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55th Infantry Brigade 25th Mar 1915 Sports 16th Jun 1915 Thanks Extended July 1915 Appointments Jul 1915 Training Instruction Jul 1915 Billets 20th Jul 1915 Reorganisation 20th Jul 1915 Preparations 22nd Jul 1915 Orders 23rd Jul 1915 Address 25th Jul 1915 Orders Received 26th Jul 1915 On the Move   26th Jul 1915 Transport Departs 26th Jul 1915 On the Move 27th Jul 1915 On the Move 27th Jul 1915 On the Move 28th Jul 1915 On the March 28th Jul 1915 On the Move 29th Jul 1915 On the Move 30th Jul 1915 In Billets 30th July 1915 Orders 31st July 1915 Orders 5th Aug 1915 Inspection 6th Aug 1915 Instruction 6th Aug 1915 On the March 6th of August 1915 Quiet Night 7th Aug 1915 On the March 8th Aug 1915 On the March 9th Aug 1915 Instruction 9th of August 1915   Bridges Guarded   10th Aug 1915 Instruction 10th of August 1915  Relief of French   11th Aug 1915 Instruction 12th Aug 1915 Instruction 13th Aug 1915 Instruction 14th Aug 1915 Instruction 15th Aug 1915 Trench Instruction 16th Aug 1915 Instruction 17th Aug 1915 In Billets 18th Aug 1915 Move 18th Aug 1915 In Billets 19th Aug 1915 On the March 20th Aug 1915 In Billets 20th of August 1915 Quiet Night   21st Aug 1915 In Billets 22nd Aug 1915 On the March 22nd of August 1915 Hostile Balloons   23rd Aug 1915 Orders 24th Aug 1915 Reliefs Completed 24th August 1915 Reliefs Complete 24th Aug 1915 Instruction 24th Aug 1915 Orders Received 24th of August 1915 Relief Completed   25th Aug 1915 Reserve and Support 26th Aug 1915 Reserve and Support 27th Aug 1915 Reserve and Support 28th Aug 1915 Reinforcements 29th Aug 1915 Orders Received 30th Aug 1915 Reliefs 31st Aug 1915 Snipers 1st Sep 1915 Mine Exploded 2nd Sep 1915 Trench Work 3rd Sep 1915 Shelling 4th Sep 1915 Reliefs 26th Sep 1915 Reliefs 27th Sep 1915 Shelling 28th Sep 1915 Shelling 29th Sep 1915 Enemy Active 30th Sep 1915 Enemy Transport 2nd Oct 1915 Stand to 3rd Oct 1915 Some Shelling 4th Oct 1915 Some Shelling 5th Oct 1915 Some Shelling 6th Oct 1915 Reliefs Complete 7th Oct 1915 Quiet 16th Oct 1915 Reliefs 23rd of October 1915 French Take Over Front 23rd Oct 1915 Quiet 24th Oct 1915 Mystery 25th Oct 1915 Very Cold 26th Oct 1915 Artillery Active 27th Oct 1915 Working Parties 28th Oct 1915 Working Parties 6th Nov 1915 Poor Conditions 15th Nov 1915 Reliefs 23nd Nov 1915 Reliefs 24th Nov 1915 Snow 30th Nov 1915 Reliefs 1st December 1915 In the trenches 1st Dec 1915 Fatigues 7th Dec 1915 Reliefs 8th Dec 1915 Instruction 12th Dec 1915 Artillery Active 15th Dec 1915 Reliefs 26th Dec 1915 Reliefs   27th Dec 1915 Holding the Line   28th Dec 1915 Straffing   29th Dec 1915 Shelling   30th Dec 1915 Quiet   31st Dec 1915 Celebrations   1st Feb 1916 Effects of Gas 4th Feb 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs are relieved by 7th Queens from D 3. they were on our right. 7th Div taking over D s/sectors. Returned to billets in Buire. Billets fairly comfortable but need lot of improvements. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 16th Feb 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs relieved 8th E Surrey Regiment in E 1. quiet day. M.Gs very active during night. Signed F Phillips Capt. Adj. 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 22th Feb 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs, no activity on enemy’s part on this sector. D3 was heavily shelled from 5.30 pm, 8 pm, enemy left their trenches during bombardment and attempted to enter D 3 but were driven off, Our Machine Guns co-operated with enfilade fire. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 24th Feb 1916 Inspection  Divisional General inspected the 7th Buffs Battalion, manning Becourt Redoubt after relief by 7th Queens. A Coy left as Redoubt Coy. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Feb 1916 Working Parties  Whole of 7th Battalion Buffs on fatigue, with exception of specialists, weather very bad. Snowing all day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th Feb 1916 Message  7th Buffs received phone message from Brigade Major at 5.30 pm that the Battalion would leave Dernancourt at very short notice, destination not given. Major A. L. Ransome arrived to take over command of the Battalion. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th Feb 1916 Orders Received  News received by 7th Buffs at 11. am probable place to which we have to move St Gratien. Received orders 1 pm, moved 2 pm. and arrived St Gratien about 7 pm., very bad weather, raining and cold, billets not good. Signed Frank Phillips Capt. Adj 7. Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st Mar 1916 Working Parties  7th Buffs are engaged on making DaoursContay Railway. 600 men per day, leaving billets at 7.30 am and returning to St Gratienabout 5.30.pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 16th Mar 1916 On the Move  7th Battalion Buffs left St Gratien for Corbie at 11 am arrived Corbie 2 pm all men in billets 2.30 pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 18th Mar 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs Commenced relief of 18th Manchester Regiment in Y 3 s/sector at 7 pm relief complete at 9.45 pm. Enemy shelled our transport. Lt F.M. Stoop and 3 O.R. wounded whilst off loading, the force of the explosion knocked Lt Whitefield off the bank, he is suffering from shock. 2 O.R. wounded by shell fire in 13 trench. Frank Phillips Capt Adj 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 19th Mar 1916 Poor Conditions  Trenches very bad condition, work of cleaning taken in hand by 7th Buffs. Enemy shelled transport on arrival at Battalion HQ. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23th Mar 1916 Quiet  Nothing to report by 7th Buffs 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Mar 1916 Reliefs  7th Buffs are Relieved by 7th Queens relief started at 2 pm., all men in billets 8.30pm 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th Mar 1916 Working Parties  1 Coy from 7th Buffs are employed making tramway from Bray 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st Apr 1916 In Reserve  7th Buffs are in Brigade Reserve at Suzanne 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 2nd Apr 1916 In Reserve  7th Buffs are in Brigade Reserve at Suzanne 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 3rd Apr 1916 Reliefs  3pm. 7th Buffs commenced to relieve 7th Queens in Y 3 Subsector (S.E. of Maricourt) Relief delayed by presence of hostile observation balloon which overlooked Suzanne, Maricourt Valley. Relief completed by dark. Distribution of Battalion A and B. trenches. C, ‘R’ and ‘S’ works. D. Battalion Reserve 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 7th Apr 1916 Reliefs  Very quiet day, C Coy relieved A Coy, 7th Buffs and D Coy relieved B Coy, A Coy to R and S Works, B Coy, Battalion Reserve 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 8th Apr 1916 Quiet  Quiet day for 7th Buffs Slight shelling of ‘S’ works, Our guns active against enemy trenches about ‘Y’ wood and Peronne Road 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 9th Apr 1916 Some Shelling  7th Buffs report, 9.30 pm To 10.30 pm Slight hostile shelling of left of Subsector Enemy shelled Suzanne, Maricourt Road 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 12th Apr 1916 In Reserve  7th Buffs remained in billets as Brigade Reserve at Suzanne and was employed finding working parties, practically 3 Companies being detailed daily, At 2 am on 13th enemy shelled Suzanne with lachrymatory shells for one hour doing no damage 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 14th April 1916 Command 19th Apr 1916 Reliefs  Commencing 6 am 7th Buffs relieved 7th Queens in Y 3 Subsector Relief complete, Distribution A and B trenches, C Coy Bn Reserve, D Coy ‘S’ works, Weather very wet and trenches very muddy. Note- ‘R’ works Has now been taken over by Battalion holding Y 2 subsector 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 20th Apr 1916 Rain  Wet weather continued. 7th Buffs report trenches in bad state Enemy bombarded centre of subsector intensely for 2 minutes with 77 mm and 10.5 cm, not much damage done and no casualties 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 21st Apr 1916 Bombardment  12 noon Another intense bombardment lasting about 3 minutes with 77 mm and 10.5 cm Enemy again bombarded subsector as yesterday, Damage done to New Street and King Street. 4.30 pm Two killed and two wounded in B Coy, 7th Buffs by second bombardment, Enemy appeared nervous at night, firing more than usual and sending up flares, This may be accounted for by our registration of ‘Y’ wood and vicinity, weather still very wet 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 22nd Apr 1916 Artillery in Action  7th Buffs report, Our supporting batteries fired on “Y” wood for 2 minutes at 4.30pm there was no retaliation otherwise quiet day, except for one short hostile bombardment 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23rd Apr 1916 Quiet  Easter Sunday. Quiet day for 7th Buffs no artillery activity on either side, We shelled enemy wiring party in front of Y Wood about 9 pm. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 24th Apr 1916 Artillery Active  Enemy’s artillery very active against 7th Buffs Subsector.Two intense bombardments lasting 3 to 5 minutes, 77 mm and 10.5 and 15 cm Howitzer being used, 15 cm howitzer battery also fired24 rounds in registration of our communication trench, also damaging our wire opposite junction of A 23/2 and A 23/3 trenches, Much damage was done to our trenches, H.Q. of left Coy (D Coy) hit directly by 15 mm shell, and damaged, Captain Neame slightly wounded 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Apr 1916 Artillery in Action  12 noon 7th Buffs report, Our artillery bombarded ‘Y’ wood for 2 minutes, 12.8 pm Enemy retaliated by intensely bombarding left of Subsector. 5 pm Enemy again bombarded intensely this time more to right of Subsector. There was also hostile registration of Dalton St. during morning, Much damage again done 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Apr 1916 Bombing  7th Buffs report less artillery activity, weather much improved and trenches quite dry, ‘S.O.S’ signals received from A Sector, but signals soon withdrawn. 1.30 pm Two bombing parties from 7th Buffs sent out to bomb Enemy saps at S. end of Y wood as soon as our bombardment in connection with raid at Carnoy A Sector commenced Left hand party all wounded, right hand party under 2/Lt McColl returned safely after throwing bombs. L/Cpl Stewart A Coy and Pte Manning C Coy distinguished themselves in bringing in wounded men. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 27th Apr 1916 Bombardment  2am Enemy opened two short bombardments, first with 77mm and 10.5 howitzers and later with 15 cm howitzers, It had been intended to commence relief of Battalion by 7th Queens, but as hostile observation balloon was up, relief had to be postponed. 10.20am Conference of Battalion Commanders at Bde H Q, Very hot day, Enemy artillery inactive. Relief of 7th Buffs by 7th Queens commenced and was completed by 10.55 pm, Battalion to billets at Suzanne. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th Apr 1916 In Billets  7th Buffs remained in billets at Suzanne. Note. During tours of duty the Battalion occupied the following trenches, A 29/6, A 23/1, A 23/2, A 23/3 and A23/4, reference Trench Maps Maricourt 1/10,000, During these tours of duty, Battalion on right was 7th R West Kent Regiment 55th Brigade Battalion on left was either 8th Norfolk Regiment or 8th Suffolk Regiment) of 53rd Brigade. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st May 1916 On the Move 8th May 1916 Training 11th May 1916 Training & Sports 11th May 1916 On the March   7th Buffs Marched from Corbie to Etinehem Camp less ‘B’ Co y who were doing piquet duty in Amiens 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 12th May 1916 Working Parties   7th Buffs are Digging cable trench for heavy artillery Bronfay Farm Billon Wood. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th May 1916 Working Parties   7th Buffs finish Digging cable trench for heavy artillery Bronfay Farm Billon Wood. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 27th May 1916 Training Area 28th May 1916 Sports 28th May 1916 Brigade Sports  Brigade sports held.   BRIGADE SPORTS HELD IN THE FIELD MAY 28. 1916. Event 1st Place 2nd 3rd Time 1. 1 Mile race Pte. Parkins M.G.C. Pte. Wood. R.W.K. L/c. Edwards E.S. 5.46 3/5 2. ½ Mile L/c. Wickington. BUFFS L/c. Edwards. E. SURREY. Pte. Wood. BUFFS. 2.36 4/5 3. ¼ Mile L/c. Edwards E Surrey. L/c. Wickington. Buffs Sgt Whipps. Buffs. 1.8 3/5 4. 220 Yards Pte. Thacker. Buffs L/c Edwards E. S. Pte Jackson. Buffs. 31 1/5 5. 100 Yards. Sgt. Guest M.G.C. Pte. Thacker BUFFS Pte. Smith BUFFS .13 6. 50 Yards Sack. Tothergill. M.G.C. Pte. Russell R.A.M.C. L/C. Gunner QUEENS. 7. Three legged L/C. Browne. F/ L/C. Browne. G BUFFS Pts. Southwell/ “ Harris. BUFFS Sgt Killick/ “ Halliday. BUFFS. 8. Obstacle. Cpl. Stubbins. T.M.B. Pte. Moore. Buffs Pte. Barton. Buffs. 10. High Jump. L/c. Stewart. Buffs Cpl. Turner. R.W.K. Pte. Jarman. Queens. 4’11” 11. Band Race Pte Wood. Queens. Pte. Mills. Queens Cpl. Bonner Queens. 12. Wheel barrow Pte. Gilbert/ “ Seymour Queens Pte. Lewis/ “ Curtis R.W.K. 13. Jockey Race. Pte Ashford/ “ Dalton. E. Surrey Cpl. Thomson/ Pte. Preed. M.G.C. 14. Sack fight BUFFS SURREYS 15. Hurdles L/c. Stewart. Buffs Pte. Smith E.S. Cpl. Turner R.W.K. 16. Pillow Fight Pte. Hanton A.S.C. Pte. Dennington E.S. Pte. Marney BUFFS. 17. Drilling 25 men All blindfolded BUFFS QUEENS W. KENTS. 18. Tug of War. E. SURREYS. QUEENS. W. KENTS. 19. Officers 220 yd Handicap Lieut. Tindal. R.W.K. Lieut. Hett. Buffs. Capt. Black. Buffs. .32 20. “ 100yds. Lieut. Tindal. R.W.K. Capt. Bowen. E.S. Lieut. Hett Buffs. .13 ----------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------ 1st Places 2nd 3rd Total BUFFS. 7 5 8 20 QUEENS. 2 3 3 8 SURREYS. 3 6 1 10 W. KENTS. 2 3 4 9 T.M.B. 1 1 A.S.C. 1 1 M.G.C. 3 1 4 R.A.M.C. 1 1 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 7th May 1916  Training   7th Buffs Church parade in Market square, Corbie. Lt Gen W. Congreve V.C. was present with his staff. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 1st June 1916 Training 2nd June 1916 Training 3rd June 1916 Training 3rd Jun 1916 Training 5th June 1916 Visits 6th June 1916 Training 6th Jun 1916 Training 7th June 1916 Training 7th Jun 1916 Training 10th June 1916 Moves 10th Jun 1916 On the Move 11th Jun 1916 On the March   12th Jun 1916 Working Parties   13th Jun 1916 Working Parties   14th Jun 1916 Working Parties   15th Jun 1916 Working Parties   16th June 1916 Training 16th Jun 1916 Relief Complete 17th Jun 1916 Reliefs 18th Jun 1916 Working Parties 19th Jun 1916 In Billets 20th Jun 1916 Reliefs 21st Jun 1916 Artillery in Action 22nd Jun 1916 Artillery in Action 23rd Jun 1916 Reliefs 1st Jul 1916 Attack Made 1st Jul 1916 In Action   1st Jul 1916 Consolidation   5th Jul 1916 Reliefs   13th Jul 1916 Recce   13th Jul 1916 Attack Made 1st Aug 1916 Training  7th Buffs are Training, parades under Coy arrangements, training of specialists continued, weather very fine Received 55th Brigade Operational Order No 32 re relief of 3rd New Sealand Rifle Brigade. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 3rd Aug 1916 Training  7th Buffs Marched to Erquinghem, Starting point Fletre Church 6.15 am. A halt was made at 9 am at La Creche (S.E. of Bailleul) until 5 pm. Arrived Erquinghem 7 pm. Marching very hot and roads dusty, only 3 men fell out. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 4th Aug 1916  Recce  Major Monier-Williams visited huts to be occupied by 7th Buffs at H17.d.2.2 and H23.a.8.6 and found 6 had been destroyed by shell fire on the 3rd. Others were being used as gun emplacements. Weather very fine. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 5th Aug 1916 On the March  7th Buffs Moved to forward area, leading Coy moving at 7.35 am Battalion disposed as follows: H.Q. La Rolanderie Ref. Map A Coy In farm at H.11.a.5.4 Bois Grenier B and D Coys In huts at H.23.a.8.6 36 N.W 4 C Coy In farm at H.5.c.2.3. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 6th Aug 1916 Recce  Day spent in reconnoitring area and finding best approaches to trenches (etc) Visit to the trenches by C.O. and several other officers to look round sub-sector the 7th Buffs Battalion is going to take over. Very hot day. Specialists did training. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 8th Aug 1916  Conference  C.O. had a conference of Coy Commanders to explain defence scheme and tell them how the Battalion would be disposed when they took over the line. 11Pm Orders were received from 55th Inf. Brigade that the Battalion would take over the right sub-sector from the East Surrey Regiment . the next day. Arrangements for relief to be made by O.C. units concurred. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 9th Aug 1916 Reliefs  Major R.T. Monier-Williams and Coy commanders went up to the trenches in the morning and made arrangements as regards relief. 2.15pm Specialists including Lewis Gunners, Snipers, Signallers, Bombers proceeded to the trenches and took over from the 8th East Surrey Regiment . in daylight. 9.15pm The first Coy, D Coy moved off and the remainder followed in the order C, A, B, H.Q. Companies moving by platoons at 5 mins interval. Starting point H17d54 D Coy took over from C Coy 8th East Surrey on the left C Coy took over from A Coy 8th East Surrey on the right. A Coy took over from D Coy 8th East Surrey in support. B Coy took over from B Coy 8th East Surrey in reserve. Relief of all Coys was reported complete at 12.15 a.m. (the 10th inst.) Ref: 36N.W4 Bois Grenier 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 10th Aug 1916 Holding the Line  On completion of relief 7th Buffs Battalion was disposed as follows: C Coy on front line from 36.I.31.c5.4 to I.31.b.4.1 D Coy in front line from I.31.b.4.1 to I.32.a.15.90 2 platoons of A Coy at the White City, 1 platoon of A Coy less 1 section at Stanway Post (I.31.b.3.8) 1 section of A Coy at Emma Post (I.31.a.7.7), and 1 platoon of A Coy at Jock’s Joy, I.25.d.7.2. B Coy at Moat Farm (I.25.a.1.9) in Battalion reserve. Btn. H.Q. at the White City I.31.a.4.7. Very quiet day except for a few enemy light trench mortars which fell in the right Coy’s front. Light West wind. Brigadier Gen. Jackson and Brig. Major came up in the morning. Very quiet night, slight rifle and machine gun fire. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 11th Aug 1916 Warm Day  Day exceptionally quiet and very warm. Light South wind. Orders were issued for two sections of A Coy 7th Buffs from White City Post and one Lewis gun to go and live in support trench running from I.31.c.5.7 to I.31.c.75.90 to be in close support to C Coy. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 12th Aug 1916 Very Hot  Quiet day and very hot. At 11.10a.m. enemy put 12 4.2 cm shells over 7th Buffs apparently ranging on trench 51, the first of these set some hay near Water Farm alight. Between 10 p.m. and 12 midnight enemy artillery and trench mortars were active on subsector on our right. Telephone message received from 55th Brigade. saying gas helmets were to be worn in the alert position as wind was favourable for German Gas. Wind Fresh S.E. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 14th Aug 1916 Quiet  Quiet day for 7th Buffs. Except at 6.30p.m. when enemy’s T.M. bombs fell near the heads of Queer St and Safety Alley and at the back of the salient. 5.9 shells fell near Safety Alley (behind Support Trench) and also between there and Stanway Alley. Earlier in the afternoon a few shells fell in the front line in Sector 49. A bombardment of the enemy’s lines from I.26.b.8.8 to I.16.d.3.5 took place. The enemy did not retaliate on our front at all. Showery in the middle of the day. Wind S.W. Quiet night. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 16th Aug 1916 Reliefs  10.15pm 7th Buffs commenced to relieve 7th Queens in Y 3 Subsector (S.E. of Maricourt) Relief delayed by presence of hostile observation balloon which overlooked Suzanne, Maricourt Valley. Relief completed by dark. Distribution of Battalion, A and B. trenches. C, ‘R’ and ‘S’ works. D. Battalion Reserve 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 17th Aug 1916 Shelling  7th Buffs report 10am Enemy shelled White City end of Queer St. with about 5 rounds of 10.5 cm. Our T.M.B. fired a few rounds on trench opposite 50 trench. Enemy replied with 12 T.M. bombs in vicinity of trenches 49 and 50 and Queer Street. 7.15pm 12 15cm. shells fell around trenches 50 and 51 and two rifle grenades. 12 midnight about 9 light T.M. bombs and rifle grenades fell behind 50 trench. Otherwise quiet night and day. Fine day and misty night. Wind gentle S.W. 7th Buffs report 9am Our 60 lb. mortars registered with four rounds on enemy’s trenches opposite the salient. Enemy replied with several pineapple bombs and two heavy T.M. bombs. Our Stokes gun very quickly answered with about 50 bombs and Enemy then shelled in front of Tui Road and Support Line 50 with about 16 rounds. All quiet by 9.45 a.m. 5.25pm We exchanged about 9 light trench mortar bombs with the enemy on trenches 48 and 49. Germans sent about four 10.5 cm. shells into 50 trench. Showery all day and night. Wind gentle W.S.W. Very quiet night. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 18th Aug 1916 Artillery in Action  7th Buffs report About 3.15 p.m. our guns opened rapid firing on enemy’s front and support lines. Enemy replied with about 12 pineapples and 1 heavy mortar afterwards shelling road from White City to salient. About 3 shells fell on 50 Support Trench. About 5.40 p.m. 1 heavy mortar bomb and about 30 “pineapples” fell on Right Coy’s front. Not much damage done. 2/Lt C. Debon was slightly wounded in shoulder. Otherwise quiet day and very quiet night; wet off and on all day. Fresh West wind. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 20th Aug 1916  Shelling  8am About 20 light trench mortar bombs and about six heavy bombs fell along 7th Buffs right Companys front, one of the latter fell on the cook-house, no material damage done. 1 pm Enemy started shelling with 10.5 cm and 15 cm all round White City and Battalion H.Q., one 15cm. landing right in the trench wounding five men. At about 2 p.m. they shortened on to right Coy’s sector being fairly intense from 2.25 p.m. to 3 p.m. Our artillery replied at 3.10 p.m. A good deal of damage around Queer St and Support line 48 and 49 and salient. Shelling stopped about 4 p.m. At 4 p.m. Battalion H.Q. shifted from the White City to Moat Farm. After 4 p.m. quiet for the rest of the day and night. Wind West. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 21st Aug 1916  Reliefs  During the morning the C.O. and representatives from the 16th Royal Scots came up to look around the line prior to taking over from 7th Buffs. At 4 p.m. Specialists e.g. Snipers, Signallers, Lewis Gunners (etc.) came up to relieve our specialists. 8.30pm The 16th Royal Scots started to relieve us and the relief was carried out by platoons. Relief being complete by 12.25 a.m. on the 22nd inst. Very quiet day throughout. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 22nd Aug 1916  On the March  12.25am Coys of 7th Buffs moved from trenches to Divisional Baths for the night H.5.a.4.7 Ref Map sheet 36 NW at Erquinhem. The morning was spent by the whole battalion having baths and generally cleaning up. 1.40pm The 7th Buffs moved from the Divisional Baths to Estaires passing the starting point bridge at H.4.c.1.5 (Ref. Sheet 36 N.W.) at 2.15 p.m. Route Croix du Bac, Estaires. The Battalion was all in billets at Estaires at 5.30 p.m. being billeted in farms round the Steenwerck road area of Estaires. H.Q. were situated at G.19.d.0.5. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 23rd Aug 1916 Company Inspections  Day spent by 7th Buffs in Company inspections of kit, smoke helmets, (etc.) and generally cleaning up. The Commanding Officer motored over to inspect new area with the Brigadier General. Major Monier-Williams took the billeting party over to allot billets in the new area. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Aug 1916  Entraining  6.30pm 7th Buffs Battalion transport and D Coy. marched from Estaires to Merville Station where they loaded transport on the train. 8.15pm The Battalion less D Coy and transport marched from Estaires to Merville starting point road junction just West of B in Meteren Becque, reaching Merville at 10.20 p.m. where Battalion entrained. Train left at 11.50 p.m. from Merville. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Aug 1916 On the Move 1st Sept Training  8.50am 7th Buffs marched out to wood in U 10 a to witness a Flame projector demonstration by Capt. Hartley 3rd Army Expert. The whole brigade was present. After the demonstration the Battalion marched to the Bois de la Carnoye where they had dinners. After dinners there was a scheme for an attack on the wood. A and D Coys 7th Royal West Kent Regiment. defended the section edge and B and C Coys 7th Royal West Kent Regiment. and 7th Buffs attacked. The Commanding Officers of both regiments umpired and Maj. Monier-Williams was in command of the attack. After the attack the Battalion marched back reaching billets about 6.15 p.m. 8.45pm The Commanding Officer had a conference of all officers to discuss the afternoon’s attack and the scheme for the next day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 10th Sep 1916 On the March   8am 7th Buffs started from Road Junction South of R in Maizieres at 8.0 a.m., the order of march being B, C, Drums, D, A, Companies. Battalion marched via Magnicourt Sur Canche, Moulin Mouvigneul to cross-roads at East end of Canettemont (the Brigade Starting Point). The Battalion was third in order of march, following the 7th Battalion Queens W. Surrey Regiment. The Brigade and attached Troops marched via Rebreuviette to Le Souich, marching past Gen Maxse at the entrance to Le Souich. The Battalion were reported to have occupied their Billets at 1.15 p.m. Lieut Col Ransome and Lieut Burnside returned from leave. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 11th Sep 1916 On the March  6 am 7th Buffs started from Road Junction one quarter mile S.W. of L in Le Souich to march to Puchevillers. Route Halloy, Thievres, Marieux, Raincheval, Puchevillers. The march was carried out by the Brigade as a Brigade march. Very close day: 12 men fell out. We reached huts at Puchevillers at 1.35 p.m. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 2nd Sep 1916  Training  7.10am 7th Buffs marched out to Magnicourt where the rendezvous was at road junction at O35a.0.0. reaching there by 8.30 a.m. The Commanding Officer and Adjutant rode on and met the Brigadier at road junction ¼ mile N.E. of the N in Houvelin where the Brigade scheme was read and orders issued. Coy commanders were then assembled and told the scheme. The Brigade. was detailed to attack and capture the three woods on square U 10, the 7th Buffs on the right, the 8th East Surrey Regiment . on the left and the 7th Queens in support. B and C Coys 7th Buffs were the leading Coys. with D Coy in support and A Coy in reserve. 7th Royal West Kent Regiment. acted as Enemy. Maj. Gen. Maxse held a conference of all officers at the close of operations, the Battalion having had dinners and marched back under Coy. Sergt Majors. 6pm A Coy 7the buffs gave a bombing demonstration in Tactics of Bombing Parties at Rocourt. Lt. Col Ransome went on leave. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 24th Sep 1916  Tidying up  Morning spent by Coys of 7th Buffs in filling in trenches dug and doing bombing, bayonet- fighting (etc.) and in the afternoon the whole Battalion filled in the Brigade trenches dug by the four battalions of the Brigade. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 25th Sep 1916 Billeting Party  Capt. Wood and billeting party moved off to Hédauville. The following went on a reconnaissance round the Reserve Army trench area. Capt. Brice, 1 Officer per Coy., Lewis Gun Officer, Bombing Officer, Signal Sergeant, and several N.C.O.s and men. The following went to report to the A.P.M. 18th Divn. at Acheux for looking after cages for German prisoners; 2/Lt Watson, 2/Lt Kerr, 8 N.C.O.s and 44 men. 2L/t H. Fine proceeded to the Divn. School at Varennes. Coys. Spent the morning in tidying up huts and ground about huts and filling in trenches and foot slits dug whilst training. The Battalion moved from Puchevillers to Hedauville. Route Arqueves, Varennes. Starting point cross roads in N. 22 c at North end of Puchevillers. Order of march D. A. Drums. B. C. Time of start 1.17 p.m. All packs were carried by lorries. The Battalion were all in billets at Hedauville at 4.50 p.m. 3 men only fell out on the march. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 26th Sep 1916 Orders Received  Orders received from 55th. Brigade said 7th Battalion Buffs must be ready to move any time within an hour after 1 p.m. Orders received from Brigade at 12.50 p.m. said Battalion to be clear of Hedauville by 1.30 p.m. or as soon after as possible and move to open ground about W 8 central. Battalion moved at 1.35 p.m. and reached ground at 3.30 p.m. where they bivouacked for the night. Major Monier-Williams went to Brigade as Liaison Officer at 12.30 p.m. Verbal orders received from Brigade by Major Monier-Williams that the Battalion was to move to dug outs at Crucifix Corner W.11 d 85 and be there by 7 a.m. 1st line Transport and personnel to remain at W.8 central. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 27th Sep 1916  Standing by  7th Buffs paraded at 5.30 a.m. and marched to W.10.c.24 from which point it went by platoons to Crucifix Corner W.11.d.85. Order of march B. C. D. A. The Battalion was all in dug outs at Crucifix Corner at 7.26 a.m. 7th Buffs remained throughout the day in their dug outs standing by. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 28th Sep 1916  Standing by  7th Buffs remained throughout the day in their dug outs at Crucifix Corner W.11.d.8.5 standing by. Major Monier-Williams rejoined Battalion from Brigade. All Officers at 1st Line Transport were sent up to join Battalion. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 29th Sep 1916 Dugouts  7th Buffs remained for the morning in dug outs, at 3.50 p.m. message was received from Brigade that Battalion was to go up to Wood Post X1 Central and occupy dug outs vacated by 8th Suffolk Regiment. which would be vacated at 4.30 p.m. Battalion was all in dug outs by 5.30 p.m. A. and C. Coy in dug outs at Wood Post. B and D Coys in dug outs in old German front line in Lemburg Trench R.31.d. 1 platoon of A Coy was ordered to be held in readiness for carrying to Thiepval for 8th East Surrey Regiment , and proceeded on carrying party at 1.30 a.m. on 30th Sept. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 30th Sep 1916 In Action  7am Message received by 7th Buffs from Brigade “S.O.S. on Northern edge of Schwaben redoubt 7th Buffs to ready.” Verbal message from Brigade said “1 Coy to be sent to occupy Northern defences of trench.” D Coy was accordingly ordered up and reported its arrival without any casualties at 10.35 a.m. Casualties up to 12 noon 30th Sept. O.R. killed. 3. O.R. Wounded. 5. 1.25pm Orders received from Brigade. stating “2 platoons 7th Buffs in conjunction with the 8th East Surrey Regiment . were to attack and recapture Schwaben Redoubt. Objectives of the 2 platoons 7th Buffs were points R.19.d.39.80 and R.19.d.1.9.” Zero time was 4 p.m. 2 platoons of D Coy under 2L/t Carman, nos. 15 and 16, were detailed for the attack. 3.35pm Orders were issued for A Coy 7th Buffs to stand by ready to move up to Thiepval at a moment’s notice. Major Monier-Williams ordered to report to Brigade H.Q. 4pm Verbal orders received from Brigade. “1 Coy to report to O.C. 8th East Surrey Regiment . at Thiepval at once.” A Coy 7th Buffs was ordered to proceed up. 8.50pm Verbal orders received from Brigadier who came up to Wood Post were that 1 Coy and H.Q. were to move up to Thiepval and reinforce the 8th East Surrey Regiment . who were to collect and withdraw back to Wood Post. 9.15pm H.Q. and B Coy moved up to Thiepval reaching there at 10.45 p.m. B Coy moving into dug outs about R.25.b.6.0. H.Q, going to 8th East Surrey H.Q. at R.25.d.0.4. C Coy ordered to move up to Joseph trench R.32.a.2.6 to 7.7. 12 midnight. Message received from A Coy saying nos. 1 and 3 platoons had been sent to reinforce 8th East Surrey Regiment . left near point R.19 d 65. Nos 2 and 4 platoons sent to help 7th R.W. Kent Regiment. Also report attached received from D Coy with reference to the attack at 4 p.m. by nos. 15 and 16 platoons by 2L/t L. G. Carman who was in command of the party. A.W. Monier-Williams Commanding 7th Buffs 10th Oct 1916 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 4th Sep 1916  Training  In the course of the morning all Officers of 7th Buffs visited the training area to examine the ground at U.1.d.74, which was to be used for the afternoon’s Scheme. They also witnessed a Demonstration of Intensive Digging. During the morning B and C Companies were instructed in wiring by an N.C.O. provided by 92nd Field Coy R.E. for the purpose. 1 pm The Battalion marched to the training area at U.I.d.74 and practiced a Brigade Attack on 2 lines of trenches. Cooperation with a Contact Aeroplane was practised and Intensive digging in the Captured positions. At the Conclusion of the Scheme the Battalion returned to billets for tea. Orders were issued for the Battalion to move with the 55th Infantry Bde to Maizieres. This was subsequently cancelled just before midnight. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 5th Sep 1916  Training   The move having been postponed at the last moment, the day was given up to Company Training. A and B Companies 7th Buffs utilized the Bombing Redout at Rocourt during the morning, while the remaining Companies during the morning and the Battalion after dinners include Intensive Digging in their programme. The Southern half of B area was used by the Battalion. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 9th Sep 1916 On the March   The Battalion started from the Road Junction West of Monchy Breton Church at 9.45 a.m., the order of march being A, B, Companies, Drums, C, D, Companies. The Battalion passed the Brigade Starting Point (Cross-roads South of E in Monchy Breton) at 10.15, being rear Battalion in the Brigade. The attached troops of the Brigade and Echelon B of Transport followed. The route was by Bailleul Aux Cornailles, U in Le Haut Barley Fm, Averdoingt to Maiziéres; which was reached at 12.20 p.m. Major General Maxse watched the Brigade march past him just outside this village. Orders were received for the march of the following day. 7th Buffs war diary WO95/2049 18th Nov 1916 Advance 3rd Aug 1917 Heavy Rain   4th Aug 1917 Enemy Active   5th Aug 1917 Recce Patrol   6th Aug 1917 Reliefs   7th Aug 1917 Strong Points   8th Aug 1917 Reliefs   9th Aug 1917 At Rest 10th Aug 1917 Attack Made   11th Aug 1917 Reliefs   12th Aug 1917 Difficult Relief 13th Aug 1917 In Billets 14th Aug 1917 In Billets 15th Aug 1917 Orders   16th Aug 1917 On the March   1st Sep 1917 Training 2nd Sep 1917 Musketry   3rd Sep 1917 Exercise   4th Sep 1917 Exercise   5th Sep 1917 Exercise   7th Sep 1917 Training and Football   8th Sep 1917 Exercise   1st Mar 1918 Quiet   1st Mar 1918 Zones 2nd Mar 1918 Quiet   6th Mar 1918 Quiet   9th Mar 1918 Quiet   10th Mar 1918 Trench Raid   11th Mar 1918 Conference   15th Mar 1918 Quiet   19th Mar 1918 Quiet   19th Mar 1918 Information 20th Mar 1918 Orders   21st Mar 1918 Enemy Attacks   21st Mar 1918 Dispositions   21st Mar 1918 Attack Made   21st Mar 1918 Hard Fighting   21st Mar 1918 Critical Situation   21st Mar 1918 Counter Attack 21st Mar 1918 Withdrawal 21st Mar 1918 Gallant Actions   22nd Mar 1918 Enemy Attacks   22nd Mar 1918 The Fight for The Crozat Canal   22nd Mar 1918 Orders Issued   22nd Mar 1918 Bridges not Blown 23rd Mar 1918 Fighting Withdrawal   23rd Mar 1918 Enemy Advance   23rd Mar 1918 Orders Received 23rd Mar 1918 Attack Made   23rd Mar 1918 Heavy Attacks 23rd Mar 1918 Heavy Attacks   24th Mar 1918 Fighting Withdrawal   24th Mar 1918 New Line   25th Mar 1918 Fighting Withdrawal 28th Mar 1918 Orders 29th Mar 1918 On the Move 30th Mar 1918 On the Move 31st Mar 1918 In Defence   If you can provide any additional information, please add it here. Want to know more about 55th Infantry Brigade? There are:264 items tagged 55th Infantry Brigade 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 55th Infantry Brigade during the Great War 1914-1918. This page is new, as yet no names have been submitted. 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 The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website. 1st of September 2024 marks 25 years since the launch of the Wartime Memories Project. Thanks to everyone who has supported us over this time. Want to find out more about your relative's service? Want to know what life was like during the Great War? 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