Black Country Territorials

Battalion war diary June 1916

October 21st, 2009

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

June	SUS-ST-LEGER
1st Thursday	Battalion practised ‘The Attack’.
2nd Friday	Battalion practised ‘The Attack’.
3rd Saturday	Battalion at disposal of Company Commanders for interior economy.
4th Sunday	SUNDAY
5th Monday	Battalion practised ‘The Attack’.
6th Tuesday	Battalion practised bayonet fighting. Physical exercises. The Battalion marched to HUMBERCAMP.
	HUMBERCAMP
7th Wednesday	Battalion engaged as working party.
8th Thursday	Battalion engaged as working party.
9th Friday	Battalion engaged as working party.
10th Saturday	Battalion engaged as working party.
11th Sunday	Battalion engaged as working party.
12th Monday	Battalion engaged as working party.
13th Tuesday	Battalion engaged as working party.
14th Wednesday	Battalion engaged as working party.
15th Thursday	Battalion engaged as working party.
16th Friday	Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Leicestershire Regiment in the trenches. Right Sector, FONQUEVILLERS.
	FONQUEVILLERS
17th Saturday	Quiet day.
18th Sunday	Quiet day. Battalion was relieved in the trenches by 1/5^th Leicestee Regiment and proceeded to old billets at SUS-ST-LEGER arriving there at 6.30 a.m.
	SUS-ST-LEGER
19th Monday	Cleaning of clothing and equipment.
20th Tuesday	The Battalion practised ‘The Attack’.
21st Wednesday	Battalion at disposal of Company Commanders for interior economy.
22nd Thursday	Battalion marched to SOUASTRE
	SOUASTRE
23rd Friday	Working parties found for the trenches as FONQUEVILLERS.
24th Saturday	Working parties found for the trenches as FONQUEVILLERS.
25th Sunday	Working parties found for the trenches as FONQUEVILLERS.
26th Monday	Bathing. Working parties found for the trenches as FONQUEVILLERS.
27th Tuesday	Bathing. Working parties found for the trenches as FONQUEVILLERS.
28th Wednesday	Working parties found for the trenches as FONQUEVILLERS.
29th Thursday	Operations to be carried out on 29-6-1916 cancelled. See War Diary for 1-7-1916.
30th Friday	The Battalion proceeded to the trenches at FONQUEVILLERS at 8.45 p.m.
	TOTAL CASUALTIES FOR THE MONTH:- Other ranks killed 5 Other ranks wounded 27 Other ranks wounded & at duty nil Other ranks Died of wounds 2
	R.C. PIPER, Captain & Adjutant. For Lieut. Colonel, Commanding 1/6^th Battn. South Staffordshire Regiment.

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

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Battalion war diary May 1916

October 21st, 2009

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

May	MONCHY BRETON
1st Monday	Battalion Training
2nd Tuesday	Battalion Training
3rd Wednesday	Battalion Training
	IVERGNY
4th Thursday	The Battalion marched to IVERGNY
	ST. AMAND
5th Friday	The Battalion marched to ST. AMAND.
	FONQUEVILLERS
6th Saturday	‘A’ & ‘B’ companies proceeded to FONQUEVILLERS & took over F. G. H. J. Works, Fort Dick, Junction Keep & La Hale Farm. ‘C’ & ‘D’ Companies occupied dugouts etc in FONQUEVILLERS.
7th Sunday	In Brigade Reserve
8th Monday	In Brigade Reserve
9th Tuesday	In Brigade Reserve
10th Wednesday	In Brigade Reserve
11th Thursday	In Brigade Reserve
12th Friday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th Battn. North Staffs. Regt in the Centre Sector.
13th Saturday	An anti-aircraft gun was brought up into action around 12 midday by the enemy. Previously from 8-30 a.m. to noon Machine Gun and Rifle fire had only been used by the enemy against our aeroplanes. Quiet day.
14th Sunday	Quiet day.
15th Monday	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.
16th Tuesday	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.
17th Wednesday	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.
18th Thursday	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.
19th Friday	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.
20th Saturday	SUS-ST-LEGER
21st Sunday	Resting
22nd Monday	Battalion training
23rd Tuesday	Battalion training
24th Wednesday	Battalion engaged as a working party at LUNCHEUX FORREST.
25th Thursday	Battalion engaged as a working party at LUNCHEUX FORREST.
26th Friday	Battalion practised ‘The Attack’
27th Saturday	Battalion engaged as a working party at LUNCHEUX FORREST.
28th Sunday	Route March
29th Monday	Battalion engaged as a working party at LUNCHEUX FORREST.
30th Tuesday	Battalion practised ‘The Attack’
31st Wednesday	Battalion engaged as a working party at LUNCHEUX FORREST.
	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

With thanks to Roy Evans

NA WO 95/2687

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Battalion war diary April 1916

January 14th, 2008

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

APRIL	NEUVILLE ST VAAST
1st Saturday	In Brigade Reserve.
2nd Sunday	ditto.
3rd Monday	ditto.
4th Tuesday	Battalion relieved the 1/5th Battn South Staffs Regt in the trenches, relief being reported complete at 8-35 p.m.
5th Wednesday	Quiet day. Enemy fired a few shells over OS63.OS65 and POUQUET this morning from 10-35 a.m. to 11-30 a.m.
6th Thursday	Quiet day.
7th Friday	Quiet day.
8th Saturday	Quiet day. Seven kites observed in a chain over Sector on our right.
9th Sunday	Quiet day. Our heavy and Field Artillery active opposite 064. Some reply from enemy’s Field Guns. Battalion relieved in the trenches by the 1/5th Btn South Staffs Regiment.
	ECOIVRES
10th Monday	In Divisional Reserve.
11th Tuesday	ditto.
12th Wednesday	ditto.
13th Thursday	ditto.
14th Friday	ditto.
	NEUVILLE ST VAAST
15th Saturday	Battalion relieved 1/5th Battn South Staffs Regiment in the trenches. Relief reported complete 11-15 p.m.
16th Sunday	Artillery activity from dawn till noon by enemy Howitzers and Field Guns against fire and support trenches. Also 063 and OS63 bombarded with light aerial torpedoes. Artillery active on both sides between 6 p.m. & 7 p.m. our artillery bombarding the enemy trenches. About midnight two mines were exploded on our left, followed by a heavy bombardment.
17th Monday	Quiet day.
18th Tuesday	At 6-55 p.m. the enemy blew in left side of Y Listening Post, and we occupied & consolidated the rear lip of the crater, known as B5. Otherwise a quiet day.
19th Wednesday	From 10-30 p.m. to 11-30 p.m. our artillery bombarded the enemy’s position opposite the left of the Divisional Sector. Some artillery reply from enemy. Otherwise a quiet day.
20th Thursday	Enemy bombarded the trenches on our left at 6-30 p.m. for 3/4 of an hour. Otherwise a quiet day.
21st Friday	The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 8th Border Regt, 75 Bde, 25th Division, and proceeded to MONCHY BRETON, the 46th Division being ordered to rest.
22nd Saturday	Battalion resting.
23rd Sunday	Easter Day.
24th Monday	Cleaning of clothing and equipment.
25th Tuesday	ditto.
26th Wednesday	“B” Company inspected by Brigadier General Commanding 137th Bde. Lecture by Commanding Officer to Officers, C.S. Majors and Platoon Sergeants on Bayonet Fighting. Inspection of clothing by Quartermaster. Battalion Training.
27th Thursday	Physical Drill. Squad Drill. Platoon Drill. Bayonet Fighting. Lecture and instruction by Adjutant to N.C.O’s on Guards and Guard Mounting.
28th Friday	ditto.
29th Saturday	Physical Drill. Platoon Drill. Bayonet Fighting. Rifle Exercises.
30th Sunday	SUNDAY. Casualties for tour :- 5 other ranks killed. 2 other ranks died of wounds. 1 other ranks missing. 10 other ranks wounded. 6 other ranks Wounded but still at duty.
	Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding 1/6th Battalion,The South Staffordshire Regiment 30-04-1916

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Battalion war diary March 1916

January 14th, 2008

1/6th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

MARCH	AUTHEUX
1st Wednesday	Battalion Training:- Rapid loading. Fire direction & control. Route march by Companies. Bayonet Fighting. Bomb practice.
2nd Thursday	Battalion training:- Judging Distance. Fire Direction & Control. Bayonet Fighting. Platoon drill. Route March by Companies. Battalion Drill.
3rd Friday	Battalion Training:- Musketry on Range. Battalion Drill.
4th Saturday	Battalion Training:- Bayonet Fighting. Fire Direction & Control. Judging Distance. Musketry on Range. Battalion Drill.
5th Sunday	SUNDAY
6th Monday	Battalion marched to New Billets at REBREUVIETTE.
7th Tuesday	The Battalion marched into assembly trenches North East of VERMEILLES.
8th Wednesday	Battalion marched to New Billets at HOUVIN.
9th Thursday	Battalion marched to New Billets at MAZIERES.
10th Friday	Battalion training in billets.
11th Saturday	Battalion march to New Billets at MONT ST ELOY. Advance party proceeded to Trenches at NEUVILLE ST. VAAST.
12th Sunday	Machine Gunners, Bombers, Signallers proceeded to Trenches.
13th Monday	Battalion relieved the 50th French Regiment in the Trenches at NEUVILLES ST. VAAST. Relief reported complete Midnight 13/14-3-1916
14th Tuesday	Quiet day.
15th Wednesday	Quiet day.
	NEUVILLE ST. VAAST
16th Thursday	Quiet day.
17th Friday	Quiet day except for a little bombing which ceased when we replied vigorously.
18th Saturday	Quiet day.
19th Sunday	Enemy directed many rifle grenades against Y listening post. A little H.E. Shelling by enemy over Parallel 8 & ST. VAAST. Battalion was relieved in the trenches by 1/5th South Staffs Regt.
20th Monday	Working parties found for Hutments etc.
21st Tuesday	ditto.
22nd Wednesday	ditto.
23rd Thursday	ditto.
24th Friday	ditto.
25th Saturday	The Battn. relieved the 1/5th South Staffs Regt in the Trenches. Relief reported complete 11-15 p.m.
26th Sunday	Quiet day on our front. Our Field Guns shelled trenches beyond B6. Heavy Bombing and M.G. fire in the sector on our right.
27th Monday	Very quiet day, until 10 p.m. when enemy commenced heavy fire with mortars, Field Guns, rifle grenades, and machine Guns on ground between 063 ans OS63,064 and OR64. This ceased upon vigorous action of our Field Guns. Enemy trench mortars fired intermittently single bombs during the night.
28th Tuesday	Enemy fired eleven heavy trench bombs which fell behind 065 and 064 between 6 a.m. and noon.
29th Wednesday	Enemy shelled our trenches heavily from 2 p.m. to 2-20 p.m. using Howitzers and H.E., concentrating upon 063, 064, OS03, OS64 with H.E. and the ground between these trenches with Howitzers. Our Artillery barrage operated very quickly. At 6-50 p.m. last night we sprang a mine which formed a crater on left of B4. The whole was occupied and partly consolidated. Our Artillery support followed prompt upon the explosion, and was excellent in effect. The enemy severely bombarded PAYERNE TRENCH and 063, 064, OS63, OS64 with H.E. His Howitzers damaged BOYOU DES ONDES and DENIS LAROQUE. Intermittent artillery fire continued till 8 p.m. and from that time the situation was quiet, and the work of repairing and consolidating was pressed on.
30th Thursday	Quiet day. Battalion relieved by 1/5th Btn South Staffs Regt in the trenches, and went into Brigade Reserve in billets at NEUVILLE ST VAAST.
31st Friday	In Brigade Reserve Casualties for tour :- 2/Lieutenant C.R. Pearson. Killed. 18-3-1916. Lieutenant G.H. Smith. Died of wounds. 29-3-1916. Lieutenant P.H. Highfield-Jones. Wounded 16-3-1916. Captain H.A. Page. Slightly wounded. (At duty) 18-3-1916. 2/Lieutenant J.P. Miller. Wounded. 30-3-1916 3 Other Ranks killed. 15 Other Ranks Wounded. (2 slightly remaining at duty)
	J H J Thursfield, Major, for OC1 6th Battalion,The South Staffordshire Regiment 31-03-1916

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Battalion war diary February 1916

January 13th, 2008

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

FEBRUARY	^ALEXANDRIA
1^st Tuesday	Platoon drill. Company Drill. Bathing for whole Battalion.
2^nd Wednesday	Platoon drill. Company Drill. Bathing for whole Battalion.
3^rd Thursday	Inspection by G.O.C. 137^th Infantry Brigade.
4^th Friday	Day spent in issuing and fitting of equipment etc, and clearing of Camp prior to moving.
5^th Saturday	Battalion entrained at SIDI BISHR tram station for the Docks, embarking on H.T. “Transylvania” at 10 a.m. together with the remainder of the 137^th Infantry Brigade.
6^th Sunday to 9^th Wednesday	AT SEA
	MARSEILLES
10^th Thursday	Ship arrived in MARSEILLES HARBOUR, FRANCE at 1 p.m.
11^th Friday	Troops did not disembark.
12^th Saturday	Battalion disembarked at 8-15 a.m. and entrained at ARENC station at 10 a.m.
13^th Sunday	Journey continued.
	VAUCHELLES
14^th Monday	Battalion detrained at 10 a.m. at LONG PRE station, and marched to VAUCHELLES, taking up billets there.
15^th Tuesday	Route march during morning by Companies. Company and platoon drill in the afternoon.
16^th Wednesday	Bayonet Fighting. Route march. Lectures to companies. Company and platoon drill.
17^th Thursday	Running Drill. Route march. Practice in bomb-throwing. Bayonet fighting. Instruction given to Lewis Machine Gun Section under formation. Lecture to N.C.O’s by Rgt Sgt Major.
18^th Friday	Extended order drill. Physical exercises. Bayonet fighting. Bomb throwing practice. Lecture to N.C.O’s on “Company in attack” by Adjutant.
19^th Saturday	Physical exercises. Bayonet fighting. Judging distance. Route march by Companies. Fire control and Fire discipline. Lecture to N.C.O’s on “Fire discipline and control”.
20^th Sunday	SUNDAY
	BEAUMETZ
21^st Monday	The Battalion moved into new billets at BEAUMETZ, arriving there at 2 p.m.
22^nd Tuesday	Instruction carried out on range. Trained bombers put through a refresher course at trenches. Companies at disposal of Company Commanders for Company and Platoon drill.
23^rd Wednesday	Bayonet fighting. Route march by companies. Trained bombers continued refresher course. Snipers practiced on Range. Judging distance. Fire control. Fire discipline. Lecture to Companies on “C.D.S.307.C.D.S.312″. Lewis M.G. instruction continued.
24^th Thursday	Programme for 23^rd repeated.
25^th Friday	Programme for 23^rd repeated.
26^th Saturday	Physical exercises. Bayonet fighting. Route march. Judging distances. Fire direction and control. Rapid loading.
27^th Sunday	Bomb throwing instruction. Lectures on bombs to Coys. Bad weather interfered with programme of work, which could not be carried out.
28^th Monday	Physical exercises. Route march by Companies. Bayonet fighting. Platoon drill.
	AUTHEUX
29^th Tuesday	The Battalion moved into fresh billets at AUTHEUX, arriving there at 1 p.m.
	F. N. Law,Lieut. Colonel Commanding 6^th Battalion,The South Staffordshire Regiment 29-02-1916

Notes:
CDS 307 “Defensive Measures Against Gas Attack”.

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Battalion war diary January 1916

January 12th, 2008

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1916

JANUARY	MARSEILLES FRANCE
1^st Saturday	Battalion held in readiness to embark.
2^nd Sunday	The Battalion embarked at Mole “D” MARSEILLES on board H.M.S. “MAGNIFICENT”, together with 1/5^th South Staffs Rgt, 1/1^st and 1/2^nd Field Coys R.E. 46^th N.M. Division.
3^rd Monday to 7^th Friday	At sea.
	ALEXANDRIA EGYPT
8^th Saturday	Ship entered ALEXANDRIA HARBOUR and anchored for the night.
9^th Sunday	First portion of the Battalion entrained for SHALLUFA STATION at 11 p.m.
10^th Monday	Remainder of Battalion entrained for SHALLUFA STATION at 2 a.m. 10-1-1916, arriving there at 1 p.m. Crossing the SUEZ CANAL from SHALLUFA STATION.
	SHALLUFA
11^th Tuesday	Day spent in bringing the remainder of baggage and rations across the SUEZ CANAL from SHALLUFA STATION.
12^th Wednesday	Physical drill. Company drill. Inspection of arms and ammunition. Lecture to Coys on “CUSTOMS OF THE COUNTRY”.
13^th Thursday	Entire Battalion engaged on fatigue work in connection with the arrival at station of remainder of Brigade.
14^th Friday	Physical Exercise. Drill by Platoons. Lectures to Coys on “DUTIES OF PICQUET IN OUTPOST LINE”. Extended order drill. Fire Control. Rapid loading. Company drill. Drill in guards and guard mounting.
15^th Saturday	Drill by Platoons. Extended order drill. Fire control. Rapid loading. Company drill. Drill in guards and guard mounting.
16^th Sunday	137^th I. Brigade less 1/5^th S. Staffs Rgt assembled at 8 a.m. for a manoeuvre parade, returning at 3 p.m.
17^th Monday	Brig. General Commanding 137^th I. Bde inspected the Battn at drill. Company drill etc. performed afterwards.
18^th Tuesday	Kit inspection. Drill by Platoons. Company drill. Btn drill.
19^th Wednesday	Physical exercise. Squad drill. Battn drill. Bayonet fighting. Lecture to Coys on “Extended order drill”.
20^th Thursday	Physical exercise. Squad drill. Battn drill. Bayonet fighting. Lecture to Coys on “Extended order drill”.
21^st Friday	Physical exercise. Squad drill. Platoon drill. Battn drill. Company drill. Lecture to Coys on “Fire control and fire discipline”. Lecture to officers on the compass.
22^nd Saturday	Physical exercise. Guards and Sentry duties. Platoon drill. Company drill. Battn drill. Lecture to Coys on “Outposts”.
23^rd Sunday	SUNDAY
24^th Monday	Physical exercise.
25^th Tuesday	(Musketry Instruction.) Inspection tests.
26^th Wednesday	The Battalion proceeded into the Desert to No 3 Post, 61 1/2 o N.E. of SHALLUFA, true bearing, and proceeded to construct this Post. Trenches were dug, and revetting and wiring were commenced.
27^th Thursday	Work on No 3 Post continued.
28^th Friday	The Battalion were ordered to return to former Camp, arriving there at 4 p.m.
29^th Saturday	Battalion in attack. Fire control. Fire direction. Judging distance.
30^th Sunday	The Battalion entrained at SHALLUFA STATION at 8 a.m. for ALEXANDRIA, detraining at SIDI GABA STATION at 6 p.m. and then proceeded to SIDI BISHR CAMP, encamping there.
31^st Monday	All tents repitched and camp put in order.
	R.C. Piper. Catain and Adjutant for Lieut. Colonel. Commanding 1/6^th Battn South Staffs Regiment.

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Battalion War Diary December 1915

January 11th, 2008

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1915

DECEMBER	^{CROIX BARBEE}
1^st Wednesday	As much indoor training carried out as possible. All of the men of the Battalion bathed.
2^nd Thursday	The Battalion relieved the 1/6^th North Staffs Rgt in the Trenches.
3^rd Friday	All quiet on our front.
4^th Saturday	The Battalion was relived in the trenches by the 7^th King’s Own Royal L. Rgt, 56^th Brigade, 19^th Division, and proceeded to Rest Billets at Croix Barbee.
	PACAUT
5^th Sunday	The Battalion marched to PACAUT, and took billets there.
6^th Monday	Inspection of clothing and kits. Inspection of arms and ammunition. Lectures on “Duties on board ship”, by Company Commanders.
7^th Tuesday	Inspection of Companies by Commanding Officer. Inspection of Battalion by the G.O.C. 46^th Division.
8^th Wednesday	Inspection of Platoons by platoon Comanders. Drill in guard mounting. Route march by Companies. Lectures to Platoons on “Care of arms and ammunition”.
9^th Thursday	The morning was devoted to the cleaning of equipment and clothing. Route march.
10^th Friday	Drill in Guard Mounting. Route march by Companies. Lectures to Platoons on “Duties in Barracks” and Extended Order Drill.
11^th Saturday	Platoon Drill under the Regimental Sgt. Major. Route march. All subaltern officers and senior N.C.O’s lectured by Rgt. Sgt. Major on “Barrack Discipline”. Company Drill.
12^th Sunday	Sunday.
13^th Monday	Platoon Drill. Company Drill. Route March. Lectures by Regimental Sgt. Major.
14^th Tuesday	A Composite Company sent to Divisional Training School at CALONNE for training purposes, and retd same night. Brigadier General inspected No 4 Platoon in full marching order, and was also present at a lecture to No 10 Platoon on “EXTENDED ORDER”.
15^th Wednesday	Platoon Drill, and Guard Mounting. Route March. Company Drill. Lectures to Platoons on “ADVANCE GUARDS”.
16^th Thursday	Platoon Drill, and Guard Mounting. Route March. Company Drill. Lectures to Platoons on “REAR GUARDS”.
17^th Friday	Battalion inspected by Commanding Officer. Company drill. Lectures to Companies on “COMPANY IN ATTACK”.
18^th Saturday	Platoon drill. Inspection of rifles. Drill in Guards and Guard mounting. Lectures to Companies on “COMPANY IN DEFENCE”.
	LE PONT A BALQUE
19^th Sunday	The Battalion marched to le Pont a Balque and took up billets there.
20^th Monday	Company and Platoon drill. Lectures to Platoons on “Duties on board ship”. Arms drill under Section Commanders.
21^st Tuesday	Company and Platoon drill. Lecture on “OUTPOSTS AT NIGHT”. Drill in Guard Mounting. Arms drill. Route march.
22^nd Wednesday	Company and Platoon drill. Guards and Guard Mounting. Lecture by the Adjutant to all Subaltern Offs. Lectures to Coys on “DUTIES OF SENTRY GROUPS IN AN OUTPOST LINE”. Route march.
23^rd Thursday	Company and Platoon drill. Guards and Guard Mounting. Saluting drill. N.C.O’s paraded under Rgt Sgt Major for instruction.
24^th Friday	Observed by Battn as XMAS DAY in view of entrainment on December 25^th 1915.
25^th Saturday	THE BATTN ENTRAINED AT BERGETTE STATION at 3-40 p.m.
	TRAIN
26^th Sunday and 27^th Monday	These days were spent in travelling, the Battn arrived at MARSEILLES at 9 p.m. 27^th December 1915 and proceeded to SANTI CAMP.
	MARSEILLES
28^th Tuesday	Drill in Guards and Guard Mounting. Platoon Drill. Route March. Lecture to coys “PATROLS FROM AN OUTPOST LINE”
29^th Wednesday	Drill in Guards and Guard Mounting. Inspection of rifles by Armourer Q.M. Sgt. Lecture to Coys on “DUTIES ON BOARD SHIP”. Machine Gun Instruction. Signalling Instruction. Bugle Practice.
30^th Thursday	Rapid loading and aiming. Route march. Lecture to coys on “FIRE CONTROL”.
31^st Friday	Rapid loading and aiming. Route march. Lecture to coys on “FIRE CONTROL”. Total casualties for month. 5 other ranks wounded.
	R.C. Piper Capt. & Adjutant for Lieut. Colonel. Commanding 6^th Battalion,The South Staffordshire Regiment 31-12-1915

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Battalion War Diary November 1915

January 10th, 2008

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1915

November	FOUQHEREUIL
1^st Monday	Instructions in bomb throwing. Bayonet fighting. Eoute march.
2^nd Tuesday	Instructions in bomb throwing. Bayonet fighting. Route march.
3^rd Wednesday	Platoon drill. Grouping practice. Bayonet fighting. Route march.
4^th Thursday	Platoon drill. Grouping practice. Bayonet fighting. Route march.
	LESTREM
5^th Friday	The battalion marched to LESTREM, and took up billets there.
6^th Saturday	Bomb throwing. Formation of bombing parties. Platoon drill. Bayonet fighting.
7^th Sunday	Sunday
8^th Monday	Bayonet fighting. Bomb throwing etc. Six officers visited trenches occupied by SIRHIND BRIGADE.
9^th Tuesday	Rapid marching and doubling. Bomb throwing. Bayonet Fgt. etc.
	CROIX BARBEE
10^th Wednesday	The Battalion marched to CROIX BARBEE, and took up billets there as Brigade Reserve.
11^th Thursday	Lectures given to troops on care of arms. Inspection of kits. Lecture by Medical Officer on sanitation and cleanliness.
12^th Friday	Lectures given to troops on care of arms. Inspection of kits. Lecture by Medical Officer on sanitation and cleanliness.
13^th Saturday	The Battalion relieved the 4^th Kings Liverpool Regt in the trenches, to the right of NEUVE CHAPELLE.
14^th Sunday	Quiet day.
15^th Monday	Quiet day.
16^th Tuesday	Quiet day.
17^th Wednesday	Battalion relieved in the trenches by 5^th Btn Lincolnshire Regiment, and proceeded into Brigade Reserve at CROIX BARBIE.
18^th Thursday	Cleaning equipment, side arms etc.
19^th Friday	Bathing. Inspection of kites. Cleaning up billets and surroundings.
20^th Saturday	The Battalion relieved the 5^th Btn Lincolnshire Regiment in the trenches.
21^st Sunday	Fairly quiet day. Little shelling during afternoon.
22^nd Monday	Fairly quiet day. Little shelling during afternoon.
23^rd Tuesday	Battalion relieved in the trenches by the 1/6^th North Staffordshire Regiment.
24^th Wednesday	Cleaning equipment etc.
25^th Thursday	Lectures by Company Commanders.
26^th Friday	Battalion relieved by the 1/6^th North Staffordshire Regiment in the trenches.
27^th Saturday	Quiet day.
28^th Sunday	Quiet day.
29^th Monday	Quiet day.
30^th Tuesday	Cleaning equipment etc. Total casualties for month:- Killed one (O.R.) Died of wounds one (O.R.) Wounded nine (O.R.) Captain Clifford Howl accidentally wounded 3-11-15.
	J Millner, Lieutenant. For Officer Commanding 1/6^th Battn South Staffs Regt.

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Battalion war diary October 1915

January 9th, 2008

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

1915

OCTOBER	CANADA HUTS
1^st Friday	Bayonet fighting, Company drill etc.
	ROBECQ
2^nd Saturday	Battalion marched to ABEELE, and entrained for FOUQUEREUIL, from there marching to ROBECQ.
3^rd Sunday	Sunday.
4^th Monday	Rapid marching and doubling Physical drill, bayonet fighting. Instruction in bomb throwing.
5^th Tuesday	Rapid marching and doubling Physical drill, bayonet fighting Instruction in bomb throwing.
	VAUDRICOURT
6^th Wednesday	The battalion marched to Vaudricourt, and took up billets in the colliery buildings.
7^th Thursday	Rapid marching and doubling. Battalion route march. Instruction in bomb throwing Bayonet fighting.
8^th Friday	Rapid marching and doubling. Special instruction in bomb throwing. Rapid loading. Battalion route march.
9^th Saturday	Rapid marching and doubling Special instruction in bomb throwing Rapid loading. Battalion route march.
10^th Sunday	Instruction as to blocking up Communications Trenches Arms drill and muscle exercises. Cleaning arms and ammunition Signalling instruction. Inspection of Iron rations.
11^th Monday	Battalion Bombing parties paraded under Bomb Officer for special instruction Machine Guns tested. Practicing advancing over open ground in fighting kit. Rapid loading and muscle exercises.
	VERMELLES
12^th Tuesday	The Batttalion marched into assembly trenches North East of VERMEILLES.
13^th Wednesday and 14^th Thursday	The 46^th (North Midland) Division having been ordered to capture the HOHENZOLLERN REDOUBT and FOSSE No 8, the 137^th Infantry Brigade carrying out the right attack, the Battalion was formed as follows- “A” & “C” Companies in the front line of assembly trenches, and with two Companies of the 1/6^th North Staffs Regt formed the 3^rd line, and were ordered to follow the 2^nd line at 200 paces distance, and carry R.E. materials, the other two Companies “B” & “D”, with 2 Companies 1/6^th North Staffs Regiment forming the fourth line, and ordered to at once follow the third line, and occupy DUMP trench on the frontage allotted to the Brigade The attack was covered by a two hour Artillery bombardment commencing at 12 noon, gas was used at 1 p.m. also smoke shells which at times completely hid the points of attack. Enemy Machine Guns were heard ranging on our assembly trenches at 1-30 p.m., which was notified to Brigade Headquarters. Having received no message that our front line had not been able to advance, and not being able to see their position for smoke, the two Companies forming the third line followed the second line and suffered very heavy casualties. The fourth line then advanced, and also suffered from Maching Gun fire, from the direction of SOUTH FACE. All that remained of the 3^rd line reached our fire trench between point 87 and 89 to assist the 5^th South Staffs Regt to hold that portion until this Battalion was ordered to retire at noon on the 14th. The remainder of the fourth line were assembled in the old British front line trench and when reinforcements were called for, were sent up to support the fire trench.
14^th Thursday	The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the Guards, and billeted for the night at SAILLY la BOURCE.
15^th Friday	The Battalion returned to its former billets at the colliery buildings, VAUDRICOURT.
	VAUDRICOURT
16^th Saturday	Cleaning clothing equipment, clothing etc. Inspection by G.O.C. Commanding 46^th (N.M.) Division
17^th Sunday	Sunday.
18^th Monday	Bombing, bayonet fighting, rapid loading etc.
	VAUDRICOURT & ALLOUAGNE
19^th Tuesday	The Battalion marched to ALLOUAGNE. Bombing and bayonet fighting.
	ALLOUAGNE
20^th Wednesday	Bombing, bayonet fighting, muscle exercises. Inspection of smoke helmets.
21^st Thursday	Rapid marching. Bombing instruction. Bayonet fighting.
22^nd Friday	Bombing instruction. Throwing of bombs. Musketry. Bayonet fighting.
23^rd Saturday	Instruction in use of bombs. Route march. Bayonet fighting.
24^th Sunday	Sunday. Inspection by Brigadier General E. Feetham. Commanding 137^th Infantry Brigade.
	FOUQUEREUIL
25^th Monday	The Battalion marched to FOUQUEREUIL and took up billets in the Hutments there.
26^th Tuesday	Instruction in the use of bombs, and throwing of bombs. Bayonet fighting. Rapid loading and muscle exercises.
27^th Wednesday	Running drill. Parties engaged in the movement of huts to fresh ground.
28^th Thursday	One Composite Company paraded for King’s inspection. Parties engaged in the movement of huts to fresh ground.
29^th Friday	Instruction in the use of bombs, and bomb throwing. Bayonet fighting. Route march by companies. 3 officers 110 other ranks engaged as working party at LABOURSE.
30^th Saturday	3 officers 110 other ranks engaged as working party at LABOURSE. Instruction in the use of bombs. Formation of bombing parties. Bomb throwing. Bayonet fighting. Route march by Companies.
31^st Sunday	Sunday Casualties for tour :- Officers killed 5. Officers wounded 14. O. Ranks killed 35. O. Ranks died wounds 5. Other Ranks wounded 239. Other Ranks missing 105. Total casualties. Officers 19 Other ranks 384
	F. N. Law, Major Commanding 6^th Battalion,The South Staffordshire Regiment 2-11-1915

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Battalion war diary September 1915

January 8th, 2008

1/6^th Battalion South Staffordshire war diaries

SEPTEMBER	"J" HUTS
1^st Wednesday	Bayonet fighting, company drill etc.
	CANADA HUTS
2^nd Thursday	Battalion moved into new billeting area and took over Canada Huts.
3^rd Friday	(Working parties found for R.E. Coy.)
4^th Saturday	Cancelled owing to bad weather and found on the 4^th instead.
5^th Sunday	Working parties for R.E. Companies.
6^th Monday	Battalion relieved the 5^th North Staff. Regiment in the trenches.
	HILL 60
7^th Tuesday	Situation quiet.
8^th Wednesday	Situation quiet except for slight bombardment of enemy trenches by our Heavy Artillery.
9^th Thursday	Situation quiet during morning, but during the afternoon enemy heavily bombarded the wood situated at the rear of our trenches. Our artillery bombarded enemy’s trenches in front of Trench 40 with good results.
10^th Friday	Situation quiet. Our artillery destroyed enemy’s observation post on Hill 60.
11^th Saturday	137^th Bde. Mining Section endeavoured to camouflet German Sap at midnight 10/11^th without success owing to ~~gas~~ defective lead and fuses Our howitzers bombarded enemy trenches from 12.30 pm until 2.30pm
12^th Sunday	Situation quiet At 5pm 12.9.15, the Engineers fired a mine in front of 39. The result was a small crater was formed about 15ft in diameter and about 20 yards in front of Trench 39. The Battalion was relieved in the trenches by the 1/5^th North Staffs Regiment and went into Brigade Reserve, Railway Dugouts, Zillebeke.
	ZILLEBEKE
13^th Monday	Situation quiet.
14^th Tuesday	Situation quiet.
15^th Wednesday	Situation quiet.
16^th Thursday	Situation quiet.
17^th Friday	Situation quiet except for considerable artillery fire by our batteries during the morning.
	HILL 60
18^th Saturday	The Battalion relieved the 1/5^th North Staffs Regt. in the trenches.
19^th Sunday	Situation quiet.
20^th Monday	Situation quiet.
21^st Tuesday	Situation quiet. ^{At 2.40pm 175^th Coy. R.E. blew up a mine from the no. 9 Sap opposite 39 Left, and surface was just broken.}
22^nd Wednesday	Situation quiet except for slight artillery duels.
23^rd Thursday	Situation quiet except for artillery duels.
24^th Friday	Situation quiet.
25^th Saturday	Situation active, Field Artillery firing continuously on to enemys observation posts on Hill 60. Enemy dropped eight heavy shells on to own trenches. ^{Battn. relieved in the trenches by 1/5^th North Staffs Regt. in the trenches.}
	CANADA HUTS
26^th Sunday	Sunday.
27^th Monday	Cleaning rifles, equipment etc.
28^th Tuesday	Digging parties for R.E. Companies.
29^th Wednesday	Cleaning up generally.
30^th Thursday	Route march by Companies. Casualties for tour :- Captain S.J. Sankey killed. 8 Other Ranks killed. 11 Other Ranks wounded.
	T.F. WATERHOUSE, Lt. Col.Commanding 6^th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment

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