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- 13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment during the Great War -


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World War 1 One ww1 wwII greatwar great 1914 1918 first battalion regiment

13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment



   The 13th (Service) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own) was raised at Mill Hill in September 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third New Army and joined 73rd Brigade, 24th Division. They trained on the South Downs, sepnding the winter billets in Hove. They moved to Shoreham in May then to Pirbright in June for final training. They proceeded to France on the 2nd of September 1915, landing at Boulogne. The Division concentrated in the area between Etaples and St Pol on 4 September and a few days later marched across France into the reserve for the British assault at Loos, going into action on the 26th of September and suffering heavy losses. In 1916 they suffered in the German gas attack at Wulverghem and then moved to The Somme seeing action in The Battle of Delville Wood and The Battle of Guillemont. In 1917 they were in action at The Battle of Vimy Ridge in the Spring, The Battle of Messines in June and Third Battle of Ypres in October before moving south where they were in action during The Cambrai Operations when the Germans counter attacked. In 1918 they were in action on the Somme and The Battle of Cambrai and the Final Advance in Picardy. At the Armistice the Division were in the line 1.5 miles east of the Maubeuge-Mons road. They moved back to the area between Denain and Douai at the end of November moved to St Amand-Orchies, then on the 18th of December the Division moved to Tournai for demobilisation, which was completed by 26 March 1919.

Jul 1915 Training Instruction

Jul 1915 Billets

21st Aug 1915 Orders Received

24th Aug 1915 Inspection

31st Aug 1915 Advance Party Departs

1st Sep 1915 On the Move

3rd Sep 1915 On the Move

4th Sep 1915 24th Division Concentrate

4th Sep 1915 In Billets

6th Sep 1915 Change of Command

11th Sep 1915 Training

18th Sep 1915 Training

21st Sep 1915 On the March  location map

22nd Sep 1915 On the March

23rd Sep 1915 In Billets

24th Sep 1915 On the March

25th Sep 1915 Under Fire  location map

26th Sep 1915 In Action  location map

27th Sep 1915 Enemy Attacks

28th Sep 1915 On the March

29th Sep 1915 Into Billets  location map

30th Sep 1915 Into Billets

1st Oct 1915 Reinforcements

2nd Oct 1915 On the Move

3rd Oct 1915 On the Move

4th Oct 1915 Instruction  location map

6th Oct 1915 Instruction  location map

7th Oct 1915 Reinforcements

8th Oct 1915 Instruction  location map

10th Oct 1915 Church Parade

11th Oct 1915 On the March

12th Oct 1915 Reinforcements

12th October 1915 Battalion Relief Orders  location map

13th Oct 1915 Advance Party

14th Oct 1915 Reliefs

16th Oct 1915 The Derby Scheme

19th Oct 1915 Reliefs

22th Oct 1915 Reliefs

26th Oct 1915 Mine Exploded

27th Oct 1915 Inspection

28th Oct 1915 Reliefs

29th Oct 1915 Inspection

2nd Nov 1915 Awards

3rd Nov 1915 Reliefs

5th Nov 1915 Enemy Aircraft

6th Nov 1915 Accident

8th Nov 1915 Reliefs

12th Nov 1915 Bad Weather

13th Nov 1915 Reliefs

15th Nov 1915 Artillery Active

19th Nov 1915 Trench Foot

20th Nov 1915 On the March  location map

22nd Nov 1915 On the March

23rd Nov 1915 On the March

24th Nov 1915 Reinforcements

25th Nov 1915 On the March

26th Nov 1915 Storm

27th Nov 1915 On the March

28th Nov 1915 Church Parade

29th Nov 1915 Training

1st Dec 1915 Derby Scheme Armlets

1st Dec 1915 Route March

2nd Dec 1915 Reinforcements

3rd Dec 1915 Lecture

5th Dec 1915 Football

8th Dec 1915 Route March & Football

10th Dec 1915 Lecture

11th Sep 1915 Last day of Derby Scheme Recruitment

11th Dec 1915 Route March

12th Dec 1915 Church Parade

14th Dec 1915 Route March

19th Dec 1915 Church Parade

22nd Dec 1915 Trench Recce

24th Dec 1915 Trench Recce

25th Dec 1915 Church Parade

31st Dec 1915 Inspection

1st Jan 1916 Reinforcements

5th Jan 1916 Funeral

6th Jan 1916 On the March

7th Jan 1916 On the Move  location map

8th Jan 1916 In Camp  location map

9th Jan 1916 In Camp  location map

10th Jan 1916 Group System Reopens

10th Jan 1916 In Camp  location map

11th Jan 1916 In Camp  location map

13th Jan 1916 Specialists Relieved  location map

14th Jan 1916 Reliefs Completed  location map

15th Jan 1916 Trench Work  location map

16th Jan 1916 Trench Work  location map

17th Jan 1916 Lights  location map

18th Jan 1916 Reliefs  location map

19th Jan 1916 Working Parties  location map

20th Jan 1916 Working Parties  location map

20th January 1916 Aircraft Active  location map

21st Jan 1916 Working Parties

22nd Jan 1916 Reliefs  location map

23rd Jan 1916 Shelling  location map

24th Jan 1916 Trench Work  location map

25th Jan 1916 Trench Work  location map

26th Jan 1916 Trench Work  location map

27th Jan 1916 Working Parties  location map

28th Jan 1916 Working Parties  location map

29th Jan 1916 Working Parties  location map

30th Jan 1916 Reliefs  location map

31st Jan 1916 Relief  location map

1st Feb 1916 Baths  location map

2nd Feb 1916 Training  location map

7th Feb 1916 Reliefs  location map

7th February 1916 Posting

8th Feb 1916 Shelling  location map

9th Feb 1916 Trench Work  location map

9th February 1916 Call Ups

10th Feb 1916 Trench Work  location map

11th Feb 1916 Reliefs  location map

12th Feb 1916 Bombardment  location map

13th Feb 1916 Working Parties  location map

14th Feb 1916 Mines Blown  location map

15th Feb 1916 Working Parties  location map

16th Feb 1916 Reliefs  location map

17th Feb 1916 Trench Work  location map

18th Feb 1916 Shelling  location map

19th Feb 1916 Reliefs  location map

20th Feb 1916 Working Parties

24th Feb 1916 Reliefs Completed

25th Feb 1916 Training  location map

27th Feb 1916 Working Party  location map

29th Feb 1916 Hospital  location map

1st Mar 1916 In Reserve

2nd Mar 1916 Success

3rd Mar 1916 Reliefs

4th Mar 1916 Snipers Active

5th Mar 1916 Training

6th Mar 1916 Snow

7th Mar 1916 Reliefs

8th Mar 1916 In Reserve

11th Mar 1916 Reliefs  location map

12th Mar 1916 In the Trenches

13th Mar 1916 In the Trenches

13th Mar 1916 Grenades  location map

14th Mar 1916 Under Shellfire

15th Mar 1916 Snipers

16th Mar 1916 Bombardment

17th Mar 1916 In Camp  location map

18th Mar 1916 On the March  location map

19th Mar 1916 Training & Baths  location map

21st Mar 1916 Reorganisation  location map

22nd Mar 1916 Hospital  location map

22nd Mar 1916 In Reserve  location map

26th Mar 1916 In Reserve  location map

27th Mar 1916 In Reserve  location map

30th Mar 1916 In Reserve  location map

31st Mar 1916 Reliefs

1st Apr 1916 In the Trenches

6th Apr 1916 Reliefs

7th Apr 1916 In Reserve  location map

12th Apr 1916 Reliefs

18th Apr 1916 Reliefs  location map

24th Apr 1916 Reliefs

28th Apr 1916 Gas Alarm

30th Apr 1916 Gas

1st May 1916 Reliefs

6th May 1916 Reliefs

8th May 1916 In the Trenches

12th May 1916 Reliefs

13th May 1916 In Reserve

18th May 1916 Reliefs

20th May 1916 Reinforcements

26th May 1916 Relief

27th May 1916 Working Parties and Training

28th May 1916 Working Parties

31st May 1916 In Reserve

3rd Jun 1916 Reliefs

5th Jun 1916 In the Trenches

7th Jun 1916 In the Trenches

9th Jun 1916 In the Trenches

11th Jun 1916 Reliefs

12th Jun 1916 In Reserve

16th Jun 1916 On the March

17th Jun 1916 Stand To  location map

19th Jun 1916 Reliefs

20th Jun 1916 In the Trenches

22nd Jun 1916 Shelling

23rd Jun 1916 Shelling

26th Jun 1916 Trench Raid

27th Jun 1916 Reliefs  location map

1st Jul 1916 Working Parties  location map

2nd Jul 1916 Orders  location map

3rd Jul 1916 Working Parties  location map

4th Jul 1916 Reliefs

6th Jul 1916 Under Shellfire

8th Jul 1916 Reliefs  location map

9th Jul 1916 In Camp  location map

11th Jul 1916 On the Move  location map

12th Jul 1916 Shelling  location map

18th Jul 1916 Shelling  location map

19th Jul 1916 On the Move  location map

20th Jul 1916 Shelling  location map

21st Jul 1916 Meeting

24th Jul 1916 On the Move

25th Jul 1916 On the Move

31st Jul 1916 On the Move

2nd Aug 1916 On the Move  location map

8th Aug 1916 Training

17th Aug 1916 Barrage

18th Aug 1916 In Action

18th Aug 1916 Attack Made  location map

19th Aug 1916 On the Move  location map

20th Aug 1916 At Rest  location map

21st Aug 1916 In Reserve  location map

22nd Aug 1916 Relief  location map

23rd Aug 1916 Baths

24th Aug 1916 On the March  location map

25th Aug 1916 In Bivouac  location map

27th Aug 1916 In Bivouac  location map

28th Aug 1916 Training  location map

30th Aug 1916 Relief Complete  location map

30th Aug 1916 Reliefs  location map

31st Aug 1916 Enemy Attack

31st Aug 1916 Ground Lost and Regained  location map

1st Sep 1916 Reliefs

1st Sep 1916 Ground Regained  location map

1st Sep 1916 Attacks Made

2nd Sep 1916 Working Parties

2nd Sep 1916 In Action  location map

2nd Sep 1916 Line Held

3rd Sep 1916 Working Parties

3rd Sep 1916 Attacks Made

4th Sep 1916 Lewis Guns

4th Sep 1916 Reliefs

5th Sep 1916 On the March

5th Sep 1916 Relief Complete

6th Sep 1916 On the Move

6th Sep 1916 Reliefs

7th Sep 1916 In Billets

8th Sep 1916 Address

9th Sep 1916 Training

10th Sep 1916 Church Parade

11th Sep 1916 Training

12th Sep 1916 Working Parties and Training

13th Sep 1916 Wet Day

15th Sep 1916 Route March

16th Sep 1916 Training

17th Sep 1916 Football Match

18th Sep 1916 Heavy Rain

19th Sep 1916 On the Move

20th Sep 1916 Inspection

21st Sep 1916 Trench Recce  location map

22nd Sep 1916 On the Move  location map

23rd Sep 1916 Into the Trenches  location map

24th Sep 1916 Gas

25th Sep 1916 Trench Raid

26th Sep 1916 Gas Alert

27th Sep 1916 Camoflet

28th Sep 1916 In the Trenches

29th Sep 1916 In the Trenches

30th Sep 1916 In the Trenches

1st Oct 1916 Reliefs

2nd Oct 1916 Working Parties and Training  location map

4th Oct 1916 Working Parties  location map

7th Oct 1916 Working Parties  location map

8th Oct 1916 Working Parties  location map

9th Oct 1916 Working Parties  location map

10th Oct 1916 Reliefs  location map

11th Oct 1916 Training  location map

14th Oct 1916 Training  location map

15th Oct 1916 Trench Recce

16th Oct 1916 Trench Recce

17th Oct 1916 Trench Recce

18th Oct 1916 Reliefs

20th Oct 1916 In the Front Line

22nd Oct 1916 In the Front Line

23rd Oct 1916 In the Front Line

24th Oct 1916 In the Front Line

26th Oct 1916 Patrol

27th Oct 1916 Reliefs  location map

28th Oct 1916 On the Move  location map

29th Oct 1916 On the Move  location map

30th Oct 1916 Working Parties  location map

1st Nov 1916 Working Parties  location map

3rd Nov 1916 Working Parties  location map

6th Nov 1916 Reliefs  location map

9th Nov 1916 In the Trenches  location map

12th Nov 1916 Reliefs  location map

14th Nov 1916 Working Parties  location map

18th Nov 1916 Reliefs  location map

19th Nov 1916 In the Trenches  location map

20th Nov 1916 In the Trenches  location map

24th Nov 1916 Reliefs  location map

25th Nov 1916 Training

27th Nov 1916 Training

30th Nov 1916 Reliefs

1st Dec 1916 In the Trenches

6th Dec 1916 Reliefs  location map

7th Dec 1916 Working Parties  location map

12th Dec 1916 Reliefs

13th Dec 1916 In the Front Line

18th Dec 1916 Reliefs

21st Dec 1916 In Reserve

24th Dec 1916 In Reserve

30th Dec 1916 Reliefs  location map

2nd Jan 1917 In Reserve  location map

4th Jan 1917 In Reserve  location map

5th Jan 1917 In Reserve

11th Jan 1917 In Reserve

16th Jan 1917 In Reserve

17th Jan 1917 Reliefs

19th Jan 1917 In the Trenches

21st Jan 1917 Trench Raid

23rd Jan 1917 Reliefs  location map

24th Jan 1917 Working Parties  location map

29th Jan 1917 Reliefs

1st Feb 1917 Bravery Recognised

4th Feb 1917 Reliefs

5th Feb 1917 Training

7th Feb 1917 Training

9th Feb 1917 Training

10th Feb 1917 Reliefs

11th Feb 1917 On the March  location map

13th Feb 1917 Training  location map

14th Feb 1917 Training  location map

15th Feb 1917 Training  location map

16th Feb 1917 Inspection

25th Feb 1917 Training

27th Feb 1917 Training

1st Mar 1917 In Reserve

4th Mar 1917 On the March

5th Mar 1917 Reliefs  location map

6th Mar 1917 In the Trenches  location map

10th Mar 1917 Reliefs  location map

11th Mar 1917 Defence Work  location map

16th Mar 1917 Reliefs  location map

18th Mar 1917 In the Trenches  location map

22nd Mar 1917 Reliefs  location map

23rd Mar 1917 In Reserve  location map

27th Mar 1917 In Reserve  location map

29th Mar 1917 In Reserve  location map

1st Apr 1917 Reliefs

2nd Apr 1917 Shelling

3rd Apr 1917 Reorganisation

4th Apr 1917 In the Trenches

8th Apr 1917 Reliefs

9th Apr 1917 Attack Made  location map

11th Apr 1917 Reliefs

13th Apr 1917 Into Billets

14th Apr 1917 Under Fire

15th Apr 1917 In Action

16th Apr 1917 In Action

18th Apr 1917 Reliefs Completed

19th Apr 1917 On the March

20th Apr 1917 On the March

23rd Apr 1917 Inspection

26th Apr 1917 On the March

27th Apr 1917 On the March

28th Apr 1917 Training

1st May 1917 Training

1st Apr 1917 Sanitation  location map

4th May 1917 Training

5th May 1917 Hot Day

6th May 1917 At Rest

7th May 1917 Training

9th May 1917 On the March

10th May 1917 On the March

11th May 1917 On the March

12th May 1917 On the March

14th May 1917 On the March  location map

14th May 1917 Working Parties

15th May 1917 Working Parties  location map

18th May 1917 Working Parties

20th May 1917 Working Parties

21st May 1917 Recce  location map

22nd May 1917 Working Parties

23rd May 1917 Recce  location map

25th May 1917 Recce

26th May 1917 Working Parties

27th May 1917 Under Shellfire  location map

28th May 1917 Reliefs  location map

29th May 1917 At Rest  location map

30th May 1917 Baths  location map

31st May 1917 On the March  location map

1st Jun 1917 Training

2nd Jun 1917 Training

4th Jun 1917 Training  location map

5th Jun 1917 On the March  location map

6th Jun 1917 Into Position

8th Jun 1917 In Action  War Diary for the 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment, 7th June 1917:

The assembly trenches were reached by 13th Middlesex at about 2 a.m.

At 3.10 a.m. several large mines were exploded. The 41st Division went over the top & captured the Red Line (1st Objective). The intense bombardment lasted all the morning & during that time the Blue (Damm Strasse) & Black Lines (2nd & 3rd Objectives) were taken by the 41st Division.

At 11.30am The 13th Middlesex Regiment moved forward to Ecluse Trench & Old French Trench.

At 1.30pm The 13th Middlesex moved forward to the Black Line (present front line & jumping off line for 73rd Bde). Within a few minutes of arrival the Battalion went over the top (3.10 p.m.) under an excellent barrage.

Disposition:-
  • Right Front, B Coy under Capt. R.S. Dove
  • Left Front, A Coy under Capt. F.J. Stratten
  • Right Support, D Coy under 2/Lt Dawkins
  • Left Support, C Coy under Lt Roberts
  • Moppers-up - commanded by 2/Lt C.W. Wallis (D Coy) & 2/Lt R.W. Phillips (B Coy).

Our objective was known as the Green Line. Battalion front extended from the front edge of Ravine Wood on the right via Olive Trench to the Hollebeke Road on the left. The objective was gained without much difficulty, the Coy on the right consolidating well in front of Ravine Wood & Verhaest Farm. Owing to the Division on our left not coming forward with us, A Coy was left with their flank in the air, & had to perform a difficult movement to protect themselves. They were therefore unable to consolidate the left half of Olive Trench. C Coy (Left Support Coy) had to be called on to assist A Coy (Left Front) to form a defensive flank.

During the first day the enemy’s artillery was erratic & the Battalion suffered more from lack of water than from anything else. During the attack about 100 unwounded & 20 wounded were captured, mostly in the Ravine. Also 5 Machine Guns, 1 Trench Mortar & a large quantity of material. The prisoners included 2 Officers.

war diary



8th Jun 1917 Patrols

9th Jun 1917 In Action

10th Jun 1917 Shelling

11th Jun 1917 Reliefs

12th Jun 1917 On the March  location map

15th Jun 1917 On the March  location map

16th Jun 1917 Working Parties and Training  location map

18th Jun 1917 Reliefs Completed

22nd Jun 1917 Trench Work

23rd Jun 1917 Reliefs  location map

27th Jun 1917 On the Move

30th Jun 1917 Refitting

1st Jul 1917 Refitting

2nd Jul 1917 Resting

4th Jul 1917 Training

6th Jul 1917 Training

8th Jul 1917 Reinforcements

9th Jul 1917 Bravery Recognised

10th Jul 1917 Sports

11th Jul 1917 In Billets

13th Jul 1917 Reinforcements

14th Jul 1917 Reinforcements

17th Jul 1917 Training

18th Jul 1917 On the Move

19th Jul 1917 On the March

20th Jul 1917 On the March

21st Jul 1917 Leave

23rd Jul 1917 On the March

25th Jul 1917 Reliefs Completed

31st Jul 1917 In Action

1st Aug 1917 Holding the Line  location map

2nd Aug 1917 Message of Congratulation  location map

4th Aug 1917 Reliefs

7th Aug 1917 Reliefs

8th Aug 1917 At Rest

10th Aug 1917 Reinforcements

11th Aug 1917 Reliefs

12th Aug 1917 In Reserve

13th Aug 1917 In Reserve

14th Aug 1917 In Reserve

15th Aug 1917 Reliefs  location map

16th Aug 1917 New MO

17th Aug 1917 On the March

23rd Aug 1917 Reliefs

24th Aug 1917 Attack

25th Aug 1917 Attack

26th Aug 1917 Shelling

27th Aug 1917 Reliefs

28th Aug 1917 Promotions

29th Aug 1917 At Rest

30th Aug 1917 At Rest

31st Aug 1917 On the March

1st Sep 1917 In Reserve

2nd Sep 1917 Training

3rd Sep 1917 Reliefs  location map

4th Sep 1917 In Reserve  location map

5th Sep 1917 Bravery Recognised

6th Sep 1917 Carrying Parties

7th Sep 1917 Reliefs  location map

9th Sep 1917 Training  location map

10th Sep 1917 On the Move  location map

11th Sep 1917 Training  location map

13th Sep 1917 Training  location map

14th Sep 1917 On the March  location map

15th Sep 1917 On the Move

16th Sep 1917 At Rest

17th Sep 1917 Promotions

18th Sep 1917 Training

20th Sep 1917 Training

21st Sep 1917 Accident  location map

22nd Sep 1917 On the Move

23rd Sep 1917 In Camp

24th Sep 1917 On the March  location map

25th Sep 1917 On the Move

27th Sep 1917 Reliefs

28th Sep 1917 Quiet

2nd Oct 1917 In the Trenches

5th Oct 1917 Reliefs

7th Oct 1917 Church Parade

9th Oct 1917 Reliefs

10th Oct 1917 Working Parties and Training

11th Oct 1917 Working Parties and Training

12th Oct 1917 Working Parties and Training

13th Oct 1917 Working Parties and Training

14th Oct 1917 Reliefs

15th Oct 1917 In the Trenches

16th Oct 1917 In the Trenches

18th Oct 1917 In the Front Line

21st Oct 1917 Reliefs  location map

22nd Oct 1917 Working Parties  location map

26th Oct 1917 In Support  location map

27th Oct 1917 In Support  location map

28th Oct 1917 Reliefs

29th Oct 1917 In the Front Line

31st Oct 1917 Reliefs Completed

4th Nov 1917 Working Parties

5th Nov 1917 Training

6th Nov 1917 Working Parties & Training

7th Nov 1917 Working Parties & Training

8th Nov 1917 Reinforcements

9th Nov 1917 Reliefs

12th Nov 1917 Reliefs

13th Nov 1917 Movements

14th Nov 1917 Reliefs  location map

15th Nov 1917 Working Parties  location map

16th Nov 1917 Gas Helmets

17th Nov 1917 Working Parties  location map

18th Nov 1917 Working Parties  location map

19th Nov 1917 Bathing  location map

20th Nov 1917 Bombardment  location map

21st Nov 1917 Reliefs

22nd Nov 1917 Quiet

23rd Nov 1917 Patrols

24th Nov 1917 Patrols

25th Nov 1917 Patrols

27th Nov 1917 Reliefs

28th Nov 1917 Reinforcements

30th Nov 1917 Enemy Attacks  location map

1st Dec 1917 Counter Attack  location map

2nd Dec 1917 Working Parties and Training

4th Dec 1917 Reliefs

5th Dec 1917 In the Trenches

7th Dec 1917 In the Trenches

8th Dec 1917 In the Trenches

9th Dec 1917 In the Line

10th Dec 1917 Reliefs  location map

12th Dec 1917 In Support  location map

16th Dec 1917 Reliefs Completed

17th Dec 1917 In the Trenches

18th Dec 1917 Reliefs

22nd Dec 1917 Working Parties and Training

23rd Dec 1917 Church Parade

24th Dec 1917 Routine

25th Dec 1917 Christmas Dinner

26th Dec 1917 Christmas Dinner

27th Dec 1917 Routine

28th Dec 1917 Reliefs Completed

29th Dec 1917 In the Trenches

30th Dec 1917 In the Trenches

31st Dec 1917 In the Trenches

1st Jan 1918 In the Trenches

1st Nov 1918 On the March

2nd Jan 1918 In the Trenches

3rd Jan 1918 In the Trenches

4th Jan 1918 In the Trenches

5th Jan 1918 Reliefs

6th Jan 1918 Working Parties

7th Jan 1918 Working Parties

8th Jan 1918 Into Reserve

9th Jan 1918 Working Parties and Training

10th Jan 1918 Working Parties and Training

11th Jan 1918 Gas Test

12th Jan 1918 Training

13th Jan 1918 Church Parade

14th Jan 1918 Working Parties and Training

15th Jan 1918 Working Parties and Training

16th Jan 1918 Working Parties and Training

17th Jan 1918 Working Parties and Training

20th Jan 1918 Working Parties and Training

21st Jan 1918 Reliefs

22nd Jan 1918 Quiet

23rd Jan 1918 In the Trenches

25th Jan 1918 In the Trenches

29th Jan 1918 In the Line

30th Jan 1918 Reliefs

31st Jan 1918 In Camp

1st Feb 1918 Working Parties

2nd Feb 1918 Church Parade

3rd Feb 1918 Courses

4th Feb 1918 Working Parties

5th Feb 1918 Working Parties

10th Feb 1918 Working Parties

11th Feb 1918 Working Parties

12th Feb 1918 Reinforcements

13th Feb 1918 Leave

14th Feb 1918 Course

15th Feb 1918 Reliefs Completed

18th Feb 1918 In the Front Line

20th Feb 1918 In the Front Line

21st Feb 1918 In the Front Line

22nd Feb 1918 Reliefs Complete

23rd Feb 1918 Working Parties

25th Feb 1918 Relief

26th Feb 1918 In the Line

28th Feb 1918 Quiet

3rd Mar 1918 Training

5th Mar 1918 Reliefs

6th Mar 1918 Bravery Recognised

7th Mar 1918 Training & Lecture

8th Mar 1918 Training

12th Mar 1918 Training

13th Mar 1918 Training

14th Mar 1918 Training

15th Mar 1918 Training

17th Mar 1918 Training

18th Mar 1918 Training

20th Mar 1918 Bombardment

21st Mar 1918 Into Position

21st Mar 1918 In Action  location map

22nd Mar 1918 Withdrawal

23rd Mar 1918 Withdrawal

24th Mar 1918 In Defence

25th Mar 1918 Counter Attack

26th Mar 1918 In Action

27th Mar 1918 Congratulation Telegram

28th Mar 1918 In Action

29th Mar 1918 Holding the Line

30th Mar 1918 Holding the Line

31st Mar 1918 Holding the Line

1st Apr 1918 Reliefs Completed

2nd Apr 1918 Reliefs

3rd Apr 1918 Reliefs

4th Apr 1918 Reliefs

5th Apr 1918 Withdrawal

6th Apr 1918 On the Move

7th Apr 1918 Into Billets

8th Apr 1918 Reorganisation

9th Apr 1918 Training

10th Apr 1918 Inspection

11th Apr 1918 Route March

14th Apr 1918 Change of Command

17th Apr 1918 On the Move

19th Apr 1918 Training

21st Apr 1918 Church Parade

22nd Apr 1918 Training

23rd Apr 1918 Training

24th Apr 1918 Training

25th Apr 1918 Training

26th Apr 1918 Exercise

27th Apr 1918 Training

29th Apr 1918 Move

30th Apr 1918 On the March

1st May 1918 Reliefs

3rd May 1918 In the Line

5th May 1918 In the Line

6th May 1918 In the Line

7th May 1918 In the Line

10th May 1918 In the Line

11th May 1918 Reliefs

12th May 1918 Training

13th May 1918 Training

14th May 1918 Training

16th May 1918 Training

17th May 1918 Training

18th May 1918 Reliefs

19th May 1918 In the Trenches

20th May 1918 In the Trenches

21st May 1918 In the Trenches

22nd May 1918 In the Trenches

24th May 1918 In the Trenches

26th May 1918 Holding the Line

28th May 1918 Bravery Recognised

30th May 1918 Reliefs

31st May 1918 Training

1st Jun 1918 Bravery Recognised

5th Jun 1918 Reliefs

6th Jun 1918 New MO

8th Jun 1918 Holding the Line

12th Jun 1918 Holding the Line

13th Jun 1918 Holding the Line

14th Jun 1918 Holding the Line

15th Jun 1918 In the Line

17th Jun 1918 Trench Raid  location map

19th Jun 1918 Training

21st Jun 1918 Training

22nd Jun 1918 Training

23rd Jun 1918 Training

24th Jun 1918 Training

26th Jun 1918 Training

1st Jul 1918 Reinforcements

2nd Jul 1918 Reinforcements

3rd Jul 1918 Change of Duty

4th Jul 1918 Bravery Recognised

5th Jul 1918 Reliefs

6th Jul 1918 Training

8th Jul 1918 Leave

12th Jul 1918 Reliefs Completed

13th Jul 1918 Awards

14th Jul 1918 In the Trenches

15th Jul 1918 Bravery Recognised

16th Jul 1918 Change of Command

17th Jul 1918 Reorganisation

19th Jul 1918 Trench Raid

20th Jul 1918 Holding the Line

22nd Jul 1918 Holding the Line

23rd Jul 1918 Reliefs

24th Jul 1918 Training

26th Jul 1918 Musketry

28th Jul 1918 Training

29th Jul 1918 Reliefs

3rd Aug 1918 Attachments

4th Aug 1918 Service

5th Aug 1918 Special Order

6th Aug 1918 In the Trenches

7th Aug 1918 Rifle Meeting

8th Aug 1918 Bravery Recognised

9th Aug 1918 Leave

10th Aug 1918 In the Line

11th Aug 1918 Reliefs

12th Aug 1918 On the Range

13th Aug 1918 Course

15th Aug 1918 Training

16th Aug 1918 Rifle Meeting

17th Aug 1918 Reliefs

18th Aug 1918 In the Trenches

19th Aug 1918 In the Trenches

21st Aug 1918 Quiet

22nd Aug 1918 Quiet

23rd Aug 1918 Quiet

24th Aug 1918 Quiet

27th Aug 1918 Reliefs

28th Aug 1918 Leave

30th Aug 1918 On the Move

1st Sep 1918 In Billets

2nd Sep 1918 Reinforcements

3rd Sep 1918 Training

4th Sep 1918 Quiet Day

6th Sep 1918 Relief Complete

7th Sep 1918 In the Trenches

8th Sep 1918 In the Trenches

9th Sep 1918 In the Trenches

10th Sep 1918 In the Trenches

11th Sep 1918 In the Trenches

12th Sep 1918 In the Trenches

13th Sep 1918 In the Trenches

14th Sep 1918 Relief

16th Sep 1918 In Support

18th Sep 1918 In Support

22nd Sep 1918 Reliefs

23rd Sep 1918 Quiet

26th Sep 1918 Quiet

27th Sep 1918 Reinforcements

30th Sep 1918 On the Move

1st Oct 1918 On the March

2nd Oct 1918 Training

3rd Oct 1918 Training

4th Oct 1918 Training

6th Oct 1918 On the Move

7th Oct 1918 On the March

8th Oct 1918 Shelling

9th Oct 1918 Advance

10th Oct 1918 Advance

11th Oct 1918 Line Held

13th Oct 1918 In Billets

17th Oct 1918 On the Move

19th Oct 1918 Training & Sports

20th Oct 1918 Training & Sports

21st Oct 1918 Training & Sports

23rd Oct 1918 Training & Sports

25th Oct 1918 Training & Sports

26th Oct 1918 On the March

27th Oct 1918 In Billets

30th Oct 1918 In Billets

2nd Nov 1918 Reliefs

3rd Nov 1918 Patrols

4th Nov 1918 Advance

5th Nov 1918 Advance

7th Nov 1918 Advance

8th Nov 1918 On the Move

9th Nov 1918 Advance

10th Nov 1918 Into Billets

10th Nov 1918 Into Billets

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Want to know more about 13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment?


There are:5977 items tagged 13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment available in our Library

  These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Great War.


Those known to have served with

13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment

during the Great War 1914-1918.

  • Attwell Arthur. Pte. (d.20th June 1917)
  • Bates Walter. L/Cpl. (d.4th Mar 1916)
  • Beer Thomas. Pte. (d.11th Jun 1917)
  • Bodimeade Joseph John. Pte.
  • Brien Thomas. Pte. (d.10th Jun 1917)
  • Brown Patrick Joseph. Pte. (d.7th Apr 1917)
  • Gorbey DCM Thomas Joseph. WO2.
  • Gray George Edward. L/Cpl. (d.27th July 1916)
  • Gregory Henry. L/Cpl (d.1st Nov 1916)
  • Grune MID. Edward Sidney. Col.
  • Haslehurst George Henry. Pte. (d.18th August 1916)
  • Hodgson Arthur Alexander. L/Cpl. (d.8th June 1917)
  • King George. Pte.
  • Kirkland Frederick. A/Sgt. (d.27th Jul 1917)
  • Makeham Ernest Charles. Pte. (d.11th Oct 1918)
  • Miller Horace Philip. Pte. (d.20th Jul 1918)
  • Mitchell Albert. Pte. (d.19th Apr 1918)
  • Murray William. Cpl. (d.31st Aug 1916)
  • Norman Arthur Robert. Pte. (d.18th Aug 1916)
  • Pettitt Louis. Cpl. (d.20 July 1918)
  • Pettitt Louis. Cpl. (d.20th July 1918)
  • Pryor Wiliam Leemore. Pte,
  • Sandell Charles . Pte. (d.31st. Aug 1916)
  • Spencer George William. L/Cpl
  • Stevenson David. Pte. (d.18th Jul 1918)
  • Talbot Richard. Pte. (d.25th Nov 1917)
  • Thorpe Charles. Cpl. (d.3rd Aug 1917)
  • Valentine Reginald. L/Cpl. (d.3rd Aug 1917)
  • Waller Charles. Pte. (d.25 August 1917)
  • Welsh James Bell. Pte. (d.18th August 1916)
  • West Bertram Harry. Pte. (d.27th Jun 1917)
  • Wilding Thomas. Pte. (d.5th Apr 1917)

All names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List

Records of 13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment from other sources.


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  Pte. George King 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment

George King served with the 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment. He enlisted on the 7th of January 1915 in Hammersmith, London and gave his age as 18yrs 7months, but he was born 23.7.1899 in Fulham London, making him only 15yrs old.

He was sent from Acton and arrived in France 17.8.1915, they were attached to the 73rd Brigade. While at the Battle of Loos on the 27.9.1915 near Vermelles, he was gunned down by machine gun fire. He survived but at the loss of his right leg and more wounds to his left thigh.

He was discharged on 15th of November 1916 at Hounslow, he was awarded a silver war badge no.89410 and 3 medals, the 1914/15 star, the War and Victory medals. So at only being 16yrs old he had his leg amputated and saw so much pain and suffering around him, for some one so young.

Troy King






  Pte. Albert Mitchell 1st Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.19th Apr 1918)

My Gt.Uncle Albert Mitchell was a golf professional before WW1. He came from a family of professional golfers and was first cousin to Abe Mitchell whose effigy adorns the Ryder Cup. He honed his craft on the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club, Forest Row, Sussex. Albert was the youngest son of Arthur and Susan Mitchell.

Initially he joined the West Kent Yeomanry but transferred to the Middlesex Regiment. In 1916 he was wounded at the Somme. After a period of convalescence at home, he returned to France. He died in action on 19th Apr 1918. His body is buried at the Meteren Cemetery, France. Albert did not marry and was 32 when he died.

Val Roberts






  Pte, Wiliam Leemore Pryor 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment

My great uncle William Pryor was taken prisoner by the Germans at some stage in the war. He was also gassed by the Germans and died because of this in early 1920 at Southwark.

Graham Mills






  Pte. George Henry Haslehurst 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (d.18th August 1916)

My great grandfather, George Hazelhurst, is remembered on the Thiepval Memorial. He left behind 3 young children. One of which was my grandmother.

Gaynor Dawson






  Pte. Arthur Attwell 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.20th June 1917)

Arthur Attwell was my great grandfather (maternal). He was killed in action on Wednesday, 20th June 1917, age 28. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Ieper,. He was serving with 13th Btn., Middlesex Regiment, 73rd Brigade of 24th Division. Arthur was the husband of Mrs Martha A. Attwell. He was born in Great Bridge and enlisted in Tipton, his home town. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. His Soldier's Papers at National Archives did not survive. Arthur is commemorated on the Tipton Library Memorial.

Bryan Hanner






  Col. Edward Sidney Grune MID. 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment

Edward Sidney Grune was born in Putney in 1887 and baptised in Putney Church. He was educated at Lancing College and at 17, in defiance of his father, ran away and enlisted as a private soldier in a regiment that was about to leave for West Africa, the "White Man's Grave." His maternal uncle, Maj. Hampden Chawner, was horrified and was instrumental in his obtaining a commission in the Bedfordsire and Hertfordshire Regiment in 1905. He joined the Battalion in Gibraltar where he met his future wife and married her in 1910. As he was only a subaltern and had no private income, this made life difficult. On its return to England the regiment was stationed at Colchester, where the young couple lived in a cottage in a cherry orchard. Meeting up with his brother-in-law, Claude, home from Malaya and rubber planting, he was fired with the idea of joining him in this remote and little known country. Somehow he persuaded officialdom to allow him to leave the regiment without actually resigning and off he and his young wife went to an isolated life in the middle of vast Dutch owned rubber estates in the Kuala Lumpur district. A year later, in January 1914, a daughter was born to them.

It was only some months after the outbreak of war that news reached him and he immediately set about returning to his regiment. He reached Dover in October 1914, just in time to participate in the campaign in Salonica. Wounded in the ribs on 9 December 1914, he was eventually sent to Malta and from there on 1 March 1915 to Alexandria. After much badgering of HQ he was transferred to the 1st Essex Regiment and travelled by sea and rail to Ballincourt and Abbeville. He was in front line action when in 1918, owing to casualties amongst officers, he was transferred to the Northamptons and promoted colonel in the field. He remained with them until the end of the war and led the parade when the regiment received the freedom of the City of Northampton. At Ypres he was in the same trench as his cousin Meredith Chawner who was killed beside him. His other cousin, Alain, brother to Meredith, was also killed, a few days later.

According to Services of Military Officers: arranged alphabetically corrected to December 1920. Polstead, Suffolk: J.B. Hayward & Son: E.S.C. Grune commanded 13th Batallion, Middlesex Reg. 8 Aug. - 11 Sep. 1917 and 7th Bat. Northumberland Reg. 27 June 1918 France, Belgium 16 March - 11 Nov. 1918 Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Aegean islands Oc - Dec. 1915; wounded twice; despatches: London Gazette 8 July 1919 Order of the White Eagle 5th Class. (This is the military service class of this Serbian decoration instituted in 1883 - HT Dorling, Ribbons and Medals, Naval, Military, Air Force and Civil, London: Philip, new ed. 1960, p. 254.)

After the war he returned to the Beds and Herts and went with them to Ballyshannon in Ireland, on one occasion in 1922 sitting in a train with a man who had been sent to shoot him. When volunteers were asked for to go and police Palestine, he applied and spent two years on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. On rejoining the regiment, he spent two years in Aldershot before the batallion was ordered to Malta in 1926. After a little more than a year there was trouble in China and the battalion was sent to guard the coal mining area of Weiheiwei, which was a British concession. Two years later they were posted to India to Mhow, a station in the Central Provinces.

Although he was a first class soldier, he was not an ambitious man. Promotion was slow in the Bedfords, so his commanding officer recommended him for transfer to the Royal Welch Fusileers. He returned to England, to Tidworth, for six months, prior to a tour of three years in Gibraltar, during which his daughter got married. Next the battalion went to Hongkong. Here the sins of his youth found him out. Because he had given the wrong year of birth on enlistment, being still under age, he had to retire a year early and missed out on commanding his battalion.

He arrived back in England just when the RAF were selecting recently retired officers to train for administrative work in order to release men into the air. On 1 September 1939 he was commissioned as Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He had a useful and satisfying Second World War career as his organizing ability was used to the full. This included getting a new airfield started at Morpoth in Northumberland, organizing the balloon barrage around Glasgow and Edinburgh, coordinating the biggest hotels in Blackpool to form the No 1 Airmen's Convalescent Depot, and converting one of the Rothschild houses into part hospital and part training depot, particularly for Polish officers and apprentices smuggled out of Poland.

Just after the war he had a short spell with the Navy in the radar station at Haslemere. He worked briefly as an official of the High Court in what was then Salisbury in Southern Rhodesia before retiring to Sidmouth in Devon. He died in the Exeter Hospital on 6 July 1960, aged 72 years [Exeter First District, Col. 434].

Lt Grune, Beds Reg., 3rd Bat., promoted to Captain 13 June 1915 (London Gazette 12 June 1915)

Lt.Col apptd Squadron Leader (Acting Wing Commander 26 April 1939 (London Gazette 27 Oct., 39) WO 339/6884

After service in WWII he retired to Sidmouth

John Boje






  Cpl. Louis Pettitt 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.20th July 1918)

Louis Pettitt enlisted in the 8th Btn Middlesex Regiment in December 1915 and transferred to the 13th Btn in September 1916.

On 19th July 1918 the battalion entered the front line in the Hill 70 Sector, Loos in the area of Gravel Pit Trench, Hugo Trench, Hythe Alley. Louis was killed with two others on 20th July by the detonation of a single shell on a day which was, comparatively, a very quiet day in the trenches.

Kevin Pettitt






  Pte. Arthur Robert Norman 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (d.18th Aug 1916)

Arthur Norman served with the 13th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment.

Paul Norman






  Pte. James Bell Welsh 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (d.18th August 1916)

James Bell Welsh was 23 when he was killed attacking the village of Guillemont with the 13th Middlesex.

Mark Welsh






  L/Cpl George William Spencer 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment

My Great Grandfather, Henry Gregory, served with the 13th Middlesex during WW1. He was one of the first to join the new Kitchener's Army along with his brothers. He was sent to France in 1915 and straight into the battle of Loos.

He was eventually severely wounded by a gunshot to the head during the battle for Guillemont on August 18th 1916. From my grandfather I was told he was totally blind and his head covered in bandages. He sadly succumbed to his wounds on 1st November 1916 by cause of meningitis which at the time was common for head injuries.

He is commemorated in Hammersmith Old Cemetery.I am lucky to have his medals. Which were sold by a family member in the 1980s an I managed to track them down 23 yrs later and are now back with my Grandfather's WW2 medals and my own medals from recent times.

I would love to hear from anyone who has info or pictures regarding the 13th Middlesex Regiment

Darren Mallalieu






  L/Cpl Henry Gregory 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.1st Nov 1916)

My Great Grandfather, Henry Gregory, served with the 13th Middlesex during WW1. He was one of the first to join the new Kitchener's Army along with his brothers. He was sent to France in 1915 and straight into the battle of Loos.

He was eventually severely wounded by a gunshot to the head during the battle for Guillemont on August 18th 1916. From my grandfather I was told he was totally blind and his head covered in bandages. He sadly succumbed to his wounds on 1st November 1916 by cause of meningitis which at the time was common for head injuries.

He is commemorated in Hammersmith Old Cemetery.I am lucky to have his medals. Which were sold by a family member in the 1980s an I managed to track them down 23 yrs later and are now back with my Grandfather's WW2 medals and my own medals from recent times.

I would love to hear from anyone who has info or pictures regarding the 13th Middlesex Regiment

Darren Mallalieu






  Cpl. William Murray 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.31st Aug 1916)

We know nothing about Willie Murray's war - just he was there as he was given as living in Kilburn, north of London on enlistment. And we know he was killed in action on 31st August 1916. He is the only WW1 serviceman on the Cumbernauld memorial who is not in a Scottish regiment. His sister Jane (my grandmother) carried the only surviving photo of him until she died.

A M H Hamilton






  WO2. Thomas Joseph Gorbey DCM 13th Btn. Duke of Cambridge own Middlesex Regiment

Thomas Joseph Gorbey served with the 13th Duke of Cambridge own Middlesex Regiment. His Citation of Distinguished Conduct Medal reads:- "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when under heavy shell fire for several days. He displayed most complete disregard of danger and great resource in saving many casualties; his energy and cheerfulness maintaining the spirits of all under him."

Shirley Wilks






  Pte. Thomas Wilding 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.5th Apr 1917)

Tommy Wilding was a cousin of mine. He was born in 1897 and his father, Arthur Wilding, was also a soldier. His mother was Annie Hickman, who died following his birth. He grew up in South Mimms with his grandparents Mark and Harriot Hickman. Later he lived in Kilburn with his aunt Fanny Gerkin and Will Gerkin. I do not know if his father Arthur Wilding was also killed in action or if he lived to remarry, which might have given Tommy some half-siblings. Tommy Wilding was first cousin to my mother and the love of her life.

He joined up in September 1914 aged just 17 and was 19 when he was killed. He is buried in Fosse no.10 Communal Cemetery Extension, Sains-en-Gohelle, Calais. I would like to know more about him and to honour and remember him, especially as there may be no other relative to do it.

Rosalind May






  Cpl. Charles Thorpe 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.3rd Aug 1917)

Charles Thorpe served with the Middlesex Regiment during WW1. He died on the 16th August 1917 and is remembered on Panels 49 and 51, Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Date of death in the Commonwealth War Graves list is 3rd August 1917 and his unit was the 13th Battalion.

Charlie was my great uncle on my maternal side. He was serving in the same battalion as his brother George. The family story goes that George's CO said to him that there was another Thorpe coming up to the front. George asked if his name was Charles. It was and he asked if he could go and see him. His CO permitted it. George found him, his mum (Kate) always use to say if he had money he'd always be safe, so George took him into the local village to buy him a money belt to keep his money safe. That was the 15th of August that was the last he saw of him. It was said he died just outside Polygon Wood. His body was never found and his name is on the Menin Gate.

C M Plumb






  Pte. David Stevenson 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.18th Jul 1918)

David Stevenson served with the Middlesex Regiment 13th Battalion. He was executed for desertion on 18 July 1918 and is buried in Bully-Grenay Communal Cemetery British Extension, France.

By the time that Pte. Stevenson set sail for war in 1917, his military record already marked him out as a heavy-drinking "malingerer" with 24 offences. Once in France with the Lowland Field Artillery, his conduct included dishonesty and desertion. He was shot at dawn on 18th July 1918, aged 23. Pte. Stevenson, whose commanding officer described as being of "distinctly bad" character, will receive a posthumous pardon under the Government`s proposals for all 306 WW1 soldiers executed for battlefield offences during the Great War. The case shows that not all the 306 were victims of shell-shock.

s flynn






  Pte. Thomas Brien 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridges Own) (d.10th Jun 1917)

Thomas Brien served with the 13th Battalion the Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridges Own) and was killed in action on the 10th June 1917.

S Flynn






  Pte. Thomas Beer 13th Btn. Middlesex Regiment (d.11th Jun 1917)

Thomas Beer was born in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin and also enlisted there. Before joining the Middlesex Regiment he was a member of 6th Reserve Cavalry. Private Beer was killed in action in Flanders during the Battle of Messines and he is commemorated on the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial.

S Flynn






  L/Cpl. Arthur Alexander Hodgson Middlesex Regiment (d.8th June 1917)

Arthur Alexander Hodgson was born in 1894 in Hampstead, London, the son of Alma Alexander and Ellen Theresa Hodgson. Prior to joining the army he worked as an outdoor porter but he signed his Attestation Papers on 3rd October 1911 and enlisted at Mill Hill. He was first assigned to the Royal West Kent Regiment, but the following day he was transferred to the Middlesex Regiment.

Up until November 1914 Arthur served in the 4th and 3rd Battalions (in that order), during which time he saw service at Devonport and in Cawnpore (India). He was invalided home in November 1914 but in May 1915 he was posted to the 6th Battalion, entering the French theatre on 1st June 1915. He remained there for only sixteen days before being returned to the UK as permanently unfit for the front. Back in the UK he served in the 3rd and 6th Battalions but on 9th August 1916 he was once again approved for foreign military service and posted to the 13th Battalion in France.

Arthur's service record states that he was wounded in action (above the thigh) on 30th September 1916. On 25th April 1917 he was made Lance Corporal (unpaid) before being confirmed in the rank on 9th May 1917. The precise location where Arthur was killed is not stated on his service record, but the War Diary for the 13th Battalion Middlesex Regiment details the events leading up to his death:

7th June 1917 The assembly trenches were reached about 2.0 a.m. At 3.10 a.m. the 41st Divn went over the top & captured the Red Line (1st objective) the same time several large mines were exploded. The intense bombardment lasted all the morning & during that time the Blue (Damm Strasse) & Black Lines (2nd & 3rd objectives) were taken by the 41st Divn. 11.30 a.m. The 13th Middx. Regt. Moved forward to Eclus Trench & Old French Trench. 1.30 p.m. The Bn. moved forward to the Black Line (present front line & jumping off line for 73rd Bde.) Within a few minutes of arrival the Bn. went over the top (3.10 p.m.) under an excellent barrage.

Dispositions: - Right front COY B under Capt. R.S.Dove, Left front COY A under Capt. F.J. Stratten, Right support COY D under 2/Lt. Dawkins Left support COY C under Lt. Roberts. Moppers-up were commanded by 2/Lt. C.W. Wallsi (D Coy) & 2/Lt. R.W. Phillips (B Coy)

Our objective was known as the Green Line. It extended from the front edge of Ravine Wood on the right, via Olive Trench, to the Hollbeke Road on the left. The objective was gained without much difficulty, the Coy on the right consolidating well in front of Ravine Wood & Verhaest Farm. Owing to the Division on our left not coming forward with us, ‘A’ Coy was left with their flank in the air and had to perform a difficult movement to protect themselves. They were therefore unable to consolidate the left half of Olive Trench. ‘C’ Coy (Left Support Coy) had to be called on to assist ‘A’ Coy (Left Front) to form a defensive flank. During the first day the enemy’s artillery was erratic & the Bn. suffered more from lack of water than from anything else. During the attack about 100 unwounded & 20 wounded were captured, mostly in the Ravine – also 5 machine guns, 1 trench mortar & a large quantity of material. The prisoners included 2 officers.

8th June 1917: Quiet in the morning. Patrols on right Coy front found no sign of enemy – on left Olive Trench was found to be held by enemy. Shelling in afternoon. Heavy reciprocal fire by both artilleries from 7 p.m. to 9. p.m.

Arthur Alexander Hodgson has no known grave and is recorded on the Menin Gate, panels 49-51.

Arthur's elder brother, Pte. Nathaniel Pearce Hodgson (L/10215), was also killed while serving with the 3rd Battalion Middlesex Regiment, near St. Eloi on 15th February 1915.

Simon Mills






  Cpl. Louis Pettitt 13 Btn. Duke of Cambridge's Own (d.20 July 1918)

I never knew my grand father, Louis Pettitt but have recently been presented with his medals and 'Death Penny'. From his Regimental number I have discovered that he is buried at Bully-Grenay, France and will be paying my respects to a visit there in July 2014

Kevin Pettitt






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