2/6th Battalion war diary September 1917

October 20th, 2007

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

September

WINNEZEELE

1/9/19
5 a.m.
The Battalion arrived in camp at WINNEZEELE at 5 a.m. 1st September 1917. Training continued.
  BRANDHOEK
19/9/17 The Battalion moved by march and bus from WINNEZEELE to BRANDHOEK No1 area (G 6 d Central Sheet 28). The camp at WINEZEELE was left at 10.30 a.m. and the Battalion proceeded via STEENVORDE and main YPRES road arriving in new area at 4.30 p.m. 19th September.
  BRANDHOEK
YPRES North Area,
FRONT LINE
GOLDFISH CHATEAU (H11 b 1,3)
20/9/17 At 4.30 on the afternoon of the 20th September the Battalion moved ready for Battle to the YPRES North area (H 11 b 1,3) where it came under the orders of the G.O.C. 55th Division. The Battalion moved under the command of Lieut. Colonel J Stuart Wortley and Major H.M.C. Curtis was in command of all details who remained at BRANDHOEK No1 Area.
On the night 20/21 Sept the Battalion moved to and took up a position in the Old British Front Line to the EAST of OXFORD ROAD (C 29 c) and Headquarters were established at WARWICK FARM.
During the afternoon of the 21st Sept Major H.M.C. Curtis took over the Command of the Battalion.
From the Old British Front Line the Battalion relieved the 165th Infantry Brigade on the night 22/23 Sept in the right sector of the line held by the 55th Division, and were supported by the 2/5th Bn, South Staffordshire Regiment. The disposition of the Battalion was as follows:-
Headquarters POMMERN CASTLE (C 19 a 5 4) “D” Company on the right (Southern Area), “A” Company in the centre at HILL 37, “B” Company on the left in the CAPITOL Area and “C” Company in support at ELMS COURT. Consolidation of the front line was rapidly proceeded with as an advance had been made by the 165th Infantry Brigade on the morning of the 21st.
On the night 23/24th September a heavy hostile artillery barrage proceeded an attempted hostile counter attack. Sentries of this Unit reported that the enemy were preparing to attack. After waiting for developments and making preparations to repel the attack the S.O.S. signal was given and artillery support was at once forthcoming. The Company in support at ELMS CORNER then moved forward to reinforce the Front Line, but the attack did not develop. Slight casualties were sustained.
On the night of the 24/25 September this Unit was relieved in the front line by the 2/4 Leicesters, 2/5 Leicesters and the 2/6 Sherwoods. The Unit then returned to Camp at GOLDFISH CHATEAU YPRES North Area arriving there at 2 a.m. on the morning of 25th September.
At 11 p.m. 25th September the Battalion moved to the Old British Front Line EAST of OXFORD ROAD under the Command of Lieut. Colonel J Stuart Wortley. Battalion Headquarters were at WARWICK FARM and the Battalion was in position by 4 a.m. 26th Sept ready to give immediate support to the attacking units of the 59th Division.
At 5 pm. 26th Sept Orders were received for the Battalion to move forward. Headquarters were established at POMMERN CASTLE and the four Companies entrenched WEST of POMMEN CASTLE. Immediate support to the Battalion in the line was not required and this unit was ordered to take up position previously held in Old British Front Line and arrived there at 1.30 a.m. on the morning of the 28th September.
(See map K.3)
28-29/9/17 On the night 28/29 Sept this Unit relieved the 2/8 and 2/7 Sherwoods in the left sector of the Divisional front. The dispositions of the Companies was:-
“A” Company C 14 b 9.9 to C 14 b 2.3 (Sheet 28) to a depth of 250 yards to TORONTO inclusive and in touch with the 2/6th North Staffordshire Regiment on the left flank.
”D” Company took over the central forward area C 14 a 6.9 to C 14 a 7.3 in depth 250 yards.
”B” and “C” Companies took over the read forward area from C 13 b 9.9 to C 14 a 2.2 (KANSAS CROSS) to a depth of about 300 yards, Battalion Headquarters were at CORNHILL C 18 d 2.9.
29-30/9/17 This Unit was relieved in the Front line by No 2 Company and half of No 13 Company of the 2nd Canterbury Battalion and on relief occupied a position in the Old British Front Line EAST of OXFORD ROAD.
During the time the Battalion was in the front line and in immediate support the Casualties averaged about 20%.
  J Stuart Wortley Lt. Col.
commanding 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment

NA WO 95/3021

2/6th Battalion war diary August 1917

October 19th, 2007

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

August

BARASTRE

1/8/17 The Battalion was in camp under canvas.
  Training took place daily.
13/8/17 176th Infantry Brigade Sports were held.
23/8/17 The Battalion moved to BOUZINCOURT (Map reference sheet 57.D.) by motor bus and route march via OVILLERS LA BOISELLE, and AVELUY.
The first half of the journey was made by motor bus and the second half the Battalion route marched, arriving at BOUZINCOURT at 4.30 p.m. 23rd August.
The Battalion was billeted at cottages and farm houses. Training was continued.
  BOUZINCOURT
30/8/17 The Battalion was ordered to move to WINNEZEELE (Sheet HAZEBROUCK) on the 30th August but the move was postponed for 24 hours.
31/8/17 The Battalion less one Company left BOUZINCOURT at 8.10 a.m. 31st Aug. and entrained at AVELUY at 9 a.m. arriving at HOPOUTRE near POPERRINGHE (Sheet HAZEBROUCK) at 10 p.m. 31st August.
After detraining the Battalion left HOPOUTRE at 12 midnight and marched to Camp at WINNEZEELE via ABEELE and STEENVORDE, arriving in camp at 5 a.m. 1st September.
One Company entrained at AVELUY at 8 p.m. 31st August and arrived at WINNEZEELE at 7 p.m. 1st Sept.
  J Stuart Wortley Lt. Col.
commanding 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment

NA WO 95/3021

2/6th Battalion war diary July 1917

October 19th, 2007

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

July

EQUANCOURT

1/7/17 to
2/7/17
Enemy artillery active HAVRINCOURT WOOD heavily shelled.
Relived in front line trenches by 2/4 Leicestershire Regiment and thus then proceeded to EQUANCOURT and went under canvas at that place.
2/7/17 to
7/7/17
Battalion employed in cleaning up . Special training commenced and traing of Specialists carried on with.
7/7/17 Battalion moved into Corps rest a o 10 c near BARASTRES sheet 57c.SW travelling via LECHELLE-BUS-BARASTRE.
  BARASTRES
8/7/17 Battalion employed improving camp.
9/7/17 to
14/7/17
Intensive training carried on. Specialist training continued. Practice in trench to trench and open warfare carried out.
14/7/17 Battalion sports held to chose representatives for the Battalion at Divisional Sports to be held on the 22nd July.
15/7/17 to
21/7/17
Intensive training and tactical exercises carried out.
22/7/17 Divisional Sports held.
23/7/17 to
26/7/17
Continued training including musketry and specialist training.
27/7/17 Divisional tactical exercise carried out on our SOMME battlefield near SAILLY-SAILLISEL
28/7/17 Intensive training carried on.
29/7/17 to
30/7/17
Church Parade held on 29th Training carried on with.
31/7/17 Brigade tactical success carried out near HAPLINCOURT.
During the month opportunity was given to Officers and Men to visit AMIENS, and leave to ENGLAND allotted.
  MaxClxxx for Lt. Col.
commanding 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment

NA WO 95/3021

2/6th Battalion war diary June 1917

October 19th, 2007

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

map reference 62c.NE
Sheets 57cSE 57cNE

1917

June

ROISEL

30/5/17

Battalion moved to EQUANCOURT – the Route MARQUAIX – AIZECOURT LE BAS – MURLU – EQUANCOURT. Went into Divisional Reserve under canvas at V 11 a O 4.

  EQUANCOURT
1/6/17 to
4/6/17
Intensive training carried on and Specialists trained.
Brigade sports held at V 11 a O 4.
5/6/17 “B” and “C” Companies moved to NEUVILLE BOURJONVAL and worked under Corps Roads Officer for four days.
9/6/17 “A” and “D” Companies relived “B” and “C” Companies at NEUVILL BOURJONVAL and carried on the same duties.
10/6/17 Battalion relieved the 2/7 Sherwood Foresters in Reserve at NEUVILLE.
  NEUVILLE BOURJONVAL
11/6/17 to
22/6/17
All available men on working parties digging C.T.s from HAVRINCOURT WOOD to front line in Q5 c and d.
12/6/17 Lt. Col. Stuart Wortley re-joined the Battalion. I took over command.
23/6/17 Front line trench and HAVRINCOURT WOOD shelled with 4.2’s.
24/6/17 Men employed in improving trenches – digging shelters and latrines.
25/6/17 Enemy artillery active in counter battery work. BILHEM FARM shelled with 4.2’s.
10.30 p.m. Our front line and support trenches shelled by trench morters and 77m.m. gas shells.
26/6/17 Artillery again employed in counter battery work – Our support line and BILHEM FARM shelled with 4.2’s. 10.30 p.m. Enemy machine guns active traversing our parapets.
27/6/17 FINS and HAVRINCOURT WOOD heavily shelled – our communication trench and front line shelled by Whizbangs. German O.P. noticed by our observers at K 36 d 02.
- artillery ranged on it and obtained two direct hits.
28/6/17 12 to 12.30 p.m. front line in Q 5 d shelled with 4.2’s. Enemy works observed at L 20 e and d.
29/6/17 Front line trench shelled by MINHEM WERFERS. 7 – 7.15 p.m. shelled with whizbangs.
3 p.m. Enemy battery spotted by our observers. Enemy O.P. discovered at L 32 b 37.
30/6/17 Enemy artillery quiet.
Each night from th 23 June to 1st July aggressive patrols left our lines no enemy patrols were encountered.
  J Stuart Wortley, Lt. Col.
commanding 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment

NA WO 95/3021

2/6th Battalion war diary May 1917

October 15th, 2007

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

May

ROISEL

1/5/17

Two Officers and 100 men working under Town Major ROISEL.

2/5/17

9-10 pm

ROISEL shelled by enemy with H.E. Six officers 330 O.R.s working under R.E. supervision.

3/5/17 Men employed cleaning up town & digging public latrines.
 

HAMELET

3/5/17

Battalion and Battalion H.Q. moved to HAMELET.

4/5/17

2 Officers 150 O.R. working under R.E. supervision. Enemy aircraft very active.

5/5/17 Enemy having been reported to be concentrating at MALAKOF Fm Battalion moved into support at ROISEL
 

BUELLES WR

6/5/17

Two companies “C” and “D” relieved two companies 2/7 Sherwood Foresters in support at Ruslles Wood. All available men engaged wiring on main line of resistance.

 

ADVANCE POSTS

7/5/17

Two companies “A” and “B” relieved two companies 2/6 North Staffords in Advance Posts. Men engaged improving Advance Posts held. This was continued on 8th and 9th instant.

10/5/17 Battalion relieved 2/6 North Staffords in front line.
11/5/17 Our artillery very active heavily bombarding enemy front line. Our petards active. All available men employed carrying R.E. stores up to front line and improving and extending trenches. Wiring in from of advanced posts. One post in Luany (L5 a 9 2) heavily shelled with 5.9”.
3-10 pm One of our aeroplanes driven down by enemy. Pilot wounded in the arm got safely into our front line trench. Enemy observed digging and wiring in front of HINDENBURG LINE.
12/5/17 Our post at L 11 b 9.9 heavily shelled with 4.2’s. Wiring in front of advanced posts improved.
13/5/17
10.55 am, 3.15&4.50 pm
HARGICOURT heavily shelled with whiz-bangs & H.E. Eneny snipers active. Wiring and improvement of trenches continued.
14/5/17 Our Battalion relieved by 2/6 North Staffords in front line. Enemy artillery again. One Coy. remaining in main line of resistance.
  Wiring in front of advance post position and improvement of trenches continued. 4 Sherwood Foresters buried.
 

ROISEL

15/5/17 to
19/5/17
Special training continued. Men employed digging and wiring on main line of resistance under R.E. supervision.
 

ADVANCE POSTS

19/5/17 to
20/5/17
Our Battalion moved from ROISEL and relieved 2/6 North Staffords in front line.
Our patrols active.
20/5/17 Considerable aerial activity on both sides. All available men wiring in front of advanced posts under R.E. supervision. Trenches improved and extended.
21/5/17
5.10 pm
Enemy artillery active HARGICOURT heavily shelled also artillery O.P.’s. All available men employed wiring improving trenches xxxxx.
 

ROISEL

21-24/5/17 Our Battalion relieved in advanced posts by Inniskilling Dragoons and Central India Horse and moved to ROISEL.
24-30/5/17 Men employed bathing and cleaning up. Wiring parties as strong as possible proceeding mightily to work on wiring in front of main line of resistance under R.E. supervision.
Specialist training continued.
  MacClxxx Major 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment

NA WO 95/3021

2/6th Battalion war diary April 1917

February 14th, 2007

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries


1917

April MONS en CHAUSSEE
30th Friday One party consisting of 1 Officer and 50 Other Ranks at work under R.E. instructions.
One party consisting of 20 Other Ranks at work under R.E. instructions.
One party consisting of 3 Officers and 150 Other Ranks at work under R.E. instructions.
31st Saturday One party consisting of 3 Officers and 150 Other Ranks at work under R.E. instructions.
One party consisting of 20 Other Ranks at work under R.E. instructions.
1st Sunday Church parades in morning. One party consisting of one Officer and 55 Other Ranks at work under R.E. instruction.
2nd Monday The Battalion marched to Hancourt via Estres-en-Chaussee and Vraignes. Time of departure 8.30 a.m. arrival at Hancourt 10.20 a.m. One party consisting of 1 Officer and 50 Other Ranks at work under R.E. instructions.
  HANCOURT
3rd Tuesday One party consisting of 1 Officer and 55 Other Ranks at work under R.E. instructions. Remainder of available men on reserve line of cruiform parts.
4th Wednesday 4 parties consisting in all of 4 Officers and 220 Other Ranks at work under R.E. Remainder of Battalion at work on reserve line of cruciform parts. We supplied a guard over one of our own aeroplanes which alighted E. of Vraignes about 4 p.m. 3/4/17.
5th Thursday  
  MONTIGNY FARM
6th Friday 10.50 a.m. Battalion arrived at new position of K 35 d 97. Shelled by H.E. and Shrapnel during the afternoon.
7th Saturday Two companies engaged digging advanced posts. Post at L 26 a 74 held by 1 Sgt. and 20 men.
8th Sunday 2 Officers 40 men at work under R.E. supervision.
9th Monday 11.45 a.m. Patrol reported moving enemy in haste along line Chalson - Ascension Farm. "B" Company sort possession of Le Verguier and established themselves in enemy trenches South end of village. "C" company closed South end of Grand Preil Wood with rifle and H.E. fire and dug themselves in.
10th Tuesday Battalion moved into reserve at Isencourt.
11th Wednesday Major J. Stuart Wortley, C.O. Battalion wounded.
12th Thursday

-

14th Saturday

Battalion at work on new front line trenches and wiring in front of Isencourt under R.E. supervison. 14/4/17 one of our observation balloons brought down by hostile aeroplane in flames at 7.30 p.m.
15th Sunday 4 Officers and 145 O.R. at work under R.E. supervision.
16th Monday Battalion moved up to trenches in support of K.C. at L 21 d 95 to L 27 d 80.
17th Tuesday Relieved K.C. in advanced position.
  ACHIET le PETIT
18th Wednesday Patrols sent out found touch with enemy. Enemy artillery very active.
20th Friday Two patrols sent out before and after barrage came in contact with enemy patrols which were dispersed. Advanced parties at L 23 c 74 and L 28 c 57 moved through post at L 30 A 12 and 2 supply post L 30 A 13 dug. Enemy rifle patrols discovered by patrol at L 24 c 19.
21st Saturday Our Battalion relieved by K.E. and took up position in support trenches from L 20 c 02 to L 78 a 04. Some aerial activity on part of the enemy. Achet le Petit strengthened and improved.
22nd Sunday Enemy artillery quiet. Enemy O.P. discovered at L 24 b 25. Enemy Ob. balloon destroyed by us at 5.30 p.m.
23rd Monday 3 Off. and 96 O.R. employed digging mining from L 28 a 88 to L 22 c 8.5 & L 28 a 02 to L28 a 04. 1 Off. and 86 O.R. carrying for K.C. 1 Company standing to. 3 of our aircraft destroyed by enemy.
24th Tuesday K.C. pushed forward against enemy rifle pits. Enemy artillery active.
25th Wednesday German work at b 20 d 45 discussed. Battalion relieved R.C. in advanced posts. Post improved and strengthened. Enemy sent airplane at 6 a.m.
26th Thursday Enemy artillery quiet. Enemy work at b 20 d 45 skilled, infantry left hurriedly. Advanced wired and improved.
27th Friday Post No 4 at L 24 c 43 heavily shelled, also trenches at L 23 c 28. Wiring on advanced posts continued.
28th Saturday Battalion relieved in advanced posts by L.I. and moved to ROISEL.
29th Sunday Men employed cleaning up, bathing etc.
30th Monday Number Classes started in L.G. sweeping and scouting.
MacClxxx Major 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment

2/6th Battalion war diary March 1917

January 5th, 2007

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

March MERICOURT SUR SOMME
1st Friday The Battalion proceeded by route march to MERICOURT-SUR-SOMME and were billeted in huts.
2nd Saturday to 7th Thursday The Battalion remained at MERICOURT-SUR-SOMME. The training of all specialists was continued. The advanced Party who had been attached to the 9th Durham Light Infantry for instruction rejoined the Battalion on the 2nd March.
  FOUCAUCOURT
8th Friday The Battalion proceeded by route march to FOUCAUCOURT and were again billeted in huts. On this day the Battalion became battalion in Brigade reserve.
9th Saturday Two Officers and one Platoon from each company proceeded to front line and were attached to the 2/5th North Staffordshire Regiment for instruction.
  GENERMONT
10th Sunday to 13th Wednesday Several enemy H.E. shells fell near the men’s huts and exploded without causing casualties. The Battalion relieved the 2/5th North Staffordshire Regt. in front line sector immediately south of Genermont (Map reference Sheet 62 C SW Edition 3A) from T.15.a.3.7 to T.9.b.8.7. Those trenches were held by the Battalion until the night of the 14th March. No operations were undertaken either by the Battalion or the enemy on this front during this period. Enemy snipers were busy the whole time. B Company had 4 casualties on the 13th March. Rain fell heavily on two nights. Communication and front line trenches were very wet and muddy in some places the mud being knee deep. Great difficulty was experienced in getting up water and rations owing to the mud and the men were very exhausted.
  BERNY
14th Thursday The Battalion were relieved by the 2/5th North Staffordshire Regt. and went into support relieving the 2/6th North Staffordshire Regt. in support trenches at BERNY.
  FOUCAUCOURT
15th Friday Owing to the exhausted condition of the men and the number of sick the Battalion were relieved by the 2/6th The Sherwood Forresters and proceeded by march to FOUCACOURT where they were billeted in huts being temporarily attached to the 178th Infantry Brigade.
16th Saturday Lieutenant-Colonel G.J. Speir handed over command of the Battalion to Major J. Stuart-Wortley. The men were engaged cleaning clothing and equipment and making up deficiencies.
17th Sunday and 18th Monday The Battalion were engaged cleaning clothing and equipment and making up deficiencies.
19th Tuesday Orders received for the Battalion to move on the 20th March and occupy the old front line trenches south of GENERMONT.
  GENERMONT
20th Wednesday The Battalion marched to GENERMONT and occupied the dugouts in the old front line trenches south of GENERMONT.
  BERNY-FRESNES-MISERY Road
21st Thursday to 23rd Saturday All available strength engaged on Divisional line of communication remaking the BERNY-FRESNES-MISERY road.
  FRESNES
23rd Saturday The Battalion moved forward and occupied the German dugouts at FRESNES
  BERNY-FRESNES-MISERY Road
24th Sunday to 26th Tuesday All available strength engaged as on 21st, 22nd & 23rd.
  Between MAZENCOURT and MISERY
27th Wednesday The Battalion moved forward and occupied the German dugouts between MAZENCOURT and MISERY.
  MONS-EN-CHAUSSEE
28th Thursday The Battalion marched from MISERY to MONS-EN-CHAUSSEE and were billeted here in cellars. All houses, wells and fruit trees in this town were destroyed by the enemy before their retirement.
29th Friday One officer and 60 other ranks engaged on Divisional lines of communication, remaking the BRIE-PRUSLE road at P 25 c 2.4. where enemy mine had been sprung. The remainder of the Battalion were engaged cleaning out cellars at MONS-EN-CHAUSSEE.
30th & 31st In April diary
  J. Stuart-Wortley Lt. Col.Commanding 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment

2/6th Battalion war diary February 1917

December 14th, 2006

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1917

February CODFORD WILTS.
24th Saturday Instruction received under secret cover to embark at Southampton.
25th Sunday Entrained at Codford Station. Lt. Col. G.J. Speir in command, 31 officers and 653 other ranks. Arrived Southampton 11.30 a.m. Embarked on H.M.S. VIPER at 4.00 p.m.
26th Monday Disembarked at Havre at 7 a.m. and proceeded to No. 5 Rest Camp. Entrained at midnight and proceeded to SALEUX arriving there ar 4 p.m. and billeted at DURY.
27th Tuesday Entrained at midnight and proceeded to SALEUX arriving there ar 4 p.m. and billeted at DURY.
28th Wednesday Proceeded by march to FOUILLOY and billeted there for the night. Transport party and first line transport rejoined unit on this march from GLISY.
  G.J. Speir Lt. Col.Commanding 2/6th South Staffordshire Regiment

2/6th Battalion war diary February 1916

December 14th, 2006

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

February SAINT ALBANS
14th Monday Major General A.E. Sandbach C.B. D.S.O. took over line command of the 2/1st NORTH MIDLAND DIVISION vice Major General R.A.R. READ C.B.
16th Wednesday Colonel (since Brigadier General) L.R. CARLETON took over line command of the 176th INFANTRY BRIGADE vice Colonel H.C. POLE-GELL.
26th Saturday 273 Recruits, enlisted under LORD DERBY’S scheme, were taken on the strength of the Battalion this month making a total of 373 recruits on the said strength and completing the present establishment of this Battalion of 850 men.
  St. Albans 29.2.16 H. TAYLOR Lt. Col.Commanding 2/6th Battalion,
The South Staffordshire Regiment

2/6th Battalion war diary January 1916

December 14th, 2006

2/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

January SAINT ALBANS
January SAINT ALBANS
26th Wednesday 100 Short M.L.E. MARK III* sighted H.V.A. Rifles received and 25 issued to each company
29th Saturday 100 Recruits, enlisted under LORD DERBY’S scheme, were taken on the strength of the Battalion this week.
  H. TAYLOR Lt. Col.Commanding 2/6th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment