Black Country Territorials

2/6th Battalion war diary July 1918

November 22nd, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1918

July	BUSSUS-BUSSUEL
1/7/1918	Battalion Training Cadre still at Bussus-Bussuel assisting in the Training of the 2nd. Bn. 129th American Infantry Regiment.
2/7/1918	Usual training..
3/7/1918	Usual training; on 3rd. Battalion were firing on Rifle Range at PONT REMY.
4/7/1918	No parades; Holiday for the Americans in celebration of Independence Day. Sports and Concert held.
5/7/1918	Usual parades in the morning; During the afternoon the 129th. American Infantry Reg. was inspected on the training ground by Mr. Lloyd George, General Pershing & General Horne. Speech by Mr. Lloyd George.
6/7/1918	No parades. American Bn. on route march.
7/7/1918	No parades.
8/7/1918	Usual training carried out. Small Box respirators tested. The following extract from London Gazette dated 3rd. June 1918 was published:- Lt. H.C. CARTER – Awarded the Military Cross. 242302 L/Cpl. Eatwell W.G.A. – Awarded the D.C.M.
9/7/1918	Usual training.
10/7/1918	Firing on ranges at PONT REMY. – Gas Demonstration carried out at night.
11/7/1918	Usual training; Night operations.
12/7/1918	Usual training carried out.
13/7/1918	Usual training carried out.
14/7/1918	No parades.
15/7/1918	Usual parades with Americans. The following extract from London Gazette dated 17th. June 1918 was published. 241444 L/Cpl. SCREEN T. Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. 242052 PTE. MARTIN T.A. Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
16/7/1918	Usual training carried out.
17/7/1918	The 2nd. Bn. 129th. American Infantry Regiment left Bussus-Busseul Area at 8 a.m. Battalion Training Cadre remained.
18/7/1918	Training for Cadre during the morning. Kit inspection in afternoon.
19/7/1918	Training carried out during the morning.
20/7/1918	Left Bussus-Busseul at 9.30 a.m. and marched to COQUEREL arriving at 11.30 a.m. Billeted in barns etc.
	COQUEREL
21/7/1918	Rifle Competition on Pont Remp Ranges.
22/7/1918	Cadre left COQUEREL 4 p.m. and marched to PONT REMY; entrained 6 p.m. Arrived BLARGIES at 11.30 p.m. and arrived at Camp at 2 a.m. In tent Camp about 2 kilos from LANNOY-GUILLERE.
	LANNOY_GUILLERE
23/7/1918	In Camp. Under orders of 198th. Inf. Bde. Commanding Officer proceeded on leave. Captain M.E. Williams in command of the Cadre.
24/7/1918	Preparations made for the Cadre to proceed to Base but orders were subsequently cancelled.
25/7/1918	Training during morning.
26/7/1918	Training during morning.
27/7/1918	Training during morning. Capt. W.E. Allen, Adjutant, proceeded to India Office on duty. Lieut. J.H. Grice acting as Adjutant.
28/7/1918	Church parades.
29/7/1918	Morning parades and cleaning up.
30/7/1918	Morning parades and cleaning up.
31/7/1918	Battalion training staff, less officers, proceeded to Romescamps and entrained to join 1/6th Battn. South Staffordshire Regiment. Left camp 8 a.m. From this date the 2/6th Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment is disbanded.
	M.E. Williams, Capt (for) Lt. Colonel Commanding 2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment.

NA WO 95/3021

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2/6th Battalion war diary June 1918

November 16th, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1918

June	BUIGNY-ST-MACLOU
1/6/1918	Battalion Training Cadre remained in Buigny-St-Maclou Area. American Units not arrived.
2/6/1918	Battalion Training Cadre remained in Buigny-St-Maclou Area. American Units not arrived.
3/6/1918	Battalion Training Cadre remained in Buigny-St-Maclou Area. American Units not arrived.
4/6/1918	Battalion Training Cadre remained in Buigny-St-Maclou Area. American Units not arrived.
5/6/1918	Battalion Training Cadre remained in Buigny-St-Maclou Area. American Units not arrived.
6/6/1918	Battalion Training Cadre remained in Buigny-St-Maclou Area. American Units not arrived.
7/6/1918	Battalion Training cadre was relieved by 2/6th B. Manchester Regt. Training cadre, and proceeded by lorry to HELLICOURT. Left Buigny 1 p.m. arriving Helicourt 3.30 p.m. Accommodated in tents in camp with 1st Bn. 325th American Infantry Regt. B. Coy. Training Cadre was att. to Machine Gun Coy. 325th Regt. at TILLOY FLORIVILLE. C. Coy. Training Cadre was att. to Headquarters, 325th Regt. at HARCELLANES. Transport proceeded by road. Capt. R.J.I. Lane M.C. proceeded on leave to England. Captain E.W. Grant (Chaplain) proceeded to join 5th Bn. Welsh Regt, 176th Infantry Brigade.
	HELLICOURT
8/6/1918	Transport arrives at 11.30 p.m.
10/6/1918	Cadre assisted in training of American Units; practice in relief and manning of trenches.
11/6/1918	Gas N.C.O.s assisted in Gas Demonstration. The following were mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s Despatch of 7th April 1918: LIEUT. COLONEL J. STUART WORTLEY. LIEUT. (A/CAPT) C.E.L. WHITEHOUSE. 242330 PTE. PERRY A.S.
12/6/1918	Training Cadre assisting training of Americans; B Coy. Cadre rejoined Unit.
13/6/1918	Training as usual.
14/6/1918	Training as usual.
15/6/1918	1st Bn. 325. American Inf. Regt. left the Area 4 p.m.
16/6/1918	Church Service. C Coy. Cadre rejoined Unit.
17/6/1918	Training Cadre left Camp at 8 a.m. and marched to FRANLEU arriving 11 a.m. Relieved the 2/5th. Manchester Regt. Training Cadre, and attached to 3rd Bn. 105th. American Infantry Regt. who arrived at Franlou at 5 p.m. Billeted in barns etc.
	FRANLEU
18/6/1918	Notification received that undermentioned Officers were posted to 2nd. Bn. South Staffs. Regt. Lieut. R. GRANT att. 176th Inf. Bde. H.Q., Lieut. R.E. GEE att. 15th. Divn. Signals., Lieut. W.L. LAMAISON, att. 2/6th. North Staffs. Regt. T.C. Training of Americans commenced.
19/6/1918	Battalion Training Cadre left FRANLEU at 5 p.m. and marched to VISSE near Maisineres, arriving at 830 p.m. Billeted in barns etc. Attached to 90th. Infantry Brigade.
	VISSE
20/6/1918	Training Cadre remained at VISSE.
21/6/1918	Training Cadre remained at VISSE.
22/6/1918	Training Cadre left VISSE at 9 a.m. and marched to BUSSUS-BUSSUE, approx. 40 kilos, arriving at 7 p.m. Billeted in barns etc. Attached to 2nd. Bn. 129th. American Infantry Regiment who arrived the same day.
	BUSSUS-BUSSUE
23/6/1918	Morning devoted to cleaning up.
24/6/1918	Training with Americans.
25/6/1918	Training with Americans.
26/6/1918	Training with Americans. Capt. R.J.I. Lane m.C. rejoined Unit from leave, Capt. J.A. Armstrong M.C. rejoined Unit from Xth. Corps C.R.E.
27/6/1918	Training continued. Americans firing on ranges at PONT REMY.
28/6/1918	Training continued.
29/6/1918	Training continued.
30/6/1918	No parades.
	H.M.C. Curtis Lt. Colonel Commanding 2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment.

NA WO 95/3021

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2/6th Battalion war diary May 1918

November 15th, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1918

May	RENINGHELST
1/5/1918	The Battalion still in Reserve in Reninghelst – Ouderom Reserve Line. Slight enemy shelling – Working party of 3 Off. & 300 O.R. under R.E. supervision. Lt. Col. H.M.C. Curtis D.S.O. awarded Bar to D.S.O. 2/Lieut. S.G. Maitland awarded Military Cross. Casualties during day;- 3 killed, 6 wounded.
2/5/1918	3 Off. 300 O.R. working party under R.E. supervision. – 1 O.R. killed.
3/5/1918	3 Off. 400 O.R. working party under R.E. supervision. – 7 O.R. killed.
4/5/1918	4 Off. 200 O.R. working party under R.E. supervision on Defence Line. – Own artillery very active.
5/5/1918	Battalion moved from Rengnhelst and proceeded by march Route to Camp near Watou; billeted at Trappiste Farm; arrived 7 p.m. in heavy rain. – Transport and Q.M. stores moved from near Poperinghe to same camp. – 2 casualties, wounded, before Bn. left line.
	WATOU
6/5/1918	Transport left camp 10 a.m. and proceeded by road – bivouaced at Rousbruck for the night. Battalion left camp 3 p.m. and embussed at Watou. Arrived at Camp at Lederzeele at 8 p.m. 3 miles from St. Momelin.
	LEDERZEELE
7/5/1918	Cleaning up; Coy. Parades. Instructions received for personnel of Battalion to be sent to Base.
8/5/1918	Coy. parades etc. Preparations for departure of personnel for Base.
9/5/1918	Battalion parade. Address by G.O.C. 59th Division, who distributed the following decorations:- Bar to D.S.O. - Lt. Col. H.M.C. Curtis D.S.O. Military Cross - 2/Lieut. S.G. Maitland. Belgian Croix de Guerre - 242175 Sgt. King H.R. Belgian Croix de Guerre - 16832 Sgt. Bowler T. Military Medal - 242075 Cpl. Coe H.G. Military Medal - 242310 Pte. Wren A. (att. 176th Inf. Bde.) Military Medal - 201823 Cpl. Burgess H. (att. 176th L.T.M.B.) Divisional Cards - 242313 L/Cpl. Chapman A. (att. 176th Inf. Bde.) Divisional Cards - 9597 Pte. Philpot W.H. (att. 176th Inf. Bde.) 18 officers and 746 O.R. left Camp at 2.30 p.m. and proceeded by march route to Watten where they entrained for Base. A Training Staff and Transport only remained; 11 officers & 100 O.R. approx.
10/5/1918	Training Cadre and Transport left Lederzeele at 6 a.m. and marched via. St. Omer to Mametz.Arrived 12 noon; billeted in barns etc.
	MAMETZ
11/5/1918	Left mametz 7.30 a.m. and marched to FIEFS arriving at 12.30 p.m. – billeted in barns etc.
	FIEFS
12/5/1918	Church parade.
13/5/1918	Orders for move received but cancelled; Bn. remained at Fiefs.
14/5/1918	Training Cadre only left FIEFS at 9.30 a.m. and marched to MAGNICOURT-LE_COMPTE – billeted at HOUVELIN. Transport left behind with Lieut. Carter and subsequently proceeded to 59th Din. Surplus transport Concentration Camp, Etaples.
	MAGNICOURT-LE-COMPTE
15/5/1918	Training Cadre left MAGNICOURT 9.30 a.m. and proceeded by march route to SOMBRIN; arriving 3 p.m. Camped in tents.
	SOMRIN
16/5/1918	Training Cadre took over Administration of the 2nd. & 3rd. Prov. Garrison Guard Battalions.
17/5/1918	Training; classes for instructors of Training Cadre. Instructors sent to Battalions.
18/5/1918	Training; classes for instructors of Training Cadre. Instructors sent to Battalions.
19/5/1918	Training; classes for instructors of Training Cadre. Instructors sent to Battalions.
20/5/1918	Bathing. Courses. Lieut. (A/Capt) R.J.I. Lane (att. 176th L.T.M.B) awarded bar to M.C. Lieut. J.H. Grice (prev. att. 176th L.T.B) awarded Military Cross.
21/5/1918	Left camp at 5 a.m. and marched to MAGNICOURT-LE-COMPTE. arriving at 11.30 a.m. Billeted in barns etc.
	MAGNICOURT-LE-COMPTE
22/5/1918	Left Magnicourt 7 a.m. and marched to Vielfort near HOUDAIN; Tents pitched in wood.
	HOUDAIN
23/5/1918	In camp at Veilfort; Instruction in Gas.
24/5/1918	In camp at Veilfort; Instruction in Gas.
25/5/1918	In camp at Veilfort; Instruction in Gas. Bathing.
26/5/1918	Inspection. Training Cadre to be in readiness to move to 30th Division at short notice. 240761 Pte Chilton R. A Coy reported Missing 21.2.18 at Bullecourt arrived in United Kingdom 6.5.18. Prisoner of War escaped from territory occupied by enemy.
27/5/1918	Training.
28/5/1918	Training Cadre left camp3.30 p.m. and entrained at HOUDAIN 10 p.m.
29/5/1918	Arrived NOYELLES at 7 p.m. Encamped in Rest Camp.
30/5/1918	left Camp 10 a.m. and marched to BUIGNY-ST_MACLOU. Arrived 12.30 p.m. Battalion under orders of 198th Infantry Brigade. 66th Division. Capt. R.J.I. Lane joined Unit ex hospital and 176th L.T.M.B.
	BUIGNY-ST_MACLOU
31/5/1918	Preparations made for arrival of American Regiment to whom Training Cadre is to be attached. Company Training Cadres dispatched to respective Training areas:- A.Coy. (Capt. S. Bradbury) - PORT-LE-GRAND. B.Coy. (Capt. M.E. Williams) - NEUILLY-L’HOPITAL. C.Coy. (Lieut. J.H. Grice M.C.) – HAUTVILLIERS. D.Coy. (Capt. R.J.I. Lane M.C.) – ROMAINE. Headquarters and Stores remaining at BUIGNY-ST_MACLOU
	H.M.C. Curtis Lt. Colonel Commanding 2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment.

NA WO 95/3021

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2/6th Battalion war diary April 1918

November 8th, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1918

April	GAUCHIN LEGAL
1/4/1918	The Battalion left Gauchin Legal 7 am, marched to Houdain. entrained 12 noon. Arrived PROVEN 7 pm. marched to WATOU arriving at 9 pm. Draft of 150 O.R. arrived 11pm.
2/4/1918	Company parades; cleaning up etc. specialist training. Transport arrived 2pm. Draft of 173 O.R.
3/4/1918	Training continued. Inspection by G.O.C. 2nd Army in afternoon. Draft of 127 O.R.
4/4/1918	Training & bathing. Draft 97 O.R.
5/4/1918	Training & bathing. Lewis Gunners one company firing on range. Inspection of Battalion by C.O. The following message received from G.O.C. Third Army:- “I cannot allow the 59th Division to leave the Third Army without expressing my appreciation of their splendid conduct during the stage of the great battle which is just completed. By their devotion and courage they have broken up overwhelming attacks and prevented the enemy gaining his object, namely a decisive victory. I wish them every possible good luck. (Sd) J. Byng General”
6/4/1918	Training & bathing. Lewis Gunners one company on range. Training gas helmets. Draft 157 O.R.
7/4/1918	Training gas helmets. Church parades.
8/4/1918	Training & firing on range.
9/4/1918	Training & firing on range. G.O.C. Brigade inspected drafts.
10/4/1918	Battalion left camp 9.30 am & marched to Poperinge, thence by train to Quintin Stn. marched to Heaiden Camp, Ypres; arrived 2.30 pm. Transport moved by road & arrived at Brandhoek 5 p.m., enemy shelling of camp.
	YPRES
11/4/1918	Battalion left camp 6.45 pm relieved 18th K.R.R. in support in left Bde sector, Passchendale sector at 11 pp, slight enemy shelling.
	PASSCHENDALE
12/4/1918 - 13/4/1918	Quiet all day; enemy aircraft active in afternoon & evening. Orders recieved for Battalion to withdraw from line; all surplus stores not able to be removed were destroyed. Battalion returned to Keilge Stn & entrained at 11 pm. Entrained Brandhoek 1 am & marched to Base Camp, Vlamentinghe, where Transport & Q.M. stores joined unit.
	VLAMENTINGHE
13/4/1918	Moved by march route at 11 am to Reninghelst & billeted in huts, entered camp at 4 pm.
	RENINGHELST
14/4/1918	Left camp 3 am marched to LOCRE arriving at 6 am, billeted in huts, in reserve.
	CRECHE, BAILLUEL
15/4/1918	Battalion proceeded to line 12 minnight & took new position from 76th Bde S.E. of Bailluel at 1.30 pm. Enemy shelled Bailluel heavily from 11 am onwards. At 2 pm enemy attacked on our left but was repulsed. At 3.30 pm enemy put down a heavy barrage in rear of our lines & attacked & suceeded in getting thro’ our left flank causing Battalion to retreat West of Bailluel where we fell back on to a hastily prepared line 1 1/2 Kilos W of Bailluel; this position was held in spite of heavy enemy shelling and M.G. fire until a well prepared line, held by Royal Scots, in rear, was able to offer a determined resistance. The Battalion proceeded to Canada Corner Camp & arrived about midnight. Casualties during these operations were; 1 officer killed (2/Lt. E Newcombe); 2 officers wounded (2/Lts E Turner & A Leonard); & 90 Or killed, wounded missing. During day Transport and QM stores had been heavily shelled; water emb blown up and 2 casualties. Transport & details left LOCRE 11 pm proceeded Ontario camp, Reninghelst arriving 2.30 am 16th
16/4/1918 - 17/4/1918	Battalion in reserve; camp was shelled several times & had to be vacated. Transport lines at Reninghelst also heavily shelled.
18/4/1918	Shelling of camp; Battalion left at 12 noon & marched to TERDEGHEM via Steenvoande & billeted in huts previously VIIIth Corps School; arrived 6 pm.
	TERDEGHEM
19/4/1918	Battalion left TERDEGHEM 11 am marched to N.W. of Poperinghe billeted inhuts at Deist Camp, Vlamertinge at 6 pm.
	VLAMERTINGE
20/4/1918	Cleaning up etc. Enemy aircraft bombing at night.
21/4/1918	Left camp 7 am & marched to ROOSBRUGGE arriving at 11 am; billeted in huts; cleaning up. Enemy aircraft bombed camp: 1 Off wounded (2/lt L Oldroyd); 5 OR killed; 7 wounded.
	ROOSBRUGGE
22/4/1918	Company parades in morning; moved to Claude Chappe Campp 4 pm.
23/4/1918	Company parades & bathing. Lecture to all officers and senior NCOs by G.O.C. Division. Draft of 17 Officers & 60 OR joined unit.
24/4/1918	Training; testing gas helmets. 242075 Cpl. Coe D.G. – B Coy. awarded Military Medal.
25/4/1918	Training
	POPERINGE
26/4/1918	Training; tactical scheme for officers, NCOs signallers. Order to move 4.30 pm & Battalion left camp 5.45 pm & marched Poperinghe; bivouaced 1 mile S.W.
27/4/1918	Battalion proceeded to W of Reninghelst & dug switch line of tranch. Arrived back 4.30 pm. 7.30 pm Battalion moved to W of Reninghelst to line dug earlier in day. In reserve.
	RENINGHELST
28/4/1918	Battalion occupied Reinghelst – Ouderdom reserve line - Heavy enemy barrage on front line – S.O.S. sent up and Battalion “stood to” at 7.30 Pm. Situation quiet at 9 pm.
29/4/1918	Battalion still in reserve; heavy artillery activity on both sides – 5 OR killed; 6 Wounded; 5 gassed
30/4/1918	Battalion in reserve; heavy enemy shelling at 4.30 p.m. 2 O.R. wounded, 4 gassed.
	H.M.C. Curtis Lt. Colonel Commanding 2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment.

NA WO 95/3021

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2/6th Battalion war diary March 1918

October 23rd, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1918

March	BEAUFORT
1/3/18 to night of 6/7th	The Battalion occupied the Front Line of the left Sub-Sector of Brigade Front, NOREUIL. Casualties slight. Relieved in the front line by the 5th Bn. North Staffs. Regiment and accomodated in Support Line at IGAREE CORNER, PONTEFRACT & DEWSBURY TRENCHES.
	MORY
7/3/18 to night of 10/11th	The Battalion occupied the Support Line till the night of 10/11th, when they were relieved by the 7th Bn. Notts and Derby Regt. On relief they returned to MORY, Le Abbaye Camp and were accommodated in Huts. Lt. Col. J Stuart Wortley returned from leave on the 9th inst.
10/3/18	Draft of 82 O.R. reported from 8th Bn. South Staffs. Regt.
10/3/18 to night of 19/20th	battalion was in Brigade Reserve, men employed in cleaning up etc. bathing. Specialist Classes were commenced. Large Working Parties were found nightly for digging and wiring in Defence Systems. On several mornings the enemy shelled the vicinity of the camp with H.E. Battalion had “Stand To” each morning, and on the mornings of 13th and 18th they moved to reserve Line of Defence near ECOUST but returned to Camp on each occasion about 8 a.m.
	BULLECOURT
19/3/18	Battalion left MORY Le Abbaye Camp at 5 p.m. and relieved 2/4th Leicester Regt. in Left Brigade Sector, Right Sub-Sector, BULLECOURT.
20/3/18	Situation normal. No casualties.
21/3/18	Heavy enemy shelling of back areas commenced between 2 & 3 a.m. also heavy bombardment by enemy of Front & Support Line with H.E. and Gas Shells from 4 a.m. – 8 a.m. Enemy attacked in massed formation at 9 a.m. and succeeded in capturing the Front Line and also effected a flank move and got through to Railway Reserve and Battalion Headquarters. 23 Officers & about 600 O.R. are “Missing”, including Lt. Col. J. Stuart Wortley, Capt. C.E.L. Whitehouse (Adjutant), Capt. W.A. Adam, Capt. W.A. Jordan, Capt.T.L. Astbury & Capt. W.S. Lynes, (Company Commanders). The following Officers are missing:- lieut. W.T. Butler, Lieut. R.G. Boycott, Lieut. L.J. Shelton, 2/Lieut. H.P. Bunn, 2/Lt. H.E. Shipton, 2/Lt. H.W. Gregory, 2/Lt. J.A. Geyton, 2/Lt. R. Baxter, 2/Lt. F.W. Spibey, 2/Lt. C. Haworth, 2/Lt. J.H. Hickman, 2/Lt. T.A. Gough, 2/Lt. G.A. Yates, 2/Lt. J. Bonshor, 2/Lt. J. Rigby, 2/Lt. H.E. Jones & Capt. W.M. Christie R.A.M.C. The Q.M. Stores and Transport moved from Dysart Camp at 5 p.m. by march route via Coucelles-les-Compte to DOUCHY where they bivouaced. Major H.M.C. curtis proceeded to the line with details from the Transport Lines, a party of 2 Officers (2/Lt. S.G. Maitland & 2/Lt. S. Bradbury) & 50 O.R., including Band and specialists under training and held a portion of the front line of the Third System of Defence, East of MORY, until relieved at 4 a.m. 22nd.
22/4/18 4 a.m.	Major Curtis and party took up a position on the Army Line 500 yards N.E. of MORY and held this position all day in spite of heavy enemy shelling and attacks. Transport and Q.M. Stores still remained at DOUCHY.
23/3/18 1 a.m.	Owing to the flanks being exposed and heavy enemy attacks the party under Major Curtis fell back 300 yards in a W.S.W. direction but owing to repeated attacks, and being isolated had again to withdraw. The party dug in on ridge covering ERVILLERS and held this position till relieved by the Suffolks. The remained of the party then marched to MIRAMONT and entrained to ALBERT at 9 p.m. Transport, Stores etc. marched from DOUCHY at 9 a.m. and arrived at BOUZINCOURT at 5 p.m.
	BOUZINCOURT
24/3/18	Major Curtis & party rejoined Transport and Stores at BOUZINCOURT where the Battalion remained.
	BEAUCOURT
25/3/18 2 a.m.	Battalion left BOUZINCOURT at 2 a.m. and proceeded by march route to BEAUCOURT arriving there at 5 a.m. Men billeted in Barns etc.
	CANDAS
26/3/18	Left BEAUCOURT at 7 a.m. and proceeded by march route to CANDAS arriving at 1 p.m. Billeted in barns etc.
27/3/18	Unit still at CANDAS. Bathing.
28/3/18 29/3/18	Battalion (less Transport) entrained at 12 noon. Transport left at 8 a.m. and proceeded by road. battalion detrained at AUVIGNEY and proceeded by lorries to GAUCHIN-LEGAL arriving at 6 a.m. and billeted in the Chateau. Transport arrived at 6 p.m.
	GAUCHIN-LEGAL
30/3/18	H.M. The King inspected the Battalion and billets at Chateau at 9.30 a.m. Draft of 40 O.R. joined unit from 8th Bn. South Staffs Regt.
31/3/18	Transport left by road for WATAU. Church parades held.
31/3/18	The following extract from a letter addressed to the Divisional Commander by Lieut-General Sir J. Aylmer Haldene K.C.B. D.S.O. Commanding VIth Corps was received:- “Will you please convey to all ranks of your Division my admiration and thanks for the very gallant stand they made against overwhelming numbers of the enemy supported by a tremendous artillery. The Division nobly did their duty on the right of the VIth Corps, and from all accounts that have reached me have inflicted heavy loss upon the enemy. I grieve for the heavy casualties among your gallant officers, N.C.O.s and men but the 59th Division have the satisfaction of knowing that they did their duty in as trying circumstances as can possibly happen in war.”
	In the field. 6.4.18. H.M.C. Curtis MAJOR Commanding 2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment.

NA WO 95/3021

Posted in 2/6 Battalion, War Diary | 1 Comment »

2/6th Battalion war diary February 1918

October 23rd, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1918

February	BEAUFORT
1/2/18	Training continued. Specialist Classes. Tactical Scheme for Signals, Scouts and Staffs. Afternoon – Recreational Training.
2/2/18	Morning Parades onl;y.
3/2/18	Church Parades.
4/2/18	Brigade Route March 8 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Afternoon – Fitting Small Box Respirators.
5/2/18	Inspection of Brigade by G.O.C. VIth Corps. Battalion Band played the General Salute.
6/2/18	Morning Parades and Bathing. Sergeant King H.R. “A” Coy. and Cpl. Bowler H. “C” Coy. awarded Belgian Croix de Guerre for gallantry at Ypres.
7/2/18	Morning Parades and Bathing.
	POMMIER
8/2/18	Battalion moved by march route to POMMIER. Left Beaufort 8 a.m. arriving Pommier 12 noon. Billeted in barns etc.
	MORY
9/2/18	Moved by march route to MORY via Courcelles-le-Compte. Left Pommier 7.30 a.m. arrived MORY 4 p.m. Battalion in hutsin Mory South Camp. Transport and Q.M. Stores at Dysart Camp.
10/2/18	Battalion left Mory Camp 4.30 p.m. and proceeded to the line and took over Right Sector of Brigade Front, Noreuil, from 14th Highland Light Infantry and 14th Argylle & Sutherland Highlanders. Two Companies in the front line: 1 Company in reserve and one company in support.
11/2/18	Quiet day. One casualty.
12/2/18	Situation very quiet.
13/2/18	Situation very quiet. Shelling during evening. 4 officers and 90 O.R. (draft from 8th Bn. South Staffs. Regt) joined battalion in the line.
14/2/18	Situation very quiet till about 7 p.m. when heavy enemy shelling commenced. Gas shells mixed with high explosive. Gas projection on our front line. Gas casualties, 1 Officer and 50 O.R. (“/Lieut. E.B. Proud gassed). 12 of gas casualties died.
15/2/18	Quiet all day.
16/2/18	Situation normal. Considerable aerial activity. Four enemy machines brought down on our front. battalion relieved by 5th North Staffordshire Regiment. Battalion returned to Mory South Camp
17/2/18	Battalion Resting. Cleaning up in afternoon. Working party of 50 O.R. for work at Brigade Transport Lines. Working Party of 4 Officers and 300 O.R. left Mory Camp 4 p.m. for work on Dewsbury Trench. Lt. Col. J. Stuart Wortley proceeded on leave to England. Major H.M.C. Curtis in Command. Captain W.A. Adam acting as Second in Command.
18/2/18	Working Parties resting. Special Bayonet Fighting Class for 4 Off. and 12 O.R. held daily for 4 1/2 days under Brigade Physical Drill Instructor. Specialist Training. Enemy aircraft very active at night. Bombing raid from 8.15 p.m. – 10 p.m. and several dropped in vicinity of Camp. No casualties.
19/2/18	Church Parade in MORY Theatre. Companies bathing. Specialist Training carried on. 2/Lieut. Twomey proceeded to England for transfer to Machine Gun Corps.
20/2/18	Specialist Training. Companies instructed in Rapid Wiring. Three companies on Working Party at night on Dewsbury Trench.
21/2/18	Specialist Training. “A” Coy. – Rapid Wiring. Lieuts. K. Davies & W. Horton proceeded to England for 6 months tour of duty at home.
22/2/18	Commanding Officer’s Inspection of Companies in Fighting Order. Preparations for proceeding to line. Battalion left Mory Camp 5 p.m. and relieved 2/6th Bn. North Staffordshire Regiment in Left Sub-Sector of Brigade Front. (Noreuil). Two companies in Front Line. 1 Company in Support and One in Reserve.
23/2/18	Situation quiet. Few Gas Shells fell near “B” Coy. Headquarters. Casualties – Nil.
24/2/18	Shelling near Battalion H.Q.s and heavy barrage put down on reserves during the day. Casualties – 2 O.R. wounded by shell and 1 O.R. slight.
25/2/18	Quiet. Intended raid by 6th North Staffs. Regt. cancelled owing to moonlight. Our own Artillery hit one of our posts at 9 p.m. Casualties – nil.
26/2/18	Situation quiet. Enemy aircraft active over our lines. Reserve Coy. transferred from Igaree Corner to Railway Reserve (near Battn. H.Q.) to make room for portion of Reserve Battalion. Casualties – nil.
27/2/18	Headquarters shelled during afternoon. 2/5th North Staffs. Regt. (1 Off. 11 O.R.) raided enemy post for purpose of obtaining identification. Raiding party left our line 3 a.m. but found enemy post unoccupied. Casualties – nil.
28/2/18	Enemy aeroplane over our line 11 a.m. – driven off by Machine Gun fire. Support Trench shelled during afternoon.
	H.M.C. Curtis MAJOR

NA WO 95/3021

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2/6th Battalion war diary January 1918

October 23rd, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1918

January	RUE
1/1/18	Morning Route March and afternoon kit inspection. Bathing. The following conratulatory message recieved from V Corps Commander:- “On the withdrawal of the 59th Division from the line, and on its departure from the V Corps the Corps Commander wishes me to say that he much appreciates the good work done by the Division during the time it has been under his command. The Division has used experienced gained, to its advantage, and has throughout a difficult period, shewn good fighting qualities. Orders issued, both with regard to battle and work, have been carried out with cheerfulness and entirely in the right spirit. The Corps Commander will be glad to have the Division again in the Corps. He wishes all ranks a happy Christmas” (sd) G.F. Boyd B.G. G.S. V Corps 22/12/17 With reference to the above the G.O.C. 176th Bde. sent the following message:- “The Brigade Commander is glad to be able to forward the accompanying memorandum from the G.O.C. V Corps. He wishes the memorandum to be read by Compandy Commanders to their men, so that all ranks may know the good work they had done is appreciated.”
3-5/1/18	Usual parades for specialists. Bathing daily. Lieut. E.E. Owens R.A.M.C. previously Medical Officer awarded Military Cross. Capt. W.A. Adam joined in command of “D” Company. On the 4th all men who were in Bourlon Wood were inspected by DADMS G.O.C. 59th Division inspected billets.
6/1/18	Church Parades.
7-10/1/18	Usual morning parades. Bathing daily. Inclement weather interrupted parades on several occasions.
11/1/18	Morning parades. Men who were in Bourlon Wood inspected by ADMS 59^th Division
12/1/18	Morning parades. G.O.C. 176th Infantry Brigade inspected billets.
13/1/18	Church parades. Inspection during the afternoon by DMS 3^rd Army and DDMS VIth Corps for remainder of men who were in Bourlon Wood, 50 present.
14/1/18	50 Signallers under 2/Lieut. Newcombe left Rue to rejoin the Brigade. Captain JORDAN joined from 1/6th Bn. South Staffs Regiment and took over Command of “C” Company. Usual morning parades and bathing at Abbeville.
15/1/18	Morning parades and bathing. Captain & ADjutant C.E.L. Whitehouse rejoined unit from base.
16/1/18	Usual parades. 16 Officers joined ex Depot Battalion and Third Line
17/1/18	Usual parades.
18/1/18	Usual parades. Concerts in afternoon and evening in Town Hall Miss Lena Ashwell’s Party.
19/1/18	Battalion route march in conjuction with 2/6th Bn. North Staffs. Regiment to LE CROTOY. Returned to Rue at 8 p.m.
20/1/18	Church Parades.
21/1/18	Morning parades. Advance party of 5 Officers and 5 N.C.O.s left Rue to proceed to BEAUFORT.
22/1/18	Battalion left Rue at 11 a.m. for BEAUFORT via Abbeville and Frevent. Arrived Frevent 6 p.m. and proceeded by Light Railway to BEAUFORT arriving there at 8 p.m. Billeted in huts, barns etc.
	BEAUFORT
23/1/18	No parades. Cleaning billets etc.
24/1/18	Training commenced. Specialist classes started.
25/1/18	Training continued. Morning parades. Afternoon Recreational Training. Tactical scheme for Signallers under Brigade arrangements.
26/1/18	Training continued. Recreational training in afternoon.
27/1/18	Church parades. Church of England at MANIN.
28/1/18	Training. 2 companies only. Bathing for remainder , at BERLENCOURT.
29/1/18	Training. 2 companies only. Bathing for remainder , at BERLENCOURT.
30/1/18	Inspection of the Battalion by G.O.C. 176th Brigade. Parades by companies. Transport inspected also. During the afternoon a Cross Country Run took place, arranged by 176th Inf. Bde. Whole Battalion took part each company starting at quarter of hour intervals. ”C” Company won, with 47% of starters in at a given time.
31/1/18	Usual parades carried out. Firing on range. Commanding Officer, Adjutant & Company Commanders proceeded to visit prospective Battalion front in the Bullecourt sector.
	HONOURS & AWARDS: London Gazette 28/12/17: MAJOR H.M.C. CURTIS: Awarded the Distinguished Service Order 241208 SGT. GOODEY A.T. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s Despatch 7/1/17: Major H.M.C. Curtis, Capt. H.M. Sheppard, CSM Aston & Private Perks B.E.F. France 1/1/1918
	J Stuart-Wortley LT. COLONEL: Commanding 2/6^th Bn. South Staffs. Regt:

NA WO 95/3021

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2/6th Battalion war diary December 1917

October 22nd, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

December	BOURLON WOOD
1/12/17	The Battalion which was in support to 2/6th North Staffs Regt at Bourlon Wood was relieved by 2/4th Leicester Regt:
	FLEQUERES
2/12/17	Battalion arrived at FLEQUERES at 4 a.m. about 130 strong: Accommodated in the Chateau:
	RISECOURT
3/12/17	The Battalion moved back to RIBECOURT Ravine where Transport & Details were situated: Accommodated in bivouacs:
4/12/17	Move to HAVRINCOURT by march route, cross country, leaving Ribecourt at 12 midnight:
	HAVRINCOURT
5/12/17	Battalion accommodated in a dug-out: from 5 a.m. till 12 noon: Bombing raid by enemy air-craft: One man injured: Moved by route, across country to YTRES arriving at 4 p.m. Billeted in huts in LITTLE WOOD CAMP:
	YTRES
6/12/17	Resting:
7/12/17	Bathing: cleaning up etc: Medical inspection by ADMS 59^th Division of all men who had been in Bourlon Wood
8/12/17	Bathing continued: Inspection parades:
9/12/17	Church Parades:
10/12/17
	RUE
11/12/17
12-14/12/17	Bathing Parties to ABBEVILLE
15/12/17	Draft of 30 ORs arrived: Bathing at Abbeville: Major Courtis proceeded on leave to PARIS: Reading and recreation room opened:
16/12/17	Church parade for Nonconformists:
17/12/17	Bathing at Abbeville: 241205 Pte. Evans J. D Coy awarded the Military Medal for bravery at BOURLON WOOD.
18-22/12/17	Bathing at Abbeville daily: Lt. Col. J. Stuart Wortley proceeded to PARIS on leave: Major H.M.C. Curtis in command.
23/12/17	Church parades:
24/12/17	No parades: Bathing at Abbeville:
25/12/17	Church parades: Christmas dinner served by Companies: Extras and Geese bought by Regimental Funds and grant of 600 Francs: from Divisional Canteen:
26/12/17	No parades: Bathing at Abbeville:
27/12/17	Bathing at Abbeville: Medical Inspection:
28/12/17	Bathing at Abbeville: Parades for fit men: Four Officers joined from the 4th Battn South Staffs Regiment:
30/12/17	Church Parades:
31/12/17	Reinforcements arrived. 5 Officers 450 ORs arrived 3 a.m. from Depot Battalion: A, C and D Companies reorganised, the following Officers in command:- A Company Captain T L Astbury C Company Captain W S Lynes D Company Captain W A AdamÂ Final check on casualties Officers 1 killed 3 wounded 14 gassed: OR 13 killed wounded and gassed 392 missing 15(of the 392 wounded and gassed 64 have died):
	In the field 4^th January 1918 Stuart-Wortley Lieut.-Col: Cmdg 2/6^th South Staffordshire Regt:

NA WO 95/3021

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2/6th Battalion war diary November 1917

October 22nd, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

November	SOUCHEZ
1/11/17	(Sheet 36 c SW-S a 3.1) Billeted in huts: The Corps Commander awarded Military Medals to the under mentioned N.C.O and men in connection with recent operations in the YPRES sector: 2/6th South Staffordshire Regt: 240620 Sgt Jones H A Coy 13845 Pte Simcox E A Coy 241907 Pte Knight W A Coy Divisional Cards have been awarded to the following N.C.O.s and men for conspicuous gallantry: 242129 L/Cpl Evertob H C Coy 240681 Pte Hislop WH C Coy 242271 Pte Cox WJ D Coy 242157 Pte Cutts J C Coy 242322 Pte Catewell WG D Coy 241244 Pte Fernyhough J C Coy 241450 Pte Hickman P B Coy 242131 Pte Sperry A C Coy The above were presented by the Divisional Commander: Working parties were found under R.E. supervision.
2/11/17	Working parties under R.E. in Souchez area:
3/11/17	Working parties under R.E. in Souchez area:
4/11/17	Church parade – voluntary:
5/11/17	Working parties under R.E. in Souchez area:
6/11/17	On the night of 6/7th this Unit relieved the 2/5th Notts & Derby Regt on back up Support position in RED TRENCH in the AVION SECTOR
7-9/11/17	Working parties in front line trenches and C T s:
10/11/17	A Coy moved back from position in RED TRENCH to a position in GIVENCHY, owing to change in disposition on the Brigade front:
10-12/11/17	Working parties in front line trenches and C T s:
13-14/11/17	This Battalion relieved the 2/5th South Staffordshire Regt in the front line: C Coy as the front right Coy and D Coy the front left Coy:
15/11/17	A Coy relieved C Coy in front line B Coy relieved D Coy in front line:
17-18/11/17	Relieved by 13th Canadian Batt and marched out to SOUCHEZ CAMP:
19/11/17	The Battalion Marched from SOUCHEZ to SIMENCOURT arriving at 6pm – the Battalion was accommodated in huts: (Map LENS 11)
	SIMENCOURT
20-22/11/17	Battalion resting and cleaning up:
22/11/17	The Battalion marched at 12:30 a.m. to COURCELLES-LE-COMPTE and was accommodated in huts:
	COURCELLES-LES-COMPTE
23/11/17	The Battalion marched to ACHET LE GRAND and entrained at 8 p.m. and arrived at FINS at 10 p.m. On detraining the Battalion marched to HEUDECOURT (W 15 map 57 c) where it was accommodated in huts:
	HEUDECOURT
24-27/11/17	The Battalion remained at Heudecourt and continued training:
27/11/17	The Battalion marched to the Ravine at Q 6 a (57c) Where it was bivouacked for the night:
28-29/11/17	The Battalion relieved the 2^nd Batt Coldstream Guards in support trenches in the SW of BOURLON WOOD F 13 C & D (57c): Captain R M Sheppard Commanding C Company was wounded:
	BOURLON WOOD
29/11/17	Enemy heavily bombarded Bourlon Wood with HE and Gas shells and attacked front line positions on the 2/6^th North Staffs Regt front, to which we were in support: A Company of this Battalion advanced through the wood under heavy fire and reinforced the front line in answer to the SOS signal: Captain H Yeatman Commanding A Company was wounded and gassed and the Company sustained several gas casualties:
30/11/17	The Battalion was heavily bombarded by Gas and HE shells and Captain B S Atkinson commanding D Company was killed: During these two days the Battalion suffered heavy casualties from gas, the whole of A, C & D Companies becoming casualties:Captain J R S Herron, Captain C E L Whitehouse and Lieutenant T P F S Barrett were gassed and Captain A F Brown was wounded:
	In the field 7^th December 1917 Stuart-Wortley Lieut.-Col: Cmdg 2/6^th South Staffordshire Regt:

NA WO 95/3021

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2/6th Battalion war diary October 1917

October 21st, 2007

2/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

Reference Maps:-
BELGIUM Sheet 28 : HAZEBROUCK 5a : LENS 11 : LENS 36, c, S, W, 1 : FRANCE Sheet 36B

1917

October	YPRES (East)
1/10/17	On the 1st October 1917 this unit moved from the OLD BRITISH FRONT LINE (BELGIUM Sheet 28, C, 29, c,) to the camp SOUTH of Railway at VLAMERTINGHE at 6.30 p.m.
	VLAMERTINGHE
2/10/17	The Battalion less Transport entrained at VLAMERTINGHE at 10 a.m. and detrained at THIENNES (HAZEBROUCK 5a) at 4.15 p.m. The Battalion marched to ISBERGUES near AIRE (HAZEBROUCK 5a) and was billeted in the district. Headquarters were established at HOULERON and Company training was continued.
	ISBERGUES
7/10/17	On the 7th Oct, the Battalion moved from the ISBERGUES district to FONTAINES LES BOULANS (LENS 11) The first part of the journey was by motor bus and the second part by route march the Unit arriving in billets at 2.30 p.m. Training was in progress when orders were received to the Battalion to move nearer the line.
10/10/17	From FONTAINES LES BOULANS the Unit moved by motor bus to BOIS du FRISSART (Sheet 36 B) via BRUAY and BARLIN. Headquarters were at Q.18.a.7.3. (Sheet 36 B). Training while in this camp was prevented by heavy rain.
	AIX-NOULETTE
14/10/17	On the afternoon of the 14th Oct. the Battalion left Camp at BOIS du FROISSART and marched to NOULETTE HUTS (Sheet 36B.R.27.b.2.5) entering the Huts at dusk. The Quartermaster’s Stores and Transport were billeted in the village of BOUVIGNY BOYEFFLES. The Battalion remained in Camp at NOULETTE HUTS until 21st October during which time the roads and paths approaching the Camp were repaired and improved, the huts especially the roofs were repaired and the Camp improved generally.
16/10/17	During the morning of the 16th Oct. one Company moved forward to prepare billets in LIEVEN (LENS 36c.S.W.1.) Working parties were found on the nights of 18th, and 19th Oct. Both nights the parties worked under R.E. supervision on the Communication Trenches known as CROCODILE Trench and ABSOLOM Trench (Sheet 36c.S7W.L-M.24.a&b)
21/10/17	On the night of 21/22 Oct the Unit relieved the 2/5 Bn, South Staffordshire Regiment in the right sub section of the 176th Infantry Brigade Front. The front line was held by two Companies and extended from N.20.a.O.5 to N.20.o.O.1 (Sheet 36c.S.W.1). Three Companies proceeded by train on the Light Railway as far as WHIZBANG CORNER (M.22.d.4.6.). The Company which was previously stationed in LIEVIN proceeded by route march to take up a position in Support at M.30.a.S.9. Battalion Headquarters were at M.30.a.4.9. and the Reserve Company at M.30.a.*.3. in cellars.
	FRONT LINE
24/10/17	On the night of 24/25 Oct. the two Companies in the Front Line were relieved by the Companies in Support and Reserve respectively.
25/10/17	At 11 p.m. on the night of 25th/26th Oct “O” Special Company R.E. carried out a successful GAS ATTACK in the sector immediately on the right of this Unit’s front. Gas was discharged for about a quarter of an hour and the attack was supported by Divisional Artillery and a Heavy Artillery Group. During the eight days in the line the Battalion sustained only nine casualties, 2/Lt H.R. HAMILTON was severely wounded.
29/10/17	On the night 29/30th October the Unit was relieved by the 2/5th Bn. LINCOLN REGIMENT of the 177th Infantry Brigade. The relief was speedy and was completed without incident. On being relieved the Battalion proceeded by platoons to Camp at SOUCHEZ (Sheet 36c.S.W – S.8.a.3.1.)
30/10/17	The day was spent in cleaning arms and equipment. On the night 30/31 Oct and during the day of 31st Oct. working parties were found and work was carried out under R.E. supervision at S.7.d.8.15. and S.9.d.8.15. (Sheet 36c.S.W.)
	Major H.M.C. Curtis took over the command of the Battalion on the 19th October 1917 when Lt. Col. J. Stuart Wortley proceeded on leave to England.
	H M C Curtis MAJOR, commanding 2/6^th South Staffordshire Regiment In the field, 31st October 1917,

NA WO 95/3021

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