May

MONCHY BRETON

At 2-45 p.m. some 12 trench mortars and a few whizbangs were fire between Post 9a and Trench 50.
At 4 p.m. 30 bombs in a period of 10 minutes were thrown in the vicinity of F3 Communication Trench.

At 12-30 a.m. the enemy opened sudden bombardment with heavy and light artillery, Lachrymatory shells and trench mortars on the Village and Wood, a fair percentage of shells and mortars bursting short and over our front line between Posts 7 and 11.
This heavy bombardment lasted until 1-30 a.m. when things quietened down and a few intermittent shells were sent over until 2-15 a.m. when all was quiet.
During the heavy bombardment the enemy fired a number of shrapnel shells bursting high over ‘No-Man’s-Land’ and they also during this period fired an unusual number of flare lights, all falling short and lighting up their own front wire.
The sentry in No. 7 Post reports that after the bombardment flare lights were sent up from the trench at the edge of the wood and bombs were thrown into their front line trench and it is assumed that the enemy evacuated their front line during the bombardment.
A trench mortar position was located from Post 8. 150^o magnetic bearing, and was noted by F.O.O. 

German Biplane of a large type observed over our lines at 4 a.m. & 8.30 a.m.
A new anti-aircraft device by the enemy was seen yesterday evening. Small incendiary bombs were seen passing through the air, 17 shells being in the air at one time. This new device seems most effective against machines flying at low altitudes. The gun is very mobile.
A sentry reported that at 4 a.m. seeing two heads appear above the parapet (enemy) as if inquisitive as to their new surroundings. One was an old man with grey beard.
A small enemy party, most probably a working party was dispersed by Lewis Gun fire from No.2 Post. Some casualties are believed to have been caused as shouts were heard.

1 officer and 2 N.C.O.s went out from No. 5 trench at 12.45 a.m. to the Sugar Factory on the GOMMECOURT ROAD, in order to ascertain whether the enemy were in the factory. The enemy appear to have a new Machine Gun, similar to our Lewis Gun, the rate of fire being identical.
Quiet day.

Quiet day. Battalion relieved by the 6^th Battn. Notts & Derby Regt. 139^th Brigade, 46^th Division in the trenches. Relief reported complete 1-15 a.m.
The Battalion then proceeded to HUMBERCAMP to rest billets.

Total casualties for month:-
Other ranks killed 2
Other ranks wounded 4
Other ranks wounded but still at duty 2

J.H. THURSFIELD
Major Commanding 1/6^th Battn. South Staffordshire Regt.
2.6.1916