M 2 Day of Month 10 There are signs of enemy activity on our front aaa Bns should therefore make every endeavour at once to make their positions as strong as possible aaa This refers especially to points behind the front Trench aaa reports should be sent in at once of any deficiency of ammunition or Stores at any point. 11.20 A M GEORGE CROSSMAN Capt. B M 21st Bde SECRET CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM 6 11th July 1915 (Meerut Division No.G.140.) 1. Advantage should be taken of long standing grass to sap forward at frequent intervals from the front parapet and to establish listening posts in advance of, or under, the front obstacles and just in rear of the cleared grass belt. Patrol reports indicate that the Germans have established such posts, some of which are wired and capable of taking a machine gun. (Meerut Division No.G.179) 2. The Brigades of the 8th Division use coloured rockets as follows in case of night attack: - 24th Brigade Green 25th Brigade Blue 23rd Brigade Red (Meerut Division No.G.66/5) 3. The following signals are used in the Division for giving alarm. They will stand good until altered by order from Divisional Headquarters. (i) BY DAY AND NIGHT. GAS - continuous beating on a gong (shell case) until the alarm is taken up along our front. The gas alarm will be taken up by this Division from a Division on right or left only by order of the Commander of the Company on the flank whence the alarm comes. He will only give the order should it appear to him that the gas cloud is coming near his flank (ii) BY NIGHT. (a) "ENEMY INFANTRY ATTACKING". Green rocket followed immediately by a white rocket sent up from vicinity of point attacked, and repeated once after a two minute interval. (b) "HEAVY ARTILLERY OR TRENCH MORTAR BOMBARDMENT OF TRENCHES". Green rocket followed immediately by a red rocket sent up and repeated in a similar manner. There is no necessity for alarm signal against attack or bombardment by day as artillery forward observation officers can send back the alarm from their observation posts to their batteries quickly enough. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. SECRET Officer Commanding Bedfordshire Regt On going round the trenches this morning the Brigadier noticed the following points which require immediate attention: - 1. In some cases Machine Gun Loopholes are so low that the long grass entirely obstructs the view. In such cases steps must be taken to raise the level of the gun sufficiently to clear the grass. 2. Firing steps were either too high or too low. 3. Loopholes were obstructed with earth. They should daily be inspected to see that they are free from obstruction. 4. Waterholes were dirty. Notices should be put up at all waterholes and the greatest care taken to keep them from being fouled. Urinating in the trenches in [sic] forbidden. 5. Immediate steps are to be taken to see that VERMOREL SPRAYERS are in complete working order and filled. Action in case of gas attack should be practised. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade 11th July 1915 ATTACK MESSAGES 1. Messages giving information of an attack on the 7th Division front will consist of "S.O.S." followed by the sector against which the attack is being made. Prefix address to, from, etc. will be omitted e.g. S.O.S. Sector E. 2. The original message must be sent by the order of an officer but will be transmitted at all signal stations and offices at once without further order. The officer or staff to whom the station or office belongs will be informed to whom the message had been repeated e.g. if the message comes to a battalion station fro Massachusetts company it will be at once repeated to all artillery, battalion, company and brigade stations with whom the battalion has direct communication, and the copy handed to battalion commander will be endorsed. repeated to: - Brigades R.F.A. Brigade, Infantry. Battalions. Companies. Observation Posts, etc. 3. In larger signal offices such as Infantry Brigades and the Division when "S.O.S." comes on a circuit all other work will cease and the superintendent will be responsible that the message is repeated at once on all other circuits and telephone lines. These offices will keep a list hung up in a prominent place showing all offices to whom such a message is transmitted. 4. When this system is being practised the word "TEST" will be inserted between "S.O.S." and the sector. 5. All stations and offices will keep a record of the time when they receive an "S.O.S" message and the times of acknowledgement of the message by offices and stations to whom they transmit it. H.NEEDHAM Major General Staff, 7th Division 13-7-15 CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM No.6 15th July 1915 1. In all cases where Artillery fire is asked for the following will be contained in the message if possible: (a) Exact position of Infantry who are being shelled (b) Direction from which hostile fire is coming (c) Whether light, medium or heavy shell (d) Time NOTE: - It is useful to know when shelling stops as it may enable the culprits to be definitely located. 2. Night lines of 61st Howitzer Battery R.F.A. are at present arranged as follows: - One gun P.14. One gun P.13. One gun Q.15. One section FERME DU BOIS One gun V.5 3. Gongs for gas alarm are to be in charge of a sentry in the vicinity of an officer and should not, except under exceptional circumstances be sounded without an order from an officer. In the event of an alarm being given it should be taken up by all gongs in that Brigade, but should not be passed on to a neighbouring Brigade without a fresh order from an officer. 4. Communication Trenches will be numbered from right to left as follows: - No.1 KIRKROO No.2 ROPE No.3 FUNNEL No.4 PIPE No.5 FRYS No.6 CADBURYS No.7 EMBANKMENT No.8 PALL MALL No.9 COCKSPUR Battalion Commanders will arrange to have the correct numbers put on all sign boards. The name should be left for the present. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade Operation Order No.20 16 July 1915 Ref Map BETHUNE Combined Sheet Operations 1. the Battalion will be relieved at 7 pm tomorrow by 2nd Scots Guards who will take over all posts, guards & road patrols found by this Battalion. Guides 2. One guide for each post will be at Battalion H.Q. at 4 p.m. tomorrow. Billets 3. (a) After relief has taken place the Battalion will march to the billets now occupied by 1st Grenadier Guards P.24 and Q.19. (b) Billeting parties will meet the Quarter Master at the road junction Q.19 a at 3 p m tomorrow. Transport 4. (a) the Transport will march at 5 p.m. under 2 Lieut W.E.Figgis (b) 2 Lieut W E Figgis will be in charge of whole of the 1st line transport 21 Inf Bde for this march. Reports 5. Completion of reliefs will be reported by O.C. Companies concerned to Co at present H.Q. C.C.Foss Captain Adjutant 2 Bedf.R. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No.66 Reference BETHUNE 1/40,000 map. 16th July 1915. 1. The following reliefs by the 20th Infantry Brigade will take place during the night 17th/18th July. The 1st Grenadier Guards will relieve the 2nd Bn Yorkshire Regiment. The 2nd Gordon Highlanders will relieve the 2nd Bn Royal Scots Fusiliers and right company of the 1/4th Cameron Highrs. Half Battalion 6th Gordon Highlanders will relieve the remainder of the 1/4th Cameron Highlanders. The 2nd Scots Guards will relieve the 2nd Bn Bedfordshire Regiment at 7 p.m. and take over all posts, guards, and road patrols found by that Battalion. 2. One guide per Company and one per Machine Gun Section to lead relieving units to Battalion Headquarters will report to the Brigade Major at 8 p.m. at Brigade Headquarters. 3. Details as to relief will be arranged direct between Commanding Officers concerned. 4. The Highland Field Coy R.E. and No.10 Trench Mortar Battery will not accompany the Brigade. 5. Battalions will take over billets direct from relieving units as follows: - 2nd Bn Bedfordshire Regt from 1st Grenadier Guards P.24. & Q.19. 1/4th Cameron Highrs. from 6th Gordon Highrs. Q.14.b. and d. 2nd Bn Yorkshire Regt. from 2nd Border Regt. R.18.a. and c. 2nd Bn Royal Scots Fus. from 2nd Gordon Highrs. R.19.a, b and e. 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regt fro m2nd Scots Guards Q.8. and Q.14.a. Grenade School will be billeted in the North End of QUENTIN Q.16 and mill move there at 5 p.m. As soon as relieved Battalions will march independently as Battalions, to their billets. 6. Completion of relief will be reported to Brigade Headquarters which will be at VIEILLE CHAPELLE until relief is complete at which hour it will move to [blank] 7. Transport will march at 5 p.m. under an officer to be detailed by the Officer Commanding 2nd Bn Bedfordshire Regt. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. No further Test "S.O.S." messages are to be sent unless specially ordered by the Division. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade 19th July 1915 Officer Commanding 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment 1. Transport Bedfordshire Regiment Wiltshire Regiment R.26.c. Yorkshire Regiment Opposite H.Q.house in LES HUITS MAISONS Cameron Highlanders R.32.b. R.S.Fusiliers R/26/a/ 2. Ammunition Column R.33.c. 4th Brigade A.C. 3. Sick No advanced aid post. Sick are sent by tramway to St VAAST post and collected there by motors and taken to 22nd Field Ambulance in VIEILLE CHAPELLE. H.F.CHADS Captain Staff Captain 21st Infantry Brigade 22/7/15 OPERATION ORDER No 22 2 Bedf R. 22 July 1915 Ref Map 1/40000 BETHUNE Operation 1. The Battalion will march to the trenches today and will take over line held by 1st South Staffordshire R as follows Front line A Company on right D Company on left C Company in support B Company in Battn Reserve Order of March 2. D A C B Companies M Gun Section Companies will be formed up in this order facing West. Head opposite to entrance of Battalion H Q ready to march at 2 p m today. The Battalion will halt for teas at R.19.a.b. The march will be continued about 7 p.m. Grenade Section 3. A & C Companies sections will join their own companies B Company's section will be attached to D Company. 2 Sections of Camerons will be attached to B Company. Bombs [to] be taken over in the trenches. Machine Guns 4. Special instructions have been issued to M.G.O. Tools & Ammunition 5. Will be issued at the long halt. C.C.FOSS Captain Adjutant. 2 Bedf.R. M.G.O. 2 Bedf R. Special instructions mentioned in O O No 22 22/7/15. 22 July 1915. 1. You will have 5 guns in the front line to be numbered & labelled from right to left. No.5 will be one of the Yorks R.Guns. 2. You will move with Battalion to R.19.ab. but will leave there so as to reach Trainhead M.32.d. at 7.45 p.m. 3. Route ZELOBES (R.27.c.1.5.) - VIELLE CHAPELLE - Cross roads R.28.d. - Road junction R.36.c.0.1 - CROIX BARBEE Train head M.32.d.7.8. BY orderly 9.50 A M C.C.FOSS Captain Adjutant 2 Bedf R. To O C Companies Sender's Number B d 65 Day of Month 22 July 15. 1. Officers Kits to be ready at 12 noon when cart will collect starting from A Company. 2. Dinners to be at 12 noon. 3. Trench Fatigues A & D Coys. Front line C Company between Front line & Reserve. B Co.Carry rations from Train head to remainder of Battalion. C.C.FOSS Captain Adjutant. 2 Bedf.R. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt Defensive arrangements for 21st Infantry Brigade Area will be as follows: - COPSE POST. A permanent garrison of 20. ORCHARD KEEP. A permanent garrison of 1 Officer & 50 men. BOLEHILL KEEP. A permanent garrison of 25 men as soon as complete. EDWARD POST. A permanent garrison of 1 Officer & 50 men. HENS' POST. The Officer i/c EDWARD POST will be responsible for keeping this work in good repair. In the event of attack it will be occupied by 1 Officer and 50 men from the work at CROIX BARBEE. LANSDOWN POST. To be occupied by one Battalion which will also furnish the garrison of EDWARD POST. In the event of attack this Battalion will leave 2 Officers and 100 men to occupy the work, the remainder being available for local counter attack. CROIX BARBEE. Permanent garrison of 250 men. This detachment will provide the garrison for HENS' POST (1 Officer and 50 men) in the event of attack. 2. Ammunition up to 300 rounds per man, water and supplies for one day, and sandbags will be maintained as a reserve in each of these posts. The above are only to be used in emergency. 3. The permanent garrisons as indicated in para 1 will occupy and hold these posts. They will not be used for counter attacks. 4. Counter attacks will be carried out by the Battalion in LANSDOWNE POST and the Battalion in Brigade Reserve. All Officer [sic] will reconnoitre the ground with a view to counter attack. 5. Communication Trenches will be named not numbered. Circular Memorandum No.6 para 4 dated 15th July 1915 is cancelled. 6. Grass will be kept cut for a distance of 60 yards in front of all trenches and posts. 7. MEASURES FOR IMMEDIATE ADOPTION BY BATTALION GRENADE OFFICERS. (a) 4 men per section to be armed with Rifle Grenades. The remainder with other serviceable Patterns, (W.D., Hales, Mills, Friction). (b) A supply of Gas Pipe Bombs to be in each Traverse. (c) A daily inspection of all bombs to be held. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 22nd July 1915 Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. In the area at present occupied by the 7th Division, the following bridges over the R.LAWE exist in addition to those shown on the BETHUNE Combined Sheet 1/40,000. (1) Footbridge over the lock at R.21.d.7.3. For Infantry in single file only. (2) Footbridge for Infantry in file at R.28.a.3.2. A track leads to this bridge from the road junction R.27.d.6.5. and continues across the R.LAWE joining up with the track in R.28.a. (3) Trestle bridge for all arms at X.3.a.4.6. A good road not shown on map, joins this bridge with the LOCON - LESTREM Road at R.32.d.1.5. A road leads from this bridge to the road junction X.3.s.3.1. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade 25th July 1915. To O C Companies & M.G.O. Sender's Number B d 23 Day of Month 27 July Ref attached S 106 Para 1 A C & D Companies will reconnoitre their parapets today and get to work as soon as possible this evening. Para 2. the platoon of A C & D Cos in support trench will commence this work from front to rear but O C Coys will first be sure the support trench is also a fire trench. Para 4 & 5 M.G.O. will work under instructions of Bde M.G.O. Para 6 O.C. B Co will arrange for this. Para 7 O.C. Companies will report daily by 2 p.m. in same form required by Bde. C.C.FOSS Captain Adjt 2 Bedf.R. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. S.106 The following measures are necessary on our present line: - 1. The parapet is to be thickened so as to withstand bombardment by shells of heavy calibre. Whenever possible, this work is to be carried out by working in front of the parapet at night. A borrow pit of not less than 22 feet from the crest of the parapet, of broad but shallow type, is to be made, and the earth thus excavated used to thicken the parapet. The borrow pit, so made, is to be filled with low wire entanglement which will be out of sight of the enemy. Where it is not possible to work in front of the parapet the earth for thickening the parapet must be obtained from the rear in this case the wire obstacles in front of the parapet are to be increased. The work is to be completed by 2nd August. 2. All communication trenches are to be made capable of being used as fire trenches. The work should be commenced by making banquettes for small parties of men here and there in the trench, and on each side alternately. The trench should be widened as little as possible at these firing places. A good plan is, if necessary, to cut a shallow recess in the trench wall, to hold four or five men, and to place in this recess, as a banquette, a wooden bench. 3. As soon as the "keeps" now being constructed behind our "support line" are finished, the wire protecting that line is to be opened up in gaps between the keeps so as to admit of counter attack by our reserves. These gaps will be selected by the Brigadier General. 4. Bomb proof shelters for machine guns and their teams are to be made at suitable places in rear of the foremost line. The object of these shelters is to enable the machine gun detachments and the gun itself to remain safe during the hostile bombardment, and yet to be near enough to get up to their firing emplacements or positions in time to repel the hostile infantry assault. These shelters must be sited fairly close to the firing line. Sometimes they can be placed opening out of communication trenches. The Brigade Machine Gun Officer will supervise this work. 5. Machine gun firing emplacements and positions must be made to enfilade both the front and support lines of trenches. In every case these emplacements and positions must be adequately protected by wire. Alternative positions are essential. The Brigade Machine Gun Officer will supervise this work. 6. Wherever any communicating or other trenches connecting with "keeps" "defended posts" or "support trenches" admit of an enemy getting up to such positions under cover, care must be taken that traverses are removed and the communicating or other trench opened out, to allow of fire being brought to bear on such trench from such "keep", "defended post" or "support trench", for a distance of 40 yards, that is to say well outside bombing distance. 7. Battalion commanders will report daily by 4 p.m. commencing on the 28th instant, progress made in the above works (using the attached form) for 24 hours ending midday. 26th July 1915 George Crossman Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade SECRET A.4243.1. Headquarters 1st Corps 1st Corps 2624/47 1. 100 men are required at once from your Corps for duty with gas companies, to assist the chemists who have been specially enlisted for dealing with asphyxiating gases. 2. Intelligent men with experience in trench warfare, who volunteer for the work, should be selected from Regular and Service Battalions. 3. A knowledge of chemistry or a scientific training would be an advantage, but neither is essential. Great care should be taken to select suitable men, as the work required of them is of a very responsible nature. 4. These men will be transferred to the R.E. and given the rank of Corporal with pay at the rate of 2/6d a day with 6d a day Engineer pay. 5. The selected men should be sent at once to report to the Adjutant of the Gas Depot at HELFAUT, and their departure notified by wire to this office, and a nominal roll forwarded as early as possible. Sd B H COOKE Col.A.A.G. for Adjutant General British Army in the Field G.H.Q. 26-7-15 Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. The Brigade will furnish 11 men for this work. Please forward by noon 28th the names of suitable men who volunteer for this duty. The final selection will be made by the Brigadier and the party will rendezvous at Square in FOSSE Village at 10 a.m. on 29th instant. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade 27th July 1915 Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. As R E supervision will not in all cases be available, Officers are to be sent down beforehand to arrange how the work is to be carried out. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade 27th July 1915 DETAIL OF WORK [table as follows: PARTY - TOOLS - ROUTE - RENDEZVOUS - ARRIVAL - CEASE WORK - DETAIL OF WORK] R.S.F. 50 - 50 shovels 15 picks - FACTORY - Support Trench at top of BOND St. - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. - Thicken parapet of Front trench. Report as to possibility of work must be awaited from the R.E. at Rendezvous 50 - 50 shovels 15 picks - LANSDOWNE - Wilts H.Q. - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. - Thicken parapet of Front trench. Report as to possibility of work must be awaited from the R.E. at Rendezvous 50 - as required - To straighten LANSDOWNE for 40 yards from entrance to post to prevent bomb attack Yorkshire 100 - 100 shovels 20 picks - FACTORY - Bedford H.Q. - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. Prepare support trench as fire trench 20 - 20 shovels 5 picks - FACTORY - Bedford H.Q. - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. - Prepare BOND St with firing recesses to fire both ways. 100 - 100 shovels 20 picks - ORCHARD - Wilts H.Q. - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. - Prepare support trench as fire trench 40 - 40 shovels 10 picks - ORCHARD - Wilts H.Q. - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. - Prepare MOLE ST to fire to left Recesses. Prepare HAZARA to fire to right Recesses Camerons 100 - 100 shovels 20 picks - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. - Prepare FACTORY to fire both ways, commencing work at forward end. 100 - 100 shovels 20 picks - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. - Prepare ORCHARD to fire to the right. Work to commence at forward end. Bedfords and Wilts will assist parties thickening front parapet and employ all available men in carrying out Para 6. of B.M. letter S.106. These Bns will also provide guides for the R.S.F. and Yorkshire working parties and for these parties to be shewn their work. GEORGE CROSSMAN Capt B M July 27th 1915. R.S.Fus 50 - 50 shovels 15 picks - FACTORY - Support trench at top of BOND St. - 9.30 p.m. - 1.30 a.m. - Thicken parapet of front Trench 50 - 50 shovels 15 picks - LANSDOWNE - Wilts - 7-30 p.m. - 12-30 p.m. - Thicken parapet of front trench Yorkshires 100 - 100 shovels 20 picks from EDWARD POST - FACTORY - Bedford H.Q. - 7-30 p.m. - 1-30 a.m. - Prepare support trench as fire Trench 100 - 100 shovels 20 picks from LANSDOWNE POST - ORCHARD - Wilts H.Q. - 9-30 p.m. - 1-30 a.m. - Prepare support trench as fire Trench Camerons Will complete work in FACTORY and ORCHARD trenches during the day tomorrow GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st I.Bde. 28th July 1915 2 Bedf.R.OPERATION ORDER No.22 Ref special Trench plan 30 July 1915 Operation 1. the 21 Inf Bde & 22 Inf Bde will rearrange their fronts tonight so that point of junction is BOND Street (inclusive to 21 Inf.Bde.) Detail 2.(a) A Company will hand over the trench to the right of BOND Street to 1st South Staffordshire Rgt at 9 p m tonight. The Staffords will approach via PALL MALL. (b) The line held by the Battalion will be rearranged as follows. A Company will hold from BOND Street inclusive to VINE Street exclusive. C Company from VINE Street inclusive to COPSE inclusive D Company from COPSE exclusive to present left. The above refer to Fire trench and support trench. (c) No.1 Machine Gun when relieved will take up a position in NEW GUARD Trench between BOND and VINE Streets. Report 3. O.C.Companies M.G.O. will report when rearrangement is complete. C.C.FOSS Captain Adjutant 2 Bedf. R Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. 1. The following instructions refer to airships only and not hostile aeroplanes or captive balloons. 2. Messages should be addressed "ZEPPELINS". 3. Information in all cases should be sent, as far as possible, in the following form: - Zeppelin moving (direction by compass or towards.. ) over (place) at (time). From (...). NOTE: - If map squares are referred to, the number of the sheet must be given as well as the number of the square, but it may often be quicker to indicate the position of the airship by reference to some large town or other important locality. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade 28 July 1915. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No.68 30th July 1915 1. The 21st Infantry Brigade and 22nd Infantry Brigade will to-night rearrange their fronts so that the point of junction is BOND STREET (inclusive to 21st Infantry Brigade). 2. The 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment will hand over the trench to the right of BOND STREET to the 1st South Staffordshire Regiment. Details to be arranged directed [sic][ between the Commanding Officers of those Battalions. 3. Completion of relief to be reported to Brigade Head-Quarters. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER NO.69 Reference 1/40,000 Combined BETHUNE Map. 30th July 1915. 1. The Brigade will be relieved on the night of August 1st/2nd by the SIRHIND Brigade. 2. The Commanding Officers and Company Commanders of relieving Battalions will be at ST VAAST Post at 10 a.m. on August 1st, where guides from the Bedfordshire Regiment and Wiltshire Regiment will meet them. All details as to the relief will be arranged direct between Commanding Officers concerned. 3. All reserve ammunition, bombs (both on the men and in reserve), gongs, fire boxes and other trench stores will be handed over. 4. One guide per platoon and one Officer per Battalion will meet relieving troops at ST VAAST Post as follows: 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment 8-45 p.m. 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment 9-15 p.m. 2nd Bn.Royal Scots Fusiliers 9-30 p.m. (one guide only) 5. FACTORY and ORCHARD trenches are allotted to the 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment for the relief. LANSDOWNE CRESCENT and PIONEER trenches to the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment. The Officer Commanding 2nd Bn Bedfordshire Regiment. will arrange that troops using ORCHARD move in rear of the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment Headquarters. 6. No 11 Trench Mortar Battery will on relief report to Headquarters GARHWAL Brigade at M.3.d.6.1. 7. Arrangements for relief of Machine Guns will be made between Brigade machine Gun Officers direct. Relief to be complete and Machine Guns clear of RUE DU BOIS by 9-15 p.m. 8. Troops will move to Billets in accordance with attached March Table. 9. Completion of relief will be reported to Brigade Headquarters which will remain in its present position until relief is complete at which hour it will move to V.18.a.5.4. GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade 2 Bedf.R. OPERATION ORDER No.23 Ref.1/40000 BETHUNE Combined Sheet 31st July 1915. Operation. 1. a. The Battalion will be relieved on the night of the 1/2 August 1915 by a Battalion of the SIRHIND Brigade. b. After relief the Battalion will march to billets near BELLERIVE Relief 2. a. Company Commanders of relieving Battalion will be at Battalion H.Q. at 10.30 A M tomorrow. b. One guide per platoon will meet relieving Battalion at ST VAAST POST at 8.45 p.m. tomorrow. O.C. B Company will detail an officer to supervise these guides. c. Relief for A & B Companies will use FACTORY and BOND STREET in and VINE STREET out FACTORY out. relief for C & D Companies will use ORCHARD and HAZARA in; COPSE and ORCHARD out. d. All reserve ammunition, bombs, gongs, fire boxes etc will be handed over. Lists to be made out in duplicate & signed by both O C Companies. e. Shovels & picks will [be] brought out. Machine Guns. 3. Special instructions have been issued to M Gun officer. Rendezvous 4. The Battalion will rendezvous after relief at road junction S.3.a. Route 5. RICHEBOORG [sic] ST VAAST - Cross roads in R.26.d - VIELLE CHAPELLE - Cross roads R.20.c. - LE CORNET MALO - RIEZ DU VINAGE - PONT LEVIS in Q 32 a thence to BELLERIVE Billets. Transport. 6. (a). Transport (less 4 S A A carts, 2 tool carts, and Cookers) will march at 5 p.m. b/ S A A carts & tool carts to be at road junction S 3 a at 10 p.m. c/ Cookers will join Battalion at road junction R 25 b. Breakfasts. 7. On road near R.25.b. C.C.FOSS Captain Adjutant. 2 Bedf.R. To Bedfords Sender's Number Bde 45 Day of Month 31 In TEST S O S messages the word TEST will invariably precede the remainder of the message GEORGE CROSSMAN Captain 21st Bde

1-31 Jul 1915

From: 1915 To: 1915

item

Gough, Hubert de la Poer,
Cressingham, Hugh Montrein,
Watts, Herbert Edward,
Onslow, Cranley Charlton,
Pearson, Terence Charles,
Kitchener, Horatio Herbert, 1st Earl Kitchener of Khartoum,
Hutchinson, James Walter,
Goldie, A.M.,
Forward, Charles Arthur,
Gibson, Robert Bowness,
Dyer, E.S.,
Shaw, R.L.,
Chamen, Harold Ashcombe,
Hobbs, W.,
Figgis, W.E.,
Armstrong,
D'Avigdor, G.H.,
Eustace, T.,
Foss, Charles Calverley,
Crossman, George Lytton,
Hobson, F.G.,
Whigham, Robert Dundas,
Blackader, Charles Guinand,
Stewart, John Henry Keith,
Needham, Henry,
Chads, H.F.,
Cooke, Bertram Hewett Hunter,
Hobson, Frederick Greig,
Hobbs, Percy Eyre Francis,
Haig, Douglas [1st Earl]

canals, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, 1st/4th Battalion Cameron Highlanders, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, 7th Division, 21st Infantry Brigade, church services, land weaponry, 2nd Highland Field Company Royal Engineers, weather, Royal Engineers, Meerut Division, Dehra Dun Brigade, Garhwal Brigade, Sirhind Brigade, Lahore Division, deaths, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, hospitals, swimming, 3rd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, 1st/28th Battalion (Artists Rifles) London Regiment, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Battalion Highland Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, maps, 1st/4th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, 6th Battalion Jat Light Infantry, Garhwal Rifles, 2nd/3rd Battalion Gurkha Rifles, 20th Infantry Brigade, 1st/6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 10th Trench Mortar Battery, 2nd Battalion Border Regiment, 11th Trench Mortar Battery, 61st Howitzer Battery Royal Field Artillery, la Couture Ferme du Bois, Germans, 8th Division, 23rd Infantry Brigade, 24th Infantry Brigade, 25th Infantry Brigade, sewerage, 22nd Field Ambulance, Lawe, town & local roads, major roads, 1st Army, I Corps, chemists, chemistry, military airships, telephone, Rue l'Epinette [Festubert], la Couture, Guarbecque, Avelette, Saint-Hilaire-Cottes, les Lobes, Kings Road [Givenchy], Chocolate Post [Festubert], Dead Cow Post [Festubert], Princes Road [Festubert], Ditch Post [Festubert], Haystack Post [Festubert], Path Post [Festubert], Orchard Post [Festubert], Albert Post [Festubert], Merville, Robecq, Le Havre, Sandhurst, Paradis, Vine Street [Festubert], Copse [Festubert], Plum Trench [Festubert], Bond Street [Festubert], Leicester Lounge [Festubert], Bellerive, Gonnehem, les Lobes Rue de Chavattes, Boheme, Hinges, Vieille-Chapelle, la Quinque Rue [Festubert], Quentin, Croix Barbee Post [Festubert], Pall Mall [Festubert], New Guard Trench [Festubert], St-Vaast Post [Festubert], Factory Trench [Festubert], Hazara Trench [Festubert], Cornet Malo, Riez du Vinage, Pont Levis [Festubert], Lansdowne Crescent [Festubert], Pioneer Trench [Festubert], Rue du Bois [Festubert], Kirkhoo Trench [Festubert], Rope Street [Festubert], Funnel Trench [Festubert], Pipe Trench [Festubert], Frys Trench [Festubert], Cadburys Trench [Festubert], Embankment Trench [Festubert], Cockspur Trench [Festubert], Cambrin, Tourbieres, Pont Fixe Redoubt [Cuinchy], le Plantin, Festubert, Beuvry, le Preolan, Gorre, Loisne, le Touret, Essars, Mesplaux, Saint-Venant, les Huits Maisons [Festubert], Copse Post [Festubert], Bolehill Keep [Festubert], Edward Post [Festubert], Hens Post [Festubert], Lansdowne Post [Festubert], Mole Street [Festubert], Helfaut, la Fosse